History
1906 - 2024
In January 1906, Mrs. Janet E.C. Brink, the widow of Andries Brink, donated a piece of land to the community with the exclusive purpose of building a school on it.
The first meeting of the then school committee, chaired by Mr. H. Theunissen, took place on January 9, 1906. The school building had not yet materialized, and it was decided that the education scheduled to begin on January 22 would initially take place in Mr. C.M. Nagel’s house. The first teacher was Miss M. Miller, who also became the first principal.
The number of students increased, and after the first classroom was built, the school later had to make provision for a second one. The school also accommodated English-speaking students. The second classroom was put into use in April 1921, and in April 1928, a third classroom was added.
The number of students continued to grow rapidly, and in August 1952, parents held a protest meeting and demanded a new school building. A delegation was sent to the then Department of Education. Construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1960. During the inauguration ceremony on September 23, 1960, farewell was also bid to the old building. Mrs. E.C.L. Brink, who served as principal from 1910 to 1914, closed the door of the old school. At that time, Brackenfell only accommodated students up to standard 6. It would be some time before a high school would be built.
In the meantime, the old building served as a High School. After the high school building was finally put into use on January 21, 1976, the municipality demolished the original structure. The community grew so rapidly that a second primary school was envisaged. Laerskool Brackenfell received new wings, and the number of students quickly soared to over 1000. The new primary school, Laerskool Bastion, was inaugurated on January 22, 1980.
The school emblem of Laerskool Brackenfell was designed by the renowned Dr. C. Pama. The open book symbolizes the acquisition of knowledge while the round ball represents Kanonkop. The two branches represent a well-known indigenous shrub, “Bracken.”
Currently, the school boasts its own pre-primary and aftercare departments to meet the growing needs of the parent community. From a humble beginning with 18 students and 1 teacher, the school has grown to a current enrollment of over 1600 children.
SCHOOL CREST
On 17 October 1963 the school badge, designed by Dr C. Pama, was presented to the school committee by Mr S.P. Van der Merwe (former School Principal) and it was accepted.
The open book is symbolic of knowledge while the peak represents Canon Hill with a canon ball. The two branches symbolize heather, a common indigenous shrub. The motto, Possumus, means: WE CAN!
SCHOOL SONG
Our school song’s Afrikaans and English words, as well as the music, were written in 1978 by Mr. Reuben du Plessis wrote.
Mr. Du Plessis previously taught in Middelburg and in the Cape and for 10 years was principal of Brandwag High School in Uitenhage. After that he was the principal of Sonop Primary School in Despatch.
Where rocky hill o’er heather veld
Kept watching in years of yore,
The school of Brackenfell has come
The school that we adore
To you we offer what we have
The talents we possess,
That you may flourish in our midst
And through the years progress.
A cannon shot resounded here
to spread good news to all,
And so we’ll laud our school this day
In answer to her call.
Like granite firm our boys will stand
As steadfast as a man,
And girls as fine as bracken green
Possumus, yea, WE CAN.
INTERHOUSE SYSTEM
The traditional color sports groups were replaced in 2002 with an interhouse system, where three patrons were appointed. These houses compete against each other in the academic, cultural and sports field. Their achievements are measured with a points system and these points are projected in the lobby to encourage the learners. The flags are brought in every Friday morning during the hall ceremony according to the standings. The group with the most points’ flag is hung highest.
Here are our three patrons:
Mr M. Visser
Mr. Max Visser was the chairman of the school committee from 1970-1989
Mr H. Brummer
Mr Hannes Brummer was the chairman of the school's governing body from 1989-1996.
Mr. J. Stassen
Mr Johan Stassen was the School Principal from 1981-1996.