A life-threatening illness could have ended Paul-John McAvoy’s teaching career before it reached its peak.

Instead, it became the beginning of an extraordinary journey that saw him return to his childhood school where he later became principal. A role he now steps away from after years of dedicated service.

As learners will be returning to school to start the second next week, McAvoy principal at Factreton Primary School will be preparing to vacate his office at the end of this month following a 40-year career in education.

The Maitland-born resident believes education runs in his bloodline.

“My dad was an acting principal at this same school. My sister became a teacher, and I also became a teacher.”

His career started off in 1986 when he walked into Garlendale High School from there he went on to Windermere High School where he spent 15 years, teaching English to grade 12 learners.

McAvoy says his passion for teaching was inspired by a lifelong desire to make a difference in the community that raised him.

“Education is in my blood and the desire to add value to the lives of others. I was determined that I needed to add value to my community. This is the community that I wanted to serve.”

However, he says his dreams were almost cut short when, at the age of 34, he was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare autoimmune disorder that left him paralysed, with doctors giving him just six months to live.

“I was paralysed from the neck down for about two years. I didn’t think that I would survive.”

After undergoing treatment at Tygerberg Hospital, McAvoy was forced to resign from his teaching post as he continued his recovery.

But he says his fortunes changed when he unexpectedly received a call about a teaching vacancy at Factreton Primary School.

“I explained to them that I was unable to walk, could barely move and was recovering but they accepted me. And I got the job. I was elated. This was the school where I started as a learner.”

According to McAvoy, with the help of treatment and the support of his family and colleagues, he eventually made a full recovery.

So much so that, in November 2009, he and a group of friends climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness for children on the autism spectrum.

Guided by the saying, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,’ McAvoy believes his passion for education has been the driving force for the past four decades in the profession.

“I enjoy what I do. I enjoy interacting with learners and colleagues. We have a huge task to prepare children, who are the future. Why can’t the next entrepreneur, or the next remarkable human being, come from Factreton?”

Lasting legacy

Reflecting on the legacy he hopes to leave behind, McAvoy says creating a safe and peaceful learning environment should remain at the heart of the school’s mission.

“I would love to see our educators continue to create a space of safety. One filled with peace because people thrive in spaces like that. This will create a conducive environment for teaching and learning.

“Teach everyday as if it’s your child sitting there. And you only want the best for him or her. I pray that when I do leave people will remember and continue the legacy of a peaceful and respectful environment.”

Career highlights

McAvoy says winning the Western Cape Education Department’s Garden Competition in 2022 and seeing the school’s girls’ soccer team represent South Africa in Sweden are among the highlights that will stay with him long after his retirement.

Although he is retiring from the classroom, McAvoy says he has no plans to sit idle.

“There’s a lot that I can still do. If I get called to assist, I will do it. I may step out of this space, but I don’t think there’s retirement on the cards.

“I’m in love with plants, I collect cacti. I’m also fond of creating hydroponic structures for growing and planting. So, I will be busy with that.”

As he prepares to close one chapter of his life, McAvoy has a simple message for learners, parents and the wider community: “Be the best you can be with the talents God has given you. Parents just love our children and create teachable children.”

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