Astra has served in education for 45-years, the highlight being the Principal of Umhlali Preparatory School for 20 years. Prior to that Astra held the position of Headmistress at Longmarket Girls' School. Astra has committed much of her life to continuous learning and holds several teaching qualifications including a Natal Teachers Diploma, a Higher Diploma in Education, a Further Diploma in Barriers to Learning, a Bachelor of Education Honours (Leadership and Management) and has had the benefit of attending the World Principals' Conferences in Scotland, Finland and South Africa. To further her experience Astra toured Turkey at the invitation of the Horizon Trust in 2015 where she visited several schools and viewed their resources and facilities. On the sporting front, Astra has completed 10 Comrades and has served as the Under 16A and Under 18A South African Hockey Manageress, during which she attended the inaugural  Commonwealth Youth Games in Scotland. Astra has also Served as Chairperson of  KwaZulu-Natal Southern Coastal and Natal Midlands Primary Schools Hockey Association. During her year after Umhlali Preparatory School, Astra was involved in the PEP Stores Academy, where she provided mentorship to several English and Mathematics Teachers in Grade 4 and 5 at two local schools in the community, namely the Dr. B.W. Vilakazi Secondary School and Enkukwini Primary School. Astra brings a passion and determination to provide children on the KZN North Coast, with a high-quality learning environment that specialises in teaching them how to overcome any specific learning difficulties they may be encountering. Astra believes in an inclusive education model, and is excited to play a leading role in developing Eden Village Prep into a successful and vibrant school.

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