Windhoek Gymnasium: not old, but gold

Windhoek Gymnasium
- Ernst Calitz and Christopher Van Wyk

We as Gymmies are proudly celebrating ten years of “Gymmiehood”. From our humble beginnings in a small classroom to the proud beacon on the hill overlooking Windhoek that we are today, we have grown immeasurably in only ten years! No scholar will ever forget the first time they saw the school, whether it was at Olympia where the hostel is currently located (a trip down memory lane for teachers and learners alike) or at the top of the hill in Kleine Kuppe. The school is not only a pretty face, but a smart and prestigious “pretty face”.

In our first year of existence, we already received the first of many great achievements: the PMR Golden Arrow Award for the best private school in Namibia. We then proceeded to win this same PMR award every consecutive year, of which 8 have been Diamond Arrow Awards. None of this could have been achieved without the input and dedication of Ms Colette Rieckert. She had a dream of teaching a new lifestyle and building a better future, which, many believe, she already accomplished in the school’s first year. It was clear from day one that Windhoek Gymnasium was going to be a massive success!

Windhoek Gymnasium has achieved an unimaginable number of accolades within the first ten years. The school has excelled in the sport sector and encourages every student to be involved in at least one sport code. In addition, talent is a very important aspect developed and showcased by the school’s cultural participation. Learners participate each year in the ATKV Tienertoneel and won 1st prize in 2014 – a very impressive achievement indeed. The school also participated in the 2016 debating competition and went all the way to National Competition.

Windhoek Gymnasium focuses immensely on academics because we want to ensure learners receive the best quality education. Our Grade 12 learners continue to inspire the rest of the country because they are always in the top ten. Our school has become a nationally recognised academic institution within the ten years that it has been operating.

The school celebrated ten years of service on the 17th of January and, as with all birthdays, there was a need for a party and cake: plenty of it. There were hundreds of cake entries in our register class cake bake-off competition. It ranged from short to long to stacked and tall. We had it all. The actual party was held on the Astroturf. After a few heartfelt speeches from Ms Rieckert and learners who have been part of the school since its inception, and a nostalgic trip reminding us of our beginnings with Miss Hannatjie and her accordion, we went down to the field to take a few photos. The entire school formed the number ten and a drone ensured the epic feat was captured, to be admired for many years to come.

Even though this was the official celebration of the day the school started, a Gymmie party never stops. We will keep celebrating this milestone until the end of the year. We have made many great memories as a school, and this celebratory year will be an experience no scholar will ever forget.

Thank you for ten wonderful years and we believe there will be many more to come.