From learner to legacy: Kuswag Skool deputy principal retires
The primary school deputy principal, who was also the first registered learner in 1970, bids farewell after 35 years at the school.
AFTER 40 years of dedicated service to education, Pieter van der Spuy retired from his position as Kuswag Primary School’s deputy principal at the end of September.
His journey at the school dates back to its early days when he was the first registered learner in 1970, at its current premises.
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“The school originally began on the grounds where Amanzimtoti Primary School is now. Back then, the school was nothing more than pre-fab classrooms and mockingly referred to as the ‘cardboard college’,” said Van der Spuy.
After teaching inland for five years after obtaining his education degree in Bloemfontein, he moved back to Amanzimtoti and filled a position at Kuswag Skool. He taught accounting, economics and business to high school learners for about 30 years, before going on to serve as a deputy for a further five years.
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His family’s deep-rooted connection to education, with his father serving as the director of Adams College and his grandfathers as teachers, played a role in his lifelong commitment to the field. Van der Spuy said, “Despite having the option to retire five years ago, I chose to take on the new challenge – which enabled me to prepare young learners for high school.”
He also coached rugby for 30 years and cricket for 27 years. Throughout his career, he held a firm belief that teachers can have an impact on a student’s life.
“The most rewarding part was watching the growth and development of students, from where they started to where they stood at the end of their schooling journey,” said Van der Spuy.
He added that he cherished the moments when former students returned to express the impact he had on their lives. Van der Spuy said he felt honoured and privileged to be a part of Kuswag Skool.
He also encourages the school, parents, students and the community to uphold the school’s values and continue embracing the Afrikaans language.
Van der Spuy added that he is eager for a well-deserved break while remaining open to contributing to the school’s future.
The school’s newly appointed deputy principal is long-standing teacher Yvette van der Nest.
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