Our U/11 Cricket team took part in the Queen’s Festival where our boys had the opportunity to compete against some of the best schools in the border region. This was a challenging couple of days that saw our boys play four matches over three days. Our boys had some difficulty playing against strong opposition losing three of our four games.
Vs Queen’s lost by 95 runs
Vs Dale lost by 5 wickets
Vs Alice lost by 46 runs
Vs Komani won by 63 runs
This was a great experience for our young cricketers and one they would certainly cherish for years to come.
Saturday 29/09/18
Union High School vs Paul Roos Gimnasium (Declaration)
Paul Roos won the toss and sent Union in to bat in very difficult conditions. With the ball swinging around and moving off the pitch, we struggled to get any partnerships going and didn’t really apply ourselves in the first hour and a half. The Paul Roos bowlers used the conditions to their advantage and skittled us for a dismal 43 all out in 25 overs. Conditions really changed the longer and hotter the day got. Paul Roos comfortably scored 230 runs for the loss of two wicket in 49 overs. They then declared and only need to get 5 wickets in the Union second innings to get an out right victory. We reached 39 for the loss of 5 wickets in 15 overs and lost by an innings and 138 runs. Not a very good start to a tough cricket festival.
Sunday 30/09/18
Union High School vs Bishops Diocesan College (Declaration)
Union High was again sent in to bat after losing the toss. This time the boys were up for the challenge.
We scored 252 for 9 in 70 overs, batting out the allotted overs given to us in this format of the game.
Best Batsman: Cowan Swartz 65; Luke McNaughton 62; Bowen Langmead 36; Sinethemba Ndudula 34.
Bishops then went in to bat and found it quite simple with us bowling both sides of the wicket. Bishops scored 253 for 3 in 44 overs. Cowan Swartz, Matt Harpur and Jaden Brotherton each picked up one wicket.
Union High lost by 7 wickets.
Monday 01/10/18
Union High School vs Paarl Boys’ High School (Declaration)
We lost the toss and were sent in to bat again. Union High scored 131 all out in 41 overs.
Top Batsman: Luke McNaughton 64
Paarl Boys were put under pressure for some stages of their batting innings, however not enough runs on the scoreboard helped them scratch to 132 for 5 in 39 overs.
Best Bowlers: Brett Amsterdam 2 for 36 in 14 overs; Matt Harpur 2 for 42 in 11 overs.
Union High lost by 5 wickets.
Tuesday 02/10/18
Union High School vs South African College High School “SACS” (Limited Overs – 50)
Union High was sent in to Bowl for the first time in 5 matches. SACS scored 343 for 5 in 50 overs due to ill disciplined bowling and not being put under any pressure.
Best Bowler: Caerwyn Spence 2 for 51 in 8 overs.
Union High went in to bat and scored 165 for 5 in 35 overs. Best Batsman: Bowen Langmead 63; Brett Amsterdam 37; Matt Harpur 21; Peter Watermeyer 13*; Union High lost by 178 runs.
All in all this was an amazing experience for the boys. They were able to play against provincial and national cricket players. This festival will help boost our cricket as we have made many new contacts and fixtures for the future. Our lads learnt invaluable cricket lessons and this young team will turn heads in time to come.
Union High School will host The Cape Schools’ Cricket Festival in 2019.
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
A few weeks ago a group of boys from Union High was invited to the farm of Kevin and Lisa Watermeyer to collect flat rocks for a paving project as a part of their Centenary celebrations. As they lifted a rock they were surprised by what they thought may be a puffadder underneath. The boys took photos and a video of the snake before carefully leaving it alone. When Kevin Watermeyer tried to identify the snake from the photo, he realised that it might be a rarer snake, and s…ent the picture and other information to a conservation group known as ‘Bionerds’. They were delighted to report back that the snake was the elusive “Plain Mountain Adder” – a species with only 11 confirmed records at that time!
The Plain Mountain Adder is a dwarf adder, and has a distinctive triangular shaped head, growing to a maximum of 35cm and heavy bodied. It has plain grey/brown colouration, with indistinctive markings. It is thought that the snake is diurnal, but there is not yet enough research available to confirm this.
‘Bionerds’ is part of research group that visited the Sneeuberg a week prior to Kevin contacting them with his find. In 4 days, with 11 scientists and researchers, they managed to find 3 different snakes, all male. The boys’ find raised the confirmed records to 12 specimens.
According to Bionerds, “Plain mountain adders are data deficient, we still need to learn more about how venomous they are (we think it will be the same as other dwarf adders, causing potential swelling and severe pain), their prey preference, what habitat they prefer and their breeding and living habits.
Should anyone think that they have found a Plain Mountain Adder, or need assistance with a reptile identification, it is important to do the following:
• Take a cellphone photo
• Take a GPS reading
• Note the date and time
• WhattsApp the information to 063 461 5964 or email to alouise.lynch@bionerds.co.za
The Arthur Kingwill House boys from Union High can be very proud that they were a part of the 12th ever recording of the Plain Mountain Adder, and it is wonderful that the unique biodiversity of the Sneeuberg is treasured by organisations such as Bionerds.
All Landowners should be wary of anyone requesting access to find, research or photograph reptiles on their properties. There is an uprise in reptile poaching incidents in South Africa, and this species is highly sought after. Report and vetoe anyone who requests access, or found illegally on your property to the authorities. You can also contact Bionerds in this regard.
They are back!
The Grade 10 arrived back safely after their 5-day Odyssey!
A full report and more photos of their adventure will follow.
Union had their 3rd Eco-Wise day for the year. Rosemary, Demetri & Jesse from SANParks taught 48 Grade 5s and two educators about plastic. The theme was “Plastic Panic – Plastic Play”. Learning through a variety of ways was fun, interactive & creative.
The grade 6V class visited Vuyani Safe Haven to play with the children and donate some toys and clothes.
Mrs Gerber’s class went to the Camdeboo Daycare Centre. They played games with the children and took them some chocolate muffins.
The Grade 7Rs collected corks, elastic string and old t-shirts and made durable and fun cat and dog toys for the local SPCA.
Various other activities also took place on the school campus. Another active and fun-filled Eco-Wise day for Union High!
On the 25th September 2018 five of our learners attended the Bright Ideas Workshop held at the Panorama Hotel. After being served with a buffet style breakfast, the learners participated in various workshops that addressed the topics: What is innovation? What is entrepreneurship? What does it mean to start a business? During the afternoon the learners were given a workshop on how to develop a business pitch, and were given the opportunity to p…ractice pitching their own business proposals that they had prepared for this event.
Learners were then transported to the finish line of the Solar Car Challenge 2018 race, where they met with the Solar Car Team from Switzerland. After a buffet style dinner, the learners had to pitch their ideas at a Cocktail Event held during the evening where the judges made their final decisions and prizes were awarded to the winners of the Bright Ideas Innovation Challenge.
The Cocktail event was attended by The Ambassador of Switzerland, H.E. Mrs Helene Budliger Artieda and her co-hosts, the CEO of the Technology Innovation Agency, Mr Barlow Manilal, the Executive Mayor of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Ms Eunice Kekana and the Mayor of the Dr. Beyers Naude Municipality, Mr Deon de Vos.
Three Union High School teams entered their proposals for this exciting challenge: Chevonne Prinsloo and Rosslyn Sparks, Erin O’Halloran and Katherine Imrie, Siphesihle Jali and Mandilakhe Matotie. The team of Erin O’Halloran and Katherine Imrie won 3rd place, each receiving a tablet with an attachment keyboard. Siphesihle Jali and Mandilakhe Matotie received the Ambassador’s Award for pitching their “Terminator” proposal. This award gives them the opportunity to apply for the Technology Innovation Agency’s Youth Technology Innovation Programme. If they are successful in this programme they will join the best young entrepreneurs across South Africa to take part in the Swiss Business Development Programme in Cape Town where 10 top entrepreneurs will be selected and flown to Switzerland for another week of training and pitching to experts and investors.
Well done to all of our learners for their courage and innovative ideas. Each school that was represented at this event received a laptop for their participation.
Our music learners did their Royal Schools music examination at the Groot Kerk today.
Back: Chloe Shires, Hannah Watermeyer, Barbara McNaughton
Middle: Mrs Brink, Caitrin Spence, Lana Bouwer, Shayna Japhta
Front: Erin Gedult, Caytah-Leigh Koeberg, Sasha Cochrane
And off they go….
The journey began this morning for the Grade 10 class of 2018 when they set off on their Odyssey. The goal is to complete a five-day hike which begins near Nieu-Bethesda and ends in Graaff-Reinet. The mission is to walk with all they needed in their backpacks and face the elements, come what may, discovering much more about themselves and the others in their grade.
Enjoy this journey, Grade 10s. This is an experience of a lifetime!
1st XI
On Saturday 22 September Union High School played against Brandwag from Uitenhage in a 40 over match at the beautiful Asantesana Game Reserve.
Brandwag won the toss and sent the Union lads into the field on a flat track. Due to the conditions of the pitch our seamers struggled to pick up wickets, but maintained a decent economy rate. Cowan Swartz and Matt Harpur picked up a stick each. Brandwag were 97 for 2 at drinks. After drinks the captain brought on Caerwyn Spence and Jaden Brotherton to see if our spin attack could cause some damage. This proved to be exactly the right call! Our spin twins cleaned up the rest of the Brandwag batting line up and kept them at bay to reach a modest total of 167 all out in 39.2 overs.
Best Bowlers: Caerwyn Spence 4 for 26 in 8 overs; Jaden Brotherton 4 for 22 in 7 overs.
After lunch Union went in to bat. A sublime start by Jaden Brotherton and Brett Amsterdam saw Union have an opening stand of 70 runs. In the 18th over we lost our first wicket and in walked cool and calm Luke McNaughton. It didn’t take him many balls to get going…A few overs later he was joined at the wicket by Captain Matt Harpur. The two of them easily took on the Brandwag bowling attack and cruised to victory in the 29th over.
Best Batsman: Jaden Brotherton 43; Brett Amsterdam 36; Luke McNaughton 59*; Matt Harpur 17*
Union won by 8 wickets.
2nd Team
The 2nd team played at Brandwag in a 35 over match. Brandwag won the toss and elected to field first. Our batsman struggled up front losing wickets in quick succession. We were soon 40 for 5 when Trevor Moos and Brendan James consolidated for a well played 50 run partnership to restore some hope to the innings. This was backed up by another 40 run partnership between Khanya Butshingi and William Kayster. Union were eventually bowled out for 154 in 33.4 overs.
Top batsman: Trevor Moos 31; Brendon James 20; Khanya Butshingi 20; Noa Cilliers 18
The bowlers seemed troubled and struggled to bowl a consistent line and length. Poor fielding didn’t help our cause as we dropped catches at regular intervals. Brandwag past our score in the 20th over having lost only 3 wickets.
Top bowlers: Matthew Hesselink 1 for 25 in 3 overs; Trevor Moos 1 for 28 in 4 overs.
Union lost the match by 7 wickets.
U/15A
The U/15A team also played a 35 over match at Brandwag. Union won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Josh Calitz struck in the 2nd over of the match and from there on James Pienaar ripped through the top order. Brandwag soon found themselves 30 for 5. After an amazing bowling effort, Brandwag was bowled out for a poultry 44 runs.
Best bowlers: James Pienaar 5 for 15 in 6 overs; Josh Calitz 2 for 21 in 4 overs; Jarrod Naude 3 for 0 in 1.3 overs.
Union then went in to bat and confidently scored 45 runs without loss in 5 overs.
Best batsman: Kyle-Luke du Preez 32*; Sisipho Arnolds 6*
Union won by 10 wickets.