Everyone knows the feeling. That knot in your tummy when you’re dropped off at school. Louise Schoonwinkel gets it. That’s why she’s the powerhouse behind a brand that lets kids study at their own pace, wherever and whenever they want.
A self-proclaimed numbers-nerd, Louise Schoonwinkel loves crunching numbers and solving equations. But, don’t think she’s just wired for numbers – she’s all about the people too! Back in her days as a CA, she discovered her knack for coaching and guiding younger trainees.
Since then, she’s always found herself in roles focused on training and development. There’s just something about empowering others and watching them thrive that keeps her hooked. So, when Louise was asked to project manage the development an online learning system for Optimi a few years back, she jumped right in and hasn’t looked back since.
These days, she’s the MD of Optimi Home in Centurion – right in the heart of learning and development. They offer homeschooling and online schooling to more than 30 000 learners in SA and beyond, from Grade R up to matric.
“Not only is it such a rewarding career in the sense that we get to make a real difference in so many young lives, but no two days are ever the same. From strategy sessions and client meetings to stakeholder management and product development. I just love working with so many different people and motivating teams to reach audacious goals.”
Why homeschooling? you might wonder. Louise explains it’s all about flexibility and personalised attention. And it’s not just for kids who don’t fit the traditional school mold.
Sometimes families choose it because there’s no space in their preferred school, or they live in an area without nearby schools. It’s also great for families who travel a lot or have kids in competitive sports or arts. And contrary to popular belief, Optimi’s learners are just as social and academically successful as those in mainstream schools.
And if you’re worried about your child missing out on social interactions, don’t be. With homeschooling, they’ll have plenty of chances to make friends and be part of a community. As for academics, rest assured they follow the same curriculum as mainstream schools and obtain the same matric certificate accepted worldwide.
“The biggest misconception is that learners who opt for alternative schooling are just straight up anti-social. We host a matric farewell for our learners every year, and there is no difference between the social behaviour of these learners and those who go to mainstream schools.”
But homeschooling isn’t just about hitting the books. It’s about creating a supportive environment where learners can explore their interests and develop their skills, all in their own time. And that’s exactly what Louise and the team is all about. And if you’re thinking … can working parents homeschool? For sure! With options like tutors and online schools, it’s totally doable. Louise goes on to say that alternative schooling doesn’t have to be difficult and overwhelming – you just need the right support system, like Optimi Home’s Impaq.
When Louise isn’t doing her thing at work, she’s your typical momma who just loves spending time with her husband, Richardt and kids, 10-year-old Chris and 7-year-old Emma. A social butterfly, she’ll always have time for friends and family. Top it off with a delish meal and a bottle or two of good wine, and you’ve made her day!
Louise also never says no to a good workout, whether it’s yoga, pilates, strength training, or HIIT. On the topic of self-care … shopping! Louise loves pretty clothes, and a pair of sassy shoes is her ultimate weakness.
How does she juggle it all? Well, if there’s anything she’s learned, it’s this … “I can’t do it all on my own and it’s ok to ask for help. Secondly, planning is key, but plans change. I try to plan as much as I can, but sometimes life happens, and that’s ok too. Let’s just say my Outlook calendar is my best friend. And lastly, I try to be present. I don’t try to do everything at once and I dedicate my full attention to the task at hand. Whether at home or at work.”
Just like with the kids at Optimi, she wants the best for her own kids too – teaching them to always be grateful for what they have, and to look at life through a solution-based lens. What’s next for Louise and Optimi Home? Well, they’re just getting started. Day by day, and kid by kid, they are paving the way for even greater things!
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Top 7 homeschooling tips
- Study area. Set up a dedicated study area at home. Homeschooling is flexible, but studying in front of the TV will be inefficient in the longer term. The study area should preferably be in a comfortable space that doesn’t have a lot of distractions.
- Planning is key to success. Develop a set study plan for the term and a more detailed plan for the week. Breaking the work up into bite-sized chunks will make the curriculum less overwhelming and you will be well prepared when tests and exams start. Optimi Home’s Impaq online learning portal, the Online Learning Program, has recommended daily schedules that can be used as a basis – make this work for you.
- Plan study times around your schedule and when you concentrate the best. Tackle more difficult subjects during this time. It is human nature to procrastinate if we struggle with a task – getting it out of the way when we are fresh is much more effective than waiting until the end of the study slot when you are tired.
- Take enough breaks and plan fun activities. If you work a bit more from Monday to Thursday, you might want to take Fridays off. Homeschoolers have the advantage of doing fun activities in the morning.
- Connect with the homeschooling community. This is a great way for children to socialise with their peers and for parents to become part of a supportive community.
- Make the curriculum work for you. One of the advantages of homeschooling is that you can spend more time on subjects that interest you, or areas that you are struggling with. This means that you can also work much faster through concepts that you grasp.
- Join extra-mural clubs. These can be sport clubs, gymnastics, dancing and so on. This is a great way to make friends and to socialise. Furthermore, physical activity help students to focus.
3 Healthy lunch boxes for optimal learning
Although Louise just loves the pretty Pinterest lunchboxes with cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and cucumber sticks, her children, like many others don’t necessarily agree. So, here are three of Louise’s practical lunch box choices. Kiddos approved!
Lunch box 1
- Cheese and ham sandwich
- Carrot sticks
- Mini rice cakes (sweet or savoury)
- Biltong or drywors
Lunch box 2
- Mini beef frikadelle (or falafels)
- Mini rice crackers
- Apple
- Packet of ovenbake biscuits
Lunch box 3
- Banana muffin
- Granola bar
- Fruit roll
- Small yoghurt
Text: ALANICKA LOTRIET. • Photographer: HILDA MANS. • Make-up: HEIDIE FOURIE. • Hair: JANINE LATEGAN.
