Another term has come to an end, and for us Matrics it is our actual last term of school. A short break lies ahead before we have to tackle end of year exams and what better way to relax than by reading? In this issue we have a DIY immune booster (to ensure you stay healthy during the upcoming exams), a fun restaurant to try, an interview with the rugby boys going to New Zealand, and of course a look at all the excitement of the term: the Drama, Interschools, PVs Got Talent, etc. Matrics, it has been a rough rollercoaster journey getting us to this point of our lives and we are finally at the last hurdle. No matter what your plans are for the future, always remember that studying doesn’t nearly suck as much as failing. Use this little holiday to rest up, party hard and mentally prepare for the last stretch. “Remember to believe in yourself. Even if you don’t, pretend that you do and at some point you will.” - Serena Williams. It will honestly be worth it in the end.
content
Conte
8
Rugby
14
1st Team Captains
20
ent
2016 Cheerleaders
34
Blue Tech
37
The Leaky Test Tube
39
Ons groet vir...
23
PV’s Got Talent
42
Favourite Gr 8 & 12 memories
27
Fraserburg Drama
46
Lifestyle
28
Social Media
50
La Voix
60
Cartoon The Fourth Panel
29
Fashion
Rugby - Rouxvé Meyer
Tydens die April vakansie hierdie jaar het ‘n paar van PV se rugbymanne na George getoer om in die jaarlikse SCST Skole Rugby Toernooi deel te neem. Hierdie manne speel vir seker nie rond as dit by rugby kom nie. Die O/19-span het so goed gevaar in hul wedstryde, dat daar selfs 5 spelers geïdentifiseer en genooi is om September in Nieu-Seeland te gaan rugby speel. Staan terug PV, hierdie manne het hart!
Ginio Meiring Position: Scrumhalf Supports: Stormers What is your first rugby memory? As far as I can remember, my first rugby memory was when I pulled the Methodist Squirrels’ rugby jersey over my head in grade 1. What is the most memorable match in which you have played? And why? Playing against Strand High. It was one of the biggest rivalries between the schools. We had the chance to be victorious but at the end of the day we were defeated by our opposition. Do you have any before game rituals? Yes I do. As a team we usually sing a song before we play our match. I always pray before the kick-off. What are you looking forward to most about your trip to New Zealand? I'm looking forward to learn from others how to become a better sportsman and to become a better rugby player. Besides rugby, I'm looking forward to learning different things from different cultures and to simply enjoy myself over there. Who is your biggest influence regarding rugby? (Coach, mother, father, girlfriend). My dad is my biggest influence regarding my rugby. The fact that he would always point out the room for improvements and encourage me to work harder. He would always remind me that hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard. In a way it helps me to humble myself within the process of working hard because when success arrives it will remind me of my humble beginnings and all the hard work and effort I put in. Can you see yourself pursuing a career in rugby after school? I believe I can make a career out of my rugby but it will take a lot of hard work, dedication and self-discipline to achieve success.
Jason oliemans Position: Fly half, Inside Centre Supports: Wales (Internationally) and the Reds Super Rugby franchise. What is your first rugby memory? Playing one of my first rugby games as a 6 year old in grade 1 for Summies. Not knowing any of the rules and playing without any positions, just pure running rugby. The good old days. Who is your hero/favourite player? Why? I’ve never really had a hero growing up, but all my coaches and my family really helped me out through the years. Some of my favourite ruggers are George North, Brian O’Driscoll, Johnny Wilkinson and Faf de Klerk. Do you have any before game rituals? I have many. The most important one however is eating a huge meal the night before, just after running the game plan through my head and just before going to sleep nice and early. I make sure I’m 100% full. What are you looking forward to most about your trip to New Zealand? Playing against a different type of opponent and visiting one of the oldest rugby cities in the world, Christchurch. What is your proudest achievement? Having an unbeaten season with the U/16A team in 2015 and also having a fantastic season this year with the first team. I am proud to be with an amazing group of players and forming a brotherhood. Can you see yourself pursuing a career in rugby after school? Whatever happens, happens. I’ll always keep rugby close and if the opportunity arises, I’ll take it.
Willem smit Position: Flank/Hooker Supports: Stormers What is your first rugby memory? The time I went to Newlands for the first time.
What is the most memorable match in which you have played? And why? The Bredasdorp tournament finals match last year that we won.
Who is your hero/favourite player? Why? Faf de Klerk. He is an excellent rugby player and he knows the structure of the game.
What are you looking forward to most about your trip to New Zealand? Building new friendships overseas and the experience along the way.
Who is your biggest influence regarding rugby? (Coach, mother, father, girlfriend)
“Sweat dries Blood clots Bones heal Suck it up PRINCESS!�
Coach Angelo. He has been motivating me from the start. What is your proudest achievement? When I got chosen to go on the New Zealand tour. Can you see yourself pursuing a rugby career after school? Mhhh...no
Sheldon Janse van rensburg Position: Inside Centre Supports: The Blue Bulls. My bloed is blou! What is your first rugby memory? My first rugby memory is putting up rugby poles on our farm with my cousin to practice our kicking. What is the most memorable match in which you have played? And why? Parel Vallei 1st team vs DF Malan 1st team this year. – Though we went down 14 – 10, I learned that it is not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. It is my most memorable game for the team pulled together and defended with their hearts and not with their tired, worn out bodies. With the help of my best mate, Emile Booyens, I scored a great try in the opening 5 minutes which scared the opponents. Who is your hero/favourite player? Why? Dan Carter. He kept his form for many years. He is a playmaker, game changer and a leader. Do you have any before game rituals? I pray at least twice before hand and once on the field. Before a game I always strap my right arm, with blue and white tape representing our motto, ‘one team, one family’. I also write the name of my special person, Jess, on it as well as a cross, so that when I feel like I have had enough I just look down at my arm for that extra bit of motivation. What are you looking forward to most about your trip to New Zealand? I am looking forward to the great experience as it is my first time going on a trip overseas. Also trying new dishes and sitting on long flights with some of my best mates. Who is your biggest influence regarding rugby? (Coach, mother, father, girlfriend) Definitely my coaches, especially Ashwill Peters (former SA 7’s player) who coached me from 2010 – 2012. He taught the ins-and-outs of this beautiful game. Coach Angelo is teaching me the art of discipline and hard work.
Emile booyens Position: Inside Centre Supports: Stormers, although the Lions are in close second. What is the most memorable match in which you have played? And why? One of my highlights was beating Durian Villeins High School at the beginning of this season. Who is your hero/favourite player? Why? Francois Steyn has always been one of my heroes although at the moment Faf de Klerk is one of the most inspirational. Do you have any before game rituals? No, not many although I make sure before every game I get in the correct mind set as well as practice some kicking. What are you looking forward to most about your trip to New Zealand? Definitely to meet new people and the experience thereof; not many people have the privilege to experience something like this in their life. What is your proudest achievement? I am very proud to have played in one of PV’s best first teams in history and to have been the 10th highest point scorer in the Western Cape this season. Can you see yourself pursuing a career in rugby after school? This is definitely a good option as well as becoming a rugby coach.
- Belinda Naude
1. What was the highlight of your season? The highlight of our season has to be one of our first games where we played against DF Malan. We really came together as a team and were able to win. 2. What is the funniest moment you will always remember? One moment I will always remember (and if I forget, we made sure to get it on video), is when Miss Murray and coach Marinda were jamming to ‘Don’t Stop believing’ when we were on tour in Potchefstroom. 3. What is a tradition you want to carry on? It is not really a tradition but we, as a team, always make a big deal out of travelling to away games together on the bus. It builds your team spirit and pride and we always have fun together and bond. 4. Which coach made you train the hardest? I would have to say Juf. (aka Miss Murray), but we’ve learned to love her for it. 5. What was the toughest game of the season? Definitely either Hermanus (because of the very physical game they played) or Somerset College (and not because of how they played – our supporters will know why) 6.Which team player: -Sings the worst? - Soz Juf. -Tells the funniest jokes? – Belinda Naude -Takes the longest to get dressed? – Zomisa Mbovane -Eats the most? – Probs Bridgette Sulumane
“Nothing great was ever achieved without ENTHUSIASM.”
-Brings the most motivation? – Nicole de Lorme 100% -Laughs the most? – Nieke Prinsloo -Is the fan favourite/ has the most fans? – Bridgette Sulumane 7.What was one motivational quote that kept you and your team going through the season? ‘ENTOESIASME’ / ‘ Don’t Stop Believing’ 8. Any words of wisdom for the younger bulldogs? I think that PV’s future sport stars should always just stay motivated and keep motivating. Never question your coaches and their abilities and judgement. Never think you cannot be ‘outplayed’. Hard work pays off.
1. What was the highlight of your season? There were many highlights in this season, but my personal favourite was when we beat College and the whole crowd came running onto the field. 2. What is the funniest moment you will always remember? When Keenan tackled me at practise and my pants tore in half, so I had to do the rest of practise in half a pair of pants. 3. What is a tradition you want to carry on? The bible reading on Mondays and Saturdays, the singing of our team song before a game and the “duty boy” tradition. 4. Which coach made you train the hardest? Probably coach Labuschagne during conditioning. 5. What was the toughest game of the season? Strand and DF Malan. 6. Which team player: -Sings the worst? Sheldon Janse van Rensburg -Tells the funniest jokes? Josh Muburgh -Takes the longest to get dressed? Cameron Muller and Minawa Gesha
“That awkward moment when you have to tell someone that you are a hook… RUGBY PLAYER...”
-Eats the most? Willem Smit -Brings the most motivation? Josh Muburgh -Laughs the most? Ginio Meiring -Is the fan favourite/ has the most fans? Jason Oliemans or Barend Marais 7. What was one motivational quote that kept you and your team going through the season? We’re not the biggest team so: “It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight. It’s about the size of the fight in the dog.” 8. Any words of wisdom for the younger bulldogs? The only way to succeed in anything is to give it everything. Never give up and always give it your all. You play how you practise.
1. What was the highlight of your season? It has to be winning the Fairmont Hockey tournament. 2. What is the funniest moment you will al ways remember? Micheal Trent’s hand signals - he never said a word all season. 3. What is a tradition you want to carry on? The initiation: It’s really good at team building and welcomes the juniors. 4. Which coach made you train the hardest? The coach who played a big role in helping me develop my game has to be Ashleyn Freddy. 5. What was the toughest game of the season? Somerset College – we had to work very hard. 6. Which team player: -Sings the worst? James Holmes -Tells the funniest jokes? Chad Brinkhuys -Takes the longest to get dressed? Dillion Austin -Eats the most? Matheu Quinn
“There is life, then there is hockey. Once you step on that field, life outside hockey doesn’t matter. Hockey becomes life.”
-Brings the most motivation? Jannes de Necker -Laughs the most? Jean-Luc Bufé -Is the fan favourite/ has the most fans? Riccardo Trenti and Andrew Lobi 7. What was one motivational quote that kept you and your team going through the season? Nothing is impossible; we can do it. 8. Any words of wisdom for the younger bulldogs? The first step to success is believing in yourself.
1. What was the highlight of your season? The highlight of the season would be when we beat Paarl Gim for the first time in the school’s existence. 2. What is the funniest moment you will always remember? There is no funny moment that stands out. At every tournament and on every tour it was always a blast with endless laughing. 3. What is a tradition you want to carry on? PV beating Paarl Gim for the first time ever is definitely the start of a new tradition and I’d like PV hockey to continue it. 4. Which coach made you train the hardest? Mrs. Kets definitely made me train harder because she always believed in me and everything I did 100%. 5. What was the toughest game of the season? I would say the Paarl Gim game, because we were really focussed and wanted to win really badly, which helped us in the end. 6. Which team player: -Sings the worst? Rachel Kaps -Tells the funniest jokes? Masoodah -Takes the longest to get dressed? Caitlin Odendaal -Eats the most? Rachel Kaps, Rebecca Kaps, Sam Smuts
“Hockey is more than just a game. It’s a passion. A dedication.”
-Brings the most motivation? Hayley Prinsloo, Megan Kreft -Laughs the most? Rachel Kaps -Is the fan favourite/ has the most fans? Megan Kreft 7. What was one motivational quote that kept you and your team going through the season? Every year we have a word for the season and this year it was: realign. 8. Any words of wisdom for the younger bulldogs? Always believe in yourself in everything you do; always give 110% and you will be sure to reach your goal.
- Emma Ramsbottom
“We’ve got the spirit, yes we do. We’ve got the spirit… how ‘bout YOU!?”
What did you enjoy most about being a cheerleader and what advice do you give to the new prefects for the Spirit Portfolio for 2017?
Kyla Raoult: I loved leading the pavilion team at interschools and watching us progress over those weeks. Interschools Day itself was the best out of all of it. I hope that the new group can bring even more gees to the school and get more people to show up at sport events. Jodi Mari Adams: I have to say, the best part about being a cheerleader was being able to work closely with Mr Schenck and the other cheerleaders to start new traditions, attending sports days and supporting most of our teams. I really hope that the new prefects bring in new traditions without forgetting the old ones or the school’s roots. They should also just make it fun and enjoyable for the rest of the school. Taine Briggs: To me the whole experience was one of the best parts of my high school career, but if I had to choose one moment that was the best it would probably be when we were walking in just before the optog knowing that all our work was about to pay off and that along the way I got to take part in such a wonderful tradition, doing something I would always remember and most of all, making some great friends along the way and that in that moment I was about to have the time of my life representing my school. I hope the new prefects have a great energy towards the whole process. By that I don’t just mean they should have spirit, I mean that they should be prepared to give of themselves to make it the greatest it could possibly be. They will be asked to give of their time to make sure that everything comes together but if I could give one piece of advice to all of them it would be to have fun and make the most of the whole experience because before they know it, they will be the one writing this to the next lot of cheerleaders.
Konrad Kuehl: Putting my name down to be a cheerleader was maybe the best decision of my high school career. I wish everyone could be a cheerleader. The amount of pride you gain in your school is something I wish everyone in the school could experience. Mr Schenck says a lot. It’s not the teachers or the coaches that make the school great but the students and the easiest way to see a great school is when every single student has pride in their school and that’s something that I hope will change in the future of PV. It’s a 4 letter word that makes winning or losing a whole lot better: VIBE. When you cheer, you want everyone to be positive and keen to support. How do you get people to be so? Get a good vibe going. That’s what’s so great about interschools. PS: We need new songs! After singing ‘Hey Malina’ for the 10th time, it gets old. We need something fresh and exciting that will get everyone cheering along! All the best for 2017! Chiara Trenti: The word cheerleader just makes me feel overjoyed! I loved every single minute of being a cheerleader. I could definitely say I was in my element. The best feeling was seeing everyone sing their hearts out at interschools. I loved being able to bring the gees to all the sport events this year. I’m so passionate about PV that I think I went a bit overboard sometimes! To the Spirit Committee of 2017, gees comes from the heart so the only way it will improve is if you guys become the gees of the school! Make sure people know who you are and make sure you show everyone why you are and should be on the Spirit Committee of 2017. PV JOU LEKKER DING! Belinda Naudé: I enjoyed the actual spirit days and interschools because it’s always just so much fun to watch the crowd and see everyone sing along (even if they don’t want to sometimes *wink*). I loved how well all the cheerleaders got along and how we could all just jump around in front and make a fool of ourselves without really caring. I hope that the new spirit portfolio will encourage more students to attend sport events and to help gain a certain gees that our school will become known for. They need to show that school pride is more than just wearing a uniform, it is actually cheering your school on no matter whether they win or lose a game. Alex-Deen Howard: I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the cheerleading team of 2016. Memories were made that will last a lifetime. My favourite part of the experience was seeing how all our planning and preparation for interschools paid off in the end. It was a day no one will forget. To the new prefects: You need to better our ideas and encourage more people in the school to attend sports days and school events.
kultuur
PV’s Got Talent - Hugo Uys
Het julle ‘n amptelike groep naam? C: Nee, op die oomblik is ons net Jana & Carla. Ons kon nog nie aan iets meer oorspronklik dink nie, maar enige voorstelle is welkom. Wat het julle in die eerste plek laat besluit om saam op te tree? J: Ons is al vriende vir so lank, en het al baie duette saam gesing by eisteddfod’s. Vandat ons al twee ‘n liefde vir ukulele’s ontwikkel het, hou ons gereeld ukulele jamming sessies. Ons ukulele’s gaan orals saam. Ons het nog altyd gesê ons wil aan PV’s Got Talent deelneem, en omdat dit ons matriekjaar is, het ons besef dit is ons laaste kans.
Jana & Carla
Hoe het julle op julle songs besluit? C: Ons het aanvanklik begin met ‘n mashup wat ons op YouTube gesien het, maar na ons oudisie het ons besluit ons wil eerder iets nuuts doen. Ons wou seker maak dat ons nuwe mashup ‘n goeie verskeidenheid songs bevat. Ons het ‘n paar liedjies gekies en op ‘n manier het dit net alles gewerk. Hoe gereeld moes julle oefen? J: Ons leer saam vir baie van ons vakke en aangesien PV’s Got Talent net na die eksamen was, was dit die perfekte tyd om te oefen. Wanneer die werk te veel geword het, wat nogals gereeld gebeur het, het ons aan ons mash-up gewerk.
Het julle enigsins gedink julle staan ‘n kans om te wen? C: Nie regtig nie. Ons het dit eintlik maar net gedoen vir die lekker en ons het nooit regtig gedink daaraan dat ons dalk kan wen nie. Hoe het dit gevoel toe julle hoor julle is die wenners? J: Ek onthou nog hoe ons in verbasing na mekaar gekyk het toe hulle ons name roep en hoe ons opgewonde by die verhoog opgehardloop het. Die ballonne het uit die dak geval en almal het vir ons geluk gewens. Ek sal die gevoel nooit vergeet nie. Het julle enige planne om aan te hou saam optree? C: Dis die plan, maar op die oomblik is ons altwee so besig en met die eksamens wat op ons is, het ons nie baie tyd nie. Dis definitief iets wat ons graag wil doen, want ons albei hou van optree en dis lekkerder om dit saam te doen as alleen.
snelvuur vrae Wat/wie is jou gunsteling… Liedjie?
Sanger?
J: Lost Boy – Ruth B C: Heathens – twenty one pilots
J: James Bay C: Jeremy Loops Musiekgroep? J: The Script C: Of Monsters And Men
PV Drama Fraserburg - Hugo Uys Parel Vallei het hierdie jaar weereens aan die jaarlikse Fraserburg Logan Toneelfees tussen 2 en 6 Augustus deelgeneem en (soos gewoonlik) uitstekend presteer. Die Fraserburg Logan Toneelfees is die oudste en grootste toneelfees, wat veral op dramaproduksie deur skole fokus. Elke jaar word daar meer as 50 toneelstukke ingeskryf en gedurende die loop van die week beweeg meer as 500 jong akteurs en aktrises oor die verhoog. Hierdie jaar het Parel Vallei die geleentheid gehad om 4 verskillende toneelstukke in te skryf. Woorde Wond onder leiding van Juffrou Annelie Van Zyl, Van Ons Moeders onder leiding van Juffrou Annelie Van Zyl, Dubiosus onder leiding van Juffrou Yanou Pienaar en MAN onder leiding van beide Juffrou Van Zyl en Juffrou Pienaar. Weereens het PV se dramadepartement hul staal gewys deur vier produksies (elk met uitmuntende, nuutgeskrewe tekste, regie, dekor ontwerp en tegniese versorging) op die planke te bring. Parel Vallei het sommer heelwat toekennings opgeraap. Woorde Wond het Beste Tegniese Versorging gewen vir hul stel, rekwisiete, kostuums en grimering, beide Dubiosus en Van Ons Moeders was ook genomineer vir hierdie toekenning. Jessica Hattingh het die toekenning vir Beste Vroulike Byspeler gewen vir haar rol as Passive Aggressive Pam, Jordyn Linklater die toekenning vir Beste Manlike Speler vir sy rol as Jordyn en Kyla van der Merwe die toekenning vir Beste Vroulike Speler vir haar rol as Madre. Parel Vallei het ook die toekenning vir Beste Senior Produksie huis toe gebring met die uitstekende produksie, Van Ons Moeders. Die innoverende produksie, Dubiosus was ook hiervoor genomineer.
Parel Vallei se produksies was ook vir vele ander toekennings genomineer onder andere: Beste Nuutgeskrewe Teks: Dub. en V.O.M. Beste Regie: Dub., V.O.M. en MAN Beoordelaarstoekenning: Ruan Blanckenberg vir Dub. Beste Manlike Byspeler: Blaine Coetzee, Xander Venter, Stefan Le Roux en Dante Alberts Beste Manlike Speler: Jordyn Linklater (hierdie keer vir sy rol as Drill Sergeant) Hierdie uitslae getuig van PV se ongelooflike talent en kreatiwiteit.
The Seduire Blog Watch this space! Blog on the way (30/09/2016)
Emma Van Heyn
Follow their Instagram @blogseduire
Jana & Carla
If You Leave This is an inspiring photography blog , that will keep you coming back for more!
- Chantal Pretorius
Fashion Featuring our very own Ross
Lubbe
- Chantal Pretorius
Another hobby besides surfing and photography is the passion I have for music. Plenty of times I’ve thought of producing my own music, but clearly I don’t have the talent to do so. Therefore I can only listen to some of my favorite genres such as Underground House, Trance and Hip-Hop.
Kokkerot is a secret spot to surf and it is also my favorite. To get to this location you cruise along Clarence Drive all the way past Pringle Bay. In a 30 minute walk away from the nearest beach, this is where the journey begins… You walk through a beautiful landscape surrounded by bush and wildlife. All of a sudden you arrive at this breathtaking beach with the most amazing waves. “YEEEWWWW” that wave is so good and almost no-one knows about it. I think the Blue Thread is a great example of who we are here at PV. I would love to see a page dedicated to the learners and all their “skinderstories” of the school written by someone unknown. Nothing rude just some banter to spice things up a bit. In 2017 I’ve got some great goals I’d like to accomplish… Firstly my best friend, Dylan Dupont and I have been working on our very own clothing brand for the last year. The brands name is DEVIATE, which means to depart from the norm. We would like to launch the brand during next year…so stay tuned! Then I also have some smaller goals as to launching my photography online shop, where one can buy some of my work over the internet. Last, but not least, I’m gathering footage for and inspirational video of what life is all about.
“’YEEEWWWW’, that wave is so good and almost no-one knows about it.”
As a water photographer it is ideal for me to shoot in crystal clear water with a beautiful sunset in the background to really give the waves some colour. One place I absolutely love shooting is Kogel Bay Caves
BLUE TECH
The Technology behind Pokémon Go - Eduart Zehrt The world has become very strange. People walk around staring at their phones, struggling to decide which universe they are more interested in: The Pokémon Go universe, or their own. They pace up and down the streets, turn around and rush the other way. They gather at churches and landmarks, sitting and laughing as though telling jokes around the campfire. Some fall into the ocean to chase the elusive Pokémons. Some say it’s the best thing that has ever happened to them. Others say it’s the worst thing that has ever happened to the world. Whichever the case might be, it is undeniable that Pokémon is the first globally popular game of its kind, while being somewhat of a technological marvel. Three various technologies were combined to make Pokémon Go the unique game that it is. The first tech ‘trick’ that it uses is GPS. The game keeps track of your location using the Global Positioning System, because the game is based on Pokémons, PokéStops and PokéGyms that are at real-life locations, besides having to hatch eggs by walking.
GPS determines your location using a network of 24 satellites and a receiver in your phone. The satellites continuously broadcast their location, and the signals from those closest to you are interpreted by your phone. Mathematical formulas determine your location relative to three satellites. This process of triangulation can tell your location accurate to 5 metres. Yes, maths is important because there would be no GPS and no games without it. Pokémon relies heavily on Global Data Analysis. This process has produced a geographical database of nearly every town and city in the world. Surprisingly, game developers compiled the largest part of this database some years ago, during the development of the game Ingress. Ingress also focuses on special real-life locations called Portals, represented by historical landmarks in real life. Needless to say, a database of historical landmarks needed to be constructed. Since players could also suggest new locations, a program was needed to sort through them all.
When development started on Pokémon Go, the developers already had an extensive list of landmarks. The most popular Portals from Ingress became PokéGyms and the less popular ones became PokéStops. However, this has brought up some issues. It is impossible to keep a global database completely up to date. In some instances where landmarks were demolished or no longer used, it occurred that PokéGyms and PokéStops were at people’s private residences.
environment.
Pokémon Go creatively brings the virtual and physical worlds together, for example by activating the camera when you catch a Pokémon. Using the accelerometer inside your phone, the phone can select a fixed position in the real world for that Pokémon, such that if it is standing at a tree, you can look away and lose sight of it, but look back to find it still at the tree. It only works for looking around, not moving around though, as the The third and most wonderful technology that Pokémon will always be the same distance from makes Pokémon Go so unique is Augmented you even if you walk towards it. This camera Reality (AR). Note that this differs from virtual augment function, which only uses the reality discussed in our last issue. Virtual reality accelerometer and not GPS, is also applied during aims to create a completely new environment that battles at PokéGyms. replaces the physical environment with a Pokémon Go might be far from perfect, both simulation (you are within the game world). In technologically and practically. But is has not only Augmented Reality, computer-generated elements brought mobile phone users together in a fun are added to the physical environment (your world social activity, but has also laid the foundation for many more Augmented Reality games yet to come. becomes the game). Until now, technology was too weak to create an enjoyable and convincing interaction between a game and the physical
The Leaky Test Tube
‘ How alcohol messes
Alcohol is often a hot topic in high schools. We are all eager to grow up and have some real fun with our mates, right? This usually involves alcohol consumption at some point, because it is known to make us feel a tad more outgoing at braais and parties. However, your body doesn’t quite agree with you as it sees alcohol as a poison and attempts to get rid of it quickly.
Remember that ethanol (ethyl alcohol), found in surgical spirits and mouthwash, is extremely effective at killing bacteria. When you consume this toxic ethanol in your drinks, it is absorbed into your bloodstream by the stomach and small intestines. Your liver attempts to filter and break down the ethanol, such that your body can excrete it safely. It is first converted into acetaldehyde, then ethanoate. Acetaldehyde is still toxic and is believed to cause hangovers, whereas ethanoate can be safely excreted in the urine. Your liver is a large and powerful organ, but if you keep overwhelming it with one glass after the other, unprocessed ethanol remains in your bloodstream and circulates to the brain.
with you – scientifically ‘
- Eduart Zehrt Under normal circumstances, toxins and pathogens are kept out of the brain by the ‘blood-brain barrier’, which is a semipermeable membrane that separates the blood from the brain and spinal fluids. However, because the ethanol is chemically attracted to fats, it passes through the membrane and enters the brain. Here, it interferes with the signals of the neurons (brain cells). To understand the interference, one must understand the brain. Between two neurons there is a synapse across which neurotransmitters travel in order to cause a response, be it to move a muscle or to recall a memory.
Ethanol binds to two very important neurotransmitters: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid or GABA, causes neurons to send fewer signals (inhibitory neurotransmitter). ‘Glutamate’ causes neurons to send more signals (excitatory neurotransmitter). Ethanol boosts GABA signals but restricts glutamate signals. Because the ‘slowing’ signals are boosted and the ‘quickening’ signals are restricted, brain activity becomes sluggish. Ethanol is therefore considered a depressant, not a stimulant; it depresses (weakens) brain activity.
Alcohol has an effect on various regions of the brain and causes different symptoms of intoxication (drunkenness). By suppressing signals in the cerebellum, which is responsible for muscle co-ordination, it causes dizziness and stumbling. By suppressing signals in the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system, it reduces social-inhibition and self-control. Thus, we become more outgoing, emotional, and irresponsible. Of course these effects gradually subside as your body continues to process the alcohol, posing no real danger. However, ethanol is definitely a toxin, and if too much is consumed in too little time, alcohol poisoning is inevitable. This means that the medulla oblongata – responsible for vital involuntary functions like your pulse or breathing – can shut down. There are also long-term side-effects across the whole body, including inflammation, hormone imbalances and DNA disrepair, which may cause cancer vulnerability.
There is no evidence to suggest that ethanol kills brain cells, but research has shown that constantly drinking too much alcohol during adolescence can have negative effects on the growth and maintenance of synapses, which is associated with learning and memory impairments. It is also believed that continuously high levels of ethanol in the body diminishes our ability to absorb and use Vitamin B1, which may lead to brain shrinkage and problems with vision, movement and memory.
Generally, drinking one or two beers or ciders with your 18+ friends should be no problem, but make every effort to avoid excessive alcohol consumption. And by all means, do not drink if you are under 18 years of age – your brain is in a rapid and vulnerable state of development, and alcohol can cause serious trouble in future.
Ons groet vir … mnr. Theodore Beukes Die wêreld is sy tuiste - van skoolgee tot drome van wêreldreis, Meneer Beukes sal vir seker gemis word.
- Charl Wiehahn
‘
Waarheen vertrek Mnr. en wat gaan Mnr. daar doen? Ek vertrek Saudi-Arabië toe om skool te gee. Hulle het ‘n ander stelsel genoem die ICT’s, dis soos ons IT, maar meer teorie geörienteerd. Dit is opwindend en hulle is baanbrekers in die veld en nuwe manier van doen. Ek sien uit!
Waarna sien Mnr. Die meeste uit? Om die nuwe kurrikulum te leer, hulle is leiers in hulle veld en dit is opwindend.
Dink Mnr., Mnr. gaan altyd skoolgee of is daar enige ander planne vir die toekoms? Op die oomblik is die planne om skool te gee. Ek wil die wêreld sien deur om skool te gee, dit sal die droom wees om die wêreld te toer terwyl jy doen waarvan jy hou.Ek sal sekerlik hierna Dubai en Kanada of Korea wil probeer.
Een ding wat Mnr.vir Parel Vallei sou wens as Mnr. gaan? Parel Vallei het diep binne my hart gekruip en om te sien hoe dit nog steeds besig is om te ontwikkel met al die prestasies wat dit al reeds ontvang het, sal daar net meer erkenning wees vir die skool. PV is ‘n great skool en ek kan nie wag om te sien wat die toekoms vir PV inhou nie. Ek wens PV net alles wat mooi is toe.
Wat gaan Mnr. die meeste mis van SA? Al die lekker kos, mense en BILTONG!
Wat is Mnr. se gunstelling aspek van PV wat Mnr. gaan mis? Die Personeel! Dit is die grootste deel van Parel Vallei wat dalk nie altyd raakgesien word nie, die mense is al soos vriende.
As Mnr nie `n onderwyser geword het nie, wat sou of wou Mnr geword het? Sekerlik ‘n Argitek. Ek was versot op Tegniese Tekene. Dit was verseker my gunstelingvak op hoërskool.
Mnr. se gunsteling plek om te besoek?
Waar het Mnr. grootgeword?
Dit sal sekerlik my grootouers se huis in Kleinmond wees. Dis altyd lekker om tyd saam met my Ouma en Oupa te spandeer..
Ek het in Worcester, ‘n klein Bolandse dorpie grootgeword. Dit is ook waar ek my skooljare deurgebring het.
“How you succeed is dependent on how much effort you are willing to put in.”
Mnr. se gunsteling film? Dis nou ‘n moeilike besluit. Ek sal sê daar is twee: Coach Carter en Troy. Ek sal daardie twee films oor en oor kyk.
Ons groet vir …
Juffrou Dalton laat wiel - Collin Andrew Sherriff PV groet ‘n legende. Ek was bevoorreg genoeg om van graad 8 regdeur tot matriek wiskunde en rekeningkunde by hierdie awesome Juffrou te hê. Juffrou Dalton gaan volgende jaar halfdag in die privaat sektor werk en vir dierbare Hannah leer fietsry. (Gelukkig gaan Juffrou nogsteeds die skool se fietsry bestuur. Yay!)
Aan die einde van die kwartaal neem Parel Vallei ongelukkig afskeid van een van ons geliefkoosde onderwysers, juffrou Hanri Dalton. Juffrou Dalton het aan die begin van 2009 by die PV-familie aangesluit en het die afgelope 8 jaar diep in ons harte gekruip. Juffrou Dalton het ‘n groot impak gemaak op ons almal se PV-lewe, van wiskunde, rekeningkunde tot fietsry en natuurlik ook die oulike stories oor Hannah. Ek sal nooit my eerste graad 8-dag in wiskunde periode by dié entoesiastiese en energieke Juffrou vergeet nie. Sy het ‘n baie wyse aanhaling genoem wat tot vandag toe met my bly, en die omvang van haar heldhaftige missie as onderwyseres by Parel Vallei so mooi saamvat: “Become someone who knows everything.”
Wat sal Juffrou nooit van Parel Vallei vergeet nie? Die personeel! Hulle is regtig soos ‘n familie en ondersteun mens deur dik en dun. Hoe sal Juffrou Parel Vallei in een sin beskryf? Parel Vallei is ‘n skool waar die onderwysers lief is vir die leerders en werklik hul belange op die hart dra! Waarna sien Juffrou uit vir volgende jaar? Om meer tyd te hê vir die mense vir wie ek lief is! (Hannah) Watse klas gaan Juffrou die meeste mis? Ek is hartseer dat ek nie my Graad 10 en 11 rekeningkunde klasse kan deur vat tot hul Graad 12 jaar nie. Elke klas het egter hulle mooi eienskappe. Watter onderwyser sal Juffrou die meeste mis? Hoe sonder mens iemand uit? Almal in ‘n familie is kosbaar, maar die ma van ‘n huis het ‘n spesiale plek en Juffrou Prinsloo was/is vir my soos ‘n ma gewees vanaf dag een! As Juffrou die tyd hier kon oordoen, wat sou Juffrou verander? Sorg dat fietsry ‘n verpligte sport is vir almal! Haha I wish.
W
Welkom aan... Wat was Juffrou se eerste indrukke van Parel Vallei?
Juffrou Chrisanth Isaacs - Collin Andrew Sherriff
Dis groot! PV is baie mooi met mooi terreine. Die kinders is netjies, vriendelik en lekker Afrikaans. Was Juffrou gestres toe juffrou begin klasgee? Nee. I live and breathe this stuff. Is daar iemand spesiaals in Juffrou se lewe? My man! Ons is twee jaar getroud. As juffrou nie ‘n onderwyseres geword het nie, wat sou Juffrou wou doen? Uitgewerswese, of enige iets te doen met boeke. Enige stokperdjies? Ek lees baie. Ek lees vir my baba – hy lees ook Huisgenoot!
“Ek is tot alles in staat deur Hom wat my krag gee.” ~Filipense 4:13
Watter lewenslesse sal Juffrou altyd bybly?
Wat dink Juffrou van die onderwysers by PV?
Dat ons almal mekaar nodig het.
My vakspan is awesome!
Wat sal juffrou doen as Juffrou vandag 1 miljoen rand kry? My huis afbetaal!
Wat is Juffrou se gunsteling plek op aarde? Deffs daar waar my man is.
Hoe wil Juffrou PV verander of beïnvloed?
Wie is Juffrou se rolmodel?
Ek wil hê kinders moet geniet om na my klas toe te kom. Ek geniet wat ek doen en ek wil hê dit moet hulle aansteek - en hulle moet iets leer, natuurlik.
KAR: Maserati
Ek het ‘n obsessie met my man. Hy is calm and together.
WINTER OF SOMER:
FLIEK: Life is beautiful
Winterr DRANKIE: Koffieeee! KLEUR:
SUPERPOWER: Vermoë om opstelle blitsvinnig te merk. GELUKKIGE NOMMER: 4
HOLLYWOOD MCM:
Blou
Robert Downey Jr. KOS: Sushi / Kaas / Avo
To Grade 8’s ... We asked a few Matrics to tell us about some of their favourite memories of the Gr. 8’s. This is what they had to say...
Our funny memory we remember was walking to biology after break when we saw a grade 8 girl walking up the stairs with her coke in her hand. Suddenly, out of nowhere, she face planted and landed in a puddle of her own coke. We tried to keep straight faces and help her out. Josh mopped up the coke and I tried to get her a new, dry jersey. We went to Biology, laughing, with a hilarious excuse as to why we were late. – Kyla Raoult and Josh Myburgh
Shout out to the grade 8 who slipped in front of my motorbike in the rain while riding into school. – Aiden Timberlake
My grade 8 group was definitely the best. They made orientation so fun and they are all so funny. – Michael Steyn
Shout out to the grade 8 who walked through the door in front of me, saw he had cut me off, so walked back through the door and let me go first. – Matthew Slabbert
Valentina Diantina. For being the real G and always keeping her cool. Even though I might irritate you more often than not, I love you to bits! – From your big Sussie, with love xx
The best spokie was definitely 248! He always sent me the best messages. Good luck for the rest of your Parel Vallei Years. – Chiara Trenti
...with love from the Grade 12’s
To Grade 12’s ... … but wait, there’s more! Some of the Gr. 8’s also had some memories to share…
I look up to Alex van Greuning as he is a Man of God. He loves the Lord with all his heart, all his mind and all his soul. He inspired me to try new things, for example, he encouraged me to go to his church the Hillsong Church, near Somerset Mall. Without Alex I would now not know the love of God. – Luke Neethling
I remember when Kyla Raoult came and spoke to me and my friends and wished my friend a happy birthday, she was so nice and had a huge smile on her face. – Sophia Wessels
Nic Lobi. Always so friendly and funny. Always up for a chat of hockey and always smiling. – Megan Steynberg
One of the matrics, Matthew Henry, told me not to get friend-zoned by too many girls in grade 8. I will try my best. – Michael Henry
Ansophi Madsen-Leipold is een van die beste matrieks. Sy is vriendelik,snaaks en jy kan lekker met haar gesels. Al was ek nie bang vir die ander matrieks nie, was ek die mees gemaklikste rondom Ansophi en dit het niks te doen met haar lengte nie… Sy is slim, talentvol en dit was die perfekte besluit om haar ‘n leerderraadslid te maak. Sy gaan verseker ‘n sukses wees na hoërskool. Good luck vir universiteit! – Anoniem
I can remember the day Thomas Brett was walking in front of me. You know it is usually common that people fall down the stairs, well Thomas fell up the stairs. – Isabella Booyens
I want to start off by saying that all the matrics were lovely (from my point of view) especially the learner council, my matric mom, Sandra Snyman and my dad, Christian Niewoudt. Also not to forget my spokie nr. 239, Emma Ramsbottom, she was nothing but kind to me and I was glad we got along because that made my spokie experience a joy! Also here’s a shout out to my matric crush (over that phase now), Emile Gouws, he was awesome, cool, kind and adorable. LOVE YOU MATRICS! – Kimberley Muzhewe
Matthew Keyser het vir my baie beteken, want hy het my baie gehelp met my fietsry en het my nie soos al die ander matrieks, net soos ‘n graad 8’ie, hanteer nie. – Joshua Burger
I still remember that time when I was selected for the Top 10 and Ricardo Trenti walked past me and gave me a playful punch, a thumbs up , a wink and a ‘nice’. He is a really fun guy, always smiling. – Angelique Filter
Andrew Lobi. Always makes me laugh. – Joshua Maré
Belinda Naude is the most kindest and funniest person I have ever met, she is really open minded and nice to talk to. – Caidene Owen
Amy-Lee Buchanan. Sy was altyd vriendelik met my en het my aan die begin van my graad 8 jaar gehelp as ek nie geweet het wat moet gebeur nie. Sy is ‘n amazing person en ek sal haar altyd onthou. – Dané de Villiers
Danté Alberts. Hy het vir my gesê dat hoërskool ongelooflik lekker is en dat ek moet probeer om aan soveel as moontlik deel te neem. Dit is ‘n plek waar jy jou talente vind en begin dink waar jy wil gaan met jou lewe. Ek hoop hy sal sy drome volg, soos wat hy vir my gesê het.. – Ciska Bosch
One matric who really stood out to me this year was Toby Naudé. He was always kind and sweet to the people around him. I wish him the best for the future. I will truly miss him. – Anonymous
Eduart Zehrt. During line up in the mornings he was so angry and he said in a very loud voice, “Are you implicit in this conversation, it is totally implicit behaviour.” - Samkelisiwe Bavuma
Alvin Vurayari. Life is short, use it wisely. – Otto Engelbrecht
Nikki Baard. She is beautiful inside and out. Even though she’s not a prefect, she sets an example to others. Everybody knows her and loves her for the person she is. – Anonymous
...with love from the Grade 8’s
L I F E S T Y L E
DIY immune booster - Stephanie Solomon Any individual with a weak immune system becomes vulnerable to illnesses and diseases. Besides not eating properly, not getting enough sleep can put on stress a teenager’s body, which also plays a role in weakening your immune system. Effective time management and exercising can help reduce stress and maintain a healthy immune system. Our immune system shields our body against these threatening agents thus it is necessary to keep our immune system healthy and strong. And for making your immune system healthy, you need to consume foods and drinks that are loaded with immune boosting ingredients. There are many fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can strengthen the immune system. Getting these antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in liquid form makes it easier for your body to digest and absorb them. Getting extra fluids helps your body to remain hydrated, improves immune function and flushes out toxins from your body.
Here is an easy to make drink to help enhance a healthy immune system: Lemon and Ginger Drink: Start your day with a cup of hot water mixed with lemon juice, ginger and a dollop of honey. Lemons contain a good amount of antioxidants and vitamin C which will help to improve immune function and balance the level of acid and alkali in the body. Ginger aids in digestion. Honey helps soothe a sore throat. Taking this drink early in the morning every day will help to cleanse your entire system and make your body less vulnerable to diseases.
restaurant Fred & Max Eatery
The menu ranges from tasty wholesome breakfasts to mouthwatering steaks and burgers. The burgers are served with deep fried onion rings and sweet potato wedges and your choice of salad or fries. There is a range of desserts as well. The prices are reasonable for good quality and gourmet food.
and avocado topped with sweet chili sauce. Delicious desserts such as the decadent Chocolate true lava or the Berry cheesy cheesecake round off this perfect meal.
The atmosphere is relaxing with background music and an earthy vibe with plants and eco-friendly, up-cycled jars for drinking glasses. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. The only thing is that you wait a little bit long for your food which is understandable as good The burgers are flavourful and filling. quality food takes longer to prepare. The “Yes Sir� burger is an irresistible beef patty with camembert, pancetta
Find Fred & Max Eatery at: Shop 4, Fairview Centre, Caledon St, Somerset West Tel: 021 850 0911
- Stephanie Solomon & Christine van Zyl
This is a hidden gem in our surroundings, serving mouthwatering food. It is open Mondays to Saturdays (Saturdays only until 2pm).
La Voix
This term our teachers reveal their writing talent‌ This is how it’s done!
WRITE TIME
- Yanou Pienaar
With a mug of tea, a messy bun and purpose, I sit down at my laptop. I am ready to write. I am ready to let the inspiration and genius flow through my fingers and onto the page. Look at me, I am a writer. I take a deep breath, raise my hands over the keyboard as if I am about to play the most mind-blowing baroque piano trio as a solo, and wait for the words to present themselves. They don’t. My hands start to ache and my messy bun starts to droop with disappointment. I type one word: CATS. No surprise there really. Last night the words were swirling around my head, jostling for space as I tried to fall asleep. They were jittery and anxious to escape my brain, but now they’re gone. My precious, temperamental words. When they do come back, I am going to have a very stern word with them for letting me down. So then why write at all? I write so that I can use magnificent and awe-inspiring words such as ‘florid’ and ‘thwart’. I love having an arsenal (another downright delicious word) of words at my fingertips that can make people feel, um, emotions and stuff. But words also frustrate me. They frustrate me with their elusiveness when I am looking for the right one. It is as though they hide in the dark corners of my mind and mock my inability to catch them and secure them to a page as I try to further the story I want to tell. Those are the moments I feel inept as a writer – as if I lack the vocabulary and the intelligence to really draw an audience for my stories. Words are personal and cathartic. They are powerful – they have the ability to turn themselves into characters and monologues and laughter. There is a nauseating, sweat-inducing and powerful thrill watching your written words move from a page to the mouth of an actor. The sick ecstasy and dread of having your words tumble onto stage before an audience who will dissect these phrases and sentences is addictive and terrifying. It is the most frightening feeling in the world. It is electric and painful and wonderful and I can’t stop. Words are pure magic – sometimes they’re dark magic. They are so powerful, and when you wield them with evil intent, you can be sure that a loved one, colleague or friend will wither under their force. Sometimes we are unaware of the power, and so we sprinkle our sentences with careless, peppery phrases that can unknowingly cause great pain. We should be using these fantastical word powers for good instead – especially as teachers and learners. We should fling kind and encouraging words around with reckless abandon, even when a snarky, sarcastic comment would be more clever or funny. Perhaps a few missing words that hide from me when I think I need them the most is not such a bad thing, because when they do eventually creep up and shyly tap me on the shoulder (because they’ll know I was looking for them) I’ll use them with greater care. So I lower my hands, I finish my tea and leave the desk. The right words will find me eventually, and then I won’t need to force them onto the page.
TUNNEL VISION The shriek wailed through the darkness. “Can someone please shut that damn baby up!” someone shouted from the other end of the tunnel. “Shh!” came the reply from the numerous other occupants. It had been quiet for days but they still couldn’t be sure that all of them had left. They no longer heard the stomping of the soldier’s boots or the tracks of the tanks rumbling overhead, but everyone was still too scared to make a sound. Except for Francesca’s baby, Lillian. These weeks in the tunnel had been tough on everyone, especially an eight-month-old baby.
- Mieke Botha
every fart, any noise that was human-made set everyone’s teeth on edge, as if someone had just scratched their fingernails down a chalkboard. Edmund had managed to remain calm and focused and was often able to soothe the nerves of the people around him. He was respected by the people in the town, which is why they followed him down in the first place. He had counted three hundred people (more or less) that he had managed to persuade to hide in the tunnels. It was no easy feat but as they cowered underground, listening to the bombs drop and the guns rattle, he felt assured that he had done the right thing and that gave him peace. But then Lillian shrieked and the delicate ribbon that had held him together all this time, snapped.
Initially the plan was to save as many as possible. As the tunnel grew hotter and more crowded, people “Can someone please shut that damn baby up!” openly started vocalising their regret at letting anyone follow them down the sewer holes and into “Shh!” the sewer tunnels that criss-crossed underneath the “No, I will not ‘shh’. I am tired of being afraid that entire city. an infant may be the death of us.” There was Alfred, the most senior citizen, who He pushed his way through the crowded tunnel until coughed loudly at least once every ten minutes. It was a hacking cough that required an entire process he reached Francesca. Hands grabbed at him, whispering pleas for him to calm down. He to loosen the mucus settled in his chest. It would wouldn’t. He stood in front of Francesca. start with him clearing his throat and then heavy breathing that built up to a minimum of four barks in “Give her to me.” rapid succession. He didn’t even try to lower the “No,” she replied, barely louder than a whisper. volume. At first the tunnel occupants were most afraid of being discovered, but now it irritated them “I said give her to me!” he shouted. so much that many would not have had second thoughts about pushing him out of the sewer hole. “Shh, please Edmund. They’ll hear us,” said Betty who acted as Francesca’s surrogate mother after her Elise and Eva were wonderful girls, but they were real mother had been killed. also typical girls and throughout the tensest moments that they spent in the tunnel, the two girls Edmund pushed the older lady aside and ripped would break into hysterical laughter. Perhaps they Lillian out of her mother’s arms. Francesca were nervous, some thought, but it would be a screamed but someone quickly put a hand over her ridiculous way to get caught – the laughter of two mouth to muffle the sound. Lillian began crying in teenage girls giving you away. earnest now and Edmund was forced to shout over The tension no longer came from the outside of the her wailing. tunnel, but from within. Every sneeze, every sigh,
“It’s for the best, for everyone.” He started walking towards the ladder that lead up to the manhole.
“Yes,” he responded. “What date is it today?”
“What are you going to do?” Betty shouted.
He felt his spirit crumble. They had been in those tunnels for close to three months.
“Leave it topside.” “Without food or water? At the mercy of the elements?” “What would you have me do?” he shouted back. “Risk the lives of three hundred for one infant?” “Every life matters.” “We learned a long time ago that that isn’t true.” He took hold of the first rung and started to pull himself up. Holding Lillian in the one hand made it difficult, but he managed. He had to push really hard to lift the manhole cover but he manoeuvred it until it opened and then he shrunk back from the blinding light.
“17 August, sir.”
“Is everything alright, sir?” “Fine,” he said, wiping his eyes. “I just haven’t been here in a while.” “You should have seen what it looked like when the armies left. It was terrible.” “I must commend you in getting your shop in such good condition in such as short space of time.” She looked confused. “I’ve had ample time, sir. I’ve been cleaning up this space for the last two months.” “Two months?” “Yes, since the armies left.”
“Don’t look,” he thought to himself, “just push it out It was then that Lillian yawned. She had fallen and be done with it.” But his curiosity got the better asleep in Edmund’s arms, quite unnoticed. The of him and he stuck his head out for a quick glimpse. woman looked at her and cooed. “Oh, she’s precious,” She said. There was nothing and no-one. The square was completely abandoned. A few vehicles stood around “Yes, she is,” Edmund replied. covered in what appeared to be a fine layer of dust, as if they hadn’t been touched in a long time. He could still hear Francesca’s screams as he stepped out of the manhole, holding Lillian close to his breast. He walked past the empty shops with their broken windows and destroyed signs, but in the distance he noticed a shop with an “Open” sign hanging above it. He slowly walked over to it, hearing his shoes crunch the gravel beneath his feet. Even Lillian had gone quiet. He walked into the shop and it felt like he had stepped into a dream. It was as if this shop was the only one that the war had not managed to touch. The woman behind the counter was blonde and wore a warm smile as she walked over to him. He felt disgusting in contrast to her. He hadn’t bathed in weeks and he had no way of knowing what he looked like. “Can I help you?” she asked.
Gaan ons hieroor toets skryf? - Chrisanth Isaacs Lewensoriëntering is so stupid. Dis asof die onderwysers dit net soveel haat soos die kinders. Die meeste van die tyd is dit in elke geval ‘n afperiode. Juffrou Kemp is altyd besig om te merk en maak dan elke paar minute hard keelskoon en loer bo-oor haar swartraambril om die lawaai bietjie te tem. Dit hou nie lank nie. Adri wonder hoekom enigiemand sou kies om ‘n onderwyser te word. Geen regdenkende mens sou doelbewus, elke liewe dag aanmeld vir hierdie marteling nie. Nie een van die onderwysers by Hoërskool Bergpiek lyk gelukkig om daar te wees nie, dink Adri. Sy het een aand vir meneer Gerber en sy vrou in Panarotti’s gesien. Hy het vir haar geglimlag. Sy het terug geglimlag en vinnig haar oë weer op haar pizza gevestig. Awkward. Sy haat dit om onderwysers naweke of na skool in die winkels raak te loop. Dis so embarrassing. Kan hulle nie net huis toe gaan en gaan merk nie, wonder sy. Juffrou Kemp staan op en haal haar bril af. Sy maak asof sy belangstel in die antwoorde op die werkvelle oor VIGS-voorkoming en -behandeling. Die klok lui. Adri gooi haar pennesakkie in haar rugsak. Die Juffrou skuif weer agter haar tafel in en merk met ‘n diep frons in haar voorkop. Adri wonder hoe oud sy is. Seker amper veertig. Shame, sy is nog nie getroud nie. Adri onthou hoe haar ma en die buurvrou nou die dag gepraat het van een of ander iemand se biological clock wat tick. “Juffrou, ek wou vra…” Juffrou Kemp lig haar hand op byna voor Adri se gesig en sonder om op te kyk, sê sy vinnig: “Hou gou vas. Ek is nou by jou.” Na wat soos ‘n ewigheid voel, kyk sy op en forseer ‘n glimlag. “Adri. Ja,ek luister…” sy kyk weer af en merk verder. “Juffrou, ken Juffrou mense wat HIV-positief is?” Sy hou op merk en sit haar pen neer. Sy kyk vir Adri vraend aan. “Hoekom vra jy so iets, kind?” sy lyk nou nuuskierig bekommerd. “Ek het net gewonder Juffrou, want ek dink nie ek weet van enigiemand wat dit het nie, of enigiemand wat dit sou erken nie, Juffrou. Ek wonder net, Juffrou. Ons leer van die VIGS-statistieke, en dis scary hoe baie mense dit het so die waarskynlikheid dat iemand na-aan my dit het, behoort redelik hoog te wees…of hoe? Ek wonder maar net, Juffrou…” “Ag Adri, julle gaan nie hieroor toets skryf nie.” Juffrou Kemp sit haar bril weer terug op haar neus. “Toe, toe weg is jy. Jy gaan laat wees vir jou volgende klas.”
Die Kersgeskenk - Anita Smith Die vakansie net voordat ek vir die eerste keer skool toe is, het ek vir die hele ses weke by my Ouma en Oupa Schoeman op die plaas by Vredendal gaan kuier. Dit was nogal ‘n uitdaging vir my om so lank van my ma en pa af weg te wees.
Ek kan nie veel van daardie vakansie onthou nie, maar die volgende grepies het in my onderbewussyn nes geskop... Ek onthou van ‘n oggend toe ontbyt bestaan het uit bruin brood met stroop op en ek dit summier bedank het. Op daardie stadium van my lewe had ek nog nooit my mond aan bruin brood gesit nie en vandag nog eet ek nie stroop op brood nie. Maar my tannie Hester, wat op daardie stadium ook daar gekuier het, het nie nonsens van kabouters gevat nie en gesê as die kind honger is, sal sy die bruinstroopbroodjie eet. Baie afgehaal het ek eenkant toe gedrentel met genoemde broodjie en in die afgesnyde lusernland langs die huis gestap terwyl die stoppels my voete gesteek het. Effens verontwaardig, en tranerig ook, het ek geloop en dink dat my mamma altyd vir my sagte witbroodjies met kasies op gee, nie growwe bruin brood wat krapperig voel op my tong nie.
Maar dit was nie al nie, aandete was ook bruin brood en in my sesjarige gemoed het ek geweet hier gaan ek van honger doodgaan as ek nie ‘n plan maak nie! Ouma het my seker so effens jammer gekry en vir my vertel dat ‘n hen altyd kekkel as sy ‘n eiertjie gelê het. So het ek toe elke laatmiddag weggesluip na die hoenderhok toe en as ‘n hen kekkel, met groot lawaai die henne van die neste af gejaag anderkant toe sodat ek ‘n eier kon uithaal… Truitjie, die vaal hen met die kaal nek, was veral vir my, as dorpskind, vreesaanjaend. Dan kon ek vir Ouma die eiertjie vat om vir my te kook vir aandete… Op ‘n dag kom Oupa van die dorp af met ‘n pakkie vir my wat met die pos gekom het. My pa het dit so gestuur dat dit net betyds vir Kersfees was. Ek onthou nou nog die opwinding van die pakkie se oopmaak en die Jack & Jill-skoenboks met die kenmerkende rooi en oranje prentjies op. Toe ek die deksel afhaal, lê daar die allerfraaiste paar wit sandaaltjies, splinternuut, en net vir my! Die verwondering wat ek ervaar het met daardie kersgeskenk sal my altyd bybly, en ook hoe spesiaal dit my laat voel het...
- Mardie Steenkamp Kinders vra my soms of ek altyd ‘n onderwyser wou word. Die antwoord is nee, want ek het ander beroepe ook oorweeg, maar in my matriekjaar tot die slotsom gekom dat onderwyser-wees eintlik ‘n alles-in-een-beroep is. Hoekom, sal jy dalk vra? Hier is my redes: Daar is soveel kinders met soveel seer deesdae in die skoolstelsel dat onderwysers ook dokters moet wees. ‘n Speurder? O ja, want soms moet jy speurhondvermoëns hê om die stouterds uit te vang. ‘n Diplomaat? Vir seker, want soms moet jy geskille besleg sodat albei partye voel asof hulle gewen het. Daar moet navorsing gedoen word oor leerlinge en hul gedrag moet ontleed word, en dis waar die wetenskaplike in die prentjie kom. Om al die verskillende persoonlikhede in ‘n klaskamer te balanseer verg omtrent die bekwaamheid van ‘n akrobaat. Jy moet baie deuntjies kan sing as jy ‘n onderwyser is, net soos ‘n sangeres dit moet doen. Terwyl die sangeres dan nou ‘n beurt kry, wat van dirigent-wees? O ja, as onderwyser moet jy baie verskillende groepe in die klas laat harmoniseer. ‘n Marathon-atleet? Ag nee, regtig? Ag ja, regtig, want jy moet fiks wees in my beroep en baie uithouvermoë hê. Elke onderwyser moet omtrent ‘n sielkundige ook wees, want jy moet kinders leer om hulself te help. ‘n Skrywer? Ja vir seker, want in 30 plus jaar het ek al genoeg stof om 17 romans te skryf. ‘n Ruimtevaarder, ja, want jy moet kinders kan help om groot hoogtes te bereik ‘n Sirkusbaas? Definitief nie, want ek beleef elke dag die sirkus in die skool! So kan jul dus sien : die alles-in-een-beroep!
TOETSPERIODE Die volgende uur raak jy ‘n slaaf! Hulle soek calculator liniaal papier en pen Die kramdrukker word met obsene bewegings uitgebeeld Die tissue-versoek is egter duidelik Ma’m, ek kry koud! Ma’m, ek is benoud… - Marinda Smit
ODE AAN ‘N EEKHORING Die eekhoring wip oppie drom: Hy soek iets lekkers vir hom! Hy is grys en vaal; sy lyfie effens kaal, maar sy stert O, sy stert! is ‘n wonderwerk ‘n waaier van wip en wit Dié spier is ‘n meesterwerk. - Marinda Smit
CARTOONS by CRAIG WEBER
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Wishing our Matrics of 2016 good luck with their final school exams
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