Lorraine Primary School bids its exemplary principal adieu
Three rings of the school bell was all it took to officially send Lorraine Primary principal Hansie Harmse on his way to a happy retirement after nearly a decade at the helm of the school.
Tears, handshakes and rousing applause on Friday made for pride-filled scenes as Harmse called time on a 34year career.
A special red carpet ceremony and guard of honour ushered him down the stairs and into the courtyard for a final bell ringing before he waved goodbye to the 1,000 pupils, who at full voice, bid adieu to their “kind-hearted and gentle principal”.
Earlier, they had crammed into the assembly hall for a round of speeches, prayers, performances and the reciting of the school anthem.
The 60-year-old said he was honoured to have served at Lorraine.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to have been the principal of a school such as this.
“I arrived eight years and nine months ago with a purpose,” Harmse said.
“At the time, the school faced many challenges.
“But, standing here today, I can say proudly that my heart is filled.”
Under his leadership, Lorraine Primary School achieved its green energy targets, installing solar panels on several buildings to circumvent the challenge of load-shedding.
The school expanded its water supply, improving boreholes and installing new tanks.
It also became the first school in the Eastern Cape to build an off-road cycling circuit and pump track.
Harmse, who took over the reins from Rudi van Schalkwyk, said he strove to make child-centred decisions for the betterment of his pupils.
The deputy principal responsible for education, Michele Martens, praised Harmse’s education philosophy and leadership.
“He is a dynamic leader. He led us from the front and set an example.
“He is strong in his faith. And, so, the school always kept God as an anchor.”
Martens, who took over as acting principal on April 1, said Harmse would be sorely missed for his “open door” policy.
Harmse’s daughter StephMari Lategan was one of several family members, including grandchildren, who attended the farewell ceremony.
“His family is proud of what he achieved over the past 34 years,” Lategan said.
“He is a phenomenal leader who certainly touched lots of lives.
“Yes, emotional, but what a profound moment in our lives today.”
Grade 7 pupil Ilmae Mostert said she was sad to see her principal retire.
Ilmae, a prefect, read out a prepared farewell speech for Harmse in the school hall.
“It’s sad to see Mr Harmse go. He was gentle, kind and comforting to all of us.
“He gave us lots of support on the courts and in many other ways.”
The deputy principal responsible for sports, infrastructure and cultural activities, Alex Cooper, said a new principal would be announced on July 1.