GYSBERT PIENAAR (College Class of 2003)
On leaving Uplands, I undertook the electrical design and oversaw the installations for the Uplands Auditorium and Drama classes, Goss House, the College dining room upgrades, Outreach Centre, Medical Centre, Boarding House upgrades, Squash courts, Cricket office, Teachers houses and Preparatory School upgrades.
A fond memory of mine is travelling to Michaelhouse where our young 1st Cricket team thumped the Michaelhouse under 16A team, and we cemented our reputation as a cricketing school. Another memory is my own personal century scored against Nelspruit Hoërskool. Our hockey team were the first Uplands players to play on astroturf – we were solidly beaten back then but it paved the way in developing our own astro at Uplands.
Mr. Carl O’Connell as a Maths teacher had a big influence, and he ignited my love for Mathematics and challenged our laziness as boys, to step up our Maths game. Without his sound foundation, I doubt I would have been able to complete two Mathematical qualifications.
Ms. Suckling’s Art lessons were a haven for me – I learnt much about myself and wish to pursue art again later in life.
Uplands offers opportunities that you do not truly appreciate at the time, so my advice to the young Uplanders is to get involved as much as possible and enjoy the freedom of being yourselves in the safe environment which Uplands offers.