PRESIDENT High School celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 13 by having a colour run at the school for all the learners.
Learners and teachers all took part and threw paint at each other in an unforgettable time of fun. Teachers even ganged up on other teachers to ensure that no one escaped the paint.
President High originated as a result of an increased influx of Afrikaans people to the ‘city of gold’ in the late 1960s. This meant that the other Afrikaans High school in the area, namely Hoërskool Die Fakkel could not cope with the number of pupils. President High was previously known as Ridgeway School in 1967 but in 1969 changed its name to Hoërskool President.
After its humble beginnings the school has grown to become a prestigious school in the South. In 2005 the school made the decision to change from Afrikaans as a medium of instruction to a parallel medium school which meant adding English as a medium too. This willingness to adapt has meant the school not only boasts a fine tradition, but has a super future to look forward to as well.
President’s motto is: ‘Soek en Bou’ which literally means ‘Seek and Build’. The motto is based on the words of Paul Kruger (ex-president of the republic of South Africa), who on June 29, 1904 in Clarence Switzerland said: “Because, he who wants to create a future can’t lose sight of the past. Therefore, seek in the past all that is good and pure that can be discovered there, set your ideals accordingly and strive to reach those ideals for the future. It is true: Parts of what was built, has now been razed to the ground, corrupted and destroyed. But with unity in thought and unity in power, we can once again raise what has fallen. It makes me thankful to see that this unity, this sense of togetherness lives among you.”
The extract from original Dutch reads: “ Zoeken in het verleden al wat goed is en bouwen de toekomst daarop.”
‘Pressies’, as they are known, have been blessed with some of the finest principals from the start. Current principal Mr AM Ferreira said they are grateful for the contributions made by all past principals.
“They walked in front, through difficult and poor times. We are thankful for the effort they put in to get us to where we are today,” he said.
The emphasis at President has always been to create a balanced child by the time he or she leaves the school. Every effort is therefore made to encourage and facilitate each child’s academic progress and extracurricular activities.
President High has had some of the best matric pass rates in the district and has always achieved great results. On the sports field they have achieved a number of accolades including a number of Golden Lions League winning teams. The school has also had the honour of playing at Coca-Cola Park in a number of rugby matches. This is in addition to its numerous hockey and netball league titles.
A few celebrities have also come from President High. Here is a list of them:
· Two members of the band Overtone, namely Shane Smit and Valentino Ponsonby. The band performed most of the sound track for the Hollywood movie Invictus. They have performed numerous times in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
· Reyaad Pieterse is a goalkeeper for Supersport United.
· Barney Simon is a radio personality and also hosts a show on Jacaranda FM.
· Jzuan Dreyer plays wheelchair rugby for TUKS and the Blue Bulls.
· Ruan Benade is a qualified SA Rugby referee.
· Pumla Dineo Twala is a model for SportsScene.
· Derrick Lotz is a South African trampoline champion.
The principal and staff look forward to another 50 years.
Also Read:
Teachers challenged to hockey match at Hoërskool President High
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