GEORGE NEWS - Two generations of Pacaltsdorp Primary School learners were devastated when they learnt of the passing away of their beloved former headmaster, Ronald Scholtz, who lost his long struggle with cancer on Saturday 28 July in the Geneva Clinic, George.
Initially the deputy headmaster under Les Duthie, Scholtz started at the school in 1989. He became the headmaster in 1998 and retired in October 2014 after 26 years of dedicated service.
Pacaltsdorp Primary's current headmaster, Randall Ohlson, described Scholtz as "an old-style teacher" with a passion for education whose mission was to ensure that all learners are taught in a classroom that is conducive to achieving the best results possible. "He spearheaded the campaign for the new school building," said Ohlson.
Scholtz's former colleague and retired deputy headmaster of Pacaltsdorp Primary, Aubrey Jansen, said Scholtz fought an unrelenting battle with the Education Department to have Pacaltsdorp declared a "no-fees" school.
"The reality is that we are living in tough economic times and many parents simply can't afford to pay their school fees. This resulted in learners staying in the education system, greatly reducing the dropout rate.
The good name of the school was enhanced even further, giving future generations of Pacaltsdorpers the best possible foundation to achieve in life."
The school placed this message on its Facebook page: "Ronald Scholtz was greatly loved, well-respected and admired by everyone whose paths he crossed.
"He not only left behind a legacy to his wife, children, grandchildren and family, but also to the children and community of Pacaltsdorp Primary School."
He leaves behind his wife Bernie; five children, Marisa, Hylton, Tanya, Ronald Junior and Kayla; daughter-in-law Ivanne Scholtz; son-in-law Leon Lamprecht and three grandchildren.
The funeral will take place at 09:00 on Saturday 4 August at the home in 10 Bailie Street, Le Vallia, followed by a service at the Rosemoor Uniting Reformed Church at 10:00. A memorial service will be held at the church this evening, Thursday 2 August, at 19:00.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
