Schulfest 2012: Saturday, 5 May

   What is Schulfest? Schulfest, held annually in April or early May, is a time for the school family (learners, parents, teachers, Old Scholars, the local congregation and members of the local community) to get together for a day of sport, good food and excellent company. Gemütlichkeit - amiable, comfortable cameraderie - is the order of the day, due in no small measure to the quiet country surroundings at Hermannsburg.

   In 2011, the morning of Saturday, 21 May dawned without a cloud in the sky. A warm autumn day greeted all visitors to Hermannsburg. The 2011 Schulfest committee, with an injection of new blood, considered various options to make Schulfest more attractive and interesting for all age groups. As a result, in addition to the usual offerings of school sport, good food, meat sales and Gemütlichkeit, 2011 saw a new layout, new competitions, new activities and musical offerings as well as an expanded flea market, all finding favour with visitors.
   All announcing on the day was done by learners, and received compliments all round. The learners organised, participated in, and enjoyed the dancing competition. In the tea tent, the Art Department displayed the works of learners from all Grades. There was an Old Scholars’ table and a book sale in aid of the Library Fund. The tug-of-war rope was pulled this way and that by various teams that were either formed in preparation for Schulfest, or formed spontaneously on the day. The Old Scholars put together a mixed hockey team, and were engaged by a mixed school team. Many memories flooded back as they took the field and tested their skill. The potjiekos competition provided some interesting flavours for supper, the aromas having tantalised the taste buds through the afternoon. The big screen was used to display the rugby, while some visitors preferred a little Glühwein to ward of the evening chill.
   We are grateful for a peaceful and enjoyable day in pleasant company. Thanks go to all those who contributed: From the parents, learners and teachers who worked in shifts, to the Old Scholars who came to visit, to the Hermannsburg congregation whose stalwart support is very much appreciated. Thank you also to those people and companies who generously sponsored prizes for the various events. We also acknowledge and appreciate the assistance offered by the fire brigade, traffic police and South African Police Services.

The programme on the day looked something like this:

• 08:00 Arrival of sport teams; breakfast treats on sale; tuck shop and tea tent opened
• 09:00 Hockey matches started
• 10:00 Activities and games; flea market opened; Hermannsburg Foundation AGM
• 11:00 7’s rugby tournament started; Primary School choir performance; Grade 7 Dance
• 11:30 First meat sale
• 12:00 Brass band performance; Drinks in the lapha; Lunch menu is available
• 13:15 Riding school demonstration
• 13:30 High School choir performance
• 14:00 Dance competition; Treasure hunt; Second meat sale; Chipping contest
• 15:00 Tug-of-war; Old Scholar hockey
• 16:00 Potjie judging and start of supper (potjie!)
• 17:00 Prize draws; Boarders return to BE’s
• 18:30 High School social
• 19:00 Sharks vs Blue Bulls on the big screen in the Lapha - adults only!
• 22:00 End of Schulfest - all venues close