A local school ensured the retirement of its long-serving principal would be one to remember.
Pat Oosthuizen, or Mrs O as she is called by the learners, contributed 37 years of her life to Blairgowrie Primary School and was principal since 2015.
The school honoured her by having an official staff farewell, concert and school safari.
The safari saw each grade allocated a wild animal, and Oosthuizen being picked up in the school tour bus and taken to a school-made campsite to enjoy the learners in the wild habitats.
“We as a staff salute you, Pat,” said the principal’s lifelong friend and colleague, Chesca Malcolm, at the farewell.
“We thank you for your leadership, for the laughs along the way, the really fun memories that your shenanigans have stirred up. We are truly going to miss your ‘gees’ and the fun that you have brought to Blairgowrie. There is not one member of staff here who knows what Blairgowrie is like without you.”
Malcolm also spoke about Oosthuizen’s love for sport, Africa, people and dressing up, as well as her desire to help and connect people.
For her part, the departing principal discussed her career at the school starting from 1983, including all the ups and downs and things that have changed over the years.
“This year marks the end of an era for me,” she told the school.
“During my time, I met and came to know many wonderful people and it has been an absolute privilege to see so many youngsters growing up, taking the opportunities provided for them at our school and becoming the people they were born to be.”
Her funniest memories would be dancing on a table to a song chosen by learners after they achieved over 80% in mental maths.
“I always kicked my shoes off and walked around barefoot. At one AGM, the staff hid one of my shoes and I had to go up on stage and address the parents wearing only one shoe on. Once, I found my shoe on top of the ceiling fan in the staffroom.”
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