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.
On behalf of the Union High School, Graaff-Reinet, I am delighted to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all of you as we gather at the Union Schools’ campus this week for the much-anticipated 2023 Interschools between the Union Schools and Hoรซr and Laer Volkskool.
As we embark on this exciting journey, it is important to remember that this event is not solely about competition. It is about fostering camaraderie, celebrating sportsmanship and nurturing the spirit of togetherness that unites us all.
Interschools provides a platform for us to showcase our talents, challenge ourselves and build lasting friendships that will transcend the boundaries of the playing field.
๐ง๐ผ ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐น๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐, I extend my best wishes and good luck for the upcoming encounters. Whether you find yourself on the AstroTurf, rugby field, tennis court, or participating in any of the various cultural competitions, remember to give your all, display exemplary sportsmanship and cherish every moment.
May the spirit of fair play guide you and may your efforts be rewarded with personal growth and unforgettable memories.
๐ง๐ผ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐, ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐ณ who have tirelessly nurtured these young talents, I extend my deepest appreciation. Your guidance and commitment have undoubtedly played a vital role in shaping the individuals who stand before us today. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our learners and for instilling in them the values of teamwork, discipline and resilience.
Lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude ๐๐ผ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ who cheer on their children. Your unwavering support and encouragement make a significant difference in the lives of these young learners. Your presence is a testament to the strong bonds within our community and the importance we place on the holistic development of our learners.
๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ผ๐ผ๐น๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฏ ๐ฏ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ป๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป๐๐ผ๐น๐๐ฒ๐ฑ. Let us come together in the spirit of friendly competition, mutual respect and a shared passion for excellence. I am confident that this week will leave a lasting impression on all of us, fostering lifelong friendships and creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
We couldn’t have been more thrilled to welcome Grade 7 learners Zoรซ Mills and Brett Kenmuir back to school today!
Zoรซ and Brett spent the past term at the Salisbury Cathedral School in the UK as part of the two schoolsโ annual exchange programme and from all accounts, it has been an incredible term for them!
Not only did Zoรซ and Brett represent our school wonderfully abroad, but they also brought back with them a wealth of knowledge, experiences and an understanding of the world that we’re certain will enrich our own community
While we owe a huge ๐ง๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ to the amazing coaches, dedicated referees and participating athletes who made this event possible, we’d like to express our gratitude to the following for their contribution to the success of the festival:
โข The festivalโs title sponsors, Caltex Eastern Cape and Bothaโs Garage, as well as all our other valued sponsors. โข Brian Bands Sports Graaff-Reinet for sponsoring the match balls. โข The superintendents, matrons and staff of our boarding facilities, i.e. Herby Arnott House, Max Kroon House and Arthur Kingwill House. โข The staff and hostels of Hoรซr and Laer Volkskool, in particular Jaco van Schalkwyk and Johan and Verna Nieuwoudt. โข All parents assisting with catering. โข The Old Unionite Association for the running of The Tony Burrell Union. โข Union’s estate manager, Mr Donald Kingwill, and his capable staff for the immaculate grounds. โข All our visiting coaches, managers, headmasters and players for their attendance.” โข UHS staff and learners. โข SARU and EPRU for the appointment of rugby referees. โข All paramedics and First Aid personnel. โข ISU-Rommel for assisting us with rubbish bins. โข Richard Herald and Campbell Scott for their assistance with the generators. โข CAWS – Community Animal Welfare Society for keeping the youngsters entertained at the kiddies corner. โข Union’s Matric Farewell committee for organising the carnival and dance. โข SuperSport Schools for their live broadcast of the weekend’s action.
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We are delighted to extend ๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ง๐๐๐๐ง ๐ช๐๐๐๐ข๐ ๐ to the Ferreira family as they join us at Herby Arnott House from the start of this term as our junior boarding houseโs new superintendent couple!
Bronwyn and Jacques, along with their children Aidan and Tara, have over the past couple of years, become valued members of our school family. Aidan, a Grade 6 learner, and Tara, a Grade 10 learner, are already familiar faces within our school community, and we are thrilled to now have them as part of our boarding programme.
Bronwyn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in learner well-being, fostering a nurturing environment where each child feels safe, supported and encouraged to thrive, while Jacques’ passion for building strong relationships and providing guidance will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of our boarders.
๐๐๐ง๐๐ฎ ๐ผ๐ง๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ๐ฉ ๐๐ค๐ช๐จ๐ ๐๐๐จ ๐๐ก๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐จ ๐ฅ๐ง๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐๐ก๐ ๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ ๐๐ค๐ข๐ ๐๐ฌ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ง๐ค๐ข ๐๐ค๐ข๐ for our Grade 5 to 7 boarders. With the arrival of the Ferreira family, we are confident that this tradition will be upheld and strengthened. Their commitment to fostering a warm and inclusive environment aligns perfectly with our core values, ensuring that each learner’s boarding experience is enriching, enjoyable and memorable.
Should you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us or the Ferreira family. We look forward to a wonderful journey together!
It is with mixed emotions that we recently found ourselves saying farewell to two remarkable individuals who have become an integral part of our boarding family.
๐๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ง๐๐๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ ๐ฉ๐ค๐ช๐๐ ๐ค๐ ๐จ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐จ๐จ, we congratulate Rory and Martie Sullivan on their well-deserved retirement from Herby Arnott House.
Rory and Martie have been pillars of support, compassion and guidance for our boarders throughout their tenure at Union High School, Graaff-Reinet. Since joining the Union family, they have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to creating a warm, nurturing environment that has made Herby Arnott House a true home away from home.
Their unwavering commitment to the well-being of our boarders and their families has left an indelible mark on our school community. ๐๐ฐ๐ณ๐บ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ณ๐ต๐ช๐ฆ’๐ด ๐จ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฆ ๐ค๐ข๐ณ๐ฆ, ๐ช๐ฏ๐ง๐ฆ๐ค๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ถ๐ด ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ต๐ฉ๐ถ๐ด๐ช๐ข๐ด๐ฎ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ด๐ด ๐ฑ๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ ๐ฉ๐ข๐ท๐ฆ ๐ฆ๐ข๐ณ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ฎ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ช๐ณ๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐จ๐ณ๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ต๐ถ๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ค๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ต๐ญ๐ฆ๐ด๐ด ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ข๐ณ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ด, ๐ฑ๐ข๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ต๐ด ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ด๐ต๐ข๐ง๐ง ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ด.
We simply cannot envision boarding life at Union without them. Their presence has been a source of comfort and reassurance for all those who have needed to place their children in their care.
Their wisdom, kindness, and genuine love for our learners have made an immeasurable impact on countless lives.
As we celebrate the incredible legacy they leave behind, we also express our heartfelt thanks for their countless contributions to Union as a whole. ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ผ ๐ณ๐ผ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ ๐ป๐๐ฟ๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ป๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ต๐ฒ๐น๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ป๐๐น๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ป๐ด ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ถ๐น๐น ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ.
Rory and Martie, while we will miss your warm smiles, compassionate hearts and unwavering support, we are overjoyed that you will now embark on a well-deserved chapter of rest, relaxation, and new adventures. May this next phase of your lives be filled with joy, laughter and cherished moments spent with loved ones.
On behalf of the entire Union High School community, we extend our deepest gratitude and warmest wishes to Rory and Martie Sullivan as they enter this new chapter. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and your legacy will continue to inspire us all.
We are excited to invite you to ๐๐ข๐๐ก ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐ก ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฃ๐ฃ๐ข๐ฅ๐ง๐๐ก๐ the Union Schools’ boarding houses during this yearโs Interschools.
By participating in these fundraisers, you are directly contributing to the growth and development of our boarding houses, enabling them to provide an enriching and nurturing environment for our learners.
๐๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐ฆ๐ง ๐ง๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฆ’ ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ข๐ซ๐๐ฆ
๐๐ข๐ข๐ ๐ฆ๐ง๐๐๐
