1994
Three months paid leave were the teacher’s reward after seven years of continuous service. I was one of the last to successfully apply for this reward (furlough) and spent three months in Europe. I had an immensely enjoyable vacation seeing all the historical and famous buildings including museums and monuments across Britain and Western Europe. I thought of the students when taking loads of photographs with my camera. I planned to use the slides to enhance my Geography lessons when I returned to Athlone High where the teachers were trying to cope with three fewer teachers and the retirement of Mr de Kock who had been principal since 1986. Marvin van Schalkwyk, an unassuming, brilliant student did us all proud by having the second highest aggregate in the country in the end of year grade 12 results.