Meet Danielle Henry , our new and incoming PYP Homeroom Teacher (Grade 5) starting in August 2025.

Welcome to WIS! What would you like us to know about you?

Hello! I am Danielle and I am one part of the Henry teaching family. My husband, Marc, is also a new teacher at WIS and we also have two boys, Luke (5) and Tendai (soon to be 3). I love being a mother and a teacher and believe that being these two things help me to be better at them both.

Could you tell us a little about your philosophy of education?

I am passionate about inquiry-based education and believe that children need to be at the centre of their learning journey. The “why” is an integral part of my teaching philosophy and I feel that students are more engaged in their learning when they recognise the real-life implications of what they are studying or learning. I also believe that classrooms need to be safe spaces, where we can make mistakes and then learn from them. I want the students in my class to feel heard, respected and valued.

People often like to know their teacher’s academic background and professional experiences. What and where have you studied? Where have you worked?

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, majoring in English and Media and Communications Studies. I also have a Post Graduate Certificate of Education from the University of South Africa. I have 13 years of teaching experience, 10 of those years have been in IB PYP schools. I have taught exclusively in Africa; first in Durban, South Africa, then in Cairo, Egypt and most recently in Cape Town, South Africa.

What do you do when you aren't teaching?

Living in Cape Town means that most of my non-teaching time is spent outdoors. I love spending time in nature, whether that be at the beach or walking in the forests near to where we live. Family time is important to me and so I value quality time with them too.

Why did you choose WIS?

WIS looks like an amazing place to work and build a community. My husband and I feel a strong connection to Africa, which is why we haven’t taught outside of the continent. Coming to WIS and experiencing Namibia feels like an incredible opportunity to grow myself as an IB educator, as well as still experience the outdoors which I love so much.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you? 

I met my husband almost 15 years ago on a blind date. I love music. I can play the guitar (although I am definitely a bit rusty) and enjoy singing.