Trio take a bow after years of teaching
They spent 76 years in total at Sir John Adamson High School and made a mark on a lot of people during their years at the school.
SIR John Adamson High School had to say goodbye to three educators at the end of 2018. They spent 76 years in total at the school and made a mark on a lot of people during their years at the school.
Meryl Collins
She started her teaching career as a newly qualified accounting educator in 1979. Her enthusiasm and dedication in the classroom resulted in her being the first educator at Sir John to be awarded merit three status, the highest performance rating for educators at that time.
Extramurally, she was involved in a number of activities. Meryl was responsible for squash at the school, a highly competitive and successful sport then.
In 1993, she was appointed head of department (HOD) for economic sciences, a position that she held for 12 years. During her time as HOD, she inspired and motivated the educators with the result that the department always achieved excellent matric results.
At the beginning of 2005, Meryl became the deputy principal, a role she executed with distinction. Her commitment to all aspects of the school, as well as the challenges she faced, were always dealt with in the most professional manner.
In 2011, the Department of Education recognised her remarkable ability as an accounting educator when she received an Excellence Award for her outstanding matric results.
She retired at the end of 2018, having dedicated 40 years to the teaching profession. The school is privileged to have had her as a member of their staff. She endeared herself to the learners she taught during her time at the school. Old Adamsonians have the utmost respect for her and once they leave, they still fondly refer to her and the sound advice given to them proved valuable in life after school.
She served on the editorial committee of the Adamsonian from 1992 and her quest for preserving the history of the school will always be visible.
Thank you for all you have done to uphold the name of Sir John. Your perfection and attention to detail had a positive influence on the school. It is not easy to say goodbye, but the school will always remember you for the indelible mark you have made on so many during your time at school. Enjoy your retirement and the time you are going to spend with Graham, your children and grandchildren.
Ansie Nel
She relocated from Springs in 1998, having taught at a number of schools there for 20 years. She accepted a position as a history educator at the school. A challenging task she tackled with enthusiasm as she had not taught the subject before. After a number of years in the humanities department, she opted to teach Afrikaans and at a later stage she also taught some physical education classes.
As an accomplished athlete, she was responsible for the school’s cross-country team for many years. Due to her passion and encouragement, the cross-country excelled and was placed top of the Southern District League for 14 years. Ansie was also involved in athletics and introduced training programmes that improved the quality of the athletes tremendously. The school’s athletics team moved from the F to the B-league under her coaching.
Ansie retired at the end of 2018. Her empathy and concern, which endeared her to her colleagues, the learners and parents, will be sorely missed. She was a valuable member of the staff with a charismatic disposition and tackled challenges that she faced with dignity and courage.
Thank you for your loyalty and commitment, the school is going to miss you, but they know you are going to enjoy spending more time with your loved ones.
Jo-Ann van der Heever
She taught at Robertsham Primary School for 20 years and endeared herself to staff and learners, who always regarded her as being dedicated, a credit to the teaching profession. Jo-Ann and her husband had an opportunity of teaching in Taiwan. When they returned to South Africa, they both joined the staff in 2003.
Jo-Ann is the epitome of a committed educator. She has instilled a passion among her learners to achieve, regardless of difficult circumstances they often face. All learners she taught over the years have tremendous respect for her. Because of her extensive general knowledge, she initiated general knowledge quizzes for learners, which were a great success.
She left the school at the end of 2018, retiring after 40 years as an educator. Thank you for your contribution to education. The school is really going to miss you. They wish you everything of the best, enjoy your retirement.
*Information supplied by Sir John Adamson High School.
