Union High School, Graaff-Reinetโs ๐๐จ๐ก๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก, held early Wednesday morning, 16 August, was a memorable event indeed.
The top speakers from Grade 5, 6 and 7 confidently took the stage in a room filled with their peers, proud parents and a panel of adjudicators.
๐๐๐ ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐๐จ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฃ ๐๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐๐จ ๐๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ฉ๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐จ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐. From humorous anecdotes to emotional stories, intellectual discussions and serious topics, each speaker brought something unique to the stage. The level of preparation and the delivery of these young speakers left everyone in awe.
Union High School would like to express its gratitude to all the talented participants who took part in the competition. It was truly inspiring to see so many enthusiastic learners presenting their well-rehearsed speeches. Their dedication and hard work were clearly visible.
A special mention goes to the ๐ช๐๐ก๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ฆ of each respective grade. In Grade 7, Cate Cochrane took home the victory, followed by Sinalo Blaauw as the runner-up. In Grade 6, Clea Clark stood out with her outstanding speech and Rachel Wenham was recognized as the runner-up. Finally, in Grade 5, Adam Clark delivered an exceptional speech and was declared the winner, while Emily Raath received recognition as the runner-up.
On Tuesday evening, 15 August, Union High School, Graaff-Reinet hosted a ๐ฆ๐ข๐จ๐ฃ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ง๐ฆ’ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ in the school’s Tony Burrell Union.
The evening provided an opportunity for the schoolโs chess players โ from prep school through to matric โ to compete against their parents in a game of chess.
As the event commenced, the ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ฎ ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ช๐จ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ก๐๐๐ง๐ฃ๐๐ง๐จ ๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ช๐ฅ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐ฉ ๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ง ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ก ๐ค๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐จ.
Throughout the evening, across the floor, participants could be seen crowded close to the chessboards, nervously assessing the game, with the opportunity of beating their opponents cause for much excitement and it was quite heart-warming to see the younger children playing their moves like stalwarts with rapt concentration and a collected demeanour.
In the end, whether a match was won, lost or drawn, a ton of fun was had by all!
After conclusion of the matches, all those who attended could help themselves to a delicious selection of soups and breads.
Today, Monday, 14 August, sawย Union High School, Graaff-Reinetโs talented orators travel to Somerset East to participate againstย Gill College, School of Excellence.
The Union learnersโ remarkable ability to captivate the audience with their eloquence and persuasive skills impressed the panel of judges, securing them the top positions in both the prepared and unprepared sections of the competition.
๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐จ๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก๐ฆ to Naโeem Mahomed on winning the prepared speeches, and Caytah-Leigh Koeberg on claiming second place.
Joy Merifield secured first place in the unprepared speech section, while Sobuhle Nyambali showcased exceptional talent to secure the second place.
This past weekend, the Union boys affiliated to the Graaff-Reinet Scout Troop participated in one of Scoutingโs best known and most loved traditions โ camping!
They honed their survival skills by learning how to build shelters, tried their hand at backwoods engineering and told stories around a crackling campfire, all under the watchful guidance of their seasoned scout leaders.
Union High School, Graaff-Reinetย Grade 11 learner Joy Merifield celebrates her artistic triumph, as she gracefully accepts her R10 000 prize for securing 1st place in the recentย Karoo Winter Wool Festival’s ๐ข๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ง ๐๐ข๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก.
Cor Uys, OVK’s area manager, is seen here presenting her with the giant cheque, accompanied by an extra R10 000 prize for her school.
On 8 August, a sunny Monday morning, Union High School, Graaff-Reinetโs energetic Grade 5s embarked on ๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐๐ซ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ก.
They strolled through the streets, admiring the charming Karoo-style architecture and engaging with the welcoming local community. From quaint shops that offered handmade crafts to delicious local treats, the learners had a chance to immerse themselves in the cultural fabric of this small rural hamlet.
๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐ค๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฎ, however, was undoubtedly the fascinating fossil museum. Here, the Grade 5s got to witness the ancient remains of prehistoric creatures that once roamed the earth, learning about the rich natural history of the area. The passionate museum curator shared intriguing stories, sparking the learners’ imaginations and fostering a love for paleontology.
The Grade 5s left Nieu-Bethesda that afternoon with hearts full of memories, new friendships and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and history of their country. ๐๐๐๐จ ๐๐ก๐๐จ๐จ ๐ค๐ช๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐ค๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐ง ๐ง๐๐ข๐๐๐ฃ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ง๐๐จ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐๐ข๐ค๐ง๐ฎ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐ฉ๐๐๐ข, ๐ง๐๐ข๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ข ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฉ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ ๐จ๐ค ๐ข๐ช๐๐ ๐ข๐ค๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐ญ๐ฅ๐ก๐ค๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ค๐ฃ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐ข๐๐ก๐๐๐ง ๐ฌ๐๐ก๐ก๐จ ๐ค๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ง ๐๐ก๐๐จ๐จ๐ง๐ค๐ค๐ข๐จ.
๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐จ๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก๐ฆ to junior music student, ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ (Grade 6), who successfully passed her recent Rockschool Graded Music Exam with aplomb.
๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฎ played a Contemporary Rockschool Grade 1 Performance Certificate Examination and aced it with Distinction.
๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐จ๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก๐ฆ ๐ง๐ข Liso Sobantu, a senior music student in Grade 8, for passing his Rockschool Contemporary Practical Examination with a score of 94% (Distinction).
Liso has shown great improvement in technique, rhythm, coordination and musical understanding. In the examination, he performed eighteen Technical Exercises, three Chord Voicing Exercises, and three Performance Pieces.
Congratulations to senior music student, ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ต๐ฎ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฟ๐น๐ฒ๐ (Grade 9), who successfully passed her recent Rockschool Practical Examinations with assurance!
Samantha played a Classical Rockschool Grade 4 Graded Certificate Examination and achieved 93% (Distinction).
Samantha mastered the key skills up to Grade 3 and subsequently acquired greater use of technique, more complex rhythms, co-ordination and musical understanding.
For the examination, she performed sixteen Technical Exercises (with legato feel), one Stylistic Study and three Performance Pieces presented as a continuous programme.
The ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ข๐ ๐ of the Interschools clash between Union and Volkskool has once again proven to be ๐๐๐ฅ๐-๐๐ข๐จ๐๐๐ง. The two schools have been neighbours, friends and rivals for more than a 100 years and, irrespective of the outcome, this annual encounter always fosters an intense feeling of school pride while evoking a lot of emotion and excitement. This year was no exception. ๐ช๐ฒ ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฎ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ณ๐ฒ๐น๐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐๐ต๐ผ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ผ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฒ๐ณ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ธ ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐๐น๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ผ๐ผ๐น๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฏ, ๐๐ฎ๐น๐น๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ถ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ถ๐ป๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฉ๐ผ๐น๐ธ๐๐ธ๐ผ๐ผ๐น’๐ ๐ฐ๐ฒ. The cultural richness emanating from the unity between our three Union Schools and the school’s unwavering commitment to the spirit of diversity, inclusivity, participation and tradition resonated profoundly throughout the contest and weโd like to extend our grateful thanks to our exceptional senior role models who set a remarkable example for our entire community this Interschools, exemplifying the values ingrained within our institution. ๐๐ข๐ด๐ต๐ญ๐บ, ๐ธ๐ฆ’๐ฅ ๐ญ๐ช๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ฆ๐น๐ต๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ข ๐ธ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฅ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฏ๐จ๐ณ๐ข๐ต๐ถ๐ญ๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ด ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ด๐ค๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ญ – ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐๐ฏ๐ต๐ฆ๐ณ๐ด๐ค๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ด’ ๐ณ๐ช๐ท๐ข๐ญ๐ด – ๐๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ด๐ฌ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ญ, ๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ช๐ณ ๐ด๐ต๐ฆ๐ญ๐ญ๐ข๐ณ ๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ ๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ต๐ด ๐ง๐ช๐ฆ๐ญ๐ฅ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ค๐ถ๐ญ๐ต๐ถ๐ณ๐ฆ ๐ง๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ต – ๐ข๐ด ๐ข๐ญ๐ธ๐ข๐บ๐ด, ๐ช๐ต ๐ช๐ด ๐ข๐ฏ ๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ต๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ข๐จ๐ข๐ช๐ฏ๐ด๐ต ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ! ๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ ’๐จ ๐จ๐๐ค๐ง๐๐จ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ ๐๐ค๐ก๐ก๐ค๐ฌ๐จ: ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐๐: โข Union Junior 1st team lost 1 – 6 โข Union Junior 2nd team won 5 – 2 โข Union Preparatory School won 5 – 2 โข Union Senior 1st team won 4 -3 โข Union Senior 2nd team won 6 – 1 ๐ค๐๐ถ๐: โข Union won 12 โ 10. ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต: โข ๐๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ช๐ฐ๐ณ๐ด: Union High claimed first and second place โข ๐๐ถ๐ฏ๐ช๐ฐ๐ณ๐ด: Volkskool won first place, Union won second place ๐.๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ป๐ป๐ถ๐: โข Boys lost 0 – 9 โข Girls won 7 โ 2 ๐๐๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ป๐ป๐ถ๐: โข 1st Girls Team won 7 – 2 โข 2nd Girls Team won 8 – 1 โข 1st Boys Team won 5 – 4 โข 2nd Boys Team lost 4 – 5 ๐ง๐ฒ๐ป๐ป๐ถ๐ (๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ฟ๐): ๐๐ช๐ณ๐ญ๐ด โข Union 1st Team won 5 – 4 โข Union 2nd Team won 8 – 1 โข Union 3rd Team won 8 – 1 ๐๐ฐ๐บ๐ด โข Union 1st Team lost 0 – 9 โข Union 2nd Team lost 0 – 9 โข Union 3rd Team lost 1 – 8 ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฒ๐: โข Union u/7A lost 1 – 3 โข Union u/7B lost 0 – 2 โข Union u/7C lost 0 – 4 โข Union u/8 B won 6 – 1 โข Union u/8 A lost 0 – 11 โข Union u/9 A drew 2 โ 2 โข Union u/9B lost 0 – 4 โข Union u/10A won 5 – 0 โข Union u/13B won 2 – 0 โข Union u/13A drew 1 – 1 โข Union u/14A drew 0 – 0 โข Union u/16B won 1 – 0 โข Union u/16A won 9 โ 0 โข Union 2nd team drew 1 – 1 โข 1st team won 2 โ 1 ๐ฅ๐๐ด๐ฏ๐: โข Union u/7A won 50 – 5 โข Union u/9B lost 0 – 29 โข Union u/9A lost 5 – 43 โข Union u/11B lost 5 – 53 โข Union u/11A won 17 – 5 โข Union u/13B lost 5 – 35 โข Union u/13A lost 10 – 36 โข Union u/15B won 22 – 10 โข Union u/14A lost 5 – 21 โข Union u/15A lost 12 – 18 โข Union u/16A won 8 – 7 โข Union 3rd XV lost 5 – 48 โข Union 2nd XV won 19 – 17 โข Union 1stย XVย lostย 6ย –ย 39
Each year at Interschools, there is a match that stands out from the rest โ whether itโs a game that showcases the underdogs and their triumphant victory, or one in which a team claws their way back to victory after trailing by double-digit points for nearly the entire contest.
๐๐๐๐จ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ง’๐จ ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐จ๐๐๐ค๐ค๐ก๐จ ๐ฌ๐๐จ ๐ฃ๐ค ๐๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ, as Union High School, Graaff-Reinet’s u/16A rugby team, led by their coach Mr. Hanno Sparrius, claimed an amazing 8-7 victory.
This is the first time that a Union u/16A side has won their Interschoolsโ encounter since 2013, making this a truly ๐ช๐ฃ๐๐ค๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐๐ฃ๐ฉ for all the boys and their parents!
Jayden Odendaal, Hlankanipa Skepe, Camran Swartz, Jared Meyer, Naโeem Mahomed, Lonwabo Hanabe, Jude Langmead, Ryan Jenneke (c ), Chuma Sobantu (vC), Wade Edwards, Elihle Robile, Brent Hesselink, Joshua Basson, Peter Michaels and Andrue (AJ) Victor.
Ryan Jenneke, 1st XV captain: โAs we stand on the brink of the much-awaited interschools, I want to take a moment to share my thoughts and ignite the fire within each one of you. Rugby is more than just a game; it’s a way of life, a bond that unites us all. It teaches us resilience, teamwork, and the importance of pushing ourselves to the limits.
As the captain of Union’s 1st team rugby, I am immensely proud of each and every one of you. Our strength lies not only in our skills but also in our unity and unwavering support for one another. Remember, when we step onto that field, we do so as a brotherhood, unyielding and determined.
Rugby is a battle that demands our blood, sweat, and tears. But it also rewards us with unforgettable moments, lifelong friendships, and a sense of achievement that cannot be replicated. So, let’s embrace this opportunity, let’s give it our all, and leave no doubts in the minds of our opponents.
As the legendary rugby player, Jonah Lomu once said, “Rugby is great. The players don’t wear helmets or padding; they just beat the living daylights out of each other and then go for a beer. I love that.” Let’s embody this spirit, play with passion, and leave everything on that field.
Believe in yourselves, believe in your teammates, and believe in the power of unity. Let’s make our school proud, let’s make this interschools a memory that will be cherished forever. Together, we can conquer any challenge that comes our way. Go out there, give it your all, and let the roar of victory be heard!โ
Message from the Coach As Unionโs 1st team rugby coach, I am thrilled to address you all on this momentous occasion of our Interschools event. It fills my heart with immense pride to see the spirit of unity and enthusiasm that radiates through our school.
To our talented players, I want you to know that you are the embodiment of dedication and passion. Remember, every tackle, every try and every moment on that field is an opportunity to showcase your skills and teamwork. Embrace the challenge, trust in your abilities and leave nothing behind but your unwavering determination.
To our beloved supporters, your unwavering presence and resounding cheers are the fuel that ignites our team’s fire. Your belief in our players and your unwavering support truly make a difference. Let’s come together, rally behind our team, and create an atmosphere that will be remembered for years to come.
To our esteemed visitors, welcome to our vibrant school community! We extend our warmest hospitality and friendship to you. May this event be a celebration of sportsmanship, camaraderie and the love for the game. As we compete on the field, let our shared values of respect and fair play shine through.
Wishing everyone a day filled with thrilling moments, friendly competition and a deep sense of pride. Go Union!
Warm regards, Sean Koeberg
1st Hockey Team
Sadรฉ May, Kenza Neill, Leah Marais, Mecoli Vorster, Amy Waddelow, Tara Ferreira, Charlize Vorster, Ngomusa Zweni (VC), Brigettรฉ Oelofsen (C), Anna Pringle (VC), Anna Bouwer, Misha Newton, Sarah Jacobs, Leigh-Ann Murray, Caytah-Leigh Koeberg and Aaminah Steele.
Let’s remember that every match and every goal we score this Interschools is a testament to our hard work and dedication. We’ve trained together, we’ve grown together, and now it’s time to show everyone what we’re capable of.
Believe in yourselves, trust in your skills, and support one another on and off the field. Remember that we are stronger together, and our unity will be our greatest strength.
So, let’s give it our all, leave everything on the field, and make Union proud. I have complete faith in each and every one of you.
Go, Union, go!โ
Message from the Coach As the Head of Hockey at Union, I am thrilled to welcome our visitors and fellow competitors to our school for this yearโs Interschools. It is a momentous occasion that brings together the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie and a shared passion for the game.
To all our players, coaches and supporters, I encourage you to embrace this opportunity to showcase your skills, determination, and teamwork. Remember, it is not just about winning, but about the joy of playing this beautiful game and the memories we create together.
Let us welcome our visitors with open arms, for they too have travelled far to be here. May this Interschools be a testament to the unity and respect that lies at the heart of competitive sports. Let us compete fiercely, but always with grace and respect for our opponents.
To our players, you have trained tirelessly, honed your skills and overcome challenges to reach this stage. Now is your chance to shine on the field, to leave everything you have on the pitch and to make your school proud.
To our supporters, your unwavering encouragement fuels our players’ determination. Your cheers and applause inspire us to push beyond our limits and strive for greatness. Together, let’s create an electrifying atmosphere that will resonate with our opponents and make this Interschools a truly unforgettable experience.
Union High School, let us unite under the banner of hockey, embodying the values of sportsmanship, resilience, and respect. May this Interschools be marked not only by the battles on the field but also by the friendships formed and the memories that will last a lifetime.
To our visitors, we extend a warm welcome to our school. May your time here be filled with spirited competition, new friendships, and an appreciation for the beauty of the game.
Let the games begin, and may the spirit of hockey guide us all!
Yours in hockey, Calvin Beck
1st Tennis Team
LEFT TO RIGHT: Tara Ferreira, Brent Hesselink, Tayla Kingwill, Jude Langmead, Gemma Naude, Karl Venter, Leah Marais, Jordan Wilmot, Caytah-Leigh Koeberg, Josh Neill, Anna Pringle and Ndalo Qwalela.