Blue Thread Issue 8

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Cont Weddeing Celebrations

SA Dancers

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12 Mia van der Merwe

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Parel Stock

18 Visual Arts

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tents Hello & Goodbye

Cartoons

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34 Fashion

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Interview with Antonie

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NamibiĂŤ Woestynfees

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Letter from the Editor To describe this term as “chaotic”, would surely be an understatement. Tussen die bedrywige kultuurlewe en vele suksesvolle sportsdae, om nie eers die akademie te noem nie, moes ons maar veg om ‘n blaaskans te kry.

Matrics, we have officially survived our first matric exams! I’m not going to lie, it’s been a rough few weeks, but we made it. Hierdie is die begin van die einde vir baie van ons langtermyn Blue Thread-lede. By next term you will have an entire magazine put together solely by the new Blue Thread team. Maar vir oulaas, geniet hierdie uitgawe. We cover the wonderful achievements of Mia van der Merwe, introduce the newest asset to our Blue Thread-family and celebrate two breathtaking weddings. Boonop is dit hoogtyd dat ons ’n onderhoud voer met PV se ware Bulldog, niemand anders as Antonie nie. Until next time… Yours Truly



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S

edert 2002 bied Hoërskool Bellville jaarliks die Nasionale Toneelspel kompetisie aan. Hierdie kompetisie is gerig op tienerakteurs en -aktrises van regoor die land. KykNET is die hoofborg vir hierdie nasionale tienertoneelspel kompetisie. Parel Vallei neem al die afgelope paar jaar, jaarliks deel aan hierdie kompetisie met wisselende mates van sukses. Ons is egter baie trots om te kan sê dat Mia van der Merwe, Graad 10, nie net na die finale rondtes deurgedring het nie, maar ook die kompetisie gewen het. Ja jy het reg gelees, Nommer 1 in die land!

geïnteresseerd in die dramatiese kunste en het aanhou lesse neem buite skool. “Ek en my onderwyseres het laas jaar besluit om my in te skryf vir die kompetisie. Ek het tot ver in die kompetisie gevorder en die prys gewen vir Beste Junior. Dit was vir my ‘n oomblik van ontwaking. Ek het skielik besef dat ek goed genoeg was en dat ek oor genoeg talent beskik, al wat nodig was, was harde werk.” Sy noem dat sy ewig dankbaar sal wees vir hierdie kompetisie. Dit het nie net vir haar toegelaat om haarself te vind in die wêreld van drama nie, maar het ook soveel ongelooflike geleenthede na haar toe gebring. “Ek bedoel… Ek is vyftien, en kyk, die kompetiese het ’n loopMia het aan my verduidelik hoe die kompetisie uitgelê is. baan vir my begin.” Die kompetisie bestaan uit 4 rondtes. Jy moet egter kwalifiseer om deel te neem aan die kompetisie Sy vertel my dat Dowwe Dolla nog altyd een van haar tydens ‘n strawwe reeks oudisies. Tydens hierdie rolmodelle was. “In Graad 2 het ons ‘n produksie van oudisie rondte neem daar tussen 500 - 1000 aspirant Vlooi gaan kyk. Hierdie vrou het die rol van ‘n seuntjie tienertoneelspelers deel. Uit hierdie massiewe groep vertolk. Sy was so oortuigend in haar rol; dit het my word daar slegs 80 gekies om aan te beweeg na die eerste absoluut gefassineer. Ek wou soos sy wees. Ek wou kon rondte. Tydens die eerste rondte word daar van dié 80 doen wat sy doen.” “En natuurlik ook my drama gevra om ‘n gedig en ‘n monoloog voor te dra in die onderwyseres wat my deur die loop van die kompetisie alombekende Kunste Kaap Teater. Hier vind dan ook ‘n ondersteun en gelei het. Ten spyte van haar ongelooflike oudisie vir ‘n radiodrama plaas in die ateljee van RSG. Na talent, is sy so plat op die aarde.” Die beskrywing was vir die verloop van hierdie rondte word daar slegs 30 gekies my heel opvallend ook ‘n baie goeie beskrywing van Mia om voort te beweeg in die kompetisie. Na nog ‘n optrede haarself. van ‘n monoloog of prosa word die groep nóg verklein tot Laastens noem sy vir my: “Ek weet nie wat ek sou doen ‘n groepie van 16 toneelspelers. sonder drama nie. Drama is die rede waarom ek op Hierdie 16 jong akteurs en aktrises word geneem na die hierdie aarde gesit is. Ek sou nie vandag Mia gewees het stel van die televisie-reeks, Die Suid-Ooster, waar hul elk sonder drama nie.” ‘n televisie oudisie aflê. Dieselfde aand nog, word die Top As ek julle kon raad gee: Kry haar handtekening terwyl sy 8 aangekondig. Hierdie Top 8 dring dus deur na die 4denog langs julle deur die skoolgange stap. Eendag sal jy vir en finalerondte van die kompetisie. Hierdie rondte verg jou kinders kan vertel dat jy op skool was saam met die samesmelting van die 3 stukke— een gedig, een daardie skitterende Hollywood-ster. monoloog en een prosa— deur middel van musiek, sang, dans, of enige ander kuns vorm, om een samehangende program te vorm. Nadat elkeen van die deelnemers hul program aangebied het word die Top 3 bekend gemaak waaruit die algehele wenner van die kompetisie gekies word.

- Hugo Uys

Ek het vir Mia uitgevra oor haar gesiekdenis met die dramatiese kunste, asook haar pad vorentoe. “Ek het elke jaar deelgeneem aan eistedfodds. Ek het nie sleg gevaar nie, maar ek het nooit gedink dat my talent iets besonders is nie.” Sy vertel dat sy vir lank onbewus was van die feit dat ’n persoon ’n loopbaan in die dramatiese kunste kan volg. Dit het haar oë oopgemaak en haar toegelaat om te droom oor what if’s en if only’s. “Toe ek in Parel Vallei ingestap het, het ek besluit om te probeer deelneem aan die skool se jaarlikse toneelstukke. Dinge het net egter nooit so uitgewerk nie.” Sy was egter nog altyd

“Ek sou nie vandag Mia gewees het sonder drama nie.”

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- Renee van Zyl Die rok was stylvol en tydloos met detail roteaplaas. Stanford. ‘n Paar op die rug. Die strooimeisies het pruimwolkies in die lug. Die pragtige kleurigerompies met wit bloesies gedra. natuurskoon van die Overberg. Die bruidegom het al te spiekeries gelyk in sy olyfkleurige baadjie, grys chino en Roelene en Jaco het op 30 April onder die maroen das. Konfetti het soos sneeubekende eeu-oue akkerbome van die vlokkies grond toe gedryf en die paadjie romantiese Beloftebos trou-venue ewige soos kapok bedek. Die koue byt in die lug trou aan mekaar beloof. het die beeld mooi gepas. Die beplanning van die troue was bitter harde werk, aangesien die tema DIY was, en Juffrou Enslin en haar man dus alles self gedoen het! Maar sy sê dit was deur en deur die moeite werd. Veral omdat hulle alles sáám kon doen. Die dag het begin met die oorweldigende gevoel waarmee elke bruid wakker word. ‘n Trotse pa, ‘n ou skoolbus vir ‘n troukar en die hond wat by die tuinhekkie uitglip, het die eerste paar ure ingekleur. Ja, die hond het die verkeerde dag gekies, maar hy het seker gedink elke hond kry sy dag. ‘n Oom in ‘n snyerspak en ‘n meisie in ‘n trourok wat in die straat afhardloop agter ‘n hond aan het vir goeie skoot adrenalien gesorg. Kry ‘n beeld. Hulle was darem betyds vir die seremonie, en die hond was terug in sy agterplaas! Die seremonie was baie spesiaal. Die Here se teenwoordigheid was tasbaar. Die beloftes is nie net voor die 145 gaste nie, maar ook voor die Here afgelê.

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Die troukoek het perfek by die DIY-tema ingepas: brownies! Almal se gunsteling. Die onthaal was op juffrou Enslin se ouers se proteaplaas buite Stanford. ‘n Plaasstoor met duisende klein liggies het gaste nader gewink. Op die spyskaart was onder andere roosterkoeke, maak-jou-eieplatbrood en tuisgemaakte roomys. Die dansvloer was in ‘n eenwoordbeskrywing, “mal”, en liedjies soos Future of Forestry se Slow Your Breath, Standing At The End Of The Road en dan vir ‘n bietjie speelsheid: Me Too, het uitgestaan. ‘n Sagte reëntjie het die aand afgekoel.

Juffrou Enslin het besluit om nie haar blommeruiker te gooi nie en het dit eerder vir haar ma gegee. Haar raad aan toekomstige bruide is: “Don’t sweat the small stuff!! Mens raak voor die troue so behep met alles wat perfek moet wees, selfs in die kleinste detail, maar ‘n troue gaan nie oor die klein detail nie, mense sien dit nie eens raak nie of onthou dit nie, al wat hulle onthou, is dat hulle lekker geëet het en lekker feesgevier het met kief mense!!”

reeds so ‘n rustigheid oor my, die atmosfeer was vol van die Here se genade en liefde en toe ek vir Jaco sien, bevestig dit net dat hy dit ook ervaar!!” Die Swanepoels het vir hul wittebrood deur die Wes-Kaap se mooiste natuurskoon getoer.

Juffrou Enslin sê die beste deel van die troue was die seremonie: “Toe ek in die paadjie afgestap kom, was daar

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- Renee van Zyl

utumn. Think perfect weather, green lawns, that brides have shared for centuries. Miss Oertle vineyards and a beautiful sparkling dam.

prepared for the ceremony in the company of her

But wait; that’s not all. You are in the heart

mother and sister. It was a special moment. Words

of the Paarl Valley, surrounded by excited

and letters, with the promise to be cherished for

guests and a beautiful bride is coming down the

years to come, were exchanged. The ceremony

aisle…

was beautiful, special and intimate.

On the 3rd of April our beloved Miss Oertle and her

Miss Oertle wore a princess-style dress for the

husband, Gary, exchanged their vows before their

ceremony. The bodice and parts of the tulle skirt

80 guests with the backdrop of the Rhebokskloof

was covered in beadwork. Her mother spent hours

Wine Estate. It was a day to be remembered.

and hours hand-stitching beads along the edging of

The day started with the thought of, “I am getting

her 9m-long veil! A beautiful bouquet of

married, the day is finally here!” The excitement

eucalyptus and pink roses added the finishing touch.

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The groom and his brother wore grey suits with

Their perfectly wonderful day ended with joyous

white shirts and black and white spotted ties. The dancing to the beat of 70s and 80s Rock. They groom also wore silver cufflinks that Miss Oertle

were quite nervous for the first dance, as Miss

gave to him; they are shaped like aeroplanes,

Oertle and Gary both claim to have two left feet,

because Gary is a pilot. (RED: Cute!)

but no disasters occurred. However, this was not

The bridesmaids wore a blue-grey dress that had a the only stressful situation resolved, as the entire playlist disappeared the day before the wedding! lace and beaded bodice with a full tulle skirt to

match the elegant style of the wedding. The style Miss Oertle’s advice for future brides is, “To was enhanced with dove grey, creams, silver and

simply soak it all up and enjoy every second of

glass.

your day.” Mr & Mrs Culpan spent their

The ceremony was followed by a series of lawn

honeymoon in Mozambique.

games, during which canapés were served.

We wish a happily ever after to the pilot and his

Pictures were taken to imprint the day for

gorgeous bride!

generations to come. The wedding cake was a

delicious two-tiered cake with a carrot and a peanut-butter tier. Both layers were decorated with a cream cheese icing and fresh roses covered the cake. For the reception, Miss Oertle changed into a vintage, cream, two-piece dress covered with embroidery and pearls. The reception was held in

the maturation cellar. Low hanging chandeliers and ivy-coated walls decorated the space. Speeches were made, glasses were raised and the joy of a union was shared. The venue had its own restaurant, thus simplifying catering matters. On the menu, was a delicious goat’s cheese salad for starters, followed by a beef fillet with dauphinoise potatoes and oven roasted veggies for mains. The dessert was a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate lava pudding. They also decided to have a sweets table which was filled with scrumptious treats.

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Cultur


re


Almost Alive Kills it at Parel Stock

- Chanel Bowen

O

n March 30th, Henko Uys, Ronan Wademan, Hugo Potgieter, and Mighael Malek walked away with the crown - the fret-board trophy to be exact. After a night of blinding lights and adrenalin-fuelled performances, the band formed two years ago through a mutual love for music became the winners of Parel Stock 2017.

Almost Alive started as a bass and guitar duo - Henko and Mighael - who soon realised they needed a drummer - Ronan - and keys - Hugo. By the beginning of this year, they had a full band and a name approved by fate. “We started with The Most Dead because you can’t be deader than dead but that wasn’t catchy. So it became Almost Dead, but that sounded depressing so it changed to Almost Alive.” Double bonus points for alliteration, and being at the top of alphabetical playlists. The cherry on the cake: Mighael and Henko passing a van at K-Day with the slogan "AA Works." Destiny? Fate? Either way, the name stuck. Although influencing artists range far and wide, from Slash and Muse to Linkin Park and Arctic Monkeys, all four agreed that the opening song, Seven Nation Army, was the best to play. "You get stage fright before the performance but as soon as you play the first note, everything else disappears and you're in the zone." And next for the band: writing their own songs. It won't be long until we see Almost Alive topping the charts with their original masterpieces. In the meantime, we'll wait avidly for their next performance at PV’s Got Talent.

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“IT WAS QUITE UNBELIEVABLE”

“I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT” “I couldn't stop smiling”

“I didn't want the moment to end”

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VISUAL ARTS. noun. creative art whose products are to be appreciated by sight, such as painting, sculpture, and film-making .

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NIKLAAS BRÜMMER - Nina Andro Q: What is your preferred type of illustration/art? A: Waterpainting. Q: How did you get into illustration? A: Ever since I was young I’ve had a passion for art, and I draw to get my mind of things and cope with emotions. Q: Do you have a favourite subject to illustrate? A: Faces, plants and anything unusual. Q: What are your plans for after school? A: I honestly don´t know but it will probably be art related. Q: Any must-follows on Instagram? A: Some of my favourites are @fleshpng , @whoistayla , @septemberwildflowers Q: Proudest moment? A: When I entered a water painting of my mother and won an overall prize for it. Q: Favourite snack, subject and time of day? A: Peanut butter sandwich, Bio/Design and bedtime. Q: Life motto? A: Follow your art... Q: How do you stay inspired?

A: By seeing and appreciating everything around me.

Follow Niklaas on IG @brummer_bro

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Q: How did you get into illustration? A: I've always drawn and done creative things since I was a child. I would constantly try to make things or draw things purely because I enjoyed it. In primary school I realized it was something I was 'good' at, I just worked harder at it throughout the years and as I've grown up. Illustration has just become that much more exciting for me. It has simply become my preferred style and way to depict my feelings or ideas about things. Q: Is drawing always relaxing for you or does it sometimes feel like work? A: Drawing can definitely become one of my biggest stressors at times. It can be when I've just left a commission piece until last minute, which happens with most things for me, but especially when I really just want to create a piece of art but have absolutely no idea where to start. I also become stressed when I’m struggling to come up with ideas. That is the worst. I get these dry spells or 'creative blocks' where as much as I want to do it, I simply can't, because it becomes too stressful to even start thinking of an idea. I think this is because I'm my biggest critic. We're all harder on ourselves than anyone else.

TAYLA VAN LO - Nina Andro

Q: Do you get an income out of it or is illustration more of a hobby? A: I don't really get paid for what I do, I do most pieces out of my own. This is purely because I was inspired or I managed to doodle something and it came out a little better than okay. Otherwise, there are a few pieces I've done as commissions for people that I get some cash from. Hopefully it becomes more frequent in the future and I can eventually make a living off of my illustration - that's the plan! Q: Favourite thing to illustrate? A: My favourite thing to illustrate is people and places, I love taking specific characteristics of a person’s appearance and emphasizing it through my illustrations. I also really like to exaggerate details and shadows.

Q: What are you planning to do after matric? A: I can't decide what I want to do thus far, but I'm looking at studying a diploma in illustration at the Ruth Prowse School of Art in Woodstock or studying a Bachelor of Art in Fine Arts at UCT. All I know is that I definitely want to be in the creative industry and use my illustrations and artwork to push the envelope in society in order to get messages across to the masses. You can really get away with a lot through art, it's such a broad spectrum. Q: Who in the design world do you follow on Instagram? A: I follow so many incredibly talented artists and designers on IG, it's difficult to only pick a few! I admire all forms of art, be it painting, sketching, tattooing, sculpting or whatever else the case may be. My absolute favourites that I follow on IG are @lucasbavid, @flesh.png and a local Cape Town up & coming artist Florian Snyman (@adult.fiction). Definitely check these dudes out!

Give her a follow on IG @whoistayla 22


Q: What is your biggest achievement / proudest moment? A: A very proud moment was when I had some of my artwork featured in a group exhibition last year, November. It was held at Vega College by an artist and photographer collective called ‘The Creative Collective’ (@tccza) I was in contact with. I had six skateboard decks that I had done artwork on, exhibited. To have so many people I didn't even know merely looking at my art made me so stoked! I didn't care what they thought about it, I just cared that they acknowledged it. It was a great feeling! Q: Favourite subject, snack and time of day? A: My favourite subject is obviously design, favourite snack is a good cup of coffee and some rusks - boring I know but it tastes so good. My favourite time of the day is the nighttime. Everything is better at night and I always feel most creative late at night or in the early hours of the morning. Shout out to design for keeping me sleep deprived.

Q: Life motto? A: Definitely stay positive! It can get hard but your mind is the most fertile soil so plant seeds of positivity and let them flourish. Also, remember the universe only throws you things it knows you can handle! Q: What inspires you? A: I'm inspired by music and my own emotions. What I draw usually depends on how I'm feeling that day or what music I'm listening to, and what that music is making me think about or feel. If it's stuff like Lana Del Rey, La Femme or Acid Ghost, I'll end up drawing super simple illustrations, but if I’m listening to my usual Mac Miller, J. Cole, Surf Curse or Cherry Glazerr I'll go into a lot of detail with the drawing and try to visually depict how I’m feeling.

OGGERENBERG

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SHANA DE - Nina Andro

Q: How did you get into illustration? A: My mom is an artist herself, I was home schooled until high school so I would have the time to draw every single day. She taught me a lot about composition, proportion and colour, but never forced her style on me which is why I think I developed my own style so quickly. Q: Favourite thing to illustrate? A: I only illustrate bodies or faces, sometimes with surrealistic objects around them. I honestly can't remember the last time I drew a cow or a car or something of the sort. Q: What are you planning to do after matric? A: As much as I love illustrating, I don't think I will pursue it as a career. I am much too extroverted to spend the majority of my time with myself and my own art. I am planning to get my degree in Acting and theatre-making at UCT.

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Q: Who in the design world do you follow on Instagram? A: Dude, Instagram gives me so much inspiration. I am in love with Laura Callaghan @lauracallaghanillustration , Juno Birch @junobirch and Maya Ajani @mayaajani . Q: Is drawing always relaxing for you, or does it sometimes feel like work? A: Naturally, I get excruciatingly frustrated if my thoughts don't come out on paper as I envisioned them, but I generally find that creating is therapeutic and something I have to do every day - otherwise I go mad!

VILLIERS Give her a follow on IG @shanabananax

Q: What is your biggest achievement? A: I think the achievement I am most proud of thus far was getting my art tattooed on a lady. I was given complete freedom to design something, with only a few rough guidelines and she loved it! Q: Favourite subject, snack, and time of day? A: My favourite subject is Drama. I don't snack, I eat nothing or a plate of food the size of a small child. My favourite time of the day is usually late at night. Q: Life motto? A: Remember that this is a world where marshmallows are essentially sweet, fluffy omelettes, bread is raw toast and everything happens for a reason. Q: What inspires you? A: Anything can inspire me. A homeless man giving out drawings, a beautiful day or a good ol' movie.

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We also decided to catch up with some of our Parel Vallei alumni who have decided to pursue careers in the Visual Arts. Kirsten Moffitt het met 2 van ons oud-leerders gesels.

Ilse Erasmus Ilse Erasmus is ‘n 20-jarige plaaslike kunstenaar. Ilse se ligaamskuns het al op die voorblad van die ‘Natural Medicine’ tydskrif verskyn en sy het onlangs een van haar nuutste skeppings by die Muratie Charity Auction verkoop. Ilse beperk nie haarself tot 'n sekere styl nie, sy geniet dit om verskillende dinge wat haar uitdaag te probeer en haar styl van daar af te ontwikkel. Sy vind inspirasie in haar daaglikse lewe en die mense rondom haar. Sy sien nie kuns as ‘n beroep nie, sy is ‘n kunstenaar want sy geniet kuns en dit is een van haar passies in die lewe. Na haar mening is die moeilikste deel as kunstenaar kritiek, selfmotivering en die onsekerheid wat met die skep van kuns wat vrylik beoordeel deur die publiek kan word, geskep word. Haar raad aan hoopvolle kunstenaars is om nie so hard op hulself te wees nie, om aan te hou met wat hulle doen, selfs al is hulle nie tevrede met die aanvanklike uitkoms nie. “Waardeer jou tyd en vaardigheid as kunstenaar. Respekteer jou kuns en mense sal jou ernstig opneem.” Haar planne vir die toekoms het 'n twee-week tydraamwerk waarin sy kuns sal skep, perd sal ry en vir haar ouers gaan kuier. Volg vir Ilse en haar kuns deur haal daaglikse lewe @ilseki op Instagram.

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Katherine Horn Katherine Horn, a recent matriculant of Parel Vallei High School is a rising star in the local art community. Katherine would describe her style as grotesque yet innocent and pretty all at the same time. She loves using colour throughout her creation and her main interest is the movement of lines. “I like to see how lines can vary in a drawing in movement size and pattern”

Even when people succeed they fear that people are one day going to stop thinking their art is worth anything” No matter the difficulties Katherine has always known she wanted to pursue a career in art. Even from a very young age she wanted to be an author and illustrator, only realising that her writing is the opposite of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, she is now following her real passion for art.

She urges future artists to experiment. To make art for themselves and to NEVER give up. Art improves with time, even if you think it won’t. She is currently taking a gap year and plans to study Fine Art next year. She is keen on doing some teaching and illustration after completing her studies but has no specific She mainly finds her inspiration through things that emotionally plans yet. All she knows is that whatever she does, she will be effect her. Art is her form of emotional expression and it’s been happy with as long as what there is art and creativity involved. a natural instinct from a very young age, her coping mechanism. She is currently working on a very exciting project about She is inspired by artists like Egon Schiele, Quentin Blake and dreams, keep an eye out for Katherine’s future masterpieces her biggest inspiration is Neil Gaiman. Even though Neil isn’t a visual artist it was his movie, MirrorMask, that first inspired her @therealkatherinehorn on Instagram. to draw. Katherine believes that the hardest part of being an artist is self-doubt. She says that trying is not hard, but wondering if your art will ever be noticed or worth anything. “Artists of all sorts have issues with feeling as though their art ‘is not good enough’.

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SA’s D


Dancing


Ashleigh

My experience was amazing, I grew a lot as a I would one day hopefully qualify again and go dancer I came back with a whole different to ‘World’s’ that would be a big must for my mind set about my dancing. It was an unfor- future in dance. gettable experience. I watched Step Up, the first one, in 2006 and I When I heard I made nationals I was very just told my mom straight away that I wanted proud of myself. It was very overwhelming but to do that. I started out with ballet, but it didin a good way. It changed my life for the n't suit my personality and then when the 2nd better. Step Up movie came out I changed my mind and decided I wanted to do hip hop. So basicalThe trip was very tiring but was definitely ly Step Up got me into dancing. worth it. I placed 1st in the country for a duo and two groups, placed 2nd for another group Probably coming first in the country with my and 3rd in the country for my 2nd duo. I was so duo partner Sylvia. We have been partners surprised about what I achieved but my since 2011 so definitely was a great moment in dreams literally came true. my life and my biggest achievement. The best part about being on the team is just being with the team and supporting your friends and dance member and even meeting new friends and making more memories.

My go to song wow I have so many I actually can't think of any certain one hey. Maybe love more by Chris brown or any song with Chris brown in it .

Dancing has been part of my life since I was 6 Favorite dance move is twerking and favorite it's always helped me to get through tough dance style is Boogaloo. times no matter what. It is really important to me. It makes me generally happy.

such a beautiful thing. I love dancing for those reasons as well as to entertain others.

When I heard that I made the team it was unbelievable. To know that all the hard work , long hours and tears have all payed off was such a great feeling.

I got into dancing in grade 4/5. I was dancing at a primary school talent show and one of the mothers offered to put me into a proper studio so that I could become better and do competitions as well.

Future plans in dancing , not really but it will definitely be something that I will carry on doing until I'm old and cannot go any longer.

At the competition I got 3 Golds ,1 silver ,1 bronze . I got Golds for 2 groups and 1 duet. Silver for a group dance and Bronze for a the other duet. To place at this competition you need to get above 90%. So this was a great achievement.

The biggest achievement in my dancing career would definitely be being chosen to represent WP at SA champs and the cherry on the top being chosen for the South African Team of performing Arts, to represent SA in Los Angeles. That is definitely my biggest achievement The best part of being apart of the team was in my dancing career. I unfortunately won't be simply becoming so much closer with my fel- going to Los Angeles though. low dance mates. Meeting new people. Being able to share the experience with such great My go-to dance song right now would have to people. be Swalla by Jason Derulo Dancing to me is a way for expressing your My favourite dance style is definitely Hip Hop emotion. Whether be it sad or happy. Dance is and I don't necessarily have a favourite dance a language that anyone from anywhere can move. understand and I think that is what makes it

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Sylvia

My experience at SA'S was absolutely magical. I became so close it so many people. I got to fly for the first time which was super exciting for me. Being there was such a privilege, getting to see different styles of dancing that I have personally never seen was awesome.


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Hello & Goodbye - Hugo Uys

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A

thol Fugard could be considered as the most relevant and prolific playwright South Africa has ever produced. He was born in 1932 in Middelburg in the Eastern Cape after which he grew up in Port Elizabeth. After a brief spell in acting he started writing and directing his own plays. His impressive collection of works include masterpieces such as ‘Mister Harold and the Boys’, ‘Boesman and Lena’, ‘The Road to Mecca’ and ‘Hello and Goodbye’. The latter breaks away from Fugard’s usual political narrative and places emphasis on themes of personal freedom and self-realisation. Bringing a Fugard to life is never a task to be taken up lightly. Text that lends itself to many an interpretation and stage designs that could pose a challenge to even the most experienced set designers, ensures a steep mountain of creative and practical decisions to overcome. That certainly did not stop us from trying – and succeeding, if I do say so myself. ‘Hello & Goodbye’ was brought to the stage and it certainly impressed. Our very own Miss Yanou Pienaar tackled the script with the ferocity that only a Bulldog can muster. ‘Hello & Goodbye’ follows the story of two siblings, Hester and Johnnie Smit. Following their mother’s death and the loss of their father’s leg during a mining accident, Hester runs away, seeking to escape poverty in the big city. Now, after 12 years, Hester has returned to her childhood home and is faced with many issues that she wished to leave behind. Miss Annelie van Zyl, our own drama teacher, takes up the role of the tortured Hester Smit and plays alongside Mister Darryl Spijkers portraying the solitary Johnnie Smit. Wicus Louw, Parel Vallei’s incredibly skilled matric drama tech student, worked alongside Miss Pienaar, editing the text, operating the lighting and supporting where needed.

Parel Vallei’s newest musical asset, nationally accomplished organist Mister Winand Grundling, has composed music specially for this staging of the play. He has received 2 Kanna awards at the KKNK and released 3 albums.

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Miss Yanou Pienaar made some creative decisions, such as cutting excerpts of text so as to remove any references to a specific time or era in South African history. This placed the sole thematic focus on the relationship between the siblings. The set design was stripped down to add to the essential themes of family discord and poverty. The addition of some set elements also reminded of Beckett’s style of Absurdism and might

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even strike familiar chords, reminiscent of earlier works by Miss Annelie van Zyl. Miss Van Zyl and Mister Spijkers proved themselves a dynamic duo, effectively bringing each sentence to life. With both possessing a significant amount of experience both on and off stage, they knew just how to work the audience and had us hanging onto their every word.


OZYMANDIAS By Percy Bysshe Shelly

I met a traveller from an antique land Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert. Near them on the sand, Half sunk, a shatter'd visage lies, whose frown And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command Tell that its sculptor well those passions read Which yet survive, stamp'd on these lifeless things, The hand that mock'd them and the heart that fed. And on the pedestal these words appear: "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Nothing beside remains: round the decay Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare, The lone and level sands stretch far away.

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- Zoë Naudé PV’s recent Poetry for Life evening was a powerful night of international and local poetry that left the contestants, judges and audience feeling enriched and moved. Jonathan Fletcher was the overall winner of the evening, scoring the highest in both the international and local categories. Zoë Naudé interviewed him to learn what it takes to be a victor of verse.

How and why did you get involved in Poetry for Life? I got involved in PFL because of a poem, Ozymandias. I was studying for my grade 11 English literature paper, and at that stage in exams I was slightly crazy. I decided to read all the prescribed poems aloud for fun, and when I got to Ozymandias, I thought 'aw man, this poem sounds awesome...' You can imagine my excitement when I saw that Ozymandias was on the list for PFL. When I saw that I just knew I would have to take part. So I just gave my name to Mrs O'Connor. Have you always been interested in poetry and literature? No. In grade 8 and 9 I usually approached essays from a very literal point of view. But this year, as I took part in PFL, I realised that I really do enjoy literature and poems. Do you have a favourite poet and/or poem? I don't have a favourite poet, but I think T. S. Eliot is a very good poet. And my favourite poem is, without a doubt, Ozymandias.

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Do you regularly take part in poetry recitals and evenings? No. The PFL competition is the first public poem recital activity I have participated in. However, I am an avid fan of public speaking, and I regularly take part in events that require public speaking. What led you to choosing the poems you recited at the Poetry for Life evening? You already know why I chose 'Ozymandias', but we had to recite a South African poem as well. For that I chose 'Lake morning in Autumn' because I enjoy nature, and the poem features some lovely descriptions of a stork.

“Poetry can be a valuable tool for the teenager who is willing to wield it� Did you identify with or greatly admire a specific poem or specific part of a poem? And I'm back to Ozymandias...So this poem is about a desolate wasteland, that at some point in history was the thriving capital of some empire. The ruler, Ozymandias, has a statue made of himself which brags about his great accomplishments. However, now all that remains is his boastful and broken statue. All his other achievements have decayed and disappeared. Basically, the poem is one huge mockery of Ozymandias, and in it I see a warning. A warning to remain humble. Will you participate in such events in the future or pursue it after school? No, probably not out of school. But I greatly encourage anyone who enjoys poetry (even slightly) to give this a try. I really enjoyed myself! And I would do it again in a heartbeat. What is your opinion on the relevance and importance of poetry in modern society, and specifically to teens? I recently presented an English oral on this topic. I do feel that poetry can have an amazingly positive effect on teens, and even grade 8s. Poetry can be a valuable tool for the teen who's willing to wield it. Poetry can help you figure out what you are feeling, because that can be difficult sometimes. But you must be willing to think hard about it after you have read it. And if you are confident enough to write poetry, you can use it to get your emotions out of your system, like a punching bag, for non-violent people.

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SPORT



NAMIBIË WOESTYNFEES

2017


- Zandelie Trollip

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edurende die April vakansie het Parel Vallei se eerste Rugby- en Netbalspan tesame met 'n aangespanne tweede Netbalspan en 3 toeskouer leerders na Walvisbaai in Namibië gereis vir die dorp se jaarlikse Woestynfees - 'n sportfees waar skole van regoor Suid-Afrika en Namibië meeding in rugby-, netbalen hokkiewedstryde. Die leerders was vergesel deur Juffrou Murray , Meneer en Mevrou Kruger en Meneer Fritz.

Die spanne het baie uit hul wedstryde geleer alhoewel hul nie alles gewen het nie. Dit het die spanne slegs sterker gemaak en vir hulle baie lesse geleer. Die spanne se af-dag was gevul met avontuurlustige aktiwiteite, onder andere vierwielmotorfietstoere deur die woestyn en sandplankry teen die duine van die Namibië! 'n Dag gevul met pret!

Op die dag van die laaste wedstryde het die Die toerspan het 04:00 die oggend op die spanne vinnig reg gemaak om direk na die 3de April die skool verlaat, en het 13 ure wedstryde weer in die pad te val huis toe. later by die Withuis — 'n gastehuis in Hulle het laat die weer by die Withuis Grünau , Namibië — gearriveer. gastehuis gearriveer waar hulle die Tussen stof en ‘n paar droë bossies het die volgende oggend 03:00 in die pad moes val kinders gaan swem en 'n heerlike plaasete oppad terug Kaap toe! geniet. 'n Bus vol uitgeputte tieners het ongeveer Vroeg die volgende oggend het hulle weer 15:00 die middag by Parel Vallei gearriveer in die pad geval op hul reis na Walvisbaai. met lywe soekend na 'n warm stort en koppe soekend na hulle bekende kussings. Met hul aankoms in Walvisbaai ongeveer 19:00 die aand het hulle aandete by die dorpie se kerk geniet en daarna 'n inspirerende kerkdiens bygewoon wat die Woestynfees se begin gekenmerk het. Ex-Springbokafrigter Pieter de Villiers was En net so - monde met 'n hele paar stories om te vertel... ‘n gasspreker gedurende die diens. Die toerspan het elke oggend van die fees 'n Spur-ontbyt geniet saam met die ander skole en het middag—en aandete by die gasheerskool se kostente geëet.


Fairmont Toernooi Kampioene

- Natasha Schmidt

‘n Hele rukkie gelede het ons eie eerste span meisies aan die Fairmont toernooi deelgeneem. Hulle was die trotse eienaar van die titel: kampioen. En ‘n luidrugtige rubber hoender, maar later meer daaroor. Die vierdag toernooi was gedurende die April vakansie en ons hokkkie eerstespanne neem al jare lank hieraan deel. Verlede jaar het ons eerstespan meisies teen Hudson Park in die finale wedstryd gespeel. Hudson was gelukkig gewees, want op een of ander manier het hul ons oorwin, wat glad nie sin maak nie. Ek jok, hulle is tog ‘n uitstekende hokkiespan, maar ons is ook. Voor die eerste wedstryd op elke dag, wat in Durbanville plaasgevind het, het die meisiespan in ‘n treintjie gesit en mekaar se hare in die kenmerkende dubbele vlegsels gevleg. Daarna het hulle met Juffrou Kets en Jared, hul afrigter, vergader om oor hul plan van aksie te praat. Laastens het hul deeglik opgewarm en ‘n oomblik geneem om aan die spel wat voorlê, te dink. Elkeen was dus nie net fisiek gereed nie, maar ook emosioneel. Die span het hierdie jaar keer op keer hul wedstryde gewen en moes toe weer teen Hudson Park in die finale wedstryd speel. Dit was nie ‘n maklike wedstryd nie, maar PV het voorgeloop met ‘n telling van 3-2 toe die wedstryd amper verby was. Als het goed verloop totdat een Hudson meisie die bal beetgekry het en ons hele span onkant gevang het. Voor hulle hul oë kon uitvee, was daar ‘n meisie van die ander span langs die doel en ‘n oop pad tussen haar en die meisie met die bal. Uit die veld geslaan, het almal gestaar na die toneel wat voor hul ontvou het. Die meisie wat die bal moes ontvang het geduik om dit te stop en… dit gemis! Die wedstryd was verby en Parel Vallei het gewen. Regdeur die toernooi was hul grootste ondersteuner altyd teenwoordig, besig om hulle aan te moedig. ABS-J (uitgespreek in Engels as ‘abs jay’) se skril, deurdringende stem kon van ver af gehoor word. Dié legendariese rubber hoender en sy kreet is nou al so lank deel van die eerste span dat hul nie meer kan onthou waarvoor die akroniem staan nie, maar daar word beweer dat sy oorspronklike naam Abraham Benjamin Sebastian Jr. is. Dit is geen geheim dat hy – asook Karlos die hond en Felicia die padda – die span verenig nie. Natuurlik is dit nie al wat hul verenig nie, maar met party spantradisies is dit beter vir die kat om in die sak te bly.

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the KARATE KIDS

- Nina Andro

Recently the karate achievements of certain Parel Vallei learners have been repeatedly mentioned during assemblies, but most of us know little about what these achievements actually mean. Blue Thread gets the scoop.

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A brief summary of the Shotokan karate system: Karateka (karate students) are graded by being awarded a coloured belt in recognition of their training efforts. The order of the belts awarded is white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and black; with various sub-levels within each colour. Gradings also help to establish seniority. The Helderberg Shotokan Karate Academy is affiliated with SASKA (South African Shotokan Karate Association), and the senior exams (such as senior brown belt and junior black belt) have to be taken in front of a panel of SASKA judges in Pretoria. Shotokan karate is a form of semi-contact karate – during gradings you are expected to attack and defend vigorously to show fighting spirit. Although no contact is allowed in competitions until the age of 15, thereafter, light contact to the face and take-downs are allowed. As long as your opponent is uninjured there is no limit to body contact.

The karate code of conduct consists of five rules that karateka are expected to live by: 1. Seek perfection of character 2. Be faithful 3. Endeavour 4. Respect others 5. Refrain from violent behaviour.


HANNAH KRUGER Recent achievements? My overseas competitions started in 2015, in October I competed in my first world championship in Slovenia, Europe, and a month later I competed in the Open Dul Sur in Catamarca, Argentina. My most recent world championship was in June 2016 in Dublin, Ireland. I’ve had many local national championships in between where I’ve remained first in South Africa in my age group for both kata and kumite since 2013. (kata is a set routine of precise movements, kumite is free-fighting)

What motivates you to keep training hard? Karate is a very self-motivating sport, it means something different to each student. For me, it’s the one sport I’ve found where I really enjoy every moment of what I do. I love the way it challenges me to constantly up my game, be fitter and be stronger. It’s a very physically challenging sport where you train as hard as you can in every class. There are many days that I struggle to walk up the stairs at school and even sitting down hurts!

Proudest moment? My proudest moment so far would be my fourth placement in Slovenia, it was my first ever world champs and I was so proud that I attained such a great result. It just proved that all the hard work and sacrifices were worth it.

How long have you been doing karate, and which level are you currently placed in? This is my 6th year doing karate and I’m currently ranked 1st kyu and will be grading for my shodan in September this year.

Favourite quote? My favourite quote is by Gary Player: "the more I practice the luckier I get," which is very true to karate because it takes daily practice and commitment to achieve in the sport. They say that only by the time you have done one technique 10 000 times will it be perfect. In karate, we strive for perfection in each thing we do.

Plans for the future? Why does karate appeal to you as a sport? Karate appeals to me because it’s a very disciplined sport. It requires a great deal of self-motivation and dedication, it’s a beautiful sport with many different elements that people don't know about. I really enjoy the physically and mentally challenging aspects of it.

Do you think PV should give more recognition to 'outside' sports, such as karate? Parel Vallei has always given me recognition for my achievements and I do believe that anyone who has dedicated themselves to a sport and achieves national results will definitely be given the recognition that they deserve.

How do people generally react when you tell them you do karate? People are normally quite shocked when they find out I do karate because they say that I, “don't look like I do karate" and many people don’t understand how the sport works or they hold misconceptions about karate because of movies like karate kid. It is a little bit like that in terms of the philosophy of the movies, but karate has evolved in many ways.

My next major competition is this year in November, where I will be attending the UWK (World United Karate) world championships in Italy.

Something you wish more people knew about your sport? I wish more people knew that it’s more than just punching and kicking but that its actually a very complex sport with many different elements. I am fortunate enough to teach the younger students and it’s often the case that they get teased at school because they do karate, it’s sad that people don’t understand the sport but they won’t until they actually try it for themselves.


MEGAN SALTER Biggest achievement? I recently passed to purple belt 2. Last year, I had my first fight at the Fish River Sun and did very well. It was my first national competition and I was spotted and chosen for the South African Development team that is going to Scotland in 2018 to compete in the World Championships.

Years doing karate? I’ve been doing karate for seven years.

Why do you enjoy karate? It makes me fit and strong and helps me to stand up for myself.

How do people react when you tell them you do karate? Most people are quite shocked when I tell them I do karate because I’m short and look ‘helpless’.

Future plans for karate? My next competition is coming up in August at De Hoop Primary school, then it’s another Nationals competition in August at the Fish River Sun. In May 2018 there are the World Championships in Scotland.

What keeps you going? I just want to be seen as someone who is recognized for my hard work, I also want to become stronger and fitter, I love to move around and I can never sit still. My motivation is probably my friends and family that support me in all that I do and I just want to make them proud.

Something you wish more people knew about your sport? It’s really hard work and you have to be super fit in order to participate. People also think mistakenly that it’s all about the fighting, but they miss the beauty of the sport when you do your katas.

Favourite quote? “It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, but about the size of the fight in the dog.”


MICHAELA HORN Recent achievements? I have just completed my red belt grading and am awaiting the results. From there onwards I will be training for red belt 2. My most recent achievements were receiving a silver medal for Kata and a bronze medal for Kumite in the 2016 SA National Championships in Port Alfred.

Proudest moment? My proudest moment was receiving Gold for Kata in 2015 SA Nationals and being chosen as part of the World Development team to compete in Dundee, Scotland in June 2018.

Years doing karate and current level? I have been doing karate since the age of seven; seven years so far. I am currently Purple belt 2 (awaiting recent grading results).

Why does karate appeal to you as a sport? Karate appeals to me because I love the discipline and focus it requires. I am also incredibly competitive and strive to do my best in every training session and competition.

Upcoming competitions? Currently, I am training for a competition taking place in August in Port Alfred, then there are Interschools and ultimately World Championships in Scotland.

What do you wish more people knew about your sport? It's not about being able to knock someone's lights out. It's about respect, honour, discipline, hard work and most of all, control and commitment. And it's fun.

What inspires you? I love karate and drive my mom nuts by practicing my stances, kicks and punches in the kitchen. I want to be the best I can be and aim to become as good as my Sensei in order to earn my black belt one day.


Lifesaving -ZoĂŤ NaudĂŠ

From Strand to Camps Bay, there is no ocean too deep for Megan Kreft. Blue Thread interviews Megan Kreft to get the full scoop on what it means to be a lifeguard.

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“MORE THAN A TALENT… A

F

or Megan Kreft, Lifesaving is more than a talent, it’s a passion. She first became involved in Lifesaving at the age of six after her parents thought it would satisfy both her fondness of water and the beach. She loved every second of it and made the decision to qualify as a lifeguard at Strand Surf Lifesaving Club at the end of Grade 8. She’s been excelling at it ever since. At this year’s Lifesaving Nationals in Camps Bay, Megan performed exceptionally well. She achieved gold for beach sprints and tube rescue, her two favourite events, and a silver medal for beach relay. As well as, 4th, 5th and 7th in: run swim run, swim and 1.8km beach run, respectively. She has been selected to participate in trials for the SA junior team who will be competing in New Zealand in December. Although this is an exciting and huge opportunity, Megan remain humble and focused; “It was a huge surprise to be on the SA trial list so I am so, so happy! But I know that the work only starts now and I wouldn’t want this opportunity to slip past me.”

PASSION

Ryle De Morney, captain of the SA team and world title holder from False Bay beach, is a role model who proves to Megan that her dreams are well within her reach. “To think that a local from a tiny club can go out there and take-home world titles gives me the hope that I too might be able to do so. “ Megan plans on committing all her energy to Lifesaving and seeing how far it takes her. WATCH THIS SPACE! Parel Vallei was also proudly represented by Kayla Buchanan, Daniela Di Maio, Megan Steynberg and Connor Campbell at The Lifesaving Nationals.

- Zoë Naudé “Lifesaving is something very close to my heart as I, along with fellow lifeguards, have the opportunity to prevent drownings and try make the beach a safer place.”

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- Alice Torppa I sat down with Cody and Jarret Williams to discuss the modern sport Robotics. They participated in the World Robot Olympiad (W.R.O.) in Delhi, India from the 24th – 29th of November 2016. Cody and Jarret managed to finish 5th OVERALL in their category: Robo-soccer.

What is robotics and how does it affect the world today? To put it simply, robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. It is used mostly today because it allows people to do more important tasks while robots do simple tasks. It allows people to build and create. What is a robot and how do you go about making one? A robot is a miniature computer. You can attach things like Lego to it until it can perform a task. Then from an actual computer you can broadcast tasks to motors and sensors.

What is a robotics competition like? Tense. They can go from local to international. It’s fun. What attracted you to robotics? When we were younger, Cody connected things to a toy with motors and sensors and we enjoyed it very much! Then finally we actually progressed to Lego – which is slightly more complicated. Do you believe robotics should be a school subject? Definitely. It’s already a school subject in some schools. It would be the perfect combination of EGD and I.T. as it incorporates building and coding, while also allowing students to be creative and to learn to work as a team. And we would learn problem-solving! What has robotics taught you? Innovation. Staying calm under pressure. Creativity. A different way of thinking. Problem-solving skills. Confidence. Robotics is a great way to start a conversation. It has taken us overseas – which has opened our minds to new cultures and new ways of thinking.

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How does robotics incorporate teamwork?

Sometimes one person cannot come up with a solution alone. We need to be able to bounce ideas off each other: more people, more brain. What is your favourite memory as a team? Definitely discovering together while we were in India that the Indian orange juice is definitely not orange juice. Also, the head judge liked us because we had studied the rule books. The head judge would come up to us to ask us what the rules were. We befriended the head judge – then again, we made all the other judges hate us. What are your worst and best memories of robotics? The worst thing that has happened is that Jarret’s computer updated during the tournament - really a memorable moment. Your environment during a competition is different every time. Cody had a really ‘bomb’ program and everyone commended him on it – it was great! How could I, an intrigued PV student, get involved in robotics? We have a Facebook page: Helderberg Robotics. Our workshops begin in February and that’s how we get you guys interested – after that, we have classes. Unfortunately we’re not accepting any more people this year but if you know what you are doing, you are always welcome to enter the competitions yourself. There are super beginner levels. There is plenty of information available at http://www.wroboto.org.

Anyone one interested in robotics should go and find Cody or Jarret Williams around our school. They won’t bite, I promise.

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Wanderlust


Fashion

- Chantal Pretorius Photo: Chantal Pretorius


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Model : Deidre Keyser


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Model : Dian Kotze


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Layer Up, Ladies! - Kirsten Moffitt


L

ayers, a timeless trend. It’s never out of style. The extent to which the fashion community layers during winter months may change from year to year but the trend stays timeless. As the colder weather nears and we start to dig up our woollen sweaters, it’s time to start dressing fashionably wise. Who says you can’t wear that burnt orange minidress during colder seasons? It’s actually quite easy, there are just a few essential steps to the layer game; 1. Start with your base, keep it cool and casual. Begin with a simple dress, or basic jeans. Something you can build on 2. Insulate your feet, this is the best tip my mom has ever bestowed upon me. Warm feet= Happy heart. 3. Pile on a sweater. Anything warm and full of character, this is where things start to get interesting. It could even be another shirt. Play with colour, patterns or keep your look monochrome... The choice is yours. 4. Accessorise. The last step. Whether it’s a pair of statement earrings, a scarf or even the beloved beanie, the choices are endless. And there you go. Easy as that. Whether you’re rocking the full on knee-high socks over stockings with a skirt or the collared shirt under the sweater look, winter is coming and ladies... It’s time to layer up.

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- Jamie van Breda

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NIKE AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 32; NIKE R800

NIKE CAP; NIKE R299

FIRST ASCENT TIGHTS; SPORTSMANS WHAREHOUSE R950


SPORTS BRA; MOVEPRETTY R380 TANK; MOVEPRETTY R360

MESH GYM TIGHTS; MOVEPRETTY R590 NIKE AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 32; NIKE R800


lifestyle

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How to get a date for the Matric Dance T

- Chantal Pretorius

ime is running out and the struggle is real. Matrics, if getting a date for the matric dance is harder than you thought, then this is the place to be...follow this easy guide on how to get the perfect date for the matric dance:

1. Decide on whom you want to ask and if you’ll be comfortable spending your evening with them. Be positive about your decision. Make sure you’ll still be friends until the dance, you don’t want any awkwardness between the two of you. TIP: First find out if they don’t already have a date for the dance! 2. Gather ideas on how to ask this person. Remember this, the way you ask them is going to make the night even more special and you’ll both be super excited for the dance. Ask around, find out what your friends did to ask their dates. Get inspired and be different .Don’t overthink it. Sometimes giving them a bunch of flowers or even a chocolate can make it worth while. 3. Get your friends involved if necessary. Asking for help won’t make you sound like a loser, it will make you feel less on the edge and it will take a lot of weight off of your shoulders. They will not judge you, I promise you, they’ll be happy to help where they can. 4. Now that you have an idea of what you’re going to do and who will be involved, you have to get yourself together, boost your confidence and ask away! You have to feel confident in order for your potential date to go with you. Don’t be afraid or nervous, it’s like asking your friend out for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. 5. Lastly, have fun! Enjoy the moment, because it will be one to remember. PS: If all else fails, just remember to dab it out.

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Cardio - Charl Wiehahn

This workout is made out of six different exercises, 30 seconds per exercise. The exercise is done in the following order with a 30 second rest after each set. The order of a set is as follows:

Set 1: Exercise 1

( 30 sec exercise ) ( 30 sec rest )

Set 2: Exercise 1,2

( 60 sec exercise ) ( 30 sec rest )

Set 3: Exercise 1,2,3

( 90 sec exercise ) ( 30 sec rest )

Set 4: Exercise 1,2,3,4

( 120 sec exercise ) ( 30 sec rest )

Set 5: Exercise 1,2,3,4,5

( 150 sec exercise ) ( 30 sec rest )

Set 6: Exercise 1,2,3,4,5,6

( 180 sec exercise ) ( 30 sec rest )

Total time + resting time

( 810 sec | 14 min ) ( 400 calories )

Cardio Session 1:

Cardio Session 2:

1.

Ball slam + squat

1.

Horizontal bicycle kicks

2.

Mountain Climbers

2.

Alternating leg lunges

3.

Leg raises ( laying down on your back )

3.

Body weight squats

4.

Sit Ups

4.

Burpees

5.

One Leg Plank

5.

Side planks

6.

Push Ups

6.

10m Sprints

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DIY Penguin

-Natasha Schmidt

Hello, I’m Penguin and today I will teach you how to make your own rice-filled stuffed toy!

Enough rice, unless you want your stuffed toy to be floppy like me; a stuffed toy with a big main body; needle and thread (the colour of your stuffed toy’s skin tone) and a quick unpick to lessen the pain your stuffed toy must suffer.

Look and feel for the seam that keeps the stuffing inside the main body. Take the quick unpick and undo the seam by unravelling it carefully with this sharp tool. DO NOT make the hole too big, otherwise you will have more to stitch back together. It should be about the size of a R5 coin. Pick out all your toy’s intestines – or stuffing . I always have to look away for this part. Place a funnel in the opening and pour rice into the funnel. Make sure that you’ve filled your stuffed toy’s entire main body with rice, but you do not have to fill the arms or feet if it is stitched off from the body. Surgically resurrect your stuffed toy by sowing him/her back together. Simply place your new friend in the sauna – aka microwave – for a relaxing time. Afterwards he/she will keep you warm for several hours if you hug him/her close to you. Enjoy having a friend who isn’t cold hearted and always smells like food. Remember, he/she is not a mermaid and will deteriorate into a blob of mush if he/she gets wet and is then microwaved.

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- Chanel Bowen

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instagram Go no further for ethereal art; Muhammed Salah has it covered. This Egyptian artist posts galaxy themed outline drawings, modern day portrait painting and oh-so-tumblr photography that will leave you craving more. Add some aesthetic to your instagram feed and follow @muhammedsalah_ ASAP.

pinterest South African chef and photographer, Sam Linsell, has the most mouth-watering Pinterest account! With links to her recipe blog and aesthetically pleasing photos of food, you'll be inspired to run to the kitchen and whip up something worthy of MasterChef. Along with the obligatory cute animal and quotes boards, @DrizzleandDip is definitely one to follow.

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apple music With the mellow vocals and subtle melodies, London Grammar is great for listening to when studying or relaxing in the evening. Hauntingly beautiful, the English trio's music is a stark contrast to what you get on KFM, could be exactly what you need this winter.

facebook For quick-fire headlines, AJ+ is the place to go. We may not all watch the news every night but that doesn't mean we have to be in the dark about global issues. Follow @ajplusenglish for videos ranging from politics to technology to new world records. A great catch for staying up to date with the chaos that is our planet.

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B

- Kimberley Muzhewe

elle (Emma Watson) , a bright, beautiful and independent young woman, is taken prisoner by a beast (Dan Stevens) in its castle. Despite her fears , she befriends the castle's enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the beast's hideous exterior, allowing her to recognize the kind heart and soul of the beast . My opinion of this movie is nothing but positive from the amazing enchanting cast and beautifully crafted songs to the painterly eye for detail. Beauty and the Beast offers a tasteful yet fresh retelling of a true Disney classic. I encourage anyone who is interested in fantasy and romance to check it out ; maybe you'll enjoy it as much as I did. The rating is PG because of some action, violence, peril and frightening images, but I'm sure you will be able to handle a little action.

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By Kimberly Muzhewe


T H I RT EE N R 3 AS O N S WH Y - Lucia Niland

“Hey, It’s Hannah Baker. That’s right. Don’t adjust your…. whatever device you’re hearing this on. It’s me, live and in stereo.”

I

f you’ve glanced at your social media feed at all in the past month or so, you'll most probably have heard of Netflix’s most recent series that has taken the world by storm, ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’. The drama-mystery series is based on the book by Jay Asher, which was published in 2007, and follows high school student, Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) who finds a mysterious package left at his door. In the box are 7 double-sided cassette tapes, together revealing why Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford), his classmate and unrequited love, took her life.

Her instructions are clear. Each person who receives a package is one of the reasons why she killed herself. After each person has completed listening to the tapes, they must pass the package on to the next person. If anyone decides to break the chain, a separate set of tapes will be released to the public. All thirteen episodes are narrated by Hannah, and each explore a different person or event that lead her to ultimately commit suicide. The show has received both praise and critique for addressing controversial topics that many teenagers have to deal with, such as depression, underage drinking, sexual assault, body shaming and finally, bullying. Directed by Selena Gomez, and starring Dylan Minnette (Don't Breathe), Katherine Langford, Alisha Boe (Paranormal Activity 4) and Ross Butler (Riverdale), the show has managed to generate an impressive 8,7/10 rating on IMDb and 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. It is rare for something to speak to so many different people at once and rarer yet for them to be able to relate to it so deeply. If we can learn anything from Thirteen Reasons Why, it's that the little things really do matter. Things you think mean nothing could be the sun, the moon, and all the stars for someone else, and also: You never really know the impact you have on someone else's life.

You can't stop the future. You can't rewind the past. The only way to learn the secret is to

press play. 81


Must See Movies... - Helene Viljoen Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales

70% PG 13 V Genres:

Beauty and the Beast

Action | Adventure |

75% Family

Genres: Family | Fantasy | Romance

Power Rangers

64% PG 13 VL Genres: Space Between Us Action | Adventure |

64% PG 13 L Genres: Adventure | Drama | Romance | Sci-Fi Romance

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King Arthur:

Legend of the Sword

62% PG-13 Genres: Action | Adventure | Drama

Wonder Woman

81% PG-13 Genres: Action | Adventure| Fantasy

Logan

83% PG 16 VSL

Genres: Action | Drama | The Fast and The Furious 8

70% PG-13 Genres: Action | Adventure| Transformers: The Last Knight

53% PG-13 Genres: Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

The Mummy

58% PG-13 Genres:

Thriller| Fantasy

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Must See

Series... - Helene Viljoen

Riverdale 2017Genres: Crime | Drama |

Mystery

Stranger Things

Age: 14

2016Genres: Drama | Fantasy | Horror | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller Age: 14

Pretty Little Liars 2010– 2017 Genres: Drama | Mystery | Romance | Thriller Age: 14

Rick and Morty 2013-

Genres: Cartoon Comedy | Sci-Fi Age: 14

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13 Reasons Why 2017Genres: Drama | Mystery Age: 15-17+

The 100 2014Genres: Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi Age: 14

Friends 1994-2004 Genres: Comedy | Romance Age: 13

Grey’s Anatomy 2005Genres: Drama | Romance Age: 14

How To Get Away With Murder 2014Genres: Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller Age: 14

Teen Wolf 2011-2017

Genres: Action | Comedy | Drama | Fantasy | Horror | Romance | Thriller Age: 14

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Book review: Strange the Dreamer - Alice Torrpa

S

o you like Harry Potter?

Obsessed with Lord of the Rings? A fantasy buff? Well then you’ll love this book. Wait, you’re not a fantasy buff? Who cares? – You’ll love it anyways.

I haven’t read a young adult book as good as Laini Taylor’s Strange the Dreamer in a long time. Despite the fact that I can never really say that 532 pages of fantasy is a good thing, Laini Taylor certainly makes it worth the while. Seriously, I think this woman is a genius and missing out on the chance to read this novel would certainly be a tragedy.

Strange the Dreamer follows the wonderful adventure of a young man by the name of Lazlo Strange. Lazlo is a war orphan and junior librarian.

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He’s obsessed with novels and in his downtime he even writes some of his own books. Ever since he was five years old, Lazlo has dreamed about a mystical lost city called Weep. He wants to go there – he’s even written books compiling all the information he has gathered about Weep. When a lifechanging opportunity presents itself, Lazlo makes the decision to leave everything rational behind, and journey to the land of his past Weep.

The main reason I enjoyed Strange the Dreamer so much is that while it is a great example of fantasy literature, it makes the reader feel a certain emotion that is hard to evoke through the usually unrelatable high fantasy genre; this emotion is empathy. This quality is seen in the most


popular fantasy books, like Harry Potter and The Hobbit. If our heroes are poorly treated, curious or ambitious – we tend to root for them.

Despite the main character’s very dramatic and unearthly adventure, his motives remain quite clear. He is young and he is hopeful. He aspires – this is something we all do. However, Lazlo Strange is not some innocent golden Luke Skywalker type – he’s cynical. He is intelligent and doesn’t concern himself with material things – he admits to being unattractive and completely aware that everybody around him thinks so – but it never bothers him.

There seems to be a trend to make every hero attractive but unconscious of it. This gives heroes an advantage that is not something most readers can relate to, however, Strange the Dreamer breaks the trend.

An additional reason I enjoyed this book so immensely is Laini Taylor’s talent for words. I couldn’t put this book down – every page intrigued me and left me wanting more.

Anyone who is looking for a good fiction read should pick up Laini Taylor’s book as soon as possible. It’s glorious.

This is something that makes Strange the Dreamer stand out amongst its fellow fantasy young adult novels.

Paperback available at Exclusive Books stores or online delivery for: R 302.00 Available on Kindle!

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Blogs. 88

In this issue we gave two up-and-coming blogs a chance to feature and promote themselves. If any of the following interests you, we suggest you go check them out for more exclusive content.


FACEBOOK

the

NSTAGRAM

TUMBLR

TWITTER

YOUTUBE

Seduire HOME

ABOUT

CATEGORIES

blog

CONTACT

About us

In order to spread the everlasting spirit and positivity of the 90’s kids, two of our matrics joined their creative forces and started a blog.

This blog is something they created to express themselves; It inspires them and might help you, do what you love. This blog opened their eyes to how things could be done differently.

They’ve spent countless hours "stalking" other bloggers on Instagram and it looks like they became obsessed with the way these bloggers play with different styles and ideas.

They don't plan anything beforehand ; they’ll figure it out as they go and I guess that is what makes their blog unique.

5


CHARL WIEHAHN fashion & lifestyle

I'm Charl Wiehahn,

a South African born, free minded student. I'm not a professional so-called blogger, but winging is my game. Fashion has always inspired me and this is the place where I would like to share my inspiration with you. My ideal would be to turn this into a brand one day. So let ’s see what we can achieve.

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ABOUT ME

Bold Move Son

I live in the wonderful paradise called Cape Town, Western Cape. The city is a buzzing metropolis with mural art reaching for the clouds, street cafĂŠs sprawling onto the sidewalks and fashion filling the streets. This visual adventure will take us to the best there is to offer. Through the lenses of my Ray-Ban's to the lenses of my camera, this journey through lifestyle and fashion is about to begin.

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Greek yoghurt cookie dough - Michelle Lourens

If you’re like most other teenagers alive, you probably find

yourself craving cookie dough every now and then.

Though delicious, regular cookie dough contains

some ingredients that aren’t exactly healthy

(I’m sure you have heard your mom saying

something about salmonella poisoning

before). Luckily, I discovered a recipe

for cookie dough that is safe to eat!

This yoghurt based, cookie dough-

tasting recipe contains only 320

calories, so it won’t completely

destroy whatever diet you’re on,

and it tastes almost exactly like

regular cookie dough, so you won’t

even be able to tell the difference. So

this holiday, whilst trying to recover from

the traumatic experience of exams, why not

make yourself some Greek yoghurt cookie dough?

Note: as this is yoghurt based and contains no baking ingredients; please do not try to turn this cookie dough

into actual cookies as it will probably turn out horribly wrong. Oh, and you can still enjoy this recipe even if you have not yet acquired Jamie Oliver-like cooking skills.

Ingredients: 1 small container of greek yoghurt 1 tablespoon of peanut butter 1 tablespoon of honey 1 teaspoon of vanilla 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips 1 pinch of salt Method: Mix all the ingredients together in a container until mixture is smooth and enjoy.


Karringmelk Panna Cotta ‘n Baie eenvoudige, vinnige Italiaanse nagereg - altyd ‘n wenner! - Nina Andro

Bestanddele: 80 ml (1/3 koppie) kookwater 10 g (3 teelepels) gelatien 250 ml (1 koppie) room 250 ml (1 koppie) strooisuiker 10 ml (2 teelepels) vanielje (of ½ vanieljepeul) 375 ml (1 ½ koppie) melk 375 ml (1 ½ koppie) karringmelk

Metode: Sprinkel die gelatien oor die kookwater, en laat week vir 5 minute. Roer goed totdat al die gelatien opgelos is.

Verhit die room en vanielje in ‘n pot oor medium hitte tot net voordat dit kookpunt bereik. Verwyder die pot van die hitte en roer die gelatien deur die warm mengsel. Klits die melk en karringmelk stadig by totdat die mengsel glad is.

Gooi mengsel in ‘n mooi bak of in individuele klein bakkies en verkoel vir 4-5 uur. Bedien met vars vrugte of met ‘n bessiesous.

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Rustic. Vibrant. It’s a lifestyle! Exploring the streets of Cape Town you are bound to end up at yes, you guessed it, Yours Truly. Located in the dead centre of Cape Town, all roads literally lead to this unassuming café. This little gem is high on my list of favourite cafés ever, always busy and bustling, drinks and food are great value for money, strong Wifi, friendly staff and music is always playing, especially on Friday nights.

73 Kloof St

|

‘same time tomorrow’ The menu has a variety of different rustic ‘Brooklyn’ style food options. Salads, sandwiches, wraps and pizzas are highly recommended and once you got a whiff of their coffee you might have to come back tomorrow. Hence the creative slogan, Same Time Tomorrow? This place will form part of you're newly found Capetonian lifestyle.

Yours Truly Schotsche Kloof

|

Cape Town 8001


If you are in the mood for a sit down dinner, a breeze-in -lunch or a social party starter, Yours Truly is perfect, it has a modern, but rustic kitchen feel to it. Go up to the second floor where a terrace filled with wall flowers creeping up the side of the building joins a rooftop feel where you overlook the busy streets of Cape Town. The music along with mouth-watering food and trendy Capetonians creates an atmosphere I haven’t found anywhere else. This is a must to visit!

Yours Truly. Charl Wiehahn


New

York Bagels - Charl Wiehahn Kaapstad is een van die stede waar jy die klein juwele gaan mis ‘ry’ in ’n kar. Stop jou kar vir die dag in die middestad en val die strate per voet in. Die stad trek jou in soos ’n lees boek wat jy nie kan neer sit. Om elke draaitjie raak dit net meer interessant, die reuke trek jou nader, die restaurante vloei uit tot op die paaie en die muurkuns strek teen geboue op soos rankplante.

Die kafee spesialiseer in ’n reeks unieke bagels wat begin met salmon en suurroom bagels tot beef burger bagels asook vele ander gebakte lekkernye, ’n verskeidenheid koffies en ander ontbytopsies. Die kafee is ideaal vir ’n vinnige inloopontbyt of middagete, maar sitplek is beperk. Die kafee het ’n moderne stad gevoel, maar van buite is die kafee baie eenvoudig en onopvallend. Verloor jouself in die bladsye van Kaapstad, vat ’n kamera en sonbrille saam en gaan probeer die unieke inloop kafee as jy iets vinnig en interresant wil probeer. New York Bagels is ’n moet vir ’n foodie.

Een van my gunstelling kafees waarop ek afgekom het, was New York Bagels, ‘n klein restaurantjie van kreatiwiteit, liplekker bagels en koffie. Die kafee loop gewoonlik oor met mense, dit het ’n baie ‘New York’ gevoel daaraan, daarom die naam. New York Bagels 44 Harrington Street

98

|

Cape Town Central

|

8001 South Africa


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Politics With Xander What is happening in South African politics at the moment should garner enough material to write our own very “South African Horror Story”, and is some cases our present situation is the by-product of the stirring international political scene, but in the final analysis the crippling economy, high unemployment rate, stagnating foreign investment in our nation and an ever-expanding business-unfriendly attitude – just to name a few of the problems we face – could be directly tied to what the government is doing. Or rather what they are not doing. At the moment, the South African government’s latest scandal in a long history of upheavals is the famous cabinet re-shuffle of March 2017 – and the need arises to put the month with this scandal as it has occurred before and this is simply turning a new page in the Horror Story. Why was this such a major headline in the news?

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For one obvious reason, when previous Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan was fired from his post by the President in December 2015, it caused a ripple effect of foreign investors pulling out of the country’s economy, the currency went into a downward spiral and the South African people (I would say began but rather continued) to question the integrity and the motives of the people who were elected to power. It has to be remembered that this was merely one minister in a cabinet of 35, but that he arguably held the most important post next to the president and deputy-president’s themselves. We know the president’s decision was reversed 4 days afterwards, but that the story did not end there. In March of this year, the President again fired the Finance Minister, but he was not alone. In total, 20 changes were made to the Cabinet, with the newly -appointed ministers hardly seeming to fit the bill.


For example, Malusi Gigaba, who is the latest Finance Minister (for now at least) could comfortably be described as wholly inexperienced in the field he now serves in, and the argument can most certainly not be made that this ministerial position is a place where you learn how to do your job, for I would be very concerned if the Finance Minister was inexperienced with even the most basic financial situations, but at the same time was running the government’s purse. The cabinet re-shuffle, which included the uprooting of the portfolios of finance, police, public works, public service and administration, tourism, home affairs, energy, transport, communications and sport, continues to make headlines in the news today as it has a ripple-effect on the economy and the confidence the people have in their government, not to mention international businesses seeking, or rather evading, opportunities to expand their industries in South Africa, which in turn has a devastating effect on the unemployment rate and the development of skills. In the most recent news, General Motors has pulled the plug on its South African branch and will no longer be conducting their operations in the country, a direct slashing of jobs in the country. The government needs to do more to adopt a pro-business attitude in South Africa, for I fear more and more businesses will step out of active participation in our economy.

If such an upheaval was generated by the president firing merely one minister, albeit a very important post, imagine the devastation caused to the country as a whole if 20 ministers were re-shuffled in the unstable and vast political machine known as the South African Government. The cabinet of ministers of any nation are really the people who run the country in effect. The president is responsible for the observance of the provision of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. He has to provide with dignity the executive leadership in the interest of national unity in accordance with the Constitution and the law. Thus it is the ministers with their respective portfolios who keep the country running (or panting), and that is why an upheaval is caused when a minister is suddenly and without prior notice replaced. Another rather interesting story stealing the headlines is the service delivery protests. South Africans are increasingly growing frustrated with the lack of service delivery by the Zumaadministration, and one need only look at the facts. For example, the new mayor of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba from the DA, says his administration inherited a city with a major housing problem, with as many as 23 people living together in two bedroom flats, and that he criticized the ANC for their claims that they, on a daily basis, were providing housing for the poor.

It is the role of the people in a democracy to advocate for an elected government, but it is the role of the elected government in a democracy to advocate and care for its people. Once the South African government fails on its promise to fight for any and all citizens, once it fails to observe the Constitution as the supreme law of the land and once it fails to execute its responsibilities with the utmost dignity towards the people who elected them, then I can with a clean conscience say that the government truly has lost the right to rule.. - Xander Venter

103


Q&A WITH AN

We all see him at least twice a day on our way in and out of school really? Blue Thread chats with one of PV’s very own heroes, Q: How many years have you been at Parel Vallei?

A: On the 1st of May I will have been at Parel Vallei for seven years. Q: What did you do before you came to PV? A: I worked for a year in security in George. Before that I worked for six or seven years in retail in Spar and Checkers. Then I met someone on MXit, and I moved here! Q: Where did you grow up, and where did you go to school?

Q: Do you ever feel bad about closing the gate

A: Sometimes yes, but you have to do your job gate open – the school works according to a sys according to that, whether I like it or not. Q: Favourite food?

A: Pizza, pasta, and any home-cooked meals. T favourite. Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I grew up all over South Africa! I started school in Bloemfontein, then I went to Tuilsrivier Primary in Tuilsriver. After that we moved to George, where I lived for the longest period. I went to Outeniqua Primary, then PW Botha college, a technical school.

A: When I was younger I would take my bicycl mountainside.

Q: Describe an average day in the life of Antonie.

Q: Who are the worst drivers in the school par

A: PV is my way of life – I’ll always rather come watch sport here on a weekend than sit at home. I’d rather be at PV than at home.

A: Mostly the moms.

Q: What is the craziest thing that’s ever happened on-thejob at PV?

A: There are quite a few! I’ve had to run after several boys and some girls bunking school and trying to sneak out at the bottom and middle gate.

Q: Are you married? A: No, I’m single. But available!

Q: What is your favourite chocolate?

A: Any chocolate will do, but my favourite is o inside. Q: Do you have a favourite movie? A: King Arthur and Troy. Historical movies. Q: Favourite animal?

Q: What is your dream job?

A: Dogs.

A: I wanted to be a teacher. I always wanted to teach geography, history, and maybe physical science.

Q: What is the best thing that’s ever happened

Q: How old are you? A: I turned 33 years old on Friday the 19 th of May.

A: Some boys once tried to bribe me to let the with McDonald’s hamburgers, but it didn’t wor brings new surprises, so I enjoy every day.

“ You want to do an interview with me? So, I’m getting famous!” 104


NTONIE

- Nina Andro l, but who is he , Antonie.

e to latecomers?

b. I can’t just leave the stem and I have to work

Take-outs are not my

e and cycle in the

rking lot?

one with Turkish delight

d to you at PV?

em out of school early rk. Every day at PV

m finally 5


- Kirsten Moffitt

a home for helping hands “We are a club who shares the same interests of helping others through community services, teamwork and leadership... We’re making the community a better place one step at a time.” - Kirsten Munroe, treasurer.

Interact. One word, eight letters, it might not sound like much but between those eight letters there exists a small community of helping hands that’s continuously giving back to our community, one small selfless act at a time. For those of you who still don’t know what Interact is, Interact is a Rotary International’s service club for the youth.

Basically we’re a bunch of enthusiastic teenagers who get together every Wednesday at second break to volunteer to help the community in any way possible. This includes participating and running numerous outreaches, fundraisers and drives. We regularly go on outreaches to crèche’s, taking face paint and heaps of love along for an afternoon of fun filled adventure. We also frequently visit the old age home, specifically Robari Lodge for laughter filled chats with our elders. For the past 13 years we have sold cupcakes on Fridays raising funds to donate to the Gabriella Centre and last year we restarted our Santa Shoebox project, donating 64 boxes all individually made for a child in need of some Christmas spirit and love. Annually we also participate in Rotary “Interact is one Race night, Cycling for life and host casual day at school, all fundraisers for community charities in need. These are only a few ways we participate in our heartbeat.” community. - Kirsten Moffitt, At interact we believe that engaging in community service provides president. students with the opportunity to become active members of their community and has a lasting, positive impact on society at large. Community service enables students to acquire life skills and knowledge, as well as provide a service to those who need it most. Interact doesn’t just help improve the lives of others, but it also improves yours.

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“Interact is waar ek my liefde vir mense en diere kan uitoefen en waar ek kan sien hoe baie ek vir ander mense, diere of organisasies kan doen en beteken.”

“Interact is where you do the right thing by helping others in the community.”

- Leandre van der Merwe, portfolio head.

- Cayleigh Brown, portfolio

“Dis ‘n geleentheid om my gemeenskap ‘n beter plek te maak vir almal om in te ween en waar mens besef hoe belangrik dit is o mom te gee vir die mense om jou.”

“Interact motiveer my om meer dankbaar te wees, meer te doen en meer te dien.” - Inge Froehlich, vice president.

-Natasha Schmidt, portfolio head.

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Cartoons

36


Hierdie uitgawe is ons opgewonde om ons nuutste lid van die Blue Thread-span bekend te maak. Niklaas BrĂźmmer will be joining us as cartoonist. We look forward to working with him.

109



Au Revoir Here at Parel Vallei it is always with heavy hearts that we greet one of our own. Mrs Fay Pistorius will be retiring at the end of this term. We asked Miss Pienaar to write a few words and Kimberley Muzhewe interviewed her one last time. Mrs Fay Pistorius has been a teacher at PV for more than ten years and will be remembered as a teacher with extensive knowledge and someone with the kindest heart.

fountain of information and advice, and has been a reassuring and gentle mentor whose knowledge of English and its intricacies has seen many an English teacher knock on her door for guidance.

Her teaching career started many years ago, and she has taught in a number of schools all over the country, influencing and shaping many young minds over the years. She has instilled the love of literature and the English language into the hearts and minds of many learners, and at Parel Vallei we have been blessed with her astounding knowledge and insight.

She has been a relentless and committed custodian of the chess and debating teams who have excelled under her leadership and love.

She will be greatly missed by her learners and colleagues, but we wish her all the happiness and joy in the world as she leaves PV and embarks on her retirement. She will finally have more time to bestow more love and affection on her grandchildren and It is not only her learners who have benefitted from her family without all the pesky marking. knowledge and wisdom. As a colleague, she has been

What inspired you to become a teacher? Well , I specifically chose to be an English teacher because I genuinely enjoyed all my English classes and teachers, and because it was easier to get a bursary to study teaching back then. How many years have you been a teacher? I have taught at multiple schools including : Upington High (1980-1986) ; Bloemhof (1987-2005) and finally, PV (2006-2017). In total I have taught for about 37 years. What will you miss most at PV? The energy, the variety, my awesome colleagues and my learners- basically everything! Describe your experience as a teacher in less than 10 words. "Teaching fills your life with marvel"

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Proudly Parel Vallei Trots Parels Vallei


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