Westering High School is extending a solemn invitation to families of pupils who died while attending the school and will host a Remembrance Day ceremony to honour the fallen school-goers in November.
A plaque bearing the names of 18 pupils who died in the 44 years from 1979-2023 graces the grounds and calls to mind the memories of those taken too soon.
The first of these, Erica Classens, died in 1979, followed by Brenton York in 1980 and Michael Dell two years later.
Nineteen-year-old Veruskha “Rosie” Nel became the latest pupil to die; she was shot twice in the head in a callous attack on Tuesday last week.
Each death has been tragic and left a lasting impression on the school.
Other names on the plaque are Keri-Lyn Caine, Ian Clulow, Charmaine Daly and Linda Buzo, who died in 1987, 1991, 1993 and 1994 respectively.
Nine pupils lost their lives between 1995 and 2023, including grade 11 pupil Matthew Ingram, 17, in August 2020 and Gregory Thorne, 17, in February 2023, also in grade 11.
Grade 9 pupil Emihle Boqo died from gastrointestinal tuberculosis in 2021.
A second monument paying homage to pupils and staff who lost their fight against coronavirus has since been erected.
An inscription reads: “In memory of those who died due to the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020”.
A plaque added a few years ago commemorates six educators, among them deputy principal Richard Dolly, who died from Covid-19 complications in June 2021.
Principal Stuart Hayward said Westering High recently made a call on Facebook for the families of alumni who have since died to come forward and be honoured.
“We discovered last year there were parents who wanted to join us,” Hayward said.
“And, so, we made the call so as not to exclude anyone who may be a friend or family member of a [former pupil] who died.”
Hayward said a wreath-laying ceremony comprising of traditional elements such as the Last Post and a short address would be held on November 11.
“We think it’s a nice gesture.
“Parents would like to come back and pay homage to their children.
“One that tugged at the heartstrings terribly was a pupil who died earlier this year after a long and brave fight with cancer.
“The deaths of young people are often the hardest to accept and are probably remembered more than those of people who’ve had a full life.”
Matthew Ingram’s father, Stanton, and Glenda Thorne, Gregory’s mother, both spoke fondly about their sons as they remembered their young lives.
Matthew died from suspected poisoning caused by fumigation at his family’s townhouse complex.
After being taken to hospital on August 22 2020, he was placed in an induced coma for four weeks and died on September 18, four days after his 17th birthday.
“He was quite excited about matric, having written his last subject for the term,” Stanton said.
“He looked to end grade 11 on a high note and build up good momentum to propel him into matric.
“Westering High was his second family and he was extremely happy there.
“He had good teachers and friends, and loved the environment.”
Stanton said he welcomed the school’s remembrance initiative.
“As bereaved parents, it means a lot to us.
“We’re honoured that Westering has organised and prepared a memorial,” he said.
Glenda remembered Gregory for his steadfast faith.
He was diagnosed with leukaemia at age 15 in 2021, and mounted a brave fight lasting more than 18 months.
“He was a brilliant pupil, academically excellent and exceptional in sport as captain of the rugby team,” Glenda said proudly.
“It was a sad day when the doctor told us he had leukaemia.
“But from the word go, the boy said he wouldn’t accept [the disease] and would fight it.
“He had a relationship with Jesus, which was one of the things that made him so strong.
“His favourite scripture in the Bible was Philippians 4v13, which reads: ‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me’.”
After undergoing cancer treatment for six months and entering remission, his cancer returned more aggressively in 2022.
“For the school to put their names on a plaque means so much to me as a parent, because I don’t want my boy to be forgotten.
“He touched many people in his young life, especially his teachers and peers.
“The remembrance signifies that they didn’t forget he was part of that family with all his many dreams,” Glenda said.
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