People's Post Maitland | Woodstock - 3 March 2020

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WOODSTOCK | MAITLAND

TUESDAY 3 March 2020 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | Email: post@peoplespost.co.za | Website: www.peoplespost.co.za

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People’s Post

A look behind the scenes Lucky Mloteli is painstakingly converting a rather colourful neck piece to a monochrome colour scheme using nail polish. The jewellery will form part of costumes for the upcoming Cape Town Carnival. Several others are also hard at work in an effort to put together the costumes, floats and props at their Maitland workshop that will highlight this year’s theme. Read more on page 4. PHOTO: SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS

KENSINGTON

Pair’s resounding tribute KAYLYNNE BANTOM KAYLYNNE.BANTOM@MEDIA24.COM

“S

oldiers in education.” This is how the principal of Kenmere Primary School, André Johannessen, described two teachers who are retiring after a combined total of 79 years at the school. Ruth Moodley, a Grade 2 teacher, and her colleague Maurisa Theunissen, who teaches Grade 1, are putting down the chalk to spend time with their loved ones. Moodley taught at the school for 43 years and Theunissen for 36 years. The walls of the school hall were lined with white and red hearts for a Valentine’s Day event but, on Tuesday 25 February, these hearts signified the love felt for the two teachers. A farewell ceremony was held during a packed assembly. Not even the scorching 37°C in Cape Town could deter fellow teachers, former

principals, learners and parents from bidding their favourite teachers farewell. Johannessen says: “It is a sad moment for us. Both these teachers have been here even before I started. They have always been the pillars of the school; nothing was ever too much for them. They always went that extra mile. The fact that so many learners loved them is testament to the type of women they are.” Johannessen wished them a well-deserved rest and encouraged them to always pray and keep God in the centre of their lives: values which, he says, the school lives by. Tributes for the duo were done by teachers and learners. Each one echoing the same message: “They were exceptional teachers.” Richard Paige, a teacher at the school, says: “You both have devoted many years to the education fraternity. Mrs Moodley, you will be remembered for starting the first English class at the school. You guys have touched our lives for the better. You’ve become the foundation on which the school is built, we appreci-

ate you.” A poem was read, a dance item was performed and a song, titled Women of Strength, was sung. A very fitting song, considering their achievements and the impact the women made at the school. Former principals Alwyn Woodman and Jennifer Daniels were among the attendees. Woodman (80) shared some golden wisdom with the pair. “Enjoy your retirement years and make God your steering wheel not your spare wheel.” Daniels (70) added, “You’re leaving Kenmere better than you found it, keep the flame alive.” Tanica Campbell, a Grade 7 learner, shared her fondest memory of Theunissen: “I could always go to her when I had a problem; she was always willing to assist. I will miss her big heart and her loving spirit.” Another learner Daniel Grill says: “Mrs Moodley taught me discipline and she was always caring. She was my Grade 2 teacher. I

am now Grade 7 and she moulded me into the person I am today.” The educators had a chance to speak too. Moodley says: “My husband is in the ministry and I’m a teacher. We have a deal at home – if our house burns down and the church burns down, he must go to the church first. In my case, if our house burns down and the school burns down, I’ll go to the school first. My heart will always be here.” Theunissen says: “Teaching will always remain my passion. I would like to encourage the learners to continue their school career and to make a success of their lives.” As the assembly adjourned, Grade 1 and 2 learners formed an arch for their former teachers to walk under. Loud applause and cheers echoed through the hall as the teachers waved them goodbye. But not a permanent goodbye. Johannessen reminded them that “the doors at Kenmere Primary will always be open” to them. See pictures on page 2.


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People's Post Maitland | Woodstock - 3 March 2020 by People's Post - Issuu