School bids farewell to a veteran teacher
With many accomplishments under his belt during his career, the highlights included rugby tours where he coached the Under-13 team in Hoedspruit and Durban.
For four decades, Renier Louwrens has dedicated his life to teaching and molding young minds.
His journey began in 1980 where he taught at a high school in Amanzimtoti. Two years prior to this, he completed his stint in the military before he pursed teaching professionally.
“At the time, my wife completed her teacher’s degree and she was offered a position to relocate to Newcastle and teach here.”
Louwrens then taught at Park Primary School before moving to Ncandu Park School where he taught for about six years. He soon broadened his experience and taught at Panorama Primary School from 1986 to 1994.
“It was May 14, 1994 when I was employed at Amajuba High School that it became a combined school,” said Louwrens.
25 years later, on April 30, 2019 Louwrens put down his chalk and bid farewell to the teaching profession.
When asked what his motivation for a fruitful career was, Louwrens said: “It was only by God’s grace, guidance and leadership that has got me this far.”
Strong in his faith as a Christian, Louwrens said he believed it was his calling to spread the gospel while teaching young minds.
With many accomplishments under his belt during his career, the highlights included rugby tours where he coached the Under-13 team in Hoedspruit and Durban.
“I was involved in the National Science Expo and many sporting events.”
In his classroom, Louwrens said he had a plaque with the words; live, love and he believed it and encouraged learners to do the same.
His message to fellow teachers was to support the learners for without them teachers would not have a job.
“Go in with God’s guidance,” concluded Louwrens.
Staff and management at Amajuba High School held back tears as they bid Louwrens farewell.
The following messages were shared:
Liewe Renier,
Ek en jy stap al ‘n pad sedert 1977, saam as eerstejaars. Ek onthou die wilde rooikopvleuel wat maklik met ‘n bal onder die arm deur die ander span kon bars.
En nou, 42 jaar later, staan ons saam op die drumpel van die laaste fase van ons lewe.
Ons kon saam werk, my vriend, saam ons kinders sien grootword, saam lag, en saam huil.
Thank you for all that you have achieved in your educational career,
for all your love for the children,
for the father-and-son weekends,
for every expo you helped the kids with,
for every rugby boy you coached,
for every entrepreneurs’ day and chess tournament,
for teaching the gospel among the children,
for believing in all of us,
for setting an example.
Saying goodbye should not be painful unless we are never going to say hello again.
Renier, ek wens jou die mooiste wat die lewe jou kan bied. Mag jy liefde en vrede ervaar.
Ek weet dat jou voetspore wat jy in my lewe, en in baie ander se lewe gelaat het, vir ewig sal wees.
Geniet jou aftrede.
Enjoy your family and your grandchildren, and may God be your anchor and your compass until we meet again.
The headmaster and teachers wish Mr Louwrens all the best with his retirement.
“We pray for good health and that you will continue building good memories during your retirement. It is now time to enjoy the fruits of all the years of labour.”
The Newcastle Advertiser wishes Mr Louwrens good health and the happiest of moments as he begins the next chapter of his life.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Amajuba High School bids farewell to class of 2017
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