RGHS Newsletter 7 September 2012

Rustenburg Times Rustenburg High School for Girls, Camp Ground Road, Rondebosch 7700 Tel: (021) 686-4066 / (021) 686-3683 / (021) 685-4710 Fax: (021) 686-7114;

E-mail: info@rghs.org.za

Website: www.rghs.org.za

Rustenburg: diversely talented

Yohan Chun, piano competitions winner

SA Reps: Ms Theron, Kiana Neethling, Mrs Williams and Lianne Verwey

National Drama Winners

International mathematician, Lauren Denny

07 September 2012 Volume Three Issue Three Success for Yohan Chun Afrikaans Senior Olympiad

2

Grade Nine Testing Civvies Day Leaving school early NEWS FLASH

3

Old Girl News

4

Alyxé Rosenberg President’s Award BUGGED

5

Grade Twelve Gap Year Varsity College Bursaries Overheard in the parking lot ...

6

Messiah

7

Music Department

8—9

Sports News

10— 11

Art Flash

12

Calendar Paws

13

Rustenburg: a school of excellence where girls are leading courageously, exploring their unique potential confidently and serving the world compassionately.

2 Rustenburg Times

Rustenburg musician aces two competitions in one week For talented Grade 12 Rustenburg Girls’ High School pianist Yohan Chun, the past week has been undoubtedly one of the most challenging, yet rewarding weeks of her young life.

On Tuesday 28 August, 2012, she stepped on stage at the Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium in Parow to compete in the 22nd Johann Vos Piano Competition.

She won the senior section of the competition playing a Scarlatti Sonata and a dazzling Allegro de Concierto by the Spanish composer Granados. Of the 3 finalists she was the only girl and won a prize of R3000. The Johann Vos Piano Competition takes place over two rounds with three sections – Piccolo (Grade 6-7), Junior (Grade 8-10) and Senior (Grade 11-12).

On Saturday 1 September, 2012, she competed again in the prestigious Pieter Kooij Music Competition held in the beautiful Welge-

meend Salon at Jan van Riebeeck Hoërskool in Cape Town. Yohan was again on top form as she won the first prize of R2500, beating 10 performers in the final round.

The first round of the competition saw fifty talented high school musicians deliver performances of the highest standard. Another Rustenburg Grade 12 pupil, Gladys Kisela, taught by Ms Robyn Jepson, was also one of the 10 finalists on saxophone.

Yohan is taught by Ms Judith Dernier, a senior music teacher at Rustenburg Girls’ High School. Ms Dernier describes Yohan as an extremely hard working, yet humble student, with exceptional talent. She participated in both these competitions in the middle of her Grade 12 Preliminary examinations. Yohan intends furthering her studies in Music at the University of Cape Town next year.

Afrikaans Senior Olympiad 2012

Afrikaans skitter by vanjaar se Senior Afrikaanse Olimpiade

th

On Tuesday, the 15 of May 20 Rustenburg Girls wrote the Senior Afrikaans Olympiad. It was RGHS’s first year to take part in the Olympiad and we achieved excellent results with 4 of our participants placing in the Top 20 for the Western Cape.

Nicola Cilliers (D3) scored 89% and placed 2nd overall in the province followed by Petruné Beattie (E1), Robyn Paterson (D5) and Lauren Denny (D5). The Olympiad is a very beneficial experience and we encourage girls to participate next year.

Robyn Paterson

Baie geluk aan 20 leerders wat deelgeneem het met julle pragtige uitslae. Een en almal van julle het julle beste gelewer. n Spesiale pluimpie aan die top 4 kandidate.

Rustenburg High School is trots op julle.

Sterkte aan die juniors wat die vierde September skryf. Hou die blinkkant bo!

Baie dankie vir julle deelname - dit word waardeer - so bly Afrikaans relevant en lewendig.

M. Langenhoven

Kiana Neethling lift club Dear Rustenburg Parents, we recently moved to town from Kenilworth and I was wondering if there were any other girls who come to Rustenburg from town so that we could set up a lift club.

Please advise how I can go about this.

Kind regards Michaela Cramer Africa Bespoke c +27 82 9712429 | t +27 71 6955546 | f +27 86 6694722

3 Rustenburg Times

General Information GRADE NINE TESTING All Grade 9 learners will have to write two sets of standardised ENGLISH and MATHMATICS tests over the next two months: The Annual National Assessments (ANA) will be written later this month and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) diagnostic/ systemic testing is scheduled for October.

These tests will not be used be used for promotion purposes at the end of the year. They have been set so that the Education Department can measure learners’ progress and whether they have reached the expected levels in literacy and numeracy.

This will assist the Department in establishing where it is necessary to intervene if a particular class or school does not perform to the national levels. The results can also serve as a guide to whether your child needs any assistance in a particular area or not. Learners cannot really prepare for these tests as such, but their subject teachers will give them some idea of what kinds of questions to expect.

We have been notified that testing for our Grade 9 learners will take place as follows: 19 September

English ANA

21 September Mathematics ANA (Calculators may be used) 12 October

WCED Systemic Tests English and Mathematics

Please note that ALL LEARNERS are expected to be present in order to be tested on these days.

As these are ordinary school days, teaching will resume immediately after the assessments have been completed, so learners must ensure that they have the relevant books with them.

Leaving School Early: Reminder for Girls and Parents We will be having a civvies day to raise money for Please remember that when girls are our end-of-year thank-you gifts for our support staff. collected from School during the course This team works hard throughout the year to ensure of the day for any reason, they WILL that our building and grounds are cleaned and mainNOT BE called by the Office as this is far tained. This is our opportunity, as a school community, to show our appreciation to them for what they do too disruptive for classes.

Girls must excuse themselves and for us throughout the year. come down at the expected time to meet Your support of this civvies day, at a cost of R10-00 their parents. per learner, would be greatly appreciated.

CIVVIES DAY : Friday 21 September

Old magazines required Ms Chambers is looking for any old magazines, especially National Geographic, Time, The Economist, Wildlife, no matter how old they are. Please take directly to her or leave with the secretary

NEWS FLASH Lauren Denny has been chosen to represent South Africa in the PanAfrican Mathematics Olympiad in Tunisia during September. More details in the next newsletter.

4 Rustenburg Times

Old Girl News Success for Malika

Reunion of Rustenburg Actresses

Malika Omar, currently living and working in Dubai, has recently received another musical accolade. She writes as follows: It is with great honour that I announce that I have been included in Time Out Dubai's (Time Out being awarded PPA International Consumer Magazine of the Year 2010 and 2011) list of the United Arab Emirates' Best-Selling Acts Ever.

This is the second accolade I've been surprised with in a number of months (the first being in the Top 10 of the Region's Hottest Talents by The National newspaper).

Each one of you has made an impact on me personally or professionally and I thank you for you sincere encouragement. It is only due to your good wishes that I have reached these surreal career milestones.

My wish is that I can continue to make great music, by exploring other genres and developing as an artist and businesswoman; as well as do more charity-driven projects such as 'New Hope' in aid of the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (www.cdbaby.com/ malikao).

Please check out the online link of the Time Out list where I'm truly humbled to be amongst the region's most talented musicians: http:// www.timeoutdubai.com/gallery/34328-10-bestselling-uae-acts-ever?image=5.

My sincere best wishes to you all.

Warmest regards Malika Omar , Performing and Recording Artist

Four recipients of Rustenburg’s Alston le Roux Drama Cup met at the “BUGGED!” drama showcase on the evening of 22 August. They were (from left): Ms Gabriella Pinto (2005, 2007), Ms Meghan Smith (2009), Ms Hannah MacMillan (2011) and Ms Carey Wallace (2000). It was very special to have these Rustenburg Old Girls, all who were recognised for their service to the theatrical genre in various years, together at an event celebrating the success of the Dramatic Arts department.

Ms Gabriella Pinto, the only double winner of the cup since its donation in 1998, has since gone on to graduate with a degree in Theatre and Performance from the University of Cape Town. She served as the guest speaker for “BUGGED!” and, in her address, highlighted to the audience the value which the performing arts holds in modern society.

Ms Meghan Smith, who is studying architecture at the UCT, has used her own skills as a stage performer to mentor many of the Grade 12 aspiring actresses. Ms Hannah MacMillan is currently in her first year at UCT and, in July, achieved the highest class result in her Drama Theory course.

Ms Carey Wallace is a qualified drama teacher at the Cape Academy of Performing Arts. She will be assisting with Rustenburg’s major production, “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” planned for 2013.

5 Rustenburg Times

General news Amy Biehl Foundation Scholarship Congratulations to Alyxé Rosenberg who was nominated for the Amy Biehl Foundation Scholarship. We are really proud to announce that she made the short list of six. Alyxé is involved in several spheres of service to community, helping at Glendale Home for the mentally Impaired and at Atlantic Hope which is a home for babies awaiting adoption as well as Operation Smile!

PRESIDENT’S AWARD Congratulations to Hyun-Joo Park in Grade 12, who has attained her Bronze level of the President’s Award.

BUGGED! drama showcase: 22 August Theatre and spectacle came to the Kemp Hall on the evening of 22 August when the Dramatic Arts department staged, for the first time, a “BUGGED!” drama showcase. The delighted audience enjoyed three short productions on the night: “Miss Conception” (Grade 12 Dramatic Arts. Theme: Babies)

products were both compelling and thoughtprovoking.

Rustenburg’s annual submission to the National Girls Schools’ Festival has, for the past five years, been presented to a Cape Town audience at the Bishops Play Festival. The unexpected cancellation of this fundraising event created an opportunity for Rustenburg actresses to perform at Rustenburg. “Bride’s “Soldier On” Head, Revisited” not only won the national com(Grade 12 Dramatic Arts. Theme: War) petition, but also received 7 awards.

“Bride’s Head, Revisited” The “BUGGED!” programme formally an(National Drama Winners) nounced that the school will be staging a major dramatic production in 2013. The script, which Old Girl, Ms Gabriella Pinto (E 2007), officihas been selected, is “The Prime of Miss Jean ated as guest speaker and welcomed the audi- Brodie.” ence by outlining what she has gained through The first round of auditions for “Miss Brodie” her own tertiary studies in drama. Gabriella cur- have been scheduled for Sunday, 9 August in rently holds a B.A. degree in Theatre and Per- the Drama Room. “The Prime of Miss Jean Broformance from the University of Cape Town. die” will not be new to the Kemp Hall stage. The For the two Matric casts this was an opportu- very same production was presented by Rusnity to present their original, theme programmes tenburg High School for Girls in 1996. which will be formally assessed by the Curriculum Advisor and visiting adjudicators on 9 October. Their parents have watched as these Dame Maggie Smith shows have grown organically over the past two as the original and years. Scenes have been added and amended iconic in a continual process of revision. The final Miss Jean Brodie

6 Rustenburg Times

General News GRADE 12s GAP YEAR OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN ACTION VOLUNTEER AFRICA Action Volunteer Africa is an NGO which is piloting a programme in the Western Cape in 2013.

The organization will do placements in a large number of NGOs in order to help volunteers up-grade their skills while making a difference to communities.

Contact Lisa Garson at lisa@actionappointments.co.za.

VARSITY COLLEGE BURSARIES Bursary sports include : mountain biking, cycling, swimming, triathlon, running, surfski \ canoing, waterpolo, surfing and golf.

High achievers in these sports from a club and school level to provincial and national level will be considered.

Requirements for bursary will include competing on behalf of varsity College, mentoring beginners, managing the respective club on campus etc.

Please contact Khalid Mooradd at Varsity College 021 6855021 kmooradd@varsitycollege.co.za if you would like to apply or need more information

Overheard in the parking lot…

“Why does my daughter in Grade 8 need to have extra Maths lessons?”

Mathematics in Grade 8 moves from Arithmetic to Algebra. Algebra is generalised Arithmetic and it deals with abstract concepts using x and y. This is quite a jump for some learners.

The curriculum has been well planned so that most learners will be able to master it in the time allotted. Some learners take longer to grasp concepts and these learners may need extra help.

Extra help is available for those that really struggle. Rustenburg invites these learners to participate in an extra class, but the numbers are limited and attendance is compulsory. Peer tutoring from older learners is also available.

Some parents do prefer outside lessons. The Mathematics teachers are always available to answer questions.

Pictured right: Miss Michelle Meyer, ROG and Mathematics teacher

Mathematics is like sport or music. The more you practise the better you become. But you do need to practise every day. This is more than just your homework.

Mathematics is such an emotional subject that usually the learner does the homework for the subjects that she likes first. Mathematics is left for last and by that time it is easier to say: “I don’t understand”.

At Rustenburg we expect the learners to be responsible for their own learning. She should be keen to learn and be attentive in class. All the Mathematics teachers are willing to give extra work for extra practice.

“All Maths is interesting.

You just have to work harder at some of it.”

Paul Scott: retiring editor of the Australian Mathematics Teacher journal.

7 Rustenburg Times

Music Department News

From the conductor, Brandon Phillips How could I ever forget the performances we had? Yes it will die with me. I felt that the young musicians and I created a stronger bond each time we rehearsed. And thinking back to the performances, I remember when the choir started singing the first piece. My eyes opened and I got such a shock. The choir and orchestra jumped to such a great level compared to the final rehearsal. And then and there I knew that the musicians were going to be magical. They gave their everything from beginning to end. And I thank them for it.

8 Rustenburg Times

Music Department News Well done and thank you to Cassandra Cranfield (keyboard), Azraa Parker (baritone saxophone) and Robyn Smith (euphonium) who performed at the Marjorie Marx Benefit concert at Groote Schuur Primary School on Friday 31 August. Their performances were greatly appreciated and the GSPS was proud of its Old Girls.

BEAU SOLEIL GALA CONCERT 25th AUGUST 2012 AT THE CAPE TOWN CITY HALL Well done to our RGHS musicians who learn at the Beau Soleil Music Centre. They were all involved in an excellent Gala concert in the City Hall on Saturday 25 August.

The Chamber Choir joined the Beau Soleil Strings in a performance of 4 movements from Vivaldi’s Gloria. The RGHS participants were Preliminary Band Rebecca Terry, Flute, Ashleigh Curtis, Oboe Intermediate Band: Roxanne Pitt, French Horn, Emily Norris, Percussion Senior Strings Stephanie Lawrenson, Violin 1, Kirsten Buchanan and Lindiwe le Brasseur, Violin 2, Abigail Mallows, Viola, Lynne Donson (Soloist), Seul Jung and Julia Cooke, Cello.

Senior Band Ashleigh Joubert Clarinet, Alexandra Mould, Bassoon, Megan Denny, Trumpet, Robin Smith, Euphonium.

Chamber Choir SOPRANO 1: Jenna Bryden, Ashleigh Curtis, Joycelyn Foster, Julia Holzberg, Pearl Jung, Adrienne Marais, Tamsin Metelerkamp, Terusha Navsaria, Corné Odendal, Catherine Smith, Courtney Wallace, and Tarryn Williams.

SOPRANO 2: Hannah Abrahams-Crocker, Emma Bergh, Alexa Bessinger, Haley-Anne Box, Rouzanna Coxson, Sakeenah Kerbelker, Anja Mühr, Kim Petersen, Grace Thomson (Deputy) and Ellen-Anne Williams.

ALTO: Fraîche-Rosée Baloubeta, Hannah Bridgens, Isabella Cupido, Lauren Davis (Leader), Lynne Donson, Aimèe George, Caitlin Grüning, Gladys Kisela, Lindiwe le Brasseur, Sandisiwe Mdoda, Cheryl Muchapondwa and Kelley Petersen.

CONTRALTO: Lauren Davis (Soloist)

9 Rustenburg Times

Music Department News

KAAPSE AFRIKAANSE EISTEDDFOD RESULTS 2012 ORCHESTRAL Eervolle Vermelding (70-75%) Anja Mühr, Rania Davids, Alicia Lee, Isabella Cupido (strings) Kirsten Barratt, Christine Monteverdi, Rebecca Haines, Stephanie Lawrenson (strings) Eervolle Vermelding+ (76-77%) Doyeou Ku, Lauren Denny (flutes) Ashleigh Barnard, Danielle Lund (flutes) Eervolle Vermelding++ (78-79%) Jenna Bryden, Lauren Denny (flutes) Hoogste Lof (90%+) Lauren Denny, Joo-Young Kim (flutes) STRING INSTRUMENTS Eervolle Vermelding (70-75%) Irena Nolte (Romantic/Modern) Alexandra Wittenberg-Scott (Baroque/Classical) Anja Mühr (Romantic/Modern) Lof +(86-87%) Anja Mühr (Baroque/Classical) RECORDERS Eervolle Vermelding++ (78-79%) Roxanne Christian (Baroque) Catherine Smith (Modern) Lof (80-85%) Kerryn Duff (Modern) Lof +(86-87%) Kerryn Duff (Unaccompanied) Catherine Smith (Baroque & Sonata) Roxanne Christian (Unaccompanied) RGHS Recorder Ensemble – Gold Medal Lof ++(88-89%) Kerryn Duff (Baroque) Catherine Smith (Unaccompanied C & F) Silver Medal

Roxanne Christian/Catherine Smith (Duet) – Silver Medal Rouzanna Coxson/Alexandra Mould (Duet) – Silver Medal Hoogste Lof (90%+) Kerryn Duff (Sonata) Rouzanna Coxson (Baroque, Unaccompanied, Modern & Sonata) – Silver Medal (Sonata) Roxanne Christian (Unaccompanied) Alexandra Mould (Baroque & Modern) – Silver Medal Alexandra Mould (Concerto) – Gold Diploma Berocca G – Gold Medal SENIOR VOICE Lof +(86-87%) Tamsin Metelerkamp (Folksong) Grace Thomson (Own Choice) Lof ++(88-89%) Tamsin Metelerkamp (Own Choice, Aria Antica) Anja Mühr (Aria Antica) Pearl Jung (Aria Antica) Grace Thomson (Aria Antica) Anja Mühr/Pearl Jung (Duet) Lauren Davis/Grace Thomson (Duet) Hoogste Lof (90%+) Tamsin Metelerkamp (Musical) Kirsten Pienaar (Afrikaanse Woorde, Own Choice, Folksong, Musical) Aimee George (Own Choice, Folksong, Musical) Grace Thomson (Musical) Lauren Davis (Afrikaanse Woorde, Aria Antica, Own Choice) Julia Holzberg/ Kirsten Pienaar/ Aimee George (Trio) PIANO SECTION to follow in next Newsletter

10 Rustenburg Times

Sports News PGSGU Cross Country Friday 25 August This event took place on a beautiful sunny afternoon on the slopes of Table Mountain. The event was hosted by St. Cyprians. Congratulations to all the Rustenburg runners who completed this tough 4km route.

Our top scorers were Sasha Sivertsen running in the U14 race, placed 2nd and Nicky de Villiers who placed 4th in the u18 race.

Thank you to all our runners. Rustenburg placed 4th overall.

U14: Sasha Sivertsen, Ali Wittenberg-Scott, Georgia Satchwell, Layla Mahomed, Kathleen Holcroft U15: Samantha McCrindle, Tamsin Metelerkamp, Isabella Meyer U16: Elle Mouton, Sarah Prutton, Lindiwe le Brasseur U17: Kristi Lanser, Natalie Luyt, Lauren Denny, Amina Vallie U19: Nicky de Villiers , Christine Monteverdi, Amy Scott and Natalie Pinto

Pictured left: Sasha Sivertsen (A4) receiving her prize

Pictured right: Nicky de Villiers (E2) finishing strongly on a tough course

PGSGU NETBALL TOURNAMENT NICKY DE VILLIERS and SARAH DONDE Congratulations to Nicky (u19) and Sarah (u16) who were rewarded for their outstanding performances during the cross country season.

They were awarded with certificates and medals at an awards function for placing third in their respective age-groups in the Southern Zone.

TENNIS KIANA NEETHLING continues to impress with her tennis performances. Kiana won the Boland Mini Series 3 women singles title on Sunday 2 September.

Due to inclement weather predicted for Saturday 25 August, the u14 and u16 tournaments had to be cancelled.

The u19 netball tournament went ahead and was hosted by Rustenburg at Herschel’s indoor venue.

This tournament proved to be a ‘closely-fought contest’. Due to only having one court, the matches were reduced to 12 minute matches with no subbing or changeovers allowed. We brought in five provincially graded umpires for the morning, which resulted in a netball tournament of high quality The Rustenburg team played well, placing 3rd behind Herschel and the winners, Springfield.

11 Rustenburg Times

Sports News HOCKEY MATCH RESULTS Thursday 23 August 1st team drew 1 – 1 against Settlers Saturday 25 August RGHS vs Monument Park: U19A lost 2 – 3 U19B won 4 – 0 U16B won 4 – 0 RGHS vs Muizenberg: U16C won 15 – 0 U14C lost 0 - 3 (suspended due to rain)

ICE SKATING During the weekend of 25-26 August, the Western Province Ice Skating Championships and Inter club competition took place.

Jessica Stanton and Emma Swart both took part in their respective synchronised ice-skating teams.

Congratulations to Emma Swart, who received the award of ‘ WP ICE SKATING SPORTSWOMEN OF THE YEAR FOR 2012’ Well done Emma!

PGSGU U16 Hockey Tournament: Friday 7 September at Herschel @14h30

Western Province Water Polo trials 2012 SATURDAY 13 October, 2012 Under 19 Venue: Herschel Time: 08h00 to 10h00 Under 16 Venue: Herschel Time: 15h30 to 17h30 Under 15 Venue: Reddam Time: 10h30 to 12h30 Under 14 Venue: Herschel Time: 12h30 to 15h30 Under 13 Venue: WBHS Time: 08h00 to 11h00

Rustenburg matches are as follows 14h55 vs St Cyprians 15h45 vs Herschel 16h35 vs Wynberg 17h50 vs Springfield 19h55 vs Sans Souci PGSGU Squash tournament: Saturday 8 September at WPCC @ 08h30

Talented Grade Eight runner, Sasha Sivertsen, in action at the recent PGSGU Cross Country Competition

12 Rustenburg Times

h‌ s a l F Ar t ade r G l Fina elve Tw gs rin e f f o

Jodie Naude

Natalie Pinto

Mieke Loubser Jueun Kim

13 Rustenburg Times

Calendar TERM 3 Saturday 08

International Literacy Day Inter-Schools Squash (WPCC courts) 08h30

Tuesday 11

SGB Sub-Committee Meetings 17:30

Wednesday 12

Grade 11 German and History outing (Holocaust Centre)

Friday 14

Grade 12 Preliminary Examinations end isiXhosa Dinner (Thomson Hall) 18:30 – 20:30

Monday 17

Rosh Hashanah Grade 10 & 11 English, Afrikaans/isiXhosa Writing Examinations Grade 12 Visual Arts and Design final practical Academic lessons for Grades 8, 9 and non-Art Grade 12 learners

Tuesday 18

Rosh Hashanah

Wednesday 19

Gr 9 Language ANA Annual Music Concert (Kemp Hall) 19:30

Thursday 20

Assembly: Heritage Day presentation (History)

Friday 21

Civvies Day (for support staff gifts) Extended form period for checking of mark schedules Gr 9 Mathematics ANA Grade 10 Afrikaans Southern Cape Tour leaves after form period Boarders weekend out

Sat 22

National Ensemble Competition @ Stellenbosch University

A NOTICE FROM PAWS The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals has asked Rustenburg, and specifically the Earth Children Society, to help promote the Arabian Nights Themed Dance, to be held in September to raise money for much needed medical and surgical equipment.

Jaime Gray PAWS Representative, Earth Children Society

PDSA ARABIAN NIGHTS DINNER The PDSA is hosting a really exciting Arabian Nights Dance to raise funds for surgical and medical equipment on the 14th of September starting at 19h00 at the Athlone Civic Centre.

There will be cheese and wine as an entrĂŠe as well as a three course meal (available in Halaal). The entertainment includes a band, DJ, raffle, auction and belly dancing.

The dress code is strictly formal or theme dress. Tickets cost R130.

It is a really wonderful idea for a gift to buy for friends or parents. Buy a few tickets and go as a group to enjoy a wonderful evening filled with exotic entertainment and good food.

If anyone is interested please see Jaime Gray in D4 (jaimegray26@gmail) or contact Sandy or Zoe 021 638 513/4 (sokkers@pdsa.org.za)