|
Newsletter - Volume 7, Issue 3
September
2003
| From the
Principal's Desk Dear
Parents
This term started with the fabulous matric ball and we have celebrated success in all
pillars of the school activities. In the Cultural field, of particular note was the Drama
Department’s superb major production, Twelfth Night; in Sport, teams have
returned triumphantly with interschools’ trophies; in Service, Interact’s
organizing of a fabulous camp for underprivileged kids stands out as one of the
significant achievements; and in the Academic field, our girls have brought back medals in
the Science Olympiad, we have received recognition for our learners in General Knowledge
and the progress of the entire school has been monitored in the many tests and exams held
during the term.
It has also been a term where intense thought and discussion has taken place between
staff, the School Governing Body and the Grade Eleven learners about changes in the
Leadership structure for 2004.
Those who know the book Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr Spencer Johnson will have read
that change is part of life: we interpret that to mean that schools must also be ready to
change when necessary. The Representative Council of Learners is the body recognised by
the South African Schools’ Act as the group that legally represents the girls, and
two students from this body serve on the School Governing Body.
We have felt for some time that the traditional system of prefects is not always seen in a
good light by all modern employers. However, we also felt strongly that there should be
more representation by the Grade Twelve learners than the three allowed for on the RCL. We
have therefore evolved a leadership system, based on job-descriptions, for which girls
have had to apply and be interviewed. This is a system which we believe teaches necessary
Lifeskills, holds them accountable to others and to be responsible for their job. Further
than this, we believe that is it a system that moves Wynberg further into the 21st
Century. Wynberg is a school that is courageous enough to change so that we continually
meet the challenges facing young women in a democratic society – a healthy
combination of tradition and modern thinking.
In his book, Dr Johnson sums up some of the pointers of which we will be aware during
these exciting times: Change happens – Anticipate Change – Monitor Change –
Adapt to Change Quickly – Enjoy Change – Be Ready to Change Quickly and Enjoy it
Again!
We are excited about the future and we would value your comments during the next year. No
system is perfect at first, but we are committed to perfection as we listen to all, and
adapt as necessary.
A short holiday is followed by an extremely important term, with finals for the Grade
Twelves and the national common tasks for assessment for Grade Nines. Continuous
Assessment is finalised during next term and absenteeism will seriously impact on your
daughter’s being promoted to the next grade. We request your support in ensuring your
daughter is at school every day.
Best wishes
Shirley Harding
|
Matric Dance
2003
This year was no different: the Matrics of 2003 could scarcely contain their excitement as
the 26 August drew near.
This was the day of the Matric Dance. It is a day of metamorphosis and
transformation. It is a day about which there have been endless debates, discussions, much
planning, and a great deal of heartache and delight. It is an event for which the
Matrics’ fundraising and entrepreneurial skills are put to the test, as they raise
funds to cover the cost of the tickets and the memorabilia they design for the occasion.
And as Alex Butterfield, head girl for 2003, wittily remarked, the agonizing which has
gone into this outfit is probable only comparable to their wedding day - although she
conceded that there probably would be more certainty about who their partner would be!
At Wynberg, it is always red carpet day for our Matrics. Held at the Cape Sun Holiday Inn,
the staff, Matrics and their partners gather in the foyer for a fruit cocktail before they
enter the ballroom which is always beautifully decorated for the occasion. This year,
tables were adorned with flowers, candles and butterflies and it was clear that the
excitement of our most elegant and glamorous 2003 matriculants was difficult for them to
contain: they could not resist visiting their friends and teachers at other tables to
admire the spectacular outfits of their friends and introduce their partners to each
other.
There are some moments when friendship
requires one to abandon a partner!
Mrs Wilding opened the proceedings by welcoming the
Matrics and their partners to the dance, and without much ado, the main event of the
evening began. The first course is served and an evening that (notoriously) whizzes by for
our fabulous Wynberg women moves apace. It is not a night for long speeches, as Mrs
Harding reminded us, but without some comment from her, and a special word from the Head
Girl of that year, the extraordinary effort, dignity and beauty which the Matriculants
inevitably bring to the occasion could not be jointly appreciated.
This year Alex and Nikki and their partners opened the dancing with the first waltz, and,
thereafter, were joined by the Matric Committee, who had worked tirelessly with Mrs
Wilding and Mrs Fowkes to create a truly magical evening.
P Orpen |
MATRIC DANCE FASHION SHOW 2003
With the ramp set, the crowd seated and the music playing, the Matric Dance Fashion Show
was under way. Presenters, Tanya Fourie and Sibongile Balfour, began the show as they
introduced the first group of models, The Blonde Bombshells. Colours of rich red
and orange, deep blue, as well as elegant blacks and whites were displayed as the models
strutted their stuff. This was followed by Mecca, who, from ravishing gold ball
gowns to snowy white ball gowns, captured the imagination of the crowd . Following these
were the African Sisters who, through their traditional style, were considered
most chic and glamorous. 
Strutting their stuff....
However, the event was not all about the
dresses and the sparkling accessories. It outlined a momentous occasion for the Matrics as
they come to an end of their school career at Wynberg. At the end, the models all piled
onto the ramp and danced together with the audience.
T Wightman |
40 DAYS CELEBRATIONS
The third term is always a packed one for the Matriculants. They seem to lurch from one
event to another and Wednesday, 6 August provided just such a landmark in their calendar:
it was their Forty-Days Celebration. As the rest of the school returned to their
classrooms for their reading period on that Wednesday, an unruly bunch began congregating
in Wellington Quad. For all Matriculants, it marked the beginning of the official
countdown of their final year of schooling.
Tradition has it that this is an occasion on which they defy the rules and dress up, and
have lunch together. Traditionally, pizzas and coke are ordered for them all, while the
rest of the school leave them to mellow out, or to celebrate or do whatever the young do
when they are alive, and the world appears to be waiting (breathless) for them to arrive.
Frivolity is the order of the day
It is always a time for cameras, for videos,
for celebrating their friendships, for chatting. And so yet another group of splendid
Wynberg girls celebrated the fact that they had only forty days left in which they would
be taught by their infinitely patient teachers of the year 2003.
P Orpen |
ACADEMIC
ENGLISH DEPARTMENTDR
MARGUERITE POLAND VISITS WYNBERG
There was much excitement amidst the Wynberg matriculants when they heard that the author
of Shades, one of their English setwork books, had agreed to come to Cape Town
especially to meet them. Rumours of her visit, organised by Wynberg Girls' High and St
Cyprians, soon got around, and fairly shortly afterwards, there were a number of requests
to attend the lecture she would be giving - from Herschel, from Bishops, from SACS, from
Wynberg Boys' High, Constantia Waldorf, from Westerford ... and the list continued.
Wynberg is never mean-spirited, and clearly could not refuse to share such an opportunity.
So with Dr Poland's permission, all were invited! However, because we had arranged the
visit, we were fortunate to have her with us from the third period onwards. She had given
us permission to give her as much work as we liked, and it was too fantastic an
opportunity to miss: we arranged for her to speak about writing to those who have not had
the good fortune to study her books yet.
Dr Poland, in a pensive moment
One of the Matric classes provided a special
tea for her during first break, and recognising the fact that in large groups it is very
often fairly difficult to raise the level of debate to higher than the lowest common
denominator, they seized the chance to have their own private tutorial.
With time only for half a sandwich just before lunch - and a deep regret on our part that
this was shameful treatment of so esteemed an author - she addressed the large group of
teachers and learners from around the peninsula who had gathered in the Aileen Currie
Hall to hear her.
A most eloquent and gracious speaker, she talked of personal experiences, the writing of
the novel, key themes and key extracts in the novel. Entertaining, enlightening and most
thought-provoking, she spoke to us for an hour, and then showed us slides of the places in
the novel and the people upon whom the characters were based. It was quite clear from the
questions asked by the learners and teachers present, that she had an enthralled audience,
and it was with sadness, that we had to limit the number of questions asked to allow all
matriculants to go home to prepare for the examinations that they would be writing the
next day. Still many of them were reluctant to go home, as they queued to ask further
questions and have their setworks signed.
Only then could we treat her as she deserved: it was with great pleasure that Alex Kourie,
Noeleen Sparks, Alison Bodenstein (from Herschel) and I were able to take her out for high
tea, where we could talk and relax with this marvellous writer. It was a wonderful day,
and we are enormously grateful that she was willing to spend it with us.
P Orpen |
ACADEMIC
CAPE HEART - KING LEAR WORKSHOP
On Tuesday morning, while the rest of the school was writing setwork examinations, the
Grade Twelves were fortunate to attend a King Lear workshop presented by Cape
Heart.
The group, consisting of three extremely talented actors, took the matriculants through a
number of ice-breakers - in order to do just that (break the ice!), but also, in part, to
identify some of the key issues and experiences which might arise in a play such as this.
Emphasising the fact that this was a theatre-in-education experience, and that it was in
no way an attempt to present the whole play to the group, the educator-cast then focused
on the play itself.
Creating a horseshoe shape in which to perform, they presented most of Act 1, scene ii,
and selected soliloquies and extracts from Act 1 to the group in order to discuss
significant themes and issues which emerged.
While work in a large group can very often be an inhibitive factor for the depth of the
discussion which takes place in such a workshop, the trio from Cape Heart were certainly
extremely skilled at stimulating thought, provoking discussion and chairing such a
discussion. Acknowledging the worth of each contribution and extracting, drawing out and
developing every comment made - no matter how extraordinary - they provided our
matriculants with a most valuable workshop.
The cast of Cape Heart listen intently
to the comments
by a matriculant
The pity of it was that it had to come to an
end so soon. We were indeed most privileged to experience a workshop of this calibre with
such extraordinarily proficient teachers and actors.
P Orpen
AFRIKAANS DEPARTEMENT
Gedurende die eerste week het ‘n groep leerders en die personeel die opvoering Vatmaar
in die Baxter – teater bygewoon en dit was ‘n genotvolle aand.
Die uitslae van die Afrikaans Gebruiksafrikaans-Olimpiade het ons ook die
kwartaal ontvang. Die Hoër Meisieskool Wynberg het weer onder die eerste 50 skole in die
land gekom en 249 skole het deelgeneem. Ons wens Lauren Losper geluk wat die hoogste punte
behaal het.
Ons wens al die matrieks voorspoed toe in hulle finale eksamen.
A Cope |
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
This has been a very busy scientific term. Learners have been involved in lectures, open
days, the UCT Science Expo and the Cape Town Brown Haze Project.
SASOL SCIFEST-ON-THE-ROAD 2003
Grade Ten Science and Maths learners attended a presentation, with other schools, entitled
"Music to your ears - the story of sound, synths and CDs" delivered by
Ms Wendy Sadler, a recognised scientist from Cardiff, Wales. Ms Sadler had the audience
interacting with her as she performed very apt demonstrations. At least one of the
learners now knows why she has ringing in her ears!
UCT ENGINEERING DAY AND SCIENCE EXPO
A group of Grade Elevens, accompanied by Mr Bodenstein, was exposed to the career
opportunities in the engineering field, and in the last week some Grade Tens went to the
Cape Technikon to attend the "Women in Engineering Workshop 2003".
At the end of August, Wynberg Girls’ High entered twelve projects in the UCT
Science Expo. All the participants benefited from having to display their work and
from having to be interviewed by judges. Special awards went to
| Laura Heathfield and Emily Zweig |
Bronze medal |
| Amy Firmani |
Bronze medal |
| Jessica Thompson and Bronwyn Nussey |
Silver medal - and advice to exploit their
innovation commercially |
| Lara Ackerman |
Silver medal |
CAPE TOWN BROWN HAZE PROJECT
The Climatology Research Group from Wits University chose Wynberg Girls' High as the
participants in the Wynberg area for their Brown Haze Project. The project
involved the taking of readings of the haze every half hour when the sun was shining from
22 July to 22 August. A roster had to be drawn up, and with only a few hitches, the girls
of Grades Ten and Eleven managed to fulfil this commitment. The boarders are to be
especially commended for their weekend involvement. A data analysis workshop and
prize-giving will be held early next term.
D Jaaback |
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
ENRICHED LEARNING PROGRAMMES
On 19 June, the Grade Eleven Music learners went to Fine Music Radio and Artscape for the
day. The expedition started with a tour of the Fine Music Radio studios, which included a
bit of time behind the 'mixing desk', where one of the presenters was friendly enough to
allow us to have a go at being DJs.
FMR is considering a special music slot where learners from different schools will be
given an opportunity to do their own presenting in an hour-long slot. Of course, the girls
were really excited about this, and needless to say, their names are on the list.
We were then treated to a backstage tour of the Artscape premises, and were delighted to
attend part of the rehearsal for 'Bravo Angelo', a concert recently presented for
Angelo Gobatto's 60th birthday celebration. We were treated to the real backstage
experience with the Jazzart Dance Company and attended a few minutes of their
rehearsal. It definitely is not as easy as it looks!
After much climbing of stairs and visiting of dressing rooms and dark stage wings, all
eventually retired to enjoy a cup of coffee and some lunch before heading off home.
THE BARTERED BRIDE - VISIT TO THE BAXTER THEATRE
On 20 August, a small group of girls accompanied Ms Miles and Ms Opperman to The
Bartered Bride, presented by Cape Town Opera in association with UCT Opera School,
Artscape and Western Cape Cultural Commission.
The Czech composer, Bedrich Smetena`s light-hearted comic folk opera is one that is full
of romantic intrigue and arranged marriages, and it won him immediate international
recognition. This time, it was conducted by Olivier Cuendet and directed by Angelo Gobbato
and included guest artist Kaiser Nkosi and soloists from UCT Opera School, Cape Town Opera
Studio.
Held at the Baxter from 17-23 August, it provided a thoroughly enjoyable form of
entertainment. It was a brilliant yet different opera: the zip zap circus made an exciting
and entertaining appearance for all.
Even in the cold and rainy weather, it was possible to feel the warmth and gusto with
which they sang. It was a highly entertaining, inspiring and wonderful experience.C Nicholson
|
OPERA
WORKSHOP
"When I heard we had to attend an opera workshop, I thought I'd sleep through the
whole boring thing. I never expected that it would be such a fun and entertaining two
hours!!" This was the rather shamefaced confession of one of the Grade Eleven
learners after the workshop that they attended on Friday, 29 August.
The Cape Town Opera Studio has been running workshops for schools for quite a few years
now, with tremendous results and needless to say, Wynberg Girls' High was delighted to
join this wonderful initiative.
Music students share a joke
with Angela after the workshop
All Grade Nine to Twelve Music learners
attended the two-hour workshop which this year centred on the theme of Faust .
Mathew Wild (a young and upcoming director, playwright, actor and much more), Albert Horne
(accompanist for the opera studio, vocal coach and esteemed pianist), and the dazzling
Angela Kerrison (a young, sexy diva with a goose-bump-inducing, beautiful voice)
mesmerised us with a number of spellbinding interludes.
Matt led the workshop and set the picture of mystery and myth that surrounds Faust.
We discussed the characters from the play, the playwrights, and the different permutations
that exist in the story. His storytelling was riveting and had us all sitting on the edges
of our seats. So much darkness and dabbling with the devil is always both appalling and
appealing.
Albert helped us to understand the way in which the orchestra and piano are used to add to
the atmosphere of the music, explaining complicated harmonies and rhythmic patterns with
such ease that all of us understood exactly what they contributed to the whole. And
then... the moment we were all waiting for came: Angela!
Angela's voice filled the hall with the warmest of tones. She sang various arias from
different operas and song cycles that dealt with the theme. I think there was not a single
eye left dry after we had listened to her. And even though many of us might previously
have thought that we didn’t enjoy opera, or listening to arias, we were astounded by
how good it can sound! We clapped wildly and enthused for hours after the workshop was
over.
Our guests also gave all of the learners a complimentary ticket to the final dress
rehearsal which took place on 1 September at the Artscape complex. It was a first for
quite a few of our learners, but all said, at the time, that they were looking forward to
the experience.
We are enormously appreciative that professional groups such as these are willing to give
of their time and expertise to schools and look forward to many such workshops in the
future.
L Opperman |
DANCE DEPARTMENT
On the 8 and 16 August, the Grade Twelve Dance girls attended Anatomy and History courses
at UCT in preparation for their forthcoming final examinations.
Our Matric girls also performed their examination variation at the Schools’ Arts
Festival which took place at The Artscape Theatre. The Grade Eleven Dance girls, who gave
an energetic rendition of an African Dance Fusion, joined them. These girls also performed
at our school’s Grade Eleven Variety Show.
In the same week, on Friday, 22 August, the Grade Twelves completed their final practical
examination. The year has certainly flown by in a flurry of activity. We moved out of the
Ballet Hall once prelims began, and have since been concentrating on theory work.
Once the new term begins, we will be under a lot of pressure to complete the practical
examinations for the year. These will take place the week before written examinations
begin and the girls will perform on stage in the main hall.
C Shapiro
ART DEPARTMENT
HIGH PRAISE AFFORDED TO CATHERINE HUTTON-SQUIRE
High praise and honour was given to Carina Vosloo, head of our Art Department, when the
school was contacted by the EMDC and she was asked to select the work of one of our
learners as a gift to President Thabo Mbeki. One of the works of Catherine Hutton Squire
came to mind as a suitable gift for the President's office - one which had been selected
as part of a collage on the 2002 Matric Art Exhibition invitation.
The artwork selected by the EMDC
for President Mbeki
On Saturday, Catherine was asked to attend a
ceremony in which her painting was to be presented to our President. Paying tribute to her
much admired and gifted teacher, Catherine invited Carina Vosloo to the event as her
special guest.
In the penultimate week of this term, matriculants worked hard to complete their
portfolios and submit them for assessment, and to prepare them for display at the 2003
Matric Art Exhibition – another high point on the Wynberg Calendar. This year the
2003 Art Exhibition will take place on 17 October at 18:00. Invitations will be sent out
early next term, but do keep this provisional date in your diaries in the meantime.
P Orpen |
CULTURAL
ACTIVITIES
DRAMA DEPARTMENT
This has been an exciting but exhausting term. While you are relaxing and enjoying the
October break, some of the members of the Drama Department will be frantically preparing
for their South African Speech Teachers, Guild exams. Eighteen Wynberg girls have entered.
The standard is high, and, because for most of the year we were busy with Twelfth Night,
we are working on a very tight schedule.
The Grade Eleven syllabus is the most interesting. The learners may choose a theme. They
are to present a ten-minute programme around this theme. They may interlink their pieces
with movement, dance, song, music or mime. This year’s Grade Elevens are a
particularly talented group, so we are looking forward to fascinating programmes. The
themes chosen are: Women and Choices; Temptation; Obsession; Sex and Power; Treachery;
Women and Sexuality; Love; Needs.
We hope to have an evening in which we showcase some of this work next term. The exams
will be at Irma Kessler's Studio in Sea Point on the 13 and 14 October.
It’s over until 2005!!! Another Major
Production
Twelfth Night went off smoothly and successfully. Our charity performance on the 5 August
was very well received. The members of the old age homes who attended were very impressed
by the audibility of the actors, and enjoyed the vibrant and energetic performance.
Ondine and Richard in rehearsal
for Twelfth Night
All three shows went off very well.
Unfortunately, our audiences were not very big, but those who attended, loved the show. We
had a standing ovation on our Friday night final performance.
For those of you who missed the show, it was professionally videoed and is available from
the bursar for R100 a copy.
As most of you know - our performances were dedicated to Lindy Anderson. We seem to have
brought one another luck: Lindy's bone marrow transplant has been a success and our show
was great. Again a big thank you to all involved. Thank you particularly to the parents
for fetching and carrying your sons and daughters from rehearsals.
We have donated the beautiful boat that Mr Bowers built to one of the crèches in Retreat.
They were very grateful, as they have nothing for the children to play on in their
playground.
In the workshop – where it all
began
(the set that is)
We are planning a drama assembly for next
term so that we can hand out Eisteddfod certificates, house play awards and remind the
school of our excellent achievements!
P Glover
|
CULTURAL
ACTIVITIES DEBATING SOCIETY
PROVINCIAL DEBATING TOURNAMENT 2003
Wynberg was chosen to participate in the Provincial LoveLife Games. This took
place from the 5 - 7 of September 2003. Learners from all over the Western Cape
participated in this tournament. Representing Wynberg were Tarryn Saunders, Christine
Friest, Anja Hendricks and Sheree Lang.
A dual topic system was used. This meant that for each round of debating, two motions were
provided. The teams then decided whether they wanted to debate the default motion or the
upgrade motion. The tournament consisted of five compulsory rounds of debating, followed
by the semi-finals and finals.
The first of these debates was against Bishops, where we opposed the motion formulated in
the phrase: “This house would completely ban smoking”. The next debate was
against Inkwezi Lomo, where we opposed the motion that prisoners should be used in public
work programs. Gordon High School were our third competitors, where we opposed the motion
that HIV positive mothers should be sterilized. In both the fourth and fifth debates of
the tournament, where we debated against Rhenish High School and Isimela High School, we
were required to support the motions that the number of national languages should be
reduced in South Africa, and that developed countries should compensate developing
countries for the brain drain.
It was regrettable that no results were provided at the tournament, but the school can be
assured that its representatives provided some fiery debating and convincing arguments
throughout this tournament, and all speakers should be congratulated on their outstanding
performance.
DEBATING AT WYNBERG
The third term began with a bang as we implemented our innovative strategy: we thought
that there should be a new focus on informal debates to provide members who have recently
joined with enough confidence to compete in a formal debate.
On the 31 July, we held an in-house debate. The motion was that ‘Freedom of Speech
and Media should be allowed at all levels’. Those proposing the motion were Michelle
Fourie, Romi Reinecke and Raelene Adams. The opposition included Tracy Mason, Kirsten
Eloff and Tarryn Saunders. After an hour of excellent debating, the opposition’s
arguments prevailed.
On 7 August, Wynberg Girls’ High debated Wynberg Boys’ High. The motion before
the house was that ‘Colonialism is an excuse for undemocratic African
leadership’. Representing Wynberg were Berenice Bentel, Ottilie Laubscher and Tarryn
Saunders. Wynberg won the debate and proved, once again, who the weaker sex really is!
Congratulations are in order for Berenice Bentel, who received the ‘Best Speaker
Award’.
On 21 August, we invited a University of Cape Town debater, David Simonsz, to speak to the
Debating Society about formulating arguments and other basic debating skills. The audience
was intrigued by what he had to tell us, and asked a lot of questions. It was clear that
we all learnt a great deal from this workshop.
Wynberg pick up a few tips from one of
the top
UCT debater, David Simonz
On Thursday, 28 August we were able to put
some of these ideas into practice when we debated against Sans Souci. The Junior Debating
motion was 'People with HIV should disclose their status'. Representing Wynberg were
Caitlin Caprio, Joanne O' Carroll and Raelene Adams. After an hour of heated debate,
Wynberg's arguments prevailed. Special mention must be made of Joanne O' Carroll who
received the 'Best Speaker Award'. The Senior Debating motion was 'Technology has had a
detrimental effect on communication'. Representing Wynberg were Michelle Fourie, Anja
Hendricks and Sheree Lang. After another hour of heated debate, Sans Souci managed to beat
Wynberg.
On Thursday, 4 September , Wynberg debated Herschel. The Junior Debating motion was that
'Literacy is not essential to succeed' . Representing Wynberg were Ottilie Laubscher,
Berenice Bentel and Kirsten Eloff. After an hour of brilliant arguing, Herschel won the
debate. Special mention must be made of Julia Garlic, a Herschel learner, who received the
'Best Speaker Award.' The Senior Debating motion was 'Indoctrination is more effective
than propaganda'. Representing Wynberg in the debating section were Christine Friest, Anja
Hendricks and Sheree Lang. This excellent debate resulted in another win for Herschel.
S Lang
TOPIC OF THE WEEK
The Debating Society has recently introduced Topic Of The Week, a discussion that
takes place on Wednesdays at second break in Room 6. Different topics that are relevant to
current affairs are provided each week and all are encouraged to attend and voice their
opinion. Topic of the Week has proved to be very successful and draws a regular
crowd each week. We would like to encourage all interested and potential debaters to join
this dynamic and thriving society. It’s an excellent way to develop a number of
critical skills!
A Hendricks |
SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE PALACE
On Friday during the cultural period, the Wynberg girls were treated to a stage
performance by Wynberg Senior Secondary of an abridged version of Saturday Night at
the Palace. The play, written by Paul Slabolepszy, is based on an actual incident
which he had read about in a South African afternoon paper.
The original play deals with an evening in the lives of three South Africans, two white
(Vince and Forsie) and one black (September). Exploring the racial tensions and the vile
sense of entitlement which the policy of Apartheid had allowed white South Africans, Vince
battles to preserve his sense of supremacy and blames his life’s failures on others,
most notably the dark-skinned "kaffirs". Drunk on booze and racist venom, the
bitter Vince takes his frustrations out by viciously taunting September, the diner’s
sole Zulu waiter, while Forsie furiously tries to defuse the potentially fatal conflict.
In the abridged version presented by Wynberg Senior Secondary, the message of the play
regrettably translates alltoo easily into our society: the violent lawlessness and brutal
victimization which once shocked audiences, and certainly shocked Wynberg Girls' High, are
things that have unravelled the very fabric of our society. 
The cast and director of
Saturday Night at the Palace
Perhaps the only thing that we can do is take
away with us a recognition that this kind of brutality and criminal behaviour is
pervasive, and has to be countered and challenged, if we are to preserve our rights to
decent living.
P Orpen
SHOWCASING OUR DEBATING AND XHOSA SOCIETY
On Friday, 19 September, the cultural period was used to showcase two of our own
societies: the Debating Society and the Xhosa Society. Our debating team has had
significant success against other schools, but this time they had issued a challenge to
the teachers.
Senior Debaters passionately argue that
teachers are responsible
for the disciplining of learners
The topic chosen was “This house
believes that discipline should not be in the hands of the teachers.” Chaired by
Michelle Fourie, some fiery debating was heard as the teachers, represented by Mrs Sparks,
Ms McCarthy and Mrs Kourie defended the proposition. However, it was the “logical,
passionate and convincing argument” of the girls, represented by Sheree Lang, Anja
Hendricks and Christine Friest, who opposed the argument, which won the day.
Without much ado, the debaters were rushed off the stage, the curtains closed and the
lights dimmed as the Xhosa Society members prepared for the performance that they had
planned for the school. It is most heartening when such effort and commitment is displayed
by a society. For weeks now, the society has been rehearsing items – song, poetry and
dance – around the theme “New Beginnings.”
For this occasion, they had been working busily during the week, over the weekends and
even making bright and colourful costumes. The appreciation of their audience could not be
missed. The school was delighted and the complements were flowing. Classes later on in the
day were still commenting on the wonderful performance they had seen from the Xhosa
Society.
The Xhosa Society showcases some of its
work to
an appreciative audienc
Ms Mpambo and the Xhosa society assure us
that this is just the start: they are working on new ways of presenting that which they
love to the school, in a way that they hope will blow us all away. If what we saw marked
just the beginning of their new beginnings, we cannot wait. Our thanks are extended to
both the Debating and Xhosa society for putting together a wonderfully entertaining
programme for the school. We hope that other societies will be encouraged to showcase
their achievements in cultural periods that are made available to us.
P Orpen |
STEP INTO OUR WORLD
GRADE ELEVEN VARIETY SHOW 2003The
result of months of laborious planning and many hours of rehearsal was finally seen on the
night of 28 August when the Grade Eleven Variety Show dazzled the huge audience packed
tightly into the Wynberg Girls’
High School Hall. The show was completely sold out and the queue of people waiting to get
into the hall extended well past the ballet hall.
The atmosphere inside and backstage was electric and combined with the kaleidoscope of
movement, colour and talent on stage, the energy on the night was elevated to near
exploding point.
The highly responsive audience was wowed by
the dancing talents of Evolution, the Daphne Jubber Dance studio, Revolution,
Candice and Janine, and the Grade Eleven dance class.
One of the groups of dancers in the
Variety concert
During rehearsals, one of the backstage girls
was particularly impressed by the break dancing act, remarking that the boys were “so
like…flexible.”
The break dancers show off their
talents
The musical and vocal talents of Gareth Maggs, Overboard
Crew, Lauren Losper, Tirsa and Andrea, Sharna and Mandy, Teresa van den Berg, Kyle and
Jesse and the ever-popular HUMANERA were also appreciated by the enthusiastic
crowd.
Ondine, Loren and Tammy’s tribute to Lindy Anderson was particularly touching. I am
sure that all the Wynberg girls present felt Lindy’s positive spirit in the hall as
the appropriate words to “That’s what friends are
for” and “Lean on me” were sung.
But the talent didn’t end there. There was also some
incredible poetry written and performed by Tapanga and a very large dose of comic relief
from the Dyaratic Flamingos, Shaun and Jonathan, the runners-up from the Grade
Eleven camp talent show- “Versin-derella” and the presenters of the
show, Jenny Williamson and Aimee Valentine.
The show was a remarkable demonstration of the unity of the Grade Elevens of 2003 and
everything ran smoothly with only one interruption- an announcement for all the Littlewood
Hostel boys to return to hostel
immediately (!?)
The co-ordinating committee of the
Grade Eleven Variety Concert
Huge thanks must go to all the Grade Elevens,
who gave up their precious time to serve on committees, the backstage and tech teams; all
parents and teachers who assisted us and of course, the performers, who made the show such
a success.
All funds collected on the night will go towards the Matric Dance 2004 and with such a
fantastic grade, just imagine how wonderful that night is going to be!
R Blundell
THE MSA HIGH TEA
The evening was a great success! As the guests entered the Aileen Currie hall, their eyes
were met with tables adorned with floating candles, beautifully folded serviettes and
ivory twisted around white drapes.
Aqeelah Begg, head of the MSA, introduced the guest speaker. The purpose of the evening
was both educational and entertaining: Mariam Abdurouf, who spoke on Islam, and the
responsibilities which come with the religion, and Fidhaa and Nuraan Edries spoke on young
Muslims in today’s society. The talk was interesting and raised extremely relevant
topics. The entertaiment included performances from the former “Idols”
contestent, Fransisca followed by the powerful singing and energetic dancing of Deja-vu.
Then the moment that most people had been waiting for… the food! Delicious savouries
and cakes were served. The evening was delightful, and a perfect way to relax after a busy
week.
R Issel |
SPORT
HOCKEY REPORT
Wynberg hockey has once again experienced a successful season. The 1st Hockey Team won
interschools for the second year running and came fifth in the Premier League. The U16's
won their interschools event for the third year in a row, with the U14's finishing third.
The seconds had a good season, only losing one match in the 1st League, whilst the U14B's
remained unbeaten throughout the season!
A jubilant U18 team bring home the
trophy
Both Nicole de Vries and Ilse Davids were selected to
South African representative teams and travelled to Potchestroom to participate in an
international tournament. Ilse was invited to train and play for a Dutch club in the
Netherlands for two months during their season.
A Bernstein
U14A DISCOVER THE BENEFITS OF TEAM EFFORT
The U14A netball team has undergone tremendous transition during the past year. They began
in a fair amount of disarray but have proved to all that with team effort and focus, great
things can be achieved.
They tell us that their successes began when they started to take their coaches seriously:
and then the games truly began! This has resulted in their triumphant winning of the
interschools U14 netball tournament and is a typical example of Wynberg spirit! Well done,
girls, we are proud!
J Groenewald and S Critien |
SPORT
SQUASH REPORT
Social squash has been more popular than ever and we are excited to note the enthusiasm of
the new girls. We encourage all girls to keep practising during the summer months and to
join us again next year. Summer squash continues on Tuesdays at Wynberg Boys’ High
School from 2-3 pm.
The girls have shown improvement this term and have always given of their best. In the
July holidays, Stephanie Salvage (u14) and Megan Horsley (u16) represented Western
Province in tournaments in Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth. Well done, girls! On Saturday,
20 September, five of our top players participated in the Interschools Squash Tournament.
The competition was tough, but the girls played exceptionally well.
We would like to thank and wish our Grade Twelve players and captain, Simone Sardo, a fond
farewell. Our best wishes go with them in their future! Finally, a special thank you to
our couch, Mr Lionel White, for all his help and encouragement this year. Also, thank you
to the teachers who drove the girls on Friday afternoons to the different courts, and to
the parents for their support.
Well done to everyone for an enjoyable season!
P Bodenstein and J Nel
Mr Bodenstein, Mrs Nel and the
Squash First Team |
JESSICA BARONETTI -
A WESTERN PROVINCE SURFER
Jessica Baronetti in Grade Nine has been surfing since last November and has been doing
very well. Recently, we received notification that she has been selected to represent
Western Province U16 Girls in the South African Junior Championships. Jessica is the only
girl from our province, which is quite something. This competition takes place in Victoria
Bay on the 29 Sept until the 4 October during school holidays.
Well done, Jess!
Despite the fact that surfing is not a sport
which is offered at Wynberg, we are delighted that this does not stop any Wynberg girl
from going out and pursuing excellence. Go Jessica, the school is exceptionally proud of
you.
P Orpen
MICHELLE ADAMS – AWARD WINNING CANOEIST
Michelle Adams in Grade Ten is has been participating in a
number of canoe races and has also being doing extremely well. Apart from winning a number
of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, she has been ranked highly in the U16 girls section:
ranging from first to fifth in a number of different races. In May, she was selected for
the South African Sprint Training Squad, which prepares canoeists for the World Junior
Sprints to be held next year. Further than this, she has participated in a number of
Surfski Races and at the beginning of August, she was placed first in the Winter series
when she participated in the Handiman Surfski race in Hout Bay. Well done, Michelle!
P Orpen
Well done Michelle, we’re proud of you!
|
CROSS COUNTRY
This year, Wynberg had a small group of varying athletes; the more serious runners and
those who were out there to enjoy the tough off-road terrain.
Our races took us all over the Peninsula, from Milnerton to Fish Hoek to our own doorstep,
Wynberg Park. We enjoyed and appreciated the beautiful scenery, although at times the Cape
Winter was not pleasant at all.
Kerry Stuart in Grade Twelve and Amber Cameron in Grade Eight did well. Amber is to be
especially commended as she was selected on two occasions to participate in the Western
Province trials held at Polsmoor. A hearty Wynberg thank you must go to Mr Cameron who was
always there to encourage and support Amber, and to keep us informed of latest
developments.
To all athletes, keep fit and see you next season.
SOUTH AFRICAN REPRESENTATIVES
NICOLE DE VRIES AND ILLSE DAVIDS
We salute our South African representatives: Nicole and Ilse. Both of these girls attended
the International Hockey Festival at Potchefstroom with the South African hockey team.
(10th -17th August 2003) During those seven days, they underwent an intensive training
camp with the South African Women’s hockey team coach, Ros Howell for three days.
Nicole and Ilse - our South African reps
In that time they also played against
Zimbabwe and Uruguay.
U16 A SA team played against Zimbabwe and won: (8-0).
U18 B SA team played against Zimbabwe U18 A and won: (1-0), played against U18B and won:
(4-0), played against Uruguay and won: (6-0).
Illse Davids has been selected to play in the U16A SA team and is Vice Captain of
U16A SA team.
Nicole De Vries has been selected to play for the U18B SA team.
Both Illse and Nicole belong to the Bellville Hockey Club. We are exceptionally proud of
these girls.
P Orpen |
SERVICE
INTERACT
This term has been one of great excitement, anticipation and planning in which many
projects have been undertaken. The term began with the welcoming in of the new committee:
Ellie Shortall (Chairperson), Jessica Riviera (Deputy Chairperson), Aiggy Shen
(Treasurer), Gillian Lupton – Smith (Secretary), Colleen Louw, Lauren Bird, Farrah
Hayes and Bronwyn Nussey.
Our first project for the term was that of the Charity Performance. Guests from Murambi
House and Brenton Lodge were invited to a performance of Twelfth Night. It was thoroughly
enjoyed by all, and the guests were grateful for the opportunity to attend such a
spectacular performance.
A much-anticipated event was our camp in which we took fifty children from the Dietrich
Moravian School in Phillipi to Smuts Camp in Glencairn for the last weekend in August.
Expectant and excited, we set off for a weekend that we hoped would not only touch the
lives of the children, but provide them with the opportunity to build friendships and have
fun. It was a great success and everyone, including the Interacters, left the campsite
with a new approach to life. We would like to thank all the sponsors and those who offered
support and assistance in the organisation of the camp for making it such a wonderful and
memorable experience.
Other projects in which we have participated are assisting with the painting of wards at
the Military Hospital, and the Cape Mental Health Kite festival where we helped sell
raffle tickets and direct parking
We wish to thank Ms Jordan, the teacher in charge, and the Interacters who so willingly
and enthusiastically gave up their time to help make this term an eventful and successful
one. We look forward to the rest of the year and the opportunities to help to make a
difference.
A very happy camper!!
G Lupton-Smith |
ACHIEVEMENT
WYNBERG GIRLS SELECTED AS "JUNIOR ICONS" AT THE 2003 WOMAN OF THE
YEAR AWARDS
We were immensely proud to hear that two of our learners – one currently at the
school and one who matriculated last year – had been selected as “Junior
Icons” at the 2003 Woman of the year awards. They were Lauren Hartmann, 2002
Dux and top female matriculant in the Western Cape, and Yumna Moosa, top-scoring female in
the Pan African Maths Olympiad and recipient of the Dawie du Toit medal
at the 2002 South African Maths Olympiad.
This prestigious and dazzling event, held to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of
women of South Africa, was held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on
Thursday 31 July 2003. The Shoprite Checkers / SABC 2 Woman of the Year Award,
now in its eighth year, is an annual major initiative for National Women’s Day,
and focuses attention on issues which are of importance to the women of South Africa.
Together with Dr Mamphela Ramphela, Lauren Hartmann presented the award in the Education
Category to Connie Mbowane, who was also the recipient of the Woman of the Year award for
her dedication to teaching and the community in Sebokeng. Irene Charnley and Yumna Moosa
presented the award in the Science and Technology Category to Professor Lynette Denny, who
has saved the lives of countless women through her commitment to combating the huge spread
of cervical cancer in disadvantaged areas.
We are exceptionally proud of these girls.P Orpen
WINNERS OF THE MONTROSE COLLEGE BURSARY
On Thursday, 18 September, Claire Knowles was invited to our assembly to present the Montrose
Bursaries to two of our Matriculants.
Valued at R14 000 each, they are not insubstantial amounts and would certainly reduce any
anxiety felt by parents or student when considering how studies at tertiary institutions
are to be funded!
This year Jacqueline Bosman and Tania Whelan were the
delighted recipients of the bursary. Congratulations to both of them!
P Orpen |
NATIONAL BANDANA DAY - 1 SEPTEMBER
LINDY SPEAKS TO US AND BRINGS MUCH CREDIT TO WYNBERG
This year, ours was one of the three schools which were selected by the Sunshine Flower
Fund to promote their National Bandana Campaign. Lindy, her friends, and the school have
received much publicity, as they have worked to highlight the suffering which diseases of
the blood engender. The publicity has included the fundraising efforts, the blood donating
drives; the courage of Lindy as doctors searched for a bone marrow match; the jubilation
as one was found; her being selected as one of three role models on National Women’s
day in The Argus, to articles on her long, lonely road to recovery.
But it had to have been one of the highlights in our school calendar when, despite the
wind and the rain, the cold weather and the power failure, Lindy joined us for assembly to
speak to the school on 1 September, National Bandana Day. Despite the considerable risk to
her health, her tenacity and courage to claim her place at her school on National Bandanna
day were plain to all.
She joined the school, on the stage, as a speaker, a role model and a friend.
The school’s and her friends’ delight at seeing her again was revealed in the
long, long applause that she received. She took the podium, clearly delighted at being
back with us.
Speaking of the history that she had endured since February from the time that she
received the diagnosis until now, she has become living testimony to the courage and
endurance of the human spirit. With humour, she listed the diseases that she had
experienced, made light of the suffering that she had endured, and spoke of the wisdom
that she had learnt. She spoke of the fact that no longer was she concerned about the same
things – hair, appearance and the like – they seemed insignificant now –
today the things she holds dear are the relationships she has with family, her faith and
her school. She talked of the enormous value of a school such as Wynberg in her life, and
the fact that for her, it was indeed “family.” Overwhelmed, struggling, she
thanked the school. All wept.
The standing ovation she received as she left the stage is tribute to the impact that she
has had on all of our lives, and the joy we feel in having her amongst us again.P Orpen |
ARBOR DAY
Traditionally Arbor week is celebrated from 1-5 September, but this year we celebrated it
at a special assembly, a little late, on 8 September. Guests from Intshinga Primary School
- the Ipi Tombi dancers and Mrs Mgumane, the primary schools' Environmental
co-ordinator - were invited to receive a cheque in support of the extraordinary
environmental work that she and the school are doing.
As the school entered the hall, they did so to the music of Toto: where we were encouraged
to listen to “the echoing drums" and "to bless the rains down in
Africa.” There was a curious excitement in the air, and it was not unfounded. It was
an unusual assembly in which we could celebrate the music, the dance and the schools of
Africa: our own and Intshinga Primary School.
Our Senior Marimba band opened the proceedings by playing some pretty rousing tunes ending
in the African Gallop. Thereafter, Dani Alexander handed a cheque from our school to
Intshinga Primary School. The cheque was the result of a cake sale which we hold annually
in Arbor Week in support of other schools which have active environment clubs which
contribute to the lives of the learners and the community. Their very impressive Ipi Tombi
Dancers performed some very energetic dances which celebrated flowers, bees and
pollination. It was a full but rousing assembly, in which we could be glad to be alive:
glad to be down in AfricaP Orpen
1 September – all were delighted
to wear bandanas
and these Grade Elevens did not need much persuading to pose for their friend.
|
FOUNDERS’ DAY
Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
...For the times they are a-changin'.
These were the words used to invite past pupils to our Founders’ Day special assembly
on 12 September. This year, they apply as much to those who have left the school as to the
pupils who are currently here. Wynberg is not a school which remains static: it is
dynamic, demanding and hardworking. And the rewards we receive from being part of such a
school are infinite. It is a school in which all are called to action — to be doers
— to allow the inspiring community around us to serve as a catalyst of our growth and
development.
It is part of that vitality, growth and change that we were called to witness on
Founders’ Day. As we began the day by assembling in the hall to listen to the
inspired speeches of those who had applied for the position of Head of Schools, we were
called to witness and participate in the process of implementing significant change to the
leadership structure within Wynberg.
In part, the changes are a response to our need to find a way of giving due recognition to
and harnessing the leadership of our Wynberg girls, but it is also a way of enabling
Wynberg to remain a caring community. As the size of the school increases, so it becomes
easier to remain anonymous: the vertical system which will come into effect in 2004, and
which is beginning to take effect now, will make this anonymity more difficult.
The vertical system involves consolidating and promoting the four pillars around which the
school is organised – academic, sport, service and cultural activities. Equally
significant is the RCL, which, because of the representative nature of the body, is voted
into position by the pupil body only. Each of these positions offers considerable areas of
responsibility and they together make up our school council.
In 2004, the school will be restructuring into eight houses: Apsley, Wellington,
Wellesley, Copenhagen, Silverlea, Kirsten, Constantia and Cavanagh, where pupils will be
assigned to a house. It is hoped that, within these houses, the growth and nurturing of
all girls within the school will take place. Unlike the past, where the Head and Deputy
Head Girls were voted for by the school, girls now apply for the position of Head of
School, and are encouraged to talk of their vision for the school to the pupil body. They
in turn are invited to vote for whom they think fits the position best. Thereafter,
through an interviewing process by the Principal and her Deputies, the Heads of School are
appointed.
There is something singularly appropriate about the fact that Founders’ Day was the
day in which these speeches had to be delivered and marked the start of the implementation
of the changes that will take effect at Wynberg. The sentiments of the school were echoed
in the words of Mrs Harding at the start of the proceedings: "For me this is an
important and exciting day".
As each of the eleven applicants spoke to us, we were left humbled by their courage, their
vision for the school and their eloquence. While the rest of the school returned to their
classrooms cast their vote for the person they believed should lead the school, past
pupils of Wynberg moved down the driveway to meet for a cup of tea in the tuckshop before
attending the 2003 Founders’ Day special assembly. Its focus is on change and tradition: past pupils are invited to address
the assembled grouping, they are asked to hand the certificates out to incoming members of
the Old Girls’ Union.
This year, Lauren Hartmann, Dux of 2002, encouraged the
current pupils to make the most of their time at Wynberg and to make up their minds to be
a person who leaves an impression on Wynberg in some way. She exhorted the assembled
gathering to defy expectations, exceed their limits, take pride in everything they did,
remember where they came from and be aware of where they were going. That, she said, was
what Wynberg had taught her.
Sarah and Shelley present the
certificates to those who have joined the union
Sarah Manners and Shelley van Wyk handed the
Wynberg Old Girls’ Union certificates to the newest members. After enjoying some
splendid singing from both the Wynberg Junior and High School choirs, we spilled out onto
the fields where the past pupils were invited to challenge the first teams in a game of
Netball and Hockey.
It was a memorable day – one which is historically significant in marking publicly
the changes in the leadership structures of the school, and in valuing the great
traditions on which these ideas were founded.
The Old Girls' team of 2003
P Orpen |
LEADERSHIP
PRESENTING THE LEADERS OF 2004
The past few weeks have aroused a great deal of excitement amidst the staff and
pupil body alike as we consider the challenges and demands that lie ahead.
Much of the excitement, tension and heartache has arisen as pupils compete for positions
of leadership which the school has to offer. They have gone through a rigorous process as
they have completed CVs, created manifestos, delivered speeches and been interviewed…
At this point the significant roles of the eight Head of House positions have still to be
appointed, but it is with great pleasure that we are able to present to you, the Head of
School, and her two deputies, the heads of each of the four pillars of the school and the
three Grade Twelve RCL representatives who together make up the school council.
Head and Deputy Heads of the School
Rebecca Blundell
Abbey Smith
Ondine Corewijn
Ondine, Rebecca and Abbey are appointed
to the positions of Head and Deputy
Heads of the four pillars: Academic,
Culture, Sport and Service
Jessica Groenveld
Kerryn Lancaster
Jenna Cunliffe
Ellie Shortall
A happy moment for Kerryn, Ellie,
Jessica and Jenna
Representative Council of Learners
Insaaf Abrahams
Andrea Meyer
Nikita van den Berg
Our Grade Twelve RCL members
REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL OF LEARNERS 2004
Those elected to the RCL from Grades Eight to Ten on Tuesday, 23 September are
| Grade 8 |
Grade 9 |
|
|
| Raelene Adams |
Rayvonne Mars |
| Olivia McCarthy |
Kebone Moloko |
| Heather Whitehorn |
Joanna O’Carroll |
Grade 10
| Pulane Mpondo |
| Leila Padayachi |
| Melissa Theunissen |
We salute all of these leaders
and wish them well in their term of office.
P Orpen |
REALISATION OF A DREAM: THE RAIN
SHELTER IS OFFICIALLY OPENED.
Braving some of the coldest weather we have experienced this winter, a small group of
loyal parents, teachers and pupils gathered together on 19 August to open, officially, the
rain shelter which the Parents' Association has worked so hard to finance. Perhaps it was
fitting that on a day in which a Hail Man could be seen on the pages of the Independent
Online, and there was snow on Devil's Peak, and most harbours in the province were closed
as a result of gale force winds, the official opening of the rain shelter took place.
It is the result of the work of the Representative Council of Learners, the commitment of
the governing body, the efforts of Parents' Association and the democratic spirit in which
Shirley Harding runs the school, that the pupils of Wynberg Girls' High can wait for their
parents in the safety of the rain shelter, on the property of the school. All parents have
to do is drive by to pick their daughters up. In the design, which as Mr Robertson,
chairman of the Parents' Association pointed out had begun as something that might look a
little like a car port, but which became something a great deal grander, Shirley Harding
and her team of architects have made provision for those girls and parents who need to
load the car with a number of bags. Consequently, there are a number of parking bays for a
quick loading and leaping into the car.
Muneera Deaney, Chairperson of the RCL in 2003, cut the ribbon and Alex Butterfield, Head
Girl of 2003, thanked the representative groupings on behalf of the school for the
shelter. P Orpen
Part of the group that gathered for the
opening of the Rain Shelter |
ACHIEVERS’ DINNER
The Achievers’ Dinner is one of those prestigious occasions when the school can
recognise the significant achievements of our girls in the extracurricular activities.
Those who are invited are people who have exceeded expectations, who have gone beyond what
was required. They are Wynberg’s senior role models. It is not sufficient to have
been a committed or determined player, worker or member of a team, club or scoeity - it is
for those who have gone the extra mile or truly excelled. Staff heading the various clubs,
societies and sports select those who are to be invited, and a small team of staff members
prepare the dinner in their honour.
This year, Ms Selfe, Ms Opperman and Ms Miles went out of their way to honour
Wynberg’s achievers of 2003. There was much care and thought in creating programmes
which acknowledged each achiever; hand made table decorations became a visual metaphor of
excellence and the venue itself – Westlake Golf Course -with the lights of our
beautiful city in the background - all contributed to the splendour of the occasion.
Some of the senior students who were invited
to the Achievers’ Dinner.
The Achievers of 2003 were met at the door by
Ms Selfe and Ms Opperman, and invited to take their seats at the tables of their choice.
Speakers that evening included Mrs Harding, Alex Butterfield and Muneera Deaney. It was
clear from the enthused thanks received from the Achievers of 2003 that they had
thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and more importantly, felt deeply affirmed and
acknowledged by the school.
P Orpen |
ENRICHMENT
CAMP SAVAGE- NOT SO SAVAGE!
At 8:30am on Friday, 12 September , eleven excited Grade Ten Wynberg Girls lugged
suitcases onto the well-kept lawn of Fairmont High School. We chattered enthusiastically
as curious eyes peered over at us from all corners of the school. Finally, we were
introduced to the other 100 or so Fairmont students who were to accompany us on camp, as
well as about 30 Stellenberg High School students who were coming too.
When we arrived at the Mizpah Camp Site in Grabouw, we were introduced to the ‘main
guy’, Mr. Peter Le Roux, who in turn, introduced us to the group leaders, who would
sleep in our dorms and accompany us to each ‘station’. Liz, our group’s
leader, was a friendly, helpful and fun person, as were all the others! Throughout camp,
they continued to be this, as well as understanding and playful.
Our dorms were hygienic and clean, with comfortable beds, and bathrooms in each dorm. The
Wynberg Girls, who were in a group together, didn’t get much sleep; Mr. Le Roux had
given us the tiresome task of keeping watch on the 24-hour ‘rig’. This was a
video camera situated in the river just below the campsite. Shifts were sat watching the
screen of a computer connected to the camera, for fish, crabs and tadpoles. The fun of
this really wanes when you have to wake up at 2:00 in the morning for your shift and sit
in a lonely, dark hall for an hour!
Some of the stations we had to go to included birds; insects; fynbos; dissecting a
lamb’s foetus; photography (in which we had to capture pictures or scenes which
portrayed humans connecting with nature); swimming (which meant our leaping around and
screaming in seven degree mountain rivers!); ‘aliens’ was where we were given
axes and machetes, and were asked to cut down as many Pine and Port Jackson trees as we
could. This was lots of fun and an excellent way to get rid of stress!
Another station was called ‘The Room Of Wonders’, which was the only indoor
station. This had all kinds of interesting animals, microscopes and lots of bottles and
tanks, which contained the findings of students on their field trips.
Biscuit, the eight-metre python, was a very popular source of entertainment! The animals
ranged from frogs to snakes, scorpions to spiders, and there was even a rather large
tree-iguana! |
ENRICHMENT
In our free time, of which there was plenty, we played soccer, made friends, learnt
to break dance and did basically everything that there was to do!
The food was great! We had delicious meals, including burgers, fruit, cereal, muffins,
chicken, rice, sandwiches, hotdogs and yummy desserts!
On the Saturday evening after playing various ‘games’, we had the privilege of
listening to a speech made by Mr. Le Roux. It was incredibly moving and brought tears to
many eyes. It made me realize a lot about myself and I had a newfound respect for him. Mr.
Le Roux is truly an unbelievable person and should be met by everyone!
After the speech, nine of the eleven Wynberg Girls and a few others drove out into the
night and slept on the mountainside under a blanket of stars. This was incredible! We were
able to look through a telescope and see the moon, and talked until about 2:30am!
Some Wynberg Girls went on a night hike, which was very long and tiring, but most enjoyed
it! We also had a lecture about bats, which included a slideshow, and we were even lucky
enough to get to hold live bats and hear their sounds through a device that allows the
human ear to hear sounds that usually are too sensitive for us to hear.
Sunday, the dreaded last day of camp! This meant Operation Cleanup. So, all 150 biology
students, as well as all the leaders, packed away boxes, bags, cages, tanks, cleaned
dorms, collected traps in the river, disconnected pipes, wires and plugs, ate or packed
away food, collected and stored animals, lost property and junk that had accumulated over
the three days that we were there, swept, dusted, wiped, cleaned, washed and did anything
else that would improve the sanitation and tidiness of the Mizpah campsite.
And that was our camp! Goodbyes were hugged and waved, thank-yous were unanimously
applauded, and we were on our way. We had made friends with many people, with many animals
and with much of our environment. We had learnt an enormous number of things and had fun
while doing so. For me, Camp Savage was probably one of the most exciting learning
experiences of my life!
And, as was said many times during and after our weekend, “Now THAT was a SEXY
camp!”
K Bluff |
DATES FOR YOUR
CALENDAR
October
| 6 October |
Start of Term |
|
Beginning of Grade Nine CTA
Section A |
|
Matric Hostel Farewell dinner |
| 7 October |
Prize Giving 19:45 |
| 8 October |
Matric and Staff Breakfast |
|
Informal Valedictory Concert |
|
Valedictory Service |
| 13-15 October |
Leadership Camp – School
Council |
| 17 October |
2003 Matric Art Exhibition |
|
Grade 11 Geography outing |
| 20 October |
Grade Seven Evening |
| 21 October |
HOD Planning for 2004 |
| 22 October |
Lunchtime Music Concert |
| 24 October |
Music Ensemble Exam |
| 27-31 October |
Music Exams |
November
| 3 November |
Finance Meeting: Budget 2004 |
| 11 November |
Examinations start |
December
| 2 December |
Interhouse Athletics |
| 3 December |
Booksales |
|
Hostel Christmas Dinner |
| 4 December |
Prize Giving Grades 8-11 |
| 5 December |
School ends for learners |
| 9 December |
School ends for staff |
|
WATERLOO HOUSE
This term began on an exciting note, with our matrics preparing for their Matric Dance,
which took place on the first Saturday of the term. Other forms of entertainment for the
hostel girls have included trips to Cavendish Square and Canal Walk, movies, ice-skating
and a braai and pool party with Wynberg Boys’ and Rondebosch Boys’ High,
respectively. During this cold and rainy term the boarders also enjoyed videos and pizza
under their duvets and an embroidery club has been started. Many thanks must go to Mrs
Stokell (our school secretary), who has initiated this project and has spent several hours
at the hostel helping and inspiring the girls. It has been so good to walk into the common
room on a Saturday afternoon and see the termly boarders chatting happily and listening to
music while creating their designs.
The Representative Council of Learners has been active this term, achieving many of its
goals. A menu board in the dining room, locks on each boarder’s bedroom door and
upgraded computers for the study are but a few of their requests which have been granted.
The RCL also planned a “Fun and Games” evening as a spirit-builder for the
hostel this term.
Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to our beloved GAP students, Olivia Brown and Jessica
Blackden. We would like to thank them for all they contributed during their time with us,
and wish them well with their future studies. Fortunately, Anna Biven and Alisa Manttarri
arrived as our new GAP students and soon it felt as though they were part of the family.
They are our first GAPS from Australia (all previous ones have been from Great Britain)
and we hope that they will have a wonderful stay in South Africa.
This is also the term in which our hostel leaders for 2004 are elected. The term ends with
a special dinner where the outgoing leaders are honoured and thanked and the new leaders
congratulated.
The new leaders for 2004 are as follows:
| Head Girl |
Tessa Fredericks |
| Deputy Head |
Precious Garnett |
Hostel Prefects
Debbie Gray, Michelle Mitrovic; Kim Servaas, Thina Zibi
D Cheney |
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