Bowing out after 21 years as Paterson High School principal, Dr Sivan Pillay said it was an honour to have served the community and pupils.
It was one of the northern areas’ first high schools and Pillay, 57, said his being part of a legacy in creating a strong culture would not go unnoticed.
“This is the perfect time for me to be retiring,” he said.
“I have been a principal for 21 years. It is a long time to be a head of an institution.”
He started his teaching career at Paterson in 1983 as a biology and general sciences teacher.
“The journey has been mostly good. We have been able to help a lot of our pupils reach their dreams, which ultimately is the role of an educator, despite the difficulties we have faced over the years.
“I was able to keep the school going in a positive way for quite a number of years, with the help and support of a really strong management team.
“I have every confidence in my staff to take over the reins and take the school to new heights, flying the flag high, especially for generations to come,” he said.
Pillay, a dedicated family man with two daughters, said not making his way to school after so many years would take some getting used to.“This school has been my life for 35 years, and it is a bittersweet feeling knowing my time has come to say good bye, but I am tired and I think my family would appreciate knowing that I am home and resting.
“I am going to miss my colleagues and the pupils because one thing I have learnt is that when you work with the youth, they tend to keep you young too,” he said.
Paterson, in Schauderville, the first secondary school for coloured people, was established in a temporary building in Russell Road in January 1925.
Past principals Henry Pearce, 82, and Ronald Peterson, 77, were in attendance at a special high tea held earlier this week to bid Pillay farewell.
The teaching staff formed a guard of honour in front of the school hall as Pillay entered.
Pearce, of Gelvan Park, said he was proud the 80% matric pass rate had been maintained.
“It was a different time then. We had to deal with boycotts and rioting a lot during my years as principal, but Sivan has done an outstanding job in upholding the good reputation of the school.
“He is a good leader, he has been at it for a long time and he knows what he is doing.
“I wish him all the best on his retirement.”
Pillay will retire on July 31.