Farewell Messages to Mr GM Govender
It is an absolute pleasure to have been associated with retiring Principal Mr GM Govender, on my appointment as Head of Department: Commerce at Wingen Heights Secondary in June 2003. I must describe my tenure at the school until January 2008 as the pinnacle in my learning trajectory that has empowered me in my subsequent posts as Deputy Principal and now as Principal. Wingen Heights Secondary has earned its reputation as a school of excellence, continually producing learners who occupy lofty positions in various fields throughout the country and the world. Many are leaders in their chosen careers and are pioneering the way forward and setting new benchmarks.
Much of the successes of Wingen Heights Secondary must be attributed to the visionary leadership of Mr GM Govender, under whose stewardship since 1996, has enhanced the reputation of the school as one of the leading schools in the country. Mr Govender’s management style and personal ethos has brought out the best in the management teams, governance units, academic and support staff under his supervision, in the interest of teaching and learning at the school. The many successes of the school and the learners that the school produces each year, is a testimony of his dedication, steadfastness and unrelenting commitment to protect, promote and enhance the interest of every learner, as his ultimate expression of the trust earned from the parents and the community. As a leader, he always sets the pace and targets for educators, school governance, learners, parents and the community. Mr Govender is knowledgeable, technologically astute and a hands-on motivational worker, which makes him one of the most resourceful managers in education.
As the provisioning of resources from the Department of Basic Education is limited, the school still leads the way as one of the best resourced institutions in a working class community. The Wingen community stands proud of a home grown leader whose, personal achievements and successes from the abode of humility, has transformed an ordinary school into a theatre for academic, sporting, social and cultural pursuits. Mr Govender must be commended for sacrificing his personal and family time, and for going beyond the call of duty, in creating an info sphere, that is a true jewel of the community and a model worthy of replication throughout the country.
Mr Govender has given more than education to all role players- he has given inspiration and joy beyond limits to rise and soar. His retirement is not just a big loss to us, but a big loss to the nation. Teachers like him are the real assets who make ordinary children grow up into outstanding citizens. The forthcoming retirement is a celebration of the patience and tolerance he has shown in putting up with all the challenges of being a Guru. As Mr Govender retires, we invite him to stroll through the beloved hallways in the school… you’ll hear every nook and corner sadly whisper ‘we will miss you’
Go in the thought that you will be quoted, for a long time to come for all that you said was erudite and awesome. I fondly revere and cherish the many interactions with you and Team Wingen, especially those social moments of wise words and comic artistry and will remember you as the torch bearer of humanity who showed the way forward, to the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Like a candle you’ve burnt out yourself to give light to those who wish to escape the uncertainty of darkness. Even though you are retiring, the values and knowledge that you have imparted to us will never retire.
Congratulations and happy retirement.
Logan Pillay
Principal : Glenview Primary School
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Mr Govender as you enter into retirement it is time for all of us including ex colleagues like me to professor thanks for the years of outstanding LEADERSHIP AND MOTIVATION that you have given us and WINGEN HEIGHTS. I have never met anyone who has combined gifts of knowledge, wisdom, fairness , dedication and commitment to such an enormous extent as you and you have touched each and every one of us deeply. I cannot thank you enough for the guidance that you have given me and all your help, of encouragement, words of wisdom and advice. I KNOW SOMETIMES I DID NOT LISTEN and made some HUGE mistakes but I want to say Mr Govender you are deeply respected by me .Your dedication and commitment to WINGEN HEIGHTS is going to be a huge loss and I hope whoever takes over has your wisdom and dedication and commitment 200percent .YOU ARE THE MOST DEDICATED member of the WINGEN TEAM, and I wish you the very best in the next milestone in your life I know you’ll be successful in the next chapter of your bright future. Retirement is life’s encore. You’ve put in an awe inspiring performance your dedication and presence will be sorely missed. Best of luck in your brand new adventure!
I also want to say Mr Govender FONDLY called GM nothing I can say will ever convey the amount of gratitude, I owe to you for showing me how to have the right attitude. THANKS. Working with you was an honor, working without you was an absolute horror. Working under you was a pleasure, an experience that I will truly treasure. Thanks for converting my mistakes into lessons, pressure into productivity and skills into strengths. You really know how to bring out the best in all your staff. I will never know what it feels like to work under a boss who is annoying, grumpy, irritating and always angry. But this is one work experience that I am glad not to have had –all thanks to an INCREDIBLE PRINCIPAL like you.
FINALLY I WISH TO SAY YOU AREWHAT WARREN BUFFET WOULD BE TO A WOULD BE APPRENTICE INVESTOR, GORDON RAMSAY WOULD BE TO AN ASPIRING CHEF.DAVID BECKHAM WOULD BE TO AN ASPIRING FOOTBALLER AND BRAD PITT WOULD BE TO ANASPIRING ACTOR. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL.
GOD BESS AND HAPPY RETIREMENT
ROGINIE
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I would like to take this opportunity to say, farewell, to a man of wisdom, integrity, principles, morals and ethics.
You are indeed a stalwart in our community who has impressed on all and sundry. The benchmark set by yourself within the learning community would be difficult to emulate. The name Mr. G.M.Govender becomes synonymous with sound education and discipline. Your name was sung and will always be sung from every home and corner in our community. You have certainly left a void that will be hard to fill, but I am also confident that your incumbent will serve and uphold the standards and ethos that you have so vigorously enshrined into the culture at Wingen Heights.
On behalf of the management and staff of SAPS Chatsworth together with the members of the Chatsworth Social Crime Prevention unit I want to wish you well in all your endeavours as you undertake this road of retirement. May all your sunsets be memorable and your sunrises full of health, peace and happiness.
LIEUTENANT DERRICK CHETTY
SOCIAL CRIME PREVENTION
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Dear Gordon,
It is hard to believe you are coming to the end of your term of office
through retirement. I have been associated with you as a colleague and
member of the South African Principals Association (executive) for many
years. It was an honour to have been associated with you. I often gained valuable
information/advice as a young Principal and your junior. You always found
time in your busy schedule to offer advice and constructive criticism.
I will remember you as an outspoken, forthright and professional member of
the Principals' corp. You will definitely leave a deep void in your
community and in education in general. Gordon, your contribution to
education Is immense and you will leave an indelible mark that is going to be hard to
follow. Your school and the growth of its infra-structure is due to your
initiatives and leadership. It was a pleasure to visit the lovely hall on
your premises. I am sure you are going to be really missed by all staff members and of
course the learners. Good, genuine, sincere and "straight" leaders are very
hard to come by and they are slowly becoming extinct.you are definitely one of them.
I want to wish you good health and wellness in your retirement. Whilst I
wish you never ending relaxation, I hope you will not be lost to the
teaching fraternity. People of your calibre are sorely needed.
Good luck in your future endeavours and god speed.
Regards,
Pat Govender
PRINCIPAL - ARENA PARK SECONDARY
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Dear Mr Govender
The years have flown by so fast but the memories of our time in WHSS is still as fresh as they were some 13 years back. Whilst there were many days we were rebellious and other days when we were disrespectful, we must thank you for the standard of discipline you set at the school. We are a breed of students that have learnt through dedication and commitment of educators like yourself and are proud to say we have come up with great moral standards.
Thank you for your many years of service and dedication. Thank you the life you brought into the school and achievements over the years.We salute you
Go well and enjoy the retirement
God bless
MARIANNE DHEVAR
TEAM LEADER: CUSTOMER SERVICES
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"The heights by great men reached and kept,
Were not attained by sudden flight;
But they,while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night."
This is the typical Mr GM Govender I know.
From the very first time I met this educator, I knew he was destined to occupy higher offices in education. With his knowledge, passion for work, work ethos and his experience, he would have been an ideal candidate for Superintendent of Education. Unfortunately, as you know what I know, it is not the ability and capability and capacity of a person that the Dept of Education seeks, but the connections you have in the Union
But God knew the plans He had for Mr GM; plans to prosper him and the community.GM has made an indelible mark not only in the Chatsworth community at large and Burliington in particular,but also in KwaZulu Natal.
GM has worked tirelessly ,selflessly and courageously.He was swift,honest and decisive in his decision making.This is certainly the hallmark of a true leader.
I wish you the very best of health,inter alia,in your well-earned retirement.
You will certainly have the time to hear the birds chirping,see and enjoy the colours of the butterflies and above all bonding with family especially with grand children.
God bless you and all those near and dear to you.
Edmund S Chetty
Retired Chief Superintendent of Education
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TO GORDIE, A GREAT GUY ON THIS SPECIAL OCCASION
For all you've done and all you've achieved, wishing you the time of your life.
CONGRATULATIONS on Your Retirement.
From Siva & Vijay Mari
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Dear Gordon,
May I wish you a well deserved retirement having fulfilled your mandate as Principal of Wingen Heights SecondarySchool for well over twenty exciting years.It has been a long and lonely journey' at times most challenging but we have seen your staff and students grow in stature over the years.Remember always that you left behind a legacy enshrined in the schools tenet of sound educational values in the noble pursuit of excellence for all our children.My three children will readily attest to that. You have made a real difference to so many lives within our teaching and learning fraternity for which you will be long remembered. "To laugh often and much;to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place... to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. That is to have succeeded'" - RALPH WALDO EMERSON
Prem Reddy
EX. Chairman Wngen Heights Parent Association
EX Chairman WIngen Heights Governing Body
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“To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children,
to leave the world a better place,
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived,
this is to have succeeded.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Congratulations Mr Govender, on a lifetime of service and dedication to the Wingen Heights community. You have been a definitive part of Wingen'shistory and will always be remembered for your life's work at the school.
May you be blessed with happiness and contentment in the years ahead.
From Simi Pillay and Family
Vancouver, Canada
(Ex-educator at Wingen Heights)
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Dear Mr Govender
Thank you for being the principal that you were to me as a student and a teacher. I am proud to say that I got my educational foundation under yourleadership and my first teaching experience under your guidance. I wish youall the very best on your new adventure as a retired principal and hope that you have a wonderful time with your family. Best wishes, ex student and ex teacher of WHSS...Karmini Venketiah (Govender)
Karmini Venketiah
Accounting | Economic & Management Sciences: Grade 8 & 9| Design &Technology: Grade 8 & 9
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On behalf of the governing body and educators we want to wish you a happy birthday for tomorrow. May God richly bless you with good health, wealth and prosperity. May you enjoy many more birthdays with your loving wife and exceptional children. We also want to wish you well over your retirement. I know it is very difficult for you to rest but now is the time to do things you couldn’t do before. May the Almighty guide you through a well deserved retirement. It is sad day for education since we are losing the most intelligent, inspiring and hard working educator, mentor and principal. Do take our good wishes to your family as well.
Regards
Mrs Lucy Govender
BELVEDERE
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TO: MR G M GOVENDER PRINCIPAL AT WINGEN HEIGHTS
I AM HONOURED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH YOU, ALTHOUGH OUR PARTS DIVERGED WE WHERE IN CONTACT EVER SINCE. THERE ARE PRINCIPALS AND THERE ARE PRINCIPALS AND SOME WILL RESUME THE POST BUT YOU HAD DEDICATED YOURSELF IN RAISING THE STANDARDS OF WINGEN HEIGHTS TO THE LEVEL IT IS WITH YOUR AMBITION AND GOALS YOU SET FOR THE INSTITUTION. HOPE IN YOUR RETIREMENT YOU ARCHIVE YOUR PERSONAL GOAL. UNFORTUNATELY I AM NOT ABLE TO ATTEND YOUR FAREWELL DUE TO WORK CIRCUMSTANCES. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE LEGACY YOU LEAVE BEHIND WILL FOREVER BE TREASURED BY THE COMMUNITY.
Yours faithfully
DR J GOVENDER
MEDICAL PRACTIONER
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Respected Mr G. M. Govender, you have been an inspiration to the thousands of students, educators and parents who have passed through the portals of this institution. Your farewell marks a watershed moment and you will be deeply missed.
Thank you for the continuous support, guidance, mentoring and inspiration provided in all my endeavours and achievements. You have always ensured us excelling towards excellence in every sphere.
I wish you all the very best for your life ahead and may you be truly blessed always.
N. RUPNARAIN
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Mr G.M Govender
Principal
Wingen Heights Secondary School
Sir
This letter comes to you with greetings and good wishes from the principal, governing body and staff of Everest Primary School. We take this opportunity of congratulating you on your well earned retirement.
Your hard work and dedication to the profession has paid dividends. A feeling of warmth flows in our body to know that you have no doubt enhanced the quality of teaching and learning with your knowledge and vast experience. The excellent results over the years bears testimony to your hard work and dedication. It was an honour and privilege to know that we were your feeder school.
We do understand and appreciate that you had a pivotal role to play as Principal of Wingen Heights especially in the post democratic era where all stakeholders demand their rights. With your cool and calm temperament coupled with your knowledge and leadership style you were able to meet this challenges boldly.
It is now time for you to live the rest of your days of your life walking with a chip on your shoulder, knowing that you served education, learners of Wingen Heights and the Shallcross community with distinction.
We trust and pray that the Almighty God keep you safe in the palm of His hand and bless you with good health and longelivety.
Go well our colleague and friend. Goodbye!
Duly signed!
Mr. J. Neerachand
Principal
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In my short association with Mr G.M. Govender (1990/91), I found in him a gentleman of the highest integrity and a thorough professional. He was ready to learn and implement thus leading the Science Department with great success. What made him standout was that he always was a leader - in the classroom, in the boardroom, out in the field and in the community. It was no wonder when he applied for his first Principal's position in 1997/8, he was placed on the the top of the list in schools he applied for(personally I placed him way in front for the Principalship of Apollo High, but Wingen Heights got him !!!). Best of wishes for a well-deserved retirement . As you have many more years of contribution to make in education, play your part when the call is made.
MAYA SINGH : FORMER SDP AND ACTING PRINCIPAL, RETIRED HEADMASTER (APOLLO HIGH)
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It is with great pleasure that I pen this message. It is with fond memories that I recall the Anti-Drug Forum's first historic school outreach programme soon after its inception 2005. The event took place upon Mr G.M. Govender's invitation.The Anti-Drug Forum and its networking partners addressed Wingen Heights learners about the scourge of drug that was negatively impacting our community at alarming proportions. It was a learning experience for the ADF! We now have a professional relationship with more than 100 schools in different parts of KZN!
Mr Govender must be commended for leading a team which took Wingen Heights to admirable heights. Wingen Heights Secondary is certainly the school to emulate.
We wish Mr Govender many pleasant and enjoyable years of well deserved retirement.
Sam Pillay - Director of the Anti-Drug Forum SA
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Thank you, congratulations on reaching another milestone in your career, your absence will be
greatly missed in the education circles. On behalf of the Padayachee family we wish you a well deserved retirement, our loss in education is your family’s gain.Take care and enjoy every moment.
Thank you, we will be attending( 2 persons)
Saren Padayachee