In the era before cellphones, DVDs and the dreaded ‘social media’ there was Elza Heine.
A chapter spanning 43 years – a remarkable 41 at Dundee High School – of dedication and love and care for her students closed on Friday when this petite lady retired from the profession that is her very being.
Miss Heine, who has just turned 65, is to return to her hometown of Weenen, to be with her brother and his family. There she will pursue her love for gardening, go for long walks and take up pilates to keep her fit.
Born in Ladysmith (“Only because there was no hospital in Weenen,” she laughs), Miss Heine schooled at the local primary school before completing her Matric year at Voortrekker High in Pietermaritzburg.
She was made Headgirl of the hostel. “I was fairly good at hockey but preferred academics,” she told the Courier.
Later, she studied for a BSc at the Free State University, majoring in Zoology and Ethnology. In 1980 she completed her BEd through Unisa, proving that you are never too old to learn!
Miss Heine’s first post was in Glencoe – at the ‘old Sarel Cilliers’. She taught Biology for two years there, before being transferred to Dundee High in 1973, where she stayed until January 31, 2014.
Biology has been called ‘natural science’, and is now known as Life Science, but for Miss Heine the passion for teaching the subject has never dimmed.
She taught them all – from Grade 8 to Matric – with her love for the kids seeing her through.
“So many pupils have passed through my classroom. Good ones, naughty ones – but my love for them is the same. Even Principal Haschke, teacher Mrs Raffenberg, secretary Mrs Venter and Mrs van Staden of Uelzen Primary are my former pupils! I am now teaching their children!”
She remembers having to teach at the former adjacent Covenant, as there was a shortage of classrooms at DHS before extensions were completed in 1978.
“The syllabus has changed, but I have always managed to keep up to date with trends. In teaching you need to be dedicated to your children – this is the most important recipe for success.”
For Miss Heine the most fantastic achievements are when former pupils come up to her gives her hugs and thanks for teaching them.
Share in success
“I have seen past pupils who are now medical doctors, lawyers, whatever… it is great to share in their success.”
Outside of school Mrs Heine is a dedicated member of the NG Church, and was one of the first female deacons in the church. She also was an active first-aider on the sports field, but says she did not enjoy the serious rugby injuries.
Have pupils changed over the last 43 years? “Yes, of course they have changed. Kids these days have access to so much technology, and many do not read as much as they should. But kids are kids – you get the good ones, the naughty ones – but that’s teaching. I won’t miss unfocussed learners disturbing the class…!”
She has seen four principals at DHS: Mr Kriel, Mr Krantz, Mr Bester and now Mr Haschke.
On Friday her colleagues treated her to a farewell lunch.
Her final message was from Hebrews 13, verse 20 and 21: “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant… make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.”