Category: Student Life

The Grade 12s were welcomed by Headmaster Mr William Pringle, after which they were addressed by guest speaker Mr Kevin Watermeyer, an OUA committee member and father of this year’s Headboy, Peter Watermeyer.

Mr Watermeyer shared with the learners some very special words of wisdom, encouraging them to always return to their Alma Mater and to remember the values instilled in them during their years at Union High School.

The evening culminated in each Grade 12 learner receiving a OUA lifetime membership card and a small gift, where after they were all treated to a tasty dinner.

In addition to this, the girls enjoyed a lively discussion about proper manners and etiquette.

As a keepsake, Mrs Rose-Innes presented the girls with a ribbon that they could wear to school that serves as a reminder that being a woman is incredible – it’s exciting, inspiring and empowering!

The RCL is the voice of the school and serves as the link between the school’s learners and the management of the school along with the governing body. The RCL also plays a big role in maintaining discipline at Union High School.

The following learners were elected to serve on the RCL:

Grade 8:  Brigette Oelofsen, Caitrin Spence, Xhamla Magubeni, Andrue (AJ) Victor,

Grade 9:  Asa Matross, Barbara McNaughton, Mohamed (Aashiq) Hartley, Ruzhe Hendricks,

Grade 10:  Catelyn Anthony, Hannah Watermeyer, Kyle-Luke du Preez, Rogan Odendaal

Grade 11:  Sakhe Booi, Laetitia Theron, Bowen Langmead and Buchule Siloti.

These young leaders have a busy year ahead and we welcome them into their new positions.

Upon arrival at Ganora, the children were split into two groups: boys and girls.  The girls first visited the Fossil Museum, where they were taught about plant and animal fossils, including the fresh water fish fossils found in the Karoo.  The fossilization process astounded many of the learners and they were also reminded of the differences between herbivores and carnivores, as they examined the fossil samples.  While this was happening, the boys hiked to the Khoi-San caves with Henry Witbooi, better known as Punky.  Punky entertained the children with his Khoi-San heritage stories and extensive rock art knowledge.

After the groups had swapped activities, everyone enjoyed a lovely lunch on the lawn and some free time.  Next on the agenda was a visit to Nieu-Bethesda’s community artists to do some shopping.

Freddy Jacobs, aka “Die Goggaman”, taught all the children how to upcycle a can and a piece of wire to make a candle holder – an item which will most definitely be useful during load-shedding.  In a heartwarming gesture, seven Grade 5s then showed compassion for a disabled artist and his two loyal dog companions, when they – of their own accord – bought and gave them gifts of water and food, including a dog bowl.  It was really affecting to hear the learners reflect on the experience.  Amber Bezuidenhout, one of the kindhearted learners who participated in the act of goodwill, described how she felt: “When we gave it to him, I started to feel a warm, tingly feeling and when I saw him smile, I just couldn’t stop smiling.”

The school extends its grateful thanks to all those who contributed to the success of this excursion.

Union’s learner leaders, Khanya Butshingi, Peter Watermeyer, Jenna McNaughton and Zintle Maki, were exceptional in delivering their items on the programme and Inge van Rooyen (Hoër Volkskool’s Deputy Headgirl), as well as Wayne Lomberg (Spandau Secondary School’s Headboy), deserve special mention for their contribution to the evening and their well-wishes conveyed to Union.

Mrs. Anziske Kayster, who holds a Master’s degree in Cultural Heritage, is registered as a Doctoral candidate at Stellenbosch University and currently serves as the Director of the Graaff-Reinet Museum, then addressed all those present on ‘Women in Leadership’.

The humorous presentation of her speech and her tips on developing yourself as a woman in leadership were well-received.

Old Unionite and Chartered Accountant, Mr. Gerrar Maya, who was recently appointed as the Internal Audit Manager at the Dr. Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, then grabbed everyone’s attention with a very strong and engaging speech on ‘Youth in Leadership’. He, once again, proved himself a most inspirational speaker.

Overall, the evening – held on the brink of Interschools for four of the five schools present – was a great success, with leaders – both young and old – committing themselves to do everything in their power to ensure that, in the end, team ‘Graaff-Reinet’ emerges as the winner!

Thanks are extended to all the learners who came out, danced and enjoyed the evening.

As can be seen by the high levels of enjoyment on display by the learners in these photos, this learner-led event was well planned and enjoyed by all those who attended.