AT the end of last year, Triomf Primary said farewell to teacher Veronica Peterson (née Syce), who retired after 45 years, of which 43 were served at Triomf.
She retired at the age of 65, being only the second foundation phase teacher at the school to retire at that age.
Peterson completed her teacher training at Dower Training College in Uitenhage in 1972 in the Foundation Phase, then known as kindergarten.
“I started my teaching career in 1973 at West End Primary School in the afternoon session because of a shortage of schools at the time. I taught Sub A and Standard 1 (now known as Grade 3),” Peterson said.
In 1975 she transferred to Triomf Primary School which was opened to serve the Salsoneville community and neighbouring areas. “Arthur (Boetie) Carrels was the first principal and when the school opened learners had to sit on the floor as there was no furniture.”
In 1996 she went to further her studies on a full-time basis at Dower College in West End.
On her return she also did library duties for the foundation phase.
A book character day was introduced every year to motivate and encourage the learners to improve their reading skills by dressing up as their favourite characters.
The library did so well that they entered a library competition and won the prize.
Peterson was involved in various charity fund-raising projects and organised the Red Feather Day at the school to raise funds for the Community Chest and also hosted tables for the annual “high tea” for the same organisation over a few years.
“I am proud to have taught up to three generations of some families. On my retirement I plan to travel across our country to experience the beauty and to know it better and love it more.”
