The Common Vein

Sheryl Benjamin

September 2009

Copyright 2009

Living in Johannesburg

Children

Twin Daughters 40 years ? Leanne (HR consultant) and Michelle (physiotherapist)

Son David 36 Engineer turned businessman

I matriculated at the age of 16 from General Smuts High School in Vereeniging, and did a B.Sc at Wits majoring in Maths and Applied Maths.   I was employed by my uncle, Norman Sandler, in 1967, aged 19 as a junior maths teacher.   I remained at the school for the next 41 years, until my retirement at the end of 2007 aged 60.  I believe I am the longest serving staff member ever of the SABJE.   From ?a miserable little twerp? of a teacher, I progressed to Head of Department, Form Supervisor, Vice Principal, Deputy Principal and retired as Senior Deputy Principal.   In the interim I wrote a maths textbook, numerous examination aids, and was the maths examiner for the Independent Examination Board the old JMB) for 6 years.    I was involved in every aspect of life at King David   ?  I prepared the school timetable single-handily for many years, helped out at most of the school productions, organised tours to the States (GYLC) for many groups, and supported the school teams at cricket, soccer, rugby, debating and public speaking.    Safe to say that after I lost my husband in 1993, the school became my family and probably saved my sanity.   I was particularly well known for supporting the rugby team   ?  I seldom missed a game, and in the latter years, I was given a first team rugby jersey every year by the boys.     My fondest memory in the last few years is the rugby tour to Argentina, which I accompanied   ?  what a great experience!.    It was a difficult  adjustment to be without KD, but I have finally come to terms with it     ?    many of  the King David kids now sit around my dining room table after hours for extra maths lessons, so I cannot be bored.   I am still dedicated to the ethos of KD and assist Elliot Wolf with functions for the King David Foundation.   I am also  active in Limmud, an organisation that runs a  Jewish learning conference once a year.    I have 6 grand-children ranging in age from 13 years  to 9 weeks, so I am kept busy.   My mom is still alive (the typing teacher Mrs. Sacks) and  will be a nonagenarian (as the Boss would have said) next year.   It has been a revelation to read some of the messages posted by KDS 69 on Facebook and the Website    ?   I am amazed at the strong Judaic tendencies  that I detect in many of you.

 Enjoy your reunion!!   SHERYL BENJAMIN

PS

92956p.8 David Leanne Michelle Sheryl Courtesy Sheryl Benjamin

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