1906 - 2006
The page is dedicated to the committees, governing bodies and principals who have selflessly managed the school since 1906, the teachers who toiled unstintingly in the interest of the learners, all the pupils of yesterday, today and tomorrow, the supportive parents of the school and the department of education for their input into the school.
Message from Mr J.W. Groenewald
The little school in the front house of a farm house has become “mature” and is growing into the modern facility of today, an institution of which all who are, or were, connected can be rightly proud.
Each learner, parent and teacher’s role in creating an institution of absolute excellence, where each individual can develop and live out his/her full potential for the benefit of himself/herself and the community, is an inseparable part of the history of the school.
100 years of high quality education is not a small achievement in any language.Â
The school management, of the past and of today, should be saluted for their efforts and sometimes difficult task to achieve the goals that were set to improve every child’s education.Â
Education changed dramatically from 1906 and will change even more in the next century, of which 2006 is the first year. Brackenfell Primary will be able to meet the challenges of the future if dedicated teachers are willing to take up the challenge and if parents are willing to give them their support in educating their children.Â
May God be with Brackenfell Primary School for the next century, so that we can live our goals and by doing so prepare the school for the next generations to come.Â
Possumus
J.W. Groenewald
BRACKEN MUSIC FESTIVAL 2006
The kaskar races were on Friday. It was a huge success. The track had been moved from the tar surface to the grass track (rugby field). It was perfect that all cars were the same. The costumes, spirit, etc. was excellent and it was a good precursor to the rest of the weekend.
MR AND MISS FETEÂ
It was very successful. The heats were already completed in advance. So on the morning of the festival only the winners were announced. There were six prizes awarded to each grade, so 48 learners could receive prizes.
Fun fact:Â Our very own Mr. Chris Potgieter was our Grade R Mr Fete and Mr Wayne van de Venter (yellow shirt) was our Grade 7 Mr Fete for 2006.
MUSIC FESTIVAL MARCH 2006
It was the first time that Brackenfell Primary School had undertaken a festival of such a format. It was a huge success. The festival was attended by thousands of people. We celebrated from Friday afternoon 14:00 until Saturday evening 22:00. There were various food stalls, flea market stalls and of course artists performing. We ended the evening with a performance by “Die broers”, Cobus and Christo Snyman. Christo was a parent of our school at that time. There was also an amusement park and a lot of other entertainment for the children. We had lapas that companies booked for the evening and invited their friends to join. The weekend was a huge success and we hope to do so again in 100 years!
FLOAT FESTIVAL
Planning for this event began in September 2005. The enthusiasm with which the floats building projects were undertaken was incredible. The PTA performed the great task of getting everything ready. Parents were enthusiastic and helpful, with their hands deep in their pockets. Materials were also donated by the Unversity of Stellenbosch (Maties’) “Jool” committee. After all the planning, the big day, 22 March, 2006, arrived. The floats that showcased the present and the past were excellent and one probably cannot single out which grade’s floats were the best. Everyone was excited with the march in Brackenfell’s streets and it was a great success and advertisement for Brackenfell Primary School.
Sports weekend vs Vredenburg
A special sports day was held at home against Vredenburg Primary School. Our visitors were very pleased to have been selected for this special event. The day was a great success. The hockey, netball and rugby that was played was of high quality and each player received a gift pack and each coach a festival wine glass with chocolates in it..
Sports weekend vs Worcester Gim
It's Saturday, 12 August 2006 and 1100 Brackies are slowly making their way to the station. Getting up at 04:00 in the morning is usually a very difficult task. However, for the 450 players and parents of Brackenfell Primary, this was not a problem. This was the day we have all been waiting for. We are going to Worcester by train! By 06:00 everyone was on the train and ready for the ride. Between toffees and breakfast buns, the two and a half hours passed quickly and we were ready for the day. Hockey, netball and rugby teams, all were ready to take on their opponents at Worcester Gymnasium, and sport was truly the winner of the day. By 16:00, the afternoon, through the smoke of the smoldering braai coals all Brackies made their way back to the train. Friends, family and opponents had a good time together until we arrived back in Brackenfell.
REVUE
Make the boards shake! The stage at Brackenfell Primary School is in full swing. Every second year, the Foundation Phase and Senior Phase alternated. The previous years’ revues, Morals 99, A blast from the past 2001 and VIP Double 01 can testify. During these events, 80% of our pupils take part. Everyone gets a spot in the spotlight, even if you’re a tree!
The stage is used as a special and essential cultural medium to spread our pupils’ wings in their development.
We pay tribute to quality junior masters of ceremonies from the past: Tarry Nightingdale, Li-Ann Cummins, Michael Sheriff, Pieter-Paul Robbertse and Gerry van Resnburg.
Our 101 Dalmations 2006 is the icing on our Revue cake and has added to our centenary celebrations.
