photographer Asher Adams | model Kelly Holmes
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CONTENTS Tradition Hello and Goodbye Culture
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I feel obliged to start with the classic “Wow, what a term!” but I’m sure everyone knows all too well, the goings on of the thirteen, only mildly, hellish weeks we’ve just endured. So, as a newly appointed editor, I decided to do some reflecting on why The Blue Thread is such a valuable part of PV. Essentially, The Blue Thread is every society, every function and every spectacle PV produces, all rolled up into one carefully curated magazine. It is there to record all happenings in PV and acts as a time capsule for the school’s history. You can be assured that journalists and photographers are always there observing and recording, after all, we are the eyes and ears of the school. That information gets handed to the designers where we then spend long, cosy Thursday nights in the IT classroom, carefully putting the magazine together, piece by piece. This may be slightly biased, as I was a designer but people often underestimate the amount of work that goes into designing these articles. We strive constantly for cohesion throughout the magazine without restricting personal creativity and this can sometimes be difficult to achieve. So, to all designers in particular: thank you for the hours you put in and your constant eagerness; your talent and hardwork does not go unnoticed. To our teachers, Mrs Mackenzie, Mrs Isaacs and Mrs Yoko, you are the guiding lights of the Blue Thread. This term, you were the perfect equilibrium between trusting enough to let us take the reigns but also ready to swoop in gracefully, any time we needed
help. To Lucia and the rest of the old team, I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks that we have big shoes to fill and following in your footsteps is a daunting prospect. You will be sorely missed! To my new team, I couldn't have chosen a better group of people to work with and am so excited for the issues to come! Danielle and Natasha, specifically, making “amoebas” and listening to Afrikaans rap with you two made the long hours worthwhile. Talk about empowering womxn. On that subject, this term’s issue celebrates Womxn’s month with an “inspiring womxn of PV” fashion shoot as well as a look at PV’s very own protest against gender-based violence. We also bring your an exclusive interview with our 2019 council and articles covering the Pearson Derby, our musical, “Fiddler on the Roof” and drama season. So, if you, like me, have already forgotten what happened during this seemingly endless term, Blue Thread is here to remind you. For the first time- of hopefully many more, Your Editor in Chief
Charlotte Lay
Pearson 2019 Next time, vlieg ons. 3 a.m. first departure. The crisp morning air is definitely not sufficient to compensate for the lack of the morning sun. There are some people saying goodmorning and then there are the specific breed of humans wishing that the early birds had a snooze button, saying goodnight. Half of the bus were like Oompa Loompas in the chocolate factory, bouncing and singing to their hearts content. We have our heading and off we go!
Upon our arrival we were greeted with warm smiles and eyes full of excitement, all of us wondering how it’s possible for everyone in Pearson to be so friendly. Our next biggest concern was probably whether our hosts had nice food, Wi-Fi, or both! But what an opportunity to form unbreakable bonds with strangers who most likely were the reason for the sudden tears and broken hearts when we left. But first, it was time to mingle with all the pearsonalities and partake in the biggest event of the year.
The PV-Pearson interschools started with a bang, as the drumroll began and beautiful melodies filled the Deary Hall on the Culture evening. What a wonderful assembly of talented children strumming and singing away, as the harmonies guide each and every person into a mellifluous reverie. The big band owned the stage, as always, and the Pearson orchestra was incredible! What a
blast from the past we experienced when the choir shared the all too iconic, Fiddler on the Roof masterpieces. The evening ended with screams and shouts and people letting it all out. Sunrise, sunset and it is the break of a new dawn. We were privileged to see both our schools coming together to share their temporary thoughts on controversial topics in the open forum of dink of sink. Or to find pleasure in the attempts of an English learner helping an Afrikaans learner to practice the Afrikaans spelathon words. Then jumping to the tennis tournament, where every player apparently has a signature move to stay focused, especially needed with the all to desirable smell of the nearby food courts, where hangry athletes came to revive themselves after a long game of netball. Throughout the day, PV’s spirit was held high and the bluethread even embroidered its way into the so called Pearsonites. We were entertained by two major events that afternoon, the first team hockey and the four drama productions from both Pearson and Parel Vallei. The irony was the amount of drama in organising the drama when some yoga balls were left at home, but a success it was nonetheless. Both the Afrikaans and English plays shone with utter star quality with Vlug taking the victory of the evening as best play.
On the stands you really get to know someone, given the fact that you sit in an all too tapering space. All cuddled up in the cold to watch a heated game, for none of that mattered when all the focus shifted to the first team girls in a neck on neck game of hardcore hockey. The boys had victorious shoes to fill and played with such dignity and elegance, that in the end we all felt victorious. What a vibe they created! Boys you had our toe hair rising with absolute excitement. What a couple of games, you really did your thing! The rain accumulated moments before the first kick off. The wind violently
swooped our optog dancers off their feet and organised the flags into utter chaos. The wind can take our flags but it will never take our freedom! What a breathtaking display of sheer magnificence. We were blown away not by the wind, but by the gees the optog sent our way. It was the first step to the mind set of champions. A standing ovation to Mr. Spijkers and his crew. Within seconds your heart rate slows and you need to listen very carefully to determine whether you are hearing the beat of the drums driving the gees or the beating of your own heart. For most of the
rugby first team match people were either dumbstruck or falling from the stands in one of the best rugby matches in the history of PV and I have Mr. Schenk to vouch for that. We will retell the story of brothers notorious in battle, fighting victorious for every bulldog on either field or stand. We weren’t victorious, but only by one. Tears were shed, shoulders detached and anger suppressed, but then came the school song and suddenly everybody was completely, perfectly and incandescently content.
The bus ride home felt more tedious than ever. What excitement was waiting for us when we reach our destination? Staring out of the window into the abyss, dark patches of grass start to appear. Not knowing when you can see cars or houselights on the other side that twinkle in a pattern-like movement, maybe it is Morse-code. At least one thing is ensured. Next year, we will be even bigger, better, faster and bluer. Pearson 2020, we are patiently waiting for you.
writer | Katya van Drimmelen, Annegrethe Scholtz & Nerise malan photographer | Adam Fredericks, Asher Adams & Various designer | Danielle Kleyn & Charlotte Lay
Golden
writers Charlotte Lay | photographer Carlton Kok, Asher Adams | designer Diana Millard
Oldies
HEAD BOY: Kai Moolman What is your favourite memory of your time as a prefect? My favourite memory is from the first day of grade 8 orientation. I was standing with my arms over the shoulders of Dean João and Gabbi Thomas laughing and admiring all the grade 8’s lying on the floor around us from the instruction given to them of zero gravity. It was not necessarily the embarrassment seen on the faces of the grade 8’s, but rather the memory of when we were in grade 8 and had to lie on our stomachs with our hands stretched out in front of us, when our prefect told us to do superman. It was finally our turn to give the orders. What advice can you give to future council members? To future council members: When people get into a position of power they go in with the mind set that they want to cause the same pain and discomfort they experienced from previous council members. My advice for them is that they go in to change what they did not like, rather than trying to enforce it once again. They must put themselves in the younger grades shoes. And always remember that it never hurts to smile and seem approachable in the passages. I apparently always looked grumpy and that makes you unapproachable. Strive to always be approachable, especially for the juniors of the school who are already shy as is. What are your plans for the future? I'm planning to study at Stellenbosch university next year. I'm going to study BSc math—operations research. This will allow me to work with people and numbers. Because let's face it, Mrs Yoko can confirm that there is no future for me in any language orientated field of work.
HEAD GIRL: Lucia Niland What advice can you give to future council members? We all go into Learner Council expecting to make these radical, life changing differences within the school and more often than not, it doesn’t materialise the way we pictured. The truth is, it’s about the little changes. The little, consistent steps that work towards developing Parel Vallei and its pupils into forward thinking, socially conscious individuals that feel represented. What has been your most embarrassing moment at PV? I split my school pants from below my zip all the way to the back. It doesn’t get any worse than that. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? EVERY FORM OF PASTA. THE FOOD OF THE GODS.
ACADEMICS: Michelle Cousins What more can be done as a school to promote greater acceptance of marginalized persons? I think this comes down to support one another regardless of the circumstances. Show up at drama productions and sports matches alike and encourage your friends to do the same. Big action will come from us individually showing acceptance for those around us. What has been your most embarrassing moment at PV? In grade 8 l blindly sprinted into Mr Sayer's class thinking that I was super late for history. When I looked up I realised no one from my class was there and was surrounded by Matrics staring at me. Favourite childhood TV show? SpongeBob Square Pants
Left to right: Kayla Buchanan, Tamaryn Roets. Not photographed: Dean JoĂŁo
Left to right: Michelle Cousins, Dian Wiese, and Kayla van Rensburg
COMMUNITY: Dean Joao What more can be done as a school to promote greater acceptance of marginalized persons? Stop judging and discriminating people for being different and start accepting everyone for who they are. Bullying is not 'cool', its a childish way of getting what you want by controlling people below you. The school needs to step away from this mentality and take a step in the right direction; one towards acceptance! What has been your most embarrassing moment at PV? I fell down the hill yesterday on my way out of school, it was pretty funny. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Salad
photographs by | Gina Tough , Kelly Holmes
CULTURE: Mia Van Der Merwe Left to Right: Thalia Alberts, Henko Uys Not photographed: Mia van der Merwe
SPIRIT: Jan Rademan What more can be done as a school to promote greater acceptance of marginalized persons? I think that everyone should remember that everyone's different and the sooner everyone can accept that and support each other in there different fields of expertise, more people will feel accepted. What advice can you give to future council members? Try to be as involved as possible, because people look at you as an example. Be there and be seen. Looking back at the work of your council, what have been positive achievements? In retrospect, what do you think could have improved on? I think that most of the events that we organised were successful and I think we helped the younger grades a lot by helping them realise that they can be who they want to be in this school and that we helped them get involved.
What advice can you give to future council members? Enjoy every minute together and remember to delegate! You cannot do it alone. What are your plans for the future? I want to be an actress and travel the world. Looking back at the work of your council, what have been positive achievements? In retrospect, what do you think could have improved on? Our council communicated so well and managed to really work smoothly because of that. We did not have any person thinking that they were above someone else and that resulted in a really cool vibe between us.
Left to right: Ryan Kellerman, Abigail George and Jan rademan
MEDIA: Caro Botha What more can be done as a school to promote greater acceptance of marginalized persons? I think celebrating diversity and educating the school about different cultures and marginalized groups is essential. PV learners often don't realise how privileged we are to be attending such a beautifully diverse and accepting school, and we need to celebrate that as much as possible. What advice can you give to future council members? Don't be too hard on yourself. Being on council is difficult and will feel like a lot of pressure. Don't make it any harder than it needs to be by being overly self-critical. Your friends might give you a hard time for being a prefect, but remember that you're still the same person just with more responsibility. Your friends will come to accept that soon enough. Looking back at the work of your council, what have been positive achievements? In retrospect, what do you think could have improved on? Our council has a very close bond, and I think we can really congratulate ourselves on how we all helped each other out to keep things running smoothly. The head leaders really emphasised servant leadership and I feel like that message got through in how we ran our events.
Left to right: Oliva Impson, Caro Botha, Mieke de Wet
RCL: Wicus Diederiks What are your plans for the future? Ek gaan BSc Operasionele Navorsing by Stellenbosch Universiteit studeer. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Chicken Mayo Sandwiches What would you do differently if you had your time at PV over again? Ek sou meer kanse gewaag het om nuwe dinge te probeer en ander mense te ontmoet. In my jaar as Prefek is ek blootgestel aan ondervinding waaroor ek bly is. Favourite movie? Forrest Gump.
Left to right: Alex Nieto Lawrence, Anna Brooke and Wicus Diedericks
Left to right: Hayley Prinsloo, Alexia Pillay and Carli Kilian
SPORT: Hayley Prinsloo What are your plans for the future? I am studying at Stellenbosch to be an engineer but I’m really going to go with whatever happens as there is a whole wide world out there that I haven’t experienced yet. What would you do differently if you had your time at PV over again? I would worry less about a small test that barely counts in grade 9 or 10 and realize that friends are the most important thing ever. Your 90% won’t ask you if you’re okay, but the people you surround yourself with, will. Looking back at the work of your council, what have been positive achievements? In retrospect, what do you think could have improved on? I must say, this year’s council has gotten along with each other so well that whenever there is a problem, it is sorted out well before it gets out of hand. I think this year we all just gelled together so well from all different parts of the school. The negatives aren’t many but I think I can mention that we dreamed a little too big to fulfil what we had planned. I think we underestimated the amount of work.
TRADITION: Matt Titus What advice can you give to future council members? I would say make use of your committee. Do not try to take on all of the work by yourself. You have two silver prefects and the rest of your committee who can help you lighten the load. What are your plans for the future? I plan to get a degree in chemical engineering and maybe pursue a career in music as a hobby. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Peppermint tart
Left to right: Anne-Marie Schoeman. Matt Titus and Gabbi Thomas
F A R E W E L L
2019
writer Elisma van Geest | photographer Connor Perfett | designer Jada Ward
Meneer Erasmus Dis ons nuwe onnie, Meneer Erasmus Van Riversdal tot Thailand, maar Meneer is gelukkig nou tuis nét hier by PV. Van Tegnologie, EBW, Wiskundige Geletterdheid tot LO, daar is min vakke wat meneer Erasmus nie gee nie. Ek wou by hom weet of hy nog altyd ‘n onderwyser wou word? Hy glimlag terwyl hy noem dat sy oupa en tannie nog voor hom onderwysers was. Dit loop maar in die familie, maar daar is niks anders wat hy eerder sou wou doen nie. Hy noem dat die eerste ding wat hy van Parel Vallei opgemerk het, is die samehorigheid van die personeel, die uitstekende hoof, en natuurlik die gedissiplineerde leerders.
Net omdat hy nuut is by Parel Vallei, beteken dit nie dat hy nog nooit skoolgehou het nie. Hy was al ‘n onderwyser by Hermanus, Bredasdorp, Clanwilliam en selfs in ‘n Kleuterskool in Thailand! Met al hierdie ondervinding weet hy dat ‘n skool nooit perfek kan wees nie. Dit moet ook nooit so wees nie, voeg hy dadelik by. As ‘n skool perfek is, is daar mos niks om voor te werk nie, niks om na te
streef nie. Hy noem wel dat ons moet aanhou streef na perfeksie, in elke aspek van die skool. Want soos die aanhaling sê: Reik na die sterre en dalk land jy op die maan. Sy grootste passies buite die skool bestaan uit rugby kyk —natuurlik na die WP— en om die wêreld deur te reis. Hy en sy vrou is veral mal oor die Suider-Afrika gedeelte. Dis dié dat hulle hul passie uitleef deur toere te beplan vir ander mense wat Suider-Afrika wil verken— plekke soos Mosambiek, Zimbabwe en baie ander. Sy vrou is voltyds daarmee besig. Dit is nou wanneer hulle nie bergklim, branderplank ry of waterski nie. Om my onderhoud mooi af te sluit, vra ek of daar enige iets is wat hy aan die leerders wil oordra. Assume good attentions. En Don’t take it personally, sê hy met ‘n glimlag. Die klok dui die einde van pouse aan en ek is tevrede met die gedagte dat meneer Erasmus nou deel is van die PVfamilie.
Fiddler on the Roof Without our traditions, life would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.
writer Rosalind Mitchell | photographer Carlton Kok | designer Charlotte Lay & Danielle Kleyn
I cried my way through writing this article because nothing has ever meant so much to me. Fiddler has been a part of my and many others’ lives for the past nine months. How can you work so hard on something for nine months and then, like magic, never see it again? How can you spend so much time with people for nine months and then suddenly it all vanishes? I really didn’t want to leave Anatevka because it really became a second home to me. I don’t even know where to begin, so let’s just start from the very beginning. Last year November, auditions were being held for the school musical. No one knew which musical it was going to be, but the options were Cats, Beauty and the Beast, Westside Story and Fiddler on the Roof. It was probably one of the most nerve-racking times of my life. We waited weeks to find out who was casted and which musical we would be performing. When it was finally announced as Fiddler on the Roof, I have to admit to feeling a little upset because I had connected this musical, to the word boring, but it was so far from it.
From there, rehearsals began. Every Thursday night the whole cast gathered to start working on the big musical numbers and on Friday afternoon Miss Pienaar trained the actors. As the show dates came closer, the practices became more frequent, happening almost every day for longer hours. We even had a threeday camp, sounds crazy no? Well I’m pretty sure the camp facilitators thought we were crazy. I remember I had a singing lesson for the song Matchmaker one late night and on my way out I stopped by Mr Combe’s class to find the orchestra having their first rehearsal. When I heard them play and saw how difficult the music was, I was scared, keep in mind I didn’t know it was their first rehearsal, I really didn’t know if they were going to be able to accomplish these intensely difficult songs. When the cast had their first rehearsal with the orchestra, I was absolutely blown away by what they had achieved. They really were the backbone of this whole musical; imagine doing a musical with no music. After many sleepless nights and hours of shedding blood, sweat and everything in between, the 26th of July 2019 finally arrived. It was our first show day. The energy was through the roof and you could feel the nerves in the wings. We all grabbed each other’s pinkies and waited for the fourth drumbeat and in unison sang Tradition. Making sure that we rolled that ‘r’ like never before.
Time really flies when you’re having fun because I literally blinked and I was sweeping up snow for the last time. It was a crazy ride like Chava riding on the back of Tevye’s cart. I had the time of my life. I will never forget the messy dressing rooms, the wax running down my fingers from the cadles, the pig that was constantly being fed and my new family that I made in Anatevka. So here’s to ripe old ages, crazy warm ups and flying candlesticks, but most importantly, to life.
“L’chaim — to Life”
Bruwelik Gruwelik, huwelik, boos, belaglik… Bruwelik. Dis die woord. Die lewe is Bruwelik! Bruwelik is ‘n absurde drama wat handel oor die gebreklike verband tussen die realiteit en die mensdom se onheilige gewete. Die drama speel af in ‘n besmette huishouding met sterflike karakters wat onmenslike begeertes uit beeld. Sal hulle smagting vervul word, of bly dit steeds net ‘n sadistiese fantasie.
Marco Jacobs, skrywer en regisseur van hierdie aangrypende leerderproduksie, sê dat hy graag wil hê die verhaal moet iets uit die samelewing reflekteer en dat jy, as gehoorlid, jou eie betekenis moet vind agter die toneelstuk. Die geniale woordspeling vloei perfek regdeur die tonele, met versteekte geheime en metaforiese waarhede wat elke nou en dan herhaal word. Vir die betrokke, was Bruwelik waarlik die hoogtepunt van die jaar. Vir die leerders in die produksie was dit nogal ‘n belemmerde avontuur. Om ‘n skuimbad te neem in die stopsel van ‘n teddiebeer en te filosofeer oor die lewe is regtig iets anders, maar so ook is die produksie.
Vandag roep Bruwelik elke kat uit die hoed en laat die gehoor met vele gedagtes om agterna oor te dink. Wie weet, dalk begin die gehoor ook te filosofeer in oorblywende teddiebeer stopsel? Parel Vallei is uiters trots op die vordering van die dramadepartement, so trots dat slegs leerders die geleentheid gegun is om op dieselfde vlak te kompeteer as die ander produksies. Wat ‘n voorreg!
Absurd, belaglik, ‘n totale meesterstuk! Hier om elke gehoorlid se toonhare te laat rys.
writer Katya van Drimmelen | photographer Semicka Groves | designer Danielle Kleyn
writer Anke Tough | photographer Semicka Groves | designer Danielle Kleyn
(V)lug Wat ‘n groot bewus maker, om die gehoor te laat wonder oor die winde van die lewe en wat die samelewing sê en glo, werklik waar is! Die toneelstuk, Vlug, handel oor ‘n sestien-jarige seun – Dirkie – wat semi-sosiaal gestremd is en hoe hy dwarsdeur sy lewe verskillende uitdagings oor sy mens-wees in die gesig moet staar. Sy moeder en die samelewing probeer hom konstant verander, sodat hy as normaal kan geklassifiseer word. Gelukkig het hy sy twee denkbeeldige vriende – Kwakker en Absalom – en sy klein sussie wat hom ondersteun deur al hierdie moeilike tye. Kwakker is ‘n vurige eend wat Dirkie se duiweltjie-stemmetjie verteenwoordig, wat soms geneig is om haar mond verby te praat en Dirkie dus seer te maak met haar woorde. Absalom, aan die ander kant, is ‘n wyse voëlverskrikker wat Dirkie se engeltjie -stemmetjie verteenwoordig en hom altyd op die beste manier moontlik probeer opbou. Sussa is die tipiese, woelige klein-sussie wat altyd vir Dirkie ondersteun en lief het, en al kan sy nie vir Kwakker en Absalom sien nie, is sy goed bewus van Dirkie se maatjies. Nog nie eers halfpad deur Kwartaal 3 nie, het Vlug reeds 19 Goud en 4 Silver medaljes gewen en vorder vorentoe met selfs beter uitslae! Mnr. Spijkers is die skrywer, asook die regiseur van hierdie unieke en oorspronklike toneelstuk. Te danke aan hom, het die kostuums, dekor en spesiale effekte, almal wat al kom kyk het, aan die praat. Vlug is voorwaar nie ‘n toneelstuk om te vergeet nie, en wie okal dit nie gekyk het nie, het sonder twyfel uit gemis!
Medium Rare I’d like my steak medium rare, please. You have been fooled! The production Medium Rare has, in fact, nothing to do with the way you like your steak. How would I describe this brilliant play?
Funny. Chucklesome. Amusing. Perhaps hilarious, for lack of a better adjective. All I can say, is that Miss Pienaar yet again created a play that captures your attention from the first moment the brilliant actors and actresses, Mia van der Merwe, Angelique Filter, Alex Nieto Lawrence and Gary Steyn, make their mark. Even their stage manager, Ethan Verrezen, makes an appearance. This year miss Pienaar went basic. This does not mean the play was a disappointment! She however took the challenge upon herself to create a play about, finding an ending for the play. Yes, you read correctly. How a person can create such a brilliant play with such a basic yet intricate theme, only Miss Pienaar will know. If you missed this Parel Vallei production, you missed out on yet another once-in-a-life-time experience.
writer Lienke Frylinck | photographer Semicka Groves | designer Danielle Kleyn
Steel Magnolias Laughter through tears is my favourite emotion. The Drama Department at PV is creating a new tradition where every year the grade 11 drama class puts on a production in the Gouws Hall. With Curl up and Dye being last year and a tough act to follow, the pressure was on for the new grade 11s. After weeks of auditions, we finally had our cast. Jade Fester as M‘Lynn Eatenton, Kelly Holmes as Shelby Eatenton, Monika Goldbach as Ouiser Boudreaux, Angelique Filter as Clariee Belcher, Rosalind Mitchell as Truvy Jones and Cameron Howse as Annelle Depuy. You may have just seen these ladies on stage, but it wasn’t only them. Backstage there was a whole team working together to make sure this production ran smoothly, from a hair and make-up artist, props manager, set designer to our amazing directors. A production like Steel Magnolias doesn’t just happen overnight, it takes months. There were endless nights where our directors had to cut the script for us to stay within the time limit, hours and hours of rehearsals in the freezing cold forum and days of set building, where paint ended up everywhere.
When the first show finally came around I was petrified, as I didn’t know if people were going to like the show and if we had done enough to see that the show would succeed. I soon realised that I had nothing to fear as Steel Magnolias was a big hit. Audience members were laughing and crying and clapping the whole way through and that was our goal, to make the audience feel something wonderful. For those poor souls who missed out on the chance to see Steel Magnolias here is a little summary of the play. Revolving around Truvy’s Beauty Parlour in a small parish in modern-day Louisiana, this is the story of a close-knit circle of friends, whose lives come together there. As the play opens, we find Drum Eatenton shooting birds in the trees of his backyard in preparation for his daughter's wedding reception that afternoon. Shortly thereafter, M ‘Lynn and Shelby ,Drum's wife and daughter, depart for Truvy’s to get their hair done for the wedding. ‘Just the sweetest thing’, Annelle Depuy Desoto,who may or may not be married because her marriage may not be legal, is introduced to Truvy’s customers as her new Glamour Technician.
writer Rosalind Mitchell | photographer Mrs Yoko | designer Diana Millard
While in the chairs, the sour-tempered, Ouiser Boudreaux, shows up and entertains the assemblage with her barbs. It seems that the only one of the group who truly understands Ouiser is Clairee, who is recently widowed and looking for a diversion. As she says later in the play, ‘If you can't find anything good to say about anybody, come sit by me.’ Filled with humour and heartbreak, these Steel Magnolias make us laugh and cry as the realities of their lives in tiny Chinquapin
Parish unfolds. Although when Shelby decides to conceive, things will turn upside down. If you missed this year’s production, I encourage you to see next year’s one as it really is a magnificent sight to see all these learners working so hard for something that they truly believe in and as Shelby Eatonton said, ‘I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.’
writer Annegrethe Scholtz | photographer Mari Diedericks | designer Caitlin Schoeman
PV’s Got Talent Among the endless results in assembly and sporadic features in the Bola nder, it’s no secret that our school is ridiculously full of awe -inspiring talent. Yet, I always find myself surprised by the extent of how gifted PV learners are. You can’t help but sit a little straighter just to see over the head of the giraffe in front of you.
Last year’s winner, Ethan Clack, left us silent and spellbound with Dancing on my own by Callum Scott during the opening act, setting the mood for the electrifying evening that laid ahead. As the night progressed, the energy of the crowd buzzed, and jubilant cheers filled the hall. I took a moment to look around the room and the gees warmed my heart. The togetherness as the crowd swayed with their phone lights seemed like a clichéd movie trope, but I loved every second of it.
You know the competition was tight, when the judges needed extra time to make their decision. I certainly would not have wanted their job that evening. The show was packed with incredible performances, each shining with brilliance. In third place, for stage acts, was Dian Roux, with his extraordinary voice and skillful use of a loop pedal. In second, we had our very own drumline. We were instantly blown away when they started playing the Wii theme song. Whether she is playing Yente in Fiddler on the Roof or performing in our school hall, Ruth Benson definitely knows how to own a stage. She was
called up as the rightful winner of this year’s PV’s got talent, balloons rained down, joy roared through the crowd and I was filled with immense pride.
The icing on our PV’s got talent cake was the photography and design. Every piece seemed like it was done by professionals, as the quality was phenomenal. A special congratulations to Caro and Inge Botha, who came first and second in the photography category, consecutively and to Nika de Beer and Kayleigh Roux in the design category.
Nothing ceased to amaze me and everything, including the surprise acts, was excellent. The teachers absolutely tore it down and the prefects most certainly gave us – The Greatest Show – wink. Being able to feel the bass line through your body or the whole crowd singing This is me from Camp Rock are both difficult things to match, but at the end of it all, we were just a group of people coming together to celebrate the brilliance of our school and that feeling tops them all.
Ruth Benson,
o u r 2 0 1 9 w i n n e r.
Mr & Miss PV Gorgeous, professional and extraordinary are only a few words to describe this event and all it’s contestants! As a finalist myself, I can proudly announce that Mr. and Mrs. Parel Vallei 2019 was an evening never to be forgotten. 20 contestants, 10 young men and 10 young women, were chosen as the finalists of this run-way competition, and to take part in the brilliant display of Parel Vallei’s confidence and infectious energy! Everyone who attended the evening, were welcomed by our three 2019 Community Prefects – Tamryn Roets, Kayla Buckanan, Dean João – at the entrance. From there, they continued on a red carpet and could view a few of the charity-displays, which were all individually represented by a specific contestant. All the finalists opened the evening with a popping dance to a song that introduced the evening’s theme, All around the world – Justin Bieber. After the dance, each contestant was individually introduced by walking down the run-way, wearing an all-black outfit, followed by our regular daywear outfits with a video to inform the audience of what the specific contestant stands for and what he or she believes in.
writer Anke Tough | photographer Mrs Botha | designer Pia Cloete
The audience’s favourite part of the evening, was when the male and female contestants paired up in couples to dress up as and to represent a country, such as Egypt, America, Brazil, etc. The last time the finalists appeared, was in formal, eveningwear with their partner. They all looked radiant and elegant and thus made it even more difficult for the audience and the three judges – Melody de Wet, Ilse Joubert and Jeanetta Verdoes – to cast their votes. After the counting of the votes and the judges debating for quite some time, they finally announced the winners. Congratulations to 2019/2020 Mr. and Mrs. Parel Vallei, Joshua Burger and Kelly Holmes and to the Runner Up’s, Dirk Beukes and Anke Tough! Representing all the finalists, I would also like to thank Mrs. Pretorius for organising this beautiful event and for all the support during rehearsals that took place behind the scenes to make the event possible. This is definitely worth an entry in your diary for next year and I urge the Grade-11’s of 2020 to participate in this competition, even if it is just for the experience!
GIG’s Community Work GIG is Parel Vallei’s very own Christian-orientated club and the acronym stands for God Is Good. They are involved in many school projects and community work.
In a short overview, the GIG club’s mission is to incite love and admiration for Christ, in both Parel Vallei Highschool and the entire Helderberg region. GIG aims to create a nurturing environment where learning, openness and growth are encouraged, as well as to administer valuable mentorship to anyone who might need or want it. Typical GIG activities include Bible Study every Thursday at second break in room 815 and Prayer every Wednesday at first break, also in room 815. However, this year has been a cycle of change for the GIG club. They have added more meaningful and necessary goals to their mission and has even created a new committee within the club for outreaches. The Outreach Committee is community-orientated and works to help those in need. They organise drives and donations and they are in charge of all future projects, community-wise, in GIG. GIG and the Outreach Committee plan to do something generous and charitable every term and they already have plans in the work for the rest of the year. There have been talks of going to old age homes and orphanages not only to donate, but also to assist with physical activities, such as painting rooms. They also talked about partnering with the Interact Club, to widen Parel Vallei’s sphere of benevolence. For anyone who wants to join in their journey of good will, you are in luck because applications to join the GIG Club in 2020 is now open until 31 August 2019. The GIG Club and the Outreach Committee are hard at work and their members are spending so much of their time to help those in need.
writer Amelia van Heerden | photographer Adriana van der Spuy | designer Caitlin Schoeman
Insp
iring womxn of PV
writer Natasha Schmidt | photographer Asher Adams, Carlton Kok, Adam Fredericks| designer Natasha Schmidt
Laura Maritz is ‘n graad 11 leerder met ‘n sagte siel en ‘n liefde vir literatuur en nuwe uitdagings. Nie net neem sy Frans as agste vak nie, maar sy blink ook uit in AP Wiskunde. Laas jaar het sy die vakprys vir Frans en AP Wiskunde ontvang. Boonop het sy agste in die land gekom in die ATKV Afrikaans olimpiade vir huistaal. Sy neem natuurlik ook beide Afrikaans en Engels huistaal op skool. Laura is ’n taal entoesias, deur en deur.
Die vrou wie jou die meeste inspireer? Bethany Hamilton
Ruth Benson has the kind of personality and smile that brightens up a conversation. Her captivating performance of Stone Cold by Demi Lovato at PV’s got talent this year secured her the winning spot. Ruth also portrayed the beloved match maker in PV’s production of Fiddler on the roof and delivered many iconic lines that had the audience laughing and smiling right along with her.
The woman who most inspires you? My mom
Danielle Kleyn het reeds, op sewentien, ‘n volwaardige CV agter haar naam wat wiskunde-prestasies betref een van haar mees bekende titels is dat sy Queen of Maths in Africa al vir twee jaar in ‘n ry is. Danielle se wiskundige ingesteldheid verhoed haar nie om uit te blink in ander velde nie. Sy is onlangs aangewys as hoof van ontwerp en uitleg van die Blue Thread. Dit was wel die hoogtepunt van meeste van die leerders in haar klas toe sy vir Pi Dag in graad 9 die prys gewen het vir die meeste syfers in Pi memoriseer: 400 Tevergeefs aan Dirk wie tweede gekom het met 120 syfers.
Die vrou wie jou die meeste inspireer? Toekomstige Danielle inspireer huidige Danielle.
Caro Botha is a skilled photographer, having been a member of the Blue Thread's photography team for two years, as well as being head of graphics this past year. She also happens to be a language wiz and came 15th in the country for the English Olympiad. This achievement becomes even more impressive seeing as Caro takes all her subjects in Afrikaans. Furthermore, Caro is a talented dancer. She qualified for the South African team in the talent Africa competition and went through to the national round of the Move competition.
The woman who most inspires you? Misty Copeland, dancer in American Ballet Theatre
The woman who most inspires you? My mom
Patricia Potgieter is Parel Vallei's newly elected head girl, if you didn't know yet, and therefore a natural choice to represent inspiring womxn in PV. However, Patricia stood out as an inspiration to us long before she was even elected. Patricia is a near prodigal sportswoman and has been in the first team for hockey since grade 8. But obviously she doesn’t limit herself to the two practices and one match a week; she is also in the 1st ladies team of the Somerset West hockey club. Some of her other achievements include being in the Boland u/18B hockey team and being selected for the South African u/17A team.
We s e e you
You know you're a PV student when... The whole is greater than the sum of its parts The iconic quote of our headmaster is the first and ultimate saying that signifies becoming a true Bulldog. It is the saying you recall as a post matric, that brings tears to your eyes as you remember your high school career. The whole is greater than sum of its parts. From the first moment it kisses your ear, you already know this saying by heart. It is the auditive sense of the blue thread that runs through the Parel Vallei family. Besides this, the quote signifies all that a Parel Vallei learner is. We are all talented in our individual sections, whether it is sport, culture, walking fast or being the top South African lady in math —cough Danielle Kleyn cough. In the end, we are all part of one family where we can relate and laugh together. Another Monday ritual is the head leader speeches. Lucia, our dedicated headgirl, is always descriptive in her announcements, bubbly and cheerful, even though she takes it upon herself to pass on any bad news, in fact she took it upon herself, literally. Lucia bravely announced that small bladder people will have a problem with the closing of certain bathrooms, but that was not all. Lucia took the hit on behalf of us, when the accident happened in the 300 corridor’s bathroom. Lucia, the school thanks you for your sacrifice and bravery. Finally, our beloved head boy, Kai. As a school, we are dreadfully excited for Kai’s speeches. He proclaims, “Good morning PV!” and automatically we mumble a greeting once we realise he has us locked in his grip. Our head boy is then disappointed and decides to repeat his statement louder, which forces us to give him a proper greeting. Kai, on behalf of the school: GOOD MORNING!
writer Lienke Frylinck | photographer Asher Adams | designer Pia Cloete
Being a Bulldog is what we are all proud of and once it was announced that our school had our own little Winston Tungu, we went boss. Although most of us have only seen our new Parel Vallei member once or twice up close, we are dripping with jealousy for the lucky few who reside with Winston. Since we are 1299 school learners, we all have our own personal class jokes that no one but our fellow class members will understand. Don’t believe me? Try explaining the rivalry between Snail milk and chicken milk (better known as Slak- en Hoendermelk). Even though we all have our individual groups, we orbit around the fundamental jokes that create unity between all of us. Therefore we have become a strong Parel Vallei family that always turns up and never gives up!
Israel and Palestine The heavily disputed conflict that’s been raging for over seventy years. In 1948, the establishment of the state of Israel set in motion one of the most complicated conflicts whose death toll is currently estimated at 116 000. This is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and it is far from over.
it’s worth noting that Jews, Muslims and Christians once lived in peace and harmony in that same region.
If you’ve seen Parel Vallei’s production of Fiddler on the Roof recently, you know that religious persecution of the Jews has taken place many times throughout history. As Tevye says; Maybe that’s why we always wear our hat.
The conflict officially started when the Arab nations ambushed the Jews who, by then, had gained control of Israel. This started what was known as the First Arab-Israeli War. In the decades that followed, Israel and the other Arab nations signed peace treaties, but as Israel occupied so much Palestinian land after the wars, tensions kept rising between these two nations.
These forced removals and anti-Semitism caused the rise of Jewish nationalism, known as Zionism, in the late 19th century. The Zionist movement’s goal was to establish a Jewish state in Israel and so commenced mass immigration of Jews from all over the world to the state of Israel, in Palestine, an Arab state. While most people today believe that violence and hate between Israel and Palestine is due to them being conflicting religious groups, namely Jews and Muslims,
The question of who is to blame is what makes this conflict so difficult to solve. Historically, one should allocate a fair share of guilt to Hitler. The holocaust played a large role in uniting Jews through tragedy and hardship and forced many of them out of Europe, but anti-Semitism was not exclusive to the Nazi regime at the time of the Holocaust. Most nations, such as America, Britain, Switzerland, Spain and even South Africa refused to admit Jewish refugees.
writer Natasha Schmidt | designer Benjamin Kleyn
There are many different people to blame over the course of the conflict, for stoking the fire of hatred that burns brightly today. The Egyptian president, Gamal Abdel Nasser, stoked a hatred for Jews and Israelis in the Arab world and it was his threats that caused the Second Arab-Israeli War in 1956. Today, most countries have chosen sides. The vast majority of Western Europe and America support Israel, while almost all muslim states, North Korea and South Africa seem to support Palestine.
youth in Palestine are fighting back against the Israeli occupation. Having been in prison for eight months for slapping a soldier who had been shooting at children from their property, Ahed has become the symbol of Palestinian resistance. As Ahed, who was released last year at the age of 17, said, “We are the generation that was handed the occupation. The previous generation handed it to us. But we, God willing, are the generation that will give the next one freedom.”
This war may involve politics, but the ordinary people who are affected by the ongoing violence simply want all the fighting to end. The brutality of the Israeli army in the regions of Palestine that are under Israeli occupation has gained the attention of the international community. Children being shot, beaten, incarcerated and mutilated has been brought to light through social media and documentaries in recent years.
When asked about being a victim of the Israeli occupation, she said something that made me realise why she, in particular, has become a symbol of hope for Palestinians. “I always say that I’m not a victim of the occupation. The Israeli citizen whose mind had been programmed to hate or kill, he’s the victim of the occupation.” There is hope in the new generation of open-minded youths who have been taught not to accept the circumstances they’ve been born into or the cards they’ve been dealt.
Ahed Tamini is one example of how the
ENOUGH.
2930. The number of women murdered in South Africa in 2018. 11% more than the year before. 36 731 sexual offenses in South Africa in 2018. Have we become numb to statistics? If so, then we should talk about what this really means, because this issue of violence against women in South Africa can no longer be called just an issue. In the words of the Cyril Ramaphosa: “Violence against women has become more than a national crisis.� A war is being raged and it is time for each of us to decide which side we are on, complacency or change. Do you sit idly by, or worse, are you part of the problem? Or will you acknowledge the problem and the role each of us must play in changing South Africa. Statistics can only change if we do. In support of most recent movement to put an end to violence against women and children, Parel Vallei organised a protest to create awareness for the cause. Our entire school was encouraged to wear black and navy and to create thought provoking posters. The reaction of the school was inspiring as the student body rallied together in solidarity. On the morning of the protest, there was a sea of sombre faces hold posters: Enough is enough Don't forget your first home was a woman. Not because you have a sister, not because you have a mother, not because you have a daughter. Because she is a PERSON. This movement gained traction on social media after the nation wide outcry following the rape and murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana, a first year student at UCT, by a government appointed postal worker. It is true that the widespread mentality of victim blaming is problematic to say the least. What was she wearing? Had she been drinking? Why didn't they report it at the time? However, being educated can still save your life. Read up on ways to avoid being attacked in daily life and on dates, what to do in case of a rape and after a rape, as well as how the process of reporting a sexual assault works on the website of the South African Police Service, SAPS, under Resource centre > Women and Children > Sexual Offences.
writer Natasha Shmidt | photographer Gina Tough & Semicka Groves | designer Charlotte Lay
Botswana 2019 Ere o fitlhela pina e binwa, o e bina. Wanneer jy ‘n liedjie vind wat gesing word, sing saam.
writer katya van drimmelen | photographer katya van drimmelen | designer Danielle Kleyn
In die Junievakansie van 2019 het ek die voorreg gehad om die liedjie wat deur Botswana eggo te vind en saam te sing. Hoe kon ek andersins? Want die liedjie het deur elke vinger van die Okavango, regdeur die wuiwende grasse van die savanna gevloei en die harte van die bewonderaars melodieus om vou. Die Okovango Delta is ‘n flater in die natuur. ‘n Perfekte glipsie van onse ekosisteem wat omgeskakel het in ‘n asemrowende paradys, ryk aan lewe en ‘n teken van hoop in die wêreld se geroesmoes en geraas. ‘n Droomdelwende habitat vir enige dier of mens wat streef na onbelemmerde vryheid. Soos die genesis van die rivier van Angola begin afloop, met die alleendoel om ‘n droë landskap te vul met dompelende water en ‘n nuwe asem te skep vir die diereryk van die land. Dit het betekenis gegee aan die lang grasse van die bosveld, identiteite uitgedeel waar nodig en 600 buffels die geleentheid gegee om drie families te sien Cola tonic drink en hik van angs, terwyl hulle ongesteurd deur die graskanale wei. So is die strate van Botswana geskape.
Botswana is ‘n lewende voorbeeld van ‘n deurlopende metafoor; om iets kosbaars op die ashoop uit te wys. Na elke derde gebrande boomstomp, dor en droog, sit ‘n klein aanskoulike skoonheid. ’n Troupant. Breëbors en trots. Of die vloermoer van ‘n jong olifantbul, terwyl hy deur die weerkaatsende water storm en met elke instinktiewe beweging spog. Die Kubu-eilande het ook ‘n stukkie prag, want maak nie saak hoe die verbysterende oopte jou laat voel nie, om die son en die maan gelyk te sien sak en opkom, is nie sommer iets wat in ‘n kiekie vasgevang kan word nie. Of om twee ringnekuiltjies mekaar vroegoggend in ‘n kameeldoring te sien koester, sommer op Ouma se verjaarsdag! Daar is niks wat al ooit my sintuie so geprikkel het soos die oggenddou op die groen mopaniblare nie, en niks sal ooit weer kan nie.
Met al die skoonheid kom daar natuurlik ook frustrasie. Aangesien sommige mense nie die konsep verstaan van, bly ten misnte ‘n respekvolle afstand van alle diere, nie en moenie tussen ‘n wyfieleeu en haar welpies kom nie, wil die meeste mos altyd eers hulle tone stamp om te weet hoe voel pyn. Daar was ook ‘n paar gevalle waar trane gepik is as gevolg van die walglike toestand waarin diere hul bevind het. In totaal het ons vyf herbivore padlangs gekry, in of ‘n toestand van nood of al klaar deur die aarde verswelg, terwyl hulle ledemate geen uitweg gehad het vanuit stukkende, geroeste doringdraad nie. Die puin van die mensdom lei na die pyn van die slagoffer.
Wie het ooit gedink ‘n mens kan boek lees in ‘n worsboom terwyl daar olifante drie meter van jou af staan en wei? Of soveel tyd op jou hande hê dat jy 150 verskillende voël spesies eien? Ek het my plek gevind in die rooi sandpad wat voor my ontrafel het. Dis daar waar ek besef het hoe die lewe ‘n gejaag na wind is. Ek kon uiteindelik stilstaan en luister na die wind, sonder om hom aan te jaag.
The Art of Third Wheeling Third wheel (n.) One who deters the socialisation of a couple, perhaps when being invited out of pity or through a feeling of duty. This person may be eased into the situation by being allowed to stay in an environment he or she has become accustomed to, perhaps a kitchen, where the third wheel can bake cookies for the couple.
writer Anonymous | photographer Asher Adams | designer Natasha Schmidt
One of the most relatable moments in high school is third-wheeling. Most of us have either third-wheeled someone, been a thirdwheel or witnessed a third-wheel in action from a distance. For certain people like myself, third-wheeling has become a second nature and I dare say that I, myself, have become a connoisseur in the art of third-wheeling. Being an expert in the arts, I decided to try something new, something reckless that could potentially backfire and be uncomfortable for all parties involved: I asked an iconic couple in Parel Vallei if they would mind if I went on a date with them. The catch? I’ve never spoken to either in my life. The majority of seniors in our school are aware that Samantha May and Michael Borcherds have been dating for a long time, even if they do not personally know either. After first meeting them, they told me the story of how they met and I will admit I was very surprised to hear that they have been together since grade 8 — despite a brief break somewhere between then and now.
As they tried to tell me the story of how they came to be, they kept disagreeing, but in the way they kept disagreeing, had the unmistakably cuteness of two people in love. After first meeting up, we drove to the beach to get ice cream for our date. No baking cookies in a familiar environment for me, I wanted to really get to know these two strangers that have been my classmates for nearly four years and I wanted to know what makes them tick as a couple. As we drove there, however, I think we all thought, maybe even dreaded, how awkward this quasi-date would be. When we arrived, there was the awkwardness of how we were
stuck in the familiar; no really, I’ll pay, except with three people. As we strolled along the coast, we started talking about mutual topics such as, the newly elected prefects, school politics and most importantly, couples. People don't always realise it, but there is a big divide between the Afrikaans and English social circles. For instance, they had no idea how many couples there were in our grade and how many couples had recently broken up. Naturally, I gave them the scoop. Time passed, the sun set and before we knew it, we were talking about our plans — or lack thereof — for after school. Samantha is thinking about au pairing overseas and Michael isn't sure yet, so obviously I put my foot in my mouth and asked whether or not they've talked about what would happen to their relationship after high school. They said that they have, but luckily neither seemed too concerned about their future. It must be nice to have that kind of certainty and trust in someone else, I thought. The topic of deep meaningful conversations came up and we discussed how much easier it is for girls to openly discuss their feelings and issues. Michael admitted that he can't talk about important things with his guy friends the way women can, and that's why he feels so lucky that he has Sam. I admit. My heart melted. Maybe it was the beautiful orange hue of the sunset or the tranquillity of walking on the beach and dodging waves, but as we walked, I got to know both of them individually and as a couple and all traces of awkwardness disappeared.
Prima-Ballerina Challenging. Painful. Strenuous. Delicate. Elegant. Graceful.
Alleġro – the fast and as waves in a storm. crossing, legs straight jumping from two fee the Grande Jeté — le audience’s hearts be hurtles herself throug Her calves are burnin are bruised. The sme gel permeates the stu The price of magnific
d dynamic movements, as fastidious First comes the Entrechat — calves t. Then comes the Sissonne — et and landing on one. Then, finally, egs up, split, legs down. The entire eat frantically as one, as the ballerina gh the air, leaping from Plié to Croisé. ng; her thighs are trembling; her toes ell of Arnica oil and anti-inflammatory udio after the Ballet. cence is but a small one to pay.
writer Amealia van Heerden | photographer Kelly Holmes | designer Diana Millard
Adaġio – the slow, soft and lyrical movements, as fragile as the flutterings of a butterfly’s wings. First comes the Attitude — arms up, back curved, leg in mid-air. Then comes the Arabesque - bent knee, straight knee, arms out. Then the Devéloppé — leg up, then `a la seconde. The crowd is enthralled, spellbound by the dainty, airy movements of the ballerina and danseur. They are spinning, flying, soaring and it looks so easy. The crowd will be tiptoeing out of the theatre. Little girls walk out begging for ballet classes, thinking of fairies and princesses.
Keeping it thrifty You may think thrift stores are musty old buildings, full of moth-eaten clothes, but they are coming back into fashion. Thrift stores are a great place to find good quality clothes at reasonable prices. Mind you, the art of thrifting is an acquired skill not many people, including myself, have mastered. Many store owners sell online designers’ clothing for commission and hardly sell their own items. In fact, the owner of Mirror on the Wall told me about how she handpicks all her stock, washes and irons it before sale. She also has a system that helps women with low income, by being their personal stylist and every month, helps them pick items of clothing to increase their wardrobes and maximise outfit selection. Other popular stores include the Helderberg Hospice and Absolutely Fabulous. All three of these stores have a selection of clothing, collectables, books and little trinkets. So, if you’re lucky enough, and know where to look, you might strike gold! You can find all these stores on Main Road in Somerset West or you can go to their Facebook pages for more information and remember, good things come to those who thrift.
Find them on Facebook: @helderberghspice Open: Mon to Fri 09:00 - 16:45/ Sat 09:00- 12:15 @mirroronthewall55 Open: Mon to Fri 10:00 – 16:00 /Sat 10:00 – 13:00 @AbsolutelyFabulous Open: Mon to Fri 09:30 – 17:00 /Sat 09:00 – 14:00
writer Pia Cloete | photographer Adriana van der Spuy | designer JandrĂŠ Erasmus
photographer Adam Fredericks | designer Pia Cloete
Campus Quotes This term was a trip. Ek verstaan nie hoekom jy 3 uur in die oggend jou vriend met ‘n pizza box moet slaan nie. - PEARSON BUS Teacher: Can you find BF? Learner: Mood - MATH CLASS
The people are so nice here. I feel like they’re trying to scam me. - CHANGING ROOM
Tweedens sal ek hulle verpletter met my eie argument - JUNIOR DEBAT
Gr 9 boy: No, these grade 9 girls aren't emotionally mature enough for us. Were going for the Gr 11 girls. - LINES
What? Your exchange student brought a chocolate? Well, my exchange student brought another exchange student! - PEARSON
My luise hou van jou. - AFRIKAANS KLAS
Psycho nerds are the hottest -B R U W E L I K B U S
“I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.” - Maya Angelou
Meg Taljaard An ex-Parel Vallei learner that is certainly making her mark in the fashion universe. Be yourself is an expression as tired as once upon a time. It’s almost as if its overuse has resulted in it becoming two words that roll as easily off the tongue as a rock rolls down a hill. It is true that rarity makes something more valuable. If you could grow diamonds in your backyard, would you really pay an arm and a leg to wear it on your finger? Be yourself, your true self. Words cannot describe this sentence’s worth, but then again, words don’t have to... Meet someone who has found a way to use clothes to say everything without using a word. Meet someone who sees the sparkle in every diamond, even when it’s in the rough. Meet Megan Taljaard. How many of you look away when you see a homeless person? How many of you look at the poor and see a lesser person? We all have those moments, but I think that if you look a little closer you may see what Megan sees, a diamond in the rough. Megan gains inspiration for her clothes, that she designs herself, from unconventional homeless people, who she says are quite innovative with their outfits, as well as iconic designers and artists such as Vivienne Westwood and Yayoi Kusama. Megan’s love for fashion started at the age of fourteen. What started as an innocent fixation on an outfit seen on the music video
of one of her favourite bands at the time, My Chemical Romance, soon blossomed into her own label where she is involved with every step of the process, from the designs to the photo shoot. This way she ensures that every piece of clothing sends the message to risk being different. Every piece of clothing contains a piece of her. Megan sources all her fabrics locally by using many of the fabric stores in Cape Town and Somerset West, but even though she keeps it local, this has not prevented her from hitting it big. Megan views her greatest achievement as working as the sole manufacturer and costume designer on the feature film, Krotoa. I believe that Megan Taljaard is a real diamond. She has created a seasonless model that ensures that their inventory is managed more effectively to prevent the waste that traditional seasonal fashion tends to create. If this is not rare then I do not know what is. When I asked her what her career has taught her about herself and others, she responded by saying, Don’t victimise yourself, stay humble and try to see the best in people… always help when you can. We all have dreams and aspirations and Megan is proof that the difference between a dream and reality is you taking action.
writer Nerise Malan | designer Jada Ward
Locomotion C’mon baby, do the locomotion. With a great atmosphere, friendly staff and eclectic décor, Locomotion Coffeatery is a great place to relax with friends or plug in your laptop for a pick me up coffee while finishing your Life Orientation assignment. Their kitchen can produce dishes inspired by various cultures and their bar has a selection of soft drinks, milkshakes and various kinds of coffee. The venue is available for hire with staff included and a small stage for karaoke or a live band. Their location is unfortunate as traffic noise is quite prominent, but with a rowdy bunch of friends, I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t notice it. They are open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 - 02:00AM but the kitchen closes at 10PM. It is a non-smoking restaurant and welcomes large groups and families. So if you’re ever in need of a quick lunch or even a sit-down meal, you can find them at 141 Main Road Somerset West or get more details from their Facebook page @LocomotionCoffeatery.
writer Pia Cloete | photographer Kelly Holmes | designer Pia Cloete
writer Amelia van Heerden | designer Jandrde Erasmus
The Thing About Jellyfish By Ali Benjamin
{ English book review }
It’s peculiar how no words can be better than words, how silence can say more than noise, or a person's absence can occupy even more space than their presence did. The Thing About Jellyfish is Ali Benjamin’s debut novel and in no time at all it became a New York Times bestseller as well as a film in progress. This remarkable novel is a coming-of-age story that explores the mind of a grief-stricken child. Although the main theme of this story revolves around grief, it is, unexpectedly, a meditative read. It is soothing and it calms the soul to join this journey of self-discovery and peace. There are 150 million jellyfish stings every year. There is a good probability, then, that I know at least one person who has been stung by a jellyfish. No one has ever told me that they have been stung by a jellyfish. It is likely, then, that the person I know who has been stung by the jellyfish didn’t tell me. Maybe she didn’t tell me because she couldn’t. Maybe she couldn’t tell me because she’s dead. After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the
tragedy must have been a rare jellyfish sting —things don't just happen for no reason. Retreating into a silent world of imagination, she crafts a plan to prove her theory —even if it means traveling the globe, alone. Suzy's achingly heartfelt journey explores life, death, the astonishing wonder of the universe and the potential for love and hope right next door. This stunning novel is bursting with bittersweet humour, heart-breaking honesty, big ideas and small details. The main character, Suzy Swanson, is a complete nerd, which means you learn the oddest facts throughout this story. The average middle school kid contains about 20 billion of Shakespeare’s atoms. Twelve years equals roughly 412 million heartbeats. Jellyfish are older than even dinosaurs, about 6oo million years old.
To put it simply, The Thing About Jellyfish is an amazing novel that should appeal to readers way beyond its intended middle school audience. “Benjamin explores the heart-breaking subject of grief in the young with dreamy, meditative and elegiac prose” -The New York Times
writer Elisma van Geest | designer Benjamin Kleyn
{ Afrikaans book review }
Ek is lankal vetroud met die aanhaling; don’t judge a book by it’s cover, maar terwyl ek hierdie boek gelees het, het hierdie aanhaling letterlik sin gemaak. Moenie dat die prentjie op die voorblad jou mislei nie. In die boek word die leser aan die twee hoofkarakters, Tim en Amber, blootgestel. Tim se hart word deur sy meisie gebreek, en hy sukkel om dit te verwerk. Amber vra die vraag wat baie tieners vra; Is ek mooi of nie? Sy vra dit egter op ‘n sosiale mediablad en kry soveel negatiewe kommentaar dat sy skaam is oor wie sy is. Tim en Amber weet niks van mekaar nie, maar hul paaie kruis op ‘n vreemde manier en hulle ontmoet daarom elke aand op dieselfde
plek, onbewus van mekaar se identiteit. Hulle help mekaar om hulself te aanvaar en besef dat slegte dinge eers moes gebeur sodat beter dinge daar uit kon voortspruit. Hierdie boek het my so geboei en toe ek die boek begin het, kon ek dit nie neersit nie. Tiener kwessies en hoe om daarmee to cope word in hierdie boek duidelike gemaak. Die effek van sosiale media raak ons almal. Ek bevel Veldiep aan vir enigiemand wat lus is vir lekker leesstof met genoeg pitkos vir die gees. Veldiep was hierdie jaar ‘n boek by die ATKV-leesfees en toe ek vir ‘n boek moes stem, het ek nie getwyfel nie. Gaan lees gerus!
P L A P Y L L A YI LS TI S T
writer Natasha Schmidt| photographer Angela Scott | designer Diana Millard
Think upbeat, think good beats and catchy melodies. It’s spring y’all, so as Queen Bey once said, bring the beat in! Check our Spotify account.
Throw shade - CRUISR Can I Call You Tonight - Dayglow Sunshine - Miguel, KYLE Feeling Lonely - Boy Pablo 24 / 7 / 365 - Surfaces Everybody’s Lonely - Jukebox the Nuwe riff - Uncle Spike Ghost Surfing - The Drums Broke - Samm Henshaw Clap Your Hands - Whilk & Misky Dissolve - Absofacto We Don’t Even Know Wait a Minute! - WILLOW Uncle Spike Lost in My Boots - KWAYE This Life - Vampire Weekend Cariño - The Marías Buttercup - Jack Stauber Amour plastique - VIDEOCLUB King of Everything - Dominic Fike Santa Monica - Aries Kan Ek Met Jou Dans Doubt - Samm Henshaw Straatligkinders
writer Natasha Schmidt | photographer Angela Scott | designer Diana Millard
Social Media Album: Cuz I Love You, Lizzo An all-around masterpiece, Lizzo has been making waves with Cuz I Love You since the whole album was released in April 2019. Some of the songs from this album like Truth Hurts, Juice and Tempo, her collaboration with the iconic Missy Elliot, have already become larger-than-life singles in their own right, long before the Album was even released. I can almost guarantee that when you hear the catchy start to Truth Hurts, it’ll be one of those ooooooh, that song moments. Besides being catchy, this album is versatile and many of the tracks jump between genres with ease, but in a way that makes you realize that she’s done it on purpose: she can not only be defined by one genre or one sound and she refuses to be categorized. All we can know for certain is that Lizzo is a yellow body suit wearing, flute playing, norm smashing genius and this album can only attest to that.
Instagram: @apetownshenanigans With a fresh but saturated look, this account evokes a strong lust for summer, and everything that comes with summer in sunny South Africa, to return. Based in Cape Town, this photography account inspires. I think that sometimes we forget how beautiful Cape Town is with her long stretches of beach, forests, palm trees and dirt roads and boulders, lots of boulders. @apetownshenanigans also inspires through their videography with short and cute video edits of their shoots.
writer Natasha Schmidt | designer Brigit Burger
YouTube: Our Changing Climate This channel evaluates how everyday things and politics has an effect on the environment, but what I find really interesting is how there are videos that evaluate certain series such as Black Mirror and Game of Thrones and it’s attitude or statements regarding climate change. Furthermore, the sustainability and environmental effects of some well-known brands are also picked apart for us to rethink our decisions as consumers. Considering our recent shift towards awareness towards environmental causes, this channel is a good source for broadening our personal knowledge of how everyday life fits into the sustainable ideology.
App: Genius As you may know, Genius is a website that gives you the lyrics and sometimes the meanings of songs. However, it also serves as a media platform, with tons of mainstream music related articles and videos that you can easily access through their app. You may even know Genius from their videos on YouTube where artists break down the meaning of their own hits, which is part of their most famous series, VERIFIED. Otherwise, the Genius app is helpful in checking what music is trending on the charts and it can even link up with your Spotify or iTunes account.
cartoonist Nicole Salguiro | designer Pia Cloete
Cartoon Our cartoonist, Nicole, has once again shown, what most of us were probably thinking at Pearson this year, in her own unique way. Sitting on the stands in -between chanting, cheering and gasping students, one could really see the unity between us and we could all feel the Blue Thread running through our veins.
“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman” - Virginia Woolf
Kelly Holmes Our cover Earlier this year, two exceptional learners in grade 11 were crowned Mr. and Ms. PV. For those of you who might want to learn a bit more about the new faces of Parel Vallei, we have conducted an interview with them after a term of being Mr. and Ms. PV. Joshua Burger and Kelly Holmes stunned the crowd with their graceful performance and their sincere answers with regards to community and community service. While talking to Kelly, I could see such light and joy shining from within her; she was nearly always laughing, smiling or both. Talkative by nature, I had no problem finding out what her passions were. She enjoys photography and values family time. Her strong affection towards her family is also clear as she tells me how her uncle, Mr. Spijkers, is the person who inspires her most in life. Regarding community service, her family values have given her a strong passion for children and that is why she chose Little
Angels, an organization that takes care of severely disabled children, as her charity, she has worked with this organization through her church. When asked if she always wanted and planned to apply for Ms. PV, she said that since it used to only be every two years, she didn’t think she stood a chance. However, when the event was restructured and only one age group competed, with a stronger emphasis on personality and community, she was interested and decided to apply. Another one of her passions in life is drama, so it was fitting that the initial announcement for Mr. and Ms. PV happened when she was in drama class. Mr. Spijkers, who is also Kelly’s drama teacher, motivated the whole class to participate in the event. From her drama class alone, four finalists were chosen to participate in the event, including the runner up for Ms. PV, Anke Tough.
writer Natasha Schmidt | photographer Asher Adam | designer Danielle Kleyn
This or that: City / nature : city Coffee / tea : tea Jogging / hiking : hiking Netflix / Youtube / Instagram: Instagram
Stress, she told me, was very prevalent on the big night. The dance, in particular, was nerve wracking.
Nevertheless, she found that all the contestants had become so close during all the practices that they supported each other and helped one another through the heightened emotions of the evening. According to Kelly, she thought they would be much more competitive and never imagined that they would all grow so close. Upon being asked how she felt after a couple of months in the shoes of Ms. PV, she paused for a moment to really ponder her answer. “I’m going to be honest, the attention is nice, but sometimes it’s not.” She loves her job of getting the word of PV out to the community and how parents are intrigued by Mr. and Ms. PV, but being Ms. PV still comes with many
stigmas. Being seen as Ms. PV by the whole school sometimes strips you of your individuality because all some people see, is a girl in a fancy dress. When I asked her if she expected to be crowned as Ms. PV, she told me how she completely zoned out when they announced that she was the winner and that her cousin, Jason Holmes, who was also a contestant, had to bring her back to earth because she hadn’t even heard the announcement. Kelly describes her style as beachy and comfy and her favourite local restaurant is Locomotion. Her morning routine involves getting up insanely early to go to bible study as this is also very important to her. On beauty and beauty hacks, her words are “natural is key” and her motto in life is this: Assumptions are the death of man.
Favourites: Movie: Wonder Artist: Why Don’t We Colours: Yellow and pink Subject: Drama Season: Spring Series: Brooklyn 99
CHARLOTTE LAY– Editor in Chief ANNEGRETHE SCHOLTZ – Sub Editor \KATYA VAN DRIMMELEN – Sub Editor NATASHA SCHMIDT – Creative Director / writer CARTLON KOK – Graphic Designer ASHER ADAMS – Head of Photography DANIELLE KLEYN – Head of Design / model
ADRIANA VAN DER SPUY – Photographer GINA TOUGH – Photographer ADAM FREDRICKS – Photographer CONNOR PERFETT – Photographer ANGELA SCOTT – Photographer KELLY HOLMES – Photographer CHRISTIAN KOTZE – Photographer SEMICKA GROVES – Photographer MARI DIEDERIKS – Photographer AMELIA VAN HEERDEN – Writer ANKE TOUGH – Writer ELIZMA VAN GEEST – Writer LIENKE FRYLINCK – Writer NERISE MALAN –Writer SAMANTHA BICKNELL – Writer
ROSALIND MITCHELL – Writer DIANA MILLARD – Designer JADA WARD – Designer JANDRÉ ERASMUS – Designer PIA CLOETE – Designer/ Writer BRIGIT BURGER – Designer BENJAMIN KLEYN – Designer NICOLE SANTAPAGA – Cartoonist
TATJANA FRAUENKNECHT – Admin CARO BOTHA – Model PATRICIA POTGIETER – Model RUTH BENSON – Model LAURA MARITZ – Model