Tony (67) and Sue (63) Ramos are closing a memorable chapter in their lives as they prepare to retire at the end of the year.

For over 40 years, the couple has been at the heart of education in Springs.

Together, they have served their community with patience, warmth, and a deep love for teaching, leaving a legacy long after they began their retirement.

Veteran teacher Tony Ramos shares memories as he enters retirement

Tony told the Springs Advertiser that he was drawn to teaching during his matric year when he visited Johannesburg College of Education.

The visit opened his eyes to the dynamic and enriching environment of education. The realisation of the enduring impact education can have is what has kept his passion alive over the years.

“Witnessing a learner grasp a tough concept or celebrate their achievements has fuelled my commitment to the profession. I take pride in being a part of their growth and providing them with skills they need to navigate their futures successfully.”

Tony’s journey in teaching began in 1981 at Nigel Primary School, where he started as a Standard Three (Grade Five) class teacher. He said the initial experience instilled in him a deep passion for education and the responsibility of nurturing young minds.

In 1991, he was appointed as head of department at Selcourt Primary School and also took on the responsibility of leading the life skills programme.

Tony said the moments when he watched learners grow in confidence and character stand out as some of the most rewarding of his career. He moved to Strubenvale Primary in 2000, first as deputy principal, and in 2009, he became principal.

“My time at Strubenvale lasted until the end of 2022, and it was during these years that I saw the school thrive academically.

“I take immense pride in our learners’ achievements at the school, district, and provincial levels. The sense of community and teamwork we fostered remains a cherished memory,” said the former principal.

After his retirement from Strubenvale, Tony took a teaching position at Kwasa College in Daggafontein, where he taught grades five and six mathematics.

This final chapter was nostalgic and fulfilling, allowing him to impart knowledge to the next generation before officially retiring.

He coached various sports teams and witnessed many of the athletes achieve success by winning leagues at the district and provincial levels.

Over the years, his learners have taught him that people are different and all have talents, which may be academic, on the sports field, or on the cultural side, adding they are individuals and should be respected as such.

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Tony said these experiences, combined with the academic milestones of his students, have created a tapestry of memories that he will cherish forever.

Each school has played a vital role in shaping him as an educator, and he will carry the fondest memories of all of them with him for the rest of his life. As he steps into retirement, he has mixed emotions.

Tony said, “On the one hand, there is a profound sense of pride in everything I’ve accomplished throughout my career in education.

“I dedicated much of my life to nurturing and inspiring students and hope to have made a lasting impact on their lives. On the other hand, it is bittersweet to leave behind colleagues who have become like a family that I’ve been a part of for so long.”

He thanked his colleagues, parents, and the Department of Education for their unwavering support throughout the years. Their encouragement and collaboration made this journey incredibly rewarding.

Tony also thanked his family and Allen Barton, who is a good friend and past principal at Strubenvale Primary.

“Your constant presence and encouragement have been my anchor, and I couldn’t have reached this milestone without you.”

Springs principal Sue Ramos reflects on a lifelong journey in early childhood education

Sue said teaching was interwoven into her life from an early age. Her mother was a teacher, and both her sisters pursued careers in education. Sue wanted to be a pharmacist, but the course was not offered at Wits during that time.

“I chose to study teaching. I specialised in mathematics, which was a deep passion of my dad, who was an electrical engineer,” she said.

Sue began her career as a teacher in 1984 at Pinegrove Primary School, followed by a position at Nigel Primary School, where she taught the foundation phase.

Her daughter, Melissa, was born during this time, and she attended St Catherine’s, where Sue was later offered a teaching position.

Accepting this role was a turning point for her, as it provided the ideal work-life balance for a mother with a young child. It allowed her to be present for her daughter while pursuing her passion for teaching.

Sue said, “When my second child, Natasha, attended St Catherine’s, I appreciated the nurturing environment the school fostered. The supportive and family-oriented atmosphere at St Catherine’s not only honed my teaching skills but also sparked my passion for working with children.”

Sue later became the principal of St Catherine’s, and she feels privileged to have been part of this school. Her most meaningful memories centre around the special, long-lasting friendships that have blossomed there.

The bond she shares with Shelley Truter, the former principal, and Jo King, the former secretary, has grown into a cherished friendship that extends beyond their professional lives. The children and parents from the numerous classes she has taught hold a special place in her heart.

“It has been immensely rewarding to watch these young learners grow into well-rounded individuals. Many of those families have remained dear friends over the years,” said Sue.

She said she tried to create an environment where all the children and parents feel comfortable communicating their concerns.

“Children have different experiences and upbringings. The school is a place where each child needs to feel safe, and I aimed to foster this daily.”

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Sue said she will miss the daily interactions and the special times the staff share. She will miss the spontaneity of the children and the little bits of domestic news they share with her each day.

Like Tony, Sue shared that retirement comes with mixed feelings. Teaching has been a part of her life for so long, and it will take time to slow down.

Being a principal is a great responsibility, and she will now have to change her mindset of not having the school, the children, and the parents constantly on her mind.

Sue said, “My primary emotion is one of satisfaction and a sense of pride in overcoming many obstacles. The major obstacle was getting through Covid-19 and maintaining the standards of the school.”

Despite the time away from school, she said she is excited to spend time with Tony, her daughters, their families, and her three grandchildren and be able to babysit.

Her grandchildren are a joy in her life. She will now be able to enjoy them and not worry about schoolwork that needs to be done.