Our School - Laerskool Vaalwater
Laerskool Vaalwater Crest
Tradition • Pride • Excellence

Our School

Since 1953

Our History

The first school building of Laerskool Vaalwater opened in 1953 and was located next to the current Vaalwater Hotel. It was initially a small three-staff school with Mr. S.S.B. Hoffman as principal and Aunt Katy and Aunt Chrissie van Heerden as the other two staff members. Uncle Nic Runtgen was the driver of the very first school bus and faithfully transported the learners to and from school.

On 11 June 1960, the new school building, which is still in use today, was officially opened. The cornerstone of the new school was laid by Mr. S.G.J. van Niekerk, a member of the Executive Committee.

Our Heritage & Symbolism

Our school anthem was written by Uncle Hoffie (Mr. Hoffman) and still forms an important part of our tradition today. The well-known school crest was also designed by him and is based on the words of the school anthem. The blue sky illuminating the plains with sunshine forms the core of our school's imagery and symbolism.

Our Principals

1953 Mr. S.S.B. Hoffman
Mr. S.J.M. Swanepoel
Mr. P.B.E. van der Westhuizen (Mr. Pieter)
Mr. Daan Labuschagne
2006 - June 2008 Ms. Petro Raubenheimer (Acting)
2008 - † 17 Dec 2012 Mr. Willem Nezar
Dec 2012 - Aug 2014 Ms. Martie Steyl (Acting)
1 Sep 2014 - Present Mr. L.H. Vorster
Our Motto

"I CAN"

Encourages every Valie to tackle challenges with courage, confidence, and perseverance, to believe in ourselves, and to always give our best.

School Anthem

By Mr. S.S.B. Hoffman (Uncle Hoffie)

Where blue skies span the open plain caressed by golden light,
Where trees adorn the veld with flowers rich and bright.

There stands our school, our pride, our strength, where knowledge gives us power,
To face life's struggles with resolve, we sing our song this hour:

Vaalwater, Vaalwater, Vaalwater whom I love,
There we strive, there we work, there we sing, there we play.

Vaalwater, Vaalwater, Vaalwater persevere and prevail!

Our Staff

Management & Administration

Leonard Vorster
Leonard Vorster Principal
Johan Lochner
Johan Lochner Head of Department
Marilie O'Kelly
Marilie O'Kelly Admin

Pre-School

Leonè Van Der Merwe
Leonè v.d. Merwe Grade R
Marcia Mariba
Marcia Mariba Gr. RR & RRR
Aniska Vermaak
Aniska Vermaak Gr. RR & RRR

Foundation Phase

Ria Brits
Ria Brits Grade 1 & 2
Rebecca Mpepele
Rebecca Mpepele Grade 1-3
Yvonne du Plessis
Yvonne du Plessis Grade 3

Intersen Phase

Amanda Pretorius
Amanda PretoriusGrade 4 A
Johan Lochner
Johan LochnerGrade 5 A
Georgina Kolobe
Georgina KolobeGr. 4 & 5 E
Marinus Cloete
Marinus CloeteGrade 6 A
Jane Mongwe
Jane MongweGr. 6 & 7 E
Rory Wilson
Rory WilsonGrade 7 A
Jackson Makhae
Jackson MakhaeStudent

Grounds Team

Eva Matlhabe
Eva Matlhabe
Philemon Mpepele
Philemon Mpepele
Simon Moruwe
Simon Moruwe
Sinah Mashungu
Sinah Mashungu

School Governing Body (SGB)

Parent Representatives

Chairperson & Treasurer Chantelle Grobler
Sport & Vice Chairperson Elizabeth Motebele

School Representatives

PrincipalMr. Leonard Vorster
SecretaryMs. Marilie O'Kelly
AcademicsMr. Johan Lochner

Learner Council 2026

Lea Human
Lea Human Head Prefect
Jessica Bosman
Jessica BosmanLeader
Teneal Brits
Teneal BritsLeader
Tiekie Dercksen
Tiekie DercksenLeader
Kea Lehutso
Kea LehutsoLeader
Modise Mabetwa
Modise MabetwaLeader
Boitumelo Mabitsela
B. MabitselaLeader
Rorisang Mosima
Rorisang MosimaLeader
Tiisetso Shongwane
T. ShongwaneLeader
Lynet Sibanda
Lynet SibandaLeader