AFTER 21 years as principal of Doon Heights Primary School and 37 years in education, Aletta Evert retired recently.
In honour of her contribution to the teaching fraternity and particularly Doon Heights Primary, the school hall was named after her.
“Words cannot express my gratitude for the honour bestowed on me with the naming of our school hall as the ‘Leta Evert Hall’.
“To all the pupils of Amanzimtoti Primary from 1979 to 1988, and from 1989 at Doon Heights Primary, you have made my dreams come true. Every day I went to school wanting to be there. The good morning hugs and chats in the administration block was confirmation that I was where I was meant to be.
To my staff, words cannot describe how much of a pleasure it has been to work with each one of you. At times we may have had our differences, but at the end of the day, as a staff, we always did what was in the best interests of our children.”
She said the engine room of the school was the admin staff. “Thank you for being my left and right hands, without you this journey would have been so much tougher. To my support staff, thanks for taking so much pride in our classrooms and fields. The care you have taken speaks volumes of your love for our school and our children.
To the parents, thanks for helping us instill discipline and respect among every person that was involved with the school. It was a pleasure taking our children on excursions and to sporting events, as outsiders always commented on the good manners, behaviour and neat appearance of our children.”
She also thanked past and present SGBs for always putting the children’s interest first. “Whether it be academic, sporting, or cultural, you helped us keep up-to-date with educational trends and we are confident that is why our children are adequately equipped for their next academic chapters. Special thanks to Dr van Rensburg and fellow principals in the community for your encouragement and concomitant support. To our local businesses and professionals, your support of our school and especially our children, is greatly appreciated.”
Aletta described her 37 years of involvement in education in the Amanzimtoti area as a dream come true. “Although I am sad it is over, the memories serve as a reminder of how a passion for what you do can make a difference in any place or circumstance.”
