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This year's Christmas Celebration for the staff of Wynberg Girls' High was also an occasion to say goodbye to a number of much loved and appreciated administrative staff members and educators.
Amongst them were Ms Wendy Hanssen who has been at Wynberg since 1983, when she was appointed as Deputy Principal. Almost single-handedly running the school at times, Ms Hanssen retired from teaching in 2001. She did not leave the school however, as she was persuaded to stay on as Financial Manager, a position she has held until now. Although most of her work in later years has been behind the scenes, it is no exaggeration to say that she will really, really be missed.
We were also saying goodbye to Ms Andi Bernstein, who, after fifteen years at WGHS
has decided to move on. Ms Bernstein started as a Geography teacher and gradually moved over to EMS and Accounting.
She has an amazing record as a hockey coach, indoor and out, and has led three overseas
tours - to England, Australia and Argentina. She's a hard act to follow!
Mrs Hettie Glass joined the Afrikaans department believing she would only help out for six months, but was persuaded too stay on for three more years. We were fortunate to have such a dedicated, highly qualified and experienced colleague in our midst. May
she climb many more mountains as she enjoys her retirement!.
Mrs Pam Gore has been at Wynberg for three years and has decided that she needs to spend more time with her young family. The Home Ec / Technology department will miss her enthusiasm, commitment and extensive subject knowledge. Her colleagues and students will miss her friendship and willingess to go the extra mile.
Another loss is the departure of Ms Jeanine Rix to places exotic. Ms Rix is getting married and accompanying her husband to the Cayman Islands. We will miss her ready smiles, her enthusiasm,and her willingness to involve herself in the life of the
school - especially the English Department. We wish her well on her journey to strange lands.
There are two teachers leaving in the Art Department. Firstly, Mr Bert Van Jaarsveld, who took charge of the Matric art learners in their last two terms. Bert arrived like a well-oiled machine, organising and preparing the girls for their final moderation. He led them to a victorious Matric exhibition that was professionally organised and presented and well-received by both parents and learners alike. Secondly, student teacher, Ms Adri Querido, who assisted with the Grade 10’s for the better part of the year. Thank you, both of you, very much.
Ms Rene Pearce, from the Natural Science Department arrived in the second term and has fitted in easily and contributed in many ways. Ms Pearce will be travelling and working overseas for two years and we wish her well and every success.
Those paying tribute to them - Lynne Martin, Meg Wilding, Jenny McCallum, Alison Smith, Vanessa Muller and David Burrell - spoke wittily and warmly of their colleagues.
We listened to and laughed with them as they told stories of the lives that they had
shared. One couldn't but be struck by the extraordinary place that Wynberg Girls' High
is: it would have been patently clear to any outsider listening in on the stories that were told, that we not only
play and work well together, but we also love and like one another
other!
We are grateful to the governing body and our principal, Shirley Harding, for allowing us to celebrate the end of
year function at Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant - it provides food fit for a
king in a breathtakingly beautiful setting. |
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