Sloppy joes and steep hills: KDVP lives on in class of 85

The recent cool, rainy weather in Johannesburg granted a reprieve earlier this week as 20 of us stood gazing upon the lush green grass of the top rugby field, nostalgically munching on sloppy joes and tuna salads from the tuck shop. The wax wrap packets and plastic containers added to a culinary experience, rivalling Joburg’s best restaurants. Our old school mates from afar had sent us one strict instruction: “Have a sloppy joe for me,” and we happily complied. 

It’s hard to believe that it’s been four decades since we left King David Victory Park. As we gathered, giggling while donning ill-fitting – for some of us – school shirts, ties, and blazers, memories flooded back. It soon became clear that some things never change: the laughter; the camaraderie; and the sense of belonging that defined our youth. The faces were all familiar, despite a few more wrinkles, and we had to stop the chatter to get on with the programme. 

Our first stop was the hall, desks and chairs neatly laid out for this year’s matric exams. Some of us hadn’t been back there since we left after our own final matric exam. A hush fell over our group as we walked around, looking up at the gold-lettering on the honours boards and having a few quiet moments of self-reflection before clambering onto the stage for a group photo -not so easy to just hop up there anymore. Our head girl, Michy Lissoos, and “stand-in” head boy, Ian Meltzer, took their places behind the podium and we slipped into a veritable time warp. 

Then it was off to the media centre for video messages and an international Zoom call. (Was the walk up that hill always so hard?) We heard from those who have built successful lives abroad in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Israel, and the Netherlands. We reminisced about our quirky teachers, being in the “clever” and “doff” classes, and the iron-clad Jewish identity forged during those years. We celebrated details about our families and accomplishments, and we murmured solace at news of serious health challenges and bereavements. It became clear that we’ve all embarked on our own unique journeys, yet we will always have a common bond in our shared experiences, memories, and history. 

As sunset approached, foremost in our bittersweet thoughts was the school that’s been our alma mater for so many years. It’s hard to believe that KDVP is closing its doors. Yet the hallways that echoed with our laughter, the classrooms where we learned and grew, and the fields where we competed and played will always be remembered. 

Then it was back to the tuckshop for a final chat and drink. As we said our goodbyes and promised another get-together sooner than a decade away, I felt grateful for the journey we’ve shared. We may not be the same people we were 40 years ago, and most of us have gone our separate ways, but we will always remember those KDVP school days that shaped us into who we are today. KDVP may be closing, but its legacy lives on – in us, in our memories, and in the generations to come. We will always carry a piece of this very special school in our hearts. Looking ahead, we wish the new unified King David One the very best for the future. 

A huge shout-out and thank you to Elana and Graeme Lazarus, Nikki Heitner, Karen Schneid, and Stefan Brozin for organising such a wonderful reunion. 

L’chaim to the KDVP class of 1985!