Avanté teacher retires after 22 years
One of the longest-serving teachers at Avanté Primary School has retired.
Petro de Lange who has taught at Avanté Primary School for more than two decades leaves many inspired colleagues and learners behind as she starts her retirement journey.
Petro went to school at Avanté as a learner when the school was then named Laerskool Kocksoord Primary. At the age of eight, she decided she would become a teacher and went on to study at North West University (NWU).
Petro added that both her children also attended Avanté.
When Petro started her teaching career at Avanté, she began as a Grade R teacher. Two years later, she became a Grade Three teacher. Petro then quickly climbed the ladder to become Head of the Department at Avanté in 2014.
Throughout her career, Petro taught Natural Science and Technology for Grade Four learners, Natural Science and Technology for Grade Five learners, and Afrikaans for both Grade Six and Seven learners.
In total, she completed 40 years of service in education of which 22 years were spent at Avanté.
Petro expressed that some of the children she educated later became her colleagues.
“I always enjoyed teaching children how to read and do equations. My Grade Three teacher was my role model and I learned a lot from her. She was passionate, professional, caring, and beautiful,” Petro said.
She continued to say, “I feel I have invested 40 years in education and now I have to stand back for the younger generation to continue where I left off. I thank the Lord that He spared me to live out my passion and make a difference in learners’ lives for so long. I am very excited about the new chapter in my life!”
She added that she will be focusing on preserving various vegetables and fruits as a hobby.
According to Petro, she no longer needs to set an alarm to wake up early or follow a routine. However, she expressed that she will miss her colleagues as well as the interactions with learners.
“To my colleagues in education, don’t let the system extinguish your enthusiasm and love for teaching. Approach each day with positivity and the Father’s guidance. Remember, if we don’t get it right today, we’ll try again tomorrow! Giving up is not an option,” Petro concluded.
