All roads led to Imperial Primary School last week as a street parade was held to honour principal Colin Baron who is retiring after his 35-year service to the school.
The community, parents, staff and pupils celebrated Mr Baron on Thursday March 30. Imperial Primary School drummies paraded down Hengelaar Street in Beacon Valley while Mr Baron drove in a convertible waving at those who came out to congratulate him on his retirement.
Mr Baron finished at Hewat Teacher Training College in 1984. He taught at Silverstream High School from 1985 to 1987. He was a Departmental Head for Physical Sciences at Silverstream High.
Mr Baron started at Imperial Primary School as an HOD in 1988. He also won the Department of Basic Education National Teaching Award for Primary School Leadership in 2002. The award was handed over by the former president Thabo Mbeki.
He became principal of Imperial Primary in 1997. He is a respected leader and held in high esteem by other education greats, said deputy principal Alfonso Smith.
“It has been the honour of my life to have been given the opportunity to work in his shadow as one of his deputy principals. We will celebrate his legacy with other leaders in education at a gala dinner to be held in his honour in May,” he said.
Mr Smith said they’re proud of the legacy left by Mr Baron. “Whatever came your way, you stood and stayed. We are so proud of all you’ve done for Imperial Primary,” he told Mr Baron.
Meagan Cloete, former school governing body (SGB) chairperson, said he has taught them a lot. “Thank you for the person you are. I appreciate your advice you’ve given us and our parents, thank you, sir,” she said.
Danielle Rose, current SGB chairperson, said: “Mr Baron, it’s your time now. Thank you for all you’ve done. Our door will still be open and we hope you enjoy your time.”
Latiefa Scholtz, a former pupil, said Mr Baron was her Grade 7 teacher in the 80s. “Thank you for your guidance. Thank you for all the opportunities you gave me even after finishing my school. All the doors opened from there on, thank you, sir.”
Teacher Randall Norman said: “Thank you for your input and vision, thank you that you believe in every person standing here. I came here as a music teacher. I’ve been here for 28 years because one man believed in me.”
Head boy, Malachi Frank said he will miss how Mr Baron leads. “He motivates us and encourages us to do our best. He has always taught us to stay humble and be a nice person.”
Deputy head girl, Jeneasa Naicke said: “Mr Baron has been a great inspiration to me, without him I wouldn’t have had the courage to be deputy. When he walks into the room he brings the light.”
Head girl Cassidy Petersen said Mr Baron always inspired her to work hard in school.
Justine Van Der Rede, former deputy principal, said she commends Mr Baron for being involved in the community of Beacon Valley.
Former Deputy principal Rozette Zietsman said Mr Baron is one of the best they could have in their time. “Mr Baron is the instrument that brought this school to where it is today. He has always been a visionary. Thank you very much for what you’ve done.”
Acting principal Adielah Avontuur said Mr Baron had a clear vision for Imperial Primary. He is a friend and leader of a big school who is an exceptional leader. “We are proud of you, sir, and wish you well.”
