In the heart of Havenside, Chatsworth, something extraordinary is unfolding at Oceanview Primary. What began as a simple offering — weekly yoga sessions for learners — has grown into a school‑wide movement of calm, confidence, and emotional resilience. And at the centre of this transformation are our dedicated Yogam Yoga teachers, who show up week after week with patience, love, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of every child.
A New Kind of Classroom Energy
Teachers and parents alike have noticed a remarkable shift in the children who participate in the school’s yoga programme. The once‑restless energy that often fills a primary school has softened into something more grounded. Learners are calmer, more centred, and better able to navigate the challenges of their day.
Through asana (movement), children are learning how to feel strong and steady in their bodies. Through pranayama (breathwork), they are discovering how to soothe anxiety, regulate emotions, and find focus. Through meditation, they are building inner stillness — a skill many adults only learn much later in life.
These practices are not abstract concepts. They are tools the children now use in real moments: before a test, during conflict with a friend, when they feel overwhelmed, or when they need to settle their minds to learn.
A Teacher’s Reflection: Calm, Confidence, and Connection
One of our dedicated instructors, Terona Govender, shared a touching reflection after her recent class with the Grade 1 learners:
“My yoga session with the Grade 1s yesterday reminded me just how incredible these children are. Even at such a young age, academic pressure can create stress — but yoga gives them a safe space to breathe, settle, and reconnect with themselves. Through simple poses and gentle breathing techniques, they learn to calm their minds, regulate their emotions, and feel a sense of achievement. It’s beautiful to watch them grow more confident and capable each week. Love & Light.”
Her words capture the heart of what is happening at Oceanview: children learning to understand themselves, their emotions, and their inner strength.
A School Where Emotional Wellbeing Comes First
Oceanview Primary has become a shining example of what is possible when wellbeing is woven into the school day. Teachers report that learners are:
- More emotionally aware — able to name their feelings and respond rather than react
- Better at handling stress and anxiety — especially during exams or personal challenges
- More focused in class — with improved concentration and listening skills
- More compassionate — showing kindness, patience, and empathy toward one another
- Better equipped to resolve conflict — using breathing and grounding techniques instead of anger
These are life skills — the kind that shape confident, resilient young people who can navigate the world with clarity and courage.
The Teachers Behind the Transformation
None of this would be possible without the extraordinary dedication of our Yogam Yoga instructors. They bring more than technical skill; they bring heart. They create safe spaces where children feel seen, valued, and encouraged. They teach with gentleness and humour, meeting each child exactly where they are.
Their work is not just instruction — it is service. It is seva in its purest form.
Week after week, they show up with mats, stories, breathing exercises, and a belief that every child deserves tools for inner peace. And the children respond with enthusiasm, curiosity, and joy.
A Ripple Effect Beyond the Classroom
The impact of yoga at Oceanview Primary doesn’t end when the bell rings. Children take these practices home. They teach their siblings how to breathe through frustration. They remind their parents to “take a deep breath.” They use meditation to fall asleep more easily. They stretch when their bodies feel tight or restless.
This is how change spreads — quietly, gently, from child to child, family to family.
A Future Built on Mindfulness and Heart
Oceanview Primary is becoming a model for what education can look like when wellbeing is prioritised alongside academics. The school is not just teaching children what to learn — it is teaching them how to live.
And our teachers are at the heart of this evolution.
To every Yogam Yoga instructor serving at Oceanview Primary: Thank you for your devotion, your patience, and your belief in the potential of every child. Your work is shaping a generation that knows how to breathe through difficulty, move with intention, and meet life with compassion.
This is more than yoga. This is transformation. This is community. This is love in action.