Shirley Harding

Shirley Harding at her desk

Go well, Cynthia our good friend.
We will miss you..

Colleagues and pupils alike would recognize the latest skill and could be heard muttering, “Ah, columns” or “Ah, watermarks” as they received the latest work of art.

Cynthia also spearheaded the Driver Education Programme, and would emerge from the passenger’s seat, pale-faced and outraged at intolerant and insensitive drivers who had unnerved our girls! Delightfully gullible, Cynthia would often swallow the most remarkable stories, and with
good humour, join our laughter as she realised that she had been conned.

Pupils, who were educated by Mrs de Wet, count themselves lucky. She had a wonderful rapport with her classes and genuinely cared about them as people. She encouraged friendly communication and warmth, yet she retained the essential professionalism, discipline and atmosphere of learning so necessary in the classroom. She encouraged pupils to give of their best and to embrace the English language as a valuable tool with which to approach life. Pupils talk of her long after they have left Wynberg and make a special effort to see her if they visit the school.

Cynthia has been a pillar of strength to the staff and of the teaching profession of English for many years. We are sad to lose her extraordinary expertise, but wish her well in her decision to leave full-time teaching to give her time to pursue other career and studying opportunities. Not
only will the English Department at Wynberg Girls’ High School feel the loss of a person of Cynthia de Wet’s talent, but the teaching profession in South Africa will be the poorer.

Go well, Cynthia, our good friend.

S Harding

She will be remembered always by colleagues and pupils for her long, flowing, colourful caftans and long blonde hair sweeping behind her as she rushed from one event to the next. Creative, unconventional and highly individualistic, she is one of those teachers who has always had wonderful relationships with her pupils. She is an extremely affectionate person, who is always willing to help.

May the sun shine on you always, Elmarie

Apart from all of the demands as Subject Head of the Music Department, whether teaching the subject, accompanying others and training the Choir, Marimba Players or Orchestra, she gave generously of her time while she was at Wynberg. Indeed, her car could be seen at the school long after many others had left.

It was the result of Elmarie’s enthusiasm and love of her subject, that she introduced the wonderful lunchtime concerts so loved by the school. She was Musical Director of one of our annual school productions, The Wiz, and has been extraordinarily supportive of the annual Arts and Culture Festivals. Carefree and zany, Elmarie has a wonderful sense of humour. Never defensive, and never unkind, she demonstrated patience in all that she did.

Much loved, she will be sorely missed. Our loss is certainly her husband’s gain, as she joins him in an exciting new stage in the development of their business.

B Franke and
P Orpen

Offering not only considerable expertise in her teaching subject, Lillian offered invaluable experience and guidance to both staff and students as a remedial teacher. Consequently, her Academic Support Group pupils was always guaranteed of a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear. She is one who provides comfort and reassurance when things are falling apart; one who casts a different perspective on difficult or troubled situations and who always seems to have some answers. In a world where “stress” has become a buzz word, Lillian’s maxim has always been, “Don’t worry; let’s see what we can do to fix this”.

Lillian truly exemplifies the quality of serenity. Her calm, stable presence and fair and easy-going nature have made it very easy to work closely with her – whether as teacher of Home Economics or as Assistant Area Head of Grade Nine. Those within her Department, particularly, admire her
ability to keep going during the tough times, as well as her willingness to try new things. For the pupils, she represents a caring maternal figure, who always has time to listen and good advice to offer.

You will be sorely missed, Lillian

Lillian has decided to embark on a new journey: an extremely exciting time of significant changes and endless possibilities. We wish her and her husband, John, well with their new and exciting venture into the tourism, and, more particularly, the guest house industry.

A Fowkes and
J Freed

Hailing from Clarendon Girls’ High in East London, Mrs Gem Smith, who joined us at the beginning of 2002, soon found a home from home amongst the pupils of Wynberg Girls’ High. Before long, the History, Xhosa and Afrikaans Departments experienced the benefits of her warmth and generosity, which endeared her to both colleagues and pupils alike.

Whether it was in the classroom, at the squash courts or supervising the Xhosa society, Gem’s efficiency and particular brand of Eastern Cape motherliness was always evidenced: her Grade Nine class will miss those birthday lollipops! Gem returns to the Eastern Cape, taking with her our very heartfelt thanks for all that she contributed to Wynberg. Hamba kahle, Gem.

J Freed

Hydie McDade

Sadly, this year, we say au revoir to Hydie McDade who leaves to go and work temporarily in the United Kingdom. She will be missed in the French Department, where she and Winnie Thomson have worked closely and creatively together. We appreciate all that she has given to Wynberg
during the time that she has taught at our school.

W Thomson

ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS

MATRIC RESULTS

This year the matric results will be available to the public on 27 December at two 'o clock. For those who are unable to come to the school itself to receive the results, the full set of marks for each candidate will be made available on our website at www.wynghs.co.za 

In order to access their marks, matriculants will need to punch in their examination numbers. Once this information has been supplied, each candidate's subjects, the percentage obtained for each in the final examination and the average of each candidate will be published.         

P Orpen

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

2002 has been a busy and challenging year for the English Department. With the advent of CASS at the senior level as well as the ongoing OBE in the junior grades, the English staff was catapulted into new areas which demanded a great deal of time and energy. Thanks to the commitment, dedication and professionalism of the educators in this department, we succeeded in meeting all the challenges with success.

This year has also brought with it exciting changes in the form of AS levels which were introduced into the Grade Eleven year. This helped to extend the pupils, who were privileged to be given the opportunity of exploring English Literature on a deeper and different level. Our appreciation goes to Ms Orpen, Mrs de Wet, Mrs Rogers and Ms Lawrence for the extra time and effort spent on implementing and running this course.

It is with sadness that we bid farewell to Mrs de Wet at the end of this year. We would like to convey our heartfelt thanks for the time, effort and expertise she has given to Wynberg Girls’ High over the many years she has taught here. We are indebted to her for the way she upheld the
excellent standards of English, her support for English as a vital part in the education of her students, her encouragement of reading and her communication of these values to both parents and students. Not only will the English Department and Wynberg Girls' High School feel the loss of such talent, but the teaching profession as a whole will be the poorer without her.

We wish you well, Cynthia de Wet - we shall miss your wonderful wit and the love you have for your subject.

M Lawrence and
P Orpen

A few weeks into the term, the practical Ballet Examinations were performed on the stage of the Aileen Currie Hall. Sheila Chisholm, well-known dance critic and dance personality, was the examiner. Girls were beautifully groomed and extremely well behaved. We congratulate all of them.

Many of you will remember the successful production of Cats, also presented at The Artscape Theatre, for which Wynberg Girls' High School had a block booking. A new block booking is available for the forthcoming season of Sunset Boulevard at the same venue. Pieter Torien is moving mountains to bring us these world famous productions. Girls who are interested in joining Wynberg Girls’ High at a performance in late January or early February 2003, should let Ms Shapiro know at the beginning of the year. Details and prices will follow.

C Shapiro

SCIENCE ACTIVITIES

On 11 October, two teams of three girls took part in the Royal Society of Chemistry Schools' Quiz at the University of Cape Town. The programme had both a theoretical and a practical section. The pupils acquitted themselves well, but did not manage to earn any of the prizes.

Later on in the term, four pupils were part of an enthralled audience at the annual University of Cape Town Phenomenal Physics Lecture.

To encourage a greater interest in the scientifically related subjects, a school Science Expo will be held at the end of the first term 2003.

D Jaaback

FRENCH DEPARTMENT

With little time in this busy term to have “fun” events, we were nevertheless able to organize two French breakfasts for the Grade Nine and Grade Ten groups. Once again, we thank the Hostel staff for allowing the large Grade Nine class to use the dining room.

W Thomson

Some pearls of wisdom from Mr Wray:

• to ensure that your end product is stunning, you have to start with good quality products - a famous foodhall was mentioned, Buffalo cheese and very expensive salt.
• to ensure that you have lime juice all year round - when limes are in season buy lots – squeeze into an ice tray and freeze.

We knew that he had them sold on the idea of making their own pasta when they asked where a pasta machine could be bought and what it cost! He can have a job in the Home Economics Department any time. Mr Wray has volunteered to do more dems in 2003. We have every intention of taking him up on this!

A Fowkes

Next year, the same format will apply: three different modules will be offered on three different days of the week and an exam twice a term for those who have reached the required standard. It is likely that the three modules we will cover in the first half of the first term of 2003 will be Module 2 (File Management), Module 4 (Spreadsheets) and Module 7 (e-mail and the Internet).

J Richardson

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Not only was the Music Department kept on its toes rehearsing and finalizing details for the Carol Service this term, but in between the usual curricular activities, internal and external music exams had to be fitted in. However rehearsals, concerts and all calendar events went off without a hitch.

The Music Department is undergoing a ‘facelift’ at the moment. New carpets have been laid, the rooms have been painted, notice boards have been put up, finishing touches still need to be done such as the curtains, which need to be hung. What a change this has already made! The atmosphere that you feel when you walk down that corridor is one that is ‘bursting with creativity’.

PRIZE-GIVING AND VALEDICTORY

From the second day until the very last day of this term, our reliable orchestra has been at the post, ready to provide the accompaniments for most of the calendar events where audience singing is involved.
Within the very first week of term, two major calendar events – Prize-giving and the Valedictory Service – Members of the orchestra and our other instrumentalists need to be commended on all the extra time and energy that they have put into accompanying the pianist at our school assemblies. This term, especially, we have noticed them regularly, at our formal and informal assemblies.

ENSEMBLE EXAM/CONCERT

An event on the musical calendar which we thoroughly enjoyed was the Ensemble Exam/Concert. This Exam, presented in the form of a concert, was adjudicated by the music staff and formed part of the final music practical exam. It also allowed parents, family and friends to share in the
progress and performance abilities of the music students. Music students not taking it as a subject, but who participate in the extra-curricular instrumental ensembles and the new marimba band, were also invited to perform on this occasion. All participants worked very hard and did
themselves proud. We do commend them all! We extend our thanks to the all the staff members and parents who supported this exam/concert.

EXTERNAL EXAMS: UNISA & ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC ASSOCIATED BOARD

Well done and congratulations to Jeanne van Rensburg, who achieved a Merit certificate for her UNISA Theory Grade IV and Piano Grade V examinations. Two candidates were entered for the Royal Schools Grade V Theory exam. Stacey Lewis and Erin le Roux obtained 74% and 86% respectively for these exams. We commend all of these girls on their achievements.

E Lith

At our Valedictory ceremony, the choir’s rendition of ‘You’ll never walk alone’ by Richard Rodgers had many Grade Twelves holding back their tears as the words, so appropriate for the occasion, touched them deeply.

THE CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA

The choir is planning a choir camp early next year and members have been hard at work trying to raise funds. Cake-sales and a car wash are amongst those successful fundraising activities that were organized. Members of the choir raise funds for their weekend.

Members of the choir raise funds for their training weekend

Members of the choir and the Vocal Ensemble (a capella) continued with rehearsals for the Carol Service, under the direction of Mrs Barwise, during their exams. The Vocal Ensemble performed ‘Angels from the realms of glory’ arranged by D. Willcocks and the choir sang ‘O Holy Night’ by
A. Adams beautifully. Miss Franke accompanied the choir.

The orchestra continued to rehearse during the exams in preparation for the Carol Service as well as the Junior and Senior Prize Giving which took place at the end of term. The Wynberg Boys’ Junior School Orchestra joined us in providing accompaniments to the carol singing and performed an orchestral overture and finale to open the proceedings and finish the event.

Family and friends gather together
for the Carols by Candlelight service

P Orpen

MATRIC BREAKFAST AND INFORMAL VALEDICTORY 2002

It is a time-honoured tradition for the Matrics and their teachers to meet for breakfast on the morning of their Valedictory Day. It is always an occasion of much jubilation and celebration. As the teachers and the pupils arrived at the school, the shrieks of delight, and their sheer exuberance spilled out into the streets surrounding the school.

The Matrics of 2002 have once again impressed their teachers with the extraordinary thoughtfulness and their organisation. Dividing the new double classroom into sections, they had provided a space for the teachers and each class to collect their breakfast. Each breakfast box had a special Matric 2002 design on it, and each was filled with an absolutely scrumptious breakfast. Thanks must go to Mrs Leibbrandt, who had all of the boxes especially printed for the occasion, and to the fathers, Mr Leibbrandt and Mr King, who fetched the enormous muffins from the bakery in the early hours of the morning!

Some of the superb creations the Matrics wore
to their Informal Valedictory Service

INFORMAL VALEDICTORY SERVICE

Immediately after the breakfast, the entire school from Grade Eight to Eleven filed excitedly and (needless to say) noisily into the hall for the most popular event of the year: the Matric Informal Valedictory.

The highlight of the morning, however, was the expertly compiled Matric video. Including events from the year, such as the Matric Sleepover and Forty Days celebrations, the school joined in with the laughter as we got an in-depth look at what their year had really been like. Tribute has to
be given to Amy Leibbrandt who made it her business to ensure that every single 2002 Matriculant appeared at least once in the video.

The 2002 Informal Valedictory Service was certainly the topic of many class discussions afterwards. Tastefully and hilariously done, it's going to be remembered for quite a while at Wynberg.        

Tara Notcutt

FORMAL VALEDICTORY SERVICE

The Valedictory Service is one of the Rites of Passage that most Wynberg Matriculants anticipate with great excitement, eagerness and relief. It is a ceremony in which the school is able to savour, for just a moment, the important transition that our young Wynberg women are to make.
And it is fitting, if their teachers have done their jobs well, that our Matriculants should be ready to make the transition with both relief and excitement.

What their teachers - each year - view with wry fondness is the vulnerability that takes these young women by surprise on this day. It is generally not in the joyful exuberance of the Informal Valedictory Concert that they experience the import of what is happening to them: it is in the
traditions and the rituals of the formal assembly held to light their way from one stage to another, whether it be from secondary to tertiary education, or from the school halls to the workplace, or the confines of the school grounds to the world of travel.

The hymns that are sung are chosen by the Matriculants. The school and staff are afforded an opportunity to bid them farewell, and they too are given an opportunity to say farewell to those who remain. It is a time when badges of office are passed from one year to the next as the Prefects are inducted. As with most important changes, it is a time of mixed emotions.

Welcomed formally as the Guests of Honour by Ms Lawrence, Area Head for Grade Twelve, they were reminded by her of Adrienne Rich's words from Song - one of the poems they studied this year. In the poem, Rich speaks of the loneliness of being "the one awake in a house wrapped in
sleep," the importance of knowing oneself, and in being just that - oneself - embracing the responsibility of transforming ideas and others around one. They're inspiring words, and uncompromising words - entirely fitting for the kinds of women these Matriculants are. Mrs McEwen reminded them of some of the events that they shared as a Grade, and offered some practical wisdom with which to leave the school.

They have worked hard and well, and played hard and well. They have been an exceptional group, and will be sorely missed by staff and fellow pupils.

P Orpen

Parents and guests attend the
2002 Matric Art Exhibition.

Tribute was given to their teacher, Ms Carina Vosloo who has worked tirelessly with all of the students individually: encouraging them,
supporting and guiding them. Needless to say, she gave all credit to her students and to the support their parents had given to them during this exceptionally demanding year. She also paid tribute to her colleague, Ms Wyn Kierman, who has worked with the Standard Grade Painting students.

There is little doubt that the journey of discovery and learning that the 2002 Matriculants have undergone with their teacher over the last three years has been a difficult and demanding one, but it has been one which they have undertaken courageously and one which has produced  extraordinary fruit. It was a wonderful evening.

P Orpen

SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT

MATHEMATICS WHIZ KID, YUMNA MOOSA, HONOURED REPEATEDLY IN NATIONAL OLYMPIADS

Yumna Moosa in Grade Nine has established herself as a mathematician of note. At the beginning of this year, along with 26 500 other Grade Eights and Nines, Yumna wrote the first round of the Junior Section of the Harmony Gold South African Maths Olympiad. She and sixteen
other girls progressed to the second round, where 5500 learners wrote a tough paper. The paper was not too tough for Yumna, however, and she was placed in the top eleven. There is no third round in the junior competition, so the top eleven juniors were invited to write the third round paper in the senior competition.

Yumna and Bradley allow us to interrupt
their work to photograph them

Before the third round, Yumna participated in the various trials for the Western Province team for the Interprovincial Olympiad. She qualified for the team, which went on to win the Interprovincial. Besides these extraordinary achievements, Yumna was also placed in the top ten in the
University of Cape Town Mathematics Competition.

While Yumna obviously has abundant mathematical ability, she is also someone with tremendous dedication and initiative. Not wanting to be at a disadvantage when competing against learners in Grades Ten, Eleven and Twelve in the third round, Yumna borrowed a textbook from Mr David Burrell, so that she could teach herself Trigonometry. 

She has also put an immense amount of time and effort into preparing for the various competitions, by working through past papers and attending the enrichment classes (open to all learners from Girls’ and Boys’ High) which run every Thursday from 15:00 to 16:00 both at school
and at UCT and which are led by Bradley Preston, currently at UCT. He represented South Africa in the International Mathematics Olympiad in Romania in 1999 and also represented South Africa in the Asian-Pacific Olympiad. Bradley has worked with Yumna all year and gave her extra
coaching before the third round of the Olympiad.

On Saturday evening 19 October, Yumna attended a Prize Giving Ceremony in Johannesburg to receive a silver medal for being placed in the top eleven of the National Olympiad. She received further good news on Saturday evening when she was awarded the Dawie du Toit gold medal for being the ‘Top Junior in the Third Round.’

So, from the initial 26 500 who entered, Yumna ended up as the Number One junior mathematician in the country. Not stopping at this, she has also entered a Mathematics Competition run by the University of Pretoria, and in this too she has excelled. The school was delighted to hear that she was the national runner up in this competition, attaining a mark of 94%.

These are phenomenal achievements and the school is exceptionally proud of her.

D Burrell

Yumna and her family at the Junior Prizegiving

SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT

TARA NOTCUTT AWARDED A CERTIFICATE BY THE SOUTH PENINSULA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR HER PLAY

Earlier on in the year, students all over the peninsula were invited by the South Peninsula Department of Health to submit plays on a number of contemporary issues with which this department is dealing. Amongst the topics were Tuberculosis, HIV/Aids, the Prevention of Violence and Abuse, Anti-Tobacco Drives and Support of the Environment.

We were delighted to hear at the end of last term that Tara Notcutt has had a play which she has written selected by the South Peninsula Department of Health as one of the best that they had read, and this has gone forward to the finals which will be judged later this year. A representative from the South Penisula Department of Health attended one of our special assemblies to award her a certificate acknowledging her achievement.

P Orpen

WYNBERG'S FASHION DESIGNS HIT THE PRESS

Once again, the work of our Art girls has been featured in The Cape Argus and The Big Issue as they participated in a fashion show which was part of a three-day Propak Cape Exhibition. In this article, a photograph of Keely-Ann Barrett modelling her Fanta Ensemble was featured, reminding their readers that one did not have to be rich to look stunning.

However, she was not the only Wynberg girl who has been invited to be part of the modelling and fashion team of Eco Fashions, a New Promotions company which has started as a result of the very successful fashion show at the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in
Johannesburg and the Fashion Africhill Event in Cape Town. The work of Eve McKercher, Andrea Bryant and Melanie Gericke has also been selected as part of the highly desirable wardrobe for models at the Cape in Fashion Festival.

The Cape in Fashion Festival opened on 22 October and aims amongst other things to establish Cape Town as the fashion centre of the southern hemisphere. Further events in this Festival, in which the work of Keely-Ann Barrett, Eve McKercher, Andrea Bryant and Melanie Gericke were modelled, included a Gala event on 31 October at Kirstenbosch, and a fashion event at the Amphitheatre at the V&A Waterfront on 3 November. While Andrea and Melanie were unable to model their own work, because they had been writing their Matric examinations, their work was very happily modelled by others at the event.

    
Keely-Anne's Fanta-stical Fashion Design   

LEADERSHIP

Announced at the end of the third term on Wednesday 25 September, and beginning their term of office in the fourth, it gives us enormous pleasure to present all of the leaders of the year 2003 to you.

PREFECTS

HEAD GIRL
Alex Butterfield

DEPUTY HEAD GIRL
Nikki Aspeling

The Prefects of 2003 receive their badges from those of 2002

ATERLOO HOUSE - HOSTEL PREFECTS

HEAD GIRL:  
Kelly Bevan

DEPUTY HEAD:        
Felicity Taylor

THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL OF LEARNERS

Three Grade Eights will be elected in January 2003.

Voting for the RCL

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

SPORTS CAPTAINS

SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE

This committee is required to work with a number of different teachers who are responsible for the organising of various special events, which take place during the year, such as Open Day, the Arts Festival, the Grade Eight Braai and the Achievers’ and Service Dinner. Mr Burrell will be the
liaison teacher who assumes overall responsibility.

CLOTHING AND FORTY DAYS  COMMITTEE 

Working with Mrs Wilding, this group is responsible for the organisation of the Matric badges, informal top and Matric jersey. They are also expected to organise the activities for the Matrics to celebrate the last forty school days before Valedictory Day.

MATRIC DANCE COMMITTEE.

This group of girls is responsible for the organisation of the Matric Dance menu, finding an appropriate disco for the dance, the décor, and arranging the photography for the evening. They are also required to arrange for the videoing of the event, to design and order souvenir glasses and co-ordinate fund-raising amongst the different classes for the event. Matrics on this body work closely with Mrs Wilding and Mrs Fowkes.

MATRIC PAST PUPILS’ COMMITTEE.

Working closely with Ms Orpen, the girls appointed to these committees are responsible for collecting information for the archives on any Wynberg Girls' High School pupil, past or present, during the course of the year.

They are responsible for the promotion of membership of the Old
Girls' Union and are involved in the organisation of the Founders' Day Celebrations. For this event, they are expected to become involved in the advertising of the event, the service, tea and sports matches.

It is a committee that has responsibilities beyond the period that the girls are at school, because these girls undertake to oversee the organising of regular reunions for the class of 2003 in order to maintain contact with the school. Finally, they facilitate the gathering of records for our Past Pupils database.

THE MATRIC MAGAZINE COMMITTEE

This group assists Mrs Martin and Ms Edwards with all of the materials that are to appear in the Magazine, which is produced annually. They are responsible for collecting reports, articles, creative work and photographs during the year.

MATRIC YEARBOOK COMMITTEE. 

Each year, the Matrics put together a yearbook, which accompanies the magazine to remind them of the finer moments of their final year at school. To this end, the girls on this committee record the events, highlights, classes and individuals, which make up the Matric Class of 2003 at Wynberg Girls' High School.

Working closely with Mrs Martin and Ms Edwards, they are responsible for the layout, design and content for this Magazine supplement.

TUCKSHOP COMMITTEE

This is a new committee which is responsible for ensuring that the behaviour at the tuckshop is appropriate for a Wynberg girl, and to offer support and assistance to Mrs Cartmel should it be necessary. These duties are to be organised on a rotational basis so that there are always two people assisting Mrs Cartmel.

We wish these committees an eventful year and hope that, while it affords them a number of opportunities to extend their leadership abilities, it also provides them with a great deal of fun.

One of the dancing scenes from 'Between the Lines'

The 2002 RCL’s term of office has come to an end and the school would like to thank them for their leadership and hard work this year. They have met on a regular basis to discuss relevant issues, looked at suggestions of pupils and sifted through the results of the quarterly surveys. The RCL Reps of 2002 have also been very active in Grade activities this year.

We wish those who have been elected to this significant position for the year 2003 much success in their term of office.

D Burrell

In good spirits at the prefects' camp

We unpacked our clothes and set up the hairdryers, and then began our two-day crash course to kit us out with the essentials for the forthcoming year. Amongst the issues covered were ‘being a Wynberg leader’, the significance of prefectship, the do’s and don’ts which positions of leadership bring with them, and the management of time and stress.

Between the intense, fun-filled sessions, where the fifteen of us got to see Mrs Harding and Mrs McEwen in quite a different light, we still had lots of laughs and giggles. We got to know each other’s deepest and darkest secrets, we danced and swam, and went on an eventful hike with Mrs Wilding at Cape Point Nature Reserve.

Many teachers came to visit (some stayed for our marshmallow- marie-biscuit pig-out) and Mr Burrell brought along the RCL so that we could all get to know each other and work together more effectively in leading the school.

Apart from learning a tremendous amount and being well prepared for 2003, all said that they had a fantastic time. A true bonding session took place and we are extremely grateful to Mrs McEwen and Mrs Harding for the opportunity they gave us.

A Butterfield

SPORT

CRICKET REPORT

Wynberg’s cricket eleven have had mixed fortunes this term. With two games rained out, the girls have only played two matches. One of these games was against their archrivals, Durbanville. After the pre-match warmup in the bus on the way to Durbanville, the girls emerged onto the pitch and in the first ten overs they had Durbanville reeling at 32/9. The girls quickly finished off their fielding spell in the thirteenth over, with four catches and two run outs assisting them in bowling the opposition out for 39.

Confidently, the opening batswomen strode out onto the pitch, but just as quickly as they got to the centre, so they walked back. None were as quick as Carolyn Jones, who achieved the rare Golden Duck – much to the team’s amusement. The middle order came to the rescue and Wynberg won comfortably in the tenth over with a score of 40/4.

In preparation for the many matches next year the girls will be fine-tuning their skills in the nets with the assistance of the Wynberg Boys.

M Edwards

SWIMMING

A gala that stands out as one of the highlights of 2002, is the Inter-Schools gala that took place on 6 March at Newlands Swimming Pool. Not only did the girls show wonderful camaraderie and spirit, but they also managed to hold their own amidst some fierce competition.

WATER POLO REPORT

We come to the end of a short, but enjoyable, Water Polo term, with all the players working hard on their skills and fitness, whilst continuing to have fun in the water. Wynberg entered four teams this term: 1sts, 2nds, U16A and U14 A. In January 2003, when the new Grade Eights join us, we plan to enter six teams in the League: two U18 teams, two U16 teams and two u14 teams.

A huge thank you must go to Arendene Fourie, who has voluntarily given up so much of her time in her Grade Eleven and Grade Twelve years to coach the U14s and U16s, together with Mr Wray, who two years ago agreed to take on the junior teams. They have both tackled their task with enormous enthusiasm and we will miss Mr Wray’s energy and constant encouragement to the players. We are hoping that Arendene will be able to coach again next year and continue her excellent work.

Congratulations to Kelly Bevan and Kim Brugmann (U18) and Kirsty and Robyn Anderson (U13) who were selected to represent Western Province in Durban in December. This is a tremendous achievement and we are confident that they will enjoy a successful tournament and return with valuable experience to share with their teammates.

Well done to all the players for their efforts this term. We look forward to January 2003 for the important second half of the Water Polo season.

P Bodenstein

ATHLETICS

Once again our athletes have made us proud, bringing in some gold medals and showing the boys how it's done. Practices continue to take place at the boys’ school and we hope that next year many more pupils will join us on the track for this social and competitive sport.

K de Kock

The spirits were ever so willing but the muscles, unaccustomed to the gradient, took some strain. The weather was kind and the views spectacular. (Do you know how easily you can see Wynberg Girls' High School from the top? The astroturf sticks out like a sore thumb!)

Everyone soon settled in and we luckily did not have to share the hut with any other members of the MCSA. The eating proceeded at a steady pace. It could be said that Wynberg Girls' High School hikes on its stomach! Some very brave souls also risked a cold shower. There was talk
of spiders and ghosts and Rudolph’s grave, and we became “The Fellowship Of the Ring”. Those who talked all night and kept others awake unfortunately became Ork 1, and 3.

Next morning Gandalf, with Bilbo Baggins as her able assistant, led the group via EchoValley to the aqueduct, which diverts the water from Window Stream into the dams on the Back Table, then down the Upper Disa gorge to the Waterworks Museum. It is amazing to think that at one
time there was a little settlement here with a post office and pub for the men who worked on the dams (completed in 1897).

We lounged on the rocks around the hut like lizards for a while, catching what we could of the meagre rays of the sun and then headed back to Constantia Nek, a weary but happy Fellowship.

It had all gone really well, until Mrs Mann impaled her 4x4 on a tree stump, but Wynberg parents always make a plan, and with brains and muscle power we got her free. Thanks Grade Eights for a good hike.

M Wilding

DEBATING

The fourth term has been a quiet one for the Debating Society. This allowed us the opportunity to practise forum discussions. Many a Monday afternoon has been spent in Room K, arguing, debating and challenging one another over a variety of different topics. The year has been both successful and enjoyable, and we look forward to an equally busy schedule in 2003.                                                                A Hendricks

CHESS

No league matches take place during the fourth term. New members join up and the team players assist Mr Cowie in teaching them the game. We thank Mr Cowie for the time he so willingly gives and all the effort he makes to provide the girls with written notes about planning their games.
In the Music rooms, chess players concentrate hard. The fourth term is also a time for the team players to reflect on the season's matches and to start working on new strategies for next season. Even though we are still at the bottom of the league, both our teams have done themselves proud and especially the first team have won or drawn many a game. Well done to all our chess players.

E Lith

BLOOD DONORS CLINIC

Every two to three months, our students are given the opportunity to donate blood at the blood clinic. We normally have approximately thirty-three pupils arriving eager to help “save a life”, but only 21 – 25 pass the “medical examination”. They donate a pint of their precious blood. Their reward, besides the biscuits, is the feeling of satisfaction at having helped those in need.

C Knight

ENVIRONMENTAL CAMP AT DE HOOP
25 – 27 OCTOBER 2002

Filled with anticipation and enthusiasm, the environmental club, along with Ms Wilding, Ms Damstra, Mr Bodenstein and his two sons headed off to De Hoop Nature Reserve, an area known for its stunning scenery and wildlife.

Relaxing at Koppie Alleen

The weather was in our favour as we set off for an amazing weekend. After the four-hour drive, which was filled with constant chatter, song and excitement, we reached the Conservation Centre at Koppie Alleen, in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. The centre is situated on a hill with a  breathtaking view of the sea, sand dunes and surrounding fynbos areas.

The following day, we set off to explore the various beaches and rock pools. Here we discovered wonderful pebble beaches and delicate marine animals. The local whale population entertained us with many stunning performances. In the afternoon, we returned to the beaches where we enjoyed running up and down the mountainous sand dunes. That evening, we sat around the campfire and filled the air with laughter and song as we all enjoyed the sunset.

Before heading back to civilisation, we took a short hike to the beaches where, after enjoying the sand, some braved the cold water and swam in the beautiful rock pools.

After bidding farewell to Koppie Alleen, we began our drive home. Many of us were sad to return after such a wonderful weekend. However, our time at De Hoop will be forever in our memories as an unforgettably relaxing and enriching experience.

G Lupton-Smith

SERVICE

INTERACT

It has been another busy term for Interact. During the last week of term we hosted our annual Children’s Christmas Party. This event is always one of the highlights in the fourth term and a lot of planning has gone into ensuring its success.

Jubilant spirits at the Christmas Party organized by Interact

At the beginning of term, the committee spent a Sunday planning for next year and deciding on ways to make Interact more exciting. Wynberg Boys’ Interact joined us for part of the day and the two societies will be teaming up on various projects next year.

Ellie Shortall encourages their guests to pose for the camera

The focus for 2003 will be on having fun, making friends and getting involved within our community. One of the first projects planned for next year is the tea garden at the annual SPCA Fête. The Fête takes place on 2 February and promises to start our year off on a good note.

J Jordan

February   

February

March   

It was a pleasure during some of the months to be able to hand over our cheque personally at an assembly where a representative of the charity was present. In 2002, nearly R2000 was raised by the staff through casual days, and from the letters of thanks written to us, we know that the effort has been well received.

We shall continue with our fundraising in 2003.

T Lauff

MOTHERS WHO CARE

Wynberg Girls' High School would like to thank the small group of faithful mothers who have prayed for the pupils, teachers and their families this year. On many occasions, it has been a relief to know that somebody was praying earnestly on our behalf.

The mothers (and one gentleman), in turn, would like to thank the staff for allowing them the honour of coming before God with the many prayer requests that they have received. They would like to give God all the glory for the many answered prayers.

Any mother, grandmother or aunt who would like to join this prayer ministry in 2003 may contact Mrs Smith at the school.                    

A Smith

D Cheney