The Ridge School Magazine 2020

TRIBUTE TO STAFF LEAVING
KIM HANSEN
It has been an
absolute privilege
to work with Kim
in Grade 2 this year.
She is a wonderful,
dedicated teacher
who has put her
heart and soul into making a very challenging
year a happy, productive and memorable one
for the boys in her class. I have so appreciated
her support in our grade, both online and at
school.
I would love to have had more time to work
with you, Kim, but I am grateful that our paths
have crossed and I know that you are going to
find the happiness you so deserve back in the
beautiful Cape.
We asked the boys what they loved most
about Kim, and this is what they said: “Ms.
Hansen is kind (this came up a lot), she is fun,
she makes us laugh, she is really funny and
knows how to help when someone is feeling
down, she has happiness in her voice, she
challenges us and she loves talking about her
Maserati!”
They are spot on Kim, you are a wonderfully
kind and beautiful person, both inside and
out! We wish you nothing but success and
happiness in your future, always believe in
yourself. You have so much to offer the world
of education. Take care of yourself.
Lots of love.
Happiness is the new rich.
Inner peace is the new success.
Health is the new wealth.
Kindness is the new cool.
Syed Balkhi
HOLLY FERRAR
DEBBIE COETZER
Debbie, or Debra
(her given name
and the one she
prefers) has had a
long association with
The Ridge. Debra
taught Grade 0 for
many years and then took the position of ECD
specialist for two years before returning as a
full time teacher in 2020. She is a lady of many
talents and has given so much to the school in
terms of her time, experience and advice.
Debra loved the annual Grade 0 concerts
and always came up with amazing ideas
for costumes, actions and props. The most
memorable being the parasols hung with tinsel
to emulate jellyfish. Debbie danced around
the Grade 0 playground giving us a wonderful
rendition of “Jellyfish Rock”!
Christmas time was when Debbie got busy
with ideas for gifts and decorations. Our
favourite and one that was done for 25 years
is the Star of David. This involved rolling
newspaper and a lot of paint and glitter!
Debbie never shied away from hard work and
was always mindful that the tasks developed
the boys’ essential skills. The gift ideas for the
children to make for their parents were always
exciting and more often than not involved
electric circuits, much to the horror of her less
electrically inclined colleagues.
One of Debbie’s roles in the Grade was to
be the “shopper”. Whether it was shopping
for baking materials, educational equipment or
craft activities, she would always know where
the best place was to find a good deal. Many a
penny has been saved by this wise lady!
Debbie is happiest when planning trips to the
bush and is a passionate bird watcher and
lover of wild life. The staff and boys have gained
so much from her knowledge over the years.
Whenever she sees a new bird or hears a call
she is ready with her App to identify it and add
to her list.
On a personal note, Debbie is always the first
one to offer help, a quiche, a shoulder and
practical advice to any one in need. She is an
accomplished baker and cook and the staff
have been lucky to be gifted with her delicious
biscotti and rusks. She spends many hours
crocheting the most beautiful blankets for
friends and charities. She avoids the limelight
and works away in the background ensuring
everything is done and delivered.
Debbie, we will miss your stories about
William, Brittany and Ross. We wish you all the
best in your new role as Granny next year!
KATHRYN ROSSOUW
LEBONE LEGOABE
I first met Lebone six years ago, when she was a young
HR intern here at The Ridge. When her internship was
complete at the end of 2015, she became the school’s HR
Officer, a role which she carried out extremely well.
Quiet and hardworking, she got on with whatever needed
to be done and was quick to help and explain to others
any queries they had regarding pension, medical aid, leave
and all manner of HR issues.
During her time here at The Ridge, a good deal happened in Lebone’s life. She
made many friends, met the love of her life, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy
and embarked on her Master’s degree! Her quiet demeanour belied a fierce
determination to achieve and a wicked sense of humour.
I shall miss our talks and laughs and her contribution to the Administration
department. She made close friends here and they shall miss her too, not least of
all Darshan, with whom she shared an office, although I’m sure she is enjoying more
peaceful surroundings at St. Peters! St. Peter’s made Lebone an offer she couldn’t
refuse and they are very lucky to have her. I have no doubt that she will add great
value to their HR Department.
We wish Lebone all the very best in her future endeavours.
GILLIAN DIPPENAAR
SUSAN VAN DER WAT
Susan is a kind and caring
individual who has shared her
musical talent with The Ridge for
over 21 Years. She has always given
of her very best, helping the boys
to reach their full potential as
piano students. Susan has worked
magic enabling students to achieve their musical goals and
has produced numerous scholarship candidates over the
years.
I have only had the pleasure of working with Susan for
a short time this year and am sad to see her leave our
department. I wish her all the best as she retires and enjoys
a quieter life. She is looking forward to sitting at the piano
and having the joy of making music.
May you find happiness in the beautiful melodies and
harmonies of the music you play. The etudes and Serenades
of years past will continue to ring through the corridors
here in the Music department. We thank you!
CAROL SHUTTE
20