Dear Parents

We have come to the end of a long, busy term. Your daughters are either proud or disappointed to present to you the report that accompanies this newsletter. We congratulate those girls who have achieved their goals and wish to encourage those who have fallen short of their expectations. These examinations are considered a ‘teaching examination’ and pupils are encouraged to take careful note of the weak areas in their subjects and to ensure that they thoroughly revise these sections. The Grade 10's often find their first attempt at Higher Grade work quite difficult and we encourage them to read the teachers’ comments carefully and re-consider their weak subjects and level in each subject.

We are extremely concerned with the current trend of pupils to miss school for trivial reasons. The School’s Act requires regular attendance at school. This term has seen an unprecedented number of families taking long holidays - some even during the examination period. We realise that some holidays were booked before the term dates were changed earlier in the year. However, we urge parents to support us in ensuring that their daughters attend school every day unless genuinely ill, and to avoid taking them out of school for longer weekends and less important appointments which could be made at other times.

As parents and staff we can be justifiably proud of the achievements of our girls which are listed elsewhere in this newsletter. We look forward to a fun-filled and exciting third term with the interschools sports tournaments, visits from international and national touring teams, the production of Romeo and Juliet, the Grade 11 Workshadow programme, Music Concerts, the Matric Dance, the Fashion and Dance Show, and Founder’s Day.

Best wishes to the parents who will take a break from work. We trust that all will have a wonderful holiday and for those on the roads – take care, return to us safely.

Regards

We commend those students who have worked hard to achieve A-aggregates in their June examinations.

These include                               Percent

Alisse Carslake                               93.9

Renee Caslake                                91.3

Anna Taylor                                  90.0

Kim Main                                      87.0

Gabriela Patten                              85.6

Alexandra Morgenstern                84.6

Tanweer Hayat                               82.5

Shelly McCormick                          81.5

Karen Bradley                              80.7

There is nothing more beautiful than nature. It should be experienced as much as possible. It is the best prescription for any ailment. Twelve of us, two teachers and ten pupils, embraced this cure for first-term stress by going on a three-day hike in the Boland Mountains. We had a month of Sunday day-hikes to prepare us for the trail, which not only made us fit, but allowed us to get to know each other. We all clicked and became instant friends.

One of the appealing aspects of the hike was the chance of getting a beautifully bronzed body. But just to spite us, someone had done a rain dance. The sky was black and heavy, threatening to burst any moment as we arrived at the start of the trail. Everyone, feeling very foolish, covered themselves in anoraks, black bags, gloves and beanies. The rain and cold helped us move speedily, though our clothes clung to our bodies and our noses were blue with cold. We moved steadily, unable to see much through the dense fog. A couple of frogs were nearly squashed beneath our feet, and Mary almost stood on a Puffadder that was merrily eating a frog in the path. We managed to get to the hut first, (within a record 3 ½ hours) where a fire had already been started by a voluntary conservation officer. The rest of the day and night involved drying our clothes in front of the fire. Except for a couple of crisply burnt socks, no harm was done.

Day two – still mist. Still cold. Later on it fortunately cleared up, and we were able to see where we were going. The daring swam i.e. Katherine, while others had to make do with accidentally falling off rocks into the water - like Mary and me. This however made no difference, since our shoes were still wet and squelchy from the previous day. The second day was a lovely day.

At the hut, there was a little river and river-pool for us to bathe in, as well as the wibbly-wobbly suspension bridge to play on. The pool was most relaxing as little fish came and nibbled our toes as we swam. A couple of scorpions threatened the peace, but once the screams died down we all fell asleep easily.

Day Three. Sun! Yes the sun was hot and high this day, but we took our time, since we had plenty of it, and stopped for a swim at each river. At our main stop, we were intently watched by baboons. They threatened to come nearer, but were put off when they smelt our socks.

One last strenuous uphill was the climax of the hike. It was hot, sweaty and horrible. Another fifteen minutes over flat land through a pine forest led us to the school bus, where we all collapsed, blistered but blissful.

It was a fantastic hike. I would like to thank Mrs Wilding for organizing and guiding, and Mrs Groenewald for joining us. A special mention must go to Melanie Stewart who carried a 15kg backpack all the way.

UCT Mathematics Olympiad

On Thursday 6 May our four quiz competitors Katherine Bunney, Kate West, Christine Hewitson, Lauren Reid and the coach, Ché Brace, participated in the annual interschool quiz on International Affairs. After 2½ weeks of studying the International sections of The Cape Times/Die Burger, the team was ready to compete against approximately thirty other schools. Although they did not walk away with the laurels, our girls certainly acquitted themselves admirably and learnt a great deal from this experience. We would like to thank the sponsors for providing pupils with the opportunity of examining events beyond our South African borders.

KALK BAY CAVES

On Tuesday 27 April (Freedom Day) a group of pupils and teachers spent their public holiday exploring the caves on the Kalk Bay Mountains.

We ascended the slope at 8:30 in the morning, starting from the Kalk Bay station. We were a party of eighteen: including three experienced spelunkers, Peter Swart, Joan Vlok and Stefan (who ensured our safety at all times.) The day consisted of both hiking and caving.

The first caves were entered with enthusiasm; each person equipped with torches, long pants and tops. Lower Aladdin’s Cave and Harbour View and Clovelly Cave involved crawling, stooping and much sliding over rocks and under low arches. From every cave emerged a party of very happy, very dirty cavers, who grew dirtier as the day wore on. A highlight for many of us was the decent into Oried Hall by way of a narrow ladder. The drop was 10m to the floor of the cave, where we unharnessed ourselves and sent the equipment up for the next person to follow.

The day was not too demanding, as we took plenty of opportunities to rest and eat something before continuing. The last caves, White Dung and Boomslang offered us the chance to do our final exploring. Parts of the caves were damp and dripping water from the roofs of the caves made enchanting echoing sounds around us.

ENVIRONMENTAL QUIZ

Recently four of our pupils participated in and won the Dentyne Environmental Quiz, which had as its focus "Recycling." Researching the prescribed Recycling Information Booklet and searching the newspapers for related information, Katherine Bunny, Shelly van Dyk, Tammy Baudains and Tamaryn Allen were the chosen representatives for Wynberg Girls’ High School.

 From the very beginning of the second term, pupils in the Music Department were busy preparing for the Royal School examinations and the Choir Festival at the Nassau Centre. Thanks to extra lessons and many sacrifices of lunch breaks we are pleased to report that the Chamber Choir received very favourable comments on their performance and that all the pupils passed the Royal School practical examinations. Congratulations to Amy Northam, Claira Wiid, Melissa Olivier, Tarry Lawrence, Alisa O’Reilly and Andrea Stavridis.

New term we look forward to a real happening: a visit by the girls and boys of Oakham School in England. Wynberg Boys’ and Girls’ High schools are hosting these pupils for their stay in Cape Town. They will be performing in our school hall on 22 July. We are looking forward to hear their Choir String Orchestra and Jazz Band performing and would like to invite all parents and pupils to come to this concert.

We would like to wish all our Grade 12 Music pupils good luck in their preliminary as well as their final practical exams next term. Please would you put a note in your dairies for the Music Concert next term which takes place on 22 July.

This really has been a very exciting and exhausting term. Preparations for our major production are well underway. We have a dedicated cast and crew who attend long rehearsals,as often as three times a week.

The most exciting event this term has been the Cape Town Eisteddfod. We are proud to say that Wynberg Girls’ High had the largest entry.

Congratulations to Jacqueline Domisse’s Grade 9 group who won the Joy Buchanan Cup for the best senior experiment and to her matric group who won the best open group experiment award.

Nikki Hodson was awarded a bursary for her solo work. The adjudicator commented on the exceptionally high standard of the work presented by Wynberg Girls’ High.

The Art Club, established earlier this year, has finally taken off and was received with great enthusiasm by the pupils. Every Tuesday afternoon the art room has been crowded by interested and energetic girls. The activities that the art club provided this term included simple printing methods, expressive painting, soap carving and experimenting with craftwork. Future plans include completing the unfinished paintings in the swimming pool changing rooms, outings to Kirstenbosch Gardens (provided the weather co-operates) and visits to galleries and much more.

SQUASH

The squash season began on a high note. The first and second team received a sponsorship from Wilson. This included racquets, bags, grips, etc. We thank Mr Lionel White for organising this outstanding sponsorship.

The team has qualified to represent Western Province in the South African Top Schools Tournament that will take place in Pietermaritzburg in August. The members are: Chantelle von Buddenbrock, Taryn Bright, Belinda White, Tricia Main, Arendene Fourie and Natalie Baker.

WESTERN PROVINCE RANKINGS FOR SQUASH

Under 16

• Belinda White – No.1
• Trisha Main - No.4
• Arendene Fourie - No. 5

Under 19

• Taryn Bright - No.2
• Chantelle von Buddenbrock - No.1

Catherine Dunt has been selected as a member of the Western Province Under 19 Badminton team. This team will participate in the South African Under 19 Championships and Interprovincial Tournament to be held in Pretoria from the 3 to 10 July 1999. We congratulate her on her achievement.

NETBALL

WGHS has twelve teams entered in the league and has achieved excellent results this term. A total of 32 matches have been won against Groote Schuur, Zwaanswyk, Rustenberg, St Cyprians and Herschel. Friendly matches have been played against Springfield, Pinelands and Norman Henshilwood.

Congratulations to Keeyan Dick who has been selected for the U15 WP team.

The U14A, U14B and U16B teams are unbeaten and we congratulate the team members who scored the 750 goals this season.

AEROBICS

The pupils can now participate in aerobics on Wednesday afternoons in the Gym from 21 July for R75 per term. The aerobic classes will be taken by Moira Marshbank.

OUTDOOR HOCKEY - 2^nd TEAM

We are well into our holiday season with the First U16C and U16D teams remaining unbeaten for the first half of the season.

The U16A team gained valuable experience playing against a touring team from IXOPO, whilst the Firsts beat a team from Sacred Heart College (Johannesburg).

Once again Wynberg is well represented in the provincial teams, with the following girls being selected:

• Keri Clark U18B
• Sian Jones U18C
• Lauren Seaman  U16A
• Kelly Zeederberg  U16B
• Nicola Croxford U16 Reserve
• Laura Casserley U14A
• Melissa February U14A
• Clio Lawrence U14B
• Wendy Clark U14 Reserve

Good luck to all of them on their respective tours!

Our third term starts with the First Team hosting and playing two schools from England on the 21 July at 17:00 against Dean Close School and the 5 August (17:00) against Sherborne School for Girls.

WGHS hosted 27 pupils and teachers from Ballarat and Clarendon College in Ballarat. Our First team played Action netball and lost to the visiting team, 22-9

KARMICHAEL EDUCATION

For assistance with all of the above, contact Mrs D Jaaback (Phone 462 3413)

For those interested in attending a course in this, the Academic Excellence Programme of 1999 will focus on the following areas which are essential to excel academically.

• motivation
• goal-directed behaviour
• focus and concentration skills
• time management and planning
• study and memory skills
• examination preparation techniques
• anxiety management

Ursula Shepherd who matriculated in 1988 would love to hear from other members of her year. She can be contacted at 021 - 794 7069, and at 13 Zomerlust Avenue Constantia, 7800 or e-mail: ursuala.s@virgin.net

At the beginning of this term eight sailors represented the school at the Liquifruit Inter-School Dinghy Regatta, held at Imperial Yacht Club.

They competed in three classes over two days. Holding their own in strong winds, the girls managed to gain second place overall, only being beaten by Bishops.

In the Dabchick class, the Wynberg team consisting of Penny Alison and Natalie Burls were the winners.

Penny was the top Dabchick sailor, an achievement which she can add to her recent placing as the top woman sailor of the South African team in the Mirror World Championships.

On Friday 23 April, Saskia Kemp, a Grade Ten student, went to Port Elizabeth with seven other crew members to participate in one of the three biggest yachting events in South Africa, the Continental Regatta. This is week long regatta is hosted by the Algoa Bay Yacht Club.

Sailing on a thirty-foot yacht in a series of races over five days; they finished eighth on the last day and therefore came fourth overall. The 1999 Regatta consisted of four hundred and fifty of South Africa’s best sailors who providing very tough competition for this young sailor.

Saskia Kemp sailing in the Continental Regatta

INTERACT NEWS - MAKING A DIFFERENCE

This has been yet another busy term for Interact. It started with the 1999 Interact Congress co-hosted by SACS, Bergvliet and WGHS. The Congress gave Interacters the opportunity to meet and interact with twenty-two other Interact Societies from schools throughout the Western Cape. So often one competes with other schools; we co-operate with them.

We sold numerous items for Child Welfare’s Red Nose Day at the Constantia Shopping Centre and helped to raise funds for the Marsh Memorial Home for Children. We served lunch to Senior Citizens at a Rotarian Luncheon and melted chocolates into moulds to raise funds for our administration requirements.

Our society is sadly saying goodbye to some special girls: Paula Raubenheimer (President) and Renee Carslake (Deputy) and the 1998/1999 committee. They have all worked tirelessly and we thank them and wish them well for matric and beyond. Rochelle Coetzee (President) and Nadia Baderon (Deputy) and a new committee will take over officially after the Interact Induction on Tuesday 22 June. They are enthusiastic and capable Interactors and we wish them every success with their new challenge.

If you are interested in helping others and want to ‘Make a Difference’ come to our meetings on Tuesday after school in the Lifeskills Room. It is open to anyone with a heart.

WATERLOO HOUSE

The second term of 1999 in Waterloo House started off with a bang with the approximately forty-one termly boarders going on a but trip around the Peninsula stopping off at Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak and Camps Bay for supper.

The Grade Elevens have continued their fund-raising and spirit builders, showing many movies and holding a hostel funky evening – a social enjoyed by all the girls.

With exams and the learning required for it, not many larger activities were planned, but we managed to attend the Boys’ school One Act Plays, and watched Mrs Swart in action the Good Vibrations Concert.

We say farewell to our Gap Students, Nicky and Lucy, and wish them well.

After a long term we are all ready for the holidays and hope that Mr and Mrs Swart enjoy their time abroad.

Leave out weekend dates:

6 to 9 August