After being the principal of Gekombineerde Skool Noorderlig for the past four years, Frikkie Smith retired on February 26.
Smith, who started his career 37 years ago, said teaching has been a huge part of his life.
He said his sister inspired him to get into the teaching profession and make a difference in the lives of children.
The Springs resident said he is proud to end his career on a high note of an 88.65 per cent pass rate for 2020 which is a 16.54 improvement from 2019.
“The 2020 group was dedicated and even when they were in Grade 10 and 11, we could tell they were passionate about their education and they worked hard,” said Smith.
“However, at the end of the day, it all depends on the learners if they want to learn.”
The 60-year-old completed his studies in 1983 and started teaching in 1986 at Laerskool Christiaan Beyers in Springs after completing his two-year compulsory military service.
Smith completed his diploma in education and a BA in education in 1991.
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He then completed an honours degree in education management in 1993 and a diploma in education management in 2010.
“In 1992 I was promoted to head of department at Laerskool Elsburg in Germiston,” said Smith.
In April 1997, he was made deputy principal at Gekombineerde Skool Noorderlig, and in 2009 he became the principal of Crystal Park High School.
He said when he started at Crystal Park High, the school was new and there were no set learning systems in place; he had to develop one for the school.
“This is one of the biggest highlights in my teaching career, and in 2007 I won a rugby championship which was also a highlight.”
He has also coached rugby, cricket, soccer and athletics.
“I enjoyed sports so much that I made time even as a principal to coach the learners,” he said.
He said he will miss the learners because he is passionate about teaching and teachers.
“After all, we are like a family and we take care of each other.
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“The teachers and learners must take each day as it comes, it doesn’t help to plan for six weeks because things change daily, especially with the academic year that we just had due to the pandemic,” said Smith.
“They must stay positive as there is always light at the end of the tunnel. When you have negative thoughts then you will be surrounded by negativity all the time.”
The principal is looking forward to doing some woodwork, renovating his home on the coast, and spending quality time with his family.
