Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck
Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck (English: Jan van Riebeeck High School) is an Afrikaans high school in Cape Town, South Africa. It was founded in 1926 by J.J. Jordaan.
| Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck | |
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| Motto | “Wees uself" (Be Yourself) |
| Headmaster | André Franken |
| Superintendent Girls (House Mother) | Huibrecht Steyn |
| Superintendent Boys (House Father) | Jakkie Steyn |
| Grades | 8 - 12 |
| Number of students | 500 |
| Website | www |
Overview
The school is situated at the foot of Table Mountain right next to the historical Welgemeend in Cape Town. The school has an enrollment of approximately 500 pupils, who are divided into three houses: Reijger, Dromedaris and De Goede Hoop, named after the three ships that Jan van Riebeeck landed in Cape Town in 1652. Famous alumni include the singer Laurika Rauch, struggle hero and Minister of Science and Technology Derek Hanekom, venture capitalist Roelof Botha, and judge and struggle hero Jan Steyn.
Boarding
The tradition of boarding at Jan van Riebeeck High dates back to 1953 with the construction of the Huis Jordaan, the then girls hostel, on the school campus. This after the Cape Town Administrator and its Executive Committee decided to make funds available for the construction of residences for the school in 1950. The tradition of boarding continues to this day and has become an integral part of life at Jan van Riebeeck High, with a large number of pupils coming from afar.
Huis Jordaan
In 1952, the school committee and staff decided that the girls hostel would be called Huis Jordaan, a lasting reminder of the late Mr. J.J. Jordaan, the first head of Jan van Riebeeck High School (1926 – 1936). On 9 December 1952, the cornerstone of Huis Jordaan was laid by Dr. W. de Vos Malan, Superintendent General of Education, and on 12 January 1953, Huis Jordaan was captured. The residence has a historically stringent staff selection criteria and employ only energetic and enthusiastic personnel. These staff are predominantly educators attached to the school so that good education practices are assured.
Huis Jordaan is a busy and vibrant house, which prides itself in being more than just a residence – one where lifelong friendships, dreams and experiences are built. The girls (Sop) and boys (Rog) houses are balanced residences that perform excellently in academic, cultural, leadership, social and sports. Time management at Huis Jordaan has historically been a focus and even though academic standards are given high priority, there remains ample time for games, braais on the “stoep”, festive excursions and exciting opportunities that gives the house its liveliness. Students departing the hostels at the end of their final year of study are said to have developed a noticeable sense of independence and confidence which accompanies a real sense of self-worth.
The Huis Jordaan facility caters for boys and girls from Grade 8 to 12, and accommodates termly and weekly boarders, with students returning home for the school holidays. Being a resident on campus means boarders have easy access to the many wonderful school facilities. The facility is located next to the historic Welgemeend on the school premises in Kloof Street. Huis Jordaan reflects a homely atmosphere where strong traditions and a good spirit fill the guest rooms.
Currently Huis Jordaan is jointly managed by Huibrecht Steyn, the Ladies Superintendent (House Mother), and Jakkie Steyn, the Gents Superintendent (House Father).
In 2016 management started with a building and modernisation process. All boarders receive WiFI connectivity. From 2018 the Huis Jordaan facility accommodates both residences (girls and boys) on the school grounds.
Controversy
In 2004, the then school principal, Hammies Van Niekerk, got into trouble for questioning Riaan Vosloo, an prospective job applicants, marital status, circle of friends and sexual orientation during an interview. Riaan Vosloo an bisexual arts teacher ended up getting the job but went on to sue Hammies Van Niekerk. In the same year Hammies sold off school properties including a portion of a sports field worth an estimated R250 million in an effort to raise funds. In 2012 Hammies Van Niekerk went on early retirement, claiming that he was being forced to quit. André Franken took over as headmaster in 2013.
References
- (in Afrikaans) Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck
- "Jan Van Riebeeck". janvanriebeeck.co.za. Jan Van Riebeeck. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
- "School to sell land". iol.co.za. IOL. Retrieved 30 June 2004.
- "Bisexual Teacher Fights Back". news24.com. Media 24. Retrieved 21 October 2004.
