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!
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
Another group of learners completed a First Aid Level 1 Course this weekend. Thank you, ESS Medical.
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.
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!
