Category: Bulletin

As the sun sets on another year at Union High School, we celebrate a remarkable journey and bid farewell to a beloved educator, mentor and friend – Mrs Louise Vorster.

𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟱 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗠𝗿𝘀 𝗩𝗼𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹.

Mrs Vorster joined Union High School in 1999 and since that day, she has embraced every opportunity to engage with the school community. Her passion for education and commitment to her learners have been evident in her multifaceted involvement – coaching tennis, golf and hockey, as well as supporting numerous musicals and Interact fundraisers. Her dedication to the arts and sports has enriched the lives of countless learners, fostering a spirit of teamwork and creativity.

As a teacher, Mrs Vorster brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to her learners. Many matriculants can attest to the invaluable insights gained from her Grade 7 Afrikaans notes, which have become a trusted resource in preparation for their final NSC Afrikaans examination. 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲.

In crafting this tribute, we find it fitting to blend the past and present tenses as Mrs Vorster’s attributes remain timeless; they continue to shine brightly even as she steps into a new chapter of her life. She has left an indelible mark on Union High School, gracefully navigating the waves of change while always prioritizing the well-being of her learners and colleagues.

𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴 – 𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘤, 𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭. 𝘌𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮, 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘮, 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴.

Empathy has been a constant companion for Mrs Vorster, guiding her interactions and creating a nurturing classroom environment. Many young lives have been touched by her unwavering support and compassion, which have fostered a sense of belonging and encouragement among her learners.

Life’s challenges are universal, and Mrs Vorster has faced her own with courage and resilience. In times of personal setbacks, she has leaned on her faith, drawing strength from the One who supports us during our darkest hours. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝘄𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲.

As we reflect on her time at Union High School, we do so with tremendous fondness. Aunty Louise, as she is affectionately known, leaves us equipped with her talent, wisdom and a heart full of love. 𝙒𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮, 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚.

Mrs Vorster’s association with Union High School has been a fruitful season and as she prepares to embrace new adventures, we know she does so with her feet firmly planted on the Word of God, eagerly anticipating the blessings that lie ahead. While she may be retiring from her official role, her influence and legacy will forever remain woven into the fabric of our school community.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗠𝗿𝘀 𝗩𝗼𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 – 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱!

“𝘈 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴” – a saying that beautifully encapsulates the power of visuals in education.

We are delighted to show the community our newly revamped 𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗠. The recent upgrades to this teaching space included a fresh coat of paint, elegant new blinds and essential maintenance work that has rejuvenated the room.

The crowning jewel of this transformation, however, is undoubtedly the stunning full-wall mural of Albert Einstein. This striking artwork depicts the iconic physicist through his famous quote, reminding us that every visual speaks volumes.

𝗔𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.

In honour of 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬, or Poppy Day as it is sometimes known, which is observed on 11 November each year, a Remembrance Day Service was held at the St James’ Anglican Church in Graaff-Reinet on Sunday, 10 November.

[ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 11 𝘕𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘞𝘢𝘳. 𝘐𝘯 1918, 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘞𝘢𝘳 (1914-1918), 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘯-𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 ‘𝘸𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘴’ 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘰𝘧 8 634 300 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘴. ]

This is 𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙤𝙘𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣, especially for the family and relatives of the fallen, and also for Union High School, as we pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

𝗪𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗢𝗹𝗱 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝗿:

• Lt Charles M. de V. Booysen SAAF (1943)
• Lt Victor P. de Kock MBE DSC MID (1943)
• 2nd Lt Fanie Nieuwoudt SAAF (1943)
• Trooper Gerrit T. Ferreira (1944)
• Lt Ronald Briggs DFC SAAF (1944)
• Trooper John G. Erlank (1944)
• Lt Allan McCabe SAAF (1944)
• Lt Piet Welman SAAF (1944)
• Capt. A.C. Ramsay RE (1945)
• Flt. Sgt Billy Wright SAAF (1945)
• Lt Noel Wright SAAF (1945)
• L Cpl Mark A. Plateel SAMS (1981)
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘭𝘥,
𝘈𝘨𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮, 𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘯,
𝘈𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨,
𝘞𝘌 𝘞𝘐𝘓𝘓 𝘙𝘌𝘔𝘌𝘔𝘉𝘌𝘙 𝘛𝘏𝘌𝘔.

As we prepare to step into 2025, Union High School is pleased to report the transformation of yet another one of our teaching spaces.

With a vision for progress and innovation, the classroom features the standard for all our revamps – a state-of-the-art digital interactive whiteboard, LED lighting and thoughtfully curated furniture.

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱.

Large windows frame the field, allowing natural light to flood the room, providing a picturesque backdrop for daily lessons.

𝗔𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹, 𝘄𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. With the transformation of this space, we are proud to offer a teaching environment that reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence

𝗢𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟮𝟴 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿, 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗡𝗦𝗖 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.

In a world that often feels hurried and impersonal, this gesture from the Graaff-Reinet Dutch Reformed Church stands out as an example of the community spirit and kindness that makes our town such a wonderful place to live

To the congregation of the Graaff-Reinet Dutch Reformed Church, your thoughtful initiative has made a significant impact. The NSC examinations can be a source of stress and anxiety for many young learners – 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘴 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺.

𝗪𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲, 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁.

We are thrilled to share the wonderful news that we have recently had the privilege of revamping the 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦 lab at Union High School, Graaff-Reinet.

This project has not only transformed the space but also reinvigorated the learning environment for learners who will walk through its doors each day.

The journey began with the complete gutting of the age-old classroom. We carefully sanded and varnished the floors, breathing new life into the room’s foundation. The outdated box blinds were replaced with modern window coverings, flooding the lab with natural light.

𝗪𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗿𝗯𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀’ 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴.

New front-of-classroom cupboards were installed, which function as a traditional whiteboard, while housing the digital interactive whiteboard – an essential tool for dynamic teaching and interactive learning.

To enhance the overall ambiance, the walls and ceiling received a fresh coat of paint, while a stunning mural now graces one wall, adding a splash of colour and creativity that breathes life into the lab.

𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦.

This past Friday and Saturday, a group of 12 enthusiastic Grade 7 learners from Union High School had the incredible opportunity to participate in a Social Sciences 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 to the stunning KAROO RIDGE – Conservancy, located just 50 kilometers northeast of Middelburg.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘥 “𝘍𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘉𝘪𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺,” 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘢 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴.

The journey began early on Friday, 18 October, as the learners departed the Union grounds filled with excitement for the days ahead.

After a scenic drive, they arrived at the picturesque River Lodge at the Karoo Ridge Conservancy. Following a light lunch and a chance to unpack, the learners were warmly welcomed by Helen Wenham, who introduced them to the unique environment they were about to explore.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗼𝗲. This engaging hike not only allowed the learners to appreciate the breathtaking landscape but also provided valuable insights on erosion and its impact on the environment. After an invigorating walk, the group returned to the River Lodge for some relaxation time, which included a refreshing swim before dinner.

𝗔𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝘁, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗺. This experience provided them with a close encounter with the local wildlife, further enriching their understanding of biodiversity in the Karoo region. The day concluded with a delightful dinner and braai in the Boma, where everyone gathered to reflect on the day’s adventures.

Saturday morning kicked off with a hearty breakfast cooked over an open fire, setting the stage for another exciting day ahead. The learners joined David Hall for a 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸, which included discussions on the local flora and fauna, alongside a hands-on activity in small gabion building.

Following a brief comfort break, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸, 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹. This hands-on experience reinforced the importance of sustainable practices in farming and conservation efforts.

After a well-deserved lunch, the group wrapped up their enriching excursion and prepared to depart, leaving with a wealth of knowledge and unforgettable memories.

Union extends its 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗙𝗘𝗟𝗧 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘 to Mrs Hanli Rose-Innes for organising this memorable trip, as well as to Pete and Helen Wenham for their generous hospitality and guidance throughout the excursion.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴’ 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.