Hoëskool Voortekker celebrated 100 years of excellence on January 28.
According to Afri Black, the principal of the school, the Grade Eight learners planted 100 spekboompies as part of the century celebration.
“As they grow throughout their school career, the trees will grow with them and one day they will return to reminisce about their days spent at the school. Each child from the school also received a muffin
“At Voortrekker, we cultivate a culture of respect, responsibility and safety for our learners. There are currently 1 300 learners and 60 staff members at the school and we never obtained less than 96 per cent pass rate.
- History
The school officially came into being on January 28, 1920 in Nobby’s Bar with 67 learners.
On October 6 of the same year, the school became officially known as Hoërskool Voortrekker.
In 1922, only 22 of the 179 learners attended school due to drawn-out strikes by train services. Many parents also lost their jobs during that time.
On August 8, 1924, the school moved to its new and current premises.
Over the years, the school experienced its highs and lows, such as on November 25, 1931 when a break-in was reported and 24 pounds was stolen from the school.
In August, 1957, a flu epidemic hit the East Rand and on average 172 learners were absent from school per day.
In 1945 the current school anthem was introduced and during the ’60s and ’70s Voortrekker experienced exceptional growth and prosperity.
In 1992, a new era in education was established – the model C system. Thanks to knowledgeable parents and a dedicated management team, Voortrekker established itself as one of the most successful model C schools.
In 1999 Voortrekker faced one of its greatest challenges. New policy in education dictated that 22 per cent of teaching staff to be released from service.
According to the school the only solution was to expand the community. And so Voortrekker decided to become a parallel-medium model school. This then saved all staff members from unemployment.
