ALEXPRESS
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I Should Have Bought You Flours By Kristen van der Westhuizen
As I'm sure many people know, parenting is no joke. This was proved to the grade 11 students as they had to spend two weeks, with or without a partner, caring for a bag of flour that doubled as a baby. They had to bath, feed, clean, change, play with and entertain the baby, sharing the duties between their partners and themselves. When the pressure got too much or one of the partners could not see to it that the baby was being taken care of, the parents had the option of giving the child to a babysitter.
The point of the project was to highlight the responsibility that comes along with having a baby. Some of the grade 11's realised how big a job it was to find time to stick to all of their own commitments while sharing their time with a baby, while others just got irritated with having to carry another item with them. One of the Grade 11 pupils said: “It was a fun project to begin with but after the first week, I would say the responsibility of having to look after the baby really kicked in, and so did the discouragement of teenage pregnancy.�
Most of the girls were in their element while handling their child, being able to name it, carry it around and most of all, co-ordinate its wardrobe. Mind you, the boys weren't too shy in showing their impressive 'Daddy skills' either. While the project might have highlighted aspects of how much of a challenge it is to have a child, especially in your teenage years, I don't think it could ever prepare you for the real deal. I think I speak for all when I say those 2 weeks were more than enough time to realise that we are nowhere near equipped enough to take on the challenge that is raising a baby!
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FROM THE EDITING DESK… By Katherine Bertrand
… and just like that, term three is over!
It seems as though every term flies by faster than the last, and 2014 is coming to an end, with the exciting promise of 2015 lying ahead.
This term has been a challenging, action-packed one, what with Décor Week, the Matric Dance, Mole Day, the Grade 11 LO baby project, Founder’s Day, Matric Forty Days, and one of my personal favourites, Family Day.
After the long-awaited June holidays, one usually dreads returning to schoolwork and early mornings with late endings, but thanks to Alex’s wide variety of events, there is always something to look forward to, and never a dull moment.
At the Toastmasters Graduation dinner on the 17th of September, the guest speaker (our Senior Deputy Principal, Ms Boyes) delivered an insightful speech regarding education, and how it is perceived by many teenagers and parents in this day and age. She mentioned that one can be academically successful but not happy, and similarly, one can be less academically successful but happy. Ms Boyes went on to explain how achieving academically (especially in Grade 11 and Matric) is vital, but ensuring one is content outside of academics is equally important. This remained with me for quite some time and I came to realise just how true these words are.
There is a time to relax and have fun, and there is also a time to sit down and work. Knowing when to do which can be somewhat tricky, but not impossible to distinguish.
Good luck to the Matrics for their upcoming finals, and to the rest of the Alex family, have a good rest these holidays. Unplug completely, to ensure you are ready to ace the November exams.
Ruben Rosochacki:
97 - 2nd Avenue Newton Park P.O. Box/Posbus 6 Port Elizabeth 6000
Alex’s Rising Star By Fathima Seedat
EST. 1860
Ruben Rosochacki, in grade 9, is currently filming a movie called Golgerat: the Legend of Naught. The main character, Golgerat, is going to be played by Mr Mitchell and Golgerat’s friend, named Rygon, who is a 400-year-old wizard, will be played by Mr Kleb.
Reg. No. 1901/000357/07
T BIRCH & CO (PTY) LIMITED
Mens Quality Outfitters Boys and Girls Schoolwear Specialists
Students can help and participate by collecting cans. The cans will be used for the armour of the ooms. A total of 1000 cans are needed, 200 cans for each oom.
The film is going to consist of 8 episodes. The first seven are going to be 8 minutes each, and the eighth 20 minutes long. The movie is set to come out by the end of this year or the beginning of next year. It can be accessed and viewed on You Tube once it has been uploaded.
Branch at:
Newton Park, Port Elizabeth –
Ruben first became interested in film-making after watching Avatar. He began making films three years ago and intends to become a film director.
Phone/Foon: 363-1360 Fax: 363-2580
E-mail: birchspe@telkomsa.net 2
BEHIND THE SCENES OF DECOR WEEK
would entail. So during the whole time, we were forming bonds with people we never thought were in our grade, and some discovered people in our grade that were actually in their Science class -and they only found out in July…..Yes, I know: sad, right? But nevertheless we had a ball with our backstage being our home and DJ’s playing tracks like “Turn Down For What!”, “Cara-Cara”, “Wiggle”, ”Good Kisser” and many more.
By Lukhanyiso Skosana
So once again it was that time of the year…..MATRIC DANCE FAREWELL! A time where the Matrics look like Kings and Queens, a time that they have been waiting for since Grade 8, that moment when they walk into a hall that looks like a dream. But what is Décor Week?
A couple of Grade 11’s had this to say when they were asked about their Decor Week Experience:
The Grade 11’s choose two representatives from each class to be on the Matric Dance Committee. The Grade 11’s will then come up with a series of themes for the matric dance and once that class has chosen what theme it wants, it is now up to the reps to sell it to Ms Olander-van Aardt. After that she and her panel of staff committee members will choose the best one and then the work begins. So we first had to collect materials before we were told our theme, things like spray paint, masking tape, different coloured fabrics etc. But keep in mind that we had not been told our theme, and everyone was anxious to know what we would be creating.
Matthew Langson - “It was filled with late nights and hard work but alongside my peers and those I’m glad to have met during the week, it has proven to be the most fun-filled week of grade 11!”
Megan Snyman – “It was a great experience as we got to interact with people you wouldn’t normally interact with. There were some tough times where your group would disagree on things but the week as a whole has brought the grade closer to each other. There were some great times every night, and seeing the end result of the hall definitely made the sleepless nights worthwhile.”
And so finally D-day comes and Ms van Aart says, “Sunset in Nigeria” and the grade looks at her as if she is joking, but she is serious and she shows a slide show of African pics and we are all looking at each other like, “Oh no she is actually being serious”. Everyone claps hands just to make her feel good about the theme she chose, only to find out that she was just kidding with us and we were very happy to find out that our theme was “A Night In Paris”. Actually, the word ‘happy’ doesn’t even begin to describe the way we were feeling.
Gcinashe Baruza – “RACHET, RACHET, RACHET!!!!!! Oh my gerrrd grade 11’s are RACHET!!!!! However it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Being with my grade, working together and just making every moment worth remembering. It also opened my eyes to “NEW” people in our grade and I got to make friendships that I shall cherish. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to experience this with. SIMPLY AMAZING GRADE 11’S!!!!!!! Wiggle Wiggle!”
Now it was time to put this all together in only a week! Mission Impossible had just begun and we had no idea what Décor Week
Matrics Celebrate Magical Dance in Paris
By Nqabisa Faku at the door to see them through and the ushers to see them to Matric dance is the final time that grade 12’s will be together to their tables. have some innocent fun and reminisce about the past 5 years before examinations begin that will determine their future. The ladies and gents looked like young Hollywood celebrities, with their savoir faire and je ne sais quoi virtues coming out to It’s scary to think that some of the people you began high school show that they’re young adults now and they’re no longer babies. with won’t be matriculating with you, let alone be at the night of But of course that was all forgotten when they hit the dance floor. your matric dance. Matric dance is a milestone that you either It was a pity that the dance floor was somewhat undersized, but look forward to or you feel anxious about the most because it everyone made it work and they had fun. symbolises the end of your high school career and reminds you that adulthood is coming nearer. The food was cooked to the satisfaction of the guests - there were no complaints. A lot of work goes into preparing for this monumental night of all nights. I would imagine that when the matrics got their report There were speeches on the night from some of the matrics: they at the end of grade 11, saying that they’d successfully met the talked about who had left from grade 8 to matric, who dated who, requirements to move on to grade 12, the girls probably started who dumped who, most embarrassing moments ever of some planning their dresses, shoes, make-up and maybe even a weightpeople and teachers, and how lovely it has been to have spent loss plan. All of these preparations are to ensure that on that night five years with these people that have become family. Before you they look exquisite. knew it, it was time to call it a night. This year the matric dance was on the 2nd of August 2014 in the Matric dance is all about the Grade 12s and nobody else so, when Percy Walker Hall. Thank goodness it didn’t rain! The matrics it’s your matric dance, it’s all right to be a bit selfish, but arrived between 6pm and 8pm. Arrivals were outlandish, with remember to thank the people that made it possible for you to lot’s of hubbub from the spectators each time someone arrived. be where you are and become the wonderful person that you are. They were welcomed by an Alexan guard of honour, with the staff 3
A-Factor
Junior House Plays
The junior house plays are an annual interhouse dramatic extravaganza, with all three houses presenting their hard work, determination and passion on stage. This year`s Junior house play was one to remember all thanks to the directors and actors. A superb effort.
By Sive Tsatsire
The debut of Alexander Road High School’s talent showcase was a brilliant occasion, ranging from song and dance to general talents. An A for the amazing talent, an A for the amazing prizes and an A for the astounding support from fellow Alexans .
TROPHY WINNERS BEST BACKSTAGE CREW MEMBER Gareth vd Merwe
The finalists were as follows:
Song Category Hlumelo Yawa Khmere Lalla Kouverjee Kerry-Lee Jeffrey 4th Note
BEST NEWCOMER (Stephen Trophy) - Hlumelo Yawa
MOST PROMISING PERFORMER (Spitzer Trophy) - Daniel Hamilton
Dance Category Amber Freeman Omnipotence
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS (Rhys Woods Trophy) - Meghan Everard BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (Parbhoo Trophy) - Siphe Mbusha
General Category Micayla Fillis Jordan Watkins
BEST ACTRESS (Kendall Trophy) Hlumelo Yawa
The three category winners were: Kerry-Lee Jeffrey Amber Freeman Micaela Fillis
BEST ACTOR (Andrew & Barbara Smith Trophy) Luca Novello
BEST CREATIVE TEAM (Enver Amien Trophy) Protea-Gcinashe Baruza and Jay Mgoduka
The A FACTOR winner for 2014 KERRY-LEE JEFFREY
BEST PLAY (Reed Trophy) Aloe - “The Birthday”
A Day in the Life of…A Hockey and Soccer Player By Katherine Bertrand
SOCCER, a ball game that requires only a soccer ball and a
HOCKEY is arguably the most popular winter sport at Alex,
team of players, is an easily accessible and extremely skilled sport. The soccer boys practise twice a week and are encouraged to attempt new drills. Soccer players have to have a high level of fitness, and physical exercise makes up a big part of the Alex soccer boys’ training. The Alex soccer teams have had a successful season this year, winning most of their matches.
with both girls’ and boys’ teams training regularly every week. Hockey is a sport that demands both skill and fitness, and, more importantly, good team work. Injuries are common, and can be caused by physical contact, stick contact and ball contact, so hockey players are programmed from a young age to have high pain thresholds. Both our girls’ and boys’ hockey sides are very competitive.
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ALEX-TAGRAM
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Teachers- The Crazy, the Stupid and the Embarrassing By Fathima Seedat
Ms Mtshake- “The most embarrassing thing that I’ve ever done was singing at the Afactor competition knowing that I can’t sing.”
Ms Felix- “Whenever there was a maths competition or maths fair, Dr Emery would leave bottles of coke in the staff room. Every so often she would announce that one or two bottles were missing and ask if anyone knew anything about them. On one such occasion we (the Afrikaans teachers) decided to hide the cooldrinks. We took lots of bottles so she would notice immediately and we started searching for one of the teachers’ lockers which were left open. The first one we found was Ms Castelyn’s and she had lots of space so we stacked in as many as we could and we left it. Dr Emery happened to walk in a few minutes later with Ms Castelyn. Dr Emery exclaimed “What happened to my cooldrinks?!” and at the same time Ms Castelyn opened her locker and said “It wasn’t me! I didn’t take it!” Dr Emery was so angry at her! We just laughed.” Ms Loubser- “I told my grade 8 class that I think that Mr Klue is cute and they have never stopped teasing me about it.” Mr Kleb- “I once put my finger in a shark’s mouth and it bit me. I thought it was dead.”
Mr Zakumba- “When I was a pupil at Alex there was a Yogi Sip competition and they asked for volunteers. I volunteered and was walking to the podium and the next thing I knew I fell face first on the stage. The whole school cracked up! Because of that Dr Manser gave me R50 and 5 Yogi Sips.”
Gaza: A Few Things You Should Know By Aurora Dyssell
By now, everyone should be aware of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, what you’re probably not aware of is the fact that this ‘current’ conflict is not so current at all.
The war for ownership of the Israeli/Palestinian homeland dates back to centuries ago, but has made its comeback in recent years, and is now nastier than ever. And while the past does influence the present, sometimes it’s important to know what’s happening in the present in order to understand the past.
It’s important to understand that Israel is a self-described Jewish state which was in fact only created in 1946 by the United Nations, who were under pressure to provide the Jewish people with a ‘homeland’ after World War 2. Before that, Israel was known as Palestine and for many years a multicultural population of people had inhabited it – approximately 86% Muslim, 10% Christian and 4% Jewish. After 1947 however, 55% of Palestinian land was given to the Jewish State, despite the fact that they had only increased to 30% of the total population.
We offer:
Fast forward it to the present day, there are essentially 2 main issues that are considered to be the cause of this conflict: Firstly, there is the matter of the Israeli Government trying to maintain its ‘ethnically preferential’ state – which basically means that it wants to maintain Jewish domination in Israel. They are achieving this by refusing to allow Palestinian and other ethnic group refugees from returning to their homes.
• Electrical and mechanical repairs and services to Bikes, Quad bikes and Scootersat a reasonable rate. • Collection and delivery service at a reasonable fee and we also fit tyres.
Secondly, Israel has a constant military occupation in not only the West Bank, but Gaza as well that is incredibly oppressive, and in these areas citizens and refugees have very little control over their lives. The numbers of casualties on both sides has only been increasing rapidly, and while we cannot be sure which side is to blame for the mess that is costing thousands of people their lives, we can be sure that this conflict benefits no one (except perhaps America, but only because America benefits from everything).
Finally though, there has been talk of a Palestinian-Israeli Peace Settlement, which hopefully can be agreed on by both sides, because, as the saying goes, “war does not determine who is right, merely who is left”. Hopefully this will be realised before it is too late- and we can only hope that it isn’t too late.
Charles: 041 365 1011 6
Dear MaBrongqo This is really embarrassing for me to write but I really need to get it off my chest and get some advice. I’m a nice person and I’m always cracking jokes. You know, I’m sort of the class clown or whatever. I’ve always been ‘larger than life’ with my body being literally larger, but it never had a directly negative effect on me. With the internet flooded with fit and toned teens and the ‘gym-craze’ along with diets to “eat wise, drop a size” for the girls and “no pain no gain” for the guys being increasingly popular, I’ve never felt more ‘out’. I don’t hang out with my friends as much because they’re either gyming or on super strict diets, and I feel bad ordering fatty, oily, carbo-loaded foods when I’m around them. I’m just really down and I’ve lost my sense of humour. I wish I could lose some weight so that I wouldn’t stick out so much, but I just feel so hopeless. Please help? Unhappy Joker
Oh my dear. Weight is a veeery sensitive topic, especially at your age. But it is not worth your tears or stress. You have been built the way you have been built. You should celebrate your body! Your friends who spend so much time trying to change or improve their bodies should accept you the way you truly are, baba! I know it is hard, but why try to fit in when you were born to stand out? Even I, as you would say, am “larger than the life” and it is very good! And as Miss Motor Mouth Maybelle from Hairspray! would sing “I’m BIG, BLONDE, AND BEAUTIFUUUUL” (except I, personally, am not blonde at the moment but anyway). Look around you, peto. While half of the world is trying to squeeze into those tiny jeans, the other half is enjoying their “larger than life” bodies! Please sweetie, remember, “we’re all about that bass, ‘bout that bass, no treble!” Sometimes it is a good idea to try eating healthily, or perhaps walking or jogging instead of relying on other modes of transport, because as wonderful as it is to love and accept your body, you only have one for this life, and so looking after it is a good idea. Best of luck and MaBrongqo loves you.
HOCKEY * RUGBY * SOCCER
“good price & good advice” 298 Cape Road * Newton Park Tel: (041) 363-5499 * Fax: (041) 363-5514 7