Competition Page 6
Top 10 To Do’s in CT Page 8
Raoul Owens of the American International School of Cape Town
Let The Good Times Roll!
A chance glimpse of a grainy cut-out from a local Hout Bay paper, posted on Facebook in March, brought it all together in a massive, blinding flash. The teaching around the world; the live music venue; the years of publishing; a great friendship; years in design and sales; photography and parenting; these seemingly disparate life events, literally came together to create something that has been hovering on the outskirts of our imaginations for years.
“If one cares deeply about someone or something new, one throws a kind of energy out into the world, and “fruitfulness” is drawn in.” Mary Ann Shaffer, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. And so, The Good Times was born. A collaborative platform for community schools to interact, share and learn through the medium of a school newspaper. A newspaper dedicated to the upliftment of the community through communication and sharing. We all share a common passion and vision for the future. From all our different backgrounds, we recognise a common desire in most, if not all, individuals to live in harmony and experience joy; to thrive within our communities and contribute to the social fabric within which we live.
We recognise the necessity and the possibility of a close and harmonious community. We also acknowledge that it lies with our children. The Good Times is a vehicle for encouraging better cross-cultural & community based interaction and a way for families to catch a glimpse of what is going on within their own, and surrounding schools, in the close community and further afield. Our first issue was published in June of this year for the twelve primary and high schools in Hout Bay. Both space and newspapers are offered free of charge to the schools and support via the local community is sought in order to cover print costs. The second issue saw popularity quadruple and the demand in other communities became apparent, thus we are very happy to be reaching you, in this, our very first issue in the Constantia-Kirstenhof area. How wonderful then that we’re able to welcome you to The Good Times and wish you a happy holiday at the same time. Rest up, read up and be safe. If you’re going away, happy travels. If you’re staying behind, enjoy our beautiful city and surrounds and make it a point to do at least one activity from our suggested To Do list! The Good Times is a local newspaper about our beautiful community. It’s about all the good times; past, current and future, and it is unapologetically ‘Ra-Ra’! Here’s to an awesome 2014!
Advertising Content & Layout Brooke Irving Jess Morgan brooke@thegoodtimes.co.za jess@thegoodtimes.co.za 082 467 3659 082 777 3024 www.thegoodtimes.co.za Published by GT Media Tel: +27 (0)21 790 0664
Constantia Waldorf School
We Recommend a Day at the Clay Café
When you wind your way to the very top of a narrow dirt road just next to the Oakhurst Farm Stall Spar, you will arrive at the “Clay Café” one of the gems of Hout Bay. Owned and run by Chris Bradburn, a very hands-on and capable lady. Chris started out in her home many years ago and has been in the current premises since 1999. The Clay Café, situated in a beautiful area of Hout Bay, overlooking the mountains and valleys, is a great place to go to work everyday. Chris is very much in demand and as we talk her phone rings, the staff have questions, I have questions and she handles it all with ease.
We take a tour of the premises which are bigger than one thinks at first glance. Bright, colourful ceramics are everywhere, from the teddy bear painted by a little girl, to the professional dinner service, being readied for delivery. I find it all so interesting I don’t know where to look first. Chris tells me she has a staff of 25, some of whom are from the same family and have been with her for many years. Chris herself only started pottery as an adult. However, the “pottery bug” bit her and she has not looked back. The products are of a very high quality and can be used in the microwave and dishwasher. You can buy them at Kirstenbosch Gardens and various shops around Cape Town. You can also purchase very good “seconds” at the Clay Café directly, at good prices. This way you can build up a dinner service that is completely unique! The “Clay Café” is also a good place to go for coffee and cake. Under the watchful eye and supervision of Danni Dogon, a Silwood trained chef, my husband and I enjoyed the
All ages enjoy ceramic painting at The Clay Cafe.
largest piece of chocolate cake ever, which had great flavour. We will definitely be going back again soon. The good news is, Danni will be giving cookery lessons during the holidays. Bring the children along to master the art of biscuit making, cup cake creation & pizza baking. Contact the Café on 021 790 3318 or email chasms@houtbay.com for information on dates and times. Also coming up is a “Holiday Special” which includes 2 items of pottery to paint, a juice and a snack, all for R95.00. A great idea for the children to use as Christmas presents for someone special, but don’t forget to allow 2 weeks for firing. Popular events are “Team Building” exercises and “Kitchen Teas”. The Café is also open at night for a minimum of 10 people for your own private function. Children’s birthday parties are very popular. There is a play area outside and a jumping castle, if required, to get rid of excess energy. Children of all shapes and sizes run around dressed in anything from jeans and tee-shirt to glittery fairy dresses. Anything
goes at the Clay Café. Families sit around tables, toasted sandwich in one hand, paint brush in the other, all working intently on their creations. Pretty much weather proof, because of large tents attached to the building, the Clay Café is an “all year” venue, which is great for the kids, mom and dad! For more information on “The Clay Café” phone: 021 790 3318, email: chasms@ houtbay.com or visit their website at : www.claycafe.co.za By Margarett Macfarlane.
Revealing An “Undiscovered” Gem!
“Hardly ‘undiscovered’!” you may well retort! However this historic architectural landmark remains an undiscovered gem to many local Cape Town folk. Hout Bay Manor, originally The Royal Hotel, was built in 1871 by Jacob Trautmann and seemed beyond its heyday in the early 2000s. However, after an 18 month renovation and restoration, the hotel was reopened and to this day remains a popular wedding and honeymoon venue. Popular with tourists and visitors for it’s unique olde world Cape Colonial charm and it’s proximity to famous attractions such
as Chapman’s Peak Drive and surrounds, the hotel’s apparent exclusivity has left it seldom frequented by locals. But, no more! Since working on the H’out & About page in the previous Good Times issue, I have made a concerted effort to try new places instead of always falling back on our family’s “old favourites”. On a hot Saturday in early November we felt the need to get out of the house. Perusing the restaurant page, I kept being drawn back to the Pure Restaurant details, however it’s hardly a place to take seven children. (Not all mine!) I’d heard that there’s a big drive to make The Manor more accessible to locals, so I called ahead and enquired about the children and the receptionist assured me they were welcome. What a pleasant surprise! We took a large table next to the pool, the staff were attentive and friendly and the food was tremendous. Renowned as a fine dining establishment, Pure Restaurant runs a B.B.B. Special which is a burger & beer or bubbles special for R75.00. A substantial burger with chips and salad and a kiddies menu with chicken schnitzel that had my children devouring their food including the tasty side salad. As it wasn’t busy, our children were allowed to swim in the heated pool, and they had an absolute ball all afternoon. Not always an option, however they will let you know if you call them in advance.
Short of going to the beach and foregoing a delicious lunch, there was nowhere more perfect for us all to have spent the sweltering afternoon. On the downside, after our yummy lunch and lazy chats, none of us had any desire to go back home to those intended odd jobs around the house!
Hout Bay Manor also has a tea & cake special for R25.00, just perfect for under the trees on those hot summer afternoons.
A B’Earthday Party - You’re Invited!
Reflections with Maggie As 2013 is fast drawing to a close, what better time for “Reflections”
The UP (www.theup.org.za) is about to celebrate 10 years of service, steadily growing UP from just 2 Hospital Care Clowns to over 75 in Cape Town and now also Gauteng. To celebrate that 10years ago our joyinspiring work began to Be on this Earth – we are having a HUGE 10th B’EARTHDAY PARTY. Nicola Jackman – founder of The UP and one of GLAMOUR’s WOMEN of the YEAR for 2013 says; “This is such a special milestone for us, we have really grown UP, we used to UPlift just 100 children and now with the ever-growing interest in our work, we bring consistent joy to over 3500 children every month. It’s the most awesomely YAY experience to see how sharing JOY effects everyone, the giver, the receiver and all who witness the exchange.” On December 16th 2013 – The UP is creating CAPE TOWN’s FIRST EVER PUBLIC B’EARTHDAY PARTY… Families will be able to simultaneously support The UP’s amazing work, whilst having a HEAP of fun travelling a miniworld at Kronendal Primary School.
Nicola adds; “It’s our intention to inspire families to play together, we do a lot of corporate joy work and thought why not bring some team-building type games to our B’Earthday Party and build family/groups of friends as teams. There will be loads of bonus entertainment too – including theatre, music & dance” Tickets are R50p/p (for all ages & remember the fee includes your donation to THE UP – ensuring UP’s 10th year is the largest JOY outreach ever) Travel the world & support the growth of JOY, play loads of games & win prizes for best dressed, fastest travelling group and other spot prizes. Tickets available on QUICKET (group booking discounts available). On arrival your friends or family group will receive a group passport & then you will be able to explore the 13 different countries and enjoy all the bonus entertainment too. Celebrate 10 years of sharing and growing JOY & let’s raise FUN and FUNDS for the UP and envision love & joy growing around the world! Venue: Kronendal Primary Hout Bay Time: 10am – 5pm
What happened to our list of New Years resolutions we wrote out with such determination at the beginning of the year? Did we spend more quality time with the kids? Did we lose those extra kilos? Did we stop smoking? Did we clean the car weekly? And many, many more! Well, the chances are, we did none of the above, and to complicate matters, we feel bad that we did not. With 2014 around the corner, we will most likely repeat the whole process. Well, let’s think about this. We would all like to make certain changes and improvements
in our lives, but this needs to be a positive, ongoing, experience. We need to work towards our goals and make them life changing. Do you want to lose 5kg? Well, give yourself a year to do it. That way it will stay off and you will have changed your eating pattern for life. How are you going to spend more time with the kids. Allow 10 minutes a day extra and you get the equivalent of 8 days a year extra with the little people. The fact is, if we set our expectations too high, we set ourselves up for failure. On the other hand, if we aim for something achievable, it is win – win, and we feel good. So for 2014, think seriously about what matters to you – work out a practical time period, write it in the front of your 2014 diary and look forward to positive results at the end of 2014. Good luck and see you again next year !
Maggie, (Margerett Macfarlane) was born in Cape Town, and has been in business most of her life. She won the “SA Business Woman of the Year” award in 1992, when she was Managing Director of a company involved in electronic manufacture and export. She is trained as a Bereavement Councillor for St Luke’s Hospice. She oversaw the “Look Good, Feel Better” imitative in Cape Town for a number of years. (They provide make over workshops for cancer patients at various hospitals.) She qualified as an Image Consultant and firmly believes that we all need some colour in our lives! She gives motivational talks and is trained as a “Life Skills” coach. She has been happily married for 46 years, has 2 children and 2 wonderful grandchildren, all close by. These days she take it a bit easier and enjoys the moment. She exercises at least 3 times a week and hopes to start drumming soon.
Tips for Healthy Teeth this Christmas
About The UP - The UP is a Not for Profit Organisation 122-357 NPO, founded in 2003. They are an arts for health humanitarian company, committed to bringing UPliftment and extra emotional care to sick & traumatised children in communities, homes & hospitals. Sharing joy sUPports the children’s well-being & recuperation. For almost 10 years they’ve been actively building, sharing and inspiring joy… “Care Clowning, laughter, play, our kindness – caring for one another – that’s UP; WE are all joy catalysts creating a healthier happier humanKIND.” (www.theup.org.za) Nicola Jackman is an award winning actress, voice artist and joy Catalyst. With over 20 years professional acting experience, including 3 years in Isidingo and numerous stage & film productions. Currently she’s one of the key voice artists in ZAnews, where she voices Helen Zille, Lindiwe Masabuko, Lady Gaga, Yolande Visser, Deborah Patta, Michelle Obama and many more. As a joy catalyst, she’s been playing seriously at inspiring people to enjoy life, step out of their stressful limiting behaviour and become “yay-saying, solution orientated beings”. (www.nicolajackman. com)
Each of us get 20 milk teeth after we are born. They are important, because healthy milk teeth help your jawbone and mouth’s muscles develop better – and make your smile beautiful! Between your fifth and thirteenth birthday you lose them, because you are becoming bigger and need bigger teeth. You then get 32 brand new teeth, which you have to keep forever. Sometimes one or two of your milk teeth remain in your mouth until you
are much older. This is because there is no permanent tooth below or above trying to come out. Here are some great tips to help keep your teeth healthy and shiny this Christmas • Brush your teeth after every meal to remove every bit of food. • Use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride – the stuff that makes teeth stronger. • Begin at the gum and brush in small circular movements towards the tips of the teeth. • Scrub the biting surfaces with small back-and-forth movements. • Follow a routine so that you don’t miss anything. • Begin at the back of the lower teeth and clean the outside. Then do the same with the inside. • Do the same for the upper teeth and thereafter brush all the biting surfaces. • Use dental floss to clean between your teeth. • Eat food that contains a lot of vitamins and minerals. Try to eat less sticky and sweet foods. • Visit a dentist twice a year.
How long have you been at AISCT? I have been here for three years. Where have you taught before? I have taught at North Jakarta International School in Indonesia and Community High School in Ann Arbor. What do you love about teaching? I love that I get to tell stories all day. I love to learn from my students. Also, I love to share my love for learning. Do you have any other interests and passions? I am very passionate about fashion, art, trends, popular culture, music, and playing sports.
Where were you born? Cape Town Where did you study? UWC What was your favourite subject? English. Who was your favourite teacher? Mr Kirkland (English) Your favourite day of the week? Friday. I get to put up my feet and rest for the next two days. What star sign are you? Sagittarius. A special moment while teaching? In September 1993 I got the opportunity to meet Mr Mandela in person when he addressed the staff and parents from schools in and around Mitchell’s Plain at Glendale High. I was teaching at Westridge High at the time. That will remain a highlight in my life.
Zina Scimemi-O, American International School of CT
Elizabeth van Niekerk, Bergvliet High School.
Where were you born? Scotland Where did you study? University of Strathclyde & UCT What was your favourite subject? Ancient Greek Language Who was your favourite teacher? Mr Mecklejohn, our mad French teacher. Which is your favourite day of the week and why? Friday - weekend approaches! What star sign are you? Leo A special moment while teaching? When a Grade One child said “I hope when my child is in Grade One, you will be her teacher.”
Where were you born? Johannesburg Where did you study? Bloemfontein Teachers’ Training College. What was your favourite subject? Maths Your favourite teacher? Mr Steyn (Maths) Your favourite day of the week? Saturday because I can socialise and seek out my favourite coffee shop What star sign are you? Virgo A special moment while teaching: As a Grade 4 teacher: The unexpected hugs as well as special and sincere notes with pretty drawings I so often receive from my pupils telling me “You’re the best teacher ever” and being stopped in public places by past pupils to have a friendly chat.
Where were you born? Kingsbury Hospital in Claremont Where did you study? Cape Town Training College in Mowbray and UCT What was your favourite subject? Everything about primary school. Who was your favourite teacher? Many of my BPS teachers. Your favourite day of the week?
Friday Assembly, I enjoy meeting together with all the children and enjoy their contributions to our assemblies.
What star sign are you? Virgo. A special moment while teaching: As Principal of my “old” primary school I enjoy seeing past pupils coming in to enrol their children. Meeting “children” who have gone on to become doctors, musicians, actors and so on makes one realize the importance of one’s work.
Lynette de Beer, Principal, Bergvliet Primary School. Where were you born? Cape Town Where did you study? UCT What was your favourite subject? Biology Your favourite teacher? Mrs Wilcox (Latin) Your favourite day of the week? Friday. It’s always a relief to know that a week’s work has been successfully completed and you can look forward to a break. A special moment while teaching: All those times when kids surprise you with offers to do the chores and projects that no one else wants to do. Also when students produce work way beyond one’s expectation.
Margaret Maxwell, Herzlia Constantia Primary
Laetitia Hilder, Kirstenhof Primary School
Karen Dreyer-Stempels, South Peninsula High School
Where were you born? Durban Where did you study? Cape Town Teachers’ College What was your favourite subject? Biology as I enjoy learning about animals and plants. Who was your favourite teacher? My Std 2 teacher, Mrs van der Merwe, she was strict but fair. Which is your favourite day? Friday as my class goes to computers in the last hour of the day! They love computers and I have a shorter day. A special moment while teaching? I have many special and rewarding moments! The most recent one was when I received an email from a past pupil, who had just been appointed as deputy head boy at a prestigious boy’s school in Cape Town, thanking me for the positive influence I had on him and for my part in making him who he is today! I am so proud of him.
Where were you born? Cape Town Where did you study? UWC What was your favourite subject at school? Geography Who was your favourite teacher? Mr Hope (Geography). He made geography come alive. Which is your favourite day? Saturday - it is a time that I get to spend with the people I love. I often find I have time on a Saturday to releflect. What star sign are you? Libra A special moment while teaching? There are many. A student had been sick for a few days. She was very concerned that she could not write the test that day. My response to her was that no one had died, which really changed her perspective and she brightened up and said “Can I give you a hug?”
Where were you born? Marianhill, KZN Where did you study? University of Natal and UNISA What was your favourite subject? English Your favourite teacher? Pat Meyer (History) Your favourite day of the week? Friday because the week’s tasks have been completed and an exciting weekend lies ahead. What star sign are you? Libra A special moment while teaching: Endless special moments in the library watching the magic of books and reading taking hold of children.
Tracey Coetzee, Sweet Valley Primary School.
Alison Philander, Waldorf Constantia School
Frances Hanekom, Westcott Primary School
Editor’s Note: Frances is retiring at the end of this year, and all at Westcott Primary would like tot hank her for all the years of service and wish her well for the future.
Transformation at Pelican Park High School Former principal of Sea Point Primary School, Cader Tregonning, was moved across to Pelican Park High School last year by the Department of Education, with the instruction to “turn the school around”. His first three months at the school were tough and he missed Sea Point Primary very much. His first glance at the classrooms was rather depressing. There were 370 learners and 11 teachers and a lack of materials. He felt there was tremendous potential in the school and he spoke to the learners and staff about the necessity to turn it around, into a school of excellence, a school of choice. There had been vandalism and neglect and the school was in a terrible state. They needed a plan. The staff worked together and put together a fifteen point intervention plan to make the change. One of those points was the necessity for past matric exam papers from the last five years to be compiled and supplied to the children. A time consuming exercise for each subject teacher and an expensive exercise for the school. This is where Paperight joins the story. As if they had been in on the 15 point plan meetings, Yazeed Peters, business-development manager of Paperight, “popped up like a blessing in disguise”. Mr Ighsaan Dramat, Acting HOD, tells how all they had to do was place an order and the “books” were there within a week. It is not the first time the learners have been exposed to question papers, but it is the first time they have been exposed to the papers plus memorandums all in one neat pack individually personalised. The children found the packs incredibly helpful and those who ordered from the beginning of the year, saw a marked improvement in their work results and prelims. Mr Tregonning says that the most important thing was that the learners were able to start from day one to work on the papers. Those children who had not purchased the question packs saw the results of the learners who had bought them, and after prelims there was an “explosion” of pack buying. Nizaaimudeen Gallow, a matric learner, says he has bought all the packs. “They’ve helped me tremendously. Without them I would not have been able to study, revise my work. Especially the main subjects like Physics and maybe English also. Working through the past papers helps me check my answers, see if I’m right. And I mostly always am!” He laughs. Mr Tregonning says “Paperight are part and parcel of our family. We want to take this to the next level. This is all in pursuit of excellence. All in pursuit of where we are going with our school and they’ve (Paperight) played a very very important role with this year’s matriculants and we will always be thankful to them. We need to look at ways of how to strengthen that partnership in the future.” To view a documentary on this amazing turnaround, go to http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=cs69YVQLI4U. For more information on Paperight, visit www.paperight.com
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Mmmmmm, check out the restaurants in our Out & About feature who wouldn’t want a great meal out at any or all of these special Cape Town eateries? Stand a chance to win a voucher from any one of these gems, just follow the procedures below and wait for us to contact you...you may just be taking your family or friends out for a scrumptious and memorable meal! How to Win E-mail your name, age, school and review to competitions@thegoodtimes.co.za. Altrnatively: 1. Go to our facebook page at: www.facebook.com/
TheGoodTimesSchoolPaper 2. Like us 3. Message us a review of any of the Hout Bay restaurants featured in H’out & About. Include information like: • Your favourite dish? • What you choose off the menu to really treat yourself? • What appeals to you most about the restaurant? • What is the service like? 4. Moms and Dads posting for their children please include their name, age, school and a contact e-mail. This competition is open to all ages. The competition closes on 15 January 2013. The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the winners.
1 Pam Arlene Place Main Road Hout Bay
Bookings: 021 790 3462
Shop A1 Mainstream Shopping Centre Hout Bay, Cape Town (021)790 0305 daisyjax3@gmail.com
December Holidays and New Year’s Eve - Family Friendly Outings Not sure what to do with your kids during the December holidays? We are here to help! We found some wonderful activities that your kids will love (and you will actually enjoy too) as well as some great New Year’s Eve suggestions.
Get Outdoors
Take full advantage of the summery weather and spend as much time outdoors as you can – here are 3 outings that are perfect for those stunning sunny days:
Photo courtesy josna.wordpress.com
Strawberry Picking - R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West
This really is fun for the whole family – no matter the age group, picking strawberries at the well-known Mooiberge Farm will not disappoint. Grab a basket, get picking and then enjoy your delicious handpicked strawberries at home with cream or ice cream. Tel: 021 881 3222
Photo courtesy intaka.co.za
Intaka Island – Century City
Who would’ve thought you could take a ferry across a lake to an island in the middle of Century City? Well, if you’d like to experience something very few other places in Cape Town can offer then this is it. Intaka Island has a beautiful selection of flora and a rich bird life – with a 2km path, you and your kids can stroll around at your own pace exploring all it has to offer. Tel: 021 552 6889
Get Cultural
Cape Town has so much to offer when it comes to learning about our culture and learning about the world – here are 2 activities that are sure to each both you and your kids something new (and it’s lots of fun too!):
Photo courtesy runnersworld.co.za
New Year’s Eve Sunset Hike at Delvera
Photo courtesy Llandudno Primary
The Cape Town Science Centre – 370B Main Road, Observatory
With daily workshops during the school holidays and loads to see and do, the Science Centre is sure to keep any child (and adult) captivated with their exhibits and experiments. Tel: 021 300 3200
This would be more suited for older kids (10 years +) just due to the hiking. Spend the last day of 2013 taking an unforgettable hike up the mountain and when you reach the top it’s time for snacks and champagne! For more information you can call 021 884 4352
Get Celebrating
Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to be in bed by 9pm on New Year’s Eve. Here are a few options for parents with kids 6 - 8 years and older:
Photo courtesy sa-venues.com
The Company Gardens and the Iziko Museum Planetarium Photo courtesy capetowndailyphoto.com
Deer Park Café – 2 Deer Park Avenue, Vredehoek This outing is perfect for the parent who wants to sit back and relax while the kids run around. With a playground just outside the café, it is an ideal place to go for lunch with friends and family AND your kids. Tel: 021 462 6311
Pack a picnic and start your day off sitting in the gardens, feeding the squirrels, and then head on over to the Iziko Museum when your kids are fed and happy. The museum is wonderful for all ages as there is so much to see - from whalebones and dinosaurs to crystals and wild animals. The planetarium has shows throughout the day, so you can even end your outing off with a relaxing viewing of the stars. Tel: 021 481 3900
Host your own party! Photo courtesy sa-venues.com
Kirstenbosch Botanical New Year’s Eve Concert
Gardens
This is possibly one of the most magical ways to enter the New Year – with amazing music, the natural surroundings, the happy crowd, and a yummy picnic – what more could ask for? This year the artists performing will include Goldfish, Yoav, and Tailor. For more information you can call 021 761 2866
Going out and joining the rest of the world can be tricky when you have very young kids, so why not bring the world to you? Get some friends together, buy the bubbly, get some snacks and you are ready to welcome 2014 in the comfort of you own home!
We will be sharing more December holiday tips and outings on our Facebook and Twitter pages, so keep a look out and you’ll be sure to have a very fun-filled holiday!
Charcoal Sketch by Suho Lee, American International.
By Lauren Ball, Grade 11, Bergvliet High School.
By Sean Petersen, Grade 7H, Bergvliet Primary School.
Starry Night, Elijah Zar, Grade 2, Herzlia Constantia
By Keagan Larkin, Grade 6, Kirstenhof Primary School.
By Tyler Solomon, Grade 12, South Peninsula High School.
By Caitlin Hallauer, Grade 6, Sweet Valley Primary School.
By Stefin Baker, Cl 13, Waldorf Constantia School.
Owl Art, Grade 3, Westcott Primary School.
By Jodi Yotikul, Grade 7, Kirstenhof Primary School.
Emma Lewis-Thomas, Grade 12, Bergvliet High School.
By Kyra Ormond, Kirstenhof Primary School.
Back to School Night 2013
The purpose of Back-to-School Night at the American International School of Cape Town is to allow parents and teachers to get to know each other and for parents to be informed about courses and programs that their children are enrolled in. This year’s Back-to-School Night took place on the 6th of August. All teachers attended in order to update parents about their courses and plans for the year. This year’s Back-to-School Night was different
from previous ones. It involved more discussion on college programs and informed parents about the college counseling opportunities at the school. Back-to-School Night also gave parents an opportunity to update themselves on the activities offered at AISCT. The night went very well; all seats were filled and many families attended. Frances Sholto-Douglas and Laura Jacke
Raoul Owens: No Average Student Raoul Owens, a 12th grade student at the American International School of Cape Town (AISCT), is participating in a European-based series, the Formula Renault Northern European Cup (NEC). He has raced all over Europe at some of the most prestigious and challenging circuits in the world such as SpaFrancorchamps and Nurburgring. Two weeks ago he competed in the final round of the championship at the Zandvoort Park circuit in Holland where he
placed a well-deserved 2nd in the first race. The second race was cancelled due to awful weather conditions, thus concluding the championship for 2013 where Raoul finished a respectable 9th out of 52 drivers overall competing throughout the season. Raoul looks forward to the prospect of next season beginning in April and continues to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. By R. H. Speed
The New iPad Program Visiting a Homeless Shelter
During the 2012-2013 school year at the American International School of Cape Town (AISCT), an iPad program was implemented into Grades 4 and 5 for a trial period. Before the iPads were brought into the classrooms, three teachers and three administrators, were loaned iPads from the school for training purposes. Mr. Julian Saunders, Director of IT at AISCT, is the head of the iPad program and organized these opportunities for the teachers to attend the training workshops. When students were told that they were going to be given iPads to be used at school, one could imagine the exuberance in these young learners, and this excitement was carried throughout the year. At the end of this pilot program, the students in other grades could not wait for this opportunity to come to their grade. This eagerness was met with approval from the School Board to start expanding the program into the rest of the school. By NezarEl Kaissi
You stare blankly out the car window, listening to the sound of the raindrops pelting against the windows, the windscreen wipers squeaking as they glide along the windscreen. You see a woman running in the rain. She has on a pair of tattered jeans, and only a t-shirt to shelter her from the rain. Her head is covered by a bandana that the rain has soaked through, and she’s cradling a baby in her arms wrapped in a beach towel from this summer past. Your mother sees her too. She slowly applies her foot to the brakes and pulls over. She fumbles around in her purse before pulling out a R10 note. She approaches. The running woman turns around and runs to your mother. After saying a few words, your generous mother hands the R10 to the woman, who smiles a crooked smile and runs away again. Your mother returns to the car feeling very good about herself, and you too, even though you didn’t do much. I bet you always thought you were doing the right thing; I know my mother and I did. But at the Haven Wynberg Homeless Shelter during our service learning trip, we were told that this is not the right thing to do. By giving a homeless person something, whether it is clothes, food or money you are sustaining them in their life on the street. You’re basically encouraging them to live there, because you’re saying, “I’ll sustain you on the streets; I’ll provide you with food, water, and clothes.” So what can you do that can actually help that poor person on the street? Well, you can tell them the location of a homeless shelter, for example, Wynberg Homeless Shelter. Another thing, the Wynberg Homeless Shelter offers is a voucher which costs R100.00. When you meet someone who is homeless and you believe they want your help to get off the streets and they want a better life, you simply give them a voucher and instruct them to go to the Wynberg Homeless Shelter, where they will get a meal, a shower, some clean clothes and, if there is an available bed, they will get to have that for the night too. The Wynberg Homeless Shelter could really use your help; any charity you are willing to give/do for them would really help. For example, you can donate some paint so they can paint their wall, or you can paint it. You can give an old mattress, or some old clothes and toys you’re not using anymore. If you have some seeds that they can use to plant in their organic garden, I’m sure they would really appreciate it. They are also really interested in learning new stuff to save energy and resources so their operation will be more energy efficient. When a group of AISCT high school students visited on a Saturday, we had a great time. We learnt a lot about the shelter, and it was very rewarding to see how grateful the people of the shelter were. Personally, I really enjoyed this service learning trip, not only for the above reasons, but to get to know other students I normally wouldn’t talk to. So for me service is a great time to bond with friends and make new ones too. By Mackenzie Humphreys, Grade 9
What’s Up? Not My Temperature… The how-to guide for the socially awkward!
Ever get a message saying “what’s up?” or “hey, how are you?”? If so, you probably comprehend the sensation of wanting to slit your gagging throat and jump in a pool of lava. And if indeed you are one of these clearly socially handicapped human beings who truly believe that sending a text along these lines is charming or going to help you get the girl or guy of your dreams, you are sorely mistaken. Prepare for a life of many cats and take-out nights alone. Nights in will be your forte. Sound good? No? Then read on. I am here to help you live a life filled with possible love or even marriage, if you’re lucky. It’s time to think about what you are trying to achieve when sending a message or where the conversation will lead. Maybe, if you truly have so little to talk about with a person that you have to resort to sending such painfully useless messages to them, you should just give it a miss. If, in the most likely situation, the person you are talking to is more attractive than you, smarter, and generally just completely out of your league, you’re going to want to wow them a little more than the other five hundred hopefuls who think that “how are you?” is going to cut it. Just let that sink in for a minute. Then, ask yourself American International School of Cape Town Print Run Sponsored By Rock Sushi Thai:
what you’re doing that’s going to set you apart from the others and make you desirable. Another idea to consider is being in the poor person’s shoes that you are texting. If you are interested in this person, there are probably others with the same goals and methods (“Sup?”) as you. Therefore, the girl or guy is going to have to answer the questions “What are you up to?” and “How are you doing?” about a million times every day. Doesn’t that sound like hell to you? Well, it is. Even more so when it’s a Sunday night and – even though your dream boy or girl is online on Facebook – you decide that sending a message asking them what they’re up to is a swell idea. They’re on Facebook. They’re not skydiving for goodness sake. To finish this off, I’d like you to think about how the person who you like probably likes someone who doesn’t send them pointless texts. Would you not rather be that person? The person who doesn’t scream “I’M DESPERATE!” with every stroke on a keyboard and doesn’t have to use the phrase “Nice guys finish last” as an excuse for their failures – because, I assure you that nice guys or girls do not finish last. Desperate ones do. I’m not telling you to change who you are completely, but I am simply hoping that the next time you reach for that keyboard or phone, I’ll be in the back of your mind – or at least not the person you’re texting. A Twelfth Grade Creative Writing piece.
Representative Council of Learners & Senior Leaders 2014
Representative Council of Learners (RCL) Left to right: Seated: Roseanne Withey, Michael Owen, Annabela Bekker, Jared Henry, Ms B Jorge, Amy Edwards. Middle Row: Lebo Mashego, Shadley Southgate, Clement Ndayoshimye, Kudzani Mutsambi, Mitch Conradie, Riley Newman. Back Row: Courtney Jacobs, Sarah Stott, Daniel Skriker, Ashten Rhoda.
Senior Leaders Left to right: Seated: JP Nicholls, Roseanne Withey, Michael Owen, Annabela Bekker, Jared Henry, Mrs S. Scott, Lauren Ball, Clement Ndayoshimye. Middle Row: Demi Southgate, Shannon Nel, Megan Carelse, Claudia Lass, Anthony Mare, Sean White, David Hendricks, Mohammed Banderker, Alleluya Dina, Bryn MacArthur, Kelly Jeffery, Ami Allen. Back Row: Danielle George, Micaela Peter, Micaelin Bock, Hope Mbiza, Shannon Henry, Althea de Wet, Narusha Ranjith.
National Bullying Awareness Day Bergvliet’s Provincial Cheerleaders
Some of the Anti-Bullying Committee (ABC) with Mrs Kaye Cloete, Head of Guidance Photo supplied by Grant Hillebrand
In support of the JAG Bully Proof Campaign and National Bullying Awareness Day on the 26 July, Bergvliet High School’s Anti-Bullying Committee (ABC) encouraged every class to pledge against bullying by signing their names in purple on class pledges. The colour purple was chosen as the campaign colour and the learners wore purple items to school to publically show their support.
Top left:Leigh Cozett, Sinead Teeling, Blythe Brigg, Chelsea Abrahams, Shannon Summers, Kaylin Sassman, Second row from back:Justine Petersen, Danielle George, Holly Mcetwya, Erin Bergman, Nicole Pym, Dayna Garcia, Natalie Groeneveld, Third row from back: Demi Southgate, Kelly Jeffrey, Britney Murphy, Keilah Paul, Kaitlyn Williams, Jessica van Rooi, Kirsten Davids, Carmen de Wet, Front row:Kirsty-Lee Laguma, Kirsty Diedericks, Jenita Hattingh, Sarah-Jane Damons, Micealin Bock, Lee-Ann Winterbach.
The Bergvliet High School Cheerleaders have competed in various competitions throughout the year and managed to qualify for the Western Province competition. Co-ordinator Charme Kriel said, “They did exceptionally well and won 1st place, we are very proud of them”.
Music Eisteddfod
Drama Eisteddfod
Four students who were mentioned by the adjudicator for their outstanding performance in the Eisteddfod. The Bergvliet High School Music Department performed at the Cape Town Eisteddfod on the 18 May. They entered a total of five ensembles and walked away with their heads high! They received Honours (75-80%) for two of the bands (Concert Band and Brass Ensemble) and Brandon Benjamin, Justin O’ Kelly, Megan Engel their 3 other ensembles namely Sax Quartet and Rezah Sampson and their Junior and Senior Jazz Bands received Diplomas (over 90%). Harlene done to all the students, they have made Veotte, Junior Head of Music said, “ Well Bergvliet High School proud.”
Micaela Peter and Carly Thorndike, two of Bergvliet High School’s grade 11 drama students achieved Diploma (90% and above) for their monologues at the Speech and Drama Eisteddfod on the 29 May. Other awards were given to: Grade 10 Duologue Jesse Bougardt and Riley Herbert - Honours + (85-89%), Grade 10 Public Speaking L– R Micaela Peter, Miss Kira Koopman (Head Josh Van Wyk - Honours + (85-89%), Grade of Drama) and Carly Thorndike 10 Creative Adverts - Jesse Bougardt, Josh Gordon, Riley Herbert, Jana Beukman, “This is the first time Bergvliet High School Josh Van Wyk - Diploma (90-100%), Grade have entered students in the Speech and 10 Poetry - Josh Van Wyk - Honours + (85- Drama Eisteddfod and we are very proud of 89%) Head of Drama, Kira Koopman said, these achievements.”
Paperight Robben Island Balloon Journey Young Young Writers’ Creative Art Anthology Competition The Nelson Mandela Childrens’ Hospital fund received a nice “boost” thanks to the learners of Bergvliet High School. On Friday, 19 April 2013, past pupil Matt Silver-Vallance returned to Bergvliet High School to tell the learners about his exciting journey from Robben Island to the mainland using only helium balloons. During his visit the United Africa Committee on behalf of the school, handed over R17 800. This money was raised from a special Balloon Day in support of Matthew’s venture. Matthew thanked everyone who were involved with his venture.
Charmaine Kendal, Triston Liebenberg and Oscar Masinyana
Oscar Masinyana, editor of Paperight visited Bergvliet High School on the 15th of July. Mr Masinyana handed over a copy of the Paperight Young Writers’ Anthology 2013 to BHS student, Triston Liebenberg. Triston’s essay entitled ‘Reflections’ was chosen as the top essay entry after being compared to submissions from high school students all over South Africa. This is an outstanding achievement for Triston. The Anthology set out to compile only the very best work from South African high school learners, with the selected writers and artists making it through a highly competitive shortlisting process over three months involving thousands of entries.
Matt Silver-Vallance’s helium balloon Trip
Special Balloon Day fundraiser supporting Matt’s helium balloon trip raising money for The Nelson Mandela Childrens’ Hospital.
Our Western Province Achievers
Emma Lewis-Thomas, Grade 12 - Cats Bergvliet High School learners, Emma LewisThomas in grade 12 and Lauren Ball in grade 11 were awarded Special Mention Awards at the CTCA (Cape Town Creative Academy )Young Creative Competition and Exhibition 2013 at the Old Biscuit Mill.
World Champion
L-R: Roseanne Withey – WP U/18”B” Girls Hockey Team; Donovan Opie – WP U/15”B” Cricket Team; Justin Barodien – WP U/15”A” Cricket Team; Miche Bennett – WP Girls U/19 Cricket Team and WP U/16”A” Girls Hockey Team
Lauren Ball, Grade 11 - Dog’s Eye
National Moot Court Debating Competition Nelson Mandela Day Photo: Kenny Rice
Kenny Rice is officially the Surf Ski World Junior Champion. This achievement was acknowledged at the Surf Ski World Championships which was held in Portugal in July. While Kenny was being awarded with the Junior award his brother Sean Rice was accepting the Surf Ski World Senior Championship award. Kenny is in Matric at Bergvliet High while his Sean is a past pupil of the same school. The brothers will be heading to Copenhagen to take part in the Canoe Marathon Championships 2013.
The National Schools Moot Court Competition is a highly competitive legal contest between schools from around the country. Annabela Bekker and Erin Malan were selected to take part in the National Schools MOOT COURT Debating
Competition, Western Cape Provincial Rounds on 25 May 2013. Their written arguments were approved and Annabela and Erin went on to represent Bergvliet High School in the finals as one of 9 schools out of 27 in the Western Cape. They achieved 2nd place with 1st place going to Immaculata High School. The girls made it through to the national rounds of the competition and flew to Pretoria where they got to experience Constitution Hill, see the Constitutional Court and meet people from across the country. All of their hard work paid off and they placed in the top 10 in South Africa!
Lesley with a team of bag makers.
We are sure Mr Mandela would have smiled if he had seen the Bergvliet High School learners making sleeping bags for the homeless out of plastic sheeting and newspaper in celebration of his 95th birthday and the 67 minute community initiative.
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Our “BPS Buddies” Green Bracelets Learners at Bergvliet Primary School all wear a green bracelet with the words “I’m a BPS Buddy” printed on it. Earlier this year we launched a new campaign of awareness amongst the learners. Wearing the bracelet reminds the child to always consider the needs and feelings of their fellow learners. We strive to entrench a culture of kindness, compassion and understanding amongst our learners, and we have noticed a positive spin-off effect throughout the grades. Bergvliet Buddies are often busily involved in a variety of extramural activities, and as a result of their enthusiasm and dedication they achieve success. The following learners (in no particular order) have earned good results.
Sarah Ray (Above) achieved first place in two different figure-skating competitions held at Grand West’s Ice Station – she was awarded a gold and a silver medal as well as certificates. Sarah has been ice-skating with her club Junior Blades, for the past three years.
Malikah Gaibi (Left) plays Western Province Schools’ Golf League and her team have enjoyed a very successful season, winning the finals and gold. Farai Wafawarowa (Left) won a gold medal for karate at a National Tournament – this was for Kumite in the 11 – 12 years age group. He is a member of the South African team which will compete at the World Championships in Sun City in 2014.
Bevan Bevan Wyngaard (Above) was voted Players’ Player of the Year in the U13 age group at Meadowridge Football Club.
Western Province Schools’ Softball players, Matthew Blows (Left) and Damian Overmeyer (Right) have both been selected to participate in the National Softball Tournament in Pretoria from 4 – 7 December 2013. Mishqah Goliath (Left) was chosen for the U14 Girls Western Province B team for Indoor Hockey Nationals which will take place in December 2013. Congratulations to all the children who have worked so hard this year and achieved so much. They have made not only their families and themselves proud, they have delighted their teachers, coaches and friends and are very deserving of their success. To our talented provincial “BPS Buddies” competing in December, we wish you luck and look forward to hearing the results in the new year!
Annual Public Speaking Competition South African Mathematics Challenge
At our annual Public Speaking Competition held on Wednesday 16 October 2013 the winners in the Grade Four and Five Category were: First place – Kirsten Bessick, Second place – Ezra Narun and in Third place was Cailyn O’Kelly (Pictured Above). In the Grade Six and Seven Category the winner was Tariro Wafawarowa, followed by Jared Durr and third place was Ariyaana Cader (Pictured Below).
At Bergvliet Primary School we have some very keen mathematicians. On Wednesday, 04 September 2013 a large number of our learners took part in the 2013 South African Mathematics Challenge, with two receiving Gold, 16 receiving Silver and 5 receiving Bronze Certificates. On Tuesday, 29 October 2013 a team of learners from BPS’s Grade Seven classes participated in a Grade Seven Maths Competition hosted by Sweet Valley Primary School – nine schools participated and we came a very respectable second place.
Greening Our School Annually Traffic Safety With Mayor De Lille
We never forget to celebrate Arbour Week, with one class chosen each year to give a presentation at Assembly that week highlighting the importance of trees, the roles that they play in our lives and we also plant at least two specimens of the Tree of the Year somewhere in our grounds. This year we planted two Virgilias (Keurboom) in containers in our Peace Quad, and we were also given two beautiful trees from Starke Ayres Nursery, which we have planted on our southern boundary field. We are a school with a green uniform and a green consciousness too!
On Tuesday, 22 October 2013 the Mayor of Cape Town and her entourage visited Bergvliet Primary School to deliver a talk to our Foundation Phase learners about the necessity for great awareness and care to be taken when in the vicinity of traffic. The children listened with rapt attention, answering Ms De Lille’s questions eagerly, and even imparted to her tales of their parents “misdemeanours” when out in the traffic!
Celebrating World Teachers’ Day
Bergvliet Primary School celebrated World Teachers’ Day on Friday 4 October 2013 and here is what a few of the Grade Seven Learners had to say in assembly about the Bergvliet Primary School teachers.
”The staff of Bergvliet Primary School is very caring and motivational. They have encouraged me and my fellow class mates to improve ourselves and always dare to achieve more... Bergvliet Primary School has also taught me to contribute something to the world and do the best I can do.” Aileen Lee
Photo from left to right: Aileen Lee, Tariro Wafawarowa, Chloë-Leigh Roodt and Zia Lawrence
“The teachers at Bergvliet Primary are like your second parents, you can ask them for help and talk to them about anything. You know that you can trust them and that they only want what’s best for you. They want you to have a success story!” Tariro Wafawarowa
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Teachers at Bergvliet Primary School motivate and inspire me. Because of them, I can look forward to a great future. I will never forget the phenomenal, remarkable and unbelievable effects that the teachers of Bergvliet Primary have had on my life. Chloë- Leigh Roodt
Since Grade R, the teachers at Bergvliet Primary School have ignited a light inside me, which I try to bring forth in every single thing I do. They have fed this inquisitive fire with so much valuable knowledge and life lessons that this inferno will last forever. I would not be the person I am today if it were not for all the great teachers in this school. I am so grateful for everything that they have done for me and I try to make them proud of me by working hard. You are our heroes! Zia Lawrence
Waldorf School Fun Run
Constantia Waldorf: Education towards Freedom When viewing the Constantia Waldorf School, nestled in its serene surroundings with glorious mountain vistas, it is difficult to imagine that this School did not evolve out of the Earth itself. In fact, the Constantia Waldorf School has a ‘tapestry’ history, beginning when the School started with a Kindergarten Class in the garage of the home of Rupert and Lyda Braunlich in Pinelands in 1959. In 1960, as interest and participation grew, the Primary school opened with 23 children in premises in Park Road, Rondebosch (since demolished), with the first two Classes. In 1967, the School moved to the present grounds of 15 acres in Spaanschematriver Road, Constantia. New classes were added year by year until in 1970, the first complete class wrote the Joint Matriculation Examination Board. There has been consistent 100% Matric passes subsequently with many past pupils showing high achievements at university as well as in the business and corporate world. The old Farmhouse was converted to the present Kindergarten. New classrooms were built as well as a Gym hall, Library, rooms for Remedial, Woodwork, Handwork, Pottery, Jewellery, Art and the playing fields were extended. Also a Public Puppet Theatre was created as well as a Craft shop and the Sophia Family Centre.
Three Kindergarten classes are housed in a different building, with its own attractive garden for the children to play in. A Playgroup Class is situated close to the Kindergarten where 4 year olds are welcomed into a nurturing environment to slowly establish social skills. The School is co-educational and the curriculum and methods of teaching are based on the educational ideas of Rudolf Steiner.
In 1919 the Austrian philosopher, scientist and educationist Rudolf Steiner, opened a school for the children of workers in the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory in Stuttgart, West Germany. He had been asked to create a school which would lead
High School Basketball Team L - R Back Row: Merlin Thieme (Cl8), Noah Rudolph (Cl10), Ehren Braunlich (Cl10), Georg Janowski (Cl10), Front Row: Michael Jaftha (Cl8), Claus Sieckmann (Cl10), Liam Higgo (Cl10)
children to freedom in their adult lives For over 100 years the world-wide movement has continued to develop his principles of education, adapting their application to the needs of each situation. There are an estimated 1200 schools in almost every country and has become the strongest independent school movement in the world. As free schools with a curriculum based on the developmental needs of the human being and not on any economic or political programmes, Waldorf Schools have often struggled to maintain themselves in countries with restrictive laws. They were closed by the Nazis in Germany and have only recently been allowed in the countries of Eastern Europe and Russia. In South Africa, Waldorf schools have existed for more than 50 years. Under the apartheid government, Waldorf schools had to register as ‘private’ schools, and have had to fund themselves entirely. The established Waldorf Schools became multicultural, first under the restrictive and humiliating quota-system, and later freely as the process of dismantling apartheid began. Since 1986 Waldorf Education has made deliberate moves to help start the process of reconstruction in South African society. The schools seek to develop qualities of
appreciation, respect, understanding and social conscience in every individual so that co-operation and concern for the whole, forms part of his/her natural inclination. Waldorf Schools develop these qualities through artistic and creative teaching approaches in which pupils experience learning through activity, a subjective approach and through independent thinking. A self-motivated approach to learning and for taking initiative characterizes the pupils in Waldorf Schools. The aims of the School are to provide a modern form of education that is meaningful for the child in these times. The teacher strives to keep alive in a pupil the interest and sense of wonder with which he or she enters school. A broad curriculum, planned to achieve a balance between the sciences, the humanities and the arts, leads the child from year to year through the basic branches of knowledge integrated with his or her own life. The education given is not only academic; it is also for the hand and the heart. The aim is to enable the children to develop in such a way that they will become well-balanced men and women capable of adjusting themselves to the rapidly changing condition of modern life and creatively contributing to the maintenance of cultures and civilization.
Loads of fun and healthy refreshments at our Inter House Sports Day, where the children participated in numerous activities.
A Perspective on Tuck Shops: Part One
There isn’t a school principal who has not, at some stage, received queries from parents or pupils about the school Tuck Shop: What is sold? When is it sold? How is the money made through the Tuck Shop spent? These are just some of the questions that can generate debate. Throw religious, cultural and lifestyle choices into the mix and things get complicated! The dictionary definition of a “Tuck Shop” is a shop in or near a school which sells cakes and sweets. Many parents and teachers these days balk at the thought of children spending their Tuck Shop money on cakes and sweets, particularly in the pre-school and primary school years when concentration, behaviour and general health can be detrimentally affected by high sugar intake.
Tuck shops have been around for many years and modern day tuck shops vary from one school to the next with some schools retaining the more traditional model of a weekly or monthly parent operated food or cake sale, to commercial operations where the running of daily tuck shops is outsourced to “fast food” companies or external caterers. At the Constantia Waldorf School we have been grappling with the concept of a Tuck Shop within a broader context that encompasses healthy eating choices, the ethos of the school and our responsibility to the environment. A combination of factors has motivated our efforts to revamp our Tuck Shop in response to an increasing level of consciousness among parents, teachers and pupils regarding food production,
consumption, packaging and presentation. Waldorf markets throughout South Africa and elsewhere in the world have long been associated with the sale of arts and crafts, organic food and artisanal produce. This is partly related to the fact that, in addition to being the founder of the Waldorf education philosophy, Rudolph Steiner is the founder of the biodynamic farming approach. This is a system whereby farmers strive to create a diversified, balanced farm ecosystem that generates health and fertility as much as possible from within the farm itself. Our “Tuck Shop Mandate Group”, comprising both parent and teacher representatives, was formed to better connect the principles underlying the biodynamic approach to food production and the food served at our school Tuck
Shop. Dr Steiner wrote and lectured at length about the relationship between food and the developing child and believed that nutrition was a “spiritual science”. The school has a Food Policy which provides important guiding principles for food sales on the school premises and the contents of school lunch boxes. The guidelines advise that processed foods, artificial additives, GM foods, sweets, chocolates and chips should be avoided. Individuals within the Tuck Shop Mandate Group share a passion for healthy eating - we also have high ideals and ambitious plans which are, inevitably, constrained by budget considerations and the need to try and support the varied requirements and wishes of the majority of parents, staff and pupils. We have therefore embraced the well-known adage: “Dream Big, Start Small”. By Kirsten Day
Summer Night Markets’ Centre Stage Rainbow Puppet Theatre Turns 21 PUPPETRY is a remedy against the damage of modern civilization - It must fold and develop the fantasy of the child” - Rudolf Steiner A really BIG thank you to all parents, pupils, teachers, friends, stallholders, musicians and the whole Night Market team who put together the first of our Summer Night Markets. Despite a slightly rainy start to the evening, the fires were lit, the music warmed us up, delicious food eaten, beautiful stalls browsed and our children met new and old friends. Our Night market concert season is officially in full swing. Lots of new ideas
and improvements have been worked on: wonderful new artists booked by Hildegarde, Christmas present stalls found by Katja such as heirloom Basotho blankets, Indian massage, Henna tattoos, popcorn and a silent movie for our little ones as it gets dark. Henrike’s dedication to the entrance gate means that our security guards are working hard keeping our children safely within the field boundaries – thank you… Jeanne Maritz for the Fundraising Mandate
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Situated at the Constantia Waldorf School, tucked away in the Kindergarten building is the only permanent Puppet Theatre in South Africa. The Rainbow Puppet Theatre has been performing to the public on Saturday mornings at 10am and 11.15 am for 21 years (on 14th May 2013), although it was intended for the pupils of the Waldorf School. The artistically painted theatre has a permanent team of five puppeteers complimented with full stage lighting,
beautiful glove, rod and shadow puppets and even live music and can seat up to 60 guests! Aside from a few other stories, our Rainbow Puppet Theatre usually performs wellknown Grimm’s Fairy Tales such as ‘Snow White and Rose Red’, ‘Little red Riding hood’, ‘The Frog Prince’ and ‘Hansel and Gretel’. There is also a tradition of Carols by Candlelight accompanied by a Christmas puppet show over the advent period.
Developing Responsible Citizens The philosophy of Herzlia Constantia is to teach children to develop their intrinsic good personal characteristics through positive reinforcement. When teachers see children doing kind deeds or showing responsible behaviour they are rewarded with a purple card. These cards are read out at Assembly on a Friday morning and the child places a sticker on one brick of their House Team Castle. The first castle built by one of the Houses receives a civvies day as a reward. Gideon is the house that wins as it has completed its Castle. We invite our children to chat about life and the concerns and joys they experience in the early mornings at 7:30am. They are fortunate to eat breakfast together and to share their thoughts. I believe that this is a critical space to develop social discourse and life skills.
Cooking After School
At Herzlia Constantia a favourite extracurricular for the Grade 1 and 2 children is the weekly cooking class in the Winter which becomes the gardening class in the Summer season. The children so enjoy the creation of delicious foods to eat in a warm and relaxed atmosphere of the tuck-shop kitchen.
Recognition & Celebration of Birthdays
At Assembly every Friday morning we recognize and sing to the Birthday children and teachers of the week. This is a wonderful ritual that reinforces Herzlia Constantia as a community-focused family school.
In the above photograph, we celebrate Batmitzvah assembly for Tali Woolfson and Shira Tocker. Â In the photo are their moms and our Jewish Studies/Hebrew teacher Vardit Jones (in the green top).
Grade 1 Birthdays! Merit Certificates
Our Grade 1 class celebrate their birthdays once a term on a Friday morning where we invite the parents to attend our Shabbat morning and they are treated to songs and celebrations. The birthday children wear crowns and the parents receive the traditional Shabbat bread, Challah and candles to light.
To recognize work of excellence the class teachers will send their children to the Principal’s office for a “good work stamp” and when a child has accumulated 5 “good work stamps” they receive a principal merit certificate in assembly on Friday. The above photograph recognises the children who have participated so well this year.
School Sports Including Waterpolo
Every Friday we recap the sports events and matches for the week on our Assembly and announce who has excelled on the sports field. These children are chosen to be the Sportsmen and sportswomen of the week and receive a certificate to honour them. While we acknowledge excellence in sport we also emphasize good sportsmanship and Teamwork.
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Over the last 3 years we have begun to recognize the importance of building our children’s skills in the water. Our Waterpolo coach, Brett Horwitz, who was a past Herzlia 1st team Waterpolo player, puts the keen learners though their paces and teaches them the skills to play the game. It is a popular extra-mural as the children enjoy the fitness routines.
Peace Poster Competition & Art Eisteddfod
Photo: Jodi Yotikul, Keagan Larkin, Frances Hill
Photo: Amy Stephenson, Lauren van Oordt, Kyra Ormond
The start of the 4th term has been very rewarding for many learners at Kirstenhof Primary School. The Senior Art Club learners (Grade 6 & 7) spent the whole of the third term working on posters for the Lions Club International Peace Poster Competition. The time, energy and effort that these learners put into their artworks were truly exceptional. Frances Hill (Gr 7), Keagan Larkin (Gr6) and Jodi Yotikul (Gr7) had their posters selected for the first round of judging, which took place at Old Mutual on Saturday 19 October 2013.
At the 2013 Art Eisteddfod Prize-Giving, Kirstenhof Primary was awarded the trophy for the “Most Outstanding Art Centre” for being the school that received the most Gold Diplomas for artwork entered. Nine learners received placements of 1st, 2nd or 3rd in various categories. We are very proud of all our Eisteddfod entrants.
Photo: Kayla van Harte (Gr 4), Teagan Moffat (Gr 2), Joshua Voges (Gr 5), Cullan Larkin (Gr 3), Jenna Grondein (Gr 1)
The Afri-Twin Initiative Chess Provincial Colours
Above: Hasan & Idris Smith Left: Timothy Murphy. Photo: Nicole Powell (Kirstenhof), Jo Tilley (UK), Elvis Thomu (Zimbabwe), Michelle Coventry (UK), Alison Kondowe (Zimbabwe)
Kirstenhof is proud to be part of the Afri-Twin initiative. We have been twinned with Eiffel Flats Primary, Zimbabwe and Charles Darwin, United Kingdom. In September, Mrs Powell travelled to the UK and spent time in the Charles Darwin classrooms, learning about the curriculum and different assessment methods. In October, the UK and Zimbabwean teachers visited Kirstenhof. They thoroughly enjoyed their time at our school.
Chess has been extremely exciting at Kirstenhof in Terms 2 and 3. We have three children who have earned their Western Province colours and who will be going to the South African Junior Chess Championships which are being held in Durban, in December. They are Timothy Murphy and Hasan and Idris Smith. Hasan and Idris, with the help of their mother, Leila Benelli, have written a motivational book called “ I am a Champion and So are You!” The proceeds of the book sales will help finance their trip to Durban.
Gr7 Farewell Barn Dance Sailing Champ Arin Long
Photos: Back row: Lauren Hoffmann, Erin Marsberg, Camryn Lamont, Natasha Espag Front row: Frances Hill, Kelci Rice, Brittany Johnson
Boys: Back: David Meyer Front: Samuel Whittle, Daniel Smith, Michael Smith, James Leonard
On 1 November, the Grade 7’s attended a farewell barn dance in the school hall. Parents decorated the foyer and hall and each of the four Grade 7 classes made a scarecrow which was used as part of the décor. Dressed in denim and checked shirts, the boys and girls had great fun learning various dances. The evening was a huge success.
Photo courtesy Gavin Long
Arin Long, a Grade 6 learner at Kirstenhof Primary, is a champion Western Province Optimist sailor. He came first in the U12 category in the 11th African Optimist Championships 2013 held at Club Mykonos in Langebaan in very trying weather conditions and was placed 11th overall. He also came first in the South Eastern Regional Champs recently held in Mossel Bay. Not only is Arin an excellent sailor, but he is a good actor too. He took the part of the queen recently in a class dress-up day.
Kirstenhof Classic: Annie Sport: Cricket & Hockey
Kirstenhof Primary School presented a fabulous school play, Annie. The cast consisted of 350 Foundation Phase learners as well 40 Intersen learners. These children made up two casts and each cast played to sold-out audiences for four nights. Residents from the local retirement homes were invited to attend our dress rehearsals. Just as we thought life could not get any better, we were invited to appear on National TV! We trust that the magic of theatre has enriched these children’s lives and hope to see many of them shine on the stage in the near future.
The Santa Shoebox Project For the second year the Foundation Phase participated in the Santa Shoebox project. Monetary donations were collected to put towards filling the boxes. Many children donated some of their pocket money or money earned by doing extra home chores. Each class, Grade R - 3, put together 5 or 6 boxes depending on the total amount collected. The learners had fun decorating, packing and making cards for the children receiving the boxes. The joy of giving to those less fortunate was discussed and many valuable lessons were learnt through this wonderful project. Staff members also participated and packed their own personal boxes. In one Intermediate class some families also packed boxes. This year a total of 145 boxes were donated. Eight
children were taken to the drop-off venue and were shown the checking process that takes place before the boxes are given to the recipients. We had a fun-filled afternoon and hope that the joy of giving and caring will always be carried forward. My Santa Shoebox Experience: Hi, my name is Kiara. I am in Grade 2. We did 6 boxes in total. We are in Miss Shaw’s class.We made the cards. We used our hands for some, our feet were used for others and even our fingers. My favourite was the one where we used our fingers to make reindeers. We pressed painted fingers onto paper, let them dry and used a black marker to make ears, antlers and different coloured noses and eyes.
Kirstenhof Primary School Print Run Sponsored By Star Dot Toys:
Photo: Back: Matthew Morton, Jayden Brotherton, Daniel Hayes, Justin Bouillon, Mr Ingpen Front: Cameron Fraser, Luke Gray Wilson, Cole Largier
Photo: Back: Nicholas Geere Front: Michaela Graney, Ryan Britton, Ryan Sproul
At the end of October, Kirstenhof Primary School hosted an U11 six-a-side cricket tournament. Six schools participated in 2 pools: Reddam, Sweet Valley, Fish Hoek, Sun Valley, Bergvliet and Kirstenhof. Well done to the eventual winners, Fish Hoek. Congratulations to Thomas Kennedy (Fish Hoek) and Michael van Schalkwyk (Sweet Valley) for winning the best batsman and bowler awards respectively. With the last half of the tournament being played under floodlights, much fun and enjoyment was had by all. Some excellent cricket skills were displayed.
Indoor hockey is becoming a very popular club sport in the U13 and U14 age groups. The leagues are very competitive and children are hand-picked to participate in trials for selection to play in the 2013 Indoor Hockey Nationals. Michaela Graney (U13 Seals), Ryan Sproul (U14 Sharks) and Nicholas Geere (U14 Sunbirds) were selected and will play in a tournament in Cape Town from 6-10 December 2013. Ryan Britton played for the U13 Sharks team for the Western Cape All Stars (local inter-provincial tournament Boland v West Coast v Cape Town) in March this year.
Our teacher split us into groups. We painted the box my teacher gave us. When it was dry, we stuck little pictures on it and then we put glitter in between. Miss Shaw bought all the goodies to put in the boxes. We packed the boxes with all the things. I really enjoyed the Santa Shoebox Project.
Maintaining Excellence in Education
South Peninsula High School, established in 1950, has a long history of academic excellence. Situated in Old Kendal Road, Diep River and under the leadership of its principal, Mr Brian Isaacs, it has just over 1000 students on its roll and a teacher-corps of 51, of which 17 are governing-body teachers. Among its many achievements, South Peninsula is able to boast a consistent matric pass rate of between 99 and 100%, with 70% of last year’s matriculants obtaining a bachelor pass. The school has also for several years been one of the top feeder schools to the largest tertiary institutions in Cape Town including UCT, Stellenbosch University, UWC and CPUT. Outstanding achievements by individual students are too numerous to mention and many ex-students currently hold top academic positions in various educational institutions throughout the country. With SP being both an Arts and Culture AND Maths and Science focus school, it has over the years been able to produce results of a high standard in these subjects. The school has a flourishing Arts and Culture Department, offering Music, Dance, Drama and Visual Arts as subjects with teachers and students taking these subjects to new heights. Regular performances in the arts at school as well as at public venues have consistently been getting excellent reviews. On the school calendar a host of regular activities vie for time, as teachers and students busily engage themselves in a wide range of academic, cultural, political and sporting endeavours. Students regularly take part in Olympiads in various subjects, the annual Science Expo, the Argus Quiz, entrepreneurial activities, inter-school discussions and debates, and environmental awareness programmes. An active and dynamic Alumni Association co-ordinates and maintains contact with the school’s alumni – a group
which spans decades as well as continents. The Global Classroom and Learning School programmes are two international programmes in which the school is involved. These programmes allow students to travel to various countries while researching issues affecting education. An extensive sporting agenda also allows students to participate in sport codes as diverse as badminton, chess, golf, hiking, tennis, table-tennis, cricket, rugby, soccer and netball. South Peninsula offers probably one of the widest choices of subjects available. Students may choose from subjects as diverse as Tourism, Agricultural Science, Engineering Graphics & Design, Computer Applications Technology, Accounting, Business Studies, isiXhosa, Geography, Music, Dance, Drama, Mathematics, Physical Science, Visual Arts amongst others, as well as German and Latin to the junior grades. South Peninsula remains a popular choice for parents seeking a suitable high school for their children. Annually the school receives such a huge number of Grade 8 applicants that it exceeds its accommodation capacity by far. To accommodate these growing numbers, the school building has been in the process of exciting changes in recent years, with another phase of building work to be started in the new year. Regular extensions and refurbishings have seen the addition of several new classrooms, computer labs, a computerized music lab, a dance studio, a counselling and conference centre, with the science laboratories (amongst others) to be upgraded in the next phase. With a rich history going back several decades, a healthy academic ethos and a present record of excellent results, the school looks forward to a bright future. Karen Dreyer-Stempels
Snapshots of A Very Busy 2013 Year
South Peninsula High School has had a busy and enjoyable 2013. A year filled with cultural, academic and sporting activities. A year of fun and laughter, learning and achievements. This is a pictorial look at some of the High School events that happened this year! Page 24 Top Centre: Head Prefects 2013; Bottom Left & Right: Gr 12 Valedictory Service. Page 25: Top Left: South Peninsula’s Jazz Band; Top Right: The Golfers, I. Saban, A. Maharaj, Mr P. Slater (Coach), M. Agherdien and A. Solomon (Captain); Bottom Left: South Peninsula Drama Rehearsal; Center Right: The Hiking Club; Bottom Right: South Peninsula’s Science Expo Contestants for 2013. South Peninsula High School Print Run Sponsored By Fujifilm Digital Centre:
Sweet Valley History: A School in the Making It is probably one of the first schools in the country to be built ahead of the housing and other development in a residential area. A site was chosen, which was part of Sweet Valley Farm, and building commenced in 1956. On Monday 21 January 1957 the first 24 pupils were enrolled, with Mr W J van Heerden as the first Principal assisted by two teachers. The school began with seven classrooms and a handcraft room. Extensions were added in 1965, When a new community is envisaged and 1975, 1994, 2008 and 2012. Today there planned, a school is usually considered as are 30 classrooms, an arts and culture an amenity which should be added soon centre, science laboratory, a library, a after initial growth has occurred. With brand new computer centre, remedial Sweet Valley this process was reversed. rooms, an aftercare centre, our indoor
heated swimming pool and not forgetting our hockey astro across Ladies Mile Road. In 1987 the first Pre-Primary pupils were enrolled. At present 50 pupils are accommodated in this facility. The After School Care Centre, founded in 1988, provides care for up to 150 pupils every afternoon. Today the school has an enrolment of over 900 pupils. Above all else, it is our warm, inclusive, family atmosphere which sets this school apart. Our staff are enthusiastic and dedicated. Our pupils are motivated to achieve their very best in all aspects of school life. We strongly believe that
developing our pupils into well-rounded individuals is key, to which end we provide a wealth of opportunities in sport, music, drama and a wide variety of other pursuits across a whole spectrum of ages.
Tree Top Tales Musical You Can Change the World
Alexander’s Rag time Band
Behind the scenes - Singing in the Rain
Sweet Valley Primary School Foundation Phase Grade One, Two and Three pupils presented “Treetop Tales” at the school during October this term. Almost 400 talented pupils, an energetic group of teachers and many enthusiastic parents and friends collaborated to bring this musical extravaganza to life. The wise old gum tree at the school gate talked and sang about how times have changed over many decades, from “long ago” to the present, and even looked ahead to the future, while the children brought their unique magic to each scene with their beautiful singing and dancing.
Inter House Cross Country was held on the beautiful Buitenverwagting Wine Farm.
Kiah Wallace and Georgia Kalis, both in Grade 6, were awarded a certificate by Lead SA. Here they are photographed with Headmaster, Ian Ryan and Lead SA representive from KFM. “YOU can change the world. Lead SA is a personal call to every person to make a difference. We all have a responsibility to make the world a better place. It could be as simple as making a stranger smile or as big as fighting to further the rights entrenched in our Constitution. Each act makes a difference.” LEADSA Website: www.leadsa.co.za
Our Grade 7s held a Spring Fete to collect funds towards their farewell evening.
Sweet Valley’s Veggie & Herb Garden as milk bottles for watering cans and cooldrink bottles for the border. Each grade was allocated a crate or tyre and planting took place during Arbor Week. With the expertise and support from our Champion
Lettuce, spring onions, rocket, tomatoes, potatoes, parsley, celery, marjoram, lemongrass, rosemary and many more. These are some of the vegetables and herbs that you can find in the garden at Sweet Valley. Inspired by Afritwin, an organisation that encourages mutually
gardener, parent, Shelley Hindmarch, our garden is flourishing in the warm sunshine. The children are responsible for watering, weeding, filling the birdfeeder and we hope to establish a garden club next year.
beneficial relationships with schools in the UK and South Africa, we established our garden this year. All the children were involved in collecting items for the preparation of the soil, and seeds and plants were donated. Many recyclable items have been used in the garden, such
Library Day Gr7 Farewell Games Day & Go-Kart Racing!
Our Library celebrated international Library Day, on 23 October with a visit from author, Niki Daly. He read his new book The Herd Boy, to 125 excited Grade 3 children.
Interschools Maths Competition
The annual Sweet Valley Interschools Gr 7 Mathematics Competition was held on Tues 29 Oct. Participating primary schools were Bergvliet, Greenlands, The Grove, Herschel, SACS, Oakhurst, Western Province Prep, Panorama and Sweet Valley. Sweet Valley prevailed after the third round. Results: Sweet Valley-34 pts, Bergvliet-29 pts, The Grove-26 pts, Herschel-24 pts. The winning Sweet Valley team consisted of (from Left Right) James Falconer; Tristan Collis; Ayrton Pask; Kyle Lamb; Bradley Farrell. Sweet Valley Primary School Print Run Sponsored By Dunes Restaurant:
Above, Mr Batt, a Grade 5 teacher, being pushed along by a group of children in his class during the Go - Kart inter class fund raising event. Below left, fun at our annual Games Day. Below right, fun at the Inter Class Go Kart Race held earlier this year.
Learning the Importance of Water Awareness
On October the 7th 2013, the Westcott Grade 4 classes visited the Conservation Education Centre in Aliwal Road, Wynberg, for a “Water Awareness Day”. To the surprise of all the learners (boys and girls), they were invited into the girls bathroom! Benches were set up in front of the toilet doors facing the basins where they were given a lesson on water saving strategies. Reduce, re-use and repair were the main ideas presented. The teacher demonstrated various methods of how to save water. They learned that it is possible to brush one’s teeth in less than a quarter cup of water! The next venue was the hall where water in
the environment was discussed. Props for acting and scripts were given to learners to present information regarding pollution of rivers and water sources. Problems were presented in dramatic fashion and groups had to represent Parliament and come up with solutions. Finally, they went to a classroom where a video was shown on dams and storing water in and around Cape Town. The impact of taking the children into a different learning environment with some fresh faces and ideas is very valuable and gives the teacher a boost in building on the topic back in the classroom. Written by Mrs Odell, Grade 4 teacher.
Photo Above Left: A group of children answering questions about dams. Photo Above: Aidan Leak showing the class the difference between the normal shower head and the water saving one
National Anti-Bullying Day Lauren & The Recycling Team
Zachary Kemp in front of displayed antibullying posters and respect songs
On 26th of July 2013 Westcott celebrated National Anti-Bullying Day. This concept was introduced to us by the JAG Foundation. The whole school, including the support staff, wore purple ribbons - the colour representing anti-bullying. In assembly our Grade 6’s dramatised the
topic and put across the message: “Stand up, don’t stand by!” Westcott continued the anti-bullying theme by getting the Grade 3’s to Grade 7’s to make anti-bullying posters. Mrs Godfrey, the school counsellor, asked that the posters be done in groups rather than individually. The aim was to learn to work together, tolerating different opinions and respecting the fact that people think differently. This led into “respect” talks with the Grade 3’s and Grade 4’s. They had practical sessions which included “I like” cards, wearing badges saying, “I respect you, please respect me” and a little homework task to write a song about respect for the class. A week later, Mrs Godfrey, visited the classes so that they could perform their songs to the class and her. It was wonderful to see how the pupils embraced the idea by bringing in props and musical instruments to enhance their performances. Westcott is consistently sending an antibullying message to its learners and hopefully next year more schools will be celebrating the 26th of July. Mrs Godfrey is working closely with the JAG Foundations to help send out antibullying messages. JAG Foundation is approaching primary schools in the Western Cape to hopefully get them on board. Article written by Mrs Mel Godfrey, school counsellor.
Lauren van der Spuy, Head Girl at Westcott Primary School.
Lauren Van Der Spuy, head girl at Westcott Primary School, started a recycling portfolio at the beginning of the year. Every week in assembly she and her team gave recycling tips and measured the amount of recycling collected. Lauren also encouraged the pupils to recycle and set up a class competition. The class who brought the most items for recycling, per term, was rewarded. Recycling badges were introduced and were handed out to children in each grade
who were “super recyclers”. In the third term, Lauren introduced a “recycling box” for the 3 different houses at Westcott Primary. The boxes were decorated in the house colours. At the Spring Fair, Lauren staged the first ever recycling show – it was a great success and many beautiful creations were seen. The tip that Lauren wants to leave Westcott with is “REDUCE, RE-USE AND RECYCLE – together we can make a difference”
Being a Chaeli Campaign Mentor The Magic Canoe - A Musical
Chaeli Campaign Mentor, Hannah Roux
As a Chaeli Campaign mentor, my job is to help and lead young ambassadors at Westcott I promote events as well as fundraise. This year I encouraged children to enter the art and poetry competition. I organised a team of three girls to enter the “Walk 4 Wheels” Fun Run with me. I also sold temporary tattoos with the Chaeli logo on them. Every year the ambassadors and mentors
The Magic Canoe - A Grade 3 Music Project
have to have a fundraising project. I had a civvies day with a black and white theme. On the weekend of the 26th of October, I helped out at the Chaeli Campaign stall at the entrepreneur expo in Muizenberg. The Chaeli campaign has changed the way I see differently abled people and I have met and made many new friends through Chaeli. Article written by: Hannah Roux, Grade 7 pupil at Westcott Primary School.
The Grade 3 class music project for term 3 this year culminated in the staging of a mini production entitled “The Magic Canoe” on Friday the 18th of October The canoe took us on a magical journey through a phantasmagoria of mythical creatures and legends, each one depicted by its own song, some with instrumental accompaniment. The children drew river maps of their adventure and pictures of the mythical creatures that had captured their
imagination. These were projected as a slide show during the performance. Although the emphasis was on sound rather than action, there were characterful, colourful portrayals of the various mythical creatures. Much fun was had by all the children and adults concerned. Written by Maya Maile, music teacher at Westcott Primary School.
First Recycling Fashion Show Westcott’s U13 Netball Tour On the 14th of September Westcott Primary School had their first ever recycling fashion show. There were two categories, Grades 1-3 who made hats and Grades 4-7 who made outfits. All hats and outfits were made from recyclable materials. There were some interesting creations and the top three in each category received prizes. A big thank you goes to all the judges and all the children who participated in the show. It was a huge success. Photo: Ross Lötter with a winning hat. Westcott Primary School Print Run Sponsored By The ZEE Group:
Back: R - L: Lauren van der Spuy, Zoe Bedasie and Mia-Joy Fortuin. Front: Tamiya Safodien, Lwazi Mketwa, Mikayla Beelders, Jessica Vaughan and Megan Truter.
On the 26th of July the Westcott u13 netball team went on tour to Bonnievale. Our first match was against Bonnievale Primary School and we won 16-13. The second match was played against Ashton Primary School. We tied 11-11. Our last game was against Hexvallei Primary School and we won 15-8. It was an exciting experience for us and we thoroughly enjoyed it, this being the first time that any netball team has gone on tour in the history of Westcott. The tour would not be possible without the help of our sponsors Medac and Prostar Netball Academy. We would also like to thank our coach, Coach Lizbe, for training us for this event. Article written by Jessica Vaughan, Grade 7 pupil at Westcott Primary School.