OUR team

Our leadership, HOD's and teacher's are literally "The Dream Team" to deliver on educational excellence. Our team is  experienced, passionate and committed to producing the ultimate educational experience.

Rabbi Justin Treger

Managing Director

Rabbi Justin Treger was deputy head boy at King David Linksfield. He went on to study a BCom BAcc at Wits. After getting married he studied in Yeshiva in Israel, primarily in the Mir, for 7 years and returned to South Africa to be the assistant Rabbi at Sandton Shul and work at VATIT where he still is today.

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Shira Finkel

Principal Play and Nursery Schools

It was during Shira Finkels teaching prac for her B.Ed Degree that she found her niche teaching Nursery and Playschool. She was blessed to join what was the Ohr Somayach Gallo Manor school, as a playschool teacher. Over the subsequent 5 years, she explored teaching the various age groups in the school and in 2012 was appointed the school Principal. In 2013 she was a part of the seamless transition from Ohr Somayach to Sandton Sinai. "Becoming a principal at the age of 27 was one of my top personal achievements. Being a part of growing the school and developing the school's new identity has been an absolute privilege. Growing Sandton Sinai from a school of 30 children to one of 120 in 5 years is something that gives me great pride."

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Ashleigh Jankelowitz

Head of Department Nursery School

Ashleigh firstly qualified as a graphic designer before studying teaching. She has over 20 years of teaching experience and brings amazing creative ideas into the classroom from her background in art. “I believe that young children learn through play. I incorporate sensory play, role play, and perceptual skills in my fun and interactive lessons. I feel very blessed to be part of this Sandton Sinai family and have witnessed the growth and development of the school it is today.”

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Lara Salkinder

Principal Primary School

Lara Salkinder completed her Bachelor of Primary Education (WITS University) in 1998 concurrently doing her Speech and Drama Diploma (Trinity College,London) She began her teaching career at Blairgowrie Hebrew Pre-Primary School, before moving to London to teach in their Jewish Day Schools. In 2000, she was head hunted to teach at the Carmel Jewish Day School in Hong Kong, where she taught for eight years until her return to South Africa in 2008. During her time at Carmel she completed her Masters in Developmental Disabilities through the University of Sydney, graduating with honours. As Head of Jewish Studies at Carmel, she was instrumental in establishing the school’s Kodesh curriculum, ensuring its implementation and integration into the school’s overall learning environment. In addition she was also responsible for Carmel’s outreach program, teaching Jewish Studies to children who did not have access to a Jewish education in outlying islands around Hong Kong and supporting children with learning challenges in a mainstream learning environment.

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Tammy Nicolaou

Head of Department Foundation Phase

Foundation Phase HOD Tammy Nicolaou has a degree in Education and a Post-grad in Psycho-neurological learning disorders. "I have a strong passion for education. Throughout the course of my 34-year teaching career, I have had wonderful opportunities to teach diverse groups of students in Greece, Australia, and South Africa. I embrace change and new experiences and am privileged to be part of a school that is growing year by year. I consider myself very fortunate to be associated with Sandton Sinai and to be part of the dynamic team who make our school what it is. I believe in Sandton Sinai’s vision, and draw inspiration for the successes that will follow in the years ahead.”

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Batya Slasky

Head of Department Jewish Studies

Jewish Studies HOD Batya Slasky has been in the teaching profession for over 10 years. Her passion lies in educating the youth and instilling in them a love for Torah learning and Hashem. After finishing school, Batya studied at Nachlas Seminary in Jerusalem, where she received a teaching diploma and has completed her BEd (intermediate and senior foundation) Degree in Education through UNISA. Majoring in Mathematics and English. She has had a number of years of experience in the classroom, writing and overlooking Kodesh curriculums, liaising with teachers and parents and mentoring students at various educational institutions both locally and overseas.

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Sofia Caripi

Head of Department Intermediate Phase

HOD of the intermediate phase. Sofia has a degree in education and a post-grad in remedial education. “I believe that my purpose is to enter the classroom with only the highest of expectations for each and every one of my students. My philosophy of education is that all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. I incorporate hands-on learning, research projects and individual work that engage and activate students learning. With dedication, perseverance, and hard work, my students will rise.”

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