From the Principal's desk

Dear Parents

Do our pupils, your daughters, appreciate the exceptional quality education that they are privileged to receive?

Farewell to our Deputy Head

Karen Prinsloo We miss you enormously!

We said farewell to Mrs Karen Prinsloo at the end of April when she moved to Johannesburg with her husband, Chris, and daughters, Samantha and Bianca.  The farewell assembly was a time of great mirth as we remembered many of the incidents which had taken place during her time at Wynberg.  It was, however, also a time of sadness as we considered the enormous gap which would be left by this dynamic educator.

Mrs Prinsloo started teaching at Wynberg in 1988 as a Physical Education and Geography teacher. She, however, was always keen to take up a challenge and at times taught General Science, Home Economics, Art, English and Computer Studies.  She was not content to teach merely what was found in a textbook. At every opportunity she exposed her pupils to the real world of the subject and extended the girls well beyond the syllabus.  She is an innovative and dedicated teacher whose enthusiastic approach will be missed in the classroom.

Mrs Prinsloo was appointed as a Deputy Principal in April 1999.  She brought to this management position the force of a tornado from which we are unlikely to recover!  A fount of new ideas, she initiated many of the procedures that are now in place at Wynberg. Her positive approach to everything and meticulous attention to detail have enhanced many areas of the school.  She was always a good team member and led by example, never flinching from doing the difficult parts of any job. She was completely unselfish with her time and expertise and would gladly help any staff member in any way she could. 

Mrs Prinsloo will be greatly missed by the learners, teachers, management and parents at Wynberg and she will be very difficult to replace as part of the senior management team. We thank her for her incredible contribution to our school and wish her and her family the very best in this new part of their lives.

S Harding

Mooiloop, juffrou Van As!

Mooiloop, Erika van As

Mej. Erika van As het in Julie 1990 by die personeel van die Hoër Meisieskool Wynberg aangesluit. Om so 'n hooggekwalifiseerde persoon (MA in Afrikaans-Nederlands) in ons midde te hê, was tot groot voordeel van beide die Afrikaans departement as die leerders.

Atletiek, landloop, netbal en muurbal is maar net 'n paar van die terreine waar sy oor die jare buitemuurs betrokke was. Ons in die Afrikaans departement sal haar kennis, bystand en hulpvaardigheid tydens probleme met rekenaars onthou en mis.

Deur middel van prikkelende en stimulerende werkvelle het sy daarin geslaag om baie aktuele sake onder die leerlinge se aandag te bring en haar besondere kennis van en insig in die letterkunde het ons almal verryk. In haar daaglikse omgang met haar kollegas en leerlinge het haar liefde vir Afrikaans na vore gekom.

Haar droë humorsin, skerpsinnigheid en spesiale verhouding met haar leerlinge sal ons nog lank bybly.

Sy is iemand met vele talente en ons hoop sy geniet die ekstra tyd wat sy tot haar beskikking sal hê vir al haar uiteenlopende belangstellings  wat wissel van Thaise kookkuns tot skilder, en van kanovaart tot tuinmaak en bouwerk.

Ons wens haar alle voorspoed toe vir wat sy ookal in haar toekoms beplan.

Afrikaans Departement.

We salute our South African Sportswoman:
Michelle Edwards

Recently, Ms M Edwards competed in the World Badminton Championships held in Seville, Spain from 25 May - 8 June. The South African team competed against Slovenia, Lithuania and Kazakhstan. After beating all of them convincingly, they then played Sri Lanka in the play-off.  The South Africans beat the Sri Lankans 3-2, to win their section, and move up to the next group. Well done, Ms Edwards - we are exceptionally proud of you!

ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

WE SALUTE OUR (ENGLISH) OLYMPIADS!

On Tuesday, 6 March, several of our students sat a three-hour examination on Science Fiction. This was the 2001 Anglo-de Beers English Olympiad examination.   It is a particularly enriching examination because it invites very personal and creative responses to the texts that are prescribed.

We were delighted recently to hear that Clair Wright is one of the top fifteen candidates in the country.  Since there were 3921 entrants sitting this examination, it is no mean achievement. For her efforts, she has been awarded a Gold Certificate, and has already received an invitation to be an honorary guest at the Schools' Festival. She is one of those in line to win some extraordinary prizes: including a Literary tour of the United Kingdom, and books to the value of several hundred rand.

Our other candidates acquitted themselves very well indeed. Caryn Alexander was also awarded a gold certificate and was amongst the top hundred candidates. We commend Rowena Williams, Lauren Reid, Leanne Johansson and Samantha Donet on their being awarded Silver Certificates and Amy Liebbrandt and Samantha Tyler on their Bronze Awards.

Clair Wright is one of the
top fifteen English Olympiad Candidates
in the Country.

We salute your efforts, Clair!

DEBATING

This year has seen school debating entering a new era. The University of Cape Town and Rotary Clubs of the Western Cape, which organise the debates in which we participate, have introduced a completely new style of debating. The Oxford style has been left behind, and with it, most feel, passive debates. The new style is known simply as the “World Debating Style”. It involves more direct arguments between speakers, with their being allowed to interrupt one another on various “points of information”. This tests the debaters' skills at thinking on their feet.

Speeches such as the "reply speech" and "rebuttal speech" are composed largely during the debate. Great speed in writing is definitely required here, as most speeches are between six and eight minutes long. The second speaker’s speech also has a rebuttal component, requiring on-the-spot composition. The only speaker off the hook in this instance is the first speaker for the proposition, who opens the evening, and thus has no material from the opposition to rebut.

The general feeling about this change in debating is an enthusiastic "Yes!" All are enjoying this more confrontational style and the challenge it provides.

The Senior Members of the team include Kelli Futter (Chair), Aaliyah Ameer (Vice Chair) Tarryn Lawrence, Allanah Wilson, Emily Veitch, Clair Wright, Cathy Lloyd, Kim Hutton, and Lauren Manuel. 

Debaters’ Diary of Events                      

On 26 March Wynberg participated in a debate against Somerset College - a debate organised by the Rotary League Competition. The highly controversial topic was “Pharmaceutical drugs in South Africa should not be allowed to be patented.”   Wynberg proposed the motion and Somerset College opposed it. Concise arguments were observed by both sides, and the evening resulted in a tie.

The speakers were as follows:

1^st Speaker: Kelli Futter
2^nd Speaker: Allanah Wilson
Rebuttal Speech: Clair Wright
Reply Speaker: Allanah Wilson

The speakers were as follows:

1^st Speaker: Cathy Lloyd
2^nd Speaker: Tarryn Lawrence
Rebuttal Speech: Emily Veitch
Reply Speaker: Tarryn Lawrence

The team members were delighted to receive their badges on 2 April.

Perhaps this served as a talisman, because it was at this time that we seemed to find our feet and come back to win the next two debates. Furthermore, our girls received the sought-after "Best Speaker" awards.

Two very entertaining Forum Discussions were held at the Arts Festival, where the pupils challenged the teachers' ideas on a woman's place being in the home, as well as the pros and cons of modern technology.

On Monday, 18 June, one team participated in the Forum Discussion Eisteddfod at Groote Schuur High School. The topic under discussion was “The Rich get Richer and the Poor get Children”. The discussion was described as “intelligent, lively, informative and well-chaired” and the team was awarded a Diploma for their skills.

It has been a busy and entertaining period.

K Futter and
A Kourie and N Sparks

Kelly, Clair, (Mrs N Sparks) Aaliya and Kim
earn a Diploma in the Eisteddfod

BUSH RADIO INTERVIEWS

In order to promote reading and all the benefits it brings, the year 2001 has been named the "Year of the Reader". In partnership with Bush Radio, SACEE (the South African Council for English Education), put together a project to promote reading amongst the youth.  Together, they ran weekly 20-minute Junior Bookshelf programmes featuring member schools of SACEE. It was hoped that this brief radio discussion would inspire other learners to read more.

Tuesday, 14 May was Wynberg's turn. Nocamago Mbulawa, Stacy de Villiers, Claire Wright and Leanne Johansson were chosen from Wynberg to talk on books that they had read and thought would be of interest to others their age.

Needless to say, we were very nervous as we listened to the last fading notes of the music preceding our discussion. The knowledge that hundreds of ears would hear our words did nothing to help our state of mind. However, being particularly careful to expel all 'ums' and 'errs' from our speech, we began to speak of story-lines and characters in the books we love. And those 'hundreds of ears' seemed gradually to disappear from our minds, as nerves were drowned in a sea of words.

Terry Pratchet's incredible imagination was spoken of by Stacey, and she spoke eloquently and admiringly of his fantastical characters and fine sense of humour. 'The Power of One' was recommended by Nocamagu who spoke of the inspiring courage of the protagonist. Leanne Johansson spoke of Graham Swift's writing, describing not only his simple, yet powerful language, but also the magic of his characterisation. Worlds that seem far away from us, with cultures that we have never experienced, were explored in 'The death of Avishnue' by Clair Wright.

With a few minutes left, we attempted to address some of the reasons for there being a negative attitude towards reading amongst teenagers. We looked at how it may be possible to overcome that problem, as all of us are convinced that a lack of reading contributes to significant disadvantages in later life. We felt as though we had only just begun when our host started thanking us for our contribution. The show was over, but the excitement of having 'been on air' was not.

MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD

Many girls of the Mathematics Department wrote the Olympiad on 23 March 2001.

An Oxford Book Prize was awarded to Cathy Gill (Grade Eight ED) at a prestigious ceremony at University of Cape Town for being in the top ten. We are very proud of Cathy and hope to see more of our brilliant students rewarded next year!

J Nel

INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER DRIVER'S LICENCE

Courses leading to the ICDL (International Computer Driver's Licence) have started.  Eight Grade Elevens and a teacher have their passports and the first Module has been completed.  Two of the girls have sat the test and passed. 

Module Two is scheduled for completion this term and Modules Three and Four next term.  Anyone wishing to join the group may do so as it does not matter in which order the Modules are covered.   Enquiries can be made at the Office.

J Richardson

Leanne, Stacey, Clair and Nocamagu inspire
fellow students to read in their interview
on Bush Radio

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

We have been exceptionally busy this term with the choir festival, and other external performances.

CAPE TOWN EISTEDDFOD

We extend our commendation to the following learners:

Classical Section (Piano)                            Mark Allotted

Modern Section (Piano)                  

Quick Study (Piano) 

Recorder Ensemble

Extract from Musical (Vocal)

Own Choice (Vocal)

ROYAL SCHOOLS' FLUTE EXAM

Well done to the following girls who passed their first exam:

CAVENDISH SQUARE PERFORMANCE 

On 1 June 2001, our Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Recorder Ensemble and Soloist, Keyboard Player and both Marimba Groups all gathered at Cavendish Square to provide an immensely enjoyable evening of entertainment. Once again we thank all those involved for making the evening a success.      

NASSAU CHOIR FESTIVAL 

Our choir participated at this festival on the 23 May 2001.    We commend choir members on an excellent performance of “Rhythm of Life”, “O Mio Babbino Caro” and “Heroes and Dreams”. The adjudicators described our programme as “well prepared” and “well-chosen.” The choir were commended for their “bright pure sounds” and “crisp diction.”  Describing the group itself as “dynamic” and “talented”, the adjudicators used the adjectives "wonderful" and "outstanding" to describe their general performance.

We should like to pay tribute to the girls (and their parents) for their positive contribution and support, especially with regard to the attending of the workshops held on Thursday evenings.

Auditions for a place in the choir will be held in the last week of the second term, as we will be filling the positions held by our Grade Twelve members.

A AGGREGATES IN MUSIC

Our commendation is extended to the following girls who have achieved an A aggregate for their work over the past  term.

Lauren Baerecke
Kira Koopman
Erin le Roux
Abbey Smith
Kelly Adams
Jennifer Auret
Tarrin-Lee Hercules
Sheree Lang
Jeanne van Rensburg
Tarrin Warrin

E Lith

The Marimba band delight all with their performances

DRAMA DEPARMENT

We are Wizzing.....

Although the girls have just written exams, and the boys are presently writing, the cast and crew of the Wiz are still rehearsing and, yes, we are wizzing!!!!! The show is looking great and during the last week of the holidays and the first weeks of next term, we will be adding the final touches and polishing up the production to present the musical of the year. Huge thanks is extended to Ms Lith and Ms Shapiro for their energy and time!!!!

We open on Wednesday night, 8 August. We have two shows on Thursday, 9 August to celebrate Womens' Day. We are hoping that those of you who have young family members will bring them to the matinee - this really is a show for the whole family!!! Our final performance will be on Friday, 10 August.

We are working hard but enjoying every minute of it. Please see the WIZ - booking will open at the end of July!

EISTEDDFOD RESULTS

The annual Cape Town Eisteddfod is currently running at the Nassau Centre on Palmyra Road. As usual, Wynberg Girls’ High School has had a huge entry. We entered the Solo poetry, prose and monologue performances, group themes and experiments and forum discussions sections. Blaise Koch is the adjudicator and has said how impressed he is with the high standard and professionalism of our girls!

We commend the following girls on their results:

Describing Toni and Charlie's "Story of Friendship" as "very moving" and "superb work", he suggested that with further workshopping they might have "a new two-hander play here". We are very proud of you all. You have done yourselves, your school and your teacher proud.

P Glover

ACADEMIC COLOURS 2001

We commend the following learners who have been awarded Academic Colours this year. In order to receive full colours, students have to achieve an aggregate of 85% and above at the end of their Grade Ten year.

New Awards

Lauren Hartmann             Kelli Futter
Leanne Johansson          Lauren Seaman
Nicole Alexander             Felicity Stevens
Aaliyah Ameer                Faseegha Adams
Kirsty Russell

All of these girls obtained aggregates of above 75% at the end of last year. The school is extremely proud of them. 

REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL OF LEARNERS

The Representative Council of Learners is working on many projects and is in the process of trying to finish off as many as possible before this year runs away from us and our term of office is over.  Tricia Main, Lauren Reid and Lisa Price attended the Junior School’s Student Representative Council (SRC) meeting on Monday, 18 June, and were very encouraged by all the amazing help they have offered the community in their outreach programme.  Our RCL and the prefects would love to support them in their ventures and appeal to you to support us with this outreach programme. 

As a start on Friday 22 June, we asked all the learners to bring a bar of soap to give to the needy people in Africa.  On Wednesday, 20 June, the RCL held an assembly to report back to the school on recent suggestions and gave them an opportunity voice further suggestions at the end of the assembly.

Some recent suggestions and projects:

• It was suggested that learners receive hats as part of their uniform to wear for sport.  Various styles of hats were assessed and a colour decided on - yellow.  The school was shown the hats and a letter will be sent to parents next term with details, including prices.

• Hand air dryers were requested for the bathrooms. This option was rejected after consultation. Instead, it was agreed that the current towels would be changed after every break. 

• The Governing Body is in the process of organising a coin phone at the school as well as the already fitted card phone.

• The learners have suggested that pre-paid lunches be available at Wynberg.  The matter is currently under investigation, but because of the extra administration and preparation that would be involved, it is unlikely to happen unless there are more parents who are able to offer their assistance in the tuckshop. We therefore appeal to all parents to offer their services for this vital need of their daughters!!

• The learners have asked if they could use the computers at break.  It would then mean that a teacher would have to be in the computer room at all times.  This matter is being assessed.

• It was suggested that we start re-cycling at Wynberg but it was rejected as it takes up a lot of room and there would need to be a great deal of support from parents to run the project.

• A shelter has been requested to protect learners while they wait to be picked up after school. The Governing Body is planning to implement this in the near future.

• The matrics have asked for a driving school like the one we used to have in the past.  The company that used to run this is not currently doing it any more and the school is not aware of any other companies that sponsor these courses. If you are aware of anyone that does sponsor cars for school driving courses, please contact the school

• It has been asked that we run a First Aid course at the school for girls who would be interested.  There will be a speaker coming to the school next term and a course will follow shortly afterwards.  Please encourage your daughters to join in because the course is very beneficial. 

Please keep communicating your ideas to us on improvements for our school. Just talk to one of the following
Lisa Price; Paula Chowles; Jehan Solomons; Keeyan Dick; Arendene Fourie; Kate Norris-Jones; Asiphe Matiyela; Alex Butterfield; Ilhaam Abdullah; Jenny Williamson; Ondine Corewijn; Lauren Adriaan; Catherine Sackville-Scott; Michelle Fourie or Tanya Dreyer.

Lisa Price
RCL Chairperson

JUNIOR PREFECTS

We are pleased to announce the third group of Junior Prefects this term. We wish them well in their term of office

 "You're on 567 MW Cape Talk with Lisa.  The Junior Town Council is supposed to be the mouthpiece of the youth of Cape Town.  We want to hear more about them and who they are..." These were the words heard on Cape Talk on Thursday, 14 June. And we were delighted to explain what we do in an hour-long interview on Cape Talk's Lisa Chait Show.

Four Executive Councillors, including two of our Grade Eleven learners, Jessica Howell and Pranisha Maharaj, arrived at the Cape Talk studio armed with professional looking Press Kits, and a bottle of Rescue Remedy!  Our adrenaline was high as we nervously chatted to Lisa's producer and discreetly did a motivational dance before going on air. 

We were bombarded with questions like: “What is the Junior Town Council? Why have we never heard of you before?” and “What have you achieved?” We attempted to answer the questions in as mature and professional a manner as possible.   Cape Town seemed to take pity on us after we let them know that we get no help form the Senior Town Council. They seemed surprised to hear that we had not yet met Mayor Piet Marais.

Many people called in to pledge their support and some reminisced about the time that they had served the city on the Junior Town Council.   We were given the opportunity to tell them about some of the projects we have embraced which have included:

• Adopting a home in Khayelitsha;
• collecting food for a soup kitchen called Kumbalani,
• and the Fun Day at the Red Cross Children's Hospital with JoJo-the-Clown, planned  for Youth Day. 

We were able to talk of the difficulties we have in raising funds for our projects and the lack of concern that we experience in trying to develop and promote Youth Leadership. We were delighted when the Cape Talk personnel called Peter Marais' Public Relations Officer on our behalf. We await their call and support…

To our delight, as a result of the time given to us by Cape Talk, some generous Capetonians have offered to build us a website, help us with our Public Relations and donate some money towards our projects.  Others called in to lend some valuable advice on how to get sponsorships and exposure.

By the end of the interview, we had successfully outlined our objectives and gained the support of the community.  With this invaluable experience, the Junior Town Council will be able to be the mouthpiece of the youth and promote Youth Development.                   

Pranisha Maharaj
 Junior PRO of Cape Town

YOUTH LEADERSHIP 

The Graduation meeting was held on Monday, 13 June.  Twenty girls completed the eight-week course with great success. They are:

C Oliver                                   M Swail
M van der Westhuizen           G Simcock
M Perkins                                N Carr
L Kent                                     N Suleiman
J Matthews                              K Hartje
M Ridd                                    R Chang
M Fourie                                 B Solanwane
L Casserley                               L Austin
L Mofokeng                            Z Dukada
R Benjamin                             N Matutu

They each completed two prepared speeches, two evaluations and impromptu speeches. Ms McCarthy handed out the certificates at the graduation - many thanks to her.   Snacks and drinks were enjoyed during the recess. Four of the mothers were persuaded to play the ABC game which was a highlight. Congratulations to the girls.

J McCallum

SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), an independent organization "which aims to promote an informed understanding of international issues among South Africans" hosted another successful annual interschools quiz on Thursday, 17 May.

Thirty-three schools from different areas of the Peninsula participated with enthusiasm on the night and Wynberg submitted a team of four:

Pranisha Maharaj                    Lauren Hartmann
Andrea Stavridis                    Nicole Whitehorn.

Our girls spent two and a half weeks preparing for this quiz by reading The Cape Times and Die Burger every day of the working week.  They fared well despite the strong competition. Although they were not placed in the top three, they acquitted themselves well and maintained the high standards of previous years.

M Lawrence 

HIPPO BAGS

WYNBERG BECOMES A WATER-WISE SCHOOL

Mr Nigel Drury of Water Matters introduced our school, learners and educators to the wonderful plastic, water-saving HIPPOS. He gave a "cool" speech and we all learnt how important it is that we become committed to saving water.

The plastic bags sell at R10.00 each and half the proceeds go towards furniture for the new tuckshop. We are still waiting for the final totals of money raised and the individual and class who sold the most. The winning class will have a civvies day and the winning pupils will be given a voucher for Musica.

We extend our thanks to everyone who supported our fundraiser and saved water in the process.

Save Water: Save the Cape!

J Mc Callum

"LET'S CLEAR THE AIR"

WYNBERG ART CLUB GIRLS BRING HOME SECOND PRIZE

It was World No-Tobacco Day on the 31 May. The Cancer Association of the Western Cape celebrated this by launching a mural competition for primary and high schools with the theme of "Second-Hand Smoke". Second hand smoke, they defined, as including all passive smoking, involuntary smoking or exposure to environmental smoke. Most would agree that this is a health threat, and that continual exposure can cause adverse health effects in children, including bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma and “glue ear”, a common middle ear infection that can cause deafness in children.

We were absolutely delighted to hear that Wynberg Girls’ High School came second in this competition. Facilitated by the Art Club, seven of our Grade Ten pupils were responsible for the mural. The competition was launched by the Cancer Association and was facilitated by "Come and Play." Each of the participating schools were given PVA acrylic paint to do the mural and were required to meet several requirements:

• the size of the mural had to be six square metres,
• the girls had to work on their own with little if any teacher assistance,
• they had four afternoons in which to complete the work

At Wynberg, the mural itself was designed by Candice Tripp and Lyndall Spagnoletti,  and Jamie-Lee Matthews, Hayley Godfrey, Kristy Hartje, Caitlin Davies-Coleman and Caron Lowe worked hard to complete it with them.

C Vosloo

MOTHERS WHO CARE PRAYER GROUP 

It’s been a long term, with many prayer requests! We continue to feel honoured to be allowed the privilege of praying for, and on behalf of, others. We have also been blessed this term with an additional mom to pray on “His team”.   Any other moms, grans or aunts who feel that an hour of prayer a week, is something to which they feel called, please contact us through Mrs Smith at school, or Mrs Pike at 715 6592. We continue to pray for learners, teachers, family members, friends or difficult situations. Prayer requests may be anonymous! Please feel free to join us, or submit any prayer requests (in a sealed envelope to the front office).

A Smith

BLOOD CLINIC HELD AT WYNBERG

On Tuesday, 26 June, Wynberg held the second of several Blood clinics to be held this year. All of those with permission from their parents or who were over the age of eighteen who wished to donate blood came down to the Main Hall. We are delighted that so many of our girls are willing to contribute to this very important cause.            

KAYLEIGH DEVLIN DANCE HER WAY TO PORT ELIZABETH

 We commend Kayleigh Devlin in Grade Ten PT who was awarded several gold, silver and bronze metals for her dancing in two separate competitions for Irish and Scottish Dancing.                                                                                     

SPORT

HOCKEY

This season, Wynberg has eight teams entered into various leagues. We have enjoyed a successful first half of the season with the Firsts and U16 C's remaining unbeaten! The First Team beat Herschel 2-1. This is the first time in nearly five years that we have beaten our rival team!!

We sent a First Team Squad to Bloemfontein to participate in the Annual Girls' Schools' Sports Festival. The girls had lots of fun and the team played with enthusiasm throughout the weekend.

Once again Wynberg has a large number of representatives making various Western Province teams:

The Australian Tour team has been selected and we had a Golf Day as a fundraiser. This was a very successful event held at Westlake Golf Club, well organised by Mr Ron Clark, and raised R20 000 towards the trip. The girls sold raffle tickets for a computer, which was drawn at the Golf Day and won by Mr Ken Snoek. We raised R13 000 from this effort.

There is a major fundraiser on 1 December at Wynberg Boys’ High where the Camps Bay Floppies will be giving a performance!

Tickets can be obtained from Miss Bernstein at 797 4163.

A Bernstein

NETBALL REPORT

The Netball Season began with the Sports Festival Tour to Bloemfontein.   This was a good opportunity for the girls to gain experience and to develop their skills.  The First Team came fifth out of thirteen schools. Since we played in pools, we did not play all of the schools present.  Great fun was had by all, especially on the 22-hour train ride to Bloemfontein and back again!

Back home the First Team has been very successful, being unbeaten on the court thus far.  Fortunately, rain has not upset too many of our practices or matches.

Congratulations to Keeyan Dick on being selected to represent Western Province Netball.

K de  Kock

SQUASH - TOP SCHOOLS

Congratulations to the squash players who have made an excellent start to the 2001 season.  The top six girls (Belinda White, Tricia Main, Arendene Fourie, Mariette Fourie, Natalie Baker and Tracy Bosman) recently beat Parel Vallei in the finals of the Western Cape section of the Top Schools’ Competition. The girls worked very hard for this victory and we wish them all the best as they represent Wynberg at the Top Schools’ tournament in Pretoria early next term.

P Bodenstein

CROSS COUNTRY

The team enjoyed a very successful season with Lizzie Darne and Danielle Kroezen achieving first place in four of the six Wednesday races.

Sarah Darne, Kate Gerhardt and Aimee du Toit also achieved top five positions in their respective age groups. We are still waiting for the results of the All Zones which was held in Khayelitsha.

We would like to thank Sianedd for her invaluable contribution to the success of our team. We would also like to welcome Mr Burrell and thank him for accompanying us to all our events. I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday and that training runs are an integral part of them. Next term's races start during the first week of the term.

S Wucherpfennig

GARDEN REPORT

There have been some interesting developments in the school garden this term. Anne Kirby (nee Thorpe) passed away in the 1990's and I was offered the choice of pot plants from her garden.  Anne matriculated from Wynberg Girls’ High School in the mid-1940's and was a very keen gardener. She won the local gardening competition in Bergvliet on several occasions.  Among the pots was a rather unhappy Strelitzia in a small plastic pot.  On a hunch that Anne would not have potted the common orange Strelitzia, as she had magnificent stands of these, I planted it opposite the main door of the school.  The hunch paid off, and the yellow Strelitzia, known as Mandela Gold, has flowered beautifully this year.

The Cape Flats Erica, or Erica Verticellata, once covered Wynberg Hill and the adjoining area.  By the 1940's, it had become extinct due to urban expansion. Many years later, two plants were found – one in a botanical garden in England, and the other in a municipal garden in Pretoria.   Unfortunately, one of them had hybridized with another Erica, so it was no longer a true Cape Flats Erica.  And there was only one plant left!  Horticulturists made cuttings of this plant and planted them at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Rondevlei Nature Reserve.  Plants can now be purchased at the Kirstenbosch Nursery Shop.  It is a beautiful pink Erica and we have now planted five in a sunny part of our school garden.

M Wilding

The Sun, the Moon and the Earth

THE SOLAR ECLIPSE

This year's 'shortest day', occurring every year on 21 June (Winter solstice), was made even shorter in places such as Zimbabwe because of  the solar eclipse. Here in South Africa, forty-one per cent of our sun was covered.

Around Africa, the warning was given: "Do not look at the sun!"

LIFE SKILLS
DEPARTMENT 

We at Wynberg Girls’ High are proud of the extensive extra curricula programmes, which are available to all our girls. The development of a comprehensive integrated Lifeskills Department is aimed at ensuring that all of our pupils are given every assistance in developing into mature, competent adults.

The different functions outlined in this section of the newsletter - a section dedicated to developments in the Lifeskills Department - gives an idea of the scope of the support programme which we hope to extend even further in years to come.

We believe that Wynberg Girls' High is unique in that while we strive for academic excellence, we strive equally to facilitate personal growth and maturity in all of our girls. Part of that, we believe is attained by providing a supportive, and caring environment.

COUNSELLING SERVICE

We know that life will present all of us with challenges from time to time and that these can be painful and overwhelming. We all face these personal difficulties regardless of our social status, education, financial resources or religion.

The stress in South African society at large often leads to feelings of helplessness and frustration. Young people in particular are vulnerable when dealing with these social and personal pressures.

The appointment of a full-time therapist in the Lifeskills Department at Wynberg Girls’ High School is a pro-active response to these needs.  Initiated by the Governing Body, immediate assistance is now always available to any pupil and her family.  Because the cost of this kind of consultation can range upwards of R180 per session, this free service ensures that all of our girls have access to help on the school premises.

I have worked in schools for nearly twenty years and know that no school community is exempt from wide ranging difficulties. These often include marital issues and divorce; family or community violence; parenting problems; substance abuse in both adults and adolescents alike; sexuality, gender and relationship issues; serious and terminal illness; mental health problems and in particular depression, bereavement and grief work.

We also try to make use of appropriate community resources and can facilitate access to hospitals, the police, medical practitioners, legal resources and the courts if necessary. All consultations are on an appointment basis whenever possible. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.

A Alberts

EXTENDED LEARNING

Young people today are facing many varied challenges as they move into young adulthood. Adolescents need opportunities to engage with these challenges in constructive ways in order to broaden their awareness and understanding.

continued in next column

• Defence - What women need to know and do - Sanet Smith
• I am a breast Cancer Survivor - Colleen Lester from St Luke's Hospice
• Making the best choices about Sexuality
• My Story – Michelle Freed
• Tertiary Education: Careers and your Future - UCT
• AIDS is Here! Now! - Timothy Hebblewhite
• Living with HIV:A Personal StoryEating Right - a nutritionist

This programme will continue next term. when we hope to include

• An international stuntman who has much to share with us on the art of survival
• A dermatologist giving us secrets on skin care
• A crusading journalist
• A member of parliament
• A campaigner against child abuse
• An advocate determined to protect women's rights to justice
• A politician who speaks her mind

We welcome any suggestions or topics and speakers and these will be included when possible. Please assist us in encouraging a new generation of informed and resourceful young women.

A Alberts and
J Jordan

CLOSER TIES WITH UCT 

The University of Cape Town is committed to forging closer ties with the wider community of Cape Town. Wynberg Girls’ High School sees this link as an opportunity to broaden the scope of the education we offer, and therefore are pleased to welcome four final year students, an Honours student and a Masters student from the Department of Social Development at UCT. 

These students will be spending the academic year with us on a part-time basis, completing the practical component of their courses under supervision in the Lifeskills Department.

Their programme will include work with individual pupils, a self-development workshop programme, a community project as well as a research component.

These students are enthusiastic and committed to working with adolescents. As young role models, they have much to offer our pupils, many of whom will also move on to further education at UCT.

Hopefully, this practical programme will grow in the years to come and perhaps other UCT students from other disciplines will also be included.

Anne Alberts

REALISATION OF A DREAM …

On 30 May, a dream was realised. For the past three years, we have seen many faces come and go from the Parents’ Association Committee, but all have had the same aim: to add to the school, those things which are beyond the reach of the education budget. I speak of the new Tuckshop. Officially opened by Mrs Harding, this venue will be used not only by the girls at break times, but is ideal for smaller gatherings – whether of an administrative or cultural nature.

The opening function was well attended by members of staff, the governing body, past and present PA committees, and a number of past pupils, including the chairperson of the Old Girls’ Association, Ms Barbara Fay. Those groups and individuals who were instrumental in making this dream a reality were acknowledged, and then Mr George Jones, the chairman of the PA Committee when the fundraising was undertaken, officially handed the Tuckshop over to the school. It was with enormous satisfaction and great delight that Mrs Shirley Harding announced it “officially open”.

Girls use the new tuckshop for the first time

FUTURE EVENTS

Please diarise 21 September. I feel every time a note goes home from the PA, we are asking for something. Now it’s time to give back. (Well, almost!) 

A dance is planned for this date, where all we will ask is that costs are covered. (The PA is still the fund-raising division of the parent body, so we can’t give things away). We aim to make this a FUN-Raising event. We have provisionally booked Spectrum, who have played, inter alia, for the SACS Matric and parents’ dances, and at the Cape Sun New Year's Eve party for the past few years.This band has been together for about twenty years, and can make a party happen!!!

The “Train Ride” is planned for November. So watch out for notices advising of dates and details.

Projects of this nature, can only be undertaken with the support of the parent body. The efforts put in by the committee would all be in vain were it not for the attendance by the parents and friends of the girls. To all those who have supported our functions, with respect to attendance, help, advise, donations and finances, we say thank you.

Laurence Crichton
PA Chairperson

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July

August

September

Although the girls have been preparing for their exams, when not studying, they have taken part in a variety of activities this term. These include: attending plays, a visit to the aquarium, ten-pin-bowling, walks to Chart Farm and the ever-popular ice-skating. The matrics also attended a weekend outing to a hot-springs resort during the last weekend of the term.  Some of the activities most enjoyed were sliding down the super-tube into a warm pool, jumping on the trampoline, a walk up the mountains and entertainment in the games room of the resort. Our thanks are extended to the Garven family for taking us to tea at the Kleinplasie Open – Air Farm Museum in Worcester where the girls were shown farming-practices from over a century ago and also experienced a donkey-cart ride.

We are very proud of the fine achievements of our boarders: Kelly Bevan and Andrea Stavridis have been selected as players for the hockey team that will be touring in Australia next year. Rosa Chang was part of the Wynberg Girls’ High School team which took part in an Environmental Quiz. Out of the top schools we were placed third and Rosa must also be congratulated on being the top scorer in the competition.

During the first and second weeks of the June holidays we will be accommodating young hockey players who will be competing in an inter-provincial tournament. All funds raised in this way are used to finance new equipment, furnishings and future developments in our hostel.

Best wishes to our staff, boarders and their parents for a safe and restful holiday.

D Cheney