“A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart.”
This online quote rings especially true as today (Thursday 5 October) marks World Teacher’s Day and the month of October is dubbed Teacher Appreciation Month.
“We all have a teacher who has had a lasting positive influence on our lives, or our children’s lives, and these teachers deserve to be acknowledged,” said Western Cape Minister of Education David Maynier. “This recognition makes a massive difference to our teachers, and encourages them as they continue to support our children.”
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) extends a special thank you to the province’s incredible teachers for the love and support they offer to learners every day.
In celebration of teachers the department has launched the #ThankaTeacher campaign, which calls on learners to let their special teacher know how much they value the work they have done, by posting their words of appreciation on social media using the hashtag #ThankaTeacher.
They can do this by:
• Writing and posting a message about your teacher
• Posting a video message to or about your teacher
• Drawing and posting a picture of you and your teacher – why not surprise them!
• Posting a photo of your teacher, and include their name and grade.
• Posting anything to show you appreciate teachers!Remember: Tag these with #ThankaTeacher – so that teachers can view them and see how much they are valued.
DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette jumped on the bandwagon, engaging two local high schools, Parel Vallei High School (PV) and Strand High School whose learners submitted special tributes to the teachers whom they appreciate.
Matric student Paul Strydom: “I have a passion for leadership and performing arts, and my drama teacher, Mr Darryl Spijkers is one of my biggest role-models. Not only do I admire his creativity, but especially how he works with people. It starts with the way he facilitates conversation in our drama class so that we can learn from one another, no matter our political view, religion, race or gender. It has broadened my perspective and understanding, without ever making me feel insecure about the things I stand for. In fact, it has strengthened my beliefs, but has also deepened my empathy for people who are different from me. I read somewhere that “bonding leads to building”, which is a very accurate description of his leadership style. He can work with a cast of more than 40 children on stage and make them feel a significant part of the whole. In this sense of belonging we as learners feel inspired to take ownership, play our part and even walk the extra mile while always treating everyone with the utmost respect and maintaining the beautiful balance of inclusive diversity.” Pictured are Paul and Casey Holmes with Spijkers (centre) at the matric farewell.
PV’s Sebastian van Niekerk: “Darryl Spijkers is a theatrical genius. Never before have I seen a man with so much creativity and passion for drama. He has written and directed some amazing plays and theatrical pieces. He thinks on a different plain and when he speaks his thoughts he constructs palaces and cathedrals in the minds of his students. As one of his students I have learnt so much not only about drama, but about life through him. Even though he is a teacher he is someone who he truly stands up for his students and he always tries his best to protect us even when we are guilty of mistakes he shields us and teaches us why we shouldn’t do what we did. Being a part of a play and cast takes long hours every day, and Spijkers does his best to let us enjoy what we do and gives us so much freedom within the framework of the rules, of course. Many of his students have been suitably inspired to pursue careers as professional actors and backstage crew, arising from their experience of high-school drama with him.. Without him we would be stuck in careers as chartered accountants and doctors. He not only encourages but helps us follow our dreams and does everything in his power to do so. He is a true inspiration to his students. He has
Strand High School’s Marquin Smith extended a special “thank you” all the teachers at the school. “Thank you for the wonderful impact you make on all the learners’ lives. You go the extra mile to ensure brighter futures for us. Your passion for teaching is recognised and we appreciate the hard work and dedication you give us. You are blessed with hearts of gold, and with an exemplary attitude. May you always be blessed. Happy Teachers’ Day!”
Hendrik Louw Primary School wished their educators a “Happy International Teachers’ Day”. “They inspire, challenge, and motivate your child to become the best version of themselves. We are proud to have such dedicated and passionate teachers in our school,” the school stated in a Facebook post.
“One book, one pen, one child and one educator can change the world! Happy World Teachers’ Day to a dynamic group of educators who serve our children with so much love and passion. It’s not always easy, but nothing is impossible for this team! Enjoy the well-deserved break, teachers,” Dr G.J. Joubert Primary School posted to its Facebook page.
