After 39 years of influencing the lives of thousands of learners and leaving an indelible mark on each one of them, veteran educator, Elaine Thompson, recently said goodbye to her beloved Greenwood Primary School in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Thompson (65) served under six headmasters; held a number of leadership positions in education and has been an integral part of the development and growth of Greenwood Primary School since she first stepped into her classroom in 1977.
Described by her colleagues as a “shining light and devoted educator,” thousands of lives have been touched by her service and devotion to her career in education.
She began her teaching journey as one of the first graduates of the Port Elizabeth Teachers’ Training Centre, with a small class of grade two learners.
Just five years later, the school’s reputation for quality education had flourished, bringing an influx of students.
Classes grew to almost 45 children per class, with Thompson juggling grade twos and grade threes and a new position as head of the junior phase.
After a brief hiatus from 1987 until 1991, when she stayed home to raise her triplets, Thompson returned to the school in 1991 as a level one teacher. She was elected to the school’s governing body in 1995 as its secretary – a position she retained until retirement.
In 2014, she was appointed as deputy head of the school.
She also headed up the ILST (institutional learner support team) an integral support system of specialist social workers, psychologists, councillors and remedial speech and language therapists who assist learners with special needs at the school.
According to Greenwood Primary School headmaster, Gary Pike, despite being heavily involved in the day-to-day workings of Greenwood, Thompson still offered her time and creative energy to all who needed her.
“For staff and students, she has been a sports coach, counsellor, ‘parent’, mediator, events co-ordinator, confidant, and expert tea-maker,” Pike said.
“Mrs Thompson’s camping skills could rival that of Bear Grylls – but with far better food. She never missed an opportunity to explore the trails in Nature’s Valley or the Zuurberg Mountains and passionately shared the Eastern Cape’s spectacular natural heritage with her learners,” he added.
He explained that when it came to staff functions, she was always the first to arrive and last to leave. From setting up decor to clearing the tables at the end of the function, Thompson’s leadership was founded in service to all.
“Without her, the annual prize-giving ceremonies would not have flowed nearly as smoothly. From setting up the hall to arranging the certificates and trophies for the entire school, Mrs Thompson ensured that the focus was always on the learners’ achievements. No ‘glitches’ ever got in the way of celebrating their success.
“Mrs Thompson has been my rock. Reliable, obliging, composed, and kind-hearted.
“She’s been an invaluable pillar of support during my tenures as acting headmaster and headmaster over the past 12 years,” Pike added.
He emphasised that the staff, learners, graduates and parents of Greenwood will never forget the life lessons she taught and the legacy that Thompson has left.
“Thank you for shining your light as brightly and steadfastly as the lighthouse that features on our school logo. Fiat Lux Mrs Thompson, may your journey ahead be a blessed one.”
