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Newsletter - Volume 7, Issue 2
June
2003
From the Principal's desk
Dear Parents
The Governing Bodies of the four Wynberg schools have met regularly during the first six
months of this year to pursue the feasibility of the Wynberg Campus of Schools. Three
committees have been formed to assess various areas of the school:
Academic: discusses the curriculum, assessment and staff development.
This committee will also discuss the implications of the Further Education and Training
Certificate and how this curriculum can be managed to the best advantage of Wynberg
pupils. Sharing of staff (particularly those subjects for which there is a small demand)
and the possibility of girls taking subjects offered at Boys’ High and vice versa.
Obviously, this is some distance in the future, but Wynberg wants to be the best so
planning must start early.
Administration/Finance: with their focus on fee collection, budgeting,
building and grounds and the possibility of cost savings on purchases, or outsourcing of
various services.
Extra-Murals: although one committee, this group is already forming a
separate focus on sport, and another on cultural activities.
Our service groups have often worked together in the past, and this area
of the school will also be discussed by the committee.
The Wynberg Campus of Schools is looking at the co-ordinate model of education – the
sharing of all areas that are beneficial to all stakeholders. We still believe firmly that
single-sex education has immense benefits for both girls and boys, and there is no plan at
all to move towards a co-educational school. Three members of Girls’ High (Mrs
McEwen, Mr Burrell and Ms Lawrence) and three staff members from Boys’ High recently
spent a couple of days at the Diocesan School for Girls and St Andrew’s College for
Boys in Grahamstown, who have used the co-ordinate model for twenty-eight years. Their
report will be discussed by the staff and governing bodies, and we will be able to use
what we learn from the good gained in other schools as we plan the way forward for our
Campus of Schools.
The Wynberg Campus of Schools is a unique concept among public schools in South Africa. Few schools have the benefit of
single-sex girls’ and boys’ junior and high schools in such close proximity.
Please be part of this growth during the next few years. When we ask for your input,
please join us in discussions as what we are trying to do is for the good of your
daughters!
For those who will travel we wish you safe travels and a return to Cape Town ready for the
third semester.
With my best wishes for a pleasant holiday.
Shirley Harding |
Yumna takes
Gold–Again!
Yumna Moosa, a Wynberg Grade Ten pupil, has once again heard that she has been
awarded a Gold medal in the University of Cape Town Mathematics Olympiad: an award that is
given to the top ten mathematicians in her Grade.
This is the second time that she has received this award, but is certainly not the first
time that she has been recognized as a top mathematician. This year she came third in the
UCT Mathematics Olympiad. As a result of this achievement, she was also invited to
participate in the Canadian Invitational Challenge.
Earlier this year, she was selected to represent South Africa at the thirteenth Pan
African Mathematics Olympiad and was identified as the best girl participant. We do salute
her efforts and are exceptionally proud of her.P Orpen
We salute you, Yumna! |
ACADEMIC
DEPARTMENTS
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
THE LITTLE TOURING THEATRE COMPANY - POETRY PRESENTATION
On Friday 2 May, the Matrics were treated to a Poetry in Performance workshop,
presented by The Little Touring Theatre Company. Presenting the poetry that has
been set for the Matrics of 2003, in the loose framework of teacher and some fairly
recalcitrant students company performers talked about the need for the study of poetry,
its thematic concerns and presented sections of the syllabus to us.
Poetry in performance will always alert
students to the rhymes and rhythms so integral to its study, and the presentation by the Little
Touring Theatre Company did this marvellously for us. Finding connections and links
either through form or subject matter, this trio energetically, at times humorously and at
others most earnestly, presented the ideas, debates and points of discussions of our great
masters. The Little Touring Theatre Company performers informed the Matriculants
of the poets’ backgrounds, the context in which they were writing, and would have,
had the matriculants completed the syllabus, engaged in debate and discussion about the
content.
It was a most worthwhile academic experience - affording both entertainment and thought
for discussion.
P Orpen
GRADE TEN POETS
Three budding poets will have their poems published in an anthology dedicated to
encouraging poetry writing among young South Africans. Emma Bryce, Kerry o' Connor and
Kyla Bluff submitted their poems on
Mirrors to The Poetry Institute of Africa and were delighted when they
received a prompt reply congratulating them on being successful.
Copies of their poems are on display on the notice board outside Room J in the English
corridor.
N Sparks
AFRIKAANSE DEPARTEMENT
Weereens was dit ’n baie besige kwartaal. Hierdie kwartaal is daar verskillende
opvoerings bygewoon. Aan die begin van die kwartaal het lede van die personeel sowel as
leerders die opvoering van Distrik Ses by die Baxter-teater bygewoon. Personeel
sowel as leerders het ook die opvoering van Vatmaar bygewoon. Altwee was beslis
verrykende ervarings.
A Cope |
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
This term has proved to be very exciting albeit demanding one for all the pupils in the
Music Department. It has also not been without its successes. We have had more goals and
performances than usual, and therefore had to include extra practices and Saturday morning
workshops.
The highlights of our term for the vocal ensemble, choir, recorder and flute ensemble were
our various eisteddfods. The choir and the vocal ensemble took part in a very important
inter-schools eisteddfod at
Bergvliet, where both groups achieved honours. The flute and recorder ensemble were highly
praised and both achieved Diplomas. We commend all the girls who represented the Wynberg
Music Department at these events.
Another important performance for the various vocal groups was at The Nassau Centre at
Groote Schuur High School. The girls saw this as a particular challenge as our singing
rivals, Springfield Girls’ Convent, were also competing. However, after some last
minute practising and much reassurance we proved, once again, that our singing abilities
had little cause for shame and we were pleased with the results of our hard work.
The choir and various ensembles decided that as a school group we should reach out into
our community and try to use our performance to encourage others. We went to the Marambi
House in Wynberg and performed for the elderly. The day proved to be a great deal of fun,
and we met some incredibly interesting people. We are hoping to visit at least once a
term, as it was so enjoyable.
Perhaps the greatest challenge we have faced this term has been the June exams. After much
practice and enormous stress many girls emerged as “A” candidates and were
rewarded by being allowed to play in the exam
concerts, where girls could truly display their hard work and talent. Congratulations to
Stacey Lewis (Pass) and Sethu Makananda (merit) who participated in the external Royal
Schools’ Exam.
For the first time this year, music pupils of the Wynberg Campus of Schools (with the
exception of the Boys’ Junior School) participated in a pancake evening, where we
were all given the chance to perform whilst our
parents and friends indulged in pancakes! On this same occasion, we were lucky enough to
be visited by the Caledonian Pipe Band who are hoping to start a group at our school. We
managed to raise R300, which is going
to be used for the development of the Music Department.
Andrea de Jongh plays the piano for us
at her exam concert
The Grade Elevens are looking forward to
their outing at Fine Music Radio and the Artscape Theatre. Thank you very much to all the
staff, who were involved in making this incredible term possible, and to all the girls who
have put in so much effort to represent Wynberg in the best way possible…through hard
work and music!
K Beetge |
DANCE DEPARTMENT
One of the highlights of the second term was a visit to the Stellenbosch Medical School at
Tygerberg Hospital. Here the Grade Twelve Dancers extended their anatomical knowledge
where the bones and muscles were seen in the flesh as opposed to text or pictures. They
were able to see, first hand, how muscles and tendons actually look and work.
Another highlight was when two famous Cape Arts personalities, in the form of Johnny
Bovang – principal dancer with Cape Town City Ballet and Robin van Wyk – ex Cape
Town City Ballet principal dancer and current International performer in the well known
musical Cats as Mr Mistopheles, examined the mid-year practical ballet
examinations.
The performance of the Grade Eleven Dancers was well received at the Rondebosch Boys’
High School Fashion and Dance Experience – FAD II which took place in the
Rondebosch Memorial Hall during April. Many of our girls appeared in the annual Cape Town
Dance Eisteddfod. They are to be congratulated on their hard work and the fine results
achieved. 
The dance the Grade Elevens took to Rondebosch
Please keep abreast of further dance news on our web site http://www.wynghs.co.za
C Shapiro
BREAKFAST IN THE CITY
The second last week of the second term signaled the steam running out of all engines.
Fortune smiled, though, when I was asked to reply to an invitation to breakfast and an
introduction to the first ever dramatization of Alan Paton’s “Cry the Beloved
Country”, one of South Africa’s best-beloved books, at Artscape.
Two Grade Ten pupils, Anja Hendricks and Sheree Laing, accompanied me to the special
event. We raced against time and through early morning rush hour to arrive at 7:45am, just
in time for the dimming of lights in the intimate theatre off the Marble Foyer Coffee
Shop. The actors were occupying the first two rows and moved in groups between their seats
and stage as segments of the story were told: Stanley Kumahlo, reading the letter
summoning him to Johannesburg; Paton’s words, describing the Ixopo hills; and the
first glimpse of the Jo’burg streets’ hustle. The story of all three books is
narrated and acted, and the production promises to be of a high standard.
The play is in transit to Grahamstown and will be at Artscape, Cape Town from July. There
is an Alan Paton essay competition with cash prizes for those interested.
Fresh fruit juices, coffee, croissants and salmon helped to bolster us for the rest of
that Friday at school. We drove slowly back to Wynberg, along De Waal Drive and wondered
at the beauty of our city.
D Miles |
DRAMA DEPARTMENT
It’s all happening!!! It is a hectically busy time of year for the Drama Department.
The cast members of Twelfth Night have forgotten what weekends are, and are
longing to have their social lives back … but that won't be until production is
over!! Things are going well and it’s all very exciting. 
The cast of Twelfth Night
Our brilliant carpenter, Mr Ralph Bowers kicked off the
set building by designing and building a wrecked rowing boat. He really did a superb job
and the cast have had great fun in it during rehearsals. Costumes are being
designed and made, posters should be up soon and tickets will go on sale towards the end
of the first week of next term. Opening night is Wednesday 6 August and we will run the
show on Thursday and Friday Nights. We are working hard, and are planning to provide an
excellent evening’s entertainment.
The rowing boat which brings Olivia to a war-torn country
We are in the middle of the Cape Town Eisteddfod. Once
again we have had a large entry and our girls have done exceptionally well. We have found
the adjudicator, Maree Grobbelaar, very strict and somewhat
inconsistent in her adjudication. Still, our entrants have maintained their exceptionally
high standard, and, as always, enjoyed the opportunity to perform. We will publish all the
results in the next newsletter. Look forward to seeing you in August!
P Glover |
CULTURAL EVENTS
In 2002 in order to develop and foster an interest in the arts, two or three special
periods on Tuesdays were set aside for cultural events for the school.
The first of the three periods set aside this term raised some doubt in the pupils’
minds about whether the staff at Wynberg knew what they were doing. Weeks before the event
posters went up all over the school advertising a Kultural Event – something
for Kulture Vultures… and the school was most unimpressed. The Grade Tens assured
their teachers that lectures on birds or vultures was not the sort of thing that teenagers
were interested in. They also assured us that they were not happy about parting with their
hard earned (parents’) cash to pay for something that was rumoured to include singing
… or opera… or pop idols. Some or our more enlightened pupils thought that it
was an Afrikaans event … clearly because it was spelt with a “K”!!
They were wrong. It was none of these
Dubbed by “Ms Glov” as The Risqué, Rugby and Rebels Show, this a show
put together by the staff and performed (live!) on 22 April to raise funds for Lindy
Anderson. Just as JK Rowling has a Phoenix rising, we
also do: a Staff Show – performed exclusively for the girls - is a tradition that has
been raised from the ashes!
Scenes from this Kultural Event included an extraordinarily sexy blonde - a blast from the
past - Marilyn Monroe and a number of rather extraordinary gentlemen; some rather raunchy
rugger buggers; a very depressed Rap Artist in the form of Eminem. After him, all were in
desperate need of medical treatment, and indeed there was something that seemed to come
from an Emergency Room. Following the percussion of the heart, some very skilled
performers moved into body percussion of a different type: in the spirit and colours of
liberation, as tap dancers always do. This masked group tapped effortlessly to Die
Alibama ...
There were ads, there were technical hitches... it really was like SABC. It was like
culture... Then the smokey haze of marjuana, and love and music there were some dirty,
drugged and disoriented Peaceniks flying into some
wonderful space and place in San Francisco, where they were harassed by the law ...
amongst other things. Far removed from this disparate grouping were the Shoo Wah girls and
the sexy sexagenarian, Tina Turner. In heels higher (and older) than most of those in the
hall, she strutted and danced about the stage reminding the girls that, indisputably, she
is simply the best.It is rumoured that for
the girls, the sorriest sight in this rather tragic event was an indecent, immoral bunch,
sporting fishnet stockings, high heels and frilly skirts flaunted themselves, as they
defiantly, flagrantly performed the can-can. But this rumour has been challenged by others
when a mad ballet choreographer encouraged her charming Cygnets from Swan Lake to strip
down and gyrate madly in some sort of misguided effort to show the audience what real
dancing was!
Our misguided Cygnets!
The show degenerated into some sort of inchoate mass
defying the need for any education! |
On 20 May, Pedro Espi-Shanchis visited the school and entertained the audience with
his music making skills. Dubbed Pedro the Music Man, he is a highly skilled
musician and story-teller. Although many of our girls had actually seen this performer
before, his extraordinary talent and skill was much appreciated.On 24 June, the last cultural event of the term
that had been organised for the school was “Theatresports” – a show which
left the audience howling with laughter, and calling for more. With the exhaustion of
having
written examinations, and the stress of receiving the results, this form of entertainment
seemed particularly suitable for the school at this point in the term.
The Theatresports team receive suggestions from the
audience
It was clear from the start, that not many
pupils had ever seen any theatresports before, so it was, for them, and educational
experience. They learnt that it is a show based on improvisation. They also learnt that it
was their job is to enjoy the performance, make suggestions and be the cast’s
adjudicators – a refreshing position to be in after having their academic
performances judged. They had to place the actors in locations, give them scenarios to
work with, suggest and unusual titles for skits. They learnt that it is a form of theatre
without sets, lighting or props save a few chairs, a piano and the stage itself.
This time the cast performed scenes from Science Fiction to Opera to Presidential
Inaugurations (Shoprite style) to trips down the Amazon. Characters ranged from Nutty
Insect Professors to Michael Jackson to members of Boy Bands. The style of acting moves
between between slapstick and sophisticated theatre, never relinquishing eloquent, high
quality performances from each of the seven cast members – made up of one musician an
MC and five actors. It was clear that the cast knew their trade, and that they had
enormous fun presenting their show.
P Orpen
In the Amazon Jungle... |
LIBRARY
EVEN HIGH SCHOOLS ARE POTTY ABOUT HARRY…
While shops all over the world have experienced the extraordinary demand for copies of the
latest of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series, The Order of the Phoenix, Wynberg too has
pupils clamouring to get hold of a copy.
With the foresight and wisdom that we have come to expect from our beloved library
assistant, Kathryn Manners, a reservation list for who would like to read the novel was
made available.
It is clear that the staff awoke to this fact a little
late… one of the few occasions that the pupils got there first!
P Orpen |
YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Eleven talented young pupils at our school successfully completed the Youth Leadership
course. They are: Aeysha and Aneesah Abrahams, Bronwyn Nussey, Jessica Leibbrandt, Jessica
Thompson, Lauren Daniels,
Lauren Bird, Melissa Theunissen, Mischka Matthews, Sharon Carter and Thina Zibi. They all
excelled and have learnt the following invaluable skills: presenting prepared and
impromptu speeches, evaluating speeches presented by the other participants, learning how
to listen effectively, how to run meetings and most importantly how to communicate better
with others.The course runs over two terms and involves eight sessions in total. All of
these skills were achieved in a supportive and fun environment as numerous games were
played to improve communication skills. Public speaking has certainly been cited as the
greatest fear of most people!! So these girls, apart from their gain in skills, need to be
commended particularly on overcoming their fears!
Our appreciation is extended to Mrs McEwen, who handed out the certificates at the
Graduation evening and to the parents for providing the drinks and eats. Another course
will be run in the second and third terms and any person in Grade Ten, Eleven or Twelve is
most welcome. It would be great to have girls doing it a second time round as they become
expert speakers!!J
McCallum |
WORLD KNOWLEDGE QUIZ 2003 OLYMPIAD
This year we have implemented more frequent testing of General Knowledge because, we
believe, that an educated person should have a wide knowledge of the world around her.
Apart from the three tests per semester and the SAIIA quiz we have encouraged pupils to
participate in the World Knowledge Olympiad sponsored by Sanlam. This year sixty-one
pupils participated in an exam that was both reasonable and interesting. We hope that
there will be more participants in the future.M Lawrence
SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS (SAIIA)
INTERSCHOOL QUIZ
From 21 April to 9 May four Wynberg Girls’ High School pupils spent every evening
reading the international news found in The Cape Times and/or Die Burger
in preparation for the annual international interschool quiz. Rebecca Blundell, Tara
Notcutt, Hailey Griffiths and Kylie Hanekom competed on 15 May at Groote Schuur High
School who kindly hosts the evening.
Once again, the competition was strong with a full house of thirty-five schools from all
over the peninsula. The participation from the parents in the audience as well as the good
camaraderie amongst the candidates
contributed much to the success of the evening.
Although we did not win the competition, our pupils acquitted themselves well and were
great ambassadors for our school. The library is now richer as they have brought home,
amongst other books on poetry and history, The Guinness Book of Records 2003
Many thanks to the organisers and sponsors of this annual event.
M Lawrence
|
BOLAND TRAIL
Over the long weekend of 26-28 April, the Wynberg Girls' High School Mountain Club spent
two nights and three days on the Boland Trail. The group consisted of Eliane Arnet, Sally
Grobler, Catherine Phillips, Gillian
Lupton-Smith, Berenice Bentel, Nicole Swanepoel, Liandi Badenhorst and Melissa Theunissen
and two teachers, Mr Lord and Mr Bodenstein.
The weather (notoriously unpredictable on the
Boland Trail) was wonderfully mild and the scenery was spectacular. Although there were
the usual moans and groans (not least of all from the teachers) about heavy packs and
steep hills, we all made it in the end and enjoyed the challenge.
Evenings were spent chatting around log fires and resting tired legs, with everyone
feeling justifiably proud of their efforts. The trail was the last chance to get into the
mountains before the start of the mid-year exams and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
P Bodenstein |
SPORT
HOCKEY
The season got off to a slow start with a few Saturdays lost to public holidays and WP
trials (U18 and U16). Both the Firsts and U14A's remain unbeaten as we enter the
mid-season break. The Premier League (First
Team) has a new format this year, which sees our First team entered into the Top Eight
League (within the Premier League), thus only the top eight teams play off for the League
title (which we won last year.)
Wynberg had a large contingent of girls making various Western Province teams to
participate in tournaments during the July holidays this year. Congratulations and good
luck!
| WPU18A |
M vd Westhuizen; N de Vries J Cunliffe |
| WPU18B |
L Casserley |
| WPU16A |
N Croxford, I Davids |
| WPU16C |
C Jones |
| WPU14A |
M Paterson; N Mullins; R Adams |
| WPU14B |
R.Anderson; R-L.Malan |
A Bernstein |
SQUASH
Wynberg has entered five teams in the league and we have a large number of young,
enthusiastic social players who have joined the sport this term. We are grateful to Lionel
White for his enthusiasm as he inspires many
young players to join the game of Squash.
The first team continues to play in the senior boys’ league, whilst the second,
third, fourth and fifth teams are gaining valuable experience playing in some of the
stronger girls’ leagues. We
congratulate two of our first team players, Megan Horsley and Stephanie Salvage, on their
recent successes in Western Province squash tournaments. They will be representing WP in
/16 and /14 tournaments respectively in the July holidays. We wish them well in these
competitions.
Regrettably, Michelle Greef, one of our top players, was
injured on the hockey field recently and will not play again this season. We wish her a
speedy recovery and look forward to her participation again next season. All players are
encouraged to stay fit in the holidays by playing as much squash as possible and we look
forward to a successful third term on the squash courts!
J Nel and P Bodenstein
|
SERVICE
INTERACT
Interact has been involved in a number of projects this term - from the planning of an
assembly to the planning of a camp for children from the Phillipi Farms. We were allocated
a civvies day on the day of our assembly. The funds raised from this civvies day will be
used to subsidise our camp next term. The camp will take place from the 29-31 August.
The second term is always a term of mixed feelings for Interact as we say goodbye to our
old committee and welcome a new one. Congratulations to the following pupils, who take up
the challenge of committee members for Interact: Ellie Shorthall (President), Jessica
Riviera (Vice-president), Aiggy Shen, Gillian Lupton-Smith, Lauren Bird, Farrah Hayes and
Bronwyn Nussey. Thank you to Muneera, Ayesha, Illhaam and
Morgan for the hard work they put in over the last year.J Jordan |
SERVICE FIRST AID
We are very pleased to announce the introduction of the First Aid Team at Wynberg Girls'
High School! We have a large group of committed pupils, led by Megan Riddell and Keri-Ann
Sabatta, who will be offering their First Aid skills at all home matches and interschools'
events.
These girls have all obtained their Level One
certificates, while some have successfully completed their Level Three training as well.
They are easily recognisable in their (very embarrassing and uncool) fluorescent
orange-and-red bibs!
Our First Aid girls are here to help and support our
sports teams as best they can, and need lots of encouragement and thanks from all
involved.
A Smith |
CALENDAR DATES
| July |
|
| 22 July |
Term Starts |
|
Achiever Merit and General
Knowledge Badges |
| 24 July |
Photographs for Magazine |
| 25-27 July |
Matric Boarder Out Weekend |
| 26 July |
Matric Dance |
| 29 July |
Parent Teacher discussions |
|
Class Captain Training |
| August |
|
| 1 August |
Matric Dance Fashion Show |
| 2 August |
Choir Workshop |
| 6-8 August |
Major Production |
| 6 August
|
40 Days Celebrations |
| 7 August |
Grade Nine Evening |
| 9 August |
National Woman’s Day |
| 8-10 August |
Boarders’ Out Weekend |
| 15 August |
Blood Clinic |
| 19 August |
Setwork Examinations |
| 26 August |
Matric Preliminary Examinations |
| 28 August |
Grade Eleven Variety Concert |
| 5-7 August |
Boarders’ Out Weekend |
| September |
|
| 12 September |
Examinations end |
|
Founders’ Day Celebrations |
| 17 September |
Achievers’ Banquet |
| 18 September |
Grade Ten Geography Outing |
| 19 September |
Grade Nine and Eleven Reports out |
| 20 September |
Interschools’ Squash |
| 22 September |
Grades Nine and Eleven PTA |
|
Grade Ten Mathematics outing |
| 23 September |
Hostel and Leaders’
Induction |
|
Charity Walk |
| 24 September |
Heritage Day |
| 26 September |
Grade Twelve Academic Colours |
|
Winter Sports Colours |
|
End of term |
|
WATERLOO HOUSE 
While our focus this term has been on preparing for the
exams, we have found time to enjoy a variety of outings and events this term.
Possibly the most important one was the Representative Council Of Learners (RCL) Induction
Dinner, held to create a formal atmosphere in which to congratulate the chosen
representatives. A special dinner was prepared and Mrs Harding, Mrs Mc Ewen and Mr Burrell
attended as our honoured guests. Mr Burrell explained to us how an effective RCL works,
and Mrs Harding impressed upon us how important it was for those chosen leaders to be good
role models, after which, she handed them their special certificates.
While the RCL is yet to meet as a formal body, representatives have been active and have
had productive meetings with their individual grades and with me. Some of their requests
and suggestions have been put forward to Mrs Harding and the Governing Body and have
received a positive response.
The RCL Representatives for 2003 are as follows:
| Grade Twelve |
Rosa Chang and Candice Jonker |
| Grade Eleven |
Nicola Wasserfall and Thina Zibi |
| Grade Ten |
Sethu Makananda and Paula Mofokeng |
| Grade Nine |
Xolisa Jezile and Kebone Moloko |
| Grade Eight |
Khanya Sigwela and Pauline Wingrove |
This term has also been a rather challenging one in that
our Catering Matron, Mrs Dean was on sick leave after undergoing surgery. Our best wishes
are extended to her as she continues to recover, and our sincere thanks are extended to
Mrs Hart, who stepped in to help us at a difficult time.
D.Cheney |
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