On Tuesday, 5 February, the UHS top five junior girls played tennis against Nico Brummer Primary. Our girls won all their doubles matches convincingly, so at the request of the opposition coach, and in the best interest of the game, the decision was taken to mix the UHS and Nico Brummer teams. This resulted in longer matches and a lovely afternoon’s tennis, which was enjoyed by both schools. The UHS girls did us proud under difficult circumstances.
The junior boys also played against Nico Brummer and won all their matches. Congratulations to our junior tennis players on some fine tennis.
The Union High School’s Centenary Founder’s Day began in the coolness of the morning as learners, parents, staff and friends made their way to St James Anglican Church. With the church yard packed to capacity and extra space made available under a tent and in the hall, friends old and new greeted one another in anticipation of this great occasion.
The service, led by Archdeacon Dr Mark Marais, was a poignant start to our centenary celebrations and particularly moving and appropriate for the venue from which the school originated in 1919. The Headmaster, Mr Pringle, welcomed all the guests and focused with gratitude on our founders who came before us. Head prefects Jenna McNaughton and Peter Watermeyer read the lessons. The congregation was treated to a magnificent rendition of ‘Hallelujah’ by our Joint School Choirs, consisting of seventy learners, under the batons of Mrs Van Rooyen and Mrs Brink, moving members of the audience to tears.
Union High School Choir performance at the Centenary Church Service
The Joint Union Choirs under the batons of Mrs Van Rooyen and Mrs Brink brought the congregation to tears last Friday. Thanks to the media team for the recording below.
Posted by UHS (Union High School, Graaff-Reinet) on Thursday, 7 February 2019
The Headmaster reminded the audience of what it takes to make an impact that lasts long after we are gone, when we are, one day far from now, just a name on a board or a faded photograph on the wall. Founders’ Day at the School provides us with an opportunity to consider the many and varied legacies that have shaped this place — the people and the actions that have left for us today not only the buildings, but the history and the culture and the community that nourishes us.
Mr Pringle spoke of 1926, when the construction of the School, as we know it today, began; it was decided that the celebrations should be essentially a Children’s Day, and therefore the function was confined to the children of the school, the teaching staff, and the Committee, no outside invitations being issued.
The Advertiser of 29 October 1926 reads: The marching of the hundreds of happy pupils in procession through the streets from the old premises to the new buildings was a striking evidence of the growth and popularity of this useful institution, and aroused recollections of the notable day a few years ago when after much effort and anxious work the UHS was first opened in St James’s Hall with a mere handful of pupils. The proceedings were marked by a harmony and enthusiasm most pleasing to note in this (at present) land of bitter feeling and political strife, which was a striking tribute to the splendid and patriotic work being done amongst the youth and maidens of Graaff-Reinet of which the name of the school the “Union High” is significant.
Mr Puttick spoke and said that the new buildings meant a lot to them all. Next year they would have lovely airy classrooms with plenty of light and spacious playgrounds adjacent all of which would be for the physical good of the pupils. He added slyly that he trusted these things would also give the pupils better brains (laughter). The new buildings would vastly benefit the staff, and enable them to have better organisation, better discipline, and better control.
Mr Lawrie then spoke, addressing the children as his dear young friends, and pointing out the significance of this children’s day, this children’s function, this taking part in a very memorable occasion. They were immensely proud of their Union High School and he hoped everybody appreciated the great work it was accomplishing. One scarcely dared to contemplate what Graaff-Reinet would be today without the Union High School – our successful Union High School. He rejoiced in the fact that the name of every pupil was to be placed behind the foundation stone, alongside of his name, and reminded them how pleasant it would be in time to come to be able to point out to the next generation that “my name is behind that stone.”
Mr Lawrie feelingly recalled the first beginnings of the School and the first meeting of parents called to discuss the starting of an independent school in Graaff-Reinet. There were great difficulties and obstacles to be overcome, but a determined band of men and women made up their minds on the spot, and the great work for education was begun. The school was a success from the outset.
Mr Puttick then called on the children by Standards, commencing with Olga Maasdorp, the head Matriculation scholar, to bring forward the cards bearing their names which were placed in a glass jar together with names of guarantors, staff, the first and the present Committees, a copy of the “G R Advertiser” of 14th November, 1921, containing the report of the Educational Commission (which was the charter of the UHS), copies of the issues of the School Magazine, etc. Altogether, said Mr Puttick, anyone opening up that jar, say 100 years hence, would discover quite an interesting and happy story.
The jar was then placed behind the stone, which was thereafter “well and truly” laid by Mr Lawrie who was presented by Mr Bridgman on behalf of his firm with a silver trowel, suitably inscribed, as a memento of the auspicious occasion.
Mr Pringle told the audience that they had the privilege of re-enacting this walk, from the old school to the new. The procession would pass by many of the old school buildings, boarding houses and walk the very streets that these Union children walked all those years ago and arrive at our school where they would enjoy refreshments just as they did on that wonderful occasion.
The School would also bury a time capsule, in the Centenary Arch, with messages of goodwill to the staff and children of this school with the instruction that they should open it in 2069, the occasion of the School’s 150th birthday. He said that he trusted that the School would be in good hands then, just as those in 1919 had entrusted the future of this school to us.
His final word to the boys and girls was this: May the Lord continue greatly to bless this school and all who enter it and may whatsoever things that are pure and lovely and of good report here forever flourish and abound.”
CENTENARY WALK
The Centenary walk started at St James Church where the original school began 100 years ago. It was truly a moving spectacle to witness our learners, parents, staff and Old Unionites walking through the streets of Graaff-Reinet, tracing the steps of our forefathers.
As everyone entered the school grounds via the Centenary Way, they passed through an installation of giant flags depicting iconic figures and significant community members from the School’s history.
As these images swirled around them, a sense of being enveloped by our rich history prevailed. A delicious tea was then served in the Union while learners enjoyed treats on the field before singing a resounding happy birthday to our beautiful school.
The Old Unionite Association Annual General Meeting was held in the Tony Burrell Union where a happy spirit of co-operation and pride in the School prevailed.
HOCKEY
In the afternoon, a young and very nervous squad of junior girls took to the field to face the determined band of mothers and old girls. The match ended with our girls losing 3-7. This was followed by an intense game between a senior girls’ team and the old girls, which was won 4-0 by the school girls.
The following prizes were awarded:
Also, on Friday afternoon, two fun T20 cricket matches were played, with white cricket balls in use. Much fun was had by everyone involved. That evening, the Union community enjoyed a relaxing Steak Braai hosted by Mr John Crankshaw and the Old Unionite Association Committee. It was well-supported, and much laughter and fun prevailed as friends reminisced about their time at the school.
CRICKET
Very early on Saturday morning, it was the turn of the U9 and U11 cricketers who took on their dads. The aim in these matches is to encourage as many boys and their dads as possible to participate in a fun, non-competitive match.
Our U13 cricket boys played a good-hearted social match against their parents and Old Boys. Unfortunately rain halted proceedings on more than one occasion before the game was finally called off just after lunch. In the U14 Invitational match, the Old Boys won by 99 runs. In the U15A match, the Old Boys won by 77 runs. In the 2nd XI match, the Old Boys won by 98 runs. In the 1st XI match, the Old Boys won by 33 runs.
At the end of an extremely busy, fun-filled weekend, the Old Unionites invited the cricketers to a prize-giving ceremony in the Tony Burrell Union.The following prizes were awarded:
Best U15 player – Finn Cilliers (no photo)
Mr David Stern thanked everyone for their participation and complimented the boys on their potential as cricketers. Mr Derek Light gave personal testament to how cricket shapes self-discipline and perseverance in youngsters. He paid tribute to his cricket captain from when he was at school, Mr Keith Crankshaw, and thanked him for giving him the opportunity to wear the white cap of Union High School.
Thank you to the Old Boys that made the effort to come and celebrate this very special occasion with us and the spirit in which they played the game. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the match and learnt valuable lessons. This is always a fantastic experience for the young men and something they will always remember.
The School is extremely grateful to the Old Unionite Association for their impeccable planning and execution of a very successful weekend on the sporting front.
GISELA KINGWILL MOTHER & DAUGHTER TEA
While the men were playing cricket, the annual Gisela Kingwill Memorial Tea, held in Herby Arnott House in the morning, was a celebration of the bond between mothers and daughters. The Grade 11s worked hard to provide 180 ladies with a Japanese-themed brunch. Mrs Martie Sullivan paid tribute to Gisela Kingwill and spoke of the work they did together in service of the farm schools of the Graaff-Reinet District. Labarre of The Muller House Restaurant demonstrated how to make sushi and Brigette sang ‘A Million Dreams’ accompanied by Mrs Brink. Huge gratitude must go to Mrs Sullivan for making Herby Arnott House available due to impending rain.
Twelve of Union High School’s athletes competed at the Camdeboo Athletics meeting, held on Saturday, 2 February, at the Collie Koeberg Athletics Stadium. Our athletes all gave their best, despite the long day with heat , rain and high humidity. We received some podium places, but are still awaiting final results.
1st Senior Team vs Moms / Old Girls
The 1st half of the match was entertaining with the 1st team girls scoring 4 goals. However, the old girls managed to keep a clean sheet in the second half as the Union girls failed to capitalise on their chances. The match was played in good spirit and credit must go to the Old Girls for giving the Union girls a tough time.
Best goal: Micela Loock
Best defender: Chelsea Theron
Player of the match: J…enna McNaughton
Thanks to the Old Girls for the donation of cash prizes and for the organisation of the day.
1st Junior Team vs Moms / Old Girls
A young and very nervous squad of girls took to the field on Saturday to face the determined band of mothers and old girls. While these girls may be small in stature, they are certainly big in heart. The first half saw them trailing by 4 goals to nil, but they refused to admit defeat. They came out of their corner fighting in the second half and gave the spectator…s an epic showdown. A ding-dong battle ensued in which each goal scored by the opposition was beautifully answered with one of our own and the match ended with our girls losing by 7 goals to 3.
The girls must be commended on a fine, early start to the season. There were some lovely moments of cohesion and good communication with each other throughout the game and this can only bode well for an exciting season ahead.
1st XI vs Old Boys
On Saturday the 1st Xi took on the Old Boys during the annual Founders day clash of youth versus experience. The Old Boys won the toss and elected to bat.
The school boys struggled to find a consistent line and length and allowed the Old Boys to score freely. With the Old Boys being 193 for 4 at drinks things were looking ominous for the youngsters who were looking at chasing a mammoth total. However as this team has shown throughout the season they are a team of great fight and character and bounced back after drinks with fantastic bowling from Luke Mc Naughton, Trevor Moss and Lunga Zantsi who between the three of them took the next 6 wickets for only 70 runs restricting the Old Boys to a total of 265 all out.
Bowling figures: Luke Mc Naughton 3 for 40 in 8 overs; Trevor Moss 3 for 38 in 8 overs; Lung Zantsi 2 for 24 in 6 overs’ James Pienaar and Jayden Brotherton each took one wicket.
The 1st XI came in to bat and were immediately put under pressure and soon found themselves at 40 for 4. Once again this team dug deep and a magnificent batting display from Brett Amsterdam and Luke Mc Naughton put us back in the game with a 69 run partnership. This was followed by another flourishing 50 run partnership between Luke and Caerwyn Spence. Zusakhe Ngwane then joined Luke at the crease and played a wonderful cameo in support of Luke and resulted in another 40 run partnership which was looking to set the team up perfectly to get over the line. Unfortunately we lost our way at the end and came up short in what would have been an emphatic victory chasing such a demanding total.
Batting performances: Luke Mc Naughton 60; Brett Amstedam 54; Zusakhe Ngwane 30;
Union lost the match by 33 runs.
Special mention was made of the manner and spirit in which the boys played the game and were complimented for their behaviour on and off the field and impeccable sportsmanship.
Thank you to the Old Boys that made the effort to come and celebrate this very special occasion with us and the spirit in which they played the game. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the match and learnt valuable lessons from you. This is always a fantastic experience for the young men and something they will always remember.
2nd Team
As is tradition, the Old Boys batted first managing 200/9 in their allotted 40 overs. Best with the bat was Richard Collett 98*, Rhett Newton 50 and Basil Jacobs 15. As the saying goes, catches win matches, and this proved very true as there were some missed opportunities that cost us dearly. Mihlali Tyanase achieved 4/34 with the ball. This won him the schoolboy, man-of-the-match award.
In reply the 2nd XI struggled to put good partnerships together and were bowled out in the 23rd over for 102 runs. Rogan Odendaal 25, Gregon Jenneke 21*, Jarrod Naude 13 and William Kayster 13 did best with bat. Flippie Loock achieved 4/8, Graham Palframan 2/24 and Tyron van der Struys 2/32 with the ball for the Old Boys.
U/15A
The Old boys batted first and scored 167 for 7 in 30 overs.
Best Bowlers: Sisipho Arnols 3 for 15 in 4 overs; Rhuze Hendricks 2 for 18 in 3 overs; Laythan Carelse 1 for 28 in 5 overs.
Union High replied with 90 all out.
Best Batsmen: Finn Cilliers 25; Rhuze Hendricks 16; JJ Liebenberg 15
Old Boys won by 77 runs.
U/14 Invitational
The Old Boys batted first and scored 223 for 5 in 28 overs. Best Bowlers: Matthew Basson 2 for 40 in 6 overs; Josh Basson 2 for 53 in 6 overs; Dylan Kriel 1 for 25 in 4 overs. Union High replied with 124 all out.
Best Batsmen: Thando Matotie 50; Matthew Basson 17; Kamva Bottamani 6; Dylan Kriel 15
Old Boys won by 99 runs.
U/13
On Saturday our U13 cricket boys played a good-hearted social match against their parents and Old Boys. The U13’s went in to bat first with each pair batting 4 overs; our boys treasured the opportunity of facing their dads’ bowling, with some fun banter taking place between the two sides. Unfortunately rain halted proceedings on more than one occasion before the game was finally called off just after lunch. The day was enjoyed by all with many special memories created. A special thanks to all the fathers and old boys who took part in this lovely occasion and to Mr Dean Marais for all his arrangements.
1st XI vs Graeme College
On the Wednesday 30 January Union travelled to Grahamstown to play against Graeme College in a declaration match played over two days. Graeme won the toss and elected to bat first. After 56 overs Graeme declared on 214 for 7 with still 30 min of play left in the day.
Bowling figures: Brett Amsterdam 3 for 63 in 15 overs; Lihle, Jayden, Matthew and James Pienaar each took one wicket
This declaration meant that Union had to come in and survive at least 6 overs before the end of play and was wonderful for the boys to experience this type of mini test cricket and get put under a different type of pressure. The Union batsmen were up to the task and looked forward to the challenge. Unfortunately we lost a wicket in the second over, however for the remainder of the overs James Pringle and Jayden Brotherton saw the onslaught off with ease leaving a sense of confidence going into day two.
Day two dawned with a very gloomy looking day with rain in the air. Despite the weather looking threatening we were able to start on time. James Pringle and Jayden Brotherton carried on where they left off and batted with fantastic patience and application during a very trying time with conditions well suited for bowling. After a well-played 24 run partnership Brett Amsterdam joined James Pringle and on a day with many disruptions being on and off the field due to rain. These two did not let that get the better of them and batted with excellent maturity and kept the scoreboard ticking at a respectable rate.
In the end the weather got the final say and Union finished the day on 60 for 2.
With a match well poised it would have been wonderful to have seen what the outcome would have been had we got the full time of cricket in. This really was an amazing experience for the boys who were exposed to a very different brand of cricket and have taken many positive lessons from the experience.
Batting performance: James Pringle 29 N/O; Brett Amsterdam 19 N/O; Jayden Brotherton 8
The match ended in a draw.
U/15A vs Graeme College
Union High won the toss and elected to bowl first. Union bowled Graeme out for 89 in their first innings.
Best Bowlers: Matthew Basson 4 for 11 in 6 overs; Laythan Carelse 3 for 38 in 9.1 overs; Daniel Nell 2 for 11 in 6 overs; Hlaki Skepe 1 for 11 in 7 overs.
Union High replied with 95 all out in their First Innings.
Best Batsman: Sispho Arnols 62; Brent Hesselink 12
Union lead by 6 runs. Graeme College then went in to bat for their second innings.Graeme were 47 for 4 when rain stopped play.
Best Bowlers: Hlaki Skepe 2 for 12 in 6 overs; Matthew Basson and Daniel Nell each picked up a wicket.
Union High achieved a winning draw based on their 1st Innings win.
On Tuesday evening the top 6 chess players from all the schools in Graaff-Reinet attended the first of many Top Level Chess coaching sessions facilitated by Ian Kirsten. We are very proud to have initiated this venture and hope to see many more Graaff-Reinet learners attending the South African Junior Chess Championships in the future.
Accompanied by Mrs Hanli Rose-Innes, the Art Club went on an outing on Thursday 31 January to the Hester Rupert Art Gallery. The Hester Rupert museum is one of Graaff-Reinet’s hidden treasures and is well worth a visit.
