STRUCTURE
Shelley Sacks was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and studied Early Childhood Education at Barkly House Teachers Training College, which specialized in training teachers for preschool and kindergarten.
At an early stage in her teaching career, she was awarded a scholarship by the Department of Education in Cape Town, recognizing her excellence in teaching. She went on to further studies at the University of Cape Town, where she received a Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education.
Before leaving South Africa to live in Sydney, Australia, Shelley was appointed Director of a preschool nestled at the foot of Table Mountain. It was there that her leadership skills as a teacher and mentor started to emerge.
With a heavy heart, she migrated to Australia and, after five years, once again excelled as an educator. She became the Director of Temple Emanuel Woollahra Kindergarten, where she spent 8 ½ years building the school into one of the most sought-after in Sydney.
Among her many projects was redeveloping the garden, which became an oasis in the heart of urban Sydney. The redesigned school reflected openness, creativity, and invited endless learning opportunities. Shelley became well-known as a warm-hearted, loving professional who was available for parents at all times and deeply committed to the well-being of children in her care.
At her essence, Shelley is an openhearted and creative soul, immersing herself entirely in her work with children. Her need for continual growth as a human being is reflected in her teaching—she consistently encourages children to think for themselves and promotes the importance of mutual respect.
Her vision is that each child’s potential should be nurtured to reach new heights. Through her creativity, passion, and dedication, Shelley continues to inspire others while bringing out the very best in each child under her care at Ohana International School, Tokyo.
The best way to understand Shelley’s vision and the Ohana philosophy is to experience it in person.
👉 Arrange a Tour and see how her leadership has shaped a nurturing, inspiring school environment.
Shelley Sacks.
Shelley studied in Cape Town, South Africa, and was awarded an Excellence Award by the government at the age of 27. She then studied Special Education at the University for a year. She became the Director of a preschool at the foot of Table Mountain when she was 34.
She migrated to Sydney, Australia, and once again became the Director of a preschool, which she ran for 8 ½ years before coming to live in Tokyo, Japan. She began her career as a teacher at a neighboring preschool in the Azabu area and later founded her own school in 2010. She has been in early childhood education for almost 50 years.
Willowbrook International School and Summerhill.
Social and Emotional development in Early Childhood is the cornerstone for a child’s future success. Only children with wings will be able to fly. The wings need to be a part of a confident, independent child with good self-esteem. Reaching your maximum potential is not a product of a high IQ or being a conscientious learner – it is through being a well-rounded human being who has been nurtured emotionally and believes in themselves, regardless of their differences.
She is a hands-on part of Ohana International School and serves as its Director.
OHANA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
3-12-36 Motoazabu
Minato-ku Tokyo 106-0046 JAPAN
