A school community’s wonderful way of saying thank you to a teacher who has spent more than three decades nurturing little learners.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (03 June 2026) – Long before you grew up to become a person who does incredible things, you were a curious little mind finding its way in a classroom, guided by a teacher who nurtured your earliest senses of curiosity and learning.
We love seeing learners and school communities honour those who shape the next generations. Whether it is St Andrew’s School for Girls reminding us how teaching creates all other professions, St Dominic’s learners handing out sweet appreciation notes, or schools like Rand Park High and Howick Prep sending off their veterans with huge farewell tunnels and seas of flowers.
These moments of gratitude always make the ultimate deposit into the memory banks – especially for the committed teachers who greatly impact every person in their school-going years.
This week, another incredible South African educator is being celebrated.
Thomas More College (TMC) recently bid a beautiful farewell to a school legend, Mrs Jenny Sim, who is preparing to hang up her teaching apron at the end of this year. After 31 years!
“Thomas More College celebrated a truly significant moment as we honoured Mrs Jenny Sim for her remarkable 31 years of loyalty and dedication to childhood development at TMC,” the school shared.
The school surprised her with a permanent tribute that will also play an important role in the learnings and joy of its future generations – a new play station and woodwork area named after her.
“In a surprise she never saw coming, the official opening of the newly named ‘Sim-mer & Sawdust’ (mud kitchen and woodwork station) took place in the very space where Mrs Sims has spent decades nurturing curiosity in our youngest pupils.”
The outdoor learning area will become a place where little learners will bake, create, build, and make memories for years to come. Even though Mrs Sim won’t be there, her philosophy of teaching will always be a feature of the school.
Related Stories
SPCA Cyclists Ride for Animals in Need at Wines2Whales
A Little Kindness, the Perfect Fit: School Shoes Donated in January Finally Find Their OwnerThe morning of honouring Mrs Sim was made even more meaningful by her final matric group who stood among the toddlers to celebrate the new area opened in her name. These pupils are currently in Grade 12 and will end their school chapter alongside her at the end of the year!
“What made the morning even more meaningful was the presence of Mrs Sim’s final matric group, pupils who began their own Thomas More College journey with Mrs Sims in Grade 00 in 2014, and who will close this chapter alongside her at the end of this year.”
by 
