Teachers and pupils from the Matric Class of 1986 meeting each other after 30 years
Held under a proudly African theme 200 former pupils and teachers gathered in an event that saw guests experience a range of emotions. Memories of fun times together were tampered by the reality that many have passed on since.
The rendition of the long lost school anthem that was penned by Zerina Hassen Kathrada a member of Class of 1986 was particularly emotional.
The highlight of the event was a multi-media production produced by Arishad Satter of Fantasi Advertizing.
The event was interspersed with sharing, lots of laughs and spontaneous interaction between teachers and learners.
Lenz High Matric Class of '86 Organising Committee
Here are some reflections by those who attended:
Dear Rehana and Members of the Organising Committee
To conceive, plan, organise and execute a 30th class reunion with the success that it was done with, is near impossible. It’s only with sheer endurance and tenacity which the class of 1986 has in abundance that this could be pulled off. Congratulations, 15 words seem so little to express the completion of a task so huge. So well done to the organising committee and all the members who were involved at any stage of this function, which culminated in its ultimate success.
Most Teachers have a passion for teaching, for them it is a calling. Teachers are poorly paid, they do it without any expectations of gratitude because these are few and far between. In an entire career few educators are blessed to come across one night like the night of the 16/04/2016, where your efforts are recognised and appreciated. It really does make your entire career worthwhile. As an educator myself, I can tell you, what you did for the Teachers that taught at Lenz High in 1986, was recognise a lifetime of dedication and service to education. All teachers want, or expect is a simple “Thank you”. All the Teachers that I engaged with, where so appreciative of the invitation, and just being remembered, you recognised there service not only to the class of 1986, but to thousands of pupils that they taught. It is greatest honour you could have paid them. On behalf of all the Teachers that were invited, thank you for including them and making them a part of the reunion.
Some of the teachers who attended the Lenz High Class of '86 Matric re-union
I really do wish all the pupils from the class of 1986 the best for the years that lie ahead. Take Care of yourself, and never forget that this is your school. You are welcome to visit and contribute in any way to its future success. Being part of this family also brings responsibilities. So ask not what your school can do for you, but ask what you can do for your school.
I look forward to the next reunion and hope I am still at the school to attend a function that I know will be “World Class”.
Hawa Munshi
Principal
Congratulations to the class of 1986. Today you made us teachers feel special and rewarded us with your success. We wish you and your loved ones the choicest blessings the Almighty can shower on you.
Essop Tagari
Thank you to the class of 1986 for a beautiful reunion. This was 'To Sir with Love' from yourselves so selflessly to your teachers. Well done. Already looking forward to the next one.
Farouk Hassen
A very big thanks to all of you who made this day possible. It made me very proud of you. It made me feel special. Thanks once again.
Ahmed Cajee
Congratulations to the Class of '86 for a beautiful event. You started your high school years at Lenasia Secondary in the same year that I was appointed as a teacher… I left Lenasia Secondary in the following year. My time with you as a teacher was very brief; and on the one time that I tried to teach you from the official curriculum it actually bloody snowed. I salute all the teachers for their patience, commitment and tenacity to remain in a profession that should be better paid and be better recognized; and for hanging on in a challenging profession to help you matriculate. As alumni of Lenasia Secondary, your genuine outpouring of love and respect for these teachers compensated in ways that government fails to do. Hats off to all of you and a mega-high-five for your "give back" campaign to support the school.
Thank you for extending an invitation to me and allowing me to celebrate with you not only your three decades of adulthood but also the solid humanity that makes each of you give back so graciously to your teachers and to successive generations of learners at the school.
Ismail Mahomed-teacher
Our sincere and heartfelt gratitude for honouring us. It was an evening that we'll always cherish. We take this opportunity to wish you further success and happiness for the future.
Aziza Wadee-teacher
Congratulations to de Class of 1986 on de organising of such a beautiful and successful reunion! A big hearty thanks to u for re-uniting us educators and learners after so many years. It was indeed a very heart-warming and magnanimous gesture on your part. May God bless u all and I wish u every success in all aspects of your lives for de future. All my luv, R. Hattia
Thank you for the honour love respect. It was memorable night for both my wife and I. So organised and the food the company the decor awesome. God Bless. B. A. Patel and mess. Patel
Thank u for a superb evening. It was an overwhelming experience to see all of u again after sooo…. long. May each one of you be blessed with everything that you wish for yourselves? Thanks again!
Fehmida Adam-teacher
Thank you for a fabulous function. It was most pleasing to see that the pupils of 30 years ago have grown to such successful and heart warming adults. May your careers go from strength to strength. Long live LENZ HIGH.
Yakoob Adam-teacher
The Class of '86 Reunion event will ,for years to come , linger in our minds .(Who says :"Nothing's perfect " ?)
Even the Audio – visual section was perfect. THANK YOU ,INFINITELY !!! Again , I'll state : ' Let it never be said that Teaching Is A Thankless Job '.
Ahmed , your amazing clip on ' I can't believe that we made it' reminds me that we too made it, having schooled in the asbestos environment & many of us ,for many decades, had taught in these dangerous buildings. However had our pupils concentrated in what resembled concentration camps? Look at them now !!!!!!D. Lala-teacher
The organizing committee (Rehana (Gundiwalla) Moosajee, Tasneem (Rasool) Docrat, Ayesha Patel, Neeta Dhanjee, Charlene Pillay, Aziza Mahomed, Farhana (Ebrahim) Madhi, Mohammed Moosajee, Imraan Sayed and Arishad Satter thanks all those who contributed to a truly memorable function.
"Proving their commitment to the institution that helped shape them, the Class of 1086, were excited to handover and unveil a digital signboard. This was a response to the school's vision to be world-class. Thank you to all those who contributed to this gift and may it enhance the school's offering to the community. Further funds have been collected for a digital clock for the school hall to assist with time-keeping particularly during Matric examinations.
