MIXED emotions filled a special assembly on Friday (August 28); tears and cheers were the order of the moment when Berea Primary School bid farewell to its long-serving principal.

Mrs. Bridget Williams has officially left the 104-year-old school after 41 years, including 13 years as the principal.

Songs and dance, heartwarming messages, and Tree planting were the order of the moment.
Williams admits that the journey has been long, and yet she harbours no regrets for choosing the school as her second home.

As she hangs up her keys and rings the last bell, she reckons “Berea Days were the best days of her life”.
On how she plans to spend her retirement as of September 1, Williams shared, “I’m gonna start off as though I was having a school holiday, a couple weeks just a break, but then I don’t think one can go from this kind of busyness to doing nothing.

“I’m actually gonna help my husband with his business, on my terms, when I can, with some flexibility. I intend to stay occupied, and do other things I love doing like gardening, reading, and those kinds of things. I’ll keep busy.”

She describes her time at Berea Primary School as a joy. “Honestly, if someone asked me if I could have taken a different career path, what would it be? I would not change a thing, absolutely no regrets.

“Every morning was a blessing; being surrounded by eager faces was a joy for me. As I bid farewell it is my big wish is for the learners to continue making the school proud. Carry it with you not only academically. Soak up everything, learn new things, and be the best person one can be.

“I can leave with confidence that Mrs. Matthee will continue to steer our ship ably in the months ahead.”
Current Deputy Principal. Jayne Matthee will act as the principal during the leadership transition.

“With your guidance and leadership, Berea Primary School is the best place to learn and teach. Through the lives you have touched, and the seed you have planted,” shared Matthee.

Head Girl Peyton Ambraal reminisced on Williams’ fierce compassion, kindness, and genuine love. “We gather here with heavy yet deeply grateful hearts. For years Mrs. Williams has guided our corridors with unmatched grace. The memories will remain etched in the walls of our schools forever,” said Ambraal.

Student Leader Mahanoor Gaffoor echoed Ambraal’ s sentiments. “For decades, Mrs Williams has strived to make our school an amazing place to learn and grow. She didn’t just run the school; she made it our second home. She has been at the centre of numerous school projects that we take pride in. Please don’t forget us.”

Williams thanked the educators and the management of the school, as well as the parents, for entrusting their children with the school.

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