Srinivasan Moonsamy Munien was among the first teachers at Pioneer Primary School, the first to be built in Phoenix.
Image: Nadia Khan
AS one of the first teachers of Pioneer Primary School in Phoenix, Srinivasan Moonsamy Munien said he was proud and happy to see the school celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.
Munien, 77, of Ottawa, was among the first batch of teachers who joined the school, initially known as Phoenix No 2 Primary School, which officially opened its doors in July 1976.
“The school was named Phoenix Pioneer because it was the first centre of learning in Phoenix.”
Munien said his teaching career began at Sea Cow Lake Primary School in 1971.
"While teaching there, the principal informed me that a school was opening in Phoenix. At the time I was travelling by bus from Mount Edgecombe to the school. Sometimes I had to take two buses to get to or from the school. He spoke to the district manager at the time, and I was transferred to the school in Phoenix.”
Munien said the initial school was a prefabricated building.
“The school was originally a makeshift terra-pin structure, and it stood on stilts. There were also just 28 classrooms, offices for the principal and deputy principal, and a staff room. There was an initial staff of 14, but that grew within the year.
"There were between 40 to 50 pupils in a classroom. The classes ranged from Class 1 to Standard 5. Many of the children were from families that were moved from ‘Tin Town’ after the floods that washed away their homes. Others were from families that moved into the area due to the Group Areas Act,” he said.
The original school which was opened in 1976.
Image: Supplied
Munien said despite the size of the school - with limited classrooms, they did not have many challenges.
“The Education Department made sure the school was fully-equipped to ensure proper teaching. We had all the textbooks and stationery. There was also a library, which was filled with books.
“We also had very small grounds, so all major sporting activities were held at the community grounds in the area. The school offered specialised subjects such as art, needlework and music. Specialist remedial education was also provided, giving additional attention to children with specific learning difficulties in maths or a language,” he said.
Munien said the original school structure was later demolished and rebuilt.
“It was a double-storey building with many more classrooms and a sports ground. I enjoyed my teaching experience, as the children were eager to learn. I am proud many of them went on to become successful in their chosen career paths,” he said.
Munien, who also held the position of acting deputy principal, took an early retirement in 2000.