The Union Schools celebrated Founders’ Day
Friday, 24 January, marked the occasion of the Union Schools’ 101st birthday.
Traditionally, this day is celebrated by inviting Old Unionites to join us for a special assembly, in which members of the Preparatory School participate, and then to tea afterwards.
Doughnuts are also provided to the school’s learners on this day and they get to go home a little earlier than usual.
The special assembly was opened by the school’s principal, Mr William Pringle, who extended a word of welcome to all those present and delivered a short devotion.
Following this, the Union Preparatory School song, as well as the Union High School song, was beautifully sung by the learners.
Headboy Bowen Langmead then offered the school prayer, after which Mr Pringle spoke about the history of the school, subtly reminding us of the tradition and strength behind our school.
Headgirl Sakhe Booi, learner Anna-May Hayes and UPS learner Philip Kayster then delivered special messages in honour of the occasion.
After the cake was presented and the candles lit, the learners filed their way out of the hall to fetch their doughnuts and watch the sports for the afternoon.
As is customary, the Founders’ Day assembly brought much pride within the school hall.
Founders’ Weekend cricket matches
Union High School’s Old Boys and parents took to the field today in the traditional Founders’ Weekend cricket matches against the school’s 1st, 2nd, 3rd and u/15A cricket teams.
Congratulations to the Old Boys team for winning their match against the 1st XI school team.
A lot of fun was had as these matches are not only about what happens on the pitch but also on the sidelines and afterwards, as current and former Unionites of all vintages share some time together.
At the prizegiving ceremony held in the Tony Burrell Union this evening, Saturday, 25 January, upon conclusion of the day’s play, the following trophies were presented:
• Most valuable player of the day – 1st XI: James Pringle
• Best schoolboy performer – 1st XI: Josh Calitz (the trophy is shared with Mr Dave Stern who captained the victorious Old Boys’ team that managed to edge out the UHS 1st XI in their encounter today).
• Best Batsman – 1st XI: James Pringle
• Best Bowler – 1st XI: Lihle Mxhunyelwa
• Best Schoolboy Performer – 2nd XI: Kwande Mhlabeni
• Best Schoolboy Performer – u/15: Jude Langmead
The trophies were presented to the players by Mr Rory Sullivan.
Schoolgirls win turf war
The traditional Founders’ Weekend hockey matches between the Old Girls/moms and Union High School’s 1st Seniors and a mixed Juniors team, was played in spectacular fashion this past Friday afternoon, 24 January.
With very welcome rain clouds looming above, the mixed Juniors won their match against the Old Girls/moms by 2 goals to 1, while the 1st XI won their match 4 – 1.
During the prizegiving ceremony at the end of the day’s play, the award for the day’s best defender went to Brigitte Oelofsen, with the best goal being awarded to Laetitia Theron.
Congratulations to Laetitia Theron and Jade Shires who shared the award for the day’s best player.
Union High School extends its thanks to all those who participated and for the support received from the Old Girls and parents.
A special word of thanks is also extended to Jennifer Hope for taking the reins with the organisation of the event this year. As well as to all those who assisted her.
Annual Gisela Kingwill Mother & Daughter Morning
On Saturday morning, 25 January the school hosted its annual Gisela Kingwill Mother & Daughter Morning in the garden of the Union Preparatory School.
Organised by the Matric Farewell committee, the event is all about celebrating women and the special relationship that exists between a mother and her daughter.
This year’s event was a resounding success, with the 180 guests enjoying a beautiful morning of good company, scrumptious eats and entertainment from two exceptional guest speakers.
Corli Schoeman, owner of Alchemy Skin & Body and Niche Spa Consulting, and MP Samantha Graham-Maré gave truly inspiring talks, sharing their own life experiences with their captive audience to stress the importance of loving yourself – inside and out.
Guests were also treated to a performance by Melissa Swart on the clarinet and while the ladies were enjoying their delightful drinks and eats, the Grade 11s treated the little girls at a special pamper station set up especially for them.
As an additional fundraising endeavour, racks of lovingly-worn items of clothing were also set up and made available to purchase on a donation basis.
Union High School extends its grateful thanks to everyone who bought a ticket in support of this event. A special word of thanks is also extended to all the Grade 11s and their parents, as well as the many willing helpers, who assisted in organising this wonderful affair.
The organisers of this year’s event would also like to thank the following sponsors for their contribution to the day’s success: Alchemy Skin & Body, Blue Magnolia, Justine (Corrie Potgieter), Elsona, Our Yard, Polka Cafe. Bakery.Deli, Simply Nails, Tupperware (Diane Murray), The Muller House, The Windmill Junction, Magriki (Wilna Laubser) and EAT DIRT by Justshaz.
Long may the tradition continue!
Amber Bezuidenhout
Sasha Cochrane
Terry Mabuni
Cadee Arends
Kathryn Odendaal
Matthew Hesselink
