The event drew PJ Olivier alumni from all over the country to enjoy a Founder’s Day ceremony in the hall with speeches from past matriculants.
The event drew PJ Olivier alumni from all over the country to enjoy a Founder’s Day ceremony in the hall with speeches from past matriculants.
Following the ceremony, wreaths were laid, balloons were released and trees planted to start a weekend of reunions and celebrations.
The red balloons – symbolising the past uniting with the future – were released to inspire current matriculants as they start their journey.
“At the same time that we have our old boys and girls here, it is appropriate that we celebrate our current matric class leaving the school,” said Acting Principal, Joubert Retief.
“We asked them to write their dream for the future on small pieces of paper and put them in helium balloons which we send off as a sign of hope for the future.”
Matric student, Gillian Dreyer, said she was happy that she got the opportunity to participate in the balloon ceremony.
“I wrote that I want to finish school and get good grades,” she said.
“I also wrote that I want to go overseas after my studies and hopefully one day manage a hunting lodge.”
Johan Gerber who was not only celebrating his ten year reunion on Friday, but also his last day as a teacher at PJ Olivier, was delighted to have the opportunity to see his past class mates.
“The fact that most of us haven’t seen each other for 10 years makes this reunion very special,” he said.
“It’s going to be very interesting to see what everyone has done with their lives and it is great that the matriculants are exposed to this because they can really be inspired to work for the future.”
