Frequently Asked Questions

The South African Board of Jewish Education often receives phone calls from the public/parents asking questions about Board, about the King David Schools, the King David network, our bursary scheme, informal programmes and fundraising activities. The Board has drafted answers to some of these questions to assist you. If you have any further queries, please email us at sabje@sabje.co.za.

How do I apply for a bursary to the King David schools?

There are a few bursaries available through the King David Foundation (see website for more details) and application would have to be made in order to be a recipient. These bursaries each come with their particular requirements based upon the conditions of the donor. Some are for academic excellence while others acknowledge sporting achievements. Availability is determined by the amount of funds raised by the foundation.

Does King David admit only Jewish Children?

The King David schools were set up in order to further Jewish education. Its admission policy (available on the website) is guided by South African law as well as the curriculum requirements for an effective Jewish education. There is therefore automatic admission (from a religious perspective) for children of a Jewish mother, be they affiliated to Orthodox or reform. Should a non-Jewish family apply and there is the capacity available, there would have to be a written consent to comply with curriculum requirements as well as the ethos of the school by the parents and pupil.

How many schools make up the King David school system?

The King David schools are on five different campuses. King David Linksfield which is divided into a Nursery School (including Grade R), Junior School (grades 1-3), Senior Primary School (grades 4-7) and High School. King David Victory Park has a Nursery School (including grade R), Primary School (grades 1-7) and High School. King David Sandton includes grade R to grade 7. Yiddish Folk Nursery school in Orange Grove which includes Grade R as well as Minnie Bersohn Nursery on the grounds of the Sandton shul.

Who makes up the SABJE?

Once every three years the Board holds its national conference. Affiliates from all communal organisations are able to vote as well as nominate people to stand for the Board. The Board executive is made up of the Chair, Vice-Chair, immediate past Chair, President, Vice-President, Treasurer, IT officer, General Director, Chief Rabbi, School Heads, School Representatives and a further 8 Board members. The next conference will be held in March 2009.

From what age will my child be exposed to the DIJE’s programmes?

The DIJE which has been running for the past 25 years initially focused all of its efforts on running Shabbatonim thus only impacting on grade 6-11 students. Over the past few years this has changed, with the DIJE now assisting the schools’ informal programme and thus your child may well experience their programmes from as early as grade one through activities around festivals or morning tefillah.

Are the King David schools actively fundraising?

The SABJE is most certainly soliciting funds and is clear about its mandate. An effectively run school, charging the correct level of fees should cover its running costs through fees. The King David schools have achieved this for the past 7 years. All fundraising is in order to enhance teacher training, curriculum, facilities and allow more Jewish students access to a Jewish education. See the website for detail about the many development projects that you can be part of.

How do I advertise on the KD Network?

Simply email sabje@sabje.co.za. You will then be contacted and for the minimal cost of R50 per month your business details will be placed on the site. This will be available for everyone to use and it will also be emailed periodically to the parent body so as to make them aware of this valuable resource. It is a WIN-WIN, you advertise and solicit business, parents get quick access to expertise and Jewish education gets support.