Newsletter
-Volume 5, Issue 4
September
2001
From the Principal's desk
Dear Parents
With the tragic events of the
last few weeks, I am sure we have all spent some moments re-evaluating the people in our
own lives and of their importance to us. The girls we are privileged to have here at
Wynberg are unique and special people and together with you, their parents, we continue to
give them the foundation with which to face life with its many ups and downs. May
they, within this environment, recognise people from all different walks of life as people
of value from whom we can learn and who help us add to our understanding of the world.
This is the last newsletter for
some of our Matric parents. We thank them for their valued contribution to Wynberg
over the last five years. Please continue to support our various functions.
We wish our Matrics all the very best for the exams next term. May they achieve
what they deserve and may you, their parents, be blessed with much patience and good
humour!
Although many other girls feel the year is over when the
Matrics leave, please be assured that work at Wynberg (including the test cycle) will
continue! New work is still taught and absenteeism will be detrimental to your
daughter’s performance in the final examinations. Please take note of all exam
days listed in the newsletter, as absence on these days requires a medical certificate.
Best wishes for an enjoyable
short break with your daughters.
Shirley Harding
We’ll give you
forty days…
On 6 August, the Matrics of Wynberg Girls’ High
School celebrated the fact that, not counting weekends and exam time, they had only 40
days of school and lessons left. Balloons and banners were strung up all over the
Wellington Quad to mark the occasion.
It was an opportunity to dress up
and feast on pizzas
The fun started with the collection of each
Matric’s pre-ordered pizza fresh from St Elmo’s and other delicious food that
was supplied by the committee. Many were dressed for the occasion with outfits
ranging from black bags to slippers to outrageous hairdos - all in the spirit of the day.
A chorus
line of celebration
The committee
awarded prizes to the people with the most original costumes. The rest of the school,
banned from the Wellington quad for that break, watched on enviously as the class of 2001
contentedly enjoyed their take-away lunches in the sunshine and bonded, as a grade, for
one of the last times in their school careers.
Lauren
Reid |
“Night
of the Stars” - 2001
The night of the Matric Dance 2001 finally arrived on 28 July. Amidst a flurry of
beautiful dresses, the Matrics glided up the escalators of the “Cape Sun” –
now known as the Cape Town Holiday Inn - to be photographed in their splendour. The theme,
“Night of the Stars”, was splendidly decorated by the Matric Dance Committee,
who toiled long and hard throughout the year to ensure the success of their dance.
Blair, Lucindi, Tricia and Lisa
After the speeches, Tricia Main
and her partner took to the floor to stun us all with her rendition of the waltz! And, her
fellow prefects and the Dance Committee were kind enough to join her halfway through the
piece.
The food, the music, the Cape
Sun/Cape Town Holiday Inn Banqueting hall, wonderful guests and the splendid
“vibe” all contributed to the magic of this long-awaited evening.
M Lawrence
Founders' Day Celebrations
This year Wynberg celebrated
its 117th year on 14 September. Amongst the honoured guests joining us on this
wonderful occasion were Miss Anderson, Mrs Welgemoed and the choir from Wynberg
Girls’ Junior School; Miss Barbara Fay, Chairperson of the Wynberg Old Girls' Union;
Ms Tessa Fairbairn from the class of 1961 and Ms Ann Coltham from the class of 1981. Also
amongst the distinguished guests were three past pupils from the class of 1939.
Reunions of the classes
‘41, ‘61 and ‘81 had been organised to mark the occasion, and we were
delighted to get a group photograph of each year.
Class of ‘61repeat history by
posing for a photograph at the steps of the Hall
as they had 40 years ago.
After listening to the warm
tribute paid by Ann Coltham to Miss Urie and the school, and the inspiring and
thought-provoking words of Tessa Fairbairn, Su Balfour and Tamara Gondwe welcomed the 2001
Matric body to the Union, and handed out their life membership certificates to
them.
The school choirs from both the
junior school and the senior school entertained and inspired us with their singing, and
the special assembly was followed by Netball and Hockey matches at 12:30. Once again, the
first teams of Wynberg Girls' High walked away with the Urie (Netball) and Trent (Hockey)
Cups.
It was a wonderfully enriching
and satisfying occasion, and we are grateful to our guests from previous years for sharing
a little of their history with us. |
| ENGLISH OLYMPIADS, CLAIR AND CARYN, WIN
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS We were delighted to hear
that Clair Wright and Caryn Alexander have won gold awards and a scholarship for their
first year at Rhodes University as a result of their entry in the English Olympiad 2001.
This prestigious National Examination is an annual open-book examination and one that
encourages self-study and research.
Clair, because she achieved a
top position in the Top Fifteen of the 2001 De Beers English Olympiad, was invited to
attend the National Schools’ festival free of charge, as a special guest of the
Grahamstown Foundation. In addition, she was given a gold award, a scholarship for free
tuition for a year at Rhodes University and a cheque to the value of R500. Clair's actual
position in the country was sixth.
Caryn, who came within the top
fifty candidates, also won for herself a year's tuition at Rhodes - her actual position
was rated thirty-sixth in the country. We are enormously proud of the achievements
of these girls and salute their efforts.
Caryn and Clair hold up their Gold
certificates and scholarships
Our other participants also did well. Amy
Liebbrandt and Samantha Tyler were awarded Bronze Certificates. Silver
Certificates were awarded to Samantha Donet, Leanne Johansson, Lauren Reid and Rowena
Williams . The awarding of certificates is not automatic: the Olympiad committee does not
classify a certain percentage of the entries, and there is the further category of Merit
Awards. Consequently our girls have not achieved something insignificant: particularly
when the number who entered this year was 3,942. Furthermore the examination is not one
for every pupil - |
it is an examination designed for those who have a flair for the language and subject.
The Grahamstown Foundation is
once again calling for entries for the 2002 English Olympiad, and thirty-two candidates
have entered from Grades Ten and Eleven. The theme for the Olympiad in the year 2002 is
"Conflict and Resolution in South Africa", and the text that they will be
required to study is an anthology of poetry entitled “The Land will Heal”
published by the Institute of English in Africa. The language section focuses on the
language of prejudice. These are themes and issues that are not insignificant in our world
today, and we hope that the participating candidates derive much from the experience of
reading for this examination.
P Orpen
RESEARCH AND STUDY GROUP ESTABLISHED
It has been felt for some time
now that there are senior students in the school who have proved themselves to be
outstanding scholars or who have revealed extraordinary insights in a number of subjects.
For this reason a small Research and Study group has recently
been established to provide a platform for extended research in areas of interest, either
extraneous to or related to the curriculum of the participating members. The established aims of the group are as follows:
§ to provide students with an opportunity
to work on the basis of self-study and self-motivation
§ to encourage students to take
responsibility for their own learning
§ to think and work creatively
§
to relate students’ studies to themselves and to the world around them
§
to
provide a forum in which the learning can be presented, debated and discussed
The members of the group are
nominated by both teachers and students and are selected because they have demonstrated
scholastic ability or insight. Although academic results are a factor, they are not
necessarily pivotal. Finally these candidates are those who have revealed a scholastic
capacity for self-directed research. The first meeting takes place early next term.
D Hartmann, P Orpen and C
Vosloo |
| ONIONS, EGGS AND SELECTIVE
VIEWING Early in the
term, three projects were exhibited at the UCT Science Expo 2001. Two of the projects were
the group entries from Grade Ten.
The Flippin' Egg: is an
investigation into why an old refrigerated egg flipped when placed in the mouth of a
conical flask.
Selective Viewing is an
investigation into the claim that the eye sees all, but the brain filters the information
and we only retain what we want to see. The experiments carried out to try to substantiate
this claim led to some tricky incidents. A shop assistant, who went into the storeroom in
response to a request from an initial enquirer, was most put out when her original client
underwent a metamorphosis! Quite simply the initial inquirer was replaced by a noticeably
different second! Perhaps the assistant’s feathers were a little less ruffled when
told that she had proved to fall into the more observant group of those tested in the
experiment.
Mrs Jaaback, Science teacher
extraordinaire,
demonstrates the Flippin’ Egg
The third project was Onions
cause Tears: an investigation into the chemical substance causing tears. This project
earned Latiefa Paleker a bronze medal, our only medal.
We do salute her efforts! We
hope that these accomplishments will inspire budding scientists to pursue their curiosity
and earn more medals and esteem for Wynberg at UCT Science Expo 2002.
D Jaaback |
YEAR OF THE READER - WYNBERG
GIRLS PROMOTE READING ON RADIO AND TELEVISION
The year 2001 has been named the "Year of the Reader," and Wynberg girls have
been encouraged to participate in a couple of projects which promote reading amongst their
peers.
Earlier this year, (14 May)
four of our girls participated in a radio programme in which they were encouraged to talk
about some of their favourite books. We reported on this event in our June newsletter.
Towards the end of the second term, Wynberg was invited once again to select some pupils
who would be willing to talk about books for an SABC Take Five programme. Jemma
Spring, the director of the programme, was so impressed with our pupils, that she wanted
to take the idea a little further.
Particularly delighted with
Pranisha Maharaj, Jemma asked permission to film Pranisha and some of her friends at
Wynberg in the school library. There they were asked to talk about books, reading and the
support and service that they enjoy from our Wynberg Girls' High Library.
This term, Wynberg Girls’
High was once again approached by Bush Radio and SACEE to participate in the Radio Junior
Bookshelf programme, and on 11 September at 15:30, five of our Grade Tens went on air to
promote reading amongst their peers. They recommended a number of books which they had
enjoyed reading and talked generally of the importance of it in their lives.
From the left in the first picture are
Loren, Laura, Alex, Amber and Christina
Although they all said that
they were extremely nervous to begin with, they had a wonderful time and certainly
represented the school extremely well. All of them were delighted to have had the
experience and said that they had a great deal of fun. One of the fine moments for them
was receiving an SMS from their friends who had been listening to the show!
P Orpen |
GRADE ELEVEN HISTORY OUTING TO
UCT
On Wednesday, 15 August 2001, a group of Grade Eleven
History students visited the History Department at the University of Cape Town. We
were lucky enough to listen to four very interesting lectures on various topics, including
Russia, which we are currently studying at school. It was an extremely enjoyable and informative experience that
allowed us the opportunity to see what university life is like, to gain a better
understanding of the History Department at UCT, and to explore courses and career options
offered by the university.
Lauren
Hartmann
WYNBERG GIRLS WALK
AWAY WITH THE WATER WEEK PRIZES
Adrienne and Lauren receive 1st prize for their essay.
The city of Cape Town recently
held a Water Week 2001 Schools' Competition. Wynberg Girls' High Matric Geography students
submitted three entries in the essay section, based on their research of the Prinskasteels
Stream, the Sandvlei Wetlands, and water quality in the Cape Metropole. They were awarded
First and Second place in the essay section, First place in the Class prize and the
overall floating trophy for 2001.
Michelle, Toni and Kelly were awarded 2nd Prize
M Wilding
MEGAN LAIRD - OUR YOUNG
BIOLOGIST!
During the first term, a number
of our Grade Ten students sent in their personal motivations for inclusion in an
eight-week Young Biologist Course, introduced at the Two Oceans Aquarium. We were very
proud of Megan Laird when her application was successful and she started her course in
March this year.
Megan has been afforded many
fantastic opportunities since then: these include studying at the aquarium, attending a
camp at de Hoop Nature Reserve and visiting the UCT Zoology Department.
She passed an oral and written
exam with flying colours, and so enjoyed herself, that she went on to complete the
Volunteers’ Training Course, becoming Wynberg’s first qualified volunteer guide
for the aquarium. She is now expected to work for four hours every weekend in her capacity
as a volunteer guide. You might bump into her if you visit the Two Oceans Aquarium.
We do commend her efforts!
A Smith |
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT …
LIFESKILLS TRAINING FOR GRADE ELEVENS After having completed the Workshadow Programme, the Grade
Elevens are now concentrating on female empowerment until the end of the year. The
Lifeskills staff have been assisted by the UCT students who introduced the topic to the
Grade Elevens, and who have prepared the way for an interesting voyage of discovery.
The text, 'The Gift of Fear'
by Gavin de Becker (available from Kalahari.net at R57, including delivery) is being used
as a guide to teach the girls how to identify behaviour in individuals (strangers or
intimates) that could lead to aggression or violence. The book offers insight into
the behaviour of those who threaten or manipulate. Through case studies and other
real life scenarios the girls are empowering themselves with knowledge that will help them
choose future friends, boyfriends and associates. We are delighted to hear that
there have been reports that some girls are already applying some of the techniques. Watch
out boys - Wynberg girls know what they want!
S Sieberhagen
PREPARING AND
EMPOWERING GRADE TENS
We were not interested!
There were groans; there were
moans.
We were the guinea pigs. The first batch to try out the
“Youth with a Vision” programme. Sex, drugs, but no rock and roll
….These were the topics - along with Aids, STD’s, pregnancy, relationships and
ambitions.
It was not possible to cram any
more into three days. Talk after talk. By the end …we had buns of steel
and feet of ice after sitting on hard chairs for two days straight!
The Grade Ten Camp was held in
a valley, just beyond Stellenbosch, and provided an opportunity for Grade Tens to get to
know each other, to have an enormous amount of fun and to learn a great deal. Cell phone
time was strictly rationed and groups and bungalows allocated!!
By the end of the camp, all
conceded that teachers know a thing or two: that the lectures were worthwhile and
informative, and the leaders were great fun. But surprisingly one of the greatest benefits
was socialising with people we see every day, but didn’t really know. We have all
made a whole bunch of new friends.
Grateful thanks are extended to
Ms Sieberhagen and Ms Jordan who spent a great deal of time and energy organising,
planning and preparing the camp for us.
Alex Butterfield
VEERTIENDE GEBRUIKSAFRIKAANS
- OLIMPIADE 2001
Wynberg kan baie trots wees op
sy kandidate wat vir bogenoemde Olimpiade ingeskryf het Mariėtte Fourie is in die groep
wat viertiende en Angelique Lottering is in die groep wat vyftiende in die land gekom het,
geplaas
Hierdie jaar het 68 leerlinge
ingeskryf. Ons kan ons koppe hoog hou, want ons skool het 13de uit die eerste vyftig skole
in die land geėindig. Daar het altesaam vier hondred and twintig skole deelgeneem.
Wynberg het vyfde van al die
skole in die Westelike Provinsie gekom. Mooi so! Hopelik sal julle sukses meer leerlinge
aanspoor om volgende jaar in te skryf.
Mev. A Cope
|
WYNBERG COUNTED IN BY
MINISTERS ASMAL AND MANUEL
Shirley Harding and Keith Richardson, Principals of the
Wynberg High Schools, welcomed Ministers Asmal and Manuel to Wynberg Boy's High on 18
September in a joint assembly of the junior pupils of both schools. The Ministers of
Finance and Education were at the school to promote the Census 2001 amongst our students. Highlighting the importance of
gathering information about the citizens of South Africa so that effective planning on the
part of the government can take place, Ministers Asmal and Manuel took to the stage in
part of a very entertaining roadshow.
Not to be outdone by the Census
Roadshow currently visiting schools in the Western Cape, the students of Grades Eight and
Nine from the Wynberg Schools also performed for the Ministers visiting them. The boys
presented an item they had been working on in their Arts and Culture lessons, but it was
the girls who stole the show with one of their dances from Ms Mpambo's Xhosa Concert.
Wearing promotional T-shirts with the "Count Us In" logo and their brown skirts,
these vibrant and talented dancers won the hearts of
all. While the boys were bowled over, the delight on Mr Richardson's and the Ministers'
faces is equally plain to see.
Deputy Minister Mpahlwa and Ministers Kadar Asmal and Trevor Manuel delight in
the performance of our girls.
Minister Asmal was warm in his commendation of these splendid girls to Mrs Harding at the
end of their performance.
|
The Xhosa Society’s annual
concert, inspired by and directed by Ms Thandi Mpambo, is an event that people just
don’t want to miss. It is an event to which many invite special and honoured guests:
not only from the wider community, but also international guests who are visiting South
Africa. It is an occasion on which Wynberg Girls’ High staff, students and parents
can rejoice in the richness of South African culture: an experience, which the parents of
our current students in our very recent past were not as free to enjoy.
After enjoying a light supper
prepared in the Xhosa, Indian and Afrikaans traditions, the audience meandered across to
the Aileen Curie Hall to this year’s annual concert: Ikho Intombi – the
answer to the question, Ipi intombi (“Where are the girls?’)
Unveiling the events that
prepare a young man for manhood and marriage, and the supportive roles of the men and the
women in the village in this process, this show was a delight to all. From Kwaito to the
traditional rhythms of the drums, from Praise Singers to Angels, the Xhosa Concert
audience was swept up with the sheer energy and joy of the moment. They were witness to
the selection by a young man of his bride from an astonishingly dynamic group of
dancers. (How he was able to select only one was the thought in everybody’s
mind!)
Some of the
warriors who provided
the sendoff for the Initiate
The talent of the Wynberg girls
– their singing, their dancing, their ability to weave a narrative - is worth noting.
Indeed, the Wynberg Xhosa concerts have to be seen. |
|
Did we Wiz!!!
This was our first musical in quite a
few years, and we played to almost packed houses on all three nights. We celebrated
Women's Day on 9 August with a matinee, which was the perfect opportunity to play for our
younger brothers and sisters. The cast was exhausted having to perform twice in one day,
but they did brilliantly. It isn't always easy to find boys and girls who can sing, dance
and act but once again Wynberg Girls' High School and Wynberg Boys' High School proved
that we are multi-talented schools.
It was quite a task co-ordinating the
sound for this musical with a live band and shared microphones, but the excellent team
from Wynberg Boys' High School did a sterling job and managed to keep Ms Glover calm too!!
Tin Man, Dorothy, the Wiz and Scarecrow before the show
Mesdames Glover, Lith and
Shapiro enjoyed working on this fun and lively production together. Once again, we would
like to thank the parents of the cast and crew for their endless support.
Both Ms Glover and Ms
Domisse’s students are preparing for South African Speech Teachers’ Guild and
Trinity College of London exams in October. Judging by their excellent Eisteddfod results
they should all do well. During the fourth term we will be planning next year’s
activities.
Although it is Wynberg
Boys’ High School’s turn to host the major production next year
,we will be preparing lots for you to see at the Arts’ Festival, Eisteddfod and House
Plays.
During motivational talks given
by the 2002 Prefects, many of them mentioned how drama had developed their confidence,
communication and negotiation skills. We are very lucky to have Drama as part of the
curriculum at Wynberg Girls’ High School. Even though it is unlikely that most of our
girls will follow an acting career, the skills they learn in drama are life skills.
P Glover |
Our girls have had a busy term:
one that is the best recipe for one in the performing arts – an abundance of stage
work.
The Wiz saw the Grade
Eleven girls whirling around the stage in a commanding attack on Dorothy’s calm home
life. Grade Nine dancers were tasteful in dress and mannerisms, desirable of the Emerald
City setting, which required elegance, maturity and attitude!
Grade Nines reveal just a little of their attitude!
We had no sooner finished the school production, when
the Grade Tens and Elevens were appearing at the Artscape Theatre. They participated in a
schools’ Arts and Culture programme organised by the Western Cape Education
Department. We are very proud of these girls and congratulate them on their high standard
of work.
Our spectacular Grade Elevens at the start of their Dance
for the Western Cape Arts Festival
The Grade Twelve learners
recently wrote their preliminary examinations, which bring them nearer to their finals. We
wish them luck at this time, having every confidence that they can do it!
C
Shapiro-Dodds |
|
The Music Department as usual
buzzed with activity this term. The first highlight was the musical production of The
Wiz. It was an opportunity for our girls to display their dance, drama
and musical skills. And it was an unforgettable experience for all those involved.
A huge thank you goes to the Directors: Ms Glover (Director) Mrs Shapiro
(Choreographer), and Mrs Lith (Musical Director); the parents (fetching and carrying their
sons and daughters); the soloists who so often were stretched beyond their imagination;
all other performers, actors and dancers, lighting, backstage and sound crew, make-up
artists, costume designer and assistants, the pit singers for their enthusiastic singing,
and the band (internally Ms Franke on flute and Janet Borrill on saxophone) for all their
energy, effort and time spent at school, long after others had gone home. We commend all
participants who made this a most successful show.
The third term concert saw the
music students displaying their technical and musical skills, and quite clearly making
every effort to give of their best. What a pity there were so few parents to
support and to witness the fruits of their daughters’ hard work. The soloists,
choir, orchestra, marimba group, flute, recorder and jazz ensemble entertained the
audience with music ranging from 1650 – 1980. We commend all of those who
participated in this concert. We are grateful to the staff, parents and learners
who braved the weather in support of the musicians but know that they were not
disappointed!
We are still awaiting the
results from the Royal Schools and UNISA Practical Music Exams, which took place the week
after ‘The Wiz’.
At the Grade Twelve Music
Evening, five of the Matric students performed for their parents and guests. This
Music evening is held in preparation for the Final Practical Exam, which was on 25
September. With the concert and the exam now behind them, we wish them
well for the rest of their exams. Our commendation is extended to the following
Grade Twelves who receive their colours for Music:
| Half colours |
Tarryn Lawrence |
| Full colours |
Lisa Aspeling, Janet Borrill, Lindsay Cameron-Dow and Alisa O’ Reilly. |
E Lith |
Trainer and Conductor of the School Choir,
Mrs Barwise
The Choir and the Orchestra did
themselves proud on Founders’ Day. This was the final performance and
contribution from our Grade Twelve orchestra players who will be sorely missed.
E Lith |
|
Once again this has been an
extremely busy term for the Art Department. Apart from other projects, the Art Club has
worked steadily and invaluably to promote the various functions at the school – The
Wiz and the Founders’ Day Cheese and Wine and Assembly.
Earlier on this term it was
decided that the Art Club would facilitate a basic photography course on Tuesday
afternoons run by Mr Mark Bosman, who is an experienced professional photographer. The
course began on 28 August. A maximum of nine learners has been admitted per
course, owing to the size of the darkroom and in order to ensure sufficient individual
attention.
We are, however, planning to
run the course again in the first and third terms of next year. The Grade Eleven and Ten
Art pupils have been given first option. The next courses will be opened to the
rest of the school. An advanced course will also be offered should any of the learners,
who have completed the basic course, be interested in furthering their knowledge.
Both the beginners and advanced
course will consist of 8 lessons of 2hrs per session and will cost R 300 each.The school
will provide all processing and printing equipment and chemicals.
Black and white film and
printing papers will be supplied for demonstration purpose
- students will, however, be limited to a maximum number and those who wish to explore
their new-found skills beyond this will need to purchase their own.
The basic outline of the
beginners course includes the following:
§
An
introduction to the principles of photography by making and using pinhole cameras.
§ An introduction to black and white
darkroom techniques, including printing images made with the pinhole cameras.
§
Exposing
black and white film in a manual 35m camera.
§
Developing
black and white film and making contact sheets.
§
Enlarging
and printing black and white negatives, including some basic manipulations of the images.
§
Touching
up and final presentation. |
The
Advanced photography course will include
§
Learning
how to “see” photographically and compose images.
§
Learning
how to control and manipulate light and accurate light measurement and exposure.
§
Studies
in portraiture and still-life.
§
Photographic
projects that learners will shoot, develop and print themselves, the result of which will
be discussed in critique sessions.
§
Advanced
darkroom techniques in film processing and printmaking.
§
An
introduction to digital image-making.
It is not absolutely necessary to have the use of a camera
for the basic course, but the advanced course would require use of a 35m manual camera, or
at least one with completely manual mode.
Payment must be made directly to
Mr Bosman at the start of the course – cheques: made out to J.F.M. Bosman.
C Vosloo
Blood donor clinics are held
during the first, second and third terms. Our last clinic was a huge success.
The statistics are as follows:
| Target Attendance |
35 |
| Donors Attended |
30 |
| Full units bled |
22 (including an incredible 14 new donors)
|
We thank all those who were
willing to donate blood. For every one unit of donated blood, it is possible to
help up to four people, as each unit can be split into its different components.
B Franke
COLLECTION FOR THE WESTERN CAPE
DISTASTER FUND
A very big thank you to all
those who contributed to the disaster relief fund for the Cape Flats. Families contributed
most generously in the way of clothing, blankets, food and donations – all of which
will assist in making life easier for those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
Special mention must be made of
Kerry Correia who initiated the project and the Salvation Army who have been outstanding
in their invaluable contribution.
J McCallum |
|
Interact has been a very busy
society throughout the past two terms... Our biggest achievements have probably been the
completion of the World Vision 40 Hour Famine, whereby we raised over R5000 for hungry
children by giving up food for a weekend ourselves, and the successful repainting and
redecorating of the Paediatric Clinic at Victoria Hospital.
Our Tuesday meetings have
been filled with visits to the local Old Age Homes of Hampton and Marambi House, where we
chatted with the residents and prepared short items of entertainment. We've made
sandwiches for and visited those at the Wynberg Night Haven and have made friends with the
children at St Joseph's Hospital with whom we have subsequently become pen-friends. We
have also organised the charity performance of our school’s major production, The
Wiz, for the elderly.
One of our
guests browses through her programme
We helped out at One-To-One: a
day for the mentally and physically handicapped and a LOFOB (the Blind Institute) Street
Collection. We hosted a Bingo Day for the elderly, have taken part in an Intercultural
Debate at Hertzlia and walked the “Blisters for Bread”.
This year we have managed to
forge contact with both Rotary and Rotoract and have attended many social functions with
them and the other Interactors from various schools in the district. We have also attended
their formal meetings and are looking forward to working with them in the future.
In the pipeline for the coming
term is a joint-music concert with the Bergvliet High and Wynberg Boys’ Schools and a
fun day for the girls at St George’s Home. Also our annual Christmas party is being
planned...
It all amounts to a lot of
spent enthusiasm, time and energy, but is definitely well worth it for that warm fuzzy
feeling we all experience after each project.
Jessica
Howell |
STUDENT
LEADERSHIP
Head Girl
Keeyan Dick |
|
|
Deputy Head
Lauren Seaman |
|
Prefects:
Faseegha Adams; Aaliyah Ameer;
Arendene Fourie; Mariėtte Fourie; Justine Frost; Lunga Guma; Lauren Hartmann; Jessica
Howell; Lauren Manuel; Nocamagu Mbulawa and Michaela Nevin
THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL OF LEARNERS
The RCL of 2001 has initiated
many new projects in the school this term. To increase school spirit at Interschool and
Interhouse competitions, a cheerleading squad has been started. The pupils are very eager
and enthusiastic about this project.
A First Aid course has been
introduced and many girls attended these courses. This project was to encourage the pupils
to learn about safety in emergency situations. A new achiever’s award was
introduced for the pupils of our school: 'The Achiever of the Week Award'. This
award is to acknowledge the achievements of girls who do well in sport or cultural
activities inside and out of school.
The RCL has been very
enthusiastic this year and we have been successful in all our projects.
We continue to work towards
being a really effective representative student body ensuring that we contribute towards
creating a happy environment in our school.
Jehan Solomons
|
|
This year, in order to provide
Grade Elevens with a spirit -building project, which would at the same time provide
leadership opportunities, it was decided that they should organize a Variety Show. This
time, however, it is a show with a difference: items have been prepared by talented
students from all four schools – the Girls’ Junior and High and the Boys’
Junior and High.
Auditions have been held and
the competition between all four schools is enormous. Competitors have waited with bated
breath to hear whether or not their submissions would be accepted. The show is now well
underway.
Included in the
show will be dancers, singers and budding actors. The show will be held on 17 and 18
October and will undoubtedly be evenings filled with entertainment.
O
ADVENTURES IN THE
GROOTWINTERHOEK MOUNTAINS.
Mariėtte Fourie (one of ten
students from different schools) was recently selected to attend a leadership-training
course organised by Educo Africa.
Educo Africa, Adventures in
Leadership, focuses on personal growth, personal discovery and the developing of
leadership skills, and this course was held in the Grootwinterhoek Mountains. The four
guides, Marian, Trevor, Cindy and Alister who took the students through a series of
rigorous exercises based on endurance, teamwork and trust, were, in Mariėtte’s
opinion, “absolutely fantastic” and they ensured that all of the participants
had a fabulous weekend.
All activities were designed to
improve leadership skills, and they included hiking, sleeping outdoors, obstacle courses,
blindfolds, river crossing and the solving of riddles. All of this had to be endured
through some of the coldest and wettest weather the Cape has experienced for ages. Throughout the period they were photographed and
videotaped.
Move over Big Brother – your banal footage is not a patch on this!
O |
The Cross Country girls
experienced yet another very exciting term. We co-hosted the race in Wynberg Park
with Springfield Convent, and runners as well as coaches agreed that it was a very well
organised and successful event.
Although the weather
wasn’t very kind to us and led to the cancellation of at least two races, Lizzie
Darne and Danielle Kroezen must be congratulated on achieving regular first and second
places at those races that we did manage to attend.
Our thanks are extended to all
the runners for their enthusiasm and dedication. Special thanks also go to Mr
Burrell for accompanying us on Wednesday afternoons.
See you all next season!
S Wucherphennig
HOCKEY
The hockey season finished with a triumphant defeat of the Invitation Old Girls team
and various Interschools' tournaments being played between bouts of rain and wind!
The U16's won their tournament,
beating Herschel 1-0 in the process! The U14's tied for 2nd place, but were by far the
most spirited side there! The U19's were placed 3rd despite not losing a match, or having
a goal scored against them!
The U16C's had a very successful season remaining the only unbeaten side this year. The
1st team lost their final fixture of the season to Herschel, thus finishing 2nd in the
Premier League.
Nicole de Vries represented the SA U16B side at a tournament in Zimbabwe, and we are very
proud of her accomplishments this season.
AUSTRALIA 2002
The girls in the touring party
will continue to play hockey throughout the fourth term as they have been entered into the
summer league which is run weekly at Hartleyvale.
Our next major fundraising
event takes place on 1 December, when the Camps Bay Floppies will be performing at Wynberg
Boys' High. Tickets are R80 per person which includes dinner and can be obtained at school
(Contact Miss Bernstein) 797 4163.
A Bernstein |
|
Target shooting is not an
official sport at Wynberg, but some of our girls are participating as individuals at
practices being held at Voortrekker and Wynberg Boys’ High. Fedde van den Bosch, an avid shooter, is at the shooting
range almost every afternoon of the week and displays his passion for the sport by
offering every spare moment he has to coaching the young and upcoming shooters from
Wynberg and Voortrekker. Simone Potter's accuracy has been outstanding for a
beginner, with an average of over 80%! Sarah
Stringer and Michelle Ward are close on her heels, both with an average of 74%. Fedde, who always welcomes enthusiasts, coaches twenty
girls. Pupils are asked to listen for announcements, and keep their eyes on the
shooting notice board for any information. Parents are encouraged to phone Fedde or
visit the range should they be interested in the sport.
He can be contacted at 762 4268.
S Sieberhagen
SQUASH REPORT
The five squash teams have
completed a very competitive and enjoyable 2001 squash season. The first team ended their
season in dramatic style: they first won the finals of the knock-out competition by
beating a very strong Paarl Vallei team on points after ending the match 2 – 2. The
next morning, the top six players won the end-of-season PGSGU tournament (hosted by
Rustenburg and played at Bishops) against Herschel, Rustenburg and Springfield.
From 9 –12 August, Tricia
Main, Arendene and Mariėtte Fourie, Tracy and Nicole Bosman and Natalie Baker played in
the prestigious Top Schools Tournament in Pretoria. Congratulations to this team for
representing our school and Western Province for the third time!
We say goodbye and thank you to
our Matric players, (Lucindi Ohloff, Lee-Anne Lotz, Natasha Deane, Candice Veitch, Toni
Crawley, Natalie Baker, Tanya Mitrovic, Carey Billet, Belinda White and Tricia Main) who
contributed so much to Squash at Wynberg Girls' High School over the past few years, and
who have always been such good ambassadors for the school. At the same time, we look
forward to developing our younger players to continue this tradition. Well done to all the
players for a successful squash season.
Lastly we extend special thanks
to Lionel White as the coach and motivator of the girls.
P Bodenstein and J Nel |
Wynberg Girls’ High is in
the fortunate position of having wonderful grounds, with a splendid garden and more than
enough trees. However, this did not stop the motivated Environmental Club from thinking
beyond their immediate community. They had read the story of Levana Primary School: a
teacher at this school, Fadia Abbas, and a small group of primary school children recently
established a Water-Wise Garden in the rockery at their school in Lavender Hill. In the
article, they talked of their need to raise funds for the plants that they would like to
buy in order to divide their garden into different sections: a flower garden, fragrance
garden and succulents.
It did not take long for our
Wynberg Environmental Society girls to decide to hold a cake sale in order to raise funds
for this school in support of Arbor Day celebrations. The extraordinary generosity of the
school, and the motivation of the Environmental Club enabled us to raise over R900. On 30
August, the Thursday before Arbor Week, we were delighted to hand this cheque to
representatives from Levana Primary in support of their efforts.
Shirley Harding and Mariette Fourie are seen here
with representatives of Levana Primary school
Ms Vosloo’s art
classes have also been working hard to recognize Arbor Week. Since the first week in
September, the display boards have featured prominently the work of the junior classes.
The symbolic significance
of trees is something which they have considered, and the school has been pleasantly
reminded of their value in our society. |
|
In the absence of Mrs Jaaback,
Yoga sessions continued under the able direction of Simone Hartmann. There is a small core
of motivated Yogis who derive great benefit from both the postures and the relaxation.
We were so excited about the
new members (mostly juniors) who joined our Chess Club this season that we promptly took
advantage of it and entered two teams into the league. A first for Wynberg Girls'
High School.
We welcomed Mrs Souter on board
and thank her for all her assistance, time and effort in keeping the boat afloat when Mrs
Lith needed to head off to other commitments.
Even though both teams lost all
their matches they played some players did manage to take some games off their opponents.
This competitive season can be
a very frustrating time for the players (especially the beginners) as there is hardly any
time for coaching. However, we look forward to working closely with the Wynberg
Boys’ High School in developing our chess skills during the coming season.
Our commendation is extended to
the following girls who drew and/or won games against their opponents from the schools
indicated:
| Rosa Chang |
drew against Lavender Hill |
| Alana Heynes |
drew against Sibelius |
|
defeated Bergvliet A |
|
defeated Zeekoeivlei |
| Anita Ho |
defeated Crystal |
| Charli-Joy Muller |
defeated Sibelius (technical knockout)
|
| Cindy Stringer |
defeated Crystal |
|
defeated Groenvlei |
|
defeated Wynberg Boys’ High School
|
We bid a fond farewell to Anita
Ho, Captain of the chess team 2001, an admirable leader and coordinator. We welcome Cindy
Stringer as the new captain of the chess team.
E Lith |
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
| October
|
|
| 8 October |
Matric Hostel Farewell Dinner |
| 9 October |
Magazine Photographs |
|
Prize Giving |
| 10 October |
Matric Valedictory and Breakfast |
| 10-12 October |
Prefect Camp |
| 12 October |
House Captain Training |
| 15 October |
Matric Examinations Begin |
| 17 October |
Variety Concert |
| 20 October
|
Boarders’ Out Weekend |
| 29 October |
Governing Body Meeting – Budget
Planning Meeting |
| November
|
|
| 1 November |
Music Ensemble Concert |
| 2 November |
Market Day |
|
English and Afrikaans Examinations |
| 3 November
|
Hockey Tour Fundraiser |
| 9 November |
Grade 10 Computer Studies Practical |
| 10 November |
Boarders’ Out Weekend |
| 12 November
|
Budget Meeting |
| 14 November |
Exams start |
| 25 November
|
Carol Service |
| December
|
|
| 3 December
|
Examinations End |
|
Geography Practical Field Trip |
| 4 December |
Interhouse General Knowledge Quiz |
|
Athletics meeting |
| 5 December |
Booksales |
|
Hostel Christmas Party |
| 6 December |
Prize Giving – Grades Eight and Nine
11:00 |
|
Grades Ten and Eleven 19:45 |
| 7 December |
Term Ends |
| 12 December |
Term ends for Staff |
|
WATERLOO HOUSE
There is a little rhyme sung by
young children, which goes as follows: “Rain, rain go away, come again another
day!” This is how we have felt most of this term with the weather determining the
kinds of outings that could be planned. As a result, our activities have been mainly
indoors such as trips to the Waterfront, movies at Cavendish Square and ice-skating.
Serious and final preparations
are underway as the Grade Elevens complete their planning for the Matric farewell dinner,
which is to be held at the beginning of next term. They have taken full advantage of the
rainy weather and offered videos and delicious snacks as fundraisers for the term.
We sadly wished Sianedd Elliot
and Katherine Sanders (our Gap boarder mistresses) farewell as they return to the United
Kingdom to begin their chosen fields of study. We thank them for all they have done for us
during their stay, and wish them well for their future careers.
|
It has also been our pleasure
to receive a new GAP boarder mistress, Jennifer Cashin, who will be with us until March
next year. Jennifer is from the North West of England near Liverpool. She has completed
taking her A Levels in Geography, Maths, Physics and General Studies and plans to read
Business Management at New Castle University next year. She enjoys sport and has played
League Tennis, Netball and captained her local Cricket team.
We would like to congratulate
the following girls who have been made Hostel Prefects for the year 2002
| Head Girl
|
Nicole Bosman |
| Deputy Head Girl |
Lauren Kent |
| Prefects |
|
|
Lizzie Darne |
|
Aimee du Toit |
|
Lunga Guma |
|
Abigail Page |
|
Nienke Servaas |
Lastly, I would like to thank
the Hostel Prefect Body for all they have contributed to the running of our hostel this
past year. A formal Prefect Induction Dinner took place during the last week of the term
and our new Prefects take over as the current Matrics begin preparing for their final
examinations in earnest.
D Cheney |
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