| Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
129 Kloof Street, Gardens, 8001, , | |
| Information | |
| School type | Public & Boarding |
| Motto | "Wees uself" (Be Yourself) |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Christianity |
| Established | 1926 |
| Founder | J.J. Jordaan |
| School number | +27 (021) 437 6347 |
| Headmaster | André Franken |
| Superintendent Girls (House Mother) | Huibrecht Steyn |
| Superintendent Boys (House Father) | Jakkie Steyn |
| Grades | 8–12 |
| Gender | Boys & Girls |
| Number of students | 500 pupils |
| Language | Afrikaans and English language |
| Schedule | 07:30 - 14:00 |
| Campus | Urban Campus |
| Campus type | Suburban |
| Houses | Reijger Dromedaris De Goede Hoop |
| Color(s) | Orange Blue White |
| Nickname | Jan van Riebeeckers |
| Website | www |
Hoërskool Jan van Riebieck is a public co-educational high school situated in Gardens in Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It was founded in 1926 by J.J. Jordaan and educates in both Afrikaans and English language.
Overview
The school is situated at the foot of Table Mountain right next to the historical Welgemeend in Cape Town. It 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. Both houses offers teachings in Afrikaans to Afrikaans pupils and other pupils who wish to learn it, and English to other languages speaking South Africans and international pupils who are admitted to the School. Famous alumni includes 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, 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 the school, 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, after 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 W. de Vos Malan, Superintendent General of Education, and on 12 January 1953, Huis Jordaan was captured.
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 school facilities. The facility is located next to the historic Welgemeend on the school premises in Kloof Street.
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 applicant, marital status, circle of friends and sexual orientation during an interview. Vosloo, a bisexual arts teacher ended up getting the job but went on to sue van Niekerk. In the same year van Niekerk sold off school properties including a portion of a sports field worth an estimated R250 million in an effort to raise funds. In 2012 van Niekerk went on early retirement. André Franken took over as headmaster in 2013.
References
- (in Afrikaans) Hoërskool Jan van Riebieck
- "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.
