1997
The year commenced somewhat somberly as a result of our having lost eight posts and of our consequently having to face up to what seemed like an impossible task. Our planning had been thrown out completely by the new establishment of teachers. We had to reset our timetable for the new school year. Our hearts went out to the pupils who were now forced to receive their education in big classes.
Our 50th anniversary celebrations were held at the Calvinist Church in Kewtown and the Podium Hall in Cape Town. The event at the church took the form of a Thanksgiving service followed by a tea and photographic exhibition in the hall afterwards. During his speech in the church Mr Ivan Abrahams greeted his former teacher, Mr Blake in the audience with “Good afternoon Sir!” Ivan Abrahams as you probably know by now was the first registered student at the school in 1947.
Mr De Kock our former principal and great history and accountancy teacher passed away and his funeral at the Catholic Church in Kensington was attended by many. The year also saw the formation of School Governing Bodies in line with state regulation.
The Teachers League of South Africa was a very prominent union in our schools, including Athlone High where Ivan Abrahams and Dolores Carr (Belelie) were two of the dedicated members. Mr Abrahams had successfully campaigned for the TLSA to be incorporated into a bigger umbrella body union, NUPSAW (National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers). Teachers would still receive the principled and intellectual publication The Education Journal.