West Ridge finds it difficult to deal with the death of a long-time educator

Staff and pupils of West Ridge High School (WRHS) find it difficult to deal with the recent death of long-time educator, Yvonne Arnolds.

“It is with sadness that we bid farewell to a woman of many talents who was respected and loved by many, but who was above all, a teacher worthy of that name,” a friend, Margaret Wandry said.

Arnolds joined the WRHS staff in January 1980 and in a very short time became an integral part of the school and had dedicated her life to the pupils at the school. Having taught at the school for 33 years made her one of the longest-serving staff members at WRHS.

On Sunday 8 September Arnolds passed away after a battle with cancer.

Wandry added, “Miss Arnold, as she was fondly known to all, was a hard worker who participated fully in the academic and extra-curricular activities of the school.

“She was an athletics coach, ran the shooting club – also travelling overseas with the schools’ Springbok shooting team – coached hockey, and was involved in other activities. An accomplished cook, she was responsible for many wonderfully catered functions, and an Honour’s Evening’s beautiful flower arrangements will be remembered by many”.

Pupils will remember Arnolds as ‘The organiser, par excellence’ for the wonderful venues, beautiful decorations and those unforgettable evenings at the matric farewells, even though she badgered them for their table bookings.

“She was the one who ensured that every matric pupil had an outfit so that no one would be left out. Her care and concern for others inspired many on the staff to be supportive of what was the West Ridge family tradition,” Wandry said.

“In the classroom, Yvonne excelled as an educator, caring about the welfare and progress of every pupil who crossed that threshold. As Head of Department (HOD) Afrikaans she led her team ably and was recognised by the D12 District Team for her leadership in her field.”

Marketing Manager of WRHS, Letchme Makenjee added, “Yvonne always was available to assist with any situation and played a very important role in all aspects pertaining to the school. She was the driving force behind every activity that one possibly could imagine at our school.

“One of our former teachers wrote in her message of condolence: ‘West Ridge will never be the same again without Ms Arnold’.

“She is sorely missed by all of us. We’ve loved her and needed her to stay a while longer, but God loves her more and needed her more than we ever could. May the Almighty grant you eternal rest and may light perpetually shine upon you.”