After three years as Principal of KwaZulu Natal’s second oldest school, the learners at Weenen Primêr said ‘goodnight’ – not ‘goodbye’ to their beloved Principal Hazel Stanley, who resigned on Friday.
During the school’s morning assembly, learners in grade seven explained that: “We as a school are not saying goodbye but rather goodnight. When we say goodbye it means that we may never see you again, but when we say goodnight we know that when we wake up the next morning you will be there.”
The learners in grade seven then led the entire school in singing a lovely song to Mrs Stanley which captures the sentiment: “It’s time to close your eyes, it’s time to say goodnight.”
Learners continued to bid Mrs Stanley a farewell by reciting poems and songs they had written for her to show how special she is to them and how they will never forget the impact she has had on their school and in their lives. Learners sang the following words: “You are the air that we breathe, the light that is in our soul. You are what we need and everything is coming true as we dreamed of.”
At the end of the assembly, Mrs Stanley was presented with a lovely painting of a tree, which said: “Thank you for helping us grow.”
Each learner and teacher put their thumb print on the canvas to represent the leaves of the tree. It is evident from the songs recited and the reaction of the learners as they left the assembly with their heads down, wiping away their tears, that Mrs Stanley will truly be missed at Weenen Primêr – and it’s no surprise why.
Running the school with love was at the centre of Mrs Stanley’s focus as Principal and that is reflected in her motto to the staff, which was: “Love first; teach second.” During her time as Principal, Mrs Stanley motivated and empowered the staff while simultaneously engaging the learners and she always led by example. Some of the programs she started include the Rhino Walk, which raises funds and awareness of wildlife and rhinos, culminating with a ranger led walk through the Weenen Game Reserve. Mrs Stanley also promoted an Anti-Bullying campaign and Tea Garden at the school.
The song, which opened the send-off for Mrs Stanley summed up her next plans perfectly: “I’m not so tired. I’ve still got things to do. Can we read another story? Or maybe even two?”
Although she will be walking away from her role as Principal, Mrs Stanley will continue her commitment to rural education in Weenen by spending her days teaching English and computers at the Sam-Lyn Edu Centre started by her and her husband Les in their backyard. The centre has offered educational support to youth over the past five years and Mrs Stanley is excited to have more time now to focus on the centre.
For now the children in Weenen can say ‘goodnight’ to Mrs Stanley because in the morning she will continue to support rural education at her centre.
Ryan Marie Ruggiero
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
