RGHS Magazine 2014 by Rustenburg Girls' High School

RUSTENBURG HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

2014

Former Principals

cOntentS 3 Leaders 19 Matric 30 Academic 67 Music 79 Sport 93 Inter-house Events 98 Societies and Events 112 Rustenburg Old Girls’ Union

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

Credits

Finance Office: Ms Lynda Niddrie Ms Morag Rijs Ms Dee Penny Editor:

Mr Adrian Skelly

Sub-editor:

Ms Sarah Keevy

Proof Reading:

Ms Gillian Blackshaw Ms Renée Fourie Ms Susan Schnetler

Design and Layout:

Ms Caryn Köhler (082 535 2774)

Professional Photographer: Ms Kristina Stojiljkovic (083 316 6131)

Inside Front Cover: Morgan Shelly Contents Page: Pepua Karamata Credits: Aaliyah Ahmed Leaders: Samantha Culligan Matric: Lindiwe Le Brasseur Academic: Yi-Tin Yuan Music: Anja Mühr Sport: Rebecca Parsons Inter-house Events: Summer Thompson Societies and Events: Dominique McFall Rustenburg Old Girls: Ms Brigid Ryan 120th Birthday Cake:

Ms Justine Ferrari (072 358 0623)

In-charge of Photography:

Ms Karen Cronje

Head of Photographic Team: Tanri de Lange Pupil Photographers: Aaliyah Davids Emma du Toit Samantha Culligan Lindsay Llewellyn Emma McArthur Bianca Blair Danielle Louw Jehan Nothnagel Stefni Handt Brittany Gouws Lily van Rensburg Ashira Yodaiken Ursula Hardie Sarah du Toit Abigail Tudge Natalie Davidson Athraa Fakier Abigail Baker Gillian Williams Bronwen Barratt Kirstin Shaw Kirsty Davids Nousheena Ebrahim Genevieve Morris Franki Lock Pupil Editor:

Tamsin Metelerkamp

School Magazine Committee: Farheen Abdullah Monique Hollis René Zinn Emily Roberts Kirsten Pienaar Ursula Hardie

School Operations Manager: Mr Graeme Broster

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LEADERS

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LEADERS LEADERS

From the Principal Ms Laura Bekker

“Resilience is all about being able to overcome the unexpected. Sustainability is about survival. The goal of resilience is to thrive.” (Jamais Cascio)

and commitment of our Old Girls to the traditions of Rustenburg and their fond memories are indicative of the fundamental ethos of the school. The celebration of the history, development and successes of the school continued throughout the year. Rustenburg’s birthday was celebrated with the Junior School in true party style on our school fields. This was followed in Term 2 with a combined Cross Country event which promises to become an annual occurrence. We hosted the annual choral work, “Carmina Burana”, at the City Hall in Term 3 with the choirs and orchestras of Rondebosch Boys’, SACS and Rustenburg Junior. Our dramatic production, “HAIR RAISING”, actually previewed before an emotional audience at Rustenburg Junior on 8 August. The success of Rustenburg lies in the resilience of the girls and staff that makes up the very fabric of the school. We face the unexpected in various areas of education and society. Shifts in the curriculum, societal demands and the pressures of social media on our youth, can make growing up an anxious and challenging experience for teenagers today.

2014 was filled with much activity, challenge, growth and celebration! We worked hard, had success on the sporting and cultural fronts, all the while enjoying enthusiastic interaction and fun! The 2014 Rustenburg School Magazine attests to the many activities of this year. The excellent academic achievements of the class of 2013 were a fitting backdrop to the start of the new academic year. We welcomed our promising Grade 8s and their parents to Rustenburg and took occupation of the new building on the north side of the campus that boasts four Mathematics classrooms and three Physical Sciences laboratories. The recent completion of the joint Astro turf project with Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School has added to the development of sport on our campus.

Renee Jain, in Teaching Children the ABC of Resilience suggests, that the core of resilience lies in “our cognitive style: the way we think.” The outcome of a challenge or adversity lies in our selfbelief, “Optimistic and realistic belief systems combine to create a cornerstone of resilient mindsets.” I believe that our vision for Rustenburg and the opportunities offered at school, allow Rustybugs to cultivate a positive outlook. This, in turn, will foster the development of skills that will give our girls the confidence and resilience to face life’s challenges. Resilience allows girls the opportunity to thrive and in turn discover their unique potential and passion. Our responsibility as educators and parents, while setting high expectations for our girls, is to teach them to focus on realistic goals. Laura Lippman and Hannah Schmitz conclude that common components of resilience embrace “individual behaviours, attitudes and competencies. Physical health supports resilience, social, emotional and cognitive competencies promote resilience.” This should be achieved in a nurturing, restorative and supportive environment. Rustenburg’s future then, lies in our ability to sustain the core that feeds the school’s accomplishments: quality teaching and learning, opportunity for individual growth, capacity for empathy and social awareness, and realistic and focussed expectations. What a privilege it is to be part of a thriving Rustenburg community.

Our 120th Founders’ Day was commemorated on 31 January. It was a special occasion for the school, with three past principals in attendance: Ms Josephine McIntyre, Ms Mary van Blerk (our guest speaker at the assembly) and Dr Elizabeth Fullard. A strong representation of Old Girls took the opportunity to visit their alma mater. Our celebrations were enjoyed with much nostalgia of the years when they wore the uniform and attended the classes and activities of the school. Subsequent class reunion visits to the school were observed during the course of the year. The loyalty

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LEADERS

From the School Governing Body Chairman: Mr Brian Abdoll Vice-Chairman: Mr John Muir Treasurer: Ms Lesley Shaw Principal: Ms Laura Bekker Secretariat: Mr Graeme Broster Parents: Mr Simion George, Ms Dawn Gottgens, Mr Jeromé O’Ryan, Ms Natalie Lawrenson Elected Educator Representatives: Ms Anita Pretorius Erinville Boarding House Representative: Ms Julie Womack Non-educator Representative: Mr Myles Siebrits Pupil Representatives: Samantha Culligan, Caitlin Grüning Co-opted parents: Mr Peter Llewellyn, Mr Matthew Mellville, Ms Lauren Wheeler Co-opted staff: Ms Gillian Blackshaw

“If I have seen further, it is only because I am standing on the shoulders of giants.” (Isaac Newton) Where we need to improve and do things differently, we should have the courage to tackle the difficult issues as long as we have the best interest of the institution at heart. At the end of the day, it should be about creating Rustenburg ambassadors who will build on the legacy created by those who have gone before them. Rustenburg hasproduced consistently excellent academic results in Grades 8 to 12 over a number of years and has enabled learners to succeed on numerous fronts. Rustenburg has excelled in music, cultural events, performing arts, sport and other extramural activities. It has embraced transformation on several levels and is committed to upholding the ideals of our South African Constitution. It has strengthened its position in the Fair Lady Top 25 public schools survey, the Afri-twin initiative is reaping benefits and we are attracting new scholarships. The School Governing Body (SGB) conducted the annual strategy session in June 2014 and agreed on the following: Continued implementation of the Integrated Campus Development Plan (ICDP). In the past two years the Mathematics and Physical Sciences Centre and the AstroTurf were developed. The SGB decided to maintain the current momentum and will prioritise the next phases of the ICDP. We continue to invite parent involvement in this regard. Improved communication on all levels. Rustenburg acknowledges the changing expectations of its stakeholders in terms of content, format and communication channels.

Isaac Newton must have referred to the process of learning and innovation. Rustenburg High School for Girls is what it is today because of the vision, leadership and steadfast resolve of the women and men have has contributed in so many ways over the past 120 years. We stand indebted to the eight past principals, the countless school governors, officials from the Department of Education, the educators, non-educators, learners, parents, funders, and other stakeholders. Exchanging of ideas is the beginning of an evolving process and the standing of Rustenburg High School for Girls in our current South African education system is result of this process. Although the class of 2014 is nearing the culmination of their school career (and we wish them all the very best), it is by no means the end of the race for Rustenburg as an institution. Over the years, Rustenburg has been challenged to reinvent itself in response to a changing macro environment and the leaders of the day could not predict the final outcome of their decisions, but had the courage to make difficult ones. I would like to think that the basis of these decisions was founded in their deep understanding of what Rustenburg stands for, its values and its ethos. All of us are called upon to understand what it means to lead courageously, to explore our potential confidently and to serve the world compassionately. However, it must not end there. We need to apply these values. For parents, it means how we listen, speak to and raise our children; to educators it means continually drawing the best out of our students; for non-educators it means to innovate and work smarter.

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Optimisation of existing infrastructure. An 80-year-old campus has its unique challenges and constraints. It is for this reason we adopt an integrated development approach that relies on both internal and external expertise. Credit must go to Mr Myles Siebrits and his team for their professional approach and dedication. The SGB approved a sustainability plan that is focused on energy, water, waste and ecology management. Targets are being set to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the institution. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is another focus area and plans are afoot to improve the coordination of ICT services to enhance information handling and operational processes. Driving synergies between the high school and junior school. The two schools have a shared heritage and we are collaborating on various fronts. Cost management. Rustenburg strives to offer value-for-money education whilst maintaining its ethos and values. The rationale behind the recent capital projects was to maintain and enhance existing infrastructure and also add necessary infrastructure for better teaching and learning. Further, we needed to develop our sports facilities. Over the next two years, Rustenburg will add another 60 learners in line with WCED requirements, resulting in a learner population of about 900. As an SGB, we are comfortable that the school management team have adequate measures in place to manage this expansion whilst protecting the ethos of Rustenburg. On behalf of the SGB, I would like to thank Ms Laura Bekker, Ms Susan Schnetler and Ms Gill Blackshaw for their leadership. I am grateful to each member of the SGB for their commitment, effort and insights. It is with regret that we acknowledge the end of the term of office for four SGB members: Mr John Muir, Ms Dawn Gottgens, Mr Simion George and Mr Peter Llewellyn. All of them have made an immense impact on their area of responsibility and contributed over many years.

LEADERS

From the Deputy Principal: Academic Ms Susan Schnetler

Our new academic year always starts with the release of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results early in January and, once again, we were able to celebrate the success of our Matric students. The Class of 2013 achieved a 100% pass rate, with 98% of the candidates meeting the minimum requirements for acceptance to university (Bachelors Pass). 36% of the group attained four or more subject distinctions and a total of 430 subject distinctions were accumulated. The icing on the cake was the exciting news that, with nine subject distinctions each, Lauren Denny was placed third in the province and Nicola Cilliers named as the top learner in the Western Cape. While we welcome discussions on measures to relieve anxiety around the release of the NSC results, the reality is that many Matrics rely on these results for final acceptance into tertiary studies. It worries me greatly that, in the quest to achieve the best results possible midst fierce competition to secure a place at university, many students may miss out on the most valuable learning experiences – and may not really enjoy their journey either. This statement on the website of California State University recently received my attention: “But academic excellence is more than just making good grades. It is the maximum development of your intellectual capacities and skills in service to humanity.” It gives suggestions for achieving academic excellence and the following, in no particular order, really resonated with me: • • • • •

Develop self-confidence, persistence and leadership abilities. Learn efficient management of your time. Learn to use the library and use it often, since it offers a wealth of historical and current information which can greatly enhance your classroom experiences and your general understanding. Attend lectures, concerts, art exhibits, theatrical performances, seminars, and other cultural activities whenever possible. Develop an attitude of social responsibility and an understanding of cultural and intellectual differences.

Earlier this year, the Making Caring Common Project of the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) released a research report entitled “The Children We Mean to Raise: The Real Messages Adults Are Sending About Values.” It presents findings from a study involving some 10 000 middle and high school students who were asked whether achieving at

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a high level, happiness, or caring for others was most important to them. In a nutshell, the findings showed that a high percentage of young people are more concerned with achievement than with being a good person. It also highlighted a discord between what parents and teachers describe as their top priorities for the youth and the message they actually convey through their behaviour, since approximately 80% of the students perceived these significant adults to be more concerned about achievement or happiness than caring for others. They were also three times more likely to agree than disagree with the statement: “My parents are prouder if I get good grades in my classes than if I’m a caring community member in class and school.” According to research by Suniya Luthar, children from affluent communities who are subjected to intense achievement pressure by their parents do not appear to outperform other students (Luthar & Becker, 2002). Parents who seek to preserve their children’s happiness by constantly protecting them from adversity can rob them of coping strategies that are crucial to their long-term happiness. Parents who don’t prioritise their children caring for others can deprive them of the chance to develop fundamental relationship skills, and strong relationships are one of our most vital and durable sources of well-being (Carter, 2010; Lyubomirsky, 2008; Myers, 2000; Valliant, 2012). Cited from “The Children We Mean to Raise: The Real Messages Adults Are Sending About Values.” On the positive side, the report notes that it is possible to turn things around and help young people to become “caring, ethical family members, workers, and citizens.” It is suggested that, through constant practise and guidance from adults who act as strong moral role models, they can develop their capacity for fairness and can learn to be caring. Being a role model does not mean that we need to be perfect or have all the answers. It means grappling with our flaws, acknowledging our mistakes, listening to our children and students, and connecting our values to their ways of understanding the world. It means that we, too, need to continually practice and zoom in and out, cultivating our capacities for care, widening our circles of concern, and deepening our understanding of fairness and justice. What is more, other research shows that achievement and professional success is strongly linked to one’s social and emotional capacities (Durlak, Weissberg, Dymnicki, Taylor, & Schellinger, 2011; Jones & Bouffard, 2012; Yoder, 2014). This suggests that our best investment could be to help our children develop emotional intelligence. In my opinion, we can empower our children by helping them to develop the skills to deal with adversity, solve problems and make decisions. Even when it inconveniences us, we need to insist that they meet their obligations – be it to their family, friends, team or school. Even when it puts us at risk of being unpopular, we need to consciously teach them to act ethically and with integrity. And lastly, we must always expect them to be kind and treat others with respect – it seems that they will be all the happier, and more successful, for it.

LEADERS

From the Deputy Principal: Pastoral Ms Gillian Blackshaw

Rustenburg has had many reasons to celebrate this year.

On the academic front, we were exceptionally proud of Nicola Cilliers and Lauren Denny for placing first and second respectively in the Western Cape for the 2013 NSC examinations. Our girls also excelled in the cultural sphere with the superb City Hall Music Concert and outstanding drama production of HAIR RAISING. On the sporting field, the achievements continued as our Swimming and U16 Hockey teams were crowned the winners of the PGSGU tournaments. The success of our girls across disciplines continues to make Rustenburg a top schools.

Learner Leadership programme The Grade 8 leadership development workshop was held in the second week of the year, as part of the Grade 8 orientation programme. This proved to be successful in helping Grade 8s to make new friends outside of their form classes. The workshop focused on the learners’ holistic development in the form of personal, team and general leadership. The Grade 9s and Grade 11s attended their annual leadership camps in the last week of Term 1. The Grade 9 camp was, once again, held at the Habonim campsite, six kilometres from Hermanus and a two-minute walk from Onrus beach. Some of the camp activities included teambuilding games on the beach, exciting obstacle courses, mini-Olympics and brain-wracking card games. The Grade 9s found this camp to be a time of bonding and learning more about their strengths, weaknesses and individuality. The Grade 11 camp was held at Witzenberg, near Ceres. Tamsin Meterlerkamp had the following to say about the camp: “The activities in which we participated were incredibly varied and tested a wide variety of skills. Some of the most memorable included; the Aztec Challenge in which we were required to transport our entire large group across a wide gap between two tripod towers using only four staves and two ropes; the Canoe Race, in which we built canoes using cardboard and duct tape, and attempted to paddle across the swimming pool in them with very amusing results; and a presentation in which we needed to address the grade on a change we would like to see occurring in South Africa in the next 20 years. All these presentations were insightful and thoughtprovoking. Among the many lessons learned through the completion of these activities were the importance of team work, how to think out

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of the box and that people do not build canoes out of cardboard for a reason.” The Grade 10s had many opportunities to develop their leadership skills throughout the year. They attended a leadership workshop during the end-of-year examinations, focussing on developing leadership skills through theoretical and experiential learning. This grade also saw various smaller groups participate in enrichment activities. Eight of our learners, along with eight learners from Mfuleni, went on the Nation Building Outward Bound Camp in the Helderberg Mountains. This camp is challenging and moves the participants from their comfort zones through participation in a variety of activities such as abseiling and a 19 kilometerovernight hike. This camp is a wonderful opportunity for the girls to develop their leadership skills while interacting with girls from diverse backgrounds. Another group had the opportunity to travel to Vietnam in the July holidays: a trip organised by World Challenge along with Ms Brigid Ryan and Ms Zaandré Theron. Each girl had the opportunity to lead the group for a day, making decisions about the itinerary, transport, and how much money to spend on meals. This year’s trip proved to be far more challenging than the trip to India the previous year as quite a few girls needed medical treatment for severe heat exhaustion. Despite this, the girls had a wonderful time.

Extra-Mural Programme Rustenburg has an extremely busy extra-mural programme and there are many opportunities for the girls to get involved: being a member of one of the 30 societies or service groups; playing in one of the many music ensembles; participating in drama productions; debating or playing a team or social sport. The busyness of the extra-mural programme at Rustenburg has both its merits and drawbacks. It is essential for the holistic development of the girls and many learners taking part find fulfilment in serving the school and greater community, enjoy the benefits of exercise and team work and build confidence by performing in public. The less desirable consequence is that for select girls, these activities may add more stress to their already busy lives, especially when combined with unnecessary pressure from parents, peers and teachers to perform at a high level. It is, however, concerning to note that a few girls go through their years at Rustenburg without participating in any of the extra-mural activities. Parents should encourage their daughters to make the most of the opportunities offered at Rustenburg outside of the classroom, but this needs to be complemented by a commitment from us, as teachers and parents, to help the girls to see finding the balance as essential. Practising and striving to be the best is important, but not to the extent that the activity loses the enjoyment-factor. Let us continue to encourage the girls to aim to excel, to aim to find the balance and to aim to find the joy in their time at Rustenburg.

LEADERS

From the School Operations Manager Mr Graeme Broster

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” (Henry Ford) “Age is not measured by years. Some people are born old and tired, while others are going strong at 70.” (Dorothy Thompson) goes into maintaining the grounds, buildings and IT infrastructure to keep them in line with the standards we have come to expect over the last few years. If you have ever had any experience working with building contractors, it will come as no surprise that the construction work, building new Mathematics and Physical Sciences Centre Maths, initially scheduled to end at the end of October, took longer than expected. In the end, the venue was available for us to use at the start of the Term 1, 2014, but was far from complete. After all the disruption of 2013, it was a frustrating start to a new year, but once completed, everyone agreed that the worldclass facilities were indeed worth the wait. Alongside this completion, there was work on the new classrooms, and permission was obtained to begin construction of an AstroTurf artificial playing surface on the field above the swimming pool. This was a joint project between Rustenburg High and Junior Schools. It was decided to initially construct the field without floodlights, for financial reasons and to enable further dialogue with our neighbours, who had indicated their concerns. A significant fundraising effort from both schools has already reaped over R450 000 and we hope to meet our target of R1 200 000 early in 2015 so that the lights can be installed for the start of the hockey season. Significant challenges still lie ahead for the campus: an upgrade to the electrical reticulation, which proved unstable and unreliable during the winter of 2014, is planned, as well as efforts to improve the sustainability of the campus through introduction of solar heating and LED lighting. This 120th birthday year also meant an increased level of activity on the fundraising and events side of the school. Some events were celebrations of the year’s grand occasion. The simultaneous popping of over 1000 balloons at the 120th Birthday Party, held with Rustenburg Junior School, will stay with many people for a long time!

As Rustenburg passes the venerable age of 120 years old, it looks back with pride over a career of changed lives, inspired thoughts and altered perceptions. Born out of a desire to provide young ladies with the educational opportunities enjoyed only by their male counterparts in those Victorian times, Rustenburg has held true to this ideal through the years and has been ranked amongst the top schools in the country again and again. The environment, in which education takes place, has a significant impact on the effectiveness of both teaching and learning, and it is the role of the non-academic support staff to ensure that the environment at Rustenburg is as conducive as it can be. Significant effort and expense

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This year the focus of our fundraising was the AstroTurf Floodlight Fund. Fundraising events included the Valentine’s Open Air Movie Evening and the Parents’ Fun Quiz, which will hopefully be repeated in the years to come. Events like these do not happen in a vacuum and much credit must go to Ms Dawn Gottgens, the School Governing Body member responsible for Fundraising and Marketing, and her team of parent volunteers for being willing to put in the long hours in support of their daughters’ school. Parent volunteers are always needed to make school events successful and Ms Gottgens, in particular, has brought her unique brand of enthusiasm to bear this year. She will be sorely missed in 2015 as her daughter matriculates at the end of this year. New members of staff on the support team for 2014 included: Ms Geila Wills (Public Relations), Ms Trishanta Naidu (ICT Administrator), Mr Gregory Isaacs (Handyman) and Mr Kudakwashe Mwaedza (Groundstaff). Each has added their unique skills. We look forward to a long and fruitful working relationship together, even though this may not last the next 120 years of Rustenburg’s history!

LEADERS

Staff News Ms Gillian Blackshaw BA (MBK), HDE (PG) Sec

Special farewell tributes to long-standing Rustenburg staff members, Ms Maureen Burchell and Mr Martin Altern, have been included on page 116 of this publication. ander skool aangetref het. Die meisies is entoesiasties, spontaan en altyd gewillig om hulle antwoorde met ander te deel. Onthou, meisies, opvoeding is baie belangrik. Strewe om altyd net die beste in julle skoolloopbaan te lewer,” said Ms Rynhoud. “Deviating into the world of teaching from my initial career desires has certainly been the best thing I have done. You really don’t know what teaching is about until you have faced a classroom full of teenagers every day. It is undoubtedly my calling in life and even after one year of teaching, there are many girls who have unassumingly stolen apart of my heart. Having Rustenburg as a comfortable first step and transition into the world of teaching, I feel I am certainly ready to take on greater challenges in other schools,” said Ms Barrett.

At the end of 2014 Rustenburg was also sad to lose the expertise of staff members: Ms Irene Adley, Ms Karen Cronje, Ms Dianne Leonard, Ms Liz Rynhoud and Ms Laura Barrett. “I have felt very privileged to end my teaching career at this wonderful school. The girls have been delightful, friendly, polite and hard-working (well, most of them!). I have enjoyed the collegiality of the staff and have made some good friends amongst them. I shall miss the general buzz of the school and everyone associated with it. Farewell, may Rustenburg continue to excel,” said Ms Adley.

At the end of 2014 Rustenburg also bid farewell to Ms Vivienne Williams, who joined the staff in January 2007 to take up the position of Sport Manager. In this position, she has done a great deal to uplift the school’s sporting programme and has always encouraged the girls, not only to strive for excellence in their given field, but also to make exercise and healthy eating part of their daily routine. Ms Williams is an established triathlete, road and trail runner, and open water swimmer. In her years as Sport Manager at Rustenburg, her achievements have been many and varied, both in South Africa and on the global sporting stage. She is a double World Age-Group Triathlon Champion (2007 and 2012) and in 2007, was voted Best Female Athlete of the Year by Triathlon South Africa. In 2008, she was the winner of her age group in the Cape Argus Cycle Tour, as well as the masters’ category winner in the Cape Odyssey event, a 205km trail run. In 2009, she was the South African Biathlon AgeGroup Champion 40 - 49 and was awarded the South African Biathlon Victrix Ludorum, for being the top overall points scorer and establishing a new South African record. She did this again in 2013, in the 50 - 59 age-group. In 2010 she was a category winner in the AFRICA-X trail event, a multi-day stage trail race and in 2011, established herself as the South Africa Ironman 70.3 Age-Group Champion. She retained this title in 2012, setting a new record in the process, and won it again in 2014. In July 2012 Ms Williams raced in Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain where she won the Gold medal at the ITU World Long Distance Triathlon Championships in her age-group. She placed eighth overall in the age-group race and her winning margin in her category was 35 minutes. Ms Williams is also an accredited Swimming and Triathlon coach, and it is this area where she wishes to pursue her future career. This year, she won the ITU Women’s Award of Excellence, for her exemplary work (albeit very much behind the scenes) within the sport. The award was presented to her at the Grand Final of the World Triathlon Series in Edmonton. She has recently been nominated onto the Triathlon SA Board as the Chair of Coaching and is hoping to pursue her passion of finding youth talent (swimmers and runners who will transfer their talent to triathlon) and starting up a Triathlon Academy aimed specifically at youth and women.

“I would like to be remembered for showing that there is strength in gentleness, and that it is very important to remain true to your individuality. Thank you Rustenburg ladies for sharing your hearts with me,” said Ms Leonard. “Wat my onmiddellik omtrent Rustenburg Hoër Meisieskool opgeval het, is dat dit soos een groot, ondersteunende familie is. Daar is ongelooflike besorgdheid en omgee vir mekaar, baie meer as wat ek al by enige

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LEADERS

Rustenburg Staff:

School and Academic staff

Principal

Ms Laura Bekker: BA, HDE

Deputy Principal: Academic

Ms Susan Schnetler: BSocSc, Hons (BA), HDE

Deputy Principal: Pastoral

Ms Gillian Blackshaw: BA (MBK), HDE (PG) Sec

School Operations Manager

Mr Graeme Broster: BSc (Hons), HDE (PG) Sec

Heads of Department

Ms Maureen Burchell: BSc, HDE, AISTD Ms Bridget Cameron: BSc, MEd, HDE (PG) Sec Ms Renée Fourie: MA, HDE (PG) Sec Ms Brigid Ryan: BA (Hons), HDE (PG) Sec Mr Adrian Skelly: BA, HDE (PG) Sec Ms Elizabeth Sole: BMus, MA, TLD

Sport Manager

Ms Vivienne Williams (Sport Manager): Dip Diag Radiography, Dip Diag Ultrasound

Faculty Heads

Languages: Ms Helene Swanson: BA, HOD Sciences and Mathematics: Ms Bridget Cameron: BSc, MEd, HDE (PG) Sec Business and Life Skills: Ms Linda Mallon: BA, HDE Arts: Ms Jackie Chambers: BA (Fine Art), HDE (Sec)

Grade Heads

Grade 12: Ms Helen Kleynhans: BSc, UED Grade 11: Ms Lorraine Gardiner: BSc, HDE Grade 10: Ms Stella Rossouw: BA (Ed) (Hons) Grade 9: Ms Anita Pretorius: BA, HDE Grade 8: Ms Sarah Keevy: BA, PGCE

Other Academic Staff

Ms Irene Adley, BSc, HDE Mr Martin Altern: BSc Ms Jane Behne: BSc, HDE Ms Monika Brandt: BSc, PGCE, BEd (Hons) Ms Norma Caesar: BA (Hons), MEd, HDE Ms Karen Cronje: MA (Fine Art) Ms Judith Dernier: BA, BEd, BMus, LSRM, UPLM, UTLM Mr Leslie Elderkin: BMus, UPLM Ms Zuleigah Galer: BEd (Hons) (Education), HDE (Comm) Ms Olivia Gordon: BMus (Ed), PGCE Mr William Haggard: BA (Hons), HDE (PG) Sec Ms Maileen Jamey: BMus (Ed), PGCE Ms Marieta Langenhoven: BA (Hons), HDE Ms Louise Lawrence: BSc, HDE (Sec) Ms Dianne Leonard: HDE (H.Ec) Sec

Mr Gian Marneweck: BCom, PGCE Ms Anita Marshall: B Home Economics (Ed) Ms Monelwa Manjiya-Mboma: MA, HDE Ms Perdita Norval: BA (Hons), HDE (PG) Sec Ms Zargielay Rabeh: BSc, BEd (Hons), HDE (PG) Sec, ABET Mr Graham Reggiori: Bsc, HDE (PG) Sec Ms Tarin Scharneck: BEd (Arts) Ms Liza September: HDE (Sec) (Counselling Diploma) Ms Zélia Simpson: HDE (Art), HDE (Speech and Drama) Ms Helene Swanson: BA, HOD Ms Zaandré Theron: BEd (Psych) (Hons) Mr Cedric van Dyk: BA (Hons), HDE (PG) Sec Ms Leanne van Rensburg: HDE (Sec) Ms Gail Wallace: BA (Hons), STD Ms Lindy Waller: BA, PGCE Ms Ingrid Weideman: BA, HDE, ADRM Mme Dominique Williams: MA, HDE (PG) Sec

Computer Centre

Mr Francis Vogts: Dip. IT Ms Janine Myers: BTech (IT), HDE (Comm) Sec, FDE (Comp) Sec

Media Centre

Bugs’ Boutique Uniform Shop Ms Lydia Mostert Ms Linda Simmons

Tuckshop and Catering Ms Michelle Haylett

Erinville Superintendent Ms Pam van Dyk

Erinville Staff

Ms Aziza Abrahams Ms Michele Bakker Ms Debbie Bennett Ms Jaline Brown Ms Karin Evans Ms Mieke Loubser Ms Susan Mentoor Ms Elaine Nyhila Ms Sheila Stoffels Ms Elizabeth Theunissen Ms Nomawethu Tshona Ms Melanie van Blerk Ms Amy Visser Ms Bridget Wells Ms Lisa Williams

Campus Manager

Ms Marilyn Peters

Part-time Educators

Mr Myles Siebrits

Ms Liz Rynhoud: BA, STD Ms Christine Steenekamp: HDE (Home Economics)

Campus Supervisor

Part-time Music Staff

Mr Ibrahim Allie Ms Klara Constable Ms Venelia Frits Mr Lluwellen Giebelaar Mr Ali Ibrahim Mr Gregory Isaacs Ms Ruth Kabinda Ms Veronica Kabinda Ms Linda Mantshi Ms Agnes Mdyambo Ms Bongiswa Mketo Ms Globisa Mlozane Mr Gladwell Mnyimbane Mr Adrian Munnik Mr Kudakwashe Mwaedza Ms Nokuzola Ngxabani Ms Bongiwe Pikini Ms Nomazizi Sapepe Mr Checkson Sithole Mr Emmanuel Vureya Ms Yolanda Wyngaard

Mr Grant Adams: amaAmbush accreditation Ms Rosemary Davis: BA, BMus (Hons), LTCL Ms Maria Raynham: MMus, LMV, UTLM Ms Amy Ma: BMus (Ed), PGCE Ms Jana-Megan Thorne: BMus (Ed) Mr David West: BMus, LTCL, AMus TCL, ATCL

Administrative Staff Ms Nolundi Blayi Ms Denise Cowan Ms René Forbes Ms Pat Hanger Ms Sue Hoffmann Ms Trishanta Naidu Ms Lynda Niddrie Ms Dee Penny Ms Morag Rijs Ms Jackie Weston Ms Geila Wills Ms Lynne Young

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Mr Stephen Nicholas

Campus Staff

LEADERS

Academic Staff

Fourth row, from left: Ms Anita Marshall, Ms Sarah Keevy, Mr William Haggard, Ms Christine Steenekamp, Mr Leslie Elderkin, Ms Stella Rossouw, Mr Gian Marneweck, Ms Gail Wallace Third row, from left: Ms Jackie Chambers, Ms Ingrid Weideman, Ms Jane Behne, Ms Lorraine Gardiner, Mr Cedric van Dyk, Ms Helene Swanson, Ms Lindy Waller, Ms Linda Mallon, Ms Irene Adley, Ms Laura Barrett Second row, from left: Ms Dianne Leonard, Ms Perdita Norval, Mr Martin Altern, Ms Monelwa Mboma, Ms Monika Brandt, Ms Karen Cronje, Ms Marieta Langenhoven, Ms Zaandré Theron, Ms Leanne van Rensburg, Ms Judith Dernier, Ms Zuleigah Galer First row, from left: Ms Maileen Jamey, Ms Zargielay Rabeh, Ms Leonie Oram, Ms Norma Caesar, Ms Zélia Simpson, Ms Janine Myers, Ms Anita Pretorius, Ms Olivia Gordon, Mme Dominique Williams, Ms Liz Rynhoud Seated, from left: Ms Helen Kleynhans, Ms Maureen Burchell, Ms Renée Fourie, Mr Adrian Skelly, Ms Susan Schnetler (Deputy Principal: Academic), Ms Laura Bekker (Principal), Ms Gillian Blackshaw (Deputy Principal: Pastoral), Ms Brigid Ryan, Ms Bridget Cameron, Ms Elizabeth Sole, Ms Louise Lawrence

10 Years of Service

Six years ago, Ms Bekker initiated a new tradition at Founders’ Day. Those teachers who have offered 10 years of service to Rustenburg are publicly thanked for their loyalty and dedication. In 2014 the service and dedication of three Rustenburg stalwarts were recognised: Ms Helen Kleynhans (Head of Mathematics, Head of Grade 12), Mr Cedric van Dyk (Head of History) and Ms Lorraine Gardiner (Life Sciences, Head of Grade 11). Ms Kleynhans remembers initially being struck by the diligence and engaging nature of the Rustenburg girls when she arrived in Cape Town after having worked for 16 years in a convent school in Johannesburg. Last year’s construction of the Mathematics and Physical Sciences Centre was the most dramatic change to the school, she regards. Her birthday message was, “Well done, Rustenburg, on a remarkable achievement. Continue to go from strength to strength.” Mr van Dyk came to Rustenburg after four years as principal of Cape Town High School, and was impressed with the warm welcome he received from the Rustenburg girls. Having never worked in an all-girls environment, it took a while to get used to not having boys in the classroom. Mr van Dyk remains proud of the commitment, motivation, self-discipline and creativity shown by his students. His birthday message was, “The responses from the learners have made teaching at Rustenburg one of the most rewarding periods of my teaching career. Thank you.” Ms Gardiner joined the school after having worked in a variety of short-term placements. She remembers feeling overwhelmed when starting at Rustenburg, wondering what she had let herself in for. Her time at the school has been marked by numerous alterations to the buildings, and she has managed to make deep connections with fellow staff members whom she describes as “like-minded, fun-loving members of staff who are able to work responsibly and behave professionally, while still managing to retain their sense of humour.” Ms Gardiner’s birthday message was, “Congratulations on what the school has already achieved and what it has yet to achieve. Allow the girls to have fun, while they work hard, and appreciate the dedicated staff.”

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LEADERS

Administrative Staff

Second row, from left: Ms Denise Cowan, Ms Sue Hoffmann, Ms Lynda Niddrie, Ms Pat Hanger First row, from left: Ms Jackie Weston, Ms René Forbes, Ms Morag Rijs, Ms Dee Penny, Ms Vivienne Williams, Ms Nolundi Blayi Seated, from left: Ms Lynne Young, Mr Graeme Broster, Ms Laura Bekker, Mr Francis Vogts, Ms Marilyn Peters

Campus Staff

Second row, from left: Ms Linda Mantshi, Ms Gloria Mlozane, Mr William Teyisi, Ms Ruth Kabinda, Mr Ibrahim Allie, Mr Emmanuel Vureya, Ms Yolande Wyngaard First row, from left: Mr Lluwellen Giebelaar, Mr Checkson Sithole, Ms Veronica Kabinda, Mr Gladwell Mnyimbane, Mr Adrian Munnik, Mr Ali Ibrahim, Ms Klara Constable Seated, from left: Ms Bongiwe Pikini, Mr Graeme Broster, Mr Myles Siebrits, Ms Laura Bekker, Mr Stephen Nicholas, Ms Venelia Fritz, Ms Zola Ngxabani

Erinville House Staff

Standing, from left: Ms Elizabeth Theunissen, Ms Lisa Williams, Ms Sheila Stoffels, Ms Susan Mentoor Seated, from left: Ms Karin Evans, Ms Pam van Dyk (Superintendent), Ms Laura Bekker, Ms Michele Bakker, Ms Melanie van Blerk

House Captains

Second row, from left: Amy van Vlaanderen (Deputy of Cambridge), Morgan Shelly (Head of Michiel Vos), Stefni Handt (Deputy of Bleby) First row, from left: Nuhaa Soeker (Head of Bleby), Shannon Pepper (Deputy of Michiel Vos), Summer Thompson (Head of Innes), Dimakotso Nchodu (Head of Cambridge), Amy Stöhrer (Head of Marchand), Nicole Sorour (Deputy of Marchand) Seated, from left: Mr William Haggard (Teacherin-charge of Cambridge), Mr Gian Marneweck (Teacher-in-charge of Marchand), Ms Zaandré Theron (Teacher-in-charge of Bleby), Raeeqah Kilshaw (Deputy of Innes), Ms Nolundi Blayi, Ms Dianne Leonard (Teacher-in-charge of Innes), Ms Zélia Simpson (Teacher-in-charge of Michiel Vos)

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LEADERS

From the Superintendent of Erinville Ms Pam van Dyk

Birthdays are a good time to take stock, reflect with gratitude and to celebrate. We have been doing that as a school this year. We have all enjoyed the air of celebration and the fact that we have so much for which to feel grateful, so many milestones and achievements, so many lives touched by Rustenburg and all it stands for. Reflecting on Erinville House this year, I am able to look at the changes we have made to both the utilisation of space and the rules over the years. I am proud to be the Superintendent here, proud of the wonderful girls who are part of our Erinville family and I am immensely grateful for the staff and girls who help to make this a wonderful place to work and to live. Erinville House is named after the top portion of Rygersdal Farm. The farm itself has a history dating back to the early days of the Cape. The Erinville portion of the estate was sold to Mr William Anderson who built a large house on the grounds in the late 19th Century. Our present Erinville House is said to be built on the site of the original house which burnt down during the First World War. Prior to the construction of the present hostel in the 1930s, there was a history of boarding at Rustenburg right from the start as the original school was opened in 1894 with 76 girls (11 of whom were boarders). I am pleased to report that the number of boarders has risen significantly to 76 over the past 100 years. One of our current problems is finding space in which to grow. Over the past 15 years we have seen a number of changes in utilisation of existing space. The area at the end of the Common Room (known as D Com) became the pool room and housed our new pool table. Later it became our computer lab and now houses 11 computers and a printer. D Com, now the tuckshop run by the Grade 11s to raise funds for Fancy Dress, has been moved to the old dispensary as we now dispense medicines from the Duty Room as and when they are needed by the girls (as opposed to only at a set time each day). The old tuck room was changed into a small computer room and then, when the computers were moved to their new lab, it became a kitchenette for the girls. This has created a space for them to have permanently boiling water on tap, two fridges, two snackwich machines and a microwave. The hostel supplies tea, coffee, milk and sugar (with

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fruit juice in summer and hot chocolate in winter). The girls are welcome to keep tuck in their rooms provided it is kept in a sealed container. This is very different from the old rules which allowed girls to collect tuck only at specified times under the watchful eye of a matron. The old drying room, an indoor drying area smelling largely of dank hockey socks, was transformed into an office as there was no hostel office when I arrived. The office has since moved to a room next to the Matric Sanctum and the drying room has become the new, two-bed sick bay. The Erinville girls now do their own laundry as the school laundry has closed down. We have two top loaders and two tumble driers and the girls either take their washing home over weekends or do it themselves. Old Girls who visit Erinville find much that is the same, but they also notice many changes. Some of these changes have only occurred over the past fifteen years. We now have several telephone lines linking us to the school switchboard and to the outside world as well as computers and a fax machine. Another change is that the girls now have cell phones and the old tickie boxes have been removed. In the old days new Grade 8s used to be the ones on duty to answer the public phones and then run to call girls to the phone. The Matrics used to train them and make them practise this phone duty. Nowadays, we have cell phones, Twitter, Whatsapp, Facebook and email. Communication can be instant. If we do need to call someone, we now have an intercom and do not need to send Grade 8s running round the building. It has been a challenge to find space to create more cubicles and also to provide staff with their own bathrooms. To this end, we have enclosed the balcony overlooking the hockey fields to create two more rooms for boarders, moved the sick bay as mentioned earlier and created a staff flatlet in the old sick bay area. Erinville has changed in many other ways too. We have paid special attention over the past 15 years to making it feel like a comfortable, kind and accepting place for the girls. It may not look like home but we can try to make it feel like home, or the next best thing. The Duty Room is not a scary place where girls wait on the threshold in trepidation. It is now more like a little lounge where the girls can always find a sympathetic ear or ask for help. It is also the venue where our daily home-baked snack, called tea is served. The system of employing matrons has been replaced with the practice of appointing house moms to be mothers to our 76 girls. The main requirement for the job being common sense and a dose of humour! I am always struck by the fact that visiting Old Girls tell us tales of strict rules, such as only being allowed two showers and one bath per week. Our jaws drop in horror, yet some still seem to have fond memories. They giggle and laugh as they reminisce together and are amazed at how significantly the rules have changed. The Erinville Es of 1991 arranged a sleepover in the hostel as part of their 20th reunion celebration and the Erinville Es of 1994 hostel luncheon in the hostel dining room as part of their reunion celebrations this year. We so enjoy having the Old Girls visit us and we invite all Old Girls to pop in.

LEADERS

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LEADERS

From the Headgirl Samantha Culligan

It has been an honour to be a part of such a strong prefect body, a team of girls who were committed, had a positive attitude and a sense of humour. Our journey together started in October 2013, when we attended a camp in Simon’s Town. It was an opportunity for us to grow and develop our leadership skills, whilst getting to know each other a little better. Much enjoyment was had as we embraced the rainy beach weather and shared stories of laughter over many cups of tea. We spent time on team-building activities and were inspired by various leadership talks as we gained a better understanding of the type of leadership styles in our group. I believe leadership should be a selfless act and focus on helping your teammates as you work together towards a common goal. Something which I learned from the camp was the importance of listening to your teammates. For effective communication one must listen with the intent to understand, not just with the intent to reply. For a team to be extraordinary and work well, everyone’s ideas must be heard, understood and appreciated. However, because we were a fairly large prefect body, we realised that this would be one of the challenges that we would face when working together in the year to come.

celebrated by wearing costumes of characters from storybooks and films from our childhood. A jumping castle and popcorn machine were hired to enhance the mood of youthfulness. We celebrated where we came from and how we had grown up. 40 Days gave the Grade 12 girls a chance to be kids again. I valued the idiosyncrasy of each prefect as this is what made the prefect body dynamic. The friendships which were built can never be replaced. I have no doubt that each prefect will go on to achieve many more great wonders in their future and continue to inspire and lead those around them. My greatest role-model is Mr Steve Jobs. Much of what he has said I take to heart. The following quote of his has been especially applicable in my Matric year and for preparing for what my future holds: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” I believe one should study because one loves knowledge, not to pass an exam. I encourage girls to get involved in their school life and, whatever they choose to do, to do it whole-heartedly and with commitment. Otherwise it was a waste of time. My involvement in Rustenburg’s extramural programme was what has made my high school career memorable. Five years of high school passes faster than you think. I recommend siezing every opportunity, both inside and outside the classroom, before it is too late. Time is precious. As a teacher of mine once said, “The only thing you cannot recycle is wasted time.”

We were a group that was passionate about bringing change, much like every other prefect body before us. We aspired to enhance an optimistic atmosphere at school where close friendships could form, whilst memories would be made and cherished. The prefect body dedicated many hours of service to a school which they were proud to represent. This included ushering at various school events (such as HAIR RAISING and Carmina Burana), as well as giving up their breaks, mornings and afternoons to be on duty around the school. Along with everyday duties, each prefect was assigned a portfolio. This ensured that the work was delegated amongst the group. Each prefect was assigned a form class where they were a mentor and would assist the girls with concerns, or even help them with their homework. This was a great way for the girls at the school to get to know the prefects better and form a closer relationship with them. The prefects also organised Grade Evenings, which consisted of a variety of activities that focused on interacting with one another. These included treasure hunts through the school in the dark, decorating cakes, drinking hot chocolate and dancing away to music. The year began with the prefects hosting the Grade 8 Orientation Day and Grade 8 Gala, Sport Day and Braai. Although our aim was for the Grade 8 learners to have an enjoyable time and set up an environment for them to get to know each other better, I can guarantee that the prefects had just as much fun too. The prefects organised Valentine’s roses to be sent to various schools in the area, including Bishops, Rondebosch Boys’ and Wynberg Boys’. The prefects also enjoyed a Valentine’s breakfast with the prefects from Rondebosch Boys’ where they were spoilt with roses. Throughout the year it was a priority for us to arrange special events for the Matric girls. We made arrangements for waltzing lessons before our Matric Dance to break the ice with our partners. It was also an opportunity for us to practice walking in our Cinderella shoes. Our 40 Days was RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

School prefects

Third row, from left: Bianca Da Molo, Lindsay Llewellyn, Kelsey Pike, Alex Faber, Kate James Second row, from left: Tumelo Moloto, Rowan Banks, Emma Bergh, Laura Hartmann, Yi-Tin Michelle Yuan, Caitlin Grüning, Pepua Karamata First row, from left: Michaela Mc Hugh, Aaliyah Ahmed, Lindiwe Le Brasseur, Haley-Anne Box, Aimée George, Thania Koopman Seated, from left: Sameenah Allie, Chelsea Muir (Deputy Headgirl: Juniors), Ms Laura Bekker, Samantha Culligan (Headgirl), Ms Gillian Blackshaw, Anja Mühr (Deputy Headgirl: Seniors), Reabetswe Khonyane

LEADERS

From the Representative Council of Learners Caitlin Grüning

Grade 8 Representatives: Yusra Sablay, Azraa Rawoot, Bronwyn Kruger Grade 9 Representatives: Alex Jeaven, Jennifer Darley Waddilove, Nokukhanya Zondi Grade 10 Representatives: Daariah Arend, Kelly Bang, Phumzile Konile Grade 11 Representatives: Amy Kunz, Neo Ramagaga, Emily O’Ryan, Kirsten Pienaar Grade 12 Representatives: Emma Bergh, Samantha Culligan, Reabetswe Khonyane, Caitlin Grüning

Communication is a two-way process whereby the parties involved reach a mutual understanding. However, it includes more than just an exchange of knowledge. The intention of communication is to create and share ideas. This is the role of the RCL. The projects that we tackled this year were slightly different to those in the past. By making interaction the most vital part of our role, it was felt that the function of the RCL should be to improve the spirit of Rustenburg girls. Some of the highlights were the hot chocolate and pancake mornings, which we dubbed Happy Mornings. The idea was to create an atmosphere filled with dancing and laughter in which the girls could de-stress and socialise, within the school environment. Part of our communication idea was to encourage girls to become involved in their own community. We believe that working as a group, in order to make a positive difference in the lives of others, produces bonds that are far stronger than if one were to work alone. We joined forces with Interact and encouraged girls to give of their time in various initiatives. The specific projects, in which we played a supportive role, were 67 Minutes for Madiba and Paint the Town Pink, a campaign for Women’s Day. Because we were representatives in an all-girls school, we wanted to make Women’s Day an essential part of our year. This was how Paint the Town Pink originated. Form classes were asked to make carepacks which were donated to The Zoe Project, for abused women and children. On the day the girls were allowed to add one pink clothing item to their school uniform. We attached bright pink paper to string, which was hung around the balcony of the school, and girls were encouraged to write down the names of female role models who inspired them and they could add reasons to their choice. Another endeavour, that was carried over from last year to this year due to its massive success, was the Knitting Project. In 2013, the RCL encouraged girls to broaden their minds by learning how to knit. We wanted to include as many girls as possible and so we offered lessons to those who had never knitted before. Girls were urged to involve their mothers, grandmothers and any other willing person to join them in knitting squares. To our surprise, girls were highly enthusiastic and there was hardly a day that passed where one did not see a pair of knitting needles sticking out of a school bag with a string of wool trailing behind.

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What surprised us even more was that most girls weren’t knitting scarves or beanies for themselves, but rather 15 x 15 cm squares, which would later be sewn together to form blankets. The response to this project was overwhelming. In total, we managed to make more than 33 blankets, with 88 squares completing one. The Grade 8 classes were by far the most motivated, with just one class knitting over 1 500 squares! During Term 2, we embraced the Get to Know the Support Staff project. This was a task that the RCL of each year had spoken about. It was with great zest that we decided to get the project off the ground finally. We began with the interviews and photographs of the staff. These were put up on our board. Videos were shown during assembly to the whole school. We hoped that after introducing the men and women who help to keep our school environment so spotless, it would encourage girls to show greater appreciation more frequently. Again towards the end of the Term 2 Neo Ramagaga, Emily O’Ryan and Caitlin Grüning had the privilege of attending a workshop run by the World Children’s Prize Association. We were told about various members of our community who were able to make positive changes despite their hardships. We interacted with the RCL members from numerous schools in our district. This allowed us the opportunity to compare leadership styles. We learned a great deal from this experience and it instilled a desire in us to work even harder as representatives of our fellow scholars. My experience as serving as the chairperson of the RCL is difficult to describe. I was honoured enough to be one of the representatives of each grade while in high school, which means that I give most credit to my growth as a leader to the several obstacles and challenges that we faced on the RCL. Working with such strong young ladies, and Ms Ryan, has taught me that determination and a positive outlook is the key to success. Discussing and crafting ideas of new ways to obtain what we feel Rustenburg girls want and need, has shown me that I need to remain strong in my opinions and to focus on the role of communication, so that I may always share and create.

LEADERS

From the Headgirl of Erinville Emma Bergh

I cannot believe five years have gone by since I walked through the doors of Erinville hostel for the first time. It is very difficult to explain what Erinville is, or what it means to all 76 of the girls who live in the boarding house. Erinville is our home, our sanctuary, our safe haven. I always told parents visiting, or girls at the school, that Erinville is a place of joy and there really is no better way to explain it. Whenever any girl was feeling down or had a bad day at school, the duty room (home to the Hostel Moms) was always a place to chat and let go of all her worries. When I left the boarding house at the end of the year, I took with me the memories of girls singing in the common room or playing guitar in A-dorm, the ridiculous sight of the girls playing traditional tribal games around the fountain and, of course, all the fun outings on which we have embarked. Erinville boarding house has always been very keen to do as much for us as possible and this year we went on many exciting outings and have had very successful socials with the species of lesser-spotted boys. This year we began with a bang at our Grade 8 Orientation Weekend. The whole boarding house travelled to Clifton beach where we had a

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glorious day, running around in the sun. The Grade 8s were very lucky to receive many proposals from some passers-by at the beach! The Erinville Grade 11s also were very busy, organising Ms Erinville. Martha Muye Ruider was crowned as the 2014 titleholder. Many New Pots displayed some of their more unusual talents. And their Haunted House dance had boarders dancing the night away! Furthermore, the Erinville girls expanded their talents greatly. We went on an exciting surf trip to Muizenburg. The girls also tried their luck at iceskating at Grand West. Erinville hostel will always be my home and I will always see the Hostel Moms as my second mothers. This boarding house does not just provide a bed for the girls to sleep in and food to eat, it takes the care of all of the girls on another level and makes sure each and everyone one of us is happy. I had never felt more myself, and comfortable with who I am, than when I was in the boarding house and surrounded by the most interesting, thoughtful and compassionate girls imaginable. The Matrics of 2014 were, and quite likely will always be, the most fantastic group of girls I have ever come to know. It is without a doubt that we were the loudest, most frustrating and strangest assortment of individuals, but we were also the most kind-hearted and considerate grade. None of the Erinville Matrics regarded age or grades as marks of status or hierarchy. We were all one extended family. I could not have asked for anything better as my schooling career draws to a close. When I was being interviewed in 2009, Ms van Dyk told my mother that Erinville takes your daughter in at 13 and gives her back at aged 18 as an independent, strong woman. My mother was, at the time, horrified by this description. I now know that Ms van Dyk’s words could not be more truthful. I am, as are all the Erinville Matrics of 2014, immensely grateful to the experience we were given.

MATRIC LEADERS

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MATRIC

From the Head of Grade 12 Head of Grade 12: Ms Helen Kleynhans E1: Ms Gail Wallace E2: Mr William Haggard E3: Ms Helen Kleynhans E4: Ms Karen Cronje E5: Mr Gian Marneweck

In Rustenburg’s 120th year, the Matrics of 2014 were the first grade to follow the new curriculum and to write the new National Senior Certificate examinations. They also had lessons in the brand new Mathematics and Physical Sciences Centre, but were just too late to play league hockey matches on the new AstroTurf. Besides the usual Grade 12 special events, they particularly enjoyed the 120th birthday celebrations which were shared with the pupils of Rustenburg Girls Junior School. 2014 was a year for the oldest and the youngest, the old and the new. At the first assembly of the year, on 15 January, the school paid their respects to the memory of Nelson Mandela and the Retro society chairperson, Yi-Tin Yuan, ended her tribute to this South African icon with the quote, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This was a very fitting sentiment for the beginning of the Matric year, full as it is with three sets of examinations, National Bench Mark tests and applications for tertiary study. Term 1 was extremely busy as we moved from one special event to the next. The Matric Breakfast took place on the first Friday morning of the term. Delicious fruit, muffins and croissants were enjoyed, and there was much laughter and merriment in the Thomson Hall. On the following Tuesday, the Grade 12s and their parents attended the Grade 12 Information Evening. The girls received sound advice about coping with the year from past pupils Nicola Cilliers and Kate Vlok, while their parents were similarly advised by Ms Luyt (mother of Natalie Luyt, E 2013). The next day the Grade 12 mentors met their Grade 8 mentee groups for the first time. The mentors and their mentees met during form period every second Friday for the rest of the year. The Inter-house Gala was a much anticipated event. Learners look forward to the time when, as Matrics, they can dress up and lead the cheering. Each house tried to outdo the others and the house captains and their teams participated with much enthusiasm. The swimming was impressive too. The Inter-house Forum Discussions followed and Katherine Harris of Innes proved to be the Best Chairperson in the senior section.

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Grade 12s dominated the winners at the Interact Talent Show held on 13 March. The group consisting of Haley-Anne Box, Thania Koopman, Lindiwe Le Brasseur, Claudia Schlettwein and Pearl Jung performing an instrumental and vocal rendition of “Say Something,” Candice-Lee Uys, performing a rhythmic gymnastics set and Nikita Sofute, singing “Make You Feel My Love,” were placed first, second and fourth respectively. Hardly had the Term 2 started when it was time for the Inter-house Drama Competition. Once again Matrics dominated the award positions and received Best Scriptwriter, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Producer. Many of the actresses were in Grade 12 as well. The theme this year was Superheroes. The plays were imaginative and fun, and it was obvious that a great deal of time and effort had gone into each special production. After the plays, Term 2 was dominated by academic work and examination preparation, but there was still time to organise the Matric Dance Raffle. Excitement started to mount for this much anticipated occasion. The Matric Dance was held at Kelvin Grove on 2 August and it was a glamorous affair. The Matrics looked lovely, the ballroom was beautifully decorated and the evening matched every expectation. The rest of the school was given the opportunity to see the beautiful dresses at the Matric Dance Fashion Show which was held a few days later. The traditional 40 Days celebration was enjoyed with a return to childhood and a jumping castle in the main quad at break. It was a chance to have fun before the pressure of examinations started to intrude. The Grade 12s of 2014 have excelled in many areas of endeavour. Seul Pearl Jung (cello), Anja Mühr (violin) and Caitlin Grüning (clavinet) were the soloists at the performance of Hardware Concerto at the concert which included Carmina Burana and other works at the City Hall in August. Seul Pearl toured Europe with the AMIAGI orchestra during the June holiday, and she was a finalist at the Pieter Kooij Music Competition in September. Aimée George was the vocalist for the National Youth Jazz Band in Grahamstown at the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz festival. Jaid Heesen attended the UCT Intel Innovation week during the June holidays. As the youngest student and the only girl, Jaid held her own and said that she “had learnt more about electronics in that week than ever before.” Anja Mühr achieved the highest honour in scouting when she became a Springbok Scout. Candice-Lee Uys represented Western Province in both Rhythmic Gymnastics and Indoor Hockey, while Lindiwe le Brasseur represented Western Province in Surf Lifesaving and Touch Rugby. Other Western Province representatives were Kelsey Pike (Hockey), Lindsay Llewellyn (Indoor Hockey), Rebecca Parsons (Waterpolo) and Michaela Cox (Waterpolo). Emma Bergh is to be commended for her participation in Bishops College’s theatrical production of “The Great Gatsby”. Acting in a stage show and attending rehearsals at another school is a tremendous commitment. The Grade 12 group of 2014 have so many talents and interests that it was not possible to mention all of them here. We wish them a happy, fulfilled future and are confident that they will go out into the world and remain proud members of the Rustenburg family.

MATRIC

Third row, from left: Alex Faber, Michaela Cox, Ilhaam van der Schyff, Michaela Schultz, Ella Potgieter, Morgan Shelly, Michaela Hablutzel, Kirstyn-Lee Lategan, Michaela-Sue Cook, Shannon Pepper, Laura Hartmann Second row, from left: Taalia Crawley, Stéphanie Pereira, Caitlin Grüning, Yi-Tin Yuan, Franki Lock, Kate James, Iman Allie First row, from left: Nasreen Khan, Tanri de Lange, Ayesha Kapery, Chelsea Muir, Genevieve Morris, Nuzhah Jacobs, Jamie Macmullan, Seul Pearl Jung Seated, from left: Lauren Hendricks, Lauren Wilson, Ms Gail Wallace (E1 Form Teacher), Emma du Toit, Ms Helen Kleynhans (Head of Grade 12), Tumelo Moloto, Jaid Heesen

Third row, from left: Paula Thompson, Candice Kitching, Savannah Webb, Shabnam Mohamed, Emma MacAuthur, Jessica Zietsman, Amy van Vlaanderen, Ashleigh Womack, Emma Bergh Second row, from left: Robyn Smith, Aimee La Kay, Nuraan Gabier, Dimakatso Nchodu, Afeefa Emeran, Nicole Mehnert, Caitlin Simpson First row, from left: Yusra Modack, Saarah Asmal, Saaliha Jaffer, Kauthar Firfirey, Jayde van Blerk, Nikita Sofute, Geordie Gottgens, Zeenat Jacobs Seated, from left: Samantha Chamisa, Kauthar Ismail, Mr William Haggard (E2 Form Teacher), Ammaarah Gamieldien, Ms Helen Kleynhans (Head of Grade 12), Boniwe Nyati, Nasreen Rawoot.

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MATRIC

Third row, from left: Jenna Lovegrove, Jessica Thompson, Sabrina Page-Macdonald, Sarah Shamley, Roxanne Christian, Anja Mühr, Ellen-Marie Trautmann, Stefni Handt, Shannen Beukes, Alyxé Rosenberg Second row, from left: Dominique McFall, Susan Marais, Haley-Anne Box, Franziska Sallmann, Shasthra Naidoo, Samantha Culligan, Juliet Peall First row, from left: Nuhaa Soeker, Claudia Schlettwein, Aimée George, Alessia Tricarico, Maxine Kleinschmidt, Pepua Karamata, Alexandra Hanson, Rouzanna Coxson Seated, from left: Aaliyah Ahmed, Sameenah Allie, Ayesha Korowlay, Ms Helen Kleynhans (E3 Form Teacher, Head of Grade 12), Noemia McCarthy, Laila Haffejee, Firdous Khan

Fourth row, from left: Bianca Creevy, Summer Thompson, Kelsey Pike, Amy Ledwidge Third row, from left: Isabella Cupido, Jehaan Oberay, Katherine Harris, Monique Hollis, Alice-Sandra Kesselaar, Cassandra Cranfield, Bianca Da Molo Second row, from left: Faatimah Toefy, Woo-Jung Ahn, Alison Hall, Terttu Newaka, Brogan Poulton, Carolyn Mc Diarmid, Candice Uys First row, from left: Victoria Crossley, Shakeela Banderker, Nazakat Allie, Yusra Gool, Ferial Najaar, Yusra Shroeder, Michaela Mc Hugh, Raeeqah Kilshaw Seated, from left: Shannon Hochfelden, Ashley Gardiner, Ms Helen Kleynhans (Head of Grade 12), Emma Lock, Ms Karen Cronje (E4 Form Teacher), Reabetswe Khonyane, Jehaan Armien

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MATRIC

Fourth row, from left: Lindsay Llewellyn, Karla Lützeler, Amelia Dionisio, Sarah Donde Third row, from left: Aalia Hamdulay, Nazneen Khan, Lauren Twiss, Chelsea Gibson, Rowan Banks, Rebecca Parsons Second row, from left: Robyn van Bergen, Sabeegah Davids, Laura de Klerk, Zakiya Mia, Danielle Louw, Robynne Le Roux, Jennifer Oosthuizen First row, from left: Thania Koopman, Amy Stöhrer, Aneesah Wahab, Justine Bollman, Chi-Hei Chan, Sara Raciet, Lindiwe Le Brasseur, Nurain Mohamed Seated, from left: Keshia Samandan, Abigail Mallows, Ms Helen Kleynhans (Head of Grade 12), Kelsey Bloom, Mr Gian Marneweck (E5 Form Teacher), Riancha Schoombie, Nicole Sorour

Grade R to Grade 12

First row, from left: Brogan Poulton, Savannah Webb Seated, from left: Claudia Schlettwein, Dominique McFall, Chi-Hei Chan, Ms Laura Bekker, Ayesha Kapery, Amy Stöhrer, Tumelo Moloto

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2014 Matric Awards Ceremony Academic Awards Accounting:

Advanced Programme Mathematics:

Taalia Crawley and Laila Haffejee

Ellen-Marie Trautmann

Afrikaans First Additional Language:

Mathematics:

Rowan Banks and Yi-Tin Yuan

Ellen-Marie Trautmann and Yi-Tin Yuan

Afrikaans Progress Cup:

Pricewaterhouse Coopers Book Award (for Accounting and

Terttu Nawaka

Marietjie le Roux Cup for Excellence in Afrikaans: Tanri de Lange

Certificate for Overall Academic Improvement: Zeenat Jacobs

Mathematics): Laila Haffejee

Mathematical Literacy: Chi-Hei Chan

Music:

Anja Mühr

Consumer Studies:

Physical Sciences:

Kate James

Yi-Tin Yuan

Consumer Studies (Culinary Skills):

Physical Sciences (Chemistry):

Carolyn Mc Diarmid and Jenna Lovegrove

Dance (Melissa Wood Cup for Excellence in Dance): Bianca Da Molo

Yi-Tin Yuan

Physical Sciences (Physics): Ellen-Marie Trautmann

Design:

Visual Arts:

Brogan Poulton

Ayesha Kaprey

Dramatic Arts: Emma Bergh

English Home Language (Naureen Parkes Memorial Prize):

Yi-Tin Yuan

Visual Arts (Photography): Samantha Culligan

Grade 12 Academic Half Colours

English Literature (Adèle Cloete Memorial Prize): Emma Bergh

Helga van Heerden Cup (for Excellence in French):

Sameenah Allie, Shannon Beukes, Taalia Crawley, Sarah Donde, Alexandra Hanson, Katherine Harris, Laura Hartmann, Jaid Heesen, Amy Ledwidge, Karla Lützeler, Emma MacArthur, Caolyn Mc Diarmid, Dominique Mc Fall, Michaela Mc Hugh, Tumelo Moloto, Chelsea Muir, Jennifer Oosthuizen, Juliet Peall, Ellen-Jayne Potgieter, Brogan Poulton, Riancha Schoombie, Candice-Lee Uys, Jessica Zietsman

International Computer Driving Licence:

Grade 12 Academic Full Colours

French Second Additional Language:

Bianca Da Molo and Yi-Tin Yuan Katherine Harris

Anja Mühr

Rowan Banks, Emma Bergh, Samantha Culligan, Caitlin Grüning, Laila Haffejee, Amigail Mallows, Zakiya Mia, Yusra Modack, Anja Mühr, Shasthra Naidoo, Ferial Najaar, Alyxé Rosenberg, Michaela Schultz, Ellen-Marie Trautmann, Yi-Tin Yuan

Geography:

Ellen-Marie Trautmann

Geography Research Prize:

Sustained Academic Achievement

Nicole Sorour and Ellen-Marie Trautmann

German Second Additional Language:

For a consistent aggregate of 80% or above in all examinations in Grades 10, 11 and 12

History:

Rowan Banks, Emma Bergh, Abigail Mallows, Zakiya Mia, Yusra Modack, Anja Mühr, Shasthra Naidoo, Ellen-Marie Trautmann, Yi-Tin Yuan

Sybil McGregor History Prize (for Research):

Top Academic Positions in Grade 12

isiXhosa First Additional Language:

Fifth position: Emma Bergh Fourth position: Abigail Mallows Third position: Anja Mühr Second position: Ellen-Marie Trautmann

Anja Mühr

Yi-Tin Yuan Alyxé Rosenberg and Yi-Tin Yuan Nikita Sofute

Life Orientation:

Marchand Dux Trophy for Outstanding Academic Achievement:

Anja Mühr and Ellen-Marie Trautmann

Life Sciences:

Yi-Tin Yuan

Ellen-Marie Trautmann

Life Sciences Practical Work: Shasthra Naidoo

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2014 Matric Special Prizes Amy Steyl Award

Brogan Poulton achieved excellent results throughout the year for Visual Arts and Design. Her creative process in both subjects is characterised by an innovative, individualistic and highly experimental approach that speaks of her passion and dedication. Brogan’s positive and insightful engagements with her peers across the grades reflect humility and integrity; and have made her a highly respected and accomplished Visual Art and Design learner.

Centenary Cup

The Centenary Cup for all-round excellence in service to the school over five years was awarded to Anja Mühr. Anja was a Golden Bug recipient in both Grade 8 and Grade 9. She was awarded the Gillian Cockram Cup in Grade 10 and the Sally Michell Cup in Grade 11. Anja led the school as Deputy Headgirl (Seniors) and was Captain of the 1st Waterpolo Team in 2012/ 2013 and of the 3rd Hockey Team in 2014. Anja maintained an excellent standard in her academic work throughout her school career. On the music front, she was Head of the Orchestra, a member of the Chamber Choir and played in the String Ensemble.

Dr Moll Honour Prize

The Dr Moll Honour Prize is presented to the girl who has best upheld the traditions of Rustenburg. This is regarded as the most prestigious accolade which the school can bestow. The 2014 recipient was Samantha Culligan. As Headgirl, Samantha led the school with maturity and was greatly respected by her peers and educators. Always loyal to Rustenburg and with the school’s best interests at heart, Samantha had a very positive influence on the school community.

EMV Smit Cup

The EMV Smit Cup for personal achievement, despite obstacles, was awarded to Jaid Heesen. Jaid achieved the best possible results in a number of spheres at school. She was always cheerful, optimistic and ready to try something new, even a course in electronics at UCT during the July holiday.

Excellence in Leadership

This award is given to the Grade 12 learner who has displayed exemplary qualities in her role as a leader in the school. The 2014 recipient was Sameenah Allie. She was a quiet, strong leader and excelled in her roles as a Prefect and as Head of Peer tutoring. Sameenah showed great initiative and was thorough and reliable in carrying out her duties. Sameenah’s leadership has been characterised by maturity and integrity. She is a natural leader and was respected by her peers and educators alike.

and entrepreneurial skills when she started her online business, The Ramp, which stocks stylish accessories and clothing. She started and maintained the Retro Blog which has been a great success.

Marchand Dux Trophy

Yi-Tin Yuan was awarded the Marchand Dux Trophy for Outstanding Academic Achievement. Cementing her place in the top position in Grade 9 in all four terms, she went on to maintain her position as one of the top five learners in the grade in the Further Education and Training band (Grades 10 to 12), where she mostly occupied the top position and regularly achieved aggregates of over 90% each term. This award acknowledged the exceptional academic achievements of this diligent, motivated and extremely humble student over her five years at Rustenburg.

Miller Cranko Award

The Miller Cranko Award for service to the community was presented to Dominique McFall. In her capacity as Head of Interact, Dominique proved to be a very effective and hardworking leader who would always do her best to help others. She efficiently organised many Interact events and also involved Interact in raising funds for the Sunflower fund. The major project of the year was the Sun Run which required a large amount of work and organisation. Dominique attended to all the details, big and small, and the Sun Run was a great success.

Senior De Wet Prize (for English and Afrikaans)

This year the De Wet prize was awarded to Yi-Tin Yuan. Yi-Tin was a high achiever in English throughout her school career. She was equally at ease in all components of the language, embracing the logic of language structures just as easily as she was able to harness creativity in her writing. Yi-Tin had a sophisticated approach to literature and is an excellent communicator. Yi-tin beskik oor ‘n natuurlike aanvoeling vir Afrikaans. Sy lewer werk van hoogstaande gehalte in al die komponente van die taal. Haar verbale kommunikatiewe vaardighede stel haar in staat om haarself effektief uit te druk en haar skryfwerk getuig van ‘n uitsonderlike vermoë. Die Afrikaans Departement van Rustenburg is besonder trots op die wyse waarop Yi-tin Afrikaans bevorder.

Preiss Floating Trophy

The Preiss Floating Trophy was awarded to Emma Bergh for her leadership of Erinville Boarding House this year. Emma served as Headgirl of Erinville in 2014. Her naturally cheerful, friendly disposition and positive attitude have helped to make Erinville a “home away from home” for the girls.

Karin Wiese Trophy

Sarah Donde was the recipient of the Karin Wiese trophy. This is awarded to someone who, in the opinion of her peers, has overcome great difficulty with dignity.

Lucia Jacobs Trophy

The Lucia Jacobs Trophy is awarded for organisational skills and initiative. The 2014 recipients were Sarah Donde and Nuzhah Jacobs. As Head of Earth Children, Sarah led the organising of the Earth Children’s Rhino concert and other events that helped the wider community such as Liesbeek River clean-ups and Oasis projects. She also worked hard to organise the recycling bins that were placed around the school. Nuzhah showed great initiative

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Matric Dance

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From the Head of Grade 11 Head of Grade 11: Ms Lorraine Gardiner B1: Ms Liza September B2: Ms Anita Pretorius B3: Ms Monika Brandt B4: Ms Marieta Langenhoven B5: Ms Irene Adley, Ms Tarin Scharneck B6: Ms Zaandre Theron

This year Rustenburg celebrated its 120th birthday. The festivities culminated in a joint Cross Country event with the Junior School held at the High School. The Grade 11s enjoyed pairing up with little Grade 2 girls and running the race together. In some cases it was the Grade 2 girl who ended up dragging the older girl over the finishing line! The girls were treated to cake and juice afterwards, which made up for the pain of running. Friendships were fostered between the two schools and there was a warm feeling of unity and school spirit resulting from the joint venture. The Grade 11s of 2014 have adjusted to a number of new form teachers this year, namely Ms Dianne Leonard, Ms Louise Lawrence, Ms Leanne van Rensburg and Ms Laura Barrett, whilst they have had continuity with Ms Lorraine Gardiner and Ms Zélia Simpson who were their form teachers the previous year. This group of girls has shown their strength and have dealt with these changes effortlessly. A highlight of the Grade 11 year was the Leadership Camp which was held at Witzenberg at the end of Term 1. This provided an opportunity for the girls to improve on or develop their leadership skills and to bond as a grade. While the early morning run was not popular with a number of girls, they endured it without too much complaining. The activities that proved to be most popular were the trust activities and the canoe race across the swimming pool in a cardboard box. The latter ended in disaster for all teams but one, who managed to survive for three lengths of the pool and, in so doing, established a new record! There were definitely budding designers in this team! Two Grade 11 girls participated in the Rotary Youth Exchange, namely Mia van Aardt and Julia Darke. Julia was also invited to the Rotary Youth Leadership Camp, firstly as a team leader and then as a facilitator, while Emily O’Ryan was honoured by being elected to the President’s Award Youth Committee.

won the Hip-Hop Indaba in August, as well as participating in an Indonesian dance in Mossel Bay earlier in the year. At the Afrikaanse Eisteddfod we had a number of achievers: Marianne Schwellnus and Samantha McCrindle took part in a piano duet, attaining Diploma, Ashleigh Curtis received Distinctions for both her solo musical item and for her piano duet, while Catherine Smith received two Silver medals for recorder. Tatum Skriker was awarded the Pederson and Lennard Award for consistent all-round excellence and unique design style. BuhleBemvelo Zimba attained third position in the District Public speaking Competition, as well as being one of the girls chosen to visit Stroud High School in the United Kingdom as a member of the Afri-twin Tour. There was also huge honour for Bronwen Barratt and Jessica Smith who had their essays published in the English Alive journal. For something different and innovative, Tiana Hansraj founded the iClub, which is a group of learners who are passionate about the change and evolution of technology. Abigail Baker, Natalie and Katherine Davidson, Jarita Kassen and Michaela Madurai were finalists in a competition for young South Africans who showed initiative and enterprise. Their app, called HushApp, is a self-help group offering advice on a number of topics and is accessed on cell phones. Grade 11s were true achievers on the sport field and in the swimming pool. Our provincial representatives were Ziyanah Fredericks (Western Cape Ladies’ Open Touch Rugby), Samantha McCrindle (U21 Western Province Touch Rugby), Elle Mouton (Western Province Ladies’ Open and U21 Touch Rugby), Hannah Nassen (U17 Western Province Touch Rugby), Michelle Winter (U18 Seals Indoor Hockey and U18B Western Province Hockey) and Chelsea van Rensburg who was awarded Western Province Colours for Swimming, as well as taking part in the South African Open Water Championships, the South African Short Course Championships and the South African Nationals Level 2. Zoë Goslett displayed her lowerlimb prowess by completing the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour, as well as participating in the ITU triathlon together with fellow Grade 11s Rebecca Haines and Yuh-wen Samantha Ma. Abigail Tudge excelled in diving and achieved first place in the Western Province 1m diving competition, as well as a second place in the South African Novice age group division. Finally Haidee Davis was honoured by being nominated as Western Province U18B Hockey Captain, as well as being chosen to attend the leadership programme at Harvard University during the June holidays. This grade will be the Rustenburg leaders for 2015 and they have the potential to be dynamic, compassionate and enthusiastic leaders of the highest calibre. May they continue on their journey through their final year at school living every moment, enjoying every day and remembering to work hard towards their goals.

Grade 11s excelled in many areas in the cultural field. Carla Scholtz

Alston le Roux Cup for Drama

This trophy was donated in 1998 with the request that it be awarded annually to the pupil, or pupils, who offered the greatest contribution to the development, promotion and service to the theatrical genre at Rustenburg High School for Girls in that particular year. The 2014 recipient was Julia Holzberg (Grade 11). Julia first represented Rustenburg in Drama in 2011 when she travelled to the Eastern Cape as part of the touring production of “Who’s your Daddy?” “Who’s your Daddy?” was named Best Overall Production at the festival. In 2013 Julia tackled the role of Jenny, Miss Brodie’s favourite pupil, in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie”. This year Julia’s commitment to “HAIR RAISING” was invaluable. She also had the responsibility of delivering the powerful final monologue of the show, of a young girl at her own mother’s funeral. Julia has received Full Colours for Drama.

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From the Head of Grade 10 Head of Grade 10: Ms Stella Rossouw C1: Ms Zargielay Rabeh C2: Ms Stella Rossouw C3: Ms Zuleigah Galer C4: Ms Jackie Chambers C5: Ms Ingrid Weideman

“Celebration is a kind of food we all need in our lives, and each individual brings a special recipe or offering, so that together we will make a great feast. Celebration is a human need that we must not, and cannot, deny. It is richer and fuller when many work and then celebrate together.” (Carita Kent and Jan Steward) At the Grade 10 Parents’ Information Evening in Term 1, parents as well as learners were introduced to the new challenges, expectations and responsibilities of the Senior Phase. Good time management and organisation were emphasised. Our Grade 10 learners accepted these challenges and excelled this year. At the end of Term 1, some of our girls embarked on an adventure in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve. Under the supervision of facilitators from Outward Bound and Mr William Haggard, and paired with girls from Mfuleni High School, our Afri-twin partner school, the girls faced challenges that taught them to draw on their inner resources. They had to plan their meals, carry all their belongings in backpacks for four days, and learn to rock-climb and abseil. Adapting to the academic challenges of the Senior Phase was daunting, but the Grade 10s achieved pleasing results in the mid-year examinations. A number of girls participated in various Olympiads. Hannah Clayton reached the third round of the South African Mathematics Olympiad. Melissa Rossouw was awarded a third place and Merit Award for the UCT Mathematics Competition, whilst she also reached the second round of the Mathematics Olympiad. EmmaMarie Strauss, achieving 87%, was placed fourth in the Western Cape in the Afrikaans Olympiad. During the July holidays 13 Grade 10 girls travelled to Vietnam on the 2014 World Challenge trip. This involved three phases: firstly, a threeday hike of 36km in scorching heat and humidity, with overnight stays in homesteads in rural villages and interaction with local Vietnamese people. The second phase was helping build ablutions for a poor family. The last two days were spent in Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where they experienced one of the most beautiful sights in the world. The girls reported that it was a life-changing experience. During this trip, Rachael England took a photograph which depicted a Vietnamese woman with her daily shopping crossing one of the busiest streets in Hanoi. Rachael’s photograph won the 2014 World Challenge Photo Competition.

Rosselet, Megan Kode, Jessica Martheze and Muothe Tshifularo were part of a group of 30 dancers from World Dance Movement who toured Italy and attended workshops. They were privileged to work with international choreographers and performed their workshop dances at a gala event. Tyra Rosselet was offered a scholarship and the junior group dance was placed third in a competition. Gabriel-Faye Morgan performed hip-hop at the Artscape in Dancers for Dancers. Catherine Sonnenberg, Emma Thomson, Kendra Saunders and Lauren Pienaar were cast members of “HAIR RAISING”, Rustenburg’s drama production which was widely acclaimed. The process of workshop theatre allowed them to grow as people and as performers. The Grade 10s also excelled on the sporting front. We applaud the following girls who represented their clubs, province and country this year: Alexandra Heiberg (competed in Level 2 Championship for Swimming and won one Gold, two Silver and two Bronze medals); Kristin Bellingan (participated in the SA Youth and Senior National Commonwealth Trials for Swimming. She won a Gold, Silver and Bronze medal at this event); Kiera Maher (Western Province U16 South Hockey); Stephanie Scriba (Western Province U16 South Hockey); Tamarah Pike (captain of Western Province U16 South Hockey team. Special mention was made about Tamarah’s captainer at this particular tournament); Gabriel-Fay Morgan (Western Province U16B hockey); Emma Swart (Western Province Figure Skating; South African Junior Synchronised Ice-skating and pre-novice assistant coach for Junior Blades Synchronised Ice Skating team); Daariah Arend (Western Province U17 Touch Rugby); Walda van der Merwe (Western Province U17 Touch Rugby); Alyssa Cummings (Western Province U19 Squash); Talia Botha (Western Province Action Netball and Western Province U17 Touch Rugby); Lianne Verwey (Western Province Gymnastics). Rustenburg also participated in the 2014 Eskom Science Expo. It was an excellent learning opportunity as the learners were able to meet, interact with and view the projects of other learners from around Cape Town. The participants were interviewed by several judges and Hannah Clayton, Lauren Pienaar, Mila Truter, Sarah Gerber, Areez Gamieldien, Ammaarah Kagee, Jana van der Merwe and Walda van der Merwe received Bronze medals. A number of our Grade 10s excelled outside of Rustenburg, bringing pride to their grade and their school. Quratul-Ain Parker and Rebecca Plaatjies were finalists in the Innovative SA Competition and Julie Ziegenhardt’s writing was published in “English Alive”, 2014. After a year of working hard together, the staff and Grade 10s can indeed celebrate. I sincerely wish all of the young ladies of Grade 10 the very best of luck for the new year. Celebrate life and seize every opportunity.

The arts were well represented by our Grade 10s. Daniellé Lund, Tyra

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From the Head of Grade 9 Head of Grade 9: Ms Anita Pretorius B1: Ms Liza September B2: Ms Anita Pretorius B3: Ms Monika Brandt B4: Ms Marieta Langenhoven B5: Ms Irene Adley, Ms Tarin Scharneck B6: Ms Zaandré Theron

At the annual parents’ meeting on 4 February the following ditty was written for and read to the parents and their daughters: When you are in Grade nine, You say: “The world is mine” And you are quite right Because your future can be bright, As you are part of 120 years of tradition, To assist you in fulfilling your ambition. In 2014 our Grade 9s indeed utilised all the opportunities that came their way during the year of 120th birthday bash. In education this is often an awkward year because the girls are neither beginners nor seniors. Fortunately this grade faced the challenges of the GET phase successfully. 13 February proved to be busy for the rhythmic, artistic and social members of the grade. A Dance Workshop, that formed part of Creative Arts curriculum, was presented to the majority of the girls. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and, that evening, they socialised with the prefects to start off the new year on a positive note. March proved to be action-packed for the youngsters. They prepared and presented the assembly for Human Rights Day on 20 March. Their words and music reminded us to treat our fellow citizens with respect and care. During the Market Day on 25 March the perseverance and ability to think on their feet, as well as their entrepreneurial skills were put to the test. With rain threatening, the stalls were moved to the verandas (which were called cloisters 120 years ago). This caused major congestion with 800 customers struggling to buy the produce: pizza and coffee, fudge and toffee, chips and hundreds of cupcakes. Several entrepreneurs were overstocked on cake and other sweet produce and had to sell it at reduced prices. They therefore learned the valuable lesson that supply and demand forms the basics of a successful business. Soon after this event, the girls packed their bags to attend a Leadership Camp at Habonim in Hermanus from 26 - 27 March. Unfortunately rain disrupted several of the outdoor events on the first day, but the facilitators adapted to the weather by presenting indoor activities. On the last day the weather cleared and they learned much about teamwork when they had to support each other during obstacle courses. They also discovered leadership qualities in themselves and team members. This gave them plenty of opportunities to bond as a grade and to make new friends. Before the girls packed their bags to head back home, Onrus beach provided excellent entertainment for socialising, sport, swimming and games.

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But life is not only fun and games and within the next few weeks the June examinations were upon them. Once again the Grade 9s did not disappoint us. Several girls achieved aggregates of 80% and more at the end of Term 2. Our girls also displayed some individual talent and we congratulate the following learners on their special achievements: In activities not offered by the school the following girls deserve special mention: Nosipho Abrahams (Western Province Lifesaving Team); Julie Albertyn (SANESA team and represented Western Province in Horse riding); Caylan Bromley (Western Province Colours for Open Water Swimming); Caroux de Lange (Western Province Stillwater-Lifesaving Team and participated in the SA National Tournament in February); Jenna Doveton (participated in the 2014 Ballet Eisteddfod and received a diploma for achieving between 90 - 100%); Bianca Hill (Western Province Colours in Synchronised Skating); Caitlin October (selected for the U15 Western Province Surfing Team); Caitrin O’Sullivan (represented Western Province at the South African Championship for Highland Dancing); Saskia van der Merwe (participated in the South African K2 Canoeing Championships); Natasha van Greunen (Western Province in Surfing); Séanne van Horsten (represented South Africa at a Karate tournament held in March and he team was awarded a Gold medal). In the sport activities offered by the school our girls were most successful when they represented Western Province: Brittany Gouws and Casey Wheeler played in the Western Province U16B Hockey and U16 Seals Indoor Hockey teams. Zoë Naudé played in the Western Province U16 Zonal Hockey and U17 Touch Rugby teams. Emily Malherbe played in the Western Province U15 Tennis team. Angela Mibey, Razaan Phillips, Britney Price and Sarah Virgin played in the Western Province U15 Touch Rugby team. Caroux de Lange played in the Western Province U16 Sharks Indoor Hockey team. Caroux also represented the South African Swimming Team in Italy in the June holidays. The latest edition to the grade, Amber Jacobs, represented Gauteng in Hockey whilst still attending school there. The 2014 Grade 9s also contributed to the birthday spirit by excelling in various school activities: Nina Beckurts was invited to attend the Nobel Peace Prize Youth Summit. Gemma Hall received four golden Diplomas, as well as a Gold cup for the Best Senior Recorder Soloist in the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod. Lisa Harris was awarded Honours plus for piano at the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod. Hester Howard received honours plus at the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod for piano. Alexandra Smith and Micaela Solomon received Silver medals at the Eskom Science Expo. Jasmine Wyatt-Minter passed Grade 5 Trinity Piano Examinations with Distinction. Our Grade 9 girls indeed enjoyed the 120th birthday of their school and made a valuable contribution to ensure that the traditions of “the white stoep on the highway” will go from strength to strength in the years to come.

ACADEMIC

From the Head of Grade 8 Head of Grade 8: Ms Sarah Keevy A1: Ms Lindy Waller A2: Ms Jane Behne A3: Ms Sarah Keevy A4: Ms Linda Mallon A5: Ms Helene Swanson A6: Ms Norma Caesar

Grade 8 presents a formidable challenge for many girls, as they move out of their small junior school environments and into the much larger arena of high school. Yet Grade 8 is also an exciting, growing experience. Not only is there the prospect of making new friends from different schools and backgrounds, but there is a wealth of opportunities to join societies, become involved in community work and learn new skills in a range of academic subjects. The beginning of the year is always an extremely busy time for Grade 8s and their parents, and 2014 was no different. New Grade 8s arrived at Rustenburg a day early for an orientation programme led by the prefects of 2014, during which they toured the school and made new friends from the very beginning. While the first week of school saw a few wide-eyed girls wandering the halls and more than one girl arriving at the front office to find out where her class was, the Grade 8s soon settled into the routine of life at Rustenburg. The Grade 8 gala and family braai on Friday 17 January was a great success. After the excitement of the gala, which was intended to help the form classes bond, parents and daughters enjoyed a braai on the hockey fields outside Charlie’s Hope. Parents were able to meet teachers in an informal setting and begin building a sense of Rustenburg community. On Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 January, a Leaders-in-Action programme was held and three form classes attended each day. The aim of this course was to allow girls the opportunity to learn through introspection as well as group work and a range of challenging games. Through learning about personal and team leadership, the programme built grade confidence and unity. As the girls settled into the rhythm of the school day, finding classes as well as friends became easier. By the end of Term 1, the Grade 8 group was an exuberant set, taking part in school sports, societies and cultural activities. During the April holiday, 26 girls embarked on the Bundi Camp with 26 Rondebosch Grade 8 boys. The optional camp was run by an outside company and aimed to give students from the two schools a chance to meet each other, learn about themselves and have some fun. The Bundi campsite is on the banks of the Breede River near Worcester and the Grade 8s had plenty of fun, participating in activities such as walking a high-ropes course, paddling on the river and taking part in teambuilding exercises.

Grade 8s formed the group of 30 girls from Rustenburg that participated in the Eskom Science Expo held at the Good Hope Centre on 20 and 21 August 2014. Congratulations must go to Farah Shaik, whose project entitled Glow in the Sun, won a Silver medal and the prestigious award for Best Junior Chemistry Project. Chloe Parker and Aasiyah Khan were also awarded a Bronze medal for their project, What is the Most Reflective Surface? Sport at Rustenburg is bound to receive a boost as 2014’s Grade 8 class matures and moves up the school. Many girls represented the province, and even South Africa, in their discipline. Special mention must go to Savanna Best whose superb swimming has seen her awarded Western Province and South African colours. During the June holidays, Savanna represented South Africa at two major galas in Italy. At Pescara she won six Gold and three Silver medals and a week later she won seven Gold medals in Pesaro. There are many girls who have represented their province in a variety of sporting codes. In hockey, Jacqueline Sissons and Sophie Dyason were selected to play for the U14 South Zone team, and Sarah Firth played for the U14 Disa team. Indoor hockey also grew, with Caroline Schreiber, Sophie Dyason and Kirra Syndercombe all playing for the U14 Seals. It had been a long time since a Rustenburg netball player had been chosen to represent a provincial team, but Hannah Maltby, member of our U14A team, was selected for the U14 Western Cape netball squad. Meg Wilson also proved herself to be an asset to the Rustenburg squash group and was selected for the U14 Western Province squash team. Three girls made great strides in their chosen extracurricular sporting disciplines. Amber Jossie, a promising softball player, received Western Province and South African colours for U14 softball. Michaela Hill obtained her Western Province colours for ice-skating and won Gold at Nationals. She was also chosen to participate in the Thropy D’Ecosse competition in Scotland. Chloe Parker has a talent for mountain biking and placed first overall in the Spur School MTB Challenge. She also came second in her age group in the gruelling Argus Mountain Bike competition. In the musical arena, Kailtin Downie and Yeji Lee have shown themselves to be excellent musicians by being selected to play in the joint Rustenburg-Rondebosch-SACS orchestra for the Carmina Burana choral work. This demanding production called for hours of practice and precision. Our talented musicians also competed in outside competitions. Bianca Cilliers (recorder), Samantha Carletti and Yeji Lee (piano duet), and kaitlin Downie (piano) all received 90%+ at the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod, among other excellent results of 80%+ for Bryony Bosman (Piano), Olivia Pearson (piano) and Olivia Pearson and Idwoa Danso (piano duet). Sarah Grace made the school extremely proud when she competed in the senior debating team for the Western Cape Provincial Finals. Unfortunately, the team was narrowly beaten in the semi-finals, but Sarah went on to be selected for the Junior Western Province debating team, an outstanding achievement. Through a terribly busy and exciting year, the Grade 8s of 2014 certainly managed to make their mark on Rustenburg High School for Girls.

Of course, Grade 8 is not all fun and games. It was a challenge for some of the girls to become accustomed to the academic rigours of high school, but many have achieved outstanding results in school subjects and in extra-curricular endeavours.

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Faculty of Languages Faculty Head: Ms Helene Swanson Subject Heads: Ms Gail Wallace (English), Ms Norma Caesar (Afrikaans), Ms Monelwa Mboma (isiXhosa), Madame Dominique Williams (French), Ms Renée Fourie (German)

“This intellectual and founding member of the ANC had the ability to weave between different languages and cultures and to contribute through literature and journalism to better the lives of South Africans.” (Prof Kader Asmal, Minister of Education, 2001) This quote references the life of Solomon “Sol” Tshekisho Plaatje (9 October 1876– 19 June 1932), a celebrated author, journalist and translator, who despite adverse beginnings in a country with unofficial racial segregation, managed to transcend language and cultural barriers, influence others positively and articulate his ideals using his ability to master multiple languages in both spoken and written form. His achievements include the writing of the first South African novel in English and translating works of Shakespeare into Tswana. We should draw lessons from his life and realise the power of multilingualism as a tool to influence others positively by speaking their language, which could ultimately make the world a better place. Almost a century beyond the life of Plaatjie we are spoilt with multiple communicative platforms including social and online media, whereas Plaatjie merely had a few traditional platforms and thus this ability to use language to influence positively can be used on a scale like never before. Rustenburg recognises this important message and hosted its first International Mother Language Day. It was incredible to experience 23 learners addressing the assembly, each in their own mother tongue. The purpose of this day, much the same as the life of Plaatjie, is to promote awareness of multilingualism and cultural diversity. Emphasising the importance of multilingualism, Rustenburg offers a number of languages from which the girls have the opportunity to choose.

English The English department began the new year with confidence based on the best English results in the history of the school: 50 subject distinctions and an average of 76% which meant that the department was getting it right. In 2014, the English Department was strengthened by the addition of full-time English teacher, Ms Ingrid Weideman. Mr William Haggard, Ms Sarah Keevy, Ms Linda Mallon and Ms Gail Wallace all acted as Lead Teachers for different programmes run by the WCED to enhance the quality of English teaching in the province. In March, 26 girls wrote the English Olympiad examination and the results were most pleasing. Emily Roberts achieved a Gold award, placing her in the top 100 participants. In April, Tumelo Moloto and Buhle-Bemvelo Zimba participated in a public speaking competition, organised by Metropole Central. We were very proud of Buhle-Bemvelo, who beat many talented young communicators to be placed third. During Term 2, five learners, under the captaincy of Ayesha Kaprey, participated in the annual Battle of the Books, held at Bergvliet High School. The atmosphere was exciting and the competition fierce. Rustenburg, fielding a very young team, came in sixth. We look forward to 2015, where the girls will do battle again, this time with far more reading experience and understanding of the nature of the competition. Bronwen Barratt, Jessica Smith and Julie Ziegenhardt had their writing accepted for publication in the prestigious magazine of South African learners’ writing, “English Alive.” They were invited to the launch of this magazine and were able to meet many of the other published youth authors.

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Afrikaans The dedicated approach of teachers and learners is reflected in the excellent results achieved each year in the National Senior Certificate Examinations. In 2013, 59 distinctions and an average of 78% were obtained and, for the second consecutive year, Rustenburg was awarded the certificate for The Best Public School for Afrikaans First Additional Language in the Western Cape. Sadly, we bid farewell to Ms Liz Rynhoud as she retires. Her competence and easy engagement with the girls will be sorely missed. We are fortunate to have five enormously experienced Afrikaans teachers who assist the WCED in the matric marking process. Ms Helene Swanson has been senior marker of the Language Paper for four years whilst Ms Anita Pretorius, Ms Norma Caesar and Ms Marieta Langenhoven are regular members of the Writing Pa. As most learners have minimal exposure to Afrikaans, educators endeavour to improve their skills and provide opportunities to learn more about the culture and history of Afrikaans. Six girls wrote the very challenging Taalbond Examination in Bilingualism and a large number of girls entered the Olympiads, faring very well. It is pleasing to observe the girls’ enthusiasm and willingness to participate. Die Muggie is an Afrikaans school magazine published once a year. This is another showcase of the many talents our learners possess. The Afrikaans Society promotes Afrikaans and is an opportunity for the girls to use creative methods to bring Afrikaans to the foreground. One of the highlights was the Afrikaans Day where leaners ate typical Afrikaans dishes and participated in traditional Afrikaans games. Dianna Ferrus, author of the well-known poem “Sarah Baartman,” addressed the school and everyone was touched and inspired by her passionate presentation.

German The German department started 2014 on a good note with an average of 75% in the 2013 National Examinations. 25 German learners attended the opening night of the interactive German exhibition, Musik-X . This was an evening of dancing, German and live music by Munich band Einshoch6. The Grade 8s made good progress this year with conversations and writing about themselves, their friends, families and pets. The yearly Easter Egg tree was a huge and colourful success. The Grade 9s were a most successful group who never lost focus and achieved a high standard of speaking and writing. Their scenes in a restaurant and Hamburgweekend presentations were a highlight. In Grade 10, writing poems, baking from German recipes, German fashion, sport and friendship formed the basis of communication. The class did wonderful presentations on a German city, its culture, cuisine and famous sights. The Grade 11s were most cheerful and positive. Five learners did very well in the German Olympiad and Kirsten Pienaar won a bursary to travel to Germany, following her placing in the top 22. The class visited the Holocaust Centre to understand the history underlying some German poems and stories. Emily O’Ryan will visit a German family with FSA-Youth Exchange in December. The Grade 11s and 12s got to grips with the theme of Travel and Tourism and they built a puzzle of Germany in order to learn its states and capital cities. It was rewarding to see the high standard of the senior discursive writing and oral discussions, a reminder that dedicated learners do indeed use their foreign language most ably by the end of Grade 12.

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French Each year has seen French grow and gain momentum at Rustenburg as an increasing number of learners realise what a valuable tool it is to know a foreign language. We were extremely pleased with the 2013 results which boasted an average of 74%. The three Grade 8 classes enjoyed discovering this new language, as well as the culture underlying it. We were very proud of what they achieved in being able to converse in basic terms in a language which is known to be challenging to learn. Eating traditional French macaroons just before exams was one of the highlights of a very successful year. The Grade 9 classes tackled practical topics that would equip them in everyday situations such as ordering at a restaurant and shopping and also mastered more elaborate conversations. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and those who will not continue with the language will leave with a sound basic knowledge of French. The increased Grade 10 and 11 numbers proved quite a challenge, but their enthusiasm, level of interest and eagerness to participate and speak this beautiful language, contributed to a very successful and fun-filled year. Because of the high demand, an additional Grade 10 class will be available in 2015. The Matrics of 2014 leave the school, empowered by their proficiency in the language. As is customary, the French dinner took place in June. The girls dressed in French colours and cooked traditional French dishes. The five-hour dinner allowed the girls to reminisce with their teacher at leisure, whilst sharing tasty French cuisine, including Madame’s famous garlic snails and a chicken Marengo recipe (first made for Napoleon after the battle of Marengo).

isiXhosa isiXhosa remains an important piece in the language puzzle and allows learners to embrace and understand local culture and language. We hope that as learners realise the importance of this, it will result in increasing participation in the subject. In February, the isiXhosa learners, accompanied by Ms Monelwa Mboma and Ms Nolundi Blayi, enjoyed the annual outing which included a guided historical tour through the Kayamandi Township in Stellenbosch where much was learnt about the cultural background that underpins this expressive language. Thereafter, they were entertained by the Amazink Live theatre group. The girls danced and sang along to local classic hits that were very well portrayed by the vibrant cast. The learners were then treated to a delicious buffet of traditional African food and had the opportunity to drum and interact with the small children of a crèche. This served as a good reminder of the economic and social divide in our country. The Jabulani Society promotes isiXhosa at Rustenburg and a highlight was attending Springfield’s “Ikhaya Lobuntu” isiXhosa Cultural Evening of singing and dancing attended by neighbouring schools and hosted in the Springfield garden. It was a beautiful and relaxed evening of cultural interactions. The Society hosted an African Dance Workshop led by Mr Silumko Koyana, who taught the eager learners West African, traditional Zulu and the local “Kwela-Kwela” and “Pantsula” dance movements. The annual isiXhosa Assembly was successfully held in April. A highlight was Lwethu Dube’s (Grade 11) photographic presentation of the annual outing and dance workshop. The assembly concluded with a speech by Buhle-Bemvelo Zimba (Grade 11), titled My Language, My Culture and My Identity.

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Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics Faculty Head: Ms Bridget Cameron Subject Heads: Ms Helen Kleynhans (Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy), Ms Maureen Burchell (Physical Sciences), Ms Dianne Leonard (Life Sciences), Ms Monika Brandt (Natural Sciences), Ms Brigid Ryan (Geography)

The highlight of 2014 for the Faculty of Sciences was moving into the new building, which was celebrated at the official opening on 2 October. The Mathematics and Physical Sciences pupils have enjoyed the extra space and beautiful views.

Mathematics 2014 was a year of change in the Mathematics department. We had a brand new building with bright, spacious classrooms and the Grade 12s were the pioneers of the new senior certificate, writing two examination papers which include Probability and Euclidean Geometry. More than 200 girls took part in the first round of the annual Harmony Gold Mathematics Olympiad in March and 137 qualified to write the more difficult second round. Of these Jaime Newdigate (Grade 11), Olivia Paige Macdonald, Zoe Dolph, Sarah Virgin (Grade 9) were specially mentioned as they came in the best 96 in the province. Hannah Clayton (Grade 10) and Younsun Choi (Grade 9) continued to the much more advanced third round which was written in September. Only the best 100 in the country progress to the third round so this was quite an achievement in itself. The UCT Mathematics competition took place at the start of Term 2 and Rustenburg entered a full complement of 75 learners. We were very proud of Samantha Carletti (Grade 8), Bianca Rijkmans (Grade 9) and Hannah Clayton and Melissa Rossouw (Grade 10) who were all in the top 10 in their respective grades and were awarded Gold medals. Hannah and Melissa were joint third in Grade 10. Rustenburg learners also achieved 36 Merit awards in the competition and this earned us sixth place in the schools ranking. Mathematics can also be fun. Pi day was celebrated on 14 March with much merriment, the consumption of round food and the singing of the Pi song in the main quad by the Matrics. Concern about the readiness of the Matrics for Mathematics at first year university level encouraged the Mathematics teachers to attend a panel discussion on this topic at Wynberg Boys’ High School in February. Members of the panel included lecturers from the Mathematics departments of UCT, UWC, CPUT and US. The University of Stellenbosch offered a presentation on a similar theme in March and staff members attended this too. In both cases the emphasis was on the need for students to learn to struggle with problems and to persevere when they cannot find a quick solution. The extra help afternoon sessions, which started in 2013, were expanded to three afternoons a week and became very popular particularly in the days leading up to a test! Some girls attended regularly throughout the term. Ms van Rensburg and later in the year, Mr Stanford, offered extra afternoon lessons for those who needed them in Grades 8 and 9. Ms Cameron taught the IEB Advanced Programme Mathematics classes in Grades 11 and 12. These were held before school as there was not time to include them in the school day.

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Mathematical Literacy Mathematical Literacy is a practical subject and so learners acquired very useful life skills, such as drawing up budgets, completing tax forms and reading maps. Classes remain small and the subject is project-based which encourages participation and co-operation.

Physical Sciences and Natural Sciences It has been a very interesting year, as we moved lock, stock and barrel into the new Mathematics and Physical Sciences Centre. After numerous teething problems, we are all happily settled. The classrooms are light and airy and it is ideal to have the work stations separated from the theory area. Our passages are wide and allow for many display boards and cupboards, where our projects and posters are exhibited for all to see. It is helpfuland convenient to have all of the Physical Sciences teachers in the same passage. The girls have been involved in many activities. Shasthra Naidoo, Ellen-Marie Trautmann and Yi-Tin Yuan enjoyed the annual Mintek Quiz. Sakeenah Jaffer, in Grade 10, took part in the SADC Essay Competition. The topic was “Climate change is having adverse effects on socio-economic development in the region. What should the education sector do to mitigate the impact of the youth?” Her essay was sent for selection at national level. 30 of our Rustenburg scientists took part in the Eskom Science Expo held at the Good Hope Centre on 20 and 21 August. The learners had to make an investigative science project and present it to various judges at the Expo. Judges included engineers from Eskom as well as professors from various universities. It was a proud moment for Rustenburg to include juniors in this year’s Expo. We received many awards, including the prestigious Best Junior Chemistry Project, received by Farah Shaik (Grade 8). The other projects that received awards were: What is the most reflective surface? (Aasiyah Khan and Chloé Kruger, Grade 8, bronze); Small scale solar stills form household materials (Hannah Clayton and Lauren Pienaar, Grade 10, Bronze); Are you a golfer in need of a cure for hooks and slices? (Areej Gamieldien and Amaaraah Kagee, Grade 10, Bronze); How sugar reflects light refraction (Sarah Gerber and Mila Truter, Grade 10, Bronze); Strength of hair (Jana van der Merwe and Walda van der Merwe, Grade 10, Bronze); Trail Running Shoes: Is it all a marketing ploy? (Megan Frost and Marianne Schwelnus, Grade 11, Bronze); Strength of hair (Tamsin Metelerkamp, Grade 11, bronze); “Glow in the sun” (Farah Shaik, Grade 8, Silver); Does practice make perfect? (Alexandra Smith and Micaela Solomon, Grade 9, Silver). Rustenburg also entered 60 participants for the Natural Sciences Olympiad which was written on 8 May. Bianca Rijkmans was invited to Pretoria for the Fourth Natural Sciences Olympiad Award Ceremony which is organised by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), as well as the National Research Foundation (NRF).

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Life Sciences The Life Sciences department had another successful academic year, with 19 of the Matric class of 2013 obtaining above 80%. The Matric class of 2014 was determined to exceed these results and has worked hard at mastering the intricacies of the subject. They enjoyed learning about Genetics and threw themselves into the making of their DNA models. They also learned how to extract DNA from onions. The Grade 11 group immersed themselves in micro-organisms in Term 1 and conducted an investigation into the health and hygiene of various public places on the campus, with surprising results. They were also overwhelmed by their outing to Tygerberg Medical Museum, where they were able to walk around the fascinating exhibits before being shown how to dissect a cadaver, which proved to be too much for some. The Grade 10 group started their journey into the subject with an introduction to the variety of plant and animal tissues that surround us. They were also introduced to the topic of Human Evolution, conducting a research project on the topic. They thoroughly enjoyed their practical work, although dissecting a chicken wing left quite a few girls turning green.

Geography Once again the Matric results for Geography were excellent with Lauren Denny attaining an outstanding 99% for her final examination. Nearly half of the learners earned 80% and Lona Bam, Woohyun Lee, Natalie Luyt, Danielle Austin, Ashlynn Wessels, Emely Kohler and Corné Odendaal all scored over 90%. Recent research in the UK showed that Geography graduates have a better than average chance of getting jobs once they leave university. The reasoning was that, “Studying Geography arms graduates with a mix of skills employers want to see. You could attribute this to the fact that the degree helps develop a whole range of employability skills including numeracy, teamwork through regular field trips, analytical skills in the lab and a certain technical savviness through using various specialist computing applications. Also, the subject area in itself cultivates a world view and a certain cultural sensitivity. These all potentially help a geographer to stand out in the labour market.” This year has been challenging as had to adapt to three new sets of CAPS requirements and new textbooks, which has meant revising all our notes and Smartboard presentations. We were fortunate to have Rustenburg’s first learnership student, Ms Laura Barrett, as part of our department and she brought with her a breath of fresh air in her passion for teaching and Geography, in particular. Grade 10 went on fieldtrip to study the geology of the Cape Peninsula. The Grade 9s did a selfie project based on the definition of Geography and proved to be quite creative photographers! The Geography staff did a fieldtrip to the new Hotel Verde, hailed as Africa’s “greenest hotel” where we had a very informative tour with one of the engineers to learn about all the ways in which this hotel is environmentally friendly and carbon neutral. This was good inspiration for our lessons on sustainable development.

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Faculty of Business and Life Skills

Faculty Head: Ms Linda Mallon Subject Heads: Ms Anita Marshall (Consumer Studies and Technology), Ms Zuleigah Galer (Accounting), Mr Gian Marneweck (Economic and Management Sciences), Ms Perdita Norval (Life Orientation), Ms Janine Myers (ICDL)

At the beginning of the year, we welcomed Ms Laura Barrett into the EMS Department, to teach Ms Scharneck’s classes while the latter was on maternity leave. We thank Ms Barrett for her contribution and wish her well as she explores new avenues next year. The Business and Life Skills Faculty aims to equip learners with relevant skills for a changing future. Accounting and EMS As the CAPS system was being implemented, so our teachers had to deal with a variety of challenges. In order to assist them, numerous training opportunities made available. In January, the Grade 11s and 12s received new textbooks and workbooks which matched the textbook in exact task order, to facilitate a faster working pace to complete the year’s syllabus timeously. Teachers attended a two-day workshop at the University of Stellenbosch where lecturers, in collaboration with SAICA, presented important areas in the Grade 10 to Grade 12 Accounting curriculum. In May, Accounting and LO Teachers spent an evening with KPMG at their offices in Cape Town. This presentation considered how the CAPS curriculum feeds into the process of becoming a chartered accountant (CA). In August, Accounting teachers attended a workshop entitled, Learning Accounting with Colour Coding: the aim of this workshop was to show teachers how to teach basic Accounting principles and concepts using colour coding. Learners were presented opportunities to see how Accounting concepts have real world application: in February, the Student Investor Road Show reflected on savings, investments, financial wisdom, shares, JSE, dividends and other related issues. In April, Deloitte held their Scholar Day: the top five Accounting learners in Grade 12 were invited to spend a day with CAs at Deloitte’s Cape Town offices, and were exposed to first-hand experience with an accounting and auditing firm. A number of chartered accountants were invited to visit our pupils (Grades 8 to 12) during assembly slots or lunch breaks to share the journey of chartered accountants. Presentations included the importance of Mathematics, entrance into university, number of years to study, Board exams, auditing, job description, responsibilities and the like. The pupils were privileged to listen to professionals from PricewaterhouseCoopers, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, and Binder, Dijker Otte & Co. Academic extension was facilitated by participation in Olympiads. In May, Grade 12 learners wrote the SAICA Accounting Olympiad, as well as the SAIPA National Accounting Olympiad. In August, five Grade 11s participated in the inaugural Spine Road Interschool’s Accounting Olympiad. Traditionally, the Grade 10s take the learning process beyond the classroom: this year, they went on an excursion to Grabouw to learn about the manufacturing process in relation to cost accounting and visited various manufacturing businesses in the Elgin region. The annual Grade 9 Market Day was a success, despite the rain and a change of venue. Every year, this event proves to be an invaluable learning tool, and is perhaps the best example of synergy within this faculty.

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Consumer Studies and Technology What keeps the science of Consumer Studies fresh is the fact that there are new trends and topics to discuss and debate every year. The information taught evolves as new facts become available. This year’s main topic was the Tim Noakes’ diet and the good and bad aspects of fat in the diet; the fall of African Bank; how to dress as a member of parliament; the debt problem in South Africa and across the world; and the manipulation of the consumer to buy and buy. For fun we baked, fried, prepared healthy meals and learned to organise. The battle to convince pupils of the value of Technology continues. The subject is designed to teach not only the skill and application of logical thinking, but also the value of being able to draw accurately, in 3-D, in perspective and orthographically. The concepts of gears, wedges, cams and followers, hydraulics, pneumatics and Tesla and Edison focus on extending the conventional syllabus, as well as opening minds and creating interesting conversations. As far as outcomes were concerned, there were some clever designs for watch towers on our beaches and a new blue print for RDP houses. In the baking component, spicy biscuits were greeted with some enthusiasm, and were used as gifts to be included in small boxes which the girls were taught to craft.

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Life Orientation We said a sad farewell at the end of last year to Ms Shannon Dowdall, who had been at Rustenburg for 30 years. Her contribution to Guidance, Counselling and Life Orientation was enormous and she left a strong foundation of care and counselling. This year we welcomed Ms Liza September into the department. She comes with wide experience and particular expertise in curriculum matters and training of Life Orientation educators. The girls have been very involved with beneficial job shadow opportunities, including open days for Law, UCT Forensics, PricewaterhouseCoopers, to name but a few. The Grade 12s have had regular career speakers from tertiary institutions such as the universities of Cape Town Stellenbosch, Rhodes, and the Western Cape, as well as the Cape Peninsula Technikon and VEGA. A significant Career Expo was held in June, with 45 institutions exhibiting. Community service formed an important part of the Grade 10 syllabus and the girls found meaningful experiences at a wide variety of organisations including The Bookery and SARDA. Additional lunchtime career talks were also held regularly for all interested girls. We were exceptionally proud of Lauren Denny who achieved eighth place in Life Orientation in the province at the end of 2013.This was an excellent achievement. We must also commend Shannen Beukes (E14) who was awarded the prestigious Yvonne Parfitt Bursary, which pays all university fees for the duration of undergraduate studies.

International Computer Driving Licence This year saw the inception of the latest ICDL programme at Rustenburg. Known as ICDL Profile, this programme is a test of practical skills and competencies covering computer theory and practice. The ICDL syllabus has ensured that this qualification remains relevant and up-todate through adding new meaningful modules to the certification. The Base Profile covers essential skills and knowledge required for digital literacy and involves elements of computer essentials, online essentials, word processing and spreadsheets which are covered in the junior grades. The Standard Profile covered in the senior grades equips individuals to deal and work with a range of skills in their daily activities. These include those needed to use mobile technology, social media, cloud computing, IT security and web design. The ability to use technology effectively is an essential life skill and our goal is to provide our girls with an enriched educational experience that equips them with the digital skills that help them to be more productive in life, tertiary studies and work.

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Faculty of Arts Faculty Head: Ms Jackie Chambers Subject Heads: Ms Elizabeth Sole (Music), Ms Karen Cronje (Visual Arts and Design), Mr Cedric van Dyk (History), Mr Adrian Skelly (Dramatic Arts), Ms Roxy Levy (GET Dance)

For the Faculty of the Arts, 2014 began with great pride due to the excellent achievements of our 2013 Matrics. Subject averages were all above 80%, boasting 80 subject distinctions. Dramatic Arts This year the words of William Shakespeare, “All the world’s a stage,” proved true when theatre and film industry professionals visited Rustenburg to share their expertise. From the Artscape Technical Training Academy came Mr Kobus Rossouw, who emphasised the importance of backstage work and the extent to which the unseen production crew really contributes to theatre. Rustenburg Old Girl, Buhle Ngaba, now a professional actress, inspired the girls by describing her experiences of working with playwright, Mr John Kani. Another Old Girl, Gabriella Pinto, has also made a name for herself in the Cape Town drama scene. She explained, “For a career in theatre-making you need to love telling stories and be curious about the world.” Monique Gazzilli is a make-up artist who pointed out, “The reality of my profession is misunderstood. There is nothing glamourous about waking up at 3am in the morning.” Our budding thespians also learned from the critique, presented by external Performance Examiners, Ms Carey Hickson-Mahony (principal of the Cape Academy of Dramatic Art), Ms Lindy Kawalsky (Camps Bay High School) and Mr Sjaka Septembir, who holds a Masters degree in Physical Theatre.

Also special was our encounter with Mr Greg Latter, playwright of “Death of a Colonialist”. Mr Latter was so moved upon hearing about Rustenburg’s “HAIR RAISING” initiative that he wrote to the school, offering to share a scene from his script with our cast. It is a tender and heartfelt moment during which a mother reveals that she has been diagnosed with terminal cancer to her daughter. Julia Holzberg (Grade 11) and Lauren Pienaar (Grade 10) were selected to bring this moment to life on the Kemp Hall stage. Incidentally both Julia and Lauren were selected to play the lead roles in next year’s theatrical undertaking of A Murder is Announced, by Agatha Christie.

New coursework was designed for the Grade 11s. This section of the curriculum is called 20th Century “isms” and forms a bridge between Theatre Realism (Grade 10) and Absurdist Drama (Grade 12). Twentieth Century “isms” focuses on when drama began to abandon the accepted conventions of the past and found freedom of expression in experimentation.

Rustenburg actresses are always encouraged to attend live theatre productions. A highlight of 2014 was National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage. This excursion was the initiative of Julia Holzberg (Grade 11). It was a three-hour film retrospective which included excerpts of productions staged at London’s National Theatre since 1963.

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The department also celebrated the success of its 2013 Matric class. Over 80% symbols for performance was awarded to: Kirsten Jaftha, Jordannah Leach, Natalie Luyt, Jaimé Maher, Siphokazi Mbatani, Robyn Paterson, Lauren Smithie and Jodi Walker. It would be wrong not to credit especially the particular achievements of Robyn Paterson. She received 97% overall for Dramatic Arts, as well as the highest result for performance out of all Grade 12 Dramatic Arts pupils in the Western Cape last year.

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History The Grade 8s were introduced to the essential answering technique skills required for high school History. Ms Leone Oram guided them in writing carefully structured paragraphs in Term 1 and Ms Tarin Scharneck used the traditional essay sandwich lessons to build their essay writing skills in Term 3. All Grade 8s will remember the fusion of their research and dramatic skills when they scripted short historical role-plays, which transformed them into female child labourers protesting against the injustices of the Industrial Revolution in South Africa and Britain. “No ordinary love”, by U2, was the Grade 9 tribute to Tata Madiba at the Human Rights Day Assembly. The posters and presentations echoed the theme: Building a Human Rights and Responsibilities culture at Rustenburg. The high standard set will definitely challenge the artistic, creative and musical skills of next year’s Bs.

“Working with your learners is always so gratifying. Their levels of creativity were remarkable as were their articulate and intelligent presentations.” This was Ms Linda Hackner’s (Senior Educator) response after the annual visit of the History and German classes to the Holocaust Centre. This year’s talented Ds were definitely inspired to produce creative responses that emulated the high standard of the 2013 White Rose Art and Writing Competition entries. Judging from the audience’s enthusiastic response, this year’s Women’s Day Assembly was a Grade 12 History and Xhosa highlight. The exhibition posters celebrated the role played by selected South African women in their struggle for women’s rights. Emma Bergh’s original song, entitled “Strong”, which was specially written to honour these exceptional South African women, was a fitting conclusion. The History Es excelled in the Holocaust Centre’s White Rose competition. Summer Thompson won the Art prize and Dominique McFall was awarded the Writing prize.

“I am really proud of my mother who struggled and rose above the restrictions of the Bantu Education Act to study further in order to follow the career of her choice” and “It upsets me that someone who has worked for my family for my entire life and is like a second mother to me had to go through such an awful experience under the Group Areas Act.” These are just two of the many responses by learners whose research uncovered the painful truth about Apartheid’s impact on their family and friends. Entitled Remembering Cape Slavery, this year’s Grade 10 heritage investigations produced excellent evaluations of the youth-friendly nature of the museum, which they shared with the educators of the Iziko Slave Lodge. In addition, this talented group’s creative responses made an invaluable contribution to the quality of both the Heritage Day Exhibition and Assembly. From the moment the lights went down and the opening rhythms of the marimba band’s specially written song reached the audience, it was clear that this was going to be another special Heritage Day Assembly show-casing the wide-range of talent (music, art, drama and dance) amongst the Grade 11s .

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Visual Arts and Design This year the Visual Arts and Design Department has focused on the importance of the creative process being as vital as the final work. Da Vinci once wrote, “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” Art teaches that learning is infinite, that we can never complete the process of exploration, and should never stop growing as artists. The Art and Design Seminar, in March, exposed us to the artistic journeys and processes of five artists and designers. Painter, Mr Matthew Hindley illustrated an artist’s evolution of style, subject matter and technique. Designer, Mr Luke Pedersen, encouraged the students to create meaningful design, mindful of ergonomics and materials. Ms Sanell Aggenbach’s delicate combinations of tapestry, photography and sculpture made us question the possibility of medium. Ms Ashley Walters’s beautiful photographs captured the essence of South Africa by documenting the rawness of township life. Environmentally conscious architect, Mr Andy Horn, showed how simply one can build beautiful, functional and sustainable structures. In March, we visited Ms Jill Joubert’s Masters degree exhibition at UCT’s Michaelis. She had adapted The Apple Girl, an Italian folk tale, into a whimsical puppet performance, combining a range of unique sculptural materials into highly personalised kinetic sculptures.

In August Ms Joubert and multimedia artist, Ms Isabelle Grobler visited Rustenburg. Their puppets created for their collaboration, “Bokele and the Sun”, inspired our Grade 8s. Their task was to translate a famous animal painting into a three-dimensional mixed media sculpture. Ms Joubert’s puppets, made from organic objects are sensitively woven together to create timeless heroines. In contrast, Isabelle’s used man-made objects, resurrecting mechanical and unrecyclable objects discarded by man. In August, the Visual Arts and Design learners met artist Ms Lyndi Sales, who creates installation based artworks using a variety of media. She brought her beautiful artists books along to inspire the girls with the creation of their sculptural booklets. On the 27 August, we held our annual Art and Design Exhibition and Awards. Beautiful artworks were exhibited, reflecting the talent and commitment of all our girls. Mr Haroon Gunn-Salie, a multi-disciplinary collaborative artist whose work captured the essence of his feelings about land ownership and the misplacement of people in Cape Town, was the guest speaker. In one of his installations, Mr Gunn-Salie changed the signs of Zonnebloem back to District Six, thereby reclaiming the land and allowing the history of District Six to be forever carved into our memory. His main message, “As an artist, you can do anything,” was especially appreciated by the Visual Arts and Design girls.

GET Dance This year Dance was introduced to Grades 8 and 9 as part of the CAPS Creative Arts syllabus. Led by Ms Roxy Levy and Ms Elvis Sebeko, the girls explored many different dance styles: Pantsula, Gum Boot, Afro contemporary fusion styles, Hip Hop and basic Horton technique. They learned the skills and developed the discipline necessary to choreograph individual and group pieces. Working with performer Andile, who is deaf, and Nadine who is wheelchair-dependent, the Grade 9s learned their names in sign language, developing this vocabulary into movement. The Dance experience has been a positive one that has encouraged confidence, enthusiasm and team work in our girls.

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HAIR RAISING, an original production with purpose At Rustenburg High School for Girls, learners are taught to lead courageously, explore their unique potential confidently and serve the world compassionately. (School Vision) What an honour it was to present a dramatic production on the Kemp Hall stage which spoke so directly to the vision of the school! The cast bravely tackled a pertinent theme. We discovered that cancer affects far more people in the Rustenburg community than we had initially imagined. The actresses clearly displayed poise and conviction as they thoughtfully conveyed the core message of HAIR RAISING. Together they worked selflessly to raise both awareness and funds for our chosen charity. If the truth be told, we did not know the outcome of our HAIR RAISING adventure when we began conceptualising Rustenburg’s 2014 dramatic production. Instead we found ourselves motivated by the goal to use drama as an outreach tool, with a philanthropic purpose.

siblings, teachers, Rustenburg Old Girls and medical professionals all gathered to share their stories, many deeply personal. These real recollections helped to refine HAIR RAISING. The collective understanding of hair and what it means to different people, at different times in their lives, was slowly brought into sharper focus. HAIR RAISING was by no means a conventional school play. There were no characters and there was no neat plot outline with a chronological sequence of events. To everyone who was involved to a greater or lesser degree, HAIR RAISING became more than the hours of rehearsals, memorising lines and blocking choreography. The experience of learning more about cancer and chemotherapy was, at times, challenging, disconcerting and uncomfortable, but also inspiring and enriching.

Many of the ideas, which are central to HAIR RAISING, evolved from suggestions proposed by the enthusiastic cast members themselves. Our talented cast brought with them a wide range of experiences and willingly shared these during the rehearsal process. Soon rehearsals developed into something much more than we had anticipated: parents, grandparents, relatives,

Ultimately we hoped that the audience recognised the tremendous sense of celebration which the cast shared whilst learning about the heartache which real people in real life (not just characters on stage) face.

Karin Wiese inspired HAIR RAISING

Accomplished playwright supported HAIR RAISING

On 23 February, Karin Wiese, Rustenburg Old Girl and Deputy Headgirl in 2006, attended the HAIR RAISING rehearsal in the Kemp Hall where she shared with the cast her struggle against and triumph over cancer. Karin was diagnosed with an osteosarcoma stage 2B tumour in her right femur, early in May of her Matric year. Initially she experienced pain in her leg and, after going for an MRI scan at the Sports Science Institute, the surgeon confirmed that she had cancer and about six months left to live. Many sessions of intensive chemotherapy and an operation to follow meant Karin remained absent from school for the most part of Matric, something which she regarded as the most challenging part of living with cancer. Karin had always loved Rustenburg and maintained an A-aggregate throughout high school. It was her plan to further study to become a doctor upon completing Matric. She now works as an intern at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. Karin openly discussed with the HAIR RAISING cast her initial reactions when first diagnosed and what it was like adjusting to an almost new identity. Karin, a resilient young woman, explained, “It was the goal at the end of the road which kept me positive.”

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On the evening of 19 February Rustenburg actresses of the Dramatic Arts department attended “Death of a Colonialist” at the Baxter Theatre. It was a deeply moving show which left many in the audience in tears. On 21 February Greg Latter, the playwright, wrote to Mr Skelly giving special authorisation for a scene from “Death of a Colonialist” to be incorporated within HAIR RAISING. The scene in question is a poignant telephone call between a mother, recently diagnosed with cancer, and her daughter who has immigrated. Said Latter, “I wrote “Death of a Colonialist” after my mother died of stomach cancer. I was alone with her when she released her last breath. It was, obviously, a major inspiration for the play. Good luck to the cast of Hair Raising! Power to you all!” It was an honour to have school drama pupils receive permission to perform from contemporary script which garnered multiple Naledi Theatre Awards in 2011.

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Top row, from left: Alex Jeaven (Grade 9), Ava Bosch (Grade 9), Bianca Hill (Grade 9), Chelsea Burnell (Grade 9) Second row, from left: Maia Young (Grade 9), Michaela Flanders (Grade 9), Mila Welter (Grade 9), Nishtha Naidoo (Grade 9) Third row, from left: Olivia Paige-Macdonald (Grade 9), Rachel Couperthwaite (Grade 9), Rosannah Galbraith (Grade 9), Tristan Jones (Grade 9)

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Top row, from left: Aasiyah Khan (Grade 8), Alicia Howe (Grade 8), Ayla Figueira (Grade 8), Bethany Rumble (Grade 8) Second row, from left: Caitlin Powrie (Grade 8), Catherine Chandler (Grade 8), Chloe Kruger (Grade 8), Fozia Hendricks (Grade 8) Third row, from left: Imaan Khan (Grade 8), Jehaan Mathews (Grade 8), Jodie Stoffberg (Grade 8), Taylor Ross (Grade 8)

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Top row: All by Brogan Poulton (Grade 12) Second row, from left: Brogan Poulton (Grade 12), Jessica Zietsman (Grade 12), Katy Chan (Grade 12), Nicole Mehnert Third row: Both by Megan Teubes (Grade 11) Fourth row, from left: Jessica Thompson (Grade 12), Riancha Schoombie (Grade 12)

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Top row, from left: Emma Steyn (Grade 10), Emma Steyn (Grade 10), Georgia Satchwell (Grade 10), Georgia Satchwell (Grade 10) Second row, from left: Hannah Lambe (Grade 10), Hannah Lambe (Grade 10), Imaan Allie (Grade 10), Imaan Allie (Grade 10) Third row, from left: Jessica Slater (Grade 10), Jessica Slater (Grade 10), Sohyeon Bang (Grade 10), Sohyeon Bang (Grade 10)

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Top row, from left: Celine Truter (Grade 9), Daniella Attfield (Grade 9), Faatimah Leonard (Grade 9), Gabriella Adams (Grade 9) Second row, from left: Holly Rowe (Grade 9), Jenna Doveton (Grade 9), Kauthar Parker (Grade 9), Mila Welter (Grade 9) Third row, from left: Nureen Mahmood (Grade 9), Olivia Paige-Macdonald (Grade 9), Rosannah Galbraith (Grade 9), Younsun Choi (Grade 9)

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Top row, from left: Abigail Baker (Grade 11), Athraa Fakier (Grade 11), Desiree Denner (Grade 11) Second row, from left: Gillian Williams (Grade 11), Jessica Rackley (Grade 11), Julia Holzberg (Grade 11) Third row, from left: Kirstin Shaw (Grade 11), Kirsty Davids (Grade 11), Natalie Davidson (Grade 11) Fourth row, from left: Nousheena Ebrahim (Grade 11), Sarah du Toit (Grade 11), Zoe Goslett (Grade 11)

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Top row, from left: Amy Kunz (Grade 12), Brogan Poulton (Grade 12), Chi-Hei Chan (Grade 12), Ursula Hardie (Grade 11) Second row, from left: Nicole Mehnert (Grade 12), Nicole Mehnert (Grade 12), Stephanie Lawreson (Grade 11) Third row, from left: Ella-Jayne Potgieter (Grade 12) , Kerry-Ann Couperthwaite (Grade 11)

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Top row, from left: Aidan Dette (Grade 10), Catherine Sonnenberg (Grade 10), Hannah Abdoll (Grade 11) Second row, from left: Emily O’Ryan (Grade 11), Saara Kapery (Grade 11), Hannah Wilson (Grade 11) Third row, from left: Samantha Pelteret (Grade 11), Caitlin Luter (Grade 11), Alex Faber (Grade 12) Fourth row, from left: Holly Rowe (Graade 9), Saaliha Jaffer (Grade 12), Ulriche Jantjies (Grade 11)

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Top row: Ursula Hardie (Grade 11) Second row: Ursula Hardie (Grade 11)

Breakfast Wake up. Stretch your bruised and misused knuckles out before you. Inhale, the tantalising smell of eggs, waiting for you – you – downstairs. Ignoring the all-too-familiar smell of burning, toast in this case, you enter the kitchen. Open your mouth. Eggs in. Wurst in. Toast in. Tea in. Lies out. Look at yourself in the mirror. Look. Really look. Smile. Nothing wrong there. Put on your uniform. The one that makes you feel strong. The one that says you are better. . . . the one that says you are powerful. Kiss your Frau. Pat your son’s head, and tell him how big he is. With his gap-toothed grin. How good he is. How much better he is. He eyes your uniform, with admiration, and looks down at his own. Hitler-Jugend: “Blood and Honour, you laugh. Switch off the light behind your blue eyes. The ones that you look at your family with. The ones you smile with. Keep the light away until you return again . . . with more blood splatters to be washed out. Reveal your real eyes. The ones that show the world who you are. The ones that show the Jews who is boss. The ones you are expected to stare with, unblinking, when you shoot.

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When you shoot many. Cold. Black. Evil. The last image they see. Murder? No. Bettering the Reich. Get into your Mercedes. The one given to you. The one displaying the Swastika. How proud you are. How proud you were the day you got it. A promotion. “Good job,” they said. Drive until you get there. Until you reach the gates. The gates that let in a whole menagerie of fair-skinned animals. The gates that open you up to the people that you can’t stand to be around. Just as well you are only with them for a second. As they look at you, their dark, ugly eyes, pleading for their useless lives. And you, in your uniform of power, put a bullet between their thick brown eyebrows. A job well done, you think. You smile at the gates And know that what they symbolise is right. You walk into work, nodding. Ja, arbeit macht frei Just another day in the Reich. You leave your twisted excuse of a conscience behind, the love for your family behind. And look smugly on ahead. As mutter always said, anything is possible after a good breakfast. You are ready for the day to come. After all, you had eggs, remember? Dominique McFall (Grade 12)

Top row, from left: Abigail Mallows (Grade 12), Abigail Mallows (Grade 12), Sarah Donde (Grade 12) Second row, from left: Abigail Mallows (Grade 12), Alex Faber (Grade 12) Third row, from left: Ashleigh Joubert (Grade 11), Brogan Poulton (Grade 12), Kate James (Grade 12), Michaela Mc Hugh (Grade 12), Nuraan Nicholas (Grade 11) Fourth row, from left: Saaliha Jaffer (Grade 12), Saaliha Jaffer (Grade 12)

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“English Alive” published authors Rustenburg received news on 23 June that the written submissions from three of its learners (Julie Ziegenhardt, Jessica Smith and Bronwen Barratt) had been selected for inclusion in the prestigious “English Alive” publication. “English Alive” showcases the best creative writing from English students throughout South Africa. Head of the English department, Ms Gail Wallace, shared the news and expressed how she was particularly impressed by the unconventional narrative approach which these three girls adopted in their writing. Decisions

“Robyn!” my mother called from behind my bright blue and tightly shut bedroom door. “Don’t come in!” I yelled back. “You’ll step on a piece of my exploded head!” I turn my music up and resume sweeping the floor, clearing it of jagged pieces of skull with thick dark brown hair cascading out of them. When that’s done, I get down on my knees and start scraping mushy brown lumps of brain into my hands to reassemble my life, wrapped in strands of fist and bone. Now I have to catch the pieces of mind whizzing around the air. But I’m only joking – my head didn’t really explode. This is what’s happening: It’s five hours before our Grade 10 Valentine’s Day Dance and Adam, the most beautiful-brown-eyed-soft-curly-chocolate-colour-haired-dimpledtall-tanned-beanie-wearing-band-boy has asked me to go with him. And while that’s all fine and bedazzling, I have nothing to wear. Or rather, I have everything to wear. Shock, horror, disaster, utter catastrophe. Should I dress according to the theme, a pink, frilly, down-to-the-knee frock? Or should I attempt the sexy and mysterious look with my red Russian-spy-inspired mini? Maybe I should be all anti-Valentine’s-Day with a long witchy black dress adorned with lace sleeves. This is it. The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make. There will never be another Grade 10 Valentine’s Day Dance like this one. What will the girls say if I don’t arrive in the perfect dress? What will Adam think? After years of indecisive torture and fabric-induced fears, we arrive at the dance hand-in-hand, me in my slim, sky-blue Alice-in-Wonderland dress, silver bangles around my arm announcing my arrival like miniature bells, and Adam looking effortlessly spectacular in his midnight blue tux. Somebody has wrapped the sky around us and transformed us into the perfect pair. Then all of a sudden, Peter, with his sea-green eyes (the colour of brilliance) and dusty blonde hair steps in front of me and I hear the question, “Would you like to dance?” before it even leaks out of his mouth, as I contemplate the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make. Julie Ziegenhardt (Grade 10)

Five minutes passed and I felt no threat. My sticky shoulders relaxed into my backpack and I began enjoying his shadowy presence. Seven minutes and my shadow was now well-acquainted with his. They walked side by side behind us on the tarmac. Nearing the last kilometre home, the road forked, and my Friday stranger moved swiftly the other way. I stopped, watching him walk the other path . . . I watched his shaved head move further and further away, and I wondered if he was wondering about me too. We had spent a solid ten minutes together, flanked in solitude. I saw his slumped shoulders struggle under the weight of his rucksack, and his grey slacks gape awkwardly. I stood there blankly and watched, feeling slightly abandoned. The heat had lengthened time and he felt more like a companion than a pedestrian. I resurfaced from my daze and continued on with the image of that gawky boy emblazoned in my head. I wondered who he was and what kind of life he lived. I wondered if he had had Corn Flakes for breakfast or if he had had breakfast at all. The following Friday I took the same train and walked the same path. My lonely shadow hoping his would return. But he didn’t return. And that wisp of a boy will remain My Friday Stranger. Jessica Smith (Grade 11)

Girls in Blue Dresses

It is a long bus ride home every day after school and many things flash past my eyes in colourful blurs as we drive down Main Road towards Gugulethu. I watch the vibrant streams of colour though the vehicle’s grey window, wondering if my life will ever be twin to the ones I see playing out on the street. Will I ever wait for the Jammie Shuttle with my UCT classmates? Will I ever buy the purple dress that calls to me every day from the display in Vertigo? Or will I end up as one of those street vendors who seem to litter every corner. These thoughts pass through my mind as swiftly as the places themselves do, but there is one thought that lingers in my consciousness for the remainder of the trip: the girls in the blue dresses.

My Friday Stranger

It was a muggy Friday afternoon; one where the wind simply blows the hot air around teasingly. Mom was busy and, under instruction, I was told to take the train. Sticky, smelly bodies swayed side by side, impersonally close and impersonally silent. My station came quicker than expected and I too happily blasted outwards as the doors released me. Plodding along the path I knew well, it was at least three minutes before I noticed a dark shadow behind me. I immediately straightened up and quickened my pace, exuding ‘don’t mess with me’ confidence. Casually fixing my hair-tie I glanced over my shoulder. He was tall and scruffy looking. A shiny film coated his tired face.

I wonder if they know how the average South African teenager lives. I wonder if they feel misery. Or fear? Or jealousy? I wonder if their school is the breeding ground for criminals, or if they have ever been held up with a knife in the girls’ bathroom. Do their teachers show up for class every day? Do they also have to share a desk with four other students? I want nothing more than to wear that blue dress. I wonder if they arrive home from school to find their mothers, beaten and bruised, after a dispute with their fathers. Is their tata also an alcoholic who returns, stumbling and slurring, in the early hours of the morning? Were their six-year-old sisters given AIDS by their own uncles? Somehow I do not think that this is the life of girls who wear blue dresses. I wonder when our government is going to wake up and change how the majority of our country lives. Does the bottom of our new flag represent the peace only of girls in blue dresses? Does the red represent the anger of the people still suffering from the consequences of an old system? It should depict the equal blood that runs through all South African veins. And as I pass the church, I wonder why God did not choose me to be a girl in a blue dress. Bronwen Barratt (Grade 11)

1. Abigail Mallows (Grade 12), 2-4. Riancha Schoombie (Grade 12)

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From the Media Centre Teacher-in-charge: Ms Marilyn Peters Head Monitress: Laila Haffejee Deputy Head Monitress: Bianca Da Molo Secretary: Shasthra Naidoo Social Secretary: Roxanne Christian Media Monitresses: Ayesha Korowlay, Shannen-Lee Beukes, Nuzhah Jacobs, Jarita Kassen, Natalie Davidson, Isabella Meyer, Susan Wu, Jamie McMullen, Annie Ou Yang, Gabi Munkes, Mila Truter, Laila Korowlay Incoming: Bianca Rijkmans, Raeesah Shaik, Haseena Moolla, Daniella Attfield, Caitlin Starke, Kauthar Parker, Raeesa Kazi, Sabrina-Belle Roberts, Evashna Pillay, Tatenda Dandara and Shafeeqah Modack

Day with a Braai for the elderly Vrygronders, as the youngsters there had been very generously treated this year by the Rustenburg Interact Easter Bunny! Capricorn Primary School in Vrygrond continues to be a focus of our attention, as did Vrygrond’s fledgling community library in Village Heights In closing I would like to include a few excerpts from an article by Annie Murphy Paul (June 2013) about an endangered species close to us all: “Today, with billions of books in print and stored online, the endangered breed is not books but readers. To understand why we should be concerned about how young people read, and not just whether they’re reading at all, it helps to know something about the way the ability to read evolved. The ‘reading circuits’ we construct are recruited from structures in the brain that evolved for other purposes, and these circuits can be feeble or they can be robust, depending on how often and how vigorously we use them.

The library monitress family is what keeps this hub of the school running so smoothly and efficiently! When the time comes in late August to welcome the newly trained monitresses at our traditional pizza evening of revelry, it is nonetheless heart breaking parting with our Matrics before their Preliminary Examinations begin. Even the power-outage this time did nothing to dampen spirits. In fact, when power was restored the lights were promptly switched off and the hilarity of the newcomers’ personal biographies continued by cellphone-light! Our departing committee members, Laila Haffejee (Head), Bianca Da Molo (Deputy Head), Shasthra Naidoo (Secretary) and Roxanne Christian (Social Secretary) and their fellow Matric monitresses have enthusiastically gave two, and in Nuzhah’s case, three years of dedicated and incredibly valuable service to the school and this was deeply appreciated by staff and students alike. These girls leave Rustenburg armed with an awesome arsenal of inter-personal and research skills, and knowing they remain firmly rooted in our hearts and minds, and on my much-admired office Wall of Fame! Stepping into their splendid shoes were extremely capable newly-elected committee: Susan Wu (Head), Isabella Meyer (Deputy-Head), Annie Ou Yang (Secretary) and Jarita Kassen (Social Secretary). The year ahead is full of promise. Heartfelt thanks are due too to our volunteer library angels, Ms Sally Michell and Ms Judy Paul and our bursar’s daughter, Ms Melissa Rijs. These precious stalwarts volunteered generous hours during the annual stocktake and with general library processing. Our special community outreach project saw the monitresses visiting Vrygrond Library on a monthly basis, sharing expertise, resources and fellowship. Thanks to the generosity of everyone on our Civvies Day, 50 disadvantaged children will be treated to a five day holiday in December at a Strandfontein resort. We thought it appropriate to celebrate Heritage

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Unless we train the younger generation to engage in deep reading, we will find ourselves with our culture’s riches locked away in a vault: books everywhere and no one truly able to read them. ‘Deep reading,’ as opposed to the often superficial reading we do on the weekend, is an endangered practice, one we ought to take steps to preserve as we would a historic building or a significant work of art. Its disappearance would imperil the intellectual and emotional development of generations growing up online, as well as the perpetuation of a critical part of our culture: the novels, poems and other kinds of literature that can be appreciated only by readers whose brains, quite literally, have been trained to apprehend them. Recent research in cognitive science, psychology and neuroscience has demonstrated that deep reading; slow, immersive, rich in sensory detail and emotional and moral complexity; is a distinctive experience, different in kind from the mere decoding of words. A growing body of evidence suggests that online reading may be less engaging and less satisfying, even for the ‘digital natives’ for whom it is so familiar. The built-in limits of the printed page are uniquely conducive to the deep reading experience. A book’s lack of hyperlinks, for example, frees the reader from making decisions (should I click on this link or not?), allowing her to remain fully immersed in the narrative. Observing young people’s attachment to digital devices, some progressive educators and permissive parents talk about needing to ‘meet kids where they are’ moulding instruction around their onscreen habits. This is mistaken. We need, rather, to show them someplace they’ve never been, a place only deep reading can take them. Although we call the activity by the same name, the deep reading of books and the information-driven reading we do on the web are very different, both in the experience they produce and in the capacities they develop. The emotional situations and moral dilemmas that are the stuff of literature are also vigorous exercise for the brain, propelling us inside the heads of fictional characters and even, studies suggest, increasing our real-life capacity for empathy.” Food for thought.

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From the Computer Centre Teacher-in-charge: Mr Francis Vogts

This year started with a bang and a few less technicians on the ground. At the end of last year we said a fond farewell to Mr Clement Schlosz who was a member of staff for nearly nine years. In April we welcomed Ms Trishanta Naidu who joined the ICT team, offering much needed assistance and support to the school, learners and staff alike. We wish her the very best during her tenure at Rustenburg. We have taken an interest in the ever popular development in mobile and portable technologies and their use in education and have been developing and discussing strategies to support Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and or a Tablet Solution in the future. As a school this has raised considerable challenges such as adequate Internet bandwidth, network capacity and Wi-Fi support. This has resulted in a capacity and integrity study of our existing network with strategies to expand and support redundancy both within the physical structure and the internet connectivity. As a school we maintain the need to offer an integrated learning environment offering ICDL, but are also looking at the classroom as an area of need. The evolution and now integration of mobile technologies in schools is a highly costly and, at times, emotional challenge. As we build and refine environments to support this need, we also need to face a new challenge of finding partners in offering affordable and supportive strategies, integration and secure system. With this comes a higher need and demand for Internet connectivity, which in South Africa comes at a high cost. In many regards, we are faced with a need to move from asynchronous technologies (ADSL) to synchronous technologies (Fibre), as there is a great propensity not only to consume but now also send data. We have been hearing many strategies and plans are in development by the Provincial Government for schools and government institutions in the coming years to have access to a Provincial Wide Area Network (PWAN), but this is not as yet at a point of deployment. With much still to be done before a final solution and benefits are achieved, we anxiously await the rollout and support for this initiative possibly as early as 2015. In the mean time we will have anticipated growth in capacity and engaged our service provider to support these needs in the next budget.

engaging change management. At this point we have evaluated the successful establishment of a high capacity Wi-Fi network in the hostel. We started a first phase expansion of this network to the wider campus replacing limited capacity devices with enterprise class access points and allowing support for greater needs for access and control. We continue in the support of our renewal programme supporting upgrades and functional needs for learning and support of all users at the school. On the whole new projects, technology adoption and integration went well. We evaluated a number of universal threat gateways (UTMs) to allow for controlled and secure access to resources while expanding our intranet to bring our resources together and make finding and sharing resources easier. We continued to install and support expansion in the use of education technologies such as interactive whiteboards and document cameras, while evaluating various strategies to allow learners to be consumers of knowledge and teachers producers and sharers of content in support of their curricular needs. We are grateful we can continue to enhance and improve the quality of education at Rustenburg while supporting the core functions and nurturing the continued development of our learners. Software, licensing and copyrights are always an area of concern and on the whole we have good practice and policies in place to deal with this. The most important document in the this regard is our Acceptable Use Policy, distributed to all learners and parents at the start of the year. We will continue healthy engagement and review of this document. We ask that all users read, understand and adhere to its content. We have undertook licensing for the display of recorded and copy written materials such as movies and documentaries being viewed for educational purposes, but we still have to address incidents of plagiarism and piracy when they occur. Cloud computing and integration is another challenge, as access to information and connectivity becomes easier, information management and protection is going to become more difficult. The greater benefits of adopting cloud solutions is the transparent and ease of access to one’s own information and data, but this also greatly increases the risk for data protection and security review.

As with every new decision to accommodate and support growth or change, we have had to attend to failures, threats and problems

Computer Monitresses Third row, from left: Jehaan Obaray, Samantha Pelteret, Amelia Dionisio, Nazneen Khan, Sabeegah Davids Second row, from left: Nabeelah Mahatey, Couthar Sakir, Shakeela Banderker, Ms Janine Myers, Lauren Hendricks, Tiana Hansraj, Anika Ebrahim Seated, from left: Shannen-Lee Beukes, Firdous Khan, Jehaan Armien, Haley-Anne Box, Yusra Modack, Samantha Chamisa, Boniwe Nyati

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MUSIC

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From the Head of the Music Department Teacher-in-charge: Ms Elizabeth Sole

Bidding farewell to the Britten centenary. With the strains of his New Year’s Carol still lingering, “Here we bring new water from the well so clear, for to worship God with, this happy New Year” we entered the new year with renewed vigour and energy. Four of our Grade 12 musicians of 2013 achieved top places in the NSC Examination, with Woohyun Lee (violin) and Nicola Cilliers (piano) holding first and second positions for the ABRSM Practical Music Grade 7, Lauren Denny (flute), the top position in ABRSM Practical Music Grade 8 and Joo Young Kim (flute), 10th position in Grade 12 FET Music. In December 2013, we bade farewell to Ms Robyn Jepson and appointed Mr Leslie Elderkin in the saxophone, clarinet, Jazz Band and Wind Band post. Registered for a Masters’ degree in saxophone at UCT, Mr Elderkin has continued to guide our woodwind reed players and prepare them for external examinations and Band performances. We were pleased to welcome Ms Jan Thorne in the part-time piano post to replace Ms Lee Gelderbloem who is currently living and working in England. There was much excitement when Ms Gordon and Mr Herrendoerfer announced their engagement in May with the proposal taking place in a hot-air-balloon over the Paarl winelands at dawn! Their wedding is set for December this year. The Music Department underwent a face lift, with several renovations and additions, including a new Ensemble Room and an Instrument Storage Room with a biometric thumbprint, which has made an improvement in our day-to-day functioning. As hosts of the combined choral work, “Carmina Burana”, this year, we organised an Orchestra and Choir Camp with SACS and Rondebosch at the well-equipped Manyano Centre in Paarl early in the year, to begin work on the programme for August. Grant McLachlan’s evocative setting of “Song of the Wind” arrived hot off the press, on the night before we set out on our trip to Paarl. What an exciting and inspiring weekend of work it was, with Bunch, Orff and McLachlan in hand! Our usual subject music excursion to a rehearsal with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra took place early in February in an all-Mozart programme, an outing that we set great store by, given the difficulties facing the survival of permanent orchestras in our country today. We need to ensure the continuation of live musical performances, “to provide a future for our young gifted musicians” (Lore Watterson`Classic Feel’). Other outings included a performance of Stravinsky’s “Firebird” ballet at Maynardville, and even more exciting, a live performance of Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” with the CTCCB in collaboration with Hamburg Ballet, and Mozart’s “Le nozze di Figaro” at Artscape. In March, we invited Grant McLachlan to discuss film music composition at our Music Workshop, using extracts of his work from various documentaries. The Music Department also marked the tercentenary of JS Bach’s most

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famous son, Carl Philip Emanuel, as well as the centenary of Andrzej Panufnik and continued to celebrate our South African composers in an annual Piano Festival with harpsichordist, Erik Dippenaar, as guest speaker and performances by talented pianists from Rondebosch, Bishops, Westerford, Paul Roos and Rustenburg. The Music Spotlight concerts followed, offering all our young musicians the opportunity of performing in a solo or small ensemble and in September, we presented our Annual Music concert featuring the best of our ensembles, bands and choirs, always a jam-packed programme with good support from our parents and friends. The Jazz Band performed in the V&A Band Slam in February, which served as a useful prelude to our performance in the highly popular Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival in May. At the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Festival in Grahamstown in July, Aimée George, successfully auditioned as the vocalist for the National Band this year. The National Band gave a once-off Cape Town performance in a sold-out concert at the Nassau Centre in September. As usual, the Music department actively participates in the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod. The Orchestral section proved to be successful with Honours++ awards achieved by our Orchestra directed by Ms Gordon, String Ensemble directed by Mrs Raynham and Jazz Band with Mr Elderkin and a Gold Medal overall to the String Ensemble. A string of medals were achieved by several individual players, with Silver Medals awarded to Kirsten Pienaar (Senior Vocal), Hannah Clayton and Nicola McLachlan (Senior Piano Duet), Rouzanna Coxson (Senior Piano JS Bach), Catherine Smith (Senior Recorder) and Gold Medals to Kirsten Pienaar (Senior Vocal) and Gemma Hall (Senior Recorder). Our piano duettists, Hannah and Nicola, trained by Ms Dernier, were selected to perform in the Prestige concert. We had our share of competitions and other special events, with Seul Pearl Jung (violoncello) being selected to perform in the gala concert of the Pieter Kooij Music Competition. The concert was in the Hugo Lambrechts auditorium hosted by the WCED and she toured with the Miagi Youth Orchestra to Europe and Scandanavia. The Chamber Choir, besides singing the items for small choir in Carmina Burana, were the winners in the FACETS Senior Choir competition and performed in the All Girls’ Schools Choir Festival in St George’s Cathedral accompanied by Ms Dernier with Ms Gordon (flute), Claire Denny (saxophone), Kirsten Pienaar (mezzo-soprano) and movement designed by Ms Jamey. We are proud, too, of the involvement of several of our musicians in the Beau Soleil Gala Concert held in the City Hall, including players in the Senior String Ensemble Stéphanie Lawrenson, Kirsten Buchanan, Abigail Mallows and Seul Pearl Jung. Our Music Awards dinner was replaced with a ceremony held during the school day, giving the whole school the opportunity of congratulating our Full Colours, Half Colours, Merit and Team award recipients, as well as the new heads and deputies of our choirs, orchestra, bands and ensembles. The guest speaker was Mr Gideon Lombard, a passionate young dramatist who is also involved in directing opera. We acknowledge the sterling work of the indefatigable Ms Hoffmann, who continues to add value to our department through her meticulous administrative work and her friendly and helpful manner. And finally, as a word of encouragement to our young performers, we offer Miles Davis’ advice, “Sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to play like yourself.” So keep practising, rewards will follow.

MUSIC

Carmina Burana

The Music Department was once again buzzing with excitement as the performances of the eagerly-awaited Carmina Burana, a choral work by Carl Orff, approached. Months of rehearsing, organising and preparation paid off under the guidance of our music teachers and guest conductor, Alexander Fokkens. On the night of the first performance on 5 August at the Cape Town City Hall, the singers and musicians of Rustenburg, Rondebosch Boys’ and the South African College Schools were equally nervous and energised. The night opened with Michael Sweeny’s “Earthdance”, performed by a combined Concert Band under conductor Terrence Scarr, followed by Mr Scarr’s own composition, “Groove for Madiba”, arranged by jazz master, Mike Campbell. The upbeat, groovy African music warmed the audience with its Madiba-jive rhythms and uplifting atmosphere. Kenji Bunch’s “Hardware Concerto” followed, with a combined orchestra under the baton of Alexander Fokkens and featured three Grade 12 Rustenburg soloists: Anja Mühr (violin), Seul Pearl Jung (cello) and Caitlin Grüning (clavinet). This challenging, 21st-century work (a first on the African continent) showcased our talented Grade 12s and kept the audience (and the orchestra) on its toes. “Song of the Wind”, a choral work by the South African composer, Grant McLachlan, was commissioned by Rustenburg Girls’ on the occasion of its 120th anniversary. It was a work for choir and orchestra that featured a solo mezzo-soprano, Lauren Davis, a Rustenburg Old Girl, currently in her second year of study in Opera at UCT, and the Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School Choir. The piece moved both the performers and the audience with its haunting melodies and memorable lyrics about the Cape South Easter. The combined choir, so deftly accompanied by Ms Judith Dernier and Rustenburg Old Girl, Yohan Chun, on the two pianos, and a sparkling percussion ensemble trained by the indefatigable, Mr David West, launched into “O Fortuna”, the rousing first movement of “Carmina Burana” with vigour and passion. From the opening chords, the piece grew in energy to the final rousing return of “O Fortuna”. Baritone soloist, Riaan Hunter, mesmerised both the girls in the choir and the audience with his rich voice, and tenor soloist, Willem Bester, captured the essence of the roasted swan in “Cignus ustus cantat”, with his high falsetto voice. The achingly sweet and equally powerful voice of soprano soloist, Beverley Chiat, swept through the impossibly high coloratura notes with grace and seeming effortlessness. The choir followed Alexander Fokkens’ animated direction with precision, dedication and fortitude. The musicians, singers, teachers and all others involved were immensely proud of the triumphant success of the entire performance, hosted this year by Rustenburg. They enjoyed every minute of the experience and thank Ms Elizabeth Sole and the Music Staff of Rustenburg schools, Rondebosch and SACS for their absolute dedication and commitment, not to forget the contribution made by the front of house management so ably led by Ms Glynnis Newdigate and the Fundraising Music Parents’ Chairperson, Ms Jeanne Pienaar, the untiring administrative work by Ms Sue Hoffmann and Rustenburg ticket sales co-ordinator, Ms Pat Hanger. Special thanks are due also to our photographer, Mr Sian Stanton, who so generously donated his services.

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Music Special Awards Janet Kirk Cup

Lisa Hellenberg Music Bursary for 2015

The Janet Kirk Cup for service and dedication to Rustenburg’s Orchestra was awarded to Anja Mühr. Anja, a Grade 12 subject Music pupil, was the Head and leader of the Orchestra in 2014. She was awarded Full Colours for Music in 2012, which were re-awarded in 2013 and 2014, having been a committed member of the Chamber Choir, String Ensemble. Berocca G, and a committee member of the Music Society. As a violinist and pianist, she achieved Distinctions for the Trinity Guildhall Grade 8 Practical and Grade 7 Theory examinations in 2013. In August 2014, she performed as one of the soloists in the “Hardware Concerto” by Kenji Bunch, a trio with orchestra, in the combined choral event at the Cape Town City Hall. Besides Anja’s busy musical portfolio, she also held the office as Deputy Headgirl in 2014.

Grade 11 subject Music pupil, Kirsten Pienaar, was elected the recipient of the Lisa Hellenberg Music Bursary for 2015. As a singer and clarinettist, Kirsten achieved distinctions for her Trinity Guildhall Grade 6 singing and clarinet examinations, three Silver medals and the Gold medal in the Senior Vocal category (for two years in succession) in 2014, and a Distinction for the Grade 5 ABRSM Theory examination in 2013. She was elected Head of the Chamber Choir and achieved a Half Colours for Music in 2014, having also been an active and dedicated member of the Wind Band, Orchestra, Clarinet Ensemble and Berocca G. Kirsten was invited to perform in the Bright Young Baroque concert by the Camerata Tinta Barocca in October 2014 at St Andrews Presbyterian church in Cape Town, and has participated in a masterclass with the Baroque cellist, Hans Huyssen, as a member of Berocca G.

Ivan Kilian Book Prize The Ivan Kilian Book Prize for commitment, dedication and service to Music was awarded to Pearl Seul Jung in 2014. Seul Pearl, a Grade 12 subject Music pupil, holds a Full Colours for Music, having served as Head of the String Ensemble, leader of the cellos in the Orchestra, a soprano in the Chamber Choir and a continuo player in Berocca G. She holds a Distinction for the Grade 8 ABRSM cello examination and achieved Highest Honours in the Cape Town Eisteddfod in 2014. Seul Pearl was selected to play in the second round of the Pieter Kooij Music Competition, toured with the Miagi Youth Orchestra to Europe and Scandinavia in July 2014 and played the first movement of the Saint-Saëns “Cello Concerto no 1” with an ad hoc orchestra at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre hosted by the WCED in October 2014. Seul Pearl was also a member of the Senior Strings at the Beau Soleil Music Centre directed by Marina Louw and played in the Kenji Bunch “Hardware Concerto” trio with orchestra at the combined choral event with Rondebosch, Rustenburg and SACS.

Elizabeth Sole Cup Aimée George and Kirsten Pienaar were the joint recipients of the Elizabeth Sole Cup for Singing in 2014. Aimée, a Grade 12 subject Music singing and piano pupil was elected Head of the Chamber Choir in 2013 -14. She participated as the vocalist in the Jazz Band for the past three years and achieved a Gold Medal at the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod in the Folk Song category in 2012 and Highest Honours awards in 2013 and 2014 in various vocal categories. Aimée performed as the vocal soloist in the school’s Jazz Band at the V&A Band Slam, the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival, and attended the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Festival in Grahamstown over the past three years. In 2014 she was chosen as the vocalist in the National Schools’ Jazz Band. Though still awaiting her result for the Grade 7 Rockschool voice examination, Aimée is keen to pursue a career in Jazz Vocal Performance at UCT in 2015. Kirsten Pienaar, a Grade 11 subject Music singing and clarinet pupil, was elected Head of the Chamber Choir in 2014 -15. She was awarded a Gold medal in the Senior Vocal category at the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod in 2013 and 2014, Silver medals in various vocal categories in both years, and is confident of success in the Trinity Guildhall Grade 6 singing examination. She has sung several solos with the school’s Chamber Choir, auditioned in the first round of the Pieter Kooij Music Competition in 2014, and was invited to perform in the Bright Young Baroque concert at St Andrew’s Presbyterian church in Cape Town, by the Camerata Tinta Barocca in October 2014.

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Rosemary Davis Prize Aimée George was selected as the recipient of the Rosemary Davis Prize for Excellence in Jazz Performance in 2014. Aimée participated as the vocalist in the Jazz Band and the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival for the past three years. She also performed in the V&A Band Slam and Battle of the Bands in 2013 and 2014, FACETS, the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod, the Expresso Breakfast Show on SABC 3 and attended the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Festival in Grahamstown over the past three years. In 2014 she was chosen as the vocalist in the National Schools’ Jazz Band, which performed both in Grahamstown and in a sold-out concert at the Nassau Centre.

Dernier/Sole Prize

Rouzanna Coxson was the first recipient of the Dernier/Sole Prize for Outstanding Progress in Piano awarded in 2014. She received a Silver Medal at the 2014 Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod in the Senior Piano JS Bach category and three Highest Honours awards. Rouzanna was awarded a CD prize for three years in succession at the Piano Festivals hosted by Rustenburg, having performed a work for Prepared Piano by John Cage, a work by Benjamin Britten, and this year, two movements from the centenary composer, Andrzej Panufnik’s “12 Miniature Studies”. Rouzanna achieved a Distinction for her Grade 7 Trinity Guildhall examination in 2013 and is confident of success in the Grade 8 piano examination in October. She holds Full Colours for Music and was the Head of Berocca G, the Recorder Ensemble and the Deputy Head of the Chamber Choir.

MUSIC

General Choir

Sixth row, from left: Claire Denny, Estine Everson, Bryony Bosman, Nina Stodel, Ashleigh Barnard, Cassidy Bhoopchand, Annemieke Lourens, Hannah Abdoll, Ellen-Marie Trautmann, Nina Beckurts, Alice-Sandra Kesselaar, Christina Franco, Hannah Nassen, Saiyuree Sewchuran, Kelly De Lucchi, Chi Ying Ng Fifth row, from left: Lerato Ntsime, Stephanie Keyser, Georgia Dugmore, Martha Muye Ruider, Orissa Ramesar, Brogan Poulton, Jessica Meeser, Kelly Bridgens, Caroline Schreiber, Kim Lothaller, Catherine Chandler, Bianca Da Molo, Holly Rowe, Bianca Cilliers, Eden Isaacs, Adwoa Danso, Caitlin Millard Fourth row, from left: Ye-Won Anna Choi, Mikayla Shaw, Paige Rutherford, Caitlin Lange, Caitlin Abdoll, Sahlah Davids, Chloë Allison, Fozia Hendricks, Olivia Stanton, Rebecca Plaatjies, Siphosihle Zola, Sarah Tough, Mila Truter, Da-Eun Lee, Razaan Phillips Third row, from left: Jodi Rogerson, Lauren Hawker-Jehring, Michelle Mouton, Emma McCrindle, Yonela Katsha, Musa Makhoba, Kelly Bang, Hannah Karodia, Kerry-Ann Couperthwaite, Rachel Couperthwaite, Mishka Sooful, Andrea Pienaar, Tayla McGregor, Adrienne Golden, Tisha Sasman, Ashleigh Madell Second row, from left: Shameez Phillips, Kim-Joy Damon, Reabetswe Khonyane, Caitlynn Yeo, Alexa Rabeling, Taylor Ross, Hannah More O’Ferrall, Leah Mann, Ilhaam Khalfe, Angela Mibey, Kia Arendse, Amy Franz, Tumelo Nkgudi, Maxine Dos Reis, Cynthia Augustine, Samantha Chamisa Seated, from left: Nikita Sofute, Kate James, Thania Koopman, Terttu Newaka, Cassandra Cranfield, Roxanne Christian, Ms Elizabeth Sole (Director), Amy Joy Stöhrer (Head), Ms Maileen Jamey (Accompanist), Aimeé La Kay (Deputy), Robyn Smith, Nicole Mehnert, Riancha Schoombie, Abigail Mallows, Aaliyah Ahmed

Chamber Choir

Fourth row, from left: Brittany du Preez, Marianne Schwellnus, Caitling Fleming, Hannah Abrahams-Crocker, Imke Mühr, Catherine Smith, Amy Long, Zarah Mitchell, Hannah Clayton Third row, from left: Sesethu Mdlungu, Syan O’Connell, Ifeoluwa Alaba, Nicola McLachlan, Tamsin Metelerkamp, Maria Cupido, Kerryn Duff, Katrin van der Merwe, Ashleigh Curtis Second row, from left: Sheree Stewart, Cara Wittall, Samantha Carletti, Grace Abrahams-Crocker, Emma Bergh, Phumzile Konile, Samantha McCrindle, Irena Nolte Seated, from left: Seul Pearl Jung, Isabella Cupido, Rouxanna Coxson (Deputy), Ms Elizabeth Sole (Director), Aimée George (Head), Ms Judith Dernier (Accompanist), Anja Mühr, Caitling Grüning, Lindiwe Le Brasseur

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General Choir

Third row, from left: Marianne Schwellnus, Catherine Smith, Imke Mühr, Lauren Pienaar, Megan Denny, Thandi Mettler Second row, from left: Kerryn Duff, Pauline Shrosbree, Claire Denny, Stéphanie Lawrenson, Jaime Newdigate, Neo Ramagaga Seated, from left: Michelle Winter, Caitlin Grüning, Roxanne Christian (Head), Mr Leslie Elderkin (Director), Robyn Smith (Deputy), Aimée George, Caitlin Abdoll

Orchestra

Sixth row, from left: Megan Frost, Catherine Smith, Megan Denny, Lauren Pienaar, Imke Mühr, Samantha Ma Fifth row, from left: Marianne Schwellnus, Nokukhanya Zondi, Ashleigh Barnard, Thandi Mettler, Jenna Frost, Kaitlin Downie, Ashleigh Joubert Fourth row, from left: Yeji Lee, Olivia Stanton, Daniellé Lund, Claire Denny, Stéphanie Lawrenson, Jaime Newdigate, Alexandra Wittenberg-Scott, Stephanie Keyser Third row, from left: Emily Malherbe, Neo Ramagaga, Wen-Ching Chang, Nicola McLachlan, Hannah Clayton, Ifeoluwa Alaba, Kerryn Duff, Jordan Philander, Katrin van der Merwe Second row, from left: Jodi Rogerson, Nureen Mahmood, Gemma Hall, Rebecca Terry, Bronwen Barratt, Irena Nolte, Andrea Pienaar, Kirsten Buchanan Seated, from left: Isabella Cupido, Robyn Smith, Amy Joy Stöhrer, Lindiwe Le Brasseur (Deputy Head), Ms Olivia Gordon (Director), Anja Mühr (Head), Roxanne Christian, Caitlin Grüning, Nuraan Mohamed Floor: Seul Pearl Jung

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String Ensemble

Fourth row, from left: Kaitlin Downie, Mubeenah Gangraker, Imke Mühr, Saige King Third row, from left: Emily Malherbe, Stephanie Keyser, Stéphanie Lawrenson, Wen-Ching Chang, Alexandra Wittenberg-Scott, Nicola McLachlan, Katrin van der Merwe Second row, from left: Kirsten Buchanan, Nureen Mahmood, Michaela Thomas, Siphosihle Zola, Thalia Bardien, Irena Nolte, Bethany Rumble, Ashleigh Madell Seated, from left: Yeji Lee, Amy Joy Stöhrer, Isabella Cupido, Seul Pearl Jung (Head), Anja Mühr, Lindiwe Le Brasseur, Nurain Mohamed Absent: Ms Maria Raynham (Director)

Wind Band

Fourth row, from left: Megan Frost, Samantha Ma, Lauren Pienaar, Andrea Walsh, Catherine Smith, Thandi Mettler Third row, from left: Claire Denny, Jenna Frost, Nina Beckurts, Sam Pelteret, Shannon Lorimer, Nokukhanya Zondi, Cara Lothaller Second row, from left: Neo Ramagaga, Mary-Kate Oosthuizen, Jordan Philander, Olivia Stanton, Hannah Clayton, Ifeoluwa Alaba, Caitlin October, Gina Wright Seated, from left: Daniella Freitas, Gemma Hall, Kauthar Firfirey, Mr Leslie Elderkin (Director), Ashleigh Barnard, Ashton Sims, Jodi Rogerson

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Music Small Ensembles Our Small Ensembles’ programme continues to offer great variety and opportunity for our instrumentalists, from Baroque to African, Jazz to Contemporary, silver flute to saxophone and hopefully to tuba in 2015.

Berocca G and the Recorder Ensemble were involved in the masterclasses at the Ninth Recorder Symposium hosted by Rustenburg in association with Trinity Guildhall and the Stellenbosch Music Department in March. With Recorder specialists, Charlotte Berger, from Würzburg in Germany who has recently settled in Stellenbosch with her husband Martin Berger, Director of the Early Music Unit at Stellenbosch University, and past pupil of Rustenburg, Nicola van Zyl Smit attended. Subsequently, Hans Huyssen, the Baroque cellist, gave an inspiring masterclass to Berocca G on works by JS Bach, Handel and Teleman. Both ensembles were awarded Gold medals at the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod, with the Recorder Ensemble being selected to play in the Prestige Concert. Three of our Berocca G musicians, Kirsten Pienaar (mezzo-soprano), Rouzanna Coxson and Kerryn Duff (recorders) were invited by the Camerata Tinta Barocca to perform in the Bright Young Baroque concert at St Andrew’s Church, Cape Town. The Brass Ensemble participated again in the Cape Town Eisteddfod, and Ms Davis acquired some versatile new repertoire for the group, which has proved to be both rewarding and fun to play. They also performed at the Junior Music Spotlight concert and in the Annual Music Concert. The Clarinet and Saxophone Ensembles participated in the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod, performing some demanding repertoire that was great challenge even for our advanced players. The Flute Ensemble has continued to grow and develop with younger players joining the ranks after the departure of our advanced Grade 12s in 2013. They performed at both the Spotlight and the Annual Music concerts. These ensembles provide valuable training ground for the Jazz and Wind Bands and the Orchestra. Our Guitar and Keyboard Ensembles have been equally active, with the Guitar Ensemble participating again in the Cape Town Eisteddfod, and both ensembles featuring at the Spotlight and the Annual Music concerts and providing musical enjoyment for the residents in Frail Care at Huis Lückhoff. Sadly, we are losing some key players in both ensembles, but these should soon be replaced by our younger players.

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With Mr David West’s continued perseverance, he has continued to develop an active Percussion Ensemble, with some of our players playing a key role in the demanding “Carmina Burana” percussion ensemble, besides providing reliable percussion accompaniments in the Jazz and Wind Bands, Orchestra, Choir and other ensembles. Congratulations to the members of Savuyisa Senior and Junior who performed in the Marimba Festival at the Baxter Theatre in April. It was a most successful event and our Savuyisa Senior group, besides playing in the combined items, also performed on their own. Both groups play an active role in our school, performing at Open Days, Jabulani concerts, the Annual Concert and at other events, such as the Art Awards. Savuyisa Senior was also invited to perform at a Charity event at the Milnerton Lagoon Hotel, which was a great success. Special thanks to their director, Mr Grant Adams, assisted by Mr Gavin Bolton, who are passionate about what they do. Finally, our String Ensemble, under the directorship of Ms Maria Raynham, did us proud again this year, achieving a Gold medal for the Best Orchestra at the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod in August. Well done to our committed string players.

MUSIC

Flute Ensemble

Third row, from left: Tumelo Nkgudi, Nokukhanya Zondi, Nina Beckurts, Ashleigh Barnard Second row, from left: Coralie Shrosbree, Sarah Prutton, Eden Isaacs, Jenna Frost, Hannah Clayton, Rebecca Terry Seated, from left: Da-Eun Lee, Andrea Pienaar, Bianca Da Molo, Ms Olivia Gordon (Director), Kauthar Firfirey, Zimkhitha Kasana, Maxine Dos Reis Absent: Daniellé Lund

Berocca G

Second row, from left: Irena Nolte, Ms Elizabeth Sole (Director), Stephanie Keyser Seated, from left: Stéphanie Lawrenson, Isabella Cupido (Deputy), Rouzanna Coxson (Head), Seul Pearl Jung, Catherine Smith

Saxophone Ensemble

Second row, from left: Shannon Lorimer, Lauren Pienaar, Stéphanie Lawrenson Seated, from left: Michelle Winter, Claire Denny, Mr Leslie Elderkin (Director), Kerryn Duff, Mary-Kate Oosthuizen RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

MUSIC

Brass Ensemble

Second row, from left: Gina Wright, Ifeoluwa Alaba, Lauren Pienaar, Imke Mühr, Olivia Stanton, Jordan Philander Seated, from left: Jodi Rogerson, Pauline Shrosbree, Catherine Smith, Thandi Mettler, Jaime Newdigate Absent: Ms Rosemary Davis (Director)

Percussion Ensemble

Second row, from left: Amy Franz, Olivia Pearson, Sarah Sims, Sarah Dudley, Bronwyn Kode Seated, from left: Taylor Hall, Bronwen Barratt, Caitlin Grüning, Neo Ramagaga, Olivia Stanton Absent: Mr David West (Director)

Recorder Ensemble

Second row, from left: Bianca Cilliers, Roxanne Christian, Catherine Smith, Ms Elizabeth Sole (Director) Seated, from left: Gemma Hall, Kerryn Duff, Rouzanna Coxson (Head) RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

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Keyboard Ensemble

Second row, from left: Nuhaa Francis, Leila Diesel, Brittany du Preez, Amber Mc Hugh Seated, from left: Sharna Naidoo, Cassandra Cranfield (Head), Ms Maileen Jamey (Director), Adrienne Golden, Kristen Naidoo

Savuyisa Junior

Second row, from left: Daariah Arend, Britney Price, Nicola Baalbergen First row, from left: Muofhe Tshifularo, Daniellé Lund, Mr Grant Adams (Director), Saiyuree Sewchuran, Olivia Stanton

Savuyisa Senior

Second row, from left: Haley-Anne Box, Tasneem Bawa, Sarah Dalvie First row, from left: Mubeenah Grangraker, Rebecca Haines, Chelsea Bam, Mr Grant Adams (Director), Aaliyah Davids, Stefni Handt, Azraa Kannemeyer RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

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Guitar Ensemble

Second row, from left: Faatimah Leonard, Olivia Pearson Seated, from left: Kristen Naidoo, Caitlyn Abdoll, Ms Maileen Jamey (Director), HaleyAnne Box, Ayla Macedo

Music Society

The Music Society aims at offering performances and discussions about music, during a lunch break, to all interested learners at the school. Musicians and bands are invited to perform and guest speakers present interesting material regarding musical composition or exposing learners to the various career options in the world of music. This year, various events organised by the Music Society included `An Amazing Race’ with musical clues that sent our new Grade 8s on an expedition around the school campus; guest speakers from two popular South African bands, Mac Stanley and Al Bairre, the first to speak about performance anxiety and the other on the advantages of having a formal musical foundation in the popular music industry. A further guest speaker, Craig McGahey from Mama Dance! Music Solutions, a company that distributes quality African and International production music libraries, spoke on the services it provides to the advertising, film and TV industries, and our very own drum expert, Mr David West, offered another vibrant drum clinic in conjunction with Paul Bothner Music. Besides our break meetings, the Music Society committee continued to assist the Music Fundraising committee of parents by selling tuck and other refreshments at our combined rehearsals and at the various concerts and events organised by the Music department, hoping ultimately to raise enough funds to purchase a tuba for our department. RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

SPORT

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

SPORT

National Sport Achievers Savanna Best

Savanna is a Grade 8 learner who excelled and was awarded Junior Protea colours for swimming. At only 13, she excels mostly in the breaststroke and individual medley events. Savanna toured to Zambia last year in December and participated in the 10thAfrican Junior Swimming Championships. Here she achieved two Gold and three Silver medals. In the June holidays Savanna travellled to Italy together with a large group of swimmers from South Africa. Savanna competed in two galas, representing South Africa in the Troffea Citta de Pescara and Pesaro championships from 20 June to 29 June 2014. This was the first time Savanna participated at an international competition on a foreign continent. She loved the energy of the international athletes. It was a huge learning curve for our South African swimmers, as they travelled for close to 30 hours from Cape Town, after which they were bussed to Pescara from Rome. The swimmers had to deal with jetlag and had to compete the day after arriving. Savanna swam in 17 events: swimming heats, semifinals and then finals, which resulted in six very full swimming race days. At the first gala in Pescara, Savanna won three Gold medals, two Silver and three Bronze at these championships and proceeded to collect six more gold medals at the gala in Pesaro just a few days later. Savanna loved the experience. Their coach found time on the last day, to take the swimmers sightseeing in Pesaro. Savanna is also a member of the South African Junior National Squad

Séanne van Horsten

Séanne van Horsten was selected to represent South Africa at the Sixth Goju Kai World Championships which were held in Mumbai, India in December 2013. The Goju Kai World Championships are held every four years, each time on a different continent. It has been four years of hard work for Séanne as she needed to attend the last three South African Goju Kai Championships and win medals in order to be selected to represent her country. She then started the last year of intense training where she was preparing six days a week. For Séanne all of that hard work paid off. She won a Silver medal in the girls 14 - 15 year-old kumite.

Lianne Verwey

Lianne is a Grade 10 learner and is a South African Tumbling gymnast. During the December holidays, she represented South Africa at the International Zone 6 Tumbling competition in Zimbabwe. Lianne performed superbly, winning the overall Silver medal, with the South African Tumbling Team being awarded overall Gold.

Alyssa Cummings

Alyssa was selected to represent Namibia at the World Junior Squash championships. This tournament was held in August in Namibia. She participated in the women’s U19 individuals and placed third in the classic plate section.

Ms Vivienne Williams

Caroux de Lange

Caroux is a Grade 9 learner. She was invited to participate at the Botswana National Swimming Championships which were held in Gaborone in December. Caroux swam exceptionally well, winning seven Gold and two Silver medals. Caroux represented South Africa for swimming when she participated in Italy at the Trofea Citta de Pescara and Pesaro Championships, during the June holidays. Competing in the 15 year old age category, she participated in 10 events, making the final in her speciality event, 50m breaststroke. Caroux described this swimming tour to Italy as “life-changing” as it was a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for this talented and hand-picked group of swimmers. They got to meet and train with many international swimmers. Caroux has realised just how far one can go with the correct input from dedicated coaches.

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

Ms Williams was selected as the Coach of the South African Junior Elite Triathlon Team which participated at the Second African Youth Games. These games took place in Botswana in May. She was also selected as the Team Manager of the South African Age-Group and Elite Para-triathlete, and the Assistant Coach for the South African Junior Elites for the World Grand Final Triathlon Championships which took place in Canada from 25 August - 1 September. In January Ms Williams won her age-group at the South African half Ironman event which took place in East London. This win earned her a start slot at the World 70.3 Triathlon Championships which took place on 7 September. She travelled to Canada to compete at these championships, where she placed second overall in her category, beaten by just 21secs in the last running kilometre. She had struggled with a hamstring tendon injury all winter and was really satisfied with her result, claiming the Silver medal.

Western Province Colours Sixth row, from left: Caylan Bromley (open water swimming), Lauren Pienaar (touch rugby), Kelsey Pike (hockey), Hannah Maltby (netball), Megan Denny (cricket), Kristin Bellingan (swimming, open water swimming and surf lifesaving) Fifth row, from left: Leesha Melvill (touch rugby), Elle Mouton (touch rugby), Lauren Abbott (hockey, indoor hockey), Stephanie Scriba (hockey), Lindsay Llewellyn (indoor hockey), Marianne Schwellnus (touch rugby), Hannah Nassen (touch rugby), Zoë Naudé (hockey), Kiera Maher (hockey) Fourth row, from left: Candice-Lee Uys (rhythmic gymnastics), Rebecca Parsons (waterpolo), Michaela Cox (waterpolo), Chelsea van Rensburg (open water swimming), Tamarah Pike (hockey), Lianne Verwey (artistic gymnastics), Caroux de Lange (still water lifesaving, indoor hockey), Bianca Hill (synchronised ice-skating) Third row, from left: Caitlin October (surfing), Sophie Dyason (indoor hockey, hockey), Talia Botha (action netball), Michaela Hill (synchronised ice-skating), Ashley Howard (waterpolo), Alyssa Cummings (squash), Meg Wilson (squash), Casey Wheeler (indoor hockey, hockey), Séanne van Horsten (karate) Second row, from left: Jacqueline Sissons (hockey), Rebecca Plaatjies (touch rugby), Sara Raciet (touch rugby), Sarah Firth (hockey), Lindiwe Le Brasseur (surf lifesaving), Gabriel-Fay Morgan (hockey), Roxi Francke (touch rugby), Saskia van der Merwe (artistic gymnastics) Seated, from left: Yusra Modack (touch rugby), Ziyannah Fredericks (touch rugby), Courtney Wheeler (indoor hockey, hockey), Ms Zaandré Theron (netball, touch rugby), Michelle Winter (indoor hockey, hockey), Ms Gillian Blackshaw (touch rugby), Haidee Davis (indoor hockey, hockey), Emma Swart (figure skating), Nasreen Rawoot (touch rugby) Floor: Brittany Gouws (indoor hockey, hockey) Absent: Caroline Schreiber (hockey), Tristan Jones (waterpolo), Kirsten Shaw (tennis), Natasha van Greunen (surfing), Nosipho Abrams (surf lifesaving), Kirra Syndercombe (indoor hockey), Semónn Steyn (rhythmic gymnastics), Adrienne Clynick (rhythmic gymnastics), Almaas Behardien (indoor hockey), Megan Tromp (indoor hockey) 74

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Sport Colours and Awards The Rustenburg Sports Awards Assembly was held on 1 October. The guest speaker was Mr Matt Bromley of Professional Big Wave Surfing fame. Mr Bromley has captained the Springbok surfing team twice and has been the South African Surfing Champion three times. Mr Bromley shared his amazing story of travelling the world, and chasing big waves. He challenged Rustenburg girls to face their fears, be they real or imaginary. Cricket

Tennis

Cross Country

Touch Rugby

Moraig McLeod Award, to the player who has shown enthusiasm and encouraged the game of cricket at Rustenburg: Ammaarah Gamieldien Half Colours: Ammaarah Gamieldien Full Colours: Megan Denny

Best Senior Runner: Amber Goldberg Best Junior Runner: Eden Paarwater Most Promising Runner: Kaylee Hudson

Hockey

Tracey Hall trophy, to the most outstanding U14 player: Jacqueline Sissons Most Valuable U14 Player: Sarah Firth Most Promising U14 Player: Sophie Dyason Pietersen Hockey Trophy, to the player who displayed outstanding and consistent enthusiasm, reliability, loyalty and good sportsmanship: Emily Hill Lianne do Rego Goalkeeping Trophy: Caroline Schreiber Most Improved Hockey Player: Georgina Firth Hockey Players of the Year: Haidee Davis, Michelle Winter Half Colours: Lauren Abbott, Megan Denny, Lindsay Llewellyn, Kelsey Pike, Michelle Winter Full Colours: Haidee Davis

Best Senior Tennis Player: Kirstin Shaw Best Junior Tennis Player: Emily Malherbe Full Colours: Kirstin Shaw

Half colours: Sara Raciet, Marianne Schwellnus Full Colours: Elle Mouton, Ziyanah Fredericks The player who has excelled, shown enthusiasm, loyalty and good sportsmanship in the game at Rustenburg: Ziyannah Fredericks Shown enthusiasm and passion for the game: Lindiwe Le Brasseur Shown great improvement over the last few years and loyalty to the team: Yusra Modack

Waterpolo

Laura Barrett trophy, to the most passionate waterpolo player: Haidee Davis Lisa Stirrat trophy, to the most improved waterpolo player: Jessica Banks Half Colours: Michaela Cox Full Colours: Rebecca Parsons

Indoor Hockey

Most Promising Indoor Hockey Player: Casey Wheeler Indoor Hockey Player of the Year: Lauren Abbott Half Colours: Lauren Abbott Full Colours: Haidee Davis, Candice-Lee Uys, Lindsay Llewellyn, Michelle Winter

Netball

Most Promising Junior Netball Player: Hannah Maltby Most Improved U16 Netball Players: Roxi Francke Baguley Trophy, for the most improved player: Alexandra Heiberg Netball Player of the Year: Chelsea Gibson Shooter with the Best Goal Average: Ayla Figueira Half Colours: Hannah Maltby

Squash

Francois Botha Trophy, for the most enthusiasm for the game and encouraging greater interest in the game at Rustenburg: Tanri de Lange Best Squash Player: Alyssa Cummings Full Colours: Alyssa Cummings

Swimming

Most Promising Senior Swimmer: Kristin Bellingan Most Promising Junior Swimmer: Savanna Best Barbara Marais Trophy, for the swimmer who has shown hard work and team spirit: Rebecca Parsons Half Colours: Caylan Bromley, Alexandra Heiberg, Rebecca Haines, Chelsea van Rensburg Full Colours: Savanna Best, Kristin Bellingan, Caroux de Lange, Caitlin Truter

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

Nicola Barrett Cup Haidee Davis received the 2014 Nicola Barrett Cup for all-round sporting excellence, showing team loyalty and good sportsmanship. Haidee played in the school’s 1st Hockey team, 1st Indoor Hockey Team and 1st Waterpolo Team. She is an exemplary sportswoman.

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Aquatics Teacher-in-charge: Ms Vivienne Williams Coach: Ms Robyn Williams Captain: Rebecca Parsons Vice-Captain: Alex Faber

Rustenburg’s swimming team’s focus this season was to improve on last season’s good results. The season started in November 2013 where we swam in a number of galas. Term 1 began with a combined gala at Rondebosch Boys’ High School. Rustenburg entered an A and B team. The A team came second behind Rhenish and the B team placed sixth overall. The support and spirit from the parents as well as the learners was outstanding. This result heralded the start of the promising season that lay ahead. At the relay gala on 6 February at SACS, we again entered an A and a B team. The A team won and the B team placed fifth. At the individual gala hosted by Wynberg Boys’ High School on 13 February, the hard work of each swimmer resulted in Rustenburg placing first. Our progression relay swimmers, Rebecca Haines, Caylan Bromley, Savanna Best and Kristin Bellingan, swam an outstanding race, winning by more than half a length. On 20 February, Rustenburg again won the relay gala hosted by Wynberg Girls’ High School. The Annual PGSGU Swimming gala took place on 25 February. Rustenburg took overall honours, bringing the trophy home for the first time since 1996. Our U16 team (Kristin Bellingan, Alexandra Heiberg, Caroux de Lange and Caylan Bromley) won both relays and again won the overall U16 trophy. This team set a new record in the 4 x 50m freestyle relay event (1.59.45). Rebecca Parsons, Rebecca Haines, Caitlin Truter and Chelsea van Rensburg swam in the U19 section and placed second overall. Our U14 team, spearheaded by Savanna Best and assisted by Kirra Syndercombe, Jemma Pickstock, Emma Kersten and Olivia Key also managed second place in their age-group. Savanna Best set three new individual records; she smashed the Open Individual Medley record, which had stood since 2008 (2.23.24) and also broke the U14 50m breastroke record (34.35) and the U14 50m butterfly record (30.90).

Aquatics A and B Teams

Fourth row, from left: Rebecca Haines, Caylan Bromley, Karla Lützeler, Lauren Hales, Kristin Bellingan, Caitlin Solomons, Jessica Banks, Tanur Faber Third row, from left: Michaela Cox, Sarah Donde, Savanna Best, Amber Goldberg , Jaime Cooper, Caitlin Truter, Chelsea van Rensburg Second row, from left: Alexandra Heiberg, Stéphanie Pereira, Holly Rowe, Olivia Key, Emma Kersten, Caitlin Bannatyne, Caroux de Lange, Robyn Freeman Seated, from left: Ms Vivienne Williams, Catherine Alt, Alex Faber, Rebecca Parsons, Sarah Tough, Samantha Culligan, Tiana Hansraj

The annual A League Gala took place on 5 March at the Newlands pool. Our swimmers and cheerleaders were well prepared and excited for this event. Rustenburg placed a brilliant second behind Rhenish, stepping up one position, having finished in third position in 2013. This is a major achievement for our dedicated Swimming team and a just reward for many long hours of training. The U16 relay team of Kristin Bellingan, Alexandra Heiberg, Caroux de Lange and Caylan Bromley won both their freestyle and medley relay events; Savanna Best won the open individual medley race as well as the U14 50m breaststroke and butterfly events and Caroux de Lange won the U16 50m breaststroke event.

Diving Rustenburg congratulates Abigail Tudge on winning the Senior Open Girls division at the Inter-schools Diving Competition, held at Springfield School on 14 and 15 March. Abigail won both the 1m and 3m diving competition in her group. Abigail only started diving halfway through her Grade 9 year, but had always wanted to dive since the age of 10, because her uncle was involved in the sport. Abigail said, “I love diving so much, as I love the satisfaction of getting a dive right and the feelings of being free in the air and hearing that sound when you hit the water, knowing that you have ripped your dive. In a competition you will be judged by three to five judges. Once you have done your dives, they will mark your score out of 10 and then deduct your highest and lowest score. The remaining scores are added together, and then multiplied by the degree of difficulty of the dive. It is a very complicated process. The main reason I love this sport is because of my coach and my fellow divers. They always know how to make the lesson fun with lots of laughs and jokes. My goals for the future of diving are to get Western Province Colours this year. I missed attaining provincial colours last year, by one dive, and I am determined to achieve this goal.”

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

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Cricket Teacher-in-charge: Mr William Haggard Coach: Mr Joshua Smith Captain: Ammaarah Gamieldien Vice-Captain: Sameenah Allie

The cricket season of 2014 was one of great success. Rustenburg’s 1st Cricket Team remained unbeaten this season. The team gained an additional four talented members this season, Carmen Wilson-Harris, Azraa Rawoot and Yusra Sablay in Grade 8 and Haley-Ann Box in Grade 12. Rustenburg won their first match against Parow High School by seven wickets. Ammaarah Gamieldien took four wickets, Carmen WilsonHarris and Britney Price both took two wickets and Sameenah Allie and Megan Denny took one wicket each. The second match was a great victory. We played against Hoërskool President, chasing a score of 78 runs. Megan Denny and Britney Price had a partnership of 60 runs. Megan Denny scored 47 runs and was not out at the end of the innings. Megan Denny also took four wickets in this match. Haley-Ann Box and Zoë Naudé took one wicket each. The third match of the season was against Spine Road High School. Rustenburg lost the toss, batted first and made a total of 119 runs. Spine Road made a total of 53 runs, giving Rustenburg another victory. Megan Denny was once again the top scorer of the match; she scored 54 runs and was not out at the end of the innings. Sameenah Allie and Megan Denny took three wickets each, Ammaarah Gamieldien took two wickets and Jenna Lovegrove and Carmen Wilson-Harris took one wicket each. Rustenburg won their last match of the season against St Joseph’s High School. We chased a score of only 32 runs. This score was easily reached in the first three overs. Zoë Naudé effortlessly took four wickets, Sameenah Allie took two wickets and Jenna Lovegrove, Britney Price and Carmen Wilson-Harris took one wicket each. The top scorer of the season was Megan Denny with a total of 119 runs. The top wicket takers were Megan Denny with eight wickets, Ammaarah Gamieldien and Sameenah Allie with six wickets each and Zoë Naudé with five wickets. The favourable outcomes of the 1st Cricket Team’s matches this season show a promising future for Rustenburg’s cricket team. With the new talent in Grade 8 and the remaining members of the team, the victorious legacy of this year and the previous years is sure to continue.

1st Cricket Team

First row, from left: Laura de Klerk, Britney Price, Zoë Naudé, Megan Denny, Jenna Lovegrove, Carmen Wilson-Harris, Tsepiso Seheri Seated, from left: Yusra Sablay, Ammaarah Gamieldien, Mr William Haggard, Sameenah Allie, Ayesha Korowlay Front, from left: Azraa Rawoot, Haley-Anne Box

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

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Cross Country

Teachers-in-charge: Ms Helen Kleynhans, Ms Jane Behne Coach: Ms Helen Kleynhans Captain: Sarah Donde Vice-Captain: Jessica Zietsman

The Cross Country season started in April with an enjoyable relay at Fish Hoek in beautiful weather and ended in the wet and mud at Wynberg Boys’ in mid-August. Whatever the weather, the Cross Country team travelled to venues such as Princess Vlei, Imhoff Farm, Milnerton and Rondebosch every Wednesday to run races. There was a great sense of camaraderie among the many runners who came from schools across the peninsula and this added to the enjoyment of the events. Eden Paarwater was our best runner this season and she qualified to run at the Western Province Schools Championship. The Annual PGSGU Inter-schools competition was hosted by St Cyprians on 12 September. It was a beautiful afternoon with spectacular views of the mountain and a fitting end to the season. Rustenburg placed fourth. l

Cross Country

Third row, from left: Shannon Molloy, Emma Kersten, Kathleen Heiberg, Georgia Satchwell, Eden Paarwater, Madelyne Maier, Leah Mann Second row, from left: Laila Haffejee, Kate Clarke, Alexa Hall, Amber Goldberg, Caylan Bromley, Rowan Banks, Catia Dos Reis, Julie Chandler Seated, from left: Ardine van Zyl, Sarah Prutton, Sarah Donde, Ms Helen Kleynhans, Jessica Zietsman, Kaylee Hudson, Kathleen Holcroft

2014 Two Oceans Rustenburg Staff Results The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town has become the most popular road race in South Africa. Every year, the staff of Rustenburg put in a brave showing in this local event and 2014 was no exception. The race always takes place over the Easter weekend, so can be held any time from late March to late April. In 2014 the race was held on 19 April, which made the conditions tougher as the early morning start meant that it was colder and darker for longer than when it had been held earlier in the year. Congratulations are due to the following Rustenburg staff members who completed the race: Ms Linda Mallon – 06:13:11 (her 14th ultra-marathon) Ms Vivienne Williams – 01:34:27 (half-marathon) Ms Renée Fourie – 02:23:45 (half-marathon) Mr Myles Siebrits – 02:32:29 (half-marathon) Ms Stella Rossouw – 02:36:29 (half-marathon)

Running Club Teachers-in-charge: Ms Helen Kleynhans, Ms Linda Mallon, Ms Stella Rossouw Captain: Rowan Banks Vice-captain: Ellen-Marie Trautmann

Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon in Terms 1 and 4, members of the Running Club enjoyed getting out into the streets of leafy Rondebosch. Sometimes we split into faster and slower groups which went in different directions and on other occasions everybody ran the same route with an optional extra loop for the fitter and faster runners. We started and ended Term 1 with a timed run around Rondebosch Common. Many girls were very happy to find that they had improved considerably during the term. Running with the Running Club is an excellent way to keep fit, to make new friends and to relax after a busy school day.

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

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Hockey Teacher-in-charge: Mr Gian Marneweck Coach: Ms Colleen Matthews Captain: Kelsey Pike Vice-Captain: Lindsay Llewellyn

Rustenburg’s 1st Team trials were held at the end of Term 1. The girls who were selected for the 1st Team were lucky enough to begin the season by participating in the National Girls’ School Festival in Pretoria. The tour was a valuable opportunity for our team to bond and get to know each other better, as most of the girls were new to the 1st Team. We played increasingly better as the tournament progressed and there were moments of pure hockey brilliance. We placed sixth out of a total of 18 schools, a commendable result for a newly formed team.

U16B: Brittany Gouws, Gabriel-Faye Morgan and Casey Wheeler U16 Zonal: Courtney Wheeler, Stephanie Scriba, Tamarah Pike, Kiera Maher and Zoë Naudé U18B: Michelle Winter and Haidee Davis U18 Zonal: Kelsey Pike and Lauren Abbott Thank you to Mr Davis for sponsoring the 1st Team kit and to Bidvest Bank for sponsoring the 1st Team hockey-stick bags this season.

The season was not as successful as we had hoped, although we had moments where we played excellent hockey and were complimented by other umpires and parents. Our results were inconsistent and it was only towards the end of the season that we realised the most important thing was to have fun, and by doing so we played brilliant hockey in the final matches of the season. Special mention must be made of the U14B and U16D teams. The U14B team were unbeaten this season and the U16D team lost only one match. The season ended with the annual PGSGU hockey tournaments which were held and hosted by Wynberg Girls’ at the Wynberg AstroTurf. The 1st Team played with incredible heart and determination, however, luck was not on our side and the results did not reflect our efforts. The U16A Team made us proud by winning all their matches and finishing first in the tournament. This was the first time since 1994 that Rustenburg’s U16A team won this event. The U14A team was not as lucky and finished fourth overall. With only three Matrics in the 1st Team this season, next year is sure to be an exciting, successful season, especially now that the building of our own Astro has been completed! Congratulations to the following Rustenburg hockey players who were included in various provincial teams this season: U14 South: Sophie Dyason and Jaqueline Sissons U14 Disa: Sarah Firth

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

1st Hockey Team

Second row, from left: Lauren Abbott, Brittany Gouws, Megan Denny, Stephanie Scriba, Georgie Firth First row, from left: Kristen Naidoo, Michelle Winter, Kiera Maher, Caroux de Lange, Tamarah Pike, Gabriel-Fay Morgan Seated, from left: Haidee Davis, Lindsay Llewellyn, Kelsey Pike, Rebecca Parsons, Mr Gian Marneweck

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Indoor Hockey Teacher-in-charge: Ms Jane Behne Coaches: Mr Andrew Drummond, Ms Daniela Bayman Captain: Lindsay Llewellyn Vice-Captain: Kelsey Pike

After a mixed season of obstacles and great opportunities, the indoor hockey teams at Rustenburg can be proud of their performances during this year’s season. Training began at the end of 2013 to allow the girls and coaches to form a solid base for the season to follow. Players were enthusiastic to learn and improve their skills, and to bond with team members. With the combination of the girls’ eagerness and the coaches’ willingness to help, the teams were well prepared for the upcoming season. League games started in the Term 1 of 2014 after team selections were finalised. The 1st Team put up a good fight with four wins and three losses. This team took part in the PGSGU Indoor Hockey Competition, our annual inter-schools tournament. With great teamwork and a positive attitude, the team placed fourth behind Wynberg, Herschel and Springfield. Overall, the 1st Team had a brilliant season. The 2nd Team also did extremely well in their league, keeping their spirits up throughout the season. They had five wins, one draw and one loss. It was motivating to see the skill improvement but, more importantly, to feel the newly found confidence radiating from the girls. Congratulations to the following girls who represented teams at the Pro-Series Indoor Tournament in December 2013: Casey Wheeler and Brittany Gouws (U14 Seals), Almaas Behardien (U14 Sharks), Megan Tromp (U14 Sunbirds), Michelle Winter and Haidee Davis (U16 Seals), Lindsay Llewellyn (U18 Seals), Candice-Lee Uys and Lauren Abbott (U18 Sharks) and in March 2014: Caroline Schreiber, Sophie Dyason and Kirra Syndercombe (U14 Seals), Brittany Gouws and Casey Wheeler (U16 Seals), Caroux de Lange and Courtney Wheeler (U16 Sharks), Candice-Lee Uys and Michelle Winter (U18 Seals) and Lindsay Llewellyn (U18 Sharks). All in all, both teams can be satisfied with their play this season. It was incredible to see how Indoor Hockey has grown at Rustenburg. The growth based on the number of girls interested increased once again this year which is very promising for Rustenburg. This could lead to additional teams being entered into the indoor hockey leagues in the near future.

1st Indoor Hockey Team

First row, from left: Caroux de Lange, Stephanie Scriba, Lauren Abbott, Haidee Davis, Tamarah Pike, Candice-Lee Uys Seated, from left: Casey Wheeler, Kelsey Pike, Mr Andrew Drummond (Coach), Lindsay Llewellyn (Captain), Ms Jane Behne, Kristen Naidoo, Michelle Winter RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

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Netball Teacher-in-charge: Ms Zaandré Theron Coach: Ms Zaandré Theron Captain: Chelsea Gibson Vice-Captain: Ammaarah Gamieldien

The season started off with our 1st Team touring to Port Elizabeth for the FNB National Girls’ Schools Festival. There was no time to waste, as the girls had to play eight matches within two days. It was a challenging but rewarding tour for the team as they gained experience and made friends with players from other schools. The team returned to Cape Town having gained great netball skills and team spirit which contributed to a successful season. Excellent results were achieved through all the age groups this year. Due to the commitment of the girls, coaches and management, the results proved that Rustenburg is a force to be reckoned with on the netball court. The 1st Team ended second in the league this year, having lost only one game against Jan van Riebeeck in blustery conditions. Congratulations to the U19B, U16D, U14A and U14C teams who finished top of their respective leagues. The annual PGSGU tournament was once again held at Herschel. All three of our netball teams arrived with enthusiasm and confidence as the 1st Team and U14A team were pre-tournament favourites. The 1st Team ended third losing a tough and competitive match against Herschel by a narrow margin. Our U16A team defended their title well but also ended third. The U14A team laid a good foundation for Rustenburg netball and placed second after losing only one match.

1st Netball Team

First row, from left: Talia Botha, Emma-Marie Strauss, Caitlin Solomons, Alexandra Heiberg, Samantha MCrindle Seated, from left: Jessica Slater, Chelsea Gibson (Captain), Ms Zaandré Theron (Coach), Ammaarah Gamieldien (Vice-Captain), Buhle-Benvelo Zimba

The netball season ended off on a high note as five Rustenburg teams qualified for the league play-offs. The 1st Team beat Stellenberg High School in the semi-finals and faced Jan van Riebeeck in the final. The girls played brilliantly, but unfortunately lost by one goal and had to settle for silver medals. Congratulations to the U14A team who were crowned champions in the first division after beating Durbanville High School 11-6 in the final. Special mention must be made of Hannah Maltby who represented the Western Cape Schools Team at U14 level. The team placed fifth at the South African National Schools’ tournament held in Margate, KZN. Thank you to BLK for sponsoring the 1st Team dresses and to Mr and Mrs McCrindle for sponsoring the 1st Team warm-up tops.

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

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Squash Teacher-in-charge: Ms Louise Lawrence Coach: Mr Andre Naude Captain: Tanri de Lange Vice-Captain: Danielle Louw

This year’s squash season kicked off with a remarkable amount of new and enthusiastic players. Rustenburg once again entered two teams into the league and both were coached by Mr Andre Naude. Mr Naude taught us many new strategies and skills on the court as well as introducing a variety of new warm-up drills and fitness exercises that benefitted the teams tremendously. Rustenburg was fortunate to gain two new, strong players this year, namely Alyssa Cummings and Meg Wilson. Our U19A team worked consistently hard and had some good results, managing to win four out of seven matches. The team consisted of Alyssa Cummings, Tanri de Lange, Meg Wilson and Michelle Winter. Zarah Mitchell stepped up to play for our 1st Team when Michelle Winter was unable to play due to her hockey commitments in Term 2. Our U19B team worked extremely hard and played some good matches against very strong opposition. This team consisted of many enthusiastic players namely: Gia Aitken, Danielle Louw, Robyn Matthews, Aaliyah Meredith, Sabrina Roberts and Jade Smith. We are extremely proud of Meg Wilson who represented Western Province in the U14 Inter-provincial tournament in July and Alyssa Cummings who represented Namibia at the World Junior Championships held in Namibia in August. Alyssa also represented Western Province this season.

1st Squash Team

First row, from left: Michelle Winter, Zarah Mitchell, Alyssa Cummings, Meg Wilson Seated, from left: Ms Louise Lawrence, Tanri de Lange, Andre Naude (Coach)

On 27 August, our team was lucky enough to play against some of the Rondebosch Boys’ players. This was great fun and we are proud to announce that the game ended in a draw. The squash season ended with the annual PGSGU tournament held at Western Province Cricket Club on 13 September. The competition was very tough and unfortunately Rustenburg struggled. We placed fourth behind the winners, Springfield.

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

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Tennis Teacher-in-charge: Ms Lindy Waller Coach: Sinnet International Tennis Academy Captain: Emma Lock Vice-Captain: Danielle Louw

This season a number of girls attended tennis trials which resulted in the addition of an extra team. Rustenburg entered six senior tennis teams and two junior tennis teams into the respective leagues. Practices were held at Rustenburg on Mondays and Thursdays. The girls were fortunate to be coached by Academy coaches and much improvement could be seen in the girls’ play by the end of the season. The girls worked hard and enthusiastically during these practice sessions. Once again Rustenburg participated in the PGSGU Tennis Tournament held at Sans Souci on 1 March 2014. Three couples were entered into the senior section and two couples into the junior section. Rustenburg’s senior team placed third overall. Our first couple (Kirstin Shaw and Georgina Firth) placed fifth, our second couple (Lauren Hales and Emma-Marie Strauss) placed third and our third couple (Kendra Saunders and Jessica Jamieson) placed second. Rustenburg’s junior team also placed third overall. Our first couple (Emily Malherbe and Emily Hobson) placed second and our second couple (Justine Crook-Mansour and Madelyne Maier) placed third. The competition was tough and our girls played extremely well. Our girls won the majority of their league matches this season and we played many tough opponents. The 2nd Tennis Team placed fourth in the WP 2nd League and the 1st Team Tennis placed ninth in the WP Premier League. The girls continued to improve their game which promises for a growing and stronger tennis department. Congratulations to Kirstin Shaw who represented Western Province in the U19 tennis team at the Interprovincial Tournament in Pretoria.

1st Tennis Team

Standing, from left: Georgie Firth, Lauren Hales, Emily Malherbe Seated, from left: Ms Lindy Waller, Kirstin Shaw, Ms Marieta Langenhovenv

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

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Touch Rugby Teacher-in-charge: Ms Gillian Blackshaw Coach: Ms Gillian Blackshaw Captain: Lindiwe Le Brasseur Vice-Captain: Sara Raciet

Although touch rugby is a relatively small sport at school level in the Western Cape, it is a very popular sport at Rustenburg and it is clear that our girls have a great passion for the game. This was evident by the number of girls who represented their province during the season as well as the need to introduce a fourth team to accommodate all the girls who attended school trials. In September 2013, many Rustenburg girls represented various provincial teams at the Junior Interprovincial tournament in Cape Town. Elle Mouton (Captain), Lindiwe Le Brasseur, Sara Raciet, Marianne Schwellnus, Yusra Modack, Nasreen Rawoot and Hannah Nassen represented Western Province at U17 level. Lauren Pienaar (Captain), Roxi Francke, Rebecca Plaatjies and Leesha Melvill represented Western Province at U15 level. Ziyanah Fredericks was part of the Western Cape U19 team which won the U19 division of the tournament. Rustenburg’s 1st Team was a relatively new team with only three players having played in the 1st Team the year before. The team however, performed well and, more importantly, learned to play as a unit and managed to remain unbeaten for yet another season. At the end of 2013, the 1st Team won the league by beating the FHS Academy 1st Team in the final, 2-1. At the end of the game the score was 1-1. This meant that the teams had to play a drop off (after each minute, a player from each team leaves the field and play continues until a team scores a try). The game went down to four players per team when Zoë Naudé scored the winning try. Unfortunately, the 2014 league was quite small with a number of schools not participating for various reasons. The league took on a round robin format and the 1st Team maintained their unbeaten record and won the league for yet another season. On Friday 28 February, the 1st Team took part in the Century City Schools’ Touch Rugby tournament. Rustenburg finished the round robin stage unbeaten, winning their matches against Trafalgar 7-0, FHS Academy 3-2 and drawing 1-1 with Harold Cressy. Rustenburg won their semi-final against Trafalgar convincingly and moved on to face FHS in the final. The final was closely contested and at the end of the game the score was 0-0. This meant that the teams had to play a drop off. The game went down to three players per team when Lindiwe Le Brasseur scored the winning try. Rustenburg’s 1st Team have now won this tournament for five consecutive years. Congratulations to Elle Mouton and Ziyanah Fredericks who represented their province at the Senior Inter-provincial tournaments in March 2014.

1st Touch Rugby Team

First row, from left: Michelle Winter, Elle Mouton, Marianne Schwellnus, Cassandra Cranfield, Zoë Naudé, Samantha McCrindle Seated, from left: Roxi Francke, Lindiwe Le Brasseur, Ms Gillian Blackshaw, Sara Raciet, Ziyanah Fredericks

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

SPORT

Waterpolo Teacher-in-charge: Mr Gian Marneweck Coach: Ms Laura Barrett and Mr Andre Williams Captain: Alex Faber Vice-Captain: Karla Lützeler

Waterpolo is a fun and exhilarating sport played at Rustenburg, where the girls are always determined to learn new skills and to do well. There is an undeniable energy in each team, from the new “little fish” in the U14 teams right up to the “big fish” in the 1st Team. Each team had up to three training sessions a week and most teams practiced at Newlands swimming pool, or Westerford High School. We were fortunate to have coaches who were driven by enthusiasm and as a result practices were filled with energy and laughter, as well as hard work. Rustenburg entered six teams into the various leagues this season. Although our teams trained hard and had some good results, none of our teams advanced into the play-off stage of the league. Rustenburg attends two prestigious tournaments annually. The U16A team participated in the Alexander Road Tournament in Port Elizabeth, where they spent four days experiencing top-quality waterpolo. The girls, coached by Mr Andre Williams, played extremely well, winning seven of their 11 matches. This team had a good season and displayed incredible sportsmanship. The 1st Team were once again invited to attend the largest girls’ waterpolo tournament in South Africa called the Old Petrian’s Waterpolo Tournament, which is held at St Peters College in Johannesburg. This year the girls travelled with their coach Ms Laura Barrett, manager Mr Andre Williams and their special supporter, Ms Laura Bekker. The girls played extremely well and learned many new valuable skills, which they then implemented throughout the season. Our girls are often privileged with sponsorships and sports kits, as well as great support from the parents and waterpolo community. We are very proud of our Western Province representatives who were chosen to play for their province at the National Waterpolo Championships in East London in December 2013. The girls were Tristan Jones (U14B), Ashley Howard (U15B), Michaela Cox (U19B) and Rebecca Parsons (U19B). They all played exceptionally well and made their school, as well as their province, very proud.

1st Waterpolo Team

Second row, from left: Samantha McCrindle, Michaela Cox, Tanur Faber, Alina Schoenberger First row, from left: Jessica Banks, Michaela Hablutzel, Jenna Wood, Anja Mühr, Megan van Westenbrugge, Haidee Davis Seated, from left: Karla Lützeler, Ms Laura Barrett, Alex Faber, Mr Gian Marneweck, Rebecca Parsons

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U16 Waterpolo Tour Team

First row, from left: Tasmyn Baxter, Tristan Jones, Caitlin Solomons, Jessica Knapp, Rachael Rumbelow, Aaliyah Meredith, Kiera Maher Seated, from left: Tamarah Pike, Ms Laura Barrett, Ashley Howard, Mr Andre Williams, Melissa Rossouw Front: Amy McConnell

INTER-HOUSE EVENTS

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

INTER-HOUSE EVENTS

Inter-house Drama Competition Teacher-in-charge: Mr William Haggard and Ms Gail Wallace Adjudicators: Mr Stephan Conradie-Pelser and Mr Suren Dilraj

The night of 16 April was coursing with creative energy. Five classrooms were filled with girls smearing on make-up, combing hair, tossing costumes and running last-minute errands for their worn-out producers and directors.

Best Actress

Best Supporting Actress Best Overall Play

The annual Rustenbug High Inter-house Drama Competition allows for healthy competition and good-natured rivalry between Michiel Vos, Innes, Marchand, Bleby and Cambridge. Each year the houses write, produce and direct an original play, with cast members hailing from their respective houses. External adjudicators attend the production. This year’s theme was Superheroes. Michiel Vos began the evening with their wonderfully satirical play, “The Vernacular.” The Vernacular is a superhero team that takes an ordinary person on a mission to make them feel extraordinary. The production poked fun at South African political figures (which the audience adored), ridiculed society’s perception of racial stereotypes and explored the stigma of suicide. Anika Ebrahim, who played the Vernacular’s leader, won Best Supporting Actress. Ayesha Kaprey and Shannon Pepper won for Best Direction. “The Vernacular” took home the award for Best Overall Play. Bleby followed with their comedic-musical production, “Hey, Honey!” This production starred ideological childhood characters, such as the Powderpuff Girls, Winnie the Pooh, Barbie and Belle. These characters were part of a superhero recruitment agency and were given a mission to recover a kidnapped girl. Donna, the head of the recruitment agency, manipulated these superheroes and was revealed to be Cruella De Ville in the end. In doing so, “Hey Honey!” conveyed important themes of teamwork and friendship. “Hey Honey!” won best Set Design. Keeping up the standard came Marchand’s comedic play, “Marchand’s Great Caper.” The production centred around the self-absorbed Captain Gluteus Maximus and his side-kick Marchand. “Marchand’s Great Caper” challenged superhero-tropes, by allowing the side-kick

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to get what he deserves and ruining the standard superhero bigotry. Each character trope was thoroughly explored and the play conveyed themes of triumph in the face of adversity. Marchand’s play was an excellent production: each scene was superb, the costumes were unforgettable (Captain Maximus’s lime-green mankini will be forever stuck in our minds) and had hilarious one-liners. Karla Lützeler won Best Actress for her performance as Captain Gluteus Maximus. Jennifer Oosthuizen won both Best Script and Best Producer. After interval, Innes’ play “The Stuff Heroes are made of” led the stage. Innes had a more serious take on the Superhero theme. It showcased a school of superheroes confronted with various challenging situations, such as a new and domineering teacher and mysterious cases of vandalism. A young superhero, Jenny, was bullied by a clan of popular superheroes, led by Super Girl. “The Stuff Heroes are made of” contained important themes about bullying and the social system in a school. The production told the audience the importance of not judging a book by its cover. Innes’ costumes were outstanding, as the cast looked uniform and well-organised. Cambridge followed shortly, with their comedy “Superhero Support Group.” The production showed a bunch of troubled individuals, with superpowers, being manipulated by an evil doctor. The doctor sought to drain all of their powers and in doing so, the characters realise who they are without them. Cambridge used the stage exceptionally well in terms of props. They cleverly wove the script into current songs, which added to the comedic element of the play. A special mention to Samantha Chamisa, as Shade, whose accents and body language had the audience laughing out loud. Jessica Zietsman won Best Cameo performance.

INTER-HOUSE EVENTS

Inter-house Forum Discussions For the first time in many years, one house dominated both the Junior and the Senior competitions. The forum teams of Innes House outclassed their opposition with a fine display of chairmanship by Katherine Harris of the Seniors and Caitlin Millard of the Juniors.

Although all the Junior team members needed to project their voices more audibly, the overall content and quality of their discussions was of a fairly high standard. Only 15 points separated the top four houses and three points separated the winners and runners-up. Caitlin Millard chaired the Innes team (Siohbãn Bottomley, Hannah More O’Ferrall, Zahra Mohamed and Emma Williams) to discuss a wide range of issues on the topic, “Celebrities are not good role-models for our youth”. Runners–up, Marchand, chaired by Sabrina-Belle Roberts, also provided a fairly in-depth look at the topic “Like it or not, winning is everything”.

The 2014 junior results were as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Innes: 216 Marchand: 213 Cambridge: 205 Bleby: 201 Michiel Vos: 178

The Junior Speaker Awards were as follows: Best Chairperson: Caitlin Millard (Innes) First Best Speaker: Emma Sacco (Marchand) Joint Second Best Speakers: Megan Tromp (Cambridge) and Emma Williams (Innes) The Innes senior team members (Jarita Harris, Daniellé Lund, Amy Ledwidge and Aidan Dette) led by their chairperson, Katherine Harris, were definitely the most well-rounded team. They dealt exceptionally well with the Martin Luther King junior quote, “If a man has not discovered something he would die for, he isn’t fit to live.” In addition to winning the competition, Innes made a clean sweep of all the best speaker awards.

The 2014 Senior results were as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Innes: 324 Michiel Vos: 282 Bleby: 267 Cambridge: 261 Marchand: 226

The senior adjudicators made the following awards: Best Chairperson: Katherine Harris (Innes) First Best Speaker: Amy Ledwidge (Innes) Second Best Speaker: Daniellé Lund (Innes)

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INTER-HOUSE EVENTS

Inter-house Cross Country This event took place on the same day as the combined Rustenburg High School and Junior School birthday fun run celebration. The weather played along superbly, as the rain stayed away for the race. Said Sport Manager, Ms Vivienne Williams, “The running ability of the Rustenburg learners always amazes me. We spend so much effort encouraging the girls to participate in this 3km running event. We are met with indecision, negativity, lack of interest and lack of self-belief in their own ability. Again this year, the girls put in some very pleasing and fine running performances. We cannot force the learners to participate, but the joy on their faces once they have crossed the finish line, is worth all the nagging and cajoling that is needed to get these girls to give it a go.” Elle Mouton (Grade 11), a joint winner of the 3km race said of the race, said, “It is always a highlight in my year, but this year exceeded all expectations. The day kicked off with the main race which I found very thrilling because of all the competitiveness of the runners forcing everyone to push themselves. What made it even more spectacular, was the support and the spirit that was given by the rest of the school. The challenging new 3km route even included a sneak peek of the new AstroTurf. This race has taught me, and many other girls, that it is always possible to push yourself a little bit further and that in the end, it’s worth the effort.”

3 km Race Results: Top Twenty: 1st 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 17th 18th 19th 20th

Elle Mouton 13.00 Zoë Naude 13.00 Emily Hobson 13.04 Kayleigh Beattie 13.35 Kristeen Swanepoel 13.42 Ylva Hultkrantz 13.46 Saskia van der Merwe 13.47 Lauren Hales 13.52 Caitlin Truter 13.58 Juliet Wilson 14.00 Eden Paarwater 14.02 Jenna Frost 14.11 Megan Frost 14.26 Kelsey Pike 14.19 Jacqueline Sissons 14.47 Meg Wilson 14.47 Kirra Syndercombe 14.50 Candice-Lee Uys 14.57 Samantha McCrindle 15.00 Savannah Anderson 15.02

Inter-House results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

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Marchand 151 points Cambridge 147 points Innes 138 points Michiel Vos 102 points Bleby 89 points

INTER-HOUSE EVENTS

Inter-house Gala The annual Inter-house Gala was held on 7 February. Much fun was had by all who attended and participated in this very enjoyable and positive event. The house captains came up with wonderful themes. Innes captured the coveted Spirit Award in 2014.

CAMBRIDGE (green): Peter Pan and Tinkerbell INNES (blue): Flight Attendants BLEBY (pink): Japan MICHIEL VOS (red): Minnie Mouse MARCHAND (yellow): Bob the Builder The Grade 11 swimmers again won the Grade Relay. This team of swimmers has won the grade relay since Grade 9. They even managed to dip under their record set last year. In 2014 the teachers were represented by two teams (12 members of staff) and were pipped at the post by the sports captains, but convincingly beat the pupil teams. This gala saw many of our younger swimmers rewriting the record books, once again. Individual record breakers were: U14 100m Individual Medley: Savanna Best U14 50m Freestyle: Robyn Freeman U14 50m Butterfly: Savanna Best U16 100m Individual Medley: Kristin Bellingan U16 50m Breastroke: Caroux de Lange U16 50m Butterfly: Kristin Bellingam U19 50m Breastroke: Caitlin Truter U19 Medley Relay: Rebecca Parsons, Chelsea van Rensburg, Tanur Faber, Rebecca Haines (Marchand)

Individual overall positions:

U14 Champion: Robyn Freeman, 2nd Savanna Best, 3rd Emma Kersten U16 Champion: Caroux de Lange, 2nd Kristin Bellingham, 3rd Alexandra Heiberg U19 Champion: Caitlin Truter, 2nd Chelsea van Rensburg, 3rd Tiana Hansraj

Final House Points:

First place: Marchand (103 points) Second place: Bleby (97 points) Third place: Michiel Vos (83 points) Fourth place: Innes (75 points) Fifth place: Cambridge (63 points)

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SOCIETIES & EVENTS

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

SOCIETIES AND EVENTS

Interact Interact had another busy year, starting with the Annual Christmas Party in December 2013. Interact hosted 100 underprivileged children between the ages off four and 10. The societies at school arranged fun-filled activities such as icing biscuits, jumping castles, craft making and a photo booth. Spur and Pick ‘n Pay sponsored food and drinks for the children to enjoy during a magic show performed by a student from The College of Magic. There was much excitement when Father Christmas and the fairies gave each child with a present and a goodie bag. The Interact Talent Show was successful and had an audience of 400 people. Acts included group and solo vocalists, a magician, LED firedancers, a drummer as well as ballet and gymnastics that were fit for theatre. Herschel’s A Capella group, Fusion, and the Eoan Crew were the entertainment and talented guest acts. Our three judges for the evening were Ben Peters (a member of the GoodLuck duo), Sven Ruygrok (best known for his role in “Spud” as Rambo) and Kate Vlok (the 2013 Headgirl and Head of Interact). Over R10 000 was raised and was used to buy essential groceries for Ubuntu House and Christine Revell Children’s Home. The proceeds from the tuckshop were used to buy the families of patients with blood-related disorders tickets to attend a musical production in aid of the Sunflower Fund. Laura Hartmann and Dominique McFall were sponsored by Rotary to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp held in March. They spent a long weekend participating in physical activities to develop their leadership potential and shared ideas with their new friends from schools across the Western Cape that were equally focused on doing community outreach. Julia Darke attended the camp in September 2013 and was invited to return as a peer leader for the 2014 camp. We held an Easter Egg Drive in aid of Vrygrond Library and were able to donate to Red Cross Children’s Hospital, Christine Revell Children’s Home and SOS Children’s Village too on account of the drive being so well supported! Form classes were asked to create their own unique boxes in which to put their Easter eggs. About 2000 marshmallow eggs were collected. We delivered the eggs to the library, hospital and children’s homes where they were received with great excitement! Our blanket drive for the Winter Knights Campaign was well supported. A stationery drive was also held and the collected items will be going to underprivileged children who do not have the required tools for completing their schoolwork.

Camp during the June holidays. The young leaders who attended the camp spent a week visiting exciting places such as the High Court, the University of Cape Town, the Mayoral Offices and Parliament. Their evenings were spent doing team-building exercises, listening to inspiring motivational speakers and bonding. The annual Huis Lückhoff tea took place on 26 July. The residents were treated to sweets and savouries provided by the Interact Committee. The morning ended off on a high note when Interact donated a gift voucher from Game to the home to allow them to buy something that they needed. Both the girls and the residents left with broad smiles. In August, Rustenburg’s Interact Club was awarded the prestigious Presidential Citation for the term 2013 – 2014. We were one of six Interact Clubs in the entire district (which expands to Namibia) awarded with this honour. The Rotary District Governor, Mr Vyv Deacon, handed over the citation to our Interact President, Dominique McFall. At least four of nine criteria needed to be met to qualify for the citation, including participating in a school or community service project that supports one of Rotary’s areas of focus. To celebrate Women’s Month in August, Interact and the RCL ran a drive to collect Care Packages for the Zoe Project. The Zoe Project is an organisation that aims to help underprivileged and abused pregnant women and teenagers. Each pack contained a face cloth, toothbrush, sanitary items, lotion, soap and a handmade card containing a message of encouragement. 200 packages were dropped off at Retreat Day Hospital. The first ever Sun Run was held on 15 August and received tremendous support. With the help of over 1000 participants, the event raised over R38 500! We were delighted to see so many participants dress up for their run or walk. A special mention needs to be made of Ms Susan Schnetler and Ms Gill Blackshaw who agreed to dress-up if we raised more than R8000 worth of entries from Rustenburg participants alone. We managed to surpass this goal. All of the money raised by the Sun Run was divided in half and donated to two beneficiaries. Half of the money was put into a trust fund to contribute to the costly Cystic Fibrosis treatments that Richard Burger, a Rondebosch Grade 10, has had to undergo in recent years. The other half was donated to the Sunflower Fund which will be used for the tissue-type testing of potential bone marrow donors. We could not have managed to hold such a successful event without the incredible generosity of our 40 sponsors who provided us with prizes for our runners and walkers. Interact made a valuable contribution to Blisters for Bread and the Stop Hunger Now Campaign during the year too.

On 27 June, the Interact committee collaborated with the RCL to run a mass sandwich making event in the main quad. Girls in the school participated by bringing loaves of bread, peanut butter, jam and their helping hands. 321 loaves were donated and 3 800 sandwiches were made and distributed to four schools and two informal settlements in Elsiesrivier.

Emily O’Ryan attended the Rotary Organised Adventure into Citizenship Third row, from left: Kauthar Salie, Sarah Shamley, Hannah AbrahamsCrocker, Julia Darke, Walda van der Merwe, Alyxé Rosenberg Second row, from left: Hana Kabat, Jessica Walters, Jordan Philander, Stéphanie Pereira, Rebecca Plaatjies First row, from left: Sumayah Mia, Aaliyah Vayez, Tayla McGregor, Areej Gamieldien, Saaliha Jaffer, Laila Haffejee Seated, from left: Samantha Culligan, Laura Hartmann, Ms Monika Brandt, Dominique McFall (Head), Ms Maureen Burchell, Yi-Tin Michelle Yuan (Deputy), Emily O’Ryan RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

SOCIETIES AND EVENTS

Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity Build The Habitat for Humanity Build took place over five days between 23 and 27 June in Pelican Park. 60 students from Rustenburg volunteered their services to the community in this project. They were accompanied by students from Westerford High School, Herschel and Rondebosch Boys’ as well as team leaders made up of people living in the community, who have benefited from the Habitat for Humanity Pelican Park Project. This is a three-year project that aims at developing a sustainable community, consisting of houses, schools, shopping centres and services. The day began at 8am when the team met at the local church and then headed off to the building site, where they carried brick after brick and plastered cement until 4pm. They were treated to koeksisters made by the community at tea time, followed by a tour of the development of the community thus far. The students were encouraged to interact and spend time talking with their team leaders to obtain a better understanding of the life they lead. Although the day was tiring, it was an experience that could not be taught in the classroom and was well worth the painful muscles that lingered for several days afterwards. Habitat for Humanity Committee First row, from left: Amy McConnell, Tamarah Pike, Tahira Abrahams, Lu-jaine Isaacs, René Zinn, Grace Abrahams-Crocker Seated, from left: Chelsea Muir, Samantha Culligan (Head), Ms Lorraine Gardiner, Summer Thompson, Haidee Davis

Habitat for Humanity Cyclathon This year’s Habitat for Humanity 25-hour Cyclathon, organised by the BRIC committee and held at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, raised a record total of R65 772, 95 in aid of the charity. The Cyclathon kicked off on 31 January at 5pm and ended on 1 February at 6pm. The BRIC Committee is made up of learners from Rustenburg Girls’ High School, Bishops, Westerford High School, Herschel Girls and Rondebosch Boys’ High School who work together every year to organise the fundraising event. For the duration of the Cyclathon, there were eight stationary bicycles on the Amphitheatre stage. Cyclists were made up of members of the BRIC committee and the general public. In order to raise money throughout the 25 hours, paper “bricks” (raffle tickets) were sold by the committee members and hourly prize draws were held. Prizes included Canon cameras, tablets, weekends away, hampers and vouchers. Throughout the event, the crowd was entertained by various bands including Undercover, The Oxygen Thieves, The Coast, Early Hours, Cotton Lane, Fusion, The Natives, HeyFever, Ivory and The Paint Club. Even the official Springbok Rugby Mascot, Bokkie, made an appearance. Habitat for Humanity is a worldwide, non-profit, non-governmental organisation that aims at eliminating substandard housing. Rustenburg not only supports the NGO through the annual Cyclathon but also gets involved in Habitat for Humanity site builds.

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SOCIETIES AND EVENTS

Earth Children 2014 was another busy year for the Earth Children Society. Under the leadership of Sarah Donde and Jessica Zietsman, the committee worked hard to spearhead several exciting projects.

Conservation Week (3 – 9 March) was made special with an assembly visit from conservationist Dr David Gwynne-Evans. We enjoyed his eccentric approach and creative ecological ideas. On 7 March the third Rights for Rhino concert raised awareness around the growing concern of poaching in South African game reserves. The concert kicked off with Savuyisa, wowing the crowd. Other generous and talented home-grown talent included Emma Bergh with Jessica Meeser on guitar, and Aimée George accompanied on guitar by Maisie WilliamsSales. David Gwynne- Evans, got the crowds to their feet with his “let’sstart-a-movement” attitude. Local bands Cotton Lane, Oxygen Thieves, Ivory, Paint Club and Chris Werge, who gave generously of their time and energy, were greatly appreciated. The music was of an exceptional quality and varied from calm indie sounds to heavier, energetic beats. Haley-Anne Box did a splendid job as MC and helped the order of events to run smoothly. SoundOut, a professional sound and lighting equipment provider and production company, kindly provided all the equipment and excellent service for free. As a result of the generosity of all involved. We were able to donate R18000 to the Wild Life Act Fund, an initiative that does excellent work in protecting our wildlife. On 6 June the Earth Children Committee members and several Rustenburg students did another river clean up of the Liesbeek. A wonderful bonding opportunity for the girls, this experience really emphasised how a little bit of conscious thinking can make a really big difference. A focus for the year was streamlining the recycling system. We are very grateful to Mr Siebrits, his team and Sarah Donde for arranging the recycling areas within the school, making recycling accessible to all.

Earth Children Committee

First row, from left: Jessica Smith, Mubeenah Gangraker, Ms Jackie Chambers, Megan van Westenbrugge, Julie Chandler Seated, from left: Brogan Poulton, Zeenat Jacobs, Sarah Donde (Head), Jessica Zietsman, Nicole Mehnert

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SOCIETIES AND EVENTS

International Exchanges

During December 2013 and 2014 seven Rustenburg Grade 11s went on International programmes. Karla Lützeler left on the FSA-Youth Exchange programme for Mittlerode, just outside Springe (near Hannover) in Germany. She met with her host family who did not speak a word of English and had to put her four years of German learning to good use. As a result she has returned feeling quite confident about speaking German. She experienced the German Christmas markets, Glühwein, and enjoyed the traditional foods most of all. Katherine Davidson arrived via Istanbul in Soltau, also near Hannover, Germany, where she stayed with Lisa Seefeld, who had visited Rustenburg with Rotary Exchange in June 2013. She went to school with Lisa and enjoyed their not wearing a uniform and that school ended at 1pm. Two weeks into the stay she went to Bonn to join the other exchange students from Rotary International on a tour of Germany and Austria. They had a wonderful three days of skiing. Back with Familie Seefeld for Christmas, Katherine experienced this German tradition with the extended family. She would recommend the Rotary International Exchange to all! Natalie Davidson headed off with Rotary to Normandy, France, to the little village of Mortage-au-Perche. Her host sister, Caroline Pasquert, had visited us in July 2013. She loved doing Philosophy at school and enjoyed the monuments and museums in town. Skiing near Innsbruck was a highlight, as well as trying foie gras and snails! On her day in Paris she enjoyed the ferris wheel and the Musée de Orsay as well as an exhibition of Frieda Kahlo’s work. Also in France was Eden Howard, who went North West to Plasnes, a place so small that it is not even on the map! She was welcomed with open arms and was taken sightseeing in the countryside and cities. She enjoyed the French school life, the busyness of Paris and spending time with Rachel Raciner, who had stayed with Eden for some weeks last year.

Kate James had a good time in Ponta Grossa, in the south of Brazil, where she met up with our boy-pupil Guilherme, who visited us in June 2013. Highlights were: flitting across the border to Argentina and Paraguay and seeing some of the biggest waterfalls in the world. The food was difficult to become used to, but she loved the warmth and friendliness of the people. Emma Bergh visited Hungary, where she went to stay in Budapest with her Rotary Exchange sister, Bori Bernat. Bori had been resident in Erinville with Emma when she visited Rustenburg. Kirsten Pienaar was placed in the top 22 in the country in the German Olympiad 2013 and, with seven other South African learners, was awarded a Pädogogischer Austauschdienst bursary to visit Germany in June/July 2014. They joined learners from 99 countries and were divided into groups of 12, Kirsten’s group representing Columbia, Brazil, Ecuador, India, Kazakhstan, Mexico and South Africa. After spending a few days in Bonn sight-seeing, Kirsten’s group spent two weeks with host families in Neustadt an der WeinstraBe, experiencing the German culture and attending school. Week 3 began in Berlin, with touring and sight-seeing far more intense than in Bonn. The city is a social and cultural hub with a complex and fascinating history. The final week was spent in Munich. They went up the Zugspitze, the highest point in Germany. It was sad saying goodbye, but the new friendships will continue via social media – in the only language common to all, German. At the end of the Term 2 we said sad goodbyes to Hannah Profitlich from Berlin, Germany, and Franziska Sallman from Switzerland, both of whom spent a happy year as Rustybugs. Emily O’Ryan heads off to Germany in December on a four week FSA exchange. We look forward to reporting on her visit next year.

The Bug Rustenburg’s student produced magazine, The Bug, has continued amuse pupils and teachers alike over the course of the year with its quirky and entertaining approach to various themes. The 2013/14 committee, led by Emily Roberts (Editor) and Aaliyah Vayej (Deputy), worked exceptionally hard to refine the quality of the magazine by expanding the committee and brainstorming together to come forward with original and contemporary ideas. Four fantastic issues were published, the first being a Salute to Summer Edition that prepared readers for unwinding over the December holidays. The committee then kicked off 2014 with an Awkward Edition, addressing teenage woes and whims in a humorous manner. Simultaneously, the first Bug Competition was launched and winners received prizes from the businesses of Rustenburg’s very own entrepreneurial students. The MidYear Madness Edition provided comic relief for weary students after the June examination period. The year ended on a high with THE SUPERBUG Edition, an issue on all things fantastical, and another of The Bug’s famed trips to Marcels Frozen Yoghurt with Ms Keevy, to celebrate! RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

SOCIETIES AND EVENTS

Ignition Ignition is the Christian Union at Rustenburg. We meet every Thursday at second break to gather as a community and to learn from, encourage and walk with each other in our faith. Our programme generally consists of a speaker from a local church addressing a relevant topic and time spent in small grade groups, connecting with each other. Some of the topics we have addressed this year are: loving God and each other being the basis of our lives, and God’s greatest commandment; ‘Grace’ and the true power it has in our lives; what it means to be a real community and authentic people; and difficult questions surrounding Christianity. The biggest event this year was RCU Camp. It is an annual camp held by the Rondebosch and Rustenburg Christian Unions at Rocklands Centre in Simonstown. This year’s theme was Restless: What Are You Searching For? Speakers Mr Kent Locke and Mr Peter Landry explored this theme throughout the weekend. We looked at how many of us search for identity, purpose and love in earthly things which so often fail us. These are only found in God, who will then bring rest to our hearts. We also explored the flip side of this: God calls us to restlessly pursue our relationships with Him and to pursue bringing others to meet with Him. The weekend consisted of games, worship, talks, workshops, good food and free time. Rocklands has beautiful fields, a big pool and two trampolines. It is also overlooks a stunning view of the sea and the mountains. There was time each morning for everyone to be alone in contemplation, prayer or simply sitting and appreciating the beautiful surroundings. Four workshops addressing various relevant topics were held on the Saturday afternoon and everyone could choose two to attend. Many outside leaders from various churches, several of them Old Boys and Girls, were also asked to help out on camp as speakers, dorm leaders, workshops and worship leaders. We formed a strong leadership team and worked well together.

We even managed to pull off a water fight in ambush-style!

Ignition Committee

Standing, from left: Caitlin Fleming, Annemieke Lourens, Jessica Slater, Anja Mühr, Julia Darke, Megan Frost, Keabetsoe Nchodu Seated, from left: Jordan Philander, Ms Maileen Jamey, Rowan Banks (Head), Ms Lindy Waller, Ashton Sims (Deputy)

MSA Camp The activities of the MSA were spearheaded by our camp in February. This was followed by the annual Fun Day hosted at Rustenburg with the help of learners from Rondebosch, SACS, Westerford and Wynberg Boys’. The MSA hosted a camp at the Glencairn Rotary Youth Exchange campsite in Simon’s Town. Girls from all grades participated in the various fun events while learning about Islam. These ranged from a quiz on Islamic knowledge, a scavenger hunt where girls were placed in each of the teams named Boeber, Falooda and Samoosa, an obstacle course, a swimming session, an inspirational talk, as well as an Islamic Fashion Show. In Term 2 we ventured onto Constantia Nek for a hike which ended with a picnic in Kirstenbosch. We were able to use the money raised from the Fun Day to help the organisation Agentz4Change and buy toiletries in aid of their collection for underprivileged children. One of the founder members gave an inspirational talk at school. In order to provide spiritual benefit to learners as they headed towards the June examinations, we decided to host our annual thikr (prayer session). Due to the greater part of Ramadaan being during the June holidays, our annual Iftaar was held in the first week of the June-July holidays. This event was well supported. The money which was raised was donated to Beitul Aman Old Age home via the SACS annual collection and a huge pot of food was distributed to the less fortunate.

MSA Committee

Standing, from left: Nousheenah Parker, Azraa Kannemeyer, Ilhaam van der Schyff, Zahraa Badat, Sharta Kalam Seated, from left: Imaan Allie, Afeefa Emeran, Ms Zargielay Rabeh, Aneesah Wohab, Zakiyyah Sablay

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SOCIETIES AND EVENTS

Staff Ice Bucket Challenge On 26 September several Rustenburg staff members accepted the infamous Ice Bucket Challenge, to raise further funds for St Luke’s Hospice, the charity supported by the school’s 2014 drama production of “HAIR RAISING”. R2800 was raised by the event. Pupils of the school were invited to bid, or pledge money, to splash cold water on their teacher of choice. Much fun and laughter was shared as the school gathered around the Main Quad for this highly anticipated event.

First in the Western Cape, Second in the Country

Bianca Rijkmans (Grade 9) was invited to attend the fourth annual Natural Sciences Olympiad Awards Function held in Pretoria in October this year. The Natural Sciences Olympiad (for Grades 7 – 9) was written on 8 May. There were over 37 000 participants country wide, including 60 entrants from Rustenburg. Ms Monika Brandt (Head of Natural Sciences) accompanied Bianca to this prestigious event which was attended by learners and teachers from all over the country. The day before the Awards Function, the excited group toured Pretoria’s National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, discovered fascinating scientific puzzles at Sci-Enza (the science centre at the University of Pretoria) and was amazed by the camera obscura (a pin-hole camera that allows one to see 360° of the surrounding area) located on the roof of the Chemistry Department at the University of Pretoria. At the actual ceremony, which had been preceded by much anticipation, it was announced that Bianca Rijkmans had placed second in the country, and first in the Western Cape. Bianca walked away with a tablet, a beautiful trophy and a Silver certificate.

Rustenburg’s own AstroTurf The construction of an AstroTurf playing field on the High School grounds was a combined venture on the part of Rustenburg High and Junior Schools, a gesture made even more poignant in light of the celebrations of the schools’ 120th birthday. Technological advances in the playing of hockey have made an AstroTurf field a necessity at school level and the Rustenburg teams have struggled to find time to practice on AstroTurf fields rented from other schools and clubs. Matches too, even home matches, have been played at venues far from the school for years. We are looking forward to being able to host crowds of spectators watching Rustenburg teams play sport on the Rustenburg campus on a Saturday morning. Hockey is the number one winter sport at Rustenburg, with High and Junior Schools having ten teams each, but it is not the only sport that would benefit from the new field. Having an all-weather surface available for the two schools to use year-round would helpful to netball and touch rugby, as well as the Physical Education component of Life Orientation lessons. RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

We had hoped to be able to construct the AstroTurf on the field above the swimming pool in time to be used during the 2014 season, but delays in obtaining planning permission meant that this was not possible. In the end, the Rustenburg Schools’ Astroturf was formally opened by WP Hockey President, Mr Feico Mulder, on 14 October. The fields were inaugurated by several informal hockey matches between High and Junior School teams, parents and their daughters, and past and present pupils. The field was constructed without floodlights as fundraising efforts are on-going to add this feature to the facility. A “Buy a Plot” campaign, whereby parents can sponsor metre-square plots of the new AstroTurf at a cost of R500 each, has been set up and sponsorship opportunities exist for the goal boxes and other high-use areas of the field, advertising hoardings around the field as well as naming rights for the field itself.

SOCIETIES AND EVENTS

Afri-twin Bluebells, bridges, glass structures, old structures, quaint cottages, grand universities, warm baths and good food: this was all part of our experience in England when Rustenburg visited our twin school in the United Kingdom, Stroud High. This was a reciprocal visit, and we were able to renew acquaintances. Ms Laura Bekker and Ms Maureen Burchell accompanied pupils Laura Hartmann, Buhle-Bemvelo Zimba and Shakeelah Banderker for a very busy, fun-filled and educational week. We were joined by Mr Masanda Matakane and Zuzeka Goba from Mfuleni High. Our first weekend was spent in London, where we were determined to see as much as possible within 24 hours. This included a tour of the Tower of London and a viewing of the crown jewels, a walk along the South Bank, passing Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and a huge morning market, a ride on the London Eye to get a bird’s eye-view of the city, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and Covent Garden. After an exciting trip down the Thames and lunch on a private barge, we drove to Stroud, where we met the home-stay families and settled in for the week. Stroud is a quaint village in the middle of the Cotswolds. Once famous for its wool industry, the creative spirit has not been lost and its reputation today is for quality arts, local produce and alternative thinking. The author, Laurie Lee, hails from Stroud and the lawn mower was invented there. Stroud High serves the greater Cotswolds area. Up to year 11, it is a girls’ school, but in the final two years, the brother and sister schools join and become one. Although the British system of education is quite different from ours in South Africa, the ethos of the school is very similar. Our girls spent the week shadowing their home-stay sisters and making new friends, while Ms Bekker, Mr Matakane and Ms Burchell held discussions with the Stroud teachers and heads, and observed lessons.

Buhle and Shakeela experienced travelling to school by train every day. We were also treated to a delicious cream tea at The Pump House in Bath and a tour of an Oxford University College to round off our educational experience. Afri-twin is a whole-school project. The Afri-twin focus for the year was sustainability. Our Physical Sciences department encouraged girls to do their Science project about sustainability. We were able to share these with Stroud High. All learned a great deal from these projects. Thanks largely to the efforts of Ms Jackie Chambers, Rustenburg is already recognised as an eco-school. Rustenburg’s Earth Children undertake projects like the vegetable garden and cleaning up the Liesbeek River. Stroud is setting up a vegetable garden in their school and their Science department plans to build a greenhouse out of Coke bottles. Two members of the Stroud staff, Ms Ria Patel and Ms Karen Whitehead, visited Rustenburg in May. They were taken to the Oranjezicht Urban Garden and are keen to help us support Mfuleni High in setting up their own garden, under the guidance of Abalini Bezekhaya, an NGO that is involved in these gardens in the Cape Flats. We were also linked to Kriste Mambo Girls’ High in Zimbabwe. Their Deputy Principal, Mr Joseph Manhuwayi, visited Rustenburg in June. We would love to take girls on future visits to both Kriste Mambo and Stroud High.

Afri-twin Committee

Standing, from left: Jayde van Blerk, Zakiyah Mia, Buhle-Bemvelo Zimba, Tayla Anthony, Jenna Lovegrove, Sumayah Mia Seated, from left: Ashleigh Womack, Ms Maureen Burchell, Laura Hartmann, Ms Zuleigah Galer, Emma Bergh

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SOCIETIES AND EVENTS

Afrikaans Vereniging Die Afrikaans-Vereniging by die Hoër Meisieskool Rustenburg wil leerders die geleentheid gee om die Afrikaanse kultuur te ontdek en te beleef. Die vereniging skop elke jaar af met ‘n AFRIKAANSDAG. Hierdie jaar is dit op 10 Maart gehou. Afrikaansdag begin met die Afrikaans-byeenkoms waar die meisies die geleentheid kry om aan die res van die skool te wys wat hulle in die Afrikaansklas doen. Ons gassprekers by die byeenkomste is gewoonlik bekende skrywers wat die meisies kom toespreek. So wil ons aan hulle bewys dat Afrikaans wel lewe en dat mens selfs jou brood in Afrikaans kan verdien! Ons gasspreker hierdie jaar was Dianna Ferrus – ‘n skrywer, digter en storie-verteller. Diana het haar welbekende gedig vir Sarah Baartman (wat oorspronklik in Engels verskyn het as I’ve come to take you home) voorgedra. Haar passievolle voordrag het die meisies en leerkragte se harte geraak. Afrikaansdag is vol pret en sluit onder andere skryf- en eetkompetisies en speletjies in. Die Afrikaans-Vereniging se tydskrif Die Muggie is weer in Septembermaand gepubliseer. Leerders se skryfvaardighede word in die tydskrif ten toon gestel. Afrikaanse artikels word deur die leerders self geskryf, onderhoude word gevoer en leerders kry die kans om hulself uit te leef in die taal. Die nuwe komitee vir 2014 -2015 is onlangs gekies en dit is verblydend dat al meer leerders hulself bereid stel om deel van die vereniging te wees. Hul entoesiasme en planne vir 2015 kan net beteken dat die Afrikaans–Vereniging by Rustenburg in die toekoms beter en groter gaan groei.

Afrikaans Vereniging Gasspreker Die Afrikaans-Vereniging het op 10 Maart hul jaarlikse Afrikaansdag gehou. Ons dag het afgeskop met ‘n byeenkoms waar ons meisies aan die res van die skool kon wys wat hulle in die Afrikaansklas leer. Ons gasspreker was Diana Ferrus – ‘n skrywer, digter en storie-verteller. Sy is ‘n stigterslid van die Afrikaanse Skrywersvereniging, Bush Poets en Women in Xchains. Diana is welbekend vir haar gedig vir Sarah Baartmann I’ve come to take you home. Hierdie gedig is oorspronklik in Engels geskryf en later in Afrikaans vertaal. Wat ‘n belewenis was dit nie om na haar passievolle voordrag te luister nie. Haar entoesiasme vir die Afrikaanse taal, haar onopgesmuktheid en haar inspirerende woorde aan die meisies het almal wat geluister het, geraak . Die dag is ook opgekikker met ander opwindende aktiwiteite. Eerste pouse was daar die pannekoek-kompetise waar deelnemers soveel pannekoeke moontlik moes eet. Die wenner was natuurlik die een wat die meeste kon eet! Geluk, Jaime Newdigate (D1)! Tweede pouse was dit weer die graad 8’s se beurt om te kompeteer in die boeresport-kompetisie. Dit het speletjies soos toutrek en sakresies ingesluit. A4 het hul boerebloed gewys en die kompetisie gewen!

Afrikaans Vereniging

Standing, from left: Emma Bergh, Shannen Beukes, Amelia Dionisio, Ayesha Korowlay Seated, from left: Firdous Khan, Ellen-Marie Trautmann, Ms Norma Caesar, Haley-Anne Box, Nuzhah Jacobs

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Photographic Team

Second row, from left: Sarah du Toit, Abigail Baker, Dominique Nothnagel, Nousheena Ebrahim, Lindsay Llewellyn, Brittany Gouws, Abigail Tudge, Bianca Blair, Emma Du Toit First row, from left: Ursula Hardie, Genevieve Morris, Lily van Rensburg, Franki Lock, Gillian Williams, Kirstin Shaw Seated, from left: Athraa Fakier, Bronwyn Barratt, Tanri de Lange (Head), Ms Karen Cronje, Samantha Culligan (Deputy), Aaliyah Davids, Kirsty Daniels Absent: Lauren Wilson, Ashira Yodaiken

SOCIETIES & EVENTS Blood Donor Committee

Standing, from left: Jayde van Blerk, Ms Perdita Norval, Stefni Handt Seated, from left: Sara Raciet, Ammaarah Gamieldien, Kauthar Firfirey

Peer Tutoring

Cheerleaders

Standing, from left: Kathleen Holcroft, Zakiya Mia, Shasthra Naidoo, Zubeida Waggie Seated, from left: Sameenah Allie, Ms Leanne van Rensburg, Kate James

Standing, from left: Musa Makhoba, Amy van Vlaanderen, Hannah Abrahams-Crocker, Amy Joy Stöhrer, Summer Thompson, Iman Allie, Lindiwe Le Brasseur Seated, from left: Geordie Gottgens, Nicole Sorour (Head), Ms Nolundi Blayi, Morgan Shelly (Deputy), Jehaan Armien

Helen Keller The Helen Keller Society aims to help and bring joy to the elderly at the Helen Keller Home in Pinelands. Every second week girls visit the residents at the home to entertain them for an hour with storytelling, discussions and sometimes helping them to use their cellphones! It was amazing to see good relationships develop over these three generations. This year we were pleased to reintroduce visits to Huis Lückoff. Girls walked in groups to the home and had tea with several grannies at once. Phumzile Konile came up with the idea of asking the grannies to help us knit squares for the Interact Knitting Project. They added many squares to the collection. Standing: Ms Louise Lawrence Seated, from left: Nazneen Khan, Shakeela Banderker, Monique Hollis RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

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Pupils discuss leadership on Hectic Nine-9

Rustenburg’s young entrepreneur

On 17 February two of our school leaders, Caitlin Grüning (Grade 12) and Nokukhanya Zondi (Grade 9), took part in a panel discussion on SABC’s flagship youth television show “Hectic Nine-9”, Caitlin (Chairperson of the Representative Council of Learners) is also a school and Erinville House prefect, whilst Nokukhanya represents Grade 9 on the RCL. They were interviewed alongside pupils from Rhodes High School and Gardens Commercial. Both girls were asked about their leadership positions and projects run by the RCL, and whether there were aspects which may have discouraged them to step up to be considered for these positions. “Being on a live TV show was exciting. It made me appreciate the many leadership opportunities I have been given. I also learned that hard work really does pay off. It was interesting to hear about the leadership positions of Rhodes High and the role they play as RCL reps. Their duty is to organise grade camps and create other exciting activities,” said Nokukhanya.

Matric pupil, Nuzah Jacobs, started her online business The Ramp after she attended the Water Berry Kreate School Entrepreneurship Programme run by Mr Alex McLeod in 2013. The Ramp stocks stylish and unique jewellery, accessories, clothing and shoes and is run by Nuzah and her sister, Nihaad. Nuzah, encouraged by the course facilitator, was one of only a few students who started up a real business during the course. “After researching for about a month and a half, I ended up importing my first batch of jewellery, got my sister on board, created a Facebook page and website and The Ramp was in business,” she said. So far, the business has made R15 000 in three months which makes Nuzah the course’s top performer.

“I found the experience incredibly rewarding, as it was the first time I’ve ever had that kind of opportunity. I enjoyed meeting new people who are in schools which are completely different to ours, and being able to hear how their RCL operated. The hosts were friendly and welcoming, as were the rest of the backstage crew. The most valuable bit of information that I took away from this experience was realising just how privileged we are to be at Rustenburg,” said Caitlin.

Anja Mühr awarded Springbok Scout Badge Springbok Scout is the highest award that the South African Scout Association can bestow on any of the scouts engaged in their training programme. The Springbok badge takes about five years to achieve. During this time the scout has to advance through five levels before commencing with their specific Springbok projects. Matric pupil, Anja Mühr, also Deputy Headgirl (Seniors), was awarded this prestigious badge. Anja had to complete six main projects to become a Springbok Scout. These included constructing a large-scale pioneering project, planning and cooking a three-course meal over an open fire, leading a three-day camp for younger scouts, organising a community service project (covering 40 hours), leading a discussion with other scouts about mutual respect between people of different gender, race or cultural groups; and lastly leading a three-day hike in an area where she had not been before covering at least 30 km. Anja became a scout in 2009 when she was in Grade 7, and enjoys many of the exciting activities that the Scouts has to offer, especially hiking and kloofing in the mountains and rivers of the Western Cape. Said Anja, “Scouts teaches you many different practical and useful skills, but more importantly discipline, organisation, concern and appreciation for the environment and how to interact with all sorts of people of all ages and from many different cultures. The primary aim of scouting is to develop young people to become valuable and capable citizens in society. I have most appreciated the leadership training which is a very large focus of all scouting activities. I have also been grateful for the opportunities to apply what I have learnt. The biggest challenge is to incorporate these leadership skills into other environments outside of scouting.”

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Nuzah has always been interested in fashion, especially after she served on “Seventeen” Magazine’s Style Council in 2011. She says that in order to succeed in business, you need to do something that you are passionate about and will continue enjoying as time passes. The Ramp does a lot of marketing on social media sites, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and has been showcased on the current affairs television show “Against all Odds” on eNCA, Channel 403 DSTV. Nuzah concedes that getting a business off the ground is not easy and that it required a lot of sacrifice and late nights, but that she has learnt to persevere. Nuzah is planning to continue with The Ramp after Matric and hopes to study for a Business Science degree. She aims eventually to expand her online business and include physical stores to compete with other jewellery and clothing retailers. “Rustenburg has taught me invaluable skills such as how to manage my time, good work ethic and people skills, which definitely help when interacting with customers. I also found out about the entrepreneurship course through the school, so the many opportunities that Rustenburg offers learners, really benefit us in the long run,” said Nuzah.

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Cultural Society Dinner The Cultural Committee hosted their annual multi-cultural dinner. Tickets were bought by families, staff and girls. All those who attended enjoyed the cuisine from a variety of cultures. The night opened with starters of samoosas, pies and chilli bites, as well as entertainment from Rustenburg Irish and Indian dancers. Whilst the main course of Indian kalya and Oriental stir fry was served, special guest speaker, Ms Mushra Hartley, enlightened the guests about her Modest Muse App Culture and the role women play in today’s society. Cultural committee member, Jarita Kassan, then played a game with the audience where they had to guess which country a specific flag was from. This resulted in much laughter. Dessert of traditional Malay koeksisters and Afrikaans melktert was served and enjoyed. The night drew to a close when Cultural Society Head, Shasthra Naidoo, and Deputy, Taalia Crawley, extended their gratitude to all involved. Guests attended in their own cultural dress and MC, Aaliyah Vayez, announced Best Dressed, Most Authentic and Most Originally Dressed. The winners were Hannah Abdoll, Nausheena Ebrahim and Sabrina-Belle Roberts respectively.

AVT

Standing, from left: Ayesha Korowlay, Nabeelah Gangraker, Megan Lodder, Amber Goldberg Seated, from left: Saarah Asmal, Ursula Hardie (Deputy), Mr Francis Vogts, Michaela Mc Hugh (Head), Younsun Choi

Jabulani Jabulani had another busy year. On 8 March the Jabulani Choir participated in the Women’s Trade Fair held at the CTICC. BuhleBemvelo Zimba delivered a speech about her vision for South Africa. Jabulani also performed two songs, and Phenomenal Woman, by Maya Angelou. Neo Ramagaga conducted the group at cultural evenings of various schools, as well as during Rustenburg’s Youth Day and Women’s Day assemblies. This year Jabulani hosted a Dance Workshop which was instructed by Mr Silumko Koyana. Members were taught about the Zulu, Kwela and Pantsula dances. New moves were shown off at the Jabulani Evening. In preparation for the Jabulani Evening, a Jabulani Camp was held on 16 – 17 May. This camp consisted of a tight schedule of rehearsals. The highlight of the year was the Jabulani Evening on 20 June. This year’s theme, We are the Born Frees, was chosen to celebrate South Africa’s 20 years of democracy. Numerous other schools were invited: Rhenish, Wynberg Boys’ and Girls’, Claremont High and SACS. The Jabulani Choir, however, stole the spotlight with its recitation of “Born Free”, by Maria Shaw, as well as the dance finale to Beyoncé’s song, “Grown Woman”.

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World Challenge Vietnam World Challenge Adventurers: Caitlyn Abdoll, Ifeoluwa Alaba, Kristin Bellingan, Rachael England, Alexandra Heiberg, Kristen Naidoo, Emma Steyn, Ashleigh Voss, Josie Wissema, Phumzile Konile, Rachael Rumbelow, Kendra Saunders, Tara Panton

During the June holidays, a group of Rustenburg girls accompanied by Ms Zaandré Theron and Ms Brigid Ryan left a cold Cape Town for an adventure in Vietnam. Our first shock was the moment we stepped off the plane in Hanoi and were assaulted by the incredible heat and humidity that just sapped the energy right out of our bodies! There were more shocks to come: the noise, the smells, the buffalo! The food was delicious, but the teenage tongue still seemed to crave pasta and pizza now and again, although a few members of the team developed an addiction to Vietnamese iced-coffee. The initial challenge of the trip was trying to negotiate the noisy streets of the old quarter where the pavements were crowded with parked motorbikes and vendors selling anything from food to flowers and where the only solution was to walk in the street, Indian-file, hoping not to be knocked over by a taxi or motorbike! The girls took turns in being group leader and had to make decisions for the day about finances, accommodation, transport and food. They had to navigate, which is not an easy task in a city like Hanoi. For many of the girls the responsibility this placed on them was something new and perhaps even a little intimidating. The girls loved the much needed rest and relaxation at the end of the trip, at Halong Bay, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but for most of them the highlight was the time spent in the rural area of Mai Chau. We trekked through the hills and jungles of the area, stayed in the homes of the village people, shared their food, and were sometimes even spoilt with a herbal footbath. We stayed in the same area for our project phase and came to love the site of the beautiful paddy fields on the way to the project, falling asleep to the sounds of thunder and the occasional buffalo noises and waking to the noises of

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the roosters and the neighbourhood children. One of the girls said, “I was humbled by the Vietnamese people. They work so hard and don’t expect anything in return, yet they are all so happy and content with life. I learned to be gracious and happy with what I have.” For the leaders and some of the girls the trip was tough as many had to deal with heat stroke and vomiting (which resulted in two trips to hospital, one in the middle of the night!). We were in constant contact with the operation centre in the UK, but it was a sleepless and stressful time. Fortunately the local hosts and translator treated our group as if we were their own family so we were looked after well. These difficult times seemed to bond the girls into an even tighter group and it was lovely to see them supporting and caring for one another. A trip like this was an incredible experience. Teachers often comment on the way in which the girls have changed after World Challenge. They come back far more confident in themselves, and this is reflected in their work and interactions at school. We were really impressed with the way that Alexandra Heiberg (Grade 10) coped with her diabetes on the trip. She monitored her sugar levels so well. The group was great about collecting the spare Milo boxes for her to take on the hike and keeping an eye on her too. She set a fantastic example of how to cope with something like diabetes while living life to the full. Finally, congratulations must go to Rachael England who won the international competition for the best photos from World Challenge 2014. She won a tidy sum of money and will have the honour of her beautiful photograph being on the front of the calendar that is distributed to participating schools all over the world.

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Bon Appetit At the end of every year there is a feeling that this was the best year yet. 2014 has been another such year as Bon Appetit continued to produce food of exceptional quality. Their dedication, hard work and organisational skills constantly improved, becoming increasingly streamlined as they provided lunches for our ground staff, teas and lunch for the old girls, especially on Founders’ Day, and snacks for the New Parents’ evening. Even the Rondebosch boys came to cook! There was just no stopping the enthusiasm and good work. Bon Appetit is also appreciative to have Ms Linda Mallon back on its side. She is the quiet, effective silent partner who makes life easier for everyone in the kitchen.

Bon Appetit Committee

Third row, from left: Carolyn Mc Diarmid, Lauren Twiss, Shannon Pepper, Kirstyn-Lee Lategan, Ella-Jayne Potgieter, Shannen-Lee Beukes, Lauren Wilson, Stefni Handt, Jehaan Oberay Second row, from left: Haley-Anne Box, Nicole Mehnert, Kate James, Jenna Lovegrove, Laura de Klerk, Sabeegah Davids, Jayde van Blerk First row, from left: Maxine Kleinschmidt, Susan Marais, Claudia Schlettwein, Emma Bergh, Nuhaa Soeker, Ferial Najaar, Seul Pearl Jung, Alexandra Hanson Seated, from left: Boniwe Nyati, Michaela-Sue Cook, Ms Linda Mallon, Thania Koopman, Ms Anita Marshall, Firdous Khan, Nasreen Khan

Valentine’s Cake Competition This year, on Valentine’s Day (14 Feb), form classes pulled out all the stops to produce the most enticing cakes for the annual Valentine’s Cake Competition. Judges Mrs Penny and Ms Weston commented that the cakes were all outstanding and that picking winners had proved a challenging task. The winners by category were: Most Romantic (D1), Cutest (B3), Most Decadent (E2), Funniest (A2), Most Unique (C1), Greatest Artistic Flair (E4).

First Aid

There isn’t a day when First Aid is not required at Rustenburg. The qualified First Aiders and teachers are regularly called upon to offer their services, either during the week or over weekends at sport matches.

First Aid

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Third row, from left: Jarita Kassen, Maxine Wilcox, Liezl Cloete, Dominique Nothnagel, Keabetsoe Nchodu, Tayla Anthony, Revana Pillay, Mia van Aardt, Michaela Madurai Second row, from left: Chelsea Gibson, Dimakatso Nchodu, Amy van Vlaanderen, Hannah Abrahams-Crocker, Ammaarah Gamieldien, Emma du Toit, Rowan Banks First row, from left: Kauthar Firfirey, Sabeegah Davids, Isabella Cupido, Afeefa Emeran, Sara Raciet, Jehaan Armien Seated, from left: Raeeqah Kilshaw, Tanri de Lange, Bianca Da Molo, Madame Dominique Williams, Nicole Nel, Yusra Modack, Nasreen Rawoot

SOCIETIES & EVENTS

Debating The outgoing committee (Katherine Harris, Tumelo Moloto, Jarita Kassen, Tamsin Metelerkamp, Raeesah Shaik and Boniwe Nyati) had a successful year by ensuring the growth of the society and maintaining the legacy of Debating at Rustenburg. The junior and senior teams participated in the Rotary League for the first half of the year. The senior team won three of the five preliminary rounds (against Rhodes High, Rondebosch and Pinelands High) and lost narrowly to Islamia and St George’s Grammar. The senior team reached the octo-final of the Rotary League and unfortunately lost the debate to Hoërskool DF Malan. The junior team won their debate against St George’s Grammar. The team that participated in the National All Girls’ Schools Festival in Port Elizabeth in April consisted of: Katherine Harris (Captain), Tumelo Moloto, Raeesah Shaik, Jarita Kassen and Tamsin Metelerkamp. Rustenburg was ranked eighth out of the sixteen participating schools. Although the team did not reach the semi-finals, the team members maintained a high standard of debating and the newer members gained valuable experience. The seniors performed exceptionally well in the Provincial Championships held in August at Bishops. The team (Tamsin Metelerkamp (Captain), Raeesah Shaik, Sarah Grace, Katherine Harris and Tumelo Moloto) ranked third overall after winning five of the six preliminary debates. Rustenburg thus qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010. The team beat Rhenish in the quarter-finals but lost the semi-final debate to Westerford. Sarah Grace and Tamsin Metelerkamp were also chosen to represent the Western Cape at Nationals. Rustenburg also reached the semi-finals in the Facets Tournament at Sans Souci and the juniors developed their speaking skills by participating in a friendly tournament organised by Springfield. The new committee will surely continue the development of the Debating Society in 2015.

Tamsin Metelerkamp debates in Turkey In January 2014 Tamsin Metelerkamp (Grade 11) represented South Africa as a member of the DISA delegation, at the Eurasian Schools Debating Championships (ESDC) in Istanbul, Turkey. The DISA delegation was made up of six DISA teams. Tamsin belonged to a team, made up of students from Bishops, Cedar house, Springfield, SACS and Rustenburg. The ESDC is an annual open English language debating tournament for high school-level teams representing different countries. ESDC debates use a special format known as World Schools Style Debating. In each debate there are eight speeches delivered by two three-member teams (the Proposition and the Opposition). The top sixteen teams with highest number of wins and speaker points advance into single elimination octo-finals. Tamsin was one of two debaters from the team of five who broke in the top 25 speakers of the competition. Overall, DISA had nine delegation members break in the top 30, a number which did South Africa proud. “The tournament was filled with new and interesting experiences. Through both the debates and ordinary conversations, which among debaters are often like informal debates, I was able to gain new perspectives on many issues. I discussed socio-political situations with a girl from Sweden, argued about feminism with a Turk, and lost at chess to pretty much everyone. Our team did not break in the top eight, but as individual speakers, we performed well and developed further as debaters,” commented Tamsin.

Retro

The 2013 - 2014 Retro Committee kicked off Term 3 in style. First on the agenda was the committee shoot for photographs for the blog’s header. The committee attended a talk given by the Head of Genetics at UCT, Professor Raj Ramesar, on the Human Genome Project, which was hosted by the Rondebosch Boys’ History Society at Rondebosch. The end of Term 4 of 2013 saw the success of Retro’s annual Movie Day. R2000 of the profits raised was donated to Rustenburg’s Interact Club for its Huis Lückhoff Christmas Party. Similarly, 2014 too marked an immensely busy year for the Retro Committee. The year began when Retro organised a number of commemoration events for our late Tata Madiba. Later that term, the committee not only organised a society shoot to be used under the ‘Fashion’ tab of the blog, but a Retro Sporty shoot to advertise a Zumba class to be held at the end of Term 2. Both the Zumba class, along with a movie evening at which the film “Sabrina” was shown, proved to be popular events. In keeping with tradition, the committee ended off with a bang by organising Rustenburg’s second annual Youth Day Assembly at the end of Term 2. RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

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Celebrating 120 years of Excellence “What is it that makes a great school what it is? A school, in the end, is judged by its product. The girls who have left Rustenburg at the end of their school have been marked in some way or another by those 10 or so years that they have spent in growing up at the school. They have been influenced by their teachers, not only through what they have learnt in the formal instruction, but, more subtly, in their attitudes towards all aspects of life. This comes partly through the role models that teachers provide through their example; it also comes from the ‘ethic’ of the school in general and from the standards of work, morals and behaviour which are accepted as the norm in that school.” (Introduction to “White stoep on the highway”, Ms Josephine McIntyre, 1994) Gathered on 31 January to celebrate the 120th birthday of Rustenburg schools were some of the leaders whose vision has shaped the development of this respected Cape Town education institution. From left: Ms Mary van Blerk (Principal 1991 – 1999), Ms Di Berry (Principal of Rustenburg Junior School), Ms Josephine McIntyre (Principal 1980 – 1991 and author of “White stoep on the highway” which documents the history of Rustenburg), Ms Laura Bekker, Dr Elizabeth Fullard (Principal 1999 – 2006).

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Founders’ Day Guest Speaker, Ms Mary van Blerk Ms Mary van Blerk was principal of Rustenburg High School for Girls from 1991 to 1999. Twenty years ago, in 1994, we celebrated the centenary of our school, and I want to tell you something about those very special events, which only a few of the people here today can remember. We were very conscious that a big birthday was coming up and we started planning almost two years ahead, in 1992. A committee was formed, consisting of Old Girls, past as well as current staff and parents, and we started to make plans. The person who very kindly and very ably took overall charge of the project was Ms Anne Schlebusch, who at the time was Head of our English department and is an Old Girl. One of the first decisions we made was that rather than spread our celebrations over several months, we would centralise them over a short time early in the year, so that old girls who travelled from far away would be able to attend all the main functions, culminating in a special weekend. We had to decide whether that would be the first or the last weekend in February and very fortunately, as it turned out, we chose the last, to give our dedicated Music teachers another two or three weeks of rehearsals after the break of the Christmas holidays. That decision was such a blessing, because over the first weekend of February the rain just poured down and if we had chosen that one much would have been lost! Of course, we needed money to finance the celebrations and as part of the fundraising we produced and sold a lot of souvenirs such as sweat shirts, a special calendar, mugs, umbrellas and centenary sparkling wine. The person who spearheaded much of this and worked tirelessly at the catering too was Ms Reeler, one of the Deputy Principals of the high school. Ms Lennox, the Senior Deputy, who is here today, was also a great pillar of strength around whom much of the organisation revolved. Everyone worked so hard – the teachers, the secretaries and the ground staff, many parents and, of course, the girls. The first big event was a joint assembly at the Junior School, with musical items provided by the girls of both schools, and speeches given by the past headmistresses: Ms Jones, Ms Orton, Ms Thomson, and Ms Mcintyre, who is also here with us today. Ms Lentin and I, as the current Principals, were also involved, as were the School Governing Body chairpersons and the Rustenburg trust. 1250 girls were present. There was a great spirit of joy and excitement and at the tea afterwards there were many happy people. It was a wonderful occasion, uplifting to all of us. The following day, Saturday 29th, was the actual birthday. We celebrated with a little party in Erinville and drank a toast to our school. The special weekend events began on Thursday evening at the Junior School with a most successful joint Rustenburg concert which was repeated in the City Hall the following evening. Friday was an open day so parents and Old Girls could join in – here we had both junior and senior assemblies, then two periods of normal lessons followed by a programme of activities – a play, quizzes and a splendid archaeological dig, run most professionally by the History department, to give the girls a taste of the experience of making exciting archaeological finds. There was also a fine exhibition mounted in what is now the Dramatic Arts studio, of items relating to the history of this school and of education in general: desks, uniforms, books, charts, to mention some of them. This was the project of two retired members of staff, Ms Bowles and Ms Joubert, both now of fond memory. Ms Bowles had been a Rustenburg girl in the 30s and 40s and remembered as far back as the time of Ms Kemp, who was headmistress from 1916 to 1936. One Old Girl present at the centenary celebrations was the late Ms Gabriella Harrison, who by then was 102 years old, and could actually tell us what she remembered personally about Ms Bleby, the first High School Principal. It was amazing that Ms Harrison was with us, and she really added something special. RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

Another centenary event was the launch of the history of Rustenburg, which Ms McIntyre wrote. It is a most important work, drawing together all aspects of the school from 1894 to 1994. It is carefully researched and beautifully written. We were most fortunate that Ms McIntyre was able and willing to serve the school by using her time and talents to give us this book. Saturday was the big day. In the morning there were fun sports for everyone on the hockey fields, where there were also food stalls and people strolling about in the wonderful weather. At 10 o’clock we enjoyed a procession of vintage cars and at 11 o’clock everyone sang the school song on the hockey fields, a very moving moment, as we contemplated what a whole century means in the lives of all the people involved in a school over that length of time. In the afternoon there was a delightful garden party on the Matric lawn. There were many staff, Old Girls and parents, all dressed in our best, with the women wearing elegant hats. That was followed by a splendid dinner organised by the Rustenburg Old Girls’ Union. Many Old Girls had gathered from all over the world and on the Sunday the various groups held their own year functions. A special gathering was held in London where there were many Old Girls who could not make it to Cape Town. They met at a function in South Africa House. It was lovely for us to know they too were celebrating, 6000 miles away. The Thomson Hall was completed in 1994 as part of the centenary celebrations and later that year there was a special function when the hall was opened. An important follow-up to the centenary celebrations took place sometime afterwards, when Ms Eddy initiated the project of the time capsule, which stands on the verandah of the Thomson Hall. We had a special assembly and ceremony for the sealing of the capsule. It contains letters from staff and girls of 1994 to those of 2094, when it is to be opened. There are also items that we hope will be of interest to people then, showing them how things have changed – and indeed even in only 20 years a lot has changed. I have a copy of something written by one of the girls and now I shall read a short extract. “It is the strangest thing trying to imagine this piece of writing being read 100 years from now.. There are so many things I would like to know about the future, like the political state of our country, whether a cure for Aids has been found, what the schooling system is like and if there are still blue whales swimming in your oceans. I am proud to have celebrated Rustenburg’s first centenary. But above all I am alive to see our nation, riddled with suffering and violence, reformed into one of peace, freedom and forgiveness.” Our school centenary was a great event for Rustenburg. But what I have just read to you from one of the girls brings me to speak briefly about the other, momentous events of 1994, when a new regime began in our country after all the sad years of apartheid. It was a most wonderful and exciting time and I remember thinking that whatever happened in the future nothing could ever dim the joyful emotions and the hope that we experienced then. Unfortunately 20 years down the line those hopes are dimmed by the poverty still experienced by most South Africans and the inequalities that exist in our country but we must do all we can, each of us in our own little or large way, to help to build a better nation. What we have today is still far better than what we had before and that is a wonderful legacy of 1994. At that time here at school we were able to enrol girls who had suffered a very deprived primary schooling and thanks to our top quality, dedicated teaching staff, as well as the efforts of each girl, every one in due course did well in her Matric. The infrastructure of a school like Rustenburg was established by dedication and hard work, but also by the privilege of some over others. Any girl so fortunate as to receive her education here is one of a small privileged minority. I hope that all of you will choose a future not only to your own advantage but one which will put back into South African society something of the fine education you are receiving. May this great school continue to thrive and to give to the benefit of our wonderful country and its people. 108

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Friendly Founders’ Day Reunion Founders’ Day is always a time for old friends to reunite and catch up on what has happened in their lives since their school days. This year was the 10-year reunion for E 2004 and Emily Booth and Laura Barrett shared a happy morning with their school mates reminiscing. Emily, who took a gap year in England straight after Matric, has recently completed her Masters in Graphic Design at CPUT. She is working as a freelance designer at present and hopes to put her Masters into practice by working with NGOs on their graphic design needs. Emily was top of her class throughout her tertiary education and has shown her caring nature through the charity work she does with St Joseph’s Home and Red Cross Children’s Hospital. Laura is currently studying teaching through UNISA and completing a learnership at none other than Rustenburg! Before pursuing teaching, Laura studied Environmental Science as well as Ocean and Atmosphere Science at UCT, followed by Honours and Masters in Disaster Risk Science. She also made her school and country proud by playing in the South African Ladies’ Waterpolo team from 2009 – 2012. During this time, Laura worked for Nokia Navteq for a year before doing research work at University of Stellenbosch. After taking a year off to travel, Laura found herself working in Zimbabwe. She put her waterpolo skills to excellent use by training the Zimbabwean National Waterpolo Team. Laura accompanied and trained the team in Perth in 2012 for Junior World Champs.

Keeping it in the family From left: Ms Jessie Blackshaw (née Anderson, E 1961), Ms Gillian Blackshaw (Deputy Principal: Pastoral), Ms Gertrude Blackshaw (née Tebbutt, E 1954). Jessie Blackshaw (mother of Gillian Blackshaw) taught at Rustenburg High School for Girls from 1966 – 1969. Jessie also taught at Rustenburg Junior School in 1971, 1972 and for the first and second terms in 1973. Gertrude is Jessie’s sister-in-law and aunt of Gillian Blackshaw.

Keeping it in the family

Emily Roberts (Grade 11) said, “It was an honour for me to celebrate Rustenburg’s 120th Founders’ Day with my mother, Robyn Roberts (née MacGregor, E 1985). As my mother walked onto the still ‘forbidden’ quad, memories of giggling girls framing the lawn in snow-white dresses at the annual Carol Service flooded back. My mother was also able to catch glimpse of the classroom where she spent many hours of creativity in Needlework. This classroom, in which I now study History, is where she designed and sewed her very own Matric Dance evening gown! It was much to my surprise that both my mother and I were taught by Ms Shannon Dowdall, who retired from Rustenburg after countless years of service to the school. When my mother knew Ms Dowdall, she was known as Ms Kell. My mother remembers Ms Kell having long, beautiful hair with which she used to play whilst chatting informally to her adoring pupils. It is memories such as these that made my mother so pleased to observe that Rustenburg continues to be an environment which cultivates the growth of girls into diverse young women.”

From left: Ms Renée Fourie with her mother, Dr Joan Fourie (née Albertyn, E 1944). Dr Joan Fourie went on to do a BSc at UCT and worked as a pathologist for Dr Mulligan. Once her children were all in full-day school, she returned to UCT to redo some of her science courses as, for example, the atom had split since her former studies! She taught Biology at various colleges, but finally returned to Pathology in the Department of Surgery at Medical School, UCT. Her interest in liver transplants led her to completing her PhD (Medicine) (Surgery) at the age of 57. She would have still been working there, had funding for research not been cut, which resulted in her retiring at the age of 74.

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Founders’ Day Award in honour of Angela Fisher (E 1974) At Founders’ Day in 2014 a special award was made in honour of Angela Fisher (E 1974), who passed away prematurely in 2013. The presentation was a gift from the E class of 1973 in conjunction with Ms Averil Keller, Head of the Rustenburg Old Girls’ Union. Angela was a fully qualified Intermediate Phase and Physical Education teacher who was passionate about education. It was therefore appropriate that this gift is presented to Michelle Craig who had already graduated with a Bachelor of Social Sciences and had chosen to study towards her PGCE at UCT.

Founders’ Day Diamond Jubilee Bursaries Rustenburg Old Girls’ Union Diamond Jubilee Bursaries were handed out to the top National Senior Certificate learners of the past four years: Samantha Filby (2010), Nicola Steinhaus (2011), Alexandra Mould (2012) and Nicola Cilliers (2013).

Founders’ Day Presentation to 2013 NSC Achievers Rustenburg excelled in the 2013 Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. The school honoured the incredible academic success of three of its pupils by presenting each with a silver bracelet which had “Rustenburg E 2013” inscribed inside. From left: Nicola Cilliers, Lauren Denny and Robyn Paterson. Nicola Cilliers and Lauren Denny shared the Marchand Dux Trophy at Rustenburg’s Grade 12 Prize Giving in October 2013. Nicola Cilliers was ranked first overall in the Western Cape and achieved the highest academic results of all pupils who wrote Matric in the province in 2013. Nicola earned nine subject distinctions, eight of which were above 90%. She also achieved a distinction for Advanced Programme Mathematics (examined by the IEB). Nicola placed second in the province for ABRSM Practical Music Grade 7, ninth for Afrikaans First Additional Language, third for English Home Language, sixth for French Second Additional Language, fourth for History and eighth for Mathematics Paper 3. Lauren Denny was ranked third overall in the Western Cape. Lauren achieved nine subject distinctions, eight of which were above 90%. She also achieved a distinction for Advanced Programme Mathematics (examined by the IEB). Lauren placed first in the province for ABRSM Practical Music Grade 8, sixth for English Home Language, second for Geography, eighth for Life Orientation, sixth for Mathematics and third for Mathematics Paper 3. Robyn Paterson was ranked in the Top 20 in the Western Cape and, with an aggregate of 99%, was placed first in the province for English Home Language. Robyn was also placed third in Dramatic Arts, seventh for Consumer Studies and sixth in History.

Said Nicola Cilliers, “I feel blessed and am grateful to ROGU for the bursary. It will definitely help me cover the costs of studying. I never imagined that I would be the recipient, but I am very glad that I am. I have to thank my teachers, family and friends for all their support. The last few weeks have been a surreal but wonderful time for me! I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Lauren and Robyn, as well as all the Matrics 2013; I think we outdid ourselves. My advice to the E class of 2014 is to start working from the first homework task you receive, and to persevere until your last national examination. It’s easy to become overwhelmed as your final year of schooling progresses, but you need to keep going, because it’s going to be worth it in the end. Making use of any study material and asking questions when you don’t understand something are also good ideas. Matric is your last chance to show everyone at your school what you can do, so you want to give it your all. I’m studying occupational therapy at UCT. I’m not sure if I’ll end up practising as an occupational therapist, as I might want to go into research, but we’ll see how things go.”

Founders’ Day Mavis Wakeford Bursary The Mavis Wakeford Bursary is awarded to Rustenburg Old Girls who intend to pursue careers as teachers. The 2014 Mavis Wakeford Bursary recipients were: Hye In Shin (third year BMus Education at UCT), Hayley Groom (fourth year BEd Foundation Phase at Varsity College), Dorianne Campbell (first year BA Foundation Phase at Stellenbosch) and Ashlynn Wessels (first year BEd Foundation Phase at the University of the Witwatersrand).

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Rustenburg Schools’ Birthday Party Rustenburg’s 120-year celebrations kicked off with a very special combined birthday party with Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School on 29 January. Over 1300 girls dressed in their light blue school uniforms gathered on the High School hockey fields in an arch formation to celebrate this significant milestone. Rustenburg Junior classes were paired with their “big sister” High School classes who looked after them for the day. Each Rustenburg girl donated a book that would be presented to Rustenburg High’s Afri-Twin, Mfuleni High School whose library was desperately in need of books. The donated books were all symbolically placed in a 120 formation on the field and each Rustenburg Junior class came forward to add their books to the formation. Each Rustybug received a 120 badge that could be worn with their uniforms throughout the year. Headgirl, Samantha Culligan, welcomed everyone and the party only really kicked off when the cheerleaders took to the field and conjured some Rustenburg Spirit with a few war cries and a Mexican wave. We were also lucky to have KFM Ground Patrol sharing in the festivities. Terence Mentor, Candice Botha and Kelly Pearce presented the muchanticipated balloon pop game to the girls. Each girl received a balloon to blow up and then pop together to loud fanfare as well as a few cries

and shrieks from some little, some not-so-little girls and a few adults! Girls who had their birthdays during the 120 celebration week were called forward to the giant cupcake presentation for the singing of Happy Birthday (in three languages: English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa). Cakes were distributed and the rest of the morning was spent celebrating together and having fun. Principals Ms Di Berry and Ms Laura Bekker presented each other with framed gifts, celebrating Rustenburg’s history, which would be permanently displayed at the respective schools. Ms Bekker received an old photograph of Rustenburg House titled “Girls’ High School, Rondebosch” and a picture of the staff of 1903 with the very first principal, Ms Bleby. Ms Berry received a copy of a painting of Rustenburg House from 1832 painted by Sir Charles D’Oyly during a visit to the Cape of Good Hope. D’Oyly was a British public official and painter who spent his working life in India and died in 1838. Both principals said that the occasion was very special to them, because bringing together the two schools reminded them of Rustenburg’s shared history. “We also share more than just a uniform; we share a vision for the future.”

Founders’ Day Tea “Only four years after he had landed at the Cape, in the October of 1656, Jan van Riebeeck visited Rondeboschyn, an area below Devil’s Peak deriving its name from a contraction of ‘Ronde Doorn Bossien’ which referred to the round grove of thorn trees which distinguished it. By 1663 a house was being built there and in 1664 reference was made in the journals and resolutions of the Dutch East India Company to the ‘Company’s House lying on the High road at Rondeboschyn.’ It was used as a guest house for high officials and visiting persons of importance and hence its name: Castle of Rest, or ‘Rustenburgh,” first appearing thus in the records of 1671.’ (Chapter 1 of “White stoep on the highway”, Ms Josephine McIntyre, 1994) Who would have guessed that Rustenburg, a hive of activity and with its reputation for thorough hard work for 120 years, originally denoted Castle of Rest? Enjoying some moments of respite from the frenzy of Founders’ Day 120th celebrations were some very special Old Girls of the school who gathered to reminiscence and reconnect. Ms Karin Evans (E 1974), now Senior House Mistress at Erinville Boarding House, said that it was wonderful to attend the Founders’ Day Tea, assembly and luncheon in the Thomson Hall afterwards. She explained the great feeling of pride that is associated with being a Rustybug, no matter how many years had passed. The E class of 1954 celebrated their 60th reunion in 2014. Many E classmates of 1974 also gathered for the occasion of their 40th reunion. Both groups included Rustybugs who had travelled from almost every corner of the globe to return to their alma mater, some from as far afield as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

Ninety-two honoured guests attended the afternoon function in the Thomson Hall. Joining them were three former principals: Ms Josephine McIntyre (1980 - 1991), Ms Mary van Blerk (1991 - 1999) and Dr Elizabeth Fullard (1999 - 2006). Stalwarts of the Rustenburg teaching staff were represented too: Ms Gillian Cockram (Needlework, English) and Ms Judith Gordon (née Stuart-Watson, English). Ms Averil Keller, President of the Rustenburg Old Girls’ Union, warmly welcomed those who had returned to celebrate the successes of the school in its 120th year. Catering for the event was, once again, capably co-ordinated by Ms Anita Marshall (Consumer Studies) and the team from Bon Appetit. This year there were many new features to see at the school. The new Mathematics and Physical Sciences Centre gave rise to comments of admiration and the splendour of the grounds stirred pride in how well kept and beautiful the school looked. Ms June Suter (E 1946), from Pinelands, revealed that she had not missed a single Founders’ Day celebration since matriculating. Past principal, Ms Josephine McIntyre said that it was wonderful to celebrate 120 years of first-class education. “What has not changed about Rustenburg is the girls. The mix of pupils is different, but the confidence and enthusiasm which they exude is the same,” she added.

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RUSTENBURG OLD GIRLS’ UNION Cocktail Party for Past and Present Staff Past and present staff from both Rustenburg High and Junior Schools attended a cocktail party on 30 January. This memorable gathering was hosted by the Junior School. Both principals, Ms Bekker and Ms Berry, welcomed past and present staff, who all made significant contributions to Rustenburg through their dedication and passion for education. Ms Bekker emphasised that it is not the buildings that matter in the lives of children, but the dedicated teachers who make a real difference. Past High School staff who attended included former principals Dr Elizabeth Fullard and Mrs Mary van Blerk. Also present were stalwarts Ms Diane Awerbuck (English), Ms Sally Michell (Geography), Ms Arlene Brown (Visual Art), Ms Ann Roux (Visual Art), and Ms Moraig McLeod (Natural Science and Head of Sport). Past Principal Dr Fullard said that the many 120 celebrations were “wonderful occasions” and commented on the importance of marking milestones as a school so that each generation feels like they are part of it. “The years go by very quickly and when I think that my own daughter matriculated in 1993, the year before the centenary, I realise how very quickly the time goes,” she added.

Rustenburg Schools’ Cross Country event On 26 June Rustenburg High and Junior pupils gathered to celebrate 120 years together, this time in a combined cross country race. The high school hosted a 3km cross country race and a 1km fun run. Bright and early the five selected athletes per age group from the junior school arrived to join the high school girls. Each high school class had 10 representatives participating, with between 50 and 60 participants per age group. The runners felt a sense of achievement. All finishers gained points for their respective houses. Some even dressed up and ran the whole way in costume.

While the 3km cross country race was on the go, the rest of the junior school pupils walked two by two through the suburbs and under the subway to the high school. All pupils were resplendent in their assigned colours for the 1 km event, which was to prove the most entertaining event of the day. All the junior school children were paired with a high school buddy. The girls lined up, in their grades on the paving outside the hostel. The older and younger girls stood hand in hand, eagerly awaiting the start of the event. This run followed a different route, staying on campus. A staggered start was necessary, with groups leaving a minute apart. The high school girls had definitely underestimated their junior counterparts’ athletic abilities, as was seen when many of the seniors were left trailing in the distance or dragged across the finish line by their little sisters.

Ubuntu Award Recipients The Ubuntu Award is given annually to the learner at Rustenburg who “shows awareness and concern for the plight and needs of others, and reacts compassionately to those needs.” The Ubuntu Award was initially presented on Founders’ Day in 2006 by 1956 Headgirl, Charmian Plummer (née Marais), on behalf of the E class of 1956 on the occasion of their 50th reunion. This year the award went to two Grade 11 pupils: Emily O’Ryan and Julia Darke. RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

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Birthday wishes from Headgirls

Helen Cross (née Hutchison), Headgirl 2001 Helen Cross, the Rustenburg headgirl in 2001, has spent her 13 years after matriculating involving herself in greater challenges. She has focused seriously on pursuing tertiary education. Helen studied medicine at the University of Cape Town before heading to Johannesburg for her internship. Subsequently she married and ventured on a threemonth backpacking trip around the world. After returning to South Africa, Helen began work at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town and is currently studying to become a neurologist. Helen’s 120th birthday wishes for Rustenburg are, “I hope Rustenburg enjoys at least another 120 years as the grand school that it is, enabling many more women to benefit from all it has to offer. I have visited Rustenburg many times after 2001 and it has been lovely to see how the school has developed. I love wandering around the campus and it brings back so many fond memories. Today I perceive Rustenburg girls as balanced, mature young ladies who are motivated, ambitious, and well-educated, although admittedly I might be a little biased!” Helen has many memories of her years spent at Rustenburg, including, “early morning swim training, galas and other frenzied and colourful house anecdotes, the sound of assembly, the elegant winter uniform and, of course, the cake on Founders’ Day!”

Jodi Allemeier, Headgirl 2002

Kerusha Padayachee, Headgirl 2006

Buhle Ngaba, Headgirl 2008

Jodi Allemeier was Headgirl of Rustenburg in 2002 and, since matriculating, has excelled academically. Jodi has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work, Honours in Public and Development Management, and a Masters degree in Development Finance. At the time of writing Jodi was on the brink of embarking on a new phase in her career, one that involves launching an initiative which aims to embed socio-economic resilience in communities.

Since matriculating in 2006, Rustenburg Headgirl of that year, Kerusha Padayachee, has been busy. She attended the University of Cape Town where she earned a degree in Business Science and Finance, and subsequently relocated to Johannesburg where she works for Standard Bank as a Sales Performance and Effectiveness Manager for Transactional Products and Services. This is a demanding position which entails cash and trade deals in and around the whole African continent, specifically within the Corporate Investment banking space.

Buhle Ngaba, Rustenburg Headgirl who matriculated in 2008, fondly recalls especially Erinville Hostel, her home for the five years during which she attended the school. Many of the friends that she made in the boarding house are still her best friends, and she continues to visit Rustenburg hostel regularly. She also likes to keep up-todate with what is happening in the Dramatic Arts department at Rustenburg and has returned to inspire younger actresses to consider careers in theatre.

Jodi’s 120th birthday wish to Rustenburg is for the school to, “continue to be a strong foundation for female South African leaders. I believe that birthdays are opportunities to celebrate achievement, and to reflect. As an institution, Rustenburg has enjoyed many achievements: countless personal achievements for individuals who make up part of the Rustybug family, as well as institutional achievements in academia, sporting and cultural endeavours. These should be lauded and shared as stories of inspiration that connect women across generations. At the same time, any age-old South African institution has a duty to reflect on its historic and on-going role in the socio-political landscape of the country. As a former Model-C school that benefited under apartheid, what role has Rustenburg played in segregation or inclusion? For an all-girls school, this is as important on issues of race and class as it is with gender.”

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“My fondest memories of Rustenburg are an amalgamation of events: the gossip catch-up on Monday mornings and the chilly winters from which we were protected by our oversized navy coats. I don’t think I will ever forget my Matric form class, E5, and Mr Skelly who was our form teacher. The banter is something I will always hold dear,” Kerusha recalled. Kerusha’s 120th birthday wish for Rustenburg is, “The girls should celebrate with famous Rustybug cake, but more importantly with gratitude. The education which Rustenburg provides is both a gift and a blessing. Too often, in the midst of the everyday normality, one forgets the bigger picture and the importance of a school like Rustenburg can have on one’s future. I hope that each day is used for learning, growing, sharing and building strong women. ”

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Since matriculating, Buhle studied Acting and Contemporary performance at Rhodes University, and Performance Process at the University of Leeds in the UK. Buhle has been involved in the Ubom! Eastern Cape Drama Company, and has performed in various professional productions. Buhle’s 120th birthday wish for the school is, “Continue to be that kind of school which encourages young girls to be the best that they can. I’d like to see the school celebrate by initiating a project which helps others. I think that this would be the most meaningful birthday, by recognising that Rustenburg is indeed privileged, and using the expertise of the school to improve the lives of others. Birthdays are, after all, only special days if they are shared with many people.”

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Carolyn Rodger (née Bocock), Headgirl 1965 The birthday wish of Carolyn Rodgers for Rustenburg is that all the girls at the school should know that they are valued for themselves, and not just for their achievements. The 1965 headgirl has taught English, Latin and History at a wide variety of schools since receiving her BA, majoring in English and Latin, and her teacher’s diploma from UCT. Both Carolyn and her husband, Alistair, have spent 40 years in various places in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. They retired to Cape Town in 2012. Carolyn fondly remembers the mischief the Matrics got up to in her final days of school, particularly the silent and formal Burying the School Spirit ceremony they held after Miss Thompson banned their traditional mischief making. She reports that the Matrics held a solemn funeral procession around the Main Quad, and that there were pallbearers carrying the top section of the vaulting horse borrowed from the school gym. One Matriculant was selected to lie on top symbolically. “The most remarkable thing about this hijinks was that it was carried out in absolutely silence,” she recalls.

Angeliki Carvounes, Headgirl 2011

Kathryn de Villiers, Headgirl 2009

Robyn Allan, Headgirl 2000

Rustenburg’s Headgirl of 2011, Angeliki Carvouness, is currently in her third year, doing a Bachelor of Business at UCT.

Kathryn de Villiers, Headgirl of Rustenburg in 2009, has been very busy over the past few years. Before becoming a law student at Stellenbosch University, Kathryn took a Gap Year to attend a Bible school in England, travel, tutor, continue studying French and complete a course in art.

Although Robyn Allan matriculated almost fifteen years ago, her memories of her time at school remain very clear and strong. Robyn fondly recalls break times, Home Economics baking classes and being caught out when talking in class, which according to her, seemed to happen frequently! In particular she remembers her prefects’ assembly, in which the prefects were given the opportunity to run the assembly themselves, and the Britney Spears dance which she performed in front of the entire school. “Looking back,” she recalls, “I wonder where the confidence came from. Perhaps the encouraging and supportive environment?” After achieving her BCom Marketing from Stellenbosch University, Robyn spent some time travelling overseas, experiencing life. For the past eight years, she has been involved in the online education company, GetSmarter, and today manages their marketing activities.

Her fondest memories of Rustenburg are the thrill of being in the debating team, including the intense pressure of the tournaments, the opportunities it opened up and the experiences she shared with her team. She was involved in Interact and remembers thoroughly enjoying History lessons with Mr van Dyk. Angeliki feels that Rustenburg should celebrate its birthday by remembering the achievements of the high school in conjunction with the staff and students that made those possible. Her wish is that Rustenburg would continue encouraging students to engage in a well-rounded education and that the school is able to provide the opportunities for its students to reach their full potential. She believes Rustenburg girls are perceived to be downto-earth and friendly and that they are open to embracing new challenges. After a recent visit to Rustenburg, she was excited to see the various improvements around the school.

She is very grateful for the privilege of attending Rustenburg and being able to enter workplaces and universities with the confidence with which the school equips the girls. Kathryn expresses a great appreciation for the input given by the teachers at Rustenburg and misses the relationships formed during her years at the school. She hopes that Rustenburg will celebrate its birthday with free cake, a tradition of which she has always been a fan. Her special wish is for the school to maintain its focus on the development of Rustybugs into young women of excellence who change the lives of others for the better.

Recently, Carolyn has paid visits to both the Rustenburg High and Junior Schools, and “enjoyed these occasions immensely.”

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Robyn believes Rustenburg girls are regarded as well-rounded individuals with a zest for life and opportunity. She is immensely proud to be a Rustenburg Old Girl. Robyn’s wish is for Rustenburg and those who have been part of shaping its identity to celebrate their success and the impact they have had on lives. As birthdays are a good time for reflection, Robyn suggests that the 120 positive changes and improvements made at the school throughout its time should be acknowledged and celebrated.

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Abena Danso, Headgirl 2003

Jessica Watermeyer, Headgirl 2004

Kate Vlok, Headgirl 2013

Petruné Beattie, Headgirl 2012

Since matriculating, Abena Danso has studied both in Cape Town and overseas. Abena completed her Bachelor of Law Degree at the University of Cape Town, and in November 2013 was selected to participate in a Masters exchange with the University of Amsterdam. In Amsterdam Abena took classes in international trade law, investment law and financial law and wrote her mini-dissertation on securities regulations. Now, having returned to South Africa, Abena is ready to use the specialist knowledge she has gained in the field of international trade and investments.

Of all her time spent at Rustenburg, Jessica Watermeyer’s fondest memories are, hands-down, her time spent on the sport fields. Whether for PE, sport games, practices or simply during break while socialising with friends, Jessica thoroughly loved the setting and “the fun times it framed.”

Kate Vlok wishes the school a very happy birthday, mentioning how grateful she is that she had the opportunity to attend a school with the traditional values that Rustenburg has. Kate suggests that Rustenburg should celebrate its 120th birthday with a function involving past and present members of the Rustenburg family, and a large cake with 120 candles.

Petruné Beattie, Headgirl of Rustenburg in 2012, continues to show the compassion and determination that she expressed while at Rustenburg as she studies a BSc in Geomatics at the University of Cape Town with the goal of using spatial information to make a real change in the townships in South Africa.

Abena has visited Rustenburg several times since matriculating, mostly to visit her sisters, one of whom is still at the school. According to Abena, Rustenburg girls are perceived as grounded and well-rounded girls. Some of her fondest memories of the school are of 12 Club meetings with Mr Murison, rushing to Chippies after school for a quick lunch before holding detention, and being kicked out of the computer room for talking or laughing too loudly. Abena’s birthday wish for the school is for it to continue “with brilliance” as one of South Africa’s leading girls’ schools. She feels that Rustenburg should celebrate by donating 120 hours to being of service to one of the many underprivileged schools in Cape Town.

Since matriculating, Jessica has spent a year overseas where she worked as a teacher’s assistant and a sport coach. She later studied at Rhodes University, and today holds a Master of Science and Zoology degree. Jessica works with the African Wildlife Conservation Fund, and lives on a site in the Savé Valley Conservancy in Zimbabwe. Remembering her time at Rustenburg as an incredibly enriching and fulfilling experience, Jessica not only wishes that Rustenburg will continue to thrive as a wonderful academic institution, and turn out well-rounded and inspired young ladies, but also that those who have the privilege of being a part of the Rustenburg community will appreciate the opportunity provided to them. When asked if she has returned to her school, Jessica mentioned, “Yes, I have, but life has seen me spend very little time in Cape Town since matriculating so the opportunity has never really presented itself. I think it would be great fun to roam the halls again, see who is still there, what has changed and what has not.”

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

Thinking back on her time at Rustenburg, Kate fondly recalls her class taking nature walks on the Rondebosch Common with Mr Altern, and stealing some relaxation time in the sun on the ‘forbidden quad’ during Ms Dowdall’s lessons. Kate tells, “I would have to say my Life Sciences class always could brighten up a day. When we felt that the workload was too much and we couldn’t possibly learn anything more, we would gather outside Ms Gardiner’s room and walk in singing the CSI theme song. Of course, Ms Gardiner would be so impressed that she would allow us to watch CSI. By the end of the Matric we had ritual this down to a fine art.” Kate is currently studying physiotherapy at UCT, and has visited Rustenburg on numerous occasions over the last few months. Speaking from her new perspective as a university student rather than a student of Rustenburg, she says that Rustenburg girls are perceived to be well educated young women who have a good work ethic and are well-equipped for tertiary education.

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Looking back, Petruné sees the girls at Rustenburg as well-rounded, principled women who strive for excellence. She misses the latenight chats with her friends in the boarding house and, since, matriculating, has returned a few times to visit her many “little sisters” there. Petruné thinks that Rustenburg should celebrate by honouring all facets of the school that give it the reputation it has. She hopes that the school commemorates the pupils, teachers, staff and everyone else who plays a role in the experience that Rustenburg provides. Petruné sends the following birthday wishes to her former high school:, “Happy 120th birthday to a school that has played a significant role in shaping the women that we have become. May it continue to produce courageous women who strive for excellence and value integrity.”

RUSTENBURG OLD GIRLS’ UNION

Farewell to staff members Farewell to Ms Burchell Ms Burchell has worked at Rustenburg for 20 years as a teacher of Science and her pupils have consistently produced commendable results. In addition to this, she was tasked with the onerous job of setting up Rustenburg’s complicated timetable and she has dealt patiently with numerous subject change requests. Such tasks require logic, experience and great powers of persuasion and she rose to the challenge on every count. Anyone that prepares to teach Science, specifically Chemistry, to teenagers is brave and optimistic for it is not an easy path. However, given her courage and tenacity, Ms Burchell was either undaunted or she was simply unaware of the pitfalls. During her first year of teaching, she set up an experiment for her Matric class. Unsuspecting, she turned her back and one naughty child used the opportunity to add some Disprin, causing an explosion. This was both amusing and alarming: amusing for the class and alarming (even devastating) for the hapless teacher. Plainly Ms Burchell was redeemed because she is now Rustenburg’s elected Safety Officer and we were confident that our school was safe in her hands. Not only is she a qualified Science teacher but Ms Burchell is also qualified to teach ballet and she has earned her keep teaching both. The fact that these two qualifications are polar opposites, are an indication of Ms Burchell’s ability and willingness to try anything.

Farewell to Mr Altern This year Rustenburg said farewell to Mr Martin Altern. He taught at Rustenburg for 15 years, starting in 1999, when Ms van Blerk was headmistress. He began in the Mathematics department and after the first year, changed to Natural Sciences, and later Physical Sciences. He has also helped out in the Technology department. Mr Altern is extremely well read, and brought this knowledge into the classroom, where he stimulated the pupils beyond the school syllabus. He was well loved by the girls and willingly spent time after hours, assisting those needing additional support. Because of his dedication in the classroom, he was able to get the best out of his pupils and achieve good Grade 12 results. Mr Altern used his extensive skills and knowledge of fynbos to supervise the maintenance of the gardens of Rustenburg for a number of years and was instrumental in initiating the annual Grade 8 hike at Olifantsbos, where the girls are exposed to a huge variety of fynbos in bloom and experience the delights of hiking in our beautiful city. He has also contributed to the Science Society and Life Saving and initiated the Walking Club. He is deeply concerned about animal rights and gives up his Sundays and holidays to help at the SPCA and other animal welfare establishments. He started the Paws society and encouraged awareness of the plight of animals. Mr Altern is a warm, compassionate gentleman who takes a personal interest in the ground and cleaning staff at Rustenburg, and offers them understanding and guidance, calling each one by name. Mr Altern’s happiest memories of Rustenburg are teaching in old bicycle shed classroom, taking girls for nature walks on Rondebosch Common, catching tadpoles with pupils in spring and teaching them to appreciate the spring wild flowers. He loves listening to the girls singing in assembly, and his particular favourite is St Francis of Assisi’s, “Make me an instrument of your peace.”

Her adventurous spirit has taken her on many a journey. Since her sons were keen yachtsmen, Ms Burchell supported them and became involved too. Crossing new territory in order for them to participate in competitions, she honed her camping skills to full advantage. Good organisational skills and an ability to get along with strangers is an added bonus for campers who find themselves in a desolate spot and she was up for it. Ms Burchell is open-minded and makes friends quickly and easily. Newcomers are always treated with respect and kindness and Ms Burchell has been a wonderful ambassador for Rustenburg’s Afri-twin programme going out of her way to show visitors our lovely country. Many pupils will remember Ms Burchell fondly. Danielle Ferrar, from the class of 2009, recalls: “She was always incredible happy in classroom and keen to teach, something which inspired the best in me and in many of fellow pupils. I came across a quote by Robert John Meehan that perfectly sums up my experience of being a pupil of Ms Burchell: ‘Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning.’ Ms Burchell is a stellar example of someone whose passion for teaching was reflected in the way she interacted with her students, something which made me strive to want to learn more. In my Matric year, I had applied to a number of universities and was flatly rejected by some and put on to the waiting list for others. I became incredibly despondent, something which Ms Burchell almost intuitively understood without me even having to express my frustration. ‘Don’t worry,’ she reassured, ‘I know that one day I’ll be lying on an operating table and you will be standing above me.’ Because of Ms Burchell, I remained motivated and managed to achieve my goal of getting into UCT Medical School.” We wish Ms Burchell a long and happy retirement and congratulate her on a job well done.

Ms Maureen Burchell

Ms Jackie Weston

RGHS MAGAZINE 2014

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At Rustenburg High School for Girls learners are taught to lead courageously, explore their unique potential conﬁdently and serve the world compassionately.

RUSTENBURG

HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Phone: (021) 686 4066 Fax: (021) 686 7114 E-mail: info@rghs.org.za Address: Camp Ground Road, Rondebosch, 7700

RUSTENBURG HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 2014

SCHOOL VISION

RGHS Magazine 2014

Articles inside

120th Birthday wishes from Headgirls

Rustenburg Schools’ Birthday Party

Astro Opening and Ice Bucket Challenge 2014