Mr. J Vardarajan Farewell Speech
Having served for 40 years in education, it is no easy task to say farewell and I certainly am filled with mixed emotions on this occasion. Thank you, everyone, for sharing this moment with me as I reflect on what has been a wonderful and fulfilling career.
Mountview Secondary has been more than a school through which my career pathway has evolved – indeed it has been a second home to me. The rich experience that I have shared with my fellow educators, the learners and parents, have left an indelible imprint in my mind. Over the years I have encountered amazingly talented learners, many of who have reached the pinnacle in their chosen professions. Not all of them were necessarily academic high flyers, but the latent talent nurtured at this school blossomed as they continued their journey in society and the world of work. Our great leader Nelson Mandela, stated “EDUCATION IS THE GREAT ENGINE FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT” and how true has this proven to be for those children who have passed through the corridors of Mountview Secondary.
I must highlight the point that I have been blessed with a highly skilled and tremendously dedicated teaching staff who continuously established new benchmarks for academic excellence. Over the years, my hand was also strengthened by an excellent management team that I have worked very closely with. Sharing a common vision and working harmoniously as a team are two of the key pillars of success for Mountview Secondary. This should always be part of the learning and teaching culture of our school.
As a Principal, I also have good memories of my relationship with parents and am indeed grateful for the strong interest that they have demonstrated in the education of their children. I am deeply indebted to the members of the Governing Body who served this school with such distinction over the past decades. We must always consider that parents coming on the SGB do so voluntarily and the message is clear that this is only through personal sacrifice that heights of success are attainable.
The success stories from Mountview Secondary are too numerous to mention in this farewell message. But I must say, that on every occasion when the Matric results are released, I have cause to be filled with pride. Not every school will experience receiving the Pinetown District Directors award twice and having learners featured in the Provisional Top ten. Equally impressive, to me, has been the remarkable achievements of learners in Olympiads, debates, chess, sports – some at National and even International level.
Every learner that enters Mountview Secondary must be aware if this institutions proud HISTORY AND BE INSPIRED TO REACH FOR THEIR DREAMS.
As a Principal there are multifold challenges that one has to confront. While I do not wish to mention too much about this, I do have a concern about learner welfare at a time of significant social challenges. I want to send a message out to all our learners to keep your focus on a prosperous future – to stay clear of drugs, to be vigilant against the scourge of HIV/ AIDS, to value your health as your greatest asset. Then only can you truly benefit from the formal education that is offered to you.
As I bid farewell, there are many people to thank that have supported me in successfully playing my role as a Principal. The Circuit Manager, Mr SA Chetty has been an outstanding mentor in my development and I greatly value his advice and support over the years. Once again to the wonderful teaching and admin staff of Mountview Secondary, thank you for unwaveringly fulfilling your duties in such an exemplary manner. To the parents and local community, I sincerely appreciate what you have done in raising this school to the status it currently enjoys.
Our most precious gifts are the children that we are entrusted to educate – to our learners may you always shine brightly and enjoy a prosperous and fulfilling future. God bless you.
Thank you.
