A veteran school teacher who has served the Lotus River community for over 30 years has decided to call it quits and is looking forward to her retirement.
Perivale Primary School teacher Nicky du Plooy officially retired on Tuesday 1 April and has stepped down from her duties as head of department (HOD).
People’s Post spoke with Du Plooy to trace back her rich legacy within the teaching profession and share her advice and goals for the future.
Being the first and only teacher in her family, Du Plooy matriculated at Macassar Senior Secondary School in 1983.
She was also the first member of her family to pursue tertiary education.
With her 85-year-old mother becoming ill this year, she told People’s Post she felt a need to swap the chalk with some meds to nurture her.
Du Plooy recalled a special encounter with one of her matric teachers in 1981 that sparked her interest in becoming a teacher.
“I was an introvert and hardly spoke although I did extremely well at school. Then one day my English teacher, she came from Stellenbosch and was very young at the time, came to me and said: ‘I never hear your voice’. After hearing this I thought: ‘wow, here’s a person that notices me, that cares and that moment inspired me to become a teacher. From then on I wanted to be there for those children who easily get lost in the crowd and I wanted to help those learners who are often quiet so that their voices could be heard,” she said.
Throughout her whole career, she mostly taught Grade 1 and Grade R learners. Her favourite subject to teach is mathematics.
In 2017, Du Plooy was promoted to HOD at Perivale.
“In this capacity as an HOD, I had to lead as a senior teacher, run the foundation phase, monitor the curriculum and make sure coverage takes place and to make sure that our learners feel safe in the classrooms. I also had to make sure that teachers go for training and support novice teachers,” she said.
Du Plooy also thanked her curriculum advisor, Karima Daniels, for her support over the years.
Fellow teacher Nicolene Langer said they’ve enjoyed working with Du Plooy for 10 years.
“I also would like to thank her for her leadership, guidance, support and always encouraging me to achieve and do my best. I wish her all of the best and will always hold a special place in my heart for her,” Langer said.
Taseem Claassen, a Grade R teacher, praised her for her kindness. “Thank you, Mrs Du Plooy, for 10 incredible years of leadership, guidance, and inspiration. Your dedication, kindness, and passion for education have touched countless hearts, including mine. You’ve been an exceptional HOD and an inspiration to us all. We’re grateful for your service to Perivale Primary School, and we wish you a happy, relaxing retirement.”
Du Plooy has vowed to stay active in her community by assisting soup kitchens and non-governmental organisations (NGO) in the area while caring for her mother.
Du Plooy’s parting words for her school and learners are: “To be there for one another and support each other in all endeavours. Always remember the core values we have taught you which are: respect, dignity, perseverance and accountability. You’ll always be on my mind and in my heart, Perivale, to the end. I love all of you.”
