AFTER a three-decade tenure, Fairvale Secondary School bid an emotional farewell to one of its most committed teachers, Gail Bloem, who retired after 35 and a half years of teaching at the school.

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Now 61, Bloem is ready to close that chapter. Bloem’s career is a testament to passion, perseverance and the lasting influence a teacher can leave on generations of learners. For the past 25 years, she has guided hundreds of learners through the world of numbers, teaching maths to Grades Eight and Nine and mathematical literacy to Grade 10 to 12.

Her connection with Fairvale is far deeper than just her working life as a teacher, Bloem walked the corridors of the school as a learner herself.

Bloem began her teaching life in 1986 at Assegai Primary School, followed by Durban East Primary and then Wentworth Secondary. She found her way back to Fairvale Secondary in 1990, where she taught needlework and home economics for the first 10 years before transitioning to mathematics.

Looking back, Bloem admitted that retirement was bittersweet.

“I will miss the relationships with my learners and colleagues, the energy of the classroom, as well as the challenge of meeting new learners at the beginning of every year,” said Bloem.

Her heart nonetheless eagerly looks forward to the freedom that retirement holds.

“I hope for additional quality time with my family and friends, to travel and have hobbies and to simply enjoy life without the worries of work,” joked Bloem. “I am grateful to God for letting me have this experience and for giving me the privilege of serving the community through education.”

With her departure she leaves a lasting legacy not only in the history of Fairvale Secondary but in the history of Wentworth’s teaching community. Closing this chapter of her life has brought Bloem peace and a deep sense of gratitude.

“I knew it was the time to retire. After nearly 40 years of teaching, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of my labour while I’m still in good mind and good health,” she said.

Even though she may no longer stand before the chalkboard, the lessons Bloem taught will live on in the lives of the numerous learners who  entered her classroom.

Fairvale Secondary School will remember her as not only a teacher but as a pillar of the school.

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