|
Newsletter -Volume 6, Issue 1
September
2002
From the Principal's desk
Dear Parents
Another busy term now comes to an end. Our girls have again worked hard to conquer the
many challenges which education has presented! The newsletter speaks of magnificent
results in Olympiads, Expos and other competitions. Sometimes, however, we don’t
recognise enough the magnificent work that many girls do on a daily basis.
Much of this is now part of the new portfolio system, which seeks to give a record of a
year’s work, and is being used in Matric for the first time this year. Unfortunately,
many of the requirements were only given to school quite late, and this has meant extra
pressure for the seniors to cope with. Portfolios are old-hat to the juniors, and weekly
they are adding pieces to their portfolio, which is presented for moderation to the
Departmental Subject Advisors, and which makes up a large part of their final year mark.
We therefore encourage them to continue to improve, as the system seeks to recognise the
best of their work if there has been improvement throughout the year.
The girls have also quietly worked at coming to terms with the death of Tara Beelders, one
of our Grade Eleven learners. A tragedy like this is always a deep sadness, but we strive
to help our girls see tragedy as part of life, and teach them the skills to cope so that
they can be empowered to use those skills in the future. Our heartfelt condolences are
extended to Tara’s parents and family.
The last lap is almost upon us. The Matrics have only three days of the new term ahead of
them, and we wish them all the best for their final examinations. With the leaving of our
Matrics, we begin a new cycle of leadership in the school. We have great faith in the
leaders that have been chosen by their peers for 2003. Our congratulations are extended to
each of them and we wish them a wonderful year in office.
Enjoy the few days rest – see you next term!With best wishes
Shirley Harding.
Tara Beelders - beloved of
and missed by her friends
|
Matrics’
Enchanted Evening
The Matric Dance of 2002 was a magical evening which will
never be forgotten by those who had the privilege of experiencing it.
For the first time ever, one hundred and sixty-two beautiful Wynberg girls were
transported to Paarl – not by limousine, helicopter or pumpkin coach, but by luxury
buses. The much-awaited event was held at the prestigious Nederburg Wine Estate, where the
delicious food and stunning setting made for a truly enjoyable evening.
The Venue – beautifully decorated by the Holiday Inn
A special thank you must be extended to the
Matric Dance Committee, Ms Lawrence and Mrs Wilding for all the hard work they put into
making the evening an unforgettable highlight for the Matric Class of 2002.
Some of our beautiful Wynberg Women! |
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS
’n EERSTE VIR WYNBERG
Ons het werklik rede om baie trots op Lauren Hartmann te wees. Sy is aangewys as die
wenner in die Wes-Kaap vir die vyftiende Gebruiksafrikaans-olimpiade vir 2002. Sy is ook
onder die groep wat agste in die land gekom het. Ons hoop regtig dat sy met hierdie
prestasie ander leerders sal aanmoedig om in die toekoms dieselfe uitslae te bereik. Daar
het vanjaar nege duisend leerders uit vier hondred en viertien skole deelgeneem. 
Lauren ons is trots op jou
Baie geluk ook aan Kelli Futter, Christina
Blom en Lauren Manuel wat bo 80% behaal het.
Welkom aan mev. H. Glass wat hierdie kwartaal by ons aangesluit het. Ons waardeer haar
entoesiasme en harde werk en hoop sy sal baie gelukkig hier wees.
A Cope |
ACADEMIC
DEPARTMENTS
SCIENCE EXPO
In mid-August, nine Wynberg girls entered the UCT EXPO 2002, and three Wynberg teachers
offered their services as judges. All participants gained experience from this exercise. Silver medals were awarded to the following three projects:
| "The impact of the
R300 Cape Town ring road toll road proposal" |
|
Kirsten Skidmore |
| "An investigative
comparison between organic and inorganic products" |
|
Lauren Hartmann and Nicole
Alexander |
| "A device to minimise
the fire hazard in informal settlements" |
|
Christina Blom |
A bronze medal was awarded to the following project:
| " A look at Cape
Town's waste disposal, past present and future" |
|
Michaela Nevin and
Mariėtte Fourie |
Unfortunately, difficulty was experienced in showing the
video of the tacking and gybing of Megan Laird's "Buoyant boat", made
from recycled materials; and Tarn Hodson and Lila Reddy, of Grade Nine, have been
encouraged to extend their "Problems in Hout Bay" project for next
year.
D Jaaback |
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
It has been a very busy third term for the English Department. We were delighted to
welcome into the department some very experienced, highly competent and well-loved
teachers in the persons of Mrs Susan Rogers and Mrs Lynne Martin, who have taken over the
teaching of our Grade Eleven and Twelve students for Mrs de Wet, while she is on leave
until the end of the year. We were equally pleased to welcome Mr Chester Lord, who has
taken over her Grade Nine and Ten classes. During this period, Ms Miki Lawrence has taken
over the position of subject head, and we congratulate her on this appointment. We trust
that Mrs de Wet will enjoy her well-earned leave.
This term we received our English Olympiad results and once again our candidates acquitted
themselves very well, and, in a special assembly, received Silver, Bronze and Merit
certificates in recognition of their achievements. They wrote a three-hour open book
examination on “Conflict and Reconciliation.” The Anglo-de Beers English
Olympiad provides students with an opportunity to work on the basis of self-study and
self-motivation and its aims include encouraging students
- to take responsibility for their own learning
- to think creatively
- to see the relevance of what they study to themselves and
to the world around them.
Candidates who have indicated interest in participating
in the 2003 Olympiad will take on “Humour through the Ages” as their theme, and
once again will sit the examination in March.
Matric candidates have been working hard for their
preliminary examinations and their Final Oral Moderation, which took place on 26 August,
and putting together their Creative Writing portfolios which have replaced the three-hour
creative writing examination. Grade Eleven students have been working hard in preparation
for their AS-levels examination which takes place in November, and they, too, undertook to
write a preliminary examination in September.
Mrs Sparks and Mrs Kourie have worked exceptionally hard
with the debating teams, and a more comprehensive report of their achievements with these
groupings follows.
P Orpen |
DEBATING
This year both our Junior and Senior Debating teams entered the Rotary League competition
and have excelled. The Junior team did extremely well to finish second in their group,
while our Senior Team, Aaliyah Ameer, Christina Blom, Kelli Futter, Kate Jennings and
Jenny Williamson, emerged first of their pool and advanced to the quarter finals of the
competition. The highlight of the year was
subsequently being invited to attend the prestigious LOVELIFE Debating Competition in
Knysna. Representing Wynberg were Christina Blom, Sheree Lang and Anja Hendricks. They did
us proud and Wynberg was placed seventh out of the thirty-three different schools that
attended. We have now been "rated!"
K Futter
DEBATING TOURNAMENT
On 8 August 2002, Anja Hendricks, Christina Blom and Sheree Lang departed for the LOVELIFE
Provincial Games in George to participate in the Debating Tournament. After a seven-hour
bus ride we arrived at PW Botha College, where the tournament took place. The real work
began the next day.
We competed against some of the top schools
in the Western Cape. After a series of exciting and thought-provoking debates, we secured
a position in the Top 10 at seventh place, with Bishops winning the tournament. We arrived
back in Cape Town tired, but secure in the knowledge that we had gained an invaluable
experience.
A Hendricks
FRENCH DEPARTMENT - GRADE EIGHT BREAKFAST
The Grade Eight French class discovered another piece of French culture in the breakfast
(petit-déjeuner) which was served on 23 September. The fare included croissants (bien
sūr) and baguettes which were served with jams and butter and the traditional coffee,
chocolat or tea.
Thanks to the parents who supported the
venture and to the teachers, Ms Thomson and Mrs McDade.
W Thomson |
DANCE
The term had barely begun when a frenzy of activity hit us. In the first week, the Matric
Dance girls energetically performed a rendition of their own choreographic skills at a Cabaret
Evening at Rondebosch Boys' Preparatory School. These same girls attended an anatomy
course on 17 August at UCT in preparation for their final examinations. On the practical
side, the girls have had an intense term with their Practical Preliminary and Final Grade
Twelve Practical Examinations taking place prior to their mock Matric session.
The Grade Nine subject dance girls, 'Amantombazana' performed "Fusion",
a combination of classical ballet and traditional steps with a modern, contemporary feel
at the annual Xhosa Society Concert. This work can be seen on the school website at www.wynghs.co.za
The Grade Nines go through their routine for the Xhosa Concer
We were fortunate to have two Rhodes
University students from the Physical Theatre Company spend an afternoon at the
school. In a single workshop of an hour, our learners were encouraged to discover new ways
of expressing themselves through their bodies in a fusion of dance and dramatic skills.
Video clips can also be seen of this workshop on the school website at www.wynghs.co.za
Those who attended a production of a new version of Sleeping Beauty by Cape Town
City Ballet at the Artscape Theatre on Saturday 14 September were inspired and satisfied
by the professional standard of the work, both technically and theatrically.
C Shapiro-Dodds |
ART - TOTAL WORLD AFRICHILL
A RECYCABLE MATERIALS FASHION EVENT
Earlier this year, Wynberg Girls' High Art students were encouraged to participate in the
annual Fashion Show held by Fairmont High. This year, part of the challenge for the
participants was that the dresses had to be made from recyclable materials. We were delighted to hear that, despite our not offering Design
as a subject, three of our girls had made it to the finals in the competition: Andrea
Bryant (Grade Twelve), Melanie Gericke (Grade Twelve) and Eve McKercher (Grade Ten).
More than this, on the night of the final competition, we heard that Andrea Bryant had
came second in the competition with an innovative mirror dress design .
Subsequently, two of the dresses designed by our pupils were selected to provide a
glamorous edge to the idea of sustainable development in the form of a Fashion Show at the
World Summit held in Johannesburg earlier this year. Celebrities modelled the innovative
creations for our girls on this occasion. The show received wide media coverage, and was
screened on Top Billing on Friday 6 September. And our very own Andrea Bryant modelled her
dress and was interviewed.
This dress can be viewed at the Castle for the month of September as part of the Zig Zag
project: a project that features outstanding work from Western Cape Schools offering
Design as a subject. Although, as has been mentioned, we don’t offer this subject, we
were delighted to have been invited by Sune Stassen, who teaches at Pinelands and Frank
Joubert, to participate in this exhibition. The work of Melanie Gericke and Andrea Bryant
(in Grade Twelve) and EvaeMcKercher, Maxine Kruger, Rebecca Blundell, Lee-Anne Sharpe and
Keely-Ann Barrett are on exhibit at the castle.
Other Fashion Shows were held on Friday 20 September at 16:00 at CD-Warehouse at the
Waterfront, and the following Monday, 23 September at 21h00 at the castle, as part of the
Total World Africhill. Kaya, FM’s Nicky Blumenfeld, the creator of Gallo Music’s
Total World series, will create live re-mixes of South African music. Andrea Bryant,
Melanie Gericke, Keely-Ann Barrett and Eve McKercher will model their creations at this
event.
In the next Big Issue, there will be an article on these exciting events in the
Mother City.
C Vosloo |
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The Third term is without a doubt the most difficult and stressful term for the Music
Staff and especially for the Grade Twelve Music Students.
Not only did our Grade Twelves play their Music Practical and Written Preliminary Exams,
but they also held a Matric Music Concert, entrance to which was by special invitation
only. This concert is, for some of them, a last opportunity to perform favourite pieces
that they have worked on during the course of the year to special friends and family. It
is also a means for them to gain confidence in their own performing abilities. As if that
had not been enough, the Final Music Practical Exam was also concluded during this term.
It’s not hard to imagine that there was significant activity in the music block of
Wynberg Girls' High School. Brave smiles hid frayed nerves, short tempers and imminent
breakdowns. There was a rush to get that last bit of harmony homework done and marked.
Timetables had to be juggled, venues arranged, portfolios sorted out and a final effort
was made by all to practise again and …again … and again. The agonising question
of whether they had ever done enough was the unspoken anxiety.
Then finally, it was all over ….
There were a number of moments when things were touch-and-go, but the Music Department are
delighted that our girls have done themselves proud and breezed through it all
successfully. We wish them all the best of luck for the Final Harmony and GMK Written
Examinations next term.
Practical and written tests, projects and continuous evaluation of practical work for all
the other Grades Eight to Eleven who take Music as a subject were also conducted during
the course of this term. Consequently, it has been a term of growth and consolidation.
ARTS AND CULTURE - MUSIC
Four of the Grade Eight classes have already learned to play a piece on the Marimbas and
also had the opportunity to perform it in front of an audience. Two classes performed at
the Xhosa Concert held earlier on this term and two classes performed at our recent Lunch
Hour Concert. Playing the Marimbas has been a challenging activity for some, but it is
fair to say that most of the girls put in a lot of hard work and effort to give of their
best at their performances. We are proud of them all!
Members of the Orchestra at the 2002
Founders’ Day Assembly |
EXTRA-CURRICULAR MUSICAL
ACTIVITIES
These activities also kept the music staff and the learners on their toes this term. New
members have filled some of the void left by our experienced Grade Twelves in the Choir,
the Vocal Ensemble, the smaller Vocal Groups, the Marimba group, the Orchestra and the
various ensembles.
Any learner in the school who can play an orchestral instrument – whether a clarinet,
a brass instrument, a string instrument, the drums/percussion - is encouraged to take the
opportunity to join in our musical activities. There is always room for more. Join now!
Music at this school can only grow stronger and better if you actively participate.
ASSEMBLIES
Once again we are appreciative of all of our musicians who continue to assist the music
staff with accompaniments at the assemblies.
In some senses, assemblies will never be the same again. Our newly established a capella
group of fourteen eager singers was introduced to the school during a Monday assembly, by
Mrs Barwise (our singing teacher and choir conductor ). Once a month they will entertain
us with a different song, and we look forward to hearing lots more from these keen
singers.
LUNCH BREAK CONCERT
We were filled with delight when the Lunch-hour Concert arranged for this term attracted a
significant audience. Perhaps the variety of items, the versatility of the performers and
the high standard we uphold were some of the factors that drew the crowds. Whatever the
case, it was extremely gratifying.
Tammy Binedell plays the Flute for us
at the Lunch-hour Concert.
Thank you to each and every
performer and to our appreciative and supportive audience for making this an enjoyable
lunch hour concert.
FOUNDERS’ DAY
Our dependable Orchestra once again acquitted themselves well, accompanying the singing on
this formal occasion.
We would like to commend the Girls’ High School and the Girls’ Junior School
Choirs on their outstanding choral singing. The High School Choir, conducted by Mrs
Barwise, entertained us with two ABBA favourites, Money, Money, Money and Dancing
Queen, whilst the Junior School Choir, conducted by Ms Field, entertained us with The
Greatest Love of All and the ever-popular America from West Side Story
by Leonard Bernstein. Well done to both Choirs!
E
Lith |
DRAMA
By the time you read this, the House plays will be history! 
A scene from The Cage Birds, the winning House Play
We do hope that you came to support your
daughters and that you enjoyed the plays. It was a varied programme, but I think the plays
were well chosen and the directors and actresses have done well considering that they had
no staff assistance. Thank you to Mr John Baxter for adjudicating. Congratulations to
Copenhagen, the winning House, and Director, Tanya Fortuin and Assistant Director, Chandre
Stemmers who won the cup for them. Best Actress was Tarn de Villiers, and Best Supporting
Actress was Michelle Genricks. Well done!
Fifteen of our girls have entered into the South African Speech Teachers' Guild
Examinations to be held in October. We have decided that we will definitely have a
parents’ evening next term to showcase the work. The poetry and monologues chosen are
very interesting and the standard of work excellent, so we look forward to showing you the
work.
On the night of Thursday 22 August, Ms Glover took her extra Drama Grade Tens and Elevens
to a performance of The Great Outdoors at the Baxter Theatre. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed
the show and we were lucky enough to have a question and answer session with Jamie
Bartlett (the lead male actor) afterwards.
We have had so many exciting bits and pieces going on this term. On Friday, 6 September,
Sibongile Balfour, Aimee Valentine, Lindy Anderson and Tarn de Villiers accompanied Ms
Glover to St Cyprian's School for a Celebrate Life Festival. It was part of the Youth Aids
Awareness Campaign. We arrived at 12:00 and had lunch in the lovely gardens of the school.
We participated in a very exciting Forum Theatre session with Mark Hoeben and his team of
actors. Our girls were excellent participators, showing maturity, confidence and great
talent.
After the Forum Theatre session (for which
we really needed more time) we had a very emotional address from Zachie Achmat and two
young HIV-positive teenage girls. They all spoke really well and made a huge impact on all
present. The highlight of the afternoon was a drumming session with The African Drum Cafe.
Everyone was issued a drum and once the rhythm was going, we realised what a healing and
unifying experience drumming is. We returned from our day at St Cyprians inspired to start
our own AIDS awareness campaign at Wynberg Girls’ High School. We were reminded what
an integral and important part of education Drama is.
Grade Ten Drama Class at work
|
DRAMA - PHYSICAL INTELLIGENCE
WORKSHOP On Thursday, 12 September we were
thrilled to enjoy a workshop with the First Physical Theatre Company from Grahamstown.
Zingi Mkefa and Thobi Maphanga were very inspiring and taught us a lot about communicating
with our bodies and creative movement. Check our website for some of the action at www.wynghs.co.za
Some of the Dance and Drama girls run
through the routine they have just been taught by Zingi and Thobi
Yes, we have had a busy and inspiring
term!! That is the way we like it. Keep your eyes and ears open for information on our
exam performance dates and more entertainment from the Drama Department.
P Glover
XHOSA SOCIETY
One of the highlights of the Xhosa Society’s
calendar is what has now become an annual event, the Xhosa Concert. This year, the theme
of the concert was ‘iAfrika” – an evening of entertainment in which we
hoped to address issues such as cultural diversity, tolerance and sharing. Despite the
sacrificing of many weekends, rehearsals were times of great creativity, much gossip and
much fun.
One of the vibrant scenes from the
concert
The concert itself was a joyful and
exuberant event, but since it also marked an occasion in which our Grade Twelve students
danced publicly for Wynberg Girls' High School audiences for the final time, it was also a
very sad occasion. They have been sterling members of the Xhosa society, and given
generously of themselves to Wynberg. Their creativity, willingness to share their skills
and their commitment to the growth of the society are enormously appreciated. We will miss
them.
We would like, however, to emphasise that
it is not a society for Xhosa-speaking members only, but all girls – whatever their
home language. Anyone who is interested in joining this society should be encouraged to do
so.
After our concert, we were invited to attend an event co-ordinated by the EMDC of the
Southern Metropole which was held to encourage adult learning. This was held at Lentegeur.
Jeanne van Rensburg, one of our Grade Nines, stole the hearts of the audience.
For one hour a week you can learn a lot. Come and join us!
T Mpambo |
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
YOUTH LEADERSHIP COURSE
The second group of girls is currently improving its communication and leadership skills
every Monday evening. During the eight-week course, the participants have the opportunity
of presenting both prepared and impromptu speeches. They also learn the valuable skills of
evaluating and listening. Lots of fun is had with the various games that are played –
all with the aim of improving one's public speaking skills. The philosophy behind the
course is to "learn by doing in moments of fun."
The first course was successfully completed by nineteen girls and it was wonderful to see
the self-confidence that resulted from their participation in the course.
The girls who completed the course were: Ilhaam Abdullah, Kerry Beetge, Christina Blom,
Rebecca Blundell, Samantha Brass, Candice Critien, Sally Critien, Muneera Deaney, Samah
El-Boraei, Alison Engel, Cathy Gillmer, Jessica Groenwald, Kate Jennings, Jessica Jones,
Megan Kruger, Tara Morton, Jessica Riviera, Katherine Robertson, Kimberley Rood and Abbey
Smith.
Congratulations to these girls who all graduated cum laude. We look forward to the second
group of candidates who will be graduating on Monday, 14 October. J McCallum
CAPSTONE
It has been a busy, challenging term with a full and varied programme, organized by the
committee, giving everyone an opportunity to grow. The committee themselves have presented
many of the activities and talks, which have not only been challenging to those receiving
the message but have challenged those presenting it. The cell group system is working
well.
A team from His People led a lively worship session, teaching us the value of worshipping
God and how to do it well.
A big thank you to the outgoing committee and sub-committee, who have worked well to
achieve their goals this year, under the leadership of Claudette Hare. We welcome the new
committee and pray that they will have a blessed and fruitful term of office.
| 2002 COMMITTEE: |
SUB-COMMITTEE |
| Claudette Hare |
Lauren Manuel |
| Lauren Hartmann |
Katy Prudhomme |
| Jessica Howell |
Katherine Knight |
| Nikki Aspeling |
Ondine Corewijn |
| Michelle Genricks |
Fiona Gibson |
|
Sarah Ward |
2003 NEW COMMITTEE: |
Nikki Aspeling |
Michelle Genricks |
Fiona Gibson |
Sarah Ward |
Ondine Corewijn |
Jessica Riviera |
Sheree Lang |
D Hartmann
FIRST AID
Another opportunity has arisen at Wynberg Girls' High School, namely Emergency Care
Training. Thirty girls thus far in 2002, have completed and passed their Level One, Two or
Three training with flying colours.
We now have a small group of passionate and very capable First Aiders who report for duty
at Hockey matches played at home. As this group becomes larger, they should become more
visible at other sports matches, wearing their fluorescent and luminescent First Aid tops!
We commend our girls and are delighted that we have this very important group offering
their services to the school community!
A Smith |
CLUBS
AND SOCIETIES
ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY
DIKKOP TRAIL
In the belief that Spring had arrived, we organized a trip to the Koeberg Nature Reserve
in August. The day was clear and crisp with magnificent views across Table Bay to Table
Mountain. Unfortunately, the spring flowers had not yet bloomed, but the Southern Right
Whales were excellent compensation!
ENVIRONMENT CLUB
Arbor Week was celebrated with a combination of activities. Rob Small from Abalimi
Bezekhaya gave an illustrated talk on the wonderful work done by the organization in
Khayelitsha and elsewhere. They give unemployed women the chance to grow vegetables and
feed their families. These food gardens are also combined with water wise indigenous Cape
Flats fynbos, and thus help to conserve this form of fynbos which is greatly endangered by
urban sprawl. Rob Small’s talk was followed by a showing of the film City Slickers.
This delightful video on the penguins of Boulders was greatly enjoyed by both the girls
and staff. It was bought by the Environment Society and has proved a popular purchase.
The Cape Town Interschools Environment Quiz has been a significant feature in this
term’s calendar. Our team for 2002 was Rosa Chang, Danielle Alexander, Kylie Hanekom
and Gillian Lupton-Smith. The team did very well, coming first out of seventy-six schools
after two rounds. The finals were held on 18 September at Canal Walk. No previous scores
count, so that the six schools in the finals start from scratch again and all the teams
come with a determination to win. In the finals, we came fifth. Congratulations to all of
the participants.
Our Environmental Quiz Team
The club has a weekend booked from 25
– 27 October at De Hoop Nature Reserve on the South Coast. This reserve is famous for
many things, including a colony of Cape Vultures and the large number of whales to be seen
there between July and November. The cost is very reasonable and we hope that many girls
will take advantage of this opportunity to stay at the education centre at Koppies Alleen.
Danielle Alexander will now take over as Chairperson for 2002 –2003 and our sincere
thanks to Mariėtte Fourie for her hard work in the past year.
M Wilding
CHESS
We are indeed grateful to Mr Cowie for his advice, endless patience and time which he so
generously offers to our chess players.
As there is no fixed day on which matches take place, it has the potential of a nightmare
trying to find suitable days on which to play these league matches. Nearly every week this
term, our teams either played at home or away.
The first team, captained by Cindy Stringer, has had a very good season so far with four
wins, five losses and three draws. Each player in our first team has managed to win three
or more games in total. We commend their achievements! Our second team, captained by Rosa
Chang, have not had a winning season, but certainly did have a positive attitude. We
commend them on their unending enthusiasm, commitment and loyalty to the game. Three of
the players have managed to win a game here and there.
Both teams have gained in experience and confidence. We look forward to the challenges
offered by playing other schools.
E Lith |
WEB COMMITTEE
Because the third term is not an exam term for most students in the school, it is a term
in which there are numerous events to cover, and this one has been no exception. You
simply have to look at the calendar of events on the website to see just how hard the
committee has been working. However, it is also a term of transition, since for three
weeks, a significant number of our Grade Twelve Committee Members are out of action, and
new writers, photographers and leaders have to step into their places. So while our
hard-working Matriculants were preparing for and sitting their Preliminary Examinations,
those few remaining in the Web Committee went on a recruiting drive.
Aiggy Shen, our new Chairperson for 2003, while inviting new members from the Grade Tens
and Elevens, warned them that any potential web committee members should only join this
committee if they were “interested in hard work, and were committed to playing a role
in marketing the school.” We were delighted when a core group of enthusiastic Grade
Tens and Elevens signed up to work on the committee. And already, teachers have commented
on the industry and commitment of the new committee!
While delighting in and celebrating the newcomers, we would like to pause a moment to
acknowledge the significant role the Matric Web Committee members have played. Particular
mention must be made of Lauren Manual, our diligent and responsible secretary, and Leanne
Johansson, an outstanding and exceptionally hard-working chairperson. Apart from driving
the committee, Leanne never failed to volunteer covering, photographing or typing up a
handwritten article on one of the events taking place. We are extremely grateful to them
all, and will miss them.
In the meantime, we have provided our programmer, Marcus Collins, with the spec for our
new database driven website, and completion is scheduled for early December. Once this
happens, not only do we expect far better coverage of the events which are taking place at
school, it will also be far more interactive, and fully searchable.
I really do salute the work of the girls on the Web Committee: not only do they put in
hours at the events themselves, but they then are required to find an angle on which to
report the event, run through the photographs or video clips which have been taken, and
put together a report for the website. They are much appreciated.
P Orpen |
YOGA
Yoga classes are given on two afternoons a week and although attendances have dropped
somewhat, there is always a keen group on each afternoon. Personal improvement in any one
posture motivates learners to continue coming to the sessions. Relaxation, held at the end
of each session, is particularly beneficial to learners who may have had a stressful day.D Jaaback
SCIENCE CLUB
On a Wednesday afternoon the opportunity exists for budding scientists to make use of the
laboratory facilities to carry out scientific investigations, under supervision. This
facility is under-utilised, but the situation may change next year when it is planned to
hold a school expo.
D Jaaback
MOTHERS WHO CARE
Mothers Who Care consists of a small group of Christian mothers who believe in the power
of prayer. Their primary objective is to provide prayer support for the learners and
educators at Wynberg Girls' High School. They believe in God’s ability and
willingness to help and bless. They can be called upon in confidence at any time for
emotional, spiritual or practical support.
The group, led by Mrs Sally Johnson, meets at school on a Thursday from 1:30pm to 2:30pm.
At present, prayer requests are placed in a box in the staff room. The prayer items, which
may be written anonymously, are treated in the strictest confidence. Urgent requests are
conveyed to the members of the prayer group by telephone.
Any mothers, grandmothers or guardians who feel called to be part of this ministry are
welcome to contact Mrs Smith at school. Any learners or parents who have prayer requests
are also welcome to hand these in at the office in a sealed envelope addressed to
“The Mothers’ Prayer Group”.
A Smith
|
SPORT
SHOOTING
Congratulations to Simone Potter, who took part in the Western Province Shooting Trials
for Junior Girls, held at Good Hope Shooting Range, Atlantis, on 23 and 24 August. On the
first day she shot her personal best, and achieved a score of 87.5% for the two days.
She has been included in the Western Province Junior Girls’ Shooting team and will
represent Western Province at the South African Bisley in Bloemfontein at the end of the
term. Good luck, Simone!V
Muller
NETBALL
The Netball Season was a good one this year. All the teams played extremely well and the
U19A team is to be commended for coming third at Interschools and second in the League.
Congratulations to Danielle Kroezen who made the Western Province Development Team; Angela
Lewis, Caryn Ziervogel, Matshego Koza and Kelly Adams who made the Transnet Squad and
Keeyan Dick who was selected as Vice-Captain of the Western Province U19A side.
K de Kock
Danielle and Keeyan
our Western Province Netball representatives
SAILING CLUB
As the few experienced school sailors were involved in the hockey tour to Australia this
year, we did not participate in the inter-school regattas. However, the captain, Tamlyn
Meyer, did arrange a couple of sailing outings for beginners. Next year we hope to be
fully operational.
D Jaaback |
SPORT HOCKEY REPORT
Wynberg Girls' experienced a very successful hockey season this year, which culminated in
both the First and U16A's winning Interschools, and the U14A's coming second.
Hartleyvale was a scene of excitement and tension, as the First Team had to wait for the
result of the last match between Herschel and Rustenburg in order to determine that we
beat Herschel on goal average!! We scored 14 goals during the morning’s play to
Herschel's 4!
The Unbeatables with Coach,
Andi Bernstein
The U14B's also finished their season
unbeaten, whilst the U14C's lost only one match - a good sign for things to come!
The first team also won the school girls' Premier League, only losing one match over a
twelve-month period! This is the first time since 1998. This means that we are presently
ranked Number One in Cape Town!!
Founders’ Day has come and gone with the First Team beating a really good Old Girls
team 3-0. It was great to see old girls who still play competitive hockey come back and
play at school!
The girls have a short rest period before starting Indoor Hockey in the second week of
next term.
A Bernstein
|
Our Hockey Captains
bring home the Interschools' trophy |
|
SQUASH
Social Squash has been more popular than ever this term, and more senior girls have joined
the sport. We encourage you to keep practicing during the summer months and to join us
again next year.
Overall, the girls improved this season and kept the name of the school high. The first
team won two of their five matches and succeeded in bringing home the Interschools’
Trophy. The second team had strong opposition and lost all five matches, the third team
won four of their six matches and the fourths won three and lost two narrowly. However,
all of them played hard and with great sportsmanship!
Exciting matches were played against two touring groups from Zimbabwe:
- On 12 August, Wynberg played five girls from Harare
Convent and narrowly lost 2-3
- On 19 August, Wynberg played a strong team from Chisipite
School and lost 1-8.
We are especially grateful to those parents who hosted
the girls: we appreciate your kindness and help.
Congratulations to Jackie van Vlaanderen (U16) and Simone Sardo (U19) for their wins in a
tournament in Paarl on 25 August where they each received a gold medal.
We say goodbye to our Grade Twelve players: Arendene Fourie and Mariėtte Fourie, Nicole
Bosman and Abigail Page. We will miss them. Our appreciation is extended to Arendene
especially, who did a splendid job as captain! Best wishes to you all.
Finally a special thank you to our coach, Mr Lionel White, for all his help and
encouragement. Also thank you to the teachers who drove the girls to the different courts
every week, and to the parents for their support.
J Nel and P Bodenstein
We salute the First Squash Team
players,
who brought the interschools’ trophy home |
DATES FOR YOUR
CALENDAR October
| 7 October |
Term Starts |
|
Hostel Matric Farewell |
| 8 October |
Grade 12 Awards Ceremony |
| 9 October |
Valedictory
Service |
| 16-18 October |
Prefect Camp |
| 14 October |
19:30 Grade Eleven Meeting and PTA |
| 17 October |
9:00 Art Moderation |
| 18 October |
18:00 Art Exhibition |
| 22 October |
8:15 English Exam |
| |
12:00 Charity Walk |
| |
18:30 Opening of new buildings |
| 24 October |
Joint Schools’ Governing Body Meeting |
| 25 October |
Boarders’ Out Weekend |
| 28 October |
School Governing Body and Budget Meeting |
| 31 October |
Music Concert |
November
| 1 November |
English Exam Day |
| |
Hostel Prefects Seminar |
| 6 November |
Start of Ramadan |
| 8 November |
Boarders’ Out Weekend |
| 11 November |
Finance Meeting and SGB By-Election |
| 13 November |
Exams begin |
December
| 2 December |
Geography Grade Eleven Outing |
| 3 December |
General Knowledge quiz |
| |
Athletics Day |
| |
End of Ramadan |
| 4 December |
Book Sales |
| |
Hostel Christmas Dinner |
| 5 December |
Prize Giving |
| 6 December |
Year Ends for Pupils |
| |
Eid ut-Fitr |
| 11 December |
Year ends for Staff |
|
OUTREACH & SERVICE
Four third-year social work students from UCT are currently running a community work
project with our Grade Nines and Tens. This very exciting on-going work is something that
requires the voluntary and continued commitment of our students, and is something that we
regard as having inestimable value.
Candice Hourquebie and Aida Fragoso report on the Grade Nine work:
During our time here, we have been running a community project called MAD (Make a
Difference) involving a number of the Grade Nine girls. The project consists of two
sub-projects, which are a soup kitchen and the book-making work parties. They both involve
our adopting a school in the community that is less privileged than Wynberg Girls' High.
We have chosen to work with Ottery Road Methodist Primary School, and help them to better
their current situation. This includes the provision of resources.
Through the Soup Kitchen Project, the Grade Nine girls have organised classes to bring a
vegetable every week, and then groups of them get together on a Tuesday afternoon to make
the soup for the Ottery Road children. The soup is then delivered to the school, along
with bread given to us by the girls or donated by “Bread on Wheels”
In the book-making party, the Grade Nines have an opportunity to be the author of their
own children’s book, while enjoying their own music, snacks and drinks. They work on
their books together, and later on their own to make up number and alphabet books, as well
as their own story books. Old books are also to be collected towards the end of the
project from the girls, their friends and family, in order to help build up the Ottery
Road school resources as much as we can.
Thus far, the project has been a success on the part of those helping from Wynberg and
those benefiting at the Ottery Road School. The girls involved have had fun meeting new
people in their grade, and helping people who might not have as much as they have been
given in their lives. Wynberg girls have brought our project alive and they really are
MAD!!
The Grade Nines make books
|
OUTREACH AND
SERVICE
Rozanne Stevens and Claire Barrow report on the Grade Ten project:
We have been working on this project with the Grade Tens since the beginning of this term.
The projects is called “Adopt-a-School” and entails the Grade Tens of Wynberg
Girls' High School using the resources available to them to help a less fortunate school.
The school that the Grade Tens are working with is Oranjekloof Primary School in Hout Bay.
The project involves two activities: namely a sandwich drive and a tutoring programme.
Grade Tens give up their breaks to
make sandwiches
The sandwich drive entails the Grade Ten
girls donating bread and fillings and making sandwiches during their break every Tuesday.
These sandwiches are then handed out to pupils at Oranjekloof Primary. So far the sandwich
drive has been a wonderful success, and the Grade Tens have managed to donate over 150
sandwiches each week. Without the kind donations from the Grade Tens as well as Blue
Ribbon Bakery, Duens Bakery and Caledon Kwikspar, and the Grade Elevens, the sandwich
drive would not have been sustainable.
The tutoring system entails transporting volunteer
tutors from Grade Ten at Wynberg Girls' High School to Oranjekloof Primary School in Hout
Bay every week. During these tutorials the Grade Ten tutors share their knowledge with the
Grade Seven pupils at Oranjekloof Primary, by helping them with English, Reading and
Maths. We have found that this has been a great growth experience for both the tutors and
their pupils – perhaps these are teachers in the making!
|
INTERACT
The term started off with our induction ceremony where the committee of 2002/3 was
inducted. The new committee promised to make sure that the year that lies ahead will be
one full of fun-filled activities and contented smiles.
Next, we held a movie day to get the term going. Our main and most rewarding project of
the term was an “Orphan Fun Day” which was held on 9 September in conjunction
with the Muslim Students’ Society. We invited Tenterden House, which is situated in
Wynberg, and hosted the party at our school. On the day we were greeted with big smiles
and cheerful faces. On their arrival they played pass-the-parcel, which was thoroughly
enjoyed by both the guests and us. They then had some lovely party goodies such as chips,
popcorn, sweets and cupcakes. The next activity was a Marie Biscuit workshop where our
guests decorated their biscuits with icing sugar, smarties and jelly tots.
They then needed to work off all of their energy. The boys (as well as some of the Wynberg
Girls) went off to the front lawn to play an energetic game of soccer while the girls
elected to stay behind in the hall to skip and play with Hoola Hoops.
To finish off we had a vibrant round of musical chairs followed by another round of
pass-the-parcel. It was then time to say goodbye, but all of us were determined that we
would be staying in touch.
Next term promises to be an active and exciting one, which includes our annual
children’s Christmas party.
I would like to say a special thank you to Ms Jordan, the teacher-in-charge, and all the
mums who so willingly give of their time to assist us. Thank you also to all our loyal
Interact members for their enthusiastic involvement. It is wonderful to know that there
are people with warm hearts who are willing to give of themselves and their time.M Deaney |
WATERLOO HOUSE
We have had a good term, with few mishaps and a variety of happenings being enjoyed by our
girls. Some of the outings were movies at the Waterfront, "go-karting" at Canal
Walk and attending a performance of The Sleeping Beauty Ballet. In-house
entertainment included a "pizza-and-movie" evening and a Grade Eleven fundraiser
Fashion Show and Talent Contest. |
Waterloo House |
Our Matrics, of course, began this term on a high note
with their Matric Dance. We were privileged to share in their excitement and all the
preparations, while enjoying glimpses of fabric swatches and possible hairstyles, not to
mention, suitable partners. Matrics, warmly wrapped up in winter tracksuits, tottering
dangerously on beautiful, impossibly high, heels, "practising their walk" was a
common sight. As would any proud parent, we admired our girls on the evening of the dance.
All, without exception, looked absolutely beautiful.
As we prepare for our new Leaders' Induction Dinner in the final week of this term, I
would like to extend my very grateful thanks to the wonderful Prefect Body of 2002 who
have been an effective, hard-working group during their term of office and an immense
support to staff, particularly during the time that I was on maternity leave.
Our two GAP boarder mistresses, Natalie Ward and Alex McCredie, left at the end of August
and we thank them for their contribution during their time with us. Welcome to our new
boarder mistresses, Katie Parlatt, who arrived in early August and Lyndsey Coleman who
arrived this month. We look forward to getting to know them better over the next few
months and hope that they will enjoy their stay in South Africa.
D Cheney |
|
