Principal thanked for voluminous contributions to school
Ramdeen commenced his teaching career in January 1984 at Cravenby Secondary in Cape Town. In 1985, he was transferred to Highlands Primary in Chatsworth and taught there until March 1999.
The community of Westcliff in Chatsworth bid farewell to the energetic and dedicated principal of Greenvale Primary School, Mr P Ramdeen, who retired in October 2020 after 37 years of loyal service to the Department of Education.
Ramdeen commenced his teaching career in January 1984 at Cravenby Secondary in Cape Town. In 1985, he was transferred to Highlands Primary in Chatsworth and taught there until March 1999.
In April 1999, he moved to Mariannpark Primary in Pinetown and was promoted to senior phase head of department in 2000 and in 2015, he served as acting deputy principal. He was promoted to principal of Greenvale Primary from January 2016 and served five years in this post.
Mr Ramdeen has served 20 years of his 37 years teaching career in leadership and management positions. During his successful career, he served on school governing bodies as chairman, Naptosa and Sadtu site chairperson, chairperson and co-ordinator of Inter-School Elocution Contests, debates, soccer tournaments, and as a master of ceremonies for debs balls, variety concerts and fundraising family fun days.
Mr Ramdeen still recalls his first impression of Greenvale Primary when he was appointed as principal in January 2016.
ALSO READ: A farewell treat from retired principal
The entrance had an old rusted gate, no security guards, rusted school sign board, roofs moss ridden, toilets in a deplorable state, overgrowth of grass, several broken window panes, ceiling boards and light fittings damaged or stolen, graffiti on walls around the school.
Having the passion and drive for maintenance and the best interests of the pupils at heart, Ramdeen commenced immediately on a vigorous fundraising campaign with the assistance and support of parents and staff and started to make drastic improvements to the school infrastructure.
Some of the improvements he was responsible for which involved him spending time after school hours, over weekends and during school holidays include the installation of new sliding gate and sign boards sponsored by tenants, purchase of a lawn mower and brush cutter, high pressure cleaning and painting of roofs, classrooms and office block, repairs and renovation of all toilets, repairs of electrical faults and installation of light fittings, installation of fans in all rooms, contracted 24 hours security guards.
He also secured sponsorship of cash donations, paints, office chairs and desks from ABSA, uniforms, grocery hampers, stationery packs, library books, sports equipment, breakfast snacks, weekly sandwiches and hot meals for pupils.
Ramdeen shared that he has fulfilled and achieved his motto which is: Going beyond the call of duty, striving for excellence, delivering quality education to the nation. Due to the teamwork, dedication and commitment of his staff and SGB, they were able to maintain a 100 percent pass rate for the last three years.
When asked as to how he plans to spend his well-deserved retirement, he said, “I’m a busy body. I will be fully occupied with various home improvement projects, maintenance, repairs and restoration. I love my gardening and I am very passionate about cooking exotic dishes on the outside wood fire. I will be perfecting my culinary skills and spending more quality time with my family, friends and pets. Once the COVID-19 pandemic is over, I plan to embark on overseas travel with my adorable wife and tour the world,” he concluded.
