Retired senior admin clerk Evelyn MacPherson was the best of her kind in her 41 years at Liesbeeck Primary School, said those who know her.
Ms MacPherson, 65, from Bayview, has served Liesbeeck Primary School in Portland with excellence, efficiency and care, and is now ready to enjoy her retirement.
She has seen four generations of pupils coming through the doors and worked closely with three principals in her time.
Ms MacPherson grew up in Factreton and moved to Mitchell’s Plain in 1979. She had a lovely upbringing and is one of five children, of which two have passed, who was often spoiled as she was the middle child, she said.
She started with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) in April 1976 at Kensington High School where she worked for five years. Thereafter Mitchell’s Plain schools opened up, and she came to Mitchell’s Plain with a transfer in the fourth quarter of 1980 to get everything ready for the new principal and pupils, she told the Plainsman on Wednesday August 31 at her surprise farewell party.
There were no pupils yet with only two teachers and a caretaker principal. Liesbeeck Primary School officially opened in 1981. The first principal to lead from 1981 to 1994 was Kenneth Jejane who came with teachers who were transferred to the school then. Their second principal was Nicklaas Hoffman, and third current principal is Wahied Gasant.
Ms Mac Pherson left from 1983 to 1985 to study at Perseverance Teachers Training College of Education, but she came back on January 13 in 1986 up until Wednesday August 31 at 3.15pm, she said. She didn’t finish the course and came back as the senior admin clerk.
“I’m going to miss the children, especially the little ones. I remember a pupil being sent to the office to ask for the fax. Instead he asked for the axe and was so confused when he saw the piece of paper,” she said.
She always enjoyed the school tours. “I love being outdoors, touring and seeing other places. It was at Liesbeeck where my love for the outdoors grew more and from there I could do my own outings,” she said.
Growing up she always wanted to be able to be of service to somebody. When she heard the post opened she took it, and worked at it for 41 years.
On Tuesday August 30, Liesbeeck Primary school staff, pupils, friends and family sent Ms MacPherson off with a farewell ceremony to wish her well on her retirement.
Principal Mr Gasant said when he became principal in 2017 she made the transition so easy.
“Ms MacPherson really made a difference. We always meet deadlines with her. She was involved in arranging tours and fund-raising too, she has rendered good service. She still looks like the lady that walked in a few years ago. She’s considered one of the top secretaries of her time. She was able to share lots of expertise with the staff. This one has just closed but we wish her well on her journey,” he said.
Teacher Ashrif de Klerk said he’s been working alongside Ms MacPherson for over 30 years.
“If I need anything admin, she will sort it. Thank you for the 30 years. My late wife, Caren de Klerk and I worked closely with her at school. We spent time with her, toured with her, she was more than just a secretary. Now that she’s retiring I hope she has lots of strength and energy to do what she wants to do, such as walking to name a few. She is a dear friend and colleague and we wish her everything of the best,” he said.
Teacher Irafaan Abrahams said he started at the school in 1993 and Ms MacPherson was the first face he saw.
“Today we are neighbours. She was always a guiding light, honest and a great spiritual guide. I was the youngest when I started. She would nurse me as a teacher and as a human being,” he said.
“She was always there to guide. She was efficient and had an attitude of nothing is too much. I taught her son too. She’s going to be missed, not too much because she’s down the road. All of the best Ms MacPherson,” he said.
Her son and former Liesbeeck Primary pupil, Ewald MacPherson said he has fond memories with his mom at school.
“You had a long and successful career being school secretary, being there for everyone over the years and bringing the best out in people, including me. I hope and pray that you are as successful in your retirement as you’ve been in your career. Finally you can sleep,” he said.
To the teachers, staff and pupils coming after her, Ms MacPherson said: “Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability. Do everything because you love it, because you care for the next person. I wish you well and thank you for the beautiful 41 years.”
