https://www.facebook.com/unionhighschool/videos/187014008841674/
On Monday and Tuesday (15 & 16 October) the grade 8 and 9 English learners enjoyed a trip to the Reinet House and the Taxidermy. As a reward for their hard work, learners were treated to a picnic before returning to school. Ingrid Kingwill (youth pastor at the Assembly of God Church in Graaff-Reinet) encouraged learners with a short motivational message about ‘being the person you needed at some point in your life, to someone else in need’ as well as the value of gratitude. A huge thank you to, Sinethemba and Baphiwe, the friendly guides at the Reinet House, who contributed to the enjoyment of these trips.
Tiekieaand is an age old tradition at Union and is eagerly looked forward to by
the juniors each year! It is a major fundraiser for the grade 10 class and this year they outdid themselves! The hall was full of fun games and activities, including a new item this year…a rap battle, which proved extremely popular! The juniors bobbed for apples, had their faces painted, were led dizzy through a maze, played tombola and had blowgun competitions amongst other fun things organised by the grade 10s. The main attraction seemed to be that the teachers and seniors made themselves available before the sponge throwing firing squad and much hilarity ensued! Outside, moms sold sweet treats to willing buyers with the popcorn machine being in high demand! Afterwards the grade 10s worked together, cleaning up as they closed the door on a fun filled festive evening!
The 2018/2019 prefect body of Union High School went on a prefect camp to Skietfontein, from 12 – 14 October. This camp is vital for them to get to know each other better and to form a strong team. A lot of fun was had by all with the many team building exercises. We look forward to this body leading the school in the Union High’s Centenary year.
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).