Last week was one for the books at Vryheid High School. Learners and staff came together to celebrate Spirit Week in the lead-up to the much-anticipated Derby Day against Hoërskool Pionier. From creative dress-up themes and hilarious staff pranks to thrilling sports fixtures and outstanding learner achievements, school spirit was at an all-time high.
Monday, 18 May — Blue Monday
The excitement kicked off with “Blue Monday”, as learners arrived dressed in every shade of blue imaginable. Staff added plenty of humour to the day by pranking the principal with the most outlandish excuses for not coming to school — from ridiculous family emergencies to bizarre pet stories. The principal certainly had an entertaining start to the week.
Tuesday, 19 May — Jersey Day
Jersey Day brought a colourful mix of sports jerseys and team pride across the school. Staff members kept the momentum going with the ongoing prank challenge, presenting the principal with a series of random and unusual gifts throughout the day.
Wednesday, 20 May — Adam Sandler Day
The school embraced the laid-back “Adam Sandler Day” theme, with oversized shirts, shorts, and sneakers making appearances across campus. Staff took creativity to another level by dressing up as the principal himself, leading to plenty of laughter and truly memorable moments.
Thursday, 21 May — Cops, Robbers and Cross Dress Day
Grades 8 to 11 arrived dressed as cops and robbers, while Grade 12 learners and staff took on the cross-dress theme — keeping everyone thoroughly entertained throughout the day. The evening concluded with the Derby Day Sokkie at 18:00.
Friday, 22 May — Green and Gold Day
Spirit Week ended in spectacular fashion with Green and Gold Day. The undisputed highlight was the dramatic “kidnapping” of the Acting Deputy Principal, who was taken to the field, tied up, and covered in molasses as part of the spirited festivities. The event drew huge crowds of cheering learners and staff, sending the week out on the highest of notes.
Derby Day 2026: Passion, Pride and Intense Competition
On Saturday, the annual Derby Day took place at Hoërskool Pionier, where both schools showcased exceptional determination and sportsmanship across all sporting codes.
1st Team Rugby — A Heartbreaking Thriller
The 1st Team rugby match had spectators on the edge of their seats from start to finish. In the dying seconds of the game, VHS earned a crucial penalty opportunity. Choosing to kick for poles from the halfway line, the crowd fell silent as the pressure mounted. Unfortunately, the kick struck the poles and VHS suffered a heartbreaking 28–29 defeat — one of the most dramatic derby clashes in recent memory.
Rugby Results
- U/14: VHS 57 – 7 Pionier
- U/15: VHS 27 – 22 Pionier
- U/16: VHS 19 – 40 Pionier
- 2nd Team: VHS 21 – 24 Pionier
- 1st Team: VHS 28 – 29 Pionier
Hockey Results
Boys Hockey
- 1st Team Boys: VHS 5 – 2 Pionier
Girls Hockey
- 1st Team Girls: VHS 0 – 3 Pionier
- 2nd Team Girls: VHS 0 – 5 Pionier
- U/16 Girls: VHS 0 – 2 Pionier
- U/15 Girls: VHS 1 – 3 Pionier
- U/14 Girls: VHS 0 – 1 Pionier
Netball Results
- U/14: VHS 20 – 16 Pionier
- U/15: VHS 10 – 28 Pionier
- U/16 A: VHS 12 – 15 Pionier
- U/16 B: VHS 12 – 10 Pionier
- 2nd Team: VHS 8 – 28 Pionier
- 1st Team: VHS 17 – 31 Pionier
Spar Hockey Tournament — 1st Team Girls Represent VHS in Newcastle
The 1st Team Hockey Girls travelled to Newcastle to compete in the Spar Hockey Tournament, delivering excellent performances against strong opposition throughout the event.
Tournament Results
- vs Dundee: 0 – 0
- vs Utrecht: VHS 2 – 0
- vs Newcastle: VHS 0 – 1
- vs St Dominics: VHS 1 – 0
A special congratulations to Mercy Chituku, who received the prestigious Princess Hockey Stick award for her outstanding performances during the tournament. A wonderful individual achievement.
SA Karate Championships — National Success for VHS Learners
Only two VHS learners were able to attend the South African Karate Championships, but both represented the school with exceptional pride and distinction on the national stage.
Lwazi Mlotshwa
- Gold Medal — Kumite
- Bronze Medal — Kata
Ayanda Ndlovu
- Bronze Medal — Kata
Congratulations to both learners on their exceptional achievements at national level. You have made Vryheid High School very proud.
ACTS Bible Study Programme — Standing Strong in Today’s World
During Term 2, the ACTS committee hosted a meaningful five-week Bible Study programme centred on the theme “Living in the World”. The programme addressed the very real pressures teenagers face daily, including:
- Fitting in and popularity
- Self-image and reputation
- Pushing boundaries
- The responsible use of technology
Learners were encouraged and equipped with practical guidance on how to live Godly lives while remaining true to their values in a challenging world. A heartfelt thank you goes to the ACTS committee for their dedication and commitment in leading each week’s sessions and making a positive impact on the lives of so many learners.
Upcoming Events
Friday, 29 May
- Eco Club Clean-Up
Saturday, 30 May
- PSG Finals at Hoërskool Pionier
