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Teachers - the unsung heroes
10 November 2012
Teachers – some of the most
special people in the whole world. They
dedicate their lives to educating eager young minds. They can mould them and bend them to reach
open wide. And as a small child, a
teacher is near God. All-powerful,
all-knowing and on a pedestal up high.
My kids have all had awesome
teachers, right the way through. All
three of them did either Toptots or Moms and Tots when they were just little
babies. From there they “graduated” to
two years at Chatterbox – the most special and precious little school in the
whole world. My kids were so very happy
there. A small intimate group of three
and four years olds. They each only went
for a few hours a few mornings a week.
Not every day as I liked to keep some us time too. Auntie Angie and Auntie Margie became a part
of our extended families and I still keep in contact with them. We all have lovely memories of fabulous times
there. They did Founder’s Day tea every
year to celebrate the school’s birthday.
Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day tea.
A Wheel Rally and a Fun Day – so very, very exciting for the kids. An end of year little nativity style play,
followed by a visit from Father Christmas – not to deliver presents, but rather
to give them a small little treat. This
also afforded the children the opportunity to present Father Christmas with
their wish list for Christmas. One year,
all Amber wanted on her list was a proper handbag – so that she could look like
a lady. At Chatterbox, my kids got daily
hugs and cuddles from their teachers.
And then from Chatterbox, we went
on to Happy Days – yet another home from home.
And once again, each of my kids did a two year stretch. And at the end of our six year stint, it was
terribly sad to say goodbye. They
nurtured my kids and helped them along the way, preparing them for big school in
just the right way. They gained a bit
more independence in Happy Days compared to Chatterbox, and rightly so, as they
were just that wee little bit bigger and big school was right around the
corner. Also loads of fun events and
activities throughout the year. An
annual trip to Strand Beach via the train, a real highlight for all. Snake shows, puppet shows, dog shows and
more. Termly cake sales, massive end of
year concert as well as the multitude other little things in a normal year. At Happy Days my kids also got hugs and
cuddles, from teachers and their assistants.
And all of a sudden, in the blink
of an eye, all of my chickens were in big school – Beaumont. And how special that was. I had spent the majority of my Primary School
years there – some of the same teachers are still there from when I was in
school! We had one golden year last
year. Just one year, were I had all of
my kids in the same school. A single
drop off spot at the same time every morning was marvellous. And though they all finished school at
different times with sport, etc. it was still one spot. I find it hard to believe that Luke is in
high school now. And I’m sure it will
feel like a very short while before he jets off to Varsity or College, or
wherever he will venture for his further studies. Because further studies there will be. I have no intention of letting my kids fall
in the whole “gap year” trap. I think
it’s best to just knuckle down and start studying straight out of school. When they’re still in the zone and haven’t
had a proper taste of “freedom” and the joys of earning a proper income. Because giving up monthly earnings, to
further your education, once you’re used to those bucks is surely a very, very
hard thing to do.
My kids have all idolised their
teachers. And as their teachers have gained
popularity, so mine waned in direct proportion.
“Mommy, Mrs Viljoen said…..” or “Mrs Coulson…….”. For years and years everything was “Aunty
Angie this” and “Aunty Margie that”. Mrs
Martin was all powerful and the most wise and clever person on earth. This is so sweet to see. And is exactly as it should be. Because when you’re little, you should adore
your teacher like this. But then again,
only if you’re very, very lucky and have been blessed with a fabulous teacher. They can guide, educate, cuddle, love, teach
life lessons, have fun, encourage learning, have a positive life-long
influence, create magic, create a love for knowledge and so the list goes
on. I have been extremely fortunate to
have all of my kids at the same Grade 2 teacher in Beaumont – Carol
Viljoen. She is absolutely incredible
and is loved by many. Her husband says
that going out with her, even to the Mall, is a bit like being married to a
celebrity – they get stopped, greeted and hugged by children all the time. And their families too.
But sadly, there is the odd bad
apple in the bunch. I’ve also been the
recipient of this. Some teachers are not
fun at all. They enjoy their position of
power too much. They can crush little spirits
and break them down. They can pick on a
kid and embarrass them. They can be
hurtful and even mean. Sadly, these are
adults. And they should know
better. But I suppose they’re just human
too.
For some or other reason, music
teachers are often quite intense, the meanest of all and are prone to outbursts
of bad temper. Funny enough though, I
realised that my piano teachers were most annoyed with me, when I was nervous
as I knew deep down that I had not practised enough and was ill prepared for a
lesson. My lack of effort and practice,
was normally directly related to their mood.
Still they are creative people and we all know that creative people can
be quite volatile. It is however
unrealistic to expect a little kid to display the maturity and skill with an
instrument that they have after years and years of experience. The piano teacher that evoked the most
feelings of fear in me (I was scared spit-less of him), is still a piano
teacher at Beaumont. Even now, as a 39
year old, my stomach turns when I see him.
I lower my head and avoid eye contact – sure he’ll be able to see the
shame of my bad piano skills. If I walk
down the passage at Beaumont and I walk past his music room, I break out in a
cold sweat and clench all of my muscles.
Even from outside, I can smell the room – it still smells the same. It makes me feel about 11 years old once more
– knowing I don’t know my scales probably.
Also knowing that he’ll probably be in a bad mood before I even walk
into his classroom – as surely some other kid had just annoyed him as
well. I think the later in the day your
lesson was, the worse it was. Sort of a
collective annoyance that grew through the day – only to be taken out in its
most harshest form on the poor sod who had the last lesson of the day.
As a teenager, Luke is obviously
disillusioned with teachers in general.
And this is also fine. You’re not
really supposed to like all your teachers I suppose, especially at that age. They represent work, discipline, homework and
often boredom in class. But even at 14,
there is the odd gem. A teacher Luke
deems to be cool. And for this I am
grateful.
My littlies, still love their
teachers and are completely enamoured of them.
For Amber this will probably end soon.
As the workload increases and her hormones start kicking in. But for now, I would like to say a huge big
THANK YOU to the awesome teachers that have guided my kids. You have all played a very important role in
our family. Your influence has extended
far beyond my children’s time in your classes.
You have taught us all lots and enriched our lives.
And for one of my gems, Juffrou
Annemarie, I would like to say thank you to you. You taught me a love of the piano that has
remained with me to this day. You
weren’t my best piano teacher, or even my most talented. But you were the kindest by far. You opened up your home and your heart to me. Even after we moved away from Clanwilliam, I still
often went and spent holidays with you and stayed with you. And I loved you will all of my 10 year old
little heart.
I have been blessed that my own
children have also had some awesome teachers.
Thank you to you. You have meant
so much to all of us and we cherish the time we had in your care.
Absolutely stunning story of appreciation and love and growth and LOVE the photo's. Your kids really have been incredibly lucky to have teachers who care so openly. Amazing angels teachers are! xxxxxx
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