Former principal’s name is back on school hall thanks to ex-pupils
Former students of the primary school got together to raise the necessary funds for the replacement of the signage as well as donate to the school’s feeding scheme
FOLLOWING a letter published in the EXPRESS, titled “Fury over removal of ex-principal’s name from school hall“, four former students of Norkem Park Primary got together to raise funds to sort out the problem.
According to one of the former students, William Docherty, the four set up a Whatsapp group and a web-based money collection site and started promoting the issue to former students both in and outside the country through Facebook.
Docherty attended Norkem Primary in 1980.
In the letter, written anonymously, the resident detailed how they were saddened and angered by, the removal of the name “K J Ablett Hall” from the school hall
“After reading the letter we wanted to help the school,” said Docherty.
The current principal of the school John Clark said Ablett was a fantastic headmaster of the school for 18 years.
“His picture is placed in a prominent place in the hall foyer. The signage K J Ablett Hall was removed when the exterior of the hall was repainted. When the signage was removed, the letters crumbled as they were made of wood and had perished,” explained Clark.
He also pointed out that the cost of replacing it with metal or brass letters did not seem warranted as funds were put into more critical areas such as toilet facilities for the learners.
Docherty said they had met with Clark to discuss how they could assist.
“He seems a really good guy and has been the principal for 23 years. He took us on a tour of the school which is looking really good, well maintained and full of happy pupils and teachers,” said Docherty.
He said a large number of people had supported the fundraising project and Modrac Pty had donated the bulk of the funds raised.
Docherty said they managed to raise around R14 305, 68 some of which was used to replace the sign, while the rest was donated to the school’s feeding scheme.
“Mr Clark is also a hero on his own and needs to be applauded for what he’s done in the school. Together with his wife, they fund the feeding scheme of around 50 children out of their own pockets.
The school was handed an epoxy-coated stainless steel sign.
