Author: Dr Sonja Strydom
Published: 06/03/2024
?CLT and its staff members value the important role of social awareness and responsibility. Forming part of our practical contribution beyond the borders of the centre, we are engaging on a joint endeavour with Gordon High School in Somerset West to learn from and with each other.
The management of both the centre and the school had a constructive first meeting where joint engagements in 2024 were explored. This includes from the left Mr Noel Hendricks (Deputy Principal GHS); Ms Zainab Suliman (Deputy Director CLT); Dr Jan Petrus Bosman (Director CLT); Ms Lizette Visser (Principal GHS); Ms Desiree Titus (Deputy Principal GHS); Dr Sonja Strydom (Deputy Director CLT); and Ms Lucille Muller (Multimedia Advisor, CLT).
Gordon High School was established in 1952. At that time, it was only inside a church hall in Church Street, Somerset West. The building belonged to Mr. Eddie Gordon. The school is named after Mr. Gordon for his contribution to the promotion of teaching and learning in the Helderberg district. In 1953 a temporary building was erected in Victoria Street, Somerset West, next to the “Garden Village" community.
In August 1990 it was decided to build a new school next to the N2 in De Beers Avenue. It was a beautiful school building with a large hall that is known today as the Arthur Dunn Hall. Mr. Arthur Dunn was an excellent educator who cared a lot about the community and therefore the hall was named after him. This year the school celebrates its 72nd anniversary.
Currently there are approximately 1300 learners and 45 educators with 6 non-teaching members of staff. In the past, Gordon High excelled in academic, cultural, and sporting activities. Gordon's “trompoppies" have toured and competed at provincial and national levels. Currently, we continue to produce learners who represent the Western Province in rugby as well as athletics. Our senior rugby teams have already embarked on 4 international tours and plan to visit Namibia in 2025.
Gordon High has a proud history and many of our current learners' parents were also in the school. Many alumni who have graduated regularly return to the school and currently more than 70% of the educators are ex-learners of the school.
Over the years, Gordon High has produced many medical doctors, principals, lawyers, and academics. Some of our alumni have also left deep traces in the local community and church. Julian Jansen, journalist at the Rapport newspaper, and Dr Alan Boesak, are former learners of the school.
We as a centre are looking forward to many interactions where we can jointly develop our knowledge and understanding of the way we can move education forward.
(Author of school history: Mr Noel Hendricks)?
