Gavin Thomas had been teaching at Battswood Primary School since 1986 and started as principal in 1997.
After serving 39 years at Battswood Primary School, Gavin Thomas is looking forward to a break after he retired as principal at the end of last year.
Mr Thomas was described as a dedicated, loving, kind, passionate and laid back person at a farewell held at the school last month.
Parents, teachers and pupils sang his praises and told tales of how he had made their journey at Battwood Primary easier.
His wife Carmen Thomas, who also teaches at the school, said he was as committed to the school as he was to their family.
Ms Thomas recalled a couple of years ago when her husband was diagnosed with a heart condition but said despite his health scare his main priority was the school.
“His first love was his family but his first priority has always been Battswood Primary and he was always very worried and concerned about all the pupils, especially the ones who were a bit rebellious,” said Ms Thomas.
“I hope you enjoy your retirement, that you rest and to take things easy and to enjoy the new journey. Thank you for loving us and showing us what kindness is.”
One of the pupils at the school wrote a note to Mr Thomas, which read: “The first day I came to the school I thought that man (Mr Thomas) looks just like my grandpa who passed away. I asked him for a hug and he gladly gave me one and I was like ‘is this man my grandpa because they smell exactly the same’. I wish you didn’t have to leave because I’m going to miss you, goodbye and I wish you all the best.”
Asked what some of the highlights were of his journey as teacher since 1986 and principal since 1997, Mr Thomas said his favourite highlight was when former state president Nelson Mandela himself reopened the school in 2001.
The school, which was initially based in Wynberg, had burned down in 1997 and thanks to some lobbying from Mr Thomas and others, their appeals to rebuild the school was heard by Madiba.
“It was a huge relief and such an honour to have our president help us rebuild our school and to have him officially open it,” said Mr Thomas.
Asked how he’ll be spending his retirement, Mr Thomas said he helped the school out just before the beginning of the new term but was adamant that he’ll be resting, spending time with family, including his elderly mother from Canada, and he recently joined the Cape Historical Society so he is keeping busy.
“I am going to miss Battswood because it was basically a family school but I am going to relax, take it easy and rest,” he said.