We have welcomed 204 new Grade Eights and several other learners in the other grades to Wynberg this year. We are also pleased to welcome back all the “old” Wynberg girls, and we look forward to 2005 being a year of excellence in all our pillars and to each learner using her time to grow as a person.

Jay McGraw, in his book “Life Strategies for Teens” mentions a survey he did among teenagers about things they don’t want. The following list was made from the discussions:

Things I hate and want to eliminate:

• Zero control over my life
• Parents who don’t understand my life
• Two-faced friends
• Cliques that don’t include me
• Peers trying to get me to try things that I don’t want to
• Hypocritical adults
• No money, and no way to get money
• No transportation
• Feeling confused about what I want to become
• Worry and pressure over grades and friends
• Lack of confidence
• My lazy lifestyle

It appears that teenagers the world over face similar problems and concerns. At school, we have a part to play in helping the teenagers through these sometimes difficult years. This we would like to do alongside the primary caregiver, you – the parent. We urge you to keep in contact with your daughter’s class tutor and subject educators to ensure that 2005 will be a successful one for your daughter, and year in which she does eliminate some of the tribulations of “Life as a Teenager”!

Warm regards
Shirley Harding

Wynberg Girls' High Grade Elevens achieve A-levels examinations

There was much cause for celebration on the afternoon of January 26, when Wynberg Girls' High received the results of those Grade Elevens who sat their AS Levels examinations in November last year. 

Firstly, there was a pass rate of 100% in both History and English (the subjects offered at the school) and the large majority obtained results above a C - 94.1% of the candidates in English, and 63.6 of the candidates in History. Secondly, nobody otained a mark lower than a D - which is the average A-Level result internationally! Thirdly Wynberg boasts two A's this year: Cathy Gill for English Language and Literature, and Caitlin Bracken for History.

These courses are offered in the Grade Eleven year as part of an enrichment programme, and in both subjects, candidates are required to meet the curriculum requirements of both the Western Cape Education Department and the Cambridge University AS Levels curriculum.

Congratulations Grade Elevens of 2004! You've done yourselves and Wynberg Girls' High proud!

Grade Eleven A levels class of 2004
 

Matric Results

Once again, Wynberg Girls' High was cited by the Minister of Education in the Western Cape as a school which achieves Academic Excellence. This descriptor is based on our "outstanding academic results achieved in Senior Certificate Examinations from the years 2002-2004." 

Top honours this year go to Nakita Verkijk, Dux pupil at Wynberg Girls' High in this year's external Senior Certificate examination, and who achieved the top result for Biology HG in the Western Cape; Lauren Baerecke who achieved the third highest result in the Western Cape in History HG, and Danielle Carter, who achieved the third highest result in the Western Cape for Dance HG and Dance performance respectively.

A proud moment for Niquita and her parents 
Dux of Wynberg Girls' High in 2004

This year, forty-one candidates (ie 23.7%) achieved A-aggregates in the final exam, and there were two hundred and sixteen subject distinctions. We salute the efforts of our 2004 Matriculants and list those (in alphabetical order) who obtained A aggregate.

Once again, Wynberg Girls' High boasts a 100% pass rate. Of the 173 candidates who wrote the examinations, there were forty-one girls who passed with distinction and ninety-nine who passed with merit (an average of 60 to 79%). Of those who wrote the examination, 90% of the candidates obtained full matric endorsement. This means that 81.8% percent of the grouping obtained an average of above sixty percent.

Particularly noteworthy within the individual subjects were the subjects in which the grade average was above 70%. These include isiXhosa Second Language (where 87.5% of the candidates who sat the examination obtained A's), isiXhosa Third Language (where the average was 90.5%), Geography Higher Grade; History Higher and Standard Grade; Art Higher Grade, Graphic Art Standard Grade and Painting Standard Grade.

We salute the achievements both the individual candidates of Wynberg Girls' High and their teachers.

- FINAL PILLAR AWARDS FOR 2004 -
FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT OR CONTRIBUTION TO THE FOUR PILLARS OF THE SCHOOL

It gives me great pleasure to award the cultural trophy, Orpheus with his Lyre, to a person who has worked with unfailing enthusiasm and commitment within this pillar.

Creative, articulate and erudite, she has a deep love of the English Language and has worked hard to share this love with others by promoting the language in an entirely new, off-the-wall and wacky society “Between the Lines.” She is one of the driving organisational forces behind the society’s success, and she has revealed not only considerable initiative and creativity in starting the society, but also has revealed significant organisational and administrative skills.

A member of Wynpress, she is one who has continually introduced interesting original material to the school newspaper. She is responsible for a number of the illustrations in the magazine, and was the winner of the term’s cover competition held last year.

Her interest in culture is not limited to graphics and language only, but includes the dramatic field. She is the author of a play, which was produced, directed and performed publicly at the end of last year. 

Always receptive to new ideas and generating them herself, she is a most worthy recipient of the cultural trophy. It gives me great pleasure to award the trophy to Tarryn Saunders.

SPORT

Not only has our recipient of the Discobolos award excelled in her particular field, but she is an active participant in other spheres of Wynberg Life.

She plays Hockey for the u14A team and she has also been a member of the swimming team.She joined the 1st Waterpolo team last year while still in Grade Nine. 

She was selected to participate in the Nationals in December representing the Western Province u14A Team. She helped them win the tournament convincingly. She was then chosen to be a member of the SA u14 Team.

Heather Whitehorn is an asset not only to our waterpolo team, but an asset to Wynberg. She is most deserving of this award.

The recipient of the service trophy has been an active, dedicated and motivated member of the service committee and as such has been involved in projects ranging from the big walk and change for change. As captain of the technical team, she has given up many, many hours of her time in service to the school. She has been a part of the team for three years and has always worked hard to improve her skills. She has done an excellent job of training the team members, maintaining equipment and seeing to the many requests of staff and learners, tackling everything with great enthusiasm. The school community relies heavily on her and her team. 

The Demeter trophy for service to the school is awarded to Sharon Carter – Congratulations

Shan, Heather, Sharon and Tarryn - winners of the pillar trophies

ACADEMIC

The recipient of the Athena Trophy for Term 4 in 2004 is well-deserving of this award. She continues to strive towards perfection in all that she does.She spent the year writing off different modules towards her ICDL, she has competed in Olympiads and has achieved remarkable results in her academic work throughout the year. She has won an award for Science and is enthusiastic about all her subjects. The highlight of her November results is the fact that she scored 100% in her first Mathematics paper and lost only 7 marks in her second Mathematics paper – a phenomenal achievement and one that makes me very proud to award her this prestigious trophy.

She is always courteous, bright, cheerful and unassuming and is a fine example of just how far enthusiasm, commitment and hard work can get you. Congratulations to Shan Zhao!

And then the Grade Eights!

Buyelwa, Kelly and Alex were delighted
 to hear that they had won the election.

Mrs Harding congratulated all of the candidates on their willingness to take on this roll, and reminded all of the importance of the position, the responsibility that goes with it, and the fact that the running of these elections and the filling of these positions are determined by law. 

After each girl spent two minutes selling herself, the Grade Eights of 2005 awarded their votes to Alex Kosterman, Kelly Petersen and Buyelwa Simani. Congratulations girls! May you be desrving of the trust and confidence shown in you, and may you have a wonderful year in office.

Congratulations to Yolandi!

She is in line to receive a number of special awards for 
her achievements, and has the chance of winning a 
significant cash prize. 

Congratulations Yolandi! We're so proud of you.

In 2004 as part of a Western Cape Education initiative, and an international benchmarking of literacy and numeracy levels in South Africa, our Grade Eights participated in the Schools International Assessment Testing in English and Mathematics. These tests are set by the Educational Testing Centre of the New South Wales in Australia. 

In the English examination, 192 Wynberg Girls' High participated and more than 33000 from Western Province. We were delighted to receive the results of these examinations at the end of January and congratulate all of those who sat the examination.

Amongst the Grade Eights who wrote the “Language in English” examination there were 

• 15 High Distinctions
• 117 Distinctions
• 43 Credits 
• 17 who obtained certificate for Participation

In Mathematics, there were 

• 9 High Distinctions
• 64 Distinctions
• 80 Credits and 
• 38 who received certificates of participation

In Mathematics 191 candidates from Wynberg Girls' High participated in these examinations – amongst 77000 from the Western Cape. 

From the schools' perspective, examinations such as these enable us to compare the performances of our students within the school and the rest of the province. Further than this, it provides a means by which we can begin to assess the strengths and weaknesses of our own curriculum. These results from our pupils are most encouraging at a time where there are so many concerns and fears regarding the standards of education offered at schools in South Africa.

Grade Ten Half colours
Amy Casper; Jessica Cross; Elizabeth Dudley; Ghadija Hayat
Sarah O’Carroll; Jacqui Parkin; Trish-Lynn Riley; Tarryn Saunders; Jennifer Till; Jessica Wilkinson

Grade Ten Full Colours
Liandi Badenhorst; Berenice Bentel; Michelle Botha; Megan Carter; Marina Egorov; Kirstin Eloff; Ottilie Laubscher; Stephanie Pacak; Estrella Sung

Grade Eleven half Colours
Kelly Adams, Hayley Harker, Clair Ingram, Sheona Innes, Lindsey Nevin, Melanie Pitout, Lara Stavridis, Charnre Terblanche

Grade Eleven Full Colours
Niquita Arendse, Ashley Badham-Thornhill, Renee Fortune
Christine Friest, Cathy Gill, Anja Hendricks, Sheree Lang
Tiffany Lovemore, Alison Lowe, Yumna Moosa, Danielle Roux, Claire Warren, Romi Reinecke, Shan Zhao

The Matrics and Grade Eights were there to have a bit of fun in the sun at the pool party.Grade Eights were involved in various activities – organised by the 2005 leaders. Cautiously, girls gathered at the gates to the pool, where they were welcomed by the matrics – who all, no doubt, were reminded of their own Grade Eight days.

Once all had been given a chance to meet and to have a much-needed jabber about the holidays, the matrics got down to business. Separating the girls into their respective houses, the heads of houses and matric leaders got a chance to introduce themselves and to talk about the important aspects of Wynberg Girls' High such as sports, clubs and societies, and how to get involved in these activities. 

Following this was a tour of the school, conducted by the matric leaders and, although it may well be mind-boggling for the Grade Eights at this time, serves to make the first (official) day of high school just a little easier.

Then it was back to the pool. The moment had arrived! The girls jumped enthusiastically into the deliciously cool pool. Freshly chopped watermelon lay on the tables in the shade and everyone seemed to be involved in some way: if not splashing and diving in the pool, the new girls were sitting on the benches, soaking up the sunshine and chatting to one another. It is certain that the girls returned home a little less daunted by the prospect of high school, and with the promise of potential friendships to encourage them. While this was going on, the educators were hard at work! Plans, policies, goals, visions for 2005 were on the agenda. 

Another significant focus of the first week is welcoming and orientating newcomers to the school.

There is an orientation programme for all Grade Eights in the first week that they are in high school. This is done so that they can get to know each other, learn just a few of the procedures that will become so familiar to them by the time they matriculate, and get to know just a few of their teachers. When some have come from schools that had just a few more pupils than are in their grade alone at the high school, this kind of programme makes the transition just a little less bewildering. So for the first three days, Grade Eights do things like meeting their tutor group (and buddies within their tutor group), they participate in scavenger hunts, lateral thinking excercises, mini-olympics and play action cricket. They swim and are introduced to the leaders of the school - but above all, they are provided with time in which they, as a grade, can begin to get to know each other, and begin to make new friends.

For those who have arrived at the school in later grades, there is a tea where pupils and their parents can meet the class tutors, heads of houses and senior executive staff. Should the new girls and their parents wish to see the school, there are senior pupils ready to take them on a guided tour.

Grade Eights play Water(melon) Polo

For the new staff, (and their partners) there is cocktail party, where they are invited to meet the staff and governing body in a more informal surroundings. Delicious snacks are provided by our tuckshop convenor, Shirley Cartmel, and it is always a thoroughly enjoyable occasion.

A warm welcome to all newcomers to Wynberg Girls' High: may your years here be filled with wonderful memories and self-discovery. 

The Governing Body and the teaching staff traditionally meet at the beginning of the year at a cocktail party. Mrs Harding introduces and welcomes some of the teachers who have joined the school this year: Ms Jeanine Rix who will be teaching English and Life Skills; Mr Richard Perkins who will head the Computer Studies Department, Mrs Elmarie Minnie who will head the Technology department and teach Home Economics. Mrs Ingrid de Waal, who will head the Afrikaans Department. Mrs Karen Hein who will join the History department, and Mr Marnus Havenga who will head the Art Department. Mrs Marijike van Graan will teach part time in the Science Department. 

We hope that all of them will have a long, happy and fulfilling stay at Wynberg.

SCHOOL FEES

This is a reminder that if school fees are paid in full before 28 February, there is an 8% cash discount. Fees can be paid directily into the school's bank account. When doing so, please quote either the account number from your statement, or your daughter's surname and name as a reference. 

Banking details:

ABSA Bank Wynberg
Account number: 1156840536
Branch Code:632 005

HOCKEY

The First Hockey team will be playing in a tournament involving the top 6 schools in Cape Town, to be played on the Wynberg Astro over four Saturdays, at the following times:

HOCKEY TOUR TO ARGENTINA

Wynberg Girls' High are hosting a Golf Day on Friday 22 July at the Rondebosch Golf Club. There is a major fund-raising effort for our First Hockey side travelling to Argentina during the September holidays this year.

• Golf Costs are R250 per player as part of a 4-ball. The field will be liminted to 120 players. 
• There are LOTS of great prizes to be won and all players will receive a "goodie-bag." 
• Corporate sponsorship is available at each hole (which you may brand as you see fit)

Please contact Mr Kevin Mullins at 761 2610 or 082 4371410 or email him at kevin@dynamind.co.za 

How do I get a MySchool Card?

• phone MySchool on 086 0100445. 

• Send an email to enquiries@vmp.co.za

Are you a budding artist with nowhere to go? Exciting new classes will be starting soon involving Fabric Painting, Lino printing, Mobile making and much more...

These classes are for Grade Eight and 9 girls who are unable to take art as a subject but would like to keep their creative juices flowing. Mrs du Plessis has all the details. See her today. 

Academic Support

The Academic Support Programme runs on: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 15:00 to 16:00

ISIXHOSA

GEOGRAPHY CLINICS

Maths Clinics

DATES TO DIARISE

FEBRUARY

MARCH