WATCH: Soup Day warms hearts as former principal returns to WH Coetzer
Sue Lubbe and Friends always advocate for sharing of soup, spread kindness and keep the children warm.
Sue Lubbe and Friends hosted a special Stay Warm Soup Day at Laerskool WH Coetzer Primary School, bringing warmth, joy and appreciation to learners, educators and staff.
The event was made even more memorable by the attendance of recently retired principal Rachel Mbedzi, who stepped down on March 27.
Learners and teachers welcomed her back to the school hall with thunderous applause, smiles and excitement.
The day featured a variety of activities before learners enjoyed soup and bread, lovingly prepared by Sue Lubbe and Friends. The hall erupted with excitement when Lubbe’s favourite song, Nkalakatha by Mandoza, played.
Lubbe took to the dance floor, joined by enthusiastic learners. Senior learners also presented a play and a dance routine as a token of appreciation and entertainment for the audience.
@southern.courier Sue Lubbe and Friends always advocate for sharing of soup, spread kindness and keep the children warm. Full story on southerncourier.co.za
Lubbe said her mission has always been to ensure that children have enough to eat.
“Today we are serving soup and bread to 600 learners, educators and ground staff. We also run a feeding scheme at the school where we feed up to 200 learners every week. I started the kitchen here in 2007. I love the children, especially when they call me by name,” she said.
She encouraged learners to work hard at school and show kindness to one another.
“Study hard and be smart. You need to be good to one another at all times. Remember, if you have two loaves of bread and do not need the second one, share it because you do not know whether your fellow learner has had a meal that day,” she said.
Both Lubbe and Mbedzi were honoured with heartfelt tributes from the school community.
In a message of gratitude to Lubbe, the school thanked her and her friends for their years of unwavering support.
“On behalf of all the learners, teachers and the entire school community, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Aunty Sue Lubbe and her wonderful friends for the love and kindness they have shown our school over many years.
@southern.courier Lubbe said her mission has always been to ensure that children have enough to eat. “Today we are serving soup and bread to 600 learners, educators and ground staff. We also run a feeding scheme at the school where we feed up to 200 learners every week. I started the kitchen here in 2007. I love the children, especially when they call me by name,” she said. Full story on southerncourier.co.za
“Your generosity has touched countless lives. Every year, without fail, you have donated food parcels, school shoes and other essential items to learners in need. You have also hosted Soup Day, allowing learners and staff to enjoy warm meals prepared with love and care. These acts of kindness have brought comfort, hope and joy to many families in our school community.
“What makes your support so special is not only the gifts you have provided but also the compassion and dedication behind them. You have reminded us that there are people who genuinely care about the well-being of others and are willing to make a difference in the lives of children.
“Many learners walked into school with confidence because of the shoes you provided. Many families felt supported during difficult times because of your food donations. Your kindness helped restore dignity, hope and happiness to so many people.
“Aunty Sue Lubbe and Friends, your generosity has inspired us to become caring and compassionate people in our own communities. The impact you have made will never be forgotten.
“Today, we simply want to say thank you. Thank you for your kindness, consistency, love and selfless hearts. May you continue to be blessed with good health, happiness and strength as you continue touching lives wherever you go. We appreciate you deeply and are truly grateful for everything you have done for our school.”
Learners also paid tribute to former principal Mbedzi, thanking her for her dedication and guidance throughout her years of service.
@southern.courier Learners also paid tribute to former principal Mbedzi, thanking her for her dedication and guidance throughout her years of service. Full story on southerncourier.co.za
“Thank you for gracing us with your presence today. On behalf of all the learners, we would like to thank you, Mrs Mbedzi, for your love, patience and dedication. You were more than just a principal to us. You were a leader and a caring mother figure to many learners. You always encouraged us to work harder, respect one another and believe in ourselves.
“We will always remember your wise words during assemblies and the girls’ talks. Thank you for believing in us and for always wanting the best for every learner. We wish you good health, happiness, peace and many beautiful memories in your retirement.”
