KDVP’s doors may close, but its lessons remain

The closure of King David Victory Park (KDVP) has had a profound impact on all. I especially felt such sadness, having taught there for 36 years!

It’s hard to put into words what this school has meant to me. It has always been more than a workplace, it has been my second home, filled with the shared purpose of achieving the best in each child. I have been blessed with colleagues who became like second family, and a community that held this school close to its heart.

My three children were educated there, and as their minds grew, their friendships blossomed and lives were shaped, a sentiment felt by thousands of former pupils who attended KDVP over the years.

Teaching in the junior grades has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Taking the journey alongside children at the beginning of their school year and watching them grow in confidence and ability reminded me why I became a teacher.

Their early years are full of small, powerful milestones, and they are the building blocks of confidence and learning.

As I look back, I feel thankful for the trust of the parents; the friendship of my colleagues; and above all, the joy of teaching children to believe in themselves.

I have had the good fortune of seeing generations of pupils overcome challenges and go out into the world with the confidence that being at KDVP has instilled in them. I salute the wonderful principals that I have had the privilege to work with, namely Barney Meyers; Leon Lever; and Desmond Zeelie.

I particularly want to acknowledge Meyers, whose inspirational messages to the children at our weekly assemblies had such a huge impact on their lives and on my own. He encouraged the children to be aware of the changing seasons by getting up early and exercising every morning! His message was, “A healthy mind in a healthy body.”

I took that message to heart, and began my running career, running many races including two marathons.

Words cannot describe my emotions on saying goodbye when I reached retirement age. Those same emotions welled up again when I heard of the closure of the school.

KDVP may close its doors, but it lives on in the lessons learned and countless memories carried by everyone who was part of being there.

We cannot measure what we built together in buildings or years, but rather in the impact it has had on our lives.

The doors may be closing, but the love, lessons, and memories of KDVP will endure forever.

• Maureen Eberlin (Slabe) taught at King David Victory Park for 36 years.