One of Welkom’s bastions in the world of education, the Laerskool Dagbreek Volkskool, has turned 70 years old.
- The school was established in 1953 as the third primary school in Welkom.
- At first it was a parallel medium school, just like the other schools in Welkom at the time.
- In 1958, Aurora was established and the English-speaking learners transferred to the new school.
- The first headmaster of Dagbreek was Gerhard Olivier. Well-known principals that followed include Louw Coetzer and Sarel Griesel. All of these men left lasting footprints in the history of Dagbreek and in the education department.
- The school has grown over the years and in 1991 it was recognised as the largest Afrikaans primary school in the Free State.
The school was established in 1953 as the third primary school in Welkom.
At first it was a parallel medium school, just like the other schools in Welkom at the time.
In 1958, Aurora was established and the English-speaking learners transferred to the new school.
The first headmaster of Dagbreek was Gerhard Olivier. Well-known principals that followed include Louw Coetzer and Sarel Griesel. All of these men left lasting footprints in the history of Dagbreek and in the education department.
The school has grown over the years and in 1991 it was recognised as the largest Afrikaans primary school in the Free State.
A few years later, the decision was made to change the school back to a parallel medium school.
Dagbreek can boast of great achievements in the field of sports. Its rugby teams were always con sidered worthy opponents, while in sports such as tennis, athletics, and hockey the school was also deemed very strong.
It was especially in sporting codes like cricket with coach Piet Schonken and in netball with coaches like Kathy Jansen and Ria Mostert that the school was probably among the best in the Free State.
There were also events such as the “Grootmandag”, started by Henry de Bruin. This event definitely put Dagbreek on the sports map.
Dagbreek produced several sportsmen who went on to make a name for themselves, of whom Gerrie Sonnekus (rugby) and Elinda Rademeyer (athletics) are the most famous.
The school also played its part in the cultural field. “Voortrekkers” were extremely important under the management of Jan Kolesky. The school had choirs, played chess and there were regular concerts of high quality.
It is, however, the work done in the classroom and the teaching of children where Dagbreek has always been able to boast. Former students look back at the good old days with pride, appreciation, and nostalgia.
For the entire week of 30 October to 3 November, Dagbreek Primary School celebrated the school’s 70th anniversary under the guidance of the principal, Frik Eloff.
On each of these days the learners dressed according to a theme which included: “Rock Stars”, “Cartoons/Super heroes”, “First letter of your name”, and “Never will they see me like this again”.
On Friday, 3 November, each learner received a cupcake and a photo with school affiliates arranged in the shape of the number 70 was taken for posterity.
There were also fun activities, including learners throwing coloured powder at each other. Teachers, learners, and general workers all shared in the fun.
During the festivities the school used the opportunity to generate funds to carry out necessary repairs to the school’s buildings. – History of the school written by Frik Botha, former deputy principal.
