Dear Parents

Not long ago, we celebrated the dawn of a new millennium and, in what seems to be a flash, we have reached the halfway mark of the year 2000. Many girls have used these six months profitably and have achieved on the sports field, in the cultural arena and academically in the recent exams. We congratulate them all – Wynberg is proud of you!

Others, sadly, must reflect on half a year of a less-than-best approach to life – little attention has been paid to their academic work, frequent absenteeism or leaving early has been a pattern and they have not participated in the many activities Wynberg has to offer.

I am reminded of this story:

You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest in it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and success! The clock is running. Make the most of today.

I ask parents to encourage their daughters to get involved and to use the valuable years they spend at Wynberg to achieve their potential in all areas of their lives. It is such a waste of time merely to exist at such a wonderful school.

Thank you for support during a term broken up by so many public holidays. I trust you will enjoy this time with your daughters, as I know my staff will enjoy the break without them!

Chris Mann’s poetry has been prescribed in the past for Senior Certificate English study. His poetry appears in numerous school anthologies and is studied in our Senior Secondary English poetry component.

Chris Mann was recently interviewed on SAfm about his latest venture: he and his wife have collaborated in a volume of illustrated poetry entitled The Horn of Plenty, produced as a celebration of the bounty of life. The poetry was presented to our Grades Ten, Eleven and Twelve girls as a slide show with readings.

Chris Mann and Julia Skeen hand a copy of their book to
Cynthia de Wet for our school library

A Levels

The March exam results have finally arrived and congratulations are due to many students and teachers.

The results of the English Literature first module, "Othello " and "Great Expectations", were excellent. Joseph Lawrence from Westerford High School achieved 85% as did Karen Jennings from Wynberg Girls' High. The average mark for this module was 77%, and teachers, Ms Miki Lawrence and Dr Penny Kew, are to be congratulated.

Karen Jennings is also to be commended on her achievements in the Creative Writing module where the portfolio she submitted was awarded 83%.

In the foundation science modules, Hayley Conroy achieved 83% for Chemistry, 80%for Physics and 76% for Biology. Blaise Thomson also did very, very well: 98% for Pure Mathematics 1 and 79% for Physics

On Friday 7 May, Mrs Harding, Mrs Prinsloo, Ms M. McCarthy, Mrs Knipe, Mrs Fowkes, Mr Lauff, Ms Damstra and Mrs Wilding, who also drove the bus, set off for the Houw Hoek Inn to learn more about Outcomes Based Education and the implications for its introduction into the high schools with the Grade Eights of 2001.

Much of the jargon which has been used in the Western Cape Education Department policy document was explained and clarified, which enabled the fifty-four teachers present at the seminar to understand the philosophy which underpins Curriculum 2005. The Wynberg Girls' High School teachers were able to discuss, with their colleagues from other schools, the numerous issues, both practical and educational, which will have to be understood and applied, to ensure that the new curriculum will afford learners in the Senior Phase (Grades Seven to Nine) of the General Education and Training Band (Grades One to Nine) maximum opportunities for excellence.

We were pleased to hear of the proposed changes which were announced at the end of May with the release of the report of the C2005 Review Committee, and undertake to keep you informed of the implications as we prepare for the Grade Eights of 2001.

On 26 April, sixty members of the Xhosa Society and Grade Twelve History class visited Robben Island on an educational excursion.

It was a highly enjoyable day filled with information and food for thought, placing us in a situation that was very new to us. Some of the facts were shocking and horrifying. I think every person came off the island with a new sense of appreciation for what they have, and for what awful things happened to the prisoners.

The aspects of the trip that were most enjoyed were, of course, the boat trip (not a single person didn't love that - even those who got splashed by waves); it was also incredibly interesting being allowed to see the cell that Nelson Mandela stayed in. Naturally, the entire tour of the prison and viewing of the cells was interesting and informative. What added extra flavour to the tour was the fact that we were being guided by an ex-political prisoner. We were told stories about things that he had experienced and seen. It is always far more true to life when a person who was actually involved, tells a story. It was a sobering thought to recognise that he had survived and transcended the ill-treatment and abuse. Another very enjoyable factor was the way some individuals were allowed to participate by reading the stories from their cards at various points in the tour. It is perhaps a tribute to our guide and the teachers who took us there, that all of us left the island, wishing that we could have spent a longer time there - in the cells, on the island, in the curio shop…

With this kind of approach to the teaching of South African history, students are given extraordinary insights into aspects of our recent past that have previously been ignored.

J. Freed

Mr Samuel Moyikwa (on the right) began working at the school in February 1985 as a groundsman. He has been a reliable, hardworking and cheerful worker. He is a dignified man who has served the school with loyalty, and his presence will be greatly missed around the school grounds.

Mr Samuel Moyikwa

He recently attended an Assembly so that the teachers and pupils could honour his service, thank him and bid him farewell formally.

LEONA TRENGROVE JONES

We were greatly saddened by the sudden passing in March this year of Mrs Jones. Mrs Jones joined the Administrative Staff in 1983 and retired in 1994.

During her time at Wynberg, she worked mainly in the Duplicating Room. In those days, the early eighties, we still used the purple spirit duplicator, and the old Roneo machine with its black ink and messy stencils. In the beginning, there was a constant battle between this eloquent convent educated, non-practical person who oozed old-fashioned elegance and her machines. There were many days, when those who ventured into her domain, found that the usually serene Mrs Jones with the manicured hands had disappeared. And in her place was an apparition, with filthy black hands, smudged glasses, long wisps of hair flying around her face berating eloquently, articulately and beautifully, that her white slacks were ruined. She never gave up - but would just have to remove herself from the mess to have a cigarette.

She never seemed to hurry and would glide across the courtyard with her measured step. She would have been delighted to have used the clean monsters we use for photocopying today.

Leona had a deep love of the arts, especially classical music and literature. She had an excellent command of the English language and during her retirement, she kept herself busy researching and writing a novel.

PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

National Championships were held at Blue Waters Cape Town from 30 March - 1 April. We commend these students for their achievements.

Kim Pockpas

1^st place Junior Surf Swim Team
3^rd Place Ladies' Flags
3^rd Place Junior Resue and Resuscitation (RR) Team

Keeyan Dick

A Bernstein

We salute these students who have been selected to play for the Western Province Hockey teams:

U18A
Gillian Fraser
Keri Clark

U18C
Janet Borrill

U16A
Lauren Seaman
Melissa February
Nicola Croxford

U16B
Laura Casserley

U16C
Katharine Tromp

Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club recently achieved top honours at these championships for the first time since the competition began in 1973 beating twenty-two clubs from the coastal areas of South Africa.

We're proud of you Nikki

Western Province Closed Tournament held on the 16-18 June Results

On the 28 and 29 April, Wynberg and Rustenburg Girls' High hosted the inaugural public Girls' Schools Sports Festival. There were eleven invited schools participating in Hockey, Netball and Squash.

Mrs Harding presents the winning team with their trophy

The weekend's festivities were rounded off with a visit to Ratanga Junction which was enjoyed by visitors and locals alike!

Over the long Easter weekend, six of our Wynberg girls participated in the Western Province Championship Regatta. Many sailors came down from other parts of the country, especially Port Elizabeth to compete in it. The turn out was great with over one hundred and fifty entries. Racing started at about 14:30 on Friday. The weather was miserable, overcast and a strong wind was blowing, but this did not stop the sailing.

The weather continued like this for most of the regatta and each day, we came off the water freezing with only one thing on our minds - a long hot shower. The final day was reasonably warm and no wind presented itself, so racing had to be delayed for a few hours, which was great for all of us who had some very late evenings.

Much entertainment was provided by the yacht club such as the Welcoming Party, the Shipwreck Disco and the Easter Egg hunt. Spectator boats were available from which to view the racing. There was also a round robin Pool Challenge and Inter Club Dragon Boat Racing.

The Prize Giving took place a 17h00 on Monday and the results from our girls are as follows. Penny Alison took second place and was awarded a silver medal, while Natalie Burls came eighth and Michelle Collins thirteenth in the Dabchick fleet. Abbey Smith was part of the Optimist fleet. Sally-Ann Alison and crew tied for tenth position and won a spot prize, while Saskia Kemp and her skipper did well in the Mirror class.

Members of the Orchestra hard at work

Wynberg inspired by Dolmetsch Ensemble

On the 3^rd of May, recorder players from Wynberg Girls' High were treated to a concert at the National Gallery in town. Sitting amongst the strange and unusual looking pieces in the art exhibition, we heard the Dolmetsch Ensemble (from England) play a special concert for younger people. We heard music played on authentic Medieval and Baroque instruments after detailed explanations of the instruments. The musicians played a range of music from early medieval to late 20^th century compositions. The audience must certainly have been inspired to go home and practise their instruments at the end of the concert.

V Syndercombe

An outing to the opera is a special event on anybody’s calendar. For the group of teachers and pupils who dressed in their finery to attend a performance of La Traviata on 18 April, it was indeed a memorable evening. The Grade Twelves , lost in Verdi’s catchy melodies and the truly beautiful stage setting, managed to forget that it was a dreary old prescribed work and eagerly compared notes on the quality of the heroine’s voice and aptly seductive appearance.

We Capetonians are fortunate to have productions of this calibre right on our doorstep. So, next time an opera is on offer, exchange a predictable TV sitcom or two for something that is both uplifting and fun!

B Groenewald

The Grade Tens and Elevens are completing their movies. Filming has been fun, but not without its hitches and complications. Grade Eleven VM certainly attracted a lot of attention on the corner of Aliwal Road and Church Street when they were filming their free-and-crazed housewife on the run. The Grade Nine themes which were presented at the end of last term were really entertaining. Grade Nine VS should be highly commended for their excellent presentation of "Couples through the Ages." We found ourselves being entertained by Sandy and Danny, Tweetie and Sylvester, Ken and Barbie and others. This class showed great team spirit, excellent organisational skills and positive energy.

The Cape Town Eisteddfod opened at the Nassau Centre on Palmyra Road on 5 June, and ran until the 17 June. As usual Wynberg Girls' High had a large entry. Ms Glover's extra drama groups all worked very hard, as the Eisteddfod clashed with the mid-year exams. Parents were invited to come and watch their daughters perform. The Grade Eleven and Twelve groups worked on Experimental theatre. The Grade Ten group worked on a theme and the Grade Nine groups entered the Dramatic extract section. There were many girls preparing solo
work as well.

We also have many of our girls involved in the Boys' High musical review, which will be presented in the third term so their rehearsal schedule is hectic at the moment. Nikki Ramages in Grade Eleven was involved in the Bishops' production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, which has played to packed houses and enjoyed a most successful run. Congratulations, Nikki, on an excellent performance.

The House plays have been postponed to Wednesday, 19 July. Rehearsals are happening on most Sundays until the end of term and during the holidays to guarantee our adjudicators first class entertainment.

Yes, things in the drama department are chaotic at the moment, but that's the way we like it…. somehow the pressure stimulates the creativity!!! Please support us when you know of our performances and presentations.

Dr Higgo addresses members of the Web Committee

The focus this term has been two-fold: recruitment and education and training.

There is a need to recruit new members onto the committee, because the majority of our members are matriculants. Clearly they are beginning to think very seriously about their own academic priorities, and need to hand over their web responsibilities to others. Students from Grades Ten and Eleven were invited to attend the meetings held on Wednesdays to see how we operate. While these meetings are generally used to allocate work, or identify areas which need to be covered, it was felt by the committee that it would be nice for newcomers to spend some time learning some of the basics of web-design. Members of the committee have generously given of their time to share their skills and many of our members are testing their learning on their own personal websites.

For four days from the 27 to 30 April the matric hikers and two staff members  were in the paradise of the Wilderness, Luxury bungalows at Ebb and Flow gave access to deep kloofs with dark water and raging waterfalls.

On that first afternoon, as our guide stepped back in awe (or was it horror) the brave Katherine Bunney jumped into the rushing torrent below. No one else even tried.

The second morning with backpacks covered in black bags we eased into the canoes. The steady drizzle became heavier as we encountered a tough turning in the narrow reed lined channel. There was nothing for it, but to get into the waist deep water and manouvre the boats through.

Cold and wet, we entered Island Lake to discover that the wind had picked up and the lake was crested with small waves. There was no way we were going to paddle across, so we beached the canoes, changed into dry clothes and thankfully accepted the offer of a lift on the bakkie from the Nature Conservation personnel. They set us down at the boathouse, where we stowed our packs.

We were glad to be hiking again - this time up a valley in which the river was swollen from the rain. We picked and balanced our way to a beautiful waterfall, where once again only Katherine and our guide took on the raging waters.

An easy hike took us to our overnight hut at Langvlei and what with exhaustion and the lack of electricity we were all asleep by 8.30. pm - although some vicious looking spiders had to be dealt with first.

The final hike was a pleasant walk along the lakes and the Dune Mole Rat Trail to our hut at Swartvlei. Memories of swimming with coots and canoeing at dusk to the sound of the Fish Eagles will always be special. We also persuaded Mrs Wilding to take us to Sedgefield to hit the junk food and visit the beach. Some even walked to Gericke Point.

Yes it is true!

Congratulations go to the following girls who received first time chess badges:

Che Brace (captain)
Aimee du Toit
Anita Ho
Lara van Niekerk

The Chess Club picked up from last year with the girls playing social chess, but, the middle of the first term saw these girls, mentioned above, hungry for competition.

We grabbed the opportunity to play in the Southern Suburbs Chess League, undaunted by the fact that it is rumoured that "chess is really a sport for boys only".

We have not yet won any of our matches but the girls; seem to have settled down well into competitive chess and their opponents (BOYS!) soon realise that our first chess team are a match for their chess skills.

Come watch and support our first chess team in action at their next ‘home’ match against Muizenberg’s A-team on 21 July 2000, at 3.00 p.m. in Room 4.

E Lith

SAIIA QUIZ

The annual Interschools' Quiz hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs took place on Thursday 18 May at Groote Schuur High School. The aim of this Interschools' Quiz is "to bring the world to hundreds of participating students" who prepare for the competition by focusing on International affairs covered by local newspapers like the Cape Times or Die Burger.

The first course for the YLP was very successfully completed last Thursday by twenty-four star speakers. The girls were terrific and nothing could outstrip their enthusiasm, willingness and commitment. They have all learnt various skills such as delivering prepared and impromptu speeches, selecting committees and running meetings and evaluating skills.

As their communication skills improved, so did their confidence and leadership. The graduation service was attended by parents and friends and was most enjoyable.

The executive positions in the two committees are as follows:

Presidents
Michaela Nevin and Tricia Main

Secretaries
Klee Barris and Judy de Smidt

Sergeant at Arms
Lauren Seaman and Vicky Nupen.

Our graduates from Grades Ten and Eleven are Tyla Ballantyne, Klee Barris, Andrea Bryant, Melissa February, Keeyan Dick, Jacqui Ord, Candice Jacobs, Megan Britz, Lauren Seaman, Katherine Odendaal, Lisa Price, Cathy Howell, Pranisha Maharah, Leanne Johansson, Jessica Howell, Michaela Nevin, Tricia Main, Hayley Damain-Harris, Judy de Smidt, Kirsten Hopwood, Yumna Martin, Victoria Nupen, Lauren Hartmann and Michelle Coetzee

Our appreciation is extended to the parents for their support in terms of transport and refreshments. A special vote of thanks is extended to those parents, and Mrs Hartmann, who participated in the ABC game. Mrs McEwen presented the graduation certificates and we appreciated her presence very much.

Another eight-session course will be run over the third and fourth terms for twenty-five learners.

The Gavel Club congratulates the girls and looks forward to their participation in the monthly meetings. The co-presidents are Celia Clark and Lauren Veldman who are keen to increase the membership of the Gavel Club.

The Grade Twelve subject ballet girls attended several workshops this term in preparation for their final examinations. These were held by the Department at the UCT School of Dance.

Many of our pupils participated in the annual Cape Town Dance Eidsteddfod in May. This was held at the Sea Point Civic Centre and we commend our pupils on the following results:

15-16 years

Demi Character (set)
Tarah King Honours

13-14 years

Demi Character (set)
Christina Blom Merit
Kate Millar Merit
Kerryn Howard Diploma and finals

Set Classical Amateur
Kerryn Howard Diploma and finals

Own Choice Demi Character
Kerryn Howard Diploma and finals

Amateur Own Choice Classical
Kerryn Howard Diploma and finals

11-12 years

Demi Character (set)
Amy Prudhomme Honours

Set Classical Amateur
Amy Prudhomme Merit

Own Choice Demi Character
Amy Prudhomme Merit

Amateur Own Choice Classical
Amy Prudhomme Merit

11-12 years

Pre-amateur (set)
Amy Prudhomme Honours 13-14 years:

Novice (set)
Kate Millar Honours

Pre-amateur (set)
Kerryn Lancaster Honours

Amateur (set)
Kerryn Howard Diploma Finals

Own Choice
Kerryn Howard Diploma Finals.
Winner of this section

15-16 years
Amateur Own Choice(straight)
Lizelle Arendse Diploma Finals

17-19 years
Novice (set)
Sally-Anne Bryant Diploma Finals

Own Choice(straight)
Crystal Langeveldt Honours

We were fortunate to have been invited to a lecture demonstration at the Nico Milan Theatre given by the Cape Town City Ballet. By all accounts, this was one of their most successful. The girls were greatly inspired by a demonstration of the general class work followed by a lighting and technical stage demonstration, ending with an excerpt from the ballet "Don Quixote."

This performance reminds me of a quotation by the dancer/choreographer Ted Shawn "Dance is the only art in which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made."

FIRST AID

An enthusiastic group of girls (some already trained) are keen to start a First Aid team at the High School. The team would receive Level One First Aid training, and would be called upon to assist at a variety of sports matches and school functions.

This team may only be started after they have secured an offer of skilled adult supervision. Any mom, grandmother or aunt, with training in the paramedic or nursing field, who would like to find out more about being involved (in any small way), should contact Mrs Smith at school.

The girls desperately need your help!

BINGO MANIA

The Parents' Association will be holding a bingo evening on Friday 28 July. The first game begins at 19:30 but supper will be available from 19:00. Pizza, halaal food stall, tea, coffee wine and sherry and cooldrinks will be on sale throughout the evening.

We continue to meet regularly on Thursdays at 13:30pm at the school. The group consists of a handful of mothers who feel called to be prayer warriors for the girls, teachers and families at the High School.

Thank you for the many requests received to date. All praise and thanks to God for the way in which He has answered so many of these prayer items already.

TERMS NEXT YEAR

The Grade Ten pupils also had the opportunity to go on a day outing in order to expand their artistic horizons. They have been studying San and African Art as well as Medieval Art. As part of their enrichment, they visited, the National Museum, where they saw the famous terracotta Lydenburg Heads. They also went to the Pan African Market, which is a wonderful vibrant place where an incredible variety of masks and artefacts from all over Africa can be seen.

Monique Faurie has been working hard to imitate
Masters "Old and New"

Winter has certainly arrived at Waterloo house. Several pleas for central heating have been heard and it is not an uncommon sight to see our girls wrapped in their winter-woolies clutching a mug of hot-chocolate in one hand-and a furry hot water bottle in the other.

The Grade Elevens have renewed their fund-raising activities for the end-of-year Christmas party, with great enthusiasm. They have been baking, braiding hair and planning entertainment to improve their finances. Just recently, a most successful fashion and talent-show evening was held in the dining room and a mini-walk to Chart Farm has been planned as part of this venture.

Robin Campbell and Louise Rafferty, our GAP boarder-mistresses, will be returning to London and Ireland respectively at the end of this term. We would like to thank them for their warmth and friendship and for all they have done for our girls, both at school and in the hostel. They have become part of our "family" and will be sorely missed. Best wishes accompany them as they begin their studies for their future chosen careers.