Bulletin, Student Life

Double Take

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re seeing double at Union High School.

That’s because the school is home to nine sets of twins this year!

Anyone who knows a set of twins, knows that they are alike in many ways, but, although there is much that they may share, at Union we just love developing their many individual talents and discovering how unique they truly are!

Seen here are: (back) Similo and Siyolo Somgqeza, Ntombazana and Ndodana Speelman, (middle) Chloe and Cullan Erasmus, Karl and David Venter and Kenza and Alex Neill, (front) Ashton and Ashwon Dawids, Tessa and Tammy James, Jenna and Luke McNaughton and JP and PJ van der Merwe.

Bulletin

Giving Thanks Where Thanks Are Due

For every year at Union – all 100 of them – the wonderful support that flows from the community to assist us in making the school a most excellent place has been a constant.

This year at Union has been no different.

In fact, in this, our Centenary year, we saw the community give above and beyond what we could have ever hoped for.  When we talk about “community”, it reaches much farther than our school families.

In addition to the parents and the extended family members tied to our school who go above and beyond in their steadfast support of all our endeavours, we are so thankful for the support we receive from our much valued sponsors and the Graaff-Reinet business and farming community.

So many private individuals and businesses in Graaff-Reinet have supported the school this year either financially, or with their time and resources at no cost – something that has been particularly evident this year with the numerous Centenary activities and the larger-than-usual Interschools weekend.

Their contributions of time and resources allow the school to provide learners, teachers, and the entire school community with diverse opportunities and experiences.

We thank them for their continued efforts and dedication. It has been a wonderful experience working with these individuals and businesses this year who truly champion our vision for the school.

We appreciate you and are thankful for your servant hearts.

We’d like to encourage our school community to please support these businesses and individuals in their endeavours.

The Desert Springs Spur
Caltex College Motors
Merino Pharmacy
Derek Light of Derek Light Attorneys
Kim Spencer-Primic of GR Gear
Frank Gentry of Karoo Taxidermy
Devrin Muir of Electro Cool
Beaver Hobson of Ken’s Radio
Chris Verheul of T.A.C. Wholesale & Supplies
Peter Brotherton in his personal capacity
Campbell Scott of Campbell Scott Machine Hire
Colin Warner of Colin Warner Plumbing
Petrus Botha of N1 Construction
Inge Verheul in her personal capacity
Stefan Ittershagen-Strauss of Build It
Mark Hudson of Mark Hudson Safaris
Donovan Burger of Compu-Serve
Montego Pet Nutrition
William Biggs of Phoenix Merinos
Cube
Johannes van Rensburg in his personal capacity,
Cheryl and Peter Waddelow of Pick n Pay
Spandau and Camdeboo Spar
David Langmead in his personal capacity
Zuurplaats Farming
Karin and Dakman Marais
Venter’s Deli
Monte & Cheryl du Preez in their personal capacity
Shaun Botha of Botha’s Garage
Mica Graaff-Reinet
Hyundai Graaff-Reinet
Angeline Hampton in her personal capacity
Jack & Hester Pienaar in their personal capacity
Grant & Tamaryn Naudé in their personal capacity
Supa-Quick Graaff-Reinet
Blue Magnolia Nursery
Bronwen Langmead in her personal capacity
Jacqui Marais in her personal capacity
Dianne Murray in her personal capacity
Dave Stern in his personal capacity
John-Allen Biggs in his personal capacity
Kallie Venter in his personal capacity
The Centenary Committee
Adrian Arnott in his personal capacity
Lyn Rose-Innes in her personal capacity
Byron Koeberg in his personal capacity

Biathlon, Hostels

HAH Hostel Supper

A memorable evening was recently enjoyed by all the girls at Union’s Herby Arnott House.

The Egyptian-themed annual house dinner presented an opportunity for all involved to reflect on the year in boarding and to acknowledge the departing Grade 12s.

This year the HAH girls were joined by the little Max Kroon House boarders, who were all very excited to attend this special event.

During the course of the evening, a select few special guests were honoured for their contribution to hostel life, thank you gifts were presented to hostel staff and farewell gifts were given to the matrics.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the hostel’s new prefects for 2019/20.

Congratulations to Jade Shires (Headgirl), Lauren Rose-Innes (Prefect) and Ayden Brown (Deputy Headgirl).

They will be assisted by monitors Primrose Mutapati, Kaydn Retief, Hannah Watermeyer and Soyama Mbetshu.

The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all those present and the school extends its heartfelt thanks to all involved for creating such a special evening for the girls.

Bulletin, Hockey

UHS Hockey Coach Attended Course

Union High School’s hockey coach, Mr Alvin August, recently attended a South African Hockey Association (SAHA) Level 1 coaching course.

The course, hosted by the Western Province Hockey Union, was held in Worcester on Saturday, 5 October, and presented by experienced facilitator and coach, Mr Ian Naudé.

The course consisted of a theory and a practical component designed to assist coaches in the advancement of their players’ knowledge and ability in the 11-a-side game.

Mr August found the course – which provided information on, among other, coaching concepts, training session and programme design, advanced technical skills, technical fault analysis, set pieces and tactical concepts for 11-side hockey – extremely beneficial.