AS a tribute to him and his devotion to education and improving the lives of children, the Walmer West Primary school named its park after principal Johann Oosthuizen.
The Johann Oosthuizen Park’s opening ceremony was held at the Walmer West Primary School alongside their lake on Friday.
This was in honour of Johann Oosthuizen who is retiring as the school’s principal after more than 40 years in education.
Learners, parents and teachers all gathered to celebrate the career of a man they truly value.
Two separate dance performances by learners were followed by a speech delivered by head girl Brooklyn Pienaar, expressing the school’s appreciation for all their principal has taught them.
During the ceremony, Oosthuizen planted a tree next to the lake for learners to see grow for years to come. He then shared some of his greatest memories of his career as well as a couple of inspirational pieces of advice for his learners.
“Respect and discipline must come from within, not from without,” said Oosthuizen.
“I am very proud to be standing at the end of such of a wonderful career and would not have wanted it any other way.”
He shared some of the attributes he associates with his school, expressing how the staff really do love their learners and care about their development and growth.
Oosthuizen emphasised how important it is to set goals, as learners and as adults.
He referred to the learners as his children, and urged them to always grow and keep progressing in life.
After Oosthuizen cut the ribbon on the gate to officially open the Johann Oosthuizen Park, the ceremony ended with learners blowing bubbles throughout the park.
