Parel Vallei High Makes Somerset West Proud
This past weekend, Somerset West’s own Parel Vallei High School welcomed Pearson High from Port Elizabeth for their much-loved annual interschools exchange. Over three days, the fields, courts, and halls of PV buzzed with energy as learners competed, performed, debated, and cheered with heart.
From rugby to chess, surfing to squash, debating to cycling – the exchange was about so much more than results. It was about community, school spirit, and lifelong friendships. And on that front, Parel Vallei did Somerset West proud.
First Team Highlights
The four showcase fixtures were as competitive as they come, with PV taking three of the four matches:
Rugby: PV 20 – 10 Pearson
Girls’ Hockey: PV 3 – 0 Pearson
Boys’ Hockey: PV 7 – 2 Pearson
Netball: PV 23 – 25 Pearson
For anybody who attended the epic netball clash on Friday afternoon, you’d agree that it deserves a special mention. Scoreboard aside, it was a nailbiter that had the hall on its feet. PV led with just minutes to go before Pearson snatched the win at the death. But what shone brightest was the resilience, dedication and sportsmanship of the home team. True champions in every sense of the word.
Beyond the Scoreboard
The weekend was packed with cultural and academic highlights, too. The Culture Night opened the exchange with music, art, and performance that left the crowd clapping and swaying. Learners went head-to-head in chess, debating, spelling, math relay, golf, cross country, and more. Everywhere you looked, there was passion, effort, and Blue Thread pride.
And sometimes, the most meaningful moments happened off the field. Like when a group of matric boys stayed behind after the main hockey game to clean the pavilion. No one asked them; they just did it out of respect and love for their school. Small acts that speak volumes.
A Community Effort
Events like these remind us that it takes a village. Thank you to all the sponsors, staff, parents, and supporters who helped make the weekend such a success. From the Bulldog mascot Winston, who made a surprise appearance, to the loud cheers from the stands, the GEES was alive, and it was contagious.
Congratulations, PV!
To every learner who took part, whether on the sports field, the stage, or the sidelines, congratulations. You made Somerset West proud and showed exactly what the Parel Vallei Blue Thread is all about: spirit, sportsmanship, and heart.
Calling All Local Schools
We know Parel Vallei is not the only school in our town where spirit and talent shine. If you’re hosting a sports fixture, cultural evening, fundraiser, or anything else the community should know about, please let us know. The Village Collective would love to help spread the word and get behind all of our schools, so the whole town can celebrate and support our children and teachers together.