PHOTOS: Legendary PV staffer retires after 35 years

Come month-end another legend whose name has become synonymous to that of Parel Vallei High School will bow out following an illustrious teaching career of nearly four decades.

Deputy principal of extramural activities Eunice Kets will call it a day permanently on Tuesday 30 April and step into retirement. The 62-year-old beloved blue-thread staffer has dedicated 35 years to the Somerset West high school where she not only left her mark, but her remarkable legacy will forever live on. The passionate teacher, sport enthusiast and invaluable asset to the community was honoured during a special farewell gathering at the school on Tuesday (23 April). During the mid-morning event attended by family and fellow personnel Kets was gifted a plaque, revealing that the school’s astro turf would be named after her.

She started her career at Commercial High School in Worcester, teaching physical education and geography. Four years later, after tying the knot and relocating to the basin, she joined Strand Secondary where she taught English for a year.

The legend joined the PV ranks on 1 January 1989, initially teaching among other subjects PE, geography, history and typing at the school which had just 280 learners at the time.

In 2005, Kets gave up her departmental post to become head of sport, which was quite the career change but afforded her the opportunity to live out her passion. In 2018, she was promoted to deputy head of extramural activities for a significantly larger PV which currently has 1 327 learners.

Among Kets’ loved ones who shared the momentous occasion with her were daughters Liesel and Chantel, son-in-law Calvin and husband Les.

De Kock’s introduction to his speech honoured Kets with a quote, “She dares to be the light in the darkest of nights; the friend whose strength and guidance ignites”. He further described Kets as a child of God, beloved spouse, mother, sister and daughter, exemplary leader and compassionate friend, valued shoulder to cry on and helping hand in times of need, remarkably hard worker and true trailblazer who is mentor for many, game for anything, excellent event’s organiser, diplomat of note. De Kock shared treasured moments of their joint journey, highlighting the symbolic manner in which Kets’ career and the school grew together, with the culmination of the recent addition of the astro turf. “Your first girls’ hockey team at the end of the 1990s paved the way for other sports,” she said. “Your dedication, your hard work, your unwavering commitment in anything you undertake is well known. Your presence left an indelible impact on the school, from your expertise, your empathy for employees and learners, your bulldog way of arguing and fighting for what you believe is right for the benefit of the school, and constant kindness towards everyone. You live the proverb, ‘a day without laughter is a waste of a day’. You have contributed so

In a quick trip down memory lane and look back at their journey together in education since 1989, De Kock shared slides of old snapshots of precious memories with guests. This one was taken on the first sports tour with a rugby and hockey team outside the country’s borders which included a visit to the Victoria Falls and a river-rafting experience. Here both can be seen “hanging on for dear life” in pure delight.

De Kock and Kets with other teammates who shared in the experience of a national indoor cricket tournament which took place one evening years back.

Kets, off the bat, admitted to a tendency to speak from the heart, but feeling glad she had penned down all the thank you’s and highlights over the past 35 years which she tried to wrap into a few minutes. “Please bear with me,” she advised. She proceeded to extend her deepest gratitude to the ever-supporting staff and loved ones, and colleagues turned friends and family. “I was given the opportunity to grow as a leader and a person and thank you very much for this,” she said. Kets extended a special “thank you” to Parel Vallei, which has afforded her the opportunity to be involved in the school for more than 35 years. “Thank you for all the love and support. I will miss you, but I am ready for this next chapter and season in my life. Parel Vallei will always be part of me and I will keep an eye on all future achievements and developments at the school.”

In closing, Kets said a special prayer in which asked for blessings in abundance to shower over the school, its staff and learners, the broader community of Somerset West.

Principal David Schenck raises a glass to the Kets couple, toasting to their combined 80-year service to the basin as devoted teachers. “We wish both of you a blessed and absolutely wonderful retirement,” he said, “with the perfect kick-start, a holiday ticket to Mauritius, with a request for guests to rise and give a round of applause to the teaching duo.

One of the farewell presents the school gifted Kets was a specially branded Freedom of Movement (FOM) travel bag.

The other gift was one that brought Kets to tears. “I was good the whole time until now,” she said, fighting back the tears, as she opened the wrapped plaque, which revealed the new name of the school’s astro turf – the Kets Astro.

A proud Kets boasting the plaque which will be secured at the astro turf.

Kets with her loving daughters, who are immensely proud of their mom.

Kets embarks on the new chapter with hubby and senior deputy head at Beaumont Primary School, Les, who also retires after decades of dedication to the teaching profession.