Ouhoër celebrates 70 years
Vanderbijlhoër turns 70 this year. It's a school of many chapters. Read more...
VANDERBIJLPARK. – Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark celebrated its 70th anniversary with a small function in the school hall on 22 September.
The new principal, Mr Mokitle said they cannot just let go of 70 years of history. “We are proud to have you here,” he told the former learners and teachers.
“This year is the new beginning of all things at the school,” he said. Since Mr Mokitle took over earlier this year, marked improvements can be seen everywhere.
There are now speed wobbles in front of the school, there is a new fence, and the entrance to the school’s hall boasts a fresh coating of paint with the name Vanderbijlpark High School on top. Inside the hall, the school’s logo still displays the motto, Altyd die Hoogste.
This is a school of several chapters. From humble beginnings in 1953, it expanded to a school to be proud of in its first 40 years of existence.
Former student and English teacher, Mrs. Magda van Tonder, told some stories of days long gone when Mr. PW Pieterse was still principal.
How the Bijlers ruled the hockey fields, the shooting range, and the stage with their dramas. “I have good memories of this school,” she said, “you will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you to the principal and staff for what you are doing. We already can see the improvements.”
The school entered a new chapter of transformation in the late 90s. First as a double medium school and now as an English school.
The past years have not been good for the school, but under the new leadership, things are starting to change.
Another former student and teacher, Mr Wollie Wolfaardt said he retired a few years ago and he is glad to see that the school has a choir again. “We always had a vibrant, dynamic, and exciting spirit at this school. I’m glad to see that it is back.”
He also called on the school to ensure they get their parents on board. “This school has been built with the help of parents, teachers, and learners. Thousands of baked goods were sold, and special days were held. Everybody helped. Get your parents involved,” he said.
The school’s top achiever in gr 11, Ofentse Maboe, said the school has evolved into a family, a home, and that they are proud to be in Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark.
The celebrations ended with the cutting of the 70th-anniversary cake by Mrs. Van Tonder, Deputy Principal Dlamini, and Principal Mokitle.
