Psychology Department

Lantern School is privileged to have four on-site psychologists who are dedicated to supporting our learners with special needs. Our team is passionate about their calling and provides a full range of psychological services to learners from Grade 1 through Grade 12.

The Psychology Department forms an integral part of the school’s multidisciplinary team, which includes parents/guardians, teachers, speech-language therapists, occupational therapists, learning support staff, and, where necessary, external professionals such as neurologists, paediatricians, psychiatrists, optometrists, and ear, nose and throat specialists.

Core Functions

The psychologists’ primary roles are to conduct psychological assessments and to provide therapeutic intervention.

Psychological Assessments
Assessments are conducted to identify each learner’s developmental, learning, and behavioural needs. This process helps determine whether Lantern School is an appropriate placement and ensures that learners receive tailored support.
Therapeutic Intervention
The department follows a Solution-Focused Approach, providing 4–6 psychotherapy sessions per incident or case. If long-term therapy is required, learners are referred to a private practitioner, with costs borne by parents/guardians.

Psychologists also collaborate closely with parents, teachers, therapists, and other relevant professionals to address learners’ academic and emotional needs. This ensures consistent monitoring of progress and supports enhanced performance both in the classroom and at home. In this way, the department serves as a vital link between learners, families, staff, and external professionals. All services are rendered in strict adherence to the ethical standards and professional code of the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Daily Schedule

Therapeutic interventions, parental consultations, and learner guidance take place daily during school hours. During this time, psychologists are not available for phone or in-person queries. Parents may leave a detailed message with the school secretary or send an email. The psychologist assigned to the learner’s class will respond as soon as possible.

Please note that consultations are by appointment only. This ensures that concerns are addressed in a structured and constructive manner, and that the psychologist can prepare adequately for the discussion. We appreciate your cooperation in this regard.

Meet Our Psychologists

Anzaret van Rooyen
Hanna Malherbe
Elizabeth Bezuidenhout
Thandiwe Mahura

We have an on-site Social Worker, Cassandra Janklaas, who plays an integral role in supporting learners’ emotional well-being, behaviour, and social development, enabling them to flourish both academically and personally. Through counselling, early intervention, and crisis support, she addresses challenges such as anxiety, family-related concerns, and other social barriers that may affect learning.

Cassandra collaborates closely with families, educators, and external professionals to ensure that each learner receives the appropriate care and guidance. Through this holistic approach, we foster a safe and nurturing environment where every child is given the opportunity to succeed.