WH de Klerk
Occupational School
School History
1975
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On 12 May, WH de Klerk School opens with three teachers: Mr AE Lancaster as the acting head, and two assistants, Ms MR Coetzee and Ms EL Meyer. The school operates in the buildings of the "Education Help Centre," which currently serves as the offices of the Mpumalanga Department of Education.
On 13 May, 83 learners enroll at WH de Klerk School. The school closes that year with 41 girls and 66 boys. The staff consists of seven scholastic teachers, two instructional teachers, and two administrative staff.
1976
On 7 January, the school opens with a total of 185 learners. The school's first head boy, Christiaan Broodryk, and head girl, Rene Waltons, are elected.
On 17 February, during the first school governing body meeting, Rev. TA Liebenberg is elected as chairman and holds this office until March 1995.
Mr PW Brewis is appointed as the permanent head of WH de Klerk School on 11 May.
1984 - 1989
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On February 6, the new school buildings are occupied, and with the help of the community, they are expanded and beautified to become a pride of the environment. Learners plant grass on the sports fields themselves and dig holes for the planting of indigenous trees.
On September 15, 406 trees are planted on the grounds.
1994 - 2006
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On 1 January, Mr SF Robinson is appointed as the new principal, following the retirement of Mr PW Brewis. During the period from 1994 onwards, several changes took place.
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Due to increasing learner numbers, two new technology science centres are built, namely Electrical and Welding. New toilets are also built at the sports fields, as well as a tuck shop.
2012 - 2014
During October, a housing project for the school is approved by the governing body.
After 35 years in education and 20 years as principal of WH de Klerkskool, Mr SF Robinson retires as principal on 31 December. The school expands from 83 learners in 1975 to 645 learners and 48 teachers. During this period, Mr Robinson lives out the school motto "What I have, I give" as the principal of the school.
Four townhouses are built at the end of 2014 and the beginning of 2015.
2015
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Mr CH Rootman is appointed as the third principal of WH de Klerk School. The school moves from a rule-driven to a value-driven environment with the support of the staff, learners, and parent community. The year is characterized by the retention of fixed values but also the unfolding of new values.
2015 - 2018
From 2015 to 2018, each year focuses on a specific value. In 2015, the focus is on the value "Caring"; in 2016, the focus is on the value "Responsibility"; in 2017, it is on the value "Trustworthiness"; and in 2018, it is on the value "Fairness."
The year 2018 marks the beginning of a new phase in LSEN education. The new Technical Occupational Curriculum is offered at our school. New subjects are added to the curriculum: Creative Arts and Early Childhood Development.
New classrooms are built to offer occupational subjects for the boys, as well as a computer center for the subject Information Communication Technology (ICT). The kitchen for food production is upgraded, and a classroom for that subject is also built. For Early Childhood Development, two classrooms are built for the junior and senior phases.
2019
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The student number stands at 664 this year, with 77 staff members. Emotional support for learners is strengthened through the implementation of a social department under the Support Services. The feeding scheme, clothing bank, and uBunthu project are reinforced and expanded. The Department of Education's proposed Technical Occupational Curriculum (TOC) is launched. The school’s value-driven approach is reinforced by focusing on the value of Respect. The school’s sports house, the Chris Rootman Clubhouse, is built to accommodate social gatherings during sports events.
2020 - 2021
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In 2020, the student number stands at 676 learners. The COVID pandemic overwhelms the entire world like a thief in the night, bringing fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. People are forced to live in isolation and lockdown during this period.
Worldwide, all schools close for approximately three months, after which learners attend school on a rotational basis. All extracurricular activities are suspended. Zoom meetings become a daily routine to ensure the functionality of the school. WH de Klerk School implements a new committee under the School-Based Support Team (SBST), namely the 'Disaster and Safety Committee,' which develops emergency measures and policies to ensure safety at the school.
On July 26, 2021, all learners return to school in full attendance. During this period, the school says a sad farewell, and loses three staff members. It is a dark, uncertain time for WH de Klerk School.
2022
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Extracurricular activities resume in full swing. The ‘Anti-Bullying Program’ takes shape under the guidance of the values committee. The program ensures full involvement and creates a large, lasting impact to address this issue effectively. This program is addressed annually to empower learners to combat this social trend.
2023
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At the start of the year, the student number rises to 698. With the appointment of a disciplinary officer, the school enters a new era regarding discipline.
The WOW (World of Work) committee, under the SBST, strengthens its role concerning further training and job placement by forming a partnership with IPP Mining. During the holidays, IPP Mining offers additional courses in relevant training fields for Year 4 learners.
At the end of the year, they offer study opportunities and scholarships to selected Year 4 learners. Girls’ cricket is presented for the first time in the school’s history.
2024
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The year begins with overcrowded classes and a student number standing at 715. The Department of Education launches the 'GEC Integrated Project' (IP) for Year 4 learners in Schools Of Skills (SOS). The project is based on the Technical Occupational Curriculum (TOC). This is the first year that the school offers Land Service as an extracurricular activity. Several community outreach projects are undertaken. The value of Caring is thus practically and meaningfully lived out.
2025​​
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WH de Klerk School celebrates its half-century anniversary this year. The Klerkie Golden Festival takes place on September 27 to celebrate this occasion.
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The subject Office Administration is offered for the first time at the school.