|
Volume 4, Issue 4
September
2000
| From the Principal's Desk Dear Parents
An end to another busy term has dawned and I need to update you on ‘what’s
happening’ at Wynberg.
We welcomed two new staff members at the beginning of this term: Ms Brigitte Franke
joined the Music department and Mr Dylan Wray started as Subject Head of History. We wish
them a long, happy and successful time at Wynberg.
Staff development has been a focus during this term and groups of
teachers have used the two early closing days to do enrichment activities within their
subject – a time for the teachers to learn something new to pass on to the learners!
The staff, as a whole, enjoyed a team-building afternoon and many have attended the
departmental courses on OBE. We will continue with staff enrichment, as staff need to keep
up with current trends in their subject and value the time together as a group to discuss
and plan new and exciting teaching material for your daughters. Extra-murals continue on
these afternoons and if necessary, the school employs an outside-qualified coach to take
practices of staff members required to be at their subject activity.
Outcomes Based Education (OBE) is a topic frequently
discussed in the media. The Wynberg staff are currently planning this new approach to the
curriculum, which will be introduced in Grade Eight next year. Although this type of
education may not be compulsory for the pupils currently at Wynberg Girls' High School,
staff will certainly use some of the good ideas they have learned in the teaching of all
students. There is much negativity surrounding this teaching method, but we certainly
support throwing out pure regurgitation of material in exams and moving towards a method
of encouraging pupils to learn life skills and to think, research and access the wide
array of knowledge which they need for future success. We will keep you informed of any
impact this will have on the teaching of your daughters.
With this newsletter you will have received the comment slips (Grades Eight, Ten,
Eleven) or full report (Grade Twelve). Please read these with your daughters and work out
with her a plan for her to achieve her best in the final examinations, which take place
from 10 November.
To our Matrics, who leave us so soon – we wish you all the best for your final
examinations. May you achieve the very best of which you are capable.
Regards
Shirley Harding
French Assembly - Vive la
France!
On Monday 18 September, the French learners in Grades Eight and Nine, with some help
from the Grade Twelve class, presented an assembly using a Bible reading in French and the
French version of the Lord’s Prayer.
Then there was a poem and a Karaoke song in French, acted out by the Grade Nines.
We were in French mode because last week the Grade Twelves spoke in their French Oral
exam, acquitting themselves very well.
Merci à tout le monde.
W Thomson
Wynberg
Gets a Taste of Xhosa
Mrs Mpambo's Xhosa classes have produced several
projects this term. Particularly noteworthy is the Xhosa recipe book produced by the Grade
Elevens and assisted by Sive Xesha (in Grade Twelve).
Mrs Mpambo with her Grade Eleven
students
Divided into five sections, the book contains both
traditional and modern recipes. These sections include: soups, seafood, main courses
(traditional and modern), puddings and cakes and scones. The books are on sale at the
school office at R50 each, and it is hoped that the money raised through the sales will
enable the pupils to go on a cultural tour of South Africa in 2001. Mrs Mpambo hopes to
expose her students to an exploration of the traditional African way of life.
P Orpen
Phenomenal Physics
Last week five budding scientists from Grade Eleven attended a phenomenal Physics
presentation at UCT. Demonstrations included the making of a meteorite, standing waves
outlined by flame jets and the crumbling of a squash ball and rubber pipes at low
temperatures. Learners were asked to predict outcomes: "oohs" and
"aahs" greeted the more dramatic results. The visit was thoroughly enjoyed.
D Jaaback |
Ms Mpambo Does it Again! The Xhosa concert is something of a tradition at the Girls'
School. It is an event that many of us block off in our diaries, so that it cannot be
missed. This year, however, there was a difference: for the first time, Wynberg Girls'
High hosted a Xhosa Exhibition, a Literary Quiz and a Concert to promote the
speaking and listening skills of learners.
In the exhibition, the academic work of the various Xhosa classes was displayed. The
project work included a range of items from recipe books to magazines to personal greeting
cards. All classes worked busily during the term to produce the work to be displayed. The
Literary quiz took the form of a fun-filled competition between Wynberg Girls' High,
Westerford, Springfield and Wynberg Boys' High. Learners from Grade Twelve were required
to answer questions on their Literature. It is to Ms Mpambo's and our girls' credit that
Wynberg Girls proved to be the most knowledgeable!
Immediately after the quiz, supper was served. We were delighted with the traditional
foods, which had been prepared by the mums of our learners. The choice included ipape,
umnqusho, umpokoqo, ulusu, isonka, ivotile njl-njl. Home-made ginger beer was also served.
Ms Mpambo - questioning the learners
on their Grade Twelve literature.
The concert was based on a theme this year: "Nguwo,
Nguwo Ngumtshato." The Xhosa Society - and a few invited guests - performed to a
packed and appreciative audience in the main hall. The audience delighted in all of the
dances - both the traditional and modern - and at the end members of the audience could no
longer be restrained and joined the cast on the stage to celebrate, to dance the Xhosa way.
The wedding scene, delighting the
hearts of the romantic
in the audience.
As was mentioned at the concert itself, occasions such
as this do not just happen. It requires the vision of a principal to support events such
as this. Various departments within the school - the Art Department, the Technical Team to
name but two - were equally supportive. The parents of the performers and the performers
themselves worked very hard, and for long hours to make this event happen. To all of them,
I extend my grateful thanks.
One of our very talented dancers
Finally, it remains to be said that I am of the belief
that tolerance can only be practised if people understand people's cultures and respect
their traditions and beliefs in a multi-cultural society. For this reason, events like
this are critically important.
T Mpambo
|
| English is Alive at Wynberg! On Wednesday, 16 August, two of our students - Karen Jennings
and Lauren Hartmann - were invited to attend the launch of English Alive 2000 at
the Centenary Pavilion at Rondebosch Boys' High School. These two girls were specifically
invited, because some of their writing has been selected by Robin Malan for the
publication. Every year, the very best work that is produced by students all over South
Africa is submitted to a learned committee, who then choose the very best (of the best)
writing for the publication. Thus, it is no mean feat that Karen and Lauren have had their
work selected for the millennium edition.
Six students were asked to read extracts from their work, and we were delighted to hear
that Karen was one of them. She set a tone of respectful and gentle banter that evening
when she challenged Robin Malan's description of the genre of her writing. Amidst much
laughter, amusement and a great deal of wit, an atmosphere of mutual respect - between the
(learned) teachers and the (informed and articulate) youth - was created. We were given a
sober reminder of the enormous privilege we have in being able to read and write, when the
guest speaker, Henrietta Rose-Innes addressed us. She commented on the confidence and
courage of the writing of Karen Jennings in particular, and encouraged all those who are
talented writers to pursue the skill and to develop their art.
P Orpen |
One City Festival 
Karen Jennings, we're so proud of you!
The school, and particularly the English
Department, was delighted to hear that Karen Jennings has once again been contacted by
Robin Malan to read some of her writing at the One City Festival at the Granary in
Buitenkant Street on Friday 22 September. We do commend you, Karen and celebrate your
achievements with you.
P Orpen |
Junior AchievementEarlier this term, two
of our students were awarded Cambridge University Enterprise Education certificates for
their participation in the Junior Achievement programme. They are
Caralyn Otty
Danielle Theron
The Junior Achievement/Cambridge University Examination is offered to all ex-achievers
throughout the world. The Examination takes the form of a case study of an actual Young
Enterprise (known in South Africa as Junior Achievement) mini-company and highlights the
problems they encounter in their Junior Achievement company in order to solve these
problems.
On the 14 March 2000 this exam was written at the Cape Town College of Education. A
total of fifty-seven achievers students wrote the examination this year, twelve received
credits (66-79%) and thirty-nine passed. We commend these two on their outstanding
achievement.
P Orpen
Music Department
Visit by Marlborough College, London
Once again Wynberg Girls' High School and
Wynberg Boys' High School acted as co-hosts for a group of boys, girls and teachers from
one of the "red brick" schools in the United Kingdom.
Despite the cold weather, the inspired Big Band and Jazz Wind Ensemble produced a
vibrant dynamic sound to warm the hearts of the audience in our school hall. Privileged as
these visitors undoubtedly are, they are nevertheless immersed in the international
language of jazz and contemporary light music, and they play an active role in promoting
music in formerly disadvantaged schools. The soloists and energetic young conductor were
deservedly enthusiastically applauded.
When asked about their experience of interchanging views on school life, every single
girl, whether local or from overseas, reacted positively. What Marlborough College ha
revealed to us has been another perspective of others from another country, enriching
young people in more than one way. |
MUSIC DEPARTMENT REPORTThe third term is
traditionally an extremely busy one for the Music Department. During breaks there was a
scurrying in and out of practising rooms, and even after school, an unoccupied piano was a
rarity. The reason for this zeal was the preparation for the concert, which took place on
16 August. Fortunately we can report that everyone, even the young violinists and
guitarists, have survived the ordeal of public performance! We are proud of our young
musicians and choristers, and the audience also seemed to enjoy the interesting
combinations of various instrumental ensembles.
The Music Department has been enriched by the abilities of our new teacher and
colleague, Miss Brigitte Franke. She is not only a very competent accompanist of choirs
and ensembles, but teaches flute, recorder, piano and keyboard.
For the Grade Twelves, this is doubtless the most important term of the year regarding
music. There is no doubt that they steal the show, for most of the happenings revolve
around their activities. First there was the music concert and thereafter, they were
plunged straight into their very trying Preliminary Practical Exams. They surfaced only
for a weekend (spent studying), before delving right into the rest of the Prelims. Some
had not even quite finished before another challenge loomed - the Matric Concert. Despite
little or inadequate preparation, they presented a most enjoyable evening, and an
appreciative audience, consisting mainly of specially invited guests, applauded these
splendid girls warmly. They have just jumped the last hurdle during this last week of
term, when they played their final practical exams. Our very best wishes go with them. May
the performing of beautiful music have overshadowed any nervousness!
Meanwhile, the third term concert, in which both choirs and many ensemble players and
soloists participated, was a great success. We congratulate everyone who, having spent
many hours with her instrument(s), brings pleasure to others.
The Royal Schools examinations also came and went, leaving in its wake a few candidates
a little unsure of the outcome. Cheer up, girls, we are certain of a 100% past rate!
B Groenewald |
| Best Speakers
Competition and Debating
''Where there is much desire to learn, there of necessity will be much arguing, much
writing, many opinions; for opinion in good men is but knowledge in the making''
(Milton).
The Wynberg Girls' Debating Society has been fairly active in the past few months. At
the end of last term the Annual Public Speaking Competition was held on 19 June. The
evening was well attended and the judges commended all who took part. The Senior Trophy
was awarded to Tarryn Lawrence and the Junior Trophy to Jenny Williamson.
Tarryn Lawrence and Jenny Williamson
earn the Best Speaker title
Our second major event was the annual SACEE Forum
Discussion on Thursday 20 July. Each participating school enters a team of five who are
given ten minutes to prepare a topic. They then discuss the topic for ten minutes before a
fairly large audience. This was a daunting challenge and the team consisting of Allanah
Wilson, Catherine Lloyd, Pranisha Maharaj, Aaliyah Ameer, ably chaired by Tarryn Lawrence,
acquitted themselves well. Cathy Lloyd was praised for her contribution. Although we
conceded that Rustenburg deserved to win, we shall not give in easily next year, when we
intend to fight for a place in the final!
The Debating Society is an active and interesting group, which meets every Thursday
from 2:30 - 3:30. All new members are welcome. The meetings are lively and ideas are
freely debated. We would like to invite more girls to join this society which is a
wonderful opportunity to learn valuable communicating skills in a caring and relaxed
atmosphere.
N. Sparks
|
RAVE REVIEWS FOR DRAMA GIRLS
We are so very proud of all the girls who participated in the Cape Town Eisteddfod! The
Wynberg Girls' High School results were brilliant and the adjudicator once again commented
on the very high standard and professionalism of our girls.
Jackie Domisse's Grade Ten group achieved the gold diploma for the third year in a row,
this year in the group theme section. Their theme was Witches in Literature.
Ms Glover's and Domisse's Grade Eleven groups are thrilled to share the cup for the
best senior group experiment. The experiments were entitled The Pecking Order and Conversations
with Women. Both explored these topics in very exciting and adventurous ways and
received rave revues from the audience at the Eisteddfod. It must be mentioned that the
girls in these two groups are consistent high achievers and display exceptional talent and
extremely original ideas.
We are also very proud of Ms Glover's Grade Nine extra drama group. On the morning that
they were to perform their group dramatic extract, the Eisteddfod venue was not opened.
While the organisers frantically tried to locate the caretaker, the backlog of events was
growing and they realised that it would be impossible to perform all the items by the end
of the day. Believing that the show must go on, this Grade Nine group volunteered
to perform their piece in the parking lot with the audience standing around and the
adjudicator seated in front of them on a beer crate! It drizzled, participants and parents
were arriving in the parking area, cell phones were ringing, but the show went on.
Their performance was fantastic and their attitude towards the whole event quite
wonderful. As the importance of Drama in Education continues to grow, the Wynberg Girls'
High School Drama Department does too. This is very exciting and we are gearing up to
producing a marvelous major production for you in 2001. Just watch this space for
news of the wondrous wizardry of Wynberg's Drama Girls!
P Glover
MATRIC ART EXHIBITION
Parents, friends and interested persons are cordially invited to view the work produced
by the Matrics at an exhibition on the evening of the 6 October at 18:30 Please
phone the school to and let us know if you would like to come to the MATRIC 2000
exhibition.
C Vosloo |
| ENGLISH
OLYMPIAD RESULTS 2000
We reported earlier this year that twenty-one of our pupils entered and wrote the
English Olympiad, which focused on Women in Poetry this year.
Studying poems from the perspectives of women and men, the candidates explored
perceptions of women, gender roles, gender stereotypes and language and gender. In a
stimulating examination, they tackled questions, which invited responses in a variety of
creative forms on issues raised in the anthology of poetry. In letters, essays,
advertisements and manifestos they responded to questions relating to the nurturing role
of women, patriarchal societies, the rights of women, the treatment by men of women,
stereotypes of women in the media, and the limitations and constraints imposed by cultural
conventions.
We were delighted to receive the English Olympiad results this term, and commend the
following students on their achievements:
Gold Certificate
Leanne Johansson |
|
Silver Certificate |
|
| Megan Britz |
Danielle Theron |
| Emma Hager |
Karen Jennings |
| Caryn Alexander |
Tarryn Lawrence |
| Simone Hartmann |
Kim Hutton |
Bronze Certificate |
|
| Lauren Reid |
Catherine Lloyd |
| Jessica Howell |
Pranisha Maharaj |
| Samantha Tyler |
Rowena Williams |
| Bronwyn Mercer |
Lauren Hartmann |
| Janine Magnin |
Angie Knaggs |
Merit Certificate |
|
| Ibtehaaj Diederick |
Tarryn Hoole |
Next year, candidates will be exploring the genre of Science Fiction, and it is hoped
that our girls will continue to rise to the challenges provided by this national
examination.
P Orpen |
ART
"CROSSING THE DIVIDE"
The Grade Twelve and Eleven art pupils had the opportunity to go the Natale Labia
Museum to view the exhibition "Crossing The Divide", which covers part of
the Matric syllabus. This exhibition, drawn from the permanent collection of the South
African National Gallery, showed the work of artists who studied at two art centres, which
influenced the course of black South African art. The artworks on show illustrated the
many differences between these two art centres, and focused on work produced during the
early years of their existence.
Artists whose work was included on this exhibition included John Muafangogo, Durant
Sihlali, and Azaria and Gordon Mbatha, among others. The exhibition illustrated the
different cultures of these art centres and their students' response to the changing
conditions of black experience, with the increase in Christian influence and pressure from
a white controlled economy.
(Information: courtesy of the National Gallery)
ART CLUB
WORLD PRESS PHOTO EXHIBITION
The Art Club went to the World Press Photo exhibition at the William Fehr Collection,
in the Castle. The exhibition displayed award-winning photos, and judging by the content
witnessed by our students, it would seem the world is still dominated by atrocities, wars,
famines and epidemics. Many of the photographers clearly were at great personal risk to
have brought these images to our attention.
The art club has run a printmaking course this past term, and will be running the
following courses next term:
Decoupage
Mug-painting
Hand made cards
We hope that this club will continue to grow , and that its members will thoroughly
enjoy the crafts being taught so very ably by Ms Franke.
C Vosloo |
| SPORT CROSS COUNTRY
Who will ever forget Jeanne's regular lament on Monday and Thursday afternoons:
"We're not doing the long one again today, are we?!", followed by the inevitable
reply from Mrs W, "You sound like an old woman - let's go!". This simple command
set into motion nineteen pairs of shapely, lily-white legs. En route in the greater
Wynberg area we enjoyed and appreciated the superb scenery over the past term -
particularly around the Boys' High School!
The Cross Country girls have enjoyed a wonderful term. We achieved good results at the
races on Wednesday afternoons, with Nadia, Aimee, Danielle, Jeanne and Michelle regularly
finishing in the top ten of their respective age groups.
I want to thank all the runners for making the pain enjoyable. I must thank Aimee
especially, who entertained us with a spectacular fall off the pavement in Tennant Road
during peak hour traffic. Really, Aimee, (before we started laughing hysterically)
we were very concerned.
Thanks again. See you on the road next term.
S Wucherphennig
NETBALL
The Netball Teams played Interschools Netball at Rustenburg High School on Saturday 19
August. It was a very successful day with the U14's winning all of their matches and
therefore the tournament cup.
The U16's came third and the U19's drew a tight match against Herschel at the end of
the morning and won the tournament on goal average. Wynberg also won the cup for the most
goals scored during the tournament.
Congratulations to the girls on their performance.
K de Kock |
SQUASH
We closed the Squash season with a combined Interschools and Knockout Tournament. The
six Wynberg players did our school proud by winning the Knockout Tournament and achieving
second place to Herschel in the Interschools Tournament – losing by one game only!
We also marked the end of the season with an enjoyable social get-together. The
parents, teachers and girls participated in a round of cricket, general ‘chit
chat’ around the braai and a few games of squash. Needless to say, it left those
participants who were ‘more mature’ in age, in a great deal of agony for the
rest of the weekend.
The following players have been awarded full colours for their commitment and
dedication to the sport:
- Belinda White
- Chantelle von Buddenbrock
- Tricia Main
- Arendene Fourie
Congratulations girls!
We have fielded four teams this year, all of which have excelled in their leagues.
There has been a considerable improvement in the standard of play in the second, third and
fourth teams, and this is largely due to the enthusiasm and constant encouragement of
their coach Lionel White.
We have enjoyed a high standard of squash, excellent team spirit, and we look forward
to another successful season next year.
T Crawley
USSASA NATIONAL HOCKEY COMMITTEE
Lauren Seaman has been selected for the SA U16 Girls' Hockey team. They will be
participating in an international festival from 7-12 August. Congratulations Lauren!
A Bernstein |
| HOCKEY Wynberg
enjoyed another successful Hockey season. The 1st team came third in the
Premier League (sixteen teams entered), losing only to Herschel and Stellenberg; and came
second at Interschools, and retained the Trent Trophy by beating the Old Girls 7-2!!
The U16A's did not play as many matches but remained unbeaten for most of the season,
and ended third at Interschools this year.
The U14A's have a hugely talented side. They did well this season, drawing a few
matches, but remaining unbeaten all season, only losing at Interschools where they managed
to come in third.
At the Achievers dinner, the following girls were recognised for their achievements in
hockey:
Trophy for best Grade Eight player:
Nicole De Vries and Jenna Cunliffe
Trophy for best U16 player::
Michelle van der Westhuizen
Trophy for best U19 player:
Gillian Fraser and Lauren Seaman
Trophy for most improved player:
Melanie Stewart
Certificates were awarded as follows:
Most improved U14 player:
Rebecca Blundell
Most improved U16 player:
Jamie-Lee Matthews
Most consistent player:
Kelly Bevan
Most enthusiastic player:
Tarryn Campbell
Loyalty and Team spirit:
Hayley Damain-Harris
Service to the team:
Abbey Smith and Jenna Diamond
A Bernstein |
WE SALUTE OUR SPORTSWOMEN WESTERN PROVINCE REPRESENTATIVES
Penny Alison and Saskia Kemp were both awarded Western Province colours for Sailing at
the beginning of this term.
Penny Alison and Saskia Kemp
WESTERN PROVINCE GYMNASTICS
Lindy Anderson received a silver medal for her Western Province Gymnastics competition.
She competed in the inter-provincial competition on the 1st and 2nd
of September in Oudtshoorn.
GRADE EIGHT STUDENT MAKES IT TO THE NATIONALS
Katie Green in Grade Eight is to be commended on having been selected for Western
Province in Rhythmic Gymnastics. Rated fourth overall (despite the fact that she was
nursing an injury), she competed in the hoop, ball and clubs sections. She left on
Wednesday 20 September, to compete in the Nationals in Port Elizabeth.
Well done Katie!
|
| STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS GAIL BRISTOW
WORLD MASTERS SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
This event was held at the Olympic Stadium in Munich, Germany. 7000 Masters Swimmers
(over 25 years) from all over the world took part. Many previous Olympic Champions eg Mark
Spitz, Shane Gould, Rowdy Gaines were competing.
The South African team did exceptionally well with many of our swimmers winning medals.
Mrs Bristow took part in five events, winning medals in the three breaststroke races 50m,
100m and the 200m giving her a ranking of number four in the world.
Gail, our World Masters Swimmer
(spot the gender insensitivity in the
language, Olympiad learners!!)
HOME AT THE (SHOOTING) RANGE
The Rawbone Metallic Sillhouette Shooting competition was held from the 10-12 August
2000 at the Durbanville Shooting Range. Ms Sieberhagen took part in this event as
qualifier for the South African National Championships coming up in the September
holidays. The days were long and exhausting, and included for her a race between Fish Hoek
(where she supervised an U/16C hockey match) and Durbanville. There was, however, a little
consolation in her receiving a supportive wave from Ms Damon as she was tackling
the mountains between Cape Point and the Waterfront.
|
Mental and physical
exhaustion aside, this sport of shooting small metal at great distances with firearms of
varying calibre is very exhilarating! The photograph shows her holding a 9mm Taurus,
commonly known as a pistol. In this particular event she finished 1st overall.
Ms Siebenhangen notes that there are very few women who
participate in Sillhouette shooting, and she has invited any girls, who wish to learn more
about the sport to contact her.
PUPIL SPORTS
SAILING
At the start of the sailing season, Saskia Kemp and Penny Alison were invaluable
members of the crew of Lipton Best Taste which came second overall in Class 2 in the Cape
to Rio Cane Spirit Cup race round Robben Island. Sixty-five yachts entered the 18-nautical
mile race. Our girls were part of an all women's team
D Jaaback
HORSE RIDING
Lee Dunbar, and a pony called Willowbrooke
Merlin, represented Western Province in the Children's Open Equitation in Johannesburg
at the beginning of this month. Western Province came second to the Transvaal Horse
society. Lee was the top Western Province rider, coming third to two Transvaal riders. She
also won the Children's Grade C Show Jumping Championship out of seventy-three ponies and
the Victrix Ludorum. We commend her on her achievements. |
| CLUBS
AND SOCIETIES WEB COMMITTEE
The Web Committee has been working hard this term to cover the numerous activities
taking place in the school. We would like to congratulate our new executive members:
| Chairperson |
Lauren Reid |
| Secretary |
Tarryn Lawrence |
|
|
| Executive Members |
Debbie Jones |
|
Andrea Auret |
|
Monique Willis |
|
Bevin Blight, |
|
Monique Jacobs |
We would also like to thank the Matric members who have served the committee so
loyally. They worked extremely hard and will be sorely missed.
Because so much of our time has been devoted to the documenting of events that have
taken place this term, there has been little time for any development or re-designing of
the present website !
However, committee members are currently thinking and talking about which web-design
programme to buy for the school's web design and development in this regard.
Should there be any students in Grades Ten and Eleven, who are interested in joining
the committee, we would be delighted to have you. We are always in need of those who have
writing, photography and video skills!
P Orpen
INTERNET SOCIETY
Members of staff who run the Internet Society would like to thank the
students who have worked so hard this term as computer assistants for the Internet
Society. Your selflessness in helping others to use the technology we have in the school
is noted. The time that you spend in the computer rooms assisting those with their
searching on the net, their personal mail and their projects and research is enormously
appreciated.
P Orpen |
CEDARBERG ADVENTURE: JULY 2000
THE FAIREST CAPE ENVIRONMENT QUIZ -
PRIZE WINNERS' CEDARBERG ADVENTURE WITH "EDUCO AFRICA"
Our Cedarberg Adventure Prize Winners
The WGHS Environment Quiz team came second to Islamia
College and won wonderful prizes, one of which was an outdoor/mountain experience with
"Educo Africa" in the Cedarberg.
The Wynberg girls’ team, consisting of Melody Johnson, Tricia Main, Shelly van Dyk
(all in Grade Eleven) and Mariette Fourie (Grade Ten), together with Mr Bodenstein and the
teams from Islamia College and Garlandale, spent six unforgettable days hiking, camping
and mountain climbing in the Cedarberg.
The weather was beautiful, with warm sunny days throughout. Staying initially in
bungalows near Algeria, the group also camped out for two nights in the mountains near the
"Maltese Cross". Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the girls participated in
many team-building and leadership exercises, developing a sense of trust in each other and
the other participants. A highlight was the very physically demanding climb to the summit
of the Sneeuberg, the highest peak in the Cedarberg at over 2000m.
The girls finished, exhausted but invigorated, after this exciting trip, having
discovered a great deal about the mountains and themselves, as well as developing firm
friendships.
M Fourie |
| BOLAND 90 HIKING CHALLENGE
The Boland 90 challenge takes place from the 27-30 September. The four girls Katherine
Bunney, Tammy Baudains, Shelly van Dyk and Michaela Nevin making up the team have been
training hard during the term. We have been hiking mainly on Thursdays after school and
Sundays over the past few weeks. The team has really pulled together, and is getting more
and more excited. We are determined to win the scholars section, which means beating the
boys' teams from Kylemore High and the second Bergvliet Scout Team.
Our main training hike was the overnight on Table Mountain. We started on Saturday 16
at 8:00 at the Silver Mine Reserve at the gate, led by Mr Bodenstein. It was raining
buckets, but we all started the hike in good spirits. Very soon, we were overlooking the
misty Hout Bay. We even took a detour to see all the sights - (actually we got lost!). We
met up with Mrs Wilding and Mrs McCallum at Constantia Nek. Mr Bodenstein thankfully went
home after trying to keep up with four girls for 23 km. We counted our blisters over tea,
ate doughnuts and then made our way up a further 7 km to the hut.
It continued to rain throughout the night, and with a temperature of four degrees we
were hoping for snow. No such luck! We decided not to do another long hike on Sunday
because we had some nasty blisters and made our way down in record time.
We are extremely excited for the Boland 90 and hope to bring back the trophy for the
school!
M Nevin
GAVEL CLUB
The Gavel Club joined up with the Youth Leadership group for their fifth meeting, which
was very successful and a lot of fun. Deirdre van der Lith organised the meeting and
together with Lauren Reid provided some very amusing table topics! It was great to have
many of the previous participants present and every one enjoyed the snacks and drinks.
Thanks to everyone.
J McCallum |
YOUTH LEADERSHIP
The second course this year is currently running very successfully and the group of
eighteen girls has just completed their fifth meeting.
We have had various workshops on evaluation, body language, the art of listening and
impromtu speaking. The girls have all presented at least one prepared speech, done an
evaluation and enjoyed the opportunity of speaking of their feet!! They have had fun
playing various games to improve their communication skills.
The first committee was as follows:
| President: |
Emily Veitch |
| Secretary: |
Amy Leibbrandt |
| Sergeant: |
Firdous Hendricks |
They served the group very well indeed and have now handed over to:
| President: |
Charlie Zweig |
| Secretary: |
Samantha Donet |
| Sergeant: |
Rizqa Sulaiman and Anna Majoribanks. |
The other participants are:
| Khalida Sabi, |
Tasneem Chicktay, |
| Kerry Correia, |
Nienke Servaas, |
| Tammi Valentine, |
Kirsten Skidmore, |
| Zoe Kleynhans, |
Sarah Colman, |
| Sally Pike |
Monique Jacobs. |
J McCallum |
| EVENTS Matric Dance
The Wynberg Girls' Matric dance was held at the Cape Sun Intercontinental on Saturday
22 July. After months of preparation and the hard work of raising funds by selling
lollipops, hot dogs etc, some matric classes were pleasantly surprised at the small
remaining cost of their dance ticket. This also proved to be an interesting time, when the
hidden entrepreneurial talents of our Grade Twelves surfaced.
Amidst a flurry of beautiful ball gowns, the luxury of valet parking and the wonderful
ambience of the dining room both matriculants and staff experienced a most enjoyable
evening. (Despite the two hours of techno music.)
The three-course dinner, the obliging waiters and photographers as well as the
Pamela-Percy-Peter penguin speech all contributed to the success of the evening. And of
course, who could forget one of the highlights - the fancy footwork of our head-girl, Su
Balfour as she glided around the floor to the opening Strauss waltz.
Monday saw an extremely worn-out Matric class who dozed at their desks dreaming of
those Saturday night memories.
M Lawrence
Ferial and Shelley
pose for the cameras |
Founders' Day
The Wynberg Girls’ Schools celebrated their
Founders’ Day on Friday, 15 September. A special assembly was held at the high school
and Miss Anderson (Principal of Girls’ Junior) welcomed our very special guests, the
Matrics of 1950.
Two of the old girls from that year shared their
memories of school life with us. Elizabeth Schmidt told us what it was like to be a
boarder in those days. It was generally agreed that the food was awful, and to this day
she tells us that she is unable to eat spinach!
Roseann Wilson gave an amusing insight into life as a day girl, and told us how
severely they were punished if found taking a shortcut through the graveyard! She
presented the school with a pair of brown bloomers, which all the girls wore for Physical
Education!
Barbara Fay, chair of the Old Girls'
Union,
talking at the Cheese and Wine Function
After the assembly the day girls played the boarders at Netball and Hockey, and in the
afternoon the 1st teams challenged the Old Girls to Hockey and Netball and won both the
Trent and Urie cups convincingly.
In the evening, a cocktail party was held at the school for all Old Girls and it was
delightful to see some of the younger old girls return to say hello and meet up with old
friends.
P McEwen |
| SUPPORT FOR THE PENGUINS
Plans were made by the Environment Club for learners to go to the SANCCOB warehouses in
Salt River. Learners including Shelly Van Dyk, Taryn Van Dyk, Mandy Smit, Melissa
Richards, Lourie Badenhorst, Toni Waywell, Kelly Young, Eva Nossek, Karina Stavridis and
Monique Willis went on Saturday July 22 to help out with the penguins.
Everyone went blindly, not knowing what she would be assigned to do. The duties ranged
from being handlers (holding the penguins while the cleaning took place), the cleaning of
runways (the area that the penguins use to 'run' to the water), the cleaning of the
chicks' pens and the transporting of the penguins to other warehouses.
Not even being dressed in yellow slickers and black wellington boots prevented us from
getting guana smeared on ourselves. At one stage, there were screams of disgust when it
was found out that Mandy Smit had guana plastered in a strip across her face. Karina
Stavridis managed to get bitten on the nose by a less- than-friendly penguin. While
carrying three penguins in a box, we were often met by a little face that had popped out
to say hello, or a little beak, which nipped people on the fingers.
Regardless of the smelly and definitely not picturesque surroundings it was wonderful
to be able to help and know that we were making a difference.
M Willis
ARBOR DAY
This year we celebrated Arbor Day in an unusual way. We have absolutely nowhere else to
plant trees on our school property, but Bettina Robertson in Grade Twelve came up with an
excellent suggestion. We would donate trees to a disadvantaged school, namely Buckingham
Primary in Mitchells Plain, with which we had been twinned for the collection of Duens
bread bags earlier in the year.
An appeal was made in assembly , especially to those girls who had been on Environment
Club camps. Shelly van Dyk the chairperson of the Environment Club got going and a bumper
cake sale was held which raised R501.00.
Research was done through Kirstenbosch on the indigenous fynbos plants best suited to
the area of Mitchels Plain and then the plants were purchased at the nurseries at
Fernkloof in Hermanus, Harold Porter Reserve in Betty's Bay and at Kirstenbosch. Our
allotment of ten trees (we chose Wild Olives) from the Department of Parks and Forests was
also passed on. All this was topped off with fifteen bags of compost for the planting.
Mr D Tregonning, the Deputy Principal and fynbos enthusiast at Buckingham Primary has
expressed sincere thanks for this donation . His letter of thanks concludes with the
following: "Our barren areas were excited to meet their new friends (plants and trees
). They are busy forming a wonderful bond."
M. Wilding |
FUNDRAISING FOR THE PENGUINS
On Friday 28 July, the school paid R2.00 to dress in black and white in support of work
being done to help the penguins, and a fine of a further R5.00, if they were not dressed
as Jackasses!
You couldn't hold the staff back
in their efforts to support the penguins
And the school was equally supportive as is shown in the
photograph below.
The entire school dresses in black
and white in
solidarity with the penguins
|
| BIG WALK
The annual Big Walk was held on the 20 September. This event is always eagerly
anticipated by the girls as they get to wear civvies, socialise with the boys , and make
an effective contribution to charity. So as members of the city of Cape Town were marching
in the city centre to reclaim the city as one which we could all live in safely, the
Wynberg schools were walking five kilometres in and around Wynberg.
Wynberg Girls' High School chose to contribute the money raised this year to two
charities namely Nazereth House Children's Home and the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre.
Needless to say, it was the girls, who came in first. Here we see a few Matrics,
cheerful as ever!
And dare we say that equally typically, the boys
took whatever gaps they could? A fine bit of walking they did!
Although all the money is not yet in , it looks as if we
will have raised approximately R750.00. Our sincere thanks to all those who contributed.
M Wilding |
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT
WYNBERG BOYS' PRODUCTION
After seven months of many long and exhausting rehearsals, the Wynberg Boys' High
School Major Production, That's Entertainment finally went on stage. It premiered
in the last week of July with performances the following week. Rows of empty seats were
quickly filled by an enthusiastic crowd.
Everyone had heard about production, and we eagerly awaited the results. And they were
worth waiting for. The results were spectacular. It was quite an experience watching four
hundred and two cast members singing and dancing. And it was wonderful to see the wealth
of talent displayed by the pupils of the Wynberg Schools.
The show was a musical review, showcasing the greatest songs of the 20th century and it
was a delight to see the range of choreography accompanying the music. The stage and
lighting crew must have special mention for their swift and professional execution of the
technical side of the show. The music provided by Brian Botha and the school band was
rousing, and had the audience singing along almost immediately. Memorable numbers included
"Man Wanted" - a spectacle of fishnet stockings and red phones - "Hello
Dolly" sung by Janine Magnin, and including forty boys, dashing in their evening
attire, and a lyrical "From A Distance" which would have made Bette Midler
proud.
The show was met with rave reviews and all involved were rewarded with an excellent
write-up. Both schools were proud of their pupils and we all wait in anticipation for next
year's extravaganza.
Toni Waywell and Monique Willis
"Hello Dolly" is sung
by Janine Magnin |
| INTERHOUSE PLAYS
Our annual Interhouse Plays, written and directed by the Grade Eleven pupils, started
off with high expectations, which were certainly met by the performances given by
the four houses. Each play was unique in its own way. The actresses displayed much talent
and enthusiasm whilst performing.
The themes and ideas that were explored were: Miss Frankenstein - a beauty
pageant for the most ghoulish looking contestant with an awesome array of hideous witches,
horrible vampires, horrendous mummies, hunchbacks and haunts. This play was performed by
the Apsley girls.
Alice has Landed was an amusing play, dishcloths (a nickname
given to our school uniform) and all, a tale about Alice, Alice, Alice and...well, Alice.
Copenhagen gave a witty portrayal of Alice in Wonderland.
In answer to the question ...
Tarryn Lawrence is Alice
The Final Dress Rehearsal, a play
performed by Waterloo House, was one that gave a new meaning to the saying "a bad
final dress rehearsal means a good opening night" because this play was truly work in
progress.
Finally, the play Mens Sana in thingummy Doodah was a play that was set in the
1970's. It was a journey about two women who want to lose their excess baggage - in more
ways than one. Wellesley presented this fine play, and won the cup for the best house
play. Waterloo House was awarded second place. The best actress award went to Asiphe
Matiyela, and best supporting actress going to Natasha Jones.
B Blight |
WATERLOO HOUSE
This term has begun with quite a few new faces and a super hi-tech dishwasher for our
kitchen! Marilyn Levine has joined our kitchen team, and we soon came to appreciate her
efficiency and wonderful sense of humour.
Lizzie Goddard and Emily Hamilton, our GAP boarder mistresses have also arrived from
England. Lizzie is from Reading, Berkshire. When she returns home in December, she plans
to travel around Asia and study Geography at Oxford University. She enjoys sporting
activities; swimming and running in particular. Emily arrived more recently from North
Devon after being on a Rugby and Netball tour around South Africa. She is planning to go
to St. Andrews’ University in Scotland next year. Her interests include travelling
and sporting activities. I would like to welcome our new staff and new girls and wish them
a very happy stay with us.
Our girls have taken part in a mini-walk from Waterloo House to Chart Farm as part of
the Grade Eleven's fund-raising activities towards the farewell party at the end of the
year. They did so on an extremely hot winter’s day! Fortunately the boarder
mistresses were waiting at the half-way mark with juice and biscuits to give them
sustenance for their return journey home. Painting the backdrop for the party has begun in
earnest, and with great secrecy, as everyone waits with much anticipation, trying to guess
the theme for this year.
Some of the outings which the girls have enjoyed are movies at Cavendish Square, a trip
to the Waterfront where they saw Olympic Glory at the Imax theatre and lunch at the
Tygervalley Centre. We have decided to do more craft-type activities as part of this
term's week-end entertainment and many hidden talents were revealed during our
fabric-painting session last week.
Part of the excitement of this term has been the culmination of many dress fittings and
several important discussions about hairstyles, shoes and partners for the Matric Dance on
the first weekend of the term. This, of course, is one of the things that remind us that
our Grade Twelves will be leaving us soon and with this in mind, the Grade Elevens have
taken over their duties as they prepare for their final exams.
Some of our girls have also learnt how to use a map and compass to reach a particular
point when they were part of a team with Boy Scouts on an orienteering competition. Other
outdoor pursuits include a day-hike up Table Mountain.
Thanks must go to all those who have made this a productive, fun-filled term.
Mrs D Cheney |
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