Bluff principal retires after 44 years of service

Mixed emotions filled the atmosphere at Brighton Beach Senior Primary as they said goodbye to principal, Louise Hay, on Tuesday, 30 April.  Hay retired from her duties after 44 years of service in the Department of Education.

Hay started at Brighton Beach Senior Primary in January 1981 as a Grade 7 teacher. She spent some time in Johannesburg where she taught for five years. She spent four years at Warner Beach Senior Primary School as a head of department before returning to Brighton Beach Senior Primary in 1995 as the deputy principal. “I have enjoyed every aspect of my career, most of which I spent at this wonderful school which I hold dear to my heart. My life has been blessed by so many fantastic people that have walked through this school,” said Hay.

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Her best memories of being a teacher and principal at the school is being able to interact with the children in the classes and supporting them on the sports field. “Science was one of my favourite subjects to teach and I taught it for many years. I still receive phone calls from my very first learners. I believe as an educator it is important to build these types of relationships that will last a lifetime,” she added.
As a principal, she tried to instill good values into her school and believes that a person’s attitude will determine their altitude. “I always try to maintain a positive attitude in life and have a positive outlook with everything,” said Hay.

She thanked the Bluff community for always being supportive and commends the community for being close-knit and caring. “It’s a great community with wonderful children, teachers and parents who I will miss dearly.”

She wishes the new principal every success and advises her successor to be strong and be wise in their decision. “Wisdom and strength will help you continue to run the school with success.”