The Grade 7R class paid another visit to the local branch of the SPCA last week. They handed over all the delightful toys they made for the cats and smaller breed dogs. The animals loved the new sources of stimulation and started playing with the new toys without delay. Our next aim is to raise money for three trees that would create some shade for the cat shelters. If you would like to donate a tree it would be very much appreciated!
Erin O’Halloran was very privileged to attend the first Bright Ideas Innovation Cafe workshop, organised by the Swiss Embassy and Education Department. During this one day course she was taught various entrepreneural skills and teamwork. The idea that she submitted was titled ‘Plasticity’. ‘Plasticity’ is in actual fact her business.
The idea of ‘Plasticity’ is to take plastic shopping bags and change them into products ranging from pencil cases to makeup bags. This idea will employ as well as feed some of the community and hopefully make a difference in our small town.
The submission of this idea was awarded third place in the competition. As well as a prize she got to take home, she have learnt alot from this experience and have big plans for Plasticity.
To have ideas is one thing, to make something of them is another.
The annual Valedictory Service was held on Friday 12 October, and was a fitting farewell to the wonderful Grade 12 class of 2018. Deputy Head Prefects, Matt Harpur and Kelly Rose-Innes led the devotion, while the class presented a song, Queen of My Heart and a slideshow of their years at the School to those gathered. In response to the Headmaster’s address, Head Prefects Rebecca Langmead and Cameron Muir spoke on behalf of the class.
The ceremony ended with the Grade 12’s leading out and starting a new tradition, where each learner rang the Centenary Bell just once as they took leave of the school.
“I’ll always look back, as I walk away.
This memory will last, for eternity…”
– Westlife
Congratulations to the following boarders who were elected as the 2019 Arthur Kingwill House prefects:
Khanya Butshingi (Head Boy), Luke McNaughton, Peter Watermeyer, Iviwe Ndamane (Deputy Head), Lihlombe Qambata and Zusakhe Ngwane
We wish to congratulate the following girls on their selection as Herby Arnott House prefects for 2019:
Photograph left to right:
Front: Zintle Maki (Head Girl) Jenna McNaughton (Deputy Head Girl)
Back: Jemimah Mangunda, Taylyn Miller, Micela Loock, Elizabeth Afful-Packson
Congratulations to the following Union biathletes who have been selected to represent EP in the upcoming interprovincial event to be held in Port Elizabeth on the 20th of October: Jenna McNaughton, Megan Doyle and Jade Shires (EP) and Hannah Bodenstein, Drew Dobinson and Kendall Krige (EP Development).
The formal Music Evening was held at the end of the 3rd term. This was an opportunity to acknowledge all the students’ hard work and dedication throughout the course of the year. All the music students were also able to display their unique talents.
From the start, with a performance by the Union High School Junior Choir, to concluding with a solo by Zintle Maki, accompanied on the piano by Rebecca Langmead, the audience enjoyed an evening filled with ambience and an abundance of talent.
A special thank you goes to our music teachers, Mrs van der Walt, Mrs Brink and Mrs van Rooyen, for all their hard work and dedication in growing the music talent in our school. Thank you also to the Public Relations and Media departments for their help in making this very special evening a tremendous success.
On Thursday, 4 October 2018 Ryan Hobson went to his very first SA Silhouette Shooting competition in Bloemfontein. He participated in 4 events – Air Rife open sight, Small Bore Rifle Light Open Sight, Small Bore Rifle Silhouette Open Sight and Small Bore Rifle Open Sight Freestyle. Although it was a very windy day Ryan gave it his very best and his scores was very good for a first-timer at such a big competition.
Another group of learners completed a First Aid Level 1 Course this weekend. Thank you, ESS Medical.
The next time you drive the 54kms between Graaff-Reinet and Nieu-Bethesda, take cognisance of just how far the distance is and how long it takes in a car. Then imagine walking this distance (in fact – walking 65km), carrying all you need to survive on your backs for 5 days! This year marks the 3rd year that the grade 10 class of Union High have participated in their ‘Odyssey’ down the Gats river canyon, starting in Nieu-Bethesda and ending in Graaff-Reinet. This year’s learners walked the furthest distance yet – covering 65km on their journey – averaging 15 km per day.
Union’s Odyssey is indeed a journey of self-discovery for these learners who are afforded the privilege of walking through some of the most pristine wilderness that the Karoo has to offer. Thanks to the generosity of landowners -namely Pierre and Elizna Fourie, Julian Murray, Johan Dercksen and Patty Coetzee who allow them access and campsites on their farms, Union’s grade 10s are fortunate to call the Gats Canyon home for 5 days and 4 nights. Carefully selected stopover points are chosen for camps each evening. A policy of zero impact on the landscape is adopted, and there is absolutely no evidence that anyone passed through these places when they leave. The learners are given stringent talks on litter, pollution and the impact that humanity has on our planet. It is indeed heartening to see the respect that those who partake in Odyssey show the environment that they are privileged to use. This year, thanks to the good snowfalls during the winter, the river was pristine and could be used for drinking and swimming. Although temperatures were still chilly in the evenings, hikers enjoyed refreshing swims during the course of the day which soothed aching bodies and tired minds!
The Odyssey has gained momentum since its inception 3 years ago. Those who walk it are no longer fearful of what it entails and seem to relish in co-existing with the exquisite environment that we are graced with in the Karoo. According to Union Headmaster Mr William Pringle, the learners who have participated in Odyssey emerge unified, respectful and with a strong sense of who they are. He says that this year’s grade 12s are testament to this. During their time in the wilderness the grade 10s learned many life skills including: setting up camp in suitable places, fire making and the management thereof, cooking for themselves, team-work and co-operation. Little things like making a cup of coffee from scratch become vitally rewarding. They soon learn which things that they thought were essential, become heavy and redundant in their lives and on their backs! And, of course, the lack of cell phones and technology for the entire time leads to a refreshing new view on the world where they are seen looking upward and outward instead of having their heads downwards and consciousness inward. While some find the daily hikes relatively easy as they are strong and fit, there are many who find it physically challenging, yet somehow each and every one finds the inner strength to complete each leg of the journey. The grade emerges out of Odyssey bonded in a way that is noticeable, with camaraderie, encouragement and admiration of one another being key factors that become evident. They also learn that no matter how difficult and painful things can be sometimes, giving up is not an option, and each and every participant was extremely proud to complete the 5 day challenge.
On day 2 Paula Kingwill facilitated a drama therapy workshop to the learners in the wilderness. This year they focused on what life lessons they have learned from nature, and according to Paula, the creative ideas that the group enacted were remarkable. Solitaire is also an important exercise during their time away. Waking before dawn, all 52 children were placed out in the environment in total solitude and silence for 5 hours. During this special time they were given a letter written to them by their parents, were encouraged to write a letter to themselves which they will open at their Valedictory in 2 years, and were taught the art of paying attention to life in the ‘now’ by David Langmead. It is a beautiful thing to witness learners emerging from this valuable exercise – some quietly reflective, some emotional – all filled with peace. On the final day, as they stand unified on top of Ouberg, with Graaff-Reinet in the distance before them, and Compassberg far behind, the group is encouraged to take a moment to leave any pain that they may be carrying behind them on that mountain, before they descend light and free towards home.
Odyssey could not happen without the love and generosity of so many who give so much to make it a success. The custodians of the land who are so gracious and generous; Union High that supports the concept financially and logistically; parents who make food behind the scenes that is delivered each evening to far flung places, and Kevin and Lisa Watermeyer, David and Bronwen Langmead, Elrich and Lisa Jantjies, Jonathan Britton, Flippie Loock and Nibs Price who devote a week of their lives to logistics and walking with the group ensuring their well-being along the way. Union High’s Odyssey is about hearts. The hearts of those who give, and the hearts of those who grow.
Follow the link below to view the Odyssey Album
https://www.facebook.com/pg/unionhighschool/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2147251132012317