photographer Liam Davies | model Mika van Wyk
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ndings are a funny thing. Often we imagine them to be like severing a metaphorical tie, the frayed end marking its finality. I believe that an ending is merely a pitstop to refuel where another driver gets into the car to continue the journey. Sadly, this is my pitstop and I’m stepping out of the car for the last time.
for being dreamers, believers and go-getters all wrapped into one. For finding inspiration in the most mundane of things and going on to create on levels that take my breath away. Your growth is visible in every article you write, photo you take and page you design, and I feel so proud and so privileged that I was able to witness that.
It feels completely surreal to be writing my final Letter from the Editor. The Blue Thread has been my home for the past 5 years. I began as a shy grade nine, watching everything then-Editor in Chief, Hugo Uys, did with absolute awe and admiration. Writing for the Blue Thread expanded into shadowing the design team of seniors which ignited the passion I have for it and led to my joining of the design team as well. Something I learnt quickly once I joined The Blue Thread, that there is no such thing as being alone. You gain another family, one as diverse and versatile as they come, that are ready to help with whatever you need, whenever you need. Thursday nights in Mr Mommen’s IT class blaring good music while a bunch of incredible creatives put their minds together are some of my fondest high school memories, and I will never be able to thank you all enough for that.
Mrs Mackenzie and Mrs Isaacs, you two are certainly women of wonder. The strength, guidance and neverending support that you give of so freely keep the Magazine alive. Hugo, you were my role model as of that first day in grade nine and you still are to this day, thank you for your friendship and for inspiring me, every step of the way. Olivia and Liam, you never take life too seriously and it’s what I love most about you. With the two of you by my side, the most stressful of design sessions or photoshoots turn into us in stiches with tears running down our faces. I could not have asked for a better leadership team, nor better friends. The Blue Thread Magazine strives to find the magic in the little things and show it to the world, be it the kindness of a first-aider, the heroism of an athlete or the talent of a musician. I challenge you, as the reader, to continue to look for that magic in everything around you in the hopes that it restores your faith in the world.
There is an army behind The Blue Thread Magazine that work For the last time, tirelessly to create new issues every term. An unbelievable amount of planning, meetings Your Editor In Chief, and hours go into every aspect of the magazine to take it from ideas on a board, to the wonder that you see on Issuu each quarter. I’d like to thank my team
DIE NUWE SIELKUNDIGE Juffrou Elonie de Klerk weet vir seker hoe om met mense te werk. Ek het haar 'n paar vragies gevra, sodat die res van Parel Vallei ook hulle eie smakie kan kry van wie ons nuwe sielkundige is.
Writer Anke tough | designer Diana Millard
Waar kom Juffrou vandaan? “Palaborwa. Ja, dis baie ver van hier af.” Wat geniet Juffrou om in jou vrye tyd te doen? “Ek is 'n bietjie van 'n gym-junky, 'n Yogi ; ek doen baie Yoga. Ek like dit ook om te lees en om met my kinders te speel.”
Aangesien Juffrou daarvan hou om te lees, en indien Juffrou ook films geniet, wat is Juffrou se gunsteling boek en film? “Sjo, vir boeke, hou ek van fantasie boeke; so bietjie Hunger Games tipe boeke. En vir films hou ek partymaal van ietsie weird; die laaste fliek wat ek gekyk het was Unicorn Shop.”
Ek weet Juffrou was nog nie lank by Parel Vallei nie, maar wat is Juffrou se eerste opinie van die skool en die leerders, as 'n geheel? “Dit voel al klaar vir my soos familie. Ek kon nie glo hoe awesome die personeel is nie. Ek is mal daaroor dat dit vir my voel ons is soos 'n span mense wat werk na dieselfde doel. Dit is vir my amazing, want dit is waarvoor ek baie lief is.”
Wat is Juffrou se opinie van ons Blue Threa d Magazine? “Ek dink dit is amazing. Ek onthou toe ek nog op skool was, het ons dit ook gehad. Dit was die een plek waar al die kinders saam hulle voice kon lig.”
PAREL STOCK ... Backstage is a dreaded place where you can ’t see the crowd but you sure can hear them, as they scream for the exit of the one band and the entrance of another. It ’s the place where all the nerves build but soon disappear. This is the feeling for the performers at Parel Stock.
writer Rosalind Mitchell | photographer Mari Diedericks and Caro Botha | designer Luke Badenhorst
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he line-up for Parel Stock this year was outstanding, from a lip-sync battle, an acapella performance from each house, all the way to the bands themselves. First to take the stage were none other than the amazing MCs of the night, Mia van der Merwe and Abigail George, who really kept the vibe of the night going during the switch overs of the bands. Later into the night Mia even had a surprise performance, where she sang Halo by Beyoncé for the audience. To set the scene for the night we had a group of girls come onto stage that lip synced and danced their way through Mamma Mia by ABBA. Our very first band taking centre stage was a group of juniors, the only junior band of the night, Denial. With such extraordinary guitar, vocals and drums, I am sure we will be seeing more of Denial around PV very soon. About three years ago, Josh Maasdorp, Daniel de Goede, Daniel Gouws and Matt Titus were discussing a similar interest in music and, to cut a long story short, The Unusuals were created, our second act of the night. The name The Unusuals was chosen because it was one thing all the
band members had in common. When they started the band none of them took music as a subject or could read it. No-one ever expected them to be able to play music, so they embraced being unusual. If you want to see The Unusuals perform again, don’t miss PV’s Got Talent as it’s one of the band’s last live performances at PV. The last band of the night was Almost Alive who wowed the audience and took the win. On the bass/vocals we have Henko Uys, our two guitarists were Gary Steyn and Mighael Malek, on keys we had Hugo Potgieter and on the drums we had Julian Wozniak. I think we can all agree that Almost Alive tore down the roof. After Almost Alive’s performance, the night took a turn and the volume decreased. Nassau, Abby and Stella’s acapella teams had been practising hard for that night and were ready to take the stage. The audience took a seat and watched in awe as the mesmerising harmonies filled the hall. Each house did a spectacular job, but ultimately it was Aberdeen that took the cup. So, even if you didn’t find yourself backstage or centre stage at Parel Stock in 2019, be front stage next year, because Parel Stock is an event that you sure won’t want to miss.
writer Elizma van Geest | photographer Ms Bloemerus | designer Luke Badenhorst
BRAKKIES GOT TALENT V
andat hulle hul verskyning op ons Parel Vallei-gronde gemaak het, het die graad 8'ies reeds diep spore in ons harte getrap. Brakkies got Talent was n geleentheid om nuwe talente te ontdek, en sjoe , ons het dit definitief gekry! Die nuwe tradisie—wat eers laas jaar begin het—moedig ons graad agt en nege leerders aan om uit hul comfort zone te kom en hul hart uit te sing, te dans, of enigiets wat mens op die verhoog kan doen, te doen. Die res van die graad 8's en 9's vorm natuurlik deel van die gehoor, dis immers net hulle wat daar toegelaat word. Dis dié dat ek myself byna ingesmokkel het in die kleurvolle saal vol opgewonde fluisterpraatjies, kamera-mense , beöordelaars en natuurlik, ons deelnemers. Opgewonde atmosfeer het in die lug gehang terwyl die twee graad-9 aanbieders op die verhoog verskyn het. Hul grappies en
vertolking van die deelnemers het die gehoor se oë byna laat traan van die lag. Dansers, ‘n tromspeler en ‘n sanger of drie het hul verskyning op die verhoog gemaak. Die suiwer note, mooi bewegings en vinnige ritmes het die gehoor aan die punte van hul stoele gehou. Hulle het die deelnemers met oorverdowende applous en luide hande klap bedank. Elke deelnemer was uitstekend op hul eie manier, maar soos alle talent kompetisies, moes daar ‘n wenner of drie gekies word. Die drie beöordelaars het selfversekerd die eerste, tweede en derde plekke aangekondig. In die derde plek was ons nuwe rapper Jayden du Plessis, Katelyn Drury was tweede vir haar dans talent en Julian Wozniak het loshande weggestap met die eerste plek as tromspeler. Baie geluk aan al die deelnemers en mense agter die skerms wat Brakkies got Talent so ‘n groot sukses gemaak het. Dit is ‘n tradisie wat maar nog lank kan aanhou!
Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Wor ki ng ha r d fo r so m et hi ng we l ove
i s ca ll e d pa ss io n.
photographer Helene Viljoen
writer Nerise Malan | photographer Unsplashed | designer Danielle Kleyn
KWAGGA FEVER O
n the 15th of March, when you and I were thinking about how we were going to explain our reports to our parents, the u/14A and u/15A rugby teams were thinking about whether they remembered to pack their toothbrushes or not. They were getting ready to compete against some of the strongest rugby schools in the country, but what they didn’t know was that the green of the rugby field at Outeniqua High School wouldn’t be the only green that they would be seeing over the next 5 days. Their temporary home was plagued with a virus and food poisoning gave a new definition to the expression “home sick.” Despite all this, these boys really pulled together and embodied the PV pride in George. The u/14As beat Klerksdorp 24-5 on the first day. On the second day they beat Diamantveld, a school known for their rugby, 19-14 in a game that was one of the highlights of the tour, according to Mr Schenck, one of the coaches on the tour. On the third day they lost to Waterkloof 11-30. The u/15As lost to Langenhoven Gim 22-48 on the first day. On the second day, they lost
to Diamantveld 0-17. On the third day, despite two previous losses, they beat Jeugland 37-5.
This tour wasn’t all work and no play. On their off days they went to the waterfront in Hartenbos and they went to Vic Bay to unwind and do some sight-seeing. Over those 5 days the two teams came together to support one another in their victories and defeats. They wore their PV badges with pride and portrayed yet another example of how a school is more than just a place you go every morning and a team is more than just a bunch of people that smell equally as bad as you do after a practise. These 2 things have a way of connecting complete strangers, with completely different backgrounds and circumstances, so that they become some of your closest friends because it doesn’t matter how different you are from each other, you all share the same memories and experiences which you keep with you every day of your life.
you may not end up where you thought you were going but you'll always end up where you are meant to be
writer Olivia Dawson | photographer Unsplashed | designer Michelle Lourens
SPOKIES As far as communication goes, penmanship is a vital technique that has stood fast through the ages. Parel Vallei has made letter writing a long -standing tradition for the sole purpose that a letter can form a bond faster and more effectively than spoken words ever could.
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he Spokie tradition has always been one of the most anticipated times of the year for most matric students. Each year just before the Grade 12s are overwhelmed with June exam stress, they and their junior counterparts are assigned a number. Each Grade 8 wrote a letter—the first letter—and addressed it anonymously with only their number as a reference. Well, most of them anyway—it seems a few did not get that memo.
vine references and printed out pages of number 278s unrivalled meme collection— we have seen it all. And it has been spectacular. Writing to a Grade 8 has been an eye-opener to how quickly the time has gone by. It has also been a welcome reminder that not so long ago we were exactly where they are: new, nervous and the smallest fish in a somewhat larger pond.
From boy problems to missed opportunities,
epic meme archive.
None of us can without a doubt in the world say that there are things that we do not regret The Grade 8s were told to write to the matrics about our high school experience, be it asking for advice, for the answers to any opportunities we didn’t seize, clubs we never questions they might have or to chat about joined or an event we never went to. This is a anything and everything— which is mildly chance to connect with a younger version of concerning as we totally have everything ourselves and to tell them all the things we wish figured out at 18 and are reliable sources for life we had known. For example, if you are late for advice. English, Mrs Pretorius will destroy you with After handing in the letters, some of which were words. Stick left in the passages or you will be folded into intricate origami shapes and mowed over and whatever you do— never stop decorated to perfection, while others were oh in the middle of the stairway. No one likes that so clearly a ‘five minutes before’ affair, the guy. matrics waited their turn with bated breath and That being said, the main objective of the barely contained excitement. Receiving those Spokie tradition is to inspire and encourage the letters for the first time was definitely a déjà vu new Grade 8s to graduate at the end of 2024, moment. There is something oddly satisfying with fewer regrets than we have and to inspire about being on the receiving end of something them to seize every opportunity that crosses you did four years previously. The contents of their paths. Grade 8s, your time will come, and those first letters varied significantly across the when it does, you best make sure you have spectrum. And boy, did we have a laugh. something to say or at the very least, have an
COLLECT BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS.
writer Annegrethe Scholtz | photographer Caro Botha | designer Annegrethe Scholtz
WINSTON SPENCER TUNGU Winston enjoys long walks in the park and playing with his roommates Peanut and Mia — our other doggy residents of Ledbury. He can be found frolicking around the school grounds or playing with his favourite toy: Mrs Manthey ’s keys. He is home-schooled and has mastered the art of “sit” and “shake”. If you are interested in meeting this good boy, send your request to your teachers or the tradition committee.
HEIGHT BIRTHDAY AGE WEIGHT
0.34m 6 December 2018 6 months 13.5 kg
Fashion
Ambiguous urban
designer Natasha Schmidt | photographer Mieke de Wet | model Amber Cloete
photographer Carlton Kok | model Amber Cloete
photographer Asher Adams | models Charlotte Lay, Mighael Malek, Mieke de Wet
photographer Asher Adams | model Mieke DeWet
This issue’s fashion shoot was inspired by vintage and thrifted pieces. Many of these items were revived after being neglected for many years.
photographer Asher Adams | model Amber Cloete
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PLIGGIE 101 Net hierdie paar woorde kan vir ‘n hoërskool kind maak of breek. Die meeste sal eerder ses van die bestes kry voordat hulle die wilskrag ontdek om die opdrag uit te voer, maar iewers op hierdie songesoende planeet is ‘n kind of twee wat al hulle hele Desember vakansie na hierdie woorde uitsien. Hierdie persoon is alombekend as die Pliggie.
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aie mense wonder altyd wat hierdie snaakse, Afrikaanse slang woord beteken. Oorspronklik is die woord pliggie vanaf die woord pligsgetrou afgelei, wat beteken dat die persoon hulle werk goed en deeglik wil doen tot die beste van hulle vermoë. ‘n Pliggie is dit en nog baie meer. Dit is van uiterste belang vir ‘n pliggie om konstant hulself te bevredig deur harder te werk, dinge verder te ondersoek as waarvoor gevra is en om seker te maak hulle verryk hulself daagliks. Die pliggie is hier om te werk en hier om te bly! Om ‘n pliggie te wees is nie so maklik soos wat almal dink nie. Ek het al agtergekom dat baie mense, veral in hulle graad 11 jaar, wanneer ouers en onderwysers konstant in hulle nekke blaas om harder te werk, eweskielik besluit dat hulle die jaar ‘n pliggie gaan wees. Nou, alhoewel dit die regte denkwyse is om die bul by die horings te pak, is dit makliker gesê as gedaan. Hier volg dus wenke oor hoe om te pliggie 101:
writer Katya van Drimmelen | photographer Adam Fredericks | designer Danielle Kleyn
Om ‘n pliggie te wees moet jy eerstens elke oggend wakker word met die doel om jou uiterste bes te gee in jou werk en nog meer. Om nooit op te hou waarmee jy begin het, totdat dit perfek is volgens jou eie mening nie. Sit daagliks jou hart en siel en verstand in dit wat jy wil bemeester. ‘n Pliggie kan nie ophou werk voordat hy/sy tevrede is met hulle werk nie. Dit beteken wel dat jy grootliks sal moet afskaal op jou sosiale tyd, maar dit beteken ook nie jy kan nooit sosialiseer nie. Staan vroeër op in die oggende. Of dit nou is om te oefen, te leer of net die vorige dag se werk deur te gaan, maak ‘n punt daarvan om ‘n oggend mens te word, koffie is tog daar vir ‘n rede. Gaan slaap ook teen ‘n redelike tyd om daardie pliggie brein vars te hou vir die volgende dag. Wees konstant voorbereid vir enige toets of taak wat oor jou pad mag kom. Al het jy klaar die toets geskryf, gaan weer terug en maak seker wat jou foute is om te verhoed dat jy dit weer maak. Maak seker jou werk is betyds klaar, want van uitstel kom afstel en dit is nie deel van die pliggie leuse nie. Alhoewel pliggies nie altyd goeie punte behaal nie, sal jou harde werk steeds beloon word. Wanneer jy jou brein wil laat rus, luister so bietjie na stil en rustige musiek wat jou bewus maak van al jou sintuie. Maar moenie dink ‘n pliggie kan nie ‘n rebelse streek of twee hê nie. Hulle luister soms na wilder musiek soos Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars en Taylor Swift. Hierdie is net algemene, daaglikse roetines van ‘n pliggie. Moenie altyd glo in Katinka Oosthuizen se alter ego, ‘n oordrewe weergawe van ‘n pliggie, Olga, nie. Dit is nou net in ekstreem gevalle.
‘n Pliggie kan op baie interessante maniere beskryf word, maar daar is ook ‘n fyn lyn of ‘n grys area waarin ‘n mens moet touloop, anders begin jy om te stereotipeer. Net soos alle vrouens nie kan bestuur nie en die blondines dit moeilik vind om basiese dinge in die lewe te begryp, so is daar ook baie stereotipes aangaande pliggies wat nie noodwendig waar is nie. Die grootste uit hierdie stereotipes is dat pliggies nie kan sosialiseer nie. Dit is inderdaad so onwaar soos die platheid van onse moederaarde. ‘n Pliggie het so baie kurwes en draaie dat dit uiters verkeerd is om almal om een as te draai. Almal in hierdie wêreld van ons het hulle eie ou plekkie waar hulle kan nesskrop. Die sportmense is daar om my pa van sy stoel af te gooi wanneer Morné Steyn nie oorskop nie. Die Kardashians is daar om almal ‘n onrealistiese beeld van skoonheid en breindood vermaaklikheid te gee. Die rockers is daar om vir almal te wys dat daar ‘n prettige manier is om van jou oortollige emosies ontslae te raak. Dan natuurlik die pliggies. Pliggies is vir ons gegee om ons te inspireer en te motiveer. Hulle is die kern bron van akademiese bevrediging en ‘n steunpilaar wanneer jy nie iets in wiskunde verstaan nie. Waardeer pliggies. Jy mag dalk eendag vir een werk of nog beter, word ‘n pliggie en maak jou ma trots!
Onderhoud met Jessica van
Rensburg—noemenswaardigste pliggie in Parel Vallei:
Hoekom sal jy jouself as ‘n pliggie beskou? O jitte, ek is bang ek antwoord hierdie verkeerd. Definitief sal ek myself
beskryf as ‘n pliggie, want ek sal nie ophou werk totdat ek weet ek klaar is nie.
Wat van skool is vir jou die lekkerste? Wanneer ek so hard geleer het en jy kry jou punte terug van ‘n toets en jy het fantasties gedoen. Dan sal ek net sê: “Amen!”
‘n Stereotipe wat jy al ervaar het as gevolg van ‘n pliggie wees? Eerstens dat pliggies nie kan sosialiseer nie, wat heeltemal onwaar is veral in my geval. Sommige mense dink ook pliggies is weird, maar dit is ook nie waar nie, want almal is uniek op hulle eie manier, anders sou die wêreld boring gewees het.
Insouciant (adj.) /ɪnˈsuːsɪənt,ɪnˈsuːsɪɒ̃ / free from worry, concern or anxiety.
EASING INTO THOSE EXAM RESULTS A month of sleepless nights, summaries and tears, lead up to this one piece of paper. Many of us struggled against our worst enemy, procrastination. We buckled beneath the immense study material of Life Science and Business and we lost many brave men through our feeble attempt to survive Maths. We have fought long and hard to survive this term and we have reached our final battle. Now, brothers, sisters and friends, let us prepare for our fate.
writer Lienke Frylinck | photographer Unsplash | designer Danielle Kleyn
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ur mothers and fathers might not understand the tragedy that we experienced through this horrid month of exams and they might only care for our results. Therefore, we have collected weapons and fighting strategies from the bravest warriors for this final battle. So, let us hold hands and brace ourselves for this battle to come. First, we must attempt to remain hidden; we must hide our report cards from our mothers and fathers until the last day of our holiday. By completing this step, we will ensure freedom during the holiday and remain safe from their wrath of disappointment. If the day of revealing the results arrive earlier than expected, we must prepare our parents. We must explain the horrors and traumas that scarred us and emphasise the dreadful experience that we survived. It is our duty to tell them about the lives lost and explain the cautious preparation that was needed for this battle. Next, an effective way to ease our mothers and fathers into the results would be the continuous explanations of how we tried our
absolute best to fight off procrastination and low percentages. Use the shield of determination and agreement against their comments of “working harder” and “being more productive”. If these strategies and weapons end up being no match against the power of your parents, you can always resort to the last and most desperate attempt: destroying your report card. For this, you will have to plan carefully and thoroughly. There must no sliver of evidence remaining. You must hide it in the deepest canyon that you can find or throw it into the bluest of oceans. If none of those is available, burn it. Just remember a thorough excuse needed to cover up this desperate deed and that there will always be a shred of a memory following you on your journey back from battle. We wish you all luck and abundant strength for this battle. They may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom!
Yo u
are
allowed to be both
a
masterpiece & a
work
in
progress simultaneously
photographer Helene Viljoen
writer Natasha Shmidt | photographer Caitlin De Lange | designer Michelle Lourens
DIE OU BLUE THREAD LEIERSKAP SPAN ? Die tydskrifspan van 2017 was uitsonderlik. Vir hierdie uitgawe het ons opgevang met die oudmatriekleerders wie die tydskrif die huidige visie help skep het en gehoor wat hulle deesdae doen.
hugo uys
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ns almal wil weet wat ons uit die vyf jaar op hoërskool later gaan gebruik en wat gaan wegval. As dit kom by wat die oudleerders almal geleer het uit die Blue Thread, wissel hul antwoorde nogal.
Vir Hugo Uys, die tydskrif se redakteur in 2016, was dit nie so maklik om terug te kyk en nét een ding uit te sonder nie. Die eerste en belangrikste vaardigheid wat hy saam met hom geneem het, was die vermoë om onder ongelooflike druk, goeie werk te kan doen. “Jy weet nie waartoe jy in staat is tot jy per ongeluk die afgelope sewe uur se werk uitvee
nie,” som hy dit baie goed op. Hy, Charl Wiehan en Leandre van der Merwe, het almal gesê dat hul baie geleer het deur met mense met verskillende idees en talente te werk en dat dit soms moeilik kon wees. Dink aan groepprojekte maar, tien maal erger en vir ‘n duisend maal langer.
Maar soos Leandre sê, “Daar was ook elke keer baie lag-tot-ons-huil, super baie diep gesprekke en oomblikke waar ons rêrig getwyfel het hoekom ons nog hierdie werk doen. Maar ek dink ons elkeen sou dit nie verruil vir enige ander klub op hoërskool nie.”
chantal pretorious
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wee lede van die ou span, Rouxvé groot is en dat die aanpassing nie juis vir Meyer en Nieke Prinsloo, het eers ‘n haar maklik was nie. gap jaar oorsee geneem, maar hul is nou almal weer terug in die land en studeer Sy het eers gedink dat sy direk na skool vanjaar op Stellenbosch. joernalistiek sou gaan studeer, maar sy het later besluit om eerder fotografie en Ek het vir Chantal Pretorius, wat die hoof ontwerp te studeer. Sy beskryf die kursus van design was, gaan sien gedurende die as baie prakties. Natuurlik is daar teorie, Paasnaweek terwyl sy in Somerset-Wes soos met enige graad, maar ‘n groot deel was. Ons het koffie gaan drink by een van van die werk is veldwerk soos om die visie die nuwe restaurante in Hoofweg en ons van ‘n projek of photoshoot te lei. Dit klink het so lekker gesels dat ek twee koffies en so baie soos wat ons tans steeds op die ‘n hotcross bun later besef het dat ‘n uur Blue Thread-span doen te danke aan en ‘n half verby gegaan het. Net soos van mense soos sy wat jare gelede begin het die ander, het Chantal gesê dat die sprong om die visie van die tydskrif te lei na waar van hoërskool na universiteit ontsettend dit nou is.
charl wiehahn
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oe ek vir Nieke en Charl gaan ontmoet het by ‘n restaurant, naby die universiteit, het ek glad nie verwag om hul hele vriendekring te ontmoet nie. Soos ek met hulle gesels het, het ek uitgevind dat beide Charl en Nieke nog besig is om kreatief te bly na hoёrskool.
Charl werk nogsteeds met besighede deur sosiale media bemarking. Met ‘n Instagram following van 40 duisend followers werk hy met handelsmerke soos Cape Union Mart, Old Khaki en Redbull. Omdat hy BCom Rekeningkunde studeer, is dit vir hom belangrik om die akademiese werk uit te balanseer met iets kreatiefs wat vir hom
fotografie- en sosiale mediabestuur is. So kan hy darem ‘n bietjie ekstra geld verdien, aangesien verblyf en sy studies so duur is.
Nieke het na haar gap jaar, in Singapore, mode-ontwerp by die Elizabeth Galloway skool van mode-ontwerp kom studeer. Dit was vir my so snaaks gewees toe ons besig was om te praat en sy skielik opgewonde geraak het toe sy geld in haar sak vind. Toe sy dit egter uit gehaal het en sien dat dit net ‘n parkeerkaartjie is, het sy so teleurgesteld gelyk.
jamie van breda
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ns het egter nie net oor skool en die tydskrif gepraat nie. Die hele tafel was later betrokke by ‘n groot gesprek oor kampuslewe, advies vir die lewe na hoërskool, verhoudings op universiteit, eerstejaarsindroom en natuurlik die groot vraag: gap jaar of nie.
moet maak om die belangrike mense in jou lewe te sien, val die res van die mense vir wie jy op hoërskool elke dag gesien het weg. Dit is maar net ‘n feit van die lewe.
Charl en Nieke het beide gesê dat hierdie laaste twee jaar van hul lewens so belangrik was omdat dit die tyd is wanneer Hulle het baie interessante menings gehad jy jou eie lewe vir jouself maak en emosioneel moet groei. “Be authentic,” oor hoe liefdes- enhet Nieke gesê, want jy kan baie maklik vriendskapsverhoudings verander na geld maak in kreatiewe loopbane as jy hoërskool. Charl het gepraat oor hoe ‘n weet hoe om outentiek te wees. mens nie meer tyd en energie het om te bestee op mense wat nie regtig omgee nie en omdat jy op universiteit spesifiek tyd
sabrina rohm
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en ding wat almal genoem het toe ek hulle gevra het oor hoekom hulle by die tydskrif wou aansluit, was dat juffrou Mackenzie hulle óf uitgesoek het soos met Charl en Chantal óf hul oortuig het om aan te bly nadat sy die bestuur van die die tydskrif oorgeneem het soos in Sabrina Rohm, die ou hoof van fotografie, se geval.
Dis meer as net ‘n tydskrif of ‘n skoolklub, soos enigiemand wat al daarvan deel was weet. Dit is ‘n familie, soms ‘n vriendekring en ‘n broeikas vir talent. Dis hoekom ek so bly was om te hoor dat omtrent almal van hulle steeds die nuutste uitgawes van die Blue Thread lees. Behalwe vir een of twee van hulle, het hul uitmekaar gespat om hul eie ding te doen en hul passies te volg. Maar daar is nog daardie fyn blou draad As sy hulle nie direk oortuig het nie, was dit wat hul almal verbind. haar entoesiasme en uitbundige passie vir die tydskrif en sy blink toekoms wat die res van die lede oortuig het en nou nog oortuig om deel te word van hierdie aanlyntydskrif.
leandre van der merwe Advies: Jy moet besef dat wat jy doen, is goed. Jy moet in jou werk en vermoĂŤns glo.
Waardeer jou onderwysers op hoĂŤrskool, want hulle wil jou help.
-Charl Wiehahn
-Hugo Uys
As jy oorsee wil reis, doen dit liewer direk na Skool is regtig so klein deel van jou lewe! skool en voor universiteit. Moenie vashaak op klein goedjies op skool nie. Ek belowe daar is soveel daar buite wat -Charl Wiehahn vir jou sit en wag. Doen jou bietjie elke dag en vind jou roetine. -Nieke Prinsloo
Raak al voor graad 10 betrokke en vind iets waarvan jy hou uit al die baie dinge wat PV jou bied. -Hugo Uys
-Leandre van der Merwe
rouxve meyer
Berei jouself voor vir die ergste, dan sal jy dit maak. Ek wil jou nie bangmaak nie, maar om studies, ‘n sosiale lewe, gesondheid en fiksheid te balanseer is moeilik. Jy moet tyd daarvoor maak andersins sal een van hulle daaronder ly, waarskynlik die studies. -Rouxvé Meyer
Vat dit soos wat dit kom en aanvaar dat die lewe jou gaan gooi. Indien nie op universiteit nie, dan later in die lewe met jou werk. -Chantal Pretorius
Sit partykeer ‘n rukkie stil en vra jouself of dit die moeite werd is om ontsteld te raak. -Chantal Pretorius
Partykeer in die lewe moet ‘n mens dit nie persoonlik vat nie. Slegte kritiek is opbouende kritiek. -Chantal Pretorius
POLITICS WITH NATASHA '
While millennials were growing up and even now, they are constantly being criticised. Do they love expensive avocado toast and taking selfies? Yes. But can all their problems really be blamed on this? Probably not.
T
he real reason millennials struggle to make ends meet is not necessarily because they are lavish spenders but because the cost of living is skyrocketing alongside their now crippling student debt. In America, for example, the median rent has doubled since 2000 and student debt has tripled in the last 15 years. In South Africa, you can just imagine the ways in which millennials are economically disadvantaged. The corruption in our country has caused the severe underfunding of schools, as well as, the shockingly high unemployment rate of 27% that becomes 38% when looking at people in the workforce between 15 and 34. There are 25 million South Africans in this age group.
So clearly, young people around the world face many problems today as this financial disadvantage is prevalent in many other countries around the world. This means that young people also have high stakes in the bills and legislature being passed by their government. Why, then, are there still so many young people who choose not to exercise their right to vote?
In any country, when the youth cannot be counted on to vote, the politicians don’t focus on the issues that concern them. Consequently, the youth believe that their country’s politics and policies don’t concern them, therefore, they do not have to vote. This vicious cycle can only be
writer Natasha Schmidt | photographer MĂŠline Zalewski | designer Michelle Lourens
broken when they realise that their problems are also valid and that by talking about them, others become concerned about these issues as well. Eventually, the politicians will no longer be able to ignore this movement of young people, demanding that issues concerning them be taken into consideration. The best part is that this new cycle starts even before you are allowed to vote.
is our job to have a look at which policies they endorse and what their principles are, so that we can vote for one who best matches our own beliefs and values. Otherwise, the candidate you would have opposed could be elected because too many people like you decided not to cast their vote, for whatever reason.
At 18, we may not be the ones making the A prime example of breaking the cycle is rules, but thanks to many people who when the high school students who survived demanded change and representation many the Parkland shooting decided to mobilise years ago; young people, black people, and demand gun reform when the adults in women and many other minorities have this the government would do nothing. This anti- amazing power to choose the people who gun movement spread across the entire do. Politicians are nothing without our United States and thousands of schools took support and it is up to us to keep the part in peaceful protests. In South Africa, we government in check because as Thomas have many issues that affect the youth Jefferson is believed to have said: “When specifically; the high unemployment rates governments fear the people, there is liberty. caused by corruption, the underfunding of When the people fear the government, there schools, the broken economy and the effect is tyranny.� big corporations have on global warming, seeing as we will be inheriting both the economy and the earth. Many people, including young people, decide not to vote because they have no faith in the government. However, the truth is that there are some highly competent politicians and it
photographer Mari Diedericks | designer Pia Cloete
CAMPUS QUOTES
Boy: *trips* Girl: *laughs at boy, drops pencil*
“That video was so boring.”
Boy: ”Ha ha! Karma.”
“Play it again, Sir.”
Girl: “More like collenKARMA!”
LO Class
Bio Class
“Skeletons have leaves too.” Sport Bathrooms
“It’s like looking for a whole potato in a bag of chips.” Math Class
“You illiterate fruit.” 300 Passage
“Its like Lord of The Flies but UNO.” Register “Who is coming to class this peasant morning?” French Class “Cacti are just angry cucumbers.” Lockers
What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear you say
THE EPIDEMIC By now you’ve likely been in the situation where you ordered a milkshake, or a coke, or what have you, and ended up with a mushy and soggy paper straw near the end of your drink. This has been happening a lot since the word straws has become one of the current buzzwords circulating the internet.
writer Annegrethe Scholtz | cartoonist Nicole Salgueiro | designer Charlotte Lay
A
lthough the paper-straw-scene has been a minor inconvenience, you decide to bear through it, ever since it’s come to your attention that straws are killing the sea turtles. Yet, often when offered a plastic straw, you take it, thinking: just one straw won’t hurt. The thing is, 7 billion people share that mentality. You wouldn't expect a 0.43 gram tube of plastic to make up 2000 tons of plastic waste that yearly hits the waters. We are currently living in what some scientists like to call the Plastic Age. These synthetic polymers have made the modern world possible. We always seem to be looking for the next great solution to all of our global problems. Plastic was thought to be one of these momentous miracles, but now we stare at the critical challenges ahead, trying to comprehend how it’s even possible to find a solution for global warming, plastic pollution, mass extinction and all the other great issues of our time. Most of the issues we are dealing with now are relatively new. Today, plastic pollution and overconsumption has become an epidemic, yet, prior to the 1960s, plastic pollution was non-existent. It wasn’t because plastic didn’t exist back then; in fact, plastic had actually been invented early in the 19th century, over 150 years ago. So how did we get here? At the end of the 1950s, something happened that would change our world forever. Dramatic improvements in the manufacturing and processing of plastics
declined the cost significantly and, combined with the abundance of oil, mass production began. This marked the start of the one-use disposable, plastic products explosion. Currently, all over the world, cities and nations are looking at banning plastic straws in hopes of addressing the global plastic pollution problem. Though this is a step in the right direction, scientists say that it’s not nearly enough, as straws only make up 4% of the water plastic pollution by piece and far less in weight. The 2000 tons of straws bobbing in the ocean easily seems insignificant when considering the 8 billion tons of plastic waste in the sea. That soggy paper straw will fade away, but that plastic cup you used for a few minutes is sticking round for our lifetime and longer, so try to keep that, and the sea turtles, in mind the next time you order a milkshake. We used to live in a world where the milkman brought us milk in glass bottles and all our groceries were packed into paper bags. A functioning society. We used to manage well without plastic and, as it turns out, many of those things that were done back in the day, are not hard to replicate now. Let’s use glass, let’s use paper, let’s find new solutions. We use plastic, a material designed to last forever, for products designed to last minutes— but we don’t have to.
FANGIRL
writer Amelia van Heerden | photographer Adam Fredericks | designer Charlotte Lay
F
angirl is a humorous Young Adult novel written by Rainbow Rowell, and explores the very relatable, very real life of Cather Avery. Cath is a writer, but not just any writer, she is a fanfiction writer. Her life revolves around writing Simon Snow fanfiction. Simon Snow is their version of Harry Potter, and Cath has dedicated, not only her childhood to this, but her college life as well. Although this novel is slap-your-thigh funny, there are quite a few serious moments and themes. In the book you’ll learn that Cath and her twin sister Wren have recently started college. This isn’t a good thing for Cath as she struggles with anxiety and fitting in with other people her age.
Further, adding to her struggles, is her partner-in-crime and twin sister, ditching Cath to rather have fun and go to college parties. Now Cath is alone, anxious and slightly embarrassed with her everpresent obsession with a childhood story. The cherry on top, is that she has a scary roommate and said roommate, has a really cute friend, Levi, that won’t leave Cath alone and she quickly acquires a certain liking for him. Her introvertedness and anxiety stems from her mother deserting them. Their father, in turn becomes depressed, although he tries his best to be brave and happy for Cath and Wren, and thus suffers from a bi-polar disorder. In a nutshell, her home life is a bummer, college is kicking her in the butt, her only friend – who is her sister – has kicked her to the curb and the boy she likes broke her heart. The only thing saving her is her fanfiction. Rowell has done an amazing job with realistically portraying anxiety and bipolar disorder. She captures the true essence of a coming-of-age novel and makes you feel close to her characters. Once again, relatable is what comes to mind; difficult school work, fanfiction, broken hearts and a less-than-ideal home life. This novel is littered with funny happenings, thought-invoking dialogue and relatable characters. Definitely worth a read.
writer Lienke Frylinck | photographer Adriana van der Spuy | designer Pia Cloete
GOLDFISH EATERY The Goldfish Eatery is always welcoming anyone, who has a taste for the ocean, with a friendly smile.
T
his petite restaurant with a stunning sea view, eagerly awaits you on Beach Road. With an interior of black, white and golden yellow, your eyes will admire the décor just as much as your taste buds will admire the delicious seafood and tasty chips.
The Goldfish Eatery is the logical place to chill at with friends and family. The seemingly endless menu offers delicious calamari, hake and even eel— when it’s in season. If you’re not in the mood for a sit -down meal, you can make the call and order in or order take away to enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach while watching the sunset.
A day out on the sandy beach, with your hungry group of friends, has to have a perfect ending by making a stop at this delightful place. Affordable for any young adult, with a variety of cold drinks after a warm day in the sun.
Go and try it yourself, you will be hooked on the Goldfish Eatery.
ADDRESS 90 Beach Road, Strand CALL 021 300 5368 TRADING HOURS Mondays to Thursdays from 10:00 to 16:30 Friday from 10:00 to 19:00 Saturdays from 09:00 to 15:00
writer Natasha Shmidt | photographer Unslplashed | designer Diana Millard
WINTER PLAYLIST This is not a playlist of trending songs. This is a playlist of classics, the music that both we and our parents grew up with. Winter is a time for nostalgia and a time to dance unashamedly to soul music. Here is a playlist to get into winter nostalgia so you can break out the hairbrush -turned-microphones.
I’d Rather Go Blind - Etta James Build Me Up Buttercup - The Foundations Valerie - Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson Mr Big Stuff - Jean King I Want You Back - The Jackson 5 Rehab - Amy Winehouse September - Earth, Wind & Fire Love That Girl - Raphael Saadiq It’s Raining Men - The Weather Girls Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra Sh-Boom /Life Could Be a Dream - The Crew Cuts Dream a Little Dream of Me - Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong YMCA - The Village C’est Si Bon - Louis Armstrong Mambo No. 5 /A Little Bit of... - Lou Bega You Make My Dreams - Daryl Hall & John Oates Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys La Vie En Rose - Louis Armstrong Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson Hey Jude - The Beatles
writer Natasha Shmidt | photographer Helene Viljoen | designer Diana Millard
NETFLIX PLAYLIST The best Netflix originals, classics and everything else Netflix has to offer. SERIES The Crown Suits Gilmore Girls Gossip Girl Jane The Virgin CLASSICS Bridget Jones’s Diary 28 Days Notting Hill Pretty Woman The Holiday Clueless Ferris Bueller’s Day Off V for Vendetta Mean Girls NEW Maniac On my block
The Good Place Russian Doll Homecoming Explained The Umbrella Academy Someone Great
SOCIAL MEDIA
@danielwaltonn is edgy. And not ‘lock-and-chain necklaces, long shirts under tee -shirts, listens to Led Zepplin’ edgy. Scrolling down their feed, one can see a clear change in mood and style as their posts become beautifully haunted. South African artist and photographer, based in the Netherlands, enjoys experimenting with light, voguing, and make -up. If your feed is lacking in avant -garde, @danielwaltonn is the perfect remedy.
While most university students wax lyrical about their crushing workload, @queenlohaanda exhibits the carefree side of university life as a UCT student in Cape Town. With his two toned statement hair, charming film photographs and up to date fashion sense. @queenlohaanda’s feed is nothing short of sublime.
Tuan Visser’s life is every fifteen -year-old hype beast’s dream job. He spends his time hanging out with bikini models at Clifton and shooting videos in and around the city. While being a local, Tuan records Cape Town from a tourist ’s perspective, displaying it as an idyllic endless summer. If cosy winters aren ’t your thing, Tuan’s channel guarantees sun, sea and sand.
writer Charlotte Lay | photographer Various | designer Charlotte Lay
Every second post on my Instagram feed seems to contain cut outs of butterflies, angels and clouds which begs the question, is editing the new filter? And when did everyone get so good at it? A quick fix for your feed, is the user friendly PicsArt, which not only offers editing but also a variety of collages, filters, and acts as platform for sharing photos.
@queenlohaanda using editing on his Instagram post
CARTOON
artist Nicole Salguiro | designer Pia Cloete
writer Annegrethe Scholtz | photographer Liam Davies | designer Annegrethe Scholtz and Katya van Drimmelen
OUR COVER Just a girl, with a love for fashion, trying to stand out from the crowd
B
eing a model isn’t easy. Trying to make it in the fashion industry is even harder, yet, our Cover-girl, Mika Van Wyk, is braving it though the cut-throat world of style to make her way up to her aspirations of becoming a professional model. Even pretty people feel insecure, making an appearance-conscious world intimidating, to say the least. Mika isn’t letting her fear of judgement stop her from seeing all the wonders of the fashion world. She’s meeting new people, trying different styles and occasionally getting that added bonus of cash from her shoots. Currently, she isn’t an official model but
has been noticed on the runway at fashion shows and modelling people’s designs, while soaking up the positive vibes and new experiences. Her dazzling smile shouldn’t scare you though, she’s human like the rest of us, binging Netflix in her free time, chilling at the beach or going to Stellies. Mika has proven to be fearless in the pursuit of what inspires her to be who she is and is a glowing beacon of light in the world filled with grey. One day, when you see her on the cover of Vogue, don’t forget the times you saw her in the PV corridors, strutting effortlessly.
LUCIA NILAND – Editor in Chief KATYA VAN DRIMMELEN – Sub Editor ANNEGRETHE SCHOLTZ – Sub Editor OLIVIA IMPSON – Creative Director CARO BOTHA – Graphic Designer LIAM DAVIES – Head of Photography
ADRIANA VAN DER SPUY – Photographer ASHER ADAMS – Photographer ADAM FREDRICKS – Photographer CARLTON KOK – Photographer CONNOR PERFETT – Photographer CAITLIN DE LANGE – Photographer HELENE VILJOEN – Photographer MARI DIEDERIKS – Photographer MIEKE DE WET – Photographer/Model AMELIA VAN HEERDEN – Writer ANKE TOUGH – Writer ELIZMA VAN GEEST – Writer LIENKE FRYLINCK – Writer NATASHA SCHMIDT – Writer/Designer NERISE MALAN – Writer OLIVIA DAWSON – Writer SAMANTHA BICKNELL – Writer JADE COETZEE – Writer ROSALIND MITCHELL – Writer CHARLOTTE LAY – Designer/Model DANIELLE KLEYN – Designer DIANA MILLARD – Designer MICHELLE LOURENS – Designer PIA CLOETE – Designer BRIGIT BURGER – Designer LUKE BADENHORST – Designer NICOLE SALGUEIRO – Cartoonist JOLINE STUBBE – Admin/Writer KAYLEIGH DE KOCK – Admin AMBER CLOETE – Model MIGHAEL MALEK – Model