Our Top 8 senior tennis players took part in the Graaff-Reinet and surrounding area summer league from 5 February to 26 February. They played their hearts out, some days on very warm courts, but ultimately it was the experience of the older players that resulted in more losses for Union. The results are as follows:
Wed 5 Feb: Nr 5 to 8 girls vs Wheatlands: cancelled due to rain
Wed 12 Feb: First 4 boys vs. Wheatlands: lost 4 – 0 Number 5 to 8 boys vs. Mountain: lost 4 – 0 First 4 girls vs. Mountain: 2 – all but Mountain wins by 4 games
Wed 19 Feb: First 4 girls’ match against Wheatlands cancelled due to Karoo Gala Number 5 to 8 girls vs Mountain: lost 3 – 1
Wed 26 Feb: First 4 boys vs Nieu-Bethesda: 2 all, but NB won by 3 games Number 5 to 8 boys vs Wheatlands: lost 4 – 0
Well done to all our players for their sportsmanship and good manners on the court!
Union High School Grade 11 learner, Tristan Hope, recently showcased his exceptional equestrian skills at the 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗲𝗮 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 in the Hofmeyer district.
On Friday, 21 February, Tristan took on a challenging 𝟴𝟬𝗸𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 riding SMP Bella May. This ride marked a significant milestone for Bella May, as it was her first competitive outing after successfully completing all the novice stages. The route proved to be tough, particularly the last 20km, which was tackled in pouring rain.
His stellar performance earned him a well-deserved 1st place in the young riders category and an impressive 5th overall.
𝗧𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗴𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗱. He was honoured with the award for the Best Conditioned Horse, a recognition that reflects both the rider’s skill and the horse’s condition following the ride. The award criteria include evaluating the horse’s pulse rate, muscle stiffness, and overall well-being, underscoring the importance of care and preparation in endurance riding.
The excitement continued on Saturday, 22 February, as Tristan returned to the saddle, this time riding Henarstep Willow for 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝟴𝟬𝗸𝗺 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲.
The race unfolded in thrilling fashion, with a nail-biting finish that saw Tristan neck-and-neck with a fellow competitor.
Ultimately, he crossed the finish line first in the young riders’ category and secured 2nd place overall, completing the race in 4:21:27 – a Springbok time.
A heartfelt 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 to Brian Bands Sports Graaff-Reinet for their generous donation of rugby ball bags to support Union High School’s rugby programme!
Seen here is Mr Jason Jacobs from Brian Bands alongside rugby coaches, Mr André Human and Mr Sean Koeberg, who are ready to put these bags to great use!
On Monday afternoon 24 February, our top 12 senior tennis players took part in a fun and speedy fixture against Hoërskool Middelburg. Only singles matches were played and each player had exactly 30 minutes to play as many games as possible.
Our top 6 girls once again showed off their skills and tenacity, beating Middelburg by 40 matches! Unfortunately, our top 6 boys were unable to do the same, and they lost by 20 matches.
Overall the margin from the girls’ victory was large enough to make Union the overall winner with a total of 61 matches against Middelburg’s 41 matches. Well done to our players who played on very warm courts but still managed to show good sportsmanship and good manners to our visitors!
Saturday, 22 February, saw Union High School’s junior cricketers face their St Andrew’s Preparatory School counterparts at home.
𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗘 to Union’s 𝘂/𝟭𝟯𝗔 team who secured a 37-run victory.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Union posted a total of 116 all out, with Josh Kingwill top-scoring with 36 and Nathaneal Phillips contributing 21.
In response, St Andrew’s were bowled out for 79, with Union’s bowlers dominating. Edwin Holmes and Nathaneal Phillips starred with the ball, each claiming 4 wickets.
The 𝘂/𝟭𝟭𝗔 team’s encounter saw St Andrew’s winning the toss and choosing to bat, posting a competitive total of 180 runs after a solid middle-order performance, despite early pressure from Union’s bowlers.
In response, Union started well, reaching lunch without losing a wicket. However, after the break, St Andrew’s disciplined bowling restricted Union, who batted out their full 30 overs but fell short, ending 101 runs behind, giving St Andrew’s a comfortable victory.
Union’s 𝘂/𝟭𝟭𝗕 team won the toss and chose to bat first but struggled throughout, falling to pressure and being bowled out for just 32 runs.
St Andrew’s chased down the total in 8.2 overs, losing only 2 wickets.
Callan Strydom was the standout performer for Union, taking 2 wickets for just 5 runs in 3 overs.
We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our learners at the chess trials hosted by the Sarah Baartman Chess Union at Union High School on Saturday, 15 February.
This past Monday evening, 17 February, Union High School hosted its annual 𝗝𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 for its Grade 8 and 9 learners, at the Tony Burrell Union.
Konke Gawula (3rd), Chanté Bezuidenhout (1st) and Rachel Wenham (2nd)
After a series of outstanding performances, the judges awarded third place to 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗸𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝘄𝘂𝗹𝗮, whose speech captivated the audience with its depth and clarity.
𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹 𝗪𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗺 secured second place with her compelling delivery and strong stage presence. Taking first place was 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁é 𝗕𝗲𝘇𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 with her beautifully articulated speech on ‘What Makes a Great Leader’, leaving a lasting impression on both the judges and the audience.
The evening was a true celebration of young talent and all participants should be commended for their hard work and dedication. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹.
Union High School prefects, 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗣𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗺𝗮 and 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘆 𝗔𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗱, have truly hit the ground running in their roles overseeing the body’s PR portfolio.
Their 𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁, a delightful monthly birthday celebration, is already making a significant impact. Each month, they plan on surprising learners with a sweet treat to celebrate their special day, ensuring that no learner feels overlooked.
Additionally, they’ve created a 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 that will be updated monthly to honour all those celebrating.
Union High School is proud to announce the newly elected leaders of the school’s 2025 Representative Council of Learners (RCL), who are poised to guide the learner body with enthusiasm and dedication.
Grade 12 learner 𝗧𝗿𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻 has been elected as president, while matric learner 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗣𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗺𝗮 assumes the role of vice-president.
● 𝗧𝗿𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻 joined the Union Schools in Grade 8 after moving to Graaff-Reinet and since then, he has made remarkable contributions to our school. A talented athlete, Trystan plays for the 1st team in both cricket and rugby. His leadership skills are evident as he serves on the Media Team and takes on the responsibility of Deputy Head Boy at the school.
Trystan’s involvement extends beyond sports; he is a Blood Peer Promoter, highlighting his commitment to community service. Academically, he excels as a Top 10 student and has achieved Full Colours for Culture and Academics. His multifaceted talents and leadership qualities make him an exceptional choice for the role of RCL President.
● Hailing from King William’s Town, 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗣𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗺𝗮 joined Union as a boarder in Grade 10 in 2023. Since her arrival, she has proven to be an invaluable asset to our school community. Milani currently serves as a school prefect and Head Girl at the hostel, where her leadership and mentoring skills shine.
In addition to her various roles, Milani is a Top Level Club member, a First Aider and a Mentor to our younger Unionites. She also holds the position of vice-chairman of the InterAct Club, where she actively engages in community service initiatives. Milani’s dedication and passion for making a difference align perfectly with her new role as vice-president of the RCL.
