Ivan Baard

Dear Joan,

At this start of a new phase in your life I find myself wondering whether I should be writing to you or writing to the newspapers. Because yours has truly been an inspirational contribution to education and learning that deserves a wider acknowledgement than I’m sure it will get.

I will always remember, after working so closely with your during those few “M.L.Sultan years”, how passionate you were about your teaching mission, about your learners and students and about the whole meaning of education – and how unaware you were of your own power and influence. “Commitment” seemed to be your watchword; often at the cost of much personal sacrifice. How good it was to work in an environment with people like yourself, where ideas could flow and excitement grow. I learned much from you, especially that self-satisfaction with my own skills was solely misplaced. But what a pleasure to be jolted from my comfort zone by constant intellectual interaction.

Now, as you prepare for the future, I salute you for your contribution to the past and the legacy you will leave. May your retirement be one of contented acknowledgment of what you have achieved. May it also be the time for gathering and transcribing the many lessons you have to impart so that a wider audience share some of this treasure. Not a time of rest then, just a change of pace; a re-tireing for the next stage of the journey.

With much affection,

Ivan