Farewell letter to Juan Swart
From Neville Richards
Principal Izotsha Primary School
July 2012
(Excerpts of letter) to make it shorter – quotes from New adventure, Road less travelled, Rudyard Kipling)
Juan – I believe all of us are cheering you and would like to put your many challenges over the past years behind you to start anew.
I can sense a renewed enthusiasm and excitement in your handshake, voice and your walk, which I remember when you started at the School.
Juan – you have done amazing work in the growth and development of Physical Education and Sport at this school over the past 10 years and you have inspired many children in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Names of pupils such as Rozz Odendaal and Matthew Worrall-Clare come to mind, who were on a road to nowhere but have made a success of their lives and Rugby careers due to yourself inspiring them here at Izotsha Primary School by making them believe them in themselves.
Other children like Wade Elliot, Byron Bosch and David Small also come to mind whom you have undoubtedly shaped their sporting lives in cricket and whom I am sure we will see in provincial teams in the not so distant future.
In my personal dealings with you – you have never failed to make me smile with your unbridled optimism and sense of humour even through some very tough times.
I know from my experience of thirty two years that you only miss a member of staff of a school once they leave as suddenly a vacuum is left – as we can see from the proposed sporting programme this Term.
Juan – I believe all of us wholeheartedly want to wish you so well and everything of the best.
As a parting shot – I would like to inspire you by quoting the Olympic Games motto to you – Swifter, Higher, Stronger. Juan – may you continue to inspire a generation of pupils through your passion, leading, teaching and coaching.
May you go swifter, higher and stronger in your future life – please go well and take care of yourself – my friend
N.S. Richards
Principal