Bronwen Boynton-Lee spent 31 years of her life putting smiles on children’s, parents and other staff members’ faces at Northcliff Nursery School. Her long-serving position is as extensive as the history of the school.
Boynton-Lee was honoured for her memorable impact at a farewell ceremony that took place recently, which was attended by staff members, children and parents to bid farewell to a woman who wears many hats.
Northcliff Nursery School principal, Renate Alberts said Boynton-Lee worked with and trained three principals during her time at the school. She also put systems in place to ensure the school’s administration and finance systems run smoothly. Her contribution has been immense.
“The children will always remember her for her ‘shock sweets’, which were little jelly sweets she handed to them when they were hurt, upset or had a grazed knee,” said Alberts.
Boynton-Lee, who is a Northcliff resident, recalls both of her parents were teachers at Northcliff Primary School and her father was vice principal until his retirement in 1969. Her siblings and her attended the school and spent their Grade 2 year in one of the classrooms in the building now owned by the nursery school.
“Some of the children who were at Northciff Nursery School when I first started are now parents here. In fact four generations of our family have been associated with the school, as my mother was a teacher in the afternoon for some years. My two children and now grandchildren have all been pupils at the school,” said Boynton-Lee.
During her retirement she plans to occupy her time with her passions such as cooking and gardening. She is also a volunteer for Reach for Recovery breast cancer support group, which offers women support. The organisation also raises funds for breast cancer survivors who’ve had a mastectomy, from Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital with aesthetic breasts.
Staff members paid tribute to her through an African blessing “Thula Sizwe”, by non-teaching staff. Alberts said she was very overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown by parents and is very grateful to everyone who came to share this emotional day with her.
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