Mrs. G Chetty's Farewell Speech
The Programme Directors, Dignified Guests, Members of the SGB, Dearest Colleagues and Learners, I still remember that Sunday morning in January 1979 when I boarded the train from DURBAN to VERULAM.I felt like a character from Charles Dickens novel “A TALE OF TWO CITIES.”
I was 22 going on 23. YOUNG, NAIVE and full of ideas because I had just graduated from university and was appointed at MVSS.
I just can't believe that almost 39 years have passed. How would I describe the time spent at this institution? In the words of Dickens and I quote:- "IT WAS THE BEST OF TIMES IT WAS THE WORST OF TIMES IT WAS THE AGE OF WISDOM IT WAS THE AGE OF FOOLISHNESS"
During this time I had the privilege and honour of serving under 6 principals.My first principal Mr H.S.SOMERS needs special mentioning. He advised and encouraged me to pursue two things:- 1. Further my studies 2. TRAVEL WIDELY
The second principal whom I spent the most time with is Mr. J.VARDARAJAN.Together we worked as a team and I did really learn a lot from him. MVSS WAS A RELATIVELY “NEW SCHOOL” when I was appointed, yet in that short period the school won the prestigious DOUGLAS SHIELD for the best matric results and broke many sporting records.We are still achieving not only in the academic and sporting fields but in other extra-curricular activities.I am so proud of you.ALWAYS REMEMBER OUR MOTTO STRIVE.
In 1980 /1981, our learners young as they were joined the NATIONAL SCHOOLS BOYCOTTS AND PROTESTED AGAINST THE REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATIONS.A number of our learners suffered harassment by the notorious security police.Many of these past MVSS learners have become distinguished leaders and are making a real difference in nation-building initiatives.I am so proud of their achievements and eternally grateful to those of them who readily come to assist their alma mater.
Before the dawn of democracy, all schools had to transform from racially divided shools to mixed-race schools.For the first time in 1990 learners from all race, groups were enrolled.For me, this was a challenging and exciting period of change.This period was a learning experience for many of us.I recall with very fond memories how we learnt to adapt to the changing political climate in the country and more especially at MVSS.I was honoured to learn and impart knowledge to learners from all races and I was also able to learn about their cultures and traditions.So many barriers were broken as children mixed and played together.
We also had to contend with a number of social problems from drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, discipline issues etc etc.Our staff had to come up with ideas to assist learners. As a result, various groups and clubs were established to assist learners. For this, I salute the staff for going the extra mile to ensure that every child is made comfortable.
My journey of 39 yrs cannot be summarised in just 10 min. I could go on and on. I would just like to stress one aspect of my speech thus far and that is the concept of time.We have all been given 24 hrs in a day, nothing more, nothing less.How we utilise that time is up to the individual.You can spend hours in front of the TV or you can balance it with work and play.its up to you.in the year 2000 the learners and educators at that time made a time capsule in which we enclosed letters, photos etc.it is buried somewhere in the school grounds.Maybe in another 50 or 100 years time, that capsule will be found.
I would like to read the words of an anonymous writer:- "YOU ARE THE BOOKS YOU READ. THE MOVIES YOU WATCH THE MUSIC YOU LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE YOU SPEND TIME WITH, THE CONVERSATIONS YOU ENGAGE IN. CHOOSE WISELY WHAT YOU FEED YOUR MIND."
In conclusion, I would like to thank the following:- 1. My learners from the years 1979 to the present who gave me a purpose to come to school and for the opportunity of giving expression to my passion- to teach my favourite subjects biology/life sciences and natural sciences.I feel such a sense of pride knowing that each and every one of you were part of my journey, in the best of times, in the worst of times in my life.
2. My colleagues over the years who became my other family.We worked well together, synergizing, complementing and supporting each other especially during the difficult and challenging times.
3. The SGB’S over the years and the NGO’S that I have worked very closely with.
As one chapter closes another will open.
Thank you.
