Wynberg Boys' High School Magazine 2023

WYNBERG BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

2023 SCHOOL MAGAZINE

“... firm its roots, and broad its branches ...”

2023 SCHOOL MAGAZINE

Wynberg Boys’ High School Lovers’ Walk Wynberg 7800

Tel: +27 (0)21 797 4247

Website: www.wbhs.org.za

Facebook: https:/www.facebook.com/WynbergBHS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynbergboyshigh school_official/

Editorial Team:

Design: Mike Dallas Design

Publishers & Editors: Jocelyn de Mink, Claudia Levarelli & Chris Merrington

Copy: Staff & student writers

Photography: Chris Merrington, Peter Catzavelos, Mike Leresche, Lisa Carter, Tania Robbertze, Marc Wyllie & various contributing staff, parents & Multimedia team

Printed by: Rob Print – Rob Gomm 082 465 0379

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EDITORIAL

Jocelyn de Mink

Our school song is central to the spirit and pride of this great school, with words that resonate across generations of Wynberg Men.

The phrase ‘firm its roots and broad its branches’ (taken from the school song) embodies this spirit and pride perfectly…

Trees, in their simplest form, provide oxygen, improve air quality, ameliorate climate, conserve water, preserve soil, and support wildlife. Trees help to slow down the buildup of carbon dioxide by storing it throughout their lives. Research has shown that time in nature – like a walk among trees – correlates with a drop in anxiety and depression. Trees provide us with shade; they act as natural air-conditioners. I can go on and on about the characteristics of trees.

Far more interesting, however, is the makeup, the composition if you will, of trees. Each component has its unique purpose, and each complements the next. The roots of Wynberg Boys’ High School run deep, watered, and nurtured by those who have come before. These roots are 182 years old – the tree initially planted by John McNaughton in 1841. These roots are solid, and they ground and hold the tree firmly in place. How can they not be solid? A glance at the tree that has sprouted since then is all that it takes to recognise the steadfast care and commitment to success that has gone into its growth. The very foundation of this tree cannot be shaken – our young wards are taught to be immovable, grounded, and committed to the traditions of this fine school.

The crucial link between the roots and the branches – the tree trunk – is sound and sturdy. It can weather any storm yet remains flexible to sway and bend as the circumstances require. Our Wynberg men are like this – flexible, adaptable, pliant, when necessary, but aiming to be steadfast in their roles as an integral part of the large tree. They show resilience in the face of challenges but never lose sight of the need to be strong, and never forget the role they play in the nurturing of the tree.

The branches spread out in luscious splendour – reaching far and wide to encompass the many, many brothers in the endless chain. The tiniest leaves sprouting at the very top of the tree reach out to the light – the many opportunities for growth at this wonderful school. The branches offer a rich tapestry of symbolism. Much like the intricate branches of a tree, Wynberg boys’ lives intertwine, forming an ever-expanding canopy. It is safe to say that the Wynberg family tree, with its diverse branches, illustrates the shared roots and the strength derived from familial bonds.

It has been a joy to watch the 2023 magazine come together. The pages that follow tell a story of how school life becomes richer when we muster the courage to explore uncharted territories, branching out like the limbs of a tree. There have been times of adversity, when Wynberg men found solace in the shelter of the sturdy oak, symbolising resilience, and unwavering strength. Much like the tree gracefully yielding to the wind, the adaptability of our boys allows them to navigate life’s twists and turns with grace and dignity. While trees are resilient, they are not invincible; however, these young men are a formidable bunch, and their shared nurturing and care of the sturdy oak that is Wynberg has ensured fertile

EDITORIAL

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ground and a tree that can only be described as thriving.

And finally, author, Chris Drew, wrote in 2022: “Investing in education is akin to cultivating a tree of prosperity, where knowledge becomes the fertile ground for future success.” My wish is that this school magazine is a page-turner, a “must read” and that it conveys how firm the roots and broad the branches of Wynberg Boys’ High School truly are.

May the tree continue to thrive and prosper!

A Wynberg Parent writes…

We wanted our son to receive a quality high school education that ran deeper than academics where he would be well-positioned to embrace adult life and would benefit from being part of an environment that more closely resembled the South African society he would enter beyond school.

In our search many indicators pointed towards Wynberg: colleagues had raved about their sons’ experiences, a personal friend had been a head prefect and we appreciated how he felt his values were grounded at Wynberg, and the school shared itself generously

via social media. We attended sports events at many schools to witness how they presented themselves in public and were always impressed by the manners and spirit of the Wynberg contingent both home and away at rival schools

I subscribed to the school newsletter and watched what the school celebrated and how it managed difficult issues. I found the tone refreshing when compared to the other schools I was interested in. When speaking to others, I eventually started using the phrase; humble confidence to try to capture the spirit I sensed in the image it projected.

Throughout the last five years, it has impressed me that the humble confidence I witnessed early on has manifested consistently, that the reality was even better than what was presented at the open days, and that the energy and atmosphere at the school is a constant among the staff. The “gees” and vibe among the boys have often been the cause of a sizeable lump in my throat.

The impact of the school on our son’s development has been huge, profound, and humbling. The bedrock of it all seems to come down to the depth and richness of the relationships he has had with many teachers and peers.

Thank you to each and every staff member for enriching his time, all have been pivotal in nurturing him, igniting ambition, and instilling discipline.

Anonymous Parent

Jocelyn de Mink

“... firm its roots, and broad its branches ...”

Headmaster’s Annual Report STAFF

Deon Scheepers

It is hard to believe that we have come to the end of 2023.

It has been an eventful year filled with many opportunities for the Wynberg Boys’ High School community but, in particular, for the young Wynberg Men. Part of our Vision 2025 is to excel in all the activities on offer at the school and to strive for excellence - looking back on the achievements and successes of the past year, we are certainly on our way to attaining some of these lofty goals. However, achieving measurable high standards of excellence across the four pillars of the school must also be matched by high standards of moral and ethical behaviour and conduct.

During the past year, the school and Support Team have experienced an increase in families that are struggling to connect. This disconnection often results in strained relationships and sometimes a breakdown of the family unit. This has resulted in an increase in online addictions – often contributed to the absence of the concept of emotional regulation i.e., the ability to manage and respond to emotions in a healthy way. Children who struggle with emotional regulation may turn to substance abuse to cope with their emotions – a way to self-soothe and regulate their emotions. Screen addiction, which has been described as “digital cocaine” in recent studies, also causes disconnect with children not getting enough practice with social cues by direct connection with others. This leads to the absence of developing emotional intelligence (EQ) and as a result, children’s exposure to pornography, violence, and cyberbullying is

at an all-time high seeing that they do not have the means to build their ‘reservoir’ to be socially minded.

Zaahira Matthews recently wrote a blog post on how children cope with adversity in a postpandemic world. As educators, we are all very concerned about the well-being of our youth, especially when it comes to their mental health. We are in a fortunate position that the school has been able to increase the numbers and capabilities of our Student Support Centre and pastoral network by employing three student counsellors who started working at the school at the beginning of February. Studies have shown that today’s children are dealing with overwhelming levels of stress, trauma, and uncertainty, leading to unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression, and mental health disorders. In addition to this, the growing threat of substance abuse and online addiction in the new digital age cannot be ignored. It is, therefore, imperative to cultivate resilience, another of the school’s pastoral goals towards Vision 2025, and the general well-being of teens in these challenging times.

Taking all of this into account, Wynberg Boys’ High School’s House System has been the cornerstone of our pastoral care and learner support for many years and has inspired several other schools to follow suit. The House System originated in 1924, two years after the school adopted the Wynberg Municipality crest as its badge with the now famous four symbols: the three rings from Van Riebeeck’s coat of arms, the tent representing the Military Camp, the Fleur-de-Lis of the French settlers with the vine for the viticulture of the Constantia Valley, and the anchor representing the Cape of Good Hope. These four logos were subsequently adopted as the symbols of the original four

HeAdMAster’s

Houses, namely Van Riebeeck, Wellington, Rhodes, and De Waal. This documented record of the House System in its infancy was to inspire healthy sporting competition and cultural activities and was not based on providing pastoral care and support for the boys. Littlewood Boarding House was built on the site of the older hostel and officially opened in 1957. In 1975 Littlewood was added as the high school’s fifth House with the acorn as its emblem. In 2003 the school added three more Houses namely Lorie, McNaughton, and De Villiers when the tutor and pastoral care system began gaining greater traction.

In 2016, on the anniversary of the school’s 175th year, a decision was made to change six of these eight House names based on the current political climate of the country and the sensitivity associated with the naming of buildings at public institutions. The names of Littlewood (the Headmaster who introduced

boarding at Wynberg) and McNaughton (the founding Headmaster of the school) were kept, and the following names were added: Glebe (referring to Glebe Cottage where the school originated), Hawthornden (the portion of land where the school is currently situated), Oude Wijnberg (the manor house and surrounding land of the current Jacques Kallis Oval), Silverhurst (the old manor house and immediate surrounding estate), Trovato (estate above our school on Wynberg Hill) and Sunninghill (the property at the corner of Tennant and Aliwal Roads which became home to the school when it outgrew Glebe Cottage). A concerted effort was made, and is still part of our approach, to refrain from naming Houses after people so that longevity can be established, and the identity of the Houses can remain intact over time.

Due to the current growth of the school and the growing need to provide quality and more specialised pastoral care and support to our boys, a decision was taken to extend our current House System to 10 Houses this year. The staff followed a thorough process of identifying two more House names and House colours for the new Houses. It was decided to name the two new additions Garrison, based on the influence of the military camp on Wynberg village, and Tennant which refers to the road parallel to what is now Brynderwyn Cottage, our school building after outgrowing Glebe Cottage. Two new House Heads were also appointed, and Tutors were allocated towards the end of the year to embark on this new and exciting journey in the history of our school. The two new additions to our House system were launched to our school community and relevant stakeholders during Heritage Week in August.

MR DEOn SCHEEPERS

STAFF

HEADMASTER’S ANNuAL REpORT

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Looking back on 2023, I would like to pay special tribute to the Senior Management Team, both the academic and administrative staff, boys, support staff, parents, Old Boys, and the School Governing Body for their support and guidance. A distinguishing feature of our school is its community-focused, caring approach and the willingness of the staff to go the extra mile. I would also like to thank the school finance team for meeting all the financial challenges that most schools are experiencing in these trying economic times. All these stakeholders have contributed to the many successes of the year.

2023 saw some new faces on our campus. The following academic staff joined the school: Mr Dave Mallett (History), Mr Jan Brits (Afrikaans), Mr Franco Mostert (EGD), with Mr James Marx joining us as Gym Manager and with Mr Nic Groom appointed as the school’s Director of Rugby. Mr Fanie Louw was also appointed as the school’s Finance Manager, replacing Mrs Cheryl Smith who retired after serving the school admirably for 26 years. Mrs Susan Webner also became the Headmaster’s PA replacing Mrs Christelle Lefson who emigrated with her family to New Zealand. We also welcomed Ms Claudia Levarelli as the school’s Marketing Manager.

Sadly, we have also had to say goodbye to some of our staff members:

Mr Mike Engelbrecht left the school in August after 16 years of service in various capacities and is in the process of relocating to the UK. Ms Kayla Hoey will also be taking up a position in the UK, whilst Mr Jan Brits was engaged during the year and will be joining his fiancée in Virginia, Free State. We also wish Mrs Geraldine van der Westhuizen and Mr Mike Leresche all the best, they will both be

retiring at the end of the year and have served the school with distinction for many years. Mr Given Mogale has resigned. Mr Mouton Joubert joined Bishops earlier on during the year whilst Mr Christiaan Venter and Mr Craig Childs left to pursue different career paths.

During the year the temporary positions of Vice-Principal of Sport and Vice-Principal of Culture became permanent as these two pillars of the school have become very demanding to manage. The school congratulates Mr Alan Herbert (VP of Sport) and Mrs Natalie Karg (VP of Culture) on their appointments. They have already added great value to these portfolios.

Congratulations go to Ms Kayla Hoey on her engagement and Ms Siobhan Bruce and Mr Alan Herbert on their respective marriages, and our interns, Sheldon Norris and Tyra-Jade van der Spuy, who married each other! Mr Ricci van Niekerk was absent during the fourth term due to ill health, and we wish him a speedy recovery.

The following interns were part of the school in 2023: Sheldon Norris, Tyra-Jade van der Spuy, Sage Aldridge, Travis Theron, and Dylan Riddle.

Our ‘Wynberg Men’ are among the primary stakeholders at the school and their absence on campus is felt during holidays. A special word of thanks to our Head Prefect, Xolela Hoyi, Deputy Head Prefect, Nicholas van Schalkwyk as well as the prefects and House Captains for their invaluable contributions and leadership this year. Not only did they ensure that the spirit and traditions were successfully transferred to the next generation of ‘Wynberg Men’, but they also provided the necessary impetus and momentum to take the school to unprecedented new heights this year. Some highlights include hosting several successful Open Days, the Prize Giving ceremony, various

Inter-House events, the Quadrangular athletics meeting, Derby Days against our traditional rivals in the Southern Suburbs, hosting successful rugby, soccer, water polo, and basketball festivals, additional assemblies on Thursdays to improve the esprit de corps, and several other initiatives. The Grade 8 boys could not have asked for better ‘buddies’ and role models and this special bond epitomises the camaraderie that exists between the ‘Wynberg Men’.

One of our Grade 11 boys, Ryder Kossatz, was tragically lost at sea and a Memorial Service was held in his honour. May he rest in peace.

Congratulations to Xola Nyali (Captain of SA Schools’ Rugby Team) and Yaqeen Ahmed (SA Schools’ Rugby A-Team), Beni Hansen (SA U19 Cricket Team), Aniq Burton (SAFA U19 Captain) and Dayle Gertsen and Ethan Lee (SA U17 Hockey Team) on these great achievements. Not many schools can boast having the national captains in some of the major sports during a period of eight months! I also wish Aden da Costa, Head Prefect, and Beni Hansen, as the Deputy Head, the very best for 2024. I trust that they will build on the sound legacy left by the Class of 2023 and exceed all expectations during their tenure.

During the year we continued to focus on the four pillars of the school and to renew our efforts to provide boys with opportunities to grow and develop in the areas of academics, sport, cultural activities, and service. Our philosophy at the school is that these opportunities will enable our boys to develop holistically and prepare them to make meaningful contributions to society as ‘Wynberg Men’.

An external consultant was appointed during the year to conduct a full audit on all four campus schools of their IT facilities as well as the skills sets of resources available at these

schools. Individual feedback sessions with the four respective schools were provided and the feedback and recommendations included establishing contingency plans in the form of a “disaster recovery plan” for the four campus schools in the event of worst-case scenarios. Provision would also be made for both human resources as well as infrastructure needs as well as for restoring and recovering systems and the drawing up of IT user and IT management policies. Further feedback was that the school is currently operating and functioning at a very high level of IT efficiency. The issue of learners at academic high risk was also raised, and strategies were discussed by the staff to intervene during the first week of every term, based on the boys’ previous term results, whilst it was also decided by the staff to stream some classes in certain subjects in 2024. Several Life Orientation Days were hosted during which different themes and topics were covered. The school’s Assessment Policy was also revisited and aligned with the WCED Assessment Policy.

On the sporting front, the school has enjoyed a very successful year. We currently offer 14 sporting codes, and the aim is to provide our boys with ample opportunities to not only compete and be successful against other schools, but also to use sport as a vehicle to build character, develop skills, forge friendships, and test personal boundaries. The school partnered with Kingdom Co. during the year to provide most of the school’s sports apparel through Canterbury Clothing. Part of the business model of Kingdom Co. is that all items will eventually be sold online making it more convenient for our parents whilst orders are delivered to either the parents’ addresses or the school weekly. The school also partnered with SuperSport Schools who joined our existing student live-streaming crew

STAFF

HEADMASTER’S ANNuAL REpORT

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to enhance our live-streaming product to our avid audiences. In return, all sports content is streamed live to the WBHS channel on the SuperSport Schools App. Subscription to the App is free and all content remains the property of the school. The school can also create edited highlights for streaming on our own social and digital channels. SuperSport Schools provides their broadcast quality production facilities and crews for major derbies/festivals, by mutual agreement. These matches may then be broadcast live or delayed on Channel 216 on the DSTV Bouquet.

We hosted a very successful Standard Bank Rugby Festival with more than 1500 rugby players visiting our beautiful campus during March. We also, once again, hosted the Freedom Weekend Soccer Tournament, as well as our second Wynberg Basketball Festival –these occasions provided our boys with ample opportunities to develop their skills and will ensure that these sports grow and become, in due time, high-performance showcases for our school. The annual Ian Melliar Water Polo Tournament was again a highlight of the year attracting the top U15 water polo schools from around the country. Our U15 Water Polo team did us proud by only losing one match during the tournament to finish with a well-deserved bronze medal.

Our cultural pillar has also continued to grow and provide our boys with numerous opportunities to contribute to this important area of school life. The Wynberg Boys’ Acting Association was, once again, involved in the Shakespeare Schools’ Festival, with some boys performing in the Wynberg Girls’ High School production of ‘School of Rock’. Our music ensembles and bands displayed extremely high levels of competence and excellence

in the Eisteddfods, the Quarterly Concerts, and several other public performances, most notably at the Campus Choral Concert in the Cape Town City Hall. Our Pipe Band, to highlight but one, was often seen on Friday evenings at hockey fixtures and Saturdays before the official kick-off of the first team rugby, and their involvement this year culminated in the exceptional Celtic Celebration which included the Cape Town Highlanders towards the end of the year. A sincere word of thanks to Mr Mike Leresche for his involvement over several years and in taking our Pipe Band to even greater heights.

The service pillar has been fully involved in various service drives and initiatives this year as well as showing their continued support for the existing outreach programmes. Some of the highlights include the Sanitary Pad initiative to collect and distribute to those girls in need, the Mandela Day sandwich-making when the school community prepared sandwiches that were donated to a local shelter, several beach clean-ups, and the Christmas Challenge project to collect items to make up gifts for those less privileged.

In 2023 WBHS partnered with The Guardian, a company that specialises in safeguarding and child protection at schools. Part of this partnership meant establishing a Safeguarding Policy and Procedure Manual, the training of Designated Safeguarding Officers at school, putting strategies in place via an App for anonymous reporting (‘whistleblowing’), and establishing an ongoing communication strategy regarding safeguarding. The partnership, furthermore, includes Sexual Offenders Register clearance, Child Protection Register clearance, a Criminal Record Clearance, a declaration of good standing, a revision of the school’s Code of Ethics,

and a Safeguarding Awareness Certificate. The Guardian also provided all staff with training to use the App, with the policies to be reviewed every two years. This is but one initiative to improve our pastoral care approach and provide our boys with a safe environment in which they can develop and reach their full potential.

The school’s digital footprint is continually growing, and the weekly newsletter now reaches close to 2 700 stakeholders. Our official social media channels include Flickr with over 470 360 photographs uploaded since we joined in 2017, (15 million cumulative photo views over 1 037 albums in 2023), YouTube (61 800 views, down on previous years since our transition to SuperSport Schools), SuperSport Schools (492 sporting events live streamed), Facebook (15 active accounts with a combined following more than 23 500), Instagram (8 active accounts with a combined following more than 13 000), and five TikTok accounts (43 000 followers).

Load shedding is currently more than merely an inconvenience and is affecting the school’s ethos and the productivity of all staff members. During the year, the batteries of the school server as well as the batteries at Kaplan House were converted to more durable lithium batteries to enable Wi-Fi connectivity to the boarding house. This also enables the Media and Sound office to live stream during load shedding. Inverters, as energy sources, have been installed throughout the school to ensure Wi-Fi connectivity to the classrooms. An energy audit is also being conducted to investigate the possibility of taking the whole school completely off the national electricity grid so that projectors and classroom lighting can be fully utilised.

Our school community, and parents, in particular, are some of the major stakeholders of the school and play a leading role in the partnership between the school and parents. The parents were represented by the School Governing Body and this committee is now approaching the end of their three-year term. I would like to thank Mr Edries Burton, as Chairperson, and all the other members, for their leadership and continued support during the past year. They sacrificed family and personal time to support and serve the school and were always willing to represent the parents selflessly and without being remunerated in any way. For this, I commend and thank them. The education landscape in South Africa has become extremely challenging and complex and schools need parents who are willing to volunteer and serve their communities – the outgoing School Governing Body of Wynberg Boys’ High School is a fine example to us all of what can be accomplished.

Looking back on the year, we are thankful for all our successes in the school’s key performance areas and the willingness of all involved to embrace the challenges of education within the South African context.

While we remain humble in our endeavours, the Wynberg Boys’ High brand is vibrant and exciting. I would like to thank our committed and dedicated staff, our enthusiastic and selfless SGB members, our supportive parents, Old Boys, friends of the school, and our enthusiastic ‘Wynberg Men’ who all contributed to making the year 2023 such a memorable one.

deon sCHeePers HeAdMAster

ENGAGEMENTS, WEDDINGS & BIRTHS

Mr sHeldon norris & Ms Tyra-Jade van der Spuy were married in April.

Mr AlAn Herbert & Ms Arlene Thompson were married at the Bill Bowden Pavilion on 4 November.

Mr Clive Minnies and his wife welcomed their new bundle of joy into the world in May.

Ms KAylA Hoey said “Yes”, to her longtime sweetheart, Mr Anton Klomp in June.

Ms siobHAn bruCe and Jeremy Cook were married on 30 September.

Mr stefAn Potgieter and his wife welcomed their son into the world in May.

Mr JAn brits got engaged in September.

WELCOME

Ms ClAudiA levArelli Marketing Manager

Mr JAMes MArx Gym Manager

Mr louis sCHultz Accounting, EMS & EGD Teacher

Mr fAnie louW Finance Manager

Mr frAnCo Mostert EGD Teacher

Mr gerHArd steyn Afrikaans Teacher

Mr sAge Aldridge Intern: Maths & Tech

Mr MAttHeW lynCH IT

Mr KWAKHonA ngWAnyA History Teacher

Mr trAvis tHeron Intern: Drama & English

Mr niC grooM Director of Rugby

Mr dAve MAllett History Teacher / TIC Rugby

Mr dylAn riddle Intern: Drama

Mrs susAn Webner Headmaster’s PA (joined Nov ‘22)

STAFF

FAREWELL

Cheryl Smith Finance

When Cheryl started working for us she was part of the Finance & Admin team who worked under a Business Manager and began her Wynberg career as an assistant to the school Bursar.

Over the past twenty six years we have had five different Business Managers who all tried their best to meld business experience with the rapidly changing aspects of a modern school in the South African context. Tim Gordon who had the benefit of previous experience as a headmaster in the modern education world and genuinely understood South African schools and who created many of Wynberg’s original policy documents and protocols for operation, was the one who mentored Cheryl into becoming the future business manager of the school.

In the 1990s schools began charging school fees to provide a means of maintaining staff that were removed when the new single education department was ushered in after the first general elections. Wynberg used to charge about R20 per term – used to build up a kitty for projects such as improving sports facilities or buying non-essential equipment which the old education department didn’t cover. We had 600 boys on campus and the finances were looked after by one of the two school secretaries. When fees began to be charged parents suddenly found themselves in a semi-private school and we had to employ a new person to handle the finances of the school.

Cheryl currently looks after a multi-million rand budget annually, in addition to overseeing all the various trusts. She is responsible for the salaries of over 150 people, the tax implications of these people and the school, the auditors –both from the WCED and the Governing Body’s chosen auditors, the regular payments of dayto-day running expenses, the regular bills such as water, telephone, internet, electricity, etc.,

Mrs Spammer, Mrs Qabaka, Mrs de Klerk, Mrs Smith, Mr Louw, Mrs Adams

line up to say farewell

and the drawing up of the annual budget of the school and the hostel. On top of this she has to act as the gatekeeper and conscience of the school’s executive and Governing Body when they enter into new contracts and new projects involving millions of rands.

Cheryl has been the anchor behind many after-hours activities such as school productions, Discos and events such as Night of the Stars – a carnival type event which we used to run on a Friday night once a year in the first term. Every Tutor group was responsible for operating a stall on the Hawth, the music department provided back to back music for eight hours, and the festivities lasted from 4pm to midnight. When the fun was over, Cheryl and her team continued until well into the wee hours of the morning reconciling the cash and tickets, tidying up the mess and generally cleaning up. She would leave here at about 4 in the morning on a Saturday.

of occasions when I did not think this day would come. Cheryl has spent at least two sessions in ICU – one for almost three months –and it is a miracle that she is here today, ending a fine career at Wynberg.

I am thrilled to be able to say a few words at Cheryl’s farewell because there were a number

She is a fighter of note, displaying true Supera Moras grit – a survivor who has pulled through the most challenging of physical disabilities and come out smiling at the other end. She turns up to work every day, having walked through the valley of the shadow of death twice. She has survived medical emergencies, grumpy staff, impossible Business Managers, stringent auditors, the scrutiny of governing body members, and the complexity of the demands made by the WCED, and survived to tell the tale. There are many things that you all are unaware of that Cheryl has done for you in order to ensure that the WCED is satisfied with the legal requirements for the money paid to you. She has had to walk a tightrope at times in order to keep the ship sailing through choppy waters.

Mr larry Moser & Mrs Cheryl smith WbHs Colleagues

Mrs Cheryl smith & Mr Cliff Hull

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Cheryl leaves us after 23 years of faithful service. The school has been her life – probably to her detriment physically. She has sacrificed herself in order for all of us to live a better life, and for that we are grateful. Cheryl, we wish you a long and happy retirement as you finally get to spend time with your family – spread all

FAREWELL

over the world. May you enjoy the time spent in Australia, or Bali, or Singapore, or even just elsewhere in South Africa. Go and buy an inverter or two so that you can enjoy some downtime at home watching Netflix, or doing some exotic cooking. Maybe you can even learn to play Bridge or chess….

Mr JAn brits Afrikaans Teacher

Mr Mouton Joubert History Teacher

Mrs gerAldine vAn der WestHuizen Maths Teacher

Mr CrAig CHilds Director of Rugby

Mr MiKe leresCHe Maths Teacher & Pipe Band

Mr CHristiAAn venter IT

Mr given MogAle Afrikaans Teacher

Physical Science & Natural

Mr trAvis tHeron Intern: Drama & English

S TAFF 2023

Back Row : Mr Dave Mallett, Mr Jacobus Coetzee, Mr Chris Rushby, Mr Christiaan Venter, Mr Andries Bezuidenhout, Mr Wandile Nxusani, Mr Jan Brits, Mr Sage Aldridge, Mr Ben Wiley, Mr Gerhard Steyn, Mr Dylan Riddle, Mrs Lynda Niddrie.

Fourth Row : Mr Richard Haigh, Mr Russell-John Theunissen, Mr Nicholas Mlotshwa, Mr Blake Rimmer, Mr Andre van Vuuren, Mr Jason Pretorius, Mr Pietie Loubser, Mr Chris Merrington, Mr Mike Leresche, Mr Mouton Joubert, Mr Louis Schultz, Mr Bryan Punt, Mr Taahir Samaai, Mr James van Bosch, Mr Sheldon Norris, Mr Esmund Van Wyk.

Third Row : Mrs Siobhan Bruce-Cook, Ms Jocelyn De Mink, Mr Jonathan Chuter, Mr Given Mogale, Ms Ané Lategan, Mr Joshua Stevens, Mrs Tyra-Jade Norris, Miss Hannah Earl, Mr Franco Mostert, Mrs Juanita Wilson, Mr Stefan Potgieter, Ms Kayla Hoey, Mrs Tara Williams-Poyana, Mrs Robyn Clark, Mrs Tania du Toit.

Second Row : Mr Peter Catzavelos, Mrs Coleen Adams, Mr Mariano Badiali, Miss Jeandre Gabriels, Mrs Roxane Groenewald, Ms Simphiwe Qabaka, Mr Stephan Pretorius, Mr Sibu Vilakazi, Mr Travis Theron, Mrs Geraldine van der Westhuizen, Mrs Tracey Brandt, Ms Thabisa Ntsadu, Mr Ighlaas Saiet, Mr Christopher Moore, Ms Lauren Cleophas, Mrs Susan Webner. Front Row : Ms Lisa Brady, Mr Fanie Louw, Mrs Cheryl Smith, Mr Justin van Winkel, Mrs Courtney Joubert, Mr Riccardo van Niekerk, Mr Michael Engelbrecht, Mr Larry Moser, Mr Deon Scheepers (Headmaster), Mr Pete van Schalkwyk, Mr Alan Herbert, Mr Cliff Hull, Mr Adolf Groenewald, Mrs Renette Spammer, Mrs Natalie Karg, Mr Josh Bassett, Mr Graham James.

SCIENCE DEpARTMENT OuTINGS

Cocoafair Outing

The WHBS Science Department had an exciting outing on Wednesday, March 29th, as they embarked on a visit to Cocoafair, a local chocolate factory located in Paarden Eiland.

For the teachers, who are usually the ones imparting knowledge, this trip was a treat as they delved into the enchanting world of chocolate production.

While Cocoafair may not rival the mythical wonders and sheer scale of The Wonka Factory, the process of sourcing, roasting, and transforming cocoa beans into delectable chocolate was nothing short of fascinating. The teachers learned that each bean possesses unique characteristics, and the way they are roasted significantly influences the taste of the chocolate.

The entire production process has a strong foundation in chemistry, showcasing the interplay between ingredients and reactions. The tour culminated in a delightful moment where each teacher could choose a Cocoafair product to savour. Light-hearted debates erupted among the science teachers, playfully discussing whether dark chocolate or dairy milk chocolate reigns supreme.

This educational and delectable experience not only expanded their knowledge but also fostered team building and bonding among the teachers, leaving the final judgment between dark and dairy chocolate to be decided another day.

SAB Outing

The WBHS Science Department embarked on an exciting outing to the South African Breweries (SAB) in newlands.

The educational trip proved to be an eyeopening experience for the teachers as they delved into the rich history of SAB and gained a comprehensive understanding of the intricate process of brewing beer. The outing shed light on the scientific aspects underlying fermentation, including the chemistry of esters and numerous other scientific processes involved. Moreover, the teachers were given the opportunity to witness the complex procedures of bottling and packaging. Beyond the educational aspects, this outing served as a valuable team-building exercise, allowing the teachers to step back from their classrooms and engage in discussions about the broader applications of science in the real world.

Overall, the visit to SAB provided an enriching experience that blended education and the appreciation of science beyond the confines of the traditional classroom setting.

Noteworthy STAFF Achievements

ABOVE: WYnBERG MOVEMBER MEn

RIGHT: COMRADES RUnnERS, BLAkE RIMMER & ESMUnD VAn WYk

SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY (SGB) 2023

PAREnT REPRESEnTATIVES

Mr Edries Burton – Chair

Dr Ricardo Amansure

Mr Kieyam Gamieldien

Mrs Michelle Harley

Mr Richard Jacobs

Mr Eugéne Rens

Mr Werner van Kets

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Mrs Georgie Borgström

Mr Glen Cassells

STAFF

Mr Deon Scheepers – Headmaster

Mr Larry Moser – Deputy Headmaster

Mr Peter van Schalkwyk – Deputy Headmaster

Mr Fanie Louw – Finance Manager

Mr Christopher Moore – Staff Representative

Mrs Lynda Niddrie – SGB Secretary

Mrs Susan Webner – Headmaster’s PA

LEARnER REPRESEnTATIVES

Xolela Hoyi – Head Prefect

Nicholas van Schalkwyk – Deputy Head Prefect

Abdul Aziz Rayners – RCL Prefect

OBITUARIES

“... firm its roots, and broad its branches ...”

IN MEMORIAM OBITuARIES

Dave Stewart p atron of Wynberg Rugby

Wednesday, 23 November 2022.

Our school and community learnt with profound sadness of the passing early today of Dave Stewart, Matric 1952, former rugby Springbok, Patron of Wynberg Rugby, and a Wynberg legend.

Every now and again in life, one meets someone special. Someone who by his very presence enhances our existence. Such a person was Dave Stewart.

It must have been serendipity that gave me the idea of asking him to be the WBHS Patron of Rugby some fifteen years ago. It would be difficult to find someone more loyal or more committed to his old school. Although rugby was his passion (with the possible exception of his wife Joy!), he loved everything about the school and would be seen at prize givings, Valedictories, and the full ambit of music concerts – both indoors and out.

We would travel together to away rugby games. He was a conservative driver and at 80 kilometres an hour down the N1, we would have plenty of time to discuss the state of rugby from school to Springboks. Interspersed in all of this would be the state of the land or the latest painting he had completed. There was always a spring in his step after we had parked the car, and he would settle into his special chair, wearing his special white hat to watch his beloved Wynberg. The only time he would allow irritation to creep in would be if a Wynberg player kicked possession away and

the involuntary ‘oh m-a-n’ would erupt from his lips followed by ‘didn’t you see the overlap?’

Come the end of the match, win or lose, ever the gentleman, he would congratulate the coaches and staff of both schools – unfailingly concentrating on the positives. Contrary to the usual attitude in school rugby games, he was not about results. Quality of play was everything and he loved nothing more than to see the boys express themselves.

I fear that watching rugby and attending music concerts will not be quite the same next year. I will sit on the bank and give a reverential nod to the beautiful Hawthornden Field he loved so much – with the imposing mountain above it. Those of us who knew him, admired him, and were privileged to call him a friend know that his spirit will be forever on the bank – and in my mind, I will continue to hear the anguished cries interspersed with exclamations of delight.

His legacy will be the example of a fierce love and loyalty towards his old school. If our current boys, in their time, could give back one percent of Dave’s commitment, Wynberg would be a school second to none.

Sincere condolences to Joy and her family. Without Joy, there would be no Dave. His email address encapsulated this: davejoy@ …

He will be missed. He was special. Dave Stewart was a true Wynberg Man.

13th WbHs Headmaster, Keith richardson

IN MEMORIAM

Fritz Bing p atron of Wynberg Cricket

Sunday 24 September 2023.

Our 1952 Head Prefect, and life long Wynberg Man has passed away leaving an extraordinary Wynberg legacy. Fritz lives on as a giant at Wynberg, SA Cricket and community … loved by all.

Rest in peace, Old Boy:

On Sunday 24th September 2023, Fritz Bing died two days after his 89th birthday and after nearly a year of hospital visits and the trauma of losing both his legs.

He has been part of my life since I first started teaching at Wynberg in 1975. I was made teacher in charge of the cricket kit room and part of my duties was to buy all the school’s cricket equipment from AP Jones in Fish Hoek – and that is when I first met Fritz. We hit it off from that moment on. A mutual love of cricket and a similar sense of humour ensured a lifelong friendship. It is definitely true that when you are in the presence of good people, you are continually reminded that they are good by their demeanour and their actions. Even when I went to visit Fritz in the last few months of his life when he was in ongoing pain, his positive influence always enabled me to leave uplifted and inspired by his cheerfulness and his dogged determination not to let his affliction get him down.

I have a number of images of Fritz: Supervising the braai fire like the lord of the manor at his home in Noordhoek where his four boys grew up – and where I just recollect laughter and fun;

in the Presidents Bay with Jenny where he had regular seats as a reward for decades of service to WP (and SA) cricket and I would hazard with some accuracy that he never missed a day of test cricket at Newlands; sitting on the bench on the bank of the Jacques Kallis Oval supporting Wynberg cricket in his capacity as Patron of Wynberg Cricket – a duty he took very seriously; attending without fail every Founders Day Ceremony at Wynberg with his great pals, Dave and Joy Stewart. How poignant to think that the 2023 Ceremony, which he bravely attended in his wheelchair a few weeks ago, would be his last.

My favourite image, though, is Fritz holding court at the counter of AP Jones surrounded by the local gentry of Fish Hoek. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. With his well-known glint in the eye and cheeky smile, he had a quip and a chirp for them all – and they loved him.

His legacy will live on through his sons – all of whom inherited his love of cricket and his sense of humour. Even more importantly, like Fritz, they also have a track record of lifetime selfless service to Claremont Cricket Club and continue to serve the club in a variety of administrative roles.

The jury is out on whom he loved the most – Jenny (who partnered him to his matric dance), his four sons (all of whom followed him to Wynberg), his ten grandchildren (who loved

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him to bits), Claremont Cricket Club (where he is a past President); or Wynberg Boys’ High School (where he was Head Boy, an extremely proud Old Boy and a past patron of the Union).

Another of his great pals was another classmate – Mendel Kaplan, also a generous supporter of Wynberg. If he was still around, I know that Mendel would have given him the ultimate compliment by calling him a ‘mensch’ – a Jewish word for someone whom everyone respects; who is kind and supportive; who is calm in a crisis.

IN MEMORIAM

Ryder Kossatz

17-year-old Ryder kossatz was tragically swept away by rip currents off the rocky shoreline near Llandudno, Cape Town on 09 August 2023.

It is with a very painful heart and deep feeling of loss that we remember Ryder Kossatz.

A warm, sincere, real, and incredible young man, who touched the lives of every single person he connected with. In Ryder’s relatively short time at Wynberg Boys’ High School, only arriving in 2022 in his grade 10 year, he connected in a very meaningful way and made an impact on so many lives.

This tribute is written with respect for who he was, gratitude for having had the privilege of knowing him and appreciation for the way in which he made a difference in so many of our

I can’t think of a better word to describe Fritz Bing. By his loyalty and his support of Wynberg, he was an example to all Wynberg boys.

Sincere condolences to Jenny, Rick, Greg, Brad and all the grandchildren. While we mourn the loss of Fritz, we are grateful that we could share him with you all and are particularly appreciative of the special impact he had on our lives.

13th WbHs Headmaster, Keith richardson

lives with his vibrant personality, his positivity, his warmth, and his passion for life.

Ryder lived life to the fullest. He embraced every opportunity and every person with whom he connected with enthusiasm and sincerity. He was social, he had a passion for music, a great sense of humour and a kindness that was appreciated by all. His friendships meant so much to him and he put so much into them, for which we were all extremely grateful.

Ryder made a difference in our school day with his jokes and his way of making everyone else happy and less stressed, always putting others first, whilst still dealing with stresses and

ryder KossAtz

challenges of his own. Only Ryder could do that. We are shocked and devastated by the loss. However, we should (and Ryder would want us to) find strength and happiness knowing that Ryder lived his best life, a life full of adventures with never a dull day … a life that many adults could only dream of tasting.

Ryder will forever remain in our hearts. We shall miss his laughter, his contagious smile, and his positive spirit. To his precious mom, Dune, and Ryder’s family, please know how much Ryder impacted our lives.

We are brothers in an endless chain – Ryder added one more strong link to that chain and will forever add to the strength of the Wynberg bond.

May Ryder be an example to us all, to cherish friendships, connect with each other and strive to add value to the lives of others.

Thank you, Ryder, for being you. What an incredible guy!

I miss you, bru.

Alexander lorenzen | Matric 2023

27 July 2006 – 9 August 2023

Ryder was one of our boys in the Grade 10 Trovato Group with whom I hiked in the Cederberg on Nyamezela last year.

Before we hopped off the bus at the Algeria Campsite, Ryder and my paths had not crossed. What stood out to me almost immediately, was the size of Ryder’s backpack. I thought to myself, “boy, this guy has packed light”. It turns out that Ryder had prioritised snacks and not much else. Despite this, it appeared that he polished off his snack stash within the first day of hiking.

David Fourie shared this story with me: The day that we arrived at the Algeria Campsite, the boys were given a few 2L soft drinks to have with their dinner. The drinks were very hot as they had been in the sun in the car. Ryder, David and a few others volunteered to go sit in the river with the soft drinks to cool them down. The Oude Wijnberg boys did the same, but they were brave enough to leave their drinks unattended. After an hour or two, both groups returned to the campsite with some cold bottles of cooldrink. The Oude Wijnberg boys were a little upset because water from the river seemed to have leaked into one of their bottles. Only recently did David tell me that Ryder, and himself had actually drunk half of one of the bottles, replaced half the juice with river water and swapped it out with one of the Oude Wijnberg bottles.

Ryder was full of energy on our first day of hiking, chatting non-stop to everyone around him and leading the Trovato Group up the mountain to the infamous “Lone Tree”. This was our very first overnight spot away from any kind of home comforts.

Although Ryder had eaten a backpack’s worth of snacks, he was ravenous by the time 4pm came. He was responsible for carrying the tins of tuna for the Group and so he decided he would have one as an afternoon snack. When dinner time approached, the chefs were looking for the tuna to add to the pasta. The boys were devastated to discover that their protein rations for dinner had been eaten already.

Although tensions were high when the boys went to sleep, the relentless rain that started in the early hours of the next morning, fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among the group. The boys had to huddle together to keep warm

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until the rain stopped. By the time the sun rose, the boys had forgotten about the tuna incident and were focussed on more important things, like how on earth they were going to hike in their sopping wet shoes and how their sleeping bags were going to dry.

As we began hiking, the sun slowly started to warm up things. As socks and shoes dried, the boys started to feel a little more human. Before we arrived at our next sleeping spot, Anvil Camp, they were in much higher spirits and the tuna incident was water under the bridge.

Ryder, in particular, was not fond of soy mince and smash, but of course needed to eat it for sustenance. I vividly remember him asking me to take a photo of him so that he could show his mom what he was eating, because he knew that she would be proud of him.

That evening was a particularly tough one for the Trovato boys as they had been through a traumatic night unprotected from the rain and as a result, had had minimal sleep the night before. This, compounded with seeing some other houses on their return route, made the Trovato boys realise how much further they still had to go. Ryder was noticeably missing home this night. Again, the Trovato group rallied together and comforted those who were struggling around them. Ryder was in good hands.

The next day, at Sleeppad Hut, we witnessed one of the most amazing sunsets. After playing silly “buggers” and having a good laugh for most of the afternoon, we decided to sit and relax on a rock overhang. From there, we soaked in the view from the Hut, taking it all in and just enjoying the scenery. Ryder was right

there with us, and we all watched the sunset in the distance. There’s something incredibly calming and peaceful knowing that I got to share that moment with Ryder.

The following day, on our way down to our refuel campsite, Ryder hurt himself badly. He had an old surfing injury that flared up, resulting in him not being able to continue with the Group the next day.

Throughout Nyamezela, after every day of hiking, we would sit down as a group and take turns to describe one thing we learned that day, our positives and our negatives. Almost all of the “lows” mentioned on the evening that Ryder left, were that we had lost Ryder and that our group felt incomplete.

Over the past week and a half, I have been trying to work out why it felt as if I had spent the full 12-days of Nyamezela with Ryder and not less…

It is because every day after he left, he was still a part of the group: The boys spoke about how they missed him. They laughed about the tuna incident. They missed the conversations they had had with him when hiking for hours alongside him. They missed his humour. Ryder was very much still a part of our whole Nyamezela trip, despite physically leaving early.

I would like to think that this is how we will experience him now; although he is not physically with us anymore, we will keep him with us in our memories and in our hearts.

We miss you, Ryder.

Rest in peace.

Ms Kayla Hoey

GOLF DAY

“... firm its roots, and broad its branches ...”

Swinging Success at the Annual Wynberg Boys’ High School Golf Day

nestled against the backdrop of the stunning Silvermine Mountains, lies Westlake Golf Club, “home” to Wynberg Boys’ golf.

This proved the perfect canvas for members of the Wynberg Boys’ community to showcase their golfing prowess.

With the unmistakable sound of golf balls meeting drivers (or the ground in some cases) the field of 110 golfers ranging from seasoned pro to first-time fairway adventurer, converged with a common goal - to enjoy a day on the course with a healthy dose of competition.

The strategically placed refreshment stations offered a welcome respite, with golfers indulging in a quick snack or a sip of a refreshing

beverage. The drinks cart offered golfers an excuse to stop and breathe and turned the event into a fun-filled and enjoyable day.

Our special thanks must go to Mekor Suzuki Kenilworth - who as our Gold Sponsor - really showed up on the day to spoil our golfers. Not only did they have cars on display but their team was on hand to top up snacks and chat to golfers.

With a prize table laden and trophies gleaming, the awards dinner was a mix of banter, laughter and celebration of the winners.

Thank you to all the players & sponsors, without your support, we would not be able to host these successful fundraising and fun-raising events.

We look forward to seeing you in 2024!

WOBU

“... firm its roots, and broad its branches ...”

HELLO READERS!

Wynberg Old Boys’ u nion has been asked to make an appearance in this year’s school magazine.

After decades of cooperation and cohabitation with Wynberg Schools, we are finally on good enough terms to feature in these delightful records through which matriculants browse fondly in the decades ahead of them.

The Old Boys’ Union is coordinated by a committee of volunteer alumni and their secretary. Our role on campus is to help folk keep in contact with those who have matriculated and help throw parties when alumni return for reunions. Being the only Union with a proper liquor licence for our Pavilion certainly helps!

Financially, there are many layers to the Union. Through the Bill Bowden Pavilion, Old Boys reinvest most of its funds into building maintenance, equipment, décor and the occasional upgrade/renovation. Then there is the Supera Moras Trust, which manages the various contributions received from alumni and directs it towards scholarships and other school needs. Lastly and most recently, is the Legacy Fund, an initiative started by Karl

Westvig (1988) to help fundraise larger capital projects for the school as well as scholarships.

We have been fortunate with stellar leadership and financial decisions in recent years and find ourselves with a bit more room in the budget to work with. It has been a rewarding feeling to be able to offer some assistance to alumni looking to get assistance with international sports tours. Going forward, we are hoping to explore more ways that we can assist Old Boys and nurture the endless chain.

There is not much else to say about us; we are just one of the many entities that do what they can to assist and work alongside the Wynberg Boys’ Schools to keep them striving for excellence in academics, sports, culture & service.

WOBU is incredibly proud of the work that Mr Scheepers, Mr Poleman and the collective Wynberg Staff have put into the 2023 academic year. They continue to go above and beyond for their students, helping them grow into fine Wynberg Men. Old Boys have no doubt that the class of 2023 will be gracing the walls of the School Museum in no time!

Supera Moras

Wynberg old boys’ union

STATEMENT SIGNAGE

Connecting our p ast with our Future

Tuesday 14 March 2023: Headmaster, Mr Deon Scheepers, welcomed Wynberg Old Boy and trustee of the Supera Moras Trust, Mr Michael Lewis, to an informal viewing of our new statement signage at the front of the school.

While new signage had been in the planning for some years, an offer by Mr Lewis of heritage sandstone from his late father Stanley Lewis’ home in Cape Town turned the project into an enduring expression of ‘brothers in an endless chain’. The sandstone blocks which originally stood as gate posts at the Lewis family home are a near-perfect match with those of our Memorial Gateway, and likely the same early 1920s vintage. With Stanley Lewis himself a proud Wynberg Old Boy and stalwart supporter of the School, the donation presented the opportunity to create a unique Wynberg statement complementing our heritage gates and positioning our school brand powerfully in the public eye.

The flow of the design from the old cut stone, through our Wynberg badge (now in its 100th year since its adoption from the old Wynberg Municipality) on a modern stark white wall, through to the curved line of the plastered brickwork onto the pavement on Herschel Walk powerfully delivers our mantra ‘brothers in an endless chain’, words from our School Song sung by generations of Wynberg Men, that encapsulates the ethos of the Wynberg Boys’ Schools into the future.

WBHS is indebted to Gus van der Spek of Aview Properties for facilitating the project, the generosity of the Lewis Family, and the matrics of 2020, 2021, and 2022 for their contribution. Supera Moras

Matrics receive Old Boys’ Ties

ACADEMICS

“... firm its roots, and broad its branches ...”

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC REpORT

Mr Graham James

VP: Academics (Acting)

The Matric results of 2023 were an improvement on the results of 2022 which shows that we are moving towards our Academic vision of a one hundred percent pass rate, ninety-five percent Bachelor’s pass rate, and two distinctions per boy.

Eighty-seven comma four percent of our 2023 group of Matrics were eligible to apply at tertiary institutes and they achieved two hundred and fifty subject distinctions.

Five of the boys managed to achieve distinctions in all their subjects but special mention must go to Jared Benn who managed to place first in Physical Sciences in the country as well as second overall in the country. The entire group of 2023 Matrics are to be congratulated on this great achievement and we wish all of them well in their future endeavours.

We continue to push the innovation boundaries in the classroom with collaboration between boys even though they are not necessarily in proximity to each other. This is done using the Microsoft Suite of products and therefore the projects which are being produced are showing great signs of improved quality. We are introducing plagiarism and Artificial Intelligence scanning into our handing-in processes which then ensure the boys are handing in genuine work and stand them in good stead going into their lives outside of school. While talking about projects it would be remiss of me to not mention our success at

the Eskom Expo Science Fair where Zachary Gibbon and Muzzamil Solomon won gold medals for their project to make biodiesel to power a generator.

We continue to strive towards our academic vision and look forward to the class of 2024 getting us that much closer to those targets.

HIGHEST SUBJECT MARkS

Jared benn: Mathematics (100%); Physical Sciences (100%).

Hamzah loonat: Mathematics (100%); Physical Sciences (99%)

naas beets: Afrikaans FAL (99%); Economics (99%)

OUR TOP ACHIEVER

Jared benn

Jared’s aggregate for the NSC Examination was 96.14% and the top achiever, nationally, in Physical Sciences in the NSC Examination. Jared was also placed second nationally, overall.

SEVEn SUBJECT DISTInCTIOnS

benjamin badiali, naas beets, Jared benn, Hamzah loonat, Keyaan Matthews.

SIx SUBJECT DISTInCTIOnS

ebinezer Karengera, Andrew Killick, Connor louw.

MOST IMPROVED SUBJECTS

Information Technology Physical Sciences

MATRIC RESULTS AnnOUnCEMEnT

L to R : MR SCHEEPERS, JARED BEnn, MRS BEnn & MR BEnn

Jared displaying his Certificates of Excellence – Top Grade 12 learner in Physical Science [1st Place] & Top Grade 12 Learner in Quintile 5 Schools [2nd Place], both signed by Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga.

MATRIC RESULTS AnnOUnCEMEnT (CONT.) ACADEMIC

AFRIKAANS ACADEMIC

Renette Spammer

In die afgelope paar jaar het daar ‘n merkbare verandering in die landskap van taalonderrig by Wynberg Boys’ High School plaasgevind.

Hierdie positiewe verandering weerspieël nie net ‘n toename in akademiese nie, maar ook ‘n groeiende belangstelling in die Afrikaanse kultuur. Weeklikse klastoetse het ‘n gereelde praktyk geword, wat ‘n toegewyde benadering tot die aanleer van Afrikaans onder die leerders aanmoedig.

Terwyl ouerlike betrokkenheid beperk bly, bevorder Wynberg Boys’ High School aktief Afrikaanse bewustheid deur jaarlikse byeenkomste en ‘n toegewyde Afrikaanse Week, waar Graad 12-leerders hul finale mondelinge projekte aan die hele skool voorstel. Die prestasie van leerders in Afrikaans is lofwaardig en stem ooreen met hul toewyding om die vak ernstig op te neem en te strewe na verbetering. Afgesien van akademiese prestasies stel die insluiting van Afrikaans in die kurrikulum leerders bloot aan Afrikaanse letterkunde, wat die kulturele diversiteit van hierdie hoofsaaklik Engelsprekende skool verryk.

In die lig van die opwindende ontwikkelinge en positiewe momentum rondom die aanleer van Afrikaans by Wynberg Boys’ High School, is daar ‘n helder optimisme dat die toekoms van Afrikaans in die skool nog meer belowend is. Met die voortgesette toewyding van leerders, onderwysers, en die skoolgemeenskap, gaan ons van krag tot krag. Daar lê ‘n sterk geloof in die vermoë van elke leerder om vlot en selfversekerd Afrikaans as ‘n addisionele taal te

gebruik, en ons is vasbeslote om hulle volkome tweetalig te bemagtig. Hierdie taalryke vaardigheid sal nie net akademiese sukses aanspoor nie, maar ook ‘n waardevolle bydrae lewer tot die ryk kulturele weefsel van die skool. Ons sien met verwagting uit na die voortsetting van hierdie opwindende reis na taalrykdom en selfbewustheid vir elke leerder.

Afrikaans vat vlam tussen ons

Graad 8 en 9 leerders

Hierdie jaar het ons ‘n beduidende klem geplaas op die verbetering van die begripsvaardighede van ons Graad 8- en 9-leerders. Vir Graad 9 het ons ekstra leesaktiwiteite ingesluit, terwyl Graad 8-leerders deelgeneem het aan die IGNITE-program, met ‘n fokus op die verbetering van leesbegrip en woordeskat. Ten spyte van die geleidelike vordering het die voordele duidelik na vore gekom in die derde kwartaal toe leerders ‘n veeleisende literatuurnavorsingsprojek suksesvol voltooi het, gevolg deur ‘n skryfopdrag en ‘n mondelinge assessering, met uitstekende punte as gevolg. Hierdie projek het hulle ingelei tot die wêreld van Afrikaanse literatuur en navorsing, met die hoop om hul belangstelling en liefde vir die taal uit te brei.

Afrikaans Mondeling

Jan Brits

Die Graad 8, 9 en 10 klasse het vandeesweek hul Afrikaans mondelinge met groot entoesiasme gedoen. Graad.8 het oor verskillende danse gepraat. Danse van ‘n verskeidenheid kulture is aangebied. Gr.9 moes praat oor die Olimpiese spele. Die glansgeleentheid bring mense van regoor die wêreld bymekaar. Die Graad 10-klas het gepraat oor hul keuses vir ‘n loopbaan. Die toekoms van ons land is verseker omdat die leerders hul vaardighede wil inspan

om hul beroepe te volg . Die seuns het hul baie goed van hul taak gekwyt. Interessante feite is weergegee. Dit is duidelik dat die seuns goeie navorsing gedoen het. Die seuns het met die nodige selfvertroue hul aanbiedings gedoen. Dit is duidelik dat Suid-Afrika anders is. Hier by Wynberg kry die seuns ‘n ongelooflike geleentheid om hul staal te toon.

Veeltaligheid is ‘n definitiewe voordeel en maak goeie kommunikasie moontlik. Ons kan met opreg trots wees op ons geliefde reënboognasie. seuns PrAAt lAnd en sAnd AfriKAAns

Economics ACADEMIC

Cultural Tour of the u SA

A school tour from South Africa to the USA is an exciting and educational experience for our staff and learners.

In this particular case, a group of 28 boys and 3 staff members flew from Cape Town to the USA to embark on their adventure.

new York

Their first stop was New York, where our boys had the opportunity to explore Manhattan. One of the highlights of their visit was experiencing the city’s iconic attractions through a hopon/hop-off bus tour. This allowed them to conveniently navigate through the bustling streets while getting a glimpse of famous landmarks such as Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.

Immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of New York City, our boys had a chance to soak up its rich culture and history. They were able to witness firsthand the diversity and energy that makes this city so unique.

San Francisco

Our Wynberg team chose accommodation near the Golden Gate Bridge and in line with Alcatraz.

One of the highlights of the tour was a ferry ride to Alcatraz, the infamous former prison located in San Francisco Bay. Our staff and boys immersed themselves in the rich history of this historic site through a guided ferry tour.

In addition to visiting Alcatraz, they also enjoyed cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge. This exhilarating activity allowed them to take

in panoramic views of the city skyline and coastline while engaging in physical activity on their way to the beautiful town of Sausalito.

San Francisco offers a myriad of other activities for school tours as well. Our boys explored famous neighbourhoods such as Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Overall, a school tour to San Francisco provided an unforgettable educational experience filled with cultural enrichment and exploration of iconic landmarks. Their trip to San Franciso was completed with a trip to Oracle Park Baseball stadium to watch the Giants play on the 4th of July weekend.

LA, Santa Monica

Transitioning to Los Angeles, the group chose to stay in Santa Monica, just a stone’s throw from the beach. This vibrant coastal city offered a plethora of attractions and activities for our boys.

One of the first challenges encountered by the group was navigating Santa Monica’s public transport system. While it provided eye-opening moments and allowed them to immerse themselves in the local culture, it also presented some hurdles to overcome. However, with determination and a sense of adventure, they were able to explore the city and make the most of their time there.

Santa Monica is known for its iconic pier, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The group had the opportunity to stroll along the pier, soak up the sun on its sandy beaches, and learn to surf in the gentle waves.

In addition to its natural beauty, Santa Monica boasts a vibrant shopping scene which the boys really enjoyed.

Los Angeles, with its vibrant entertainment

industry and iconic landmarks, offered a multitude of exciting experiences for our team. From hiking up to the world-famous Hollywood sign to taking a tour of the renowned Paramount Studios, there was no shortage of activities to indulge in.

Being sports fanatics, the group went to another baseball game, this time to watch the LA Dodgers at Dodger Stadium which was an exhilarating experience that showcased America’s favourite pastime in all its glory. The electric atmosphere and passionate fans made it an unforgettable outing!

Despite the unexpected twists and turns, the adventure in the USA proved to be a remarkable journey of resilience, growth, and cultural exploration.

The trials faced during the trip only served to enhance the overall experience, creating lasting memories, friendships and valuable life lessons.

ACADEMIC

EDF (engineering and design faculty)

EGD Grade 11 Outing

Kirby Engineering

Franco Mostert

EGD Subject Head

This year, Grade 11 Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD) students embarked on an insightful journey beyond the classroom, thanks to an invitation from Mr Jimmy Kirby of Kirby Engineering. Organized by Mr Stefan Potgieter, Head of the Engineering and Design Faculty (EDF), the outing aimed to provide students with a firsthand look into the daily operations of engineers at Kirby Engineering’s Cape Town offices.

Three small groups of EGD students were given the chance to explore the working environments of Electrical, Mechanical, and BIM (Building Information Modelling) engineers. The initiative stemmed from Mr Potgieter’s own visit to Kirby Engineering earlier in the year, where he recognized the value of exposing students to the practical aspects of the engineering profession.

The BIM department, with its 3D modelling and virtual tours, captured the students’ attention. Witnessing the collaborative efforts and the execution of large-scale projects across the globe left a lasting impact, challenging preconceptions about the engineering field.

Some of the learners’ feedback from the outing:

1. The first thing I noticed once the outing had started was that the office was very clean and very neat, with no items strewn around. Everyone seemed to be working very nicely. The office had a very nice view and seemed like a very enjoyable working environment. As for the tour itself, it

seemed well thought out and covered some very interesting talking points. The tour really changed my perspective of engineering, it didn’t look anything like I imagined. Seeing the employees working on those highly complex data centres intimidated me slightly. The best part of the tour was obviously the Holo Lense, it was really cool to be able to walk through the actual model. Overall the tour strengthened my desire to go into engineering despite the apparent difficulty of it.

2 The experience was very eye opening in many ways. Being able to see how detailed the whole process of designing the internals of these huge buildings was extremely interesting to see. The thing I found astonishing was how big the scale and how intricate and detailed each project was. Overall it was a very good experience and has made me think deeper into how things are designed and built.

3 I would like to say thank you sir for giving us the opportunity to experience and physically see what we may be doing when going into the mechatronics field. It was an informative experience and i learnt a lot from the short time we had with Mr Kirby and his colleagues. They were very welcoming and accommodative which made it more comfortable and enjoyable. I learnt many new things things regarding BIM’s and how much work actually goes into the designing of building that you may think looks simple. The experience at Kirby’s made me more confident in my decision to study mechatronics as I have more information on what I would be doing and how things work. It was always a field that aligned with who I am and the things I love doing and after seeing more of what is done, I am confident that I will enjoy and have passion when doing work in the mechatronics field.

4 I found the tour of the company very interesting and enlightening as a student wanting to move forward with mechanical engineering. In particular them showing us how the processes

operate and how each person works with each other to finish the project. It was especially interesting seeing the technology they use and the programs that they do the projects on. I think that one of the things I was most impressed with was how they have 3D designs and models of the project they work with and how it can help with so many things to do with the project. It was a very enriching outing and it makes the future of Engineering feel very exciting to go into as it keeps developing. They showed us how much more advanced things are than we really realised and how soon the future will be here.

5 I found the tour of the company very interesting and enlightening as a student wanting to move forward with mechanical engineering. In particular them showing us how the processes operate and how each person works with each other to finish the project. It was especially interesting seeing the technology they use and the programs that they do the projects on. I think that one of the things I was most impressed with was how they have 3D designs and models of the project they work with and how it can help with so many things to do with the project. It was a very enriching outing and it makes the future of Engineering feel very exciting to go into as it keeps developing. They showed us how much more advanced things are than we really realised and how soon the future will be here.

6 I didn’t expect much from this outing, but I was very surprised at how advanced Kirby engineering is. I was very impressed at how skilled they are, and the visit has made me think about possibly going into engineering as a possible career path.

7 I am really grateful for the enlightening opportunity to visit such a renowned corporation. I realized that there was so much more to engineering than i initially thought. The modelling and designing of the structures intrigued me as they were so delicate and intricate. I would like to learn more about what the world of engineering has to offer.

8 I am very appreciative of the tour and introduction given to me by Kirby Engineering. It was very insightful and interesting to see how they can work on such large projects while still remaining consistently detailed, to an almost overwhelming extent.

9. The EGD outing to Kirby engineering was very informative on the world of engineering. The outing taught me what it is like to work as an engineer and showed me how intricate and precise the work is. This outing has been very helpful as I now can make a more educated decision when it comes to my future and my future career.

10 Thank you, sir, for organising this outing and I hope you can relay my thanks to Mr Kirby and the rest of the Kirby engineering staff who made this outing possible.

ACADEMIC

GrADe 10 LeArNerS: (LeFT: BrADLey MCCue) AND (rIGHT) LIyeMA PAHLANA BuSy DRILLInG HOLES In THEIR PRInTED CIRCUIT BOARD. BEFORE ETCHInG.

CLOSe-uP OF DrILLING IN PCB (PrINTeD CIrCuIT BOArD).

GRADE 11 LEARnER SAALIH TASRIET BUSY WITH THE PRESS AnD PEEL OF HIS CIRCUIT. THIS STEP IS WHERE THE LEARnER TAkES HIS DIGITALLY DESIGnED CIRCUIT DIAGRAM AnD TRAnSFERS IT OnTO THE COPPER BOARD

CLOSe-uP OF DrILLING IN PCB (PrINTeD CIrCuIT BOArD).

GrADe 11 LeArNerS: ZIGGy rIeMer (rIGHT FrONT) AND GeLeS SMuTS (LeFT BACk) PrOuD OF THeIr HAnDIWORk, GOInG TO DRILL THE HOLES FOR THE COMPOnEnTS nExT.

GRADE 11 LEARnER ExCHAnGE STUDEnT: IGnACIO DECHIARA PROUD ABOUT HOW WELL HIS PRESS AnD PEEL TRAnSFER CAME OUT AS WELL AS DRILLED HOLES. nExT UP ETCHInG.

GrADe 12 LeArNerS: (FrOM LeFT) MOrGAN COCHIuS, DEVIn MARSHALL AnD JOSHUA HEATH HAPPY WITH THE RESULT AFTER ETCHInG THEIR SOUnD TO LIGHT CIRCUIT

GrADe 12 LeArNerS: (LeFT) ALexANDer LOreNZeN AND (rIGHT) CONNOr ALBreCHT GeTTING reADy TO PUT THEIR CIRCUITS In THE ETCHInG TAnk.

SOME OF THE GRADE 11 LED DIMMER LIGHT PROJECT.

An InFInITY TABLE, GELES SMUTS GRADE 11 LIGHT DIMMER.

EGD DRAWInG LIGHT, CJ MAGIELSEn GRADE 11 LIGHT DIMMER.

Grade 8 - 11 prizegiving ACADEMIC

Headmaster,

Mr Deon Scheepers, reports on WBHS 2022:

Welcome to the 2023 Prize Giving ceremony, a highlight on the annual school calendar.

It is very important for modern organisations to keep on improving by building on past traditions as a foundation for the future.

The author of several leadership studies, Deming, describes the concept of continuous improvement as ‘initiatives that increase successes and reduce failures.’

It is also described as a company-wide process of focused and continuous incremental innovation. This culture of sustained improvement involves all members of the organisation, from all organisational levels, working together to make improvements without necessarily making huge capital investments.

Continuous improvement can occur through evolutionary improvement during which radical changes occur, or through incremental improvements to an existing and wellfunctioning system, like Wynberg Boys’ High School.

However, what is important to realise is that major improvements often take place over time as a result of numerous incremental improvements.

In the early 1990s, Robert Kaplan and David Norton developed a methodology that translates the objectives of organisations into measures and goals.

They devised an instrument, namely the balanced scorecard, to clarify and update strategy, link the objectives of the organisation to annual budgets, allow organisational change, and increase the understanding of the company vision and mission statements across the organisation.

By using the balanced scorecard, performance measures can be quantified and appraised, hence it can be measured whether an organisation has achieved the desired results.

Should one apply the balanced scorecard to Wynberg Boys’ High during the year 2022, the performance of the school can be measured from four different perspectives, namely from:

• a customer perspective

• an internal perspective

• the perspective of innovation and learning, and, finally

• from a financial perspective.

Firstly, our performance from a customer perspective:

• The school’s focus remains to provide a value-added service to our primary customers, namely our boys, staff, parents, and the wider community, which includes our old boys.

• We have continued in 2022, and post covid, to expose our boys to the four pillars that are the foundation of our approach to ensure a well-rounded education, namely the academic, sport, cultural, and service pillars.

• Academics remain our core business and we are proud of the academic performance of the class of ‘22: the biggest matric group of the past five years wrote the NSC examination and 99.5% passed. 86% obtained a bachelor’s pass.

• At the end of ’22, the Grade 8s achieved a 100% pass rate; the Grade 9s a 99% pass rate; the Grade 10s a 100% pass rate, and the Grade 11s a 98% pass rate.

• In terms of sport, our boys are competing against the majority of the top schools in South Africa in our various sporting codes on an annual basis and we are holding more than our own.

• Several boys were selected for the province in various sporting codes in 2022, and we are especially proud having produced both the S.A. Schools’ rugby captain, Zach Porthen, and the S.A. Schools’ cricket captain, Juan James, in 2022.

• Our cultural activities include a vibrant music department where the choir, vocal ensemble, pipe band, and concert band, to name but a few, offer music opportunities for our boys to excel musically.

• We successfully staged the music production ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ in 2022 and received numerous compliments and accolades for the high standard and professional approach of the production.

• Our boys were fully involved in service and supported our local communities in 2022 in various initiatives: the sandwich project; boots initiative; sanitary pad initiative and Christmas project, to name but a few, were well-supported and well-received.

• Our approach to pastoral care enabled our boys to find a safe place at school where they have the freedom to explore and develop based on our value system of honesty, empathy, inclusivity, respect, and to go beyond their own limitations.

• We are proud of our highly experienced and dedicated staff, and we make a concerted effort to connect, coach and celebrate our staff. Staff recruitment, staff development, staff compensation, and staff retention are all part of our vision towards 2025, and beyond.

• We value our parents and through an extremely committed and dedicated SGB, regular termly meetings with parents, and weekly electronic communication we are continually striving to keep our parents fully informed and part of the Wynberg family.

• Our digital footprint is continually growing, and the weekly newsletter now reaches close to 2500 stakeholders. Our official social media channels include Flickr with 11 million cumulative photo views in 2022, YouTube with 3.5 million impressions, mostly live streamed, Facebook with a following of more than 20 000, Instagram with a following of more than 10 000 and tik tok with close to 29 000 followers.

ACADEMIC

Grade 8 - 11 PrizeGiviNG (CONT.)

...continued from previous page

Secondly, our performance from an internal perspective:

The Vision 2025 Indaba to discuss the school’s strategic vision for the next three years was held in September last year. All staff were involved and the indaba also included members of the SGB.

By revisiting the school’s DNA, and its core values of honesty, excellence, inclusivity, respect, and ‘Supera Moras’ or overcoming difficulties, our boys, staff, and old boys are identified as the ‘heirs’, an acronym of our values, of the rich traditions and heritage of the school.

This also makes them custodians with the responsibility to pass this on to future generations of Wynberg men.

The following areas were identified as the main focus to achieve excellence at our school by 2025:

Education innovation; sporting excellence; multi-cultural excellence that includes service; a pastoral ‘caring’ approach with the emphasis on building resilience and empathy; staff wellbeing; 360 degree communication; focused alignment with our feeder schools, tertiary institutions and industry and, finally, identifying and exploring resources.

Thirdly, our performance from the perspective of innovation and learning:

• The school adopted a paperless system almost 12 years ago whereby our boys use modern technology in the form of laptops or devices and e-books in modern-day classrooms.

• A modern, state-of-the-art engineering and design faculty was recently built to expose our boys to cutting-edge technology and to prepare them for the future.

• By using Microsoft, we have enabled many subjects to create a digital textbook that contains notes, links to web resources, videos, quizzes, and other useful information.

• Online formative assessment is used on a daily basis and many lessons are recorded so that boys may review lessons at a later stage.

• We introduced the ignite program during the first semester of 2022 to our Grade 8 students during which we focused on developing their reading and numeracy skills, as well as general concepts that underpin content which include 21stcentury skills like communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.

• From 2023, the teaching philosophy in the classrooms will be to develop reading and comprehension skills and boys will be enabled to read with insight and to apply their higher cognitive functions.

And, finally, our performance from a financial perspective:

Should the school be assessed from a financial perspective, Wynberg Boys’ High provides a fantastic return on a parent’s investment in their son’s education.

Although the school is a non-profit organisation, all stakeholders can be very pleased with how the school’s finances are managed.

The school’s financial strategy, financial implementation, and financial management have contributed to establishing world-class facilities on par with most, if not all, private schools in South Africa but at a fraction of their annual school fees.

We have managed to keep our annual increase in school fees extremely reasonable for 2023 and without compromising the quality of a Wynberg Boys’ High education.

Although the financial analyses of most organisations tend to have a backward-looking focus, it is important to note that the school is also busy with some exciting projects at the moment.

In conclusion, should one apply the balanced scorecard to evaluate the performance of the school from the perspective of our customers, our internal processes, the perspective of innovation and learning as well as from a financial perspective, it is evident that Wynberg Boys’ High has enjoyed a very successful year.

The leadership guru John C. Maxwell has the following to say about a successful organisation,

and I quote:

“Commitment to continual improvement is the key to reaching your potential and to being successful.”

Wynberg Boys’ High School finds itself in the cauldron of South African education and the challenges that all schools currently face are enormous.

However, with a philosophy and a vision focused on excellence, learning, and innovation, the school will continually strive to set the benchmark for excellence in education in South Africa, and beyond.

I thank you!

ACADEMIC

...continued from previous page

Ryno Greenwall Prize for the most original History Project – Ignatius Beets who received 100% for his project.

Smyly Trophy for the best performance in the Science Expo

– Tristan Butters and Andrew Killick were both awarded 97%.

Old Boys Maths Prize awarded for the best performance at the UCT Maths Competition – Farhan Omar (individual); Seb de Klerk and Fayaaz Ebrahim (pairs). Farhan was placed 6th overall and Seb and Fayaaz placed 1st.

The Vincent Grainger Memorial Prize is awarded to the boy/s who reached round 3 of the South African Maths Olympiad – Zac Botha, Luca Caronti, and Hamzah Loonat all made it to Round 3.

The Pippa Richardson Shield for service to the community

– Tristan Ely is re-awarded the Shield.

The Donald Simons Award for the greatest academic improvement in Grade 9 – Arno Pienaar who improved by 12.58%.

Stan Jones Prize awarded to a Grade 11 student who has shown the most all-round improvement in academic

and sporting endeavours over a period of time – Cole Janse-van Rensburg improved academically by 15.87%.

Alf Morris Award to an all-rounder – Matthew Thomas, our Multi-Media Prefect this year who continues to give up hours of his time for the school while still maintaining his involvement in the other pillars of the school.

Fine Family Bursary

Tyrone Gombe achieved a 70% average, and represented WP Rugby.

Anthony Morris Prize to the boy who showed the most loyalty to the school through school participation – shared by Ross Prinsloo and Achmat Behardien.

David Levitt Memorial Trophy awarded to the Grade 10 student who is an inspiration to his peers through his involvement – Beni Hansen

The neil & Cecil Jowell Award to a boy for demonstrating Wynberg Values and significant determination and perseverance and who, in doing so, epitomised the school’s values

– Samuel Taberner has shown extreme perseverance over the last couple of years and truly embodies the true Wynberg spirit of “overcoming difficulties”.

MATHS EXpERIENCE ACADEMIC

Nicholas Mlotshwa Mathematics Events Coordinator

On the 28th of February 2023 the Mathematics Department invited schools across the peninsula for the 2023 Mathematics experience.

Speakers were invited so that they would motivate learners from Grade 10 to 12, who are currently taking Mathematics as a subject to be motivated and to continue the hard work and then be helpful citizens post high school and be able to enrol in science fields that are a scarce skill in the country. With the country currently facing loadshedding, high interest rates and other paining situations, the speakers touched on various topics that left most students captivated.

The first speaker was Engineer Yaaseen Martin (currently lecturing at UCT Engineering faculty, whose title of the presentation was “Mathematics Experience: School, University, and Beyond”, he profiled his journey of schooling, from previously disadvantaged schools, through his hard work managed to fall in love with Mathematics, that he enjoyed up to this time where he is doing it at PhD level. He motivated the students present indicating that only through hard work.

The next presenter was Jackson Tshabalala from Leva Foundation, the title of his presentation was “Maths and Coding - Welcome to 21st Century Careers.” Mr Tshabalala touched on the importance of coding and mathematics in achieving most of the current world tasks like developing Covid virus vaccinations, app developments, space navigations and online trading.

Last and not least was our former educator Niel Eddy, now from Ubuntu Mathematics, with his presentation titled “A BORING number This whole talk will be about just one number and it will be boring. Be warned - it will be so boring . . . so very boring that your brain will ache where the whole hole or a half a hole is made. Maybe, however, you will be lucky and emerge a little larger than whole.” Brains were stimulated during this time as students were given numbers to investigate and manipulate in a fun but mathematical way.

The students and their teachers managed to have time to interact so that they could connect and continue advising, motivating each other in the quest for conquering the world of Mathematics.

The event was done in the evening, however we are so thankful the schools were able to still attend this Mathematics experience event.

SCIENCES

Game Show Friday

Gamifying Learning in the Science Classroom

In the realm of education, innovation is key to fostering engagement and making learning an enjoyable experience.

At our school, Fridays in Grade 10 HY (Hoey) Physical Sciences class hold a special significance, as they are dedicated to an exciting and unique event known as Game Show Friday. With the requirement of wearing bow ties, learners eagerly anticipate this day, ready to put their knowledge to the test in a game show setting.

Game Show Friday borrows its format from the popular television show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” giving it an air of anticipation and thrill. Divided into groups, the boys band together to tackle a series of content-related questions, striving to demonstrate their understanding of scientific principles. The classroom is transformed into a lively game show arena, brimming with enthusiasm and friendly competition.

Armed with whiteboards, each group engages in collective brainstorming, writing and erasing their answers as they work toward a consensus. The atmosphere is filled with intense discussions, laughter, and occasional high-fives when they arrive at the correct response. This collaborative approach not only promotes teamwork but also allows for active participation from every learners, ensuring that each voice is heard and valued.

By gamifying the learning process, Game Show Friday succeeds in breaking the monotony of traditional classroom instruction. It encourages

learners to delve deeper into their subject matter, employing critical thinking skills and quick reflexes to beat the clock. Moreover, this innovative approach nurtures a positive attitude towards science, as learners witness firsthand the practical application and relevance of their acquired knowledge.

Beyond the excitement and amusement, Game Show Friday serves a greater purpose: it “gamifies learning” by providing an interactive platform for learners to apply theoretical concepts in a practical context. This method instils a sense of ownership over their education, as they become active participants rather than passive recipients of information. It fosters a love for scientific exploration and a desire to excel in the subject.

The impact of Game Show Friday extends beyond the confines of the classroom. It promotes a supportive and inclusive learning environment where learners develop confidence in expressing their ideas and opinions. The bonds formed through group collaboration help forge lasting friendships, encouraging a sense of camaraderie among classmates. Additionally, the engaging nature of this activity motivates learners to independently explore scientific topics outside of the designated curriculum, fostering a lifelong love for learning.

Game Show Friday is more than just a fun-filled end-of-week activity in our grade 10 physical sciences classroom. It represents an innovative and effective way to gamify learning, providing an exciting platform for learners to deepen their understanding of scientific concepts. By donning bow ties and participating in the exhilarating challenge, our learners embrace the joy of learning, transforming the science classroom into a vibrant hub of knowledge and discovery.

ACADEMIC

SCIENCES (CONT.)

u CT Grade 11 Science Outing Igniting Passion for Science

On Thursday, 30th March 2023, the grade 11 Physical Sciences learners from Wynberg Boys’ High School (WBHS) embarked on an exciting and educational outing to the University of Cape Town (UCT). This unique opportunity allowed the learners to delve into the world of science, experiencing hands-on activities and gaining valuable insights from professors in the Chemistry and Physics Departments. The trip aimed to inspire and ignite a passion for science while providing a glimpse into the life of a university student.

As the WBHS learners arrived at UCT, they were greeted with the vibrant atmosphere of the campus. The sight of students in graduation gowns, capturing memorable moments on the iconic “Jammie Steps,” added to the anticipation of the day. It was a humbling reminder of the beginning and end of the educational journey.

The learners had the privilege of interacting with professors from the Chemistry and Physics Departments, who generously shared their knowledge and advice. These experienced educators shed light on the university application process, the transition from high school to tertiary education, and the prospects that await beyond graduation.

In the Chemistry Department, the grade 11s eagerly participated in a titration practical, which, although considered standard for first-year chemistry students, was a new and exciting experience for them. With a handson approach, the learners utilised equipment, acids, bases, and indicators to determine the concentration of a “mystery” solution. This

practical allowed them to witness the practical applications of the theoretical concepts they have been studying in class.

In the Physics Department, the learners were enthralled by a series of experiments and demonstrations tailored to their current curriculum and introductory concepts from first year physics. One unforgettable highlight was watching a “crazy science professor” launch a water bottle rocket using dry ice outside the R. W. James Building. The display of physics principles in action captivated the learners’ attention and showcased the thrilling possibilities within the field.

During the outing, the learners were also given the opportunity to explore the UCT campus. A short tour allowed them to witness the vibrant atmosphere that permeates the university. As they strolled through the grounds, they encountered students adorned in graduation gowns, posing for photos on the iconic “Jammie Steps” outside the Sarah Baartman Hall. This juxtaposition between the beginning of their tertiary education journey and the culmination of the graduates’ academic endeavours provided a poignant reminder of the circle of education.

The UCT Grade 11 Science Outing provided a remarkable opportunity for the learners of WBHS to immerse themselves in the world of science at one of South Africa’s premier universities. Interacting with professors, engaging in practical experiments, and witnessing the graduation festivities, the learners experienced the thrill and relevance of science beyond the confines of the classroom. This outing not only sparked their curiosity but also motivated them to explore their own potential in the sciences, paving the way for a future filled with possibilities.

Grade 8 Scavenger Hunt

During our Grade 8 Natural Sciences lessons in the week leading up to exams, learners had the remarkable opportunity to put into practice what they had learned within the classroom walls. The ecological scavenger hunt not only provided a platform for observation but also encouraged them to seek out and document real-life examples of various ecological interactions. This hands-on and immersive learning experience enabled learners to come up with their own examples based on what they had experienced in their everyday lives, emphasising the fundamental principle of active learning. By equipping themselves with cell phones, learners seamlessly integrated technology with the exploration of the outdoor ecosystem, capturing moments that showcased the intricate connections between humans, wildlife, and the environment.

They were able to witness first-hand evidence of human impact on the environment, such as pollution and habitat destruction, which reinforced the importance of environmental conservation. The learners eagerly documented

animals living and passing through the area, witnessing the predator-prey relationships that sustain the delicate balance of the ecosystem. They also observed plant diseases and insect damage, which deepened their understanding of the interconnectedness of all living organisms. Through the identification of simple food chains and the exploration of landscapes where multiple ecosystems interacted, the learners gained a comprehensive view of the ecological web that exists around them. The activity further encouraged the learners to delve into the microcosms within the ecosystem, examining single organisms, populations of the same species, and communities of interacting organisms. By doing so, they recognised the intricate relationships and dependencies that drive the functioning of ecosystems.

Additionally, the learners had the opportunity to create a food web, construct an ecological pyramid, and identify abiotic and biotic factors, enhancing their analytical and critical thinking skills. The exploration of symbiotic relationships shed light on the interdependencies between different organisms, while the observation of environmental factors affecting ecosystems offered valuable insights into the fragility and resilience of natural systems. Furthermore, the learners discovered examples of photo-

ACADEMIC

SCIENCES (CONT.)

synthetic autotrophs and adaptations in animals and plants, illustrating the remarkable diversity of life and its ability to thrive in various environments.

The compilation of these observations into a digital scrapbook using Microsoft Sway allowed the learners to showcase their discoveries and reflect on their findings whilst engaging collaboratively and creatively with one another during the entire process. This holistic activity not only allowed learners to apply their theoretical knowledge but also fostered a deeper connection and appreciation for the world around them. It empowered them to become active participants in their own learning journey, equipping them with the skills to navigate and understand the intricacies of the natural world whilst developing interpersonal skills at the same time.

Grade 11 Science Mole Day

Every year, on October 23rd, scientists and chemistry enthusiasts around the world come together to celebrate Mole Day. But before you start picturing furry creatures digging tunnels, let’s clarify that Mole Day has nothing to do with rodents. Instead, it’s a day dedicated to the chemistry concept known as the mole.

Mole Day is a fun and educational celebration that honours Avogadro’s number, a fundamental concept in chemistry. Avogadro’s number represents the number of atoms, ions, or molecules in one mole of a substance, which is approximately 6.022 x 10²³. This special day provides an opportunity to engage in creative and educational activities to raise awareness and appreciation for this vital scientific unit.

Why October 23rd?

Mole Day is celebrated on October 23rd from 6:02 AM to 6:02 PM, corresponding to the Avogadro number (6.02 x 10²³). The idea is to make the date and time (6:02 10/23) resemble Avogadro’s number as closely as possible.

Wynberg Science Joins the Fun

In a fantastic display of scientific enthusiasm, the WBHS science boys recently celebrated Mole Day by walking over to Springfield and joining forces with them and Wynberg Girls’ High School in an inter-schools quiz. The boys at Wynberg had an absolute blast, and although slightly intimidated by the confidence of the girls at first, the boys managed to be competitive opponents.

During the inter-school quiz, the learners demonstrated their chemistry knowledge while

indulging in some Mole Day treats. It’s all about creating a light-hearted atmosphere that fosters a love for chemistry.

The Importance of Mole Day

Mole Day is more than just a reason to crack chemistry jokes; it’s an opportunity to celebrate the importance of chemistry in our lives. The mole is a foundational concept, and it’s found everywhere, from the food we eat to the air we breathe. It plays a crucial role in understanding the world around us and allows chemists to work on groundbreaking discoveries.

Mole Day serves as a reminder that science can be fun and exciting. It encourages learners to engage with chemistry in a playful way while also promoting the serious message that chemistry is a fascinating and essential field of study.

So, whether you’re a chemistry enthusiast or someone looking to appreciate the wonders of the scientific world, take a moment to celebrate Mole Day next year. Who knows, you might just “mole-ify” your perspective on chemistry and have a “mole-ificent” time doing it!

ACADEMIC

SCIENCES (CONT.)

iThemba LABS Excursion

Unveiling

the World of Particle

Acceleration

On Wednesday, 2nd August, the grade 10 learners embarked on an extraordinary journey to iThemba LABS, an iconic facility that introduced them to the captivating world of particle acceleration and its implications on a submicroscopic scale. The excursion was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, offering our learners a glimpse into the fascinating realm of science and discovery.

The day began with a comprehensive introduction to the concept of particle acceleration. The learners were captivated as they learned about how scientists propel subatomic particles to incredible speeds using advanced technology. This fundamental concept underpins modern scientific research and is crucial in understanding the mysteries of our universe.

One of the highlights of the visit was an exclusive tour of the SSC (Separation Sector Cyclotron) control room and vaults. While

operations were decommissioned at the time, the learners had the chance to witness where cutting-edge research takes place. The aweinspiring visit to the SSC control room offered a glimpse into the sophisticated equipment that scientists once used to conduct groundbreaking experiments.

Furthermore, the learners were given the unique opportunity to “Speed Date a Scientist.” They interacted with various scientists who currently work at iThemba LABS, gaining insights into their respective research areas. The scientists shared their expertise on radiation for cancer treatment, nuclear physics, and various other intriguing topics. The face-to-face interactions with these knowledgeable researchers left a lasting impact on the young minds, igniting a sense of curiosity and fascination for scientific pursuits.

As part of the experience, the boys were also engaged in a hands-on activity where they constructed their very own DC motors. This activity not only provided them with a practical understanding of the principles of electromagnetism but also allowed them to grasp the basics of cyclotrons - the machines used for particle acceleration. Building their

motors served as an exciting way to reinforce their learning and encouraged them to explore further into the world of physics and engineering.

The entire excursion was an awe-inspiring adventure that left the learners inspired and motivated. Many young minds discovered new passions and interests in the realm of scientific research. The exposure to cutting-edge facilities and the chance to interact with scientists allowed them to envision a future where they, too, could make significant contributions to the world of science.

The visit to iThemba LABS undoubtedly served as a catalyst for nurturing budding scientists

among our grade 10 learners. It reinforced the importance of scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and hands-on exploration. We are confident that this experience will continue to resonate with our learners for years to come, fostering a generation of curious and ambitious individuals ready to take on the challenges of the future.

A special thanks to the staff at iThemba LABS for making this excursion possible and for their dedication to inspiring the next generation of scientists. We look forward to more such enriching experiences that nurture the spirit of exploration and curiosity in our learners, the innovators and problem solvers of tomorrow.

ACADEMIC

SCIENCES (CONT.)

Life Sciences

The allure of Life Sciences has sparked a surge in interest among our students, resulting in a steady increase in enrolment.

Our department operates cohesively, resembling a finely tuned machine. Here, students aren’t mere recipients of information; they are active contributors to scientific inquiry. Through hands-on experiments, the construction of models, and immersive explorations, they become architects of their own learning experience.

Central to our approach is the conviction of applying knowledge to unearth novel perspectives within the domain of Life Sciences. Beyond the confines of textbooks, our students take pride in their ability to explore, question, and discover. They navigate the labyrinth of biological concepts, uncovering fascinating insights and redefining how they view life’s intricacies.

To augment the practical aspect of assessments, we’ve integrated more frequent hands-

on sessions. This academic year has seen innovative learning endeavours, including the incorporation of online articles and invigorating outdoor escapades around our school grounds. These initiatives aim to illuminate the symbiotic relationship between classroom teachings and the tangible world around us. Through outdoor walks and observations, students experience first hand how the theories they study manifest in the flora, fauna, and ecosystem thriving right under their noses.

Looking ahead, we’re poised on the brink of an exciting chapter. With expanded resources and upgraded facilities, we’re geared to introduce an array of enriching experiential learning activities. This newfound capacity heralds a transformative era, offering a spectrum of engaging, hands-on experiences that will deepen our students’ appreciation and comprehension of Life Sciences.

In our relentless pursuit of scientific curiosity and innovation, we remain steadfast in creating an environment where learning transcends conventional boundaries. The amalgamation of theoretical knowledge with practical applications serves as the cornerstone, propelling our students toward a profound understanding of life’s complexities and marvels.

Annual Science EX p O

The outcome of our annual Science ExPO surpassed our already high expectations.

Initiated in late January this year, the event posed numerous challenges for the participating boys and coaches, pushing them to grapple with innovative ideas. Fuelled by curiosity and creativity, our boys embarked on a journey of discovery, learning to become adept problem solvers – addressing not only the challenges faced in South Africa but also those encountered globally.

The exposition witnessed enthusiastic participation from our students in Life Sciences and Physical Science, an integral part of our curriculum. Leveraging their subject expertise, these budding scientists conceived original ideas and utilized their knowledge to construct models, conduct research investigations, and perform experiments.

Each boy was tasked with presenting a comprehensive research proposal and scientific file, accompanied by an oral presentation using a poster as a visual aid.

This year marked a significant milestone as we entered several projects into the Eskom Cape Town Expo for Young Scientists. For the first time, our students had the opportunity to collaborate with peers from other schools and professionals across diverse scientific domains. The accolades for the projects submitted were remarkable: Nikolai Connaroe and Chibuike Igilige achieved Highly Commended recognition in Engineering; Thomas Attenborough and Zaahir Jakoet received Bronze medals for Environmental Studies; and Zachary Gibbon and Muzzamil Solomon clinched Gold medals for Energy.

Zachary and Muzzamil’s success earned them a coveted spot at the International Science Fair (ISF) held in Johannesburg. Their joint project secured them Gold medals at this prestigious event, and they were rewarded with laptops and hampers as a testament to their remarkable achievement. We take immense pride in our boys for proudly representing Wynberg, demonstrating to their peers the heights that can be reached through hard work and dedication.

Having laid a solid foundation for the future of science at our school, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming Science EXPO projects in the years ahead, inspired by the trailblazing accomplishments of our students.

VISuAL ARTS ACADEMIC

Highlights of 2023

Term 2: A Brush with Success

In Term 2, we witnessed the blossoming of our students’ artistic talents, with notable achievements and enriching experiences. Jack Gouws, a young artist brimming with potential, was picked to join the prestigious Zeitz MOCAA Art club, a remarkable recognition of his artistic prowess. Jack is one of only 12 students chosen from across the Western Cape, granting him a golden opportunity to nurture and expand his artistic skills. The Art club members not only create but also showcase their masterpieces within the walls of the museum, a feat that left us in awe.

Furthermore, our students embarked on an educational art outing to the Zeitz MOCAA Museum. Our senior boys, in grades 10 to 12, had the privilege of enjoying a guided tour of the museum, where they immersed themselves in the world of contemporary art. What truly set this experience apart was the group activity that followed – our students collaborated to analyse the museum’s artworks, impressing even museum visitors with their insightful presentations. Our horizons were broadened by the museum’s WHEN WE SEE US: A CENTURY OF BLACK FIGURATION IN PAINTING exhibition, which showcased a diverse collection of artworks from artists across Africa. Our students’ exemplary behaviour and manners throughout this outing left a lasting impression.

Term 3: Shining Stars

Term 3 was marked by the brilliance of our students as they continued to excel in the

world of visual arts. Aadam Fakir, one of our talented artists, had the extraordinary privilege of exhibiting his work alongside the iconic masterpieces of Irma Stern at the Irma Stern Museum.

In another first for Wynberg, we proudly presented the artworks of our Grade 10 and 11 students in an exclusive art exhibition. The event was a resounding success, with parents, friends, and family members celebrating the creativity and dedication of our young artists. It was heartening to witness the keen interest in the learners’ art sourcebooks, a reflection of their hard work they put into their artistic journeys.

Moreover, our students embarked on yet another enlightening art outing, this time to the Iziko National Gallery. Guided by the renowned Cape Town artist Rory Emmet, the students engaged in a Visual Literacy activity, which required them to analyse two artworks in the museum and create their interpretations. Their enthusiasm and engagement made the trip both fun and educational. Once again, the exemplary behaviour displayed by our art students filled us with pride.

Term 4: Celebrating Creativity

The culmination of our students’ artistic journey unfolded in Term 4, with the Gr 12 Final NSC Art Exhibition held on the 11th of October. The event showcased the immense talents and efforts of our Grade 12 art students. Our guest speaker, the globally acclaimed artist Andrew Putter, delivered an inspiring talk on the significance of creativity in all fields of work. The evening was further graced by a performance from the Voice ensemble and DJ Morten Lakey, an old boy and a former art student of our school.

In addition to celebrating our budding artists, we proudly announced Daniel Murison as the recipient of the prestigious Bob Adshade Award for Visual Arts. Daniel’s unwavering dedication and boundless passion for his craft have set him apart in the eyes of his peers. Daniel’s unique artistic style, combined with his exceptional work ethic, made him a deserving recipient of this award.

In essence, Daniel Murison’s journey in the world of visual arts is a testament to the power of passion and hard work. As we look forward to witnessing his future artistic endeavours, we are certain that his creative journey will continue to inspire those around him.

The year 2023 has been a remarkable one for our Visual Arts department, filled with achievements, inspiration, and growth. We eagerly anticipate the artistic journeys that lie ahead for our talented students.

DANIeL MurISON - reCIPIeNT OF THe PreSTIGIOuS BOB ADSHADE AWARD FOR VISUAL ARTS

Jack Gouws z eitz e xhibition

ACADEMIC

VISuAL ARTS (CONT.)

Grade 10 – 11

Art Exhibition

ACADEMIC

VISuAL ARTS (CONT.)

Matric

Art Exhibition

CULTURE

“... firm its roots, and broad its branches ...”

CuLTuRE

CuLTuRAL pILLAR

Overview

The Cultural pillar has had a remarkably successful year with each department excelling in their respective areas.

The art entries to the Western Cape Eisteddfod received a full set of Diplomas while the Art Club has developed into a larger group.

The music department has continued to excel in all areas, receiving top awards for the various ensemble and solo entries. Each group has had many performances over various platforms, and the Quarterly Concerts highlighted most of the solo performers.

The Wynberg Boys’ Acting Association has continued to thrive with many participants and opportunities to perform, including the annual Shakespeare Schools Festival and the one act play in the fourth term.

All the societies have had a positive year, especially Chess where our boys proved to be quite formidable!

Our debating society excelled and the Umanyano society took part in various Cultural evenings. We also welcomed the newly formed Afrikaans society who participated in the annual Kunstefees.

This year also saw the Talent Show being added to our annual program. This was a successful evening, and we look forward to seeing more up and coming talent in future.

A big thank you to the department heads, TIC’s and parents who give up endless hours supporting and fetching and carrying their boys to the activities throughout the year.

Finally, we are extremely proud of all the young men who allow the creativity and enthusiasm to thrive within our Cultural pillar.

natalie Karg vice-Principal of Culture

TALENT COMpETITION

CuLTuRE

AFRIKAANS SOCIETY

2023

kwartaal 1

Die Afrikaans “Society” het in kwartaal 1 afgeskop, en oor die 30 leerders het opgeteken om deel te wees van die “society”. Ons ontmoet gereeld op Woensdae. Ons het ‘n fliek-aand gehad, dit was ‘n groot sukses en die leerders het dit baie geniet. Ons het ook ‘n boeresport aand gehad, wat vet pret was! Daar gaan ook in Kwartaal 3, ‘n produksie plaasvind, “Die Keuse”.

kwartaal 2

Kwartaal 2 was ‘n baie besige kwartaal.

Die Afrikaans Society het voortgegaan om op Woensdae aande te ontmoet.

Die produksie, Die Keuse, het ook begin om te oefen vir die kompetiesie’s wat plaasvind in die 3de kwartaal.

Damian Philander, met ondersteuning van Mnr Steyn, het aan ‘n Digimonoloog kompetisie deelgeneem met die produksie, Cherry Rooi. Daar was oor die 65 inskrywings reg oor SuidAfrika. Dit was die eerste keer wat Wynberg Boys’ High School aan so iets deelgeneem het. Die aanlyn monoloog was beoordeel op die volgende kriteria: Brons: 70-78% | Silwer: 79-84% | Goud: 85-100%

Cherry Rooi het die volgende ontvang: klank en Beligting: Brons

Plakkaat: Brons

Algehele produksie: Brons

Teks: Goud

Ek is baie trots op Damian Philander.

Mnr steyn tiC

kwartaal 3

Die Afrikaans Society het aan die F.A.K Allegretto toneel fees deelgeneem wat die 15de Augustus 2023 plaas gevind het. Wynberg Boys’ High School was een van 120 produksies reg oor Suid-Afrika wat deelgeneem het.

Die kompetisie word op ‘n hoë standaard beoordeel. Om ‘n brons toekenning te ontvang spreek boekdele.

Die produksie, Die Keuse het die volgende toekenings ontvang: 6 Brons, 4 Silwer en 5 Goue Sertifikate.

Brons vir Spel: Ebrahim Mobara

Brons vir Spel: Daniel van Reenen

Brons vir Regie: Mnr Steyn

Brons vir: Teks

Brons vir: Produksie

Brons vir: Ensemble

Silwer vir Verhoogbestuur:

Alex Park en Francis De Klerk

Silwer vir sang en kitaar : Joel-Isaac Stevenson

Silwer vir Spel: Damian Philander

Goud vir klank: Michael Webner & Thomas Parker

Goud vir beligting: Jack Gouws

Goud vir: Tegniese Aspekte

Goud vir Dekor: WBHS Art Club

Goud vir: Kostuums

kwartaal 4

Wat ‘n besige jaar!

In kwartaal 4 was die leerders op verskillende staptogte betrokke. Ons het slegs net een vergadering gehad en het geleer hoe om te lyn dans. Die leerders het dit vreeslik geniet. Een van ons hoogtepunte van kwartaal 4 was toe die Afrikaans Society die Abbot Cup vir die beste georganiseerde society gewen het.

CuLTuRE

ART CLuB

A Colourful Canvas The Art Club’s Vibrant Journey

The Art Club has soared to new heights this year, embarking on an exhilarating creative journey filled with exciting projects and boundless enthusiasm.

As a club, we thrive on the freedom to explore our artistic passions without the pressure of grades and deadlines. This year has been nothing short of magical.

Our artistic voyage began with a burst of colour as we crafted tie-dye shirts that infused our spirits with creativity and expression. Anelka Tshuma, one of our grade 11 learners, graced us with his expertise, guiding us through the intricate art of drawing anime faces. We dedicated time to perfecting the delicate balance of mixing skin tones and painting eyes on rocks, creating miniature masterpieces that now adorn our club space. As if that weren’t enough, we sculpted anatomical hearts from clay, which were then cast in cement, showcasing our dedication to experimenting with different mediums.

But that was just the start. Our clay transformed once more into reef relief sculptures, intricately detailed and vividly painted. Each project, a unique journey of discovery and artistic growth, has filled our club meetings with laughter, shared passion, and a genuine sense of camaraderie.

We’ve delved into the mesmerizing world of gemstones, expanding our repertoire to include watercolour painting. The joy of artistic exploration knows no bounds in the Art Club, and every project is an opportunity to grow and learn.

Our growth has been nothing short of astounding, and our enthusiasm is infectious. The Art Club is rapidly expanding, attracting individuals eager to unleash their artistic potential and join our spirited creative community.

But the icing on the artistic cake is that we were awarded a Gold for set design at the Allegretto Afrikaans tiener toneel competition. Our students executed an outstanding job, a testament to their unwavering commitment to the craft.

Not stopping there, we lent our creative touch to the Shakespeare Festival, where our members, along with some drama learners from Wynberg Boys and Girls, collaborated to craft the set for Wynberg’s Shakespearean Festival performance. The transformation of ideas into reality was a remarkable experience, highlighting the immense talent and collaboration within the Art Club.

As we continue to evolve and explore the diverse realms of art, we invite all creative souls to join us in our quest for self-expression and artistic growth. The Art Club is more than just a club; it’s a family united by a passion for the arts. Together, we create, we inspire, and we celebrate the boundless joy of artistic expression.

CuLTuRE

CHESS

Chess 2023 A Year of Triumphs

The chess arena at Wynberg Boys’ High School has witnessed an extraordinary year of strategic battles and triumphant victories.

Our formidable teams faced off against some of the nation’s top schools in various tournaments and engaged in the competitive Cape Peninsula Chess Leagues, skillfully orchestrated by our very own, Mr Moser.

The chess year unfolded with three notable tournaments: the Grey Bloem Chess Tournament in term one, the Jamie Tindill Chess Tournament in term three, and the Doubles Blitz Tournament in term four.

The Grey Bloem Chess Tournament marked a stellar beginning, with our first team clinching the championship for the first time, and our fourth team securing a commendable bronze medal in the B section. These achievements underscored the dedication and effort of our boys.

Post the Grey Bloem success, our chess enthusiasts showcased the depth of talent at Wynberg by participating in the Cape Peninsula Chess League. Eight teams competed fiercely during the first and second terms, dominating their leagues and steadily advancing to face progressively stronger opponents. Among these challenges, our annual face-off against Grey High School in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) stood out, with our three teams extending the winning streak against both Grey High and Alexander Road, thanks to the hospitality extended by the Grey boys being able to host so many of our learners.

The second term ushered in the inception of a potential new tradition for our chess teams. Paarl Boys High School emerged as one of the few schools capable of rivaling us in the number of chess participants. This revelation birthed a riveting tournament featuring not only our top players but nearly all of our chess players. The event unfolded with Paarl Boys bringing 32 participants, resulting in a spectacular clash that showcased the depth and prowess of our chess teams.

In a groundbreaking feat, by the start of the third term, Wynberg Boys’ High School achieved something unprecedented in the history of

CHeSS A-TeAM WIN GOLD - Grey COLLeGe TOurNAMeNT

2ND TerM - SPeCTACuLAr CLASH WITH PAArL BOyS

CHESS TEAM

the Cape Peninsula Chess League. Our B team ascended to the A-League at the end of the first term, followed by our C team’s promotion to the A-League at the end of the second term. This extraordinary accomplishment meant that out of the 23 schools and 48 teams in the leagues, Wynberg Boys’ High School comprised half of the top six teams vying for the coveted 2023 championship.

The third term also witnessed the hosting of the annual Jamie Tindill Chess Tournament, an event honouring a former student. After two days of intense competition, our team secured a commendable second place, a position mirrored in the final standings of the Cape Peninsula Chess League, where we once again secured the runner-up spot.

Despite these remarkable achievements, our boys harboured a tinge of disappointment in not clinching the league title. However, the year concluded on a high note with our top players delivering an exceptional performance and securing the first-place result in the Doubles Blitz Tournament hosted at the beginning of the fourth term. This achievement serves as a promising indicator for our continued success in the coming years.

louis schultz teacher in Charge of Chess

Back Row : Isa Deshmukh, Hasan Smith, Damian Hetherington, Amien Gierdien, Andrew Killick, Liam Storey, Ethan Pinn.

Front Row : Keean Vassen, Mohammed-Saalih Tasriet, Mr Louis Schultz (Head of Chess), Ebinezer Kevin Karengera, Mr Larry Moser (Coach), Benjamin Budge, Daniel Budge.

3rD TerM - JAMIe TINDILL TOurNAMeNT

CuLTuRE

2nd

1st terM

20th Grey College Invitational Chess Tournament 2023

On the 2nd of February 2023, our top four chess teams departed from Cape Town to attend the prestigious annual chess tournament hosted by Grey College, Bloemfontein.

This prestigious tournament has been running for the last 21 years and Wynberg has attended every year since 2010 with the exception of 2021, when Covid restrictions prevented the Tournament from being staged. This tournament has been an opportunity for Wynberg to test their players against some of the strongest chess teams in the country. For many years we entered just a single team, then a few years ago sent two teams. Last year we signed up three teams to participate but the depth of chess at Wynberg is finally showing, with four teams able to hold their own this year against some of the strongest chess schools in the country.

Our First and Second teams played in the A section of the tournament (26 teams) and our Third and Fourth teams in the B section (34 teams). The depth and quality of Wynberg chess shone through with our A team winning the A section and our B team placing fourth. In the B section our two teams earned a bronze medal and a seventh place.

The first team needs to be commended for only losing 3 points during the entire tournament, compiling 15 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss in their 20 games. Kevin Karengera playing at board one was the player of the Tournament winning the Board one prize for his four wins and a draw – all against nationally rated players.

Other individual accomplishments were ac-

hieved by the majority of our players winning far more matches than they lost. Overall we had 53 wins, 7 draws, and only 20 losses. Every player worked hard last year to make the touring squad, and their dedication continued throughout the tournament, being demonstrated in their results. They can be very proud of their individual contributions toward a collective and emphatic statement culminating in the final results and placings. The results are as follows:

1st team

Kevin Karengera (Capt.), Keean Vassen, M Saalih Tasriet and Hasan Smith.

Beat Grey College C (4 – 0)

Beat Duineveld High School A (4 – 0)

Beat Trinity House, Randpark A (3.5 – 0.5)

Beat Hoër Jongenskool Paarl A (3.5 – 0.5)

Drew with Stirling High School A (2 -2)

(Last year’s winners) final ranking – 1st (out of 26)

2nd team

M Isah Deshmukh, Damian Hetherington, Liam Storey, and Daniel Budge.

Beat Cradock High A (4 – 0)

Beat Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool A (3 – 1)

Lost to Hoër Jongenskool Paarl A (1 – 3)

Drew with Hoërskool Fichardtpark A (2 – 2)

Beat Sentraal Hoërskool A (3 – 1)

final ranking – 4th (out of 26)

3rd team:

Andrew Killick, Sebastian de Klerk, Amien Gierdien and Gabriel Le Roux

Drew with Hoër Jongenskool Paarl B (2 – 2)

Beat Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool C (4 – 0)

Beat Trinityhouse Randpark B (3 – 1)

Lost to Wynberg Boys’ High School D (0.5 – 3.5)

Drew with St. Andrews B (2 – 2)

final ranking – 7th (out of 34)

4th team

Benjamin Budge, Xavier Brown (Capt.), Ross Read, Ethan Pinn, Thomas Roberts.

Beat Cradock High C (4 – 0)

Beat Petunia Secondary School A (3 – 1)

Drew with Selborne College B (2 – 2)

Beat Wynberg Boys’ High School C (3.5 – 0.5)

Drew with Stirling High School B (2 – 2)

final ranking – 3rd (out of 34)

CuLTuRE

CHESS (CONT.)

JAMie tindill tournAMent

DEBATING

The art of Debate

The Wynberg debating team continues to grow with each passing year. The commitment to developing the art of debate is evident in the dedication seen during the weekly practices and debates.

The addition of a junior team is a positive step forward. The juniors showed good skill development despite not yet participating

DEBATInG

Back Row : Annakin-Jay Smith, Danyaal Essack, Noah Bettles.

Middle Row : Garrett Helgeson-Peters, Joshua Nyamimba, Lucius Jacobs, Ruan Oelofse.

Front Row : Christopher Taljaard, Keyaan Matthews, Ms Lauren Cleophas (Teacher in Charge), Chibuike Igilige (Captain), Nikolai Conarroe.

in official fixtures. Simultaneously the senior debaters have notably raised the debating standard at Wynberg.

A standout moment this year was our debate against Grey High School in Gqeberha during the Grey x Wynberg weekend. Both our junior and senior teams displayed their skills by securing victories with commendable margins.

The team actively participate in Rotary debates and engage in amicable ones with neighbouring schools.

Joining the Western Province debating trials once again is a noteworthy achievement. Wynberg was positioned along with other schools from the Metro South District, a privilege not enjoyed for a few years.

The gents also debated against the Old Boys’ Union; a game thoroughly enjoyed by the gents.

We look forward to the future of the debating team!

CuLTuRE

MuSIC DEpARTMENT

Overview

At the start of 2023 we welcomed two new members of our peripatetic staff: Mrs MelissaJane Grace, our new clarinet and saxophone teacher and Miss Jessica Scott, our new cello teacher. Both have settled in nicely and are producing excellent results with our boys.

At the end of the first term we said a sad goodbye to Miss Arianna Carini, our guitar teacher, who was appointed Head of Music at St. George’s Grammar School. We wish her well in this new role. Miss Carini started teaching at Wynberg in 2016 while still a student at the College of Music. During her time here she grew the guitar program, arranged music for us, assisted in training bands for performances and founded the WBHS Guitar Ensemble in 2022. Her willingness to be emersed in the department as a peripatetic member of staff, doing after hours work, was an incredible gift to those under her influence - for which, we are especially grateful. We welcomed Mr Dion Eaby-Lomas as her replacement and wish him a long and happy tenure at Wynberg.

At the end of the year we said a very fond farewell to Mr Conrad van Breda who has been teaching violin and piano since 2016. Mr van Breda’s connection with Wynberg goes back to 2008 when he began teaching at our junior school. He founded the WBHS String Ensemble in 2016 when he joined the high school staff and has spent countless hours over and above the call of duty serving our pupils, arranging music and accompanying his own studio on the piano. We wish him well in his future endeavours and thank him for his devotion to music at Wynberg.

The musical year was punctuated with several concerts. Three quarterly music concerts, two

sunset concerts, the campus choral concert, the campus orchestral concert, the Nussbaum Concert, BaxterFest, Amira Willighagen: Music is our Future and Celtic in Cape Town were held.

A highlight of the year was certainly the return to city hall for the first time since 2019 for the Campus Choral Festival. It was wonderful to perform to a full city hall with all four schools combined. Verdi’s Va, pensiero and Ron Gill’s arrangement McCartney Medley displayed the full choral sound of the combined voices beautifully. The Campus Orchestral Concert, held in the Clegg Hall at WBHS displayed the brilliance of the instrumental ensembles of all the schools and the combined efforts of the massed wind band and symphony orchestra! Both of these concerts had been restricted since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, so we were very glad to be able to hold them again.

This year, after much debate, we decided to hold the Nussbaum Concert at the junior school in the Arnold Lorie Hall. The hall was just the right size for this particular concert which has now become a showcase for our choirs and ensembles. We look forward to being back there next year and thank Mr Gene Kierman and the WBJS staff for their support behind the scenes.

The concert Amira Willighagen: Music is our Future was the brainchild of impresario Mel Fourie. Held in the Arnold Lorie Hall, the Wynberg Music Department were stretched to the limit to provide a professional level concert featuring our ensembles and to also accompany Amira Willighagen, Dutch Soprano and winner of Holland’s Got Talent. We are proud of our boys for excelling in their contribution and happy that they were able to musically support this internationally renowned artist.

Once again our presence at the local Eisteddfodau was prolific. 16 individual Merit certificates (70-79%), 52 Honours (80-89%) and 23 Diplomas (90-100%) were achieved by our pupils this year. Congratulations too, to the Choir, Concert Band and Vocal Ensemble for winning their category medals! Special mention goes to Benjamin Badiali who won 3 class medals for solo singing at the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod.

Congratulations to Arthur le Roux who was awarded his Grade 7 Piano Trinity College of Music London examination with distinction, 90%. Arthur was also invited to perform in the Trinity College high achievers’ concert at Erin Hall.

Congratulations to Damian Philander who passed his final graded exam, (Grade 8 Piano), through the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, with distinction, 91%. This is a

remarkable achievement for a pupil in Grade 10. Damian was also invited to be a participant in the Franschhoek Chamber Music Course held in the April holidays.

In closing, I’d like to recognise Mr Mike Leresche for his dedication and commitment to reestablishing the WBHS Pipe Band over these last five years. We can be extremely proud that we are the only school in the Western Cape with a fully-fledged Pipe Band and we wish Mike a wonderful and happy retirement and thank him for the excellent work he has done. I would like to thank my immediate colleagues, as well as the eight peripatetic members of staff, for their invaluable support. The continued growth and success of the music department finds its foundation in the dedication and commitment of its teachers.

richard Haigh Head of Music

CAMPUS CHORAL COnCERT

CuLTuRE

MuSIC DEpARTMENT (CONT.)

Choir

Choirmaster: Mr R Haigh

Accompanist: Mrs N Karg

Leader: Luke Bremer

They say “numbers attract numbers” – that may be true, but what was remarkable this year is that the choir’s membership increased from 85 in 2022 to an incredible 106 in 2023. This is exceptional growth and while numbers may attract numbers I feel the generous commitment within the choir and their welcoming attitude has played a large role in the number of, particularly older boys, coming out of the woodwork this past year to join the ensemble! The result of this growth is that we can no longer fit on the Nussbaum stage for rehearsals, so basses and baritones are now having to sit in the audience seats. A great problem to have!

The choir had eight performances this year. The first of these was at city hall where we certainly held our own and confidently performed Coleman’s Rhythm of Life and joined the other three schools to perform Ron Gill’s McCartney Medley and Verdi’s Va, pensiero. The choir had the privilege of opening the first Wynberg Talent Show and got toes tapping with their vibrant rendition of Siyahamba at the African Cultural Evening. At the Nussbaum Concert the choir were exceptional in their performances of Rhythm of Life and Mr Haigh’s arrangement of Eye of the Tiger by Survivor! For the Fallen by Mike Sammes was sung on Founders’ Day. Va, pensiero was sung by the combined junior and high school choirs at a WBJS assembly as well as at the Amira Willighagen: Music is our Future concert. On this occasion a special performance of Amazing Grace by the combined choirs, with Amira, two bagpipers and accompanied by the concert band was extremely well received.

This year we only entered the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod. The boys did the school proud by achieving an Honours and winning their category medal.

The choir is riding a high wave of involvement and commitment. I look forward to shaping this and stretching them musically next year.

richard Haigh Choirmaster

FAREWELL TO THE MATRIC CHOIR

CHOIR

Back Row : Alex April, Jack Maclear, Ethan Louw, Kieran Everson, Joshua Nyamimba, Nicholas James, Luke Hundermark, Nathan Hundermark, Matthew Damon, Melokuhle Mandlakhe, Jamie Lane, Arthur le Roux, Ulelethu Makubalo, Msindisi Mnyanda, Noah Groenevelt, Joshua Nicholson, Caleb Mills.

Fifth Row : Jack Hervey, Harris Woodman, Chad Julius, Luke Geland, Jacob Pyaneeandee, Tayo Adriaan, Elnasi Muriro, Jack Rennie, Ethan Kleintjies, Lyle Martin, Daniel Rightford, Fawaaz Hendricks, Daniel Wolmarans, Joshua Pieters, Justin Schoeman, Likabo Shako-Ahuka, Josh Vogelpoel, Luyanda Vundla.

Fourth Row : Warrick Wilson, Damian Philander, Cole Neethling, Kamlin Reddy, Zachary Heemro, Ross Prinsloo, Alexander Fernandez, Musa Kitenge, Chibuike Igilige, Liam Lawrence, Abraham Kalombo, Thomas Zellie, Ethan Leibbrandt, Francis De Klerk, Cole Clark, Matthew Smith, Jason Herbert.

Third Row : Liam van Lierop, Ronan Mulholland, Daniel Harrison, Jeremy Downes, Noah Du Plooy, Cole Goliath, Cameron Maneveld, Akhil Varghese, Ruan Oelofse, Luke Jeaven, Noah van Lierop, Logan Le Roux, Joshua Jacobs, Caleb Ford, Jack Jenman, Ben Dednam, Mark English, Khain Esau.

Second Row : James Ewart-Smith, Connor Brown, Joel Adams, Dean Richardson, Mardoquéiro Dimbu, Benjamin Badiali, Mikhyle Mafakala, Mr Richard Haigh (Choirmaster), Luke Bremer (Leader), Mrs Natalie Karg (Accompanist), Tristan Ely, Caleb Conradie, Joshua Vincent, Benjamin Hansen, Khoza Makubalo, Andrew Jooste, Mujahid Janodien.

Front Row : Daniel Johnson, Noah Magerman, Jessie Theys, Ethan Philander, Seth Hermanus, Jesse Carelse, Matthew Rix, Mbasa Matikinca, Deen Haroun, Dhanyal Louw, Kiyan Neoh, Zaahir Jakoet, Lukho Mtwana, Daniel Nyamimba.

Absent : Qaaid Adams, Riley de Norman, Thando Dlamini, Bonolo Gala, Zach Gouws, Christopher Roberts, Tyrone Roberts.

CuLTuRE

MuSIC DEpARTMENT (CONT.)

Concert Band

Director: Peter Catzavelos Band Leader: Zayde Dollie

The year 2023 saw the 22nd year of the Concert Band since my arrival at WBHS in 2002. The band provided its usual exceptionally high standard, producing some memorable occasions. The repertoire was again large, with great variety. Some pieces were very challenging, with the band being very capable to perform them convincingly. Overall, the performances always achieved good responses and appreciation from the audiences.

Once again, with many of our performances, we amalgamated with the Wynberg Girls’ High School wind players to form a larger band.

The following events took place: the annual Prize Giving; an assembly; the March Sunset Concert; the Windworx Fanfare Festival hosted by Wynberg Boys’ High School; the Kaapse Afrikaans Eisteddfod; the Cape Town Eisteddfod; the music evening at Paarl Boys’ High School; The Campus of Schools Concert; the Nussbaum Concert; the Founders’ Day Ceremony; the Amira Willighagen Concert and the October Sunset Concert.

We took part in both the Kaapse Afrikaans Eisteddfod (video entry) and the Cape Town Eisteddfod, achieving diplomas in both Eisteddfodau. The pieces played were Fanfare and Flourishes by James Curnow; One Small Step by Michael Oare and Sambeando by Victor López. One Small Step was an amazing musical story about the moon landing in 1969. It also included four soundtracks with the voices of the astronauts.

At the Sunset Concert in March, the Concert Band played: Fanfare and Flourishes; Hawaii Five-O by Mort Stevens, arranged by Sean O’Loughlin; Barrelhouse Blues by Eric Osterling; Fever by Davenport & Cooley, arranged by J Moss; St. Louis Blues, arranged by Jay Bocook and Eye of the Tiger by Frank Sullivan and Jim Peterik, arranged by Johnnie Vinson. Our guest band for this concert was The Drums and Pipes of the Cape Town Highlanders, who also did combined pieces with our own Pipe Band.

The Campus of Schools’ Orchestral Concert, in August was a huge success. The Concert Band performed One Small Step and Sambeando, conducted by Peter Catzavelos. The Campus Winds performed Brahms Finale (Symphony No. 1) by J Brahms, arranged by J Bocook, conducted by Eugene Kierman; Der Erlkönig by Scott Watson, conducted by Peter Catzavelos and Fever, conducted by Jasper Saayman. The evening ended with the Campus Orchestra, comprising pupils from the four Wynberg Schools. Pieces performed were the Rosamunde Overture by Franz Schubert, arranged by Richard Meyer, conducted by Jasper Saayman; Second Storm “Ivan” by Robert W Smith, conducted by Eugene Kierman and Theme from New York, New York by John Kander and Fred Ebb, arranged by Bob Cerulli, conducted by Peter Catzavelos.

On 18 October, we participated in the Amira Willighagen concert, held in the WBJS Lorie Hall. The concert was presented by Wynberg Old Boy Mel Fourie in collaboration with the Wynberg Boys’ schools. In the first half, we played: Sambeando; Summertime by George Gershwin, Dubose & Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin arranged by Robert Longfield; 3 Songs from 4 South African Songs arranged by Faan Malan; Camino del Sol by Steve

COnCERT BAnD

Back Row : Jack Rennie, Jacob Pyaneeandee, Lyle Martin, Lukho Mtwana, Nicholas James, Seth Hermanus, Benjamin Budge, Qanit Rahim, Lucius Jacobs, Declan Taylor.

Third Row : Damian Philander, Charles Marston, Ethan Leibbrandt, Samuel Mocke, Tristan van Rooyen, Michael Roman, Xaylon van Rensburg, Caleb Fabe, Arthur le Roux.

Second Row : Cameron Grainger, Nicholas Stanfliet, Ian Lawrence, Luqman Samaai, Connor Vermaak, Justin Schoeman, Chad Julius, Oways Samaai, Caleb Ford, Ronan Mulholland.

Front Row : Daniel Sampson, Jared Benn, Nick Horn, Zayde Dollie (Leader), Mr Peter Catzavelos (Conductor), Mikhyle Mafakala, Salman Green, Matthew Adams, Joshua Adams.

In Front : James Ewart-Smith, Luca Caronti. Absent : Daniel Heffren, Christopher Roberts, Tyrone Roberts.

Hodges (b1952); Sway by Norman Gimbel and Pablo Beltran Luiz, arranged by Michael Brown and the Theme from New York, New York Summertime and Sway featured singer Jeandré Gabriels, our Admissions Secretary. New York New York included the strings from WBHS, WGHS and WBJS to form an orchestra. During the second half, amongst various songs, Amira sang O Mio Babbino Caro by Giacomo Puccini, arranged by Johnnie Vinson and I Dreamed a Dream by Schönberg, Boubil, Natel and Kretzmer, arranged by Michael Brown with the Concert Band. The band also accompanied Amazing Grace with Amira, the

choirs of the Wynberg Boys’ schools and two bagpipers from the WBHS Pipe Band. It was truely a wonderful evening. Well done to all!

At the Sunset Concert, in October, the Concert Band played: Theme from the A Team by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter, arranged by Paul Cook; Sambeando; Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, arranged by Paul Murtha; Camino del Sol and 3 Songs from 4 South African Songs. Once again, as we usually do at the end of the year, we combined with the Wynberg Boys’ Junior School to play Fever and Sway together.

There were 42 boys in the band this year.

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We say goodbye to our matrics (8 boys): Joshua Adams (percussion); Matthew J Adams (percussion); Jared Benn (tympani); Seth Christians (trumpet); Salman Green (trumpet); Nick Horn (percussion); Mikhyle Mafakala (French horn) and Daniel Sampson (trumpet).

Well done and thank you matrics for your continuous support over the years.

Apart from thanking the band members for all their hard work during the year, I as the band director, would also like to thank the parents, the WBHS staff, the music teachers from the other Wynberg Campus of Schools and the Wynberg Old Boys’ Union for their continued support. It is greatly appreciated.

Peter Catzavelos

Jazz Band

Conductor: Mr Jonathan Chuter

Leader: Matthew Julian Adams

The 2023 Jazz Band displayed yet another season of top-class performances and a diverse repertoire that showed off a variety of new artists.

We kicked the year off with a featured slot at the Springfield Carnival alongside the Steel band and ‘Gig’ bands. The boys then took on the challenge of presenting three brandnew pieces in May at the Windworx Festival, achieving the highest award of Diploma. Shortly after this, the band played at the first term Sunset Concert alongside the other ensembles, with the performance being a resounding success.

Term 2 saw the band playing at our regular feature concert, the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival hosted at the coveted Baxter Theatre, where we had the honour of playing last on the program, a spot typically reserved for the best band of the night. The boys played an outstanding concert, taking on very challenging pieces and displaying a very high level of musicianship and technical prowess. Joshua Adams and Tristan van Rooyen featured in Spain and Afro Blue respectively, as well as Seth Hermanus, Damian Philander and Mikhyle Mafakala in The Blues Walk and Runaway Baby. They received very high praise from various member of the audience and staff members not only with regard to the performance, but also for the amazing behaviour and manners: a true testament to the hard work and deportment of our young gentlemen.

With the Grade 12s focused on writing mock exams in Term 3, the band saw the introduction of some new players in the brass and rhythm sections, presenting for the first time at the Cape Town Eisteddfod. I am pleased to say they have been playing exceptionally well, whilst filling some big shoes. The band received another prestigious Diploma. They also collaborated with the Girls’ High School for our campus orchestral concert held in the Clegg Hall. The highlight of the term was the Nussbaum Concert, played at the WBJS Arnold Lorie Hall for the first time, where the band played a stellar performance with featured solos from Charles Marston and Jared Benn on tenor saxophone and piano, respectively, in our piece Moten Swing

The final term was a busy one for all our musicians, and the jazz band was no exception. For the first time, the department held a concert alongside renowned Dutch singer, Amira Wilighagen. Our boys showed their professionalism and musicality yet again, and the whole performance was a massive success. To complete the year the band performed at the fourth term Sunset Concert which saw the return of our Grade 12s for one last performance. They collaborated with the Junior School Jazz Band led by Ms Jessica van der Merwe for Green Onions and featured several solos from our boys. I am extremely proud of all our gentlemen, as their standard of the playing and commitment to the band has soared to new heights.

Jonathan Chuter

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JAZZ BAnD

Back Row : Ronan Mulholland, Ian Lawrence, Chad Julius, Jacob Pyaneeandee, Luca Caronti, Justin Schoeman, Nicholas Stanfliet.

Middle Row : Declan Taylor, Seth Hermanus, Christopher Taljaard, Michael Roman, Tristan van Rooyen, Charles Marston, Damian Philander, Dhanyal Louw.

Front Row : Daniel Sampson, Jared Benn, Matthew Julian Adams (Leader), Mr Jonathan Chuter (Conductor), Joshua Adams, Salman Green, Mikhyle Mafakala.

PIPE BAnD

Standing : Josh Eccles, Mbasa Matakinca Nicholas Mundy, Melokhule Mandlakhe, Bruce Igilige, Chris Taljaard, Luke Jeaven, Luyanda Vundla, Cade Davids.

Seated : Mr Craig Johnston, Nick Horn, Mr Mike Leresche, Pipe-Major Sam Taberner, Ms Jenette Reitsma, Matthew Adams, Mr Jonathan Chuter.

p ipe Band

Just as was the case last year, Wynberg Pipe Band appeared either at a school function, or in public outside school regularly from the opening of Term 1, until the end of October 2023.

School events such as Open Days, Culture days have become the norm, but then come the special occasions like the Annual Prize-Giving, the Prefects’ Induction Ceremony, and now in 2023, the Matric Valedictory celebration. These important events all have the sound of the pipes and drums characterizing them as being uniquely Wynberg, none more so than Founders’ Day. The sound of the lament by the lone piper when the wreaths are laid at the Garden of Remembrance and the Memorial Gates is a poignant reminder of the long history of this school.

The Sunset Concerts, the WBJS Concert and one at Springfield, offer opportunities for performances in a lighter style for performers and for the audiences.

The highlight of Term 1 was our entry to KFM 94.5 K-Day competition. The band played it’s version of the Harry Styles’ hit: ‘As It Was’. After positive DJ coverage and broadcast by KFM, the Wynberg Pipe Band was chosen as one of the finalists! We weren’t the one’s to win the performance slot at K-Day, but it was a great experience for all and something really different for the band, earning widespread publicity.

In the sporting side of school activities, the band is a regular at the Wynberg Golf Day. But it is at the Hockey and Rugby home derbies of our U19A teams against Bishops, Rondebosch and SACS where the Wynberg hosts are led

onto the pitch/astro by the Pipe Band at the start of the match, bringing such a special flavour to those memorable days.

Nicholas Mundy and Luke Jeaven paired up at several funerals, a country-dance event at a retirement village and they escorted the flag at the Wynberg Old Boys’ Union annual dinner.

What is now a significant feature of life in Wynberg Pipe Band is the collaboration we have with the Cape Town Highlanders. Two Wynberg tutors: Ms Jenette Reitsma, (Drumming), and Craig Johnston, (Senior Piping), are important members of the Highlanders. The two bands have featured together at concerts, but this year saw the collaboration taken much further. Nicholas Mundy is a regular, performing member of CTH now and Chris Taljaard was selected to be a part of the CTH Competition Drum Corps for the South African Championships in Gauteng in July.

The Highlanders’ Freedom of the city of Cape Town parade from the Castle to the City Hall was a very special event and several Wynberg bandsmen were invited to be honorary CTH members for the day … in full ceremonial uniform. Joining Nicholas on the pipes were Sam Taberner and Luke Jeaven, whilst Nick Horn combined with Chris on side-drums and then Bruce Igilige and Luyanda Vundla were part of the tenor section.

St Andrew’s College Pipe Band joined us for RWC weekend, the two pipe bands collaborating in a combined performance at False Bay Club in Constantia followed by Wynberg’s Celtic in Cape Town event on Hawthorrnden with the Cape Town Highlanders. Jenette Reitsma marshalled a corps of Wynberg drummers, past and present (aged from 14 to 70!) performing a Wynberg 175 Drum Salute. The massed bands

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MuSIC DEpARTMENT (CONT.)

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ended the afternoon with over 70 performers on the field, a wonderful prelude to the Boks RWC victory later that evening.

At our well-attended Annual Dinner, addressed by Wynberg Old Boy, CTH leading tip Gavin Sutton, we were able to present departing matrics: Pipe-Major Sam Taberner, and drummers Matthew Adams and Nick Horn with plaques honouring their years in the band.

Blues Awards went to Matthew Adams, Nick Horn, (both re-awards), Sam Taberner and Chris Taljaard. Bruce Igilige and Luke Jeaven earned Colours, whilst Junior Blues went to Nicholas Mundy, (re-award), and Luyanda Vundla.

Finally. In 2019, the (then), Headmaster Mr Jan de Waal tasked me with re-starting a WBHS Pipe Band and I asked the school for volunteers, (who included Mathew Adams and Nick Horn). That rebuilding process has been a long and extremely challenging five years, leading to the band whose growth in membership and

repertoire was seen and heard extensively this year. Only at all made possible because of the commitment of the boys, and the immense input from Ms Jenette Reitsma as Drum Tutor, and, over the past 18 months, Craig Johnston on the piping.

It was my pleasure at the Annual Dinner to honour their expertise and thank them for the time and loyalty committed to Wynberg. In addition, to introduce intern, Mr Sage Aldridge who is ‘learning the ropes’. I welcome Mr Jonathan Chuter, Jazz musician, Wynberg Music teacher who has this year added bagpipes to his already extensive set of musical skills, and together they will all manage a growing Wynberg Pipe Band, already containing six Grade 8 boys into 2024 and beyond.

I am proud of you all.

Supera Moras

Mike leresche

Wynberg and Cape Town’s 3 other bands ‘en masse’ at the Celtic Concert on Hawthornden

MUSiC – PiPe Band

BOYS’

WBHS Pipe Band performing at the Sunset Concert

WBHS Pipe Band performing on Hawthornden

WBHS members of the Cape Town Highlanders

Pipe-Major Sam Taberner, Nicholas Mundy, Luke Jeaven, Ms Jenette Reitsma, Luyanda Vundla, Chris Taljaard, Nick Horn, Bruce Igilige

Pipe-Major Sam Taberner and Luke Jeaven lead the 1st xI Hockey onto the astro.

Playing at Valedictory

Chris Taljaard with two St. Andrew’s College drummers

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MuSIC DEpARTMENT (CONT.)

Steel Band

Director: Mr Dave Reynolds

Leader: Joshua Gavin

Throughout 2023 the Wynberg Boys High School Steel Band has grown enormously in both performance and skill. This is very much thanks to the tremendous skill of Mr Dave Reynolds. Given that we have such a varied group of boys with multiple skill levels, there was a period of rebuilding and enormous growth.

The year started off with a performance in assembly. This led to significant interest from other boys in the Steel Band. Throughout the first term, we began to grow our repertoire of songs. This culminated in our performances at the end of the term at the Springfield Carnival and the Sunset Concert showing off our new pieces.

As the winter terms began the usual scheduling issues arose. Thankfully we were able to overcome these challenges and performed fabulously at the Cape Town Steel Band festival. The boys really enjoyed the opportunity to perform with other steel bands in a big collective item. The Steel Band also performed at the Old Boys Dinner and the Nussbaum

Concert. We also recorded items for the Cape Town and Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfodau.

As the business of the fourth term began, the band kept developing repertoire and focusing on technique and improvisation. We ended the year with a final performance at the Sunset Concert. When looking back at the year the boys can be very proud of their effort and constant improvement.

STEEL BAnD

Back Row : Noah Rowen Jacobs, Jessie Theys, Sean Steinhofel, Noah James Jacobs, Luca Caronti, Noah De Canha-Hibbert.

Middle Row : Jamie Lane, Paco Reynolds, Chinedu Igilige, Oliver Gordon-Finlayson, Christopher Taljaard, Arthur le Roux.

Front Row : Connor Brown, Joshua Vincent, Mr Peter Catzavelos (Manager), Joshua Gavin (Leader), Mr Dave Reynolds (Director), Gabriel le Roux, Michael van Zyl.

STRInG EnSEMBLE

Back Row : Liam Aylen, Tiaan Roman, Attilio Pironi, Joshua Edwards, Daniel Nyamimba, Ben Dednam.

Front Row : Kyle van Eyssen, Joshua Jones, Joon Ho Park (Leader), Mr Conrad van Breda (Conductor), Benjamin Badiali, Msindisi Mnyanda, Luke Jeaven. Absent : Christopher Roberts. MUSiC – STeeL Band

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MuSIC DEpARTMENT (CONT.)

String Ensemble

Conductor: Mr C. van Breda

Co-Leaders: Joshua Jones and Joon Ho Park

2023 was a busy year for the fourteen-member group with nine performances in total. We were happy to see the return of the campus concert strings, a wonderful opportunity for string players from all four Wynberg schools to come together.

Another highlight was achieving Honours in both the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod and the Cape Town Eisteddfod.

It was also wonderful to see the ensemble attempt probably the most challenging repertoire yet in the form of Barber’s Adagio for Strings, a piece that required them to listen

to one another, not only for intonation but also in forming long legato lines using a staggered bow technique.

As 2023 turns out to be my last year at Wynberg, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the school and my excellent colleagues in the music department for the support and freedom I was afforded to start this ensemble and see it grow year after year.

A very special thanks to the boys who have over the years shown courage and determination to be pioneers in bringing string music to Wynberg. I have often thrown them into the deep end and they have always found ways to make the music their own. Well done to each and every one of them!

Conrad van breda Conductor

Vocal Ensemble

2023 proved to be another extremely successful year for the Vocal Ensemble. The group began the year with a chance to bond as group and cover a significant amount of new material by going away for the annual weekend in April to Yzerfontein. The gents had a wonderful time braaing and running on the beach in between learning repertoire and also squeezing in a performance at the NG Kerk, Yzerfontein on the Sunday.

In term one and two they performed at all six open days as well as at both Quarterly Concerts, Springfield Convent’s Music Evening and the Constantia Cricket Club restaurant’s birthday celebration. The gents performed excellently at each one of these events.

The highlight in the first half of the year was the performance in the Campus of Schools Choral Festival held at the City Hall where the group excelled!

The Ensemble entered both the Cape Town Eisteddfod and the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod and received Diploma’s for both entries. They were then awarded the Jennings/Clinton/ Moore Medal for Best Vocal Ensemble Boys Gr 8-12 Medal from the Cape Town Eisteddfod for 2023!

Other performances include Founders Day, the Nussbaum Concert, the Matric Art Exhibition, the Western Cape Education Department Awards ceremony and the Music is Our Future concert with Amira Willighagen.

Congratulations go to each individual performer for their solo items at the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod.

A special mention goes to the Vocal Ensemble leader for 2023, Benjamin Badiali, who was awarded 3 medals for the categories that he entered.

Mrs natalie Karg vocal ensemble director

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MuSIC DEpARTMENT (CONT.)

VOCAL

EnSEMBLE

Back Row : Andrew Jooste, Joshua Vincent, Luke Bremer, Warrick Wilson.

Front Row : Benjamin Badiali (Leader), Mrs Natalie Karg (Director), Mikhyle Mafakala. Absent : Bonolo Gala.

GUITAR EnSEMBLE

Back Row : Matthew Rix, Ross Prinsloo, Dhanyal Louw.

Front Row : Alex Beck, Mr Dion Eaby-Lomas (Conductor), Alexander Paterson.

MuSIC DEpARTMENT (CONT.)

Springfield Carnival

Sunset Concert

CuLTuRE

umanyano African Society

Celebrating Xhosa Heritage

umanyano society is a society that is designed to celebrate xhosa heritage through various activities.

These activities include Africa Day, Xhosa Week and the Cultural Evening.

AFRICA DAY

Africa day is celebrated in the month of May every year throughout South Africa.

On this day we encourage all our gents to celebrate our cultural diversity. We perform gumboot dances, sing songs, and give speeches explaining why we celebrate this day.

xHOSA WEEk

During Xhosa week, learners taking isiXhosa as a subject are encouraged to reach out to all learners who do not speak the language.

This is an opportunity to showcase the language and traditional games, as well as Xhosa songs.

These activities take place in the classroom during lessons as well as during break times where they play the traditional games and sing their songs.

CULTURAL EVEnInG

The Cultural evening involves many other schools from around the Southern suburbs. The performers showcase Xhosa songs and dance, also known as umxhentso, gumboot dances, and sometimes including an African fashion show.

The cultural evening is designed to empower and encourage our learners to celebrate cultural diversity and the love of Xhosa culture.

These evenings help students to gain confidence and make connections with people from various schools.

UMAnYAnO BOYS PERFORMInG DURInG BREAk TIMES FOR xHOSA WEEk.

UMAnYAnO AFRICAn SOCIETY

Back Row : Bunono Mboniswa, Inganathi Mbanga, Onika Lumkwani.

Middle Row : Bathini Manyela, Ndalo Makiwane (Assistant Leader), Melokuhle Mandlakhe, Kuhle Besi, Simthembile Kwedana, Luniko Soci.

Front Row : Kodwa Bobelo, Ohluma Mooi, Smamnkele Peter (Leader), Ms Thabisa Ntsadu (Teacher in Charge), Intle Cekiso (Leader), Lukho Mtwana, Dalubuhle Kota.

LUqOBO MAkWEDInI WAS THE MC FOR THE EVEnInG

WyNBerG GIrLS’ HIGH SCHOOL LeArNerS PERFORMInG A GUM BOOT DAnCE

WBAA (Wynberg boys’ Acting Association)

“All the world’s a stage”

William Shakespeare

2023 has been a very positive year for the Acting Association with the weekly sessions covering all areas of performing and stage requirements for young actors. The group has grown in numbers and the actors have formed solid connections with one another.

My thanks goes to our Head of Drama and WBAA, Nasr Ackerman. Nasr has grown the positivity within the group extensively and, as a result, created a warm and secure space for the students to explore their acting potential. He has been a solid leader and I wish him everything of the best in his future endeavours.

WBAA continued the tradition of taking part in the Shakespeare Schools Festival which was held at the Homecoming D6 Theatre (formerly the Fugard Theatre).

They young thespians put on a magnificent production of The Tempest under the direction of Mrs Natalie Karg and Nasr Ackerman. These performances offer the pupils great opportunities to experience theatre work outside of the school environment.

This year it was Wynberg Girls’ High School’s turn to produce the major production. The play of choice was School of Rock which saw a number of our boys taking on roles. Congratulations to all involved.

Some of the WBAA pupils from both WBHS and WGHS participated in the annual Cape Town Eisteddfod. Our boys did us proud with the following results:

Nasr Kassiem – Honours Plus (85-89%)

Nasr Ackerman – Honours Plus (85-89%)

Joel-Isaac Stevenson – Diploma (90-95%)

Two of the WBAA members, Nikita Damast (WGHS) and Joel-Isaac Stevenson (WBHS) were also awarded the prizes for their age categories.

The final performance for 2023 was the oneact play “The Long Christmas Dinner” by Thornton Wilder. This saw a small group of our WBAA students performing this piece in the Nussbaum Auditorium.

Here’s to many more perfromances!

natalie Karg Head of WbAA

THE LOnG CHRISTMAS DInnER

WBAA

Back Row : Sebastian Edridge, Daniel Nyamimba, Caleb Ulster.

Third Row : Hlumelo Sankobe, Jessie Theys, Nicholas Mundy, Reece Maneveld, Noah James Jacobs, Noah De Canha-Hibbert, Ashveer Latchman.

Second Row : Anelka Tshuma, Matt Richards, Adam Jacobs, Chibuike Igilige, Abraham Kalombo, Zubair Friday, Oliver Gordon-Finlayson, Joel-Isaacs Stevenson.

Front Row : Mardoquéiro Dimbu, Keyaan Matthews, Mrs Natalie Karg (Teacher in Charge), Nasr Ackerman (Leader), Mrs Tracey Brandt (Assistant Teacher), Nasr Kassiem, Khoza Makubalo.

SCHOOL OF ROCk

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WBAA (CONT.)

THE TEMPEST

SERVICE

“... firm its roots, and broad its branches ...”

SERVICE

SERVICE pILLAR

Overview

What a successful year for the Service Pillar!

This year the boys focused on the reason we are invested in service. It was pleasing to see that parents and families of our boys were also on board with each drive that was tackled this year.

Our vision for the Service Pillar aligns itself with the following quote:

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

Service is something every individual can offer, whether it be through donations of good towards our various drives and collections, or through donations of one’s time to our outreach events.

The sustainability portfolio was led excellently by Nicholas Horn and many clean ups of our school, Victoria Hospital and Muizenberg beach were held. The boys are looking to build a hydroponic garden next year and will continue with promoting awareness of the environment.

Thanks goes to Tristan Ely (Service Prefect for 2023) for his contribution to and support of the pillar. Each drive and each outreach activity was successful and well received by the beneficiaries.

Some activities this year were:

• the annual Christmas Challenge collection where donations went to the Michelle Davids Foundation and the Elim Nightshelter

• the annual Easter Egg donation seeing a collection of almost 16 000 eggs being donated to the Jump Start foundation

• the return of the Grade 8 Market Day and Service Week where the full grade 8 body raised funds by hosting a market day, which went towards the service week. This year we divided the grade up into houses and split the activity between sprucing up the equipment and interacting with the learners at the Friends Day Centre; and hosting parties for children from the various schools in Westlake

• the annual Sanitary Pad collection with over 5000 pads donated to the Yabonga Organization

• Mandela Day sandwich making activities included every boy as sandwiches were made during the tutor hour on Mandela Day. These were distributed to the Haven Night Shelters in Claremont and Wynberg

• A Food Collection for our struggling Wynberg families, food donations towards the Jars of Happiness Campaign organized by the New Apostolic church Claremont and non-perishable items for donation to the Parkhaven old aged home in Wynberg.

• Outreach visit to the Tom Ro Haven for Equines and Children.

We look forward to another incredibly productive and worthwhile year fulfilling the aim of this pillar next year!

natalie Karg vice-Principal service

WYNBERG

EASTER EGG COLLECTIOn

SAnITARY PAD COLLECTIOn

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Wynberg Boys High School,

006-245-NPO

On behalf of the Learners and Staff at Friends Day Centre, we would like to genuinely thank you for all your efforts, time and the financial donation towards the betterment of our Centre.

We appreciate your generous contribution of R12 000.00. The money will be used towards the purchasing of a “Handi Move” wall-mounted lift/hoist. You will be glad to know along with your contribution; we are so much closer to reaching our target of being able to purchase the hoist for the Centre. We are so grateful and see your contribution as a blessing in disguise for the learners and Staff at Friends Day Centre.

We also appreciate the work that the Grade 8 boys did during their OUTREACH week at the end of the third term. Our beautifully painted jungle gyms are now a pop of colour and bring much joy to our Learners. The boys were a testament to the school, showing good SUPERA MORAS spirit during their time with us. They engaged with our learners and helped in many different facets around our centre. (See ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures attached)

Thank you once again for your valuable contribution along with your time and trust in our goal to improve the lives of our learners here at Friends Day Centre.

Kindest regards,

Gerda Quinn

MATRIC SHOE DAY

SUSTAInABILITY CLEAn UPS

VICTORIA HOSPITAL CLEAnUP

TOM-rO

SERVICE

FIRST AID

Acquiring Life-saving Skills

First Aid at Wynberg has had a transformative journey throughout 2023.

The year kicked off with a dynamic Level One training program that engaged 36 Grade 8 students, each displaying a keen eagerness to acquire life-saving skills and contribute to the well-being of their school community. Our team now boasts approximately 60 members!

One of the notable highlights of 2023 was the Wynberg Rugby Festival held in March, where the First Aid team highlighted their dedication. Equipped with brand-new vests and First Aid gazebos, the team operated seamlessly, attending to injuries on the field and ensuring the well-being of their peers. The engagement continued beyond rugby, with active participation in the Soccer and Basketball Festivals. Members of the First Aid team spent countless hours on the sidelines, assisting injured players and gaining valuable hands-on

experience. Collaborating with professionals from Wetton Emergency Services further enriched the team’s knowledge, providing insights into best practices and reinforcing the importance of quick and effective first aid responses.

Their impact did not go unnoticed, earning commendations from the heads of various sports, including soccer and rugby. Their contributions in the field of first aid were praised, and their professionalism admired. This positive feedback not only affirmed the team’s capabilities but also solidified their integral role in supporting the school’s athletic endeavours.

Looking ahead to 2024, there is a sense of excitement for the continued growth and success of the society. The team, led by our new Head, Geles Smuts, and Deputy Head, Graeme van Zyl, is ready to face new challenges and further enhance their skills to better serve the Wynberg community.

Hannah earl tiC

MuLTIMEDIA

Seen & Heard

Director: Mr D Edwards

Chairperson:: Matthew Thomas

Multimedia’s achievements this year have been outstanding, marked by a record intake of 15 Grade 8s. The establishment of the Pre & Post-production subcommittee has ignited a new interest among students, showcasing their enthusiasm for exploring multimedia creation. There are 4 subcommittees within multimedia:

• Sound & Lighting

• Pre & Post-Production

• Photography

• Broadcast & Recording

Remarkably, the team has dedicated over 3200 recorded hours outside of regular school time which is a testament to their commitment.

The boys expanded their scope to cover an array of sports including cricket, rugby, basketball, hockey, soccer, and water polo. This shows their adaptability and comprehensive approach.

Under the guidance of PTM Services, our external contractors who lead the students, the team has thrived.

With 2023’s leadership paving the way, the prospects for Multimedia in 2024 are equally promising.

MSA (Muslim students’ Association) SERVICE

Overview

This year the society was led by Salahuddien Gabier (Chair), Daanyaal Hendricks (Vice) and Yaaseen Moos.

The Prophet Muhammad PBUH (Peace be upon Him) mentioned in a hadith (narration) that, “the best day on which the sun has risen is Friday.” [Sahih Muslim].

This hadith underscores the significance of Friday as a blessed day in Islam, associated with several important events in the history of humanity. It is from this that we placed importance on conducting Jumu’ah (Friday congregational prayers) at school, ensuring that our Muslim students fulfil this obligation with ease - especially for those who had school commitments on Friday afternoons. Jumu’ah took place at school almost every Friday this year, providing our boys with consistent, inspirational and motivational Islamic teachings.

Daanyaal Hendricks reflects on one of the lessons that stood out for him:

“The character of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was such that he would go out of his way to treat others with kindness, particularly always better than they treated him. Even when people went out of their way to make his life difficult and treated him harshly, he showed great concern for them and would pray for them and their children. A recurring reminder was that we as Muslims should use the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a blueprint for our own life - as it was the blueprint that was often of most benefit to others more than himself.”

The month of Ramadaan saw us host an iftaar for our students at school. This was the first student led iftaar we’ve hosted in quite some time. MSA representatives from Westerford, Rustenberg Girls, Bishops, Springfield and Wynberg Girls’ were invited to break their fast with us. Privileged with many delicious savoury starters and sweet treats as well as a main course of traditional wood fired Akhni, we did not forget our communities in need. The committee took on the responsibility of distributing food to the homeless that night followed by a full pot the next day to those in need in the New Horizons community. Furthermore, the proceeds raised from our iftaar went towards orphanages that were hosted at a mass iftaar (a joint initiative by several schools) that our committee spearheaded.

Ramadaan ends with Eid-ul-Fitr, a celebration of spiritual growth and self-discipline achieved during Ramadaan. Eid ul-Adha, that corresponds with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, symbolizes faith, obedience and the willingness to make sacrifices for God. This Eid commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. As a result God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. The act of Qurbani (sacrificing and slaughtering of an animal) is a key feature of this celebration. The meat is distributed among family, friends and the less fortunate. This year through the guidance of Muaath Ryklief (Vice-Chair for 2024) the MSA started a Qurbani initiative to raise money to cover the cost of a sheep. The meat of this sheep was distributed to several communities in need.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “The example of the believers in their affection, mercy and compassion for each other is that of a body.

When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” [Sahih Bukhari]

This hadith highlights the idea that believers are like a unified body and when one part of the community is in pain or suffering the entire community should feel the impact and respond with empathy and support. It underscores the importance of unity, compassion and mutual care within the Muslim community. With our successes attributed to the commitment of our MSA community and the focus on the benefit of the broader community, the MSA ended the year with the annual Charity Week extending the opportunity to make a difference to the wider school community. Despite being unable to have another civvies day we managed to raise close to R14 000 through Aneesa’s catering of the gatsby days. This amount contributed towards the total of over R500 000 raised for Charity Week SA 2023.

These funds will go towards orphans and children in need locally and around the world.

MSA FUn DAY

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ATHLETICS SpORT

Term 1

InTERHOUSE SPORTS DAY

On 6 February we hosted our annual InterHouse Sports Day which is always a highlight of the athletics calendar. The Houses get to show off their best athletes as they compete to be crowned the winners of sports day. This is also an opportunity for athletes to get ready for Zonal athletics and ultimately the Quadrangular. Needless to say that the 2023 Sports Day was a great success.

Final House Results

1. Littlewood 429

2. Glebe 226

3. Silverhurst 206

4. Sunninghill 189

5. Oude Wijnberg 172

6. Trovato 153

7. McNaughton 147

8. Hawthornden 144

Age group champions and all first places

Under 14

Age Group Champion (shared): Rauf Ahmed, Sunninghill and Liam Reed, Trovato

• 1500m – S Michael, LI, 5.42 200m – L Reed, TR, 24.41s 800m – J Gulle, LI, 2.31 100m – L Reed, TR, 11.65

• Shot Put 4kg – R Clarke, SL 10m

• Discus 1kg – J Banda, LI, 28.44m

• Javelin 600gm – S Peter, LI, 23.41

• Long Jump – K Besi, LI, 4.7m High Jump – E Chen, SU 400m – R Clarke, SL, 60.03s

Under 15

Age Group Champion: Noah Laubscher, Sunninghill

1500m – A Behardien, SL, 4.53

• 200m – Z de Kock, LI, 24.82s

• 800m – A Behardien, SL, 2.20.16

• 100m – N Laubscher, SU, 11.88s

• Shot Put 4kg – J Orwin, WJ, 11.23m

• Discus 1kg – A Machinja, LI, 32.34m

Javelin 600gm – C Campbell, WJ, 30.07m

Long Jump – Z de Kock, LI, 5.4m

High Jump – M Stokes, SL

• 400m – C Kotze, HW, 58s

Under 16

Age Group Champion: Paul James, Littlewood

1500m – J Burger, GL, 4.51 (New Record)

200m – E Daniels, GL, 23.98s

• 800m – B Igilige, MN, 2.18 (New Record)

• 100m – P James, LI, 11.42s

• Shot Put 5kg – D Kota, LI, 11.23m

• Discus 1,5kg – B Davids, LI, 33.49m (New Record)

• Javelin 700gm – D Kota, LI, 40.16

Long Jump – M Noble, LI, 5.22m

High Jump – L Rens, SU, 1,7m (New Record)

• 400m – M Noble, LI, 56.97s (New Record)

Under 19

Age Group Champion: Ethan Thomas, Littlewood

1500m – X Hoyi, LI, 4.54

200m – D Gertsen, GL, 23.34s

800m – D Jacobs, SU, 2.10

• 100m – E Thomas, LI, 10.67s

• Shot Put 6kg – A da Costa, SU, 11.62m

• Discus 1,75kg – I Dekete, LI, 28.7m

• Javelin 800gm – T February, LI, 42.84m

Long Jump – X Hoyi, LI, 5.9m

High Jump – J Meier, MN

400m – T Gombe, LI, 55.33s

Open

• 3000m – L Von Lillenveld, HW, 11.20

4 x 100m relay

U14 – Trovato, 52.26

U15 – Littlewood, 49.19

• U16 – Glebe, 50.47

• U19 – Littlewood, 45.72 (New Record)

Term 4

Between WBHS, Bishops, Bosch and Sacs. We hosted the first round and Bishops hosted the second meet. Our boys made us proud.

Summary of both meets: 1st places – 13, 2nd places – 8, 3rd places – 7

results WBHS meet 20 October

1st Places:

• Alvin Machinja - Shotput U15

• Tim Sutherland - High Jump U16

• Musa Kitenge - High Jump U17

• Keane du Plooy - 200M U14

Joel van Zy - 800M U15

Daniel Jacobs - 800M U17

Liam Reed - 100M U14

• Noah Laubscher - 100M U15

2nd Places:

• Daniel Okocha - Shotput U15

• Mulanga Mukatuni - 1500M U17

Ethan Daniels - 200M U16

Daniel Jacobs - 400M U16

3rd Places:

• Ridah Johnson - Shotput U14

• Ethan Daniels - 100M U16

results BISHOPS meet 27 October

1st Places:

• Joel van Zyl - 800M U15

• L Reed - 100M U14

• C Delport - High Jump U14

• T Sutherland - High Jump U16

M Kitenge High - Jump U17

2nd Places:

N Jacobs - 800M U15

• E Chen - High Jump U14

• M Stokes - Long Jump U15

• A Machinja - Discus U15

3rd Places:

Z Dollie - 200M U17

E Daniels - 100M U16

N Laubscher - 100m U15

• D Okocha - Discus U15

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ATHLETICS (CONT.)

qUADRAnGULAR

Formerly named the Triangular athletics event, held between Rondebosch, Bishops and SACS, Wynberg only joined the fray in 2020. No sooner was our name part of this prestigious event that we were asked to host it. On 1 March thousands of people descended on our grounds as we hosted what was arguably the biggest sporting event hosted at Wynberg by Wynberg. The day was a massive success thanks to tireless work, time and effort from our media crew, support staff and athletics staff to name but a few.

There was healthy competition and some great results produced by our athletes.

1st Places

• U14 200 m Liam Reed 23.4 (New Record)

• U14 High Jump Besi, Kuhle 1.6m

U15 1 500 m Behardien, Achmat 4.42.0

U15 Long Jump De Kock, Zach 5.55m

U16 Javelin Kota, Dalu 34.54m

• U16 Long Jump Rens, Luca 5.53m

• U19 100 m Thomas, Ethan 10.6 (New Record)

• U19 200 m Thomas, Ethan 22.5

2nd Places

• U14 Long Jump Besi, Kuhle 4.97m U15 100m Hurdles De Kock, Zachary 15 U15 High Jump Brown, Zach 1.6m

• U16 100m Hurdles Van Niekerk, JP 4.3

• U16 400 m Noble, Morne 56

• U16 High Jump Rens, Luca 1.65m

• U16 Long Jump Gadu, Kunene 5.19m

• U16 Shot Put Miller, Tristan 12.04m U19 400 m Jacobs, Daniel 54.1

3rd Places

• U14 80 m Hurdles Besi, Kuhle 14.1

• U14 High Jump Chen, Eason 1.55m

• U15 400 m Kotze, Cornelius 57.4

• U15 Javelin Machinja, Alvin 33.84m

• U15 Shot Put Orwin, James 10.61m U16 800 m Burger, James 2.12.7 U16 Discus Davids, Brint 33.15m

• U16 Javelin Mooi, Ohluma 29.86m

• U19 1 500 m Hoyi, Xolela 4.44.1

• U19 110m Hurdles Kitenga, Musa 17.5

• U19 800 m Jacobs, Daniel 2.09.3

• U19 High Jump Bisset, Ashton 1.7m U19 Javelin February, Torren 41.2m

Zonal Athletics

Zonal Interschools

On Wednesday 15 February WBHS athletes attended the first Zonal meeting of the year, held at Green Point Stadium. WBHS claimed 5 third places, 10 second places, and 7 first places, with 31 athletes progressing to the next round. Wynberg Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools were combined as a team and took second place overall.

Special mention to Liam Reed and Ethan Thomas who each secured 1st place in two of their events. Below are some noteworthy results from our boys on the day.

Results:

1st Place

Joshua Gulle – 800m

Liam Reed – 100m

Liam Reed – 200m

• Ridah Johnson – Javelin

• Achmat Behardien – 1500m

• Ethan Thomas – 100m

• Ethan Thomas – 200m

2nd Place

• Kuhle Besi – Long Jump

Zachary de Kock – 200m

Merrick Stokes -Tripple Jump

• Yi Xiao Chen – High Jump

• Torren February – Javelin

• Daniel Jacobs – 400m

• Zachary de Kock – 300m Hurdles

• Achmat Behardien – 800m

Daniel Jacobs – 200m

Morgan Cochius – Javelin

3rd Place

Daniel Okocha – Shot Put

• Zachary de Kock – Long Jump

• Dayle Gerston – 200m

• Rauf Ahmed – 200m

• Euwyn Liberty – Shot Put

Zonal Semi Finals

On Saturday 18 February our athletes competed in the Zonal Semi-Finals at Vygieskraal Athletics Track achieving outstanding results. 23 WBHS athletes made it through to WP Championships and thus, were awarded Southern Zone Colours. Below are some noteworthy results from our boys for this event.

Results:

1st Place

Zachary de Kock – 300 m Hurdles

Ridah Johnson – Javelin Throw

• Liam Reed – 100m

• Daniel Jacobs – 800m

• Ethan Thomas – 100m

2nd Place

Daniel Okocha – Shot Put

Torren February – Javelin Throw

Daniel Jacobs – 400m

3rd Place

• Merrick Stokes -Triple Jump

• Liam Reed – 200m

• Ethan Thomas – 200m

• Joel van Zyl – 3000m

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...continued from previous page

Western Province Championships

On Friday and Saturday, 25 & 26 February, at Parow Athletics track, 23 of our athletes competed in the Western Province Championships for a chance to attain Western Province colours. Loadshedding and electrical issues made the weekend longer than it should have been as some could not compete at their scheduled time. Thankfully everyone had an opportunity to compete against the best in the province. The competition was fierce, and we are very proud of our athletes for the way they competed.

Ethan Thomas was awarded Western Province Colours for his Silver Medal in the 100m, Bronze in the 200m and Bronze in the Relay.

Western Cape Championships

On 17 & 18 March Ethan Thomas competed in the 100m at the Dal Josaphat Athletics Track in Paarl. He ran representing his school, his zone and his province. We were very pleased and proud that he attained a Gold Medal at this event which would see him heading to the National Championships once again, after making it to nationals in 2022 as well.

South African Championships

On 3 & 4 April Ethan Thomas had the opportunity to compete against the best of the best in South Africa in his age group in the 100m sprint. He progressed to the semi-finals where he ran his final race and did not make it to the final. We are still very proud of Ethan for competing at the highest level in his event.

ATHLETICS

Back Row : Tayo Adriaan, Thapelo Molakeng, Jesse Carelse, Daniel Jacobs, Joel Van Zyl, Bradley McCue, Abdurrazzaaq Chotia, Achmat Behardien, Eason Chen.

Fourth Row : Keanne Du Plooy, Merrick Stokes, Jonty Albrecht, James Burger, Torren February, Daniel Okocha, Timothy Sutherland, Caelan McLeod, Ridah Johnson, Alvin Machinja.

Third Row : Liam von Lillienfeld, Cornelius-John Kotze, Kuhle Besi, Aden da Costa, Michael Cresswell, Dalubuhle Kota, Musa Kitenge, Joseph Brading, James Orwin.

Second Row : Ethan Smith, Joshua Gulle, Noah Laubscher, Ethan Daniels, Zachary De Kock, Matthew Green-Thompson, Liam Reed, Seth Trantraal.

Front Row : Euwyn Liberty, Mr Joshua Stevens (Long Distance Coach), Xolela Hoyi (Vice Captain), Mr Stefan Potgieter (Teacher in Charge), Prince Farikeni (Captain), Mr Gerhard Steyn (Throws Coach), Ethan Thomas (Vice Captain), Mr Jan Brits (Throws Coach), Innocent Dekete.

BASkETBALL U14A

Back Row : Ceadan Steyn, Dylan Hougaard, Daniel Harrison.

Middle Row : Matthew Dawson, Luke Felgate, Chinedu Igilige, James Van Blerck, Cael Lupke, Luke Geland.

Front Row : Panashe Mafuta, Ilyas Ni (Vice Captain), Mr Seth Scheepers (Coach), Joshua Pieters (Captain), Mrs Juanita Wilson (Team Manager), Ethan Thornton, Micah James.

BASKETBALL

Overview

The brilliance of the upcoming Basketball season started well at the end of 2022 at the sporting trials for following year’s Gr 8s. On a festive and fun Friday afternoon, Basketball saw over 160 students pitch to try out, a sure sign of the growth and popularity of the sport. Term one of 2023 saw the addition of C sides to the U14 and U16 age groups and the hiring of two new coaches, old boys, who would continue to instill in our students the Supera Moras spirit. For many of our younger players, the High School is the first time they are exposed to playing Basketball and so it takes time to grow in their understanding of and confidence in the game. A special mention must go out to the U14s who had but one week’s practice before they played their first match and faced a tough season but preserved. Furthermore, credit must also go to our second side, who won the majority of their ten matches played. This is a fantastic result considering this was a relatively new and young team who did not have that much time to establish themselves. Although the U16s did not score the results they would have hoped for, the talent in this group is undeniable and with continued practice and exposure, I have every faith they will rise to continue the excellence with which we have come to associate Basketball at Wynberg Boys’ High School.

It is not often that one is bestowed with the honour of writing the following sentence, but it is one that has certainly made people sit up and take note of Basketball at our school. Under the fantastic coaching of our Director, Tony Konya, our first team has had an unbeaten first half of the season. The first team, under the

captaincy of Alex Coetzee and Nathi Matyeba, have not only beaten our competitor boys’ schools but also beat Heideveld High School, the number one Basketball school in the Western Cape. This team also boasts two South African national Basketball players who played in this match and ensured that the win was not an easy one. Their skill and prowess on the court saw them earn a spot at the Top Schools’ Tournament hosted by Cape Town Metro Schools. The U14A , U16A and U19As competed in the tournament with the U16s making it to the semi-finals and the U14 and U19As making it all the way through to the final round. Sadly, the U14As were knocked out but the U19As beat Westerford to claim the title as the age group winners.

We got to end off the first half of the season on a sweet note, with the U19As beating Grey High School at the annual Wynberg- Grey derby as well as St Andrews in Grahamstown, two of the best Basketball teams in the Eastern Cape. Furthermore, commendation must be given to our U14As who participated in the Junior NBA tournament and qualified for the knockouts. Overall, we came 5th in the tournament, missing 4th place by a mere 2 points.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS

BASkETBALL 1st TEAM

Back Row : Dale Fish, Christian Gonsalves, Connor Taylor, Kungawo Nyoka, Jacques Katshunga, Yaqeen Osman,

Front Row : Tadiwanashe Dzvapatsva, Nathi Matyeba (Vice Captain), Mr Tony Konya (Coach), Alex Coetzee (Captain), Mrs Juanita Wilson (Manager), Matthew Adams, Matthew Wessels.

Absent : Tando Green, Gabriel Hawkins.

BASkETBALL U16A )

Back Row : Jagger Lee Fong, Yannick Stol, Smamnkele Peter, Deiyaan Miller, Elnasi Muriro.

Front Row : Iviwe Tetani, Logan Heath, Mr Anele Dyan (Coach), Ethan Louw (Captain), Mrs Juanita Wilson (Manager), Abdulla Salie, Devante Daniels.

Absent : Yaqeen Osman, Christian Gonsalves

(U14a PiCTUre On PaGe 127

Adam Modack.

SpORT

BASKETBALL (CONT.)

After what felt like a very long break, the second half of the season shot off to a triumphant start with our school hosting an outstanding basketball festival for another year in a row. Ten schools from around Cape Town participated in the tournament style festival, which saw U16 and U19 teams battle it out to take home the coveted trophy.

Congratulations must go to SACS who were the U19 age group winners and Rondebosch Boys’ High School who were the U16 age group winners. We made it to the knockout stages but sadly fell short.

That said, the U19s did go on to beat both SACS and Rondebosch Boys’ High School in the following weeks so the wound of disappointment was quickly healed.

As someone new to Basketball, I could not have hoped to have had a better introduction to the sport.

I feel lucky to be working with an awesome group of coaches and community of students whose support of one another and those of their coaches epitomizes our ethos of unity and brotherhood.

Juanita Wilson

1ST TEAM BASkETBALL PEn PORTRAITS

NAME pOSITION pLAYER

Dale Fish Power Forward

Christian Gonsalves Shooting Guard

Connor Taylor Power Forward

Kungawo nyoka Centre

Jacques Katshunga Power Forward

yaqeen osman Shooting Guard

Adam Modack Point Guard

tadiwanashe dzvapatsva Point Guard

nathi Matyeba Small Forward

Alex Coetzee Small Forward; Power Forward; Shooting Guard

Matthew Adams Point Guard

Matthew Wessels Small Forward

Tando Green Centre

gabriel Hawkins Small Forward

Height 6’1: Strong Rebounder

Height 6’1: Great shooter; SA U18 Player 45% 3pt Shooter; Midrange

Height 6’2: Excellent Footwork; Shooter; Rebounder

Height 6’4: Rim Protecter; Excellent Rebounder; Shot Blocker

Height 6’2: Excellent Shooter; Good Court Vision; Rebounder; Strong on The Post

Height 6’1: Left Hand; One on One Player; 40% 3pt shooter, Excellent Defender

Height 5’10: Fast on Transition; 40% 3pt Shooter; Great Court Vision; Excellent Defender

Height 6’1: Great Defender; Great on Transition; Good Midrange Shooter

Height 6’0: Great Court Vision; Great Defender; Strong on Transition;

Height 6’2: Complete Package; 50% 3pt Shooter; Great Defender; Excellent Midrange Shooter; Rim Protecter; Shot Blocker

Height 6’1: Great Court Vision; Excellent Defender; 39% 3pt Shooter; Engine of The Team; Good Post Movement; Excellent Footwork

Height 6’1: 2pt Shooter; Fastbreak Player; Good Ball Handling

Height 6’3: Strong Rebounder; Great Low Post Movement; Excellent Midrange Shooter

Height 6’4: Overall Package; Great Shooter; Court Vision; 50% 3pt Shooter; Shot Blocker

CRICKET SpORT

Term 1

The Wynberg Boys High cricket year kicked off with a series of warm up fixtures against our neighbours Bishops, who were so kind to host our U19A, U15A and U14 squads. This helped our boys to gain valuable match practice before the Cape Peninsula festival. Wynberg performed exceptionally well, after a few early losses against Bishops and Affies, spurred the boys on to dig deep and managed to win the last 3 matches in convincing style. 1st XI captain was in superb form scoring an unbeaten hundred against St.Charles, with good support from Paul James and Shadley Allie. The standout performer with the ball was Naas Beets who was very consistent and took crucial wickets for the 1st XI during the festival.

The U15A team started off with a tough result against Affies but finished strong, winning four matches out of the five. Muhammad Ameen Schroeder played exceptionally well, scoring loads of runs throughout the week, followed up by his off spin that would get the breakthrough on regular occasions for his team. He was well supported by captain and allrounder Achmat Behardien.

Our U14s started with loads of enthusiasm and energy as new grade 8s would normally do, but they were often met with strong cricket teams, as well as extremely tough playing conditions. This tested the boys, who generally struggled to get on the winning side of matches. The U14 group saw some good performances by Jordan Berry, Muhammad Uzair Gaibie, as well as Ethan Smith in the U14B team who was a very consistent feature for his team. We believe that this group will rise to the occasion in term 4.

The season was loaded with cricket, and our

boys competed well. The U15A tied 2 nailbiters, which truly displayed the Supera Moras spirit. The 1st XI continued with some solid cricket against Paarl Boys away from home, followed by a clinical performance against Stellenberg, with Shadley Allie taking six wickets against the visitors. The standout for our 1st XI was beating the number one side in the country by 4 wickets, after setting a competitive 214 runs. Wynberg boys stood up together and outperformed their visitors on the day.

The U15A finished their season as the number one ranked cricket team in the country. We are extremely proud of their achievements, as they deserve every accolade that comes their way, they were exceptional and committed to their success. Our lower sides produced great cricket, and we constantly saw boys being promoted to higher teams due to consistent performances throughout the term. This factor has continued to help grow the game of cricket in a time where many boys have chosen to move away from this traditional sport.

A special mention must go to all staff and service providers involved, as they were the ones who were able to cause for players to be well prepared and our facilities as well as catering to be on point, and ready to produce some memorable cricket experiences at Wynberg. We now look forward to some rest but will continue to plan for a packed Term 4 which will have a lot of tours and opportunities for our boys to grow in the beautiful game.

Term 4

The Wynberg cricket season took a while to get going, as the late winter rains persisted. This resulted in a few cancelled and abandoned

CRICkET 1st TEAM

Back Row : Muhammad Fahad Khan, Sange Mbuto, Xolela Hoyi, Shadley Allie. Middle Row : Ethan Leibrandt, Calvin Tanner, Divan Linde, Callum Rose-Nel, Ebrahim Fakir, Yaaseen Moos.

Front Row : Jude Mills, Naas Beets (Vice Captain), Mr Esmund Van Wyk (Director of Cricket), Benjamin Hansen (Captain), Mr Pietie Loubser (Coach), Kyle Williams (Vice Captain), Jordan Nel. Absent : Paul James.

matches. Despite tough weather conditions throughout September, our teams continued to work hard alongside their coaches.

U14

Our U14 group rallied together, by having extensive indoor sessions with their coach, with the buy in from their parents throughout the winter. We knew that this group required intervention on the back of some tough results in Term 1. The U14A turned a positive corner on their Hilton tour, beating the hosts by 1 wicket, but setting the wheels in motion for a few revenge victories over Durbanville, Rondebosch and Bishops during term 4. Top order batsman Jordan Berry performed with consistency throughout the term. This sparked an U14 rise to success, as the 14B and C teams followed the same trend. This means a lot to the boys and

coaches who have gelled together to achieve something that seemed impossible. Our U14D under new coach Kenan Smith managed to perform well against a few A teams, which was a huge positive. We are proud of this improvement. Looking forward to more great things from this group.

U15

The pressure was on this age group from the start of the term having been within the top 2 ranked before the end the cricket season nationally, and we all know young men and complacency always exist close to each other. This was not the case with the 15A group. They dominated their age group once again with some powerful performance from Michail Tarentaal, who would later be called up to the 1st XI to add his value at the highest level. Under

CRICkET U15A

Back Row : Jesse Carelse, Joshua Prince, Morgan De Bruto, Timothy Belcher, Chad Campbell, Damien Harris.

Front Row : Chad Julius, Umr Botha, Achmat Behardien (Captain), Mr Esmund Van Wyk (Director of Cricket), Michail Tarentaal (Vice Captain), Muhammad Ameen Schroeder, Nicholas Stafford. Absent : Fawaaz Hendricks, Mr Marcus Oliphant (Coach).

CRICkET U14A

Front

Back Row : Jordan Berry, Noah Du Plooy (Vice Captain), Joshua Nicholson, Jake Bowles, Harbin Smith, Eesa Fakir, Ian Lawrence.

Row : Hugo Norambuena, Daniel Wolmarans, Mr Shaamiel Bey (Coach), Connor Fourie (Captain), Mr Blake Rimmer (Coach), Joshua Gulle, Mohamed Uzair Gaibie.

the guidance of coach Marcus Oliphant these boys have grown into a force to be reckoned with. The U15B claimed a triple crown for the year, finishing the term unbeaten, with the U15C team only losing one match. Our U15D team played several matches against the only team at some local schools, but managed to hold their own under pressure, which was good to see. We are excited to see some U19 stalwarts come through from this age group. The best is yet to come.

U19

The U19 preparation during the winter was admirable and set the tone for many of our younger cricketers at Wynberg. The results didn’t quite reflect the quality of the preparation. The 1st XI managed missed out on some tight finishes, during pre-season matches and their North South tournament in Pretoria, finishing 11th overall (3 wins, 3 losses). The highlights thus far had to be the selection of 1st XI captain Beni Hansen into the CSA Emerging XI , as well as Paul James scoring 819 runs at an average of 54.6 for Wynberg 1st XI.

The 2nd XI were the only team who did exceptionally well winning 5 of their 6 matches under the guidance of coach Thafier Ely. The Colts and 4th XI underwent a reset of their usually strong teams, with the withdrawal of many senior players who chose to turn their focus on matric exam preparation.

We believe that a lot of learning would have taken place and that the boys will bounce back well in the new year to put right the areas where they fell short this past term. Wynberg cricket is in a good space, and there are some exciting prospects lining up to show what they can do.

The goal is always to get boys to play good,

competitive cricket with smiles on their faces, as well as allowing them to make some lifetime memories with their fellow Wynberg brothers. With 103 cricket matches over 6 weeks, we are confident that our boys are learning more about themselves and the game very quickly. We look forward to a good year of cricket in 2024.

1st XI Cricket - Term 1

Played 16, Won 11, Lost 4, Drawn 1

The Wynberg 1st Cricket side kicked their season off with 5 matches in the Peninsula Cricket Festival. After the festival started with a loss to Affies, the side bounced back by drawing the next match against St Charles College and then finishing the festival with wins against Hilton College, St David’s Marist Inanda and Pretoria Boys High. The standout performances of the week included an unbeaten 115 against St David’s and unbeaten 65 against Hilton by Beni Hansen, while Shadley Allie scored 77 against St Charles and Paul James scored 65 against Hilton. The top bowling performance was by Naas Beets that took 4 for 30 against St David’s.

The first match local fixture was against Paarl Boys High where a high-class performance by the spin trio of Naas, Divan Linde and Yaaseen Moos lead to an 8-wicket victory. Naas and Divan both took 4 wickets. The target was chased down thanks to an unbeaten halfcentury by Paul James.

Shadley Allie bowled Wynberg to victory in the match against Stellenberg, taking 6 for 24. The following weekend the 1st team were up against two of the toughest oppositions that SA has to offer. On the Saturday, we

SpORT

CRICKET (CONT.)

played against Rondebosch. Wynberg found themselves in trouble at 19 for 4, but a captain’s knock of 78 by Beni with support of Sange Mbuto and Divan set Rondebosch a target of 214. Xolela Hoyi started the bowling off with an explosive spell and had Rondebosch in trouble at 9 for 4. Rondebosch rebuilt well, by Divan finished the innings off, taking 5 for 43. Shadley again contributed, this time with taking two brilliant catches to finish off the innings, helping Wynberg win this match by just 2 runs. Wynberg faced St Stithians on the Sunday in a 40 over match. Paul got Wynberg off to a flyer and scored 81 with the support of Beni who scored 74. The whole Wynberg bowling attack bowled well, supported by a good effort in the field and a spell of 3 for 15 in 3 overs at the death by Shadley lead to a 4-run victory.

Wynberg did suffer losses against Paul Roos and Grey High the following weekends. Wynberg struggled with the bat in these two matches with the stand-out performance being Divan’s 49 against Paul Roos while partners were falling on the other side. After this setback, the 1st XI collected themselves and delivered one of their most complete performances of the season against Affies in a 50 over match. Paul anchored the innings and was very unfortunate to miss out on a well-deserved century when he got caught on 95. He was well supported by Kyle Williams as they put up a 150-run opening partnership. Beni walked in and scored a 39 ball 54. Calvin Tanner and Naas both took 3 wickets and help restrict Affies, leading to a 20run victory for Wynberg.

Kyle’s run of form continued as he scored 62 in a T20 against Durbanville which led Wynberg to a 54-run victory. He followed it up with a 103 against Grey College and finished the season off with 60 against Bishops. Wynberg won the match against Grey College by 68 runs.

The last match of the first part of the season was a 45 over day-night match against Bishops as the fixture against SACS had to be abandoned due to a wet pitch. Wynberg batted first and set a total of 154, a total they were not completely happy with. Paul supported Kyle William’s effort by scoring 52. Bishops got off to a good start and found themselves at 90 before the 3rd wicket fell. Divan’s spell of 3 for 23 along with a crucial run out and tight bowling by all the other bowlers lead to a 6-run victory.

The never say die, Supera Moras attitude of a Wynberg learner was on show in all the matches that the 1st XI played in in the first term of 2023.

1st XI Cricket - Term 1

Played 19, Won 10, Lost 8, Drawn 1

The fourth term of the school year marked an eventful and challenging period for Wynberg’s 1st cricket team. The cricket season began late in the third term, and the team engaged in a series of matches and tournaments, showcasing their determination and skill on the field. This report provides an overview of the team’s performance, highlighting key matches, individual contributions, and notable achievements.

The cricket season kickstarted with four warm-up matches in preparation for the Cape Schools Cricket Festival. These matches served as crucial opportunities for the team to fine-tune their skills and strategies before the festival.

The Cape Schools Cricket Festival commenced with a wet outfield that led to the abandonment of play on the first day. On the second day, Wynberg faced Grey High

School in a declaration match. Beni Hansen’s exceptional performance, scoring an unbeaten 120, set the tone for the team. Divan Linde contributed significantly with a score of 67 and led the bowling lineup with figures of 4 for 54, helping Wynberg secure a hard-fought victory by 9 runs. Wynberg continued their impressive run in the festival by comfortably defeating Outeniqua High School in a limited-overs match. Both schools decided to play a T20 match in the afternoon, in which Wynberg was victorious. Divan once again played a crucial role, scoring 55, while Paul James contributed with an unbeaten 54 in the T20. The final day of the festival saw Wynberg facing Pearson High School. Despite Paul’s valiant effort with a score of 66, Wynberg fell 70 runs short of Pearson’s total.

In preparation for the North South Tournament, Wynberg played two more T20 matches against club sides. In the second match, Paul James showcased his incredible talent by scoring an unbeaten 141 off just 68 balls, underlining his importance to the team.

Wynberg embarked on a journey to the North South Tournament, where they were scheduled to play six T20 matches over a four-day period. The challenging conditions made it crucial for the bowlers to restrict the opposition and for the batsmen to shine. Notable performances during the tournament included Paul’s remarkable performance with scores of 68 against Selborne College and 52 against Nelspruit High School, Divan’s score of 62 against Nelspruit, Beni’s impressive 77 against Paarl Boys’ High School and Xavier Garvs’ notable contribution of 64 against Grey High School. Xavier Garvs finished the tournament with a spectacular 120 off 50 balls against Paarl Boys.

Upon returning to Cape Town, Wynberg had three matches remaining against other boys’ schools. Unfortunately, they were able to secure victory in only one of these matches, which was against Bishops Diocesan College. Paul James continued to be a standout performer, scoring 52 against Bishops and finishing the season with a remarkable 68 against SACS. Ihsan Khan made a significant impact as a standout bowler in these three matches, taking 3 wickets against Rondebosch and 4 wickets against SACS.

One of the standout achievements during this year was Beni Hansen’s representation of the SA U19 team on a tour of Bangladesh. His involvement at the international level showcased his immense talent and potential in the world of cricket. Furthermore, he represented an SA Emerging Side that secured the Limited Overs Division 2 title during the season, further validating his exceptional skills.

The fourth term of the cricket season for Wynberg’s 1st cricket team was a testament to the players’ dedication and hard work. Despite facing various challenges, including unfavorable weather conditions and strong opponents, the team persevered and demonstrated exceptional skills and determination. The term was a true test of their cricketing abilities, and the team’s efforts resulted in a season that showcased their commitment and passion for the sport.

1st XI Cricket - p en p ortraits

Beni Hansen

Yaaseen Moos

ebrahim Fakir

Luke kleinsmith

kyle Williams

Jordan nel

xavier Garvs

Ethan Leibrandt

Paul James

Shadley Allie

Ihsan khan

Storme van rooyen

naas Beets

Divan Linde

Calvin Tanner

Michail Tarentaal

Beni Hansen

Beni Hansen, a standout player in the Wynberg 1st XI, exemplifies leadership, batting prowess, and wicket-keeping finesse. Captaining the side in 33 matches, he has been a driving force behind the team’s success.

As a top-order batsman, Beni’s cricketing acumen is evident in his impressive tally of 1028 runs during the season. Notably, he etched his name in the records with two unbeaten centuries against St Davids and Grey High School, showcasing his ability to dominate the opposition and steer the team to victory with remarkable composure.

Hansen’s talent didn’t go unnoticed on the provincial and national stage, as he earned a welldeserved spot in the Western Province and South African Under-19 sides in 2023. Representing his country at the youth level speaks volumes about his skills and potential, underlining his status as a player to watch in the future.

Whether wielding the bat with finesse or donning the wicket-keeping gloves, Beni Hansen’s multifaceted contributions make him a pivotal figure in the Wynberg 1st XI, embodying the spirit of leadership and excellence on the cricketing field.

kyle Williams

Kyle Williams, a formidable presence in Wynberg’s 1st XI, distinguishes himself as a toporder batsman and a skilled wicketkeeper. In the 2023 season, he showcased his prowess in 32 matches, leaving an indelible mark on the field.

Kyle’s batting performance in 2023 speaks volumes about his skill and determination, amassing a total of 690 runs. His consistency at the crease is highlighted by a remarkable top score of 103, a testament to his ability to anchor the innings and play pivotal innings when the team needed it most. One of the standout moments of his season was his stellar performance against Grey College, where he notched up an impressive century.

Beyond his batting prowess, Kyle also played a crucial role as a wicketkeeper, contributing to 20 dismissals behind the stumps. His sharp reflexes and safe pair of hands make him a reliable presence, adding value to the team in both facets of the game.

With a combination of batting prowess and wicket-keeping finesse, Kyle made a significant impact on the field.

Paul James

Paul James emerged as a versatile force, contributing significantly as a top-order batsman and a potent fast bowler in the Wynberg 1st XI. With an impressive record of 36 matches played, he has left an indelible mark on the team.

As a top-order batsman, Paul’s blade resonated with authority, accumulating a formidable total of 1382 runs throughout the season. Among his standout performances was an unbeaten innings of 141 against Yorkshire Cricket Club, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings and deliver under pressure.

Adding another dimension to his cricketing repertoire, Paul proved to be a valuable asset with the ball, claiming 10 wickets during the season as a fast bowler. His ability to contribute both with the bat and the ball highlights his allround prowess and versatility on the field.

Paul’s exemplary performances haven’t gone unnoticed beyond the school level, as he earned a well-deserved spot in the Western Province Under-19 side. This selection underscores not only his individual talent but also his potential to make a significant impact in regional and national cricket in the future.

naas Beets

Naas Beets emerged as a standout player, wielding his craft as a left-arm spinner. Across 32 matches for the Wynberg 1st XI, he showcased his prowess, etching his name as a pivotal force in the team’s bowling arsenal.

Naas’s left-arm spin proved to be a potent weapon, accounting for an impressive tally of 39 wickets during the season. His ability to deceive batsmen with subtle variations and strategic placement marked him as a key contributor in restricting oppositions and turning the tide in Wynberg’s favour.

Beyond the statistics, Naas played a crucial role as the senior figure in the bowling lineup, exemplifying leadership and providing guidance to his teammates. His experience and composure under pressure added a valuable dimension to

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the team dynamics, making him a respected presence on and off the field.

Yaaseen Moos

Yaaseen Moos made impactful contributions with both bat and ball. Featuring in 35 matches, he showcased his versatility, donning the roles of a right-arm off-spin bowler and a steady middleorder batsman.

With the ball in hand Yaaseen exhibited finesse and claimed a notable total of 27 wickets during the season. His ability to impart spin and deceive batsmen made him a crucial asset in breaking partnerships and applying pressure on the opposition.

In the middle order, Yaaseen accumulated a commendable total of 280 runs. His ability to anchor the innings and play crucial innings in challenging situations showcased his temperament and skill as a batsman.

Adding to his repertoire, Yaaseen proved to be a safe pair of hands in the field, taking an impressive 17 catches during the season.

Yaaseen, with his dual proficiency in batting and bowling, played an integral role in the Wynberg 1st XI’s success, epitomizing the essence of a true all-rounder in school cricket.

Jordan nel

Jordan Nel’s journey in the Wynberg 1st XI is a testament to resilience and determination. Making a comeback from a serious knee injury, he defied the odds in 13 matches, showcasing his skills as a left-arm fast bowler and a gritty middle-order batsman.

As a left-arm fast bowler, Jordan brought a dynamic edge to the team’s bowling attack. Despite limited opportunities due to his injury recovery, he made each delivery count, challenging batsmen with his pace and swing. In the middle order, Jordan’s return was marked by his ability to finish matches in style, amassing a commendable total of 162 runs. His contributions with the bat underscored not only his technical ability but also his mental fortitude to perform under pressure.

Jordan’s comeback serves as an inspiration, symbolizing the triumph of dedication over

adversity. Despite facing physical challenges, he made a meaningful impact in the limited games he played, embodying the spirit of perseverance and commitment within the Wynberg 1st XI. His story is one of courage and contribution, illustrating the true essence of sportsmanship.

Shadley Allie

Shadley Allie’s multi-faceted prowess makes him a standout figure in the Wynberg 1st XI, featuring prominently in 36 matches. As an opening batsman, he provided a solid foundation for the team’s innings, amassing a total of 486 runs, marked by two resilient half-centuries that underscored his reliability at the top of the order. Beyond his batting exploits, Shadley showcased his versatility by seamlessly transitioning into the role of a medium-pace bowler. His bowling skills were highlighted by an impressive tally of 26 wickets, with a standout performance of 6 for 24 against Stellenberg, showcasing his ability to dismantle opposition line-ups.

Not confined to the batting crease and bowling attack, Shadley demonstrated his flexibility by donning the wicket-keeping gloves when needed. His all-around contributions were exemplified in a crucial match against Rondebosch, where he not only took two brilliant catches but also played a pivotal role in guiding the team to a nail-biting 2-run victory.

Shadley’s adaptability, coupled with his impactful performances with bat and ball solidifies his status as a key player in the Wynberg 1st XI, embodying the spirit of a true all-rounder and contributing significantly to the team’s success.

Divan Linde

Divan Linde’s impact on the Wynberg 1st XI is nothing short of extraordinary, featuring in 36 matches as a top-order batsman and leg-spin maestro. His batting finesse was evident in his total of 594 runs, embellished with three halfcenturies that showcased his ability to anchor the innings and contribute crucial runs at the top. However, Divan’s prowess extends beyond his exploits with the bat. He emerged as the season’s top wicket-taker, claiming an impressive tally

of 44 wickets with his leg-spin wizardry. His standout performance against Rondebosch, where he concluded the innings with figures of 5 for 43, showcased his ability to be a gamechanger with the ball.

Divan’s dual role as a top-order batsman and a wicket-taking leg-spinner makes him a rare gem in the team, capable of influencing the game in multiple facets. His consistency with both bat and ball underscores his value as a key player in the Wynberg 1st XI, contributing significantly to the team’s success throughout the season.

ebrahim Fakir

In the spirited lineup of the Wynberg 1st XI, Ebrahim Fakir stands tall as a pace sensation, contributing significantly as a fast bowler in the 29 matches he played. His prowess with the ball was evident in his impressive haul of 23 wickets, with a standout performance of 4 for 26 against Durbanville.

As a fast bowler, Ebrahim brought an element of dynamism to the team’s bowling attack. His ability to generate pace and extract crucial breakthroughs, particularly showcased in his standout performance, marked him as a key asset in the bowling lineup.

Ebrahim’s consistent contributions with the ball played a pivotal role in the team’s success, reflecting his dedication and impact as a fast bowler. His performances not only bolstered the team’s bowling department but also added an element of intimidation to the opposition, making him a formidable force in the Wynberg 1st XI.

xavier Garvs

Xavier Garvs, a dynamic force in the Wynberg 1st XI, left an indelible mark in the 19 matches he played, showcasing his prowess as a middleorder batsman and off-spin bowler. He emerged as a reliable run-scorer, accumulating a total of 372 runs, with a standout innings of 120 off just 50 balls against Paarl Boys High. His explosive century demonstrated not only his ability to stabilize the innings but also his capacity to accelerate the scoring at a remarkable pace.

Xavier’s versatility extended to the bowling department, where, despite limited opportun-

ities, he made a notable impact with the ball. Taking 5 wickets, he proved to be a valuable asset as an off-spin bowler, contributing to the team’s success in the few chances he was given to showcase his bowling skills.

Xavier, with his dual proficiency in batting and off-spin bowling, exemplifies the all-around talent within the Wynberg 1st XI. His ability to deliver impactful performances in both facets of the game underscores his significance in the team’s lineup, contributing to its success on the field.

Ihsan khan

Ihsan Khan’s ascent to the Wynberg 1st XI in the fourth term was nothing short of remarkable, and in the 19 matches he played, he established himself as a potent force, particularly as a leftarm fast bowler. Leading the bowling attack with distinction, he made a significant impact, claiming an impressive tally of 22 wickets. What sets Ihsan apart is not just his initial inclusion in the team but the consistent growth he displayed throughout the season. As the matches progressed, he evolved into a formidable presence on the field, showcasing his ability to adapt and learn. His season’s best figures of 4 for 43 in the final match against SACS underscored his peak form and effectiveness as a left-arm fast bowler.

Ihsan’s journey from stepping up to the 1st XI to leading the attack with authority reflects not only his individual skill but also his resilience and commitment to continuous improvement. His contributions undoubtedly played a crucial role in the team’s success, making him a rising star in the Wynberg 1st XI.

Calvin Tanner

Calvin Tanner, a vital presence in the Wynberg 1st XI, demonstrated his versatility across 18 matches as a middle-order batsman and left-arm medium pace bowler. As a batsman, he brought stability to the middle order, contributing crucial runs when the team needed them the most. His measured approach and ability to build innings showcased his importance in the team’s batting lineup.

In the bowling department, Calvin’s left-arm medium pace proved to be a valuable asset.

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Despite often bowling in challenging situations, he displayed remarkable composure and strategy, aiming to slow down the run rate. His commitment to the team’s cause was evident in his efforts to provide a much-needed balance with the ball, claiming a commendable total of 11 wickets.

Luke kleinsmith

Luke Kleinsmith, with his leg-spin wizardry, has left an indelible mark on the Wynberg 1st XI in the 11 matches he played. While his statistics may show a modest tally of 5 wickets, his performances on the field reveal a player with immense potential and promise.

As a leg-spin bowler, Luke’s ability to impart spin and create opportunities showcases his burgeoning talent. Despite the limited number of matches, he has demonstrated a keen understanding of the art of leg-spin, keeping batsmen on their toes and hinting at a bright future in the bowling department.

Luke’s cricketing prowess extends beyond the school level, earning him a well-deserved spot in the Western Province U16 side for a second consecutive year. This selection is a testament to his skill, dedication, and the recognition of his potential on a regional level.

Ethan Leibrandt

Ethan Leibrandt stands out as a valuable asset, contributing as a middle-order batsman and off-spin bowler in the 10 matches he played. He assumed the crucial role of a finisher with the bat, showcasing his ability to navigate pressure situations and guide the team across the finish line. His batting prowess in the middle order added depth to the team’s lineup, and his knack for playing key roles in closing out innings marked him as a reliable presence.

Ethan’s contributions were not confined to the batting department alone; he showcased his skills as an off-spin bowler by claiming a noteworthy total of 10 wickets. As a bowler, he displayed the ability to pick up crucial breakthroughs and provided the team with a valuable option in the spin department.

Ethan’s dual proficiency as a middle-order batsman and off-spin bowler, combined with

his role as a finisher, makes him a well-rounded player in the Wynberg 1st XI. His performances with both bat and ball underscore his versatility and impact on the team’s success.

Storme van rooyen

Storme van Rooyen, a rising star in the Wynberg 1st XI, has made a significant impact in the 10 matches he played. As a top-order batsman, Storme showcased his class and potential, amassing a total of 190 runs, marked by a standout half-century. His elegant stroke play and ability to anchor the innings reflect a maturity beyond his years.

With two more seasons of high school cricket ahead of him, Storme is poised for a promising future in the sport. His early performances hint at a player with the skills and temperament to thrive at the top level. As he continues to hone his craft, his dedication and talent are likely to make him a consistent contributor to the Wynberg 1st XI.

With each match, he solidifies his place as a key player in the team, and his journey in high school cricket holds the promise of exciting contributions and growth.

Michail Tarentaal

Michail Tarentaal’s ascent to the Wynberg 1st XI is a testament to his exceptional talent and consistent standout performances. Originally part of the U15 side, his prowess as both a fast bowler and middle-order batsman caught the attention of the coaches, earning him a welldeserved promotion to the senior squad.

In the three matches he played for the 1st XI, Michail took the new ball and left an indelible mark with his express pace, precise control, and mature decision-making on the field. His ability to handle the new ball showcased not only his technical skills but also his cricketing acumen, demonstrating a level of maturity beyond his years.

Michail’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed beyond the school level, as he secured a spot in the Western Province U16 side. This selection is a testament to his potential and places him among the promising talents in regional cricket.

CAPe sCHool’s WeeK

u14A Hilton festivAl

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CROSS-COuNTRY

Overview

The Cross-Country team at Wynberg continues to thrive, boasting exceptional talents this year.

Joseph Brading (Grade 8), Joel van Zyl (Grade 9), Noah Jacobs (Grade 9), Mulanga Mukatuni (Grade 11), Matthew Brading (Grade 11), and Liam von Lillienveld (Grade 12) made us proud by qualifying for the Western Province trials. Their outstanding achievements stand as a testament to our team’s incredible growth and steadfast dedication to the sport.

This year, we joyfully welcomed back the Wynberg Mile, attracting enthusiastic par-

ticipation from a diverse group of juniors and seniors representing each house. This event was a vibrant showcase of our school community’s energy, culminating in the exciting determination of the “running” house champion.

Anticipation brims for the upcoming year, filled with boundless possibilities and advancements in this ever-expanding sport.

The unwavering passion and dedication displayed by our athletes remain the driving force, propelling our Cross-Country team toward newfound success.

l Cleophas

CROSS COUnTRY

Back Row : Godans Kasongo Wa Kunutombo, Alexander Masters-Kay, Joseph Brading, Graeme van Zyl, Matthew Brading, Mulanga Mukatuni.

Front Row : Mr Nicholas Mlotshwa (Manager), Noah Rowen Jacobs, Ms Lauren Cleophas (Teacher in Charge), Joel Van Zyl, Mr Wayden Petersen (Coach).

CYCLING

Overview

With everything that unfolded this year, one might hesitate to dub it as our first full year as a recognised sport. From the construction of our track to our team’s participation in national-level events across various disciplines, it’s safe to say that this has been an incredibly successful year.

It all started with our visit to Grey High School for the Darby weekend. Initially, it felt like being tossed into the deep end, but it turned out to be a significant catalyst for the remainder of the year. The encounter with an established

cycling team served as profound motivation, revealing the immense potential for our own team.

The subsequent milestone was the Western Cape School League, where over 600 riders congregated to race for their schools, vying for the title of the best cycling school in WC. This arena nurtures future South African racing talents, akin to riders like Alan Hatherly who honed their skills in these races. Our aim was to amass collective experience, laying the foundation for future growth.

Our training regimen significantly improved upon the construction of our on-campus track, providing us with all the necessary amenities

CYCLInG

Back Row : Neill Walker, Thomas Attenborough, Christopher Taljaard, Simon Baxter. Middle Row : Luca Rens, Ross Bremer, Joshua Meyer, Mitchell Carter, Timothy Sutherland, Kingsley Muckart.

Front Row : Jonathan Sutherland, Tristan Harley, Daniel Speedy (Captain), Mr Eugene Elliott (Coach), Oliver Webb (Vice Captain), Luke Allan, Kyan New.

CYCLING (CONT.) SpORT

within reach. Moreover, the track afforded us the opportunity to host races, and we did just that – organising the inaugural Southern Suburbs race right on our premises. Reddam Constantia, SACS, and Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck joined us for an afternoon of racing, attracting 50 racers to participate.

While our primary focus remained on the track and school races, some of our riders sought further challenges, engaging in the Western Cape Enduro and Downhill series. Their participation showcased their skills, pitting them against South Africa’s top racers.

Yet, amidst all our accomplishments this year, the greatest triumph lies in the camaraderie and friendships forged within the team. Witnessing everyone unite under our shared passion for cycling, irrespective of our chosen disciplines, was truly remarkable. We can now add a cycling link to the endless chain that is Wynberg Boys High School ever-growing legacy.

As this incredible year draws to a close, I can confidently declare: this is merely the beginning!

HeritAge WeeK

Mtb At bloeMendAl Wine fArM

Mtb grAbouW

WbHs trACK oPening

GOLF SpORT

Overview

A-Team:

Played 15, Won 10, Lost 4, Drawn 1

B-Team:

Played 10, Won 5, Lost 5, Drawn 0

C-Team:

Played 6, Won 4, Lost 2, Drawn 0

Wynberg entered three teams into three different leagues for the third year in a row.

The A-team started the year off with a win against Rondebosch, a feat that has not been achieved in more than 5 years. They followed this performance up with narrow defeats against Bishops and Milnerton before bouncing back against Reddam Constantia. The first round of fixtures concluded with a draw against SACS.

During the second term, Wynberg Golf took 12 players along to the Grey weekend. The players had a great experience playing Port Elizabeth Golf Club on a beautiful Friday morning, but unfortunately all matches were lost.

During the June holidays, 8 players represented Wynberg during the annual Cape Schools golf tour. The tour got off to a rocky start with

the first day being cancelled due to a waterlogged St Francis Links. The inclement weather did allow for a change in plans and gave the players an opportunity to play Humewood Golf Club in the challenging conditions. The format of Cape Schools was changed overnight to just be contested as singles match play.

The weather conditions on day 2 at St Francis Bay Golf Club were challenging with intermittent rain making playing conditions tough. The Wynberg players showed true Supera Moras spirit and walked away with two wins. The final day saw the rain subside, but it was unfortunately exchanged with winds bordering on gale force. The players were also granted the opportunity to play at St Francis Links, a course that is consistently ranked as a top 5 course in South Africa. The Wynberg players again reigned supreme, winning both their matches.

The A team finished the season with 4 victories on the trot in the third term. They unfortunately narrowly missed out in qualifying for the final when finishing third on the log. The C side, however, finished second on their log which qualified them for the 18-hole final at King David Mowbray. They did lose to Curro Durbanville on the day which meant they finished fourth overall in the Western Province C League, a vast improvement on previous seasons.

GOLF 1st TEAM

The Wynberg golfers have showed improvement over the last few seasons. Many of the players are making a habit of winning their Monday matches. A special mention to Divan Linde that has won 12 of his 15 matches this year while playing at number 2 for the school. He also reigned supreme in a WP Juniors event at Parow at the start of the year.

Gabriel Firer has enjoyed a successful year on the golf course as well. He has performed consistently in the national tournaments that he has entered. He was also selected for the WP U19 side that played in a Triangular at

Robertson Golf Club. In 2022 he was awarded the MVP prize in the U17 section, and he kept up his performance in this competition by winning the MVP prize in the U19 section this time around. He won 10 matches and halved the other 2, remaining unbeaten for the event. Traigh Pathon, while still in Grade 7 at Wynberg Boys Junior was selected for the WP U15 side for the same event and performed admirably.

Wynberg Golf has grown from strength to strength over the past 5 years and everyone involved is excited to see what the future holds.

Back Row : Benjamin Smuts, Xavier Garvs, Kiash Naidoo, Taite Sauls.

Front Row : Keagan Gray, Gabriel Firer (Captain), Mr Pietie Loubser, Divan Linde (Vice Captain), Calvin Tanner.

GREY WEEKEND SpORT

HOCKEY SpORT

Overview

John Wooden once said, “If we fail to adapt, we fail to move forward,” and this quote seems to sum up our year at Wynberg Hockey.

Adaptation was a key theme that featured in both our highs and our lows this year.

It is not uncommon for school-boy sport to have lows – that is just the reality of the game. We were thankful that this year held fewer lows than 2022, but not as happy with the fact that many of our lows (in 2023) were lower because of the nature thereof: completely avoidable. Again, adaptation was key. If I look at some of the lowest of lows, it comes down to the inability to adapt in situations. Whether it be last-minute changes in team structure and game play; different opposing tactics; mentalhealth challenges; team conflicts or not being able to switch on when we needed it most, adaptation (or the lack thereof) was paramount to the outcome.

However, I am not one to dwell on our failures. Believe me that reflection has been done; tough conversations have been had, and we look forward to an even more successful 2024.

On a much brighter note, 2023 held so many positives, successes and achievements, some of which will be detailed below:

o Wynberg Hockey moved from #70 (2022) in the National Rankings to #15 (2023) showing massive improvement.

• We are also the only Western Cape Boys’ School (other than SACS) to be in the top 15 – another massive improvement.

• Our 1st Team individually climbed from #65 to #13 in national rankings.

o In the premier league, our teams placed:

• U19 – 4th (climbing from 8th in 2022)

• U16 – 3rd

• U14 – 3rd

o We had more Western Province representatives in 2023 (9) and more South African representatives (4) as well.

• Last year, not a single U18 player made it, whereas this year we had 5 boys make it.

• Zachary Gibbon and Ethan Daniels were part of the winning U16A IPT side.

• Dayle Gertson and Ethan Lee were part of the winning U18A IPT side.

o Dayle Gertson and Ethan Lee were selected to play for South Africa in the U17 Marawan Cup in Malaysia in which they won silver medals.

o We had three Triple Crowns this year, namely U14C, U14D and U16B.

o We noticed incredible depth in our Wynberg teams, with our D and E teams winning most of their games this season, including some to Grey High School and other opposition where they played teams higher up than themselves. Wynberg is very lucky to have this depth as it sets us aside from our rivals who often cannot even field teams against us.

o Devin Stanton (Director of Hockey) was selected as the Western Province Men’s Coach this year. His team went on to win the IPT.

o Other coaches (Rob McKinley, Josh Koff and Nate Loff) were selected to play at the IPT as part of the WP Men’s A and B sides.

o We hosted a successful U16 Nomads Festival, which saw 8 other top hockey schools from up-country participate.

HOCkEY 1st TEAM

Back Row : Daniel Rightford, Liam Kleintjies, Connor Albrecht, Dayle Gertson.

Middle Row : Ethan Lee, Jordan Paulsen, Dayyaan Brown, Daniel Wyley, Tristan Butters, Benjamin Hansen. Front Row : Zach Raizenberg, Connor Thompson (Vice Captain), Mr Ben Wiley (Coach), Morgan Cochius (Captain), Mrs Courtney Joubert (Head of Hockey), Caleb Schilder, Zachary Gibbon. Absent : Mr Devin Stanton.

o Our 1st XI went unbeaten at the U18 Nomads Festival which is something we have not seen in a long time.

o Our 1st XI beat Bishops and Rondebosch for the first time since 2018.

o We hosted an opening ceremony for the new LED lights on Astro of Dreams Turf 1 which saw many benefactors and old boys gather.

o We have 11 Old Boy Coaches, showing the lifelong love of the game that Wynberg Hockey instills.

I like to think that this list speaks for itself. I truly believe that we can be incredibly proud of what we have achieved this year and now the work starts to make sure we can maintain and improve upon these successes next year and in the years to come. Hopefully, we can take the

lessons and adapt better in all instances next year so that we can really show what Wynberg Hockey is made of. Something we will carry with us next year is the quote by Martin Luther King, as we aim for greater heights is: “You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.”

Courtney Joubert

Hockey 1st Team - Term 1

The 2023 season started with a squad weekend away at Worcester Gim. It was here where the boys were tested in a harsh climate against a tough and relentless opposition. This experience helped create a strong team

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HOCKEY (CONT.)

dynamic and we were also able to put in place our basic playing structure for the upcoming tour and season to come.

Our next trip was our Nomads Festival, where we played 5 games in which we were competitive or dominant in all. The team became more cohesive as the festival progressed; with the time the team spend together off the field being put to good use in getting to know each other. The team was able to, for the most part, set up and correctly implement our offensive and defensive structures with small adjustments for opposition strengths, a key reason for our success. We were also one of the most physically capable teams at the festival, the S and C program showing why it is so important. Overall, a great tour, which accomplished almost all of our goals, and a good foundation to build the rest of the season on.

The real season started with a few hiccoughs after a strong tour with a loss to Paarl Gim and a tough outing at Grey High being low points of an otherwise fantastic 2nd term. This year we were blighted by injuries, with us always having two or three players unavailable for most matches.

We were very proud of having five U19s and an U16 selected from the first team for various Western Province sides. Dayle Gertsen and Ethan Lee won gold with the WP U19As; Jordan Paulsen, Morgan Cochius and Liam Kleintjies managed an impressive 5th place with the WP U19Bs; and Zach Gibbon won gold with the WP U16A. Dayle and Ethan were selected to represent the South African U17 team in a tournament in Malaysia where they finished 2nd and Zach was chosen to participate in the South African U16 camp, we are very proud of all these boys achievements.

But unfortunately Provincial and National selection did not translate into school level success, with out 3rd term being a particularly difficult campaign. We were not able to replicate the form or team cohesion we showed earlier in the season and had a run of losses that a Wynberg team should never have. I believe that everyone in the squad learned a hard lesson that a hockey side can be filled with exceptional players but if you do not work hard and play together as a team then it can be difficult to get the results you feel you deserve. We move into 2024 with a large group of Grade 11s moving into senior roles for the year. The expectation that they will have learned from past mistakes are high and much will be demanded from them, but we know that they can do it.

HOCkEY U16A

Back Row : Thomas Cawood, Lyle Martin, Matt Brighton, Noah Laubscher, Chad Julius.

Middle Row : Jonty Albrecht, Jonathan Mills, Timothy Belcher, Michail Tarentaal, James Burger, Joshua Edwards.

Front Row : Zack Alexander, Seth Trantraal (Vice Captain), Mrs Courtney Joubert (Head of Hockey), Ethan Daniels (Captain), Mr Jacobus Coetzee (Manager), Uzayr Ebrahim, Mustafa Kajee.

Absent : Mr Nathan Loff (Coach), MrDevin Stanton (Director of Hockey).

HOCkEY U14A

Back Row : Cameron McFarlane, Luke Feldman, Nicholas Ross, Dylan Hougaard, Ethan Smith.

Middle Row : Joshua Gulle, Caleb Mills, Joshua Nicholson, Riley Clarke, Callan Docherty, Unays Salie.

Front Row : Zachariah Booley, Daniel Cooper-Williams (Vice Captain), Mr Dylan Riddle (Manager), Matthew Green-Thompson (Captain), Mrs Courtney Joubert (Head of Hockey), Connor Fourie, Nicholas Stanfliet.

Absent : Mr Robert McKinley (Coach), Mr Joshua Koff (Assistant Coach), Mr Devin Stanton (Director of Hockey).

1st Team Hockey - p en p ortraits

Morgan Cochius

Tristan Butters

Liam kleinjties

Beni Hansen

Connor Thompson

Dayle Gertzen

Zach Raizenberg

Zachary Gibbon

Connor Albrecht

Ethan Lee

Caleb Schilder

Daniel Rightford

Daniel Wyley

Jordan Paulsen

Dayyaan Brown

Morgan Cochius

Captian

Matric

Morgan exemplified the adage of leading by example. He has a good set of technical skills mixed with a physical play style and good decision making ability. His work ethic and coachability means that he can still develop and grow as a hockey player – WP U18B - Blues.

Connor

Thompson Vice Captain

Matric

Connor has added great value to the team in his 3 years of playing 1st team. He has some of the best one vs one elimination skills around and a solid technical skill set. Connor did not make as big an impact as he could have in his matric year. – Colours.

Connor Albrecht

Matric

Connor was Mr Reliable at the back this year. Always there to make an important tackle, dependable on the ball and always willing to play his role in the team with hard work. – Colours.

Daniel Wyley

Matric

Daniel was a valuable member of the team by setting a good example to the rest of his teammates. He did not have the best year by his standards but could always be relied upon to give his all in any situation. – Colours.

Tristan Butters

Matric

Tristan leaves Wynberg as a two-year 1st team striker with many goals behind his name. His knack for always being in the right place at the right time to score a goal was something to admire. He was undervalued at times by his teammates, but he showed great resilience to always keep working hard and showing his true class. – Colours.

Dayle Gertzen

Grade 11

Dayle was our key man in outletting and defence. He has so much natural talent and ability on and off the ball. Our one area of great concern was our short corner threat, Dayle could be a lethal flicker but will need to work on consistency. He will need to make sure that his discipline on and off the field keeps him grounded, as he has potential to go very far. – WP U18A/SA U17 - Blues.

Ethan Lee

Grade 11

Ethan was our go-to goal threat up front and showed some moments of brilliance on the field. He has great ball control under pressure and showed good decision making in the final third. Ethan will need to keep developing his ability to get outcomes in and around the D as this will make him a player to watch for the future – WP U18A/SA U17 – Blues.

Jordan Paulsen

Grade 11

Jordan had a great season as one of our main central midfielders. His ability to protect the ball under pressure was immense as well as his constant threat of creating attacking opportunities in the outlet. Big things are expected from him next year. – WP U18B - Blues.

Liam kleinjties

Grade 11

Liam was a valuable member of our defensive structure. He was mostly solid and never gave an opposition striker an inch of space. If Liam can improve his speed of play for next year he will be able to push his hockey to the next level. – WP U18B – Colours.

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HOCKEY (CONT.)

Zach Raizenberg

Grade 11

Zach was by far the most improved player of the year. His goalkeeping in the 2nd term was acceptable but he made some mistakes, but with a strong mind set and hard work he was one of the shining lights in the team in the 3rd term. He saved our skins on a number of occasions. - Colours.

Caleb Schilder

Grade 11

Caleb could have had a very different season, if not for injury keeping him out for a large portion in the middle. Upon returning he never got back to the same level he was at before the injury. Looking forward to a comeback year from him. – Colours.

Dayyaan Brown

Grade 11

Dayyaan can always be relied on to turn up and work hard for his teammates. He has improved his ball carrying and skills around the circle but needs to work on his decision making and conversion rate in front of goal to make himself an indispensable striker for the team. - Colours.

Beni Hansen

Grade 11

Beni was brought in, after missing out in the initial squad, and made an immediate impact. His hard- working, die hard attitude made up for some technical deficiencies in his game. We look forward to seeing how he continues to improve next year. - Colours.

Zachary Gibbon

Grade 10

Zach has the foundation to become a great player but this has not been his best year. He struggled to implement his ability effectively and this led to him have some confidence issues. Next year needs to be the time when Zach finds his feet again and makes the impact he should – WP U16A/SA U16A - Colours.

Daniel Rightford

Grade 9

Daniel was asked to make the massive step up to U19 at 14 years of age. He showed he truly belonged in the team in his first game. He has so much potential, and it is scary to think he still has three years to play. - Colours.

U14A having fun before their formal

WP Reps

u18 Nomads Team - unbeaten

SA Reps

picture

New LED Lights Switching-on Ceremony

Over the years, the game of hockey has undergone several transformations at Wynberg.

In the 1970s all the fields were grass, and while the 1980s saw international hockey moving onto artificial surfaces, revolutionising the game, it was in 1998 that Wynberg installed its first Astroturf, the first at any school in South Africa. The visionary leadership of the headmasters, principals, and governing bodies at the time should be applauded for this decision as it catapulted Wynberg to becoming a dominant force in national schools hockey.

In 2004 installation of floodlighting commenced making it possible from 2005 to play under lights and gain maximum use of the facilities. Daily early morning practices and the ‘Friday Night Lights’ hockey matches have

since become a norm for those who attend the Wynberg campus schools. Other schools have followed our lead and installed their own surfaces.

In the recent past the schools have made some major investments, including entirely relaying the playing surface on Astro 1 and the installation of Astro 2 in 2013.

As with everything over time, the quality of the lights degraded to the point where they became hazardous to play, and the schools commissioned replacements. Technological advancements presented an opportunity to greatly enhance the quality of the lighting at the Astroturf.

The new LED lighting is a testament to the relationship between the campus schools, jointly contributing to the upgrade as shareholders, and illuminate our hockey facilities as a shining beacon of school sporting leadership in South Africa.

Mr Cedric Poleman WbJs Headmaster

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Overview

After searching the available archives and interrogating those ‘in the know’ (Chris Merrington and Jan de Waal), it appears as if WBHS rugby officially kicked off in 1898 – making us 126 years ‘young’ next year.

The sport is certainly in a good ‘space’ – we can field more than 20 teams each Saturday (one of very few schools who can) and, for the most part, we continue to be a competitive force in the hurly burly of the Western Province Premier A League. So, should we sit back and rest on our laurels? Definitely not – schools’ rugby is evolving at an alarming rate (sponsorship, player contracts, TV exposure etc.) and experience tells us that this is precisely the moment to take stock of where we are and decide where we want to be 10 years from now. This is especially relevant, as both Nic Groom (Director of Rugby) and I are new to WBHS and at this juncture, it seems an opportune moment to consider the way forward – ‘Quo Vadis’, Wynberg Rugby? –if you will. This will require a blueprint – one which will see rugby continue to flourish at our school.

To this end, I felt that it was important for Nic Groom to give an overview of his first season in charge and to articulate something of his ‘vision’ for WBHS Rugby, moving forward:

I played against Wynberg for most of my junior and high school days. Wynberg Boys were different. Brave, competitive and they never gave in. More so than other well-known schools. No matter the occasion or the score, you were bound to get those three elements in any fixture against WBHS.

After my first season as Director of Rugby, I am encouraged to say that things have not changed and that the ‘Wynberg grit’ remains.

My fundamental duty as the Director of Wynberg

Boys High is to give players the tools they need through sport, to succeed. First, as young men and then as players.

We kicked off the 2023 season with our annual Standard Bank Wynberg Rugby Festival. The long weekend in March saw over 60 teams join us from all over the country for what is now one of the biggest rugby festivals in the Western Cape.

Following the festival, the U14s and 15s went on tour to George to participate in the Kwaggas tournament. Both teams performed brilliantly with the u15s winning all 3 games and the u14s winning 2 out of 3, narrowly losing to Monument in their last game.

The 1st XV headed off to the annual Saints Easter Festival and came away with 3 strong winsmost notably, beating a strong Helpmekaar side on day 1. It was a great tournament, providing the squad with enough time to prepare for the season ahead.

We started the league off slowly with a mixed bag of results. We then made the trip up to Gqeberha and faced Grey in their back yard. We took 21 teams to Grey which was a monumental effort. My first trip with the school and a real highlight of the year was watching the Blues and the 1st XV ending off the weekend with 2 big wins.

It was then on to our local derbies, which had the tension you would usually expect from our neighbors and if I’m being honest, I thought we let ourselves down a bit in Round 1. Although we only had 2 home games all term, we lost too many games in the final stages of games, often by a handful of points.

We made a few changes in our approach which led to success and ended off the season with some really good results in the return games against Rondebosch, SACS and Bishops, finishing the year off with pride. The U14D, U15C and U15D teams all overturning previous results and ending the season off with triple crowns was brilliant to see.

I must mention the u15A and B teams who finished the year off with Grand Slams (Beating RBHS, Bishops and SACS twice in the year).

Lead by James Owin and Callum Hodkinson respectively, both teams worked extremely hard all year. A great example of Wynberg Men who every week played for their teammates and their school.

RUGBY 1st TEAM

Back Row : Ethan Thomas, Luca Springett, Matteo Pascoe, Jarryd Jackson, Brandon Ashburner, Levi Brown, Johnathan Andrews, Keenan Pretorius, Aidan Reid.

Third Row : Tyrone Gombe, Xabiso Mkiva, Sange Mbuto, Yaqeen Ahmed, Matthew Ould, Ezra Antonio, Joel Kirby, Luqobo Makwedini, Ethan Hendricks.

Second Row : Torren February, Montgomery Loggenberg, Michail Kasfikis, Aden da Costa, Leo Addinall, Steven Stander, Euwyn Liberty, Benjamin Matthews, Tristan Ely.

Front Row : Mr Josh Bassett (Analyst), Nicholas van Schalkwyk, Mr Chris de Klerk (Assistant Coach), Xola Nyali, Mr Justin van Winkel (Head Coach), Xolela Hoyi, Mr Nicholas Groom (Director of Rugby), Amier Adams, Mr Stefan Potgieter (Manager).

Absent : Mr Johan van Rhyn (Lineout Coach), Mr Ricardo Jacobs (Medic), Mr Piet Celliers (S&C Coach), Mr Ashley Wells (Scrum Coach).

Rugby is a beautiful game. It teaches you how to deal with the adversity of losing a tight game or being dropped. It also challenges you to face fears and doubts. The best part of the job is being able to coach boys through these phases and see them come out the other side. The real victories aren’t on the scoreboard, they are getting a front row seat to seeing boys grow into robust, hardworking, team-men who are playing for something bigger than themselves, or a result.

There have been some incredible achievements and milestones this year for some of our rugby players. After consecutive weeks of trials, we are immensely proud of our boys who went on to represent Western Province in the Youth Week tournaments in June.

In the U16 Grant Khomo competition Brint Davids, Morne Noble, Kunene Gadu and Albert Lourens were selected for the U16A team and Jean Pierre Van Niekerk and Dalubuhle Kota made the XV team.

In the U18 competition we had 9 players in action. Xola Nyali was named captain of the WP team alongside Yaqeen Ahmed. Both players forming part of team who won the unofficial Craven Week Final in George. Also part of the weekend was Sange Mbuto, Torren February, Luqobo Makwedini and Ethan Hendricks, all representing the XV team.

Xola Nyali and Yaqeen Ahmed were both selected for the SA Schools and SA School A teams respectively. Xola went on to captain the SA Schools team against France in the U18 Interna-

RuGBY (CONT.)

tional Series. Our second SA Schools captain in consecutive years!

the Way forward:

We will always do everything in our power to build a program that gives us the best chance to succeed in this league. From the coaches and professionals, we hire, to the equipment we use - Wynberg Rugby will work hard to make sure we strive to be the best version of ourselves. I will make sure I continue in this vein and with the brilliant people around me at Wynberg, I am confident that we can continue to reach new heights in the future.

My focus going forward will be to harness the special talent we have in the school and make sure we create a program and play a brand of rugby that is true to our players and our school. Wynberg is not a rugby academy, neither is it a breeding ground for individualism. My goal going forward is to give boys the opportunity to dream big - to act, rather than just speak, and to be relentless in that pursuit. All the while putting Wynberg and their team first.

I would just like to mention a few people who have made my life immeasurably easier since joining the school.

Firstly, Craig Childs and the part he has played in my transition into the role of Director of Rugby. He ‘bleeds’ Wynberg and was never too far away to answer my many questions – and, at times, to jump in and do a session.

Then to Dave Mallett, to whom I owe a lot for carrying out the administrative load every week. Making sure we have fields, times, medics, venues and ultimately allowing me to dedicate my cognitive load towards coaching.

Thanks to Pete Van Schalkwyk, Alan Herbert and RJ Theunissen who are invaluable in ensuring the Wynberg Rugby ‘machine’ keeps moving.

Nic Groom | Director of WBHS Rugby

My final plaudits go to the Media team, the 1st Aiders, the WBHS referees and, of course, the ground staff – your hard work really is much appreciated!

dave Mallett

tiC WbHs rugby

Rob Louw

Patron of Wynberg Rugby

WBHS takes great pleasure in welcoming Rob Louw as Patron of Rugby. A staunch Old Boy, Class of 1973, and loyal supporter of the school, Rob represented the Springboks in 19 tests during the 1980s.

Rob represented Western Province at Craven week while at WBHS and in 1975 was selected for the SA U21 team along with other household rugby names Gysie Pienaar, Divan Serfontein, and Schalk Burger Senior.

Rob’s provincial saw him chalk up 81 appearances for WP from 1978 to 1985, with three Currie Cup wins included.

Always a fan-favourite at provincial and national level, the late Doc Craven said of him: “one of the best Springboks ever to represent South Africa” and “a superb ambassador for South Africa.”

It’s these qualities on top of his vast playing experience that Rob Louw will bring to his old school as Patron - we look forward to seeing him on the touchlines at home and away in the seasons ahead

RUGBY U16A

Back Row : Luke Gertze, Daniel Ould, Thabani Jonas, Zach Jonathan, Jean Pierre Van Niekerk, Noah Gila, Caleb Jardine.

Middle Row : Albert Lourens, Salahuddin Chotia, Luke Miller, Dalubuhle Kota, Briint Davids, Keegan Van Niekerk.

Front Row : Thapelo Molakeng, Sebastian Kastern (Vice Captain), Mr Andre van Vuuren (Coach), Kunene Gadu (Captain), Mr Nicholas Groom (Director of Rugby), Storme Van Rooyen, Morne Noble.

Absent : Jamie Stride (Captain), Mr Dylan Munro (Coach).

RUGBY U15A

Back Row : Andile Van Kets, Luke Dacey, Naeem Mohamed, Adam Allie, Alvin Machinja, Laeeq Davids, Zachary De Kock.

Middle Row : Morgan De Bruto, James Welsh, Jack Centurier-Harris, Ross Prinsloo, Cornelius-John Kotze, Alex Barrett, Esa Van Der Schyff, Lwazi Mjekula.

Front Row : Onika Lumkwani, Achmat Behardien (Vice Captain), Mr Jovan Bekker (Coach), James Orwin (Captain), Mr Dave Mallett (Coach), Elnasi Muriro, Christian Ferguson.

Absent : Mr Hlumelo Nduduya (Coach), Zach Grainger.

RUGBY U14A

Back Row : Bunono Mboniswa, Matthew Anthony, Joshua Banda, Nico Lourens, Connor Barrett, Attilio Pironi, Ra’id Mohamed.

Middle Row : Cumani Kieghlaar, Eli Van der Merwe, Ryan Needham, Jack de Beer, Riley Clarke, Ezekiel Botha, Ridah Johnson.

Front Row : Dylan Hougaard, Cole Brodie (Vice Captain), Mr Seth Christian (Coach), Rauf Ahmed (Captain), Mr Pete van Schalkwyk (Coach), Liam Reed, Connor Fourie.

Absent : Kuhle Besi, Philip Powis, Mr Michael van Schalkwyk (Coach).

Tour Report

u14/15 kWAGGAS’ TOur TO OUTEnIqUA.

Early on breakup day, Friday 31 March, the U14A and U15A squads departed for George to participate in the Kwaggas Rugby Festival.

From a pre-season rugby perspective, in was a most successful venture giving both teams matches against tough opposition to help prepare for the hurly burly of the Western Province Premier A League fixtures this season. It also enabled players and coaches to get to know each other a little better – both on and off the field.

The U14As comfortably beat both Oakdale and Kempton Park in their first two games, before losing (with no disgrace) to a massive Monument team on the last day. The U15As managed to win all three of their fixtures – albeit rather narrowly. Early victories over Outeniqua and Transvalia culminated in a hard-fought win over Waterkloof in their final game.

Our thanks to RJ Theunissen for his exceptional organization in what was a most enjoyable trip.

dave Mallett

tiC rugby

1ST xV RUGBY TOUR TO SAInT STITHIAnS COLLEGE JOHAnnESBURG

On 5 April at 04:30 in the morning our first rugby team were ready to depart to Johannesburg for the annual Saints easter fest. The players and coaching staff alike were excited to go up against some schools from the North.

Our first game saw us going up against Helpmekaar College, who we beat 20 – 12. Next up we faced St Albans College and managed to beat them comfortably with a score of 54 – 0. We ended our tour by playing against Northcliff High school. After a slow start saw us ending the first half only 3-0 up, we found our rhythm and managed to beat them 41-0. We are pleased to have returned home winning three out of three games played. Yaqeen Ahmed was named the player of the tournament and we are very proud of him for this achievement.

As we arrived back in Cape Town just after 22:00 on 10 April, we all looked back on a successful tour. Yes, with pleasing results, but also closer friendships and bonds, lots of fun and good food.

stefan Potgieter ist xv Manager

Rugby - p en p ortraits

Cole Janse Van Rensburg

Joel kirby

Brandon Ashburner

Euwyn Liberty

Johnathan Andrews

Tyrone Gombe

Ezra Antonio

Matthew Ould

keenan Pretorius

Levi Brown

Ethan Hendricks

yaqeen Ahmed

xabiso Mkiva

Benjamin Matthews

Luca Springett

Aden Da Costa

Luqobo Makwedini

Leo Addinall

Matteo Pascoe

Amier Adams

Montgomery Loggenberg

ethan Thomas

Aidan Reid

nicholas Van Schalkwyk

Torren February

Michail kasfikis

Sange Mbuto

xolela Hoyi

Jarryd Jackson

Steven Stander

xola nyali

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Rugby - p en p ortraits

Cole Janse Van Rensburg - 1 Cap

Cole decided at the end of 2022 that he was going to have a full crack at the 2023 season and grab the opportunities presented to him with both hands. He had plenty of competition but put his head down and followed through on the commitment he had made. Unfortunately, he got injured early in the season and missed an opportunity to be selected in the 1st XV. He however bounced back and was a standout for the Blues and their rejuvenation in the second half of the season and was justly rewarded with a 1st XV cap against SACS in the final game of the season. There was tremendous growth in this young man, developing from the team joker into the team leader, but thankfully he never lost his good sense of humour. Cole is nowhere near his ceiling and could be a bolter in the club rugby scene in the seasons to come.

Jonty Andrews - 1 Cap

Jonty had a season plagued by an unfortunate ongoing injury, the result of which meant Jonty had to work his way back by starting in the 3rds. Jonty took this as an opportunity to prove himself. Through good performances Jonty found his way back into an opportunity to play for the 1st team. Jonty has grown in confidence again and this was seen in the way he took charge of the Blues. We are keen to see Jonty persist in his growth and look forward to what he has to offer in 2024.

keenan Pretorius - 2 Caps

Keenan, otherwise known as KP has worked tirelessly for 2 years and has grown in leaps and bounds. A silky-smooth runner and fantastic kicker out of hand KP was often a game breaker for the Blues. In the latter part of the season his hard work paid off, starting in the last derby game against SACS. Watching KP run out for the 1st team you’d swear he had 50 caps to his name. KP has a very high ceiling, and we sincerely hope he keeps pushing and playing at club or university level, as he has heaps to offer.

xabiso Mkiva - 2 Caps

Xabi missed the majority of his U16 year due to injury, so in essence, he went straight from U15 into a senior front row. The adjustment was challenging for him, but he persevered. In the latter part of the season, he turned the corner, and we witnessed him develop from an uncertain youngster into a confident young man who was able to scrum in all three positions in the front row. This newfound confidence transferred to his all-round game, and he flourished for the Blues. Xabi now has the grounding and will make a significant impact on the Hawth in 2024.

Joel kirby - 3 Caps

Joel joined the Wynberg ranks in the beginning of 2023, it took some time adjusting to his new surroundings, but Joel is never one to disappear into the shadows. He got stuck in, made some great friendships and bought into the Wynberg model fast. Joel shows huge promise and has grown in leaps and bounds, he is a hard but quiet grafter. He put in solid performances when given the opportunity, a very clean player who has positive impacts, something we look forward to in 2024

Tyrone Gombe - 4 Caps

Tyrone suffered a major ankle injury before the start of the season. After a successful surgery, he had to decide how he dealt with it. Either become a victim or attack the challenge head on. I’m proud to say that through endless hours in the gym with Piet Cilliers, often at 6am in the morning, Tyrone fought through the adversity and got in himself in the 1st team. Throughout his recovery he never missed a session. He served his teammates and was always a good influence on those around him. I believe the lessons learnt through adversity are going to make Tyrone a great leader and a great rugby player.

Tyrone can be really proud of the way in which he dealt with the season and its challenges. Often the hardest worker in the room, I can’t wait to see what 2024 holds for him.

Levi Brown - 7 Caps

Levi missed the beginning of the season and had to apply himself and work hard, Levi came up from U16 as a hard as nails player and his grit eventually got him into the 1st team after some good performances with the Blues. Levi is not your conventional winger, but for some reason he has an ability to create a moment out of nothing, what is even better is the fact he has another season to keep developing his game, he will be an asset to the set up in 2024, we are excited to see what he has to offer in the coming season.

Ben Matthews - 8 Caps

Ben is a born and bred tighthead. He has the physique, strength and sense of humour of a number 3. This was evident by his good preseason in the gym. His hard work did not initially transfer to the field where he struggled to gain momentum due to a number of niggles and then more serious injuries. His commitment however did not waver, and he was present at the majority of the sessions. His teammates are very important to him! Ben needs to be injuryresistant in 2024 so he can build momentum and make a big impact on the Hawth which he is destined to do!

Brandon Ashburner - 8 Caps

After narrowly missing out on a place on tour to St Stithians, Brandon put his head down and worked hard to prove the coaches wrong. After a few promising outings for the Blues, he finally got his chance. His opportunity came against Paarl Boys High and after a brilliant game he never looked back.

Brandon has a quiet confidence about him that serves him well on the field. He trains hard and is always looking for ways to improve and get better. There were many times on the field where he influenced the game. Often through a strong carry or tackle.

Brandon has the tools to become a reliable and impactful player for Wynberg in 2024. The hard work starts now.

Ezra Antonio - 11 Caps

Ezra had some big shoes to fill, as an U16A player who has played the majority of his time as a forward and only recently moved to the backline, he took this as a chance to grow his game. It is never an easy transition, but he put his head down and eventually did well enough to get ample opportunity in the 1st team. Ezra has some brilliant soft touches and some electric feet resulting in some exciting moments in attack. Ezra is willing to put in the work, and should he keep developing his game and abilities, he could have a very successful 2024.

Ethan Hendricks - 13 Caps

Ethan’s personal growth has been immense. He is a tough and skilful youngster who is not happy about taking a step back for anyone. This pit bull like mentality got him into some trouble early on in the age groups but slowly and surely, he matured, learning to manage his emotions. Rather than focusing on hunting the opposition, he could focus on playing the game. Ethan loves rugby but he will need to realise that there is a ceiling on natural talent and will have to spend more hours throwing and in the gym. He is a very likeable youngster and I wish him all the best for the future.

Luca Springett - 13 Caps

Luca spent two seasons transitioning from a back into a loosehead prop. There are not many people who could adjust, but Luca did! His work ethic is as good as it gets, and he is a loyal team man with a relentless approach. Luca was determined to keep improving right up until the final fixture and just after the mid-way point of the season, there was a significant shift in his on-field attitude where he was no longer willing to stand back, and he ripped into each scrum with a heightened level of ferocity. Luca’s season unfortunately ended prematurely due to concussion but only after he was part of two winning teams on the same day at Bishops. Luca will be a loyal and successful club man in the years to come.

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RuGBY (CONT.)

Euwyn Liberty - 14 Caps

Euwyn can play lock or anywhere in the back row. Each position requires a slightly different skillset which is a lot asked of a young player. Euwyn identified his strengths, and we committed that no matter what position he played, he must focus on working to the ball with high work and low error rates. This clarity helped him flourish and pushed him ahead of his internal competition to finish the season in the 1st XV. Euwyn is a sincere youngster who does not need to play second fiddle to anyone in the coming years and he should be running around a varsity cup field in the not-too-distant future.

Matthew Ould - 15 Caps

Matty was thrown under the bus, but only because we saw the value someone like Matty could offer. He had played mostly as a flyhalf and made the move to fullback for 2023. A tough move under any circumstance. Matty put his head down, putting in some special performances to make the jersey his own.

Matty never shied away from the physical elements, worked on his tactical kicking and set up some glorious tries throughout the year. In what was one of his more brilliant displays against Bishops near the end of the season, Matty injured his shoulder and could not play the final games. Matty is a consistent and hard worker who is coachable and wants to grow. The enjoyment of playing sport is not lost with Matty and he will gain many memories should he continue to play the game.

yaqeen Ahmed - 16 Caps

Yaqeen took to playing flyhalf instantly this year and delivered some magical performances. One of the hardest workers at his craft, Yaqeen orchestrated some incredible moments on the field and was pivotal in leading our attack.

Yaqeen is a great example of someone who is not willing to rest on his talent alone. He kicks every day and works on his game constantly. His hard work has resulted in many magical moments on the field this year. A try saving tackle vs Bishops, a wonderful solo effort vs Helpmekaar and who could forget his accuracy with the boot.

Despite the attention Yaqeen receives for his play, he is not phased. He loves the game and lets his performances do the talking. His efforts year were rewarded with selection for the WP Craven Week team and then the SA Schools ‘A’ team. A remarkable achievement for a 17-year-old.

Yaqeen has a bright future, and we are yet to see the best of him.

Aden Da Costa - 17 Caps

Aden missed out on the majority of his U16 rugby season, so he had some catching up to do. We knew that he had the ability and attitude to impose himself in the 1st XV and just needed time on task. His impact increased in every game, and he tidied up his error rate which led to him becoming a significant member of the team in his grade 11 year. Aden can play ball, carry hard and his collisions are ferocious. The cherry on top was his lineout aptitude which was central to our attack and defensive plans. With the momentum from 2023 behind him, I do not doubt that next season will be a mammoth one from our 2024 Head Prefect who will lead by example, in the front.

Luqobo Makwendini - 17 Caps

Bibo was thrown into the deep end and swam. Adjusting from an U16 scrum to an U19 scrum is a big ask, especially for a tight head prop, which is exactly what we required from him. Besides his physique, it was his mindset that assisted him in the transition. Bibo does not do second place and he wants to chew whatever is in front of him, no matter what it looks like! As the season went on and his conditioning improved, Bibo developed more gears and had a bigger impact with the ball in hand and on defence. When he steps off the pitch, he is a likeable and energetic teammate and friend who the boys are drawn to. With a solid year of 1st XV rugby under his belt and a full off-season to condition, big things are expected of the charismatic and crowd favourite in 2024!

Monty Loggenberg - 17 Caps

Monty was the surprise package of 2023. He left during Covid as a short tough boy and arrived back as a six-foot young man, ready to give his absolute all for the team! He brought a positive energy to the environment and was willing to do whatever we asked of him. He tidied up technically and eradicated some of his sloppy habits, making sure he was a permanent fixture in the team! Beyond his work rate and physical impact in general play, his lineout ability, especially on defence, became integral to our lineout assault. His mettle was tested when he damaged his AC joint and played through some serious discomfort for many weeks. I would select him for war! Monty will crack on in the UK and should be running around the professional club fields in the non-too-distant future.

Torren February - 17 Caps

Torren is a capable and competitive youngster who is not happy playing second fiddle. He loves rugby and gets immense satisfaction from playing and succeeding on the rugby pitch. He can deliver big moments which is what spectators enjoy and are impressed by, but the game is not played in moments, which is what Torren needed to learn in 2023. The majority of the game is a combative grind, and the big moments will pop up, but you cannot wait for these occasions, or you miss the majority of the contest. Torren took this advice on board, improving his work rate and physicality, but thankfully he did not lose his flair. Torren is very exciting with the ball in hand and a competent lineout forward. This was evident when he played in our 7s team at the end of the season but more importantly, it was his ability to lead and remain composed under pressure that stood out and skills we will require when he takes on a senior role in 2024.

Jarryd Jackson - 18 Caps

Jarryd is a sincere and loyal young man to his friends and teammates who quietly gets on with his business. His rugby on the other hand is certainly not quiet but ferocious and attached to a big engine which makes him the ideal loose forward! He carries hard and through defenders

on attack and is almost immovable once he latches onto the ball which made him a crucial cog for us on defence. Jarryd has left his mark on Wynberg rugby and is broadly respected by the entire community. If he continues to make rugby a priority, coaches and selectors will struggle to ignore him, and he will make waves in senior rugby.

Leo Addinal - 18 Caps

Leo is an incredible success story and an accurate example of when you combine natural ability with hard work, what can be achieved. Leo is a big, strong human who turned the corner in 2022 and made the decision that he was going to commit wholeheartedly to our rugby program, and that is exactly what he did! He athleticized due to his time spent in the gym and became a formidable being at any point of contact that could do some serious damage. This would count for nothing if he could not anchor our scrum which he did superbly and wrecked some very unfortunate loose heads during the season. The exciting part is that Leo has only just started to scratch the surface of what he can do and has no excuses not to crack on and thrive in senior rugby where competent tight heads are like hen’s teeth.

ethan Thomas - 20 Caps

You won’t find many players as dangerous as Ethan Thomas on the rugby field. His skill and blistering pace often leave the opposition with a lot to handle.

Ethan made a decision to buy in to our rugby program last year. Often while juggling his athletics commitments. He took full part in our pre-season and was fit and strong going into the season. This showed in what was a great start to the year with him scoring a crucial try in our season opener vs Durbanville. Ethan backed that up with a great Saints festival, beating defenders at ease with his pace

Ethan was then dealt a blow while he was at WP Craven Week trials. His shoulder dislocating and ultimately ending his season.

Despite the setback, he was desperate to make it back for the last few games of the season, but it was not meant to be.

RuGBY (CONT.) SpORT

With the right attitude and commitment, Ethan has the ability to use his athletic ability on the rugby field in the future, and I hope he does.

Michail kasfikis - 21 Caps

Michail does things properly, and rugby is no different. He is methodical in his approach and open to direction and correction, making him a pleasure to coach. This detailed focus combined with his height and athletic development made him a giant in our lineout. He took the lead in this area and was a significant disruptor for the opposition who struggled to get momentum going from their lineouts. Michail was consistent all season long, but two performances stand out. His and our packs demolition of the Grey and Bishops lineouts, both away from home, were a master class. Then beyond the lineout, his willingness to carry hard and direct and hit whatever came at us created an incredibly well-rounded lock. His rugby ability along with a sincere work ethic and the fact that he is a nice young man stand him in good stead for a successful career in senior rugby.

Steven Stander - 23 Caps

Steve is a modest young man who is loved by all. He has no hidden agendas, and he sincerely puts the team first. Beyond this, he is a robust enforcer in our pack, so it was a big blow when he injured his shoulder at the beginning of the season. Steve was destined to have a massive 2023 on the pitch but he only managed a few games. In those few games, he was the example of what maul defence should be! It is difficult to be injured and every player reacts differently. Steve was informed that just because he was not playing did not mean that he was longer part of the team or a team leader. He continued to do his rehab, train as much as he could and attend every session setting an incredible example to every Wynberg boy. He was phenomenal in his role and deserves his inclusion in every accolade that our team received in 2023. I look forward to Steve running out in a Varsity Cup jersey in the next few seasons and getting his deserved opportunity inside the four white lines.

Matteo Pascoe - 26 Caps

Always has a smile on his face, leading firmly through his actions. A hard worker, a tough competitor and never shied away from doing a lot of unseen work for the team. Whether it was a big hit from the edge or a strong carry, Matteo always played with 100% commitment.

Aidan Reid - 28 Caps

If we could transfer Aiden’s relentless and tenacious attitude towards his training onto all of our boys, I would be a very happy coach. He was not handed a silver spoon and has grafted consistently, for years, to achieve what he has! He worked himself into the ground to transition from a very light loosehead prop into a slightly heavier tighthead-destroying pocket rocket! Beyond this, Aiden did not have a false sense of ability. He knew his strengths and we needed him to do that well. He nailed down his set piece role, leg chopped hard, poached low and carried hard, low and direct. He was more than willing to do the hard yards and then big moments would pop up which he would grab by going on long runs down the field, putting the cherry on top. Aiden missed out on the final games of the two previous seasons, but he ended 2023 in his rightful place, on the Hawth with his teammates. Aiden has developed a good foundation and will continue to grow physically, making him a very exciting prospect in the upcoming seasons in senior rugby.

Sange Mbuto - 28 Caps

Sange is a hard worker and a multi-talented sportsman, playing 1st team cricket as well. He spent most of 2022 learning from the then starting 9, Asad Moos and in 2023 he applied what he learnt brilliantly. Sange’s unpredictable snipes and dinks with both his left and right foot kept opposition guessing. Sange has a love for the sport and his relentless efforts saw him represent WP in the Craven Week this year. Sange ended the year as a great leader and team man. His positive energy and willingness to get better definitely rubbed off on the juniors, His value to our team cannot be underestimated.

xola nyali - 31 Caps

Xola led through his actions and not loud empty statements. This was no surprise after his breakout 2022 season. He was an example by the way he trained, the physicality he brought and the way he conducted himself at school. Our skipper was immense for us on attack and defence, busting holes through many teams’ defences and single-handedly deleting the biggest carriers. We were very proud of his appointment as the WP U18 Craven Week captain! After going unbeaten, he was selected to the SA Schools team, also captaining them. This a significant achievement for any schoolboy rugby player. Unfortunately for us, it meant that we would lose him for our Bishops and RBHS fixtures while he played some test matches, but he returned for our SACS derby. He operated on another level and reminded the thousands of onlookers exactly why he was selected for the SA team!

We are very proud of Xola and his achievements and he is destined to have a big rugby career and continue to fly the Wynberg flag with pride and very high!

Amier Adam - 33 Caps

Amier had come off a stellar 2022 season, came into 2023 as a senior head and lead by the way he could obliterate opposition. Amier is fiery, explosive and creates fear in his opposition by his willingness to win. Amier had some unfortunate injuries along the way this season but managed to get a late call up to the WP Academy week. If Amier can keep the consistency in his game like we have seen, he will be an asset to any set up.

(Nic) Nicholas van Schalkwyk - 36 Caps

Nic’s relentless attitude has always been a standout feature of this tough hooker, but he developed into a leader amongst leaders in 2023. Nic led from the front and demanded the best from everyone, but he never trampled on anyone’s spirit, instead he made time to mentor many of the younger boys. This is easy when life is smooth sailing but when obstacles and challenges are presented, it becomes difficult to bring energy and accuracy to training, but that is exactly what Nic did! He would park his own frustrations for the team’s sake which was immense for us moving forward and consistently improving. Beyond his leadership he also arrived every Saturday, willing to bring the hard edge that is required up front. He flourished this season and was one of the best hookers in the country. Nic will continue to develop and receive the just rewards in the coming seasons.

xolela Hoyi - 42 Caps

As can be seen by the number of caps, X has been a formidable and reliable figure in the 1st team set up. One of the hardest trainers you will find, his performances were always of a top standard which fuelled his teammates to push further. One of the best players under the high ball, X created some magical moments and memories that will live long in the memories of Wynberg boys. He has an incredible ability to finish in attack and is deadly when reading the opposition in defence, often shutting down their attack before it could get going. X is ferocious but calm at the same time and his game has very few limitations. He will continue to grow his game the more he plays and trains, someone we hope to see more of as he furthers his career in the sport.

SOCCER SpORT

Overview

“Wynberg Soccer Season 2023: Triumphs, Trials, and Transformations”

The 2023 soccer season at Wynberg Boys’ High School was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with adversity, transformation, and moments of sheer triumph. From the U17A team’s rocky start to the First XI’s unprecedented victories, the season was one of growth, resilience, and commitment.

U17A: A Season of Growth and Transformation

The U17A team embarked on a remarkable journey this season, guided by the dedicated coaches Henry Knight and Ziyaad Damonse. While the season had its fair share of challenges, it was ultimately a transformative experience for the team.

In the initial stages, the team faced some turbulence, with coaching changes and personal setbacks affecting the players. Their performance in the Wynberg Freedom Tournament placed them in the eighth position among twelve teams, but this was just the beginning of their story.

As Term 3 rolled in, new coaches brought fresh perspectives and instilled a sense of discipline and teamwork within the squad. A remarkable leadership team emerged, which led to a positive change in attitude, commitment, and the style of football played. The Youth Cup became a litmus test of their progress, and the team responded admirably, not losing a single game, narrowly missing the knockout round based on goal difference.

One of the standout moments of the season was the well-deserved call-up of Yunus Gomez, Ahlume Nciti, and Intle Cekiso to the first team for the Nedbank Cup Challenge. This historic first-time selection from the U17A team is a testament to the boys’ unwavering dedication and hard work.

Coaches Ziyaad and Henry went above and beyond their roles on the soccer pitch. They focused on holistic player development, closely monitoring the boys’ academic progress and instilling important values such as manners, discipline, and teamwork within the changing room. Their efforts extended beyond the game of soccer, contributing to the overall growth of the players both on and off the field.

U17A: Season Stats

• Second Term Results: Played 13, Won 7, Lost 2, Drew 4, Finished 8th out of 12 in the Freedom Tournament.

• Third Term Results: Played 12, Won 5, Lost 0, Drew 7, Finished 5th out of 12 in the Youth Cup Tournament.

Wynberg U15A Soccer: A Season of Promising Prospects

In the U15A category, the 2023 season marked a new beginning for the squad, mostly comprising first-year players with a sprinkling of second-year talents. The selection process was meticulous, ensuring that the best represented Wynberg Soccer. This category’s policy guaranteed playing time for all players, fostering growth and development.

U15A Season Stats:

• Games: 16: Wins: 13, Losses: 2, Draws: 1

SOCCER 1st TEAM

Back Row : Ethan Smith, Ashton Bright, Ethan James, Ahlume Nciti, Luke Kleinsmith, Samuel Lawrence, Intle Cekiso. Middle Row : Adam Malander, Ohluma Mooi, Daanyaal Hendricks, Ashton Bisset, Tristan Miller, Yunus Gomez, Mogammad Qaasim Lamara, Eesa Gamieldien.

Front Row : Mr Alan Herbert (Head of Soccer), Aniq Burton (Vice Captain), Mr Andries Bezuidenhout (Head Coach), Liam Coetzee (Captain), Mr Henry Knight (Assistant Coach), Mohammed Chicktay, Mr Shawn Lucas (Goalkeeper Coach). Absent : David Morgenrood, Aneeq Williams.

First xI: A Year of Firsts and Unprecedented Success

The First XI team had a historic season filled with several “firsts.” It began on a high note, securing the Reddam Soccer Cup by defeating Paul Roos. Two months later, the team continued to make its mark by clinching victory in the Wynberg Freedom Day Tournament with a 3-0 win over Rondebosch.

At the season’s close, the First XI’s record spoke volumes: 25 wins, 5 losses, and 10 draws.

These victories underscored the squad’s transformation and unwavering commitment.

The 2023 soccer season at Wynberg was a testament to the power of dedication and transformation. From the U17A team’s resur-

gence to the First XI’s historic wins, it was a season that will be remembered for years to come. As these young athletes continue to grow, Wynberg’s soccer program is sure to shine even brighter in the years ahead.

Wynberg Freedom Tournament

Wynberg hosted the freedom tournament on the April long weekend.

The tournament has grown tremendously and is now the biggest school soccer tournament in the Western Cape.

We had 11 schools participating with over 560 players from U15, U17 and U19.

There was a brilliant turn out of supporters and out teams fought hard for a place in the finals.

SpORT

SOCCER (CONT.)

Tournament results:

• U15 cup Winners; George Royal Academy

• Runners up: Edgemead High School

• Plate winners: Wynberg Boys’ High School

• 3rd Place: Pinelands high school

• U17 Cup winners: George Royal Academy

• Runners up: Reddam Constantia

• Plate Winners: Bishops

• 3rd Place: Rondebosch Boys’ High School

• U19 Cup winners: Wynberg Boys’ High School

• Runners up: Rondebosch Boys’ High school

• Plate Winners: George Royal Academy

• 3rd Place: Pinelands High school

We are so proud of our first teams that won the U19 league of the tournament. We are looking forward to making the annual tournament into a national soccer tournament in the future.

The thrill of victory, the joy of teamwork, and the unwavering support from fans – these ingredients combined to create a sensational soccer season at Wynberg Boys High School.

As we bid farewell to a remarkable journey, it is only fitting to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible players, dedicated coaches, and passionate supporters who made this season truly unforgettable.

A Season of Triumph

The cheers resonating through the school grounds, the exhilarating matches, and the resounding victories – this season was nothing short of extraordinary. Our school soccer team showcased exceptional talent, resilience, and sportsmanship, leading us to triumph after

triumph. With each match, they demonstrated the true spirit of teamwork and dedication, inspiring everyone around them.

The Players: Heroes on the Field

To our talented players, you are the heart and soul of our team. Your skill, determination, and unwavering commitment have brought us countless moments of pride and excitement. Your teamwork, both on and off the field, showcased the power of unity.

Each goal scored, every save made, and every pass executed was a testament to your hard work and passion for the game. You have not only made your school proud but also inspired future generations of soccer enthusiasts.

The Coaches: Mentors and Guiding Lights

Behind every successful team, there are coaches who dedicate their time, knowledge, and expertise to shape raw talent into champions.

Our coaches have been the guiding lights, nurturing our players, refining their skills, and instilling in them the values of discipline and sportsmanship. Your dedication and relentless efforts have transformed our team into a force to be reckoned with, and for that, we are immensely grateful.

The Supporters: The Heartbeat of the Team

In the stands, you, our dedicated supporters, created an electrifying atmosphere that fuelled our players’ determination. Your cheers, encouragement, and unwavering faith in our team motivated our players to give their best on the field. Rain or shine, home or away, you stood by us, and your enthusiasm became the driving force behind our success. Your support united us as a school community and made this journey all the more special.

SOCCER U17A

Back Row : Tayib Dyer, Liam Brown, Levi Wynne, Ahlume Nciti, Mohamed Farhan Omar, Moane Adams, Nickolas Pond. Middle Row : Zach Grainger, Tyler Petersen, Tadiwanashe Dzvapatsva, Reece Benting, Toni George, Joshua Prince, Mohamad Faiz Noordien, Salahudin Anthony.

Front Row : Connor Ebden, Mbasa Nkatsha, Mr Alan Herbert (Director), Smamnkele Peter (Captain), Mr Ziyaad Damonse (Head Coach), Intle Cekiso, Mr Henry Knight (Assistant Coach), Justin de Mink, Alexander Fernandez.

SOCCER U15A

Back Row : Saajied Coenraad, Philip Powis, Zachary Brown, Matthew Saunders, Mikyle Fortune, Connor Vermaak, Inge Msanga. Middle Row : Mika-Eel Petersen, Josh Fouten, Abdulla Salie, Alex April, Abdul-Qaadir Walters, Tayo Adriaan, Logan Lee Petersen.

Front Row : Hamaad Lamara, Mr Luc Hill (Coach), Luke Allan (Captain), Mr Shawn Lucas (Coach), Ethan Smith, Ms Ané Lategan (Coach), Matthew Dawson.

SOCCER (CONT.) SpORT

A Heartfelt Thank You

As the final whistle blows and the echoes of the crowd fade away, we extend our deepest gratitude to each player, coach, and supporter who contributed to this unforgettable season. Your passion, hard work, and enthusiasm have defined the essence of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Together, you have written a chapter in our school’s history that will be cherished for years to come.

As we celebrate this triumphant season, let us remember the invaluable lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the memories created. Thank you for being a part of this incredible

journey. Your dedication has not only brought glory to our school but has also made us a stronger, more united community.

Here’s to the players who dazzled us on the field, the coaches who guided them, and the supporters who cheered them on – your collective efforts have made this season a resounding success. We look forward to more seasons filled with passion, teamwork, and victories.

With sincere gratitude and pride,

Alan Herbert vice Principal of sport and tiC of soccer

Soccer Tour

Saturday 30 September – Tuesday 3 October:

The 2023 Nedbank Grey College Soccer Tournament was a huge success for our 1st XI, with WBHS building on previous years’ campaigns to finish 5th overall. Another demonstration of the School’s 2025 Sports Vision in pursuit of excellence and top-tier competitive results.

The tournament comprised 24 of the best soccer schools in South Africa and was divided into four groups of six teams, where the top two teams in each continued to the Cup playoffs to determine the top eight national soccer schools. The Wynberg First team booted their way to 5th in the tournament after being coined ‘tenacious’, ‘relentless’, and ‘physical’ by their opposition and spectators alike. The Wynberg players certainly pulled a crowd with their high-octane football and robust physical play.

Stand-out performances included Aniq Burton, Raaziq Chicktay, Liam Coetzee, Qaasim Lamara, and Daanyaal Hendricks, whose selfless attitude to the team could not go unnoticed. Wynberg’s Grade 10 goalkeeper, Tristan Miller, also had an event to remember as he picked up the goalkeeper of the tournament award. A clear result of his ambition and determination.

At the end of the tournament, 560 minutes of football had been played in relentless heat and hostile conditions. Needless to say, the Wynberg team barely slept on the 12-hour bus trip home, carried back on a high of adrenalin and the knowledge that their efforts throughout the season are paying dividends to invest positively in the future of Wynberg Soccer.

A special shout-out goes to the assistant coaches, Henry Knight and Shawn Lucas, for their commitment and positivism.

day 1 – group Matches

WBHS 2-2 George Royal

Westville 2-3 WBHS

WBHS 1-2 HTS Louis Botha

day 2 – group Matches

WBHS 3-0 Parktown

St Davids 0-2 WBHS

day 3 – Playoffs

WBHS 1-1 Jeppe Jeppe won on penalties

WBHS 2-1 Grey College day 4 – final Positions

WBHS 2-1 King Edward

tour report with thanks to Mr Andries bezuidenhout and the tour Party

1st XI Soccer - p en p ortraits

Liam Coetzee

Qaasim Lamara

Luke kleinsmith

Ashton Bright

Raaziq Chicktay

Aniq Burton

Adam Malander

Daanyaal Hendricks

ethan Smith

Aneeq Williams

Tristan Miller

eesa Gamieldien

ethan James

Ohluma Mooi

Ashton Bisset

Samuel Lawrence

Liam Coetzee - 33 Caps

A Wynberg soccer stalwart, having played for the First team for all five years of his High school career. Liam has been our Captain for 2023 and right from the start he took the initiative and got his hands dirty. Liam has set a high standard for leadership throughout the year and most notably his ability to perform above expectations in finals. He’s destined to stand as the epitome of a remarkable captain for years to come. His unwavering ‘never say die’ spirit has not just been his strength but the cornerstone of our team’s success. His legacy is etched in resilience and unwavering determination.

Raaziq Chicktay - 39 Caps

Having been in the squad for 3 years, Raaziq ‘Chicky’ has progressed in leaps and bounds since he first appeared for the First team in grade 10. His fervent ambition was to carve out a vital role within the squad, a goal he unequivocally accomplished by gracing the team sheet week after week. His consistent presence was pivotal in clinching not just one but two illustrious trophies, a testament to his unwavering commitment and invaluable contribution to our success story.

ethan Smith - 7 Caps

Rarely does a player ascend to the First Team in grade 8, but Ethan defied the odds, making a remarkable entry towards the season’s end. His bold self-assurance and remarkable skill swiftly captured the coaches’ attention. As he navigates this learning curve, Ethan is already poised to become a formidable cornerstone of the future Wynberg First Team.

ethan James - 32 Caps

Ethan embodies the spirit of a lionheart on the field, showcasing unyielding courage and an unwavering commitment to team success. His selflessness and fearlessness set an unmatched standard, a beacon for others to emulate. He stands as the epitome of a leader, unafraid to sacrifice for the collective good, a force that ignites inspiration in everyone privileged to witness his game.

Qaasim Lamara - 36 Caps

In the twilight of his tenure, Qaasim emerged as the quintessential coach’s player. Watching Qaasim played brought pride and hope to the coaches His blend of physical prowess and one-of-a-kind enigmatic personality crafted an unstoppable force on the pitch. One which opposition coaches had no answer to. Qaasim departs, leaving a profound impact on the team and significantly altering their perspective on the game.

Ahlume Nciti

Intle Cekiso

David Morgenrood

SpORT

SOCCER (CONT.)

Aniq Burton - 36 Caps

Left foot, right foot, header, big toe, pinky toe, there’s nothing Aniq cannot do with the ball. Aniq was a powerhouse in the defense. With his bone-crunching tackles and rocket headers he kept everything out of harm’s way. He is a quick learner and solves difficult concepts naturally, making him a coach’s dream. His ability is yet to be maxed out.

Aneeq Williams - 23 Caps

Embracing maturity, Pang evolved from boyish charm to a stalwart, embodying responsibility, and ownership. His rapid growth led to unwavering consistency on the field. Pang’s tenacious ‘street fighter’ mentality halted opposition advances, injecting electrifying energy that kept teammates and coaches on their toes amidst his playful mischief. An indispensable part of the renowned trio, the ‘3 Musketeers’, he elevated the team spirit to new heights

Ohluma Mooi - 30 Caps

With an imposing physical presence, Ohluma commands attention and respect from teammates and opponents alike. His prowess as a tackler is unmatched, fearlessly engaging in challenges and disrupting opposition plays with precision and strength. What sets him apart is his visionary style of play. His ability to see openings and opportunities before they unfold allows for the execution of through balls, threading the needle between defenders and creating scoring chances out of thin air. But beyond Ohluma’s technical skills, what truly defines him is his good heart. He leads not only through his performance but also through empathy and camaraderie.

Luke kleinsmith - 22 Caps

“Kill a lion and kick his granny” –that was Luke. Another member of the three musketeers. Fearless and physical. A two-footed nuggety centre-back who would not allow anything to stand in his way on the field. He could clear a path that would make Moses jealous.

Adam Malander - 31 Caps

After 2 games Adam cemented his spot in the team for the season to come. Made apparent by his passion, aggression, ferocity and energy. Highly coachable Adam is also known to put his body through hell and back again for his team. The fact that he never got complacent speaks volumes about his self- drive. This speedy yet physical left back leaves a season behind a season not to forget.

Tristan Miller - 22 Caps

Making his First team appearance in grade 8 and full season the following year. Tristan’s football journey has only began. With an monomaniacal focus on his craft he can often be seen putting in the hours behind the scene. And this year he started reaping the first fruits. With everyone’s mouth hanging open, Tristan’s performance at Bloemfontein Nedbank was impressive and noteworthy. Tristan still has 2 years of high school soccer left.

Ashton Bisset - 17 Caps

It’s rare to find two good goalkeepers in the same team within a year. However, the Wynberg First team was lucky enough to have two such goalkeepers. Their presence made the opposing coaches envious. Ashton constantly pushed his teammates to perform better. Ashton’s warmth and compassionate nature didn’t just make him easy to coach; it made him a friend to all. He infuses joy both on and off the pitch. His presence was more than just valuable; it was the soulful essence that provided endless giggles.

Ashton Bright - 14 Caps

A continuous hard worker with an immense desire and passion for the game. This is clearly evident in his robust approach to the game.

Daanyaal Hendricks - 39 Caps

Foundation of the team’s tactical discipline Daanyaal awoke the giant within himself. He set the lofty ambition of making his matric year the best one yet- leaving no chance for regret. The recipient of the Player of the Year trophy is clear

evidence that Daanyaal achieved his objective. A phenomenal personality on and off the field, it’s his persona that draws coaches to him. Daanyaal can leave the memorial gates with his head held high, knowing he served his school well.

eesa Gamieldien - 29 Caps

There is nothing that could stand in the way of Eesa’s passion for the First team. When this striker struck the ball it was ever so sweetly. He was versatile and gave the coaches a lot of attacking options.

Samuel Lawrence - 25 Caps

Silent, but violent. Samuel made his name as a ‘super-sub’, speedy and determined, consistently coming off the bench to hand Wynberg the three points.

Ahlume Nciti - 8 Caps

Ahlume can always be seen with a smile on his face adding to the positive team spirit. Note that his friendliness should not be misconstrued as a weakness or being easily influenced. When the moment calls for it he shows his teeth, grit and gladiator mentality. Ahlume joined the squad for the latter part of the season showcasing a solid introduction to what is still to come.

Intle Cekiso - 10 Caps

Intle embodies a rare blend of kindness and delightfulness that instantly draws people in. His endearing nature shines through, making him a cherished member of the squad. Despite his ‘skrik vir niks’ attitude, which adds a thrilling edge to his character, it’s his fearlessness that truly stands out. His versatility on the field is a testament to his skill set. Intle seamlessly transitions between multiple positions, showcasing a remarkable adaptability that makes him an asset to the team’s dynamics.

David Morgenrood - 8 Caps

Dynamite comes in small packages, that’s David. Intelligent and ferocious. What he lacked in some areas he made up for in others. David would never back out of a challenge

SQuASH SpORT

Overview

Squash is a dynamic and exhilarating sport that has gained popularity worldwide due to its fast-paced nature and numerous physical and mental benefits.

Played in a confined court with a small rubber ball and racquets, squash provides a unique combination of cardiovascular exercise, strategic thinking, and hand-eye coordination.

Teacher-in-charge: Mrs Roxane Groenewald TIC Squash

Winter League Coaches & Managers

Mr Terry Cooper (Super League, U19A and U15A),

Mrs Roxane Groenewald (TIC, U19A manager and Grade 8 squash)

Mr Stephan Pretorius (U19B, U19C and manager),

Mr James van Bosch (U15A manager),

Mr Lionel White (Development Squash),

Mrs Thabiso Ntsadu (U15/B manager).

Summer Squash Coaches & Managers

Mr Terry Cooper (Summer League Action Squash),

Mr Lionel White (Summer League Action Squash & Development Squash),

Mrs Roxane Groenewald (Summer League Action Squash and fitness, conditioning, and training coordinator).

Wynberg Squash has had an exciting year, with ‘Summer League Squash’ in full swing. We have a program in place and want to improve the players’ fitness for the winter season. Squash is an all-year sport with our focus on working towards the league fixtures in the winter season. There has been an overall

improvement in Wynberg Squash and our goal is to work from strength to strength to improve all age group’s performances in terms of fitness and skill.

Teams this year included ONE team of 5 players entered in the Super League, THREE teams of 4 players (U19A, U19B, and U19C) entered in the U19 leagues and TWO teams of 4 players (U15A and U15B) entered the U15 leagues.

A special mention must also go to our development squash players who have shown much improvement this season.

SUPER LEAGUE

Team Names:

1. Michael Cresswell (Captain)

2. James Potter (Vice Captain)

3. Luke Flisberg

4. Paco Reynolds

5. Rory Cupido Reserve: Ross Lötter

SUPER LEAGUE - RESULTS for 2023

1. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Grey 17-3 (Loss)

2. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Paarl Boys’ 17/3 (Win)

3. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Rondebosch 9/17 (Loss)

4. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Bishops 5/17 (Loss)

5. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Paarl Gym 17/6 (Win)

6. Wynberg Boys’ vs. SACS 19/3 (Win)

7. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Wynberg Old Boys 9/13 (Loss)

SUMMARY: x3 WIN and x4 LOSS (League games x3 WIN and x3 LOSS)

An average season, with new players, Paco Reynold and Luke Flisberg joining the team. They promise to strengthen our team for 2024. All the boys played well and enjoyed their games and they gave each other lots of support.

Mr terry Cooper super league

SqUASH 1st TEAM

Back Row : Luke Flisberg, Rory Cupido, Paco Reynolds. Front Row : Michael Cresswell (Captain), Mr Terry Cooper (Coach), Mrs Roxane Groenewald (Teacher in Charge), James Potter (Vice Captain).

U19A TEAM

Team Names:

1. Ross Lötter (Captain)

2. Linamandla Tyesi / Callum Rose-Nel (Vice Captain)

3. Zubair Cassiem

4. Charles Marsten

Reserve: Charles Marsten and Uzair Tregonning

U19A - RESULTS for 2023

1. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Westerford 1-14 (Loss)

2. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Bishops 1-14 (Loss)

3. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Fish Hoek 7-9 (Loss)

4. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Herschel 4-13 (Loss)

5. Wynberg Boys’ vs. SACS (Win)

6. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Fish Hoek 11-3 (Win)

7. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Westerford 4-13 (Loss)

8. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Bishops 4-11 (Loss)

9. Wynberg Boys’ vs. SACS (Win)

10. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Herschel 7-11 (Loss)

SUMMARY: x3 WIN and x7 LOSS

A special mention to all the players in this team for their commitment and dedication throughout the season. Well done, U19As you might have not won all your games, but you gave your best and made us proud!

Mr terry Cooper & Mrs roxane groenewald (Coach and tiC)

L-R: Ross Lötter, Zubair Cassiem, Callum Rose-Nel, Charles Marson, Uzair Tregonning (on ground)

SQuASH (CONT.)

U19B TEAM

Team Names:

1. Charles Marsten (Captain)

2. Uzair Tregonning (Vice Captain)

3. Simon Hart

4. Caleb Daines Reserve: Peter Davids

U19B - RESULTS for 2023

1. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Bishops – 12-4 (Win)

2. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Fish Hoek – 6-8 (Loss)

3. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Rhondebosch – 13-7 (Win)

4. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Herschel – 14-2 (Win)

5. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Camps Bay – 2-14 (Loss)

6. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Milnerton – 5-11 (Loss)

7. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Tabel View – 14-3 (Win)

8. Wynberg Boys’ vs. SACS (Cancelled by SACS – Win)

SUMMARY: x5 WIN and x3 LOSS

U19C TEAM

Team Names:

1. Peter Davids (Captain)

2. Geles Smuts (Vice Captain)

3. Jacob Punt

4. Timothy Sutherland Reserve: Damian Hetherington, Zaid Japie, Kiaan Manuel, and Aadam Fakier

U19C - RESULTS for 2023

1. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Westerford 4-11 (Loss)

2. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Bishops 9-6 (Win)

3. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Stellenberg 4-13 (Loss)

4. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Cannons Creek 7-10 (Loss)

5. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Reddam House – (Wynberg cancelled due to exams - Loss)

6. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Stellenberg 0-14 (Loss)

7. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Bishops 14-5 (Win)

8. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Villagers Int. 7-10 (Loss)

9. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Reddam House (Reddam House cancelled due to their Leadership Camp -Win)

SUMMARY: x3 WIN and x6 LOSS

The U19 teams have developed well with a notable performance from Jacob Punt being the most-improved player. We had a tough season losing most of our matches even though we have improved in skill. I expect to see these skills develop more next year and would like to see better results to follow. I am proud of the boys and how they have handled themselves both on and off the courts.

Mr stephan Pretorius u19b & u19C - Coach and Manager

U15A TEAM

Team Names:

1. Daniel Wolmarans (Captain)

2. Aadam Haron (Vice Captain)

3. Harbin Smith

4. Akhil Varghese Reserve: Connor van Heerden

U15A - RESULTS for 2023

1. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Bishops 14-2 (Win)

2. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Fish Hoek 14-0 (Win)

3. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Rondebosch 12-3 (Win)

4. Wynberg Boys’ vs. SACS 14-0 (Win)

5. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Fish Hoek 14-1 (Win)

6. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Bishops 8-12 (Loss)

7. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Rondebosch 6-11 (Loss)

8. Wynberg Boys’ vs. SACS (Win)

SUMMARY: x6 WIN and x2 LOSS

L-R: Zubair Cassiem, Ross Lötter, Callum Rose-Nel, Linamandla Tyesi (on the ground)

L-R: Daniel Wolmarans, Harbin Smith, Michael Cresswell, James Potter, Aadam Haron at WP prize-giving

U15B TEAM

Team Names:

1. Connor van Heerden (Captain)

2. Jonathan Sutherland (Vice Captain)

3. Connor Boonzaier

4. Iminathi Tyesi / Joshua Eccles Reserve: Joshua Eccles and Thomas Wyllie

U15B - RESULTS for 2023

1. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Bishops 4-11 (Loss)

2. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Rondebosch A 14-2 (Win)

3. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Rondebosch B 11-6 (Win)

4. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Rondebosch A 14-3 (Win)

5. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Rondebosch B 8-6 (Win)

6. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Bishops 9-7 (Win)

7. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Rondebosch A 14-0 (Win)

8. Wynberg Boys’ vs. Bishops 4 -11 (Loss)

SUMMARY: x6 WIN and x2 LOSS

Wynberg U15’s trained enthusiastically during the season which showed good results with good wins over some of their competitors.

U15A and u15/B squash at Wynberg is in a good space and these boys are looking forward to next season.

Mr terry Cooper,

Mr James van bosch

Ms thabisa ntsadu

u15A & u15b Coach and Managers

DEVELOPMEnT SqUAD nAMES:

Joshua Natus, Tiago Barrows, Pieter Bonneman, Jared Fortuin, Joshua Natus, Caleb Fobian, Oliver Bearne, Connor Ebden, Daniel Johnston, Isaiah Rodkin, Jack Hervey, Yachan Jeoung, Bruce Igiligi, Justin Igiligi, Danie Johnsonl, Noah Magerman, Kai Willscher and Noah Lamb.

We would like to see all the teams working together, attending all the practices and matches and supporting each other throughout the season. A bonded team who can rely on each other for support is the key to having a successful season.

Mr lionel White development squad

SUPER LEAGUE & U16A VS GREY P.E.

This year the Super League and U16A team took on the very strong squash school Grey P.E. and matches took place at the Grey P.E. squash courts.

The matches were of an extremely high standard and our boys were certainly pushed. A special mention to Michael Creswell for winning against Zunaid Lewis.

Well done to our Super League and U16A players who played with determination. Every player had to raise the level of their game.

SpORT

SQuASH (CONT.)

WeSTerN PrOVINCe (WP)

SqUASH

PLAYERS

The following Wynberg Boys’ Ssquash players were selected to represent Western Province at the Inter-Provincial Tournaments (IPTs) in the June/July holidays.

U19A IPT

Result: 5th place

Michael Cresswell (played number 2 for WP)

James Potter (played number 4 for WP)

U14A IPT

Result: 7th place

Daniel Wolmarans (played number 1 for WP)

Aadam Haron (played number 2 for WP)

Harbin Smith (played number 4 for WP)

Well done, to all our Wynberg Boys’ High School squash players who represented our province and the school, we are proud of your achievements!

our top u14A and u19A players are extremely dedicated squash players. they participated in a number of tournaments and produced outstanding results.

U14A Squash players: Daniel Wolmarans, Aadam Haron, Harbin Smith

Congratulations to our U14A squash players for making the U14A Western Province team. These players have had a successful squash season. Congratulations to them on their achievements!

U19A Squash Player: Michael Cresswell

Michael Cresswell has had an extremely successful season playing number 2 in the U19A WP Inter-Provincial Tournament. He came 12th in the SA CLOSED and achieved Honours at the Sports Awards Ceremony. Michael has

shown meritorious results in squash playing number 1 in the Super League (1st team) for the school. He was also captain of this team. Congratulations to him on all his achievements this year!

U19A Squash Player: James Potter

James Potter has shown consistency throughout the year, he is a dedicated and committed team member and has shown dedication throughout the season. Congratulations to him for making the U19A WP Inter-Provincial Tournament (playing in the number 4 position). James also played for the Super League for the school and received a Blues Certificate at the Sports Awards Ceremony. Congratulations to him on his achievements this year!

SPORTS AWARDS CEREMOnY SQuASH AWArDS - 2023

Honours: Michael Cresswell

Blues: James Potter

Colours: Luke Flisberg, Paco Reynolds, Rory Cupido, and Ross Lötter

Junior Blues: Daniel Wolmarans, Aadam Haron, and Harbin Smith

Senior Champion: Michael Cresswell

Junior Champion: Daniel Wolmarans

Gregg Hammond Memorial Trophy for the most improved player: Callum Rose-Nel and Jacob Punt

The Stayers Squash Tournament took place in Cape Town 19-22 October 2023.

The following players played for our school in the festival: Charles Marsten, Uzair Tregonning, Akhil Varghese, Geles Smuts, Jacob Punt, Janru Barnard.

Congratulations to these players on a successful festival!

SQuASH – 21 AuGuST 2023

Wynberg Super League vs. Old Boys’ Squash Founders Week

Our Super League lost against our Wynberg Old Boys’ team during Founders Week. This year the games were more evenly matched compared to last year. The final score was 9-13 with our Old Boys taking the win!

I would like to congratulate Michael Cresswell, Paco Reynolds, and Rory Cupido on beating your opposing Old Boys’.

The table below shows the squash results for the Super League vs. Old Boys’.

Squash Results:

Super League Squash Players / Wynberg Old Boys (year matriculated) / Results

Michael Cresswell / Nick Morling (2014) 3-1

James Potter / Matthew Thomson (2007) 0-3

Luke Flisberg / Patrick Geldenhuys (1990) 0-3

Paco Reynolds / Craig Hutchinson (2003) 3-2

Rory Cupido / Ewan Taylor (2018) 3-1

Daniel Wolmarans / David Wilkinson (2011) 0-3

final score 9-13

I would like to thank our Wynberg Old Boys for organising drinks and snacks for our players, parents, and coaches after the game and for giving our Super League advice on fitness and skills as well as areas that they can improve on for next season.

Thank you to for taking the time to give back to our Super League players.

In conclusion, Squash is not just a game; it is a complete package of physical fitness, mental agility, and social interaction. The sport offers numerous health benefits, including cardiovascular fitness, improved coordination, stress relief, and mental sharpness. Playing the game of squash enhances one’s physical wellbeing and cultivates essential life skills such as discipline and perseverance. So, discover the joys and rewards that the sport of squash has to offer by coming down to the Bill Bowden with your racquet and playing a game of squash!

squash report written by Mrs roxane groenewald tiC squash

~ Supera Moras ~

SWIMMING SpORT

Overview

The aquatic arena at Wynberg Boys’ High School was abuzz with excitement and fierce competition during the Term 1 and Term 4 swimming season. The dedicated swimmers of WBHS showcased their skill and determination in seven interschool galas, leaving their mark in the water with impressive performances. Moreover, the team witnessed substantial growth in numbers, with the pool brimming with activity during early morning sessions. Adding to the season’s achievements, WBHS hosted the Annual A-League Swimming Gala at Herschel, a resounding success that left swimmers and spectators exhilarated. Let us dive into the remarkable journey of WBHS’s swimming team and their accomplishments throughout the year.

InTERSCHOOL GALAS

The WBHS swimming team demonstrated their prowess and sportsmanship in a series of highly competitive interschool galas. Each event presented an opportunity for the team to push their limits and make their mark. Let’s take a closer look at the impressive results:

1. rondebosch Boys’ Gala (rBHS) - 4th Place

The season kicked off with a splash at the Rondebosch Boys’ Gala, where our team secured an impressive 4th place. Their determination and dedication were evident as they competed against strong opponents and set the tone for the term.

2. Springfield Gala - 3rd Place

Building on their initial success, the team continued to make waves at the Springfield

Gala, achieving an outstanding 3rd place. Their commitment to excellence and teamwork shone through as they surpassed expectations and claimed their spot on the podium.

3. WBHS Gala - 6th Place

Returning to their home pool, our swimmers showcased their skills and sportsmanship during the WBHS Gala. Despite finishing in 6th place, the team exhibited unwavering passion and represented the school with pride, leaving a lasting impression on their supporters.

4. Bishops Gala - 4th Place

At the highly competitive Bishops Gala, the team demonstrated their mettle once again, securing an impressive 4th place. Their consistent performances and resilience highlighted their commitment to improvement, as they competed against formidable opponents.

5. RBHS Gala - 5th Place

The final interschool gala of the term, the RBHS Gala, saw our swimmers giving their all in the pool. Despite fierce competition, they achieved a well-deserved 5th place. Their unwavering determination and drive propelled them forward, leaving a lasting impact on the competition.

HOSTING THe A-LeAGue SWIMMING GALA

A pinnacle moment of the season was WBHS’s successful hosting of the Annual A-League Swimming Gala at Herschel. This highly anticipated event drew excitement from swimmers and spectators alike. The gala showcased outstanding talent and fierce competition among the participating schools. The final results were as follows:

SWIMMInG

Back Row : James McPetrie, Joseph Brading, Joshua Meyer, Kai Williams, Joshua Vincent, Samuel Mocke, Thomas Zellie. Middle Row : Benjamin Hansen, Yunus Ni, Jack Broom, Andre Steele, Luca Theron, Abraham Kalombo, Christopher Taljaard, Rhys Whitfield.

Front Row : Joshua Linscott, Rory Cupido (Vice Captain), Mr Sven Borgström (Coach), Matthew Brading (Captain), Mrs Siobhan Bruce-Cook, Jamie Southey, Nicholas Stanfliet. Absent : Ms Kayla Hoey (Teacher in Charge).

1st place: Rondebosch Boys’ High School 180 points

2nd place: Durbanville High School 144 points

3rd place: Stellenberg High School 142 points

4th place: Milnerton High School 141 points

5th place: Wynberg Boys’ High School 140 points

6th place: South African College Schools 137 points (SACS)

7th place: Fairmont High School 135 points

8th place: DF Malan High School 91 points

9th place: Deutsche Internationale Schule 81 points Kapstadt (DSK)

10th place: Bishops Diocesan College 76 points

The A-League Gala has become a cherished tradition, and while it has been successfully hosted by RBHS, Fish Hoek and WBHS in recent years, the swimming community eagerly awaits its return to the newly renovated Newlands Swimming Pool in 2024.

In Term 4, our dedicated athletes continued showcasing their remarkable skills and determination, conquering not one but two challenging galas – the Parklands Gala and the Herschel Gala.

6. Parklands Gala: A Triumph of Teamwork and Grit

At the Parklands Gala, our swimmers faced formidable competition from seven other schools, with each team vying for supremacy in the pool.

Our young athletes exhibited unwavering determination, swimming their hearts out and leaving everything in the water.

After an intense day of competition, the final points tally told a thrilling tale:

SpORT

SWIMMING (CONT.)

1. WBHS: 108 points

2. Reddam Constantia: 104 points

3. Groote Schuur: 87 points

4. Milnerton B: 85 points

5. Reddam Atlantic: 83 points

6. DSK: 78 points

7. Parklands: 75 points

8. Jan van Riebeeck: 55 points

With a mere four-point lead over Reddam Constantia, our team’s unity and grit propelled them to victory at the Parklands Gala, leaving everyone in awe of their hard work and resilience.

7. Herschel Gala: A neck-and-neck Thriller

The Herschel Gala, which took place shortly after the Parklands Gala, was no less exhilarating. Our swimmers were up against some of the best schools in the region, including SACS, Reddam Durbanville, and Bishops.

This gala witnessed some of the most nailbiting moments as each swimmer gave their all, pushing themselves to their limits. The final results had everyone on the edge of their seats:

1. WBHS 242 points

2. SACS 241 points

3. Reddam Durbanville 121 points

4. Bishops 4 points

The Herschel Gala proved to be an unforgettable, neck-and-neck competition, with WBHS triumphing by a mere one-point margin over SACS. It was a testament to the dedication and skill of our swimmers, who displayed extraordinary determination in the face of fierce competition.The outstanding performances of our swimmers were truly inspirational, and their victories in the last two galas will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in Wynberg Boys’ High School’s swimming history. The school community is incredibly proud of their achievements.

Swimming at Wynberg Boys’ High School this year was marked by impressive achievements, growing team numbers, and exceptional performances. The team’s unwavering dedication and spirit, showcased in the interschool galas, reflected their commitment to excellence. Additionally, the successful hosting of the Annual A-League Swimming Gala brought forth exhilarating competition and unforgettable moments.

REFLECTIOnS FROM TEAM CAPTAIn MATTHEW BRADInG

Matthew Brading, the dedicated captain of the swimming team, expressed his pride and satisfaction with the team’s achievements this year. He remarked, “Wynberg Swimming had a great start to the year in Term 1. Practices were filled with enthusiasm, and our results in the galas showed an upward trend. The results in term 4 were even better and we ended off the year on a high. Personally, I consider this year to be one of the most successful I have experienced during my time at Wynberg. The team spirit was commendable, making it an enjoyable year of swimming overall. We ended the first half of the season on a high note with a 5th place finish at the A-League Gala, which we hosted. Term 4 was as successful as Term 1 with two wins in the bag.

go, team!

SpORT

SWIMMING (CONT.)

Splashing Success at the Interhouse Swimming Gala

Subtitle: Littlewood Takes Home the Trophy with a Stellar Performance

Date: Tuesday, January 31, 2023

The anticipation was palpable as learners from various houses at Wynberg Boys’ High School eagerly gathered at the school’s swimming pool for the highly anticipated Interhouse Swimming Gala. Tuesday, January 31, 2023, marked a memorable day as the learners showcased their aquatic prowess, vying for glory and house pride.

The competitive spirit was evident throughout the gala, with each house striving to claim the coveted championship title. With cheers from the enthusiastic spectators filling the air, the swimmers dived into the pool, leaving a trail of determination and dedication behind them.

When the final scores were tallied, it was the swimmers from Littlewood who emerged victorious, capturing the top spot with an impressive score of 344 points. Their exceptional performances in various events propelled them to the pinnacle of success. Littlewood’s triumph was a testament to their commitment to excellence and their ability to work together as a cohesive unit.

Securing the second position was Hawthornden, accumulating an admirable score of 305 points. Their competitive spirit was evident as they fought tooth and nail to secure their place on the podium. Glebe, with a score of 303 points, claimed the third spot, closely followed by McNaughton with 301 points, and Silverhurst with 297 points. These houses displayed commendable skill and determination

throughout the gala, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

The swimming gala was not only a platform for overall house success but also an opportunity to recognise individual accomplishments. Special mention must be made of the outstanding performances by the age group champions. In the U14 category, Nicholas Stanfliet showcased remarkable talent, leaving his competitors in awe. The U16 age group witnessed an extraordinary display of skill by James McPetrie, who dominated his events with finesse and determination. Finally, Ziggy Riemer claimed the U19 title, proving to be an exemplary swimmer in his age group.

The Interhouse Swimming Gala was not only a display of athletic prowess but also a testament to the power of teamwork, determination, and resilience. The event brought the learner body together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity. It showcased the learners’ commitment to their houses, their love for the sport, and their unwavering desire to succeed.

The success of the Interhouse Swimming Gala would not have been possible without the dedicated coaches, supportive staff, and the unwavering enthusiasm of the learners and their families. The event served as a reminder of the incredible talent and potential within the school’s swimming program, promising an even brighter future for aquatic sports.

As the cheers echoed through the school hallways, the Interhouse Swimming Gala of 2023 came to a close, leaving behind memories of thrilling races, personal achievements, and a shared celebration of sporting excellence. With the echoes of victory still ringing in their ears, the learners eagerly anticipate the next opportunity to come together and showcase their talents in the spirit of friendly competition.

TENNIS

Overview

Orientation Day for Future Tennis Stars

The tennis season of 2023 kicked off at the end of 2022 with an exciting Orientation Day for incoming grade 7 students eager to join the world of tennis in 2023. The event aimed to introduce new players to the basics of the sport, from mastering the grip to understanding the scoring system, to the more seasoned players showing their technical prowess. Wynberg Old Boy, who played for the first team in his tenure at the school, Jared Godfrey accompanied by the 1st team, provided guidance, fostering a sense of camaraderie and setting the stage for a promising year ahead.

Season Highlights

The high school tennis season unfolded with a series of intense fixtures against familiar schools in the region, including a few new inclusions, such as Parklands College, DF Malan and Somerset College. Our tennis enthusiasts showcased remarkable skill, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the season. The team faced diverse challenges, but with each match, they demonstrated a relentless spirit and passion for the game.

Inter House Tennis Tournament

A highlight of the season was the eagerly anticipated Inter House Tennis Tournament. The school’s eight houses battled it out on the courts in a display of exceptional talent and friendly rivalry. The tournament not only showcased the prowess of individual players but also emphasized the importance of teamwork and house spirit. It was a day filled with thrilling rallies, strategic plays, and moments of pure athleticism. The Singles Champion who reigned supreme was 1st team captain, Ronan Gorton in Sunninghill, followed by the Doubles Champions in Mc Naughton, led by Michael Cresswell and Nathan Preston.

Old Boy’s vs WBHS 1st and 2nd team

Old Boys Tennis thrived this year with 8 of our top players facing off against Old Boys. Led by Old Boy and Pro Coach Chris Potterton, the Old Boys showcased excellent tennis, ultimately winning the fixture. Despite the loss, our 1st and 2nd teams played exceptionally well, gaining significant benefits from the experience.

WBHS vs Reading School Uk - Touring side

Some of our players enjoyed a competitive afternoon of tennis against a touring team from the Reading School in the UK. The event included 4 Singles matches and 8 doubles matches. The participants had a great time and gained valuable experience. In the end, Wynberg won 8 out of the 12 matches, showcasing our school’s prowess.

Conclusion: A Triumph on and off the Courts

As the curtains close on the 2023 tennis season, we reflect on a year marked by growth, sportsmanship, and unforgettable moments. The Orientation Day successfully paved the way for the next generation of tennis stars, fostering

SpORT

TEnnIS 1st TEAM

a love for the sport among incoming students.

The season’s fixtures provided a platform for our dedicated players to shine, showcasing the school’s commitment to excellence in tennis.

The Inter House Tennis Tournament added an extra layer of excitement, reinforcing the values of teamwork and friendly competition. Competing against an International touring side and Wynberg’s Old Boys’ enhanced the players’ growth and improvement throughout the year.

Looking ahead, the success of this season serves as a strong foundation for the future. The enthusiasm displayed by both seasoned players and newcomers alike bodes well for the continued growth of tennis within our school community. As we bid farewell to 2023, we eagerly anticipate another year of triumphs, challenges, and, most importantly, the shared joy of playing the sport we love. Here’s to the tennis stars of today and the promising talents waiting to shine in the seasons to come.

Back Row : Seth Trantraal, Michael Morgan, James Potter.

Front Row : Michael Cresswell (Captain), Mr Jared Godfrey (Coach), Mr James van Bosch (Head of Tennis), Ronan Gorton (Vice Captain).

Uk READInG SCHOOL TEAM

WATER pOLO SpORT

Overview

Term 1

A splashing start to term one for Water Polo.

This year we have seen the most depth development in the sport since COVID. We have at least five sides per age group and are looking to expand even further next year.

Our A and B sides kicked off the season with their respective tours, performing well and developing as a team in order to strive for excellence for the rest of the year. The boys thoroughly enjoyed their tours and have come back much closer than before. We are grateful for every opportunity that the boys get to bond and to the schools who make it possible.

We are looking forward to seeing our junior program develop even more. Our new group of U14s started their season off participating in the Pitcairn cup and performed incredibly well placing fourth overall.

u19A Vides Tournament

The 1st Water Polo team attended the Vides Water Polo Tournament, hosted by Selbourne College in East London. Despite a long drive up to East London an excited and determined team arrived at Selborne College the day before the tournament was set to begin, the boys headed straight for Hudson Park High School to work off the long trip, thank you to Hudson Park for allowing us this opportunity to use their amazing facilities. After a tough 3 days the boys had a good tournament allround with some really good wins and a top 7 finish.

vs Selbourne Lost 3-6

vs Pearson Won 7-3

vs Glenwood House Won 4-3

vs Reddam CT Won 10-8

vs Paul Roos Lost 0-13

vs Selbourne Collegians Won 5-4

u19A finished 7th overall dylan riddle

U15B Oakhill Festival

On the 23rd of February the U15Bs journeyed through to Knysna to complete in the U15 Oakhill Chukka Festival. The team played a total of 7 games, winning 6 and losing 1 to undefeated Woodridge College U15As. The team’s bond grew extremely strong throughout the tour and festival which was amazing to be apart of and witness. The boys rallied together and supported local schools, Springfield as well as Fairmont High School when they played their respective games.

It must be mentioned that our U15Bs played against A sides at this festival. Upon arrival to Knysna the boys were afforded a short rest after the long bus ride before playing Pearson U15A where our boys won 5 -1. The boys were then allowed to socialise with other teams with a well hosted dinner by Oakhill College. The next day was action packed with our boys playing 4 games with minimal rest between them. The day started against festival favourites Merrifield U15A however with a lot of grit and Supera Moras spirit our boys managed to walk away with a 4-3 win. Second game was against a well-trained Woodridge U15A which consisted of 3 Eastern Province provincial Water Polo players, our boys went down in the first 3 chukkas but fought back to unfortunately lose the game 2-5. The third and final game of the day is where Berg showed what they were all about by winning 8 – 0 against Fairmont High

WATER POLO 1st TEAM

Back Row : Liyam Middleton, Sebastian Kastern, Matthew Brading, James McPetrie, Francis De Klerk, Luke Oldale. Front Row : Ryan Barkhuizen, Michail Kasfikis (Vice Captain), Mr Dylan Riddle (Coach), Ziggy Riemer (Captain), Mrs Siobhan Bruce-Cook (Manager), Aden da Costa, Tristan van Rooyen. Absent : Mr Ryan Weideman (Director of Water Polo).

and 10 – 2 against Glenwood House. On the final day of the festival the boys faced quite a daunting challenge when they had to play a U19 team from St Dominic’s as they had recently launched Water Polo as a sport however the boys managed to walk away with a 9 -3 victory. The last game of the festival was probably the most important game to the U15Bs as they went against one of the schools’ biggest rivals Grey High School. The boys mentally prepared themselves and put on a clinical performance beating Grey High 10 – 2. Overall, the festival was extremely successful and would like to thank the families who travelled out to Knysna to support and for all the support from the Wynberg Community.

sheldon norris and tyra norris

U15A Grey High School Festival

The U15A team went on tour to Grey High’s McDonald’s festival in February. They had an absolute blast both inside the pool and out.

The boys played a total of six games winning four of them and drawing two, leaving the tour unbeaten. They scored over 50 goals that weekend, taking the festival by storm. The festival was an opportunity for our boys to bond and learn from one another. We are incredibly proud of all that they achieved and are eager to see all that this team will accomplish in the future.

We are grateful for the incredible support system the boys had at home and look forward to more tours in the future.

Cameron samuels

SpORT

WATER pOLO (CONT.)

1st Team Water p olo

- p en p ortraits

Liyam Middleton Left wing, Centre-forward

A versatile water polo player, commands the left wing and Centre-forward positions with a remarkable game intelligence. While his strategic prowess is evident, Liyam acknowledges the need to improve his fitness to fully execute on his game I.Q. His specialized role involves skillfully rolling from the left, adept at pulling the Centre-back out of position, contributing a dynamic edge to the team’s gameplay.

Sebastian kastern Centre-back, utility

A formidable presence in water polo, assumes the roles of Centre-back and Utility player. His strengths lie in his exceptional jumping and lunging abilities, coupled with a skillful rolling technique, making him a potent perimeter threat. While dominating in various aspects, Sebastian acknowledges a need to enhance his physicality for a Centre-back position. As a back marker, he showcases proficiency as a perimeter shooter, exerting control on the top line, thereby adding a strategic dimension to the team’s gameplay.

Matthew Brading Wing

An invaluable Utility Wing, brings a combination of exceptional fitness and outstanding ball skills to the team. His proficiency in both areas positions him as a versatile asset on the field. While Matthew’s strengths shine, he occasionally grapples with confidence. Assigned a crucial role in counter-attacks and defensive coverage, he plays a pivotal part in maintaining the team’s strategic balance.

James McPetrie Right-wing

A dedicated Right Wing in the water polo arena, excels in fitness and defensive coverage. While he admirably covers on defense, James acknowledges areas for improvement, notably in game intelligence and a reluctance to attack. Primarily tasked with defensive responsibilities, his role involves getting back efficiently to cover on defense. There’s untapped potential to utilize him as a right-wing controller, but further understanding of the game nuances is desired to maximize his impact.

Francis de klerk Left wing, Centre-forward

A dynamic player stationed at Left Wing and Centre-forward, stands out with exceptional fitness levels. While a powerhouse in physicality, Francis acknowledges the need to elevate his game intelligence. Specializing in rolling from the wing, his strategic role involves adeptly pulling the Centre-back out of position, contributing a crucial tactical element to the team’s gameplay.

Luke Oldale Centre-back

The defensive powerhouse at Centre-back, is a standout player celebrated for his exceptional leg strength. His remarkable agility and quick decision-making on the field make him a formidable force in intercepting plays. Embracing a crucial role in providing strategic advantages, Luke efficiently contributes to the team’s defensive efforts. His specific directive to give Aden a two-minute opportunity underscores his team-oriented approach and commitment to the collective success of the squad.

Ryan Barkhuizen Left-fetch

An adept Fetch player, brings unmatched fitness, speed, and prowess in perimeter shooting to the team. While excelling in these areas, he faces challenges in shooting off the back and physicality. His role is pivotal in covering counters and defensive zones, and he stands out as one of the top three shooters, adding a lethal offensive dimension to the team’s strategy.

Michail kasfikis Goalkeeper

The stalwart goalkeeper, is distinguished by his impressive length and explosive power. While excelling in these attributes, Michail occasionally struggles with lunging for close balls. As a senior player and defensive general, his pivotal role involves safeguarding the team’s goal with remarkable shot-stopping abilities, adding a resilient foundation to the defensive lineup.

Ziggy riemer Utility

The esteemed Team Captain and right-side player, epitomizes physicality and defensive prowess. While excelling in these aspects, Ziggy

faces challenges in perimeter shooting. Assigned the critical role of top-line control, Ziggy strategically rolls as the attacking threat, he also defends at all costs, embodying leadership at the helm of the team.

Aden da Costa Centre-back, left wing

Versatile player at Centre-back and Left Fetch positions, boasts strengths in physicality, game intelligence, and shooting proficiency. Despite these assets, Aden acknowledges areas for improvement in patience and fitness. His pivotal role as a back marker involves being a potent perimeter shooter, contributing to top-line control, and strategically adding depth to the team’s gameplay.

Tristan Van Rooyen Centre-forward, rolling wing

A dynamic player occupying the roles of Centre-Forward and Rolling Wing, stands out for his physicality and shooting prowess. While excelling in these areas, Tristan faces challenges with ball skills on the perimeter. His strategic role involves being a potent Centre-Forward threat, skillfully rolling in on the mismatch, and adding a formidable attacking dimension to the team’s gameplay.

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WATER pOLO (CONT.)

Tours Term 4

22 September – 3 October 23: Wynberg Water Polo dived in for 10 days of quality competition with the U14A playing in both the Rondebosch & Hilton College Tournaments over successive weekends, our U15A at home in the Ian Melliar Cup, and the first team away at SACS for the annual U19A Tournament.

U14A AT RBHS TOURnAMEnT

On the weekend of Friday 22 to Monday 25 September, the U14A water polo team participated in the RBHS tournament. At the end of the Pool stages, and after a few wasted opportunities in two drawn matches against Grey High School and Reddam, we managed to qualify for the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, we could not take it over the line against SACS (5–7) and ended up playing for 7th/8th place against Grey High. Again, the big moments seemed to get the better of us and we lost narrowly (4 – 5). Whilst we played some good polo during the tournament, it was frustrating to see the team come up short in the close finishes.

Well done to our captain, Sam Mocke, who was named the WBHS ‘player-of-the-tournament’.

U14A AT THE HILTOn COLLEGE TOURnAMEnT

Thursday 28 September – Sunday 1 October: The tour commenced at 04h45 at Cape Town International Airport with the team immaculately turned out in school uniform and excited anticipation of the journey of growth and camaraderie ahead. Upon arrival in Kwa-Zulu Natal, WBHS boarded a bus alongside their Western Cape counterparts

from Rondebosch, Paarl Boys’ High, and Paul Roos for the drive to Hilton College. The boys from these four different schools exhibited friendship and shared enthusiasm, a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship fostered by water polo.

Wynberg began the tour impressively with a commanding 19 – 6 victory against St Benedict’s College. This initial win displayed their teamwork and respect for their opponents. Following a long day of travel and the intense match, the team was treated to a delightful dinner by Hilton College’s kitchen staff. The players’ exemplary manners, marked by polite expressions of “please” and “thank you,” were evident, as they not only cleaned up after themselves but also assisted in tidying up tables left messy by other teams.

On Day 2, the team faced a setback with a narrow 5 – 6 loss to Westville Boys’ High School but bounced back with a 7 – 4 win over Kearsney College, securing a secondplace position in their group. Despite the initial loss, their determination remained unwavering. The tournament then took a challenging turn as Wynberg had to face the formidable Rondebosch Boys’ High School in the quarterfinals on Day 3. Despite their best efforts, the team fell short, with Rondebosch securing a 3 – 11 win. The players demonstrated immense resilience and skill throughout the game, unfortunately not capitalising on multiple scoring opportunities.

In the match against St Stithians College, the team fought valiantly to secure a 6 – 5 victory, setting the stage for a rematch against Westville Boys’ High School for the 5th & 6th place playoffs. On the final day, the team, exhausted from the KZN heat and the demanding schedule, faced Westville once more. In a keenly contested

WATER POLO U15A

WATER POLO U14A

Back Row : Brayden Van Rooyen, Joshua Arbuzova, Joshua Edwards.

Middle Row : Christian Fox, Ross Prinsloo, Sebastian Carelse, Jack Centurier-Harris, Alexander Bing, Tim Farrell.

Front Row : Joshua Linscott, Alex Barrett (Co-Captain), Mr Kwakhona Ngwanya (Coach), Caleb Harley (Co-Captain), Mrs Siobhan Bruce-Cook (Manager), James Orwin (Vice-Captain), Callum Hodkinson.

Back Row : Unays Salie, Logan Petersen, Stanley Good, Jack de Beer, Joseph Brading, Ezekiel Botha, Attilio Pironi.

Front Row : Tristan Kastern, Riley Clarke (Vice Captain), Mr Sheldon Norris (Coach), Samuel Mocke (Captain), Mr Dave Mallett (Manager), Connor Barrett (Vice Captain), Matthew Green-Thompson.

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WATER pOLO (CONT.)

match, Wynberg Boys’ High School fell short with a scoreline of 4 – 5. Despite the outcome, their journey was marked by incredible growth and sportsmanship.

Captain Samuel Mocke and his teammates exhibited remarkable growth both as individuals and as a team. They embraced the ethos of fighting for each other and their school to achieve a common goal. The team also acknowledged the exceptional progress of Attilio Pironi during the tournament. The tour to Kwa-Zulu Natal was an unforgettable experience for the boys. Despite the challenges faced, their unwavering determination, camaraderie, and sportsmanship were truly commendable. The tour served as a valuable platform for personal and team growth, leaving an indelible mark on the athletes and their supporters.

U19A AT THE SACS TOURnAMEnT

Saturday 30 – Monday 2 October 23: WBHS

U19A had a tough start to the short-format SACS Tournament drawing Clifton College in the first match. The boys followed up with a better game against the hosts but still could not come away with a win. After close matches

and no fewer than three drawn matches, the boys saved their best for last, finishing the tournament against Kearsney College with their first win at the event. Wynberg was down by 2 goals before switching on and coming back to equalise. But they were not done just then – Ryan Barkhuizen scored a great goal from the left wing, assisted by Aden de Costa. It wasn’t the overall result Wynberg was looking for, but the boys learnt a lot of valuable lessons to carry with them for the remainder of the polo season. A special mention must go to Captain Ziggy Riemer who managed to pull the team together after a tough start, leading the boys to a much better second and third days of play.

Results

Clifton College: 1 – 6

SACS: 2 – 4

Grey College: 3 – 3

Jeppe High School for Boys: 3 – 3

St Alban’s: 2 – 3

Grey High School: 3 – 3

Bishops: 2 – 3

St Stithians: 2 – 5

kearsney College: 6 – 5

GREY FESTIVAL

Ian Melliar Cup

Friday 22 – Monday 25 September 23: Wynberg Boys’ High School hosted its biggest Ian Melliar Cup to date – 100 fixtures between 24 teams in 2 pools – with all the atmosphere and excitement, rivalry and competition, and sportsmanship and camaraderie that the event in its 16th incarnation has become renowned for. A big thanks to all sides for joining us this year, and our heartiest congratulations to Bishops for carrying off the team trophy, and to the achievers listed below.

Hellenic Academy from Zimbabwe joined us this year, our first international team since the event was launched in 2007, in what we hope will be the first of many visits as we celebrate new friendships and renew the long-standing with our returning tournament competitors. Our thanks to Ryan Weideman, WBHS Director of Water Polo, and Mrs Siobhan Bruce-Cook, WBHS Teacher-in-Charge of Water Polo, for the months of hard work in putting the event together, and to our brothers at Wynberg Boys’ Junior School for the use of their magnificent new pool and facilities. Special thanks to our Key Sponsor, Kevin Jacobs and his team at RE/ MAX Premier, Ron Roos from TLC Flooring for his continued support and Herman Nieuwoudt from Peninsula Beverages, events on this scale cannot happen without them.

Regulars to the Melliar Cup are usually able to predict cold and wet weather over the Heritage Day long weekend months in advance, but this year the Cape of Storms more than lived up to its name as unprecedented winds and rain lashed down over the Western Cape, and we must thank our WBHS Multimedia students and our event photographers for not missing

a beat in keeping the live streams and match photos flowing throughout.

As always, irrespective of the weather, we are hugely grateful to the unfettered support of Feedem (our catering team) and vendors who come out to sustain the players, spectators and staff during this weekend of intense Water Polo. We are also extremely grateful to our Support Staff who work tirelessly to ensure the campus is well-prepared for the event, while sacrificing their time away from home over the long weekend so that our boys and visitors have the best U15 Water Polo tournament experience that WBHS has to offer.

To the boys and their coaches – thank you for your commitment and dedication to the sport of Water Polo, for putting in countless hours in preparation for this event and putting on a premium display of Water Polo. We salute you all.

Team Positions 1 Bishops 2 SACS 3 Wynberg 4 Paul Roos 5 St Stithians 6 Rondebosch 7 Hilton 8 Wahoo 9 Grey High

Clifton

Selborne College

Kearsney

13 St David’s

14 Maritzburg College

15 St Andrew’s

16 Jeppe

17 St John’s

18 Westerford

19 Glenwood House

20 Woodridge

21 Affies

22 Grey College

23 Hellenic

24 St Alban’s

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WATER pOLO (CONT.)

SPECIAL AWARDS

roland rudd Trophy, Player of the Tournament: Matt Fenn – Bishops

Best Goalkeeper: Michael Mafunda – Bishops

Best Defensive Player: SACS Aidan Turrell – SACS

Best Attacking Player: Alex Barrett – Wynberg

keith richardson Shield for Sportsmanship: Hilton College

TOURnAMEnT TEAM

#3 Tegan Fisher – Wahoo

#12 Musawenk Mponda – Hilton

#8 Harry Oldham – Rondebosch

#11 Blake Morton – St Stithians

#1 Thomas Wilson – Paul Roos

#10 Andrew Reynolds – Paul Roos

#4 Ross Prinsloo – Wynberg

#8 Ben Bigara – SACS

#2 Timothy Young – Bishops

U15 OAkHILL FESTIVAL

PITCAIRn CUP

GRADES

“... firm its roots, and broad its branches ...”

GRADE 8 GRADES

Orientation Week

Our enthusiasm soared as we eagerly embraced the arrival of our new Grade 8 students at Wynberg, kicking off our “traditional” orientation week in high spirits! This vibrant week pulsated with a myriad of activities, from dynamic teamwork sessions to engaging orientation programs and spirited challenges.

Anticipation reached its peak as the new boys commenced their school journey a day ahead of the official term start on January 17. This pre-term initiation allowed them to familiarize themselves with the school layout, meet teachers, forge connections with peers and House Prefects, and delve into a workshop on mastering their tablets and navigating various online platforms. Athletic prowess was honed with trials alongside prefects, gearing up for the upcoming Sports Day.

We decided to retain our new orientation tradition with the thrilling Obstacle Course, a hit from the previous years. The success was so resounding that we decided to make it a staple of our orientation weeks to come.

Wednesday, January 18, unfolded as a day of excitement and camaraderie. The boys, divided into four rotations, engaged in Water Polo, conquered the exhilarating Obstacle Course, participated in teamwork games and activities, and tested their knowledge with a school quiz. Laughter echoed as the boys dashed around, tackling mud from the obstacle course, and delving into the rich history of our esteemed school during the quiz.

The day echoed with cheers and a memorable sleepover on Hawthornden Field, where some boys experienced the novelty of sleeping under

the stars for the first time. Prefects spun tales of Wynberg, setting the stage for an early night in preparation for the next day’s hike.

Despite a night of limited sleep, the boys rose early on Thursday, brimming with excitement for their mountain ascent. With breakfast and lunch packs in tow, alongside Matric Buddies and teachers, they embarked on a transformative hike. Friendships blossomed, and the character and perseverance of each boy were put to the test.

Post-hike, the boys had a chance to freshen up before a symbolic moment – the donning of their blazers. According to our school tradition, the ringing of the school bell during this ceremony marks the commencement of their high school journey. Notably, until this point, wearing the coveted blazers was offlimits. Only after conquering the hike were they bestowed with the honour of ringing the bell and receiving their blazers from their Matric Buddies, signifying the beginning of a remarkable five-year high school adventure.

blake rimmer

GRADE 9 GRADES

Supera Moras 2023

Supera Moras 2023 was almost a non-start due to one of the biggest storms in the Western Cape’s history.

Scheduled to be held from 22 to 25 September, a storm that hit Cape Town the previous weekend, so destabilized Table Mountain that Table Mountain National Parks (TMNP) closed the mountain – the first time in history!

We created a WhatsApp group that included the Wynberg staff as well as the hike route organizers. We tried everything possible to “make it work”, alas to no avail. We tried to reroute the hike around the areas that were severely damaged, like the Pipe Track, Llandudno Ravine, and Blackburn Ravine. In fact, we were still going to go ahead (on the school’s insistence) the night before – and then TMNP closed the mountain forcing us to cancel.

The school tried desperately to salvage the Supera Moras and produced a date in November – 6 to 9 November. The Service Providers who were responsible for the route as well as appointing professional guides, were stretched to the limit as some of the guides were also involved in leading the Nyamezela Grade 10 hike from 8 November onwards. Nevertheless, we agreed to give it a go, and make it all work. And it all worked.

Thankfully, everything went off like clockwork and a successful Supera Moras took place.

For the first time in Wynberg Boys High’s history 9 houses hiked – Five on the first day and 4 more on the second day.

The weather behaved and on Monday 6 November Glebe, Hawthornden, McNaughton, Silverhurst and Tennant set of from Kloof Corner, in the front of Table Mountain, along the entire Pipe Track, up Corridor Ravine, around Groot Kop, down Llandudno Ravine, past Suikerbossie Restaurant, through the backstreets of Hout Bay, along the river and on to Kronendal Primary School. The learners enjoyed a swim in their pool before supper and settling down to a well-earned sleep.

The following day the hikers started off from Kronendal Primary and ascended Blackburn Ravine, hiked through the breathtaking Silvermine Reserve past Silvermine Dam where they stopped for lunch, then onward down along the “Ou Wapad”, across Ou Kaapse Weg and into Sun Valley Primary school for a supper and sleep.

On the final day the hikers left Sun Valley Primary, ascended Brakkloofrant, crossed Glencairn Freeway and into the last section of their hike past Kleinplaas Dam and ended at Redhill Road for their parents to collect them.

The entire process repeated itself for the second set of houses from the 7th to 9th of November: i.e. Garrison, Oude Wijnberg, Sunninghill and Trovato repeated this sequence.

Day one was the hardest – hiking over the entire Table Mountain Range – 19 km. Day two was easier across the Constantiaberg – less height gain and 18 km. Day 3 was the easiest with only 15 km hiked. Total 52 km.

Mr Keith bosenberg this is Cape

GRADES

GRADE 9 (CONT.)

HIke exPerIeNCe - GrADe 9 STUDEnT TESTIMOnIALS

The build up to the hike was very exciting. The night before I couldn’t sleep, all I could think about was the thought of hiking up the mountains in the morning with all my friends. The first day was very tough with a very steep incline before the halfway mark, but despite day 1 being tough it was very enjoyable as I had friends to help me along the way. Although the initial climb was tiring, it was worth it. The second day was by far my favourite hike, and I think I speak for everyone when I say that the views from the top were breathtaking. On the last day the hike was nice and short and everyone had an enjoyable time soaking in the last bit of nature and sun, before we got to the finish where our parents congratulated us and took us home to study for the upcoming exams. This was my experience of the Grade 9 Supera Moras hike.

nathan Kümm

The Grade 9 Hike for my house, Oude-Wijnberg, started on 7 November and returned on 9 November.

On the morning of the 7th, we all arrived ready for the hike, except Ikho, 30 minutes late. We were all anxious yet excited for the opportunity we had been given. We took a few pictures, said our last goodbyes and off we went.

Our guide’s name was Liz and she told us exactly what she expected from us. She understood that many people were not too accustomed to hiking and was more than happy to give us time to rehydrate and catch our breath.

The views from the mountain were absolutely astonishing and helped many of us to realise the beauty of our country.

When we got to the evening, after a long day of walking, many of us felt that we were done, but still found the energy to have a dip in the pool and play some touchies. When we got into our sleeping bags, we saw the true beauty of the night. It was a completely different experience looking at the stars without the light pollution of an urban area.

In the end, our thankfulness for everything we had achieved. We had an amazing time with our house, creating bonds and getting to know people that you may not have even spoken to before. The Supera Moras Hike was an opportunity that I am grateful for and has made me excited for the challenges ahead of Nyamezela and anything else thrown at me.

Michail tarentaal

On day one I was excited to take this hike on with my house and buds. We started off strong for the first few hours and things were looking good until we saw this huge hill. It was difficult but we took on the challenge and pushed each other to the top. When we got to the top, we had a light snack and admired the beautiful view of the ocean and mountain. We carried on hiking and the scorching hot sun hit us at around 12pm. It made it more difficult, but we kept pushing. On our way down the mountain everyone was drained, and our legs started cramping, including mine. When we reached the flat road and thought we were done. But…the guide never said so and without telling us we knew we still had a long Way to go until the first school. When we arrived at the school around 3:30pm after a 5km walk on the roads I haven’t felt so happy in my life, but then remembered we had 2 more days. I went to sleep early and recovered for the next day.

On Day 2 we woke up nice and early to get an early move on. When everyone saw the size of the mountain, they knew it was going to be a long day. We walked and walked and walked up hill and it never stopped. When we got to the top, we weren’t even halfway through, so we walked and walked even more and took a lunch break at a beautiful spot up in the mountain overlooking the whole valley. We ate and had a move on until we came across a sand dune and just before that we saw a huge puff adder standing on our path. The tour guide trying to be brave spooked it and it moved away but definitely one of the scarier parts of the hike. On the sand dune we got lost and start walking through the bushes trying to find a path we found one but then it took us through a disgusting vlei. There was no other way around but through and after a disgusting mushy walk through the vlei we made it to the next school. Everyone then had a nice swim.

After a long day we ate supper and slept like babies on the school fields.

Day 3 definitely one of the shorter days but all my mind was on that day was home. Nobody spoke about the whole hike because of how tired they were and just kept walking. We stopped at one of the dams on the mountain and had a break when we started walking again, we saw another baby snake but did not know the breed Aswell as some tortoises on the way. We were walking and just saw a piece of road and knew it was the end, I was the happiest in the world I couldn’t wait to get home. In the car my brain was thinking about 1 thing next year we have a 12-day hike. My experience of this hike was amazing filled with mixed emotions I wish that everyone could experience it, Aswell.

esa van der schyff

The Supera Moras Hike: A Journey of endurance and unforgettable moments

The Supera Moras hike, from Table Mountain to Red Hill, was not just a physical journey; it was an amazing experience that left an incredible mark on myself and the Grade 9s. Looking back on our three-day hike through its many challenges, victories, and moments shared, it was far greater than a hike; it changed our perspectives on life itself.

Day 1: A Steep Ascent

At the base of Table Mountain, anticipation coursed through my veins. The first day. I was so excited. We did roll-call and packed up the bags. At 7:16 am, we set off, the first group of five houses on a quest for adventure. Hawthornden, Glebe, Silverhurst, Tennant, MacNaughton. On day 1 we hiked up steep ascents for kilometres finally going up and over Table Mountain and making it to Hout Bay. Together, we conquered the day, reaching Kronendal Primary School in Hout Bay that afternoon, our stopover for the night. As we arrived at Kronendal Primary, we swam away our aches, laughed through our pain, and eagerly anticipated the adventures awaiting us the next day. The delicious chicken ciabatta rolls for supper not only satisfied our hunger but also fuelled our anticipation for the challenges that lay ahead.

Day 2: Chapman’s Peak, Elephant’s Eye, and Unforgettable Moments

The second day started as a 6:00 am wake-up call, setting the tone for the day. We set off at 7:16 and hiked up Chapman’s Peak, reaching the “peak” of Elephants Eye, and by noon the Silvermine Dam for lunch. The blisters on my feet were so painful, thankfully I wore a long shirt and was not sunburnt like many others. That afternoon we endured the terrain of Ou Kaapse Weg, where determination proved stronger than the physical strain. The path down the mountain was intense, where boys nearly stepped on snakes and endured the pain of shoes causing blisters. We walked along the walls of an estate, wrapped with electric fencing. A collapsed bridge made us navigate through the water. It smelt so bad and made my pants so wet, but it cooled me down and the group’s shared laughter echoed the “Supera Moras” spirit. The unforgettable image of daring souls attempting to climb the electric fence, only to be shocked, still brings laughter to my memories. Finally, we made it to Sun Valley, the day’s destination. After conquering 27 kilometres, my physical limits were pushed, and the strength of my character was challenged. The night at Sun Valley was a blend of exhaustion and joy. A comforting mac and cheese with garlic roll fuelled our tired bodies and ended the exhilarating day.

Day 3: The Final Stretch

Waking up at 6:00 am, I was ready for the final stretch. We ate our breakfast, packed up, and off we went, leaving by 7:30 am. Though only around 10km, day three seemed the longest. Despite the pain and exhaustion, we pressed on, reaching Red Hill around noon. The sense of accomplishment was amazing as I celebrated completing a hike that changed my life.

The Supera Moras hike was more than a physical challenge; it tested my endurance and resilience. The hike was not just about reaching the destination; it was about the journey itself – a journey that left me with memories to cherish and lessons to carry forward. The Supera Moras hike was not merely a trek; it was a lifechanging experience that united us in the face of challenges, bringing the best, and sometimes the worst out of each of us.

Andre steele

GRADE 10 GRADES

Nyamezela

The Grade 10 Nyamezela has established itself as a rite of passage that every Wynberg Man should experience during his high school career.

It has become a prerequisite for school leadership in senior years and rightly so, as this is the ultimate physical and mental test available to our students. The Grade 12 students complete a “leavers survey” at the end of their matric year and it has been noted that the Nyamezela is one of their fondest memories at school.

The launch of 2023 Nyamezela got underway in early February with an information evening for parents and their son. Paula Faria and Keith Bosenberg, the outside organisers of the hike, shared their qualified advice so that both the parents and the boys got a taste of what the Nyamezela is about and what lies ahead. Joshua Gavin, a Grade 11 student in Oude Wijnberg, gave a personal reflection of his experience in 2022, which left many students wide-eyed.

The organisers had their work cut out for them as the floods in September caused much destruction to our usual base camp, Algeria. We had to move our base camp from Algeria to Jamaka Organic Farm, 7 kilometres away. The fires that ripped through Section C in 2022 kept that region of the Cederberg closed until two months prior departure. However, we used the same hiking routes as last year’s Nyamezela as permits had already been secured. The addition of two new schoolhouses late in 2023 also proved a task not too difficult for our organisers. Unfortunately, two houses had to dissolve (Littlewood and McNaughton)

amongst the remaining eight houses so that we kept our permits aligned with Cape Nature policy.

In early November, 160 students left Lovers Walk for the picturesque Cederberg Wilderness Area. These students, over the course of two weeks, had to overcome physical and emotional challenges thrown at them by Mother Nature. They had to endure temperatures of close to 40 degrees, cold nights, unforgiving terrain, and 12 days without cellular reception. However, they had the security of eight qualified guides and thirteen WBHS staff to help them navigate the unknown.

In true Wynberg Supera Moras spirit, the boys were up to the challenge and completed over 100kms experiencing the wonders of the Cederberg, including a ‘Sleeppad Hut” sunset, the breathtaking Wolfberg Arch and Wolfberg Cracks, and the refreshing pools and rivers. But the Nyamezela is never complete without giving back to the local community of Bosdorp. This year, the boys painted the hostel and school kitchen at Grootkloof Primary as well as the community hall. The boys were exposed to a school community vastly different from the facilities on offer at Wynberg Boys’. This was an important lesson for them to understand the privilege that comes from being a Wynberg Man.

I would like to thank the boys who successfully completed the Nyamezela, the guides who kept our boys safe on the mountain, the WBHS staff for giving of their time away from family, and Keith Bosenberg and Paula Faria, the camp organisers, for ensuring another successful experience in the Cederberg.

Chris Moore Head of grade

10

GRADE 11 GRADES

Leadership Seminar

The Grade 11 Leadership Seminar at Wynberg Boys’ High School, held at the end of the 3rd term, was a significant event aimed at preparing the Grade 11 students for their impending roles as Matric learners and future leaders of the school. The seminar consisted of five distinct sessions, each led by different school staff members, and concluded with a collaborative session that brought the entire Grade 11 cohort together.

Mr Moser conducted the first session, focusing on the theme of respect. As Matric learners, the Grade 11 students discussed the importance of setting a positive example for the younger students and fostering a culture of respect throughout the school. This session laid the foundation for their role as leaders and mentors to the underclassmen.

In another session, led by Mr Loubser, Grade 11 students actively planned for the Grade 8 orientation day and designed new cheers that would resonate with the classes of 2024 and beyond. This session encouraged the students to take ownership of the school’s traditions and create a welcoming atmosphere for new students.

Another session, conducted by Mr James and Mr Herbert, addressed the delicate balance between academic commitments, participation in sports, and engagement in cultural activities. It provided valuable insights on time management and the importance of maintaining a well-rounded educational experience. The Grade 11 students learned how to excel in their studies while also actively contributing to the school’s sports and cultural programs.

An outside presenter, Mr Peter Thomas, facilitated a session, prompting the Grade 11 students to engage in a constructive discussion about the various facets of the school. They assessed what the school was doing right and identified areas that required more attention and improvement. This session encouraged self-reflection and the initiation of positive changes within the school community.

In the remaining group session, Mrs Wilson led a discussion on what it means to be a mentor to Grade 8 students. The Grade 11 students explored the significance of guiding and supporting the younger students as they transition into high school. They were encouraged to be role models and offer mentorship to help Grade 8 students adapt to the Wynberg environment.

The final session brought all Grade 11 students together to collectively set goals for the Matric year of 2024. They discussed their aspirations, objectives, and what they aimed to achieve as a cohesive Matric group. This session promoted unity and a shared vision for their final year of high school.

The Grade 11 Leadership Seminar at Wynberg Boys’ High School was a comprehensive and insightful program that prepared the students for their roles as Matric learners and future leaders of the school. With sessions focusing on respect, planning for school events, maintaining a balance between academics, sports, and culture, and the importance of mentorship, the Grade 11 students received valuable guidance and inspiration.

Furthermore, Mr Thomas’ involvement encouraged critical self-assessment and a commitment to making necessary improvements within the school. The seminar culminated in a collaborative goal-setting session, which pro-

vided a clear vision for the Grade 11 students as they embark on their journey to becoming the Matric group of 2024.

Overall, the Grade 11 Leadership Seminar not only equipped the students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel academically and contribute to the school community but also instilled a sense of responsibility and leadership. The seminar played a crucial role in shaping the future leaders of Wynberg Boys’ High School and fostering a positive and respectful school culture.

The second day was run by the House Heads, who had discussions with their individual house groups with regards to leadership roles for 2024. These discussions took place at a venue of the boys’ choice and the day involved bonding activities as well. House goals were established, and we look forward to an amazing Grade 12 class in 2024.

supera Moras!

GRADE 12 GRADES

WBJS Grade 1s visit the Matrics

On the hush, Ms Lategan and the Marketing Department from WBHS and WBJS coordinated alongside the Grade 1 teachers to surprise the Matric Class of 2023 with a visit from their little brothers in an endless chain.

Each Grade 1 learner coloured in a Good Luck message for their big “brothers”. It was a delight watching them arrive through the corridors, whilst the Matric boys were seated, having just received their 1st Final Matric Exam briefing from Mr. Scheepers & Mr. Hull.

A morning that was filled with some trepidation, was made lighter by the joy and glee that the Junior School Grade 1 boys brought with them.

Spekboom p lanting

The Class of 2023 Matrics along with their Grade 8 buddies experienced one last activity to celebrate the time they have spent together over the year. As the Class of 2023 were soon to begin their Grade 12 Final examinations, this was a morning that they could enjoy and make their mark together, planting Spekboom which would grow over time, leaving something for them to return to in years to come.

Matric Breakfast

GRADES

Matric Dance

22 July 2023

And the Oscar goes too…

This year the theme for the Matric dance was A Night At The Oscars.

The beautiful event was held at the Cape Sun Hotel in the city centre. Our gents presented themselves and their partners with grace and upheld the excellent manners and behaviour that Wynberg men are known for.

Everyone had a wonderful evening and thoroughly enjoyed themselves!

GRADES

Matric-ofthe-Week

Presented by Ms J de Mink

Alex Maritz: despite a life-altering injury, he still showed up at all his team’s rugby matches.

(Nominated by Ms J de Mink)

Ebinezer kevin karengera: Player of the TournamentSchools’ Chess Tournament. (Nominated by Mr L Moser)

Two Oceans Half Marathon: Samuel Taberner, Alex Masters-Kay, David Morgenrood. (Nominated by Mr A Herbert)

First Team Soccer: (Nominated by Mr A Bezuidenhout)

Alex Lorenzen: for his unwavering support of Ryder Kossatz’s family despite his own grief.

Matthew Thomas: Service to the school despite many setbacks and personal obstacles. (Nominated by Ms J de Mink)

Nasr kassiem: Excellent matric buddy who goes above and beyond. (Nominated by Mrs N Karg)

ethan Thomas: Silver and Bronze medals for WP Athletics championships. (Nominated by Mr G Steyn)

Joshua Vincent: Springbok Scout Award. (Nominated by Mr J Pretorius)

Tawfiq Botha: Excellent matric buddy. (Nominted by Ms S Bruce)

GRADES

Matric Special Awards

Jubber Cup: Benjamin Badiali

Baxter Cup: Nasr Kassiem

Larry Venter-Squash: Michael Cresswell

Badenhorst-MembershipPlayers Rugby / Abelsohn Casper: Xolela Hoyi

nicola Jordan Trophy & Shaun Moir Trophy: Mikhyle Mafakala

Wiegman Cup & Pippa Richardson Shield / Darryl Sims: Tristan Ely

Greg Hammond: Callum Rose-Nel

Sidman Cup: Thomas Newman

Epworth Award-PWC: Jared Benn

WOGU / Bunty Joubert: Nicholas Horn

Brian Botha: Alexander Masters-Kay

Frank Duk Cup: Matteo Pascoe

Luman Cup: Nasr Ackerman

Stephen Bell Chess Trophy / Azriel Fine / Feinstein: Kevin Karengera

Golf: Gabriel Firer

Vincent Polden-Rotary: Nicholas Van Schalkwyk

Denis Fagan Cup-19A Rugby- WOBU Sport: Xola Nyali

Football Sportsman-Labia: Daanyaal Hendricks

Bob Adshade: Daniel Murison

Blackbeard-Sunninghill: Lategan Tutor Group

Bromberger Clark ShieldDoidge: Connor Thompson

Heidi Trophy: Gabriel Hawkins

Caxton-FriedlanderStreaming: Matthew Thomas

Friedlander Shield: Glebe

neville Riley: Ethan Thomas

DeWaal-Grainger-Old Boy Maths: Hamzah Loonat

Thorp Rankin: Michael Morgan

Bing Family-Weitsz Family-OldBoysCleveland: Naas Beets

Mark Shaffer: Lulibo Fula

David Heidman: Oliver Van Niekerk

Valedictory GRADES

Headmaster’s Speech: 2023

Good morning and welcome to the 2023 valedictory.

A special word of welcome to:

• Our special guests:

• Mr. Werner van kets: President of Wynberg Old Boys’ Union.

• Mr. Cedric poleman: Headmaster of Wynberg Boys’ Junior School.

• Dr. Jenn Wallace: Principal of Wynberg Girls’ High School

• Mrs Melanie Sharland: Principal of Wynberg Girls’ Junior School

• Former headmasters of the campus schools

• Members of the school governing body

• Parents

• Our academic staff present

• Members of the 2019 matric class who can join their buddies today

• young Wynberg men

• and, finally, our guests of honour, the class, and matric leavers of 2023.

I would like to start this valedictory with the following true story:

In Washington DC, at a metro station, on a cold January morning in 2007, a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes.

During that time, approximately 2000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

After about four minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then hurried on to meet his schedule.

after about five minutes, the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

At about six minutes, a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

At ten minutes, a three-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard, and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time.

this action was repeated by several other children, but every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

After 45 minutes, the musician played continuously. Only six people stopped and listened for a short while. About twenty gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace.

The man collected a total of $32.

After one hour, he finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world.

He played some of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.

Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theatre in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music. This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the Washington DC metro station, was organized by the Washington post as part of a social experiment about people’s priorities, perception, taste and the importance of time.

This experiment raised several questions:

In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, how do we perceive beauty? Do we even perceive beauty at all? If so, do we stop and find the time to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context? One possible conclusion reached from this social experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made …

How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

The relevance of this true story to you, the matric leavers of Wynberg Boys’ High, is this, and I will address four themes that can be identified from the social experiment, namely: priorities, perception, taste and time.

Firstly, 1. Priorities

I would like to believe that you have learned during your time at Wynberg boys that you need to have your priorities in place so that you can find a balance in life. Remember: work efficiently during office hours and leave on time. Reassess perhaps the philosophy of “first in and last out”.

• Guard against work becoming all-consuming to the detriment of relationships and your health.

• Remember: value has a value only if its value is valued.

• I believe that this school has taught you what a sound work ethic means, and that you need to prioritize and put in the extra effort when your peers perhaps have other priorities like socializing, sleeping in or being busy with recreational activities.

• Remember: the majority of you will, ultimately, have to rely on your academic qualifications, whether you like it or not, to earn a living.

• It is also only in a dictionary where the word ‘success’ appears before ‘work’ – make sure you prioritize ‘work’ before expecting ‘success’ but never lose sight of balance in your life.

Back to the relevance of the social experiment, which brings me to my second theme, namely:

GRADES

VALEDICTORY (CONT.)

2. Perception:

Martina Navratilova, former professional tennis player and widely considered among the greatest tennis players of all time, having won 18 major tennis titles in her career, was once asked: “how do you maintain your focus, physique and sharp game against players half your age?”

• She gave a humble reply: “the ball doesn’t know how old I am. Every game in life is actually played on a 6-inch ground – the space between your two ears.

• We don’t live in houses, bungalows, duplexes, or flats all the time. We live in our mind, which is an unlimited area.

This is where we spent most of our time.

Life is great when things are sorted and uncluttered there. However, keeping the mind messy with hatred growing on the table, regrets piling up in the corner, expectations boiling in the kitchen, secrets stuffed under the carpet, and worries littered everywhere ruin this real home in your head.

• The key factor to performing well in life, and in every arena, is the ability to control the quality and quantity of your thoughts and “internal dialogue”.

• Performance is potential minus internal interference. This all comes down to perception.

• Be cautious not to believe what people are saying about you behind your back and don’t let the perceptions of others cloud your self-worth, dreams, or ambitions.

Thirdly,

3. Taste:

• Taste, in the context of the social experiment, can be defined as the ability to discern what is good quality or of a high aesthetic standard.

I would like to think that you will walk away from Wynberg Boys having developed an appreciation for quality and the finer things in life.

Appreciation starts with the ability to be honest and true to yourself. You need to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and respect the person that stares back at you.

• Therefore, celebrate your youth, do not run your body on poison and take full responsibility for all your actions. Do not use alcohol or drugs to find acceptance or to like yourself.

• Remember, your mental health is as important as your physical health. Depression has become one of the major diseases of modern times. Develop, therefore, a taste for good habits because bad habits will affect your mental health.

Also develop good taste in your relationship with your partner.

Growing up you might have been told:

• Be the man who brings your partner flowers, who always opens the door or who buys gifts to show how much you care.

√ Although there is nothing wrong in doing this, this should never happen in isolation and for the wrong reasons.

√ What you also should have been told, and I believe that this is part of a Wynberg education, is to do things that almost go unnoticed because they are not flashy, expensive, or done in front of others for the public eye to see. that is having good taste

√ What you should have been told is: be the man who gives affection without sexual expectation.

√ Be the man who invests time in your partner and stays true to his character.

√ Be the man who respects your partner’s wishes and makes the relationship a priority rather than an option. that is having good taste

• Also develop a sense in having good taste when it comes to fashion. Although I am no expert on fashion, perhaps some advice to take with you on your journey through life:

o Never wear shoes with soles that are more than 3cm thick – the higher you stand, the further you will fall.

o Never wear a tie with a Disney character on it if you want people to take you seriously. You must look like CNN and not like the cartoon network.

o Colour-code does not mean that your Disney character tie must match your Disney character socks.

o A belt buckle that is bigger than your head should only be worn in Texas or when on holiday in Boksburg.

o Sunglasses must be worn over your eyes or carried in your hand. Never wear sunglasses on your head, around your neck, at the back of your neck or in front tucked in your shirt collar.

o Also: take your sunglasses off when you are speaking to someone unless you have just robbed a bank or are planning to rob a bank within the next 10 minutes.

• Remember: a Wynberg man is the master of the understatement. Your fashion sense should also reflect good taste.

and finally, some thoughts on the concept of time, in the context of the social experiment:

Have proper rest.

I believe that you have learnt during your time at Wynberg boys that you have only one life to live, and that you must live this life to the fullest.

Your attitude towards life determines who you truly are and with a good attitude you can face any challenges to grow as a person and to spend your time wisely.

Please allow me to share the poem ‘leisure’ with you. It was written by W.H Davies and explores the idea of passing through life without taking the time to slow down and enjoy life.

It goes like this:

“What is life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?

No time to stand beneath the boughs, and stare as long as sheep and cows

No time to see, when woods we pass, where squirrels hide their nuts in grass

No time to see, in broad daylight, streams full of stars, like skies at night

No time to turn at beauty’s glance and watch her feet, how they can dance

No time to wait till her mouth can enrich that smile her eyes began

A poor life this if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare.”

In conclusion:

I hope that you take away from Wynberg to say “wow” more often, go places, move, discover, and bank every special event and smart move for another time to remember.

Live your life according to this simple formula:

√ Live beneath your means.

•√ Stop blaming other people and don’t make excuses.

√ Admit it when you make a mistake and don’t argue. Know when to keep your mouth shut.

√ Give clothes not worn to charity.

√ Listen more, talk less.

√ Strive for excellence, not perfection. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

√ Be on time.

√ Be kind to unkind people.

√ Take time to be alone.

•√ Cultivate good manners.

√ Be humble.

√ Learn from the past, live in the present but plan for the future.

√ Realize and accept that life isn’t fair.

√ Stay in contact with your classmates, they will, after a lifetime, still remain your best friends. Pick friends who will stick by you when things go rough.

And finally:

• I trust that you have learnt during your time at Wynberg Boys that your spiritual life is your anchor and foundation in life.

• I believe that the school taught you the importance of good values, good manners and how to be a ‘Wynberg Man’. However, these are only words – make this part of your DNA.

Travel in the direction of your fear, do what scares you, and you will live the kind of life others missed.

My best wishes go with the matric leavers of 2023!

Deon Scheepers Headmaster

GRADES

MATRIC 2023

Back Row : Junaid Cassiem, Caleb Flandorp, Atidaishe Victory Chingwete, Jordan Nel, Cole Irvine-Smith, Timothy Sasman, Dean Richardson, Kyle Williams, Daanyaal Hendricks, | Callum Rose-Nel, Nikolas Balden, Joel Jansen, Thaakir Emandien, Daniel Speedy, Taishier Lawrence, Dale Fish, Aadam Najjaar, Salman Green, Seth Christians.

Seventh Row : Innocent Dekete, Sango Yako, Thomas Newman, Alexander Masters-Kay, Adam Saunders, Benjamin Badiali, Liam von Lillienfeld, Rory Cupido, Xavier Brown, | Warren De Sousa, Kieran Bayne, Jared Scrooby, Zack Rienderhoff, Kai Mulke, Bradley Johnstone, Alex Coetzee, Connor Le Roux, John-Ross Janse van Rensburg, Jarryd Jackson, Mohammed Chicktay.

Sixth Row : Joon Ho Park, Andrew Killick, Eesa Gamieldien, Ross Lotter, Kayd Stamer, Michael Morgan, James Potter, Gabriel le Roux, Alex Maritz, Simon Mercer, Alexander Lorenzen, Matteo Pascoe, | Xola Nyali, Ethan Thomas, Gabriel Firer, Salahuddien Gabier, Quinn Kilgour, Luca Springett, Connor Louw, Christian Kapp, Luke Bremer, Kyle Le Riché, Matthew Bowes.

Fifth Row : Mathew Miller, Rhys Whitfield, Samuel Taberner, Liam Goles, Nathan Welsh, Muhammad Fahad Khan, Matthew Julian Adams, David Morgenrood, Oliver van Niekerk, Samuel Robinson, Tyler Battista, | André Le Riché, Connor Thompson, Daniel Murison, Ethan Florence, Blessed Ndlovu, Asanda Kebevana, Luke Gray, Wazeer Philander, Yaaseen Moos, Keenan Pretorius, Joshua Heath, Nasr Kassiem.

Fourth Row : Patrick Shutte, Amier Adams, Jarrod Hendricks, Mardoquéiro Dimbu, Adam Malander, Mogamad Daiyaan Basedien, Yousuf Rasdien, Cole Müller, Joshua Adams, Jihaad Chilwan, Matthew Adams, Danyaal Brown, | Abdullah Abrahams, Mohammed Padia, Akshay Lalla, Aidan Reid, Devin Marshall, Hamzah Loonat, Achmad Nackerdien, Khwezi Tshiki, Liam Coetzee, Jaren Erasmus, Keagan Gray, Cassidy Jacobs.

MATRICS CLASS 2023

Third Row : Euwyn Liberty, Jo Rheeder, Ashton Bisset, Sean Brown, Leo Addinall, Caleb Conradie, Michael Cresswell, Jaden McIntyre, Kungawo Nyoka, Daniel Sampson, Ross Moore, | Cole Janse van Rensburg, Kian Dean, Gabriel Hawkins, Luke Giliomee, Joshua Vincent, Steven Stander, Amos Brown, Kyle Stephens, Montgomery Loggenberg, Tando Green, Jude Mills, Madison Nell.

Second Row : Nasr Ackerman, Nick Horn, Habeeb Moosa, Radhi Japie, Zuhayr Ebrahiem, Ryan Beattie, Zubair Cassiem, Max Gerber, Ben Brüning, Trystan Baxter-Elliott, Tawfiq Botha, | Zakariya Loonat, Matthew Downes, Nathi Matyeba, Adrian Henning, Alex Adriaanse, Joshua Jones, Reece Wilson, Hlumelo Sankobe, Jayden Dyers, Khoza Makubalo, Isa Deshmukh, Mika-eel Kader, Keyaan Matthews.

Front Row : Matthew Thomas, Sange Mbuto, Michail Kasfikis, Ebinezer Kevin Karengera, Jared Benn, Tristan Ely, Tristan Butters, Daniel Wyley, Mikhyle Mafakala, Nicholas van Schalkwyk, Mr Deon Scheepers (Headmaster), | Xolela Hoyi (Head Boy), Ms Jocelyn De Mink (Grade Head), Aniq Burton, Naas Beets, Luca Conarroe, Morgan Cochius, Noah Harrison, Prince Farikeni, Eesa Majiet, Matthew Ould, Aziz Rayners, Lulibo Fula.

Absent : Connor Albrecht, Mogammad Qaasim Lamara, Ethan Ramsay, Cambell Thompson.

Absent Connor Albrecht, Mogammad Qaasim Lamara, Ethan Ramsay, Cambell Thompson.

Connor Thompson, Daniel Murison, Ethan Florence, Blessed Ndlovu, Asanda Kebevana, Luke Gray, Wazeer Philander, Yaaseen Moos, Keenan Pretorius, Joshua Heath, Nasr Kassiem.

Matthew Julian Adams, David Morgenrood, Oliver van Niekerk, Samuel Robinson, Tyler Battista, André Le Riché,

Fifth Row : Mathew Miller, Rhys Whitfield, Samuel Taberner, Liam Goles, Nathan Welsh, Muhammad Fahad Khan,

Sixth Row Joon Ho Park, Andrew Killick, Eesa Gamieldien, Ross Lotter, Kayd Stamer, Michael Morgan, James Potter, Gabriel le Roux, Alex Maritz, Simon Mercer, Alexander Lorenzen, Matteo Pascoe, Xola Nyali, Ethan Thomas, Gabriel Firer, Salahuddien Gabier, Quinn Kilgour, Luca Springett, Connor Louw, Christian Kapp, Luke Bremer, Kyle Le Riché, Matthew Bowes.

Seventh Row : Innocent Dekete, Sango Yako, Thomas Newman, Alexander Masters-Kay, Adam Saunders, Benjamin Badiali, Liam von Lillienfeld, Rory Cupido, Xavier Brown, | Warren De Sousa, Kieran Bayne, Jared Scrooby, Zack Rienderhoff, Kai Mulke, Bradley Johnstone, Alex Coetzee, Connor Le Roux, John-Ross Janse van Rensburg, Jarryd Jackson, Mohammed Chicktay.

Front Row : Matthew Thomas, Sange Mbuto, Michail Kasfikis, Ebinezer Kevin Karengera, Jared Benn, Tristan Ely, Tristan Butters, Daniel Wyley, Mikhyle Mafakala, Nicholas van Schalkwyk, Mr Deon Scheepers (Headmaster), | Xolela Hoyi (Head Boy), Ms Jocelyn De Mink (Grade Head), Aniq Burton, Naas Beets, Luca Conarroe, Morgan Cochius, Noah Harrison, Prince Farikeni, Eesa Majiet, Matthew Ould, Aziz Rayners, Lulibo Fula.

Second Row Nasr Ackerman, Nick Horn, Habeeb Moosa, Radhi Japie, Zuhayr Ebrahiem, Ryan Beattie, Zubair Cassiem, Max Gerber, Ben Brüning, Trystan Baxter-Elliott, Tawfiq Botha, Zakariya Loonat, Matthew Downes, Nathi Matyeba, Adrian Henning, Alex Adriaanse, Joshua Jones, Reece Wilson, Hlumelo Sankobe, Jayden Dyers, Khoza Makubalo, Isa Deshmukh, Mika-eel Kader, Keyaan Matthews.

Third Row : Euwyn Liberty, Jo Rheeder, Ashton Bisset, Sean Brown, Leo Addinall, Caleb Conradie, Michael Cresswell, Jaden McIntyre, Kungawo Nyoka, Daniel Sampson, Ross Moore, | Cole Janse van Rensburg, Kian Dean, Gabriel Hawkins, Luke Giliomee, Joshua Vincent, Steven Stander, Amos Brown, Kyle Stephens, Montgomery Loggenberg, Tando Green, Jude Mills, Madison Nell.

Back Row Junaid Cassiem, Caleb Flandorp, Atidaishe Victory Chingwete, Jordan Nel, Cole

Irvine-Smith, Timothy Sasman, Dean Richardson, Kyle Williams, Daanyaal Hendricks, Callum Rose-Nel, Nikolas Balden, Joel Jansen, Thaakir Emandien, Daniel Speedy, Taishier Lawrence, Dale Fish, Aadam Najjaar, Salman Green, Seth Christians.

Fourth Row : Patrick Shutte, Amier Adams, Jarrod Hendricks, Mardoquéiro Dimbu, Adam Malander, Mogamad Daiyaan Basedien, Yousuf Rasdien, Cole Müller, Joshua Adams, Jihaad Chilwan, Matthew Adams, Danyaal Brown, | Abdullah Abrahams, Mohammed Padia, Akshay Lalla, Aidan Reid, Devin Marshall, Hamzah Loonat, Achmad Nackerdien, Khwezi Tshiki, Liam Coetzee, Jaren Erasmus, Keagan Gray, Cassidy Jacobs.

M ATRIC JERSEYS

2023

OLD FAITHFULS

Back Row : Thomas Newman, Aadam Najjaar, Daanyaal Hendricks, Caleb Conradie, Kian Dean, Ashton Bisset, Dean Richardson, Benjamin Badiali, Prince Farikeni.

Third Row : Mika-eel Kader, Aniq Burton, Matthew Julian Adams, Joshua Heath, Blessed Ndlovu, Nasr Kassiem, Dale Fish, Matteo Pascoe, Ethan Florence, Gabriel le Roux, Salahuddien Gabier, Eesa Gamieldien, Danyaal Brown.

Second Row : Eesa Majiet, Salman Green, Adam Malander, Hamzah Loonat, Akshay Lalla, Matthew Adams, Joshua Adams, Khwezi Tshiki, Cole Müller, Jarrod Hendricks, David Morgenrood, Abdullah Abrahams.

Front Row : Nasr Ackerman, Cassidy Jacobs, Seth Christians, Joshua Jones, Alex Adriaanse, Zuhayr Ebrahiem, Jayden Dyers, Radhi Japie, Zubair Cassiem, Mikhyle Mafakala, Junaid Cassiem, Matthew Thomas, Joon Ho Park.

PREFECTS 2023

Back Row : Matthew Thomas, Mikhyle Mafakala, Eesa Majiet, Sange Mbuto, Morgan Cochius, Jared Benn, Luca Connaroe, Abdul-Aziz Rayners, Michael Kasfikis, Naas Beets, Daniel Wyley, Noah Harrison, Prince Farakeni, Matthew Ould, Aniq Burton, Tristan Butters, Lulibo Fula, Ebenizer Karengera, Tristan Ely.

Front Row : Nicholas van Schalkwyk, Mr Andre van Vuuren, Mr Deon Scheepers, Xolela Hoyi.

HOUSES

“... firm its roots, and broad its branches ...”

HOuSES

TEN HOuSES FOR 2023

RATIONALE FOR 10 HO u SES

When the high school moved to our “new” premises in 1981 there were about 600 boys in the school.

Over the next two decades the numbers grew to about 800 at which point we started the new House System, creating a house system which had eight houses of about 100 boys each.

Since then the school has continued to grow until, this year we are approaching the 1 000 mark. With Littlewood remaining at 100 boys it has meant that the other seven Houses are around 125, creating an imbalance. Wynberg needed to spread its wings again and two new Houses had to be introduced into the fold.

The school embarked on a process which relied initially on obtaining relevant information from Sigi Howes, past principal of the Centre for Education Conservation (Wynberg) regarding the historical background of the possibility of new names. Sigi is one of the most knowledgeable people regarding the history of Wynberg – both the suburb and all its schools – and was the ideal person to advise us on the way forward.

The staff then had many discussions – some extremely passionate – about which names to use, and which colours to choose. Eventually the two new names and colours selected were:

1. Garrison

Army green. A nod to the military, which gave rise to Wynberg as a village.

2. Tennant

Grey. One of the earlier locations of the school was on the corner of Tennant and Aliwal Roads

– when the school was sometimes referred to as “Nixon’s school”.

Each of the seven houses gave up a tutor group (one of five in the House) to create the two new houses, so most boys moved intact with their existing tutor group and tutor (teacher) to a new House. The two teachers tasked with forging a new identity from these tutor groups are Ms de Mink (Garrison) and Mr Potgieter (Tennant). There are challenges aplenty which lie ahead, but the decision to reduce the size of every house back to about 100 means that House Heads will be better placed to develop meaningful relationships with boys, their families and the tutors.

G ARRISON

Tutors: Mrs Juanita Wilson, Mr Mariano Badiali, Mr Sage Aldridge, Mr Given Mogale

House Prefect: Joshua Lamberg

House Captain: Yaqeen Brinkhuis

T ENNANT

Tutors: Mr Louis Shultz, Mrs Roxane Groenewald, Mr Bryan Punt, Mr Jonathan Chuter

House Prefect: Shadley Allie

House Captain: Tadiwanashe Dzvapatsva

GLEBE

Overview

Tutors: Ms Hannah Earl, Ms Thabisa Ntsadu, Ms Tania Du Toit, Mr Stephan Pretorius, Mr Given Mogale House Prefect: Matthew Ould House Captain: -

under Matt Ould’s leadership, the Glebe boys thrived in 2023.

It started in November 2022 on our Grade 11 house day when it was obvious that this group had what it took to win the Friedlander Shield. We prioritize “doing” ahead of “talking” in Glebe and these boys had the bit between the teeth as they fearlessly (recklessly) raced around the indoor grand prix track.

They were a group who wanted to win! They committed to setting an example in the house and living our values to be on time, be prepared, be polite and get involved. The rest of the house bought in and followed our matriculants to the Friedlander Shield title! Matt handed over the baton to Levi Brown who is determined to keep the momentum going, and if our current Grade 11s follow up on the way they conducted themselves ziplining over the Cape mountains and forests, one with a broken leg, I do not doubt that we will be hot contestants in 2024.

Beyond Glebe’s immensely competitive nature, it is also a home for our boys. Our tutors create a daily environment where our boys feel like they belong. Mr Pretorius, Ms Ntsadu, Ms Earl and Ms Du Toit sincerely care for their tutees and their families. The importance of their roles cannot be understated, and I am thrilled that we head to 2024 with the team intact.

Justin van Winkel

HOuSES

HAWTHORNDEN

Overview

Tutors: Mr Dave Mallett, Mrs Tyra-Jade Norris, Mr Nicholas Mlotshwa, Mr Travis Theron

House Prefect: Tristan Butters

House Captain: Jayden Dyers

As one reflects on the year, it’s easy to get caught up in results and awards given to the house.

However, I strongly believe that happiness and participation within the house need to be the yardstick.

The year commenced with the annual Grade 8 and Matric buddy hike up the mountain. For many boys, this was their first encounter with the challenging Nursery Ravine. Despite many struggles, with guidance and assistance from their matric buddies, they excelled and reached the summit.

Throughout the year, our boys actively engaged in various events, rising to the challenges presented by the school. In this regard, special mention must go to the House Prefect, Tristan Butters, who made the task of getting boys to participate more manageable for all staff. He was ably assisted by House Captain Jayden Dyers, who consistently brought enthusiasm and energy.

A special word of thanks must be extended to our tutors – Mr. Mallett, Mr Mlotshwa, Mrs Norris, Mr Theron, and Mr Punt. Their dedication to looking after the boys ensured that the year was a success. They are truly remarkable tutors who always prioritize the boys.

The Grade 11 boys participated in three days of leadership training, undoubtedly preparing

them well for the upcoming year. The impact of this training on our boys is already evident. Next year’s matriculants will be the first group to have completed the challenging Nyamazela, and the bonds and camaraderie within this group are evident.

Next year will bring new challenges and adventures, with Joel Adams elected as House Prefect and Toni George as House Captain. These young men have a strong Matric group supporting them, and I have no doubt they will succeed.

In closing, I would like to express gratitude to the parents and guardians of every Hawthornden boy, especially our Matric parents who have been on this journey for the past five years. Without your support and efforts in raising your boys, our jobs would not be as fulfilling as they are.

Mr A. van vuuren Hawthornden House Head

LITTLEWOOD

Overview

Tutors: Mr Steyn, Mr Loubser, Mr Rushby, Mr Brits. House Prefect: Lilubo Fula House Captain: Nathi Matyeba

Littlewood is as vibrant as ever.

A number of schools and hostels have struggled over the last two years to rebuild the “vibe” or “gees” hostels had before Covid. It has been amazing how quickly the boys have rebuilt the spirit that makes Littlewood the place to be.

LITTLEWOOD (CONT.)

When you walk down the passages and interact with the boys in the common room, there is a feeling that the boys are in a happy place. The dining room has a buzz of excitement, where boys are engaging and talking about what happened at school or on the sports field.

There have been some great results this year where Littlewood took first place at the Interhouse Gala and the Sports Day. Top 5 achievements were accomplished in junior and senior cricket and Water Polo.

The new leadership group for 2024 has been selected:

Tutors: Mr Steyn, Mr Loubser, Mr Rushby, Mr Stevens.

House Prefect: Ziggy Riemer

House Captain: -

This team of leaders is excited to take the hostel to new heights in 2024. They want to lead by example and set the tone for everybody so that the hostel can again be seen as the backbone of the school.

We had a leadership week with these boys where detailed planning was done to make sure everyone was on the same page to lead the hostel in 2024. On day two of the leadership week the Littlewood Grade 11s took part in a paintball competition to build team morale –this activity was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

The annual march to Joe’s Café where the boys enjoy a cool drink is always a highlight. While marching to Joe’s, boys travel down memory lane remembering all the Littlewood men who come before them.

An enjoyable Halloween dinner was held in the dining room with some interesting decorations and food to get the theme across. The annual

Christmas dinner is a highlight on the Littlewood calendar where we celebrate the year that has passed.

LITTLEWOOD CHRISTMAS DInnER SPEECHES

Speech by Adolf Groenewald

Good evening,

Ladies and gentlemen, Littlewood staff, Governing Body members, and guests, as we gather here tonight for this end-of-year dinner, I’m filled with a mix of emotions. It’s hard to believe how swiftly time has flown by, bringing us to this moment where we reflect on the year that’s passed.

Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you. Our hostel isn’t just a building; it’s a vibrant community composed of diverse individuals, cultures, and experiences. This year has been a journey marked by friendships forged, memories created, and challenges overcome together.

Looking back, we’ve encountered numerous hurdles, but it’s in overcoming these obstacles that we’ve demonstrated resilience and strength.

Whether it was adapting to new living arrangements, navigating through academic endeavors, or simply adjusting to life away from home, we’ve faced it all as a unified Hostel Group.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the time and memories we’ve made. From late-night study sessions to impromptu gatherings in the common room, these connections have made our hostel feel like a home away from home. It’s the laughter, the support, and the camaraderie that have made this place so special.

HOuSES

LITTLEWOOD (CONT.)

Of course, our successes wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated staff members who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their commitment to ensuring our comfort, safety, and well-being deserves our deepest appreciation. To Feedom and the kitchen staff thank you for a great year. The newly upgraded Common room it is looking amazing and since we opened it, you have taken full advantage of that space.

To our Grade 12s, your presence will be dearly missed, but your impact and contributions to this establishment will be cherished for a long time. As you embark on new journeys, may your experiences here serve as a foundation for your future endeavors. Good luck for next year, I am looking forward to seeing you next to the rugby or cricket field at the big derby matches. Please remember to collect your gift before you leave tonight as a small token of our appreciation.

To those returning in 2024, let’s continue to uphold the spirit of inclusivity, respect, and support that defines our fine institution. Let’s strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive and excel. To the new prefects for 2024 with Ziggy as your Head Prefect, good luck, and let’s make Littlewood the place for the entire school to look up to.

We celebrate a number of our boys with a few awards tonight:

1. The Steven Trophy: Awarded to the best all round grade 8. This year goes to: Joshua Gulle

2. Littlewood Floating Trophy: Awarded to the boarder showing the greatest all-round contribution: Ziggy Riemer

3. Littlewood Achievement Award: Awarded to the boarder with the most significant achievement: Beni Hansen / Xola Nyali

4. Superintendents Cup:

Awarded to the boarder who is an example in every way: Chotia Abdurrazzaaq

5. Academic of the year:

Awarded to the boarder who has achieved outstanding academics grades: Connor Thompson

6.Victor Ludorum:

Awarded to the boarder who has displayed leadership and participated at the highest level and the most house points.

Sange Mbatu / Xolela Hoyi

As we celebrate the end of this year, let’s remember the memories we’ve created and the friendships that will endure. Thank you all for being a part of this wonderful institution that we call home. Here’s to a memorable past year and an even brighter future ahead. Enjoy the holidays.

Good luck for 2024.

Adolf groenewald

Speech by Jason Beckman

A year ago, I stood here handing over to the current matrics, a daunting task as I’m sure they now know, standing in front of them.

Although their journey may not have been as smooth as they had hoped you’ve all made it. Your high school career is over, no longer will the Wynberg name be your guide. Your time for ignorance is gone, it’s time for accountability.

You are now accountable for something more than yourself, for the name of Wynberg you still carry but the actions you’ll take forward will determine your success. For those who achieved all they wanted to in high school, congratulations I hope you look back on the relationships built and hold dear the memories you have created, and for those that wished they had done more, it’s okay don’t let these

years define you. Find passion in what you do and seek discomfort in your pursuit of growth. Your journey begins here as you leave these Wynberg gates for one of the last times, look back into the school that housed you for all this time and look back at the memories you have made and appreciate the work you did to make it here.

To those with a journey ahead of them, take a moment to be present in your time here. Everyone always told me that high school was the best but shortest years of your life and I never thought there was any truth in that. I was counting the days to leave as I finished up with finals ready for the December break, but the grass was a lot duller than I imagined. When you’re solely responsible for your actions, for your motivation, for your inspiration… for who you want to be. It can be quite a daunting and sadly inevitable task. So I ask whilst you have time to spare make the best of that time, seek discomfort and try something new this coming year. Join a new society, go for a walk to the Arderne gardens and look at the animals and trees. There is so much I wish I could go back and try, never again will you have this many opportunities in one place and all in arm’s reach. Your high school journey does not define you, the mistakes you make along the way will shape you but those mistakes aren’t the defining factor, the actions taken as a result will determine who you are. So I ask you this, if you could go back what would you change? Would you have put your name down for more? For most of you it’s not too late. No one who ever sat in comfort discovered something new. I struggled preparing this last part of my speech, it was easy to look back and see what I wish I had done, yet reflecting on the current served more of a challenge. Once again you are a small fish in a now bigger

pond, the value systems you have created for yourself, whether that be a top academic or first team sportsman no longer holds much weight. Your actions and determination are what people see and seek from you. For those that don’t know, I’m currently in a learnership at Sweet Valley Primary School and studying a Bachelors of Economics. A little ironic I know, working 12 years to get out of school only to go and work in one. This year has came with a lot of adjustment, my peers and Littlewood brother all separating in pursuit of their own journeys and many struggling to find the right path to take. I was fortunate that my job and studies had been confirmed prior to finals but for many that was not the case. It’s okay to be lost entering the adult world, paying bills and having to create a life for yourself with the limited knowledge you have is no easy task. Yet we humans are adaptable, so don’t be too caught up in the destination but enjoy the journey you took to get there for today will never happen again and tomorrow is never promised. Take it day by day and don’t be consumed by the expectations set by others and yourself. Allow yourself to find yourself and adjust the expectations you’ve set accordingly, don’t let the worries of today consume the hope of tomorrow.

So I ask you to remember this, learn as if you’ll live forever, but live as if you’ll die tomorrow. Jason beckman.

McNaughton HOuSES

Overview

Tutors: Mrs Geraldine Van der Westhuizen, Mr Franco Mostert, Mr Taahir Samaai, Mr Andries Bezuidenhout

House Prefect: Mikhail Kasfikis

House Captain: Alexander Masters-Kay

Coming off a successful 2022, where Mc n aughton won the Friedlander Shield, we knew that it would be difficult to live up to those standards this year.

However with the help of an excellent matric body which boasted three additional prefects to help aid Michail and I, we were able to put in a stellar performance and managed to secure third position in the standings.

Hopefully this will cement McNaughton’s position as a regular top 3 performer for many years to come.

Although we never got to experience the Nyamazela hike, the shortened Supera Moras hike in Grade 11 really tested us and taught us to keep going that no matter how challenging the task at hand is. This hike helped to bring our matric body closer and this played a large role in our success this year.

Each matric has had a significant impact on their Grade 8 buddy and inspired them on how to be a proper Wynberg man so that they can teach the future generations of the school what they learnt from their matric buddy.

I would like to express my thanks to every boy in the house for making our leadership group’s job easier. From always buying into every service drive to being willing to partake

in an interhouse event whether or not they knew what they were doing just so that we had somebody in the event to get points.

I’m glad that I got to work with Michail for this past year and I wouldn’t have wanted anybody else by my side.

We started our journey at Wynberg together having had the same matric buddy and I’ve gotten to know him quite well over the past few years. He is hardworking and was an excellent leader for the house and this helped me grow as a leader as well. Together we achieved great things for this house.

The tutors in the house have helped to guide us through the past 5 years and we are grateful for everything that they have done for us. For me in particular, Mr Potgieter was always there for us and made our journey at the school easier and more enjoyable. We are definitely going to miss all the rugby discussions that we would have during tutor periods.

Michail and I were privileged to work with an amazing house head in Mevrou Spammer. She helped us a lot throughout the year and molded us into good leaders for the house. The three of us had a brilliant relationship and that was key to our success this year.

I know we have left the house in very capable hands for 2024 and we wish the house only great things for the future, thank you.

Alexander Masters-Kay

Mcnaughton Leadership Day

On the 28 of September, the Grade 11 McNaughton group gathered for an eventful leadership day accompanied by McNaughton House Head, Ms Spammer. The goal was to build a bond between the boys and share their

ideas of leadership heading into their final year at Wynberg Boy’s High School.

The Grade 11 boys started their day off with breakfast on the beach followed by Cave Golfing. They ended their day off having lunch at a restaurant where their House Captain for 2024 was announced, Dayyaan Brown, who will be working alongside the McNaughton House Prefect, Lina Tyesi, to uphold and build on the values and morals associated with Wynberg Boys’ High School.

We are confident in this group of Grade 11 learners as throughout the leadership program we have observed the limitless potential within the group.

McNaughton Welcome evening

On the evening of October 25, 2023, Wynberg Boys High Schooi hosted a vibrant Grade 8 Welcome Evening. Led by McNaughton House Prefect and Captain, Linamandia Tyesi and Dayyaan Brown, students were allocated to the McNaughton house, fostering a sense of identity. Grade 7 students were paired with Matric mentors for 2024 through the buddy system, and Wynberg’s ideais were taught in a brief session with their tutor groups. The evening ended on a sweet note with doughnuts and juice, creating a friendiy atmosphere. This event effectiveiy integrated and oriented Grade 8 students of 2024 into the Wynberg Boys’ High School community.

HOuSES

Oude Wijnberg

Overview

Tutors: Ms Jocelyn De Mink, Mr Thato Springbok, Mr Jacobus Coetzee, Mr Blake Rimmer / Mr Kwakhona Ngwanya, Mr Chris Moore

House Prefect: Prince Farikeni

House Captain: Tando Green

Brothers in an endless chain - connection and belonging.

This year, we embarked on a journey to distil what truly matters to us as a house.

All boys and tutors completed a survey to give feedback on their experience of the house and to identify what we value most as a collective. The core committee collaborated with the tutors to identify a core set of values from the survey results. Our core values are LINKS – Loyal, Invested, Noble, Kind and Steadfast. These five values represent the house’s fabric and will give us our direction in the coming years.

Although we did not achieve the results we had set out to in the Friedlander Shield, the gees and energy in the house remained excellent at all inter-house events throughout the year. The house’s focus was introspective, developing our values, focusing on tutor periods and being the house with the blue flags. The initiative to improve the atmosphere in tutor periods emphasised no devices. To facilitate this, pullup bars to create a bit of competition and chess, uno, cards, dominoes, table tennis and basketball hoops were vital.

After several years of relative ‘stability’ regarding tutors, 2023 saw several significant changes within the house. For the second year, Oude Wijnberg had to see tutors leap of faith and lead

their own house. Ms De Mink and Mr Rimmer followed Ms Brady’s lead and were promoted to house head in the reshuffle to ten houses. Ms de Mink’s tutor group bravely followed her to the trailblaze with the new house Garrison. We will all miss them, but we know they won’t forget that on their journey at Wynberg Boys’ High School in Oude Wijnberg, the house will no doubt have impacted them. In the reshuffle, we also lost Mr Riddle to Sunninghill as he was promoted and given a tutor group. We welcome Mr Ngwanya, who took over from Mr Rimmer.

The core committee, House Prefect Prince Farikeni and House Captain Tando Green, served the house with diligence and care. Lastly, an enormous thank you must go to all the tutors this year who again selflessly poured themselves into the holistic development of the boys of Oude Wijnberg.

This year has been one with many changes, but change presents an opportunity, and that is precisely what Oude Wijnebrg did: made the most of. We believe 2024 is an exciting prospect with many options for the house.

House Prefect’s reflection

Being given the task of leading Oude Wijnberg into the 2022/2023 year was an exciting task that I was ready to face and overcome. Prior to my appointment, the leaders before me had left me a house that was ready and willing to buy in. We are known as the house that brings dynamism into every house event and I believe we did just that this year.

The year may have not started as well as we may have wanted but the inductee of the grade 8s this year made the achievements of our house quite telling. Their readiness and willingness to compete at all forefronts this year is what

elevated this house at the later stage of this year, and I truly believe that they have much more to offer in the years to come. Solidarity and bonding had been an ongoing struggle within the house during tutor sessions. Introducing indoor games, numerous activities, and the new Oude Wijnberg brand ‘LINKS’ (Loyal, Invest, Noble, Kind, and Steadfast) implemented by Mr Bassett to reconfigure the house and what we stand for was a way of solving this issue. It proved to be a major success as we managed to promote integration and the value of relationships and communication among the respective tutors.

In closing, I would like to thank the committee, Mr Bassett, and the staff for providing their services and support to ensure that the house was well maintained. As I pass my position to Joshua Gavin and his team, I wish them nothing but the best and hope that they bring the house to a prosperous 2024.

Prince farikeni

SILVERHuRST HOuSES

Overview

Tutors: Mrs Siobhan Bruce-Cook, Ms Lauren Cleophas, Mr Ighlaas Saiet, Mr James van Bosch

House Prefect: Noah Harrison

House Captain: Tawfiq Botha

“In order to rise from its own ashes, a phoenix first must burn”

– Octavia E. Butler must have had Silverhurst on the mind when uttering this line. It is a quote that has characterised life in Silverhurst this year, as well as the changes that inevitably came with new leadership in the house.

The end of 2022 saw Mr. Riccardo van Niekerk step down as Silverhurst House Head in order to fulfil his new role as a Vice-Principal. 2022 had not been the best year for Silverhurst, as they found themselves at the bottom of the Friedlander Shield – something that shook them to the core. Nonethless, Mr. van Niekerk’s capable hands had left me with a house that was hungry to prove people wrong.

It has been a great privilege to lead Silverhurst this year. I will never forget the enthusiasm with which I was met at our first house assembly. I was an alien to most of them (having been a Hawthornden tutor) but I was met with such warmth, that I instantly felt at home. It was this exuberance that made me realise that the ashes could be turned to fire once more.

It gives me great pleasure to announce that that spark has resulted in us climbing from stone-cold last to 4th on the Friedlander this year. I do not think that any house has ever been more excited to come fourth as we were, but it really is testament to the effort we put in to be able to fall into the top half of the houses.

I really am so grateful that I have boys in the house who are so ready to involve themselves. That is the fire I so love in this house. Never once did I have to beg for slots to be filled or for people to raise a hand to participate, despite it maybe not being in an area where they excelled. I believe this is also thanks to the steadfast leadership of Noah Harrison and the eagerness of Tawfiq Botha. Noah lead the house superbly this year and could always be counted on to explain to the boys why things were necessary. His careful consideration to the finer details tended well to the fire and I am so lucky to have had his reliability to carry us this year. This, coupled with Tawfiq’s energy and ‘gees’, was unstoppable. Tawfiq stoked the fire and made sure every event was done well, but also done with smiles. Of course, nothing is worth doing if it is not done with passion and enjoyment!

There were many highs this year, but one moment sticks out in my memory: the interhouse athletics. I am told that this event was a bit of a flop the previous year, but achieving the bronze place this year was a feeling second-to-none. I remember seeing a sea of faces looking at me, all cheering, and I knew that there was something truly special in this house and that the embers were starting to reignite after the struggles of the year before. This was the moment that I felt a shift in the house dynamic and we were all committed to our Friedlander goal. It is this drive that has sparked the #RoadtotheFriedlander movement in our house for 2024. I am glad that we have strong leaders in Enzo Manganyi and Amaan Saffodien who will make this dream a reality.

Another highlight for me was the annual Grade 11 Leadership Day where I got to take the 2024 leaders of Silverhurst out for a day of bonding and development. I was happy to have Miss

Lauren Cleophas (a long-standing tutor in the house) accompany me to the Waterfront this day as she helped to marry old visions with new. We spent a good amount of time at breakfast, really just focusing on connecting and getting to know each other. It was the first time this group had sat together since the Nyamezela hike of 2022, so it was lovely to see them all getting along and so comfortably chatting about what the future looked like in their eyes. Before heading off to HintHunt to put our collective brain-power to the test, Enzo addressed the group about his focus areas for 2024. It was a good moment for the group to align goals and for an action plan to start taking place. I am confident that this leadership group will take us to new heights. HintHunt gave them an opportunity to put their skills to the test and work together under pressure –something which they all thoroughly enjoyed despite the mental work-out that came with it.

I must acknowledge how blessed I am to work with tutors who are so committed to Silverhurst and who are so willing to support me and the boys at every turn. I was sad to lose Mrs Juanita Wilson to Garrison this year as Wynberg endeavoured on the 10-house project. Her expertise and empathy are sorely missed, but I know she is making waves in the new house and that she will prove a valuable asset in fostering their new culture. We welcomed Mr. Ighlaas Saiet to the house this year and his genuine interest in the boys and the safe space he creates for his tutor group have been great to witness. Mr. James van Bosch has been such a helping hand to me as he could explain the inner workings of Silverhurst. His knowledge of his tutor boys is really valuable and testament to how much he cares. Miss Lauren Cleophas has an energy that is unmatched and has been one of the driving forces of commitment

and involvement in the house. I specifically admire her ability to draw leadership potential out of her tutor boys, which is something we are looking to grow in the house. Mrs BruceCook has been my right-hand woman this year as she stepped into her role at second-incharge. Her ability to connect with her boys is second-to-none and I know her boys trust her implicitly. I have been lucky enough to benefit from her go-getter attitude as she has helped to organise events and make sure every slot was filled with the best boys to help us succeed. It is no surprise that with her at the helm, her tutor won the involvement challenge this year. I am sure other tutor groups will give them a run for their money next year! Watch this space.

2024 is bound to be an exciting year for Silverhurst and I look forward to seeing how our boys keep rising to the challenges and continue raising the bar. They have left 2023 burning bright and I hope that energy carries our house safely from success to success next year.

I am confident that we can keep that fire burning for many years to come.

Courtney Joubert

SuNNINGHILL HOuSES

Overview

Tutors: Mrs Tracey Brandt, Mr Jonathan Chuter, Mr Mouton Joubert, Mr Esmund van Wyk, Mr Dylan Riddle, Ms Ané Lategan, Mr Sheldon Norris

House Prefect: Daniel Wyley

House Captain: Oliver van Niekerk

“If you build it, they will come.”

This, often misquoted, line from the movie “Field of Dreams” provides a perfect springboard for the 2023 reflection. It also requires us to look back a little bit further than 2023. I think many of the seeds for 2023 were sown at the 2022 Grade 11 Leadership Week. This was where the hopes, foundations, plans, and goals for 2023 were created and formulated.

What I am most proud of is the tenacity and determination the boys displayed in pursuit of those goals. Indira Gandhi said: “Have a bias towards action – let’s see something happen now. You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away.” The entire leadership team of the house really took this to heart, and they were consistent in this approach across all spheres, throughout the year.

Daniel and Oliver did a superb job of rallying the boys together and they made sure that their vision for the house was the driving force behind every task undertaken. The entire leadership team impressed me with their commitment, drive, and amazing sense of humour. It is so encouraging to see how much the Sunninghill Committee has grown in number and depth. I think it is a very good sign that we have more and more boys interested in being a part of leading the house.

One thing we struggled with in 2022 was buy-in from the boys. It was quite a challenge getting boys to step up and participate in interhouse events. The leadership team placed a lot of emphasis on commitment and getting involved and this sparked a tremendous improvement in 2023. They also made sure to lead by example and were always the first to step up when needed. This all-hands-on-deck approach played a pivotal role in helping us achieve our goal of ending in the top three in the Friedlander Shield competition.

Sunninghill is a family. We take care of each other as a family does. It gladdens my soul to see the boys embody values of care, consideration, empathy and understanding. I am so grateful for the amazing group of teachers who serve as Sunninghill tutors. They lead by example and enrich the lives of our boys so much.

We bid a sad, yet very grateful, farewell to Mr Joubert at the end of Term 1. He left Sunninghill with a legacy of which he can be proud. Heartfelt thanks go to Mr van Wyk for stepping in as interim tutor until we could welcome Mr Riddle to the Sunninghill family. It was also tough to say farewell to Mr Chuter and his tutor group as we transitioned into the new era of ten houses at the school.

We continued our tradition of the termly Blue Flag Competition. The competition was fierce, and the rewards were eagerly sought after. The winners for the year were as follows:

Term 1: Lategan tutor group

Term 2: Brandt tutor group

Term 3: Lategan tutor group

Term 4: Norris tutor group

For the second year in a row, Ms Lategan’s tutor group was victorious in the Inter-tutor Games Competition. It was a hotly contested

competition that went down to the wire. The victors were only crowned after the last game had been played. They got to keep the trophy for another year, and they were also rewarded with a mini-basketball hoop for their tutor venue.

The year was filled with many wonderful highlights. It was a very proud moment when a Sunninghill boy, Aden Da Costa was elected as the head boy for 2024. Farhan Omar also did the house proud with his election to Academic prefect. The Grade 11 Leadership Day was once again an amazing experience. It is so inspiring to see what our young gentlemen would like to achieve as leaders next year. The new boys’ day was another tremendous display of intentional leadership on their part. The Grade 7s departed the evening with big smiles and excited hearts. Achieving second place in the Friedlander Shield proved that when we all work together, there is nothing that stands in the way of us achieving our goals. Ms Lategan’s tutor group also went on to win the coveted Neville Blackbeard Trophy for the tutor group with the most “gees”. I am especially proud because

this is the second year that Sunninghill has claimed the trophy. It is proof that there really is something so special in our house.

To the wonderful tutors, you have my eternal gratitude and admiration. Our house would not be what it is without you. You inspire me on a daily basis, and I am so privileged to work alongside you.

To the leadership team, you were simply amazing. You built something incredible, and you inspired everyone else to get on board. You built it and they came. Continue the good work you have begun.

To my Sunninghill boys, thank you for always striving to be the light. I have seen your good hearts, most especially during service drives. I know I can always count on you to bring kindness and joy to those less fortunate. Thank you for taking our values seriously and for always trying to live up to them. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter holds for us.

Ms lisa brady sunninghill House Head

HOuSES

TROVATO

Overview

Tutors: Ms Kayla Hoey, Mr Josh Stevens, Mr Ben Wiley, Mr Stephan Pretorius

House Prefect: Eesa Majiet

House Captain: Khoza Makubalo

The year started as a normal year until the introduction of an extra two houses.

This required a slight shuffle with respect to one of the tutors in the new house. The various inter-house events went well especially the hockey where we won the Senior competition and were narrowly beaten in the Junior competition. Participation was up in most events this year thanks to the leadership of Eesa Majiet and Khoza Makubalo. We wish David Fourie (House Prefect) and Anelka Tshuma (House Captain) all the best for the year to come. The Grade 11 group is well prepared to lead the house to bigger and better things.

The Trovato boys have shown great leadership and Supera Moras spirit this year in all the

challenges they have faced. The Grade 8 group along with their Grade 12 buddies tackled the Grade 8 hike and all managed to complete it successfully. The Grade 9 group eventually managed to start and complete the Supera Moras hike after numerous false starts due to the inclement weather we experienced. They handled the rescheduling like champions and showed true grit to get it done. The Nyamezela hike was once again an inspiring and lifechanging experience for the Grade 10 group and they have come back and changed for the better. All 21 boys who started the grueling 12day hike in the Cederberg completed the hike. Many thanks to the organisers and Mr. Rimmer for affording the boys this opportunity to show their leadership potential as well as Supera Moras spirit

One of the worst casualties of COVID was our Nyamezela, but this year it was back and the Trovato boys did exceptionally well.

It was a fabulous experience and many of the boys showed different leadership abilities, one of which was a first for the very experienced guides viz. Boeber expertly cooked on the

Grade 11 Leadership Day boat cruise into Table Bay

mountain using the meager ingredients on offer. Unfortunately, 2 boys didn’t start the hike and one had to medically be removed during the hike, so unfortunately, they didn’t get to experience the hardships, trials and the development opportunities that the 10 days in the Cederberg afforded those that did the hike.

The Grade 11 planning day started at Greenpoint Park where we decided on two focus areas for the year as a house. The two themes are: Focus on the Buddy system and the Trovato house spirit. The Grade 11s collected Erythrina seeds

from the trees in the park and have used these as the analogy of choosing and setting goals carefully and that they need constant care. They were tasked with germinating and growing these trees this year which we will hopefully donate to the school when they matriculate at the end of Grade 12.

It was a very busy year and almost back to normal. We’re looking forward to a great year in which we foster the house and school spirit under the new leadership of the house.

Mr graham James (House Head)

Grade 10 Nyamezela done and dusted

A very happy and relieved bunch of Trovato Nyamezela hikers

HOuSES

INTERHOuSE BASKETBALL

INTERHOuSE GALA

HOuSES

INTERHOuSE HOCKEY

INTERHOuSE SQUASH HOuSES

INTERHOuSE TUG-OF-WAR

CREATIVE

“... firm its roots, and broad its branches ...”

CREATIVE

AND FINALLY, SOME CREATIVE TREATS…

every year, some of our Wynberg men wow us with their insightful creative submissions, especially in english, Arikaans, isixhosa and Art.

And every year, these gems get marked by a teacher, and placed in a folder, either for moderation or until the year’s final marks have been verified.

No one else ever gets to share in the pure genius that is produced by our boys. I am so pleased to be able to share some of these with all of you.

Enjoy!

Jocelyn de Mink (Head of english)

T HE G IFT OF I MAGINATION

Christian Kapp – Grade 12

I would like to take a trip back to humanity’s cradle. Back to when our ancestors began thinking, truly thinking. Back to when they first asked questions, not about survival or hunger, not about lions and danger, but about themselves and their existence. We have come a long way as a species since then. If they could understand me (and me them), would they believe me about our journey, a journey from sticks and caves to space travel and quantum physics? If I’m to be honest, I don’t think even I would. Yet here we are. They took the steps that put us on this path. They imagined a new world, little by little.

They imagined small things first, of course; things such as: “What if I take this fruit and bring it to my home?” or even: “Imagine if my shelter was next to the food?” Farming and housing: the keys to community and growth. And grow we did! From villages to towns to cities to metropolises, we grew. Everything was fuelled by our imagination. We built pyramids! We built Rome and Athens! We looked at the stars and we saw the stories of our heroes and gods. Oh, how proud the ancients might be if they knew that one day people would look up and be able to name those who have crossed the frontier into the heavens. Not gods or demigods, but mortals, men and women of flesh and blood, carried, not by divine power, but by the creativity of the human mind. With a bravery not supported by the knowledge of immortality, but by the faith of our own imaginative ability. Oh, how proud?

We - the over eight billion human beings on this planet - have now reached a point where we are imagining the creation of machines that imagine as we do. We are on the verge of becoming “gods” of creation ourselves. Will we be good creators? Will we one day imagine a way to perfect ourselves? To become like the creators that we have worshipped and aspired to for millennia? Questions like these both terrify and excite me. The progress we have made is frankly astounding and we owe it to our minds and their annoying tendency to refuse to stand still. We owe it to our ability to imagine a world that is different to the one we found before us.

So, here we stand, on the precipice of creation, on the edge of discovery. We have faced this cliff on countless occasions. Every single time we have taken a leap of faith… and soared higher-up to the next cliff. And when we can’t see the next peak through the clouds? We imagine. We create the cliff ourselves. I think that if our creator(s) are watching us they would be immensely proud. Through our imperfections and mistakes, they would recognise our achievements. At every step, leap, and flutter they are there, egging us on, encouraging our progress. But who knows? Let us continue imagining until we can ask them ourselves.

CREATIVE

T HE p LACE IN MY HEAD …

Daiyaan Basedien – Grade 12

A smile never finds a home on my face. I wake up every morning to the sound of my blaring alarm clock, dreading the day ahead. My life is a never-ending cycle of stress, frustration, and misery. Every breath feels like a struggle as I trudge through my miserable existence, weighed down by the burdens of a life consumed by stress and despair. From the moment I step out the front door, I am bombarded with endless expectations, deadlines and responsibilities that consume my every waking moment. I feel as if I am trapped in a perpetual state of chaos, unable to catch my breath or find a moment of peace. Today something changed. I discovered the place in my head, a place of solace within my mind. The place in my head is a sanctuary of sorts, a peaceful oasis that exists within my imagination. It is a place of great beauty and serenity. As I close my eyes and take a deep breath, I can instantly transport myself to this place. The first thing that strikes me as I enter this world is the sense of tranquility that pervades the air. The sound of the wind, rustling through the trees, is a gentle lullaby that soothes my mind. The sunlight filters through the leaves, dappling the ground with warm, golden light. The air is sweet and fresh, filled with the aroma of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass.

As I walk through this world, I am surrounded by nature in all its glory. Towering trees stretch towards the sky, their branches reaching out to embrace me like a long-lost friend. The grass is soft and cool beneath my feet, and wildflowers of every colour dance in the breeze. A gentle stream flows nearby, its crystal-clear water glistening in the sunlight. As I sit beside the stream, I let the water wash away all my troubles. The animals of this world are my constant companions. Birds dart through the trees, filling the air with melodic tunes. Squirrels scamper along the branches, chattering and playing. A deer appears on the edge of my vision, its eyes curious and watchful. Everywhere I look, there is life and vitality.

The most significant thing about the place in my head is the sense of peace that it brings. In this world, there is no rush, no stress and no worries.I can breathe deeply and feel my muscles relax, releasing all the tension that accumulates in my daily life. I can sit by the stream and watch the water flow, lost in my thoughts. The place in my head is a refuge, a place where I can escape the stresses of the world and find moments of peace. It is a world that I have created for myself, but it is also a world that exists in the hearts of all those who seek it. The place in my head serves as a reminder that peace is always within reach, if only we know where to look. We should always remember that “peace begins with a smile.” - Mother Teresa (1910-1997)

T HE L ONELY pALM

Daniel Sampson – Grade 12

A lonely palm tree wildly waves in the whistling wind, standing alone and trapped by the enclosing concrete jungle of man. Despite tireless torture and an ever-increasing withering, the tree stands tall, deeply rooted through the various strains of life.

The first root is connected through poverty and the remnants of a segregated line of pain and injustice. Although indigenous to the land it is rooted in, the lonely palm tree is left alienated from its family. As time moves and changes, the tree is indifferent, simultaneously running to catch up with time and running toward distant memories.

The second root is connected to luxury and freedom, a life bestowed upon the lonely palm tree by its predecessors. Despite learning to thrive, the tree bears guilt instead of bearing fruit, which could provide light to its soon-to-be fledglings. The tree adapts to living in a sanctioned environment, a sanctuary for well-lived and healthy palms, where it can draw from the memories of thousands before it. The sanctuary provides the necessary resources for proper growth and to bear the fruit full of knowledge and chivalrous manners.

The third root contains weakly woven skills of communication. The lonely palm tree finds refuge in the shade of friendship, built upon deeply rooted trust, but if broken, it could destroy the tree. The tree’s life is based on this shelter, which seems unbreakable, and the bonds that seem necessary for growth. Sadly, the shade provided by the tree disappears when the moon takes the place of the sun. The lonely palm tree will soon realize that when the shade merges with the darkness, it is still alone, and the illusion of true friendship melts away.

The fourth root holds aspirations. To grow tall and strong in the face of harsh weather and challenging environmental conditions is no easy feat. The lonely palm must expend a great deal of energy and resources to put down roots and absorb the nutrients and water he needs to survive. He faces competition from other plants and animals for these vital resources. And even when he has all that he needs to thrive, his growth can be slowed by disease, pests, and other factors beyond his control. Despite these obstacles, he remains determined to reach his full potential. He stretches his branches toward the sun and grows new fronds year after year, pushing himself to grow taller and stronger. While the path to achieving his aspirations may be difficult, he finds meaning in the struggle and takes pride in the strength and resilience that comes from persevering through adversity.

The fifth and last root cradles the most important thing in its palm. Dignity. I am the lonely palm, and I hold dignity close to my heart. Despite the challenges that come with standing alone in a concrete jungle, I stand tall with roots that run deep, drawing strength and nourishment from the strains of life around me. The roots of my aspirations, my hardships, and my deepest desires are woven together, forming the foundation of my existence. Through the winds of change and the storms of adversity, I remain steadfast, anchored in the dignity that I hold dear. As the sun sets on another day, I take solace in the fact that I have lived with integrity and honour, and that, no matter what comes my way, my dignity will remain intact.

CREATIVE

F ROM A B ICYCLE TO A CORVETTE IN 60 SECONDS

Kyle Williams – Grade 12

I am Superman!! I am flying over the Eiffel tower. I dive into the Seine River, but I am not in the mood for a boat trip. Should I rescue a damsel in distress? Hmmm... not today. Instead, I shall jump into my dream car, a 2023 Yellow Chevy Corvette convertible, and …

According to William Blake, images and ideas derived from imagination are the genesis of the reality we perceive today. More precisely, William Blake holds that every great invention, idea, and reality of things that we see today were once imagined through a combination of simple and complex thought processes. Moreover, Blake adds that such images and ideas might have once been considered impossible but through the strength and conviction of the mind, such ideas and imaginations are implemented and proven.

I can be anyone and go anywhere through my Virtual Reality lens!

Virtual reality allows for the creation of a simulated environment that can be explored in 360 degrees. From the dynamics of virtual reality, the experience in virtual reality is a form of imagination for humanity that is aided through the creation of Digital twins.

The nature of virtual reality is such that it can elicit emotions and feelings as if the experience was happening in reality. What we experience and feel in these virtual worlds is a manifestation and proof of William Blake’s theory that what is now proven was once only imagined. During my virtual experiences, expressions of emotions, for example happiness or confusion, can be seen on my face, despite the absence of any physical stimuli in my real environment that could evoke such an emotion.

I am completely fearless and invincible in my virtual world!

An analysis of my physical environment will show that I am in my room, with no other people or objects. From the analysis of my real environment, there are little to no stimuli in the environment that could influence my emotions and feelings. However, by going through the virtual reality experience, a perception of different realities is created in my brain that influences the secretion of hormones that control emotions.

According to William Blake, there is a direct connection between imagination and reality. When one imagines a situation, one’s mental system is likely to come up with procedures and plans to transform the imagination into a reality.

As I speed though the streets of Paris, I can feel my heart beating in my throat. Then suddenly… Silence... Darkness… It is loadshedding. Shoot!

I pull up my blinds, just in time to see our neighbour getting into his Canary Yellow Chevy Corvette convertible and my bicycle winking at me from the garage door.

W INDOWS TO THE S O u L

Joshua Vincent – Grade 12

My father is an optometrist – Doctor Lee, full name Seymour Claire Lee. Fitting, isn’t it? Well, if ‘fittingness’ is my father’s gift, then irony is my curse.

Knowing what’s best for his children, and their eyes, my father has seen to it that my sister, Iris, and I have played cricket often. According to him, cricket is God’s gift to those who want strong eyes. The benefits are numerous: hand-eye coordination; long range detail recognition; a wide range of lighting adjustments, from sunlight to floodlight, and many more. We, however, do not always see eye-to-eye, and I would often find my eyes and thoughts drifting during a game.

You see, not much that interests my father has the same effect on me.

I do not see the point of knowing how the pupil scientifically catches light upside down like a trapeze artist, and how the brain warps the image into what we see. But my father loves his quotes, and our common favorite is that “eyes are the window to the soul”.

One can read more about someone’s feelings through a glance at their eyes than through a conversation. When their eyes narrow to reduce their field of view, they block you out too, and when they widen, you are invited in to share your thoughts. The pupil will visibly expand when it is exposed to something that its ruler deems pleasing, and when the outer ends of the brow submit to gravity, the sensitive glint that shines from accepting eyes welcomes the soul to stay for a meal and a hug.

Though I knew the beauty of sight, it had never struck me how instrumental it was in my life. What did strike me was Saturday morning’s first reverse sweep, which sent the cricket ball right into the window frame that I call the bridge of my nose.

My windows were shattered. I felt the grass on my back.

The cricket ball was still bouncing against the inside of my skull. God closed the curtains and walked away.

This was my serving of irony.

Through my last available eye, that of my mind, I could see my father’s pain. The optometrist’s son had gone blind. He was playing his father’s favorite game when it happened.

I could hear his blank stare ploughing into the silence at the table.

At that point I began my lamenting reflection, as I would never again see my own, and I continue with it to this day: I can no longer lay eyes on my family. The sights of sunsets and night sky evade me. I will never see the saucepans above the cheeks of my lover on the altar. The next light I could hope to see will be the one at the end of the tunnel...

CREATIVE

T HERE IS A p LACE INSIDE MY HEAD

Luca Connaroe – Grade 12

Crunch – Boom! I am on my feet and running before my eyes have even opened, groggy feet reluctant to comply with my mind’s urgency. Another crunch, this time to the left of me, followed by a colossal BOOM. I keep my eyes closed as dirt and bits of stone fly every which way, threatening to pierce my cheeks and face. My mind and memory guide me through the narrow halls of the trenches. “Mortar, get to cover!” I hear someone scream from behind me, as if that isn’t glaringly obvious already. I don’t stop running until the screams and bone-rattling booms of the mortar shells become distant naggings at the back of my mind. Only then, do I open my eyes.

What greets me is a sorrowful sight, one of wounded, wailing soldiers, propped up against the walls of the trenches like the homeless in an alleyway. Our country’s finest and strongest men reduced to disfigured wretches, curled up in rags. A few men scramble about, attempting, unsuccessfully, to ease the men’s pain. Their moans and wails begin to fill my ears, and I know that if I don’t keep walking, they will take residence in my mind, exiling my sanity.

I wander through the passageways coated with death and despair, trying to reconnect with my squadron from which I split up while escaping the mortar fire. I eventually stumble upon them doing a head count. There are substantially fewer of us now, less than half of what we started with. Everyone’s heads are hanging low, and our spirits worsen when our colonel says: “We’re losing too many fighters on the front line. Our squad’s been ordered to move up and help out.”

Something I’ve noticed in my eleven months of serving my country, is that everyone has got their own ways to deal with the horrors of war. Some turn to drinking to numb the pain. Others bottle it up deep down inside of them, pretending they aren’t affected by anything, until one day, it all comes exploding out in a fit of rage or despair. Me? There’s a place inside my head where I go when things get rough. This is where my family lives for me, and I can visit them whenever I choose. My mother, father and brother all look the same as they did eleven months ago when I last saw them. They help me to get through the pain and horrors of this war.

Just walking through the frontline trench, even without any fighting, is one of the most harrowing things anyone could ever experience. You cannot go a few metres without stepping over someone’s son / father / brother, caked in blood and mud. It is here that I decide to visit my family while aiming my rifle over the trench. “Hello mother.” BANG! “Hello, my boy.” BANG! BANG! “I’ve been meaning to tell you tha -” she gets cut off as the burst of a machine gun sounds from across no-man’s-land. I feel myself lifted off the ground for a second and, as if the president has walked into a room, everything and everyone goes silent. The screams and gunshots dissipate, the pain withdraws itself from my body. I feel a sense of contentedness as my body immerses itself in eternal peace.

R AVEN ’ S R IDGE

Ebinezer Kevin Karengera – Grade 12

Every day after school we ran up the hill and into the forest, sword-fighting the monstrous trees, swinging on their vines, and jumping over streams. Jake encouraged me as we ventured deeper and deeper into the woods, where shadows grew, but worries died. This was where we felt most alive – free under the comfort of the canopy.

Panting and struggling, we trekked up Raven’s Ridge. The blisters on our feet, the fleshdeep cuts on our shins and the scourge of the bloodthirsty mosquitoes only served as motivation to reach the summit. We clumsily approached our destination and overlooked the seemingly endless forest. The view was breathtaking. As we stood there admiring God’s work, the breeze infiltrated my wounds which brought about a sweet and satisfying pain.

Jake screamed into the distance at the top of his lungs, as we enjoyed the responses of his echoes. Looking back at the distance we had covered, we felt invincible. We laughed and danced in triumph, before settling down to watch the sunset. The evening sun cast a growing cloud of shadows over the treetops. The slanted sunrays and all the beautiful colours that came with them retreated behind the mountains. Then, darkness.

I remembered when I first met Jake. It was the first day of school, and I was alone. I looked out of the window and into the distance. The mountains called me by name while the forest beckoned. The bell rang, signalling the end of the day, but in reality, it was the beginning of a great friendship, as there stood Jake at the trail leading up to Raven’s Ridge.

As the world around me grew colder, Jake became increasingly rare. Without him, the forest haunted me as the trees swayed and whistled to the tune of loneliness. The angry wind scraped against my skin as I watched the sunset, that now came in shades of grey. I was once a young boy with the forest at my feet and the world at my fingertips. But today, I am a lumberjack with an axe as my only companion. Jake was my compass, and in his absence the forest, and my life, seemed without direction.

I remembered Jake’s audacious spirit, his aggression, his youth, his carefree nature, his immortality…

No. He was not immortal. He was never mortal to begin with.

I stood at the absolute peak of Raven’s Ridge thinking; “Was it worth it to be happy for a little bit? Or would it have been better if Jake had never existed at all?” I leaned over the edge and saw Jake for the last time. I closed my eyes, and my old friend welcomed me into his arms.

CREATIVE

T HE DARK , T HE LIGHT

Sebastian de Klerk – Grade 11

Darkness. A hollow echo pings through the black. The night has nothing to answer. Mysterious figures dance in the dark, parading their stolen light, taunting the dark and mocking this night’s incompletion. The shallow light reveals little but rock and stone. A beautiful gold copies this light and sends it to all in her path. We go deeper.

Small noises of scampering and crawling ring true in this darkness. The silence all but melts as a roar of one with much anger forces up all the light he can take. A posh purple and brilliant blue respect this effort and resonate with it. However, an oozing twist of vines seeks revenge against the dark, the light, and all in between. It strikes out the land between the colours and covers them up. It reaches out as far as it can and keeps hold, imitating the darkness in its slow and inevitable consumption.

As if all are against it, another smashes the sanctity of the night. Hot reds and fiery oranges plummet down, leaving nothing in their path. As they evaporate the rock, they spot the dark, they see its solemn solitude, forever forlorned in fear and feast on its frailty. They cackle at how they can instantly encompass the darkness, yet it can merely and slowly digest the light. But alas, darkness will always remain, and just as it never fails to do, it slowly swallows up the light. Nothing but craters and crumbling towers, cremated and causeless, remain.

The darkness, once again broods in its black bastion of lies, hiding away all that is sought after, it has licked it wounds, sharpened its fangs and returns to its melancholy. Light seems to make no sense, they know they cannot win against the night, it will always consume all, they cannot win. But they try, they persevere.

With pride and rage they conquer!

A low hum hangs over the silence. It does nothing but get louder. Louder. LOUDER. The screeching, clashing and clanging devours the dark, breaks through the hidden depths and releases a cascade of light.

Glittering golds and candescent crimsons once lost are found. The rock and stone take on lost features hidden away by the dark. Small chatter and emotion runs through the cave. Glowing flowers fluttering in the draft reveal. The light spreads with the creatures, claiming the gilded rock as they go. New life breathes through as the colours rejoice for they can lament in light at last. But as the light bounces deeper, an evil writhes at the thought, its mangled tendrils convulse in madness. It and the insects revolt in hatred. How will they fare against the light?

T HERE IS A p LACE INSIDE MY HEAD …

Hamzah Loonat – Grade 12

Ever since I became fixated on maximizing my productivity, I have realised something vital, yet disappointing: Humans sleep for an unreasonably large portion of their life - one third, to be exact. This is a third of their life, subjectively, completely wasted. People may argue that sleep is essential to life, with its countless health benefits. I think so too, which is why I am an avid sleeper. But a few years ago, that wasn’t the only reason why I ventured into the land of dreams so often.

One Saturday afternoon, I was blessed with the luxury of some free time. I was browsing through the vast expanse called the internet and stumbled upon something particularly intriguing. I was immediately captivated, enticed by a promise of endless possibilities. This new discovery was the answer to one third of my problems. Namely, sleep. But it was like a siren’s song, tempting me with its seductive melody, yet I felt that it would lead me down a perilous pathway. I should have trusted that feeling, but the melody was too captivating.

That was the day that I embarked on the twisting path of something dangerously surreal: Lucid dreaming. One may think that going lucid would carry only benefit. I thought so too, yet I was horribly mistaken. Initially, I used it to my advantage, retreating into the dreamland mainly for the purpose of pondering and planning. I would spend hours reclining on beautifully fashioned couches adorned with intricate stitching, crafting elegant solutions to my real-world problems. But as time passed, I became tempted by the countless possibilities. With the world being powered by my subconscious mind, I could delve deep into my darkest memories and relive the beautiful ones. I had the dangerous luxury of instantaneous indulgence in anything I desired.

I experienced countless exhilarating events and formed many intimate relationships. From wing suiting and police chases to romantic beachside walks and playing pool in my elegantly designed abode; I had it all. My real life tasted like unseasoned chicken compared to the big, juicy tikka chicken that was lucid dreaming. Every day, I longed for more, yet every day, my heart grew emptier. I passed through real life like an empty vessel, yearning to be filled with purpose and fulfilment. The foundations of my sanity began to crumble as my increasing obsession consumed me, pulling me into a bottomless abyss. I began neglecting my physical health, choosing an illusionary life of hedonism over a reality of functional purpose. Every day, I would wake up from an enchanting deception to the deafening silence of absolute loneliness, abandoned by those who once held me dear to their hearts.

I found myself on the edge of a colossal bridge, my heart gnawed away by a feeling of bitter purposelessness. The cars below flew past at alarming speeds, and the tarmac invited me with the enticing promise of an immediate end. The invitation was far too tempting, and I was dangerously desperate. I felt a light tap on my shoulder. I turned around in fright. There was a man behind me, dressed in all white, with a luscious red beard, and a bottle of water and a warm meal in his hands. His face was adorned by a wonderfully warm smile. “Come, let us have a meal together,” he said. The prospect of someone caring about me seemed far more appealing than the rough, grey tarmac. That was the day that I was guided to real purpose, the day I found Islam.

CREATIVE

T HERE IS A p LACE INSIDE MY HEAD …

Zakariya

Loonat – Grade 11

At the end of each day, as I slowly drift off into a deep sleep, I reflect on the outcome of my life and the events that have led up to this day. It was on this day, two years ago, that I lost my wife and daughter. As I lay here reminiscing about the loving moments we shared, I am able to escape the pain of reality and explore a place within my head where problems cease to exist. If only I could stay there forever. However, before I know it, I am awoken by the reality of life.

There is a place inside my head to which I often retreat. It is a place of tranquillity, a place where my thoughts and dreams reside, where my memories are stored, and where my emotions are felt. I enter this cherished sanctuary through a door of my own imagination, which no one else has access to or knows about. It may not be of physical value, but it’s just as real to me as the chair on which I am sitting.

In a world that can be chaotic and overwhelming, it is important to have a place to which I can escape, even if it is a world created in my mind. In the famous words of Pi quoted from the novel, Life of Pi “The lower you are, the higher your mind will want to soar.” So, when feeling anxious or stressed, I take a moment to close my eyes and allow myself to sink into the familiar landscape of my mind. I find calm in the sound of waves breaking on the shore; the rustling of the leaves in the trees; and the gentle warmth of the sun on my skin, all of which conspire to restore my peace of mind.

I have learnt that I don’t need to wait for the right circumstances or a certain time to access my retreat. It’s always there for me, waiting for me to close my eyes and enter. When I enter this dream world, I often picture my wife and daughter with me and being able to see them again is the greatest gift one can receive. However, the pleasure of this gift is often interrupted by the realisation that it is merely a dream. My daughter’s smile may look real but, in reality it is just a figment of my imagination.

There are times when my retreat is not so peaceful. Sometimes I am haunted by the unpleasant memories of the past or anxious thoughts that I can’t seem to get rid of. My problems are like a tsunami that slowly builds up and approaches me for my inevitable death. In those moments, my sanctuary becomes a battlefield where I must fight to regain my mental balance. Even in those difficult times, the place inside my head remains a source of strength.

Some people might think that I have an overactive imagination but for me, it’s an essential part of my mental well-being. It is a place where I can explore, reflect, and find solace when I need it most. It’s a place of endless possibility, where I can be anything I want to be and go anywhere my mind can imagine.

T HE F INAL G OODBYE

Zayaan Edwards – Grade 11

As I watched my best friend board the plane, I immediately succumbed to the stabbing pain in my chest. I couldn’t fathom what I was seeing. The tears streamed down my face uncontrollably; our label of “inseparable” was soon to be taken away from us.

The airport was filled with people bustling about but to me it felt like a quiet and empty space. She turned around to give me her last, empathetic smile but I couldn’t return it. I couldn’t comprehend what was happening. How could I say goodbye to someone who had been with me through everything? Since I had heard that she was moving to a different country, I’d felt completely different. It felt as if I was losing a vital part of the puzzle that made up my life. How could I say goodbye to someone who knew me better than anyone else? Someone who had been my constant source of support and laughter for as long as I could remember?

I tried to envision what life would be like without her but it was inconceivable. She was such an integral part of my life that it was impossible to picture a future without her by my side. I cared about her more than I cared about myself. I loved her more than life itself.

As I watched her disappear behind the security checkpoint, I felt apiece of my heart break off. I was well aware that things would never be the same again. No more late-night movie marathons or calling till the sunlight peeked through my blinds. Our daily calls and texts would now have to be scheduled in advance and our time together would be limited to vacations and holidays.

As I walked away from the airport, the reality of her absence hit me like a ton of bricks. I had never felt so lonely and vulnerable before, Then, I remembered al the memories we had made together, all the inside jokes and all the moments of poor joy we had shared. No amount of distance could ever erase those memories from my mind. The memories reminded me how my days of being happy were numbered.

The hardest part about losing someone isn’t necessarily having to say goodbye, but rather trying to fill the void that’s left in your heart when they leave. That was the hardest goodbye I’ve ever had to say but it was also a reminder of the power of true friendship. Despite the distance, we would always be there for each other and our bond would only grow stronger over time.

As I looked up into the sky, I knew that my friend was embarking on a new adventure and I was excited to see where life would take her. Regardless of where she went, she would always have a piece of my heart with her.

CREATIVE

AGTER DIE M ASKER

Naas Beets – Grade 12

Hartseer. Treurig. Somber.

Dit is hoe ek gevoel het, maar ek het agter ‘n masker geleef. Ek het gemaak asof my lewe ‘n sprokiesverhaal is, maar dit was ver van die werklikheid. Ek het vir myself en almal rondom my gejok. My lewe was ‘n leuen.

Die lewe was swaar. Daar was probleme in oorvloed, dit was soos ‘n damwal wat enige tyd sou bars. Beurtkrag het die lig in my lewe gesteel. Geweld was om elke draai. Oorlog het verwoesting oral oor die wêreld gesaai… Covid-19 het ons lewens verwoes. Hoe kon ‘n mens anders as om angstig te voel? Die kettings van wanhoop het my vasgebind en ek kon nie daarvan los kom nie.

Ek het gemaak asof ek my lewe geniet het, maar ek het agter ‘n fasade geleef. ‘n Wilsbesluit om die skoonheid en wonder van die wêreld te waardeer het my lewe verander. My familie en vriende het skielik soveel meer vir my beteken. My liefde vir ander het nie meer beperkings gehad nie. Ek het soos ‘n ruspe gevoel wat in ń skoenlapper verander. Ek het nie meer agter ‘n masker geleef nie. My fasade was gebreek. Ek was ‘n nuwe, gelukkige mens.

Gelukkig. Opgewonde. Liefhebbend. Ek het nie meer agter ‘n masker geleef nie. Ek het my kettings van wanhoop gebreek en myself uit die doolhof van treur bevry. Net soos dit net een klein klippie vat om ‘n reus plat te slaan, vat dit net een klein verandering om die lewe te geniet.

SCHOOL MAp

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