Botha School has chosen a new logo that will represent their students and the amazing sports achievements that they have had in the past year.
"It was from a new involvement in sports that the logo change sprung about," said principal Mike Flieger. "Botha School has been becoming increasingly more active in sports over the past two years."
Previous to last year in 2014, Botha School was the only K-5 school in the school division. During the 2015-16 school year, Botha School was made a K-6 School.
"It seems that with the addition of Grade 6, more athletic opportunities came our way," said Flieger. "For instance, the CARA cross-country meet – which Botha School took part in last year – is open to students of grades 6-12."
In addition, Botha had begun a friendly rivalry with Donalda School the year before.
"We held an end-of-the-year soccer match with the winner receiving the Botha-Donalda Cup or the BODO Cup," added Flieger.
Botha won the initial BODO Cup.
"Last year we had asked for a basketball match with the rival school, with two games taking place in Donalda," said Flieger.
Donalda ended up winning and taking possession of the BODO Cup, but at year end Botha School had a soccer rematch in Botha, with Botha taking back the trophy.
"I am sure that this rivalry will continue in the coming year, and we are also seeking to become more active in competing with other small schools in our division as well," said Flieger. "While Botha had become active in sports, it was a new thing and we still did not have uniforms of our own."
Explaining how the logo change came about, Flieger said that with many of the families coming from a farming background, it was decided that a bull might be more symbolic for the students.
"Of course, as I believe is traditional, we also wanted our school logo to embody strength, and thus, we arrived at the bull," stated Flieger. "The new logo has been very well received by the students.
They were very excited about it and look forward to seeing the new uniforms sporting the new logo."