Resident goes back to school – 60 years later
'Today was a very special day to me'
The staff and principal at Discovery Full Service Primary School recently received a surprise visit from a special guest, who came to visit their brand new Grade 1s.
Sixty-five-year-old Johnny Wiid has been a resident of Discovery since his birth, and, with the start of the new school year, he wanted to relive some of his childhood memories. “When schools started, I wanted to visit my old Alma Mater to remember how I felt on my first day at big school, which was in January 1958.
I can still remember my mom taking me by my hand and walking with me to school, to ensure I could start my school career,” he said.
He added that he remembered talking to the school principal on his first school day, and said, “The principal greeted me and told me that there was one space left, which was reserved especially for me. He introduced me to my new teacher and she took me to my Grade 1 class. As I sat myself down at the open desk, I looked up at the blackboard, and saw I was in Grade 1B.
According to Johnny, not a lot has changed at the school, and, save for a few building changes, the uniform and classrooms have stayed almost the same. “There have definitely been changes, but most of it is to adapt to today’s technology,” he said, smiling.
Johnny was speechless when he was given permission to join some of the newest school members in class, and was taken aback when he looked up from the desk where he was sitting (in front of the class) and looked at the blackboard. “When I looked at the board, I saw that I was in Grade 1B – the same class as 60 years ago!” he exclaimed.
The school’s principal, Raymond Peters, was very surprised at Johnny’s visit, and could not believe that a learner from 60 years ago was visiting the school.
“The whole exercise brought back a flood of memories which took me back to the old days, said Johnny. “Yes, it took me back to my childhood, but I experienced a lot of mixed emotions, and I do not have the words to describe the feeling adequately. It was a very special day to me. But, I must be honest, if I had to start school now, I would definitely not cope and would not be able to adapt at all,” Johnny said with a chuckle.
He concluded with a message to everyone starting school, saying, “You should enjoy every single moment of your school career, as it goes by so fast, and you should enjoy it while it lasts.”
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
