The staff at Red River Primary School in Manenberg hosted a banquet to wish two of their colleagues a fond farewell.
Teacher Sandra Fortuin and secretary Lilian Floris served the school for 46 years and 43 years respectively, and on Monday December 10, their colleagues gathered at the school hall to celebrate their careers.
Ms Fortuin started as a young teacher in 1972, and took early retirement at the age of 55. However, she returned to the school shortly after that, and worked on contract for another 11 years.
Ms Fortuin said their farewell was more of a reunion, as many of their former colleagues attended the event as well.
“I was so privileged that so many of my former colleagues attended the function. The three principals the school has had in its history, also attended the function. Just listening to the strong voice of Frederick Rosant, the first principal the school had, took me back many moons ago. The other two principals I served with, reaped the fruits of Mr Rosant because he trained and moulded me to become the dedicated and committed teacher I am.
“Manenberg was my life and the community of Manenberg will always be close to my heart. As I have touched their lives, so they also made an impact in my life,” Ms Fortuin said.
Former principal, Ursula Jacobs, described both women as hard-working and dependable.
“Ms Floris is very efficient. She always tries her best. She learnt a lot from Mr Rosant. When he retired and I took over, she could teach me so many things. Ms Fortuin is always ready to do things. She is a person one can depend on and she has lots of energy,” Ms Jacobs said.
Ms Fortuin might be saying goodbye to the Manenberg community, but she is not retiring from teaching as yet.
“Although I am laying down the tools at Red River Primary, God opened a door that I can start at Eros School next year. To those wondering why I would still want to work, my answer is because teaching has become my ministry, not a job. My desire is to touch the hearts and souls of children — and by doing that — the minds of my pupils will be reached. It does not matter where I find myself, I will not do things because it is my duty, but I am devoted to what God has called me to do,” Ms Fortuin said.
Ms Floris said her time at the school had been among the most fulfilling and challenging years of her life.
“My time at the school added to the very fabric of my life. I want to thank God for His goodness and faithfulness. I would also like to thank all the former and current staff members, pupils, parents, non-government organisations, and the community, who played an enormous part over my 43 years at Red River. My colleagues and friendships I have developed will forever be etched in my memory. I trust and pray that Red River will continue to be a beacon of hope and promote excellence in education. I would also like to honour my late husband, Phillip, who passed on three years ago, who supported me throughout my career. My gratitude also go out to our children, Steed, Lauren and Reece, who brighten up my days. My extended family I also appreciate, for their love and support.
“To our pupils I would like to say that many successful stories have come from Red River Primary School and you can be one of them. Commitment and hard work will put you in good stead. Honour and respect your parents, educators and everyone who cross your path in life,” Ms Floris said.
Ms Floris is the current principal, Everett Poole’s sister, and in the last five years of her career, the two were known as “the great combo”.
Mr Poole took over the reigns at the school five years ago. He described both Ms Floris and Ms Fortuin as hard-working, all-rounders, multi-taskers, who performed their duties to a high level of excellence.
“There will be a big void at Red River. My sister, Ms Floris, was very meticulous in her work, and always had a professional conduct, and was highly respectable. She could make anybody feel comfortable — no matter who she dealt with. She also developed a system for the school’s finances, and the Western Cape Education Department commended her for that. She would work from home even is she is sick, and even over the holidays.
“Ms Fortuin is a team player, and was involved not just in the classroom, but also culturally and socially and on the sport field. Nothing was ever too difficult for her to do. Ms Fortuin is pro-active and is a problem-solver. She is known as a counsellor, and not only helped the pupils, but her colleagues as well. I feel we are losing two strong pillars who cannot be replaced. They were dedicated and brilliant leaders. Together, they represent nearly 90 years of grace and glory,” Mr Poole said.
