AFTER 37 years at Selborne College, teacher Ian Forword recently bid farewell to his Alma Mater. Forword matriculated from Selborne in 1968.
While working in the corporate world for two years, Forword realised that teaching was his true calling and went on to spend five years teaching at Kimberley Boys’ High in the Northern Cape until he was offered a position at Selborne College in 1980.
As a master educator of accounting, Forword was an integral part of the school’s commerce department and taught numerous generations of Old Selbornians.
“ I really enjoyed my years of teaching and having the opportunity to give the boys guidance, not only through teaching in the classroom, but also through the many life skills and lessons I tried to instill in my pupils,” he said.
Forword also filled the role of head of tennis for many years, as well as passionately coaching rugby and cricket.
Holding the position of senior deputy in the past, Forword served as a senior staff member on the finance committee for many years.
He was also one of the coordinators of the Allan Gray Scholarship programme since its inception.
Headmaster Andrew Dewar said: “Forword’s wealth of experience and wisdom, as well as the ability to entertain us all in the staff room with his keen sense of humour, will be sorely missed.”
Dewar said after many years of hard work and dedication to Selborne College, Forword deserved a happy retirement, with the whole school welcoming and looking forward to his visits in the years to come.
“The years were so enjoyable that it all seems to have gone by so quickly. Selborne will always be a big part of my life,” said Forword who is excited to spend time camping with his wife and cheering on his five grandchildren at their sports games and school functions.
First on Forword’s bucketlist is a trip to the Kruger National Park in May.
