Jozua Naude Primary School has bid farewell to their beloved principal, Faan Barnard (62), better known as Mr Buccaneer and Lion King, who has decided to retire after 22½ years.
In his dining room where be showed the Record his Pirates shirt, Lions hat and a bunch of photographs, Faan looked back at his 39-year career in education.
Faan started his teaching career in January 1975 at Laerskool Burgershoop in Krugersdorp where he was involved for 10 years. Then he was appointed deputy principal at Laerskool Gustav Preller from 1985 to 1988 as well as at Laerskool Helderkruin from 1989 to July 1992 before landing a position at Jozua Naude.
During his period as principal, Faan also served in various capacities on other committees such as chairperson of the Roodepoortse Afrikaanse Kunsvereniging, treasurer of the Central West Rugby Committee and executive member of the Institute of Educational Heads.
Faan’s best memories at the school include some very special birthday celebrations organised by the school, when Jozua Naude transformed to a parallel-medium school and when the school implemented soccer as a sport.
One specific birthday celebration close to his heart was when he turned 50 years old.
According to Faan the school had organised for him and his wife to stay over at Glenburn Lodge. The next day, both of them experienced a hair-raising and unforgettable air balloon ride.
He elaborated that he would never forget the events of November 1998, which he described as a turning point in the school’s history when it became a parallel-medium institution.
“I still remember that it was during a parents meeting where the vast majority, 112 to be exact, was in favour of this, compared to the 19 who were against it.”
Faan also describes the period of transformation as one of his biggest challenges at Jozua Naude and how it was managed with excellence by the School Governing Body (SGB) and School Management Team (SMT).
Despite the many highlights, the most emotional and saddest time for Faan at Jozua Naude came in 2012 when his wife Gretha lost her battle against cancer.
Asked what he would miss the most in education, Faan replied, “The almost 40 years I experienced with people passionate about education. I was fortunate enough to have worked with such wonderful committed staff and children, and what we achieved together is something I will never forget.
“It was always a pleasure and honour to be part of Jozua Naude with wonderful pupils, teachers and parents as well as the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE). I would not have achieved what I did were it not through their commitment, support and input.”
Officially relieved of his duties as of Friday 28 February 2014, Faan is looking forward to getting what he refers to as “me-time”.
“I will use this time to catch up on daily sport programmes and support my teams – the Lions and Pirates – on television, something I enjoy so much. The thing I look forward to the most is spending time with my grandchildren, family and loved ones.
“And, did I mention go camping every now then?” Faan concluded.
In his closing message Faan said, “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true people will leave footprints in your heart.”
