Bulletin

All About Our Captains

We wish all our captains the best of luck for their Interschools matches.

Perhaps nowhere is the importance of good leadership as apparent as in a sports team.

A good sports team captain can lead his team to success and recognition; and can help a moderate team play better; whereas, a weak captain with poor leadership skills can hinder a team’s chances of competing and bonding successfully.

Union is fortunate to have exceptional captains leading our teams this Interschools who will most assuredly lead their teammates to victory!

Bulletin, Cultural

Annual Primary Speech Competition

The Union primary department’s annual Speech Competition was held in the Tony Burrell Union on Wednesday morning, 31 July.

This year there were 13 learners participating.

Topics ranged from, ‘Strange world records set in history’ and ‘English is a crazy language’, to ‘Crazy inventions’ and ‘Oddest sports’.In accompaniment to the speeches, there were also some lovely poems recited, stories told and articles read aloud by other junior learners throughout the course of the morning.

We would like to congratulate all the participants and thank all those involved. It was pleasing to see so many enthusiastic learners presenting their speeches.  It is not easy to stand before a large audience and deliver a speech and we would like to congratulate all the young learners for their courageous efforts.

(left to right) Anna-May Hayes, Megan Nortje, Caytah-Leigh Koeberg, Na’eem Mahomed, Amber Bezuidenhout, Anebel Norval

Thanks also go to the teachers and parents for supporting and encouraging the learners and for the time spent preparing for the competition.

We would like to thank the judges who gave up their time to support the school by judging our contest.  The judges were very impressed by the high quality of speeches and the obvious preparation that had gone into the day and they commented that everyone did well.

Caytah-Leigh Koeberg was announced as the Grade 7 winner and Na’eem Mahomed as the runner-up.  Anna-May Hayes won in Grade 6 and Megan Nortje was announced as the runner-up.  The winner in Grade 5 is Amber Bezuidenhout with the runner-up being Anebel Norval.

 

Bulletin, Media Team

Union News

Union News 3 August 2019

The newest edition of ‘Union News’ is available to watch.

Featured items include Union’s coaches, the start of the cricket season and academic matters among others.

Click on the link below to watch. Enjoy!

Hockey, Sport Results

Snr Hockey Results vs Alex & DSG

Union’s 1st team ends 6th in Top 8 challenge

On Friday, 2 August, and Saturday, 3 August, Union’s 1st team hockey girls travelled to Port Elizabeth and Gahamstown, respectively, to complete their round of Top 8 matches.

The girls took to the turf against Alexander Road High School on Friday, after a solid two performances against Framesby and Pearson in previous weeks.

The girls set the pace from the beginning by scoring a quick two goals within the first five minutes.  This was a great start and a strong message sent to the opposition that the Union girls had arrived to compete.  Goals were scored by Jenna McNaughton and Henzé Jaftha in the first half.

After a re-set at half time, it was Micela Loock’s turn to put two more goals in the Alex box to put the girls 4 – 0 up.  A lapse in concentration during the last quarter resulted in Alex putting two goals past Union’s defenders with the final result being 4 – 2 in Union’s favour.

The team then travelled to Grahamstown for the ultimate challenge – DSG on their home turf.

The girls knew they were in for a tough match, but none of them could have anticipated the intense battle they were about to enter into.  With an absolute star performance from Sakhe Booi, the team faced countless attacks from the strong DSG forwards.  Stirling teamwork and an immense effort from the entire team resulted in the half time score being kept to 0 – 0.

During the second half, the girls were presented with scoring opportunities created by Henzé Jaftha which were unfortunately kept out of the box by the DSG goalkeeper.  This game definitely proved to be an equally-matched rivalry and although the end result reflected a 0-all draw, it was an absolute win for the school and the team.

The weekend’s scores resulted in the girls finishing 6th overall in the top 8 challenge in the Eastern Cape, a result they can be very proud of.

DSG went on to play in the final against Woodridge on the Sunday, to which they lost 2 – 0 to finish second.

“This proves that, with confidence, a desire to compete and win as well as a positive attitude, great results can be achieved,” said coach Alvin August. “Let’s carry this momentum through to the season’s final challenge this weekend when we take on Volkskool – nothing short of a victory is anticipated.”

The other matches against DSG saw the third team lose 0 – 5 against DSG’s u/15C team, the u/16B team lose 0 – 5 against their u/14As, the u/16A team draw 0-all against their u/16Bs and the 2nd team lose 1 – 9 against their u/16As

Hockey, Rugby, Sport Results

Jnr Sport Results vs Herbert Hurd

Junior rugby vs Herbert Hurd 2nd of August: At home.

Union’s junior rugby teams played against Herbert Hurd Primary School on home ground today.

This past Saturday, 3 August, Union’s u/13A rugby team played against Port Elizabeth’s Herbert Hurd Primary School, in what proved to be one of the most physical encounters of the season.  Both teams took no time to settle in as fantastic conditions allowed for a flowing game of rugby.  Union managed to apply early scoreboard pressure with a well executed backline move led by Alutha Wesi.  Herbert Hurd did well to slow the game down in the second half, but it was too little to late with Union winning the encounter 22 – 5.

The other matches, saw Union’s u/11B team losing 0 – 44, the u/11A team losing 10 – 15 and the u/13B team losing 7 – 43.

Junior hockey vs Herbert Hurd 2nd of August: At home.

3rds vs 3rds: 1-1 (draw)

2nds vs 2nds: 2 -1 (win)

1sts vs 1sts: 1- 0 (win) 

First team match report:

After suffering a 6-1 defeat against this school last year, the girls were somewhat nervous when taking to the field this weekend. This time the match was much more evenly contested, with possession changing constantly throughout the game. Although the girls managed to leave the field victorious after a soft goal from Soso Mroro, the match was rather disjointed and disappointing. It was a physical contest with both teams consistently breaking down play, and neither team managing to produce an impressive response. The girls are going to need to work a lot harder in the final game of the season should they wish to be successful against our inter-schools rivals.

Second team match report:

After a disappointing match last weekend the second juniors really stepped up to the plate and gave their best performance to date this year. They played tenacious, entertaining hockey that kept their opponents on their toes. They passed well between each other and worked beautifully together as a team. If they play like this in their inter-schools encounter, they will have every chance of success.

The goal scorers were Aaminah Steele and Tara Fererra.

 

 

Bulletin

Be Part Of The Team – Get Your Union Tattoo

We’re about to embark on what promises to be a truly momentous Interschools and the Union family – from far and near – is gearing up for what promises to be a very exciting week.

What better way to show your allegiance to Union than to ‘ink up’ in support of your school?

The 2020 MF committee have made these ‘I love Union’ transfer tattoos available at only R10 each.  They are available from all the MF committee members at the high school as well as from Mrs. Corrie Potgieter at Union Preparatory School.

Whether it’s a forearm, calf, hand, arm or full-face bonanza, get your tattoo and sport it next weekend when supporting the teams!

Bulletin, Student Life

Leaders Dine Together

On Wednesday evening, 31 July, principals, deputy principals, SGB chairpersons and learner leaders from the various high schools in Graaff-Reinet, gathered at the Tony Burrell Union for Union’s Centenary Leadership Dinner.  This very special event celebrated the start of new friendships and the consolidation of old ones.

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!

Bulletin, Cultural

Born To Perform!

Last night (Thursday, 1 August) saw the Union High School hall overflowing with excitement, enthusiasm and entertainment.  The annual Evening of Music was a wonderful showcase of the different music groups here at Union.

From our primary choir and marimba band, through to our senior pianists and violinists, all our musicians demonstrated passion and commitment in the lead up to this fabulous night, culminating in a spectacular evening of performances.

Under the baton of Union’s Department of Music staff, Mmes. Sanette Brink, Zelda van Rooyen and Karmin van der Walt, this evening has become the highlight of the school’s cultural calendar – an event not to be missed.

To start, the primary choir set the tone and standard with their rendition of “You’ll be in my heart” and “All I need to know”.  Union’s pianists then played a series of beautiful works such as the English folk song “Greensleeves” as well as newer songs like “Faded” by Alan Walker.

Following excellent performances by our violinists, a string ensemble – which showcased the skill of ensemble playing – and several talented soloists who graced us with their beautiful voices, the senior choir treated the audience to a heartfelt choral performance, singing “Let the river run” and “Amavolovo”.

A combined performance by the primary and high school choirs with a rendition of “Hallelujah” ended off the evening.

The event truly featured a kaleidoscope of musical items with something for everyone to enjoy.  Congratulations to all those who took part and a big thank you to our many supporters, parents and friends who came along to enjoy the evening.

If you missed this concert, make a “note” not to miss next year’s Music Evening!

Shooting, Sport Results

Learners Take Aim

On Friday, 26 July, 11 Union High School learners made history when they competed – for the very first time – alongside Marlow Agricultural High School and Hoër Volkskool in an inter-school shooting competition.

The competition was held at the Koedoeskloof Outdoor Shooting Range in Uitenhage and was a great success for the Union learners.  Although the wind was howling, the learners still managed to record great results.

In the Air Rifle Open Sight competition, Tammy James claimed a second place with a score of 13/20.  Michaela Price came in third with a score of 11/20.  Jordan Hall and Schea Johnson also recorded good results.

In the Air Sport Pistol category, Kelly-Page Scott came second among the girls and Angus McGlaggen first among the boys.

“I am so very proud of these learners, not only for their excellent performance in challenging conditions but for flying the Union flag so high during this momentous event,” said coach Christelle van Eck.

Bulletin, Eco-Schools

A Glimpse Into The Classroom

Union High School’s Grade 7s are learning all about renewable energy technologies in Natural Sciences.

Because cooking with the sun’s power is a fun way to use a renewable resource, the learners were tasked with applying the science they’ve learned, by building their very own solar ovens. The Grade 7s quickly got creative by using cardboard, aluminum foil and other recyclables to create their very own energy-efficient ovens!