Ons Matrieks – 100% Slaagsyfer!

- Richard McKnight -

Hoërskool Zwartberg is geweldig trots op die 2010 matriekklas wat weereens aan die skoolgemeenskap getoon het dat hierdie skool nie hoef terug te staan as dit by akademiese uitslae kom nie.

Ten spyte van die feit dat daar ‘n afname van 105 na 84 was in die getalle van skole van die WKOD wat ‘n 100% slaagsyfer bereik het, het Hoërskool Zwartberg dit reggekry.

Ons skool, met ‘n leerdertal van 34 matrieks, het 14 vakonderskeidings behaal, 32% het toegang tot Baccalaureusgrade behaal en 61% tot diploma-kursusse. Die gemiddelde persentasie van die klas was 57%, ‘n baie mooi resultaat.

Hiermee ‘n hartlike dank aan alle rolspelers wie se positiewe insette hierdie puik uitslae moontlik gemaak het. Hierdie uitslae reflekteer ook die mooi handhawing van algemene uitslae in ons skool in 2009.

Yes, You Can Collect-a-Can!

Hoërskool Zwartberg has entered the annual Collect-a-Can competition. The competition that runs throughout the country and serves two purposes for us. One is to raise awareness with regards to pollution and the environment, and the other is, yes you guessed it: to raise some money!

We collect food and beverage cans, such as Coke, Beer, Redbull and Appletiser cans.

Our tins get transported to AAA recycling (registered agents of the project) in Oudtshoorn, where they get weighed and the data is forwarded to Collect-a-Can head office.

There are various cash prizes awarded to the schools that manage to collect the most cans at the end of the year. To receive one of those prizes would be a wonderful boost to our mighty fundraising figure that we need to earn this year.

We appeal to anybody that is interested, individuals, but also restaurants and coffee shops to collect their cans in a separate bag for us. It will cost you nothing, only a phone call to let us know that you would like to join!!

Many people in our village support us all the time, we appreciate it tremendously! It is understandable that it gets a bit much at times, but in this case, it is only tins that we are looking for and it is a positive thing to do for our environment.

If you would like to join us, start collecting straight away and contact one of the following to arrange for your cans to be collected:

Sharon Witts Hewittson on 023 5411474 (after hours only) or
Imke Maeyer on 023 5411184

Waar is jy 2010?

Nee, dit het niks te doen met die sokkerwêreldbeker wat om die draai is nie. Waar is jy 2010 is seker die kommerwekkendste vraag wat aan ons matrieks se gedagtes knaag en ons onderwysers het besluit om ‘n naweek daarvan te maak.

Die naweek van 27-29 Maart het 21 van ons 34 matrieks op die “Matric Breakaway” gegaan wat seker ons laaste blaaskans was voor ons belangrike eksamen aan die einde van die jaar.

Die Vrydag na middagete by Prickly Pear het ons vertrek na wat ons gedink het ‘n boskamp was, maar toe word ons verras met Bushman’s Valley se luukse akkommodasie eenhede. Na ‘n vriendelike verwelkoming deur ons fasiliteerders het ons die kampterrein verken en een van die staproetes gaan stap.

Die aand het ons terug dorp toe gekom vir ons eerste konferensie ervaring by die Swartberg Hotel. Ons was toegespreek deur plaaslike mense van verskillende beroepe om vir ons ‘n idée te gee van wat hulle doen en ons belangstelling te prikkel.

Die belangrikste boodskap wat die sprekers ons meegedeel het is dat jy jou werk moet geniet en ‘n passie daarvoor moet hê. Daarna het ons onder die sterre, lanks die kampvuur hierdie onderwerp hervat.

Die Saterdag oggend was dit die wegbreek uit Prince Albert gedeelte van ons kamp. Ons het ons Biologie onderwyser by haar huis in Klaastroom gaan besoek vir ontbyt en toe vertrek na Heroldsbaai waar ons die res van die oggend deurgebring het. Ons het ons tweede staproete lanks die see gaan stap en die res van die dag in die seewater deurgebring. Daarna het ons die Garden Route Mall ingevaar om die vouchers wat aan ons gegee is te gaan blaas.

Terug by die kampterrein het ons weer ‘n rustige aand om die kampvuur gespandeer. Vir aandete het party van ons, ons eerste ervaring van pap en wors gehad en die res het maar vir die brood en slaai gemik. Doodmoeg gaan slaap en Sondag moeg opgestaan het ons teruggekeer huistoe.

Namens almal wil ek ‘n baie groot dankie sê aan die mense wat dit naweek vir ons moontlik gemaak het. Dankie aan ons onderwysers wat die toer beplan het, dankie aan die sprekers en dankie aan ons borge. ‘n Spesiale dank aan Mnr. Ian Uys van Bushman’s Valley vir die wonderlike fasiliteit wat hy aan ons beskikbaar gestel het.

Julle almal het definitief ons matriekjaar vir ons spesiaal gemaak!

- Nina Vermeulen, Grd 12 -

Zwartberg 200 Club’s First Winners

- Linda Jaquet -

An excited group of Zwartberg 200 Club members gathered on the evening of 6 April at the Golf Club for the Club’s first ever draw. The Zwartberg 200 Club is a fund-raising initiative of Hoërskool Zwartberg. Members contribute R50 each month until the end of the year, a draw is held once a month and three lucky members stand a chance to win 30% of the funds that have been collected every month.

Imke Maeyer, who is responsible for fundraising on the School Board, first thanked parents and residents who had showed an interest in the School’s future and well-being by joining the Club and exhorted them to encourage friends and family to do the same. Then, everyone held their breath as Jaco Olivier drew the first name from the hat!

Sandra Meyer won the first prize of R834, with Das Olivier, in second place, being awarded R311, while Linda Smith, in third place, won R100. As only Das Olivier was present, Sandra and Linda were informed of their winnings by telephone. All generously donated their prizes back into the 200 Club’s fund and so swell the coffers for next month’s draw which will be held during the Town and Olive Festival – on Friday evening, 1 May, at the Beer Garden.

Di Steyn, Chair of the School’s PTA, is thrilled about the Club and hopes that its membership will soon reach 200. “It’s fun and exciting and members stand more chance of winning every month than if they’d bought a Lotto ticket!”

Zwartberg se nuwe hoof vol entoesiasme

- Denise Ohlson -

"Elke kind gaan steeds gesien en gehoor word,” sê Richard McKnight, nuwe skoolhoof by Hoërskool Zwartberg. “Leerders, ouers en onderwysers gaan gelyk-waardig en verdraagsaam behandel word - en dit is my beleid om dissipline eerder as ‘n opvoedingshulpmiddel te gebruik as vir straf.”

Ricky het saam met sy vrou Ronel en hul twee seuns Dicky en Francois – en Staffie Siebie en Kat – as koshuisouers ingetrek by Kroonhof. Met hul pragtige Kaapse houtmeubels in plek, die wasgoed op die draad en die TV gekoppel, is hulle sonder bogtery gereed vir die lewe in Prince Albert.

Ricky en Ronel het albei aan Stellenbosch gestudeer en het ook saam in Fraserburg en Douglas onderwys gegee – hy Engels en sy Afrikaans en Biblioteekkunde.

In Piketberg was Ricky departements-hoof en ook waarnemende adjunkhoof vir 640 leerlinge van graad 1 tot 12. Ronel het agt jaar lank by die Openbare Biblioteek gewerk.

Hulle was baie gelukkig in Piketberg, waar hulle sommer uit hul huis oor die straat kon stap skool toe. Maar toe die hoofskap in Prince Albert sy kant toe kom, was Ricky gereed om die uitdaging met oortuiging te aanvaar.

Nou is hulle hier, en die twee seuns, in graad 7 en 9, is ingeskryf by Hoërskool Zwartberg. Ronel, self ‘n koshuiskind uit Loxton, glo dat hoe langer jy jou kinders by jou het, hoe beter invloed het jy op hulle.

Ricky sê die skool se 2008 matriek-uitslae was uitmuntend en dat hy verseker die akademiese tradisie sal wil voortsit, maar dat hy ook wil roei met sport. Hy gaan ook probeer sorg dat ouers “versorg en betrek” word.

Hy het ‘n besliste langtermynvisie: Om die skool uit te bou tot ‘n instelling waar geen enkele ouer sy kind sal wil wegstuur na ‘n ander skool nie. Hy het vertroue in die materiaal waarmee hy gaan werk, en glo dat elke leerder sal baat by sy puik span onderwysers se ondervinding.

Hy wil graag begin deur gesprekke te voer met alle rolspelers. Dit is sy eerste prioriteit. Ja, hy voorsien lang ure van een-tot-een gesprekke vir die res van die jaar.

Ons nuwe skoolhoof praat met oortuiging en passie. Hy weet hef-aan lê voor, maar is vasbeslote om mense saam met hom te laat trek om die Zwartbergwa deur die skooldrif te kry. En al weet hy nie veel van boerdery nie, is die skool onder sy hoofskap verseker dat daar hierdie jaar weer ‘n oes op die skool se uielande gaan wees.

Hierdie seun uit Robertson se voete staan sterk en stewig geplant op die Karoo-aarde – en hier wil hy en sy gesin wortel skiet en voortreflike vrugte dra tot voordeel van die skool en die hele gemeenskap.

Zwartberg se 340 leerders - daar is vanjaar 28 graad 1‘s, 10 graad 8‘s en 34 in matriek - en hul ouers kan daarop staatmaak dat die nuwe hoof en sy personeel met pasie en toewyding in hul poste staan.

Hoërskool Zwartberg se 2008 Matrieks kan glimlag

- Ailsa Tudhope -

Veertig van die een-en-veertig Matriek leerders van Hoërskool Zwartberg glimlag breed met hulle 2008-uitslae in die hand. 17 het toelating vir graad-studies behaal; 22 vir diplomastudies en een vir sertifikaat-studies.

Ses Matrieks spog met onderskeidings: Elmano Clarke, Andries Niehaus, Uvedin Sarels en Morné van Heerden is baie trots op hulle Wiskundige Geletterdheid uitslae en Loretha Willemse het ’n onderskeiding in Lewensoriëntering gekry.

Die ster van hierdie jaar se Matrieks is Jane Lee Gouws, met ses onderskeidings in o.a. Ontwerp, Visuele Kunste, Afrikaans Huistaal, Lewensoriënter-ing,Wiskundige Geletterdheid en Lewenswetenskappe. Jane Lee beplan verdere studies in die kunste.

Veels geluk aan al ons 2008 Matrikulante en voorspoed vir jul toekoms. Veels geluk aan die uitstekende onderwysers wat hulle ondersteun het.

Thank You, Mr Snyman

- Linda Jaquet -

Kobus Snyman, the highly respected headmaster of Hoërskool Zwartberg, is retiring early at the end of this school year to farm full-time. The Friend chatted to him in his office less than a month before the end of the last school term.

Snyman, who has served as headmaster since 1997 after joining the staff of the school as a young teacher in 1984, regards normalising the school after 1994 as one of the highlights of his teaching career. He was full of praise for the backing of the whole community for the process, which he said ran very smoothly. This, in spite of the fact that the town’s two schools are independent of each other, that the learners are from very different backgrounds and that Hoërskool Zwartberg is far smaller than Prince Albert Primêre Skool.

A further proud moment was the Department of Education’s recognition of the smooth transition and strides made afterwards by the school, when in 2001 Hoërskool Zwartberg was declared the “most integrated school in the Western Cape”. Kobus feels that the award was not just the school’s but also one for the community of Prince Albert to cherish and celebrate. He is therefore saddened that from time to time some parents’ own reservations of integration are still transferred to their children.

The high quality of teaching at the school also gives him pleasure. “This is due to Zwartberg Hoër knowing what its core business is and doing its very best to offer every child a good education.”, he says. This can be difficult and trying for his staff, he admits, because of the huge disparities in the educational backgrounds of the learners.

Snyman’s one bugbear is the paperwork and red tape that he and all the teachers have to contend with. The only time during the interview that he showed irritation was when he described the policy wonks in the Department of Education as out of touch with the actual situation in schools and having unrealistic expectations of teachers and learners alike.

At the same time, Snyman said that he would do it all over again. He encouraged his successor to be creative, use the remarkable resources and opportunities on offer in the town and to set her or his priorities and stick to them. This would be particularly useful in determining and managing vital fundraising for the school. The school’s financial situation was always in crisis, he said. Over the years he had learned not to worry too much and that from experience, he knew that a higher hand would inevitably intervene.

He hoped whoever came after him would continue with the school’s farming activities that he initiated – ostriches and seed production – which bring in substantial funds. The person need not have an interest in farming, he felt, as there were plenty of local farmers who had offered to help. The majority of learners at the school are not fee-paying. The Department of Education subsidy for them will amount to R113 526.00 in 2009. Given the school’s required expenditure on teaching staff, facilities and general administration next year, teachers, parents, learners and all of us will have to raise almost five times that to cover costs.

Zwartberg se leerders kry beloning vir hul harde werk

- Anneke van Eck -

Op Vrydag-aand 24 Oktober 2008, was dit Hoërskool Zwartberg se jaarlikse prysuitdeling. Leerders is op akademiese- en sportgebied deur ‘n verskeidenheid toekennings vereer vir hul pogings wat hul dwarsdeur die jaar ingesit het.

Op sportgebied het leerders uitgeblink en veral die karate-groep het baie mooi presteer op die nasionale kampioenskappe. Die Junior Sportvrou toekenning is gegee aan Eloïse Gouws en die Junior Sportman was Oscar Maeyer. Die Senior Sportvrou was Nina Vermeulen en die Senior Sportman was Marius Williams.

Op akademiese gebied het baie leerders mooi presteer. Leerders wat in hul onderskeie grade bo ‘n sekere persentasie behaal het vir ‘n vak, het kontantbewyse gekry waarmee hul vir hul boeke kon bestel op Kalahari.net.

Baie dankie aan mnr. Jeremy Freemantle vir die inspirerende boodskap en aan mev. Imke Maeyer wat die pryse oorhandig het.

Ons voel regtig trots op elke leerder wat ‘n prys ontvang het en hoop dat daar volgende jaar dubbel soveel op die verhoog sal verskyn!

Baie geluk met jul prestasies!

Lekker, leersame kamp vir leerders

- Nadia Lerm -

Een en twintig van ons bevoorregte Graad 7 leerders van Hoërskool Zwartberg het vanaf 26 - 30 Oktober by Hartenbos gaan kamp.

Die program was lekker vol! Dag 1 was ons in Wildernis, waar ons op die Tourivier geroei en ‘n staproete langs die rivier gedoen het. Die middag is ons na Waterworld by Diaz Strand en Dinsdagoggend is ons na die Spoorwegmuseum waarvandaan ons met die Choo-Tjoe tot by Mosselbaai gery het. Daarna is ons Akwarium en Skulpmuseum toe en het ons ook na Dias se karveel gaan kyk.

Woensdag het ons met die ferrie op die Knysna-meer gevaar en met ‘n 4x4 voertuig deur ‘n reservaat gery. Ons het ook ‘n staproete van twee kilometer gedoen en ná middagete is ons Olifantpark toe, waar ons die olifante gevoer het. Daarna het Birds of Eden gevolg, wat vir die meeste van ons die hoogtepunt was. Donderdag, ons laaste oggend, het ons met die 7 seas om Robbeneiland gevaar en toe, ongelukkig, was alle goeie dinge op ‘n einde.

Ons wil vir Spar baie dankie sê vir die groot borgskap wat ons ontvang het, ook baie dankie aan die ouers wat bygedra het. Dan, ‘n spesiale dank aan Meneer Danie wat ons rondgery en veilig huistoe gebring het. Dankie, Juffrou Verlè, dat jy vir ons die Kamp gereël het. Dit was vreeslik lekker!

Hoërskool Zwartberg se Wiskunde Sterre

Hoërskool Zwartberg se Gr 1 – 11 leerders het met die aanmoediging van hulle entoesiastiese wiskunde onderwys, Me Lola Bothma, in hierdie jaar se CAMI Wiskunde Kompetisie uitgeblink. Die skool se span is eerste geplaas in die Suid-Kaap – Karoo afdeling van die kompetisie met die meeste aantal leerders wat deur is na die finale rondte wat op Sondag, 19 Oktober, in George plaasgevind het.

Baie geluk aan al die leerders – gelys hieronder – wat deurgedring het na die finaal:

Gr 1
Bianca Vorster - 4de plek
Gr 2
Hegan Pipes - 2de
Pieter Koorts - 4de
Shaun v Zyl - 5de
Antonio Charles - 14de
Gr 3
Monique Klue - 1ste
Willie Gouws - 2de
Drieske Marais - 3de
Andrea Adams - 5de
Deodette Philander - 8ste
Shurwynne Roberts - 11de
Gr 4
Louis van der Nest - 11de
Thomas Gous - 13de
Gr 5
Driekus Marais - 10de
Sakkie Vorster
Gr 8
Bradley Maans - 4de
Kayla Jantjies - 5de
Beandri Tolken - 6de
Niel van der Nest - 7de
Kiewiet Grootboom - 8ste
Gr 9
Kallie Floorse - 5de
Gr 10
Cornelis Swanepoel - 1ste
Brendan Visagie - 5de
Gr 11
Nina Vermeulen - 1ste
Joshua Marais - 3de
Truwede Deelman - 5de
Melvin Apies - 7de

Hoërskool Zwartberg’s Budding Artists

- Imke Maeyer -

On Thursday, 24 September, an auction of children’s art was held at Hoërskool Zwartberg, with auctioneer of note, Mark Steyn! It was a combined effort of the school and the children’s art classes by Christine Thomas. As with so many events held by the School, this was an effort to raise much-needed funds and as always, we were astounded at the generosity and support of the people of the town!

In addition to the children’s art, we were given various other items to auction by Lenor Snyman and Sheila Coutividis, Sally Arnold, Di Steyn, Trudy Brain, Gideon Engelbrecht and Avoova , Karoo Slaghuis, Willem Freysen, Swartrivier Olive farm, the Tourism Office, Gordon’s Drink Store and Prince of Africa, Gay’s Dairy, Ailsa Tudhope and Rudi Maeyer.

All helped to earn the school R11 500, but the main focus of the evening was the children’s art, which was of a remarkably high standard. Art is often a forgotten subject at schools and has to take a back seat to the more academic subjects and sport. Yet for a holistic education, it is vital and complements academic subjects perfectly and improves the learning and performance abilities of children. For a start, it allows a child a little more physical movement than just sitting at a desk and a lot more freedom to use their imagination than any other subject. That is an important part of any person’s development.

It was a joy to look around the art classroom with bold colour radiating off every wall and in the middle of the room, the sleeker ink drawings by the Matric students. The children have every reason to be proud as they have helped in a very big way to earn funds for the School and Christine’s art fund. More importantly they were willing to show the town the wonderful art that they have been quietly producing in the last year. Whether their paintings sold or not, should not be an issue. Every painting speaks to a different person in a different way. We know that next time we will have a wider audience and more parents will join in the fun and bid on their children’s art works.

The art teachers have equal reason to be proud. Lenor Snyman teaches grades 4 to 9 at Hoërskool Zwartberg and with precious little time, she has managed to produce a huge variety of children’s work and also teach the children to love the subject. Diana Koorts and Bianca Marais of grades 2 and 3 worked like troopers and let their children get down and dirty with yummy, messy paint to produce their wonderful offerings.

Di Steyn is dedicated to her high school learners, giving them huge amounts of her time, knowledge and energy to help them sail through Matric in this very labour intensive subject (not for sissies!) Christine Thomas teaches art to any child of 12 or 13, who wants to learn. She quietly, without pomp or ceremony, volunteers her time every Wednesday afternoon to a mix of children from Hoërskool Zwartberg and Prince Albert Primêr. Her lessons are a highlight in many a child’s week!

The starting price of all the paintings was R30 and as soon as more than one person was interested in a specific painting, the bidding began. It was not "just another school function” and could certainly turn into an annual event. Thank you to those parents who filled our tables with delicious food and donated their time to make the evening a success; and to Gordon’s Drink Store for sponsoring the liquid refreshments!

Residents Rally to Support Hoërskool Zwartberg

- Lesley van Heerden, Teacher -

Recently the Sunday Times ran headline news about the ongoing struggle that South African private and public schools have in their efforts to meet the rising costs of education. Across the board, they all experience a lack of funds and input both from parents and the Education Department is inadequate. Reading the article, I was cheered to think of the kindness of the Prince Albert villagers and their wonderful response to the local High School’s call for help.

In June when we held our “Zwartberg Hoër” financial needs awareness evening and invited villagers to attend, we exposed this year’s very real monetary shortfall of R60 000. In the three months that have followed our evening together, we have generously received donations of almost a quarter of that shortfall. A special “thank you” to all who love our youngsters and village and have contributed to easing the school’s financial strain.

We have been somewhat slow at getting our donation tins properly placed but these are now to be found at several shops and restaurants around the village.

A number of villagers have come forward and sponsored individual learners’ school fees. They have extended their offer into the next school year.

This is greatly appreciated as by simply sponsoring a child (and we have about 200 that could be sponsored!) and paying a lesser monthly amount, our budgeting is more accurate and the benefits are felt immediately.

All the “My School” card application forms were processed on-line. Should you have given us an application form and not received your card yet, could you please let Hendrika van Onselen at the School know and we will follow it up immediately.

We all appreciate the need to have a healthy and happy high school and we thank you for your investment in our Prince Albert youth!

For more information contact Hendrika van Onselen at 023 5411 570.

Om die Wêreld in Een Aand

- Chrisna Smit -

Hoërskool Zwartberg het met hul jaarlikse Kultuuraand op 29 Augustus 2008 die gehoor op 'n reis deur die wêreld geneem.

Lande soos Frankryk, die Verenigde Koningkryk, VSA, Argentinië, Japan, Israel en Suid-Afrika was by hul reisplan ingesluit.

Die leerders het die gehoor bekoor met sang en dans, van feetjies, hondjies en vliegtuie tot elegante paartjies. Die Karate groep het selfs 'n "kata" op maat van "Kung Fu Fighting" gedoen.

Patchwork Theatre het hul vernuf in Frans en Spaans gewys met hul weergawe, onderskeidelik, van "La Petit Fleur" en "Vaia con Dios".

Caleb en Rebecca Swanepoel het die gehoor 'n danspassie of twee bygeleer met hul genotvolle en vermaaklike weergawe van die Tango. The Scots were well represented - kilts and all!

Therene Fourie en Henrico Bezuidenhout was die twee soliste wat ook met hul sang die gehoor bekoor het. Lisa Esterhuizen en Lucille Steyn het saam met Me. Chrisna Smit die gehoor vermaak met klavierduette, en Christopher Mullins het die Duitse vlag met trots laat wapper, met sy blokfluit-weergawe van drie tradisionele liedere.
Om die aand op 'n hoë noot af te sluit, het die hele groep leerders "Dis 'n land" gesing en die Gr 1-3 leerders het met klein Suid-Afrikaanse vlaggies die gehoor begroet. This brought a tear to the eyes, especially those of the grannies!

Heerlike sop en varsgebakte brood het die mae gevul en in die geselskap van Hoërskool Zwartberg was dit weereens 'n skitter geleentheid. It is such a delight to see the whole community support our school, not just our parents. It is much appreciated!

Baie dankie aan almal wat gehelp het om die aand 'n sukses te maak. In die besonder wil ons vir Jennifer Munro baie dankie sê vir al die organisasie en harde werk wat sy ingesit het, dit word opreg waardeer!

Hoërskool Zwartberg Atletiek

- Diana Koorts -

Ons het weer eens ‘n baie warm en opwindende atletiekseisoen agter die rug. Die 26 Januarie het die Super Reds en die Goue Army mekaar die stryd aangesê op ’n snikhete warm dag! Almal het in ’n pragtige gees deelgeneem en tot aan die einde was dit onseker oor wie met die oorwinningsbeker huis toe sal gaan. Merweville het ook pragtig presteer en so ook 15 van Prins Albert Primêr se 0/14’s en 0/15’s. Die rooispan se gees was ontembaar – en dus is die geesdrifbeker aan hulle toegeken. Die goudspan het die meeste punte aangeteken en was dan ook die wenspan van die dag. Die uitblinkeratlete van die dag was soos volg:

Junior Victrix Ludorum: Rochelle Adolf
Senior Victrix Ludorum: Leoni Lodewyk
Junior Victor Ludorum: Oscar Maeyer
Senior Victor Ludorum:
Marquin Fredericks
Beste Enkelprestasie Junior Dogter: Rochelle Adolf
Beste Enkelprestasie Senior Dogter: Leoni Lodewyk
Beste Enkelprestasie Junior Seun: Oscar Maeyer
Beste Enkelprestasie Senior Seun: Elrico Jacobs

Op 2 Februarie het 41 van ons atlete ook aan die SOK byeenkoms op Joubertina gaan deelneem en werklik pragtig presteer. Daar het ons 16 eerste, 13 tweede en 17 derde plekke behaal. Die 0/11 seuns het besonder goed presteer en baie eerste en tweede plekke behaal en hul aflos met byna ’n volle oorgee gewen! (Hulle was Nelius Koorts, Ryan Ferreira, Oscar Maeyer en Izak Vorster.) Baie dankie aan mnr. Riaan Coetzee wat 3 leerders geborg het vir SOK – anders sou dit nie vir hulle moontlik wees om daar te kon deelneem nie!

Daarna het ’n hele aantal atlete aan verskeie byeenkomste op Oudtshoorn deelgeneem en goed presteer. Die kompetisie daar is geweldig sterk – veral die laerskoolbyeenkomste, want ons ding mee teen baie groot skole! Baie dankie ook aan ’n anonieme skenker wat ’n finanasiële bydrae gelewer het– dis wonderlik dat die publiek ons so ondersteun om ons kinders van die nodige te voorsien! Op ’n leë maag kan niemand presteer nie!!

Ons skool is met reg trots op Oscar Maeyer wat ingesluit is in die SWD span vir gewigstoot – seuns 0/11. Baie geluk – al die harde oefening in die hitte het goeie vrugte afgwerp!!

Three generations on the Zwartberg campus

- Ailsa Tudhope -

Many schools can turn to their class records and discover that one generation after another of a particular family has trod their corridors, raised their voices in song in the school hall, dashed around the sports fields and sweated over comparable examination papers.

Not many can boast three generations dashing off to the same school at the same time every morning.

In January Hané Smit started her Grade R year at Wildekanisland as her mother Chrisna and grandfather Chris Gouws began another year of teaching within shouting distance at the High School. To add to the family presence, young Jan-Stephan Smit began his school career at Die Meernes in the school grounds.

Chris has recently moved to Prince Albert and returned to teaching intermediate phase learners. Chrisna dedicates her time to teaching English to the high school masses and the younger generation have the long haul through to Matric ahead of them.

May their involvement with Hoërskool Zwartberg be richly rewarding for years to come.

Uit die mond van ons Gr 4 leerders...

- Verlé le Grange -

Die Gr.4’s van Zwartberg leer tans van die Geskiedenis en ontstaan van Prins Albert. Ons het die Fransie Pienaar Museum besoek en ‘n bietjie meer van ons dorpie geleer.

Die kinders het die volgende te sê van hul dorp, Prins Albert (Die skryfwerk is onveranderd gelos):

Janine McDonald

Ek hou van Prins Albert, want hy is klein en mooi, ek hou ook van al die Museums en Hotelle wat ons dorpie ondersteun. Ons het ‘n berg waar teen ons kan vas kyk. Ons kan in ‘n sloot loop. As mense van ander plekke af kom, kan hulle sien wie se dorp die is.

Claudia Hannies

Ek hou van Prins Albert omdat dit ‘n baie mooi dorpie is. Daar is ‘n baie mooi kerk en museum en baie huise. In Prins Albert is daar baie mense wat ons ken. Hier in Prins Albert is donkies, bokke en koedoes. In die somer is dit baie warm. Die dorp is baie spesiaal. Die besoekers kom baie na Prins Albert.”

Gerhardt Bezuidenhout

Ek hou van Prins Albert want dit is ‘n baie mooi dorp vir my. Ek hou van dit reën min. En ek hou ook van die berge is baie mooi vir my. Ek hou van Prins Albert dit het baie mooi huise en hotelle. Ek hou van die dorpie en baie mooimense in die dorp. Dit het ook ‘n lekker skool. Ek hou van die besoekers wat van ander lande af kom.

Germari Steyn

Ek hou van Prins Albert, want hy is baie kosbaar en mooi en hy het baie goed waarna jy kan kyk. Hy het ook lekker waterslote waarin jy kan loop. Hy het ook ‘n lekker groot Museum waar jy na al die ou goed kan ky. Hy is ook ‘n vriendelike dorp met baie mense en mooi berge om na te kyk.

Uitstekende Matriek uitslae

- Chrisna Smit -

Die Matrikulante van Hoërskool Zwartberg het hul skool se naam hoog gehou deur ‘n 100% slaagsyfer te behaal in die November 2007 eksamens. Vier leerders het ’n gemiddelde B-simbool behaal. Verskeie A-simbole in vakke is ook behaal.

Stephan Mulder het ’n uitstaande prestasie behaal met ‘n 97% vir Bedryfsekonomie. Lodé Mooneys het ‘n 81% onderskeidelik in Afrikaans en Engels behaal. Ronelle Badenhorst, 80% vir Rekenaartik; Anneke de Wit, 83% vir Afrikaans; Judy Jones, 85% vir Bedryfsekonomie; William Kock, 82% vir Rekeningkunde; Chantel Marais, 90% vir Rekenaartik; Pedriano Meintjies, 80% vir Bedryfsekonomie; Aldron Richards, 81% vir Rekeningkunde en Shaun Skaarnek, 80% vir Houtwerk.

Sommige van hierdie leerlinge het be-sluit om verder te gaan studeer, onder meer Judy Jones wat by die Nelspruit Technikon Rekeningkunde gaan studeer; William Kock gaan by die Cape Technikon studeer, Anneke de Wit, Aldron Richards en Lodé Mooneys is alreeds besig by die Universiteit van Stellenbosch en Stephan Mulder beplan om Sportbestuur te studeer.

Baie geluk aan al die leerders en baie dankie vir jul harde werk. Ons wens julle alle seën en voorspoed toe vir die toekoms.

Hoërskool Zwartberg Art exhibitions

- Ailsa Tudhope -

During the fourth term Di Steyn’s art students held two open days to display their work. Visitors viewed a broad selection of work – all of a very high standard.

The art inspector, Mr Leon Buchner, was very impressed with the portfolios of the three Matric learners, commenting that they were of the highest standard in the Southern Cape. Well done girls, and congratulations Di!

During August the students exhibited at Oudtshoorn High’s Medi-Clinic Art Exhibition and Rique Bothma was awarded a Merit Certificate for her silver jewellery collection. It seems likely that at least two of the Matric artists will continue their art studies at a tertiary level.

The Grade 10 and 11 learners displayed their work a few weeks later. Fragile mobiles, solid little pots, paintings, collages, installations and pencil drawings were the order of the day.

The Grade 11 artists received guidance from John Whitton on designs for their own studios, then went on to develop their highly individual interior designs.

Each also worked on a themed design for a restaurant and created a memory box illustrated with family pictures and mementos.

We can be proud of the young artists in our midst and they are extremely grateful for the support they receive from the community, especially the Prince Albert Gallery.

Former Hoërskool Zwartberg pupil donates his library to the town

-Linda Jaquet-

Hoërskool Zwartberg “old boy”, Piet J de Wit, returned to the town of his birth at the end of October to hand over his personal library to the people of Prince Albert.

His books, including fascinating Africana, magazines, periodicals, old photographs and memorabilia, collected over a lifetime that included service in South Africa’s diplomatic corps, will soon find homes in the Fransie Pienaar Museum, the libraries of the two local schools and the Municipal Library.

In an amusing and at times, emotional address during Hoërskool Zwartberg’s assembly on Monday morning, 22 October, Piet de Wit recalled episodes from his youth: growing up with his Oupa Hennie Snyders and his two aunts on Pastorie Street, playing first team rugby on the School’s stoney pitches against unsuspecting, visiting teams, being the first Prince Alberter to fly, and his memories of the Baster community’s positive contribution to the town.

After matriculating from Hoërskool Zwartberg in 1946, Piet studied at the University of Pretoria and graduated with a BA in Political Science. He returned to his alma mater some years later to gain a Masters degree.

In the meantime, he joined the Department of Foreign Affairs where he was responsible for setting up the section that managed South Africa’s relations with the rest of Africa and went on to serve in South Africa’s diplomatic missions in Nairobi, Leopoldville and Brussels.

He always was an enthusiastic promoter of South Africa’s relations with countries to the north of us and was instrumental in the founding of the Pretoria-based Africa Institute of South Africa.

Since retiring from Government service in the 1980s, he has remained an active member of the South African Institute of International Affairs and oversaw the writing and editing of a history of the Department of Foreign Affairs, a magnum opus which was published last year.
Researching the genealogy of the de Wit family in is what keeps him busy now and remains his undying passion.

Piet de Wit’s recent return to his much-loved hometown with his wife, Doris, by his own admission, was a farewell visit. He took long walks through the village, popped in to the house where he was born and sought out green fig preserve at Samuel se Winkel.

“I’m not getting any younger,” he said, “and I hanker after the smells, colours and sounds of my youth in the Karoo. Ai, man, who knows when I’ll make it back again?”

Zwartberg trots op presteerders

- Ailsa Tudhope -

Elke jaar, tydens ons prysuitdeling, is die onderwysers en ouers van Hoërskool Zwartberg met reg trots op ons kinders. Leerders se harde werk in die klaskamer en op die sportveld word beloon - en die aand bied ook altyd uitstekende vermaak.

Hierdie jaar het die leerders van Graad 1, 2 en 3 ‘n pragtige geestlike boodskap gebring en Therene Fourie en Lodé Mooneys het Piu Jesu soos engele gesing. Gasspreker Ingrid Wolfaardt het beide kinders en volwassenes geïnspireer met haar boodskap en energie, en almal het die volgende dag nog daaroor gepraat.

Vir die kinders is dit altyd ietsie van ’n verassing om te hoor watter pryse hulle wen. Veels geluk aan ál die pryswenners en spesifiek aan Nina Vermeulen - wat al akademiese volkleure só vroeg (Graad 10!) in haar skoolloopbaan behaal.

Ons waardeer die bydrae wat elke ouer, in welke opsig ook al, maak. Ook die volgehoue ondersteuning van die dorpsmense, hetsy as fasiliteerders by die Graad 11-projek, of as skenkers van die jaareindpryse, gaan nie ongesiens verby nie. Die hulp van elkeen wat inkoop in die waarde van onderrig in ons jongmense se lewens, is van onskatbare waarde. Hoërskool Zwartberg sou daarsonder wesentlik armer gewees het.

Die volgende toekennings vir 2007 verdien vermelding:

AKADEMIE‑BEKER

Frans Gerber Beker - Afrikaans: Jane-Lee Gouws (Graad 11)

VOLLE EREKLEURE (AKADEMIE)

Nina Vermeulen – (Graad 10)

KLASPRESTASIE (GOUD)

Graad 1: Pieter Koorts, Hegan Pipes
Graad 2: Michy Mullins
Graad 3: Thomas Gous, Louis van der Nest
Graad 4: Ismari le Grange, Anneske van Eeden
Graad 5: Zanri Moolman, Sylvan Morris, Christopher Mullins
Graad 6: Ruan Fourie
Graad 7: Michaela Steyn
Graad 8: Abigail Modra
Graad 9: Willem du Toit
Graad 10: Nina Vermeulen
Graad 11: Jane-Lee Gouws
Graad 12: Anneke de Wit
VOLKLEURE IN SPORT

Karate
Ryan Ferreira
Andrea Gouws
Martin Koorts
Nelius Koorts
Meltus Meiring
Mignon Meiring

Tennis
Andrea Gouws

Atletiek
Nikela du Toit

Fietsry
Chris Jooste
Loraine (Lulu) Jooste

SPORTMAN EN SPORTVROU

Hannes Botes Beker : Junior Sportvrou - Nikela du Toit

Hannes Botes Beker : Junior Sportman - Martin Koorts

Gerda v/d Spuy Beker : Senior Sportvrou - Andrea Gouws

Standard Bank Beker : Senior Sportman - Willem du Toit/ Marius Williams