After four decades in education, Chatty Secondary School Deputy Principal, Cedric Frank (62), has retired, bringing to a close a career dedicated to shaping young minds.
Frank was one of three educators who retired from the school on Friday, 30 January. He retires alongside Stanton Goliath, Head of the Mathematics and Science Division, who served for 35 years and educator Selwyn Cairncross, who retired at the end of December.
“There is a time to come and a time to go, and I believe after 40 years it is time to go,” Frank said.
Reflecting on his journey into education, Frank explained that teaching was not his original career choice.
“At first, before I became a teacher, I applied to the University of Natal to study medicine, but due to financial constraints I wasn’t able to pursue that. At the time I received a bursary of R200,” he shared.
He recalled how his father, now 91 years old, encouraged him to continue his studies in Cape Town.
“He told me to rather go to Cape Town for my studies, so off I went to the University of the Western Cape, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science and then a Bachelor of Education Honours degree.”
Frank began his teaching career in 1986 at Woodlands Secondary School in Cape Town. He later moved to Bethelsdorp High School in Gqeberha and then to Arcadia High School in 1989, where he served as Head of Department for Mathematics and Science. In 2005, he joined Chatty High School.
“I started here on 1 August 2005 and was later appointed as Deputy Principal in 2015,” he said.
Looking back on his time at Chatty Secondary School, Frank said the school had undergone significant transformation.
“When I arrived here, the windowpanes were broken, and the doors of 11 classrooms were damaged. At Arcadia High School, I was the treasurer, so when I arrived here, I also served in that capacity and fixed windows, ceilings and doors. Things have changed for the better.”
One of the school’s proudest achievements during his tenure was the Class of 2025, which achieved a 97.4% matric pass rate, with the top learner earning five distinctions.
Frank also highlighted the broader role educators play in supporting learners facing social challenges such as gangsterism and substance abuse.
“As a teacher, you must be a change agent to bring change,” he shared. “One learner thanked me for assisting in attending a nine-week programme for substance abuse. We usually liaise with social development and victim support programmes at the police station to assist learners.”
He added that the school also runs parent support and training workshops.
“Our learners come from challenging environments, and, as an educator, you must have a heart for your learners.”
Frank noted that educators at the school often go beyond their formal duties.
“In our environment, we also provide Saturday, Sunday and afternoon classes and we are used to tutoring after school without remuneration. Attitude and love for the subject and people are so important,” he said.
Frank described the school as a place grounded in strong values.
“Our school is so blessed. We conduct a full service at our assembly, where prayer is so important. When I leave here, I know the school will be in good hands,” he shared.
Speaking to PE Express on Thursday, 29 January, Frank said the reality of leaving had been emotional.
“This morning, when I entered the school, we had a meeting and I felt a sense of heartache. As a teacher, you love your learners – they make your day and give you the energy to be at school,” he said. “There is a time to come and a time to go and I believe after 40 years it is time to go.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.