Rand Park High School marked the end of an era this week, as colleagues and learners came together to celebrate the retirement of Mrs Jenny Van Rensburg.

Her teaching career spans an impressive 43 years, during which she became known for her calm leadership, strong classroom management, and her genuine love for young people.

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Van Rensburg said she first chose teaching because she enjoys sharing knowledge and watching children grow. She spoke warmly about the moment when learners suddenly grasp a new idea. “I love seeing the lights switch on when you put an idea in their head.”

Looking back on her four decades at Rand Park, she said the joy learners bring to one another stands out most. She described the school community as a place where pupils support each other, embrace differences, and allow everyone to be themselves. The sense of acceptance, she said, is something the children have taught her too. “They have taught me that, in life, we must accept each other as we are.”

Van Rensburg played several key roles at the school, including heading the life sciences department, serving as a grade tutor, and leading the debutantes and squires fundraising programme. Under her guidance, the programme raised more than R7.8m over the years, a result she credits to the teamwork of co-ordinators, parents, and learners.

A passionate squash player and coach, she also spent many years encouraging pupils to take up the sport. Many learners discovered their love for squash through her patient guidance and enthusiasm.

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Her farewell was emotional. Staff gave her a standing ovation in the staffroom, and learners formed what she called the longest farewell tunnel ever seen at Rand Park. She admitted that the gesture left her overwhelmed by the kindness and gratitude shown.

She shared that one of her lifelong goals has been helping both teachers and learners understand the value of good management in the classroom, in their systems, and in their daily lives. With planning, thoughtfulness, and a positive attitude, she believes everything else falls into place.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Rand Park High School marked the end of an era this week as colleagues and learners came together to celebrate the retirement of Jenny Van Rensburg, an educator whose 40 years at the school shaped generations. Video: Supplied #Randparkhigh #Randburg #40years ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

As she steps away from the classroom, she says the subject she taught, and the learners she guided, will be the hardest to leave behind. “Life science is such an alive subject. I am going to miss watching learners think, grow, and discover. I will miss the laughter in my classroom and seeing them go into the world and succeed.”

Van Rensburg leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and belief in young people. Rand Park High School will feel her absence deeply, but her impact will remain for years to come.

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