Bulletin

Be Part Of The Team – Get Your Union Tattoo

We’re about to embark on what promises to be a truly momentous Interschools and the Union family – from far and near – is gearing up for what promises to be a very exciting week.

What better way to show your allegiance to Union than to ‘ink up’ in support of your school?

The 2020 MF committee have made these ‘I love Union’ transfer tattoos available at only R10 each.  They are available from all the MF committee members at the high school as well as from Mrs. Corrie Potgieter at Union Preparatory School.

Whether it’s a forearm, calf, hand, arm or full-face bonanza, get your tattoo and sport it next weekend when supporting the teams!

Bulletin, Student Life

Leaders Dine Together

On Wednesday evening, 31 July, principals, deputy principals, SGB chairpersons and learner leaders from the various high schools in Graaff-Reinet, gathered at the Tony Burrell Union for Union’s Centenary Leadership Dinner.  This very special event celebrated the start of new friendships and the consolidation of old ones.

Union’s learner leaders, Khanya Butshingi, Peter Watermeyer, Jenna McNaughton and Zintle Maki, were exceptional in delivering their items on the programme and Inge van Rooyen (Hoër Volkskool’s Deputy Headgirl), as well as Wayne Lomberg (Spandau Secondary School’s Headboy), deserve special mention for their contribution to the evening and their well-wishes conveyed to Union.

Mrs. Anziske Kayster, who holds a Master’s degree in Cultural Heritage, is registered as a Doctoral candidate at Stellenbosch University and currently serves as the Director of the Graaff-Reinet Museum, then addressed all those present on ‘Women in Leadership’.

The humorous presentation of her speech and her tips on developing yourself as a woman in leadership were well-received.

Old Unionite and Chartered Accountant, Mr. Gerrar Maya, who was recently appointed as the Internal Audit Manager at the Dr. Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, then grabbed everyone’s attention with a very strong and engaging speech on ‘Youth in Leadership’. He, once again, proved himself a most inspirational speaker.

Overall, the evening – held on the brink of Interschools for four of the five schools present – was a great success, with leaders – both young and old – committing themselves to do everything in their power to ensure that, in the end, team ‘Graaff-Reinet’ emerges as the winner!

Bulletin, Cultural

Born To Perform!

Last night (Thursday, 1 August) saw the Union High School hall overflowing with excitement, enthusiasm and entertainment.  The annual Evening of Music was a wonderful showcase of the different music groups here at Union.

From our primary choir and marimba band, through to our senior pianists and violinists, all our musicians demonstrated passion and commitment in the lead up to this fabulous night, culminating in a spectacular evening of performances.

Under the baton of Union’s Department of Music staff, Mmes. Sanette Brink, Zelda van Rooyen and Karmin van der Walt, this evening has become the highlight of the school’s cultural calendar – an event not to be missed.

To start, the primary choir set the tone and standard with their rendition of “You’ll be in my heart” and “All I need to know”.  Union’s pianists then played a series of beautiful works such as the English folk song “Greensleeves” as well as newer songs like “Faded” by Alan Walker.

Following excellent performances by our violinists, a string ensemble – which showcased the skill of ensemble playing – and several talented soloists who graced us with their beautiful voices, the senior choir treated the audience to a heartfelt choral performance, singing “Let the river run” and “Amavolovo”.

A combined performance by the primary and high school choirs with a rendition of “Hallelujah” ended off the evening.

The event truly featured a kaleidoscope of musical items with something for everyone to enjoy.  Congratulations to all those who took part and a big thank you to our many supporters, parents and friends who came along to enjoy the evening.

If you missed this concert, make a “note” not to miss next year’s Music Evening!

Shooting, Sport Results

Learners Take Aim

On Friday, 26 July, 11 Union High School learners made history when they competed – for the very first time – alongside Marlow Agricultural High School and Hoër Volkskool in an inter-school shooting competition.

The competition was held at the Koedoeskloof Outdoor Shooting Range in Uitenhage and was a great success for the Union learners.  Although the wind was howling, the learners still managed to record great results.

In the Air Rifle Open Sight competition, Tammy James claimed a second place with a score of 13/20.  Michaela Price came in third with a score of 11/20.  Jordan Hall and Schea Johnson also recorded good results.

In the Air Sport Pistol category, Kelly-Page Scott came second among the girls and Angus McGlaggen first among the boys.

“I am so very proud of these learners, not only for their excellent performance in challenging conditions but for flying the Union flag so high during this momentous event,” said coach Christelle van Eck.

Bulletin, Eco-Schools

A Glimpse Into The Classroom

Union High School’s Grade 7s are learning all about renewable energy technologies in Natural Sciences.

Because cooking with the sun’s power is a fun way to use a renewable resource, the learners were tasked with applying the science they’ve learned, by building their very own solar ovens. The Grade 7s quickly got creative by using cardboard, aluminum foil and other recyclables to create their very own energy-efficient ovens!

Bulletin, Cultural

New Choir Benches

Besides the musical part, there are many aspects to think about when a choir performs – acoustically positioning choir members being one of them.

To assist with this, Union High School recently invested in new choir benches. Expertly made by André Brink and Herman Laubscher, these sturdy new benches will provide the choristers with a comfortable place to stand and allow the choir directors the opportunity to position the singers for optimal sound.

Seen here are the members of the junior choir who were the first to make use of the new benches during practice yesterday (Tuesday, 30 July).

Bulletin, Eco-Schools

Buy a Brick, Build a Legacy

Kroonvale Primary School in Graaff-Reinet is currently constructing a new school hall.

Through the ‘Sponsor-A-Brick’ Eco-Schools Community Initiative, Union High School is endeavouring to help Kroonvale Primary realise their dreams.  The school is facilitating a project, whereby the Union family is invited to sponsor a brick – at only R3 each.  All the sponsored bricks will then be donated to the Kroonvale Primary School hall construction project.

The first delivery of 1 000 bricks was delivered to Union High School on Friday, 26 July!

Help us help Kroonvale Primary – sponsor a brick – or more – today!

(Learners can see the Eco Reps on duty in the main quad at 2nd break on Wednesdays and Fridays in this regard.)

Bulletin, Student Life

Winter Ball

Union High School’s learners dressed to a T for the recent Centenary Winter Ball.

Organised by the Grade 10 MF Committee, this much-anticipated event brought learners together on Thursday evening, 25 July, for a night of music and dancing in celebration of the school’s Centenary.

The Grade 10s managed to capture the beauty of falling snow with hundreds of snowflakes dangling from the ceiling and covering the walls of the school hall.

Thanks are extended to all the learners who came out, danced and enjoyed the evening.

As can be seen by the high levels of enjoyment on display by the learners in these photos, this learner-led event was well planned and enjoyed by all those who attended.

 

Sport Results

50 Caps for Chelsea Theron

In an encounter against Pearson High School on Saturday, 20 July, Union High School’s 1st hockey team centre-half, Chelsea Theron claimed her 50th cap for the school’s 1st hockey team.

In a pre-match ceremony before today’s fixture against Framesby, she received a small gift in recognition of this achievement, from Headmaster Mr. William Pringle and team captain Jenna McNaughton

This talented young hockey player has been representing the first team since she was in Grade 9.

Union thanks her for her hard work and dedication and congratulates her on this special achievement!

Hockey, Sport Results

Snr Hockey Results vs Framesby

Victory for Union against Framesby

The hockey matches were fast and fierce against Framesby on Friday afternoon, 26 July 2019.

As part of the top 8 schools in the Eastern Cape, this was a “must-win” for union’s 1st team girls in order to ensure an upward movement on the overall log as the 2019 season nears the end. The girls started off by setting the pace for the match with an early goal in the second minute by Leatitia Theron.

This was followed by a feisty goal from Henzé Jaftha and a third by the captain, Jenna McNaughton, in the second quarter.  This took the girls to a comfortable 3 – 0 lead at half time. The third quarter enabled Henzé to shine again with two quick masterpieces, racking up her hat-trick for the match.

The final quarter allowed the girls to cement their lead even more with two goals from Micela Loock, resulting in a 7 – 0 victory.

The girls worked hard to maintain consistency throughout the match, capitalising on opportunities presented and keeping their work rate up for the entire match.

“This is a great start to a tough end of the season which is coming up for the girls, I look forward to seeing the hard work put in this season pay off on a high note against Alex, DSG, and Volkskool,” said coach Alvin August.

In other results against Framesby, Union’s 16B team beat Framesby 1 – 0, the u/16As also won 2 – 0, the 3dr team won 5 – 0 and the 2nd team won 3 – 0.