Biathlon, Sport Results

Biathlon: 3rd League Event

Union well-represented at third league event

With many of the school’s athletes competing in multiple sporting codes, it is often difficult for the Union Schools to field a large team of biathletes due to other weekend sports commitments.

With the third league event of the biathlon season being held mid-week – on Wednesday, 9 October – it was fortunately possible for the school to field a larger-than-usual team, with thirteen biathletes travelling to Port Elizabeth to compete.

Despite the weather being somewhat chilly and fairly wet, the conditions were actually close to ideal for a good performance all-round. This was reflected in the big improvement in points scored by most of the athletes this week.

The learners’ stellar efforts saw some of them being selected to represent the EP teams in their respective age groups during the upcoming EP Championships which will be held in Port Elizabeth next Saturday, 19 October.

Congratulations to Mia Botha (A team), Mack Rubidge (B team), Jade Shires (B team), Elia Railton (B team), Bowen Langmead (Development team), Drew Dobinson (Development team), Rebecca Copeman (Development team) and Tyra Binney (Development team).

 

Bulletin, Cultural

Interact Donates to MDF

The special guest at Union High School’s assembly this morning, was none other than Old Unionite Mr Laszlo Maya (Headboy of the Class of 2012).

Mr Maya was at the school to accept a donation of R2 000 on behalf of the Maya Deaf Foundation (MDF).  The money was raised by Union High School’s Interact Club through various fundraisers this year.

The Maya Deaf Foundation (MDF), based in Graaff-Reinet, aims to help bridge the gap between the hearing and the deaf by providing a range of services to those affected by hearing loss. They rely solely on donations and fundraising efforts to further their cause.

Union is honoured to be able to contribute to this foundation and its endeavours.

PHOTO: Seen here is Interact member Katherine Imrie, with the MDF’s secretary Ruth-Mandy Abercrombie, its founder Laszlo ‘Laz’ Maya and Siphesihle Jali, chairperson of Union’s Interact Club.

#NotDEAFeted

Cricket, Sport Results

EP Selection For Brett

Months of dedicated practice, matches and trials have resulted in a young Union cricketer being selected to represent his province.

Union High School is immensely proud of Brett Amsterdam who will represent the Eastern Province (EP) u/17 cricket side.

We wish him the best of luck!

Biathlon

Grey Junior Donates Water

Having heard of Graaff-Reinet’s dire water situation, Grey Junior School’s u/13 cricketers, who visited the town today for a fixture against Union, brought 155 litres of water along with them, which they donated to Union’s hostels.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to them for this wonderful gesture!

Bulletin

We Are Grateful

Today, we feel so very proud and fortunate be a part of such an amazing, close-knit community.

On Saturday, 12 October, when a fire that started in the Sundays River threatened the buildings and facilities situated near the riverbank, there were no shortage of helping hands to help fight the fire.

Throughout the course of the day, from when the fire started in the early afternoon until after the sun had set, members of staff, learners, Old Unionites, parents, emergency services and members of the broader community all bound together to do what they could to douse the flames.

With the help of all of these remarkable individuals, the fire was brought under control by nightfall and we are exceptionally grateful to them for their efforts and willingness to assist.

https://www.facebook.com/unionhighschool/videos/548473692591366/

 

Athletics, Sport Results

Athletics: Top 10

Athletes do well at annual meet

On Saturday, 5 October, 10 athletes represented Union High School at the annual Bestmed TAMS Superspar Madibaz Top 10 athletics meet held on the tartan athletics track at the Cradock Sports Stadium.

The 2019 event featured a total of 80 teams, with the Union athletes’ enthusiasm evident in their participation despite the heat.

Union would like to congratulate Iviwe Ndamane, who came second in the Mens u/19 800m, and Erin Mitchell, who came third in the Girls u/16 High Jump, on their outstanding performances.

Although Matthew Carelse didn’t receive a medal, he ran an excellent time of 53,53 seconds in the Boys u/17 400m and contributed 722 points towards Union High School’s total.

Union is eagerly anticipating the athletics meeting against Hoër Volkskool on Wednesday, 16 October. Athletes are encouraged to enter and spectators are more than welcome to come and support the school.

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.