How many schools can boast that their alumni are so active they come back 42 years after matriculating, to plant trees at the school?
Hoërskool Randburg can.
The Class of 1981 decided to give back to the school the year many of them turn 60.
“We have had two reunions before but we thought this time we will also do something for the future,” said former learner Riëtte de Jager.
“I have so many memories of this school and as I came in, I told some learners to not sweat the small stuff. Enjoy your time here and take life in your stride.”
Fellow former learner Johan Fleischer, who chose the words written on a plaque near where the four white stinkwood (celtis africana) trees were planted, said the particular species of tree was selected because it was indigenous, survived frost and cold temperatures in winter, and also grew large to provide ample shade.
A rough translation of the words on the plaque reads, ‘Sometimes it is necessary to stop under the arms of a shaded tree and then to dream a little, to count your blessings and to speak to your creator.’
The head girl in 1981, Ruth van Vliet explained that in the Bible much was said about trees and a person being rooted in God as the source of one’s strength.
“Children face so much difficulty in life so we want this to encourage them to rest and bloom where God has planted them,” she said.
The group took turns shovelling soil onto the base of the trees with a golden spade and cut a ribbon to mark the ceremony, which principal Pieter Booysen, head boy Stian van der Walt and head girl Shani Jansen van Rensburg, joined.
Related Article:
