Farewell to Principal Ms Laura Bekker 2015

Farewell to Ms Bekker

Goodbyes are never easy. It seems ironic to try to find the right words to offer our deepest gratitude and heartfelt farewell to Ms Bekker because, as we struggle to pinpoint just how it is she has impacted everyone at Rustenburg, we are reminded how easily words come to her.

One of the first things which impressed about Ms Bekker was her ease and confidence with language, whether this be by formal public addresses or casual, intimate conversations. It was Ms Pretorius who offered tremendous praise for Ms Bekker’s linguistic style after attending meetings hosted by her. Ms Pretorius simply said what a great many other people have thought. Ms Bekker was adept at reading a situation, knowing the emotions of those involved, and responding by formulating discourse with tenderness and care. Where she absolutely excelled was in compassionate one-on-one encounters, those private moments which go unseen and so often unappreciated. This extended beyond the reaches of just the staff. Ms Bekker gained the ear also of parents and many pupils, who felt comfortable approaching her for counsel and advice, sometimes deeply personal. The anecdotes which Ms Bekker shared were not only entertaining, but also revealed how utterly human she is.

There is a genuine selflessness about Ms Bekker, as has been proven countless times by her willingness to prioritise emotional support when others experience crisis. This deep care is not something which can be taught. It is perhaps not even a skill which can be acquired. Rather, it is deep-rooted within the character and spirit of a person who has enjoyed what life has brought and knows that it is more fulfilling to be optimistic than fearful. Such an attitude is also reflected in Ms Bekker’s approach towards professional development. Her enthusiasm for growing and learning and improving became a hallmark trait. Staff members were encouraged to follow the example set by attending Houw Hoek “Pro-Gro” courses, and similar programmes which foster an active engagement with current educational thinking. This also speaks of humility. Understanding that knowledge is never in its ultimate state, and that there is always more to learn about the world and its people, reveals an unassuming and modest nature. No-one would describe Ms Bekker as arrogant, complacent or aloof.

Poet Maya Angelou writes about the joy of unbridled, unrestrained laughter: “The hollers / rise up and spill / over any way they want.” These words are true too for Ms Bekker. Her smiles were always sincere. Her laughter, even at her own folly, came from deep within. What a sterling example Ms Bekker set for what it means to enjoy everything that life brings. She was jovial, cheerful and always emphasised the importance of camaraderie. Ms Bekker’s broad, beaming smile invited easy conversation. This innate sense of happiness might relate to her ability to concentrate on the present and appreciate current moments for the value which they hold. She did not harbour grudges or harp on about the past.

Ms Bekker was a wonderfully active participant, much to the delight of the entire Rustenburg community. She will be remembered as the principal who did not shy away from becoming involved, in a very real way, whether this meant dressing up according to a theme set by pupils, or flipping hamburger patties, or having a bucket of ice dropped on her head, or playing goalie during a hockey match, or booming words of encouragement at waterpolo matches! There could not have been a better leader for Rustenburg during its 120th birthday celebrations last year. Ms Bekker hosted countless functions, and was always in high spirits, which strengthened valuable ties with Rustenburg Junior and the Old Girls’ Union. She encouraged mirth, festivity and fun, and did this by being absolutely hands-on.

Ms Josephine McIntyre (Rustenburg principal 1980 – 1991) wrote “White Stoep on the Highway” which documents the historical development and progress of Rustenburg since its inception. The life of the school is recorded in detailed chapters, each associated with the leadership of the principal at the time. “White Stoep on the Highway” concludes with the momentous year: 1994. That is over 20 years ago. So much has happened in the interim, both in South Africa and at our school. What will Ms Bekker’s own chapter eventually include? Perhaps only time will be able to assess the true magnitude of her contribution towards Rustenburg. Perhaps it is now still too soon to write the instalment which began with her appointment in 2007.

Some staff members have suggested that Ms Bekker’s legacy might include supporting the work to enhance the campus: the beautification of the grounds, the building of the Mathematics and Physical Sciences Centre and the new Astroturf. Others have proposed that what she has left for the school cannot be measured through physical fixtures, that it is perhaps more an atmosphere of embracing change whole-heartedly for which Ms Bekker will be remembered. An attitude cannot be encapsulated by tangible items.

Still others think that Ms Bekker’s regular reminders about the importance of reading, and love for words, are what might become part of her memory. Her end-of-term speech to the school, during which she promoted literacy and vocabulary, became regarded with great affection. Schoolgirls came to anticipate these words, about words. It felt as though the busy time of the term could only conclude once all had received this final sentiment. Ms Bekker’s time at Rustenburg has now reached its conclusion. We say farewell, knowing that she will go on to spread her deep love for literature far beyond the reaches of the school which we all hold so dear.