BHS’ vision as it celebrates 100 years of learning

For the past 100 years, Benoni High School (BHS) has been known for being a highly focused school with a deep seeded ethos, remaining true to its motto, Quam-optime (better than the best).

In celebration of the school’s centenary, headmaster Dr Eugene Rooyakkers says that the school will now be entering a new academic phase that will mould a new breed of employees by 2030.

“We are moving towards becoming a school of specialisation,” he said.

“One where academic and technical learning is seamlessly integrated thus, offering more diverse learning avenues.”

According to Rooyakkers, subjects in the field of hospitality and tourism have been reintroduced at the school. With a specialised mechanical workshop as well as an industrial kitchen being built at the school, specialised subjects in these fields will be introduced at the beginning of the 2023 school year.

“The addition of these subjects is truly exciting as every learner will have the choice of which field they would like to pursue,” he said.

“As educators, we need to accept that children learn differently, some may go on to become highly trained academics, while others are better suited for practical learning within skilled technical fields.

“We need to adapt and to the best of our ability to offer learning models that is best suited to sustain vocational learning.”

He said that to continue value-based learning to the 1 410 learners, a school needs to consist of a hardworking and dedicated staff contingent that leads through example.

“As educators, we pride ourselves in showing exemplary discipline which effortlessly spills down to the learners,” said Rooyakkers.

Of the countless successes that the school has enjoyed over the past 100 years, BHS boasts 14 former learners, now part of its administrative and educational faculty.

“We have had the privilege to be part of BHS from a very influential age and it is an honour to now be able to contribute to its growing success,” said Michelle Heyns.

“Our wish for our beloved school is that we all continue to demonstrate courage and will to forge ahead to create a school that is inclusive thus leaving a legacy to be proud of.”

Deputy principal reflects on 44 years at BHS
As BHS celebrates 100 years of learning excellence, deputy principal Tersia Bekker looks back on her career at the school spanning over four decades.

Upon completion of her studies in 1978, Bekker applied for teaching positions at various schools.

The plan was to simply complete her four years of compulsory teaching after which she envisioned pursuing a career in game ranging.

During the first weeks of the 1979 school year, she soon realised that she was responsible for teaching some of the naughtiest classes.

“I was very enthusiastic, especially because the school had so much to offer,” she said.

“I was employed as a typing and accounting teacher. Those old horrible typewriters still haunt my dreams.”

Being young and energetic Tersia could soon be found on the sporting fields, wearing many coaching hats including athletics, softball and hockey.

Swimming and squash followed shortly.

“I have had so many memorable moments at the school which I love and am deeply passionate about,” she said.

“I have travelled the world thanks to our school tours and have been overjoyed by victories on the sports field, however, throughout my career I have made lasting friendships and am still in touch with many former learners.”

According to Bekker, she was deeply touched when the BHS Astro hockey pitch was named in her honour.

Looking back, Tersia does not regret that the initial four-year teaching plan extended over 40 years.

“Despite the school’s many accolades and continuous growth, BHS is known as being a family. Supporting and caring for one another has been a tradition,” she said.

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