As the school bell rang for the close of the first term, its echo didn’t carry the usual promise of a new day. Instead, it rang with a quiet sorrow, a deep, aching farewell to two giants of our school community.
What was meant to be a joyful celebration inside the Andrew Anthony Primary School Hall, a tribute to the retirement of our cherished Principal Reena Bhagirathy and Deputy Principal Kishore Bhaga, began in solemn silence, last Friday (April 25). The empty chairs, the stillness of the room, and the absence of cheerful noise painted a scene of disbelief and heartbreak.
The feeling was indescribable. To walk into a space meant for honour, only to be met with silence, was humbling, disheartening, and heavy. And yet, within minutes, the true heart of our community began to reveal itself. School Governing Body members, both past and present, members of the GA District, Principals from neighbouring schools like Jacaranda, Laudium, and Hillside Primary, and faithful colleagues began to arrive. Warm embraces followed, tinged with tears and soft laughter, the kind that only comes when hearts are full and words feel too small.
What unfolded was not defined by the size of the crowd but by the size of the love in the room.
For six extraordinary years, these two leaders stood side by side, inseparable in purpose, in spirit, and in dedication. We often called them twins, not because they shared blood, but because they shared a vision: a relentless, loving commitment to nurturing young minds and uplifting every soul that walked through our school gates. Their partnership was rare, sacred, even. Where else do we see a Deputy retire in solidarity with their Principal? That speaks volumes about the kind of bond they had. It wasn’t just leadership. It was legacy. As the ceremony commenced, emotions flooded the hall. We listened to stories that spanned decades, stories of classroom chalk and difficult schedules, of sleepless nights and breakthrough mornings. Each anecdote wove a richer picture of who they were: not just educators, but life-changers.
A woman of grace, vision, and boundless devotion
Mrs. R. Bhagirathy began her journey nearly 40 years ago with nothing but heart and hope. And from the moment she stepped into a classroom, she gave it her all. She taught with the kind of love that children never forget, love that comforted, challenged, and inspired. Under her leadership, Andrew Anthony Primary didn’t just grow, it came alive. Laughter and sports became part of the curriculum. Gardens bloomed where cold fences once stood. Students were seen, heard, and treasured. Her motto, “Every child matters, every moment counts,” was not just a slogan. It was her truth. Her presence was magnetic. She was the netball coach cheering on the sidelines, the mentor guiding young teachers, the leader who hated being behind a desk because her heart belonged in the corridors, among her children. And when duty called her to paper and pen, Mr. Bhaga became her trusted second, her eyes, her ears, and her balance. Her farewell speech was a moment suspended in time. Her voice, filled with gratitude and grace, moved us all. She honoured her partner in leadership, the event organisers, and even the unsung heroes, the grounds staff who quietly kept the school shining. Her humility and love left no one unseen. That was her gift. That is her legacy.
The steady soul who stood beside her
And then there was Mr. K.P. Bhaga, the calm, constant presence whose quiet strength became the backbone of the school. He didn’t need the spotlight. He led through listening, through action, and through his unwavering belief in every child’s potential. He knew every student by name. He stayed late to fix what others didn’t notice. He brought joy through his love of mathematics and music, enriching both minds and spirits. He was the gentle hand in chaos, the patient guide in uncertainty, the heartbeat of the school. In his final message, he turned not to applause, but to memory, recalling the treasured moments spent with his partner in leadership. Their breaks weren’t just rest, they were moments of reflection, laughter, and learning. In those conversations, he found purpose and partnership. His words were soft but profound, a quiet bow from a man whose every action spoke volumes.
A partnership etched in time
Together, Mrs. Bhagirathy and Mr. Bhaga shaped more than just a school, they shaped lives. Their vision was wide and deep. They didn’t just teach children, they uplifted families, empowered staff, and built a sanctuary where all felt seen and safe. Through challenges, educational reforms, national shifts, even a global pandemic, their focus remained unwavering, the children came first. Always.
The echo of their legacy
Now, as they step into a well-earned retirement, their absence is already palpable.
Their laughter will be missed in the staffroom.
Their footsteps no longer echo down the halls.
Their offices, once filled with plans and purpose, now sit still, but never empty.
Because their legacy remains.
It lives in every teacher who carries their lessons forward, in every child who found confidence under their care, and in the soul of this school, which they loved and led so completely. So, we do not say goodbye.
We say thank you. For the late nights, the early mornings, the tears, the joy, the mentorship, and the love. We are forever changed because of you. May your next chapter be filled with peace, with purpose, and with the deep knowing that you made this world, and this school, a better place. You will always be a great value in all the lives you have touched. Thank you.
Speech Panel:
Mr Hoshoko (SGB Chair).
Mr Maluleke (SGB Parent Member).
Mrs Pillay (Principal of Jacaranda Primary School).
Mr Motala (Acting Principal of Hillside Primary School).
Mr Padayachee (Acting Principal of Laudium Primary School).
Mr M. Naidoo (Former SGB Member).
Mr D.R. Malekutu ( Former SGB Chair).
Ms K.A Chauke (SGB Treasurer).
Dr. W Kobala (GA).
Mrs R. Bhagirathy (Principal of Andrew Anthony Primary School).
Mr K. Bhaga (Deputy Principal of Andrew Anthony Primary School).
