Knysna High School Hostel

ABOUT US

The history of Knysna High School goes back to the last century when it was known as the Knysna Public School and functioned only as a junior school. The old school building (on the present site) came into use on 16 October 1916 and on 1 January 1929 obtained the status of a high school.

The official opening of Knysna High School took place on 28 January 1929. Numerous extensions have subsequently taken place and the present building that was erected around the original building, was occupied at the end of 1968.

At present, the school consists of a modern building with all the essential rooms. These include well-equipped laboratories; a Consumer Studies classroom, a school hall and two computer rooms. Originally tuition was in English. From 1936 Afrikaans was gradually introduced as an alternative language of tuition, and only in the early 1940`s did Knysna High School become a dual-medium school. The colourful history of the school can be traced from the days when it provided education mainly to the English-speaking village children. Later, with the addition of the hostels, provision was made for children from the farming community and the forestry sector. Today it fulfills the task of a typical town school in a rapidly developing area.

The Governing Body of the Knysna High School is a diversified spread of volunteers, sewn together by a common concern for the well-being of the school and those who pass through it. The Governing Body is the school’s accountable body. As such, it is responsible for the conduct of the school, for promoting high standards and for the fostering and preservation of its ethos.

Principal:

• Mr IJM Lourens

Parents:

• Mrs R Bruwer
• Mr S Jegels
• Mr G Muller
• Mrs D Wolmarans
• Mrs L Fourie
• Mr H Strydom
• Mr K Groom (Co-opted Member)

Educators:

• MR R van Lill Mrs P Eustice

Non-Educator:

• Ms A Olivier

Learner Representitives:

• Dune Henrick
• Aangelo Jenneker

SERVICES

Hostel Accommodation

Knysna High School has convenient hostel accommodation for boys and girls of the High School as well as grade 7 Primary School pupils (only if a sibling is in the High School).

The hostel is situated next to the High School and approximately 500 meters from the Primary School.

The Western Cape Education Department provides bursary application forms which are available at the school.

The hostel is self-sufficient and the income and expenditure for the current year is taken into account when the hostel fees are adjusted.

Although we do try to build up a reserve for unforeseen expenses, we do not make a profit from the hostel accommodation.

There are staff available who do duty on a rotational basis.

Learners are responsible for the cleanliness and neatness of their rooms.

The kitchen has staff responsible for the preparation of meals and for the general neatness of the buildings. Well-balanced meals are served from Monday morning to Friday afternoon. The hostel is closed over the weekends.

Learners must provide their own bedding and are encouraged to create a homely atmosphere in their rooms.

There are daily study times and a compulsory evening study time. During this time the learners have to be in the study hall.

There are also quiet times between 21H10 and 21.30 when the learners must be in their rooms. Learners are encouraged to exercise self discipline when it comes to homework and studies.

Learners are allowed to walk to town one afternoon per week to do their necessary shopping.