Long-serving teacher Nicky Du Plooy retires from Perivale Primary

Perivale Primary School is saying goodbye to long-serving educator Nicky Du Plooy, who retires at the end of July after 38 years in teaching.

Ms Du Plooy, 60, from Strandfontein, has spent the last 28 years at the Lotus River-based school. She began her teaching journey at Firgrove Primary, where she taught for five years, followed by a brief period at Norwood Central Primary in Elsie’s River.

She then spent five years at Sonderend Primary in Manenberg before joining Perivale Primary, where she has taught ever since.

She says her passion for teaching was sparked by her Grade 10 language teacher at Macassar Secondary School, who encouraged her to follow her dreams.

I was a quiet person in class, and my teacher noticed me. She asked about my dreams for the future — it was she who showed me that I was worth something,” she said.

During her career, Ms Du Plooy has witnessed many changes in the teaching profession.

“The needs of the pupils have changed, and the interaction with parents has changed. However, what has remained constant is my love for educating,” she said.

She’s also experienced the evolution of technology in the classroom, with teachers now using smartphones, tablets, and new computer software to support their teaching.

“It was difficult for me because I wasn’t exposed to that kind of technology during my earlier years,” she said.

“But the younger generation of teachers has been supportive and encouraging through the process.”

Ms Du Plooy said the bond she formed with her colleagues at Perivale Primary will always hold a special place in her heart.

“The love we have for each other will always remain. We may have our disagreements, but we don’t bear grudges — and I will miss them a lot,” she said.

Some of Ms Du Plooy’s most rewarding moments have been seeing her Grade 1 pupils learn to read.

“When they can make sentences and write — that’s when I know I’ve made a difference,” she said.

Another highlight of her career was the move from the old school building into the new one — a moment of growth and progress she shared with her colleagues.

“I always tell my colleagues, we are the best team. We support each other and share our practices,” she said.

Lynda van der Broeck, a member of the school’s kitchen staff, said Ms Du Plooy taught two of her grandchildren.

“It’s sad that she’s leaving. She knows how to reach children, especially those who are quiet or feeling down. She always knew how to help them,” she said.

In retirement, Ms Du Plooy plans to remain active in her community. She will be joining a non-profit organisation in Strandfontein that helps people improve their reading and writing skills.

She also intends to continue supporting her church, Mitchells Plain United, with its feeding scheme and by offering literacy lessons to the underprivileged.