WYNBERG GIRLS’
NEWSLETTER
NEWSLETTER
Also available on our website : www.wynghs.co.za
JUNE 2014
Dear Parents I have been fortunate to attend two events this week where I was captivated by the music being performed. The first was a function where the piano performance was background music – unobtrusive, yet a beautiful and excellent addition to the event. The second was our Campus Orchestral Concert where the music was centrestage, sometimes quiet but mostly bold! I never cease to be amazed by the musical talent at the four Wynberg schools. Had you been there (and sitting nearer the front) you would have seen the young junior school members of the orchestra - some still at the stage where you play only the base notes of the cello, no string work on the frets yet; the flautist who hit herself in the face when concentrating on bringing her flute to her mouth at exactly the correct moment; the older more experienced band members whose years of practice gave wonderful and moving performances on their chosen instrument. What struck me was the fact that everyone had a part to play. Sometimes it was an individual who was given a chance to shine, and at other times that same musician was part of the group, blending in and giving intensity to the performance. The quality and depth of the performances would not have been the same had each individual not kept to their notes and played the best that they could. This is so much like life. Only sometimes is the individual centre-stage. Mostly we are asked to be part of the group, with our contribution enhancing the group. I am grateful to the girls who see themselves as an important part of Wynberg Girls' High School. They understand that their Namibian contribution Squash in Association achieving excellent results in any of the four pillars, in participating in leadership, in remembering that their behaviour at all times reflects on the values and discipline of their school, in contributing in any way to the camaraderie, spirit and sisterhood which exists in the school – is what gives WGHS that special quality and that belief that we are extraordinary. These girls have #wynbergpride! Thank you to all the Wynberg girls who have played their part in this very disjointed term, with many public and school holidays to disrupt their attention. Well done to those who have remained focused on their commitments this term and leave for this holiday knowing that they have given of their best and have achieved their goals in different areas of their lives. This newsletter accompanies the very important mid-year report. Please read it carefully and discuss these results and the Behaviour and Work ratings. There were several girls who missed their Wynberg Pass by only a percentage point or two in one subject. We urge them to make it their aim to achieve this next term! We hope that all our Wynberg families have a very special holiday with their daughters. Travel safely, enjoy the special qualities of each member of the family, and come back for the new term with clear goals of what you want to achieve in the four pillars and as part of the different groups of which you are a member. Take care. Warm regards Shirley Harding PRINCIPAL
HIGH SCHOOL
EXAM & EISTEDDFOD EXCELLENCE Wynberg is very proud of Hong Ju Nam (left) and Rachel Suttle (right)who both passed their Trinity Grade 8 piano exams with distinction. Hong Ju achieved 90% and Rachel 89%. Rachel also did excellently in the Cape Town Eisteddfod, achieving a Diploma in the Musical section, Honours in the Baroque section and a Diploma in her trio. Georgia Bailey was the star of the Wynberg show with five awards: four Diplomas - in Musicals, Modern and Contemporary, and in her trio, and an Honours in Baroque. Natalie Winter sang with aplomb, achieving a Diploma for Musicals and Contemporary, and Highest Honours for Baroque. Many congratulations too, to Carla Stokes who obtained a distinction for her Grade 7, Royal Schools’ Music examination. In addition, Carla and her trio of dancers were awarded a Diploma at the CT Eisteddfod. They danced in the finals and won a medal for best in their category.
SQUASH STAR! Very special congratulations to Nhadia Gustavo, who has been chosen to represent her native country, Namibia, in the World Junior Squash Championships in August. Well done, Nhadia!
DANCE EISTEDDFOD RESULTS
SILWOOD ICING DEMO FOR GRADE 12s
Tasha Ainsworth won both her set dances and was awarded the Francis Harrison Bursary for the most promising dancer over the age of 13. Veronique Reagon was placed 1st in group section of the Cape Town Eisteddfod and was runner-up in the 16-17 repertoire. Zhenya Pietersen won the 15-16 section (En Pointe Set Classical), and was runner-up in the Repertoire competition. Kate Didcott danced in the finals with a Debbie Lindup School of Ballet group. They won their section and were awarded a diploma.
VOCAL EISTEDDFOD RESULTS Congratulations to the Choir and the Vocal Ensemble who were each awarded a Diploma! Cara Clayton Diploma: Musicals Kezra Cairnz Diploma: Musicals Robyn Williams Diploma: Musicals Bella Draper Diploma: Musicals Simone Daniels Diploma: Contemporary Robyn Burrows Diploma: Trio
Khanya Mnyanda Highest Honours: Musicals
Emma Martin (left) and Samantha (below) each achieved a Diploma in the Musicals section. They then combined their singing talents and were awarded a Diploma for their duet.
Chef Brandon and Chef Garth from Silwood Kitchen came to speak to the matric Consumer Studies students about ideas for their final Matric practical exam. They demonstrated how to do a chocolate collar and chocolate roses, as well as icing a cake correctly with butter icing and royal icing roses. They also demonstrated variations of a key lime tart using cream or piped Italian meringue icing. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the demo and were very motivated with ideas for their final prac.
CAPE TO CAIRO COMPETITION The Grade 11 Consumer Studies girls have been very busy with their prac exams. They had to make two dishes from a menu based on the Cape to Cairo competition. The top 10 teams then had a ‘cook-off’ where they made 2 dishes and were adjudicated by ex-Wynberg Chef, Mikayla Duminy. The competition was fierce and the standard was extremely high. The students all learnt a great deal during the cook-off and have enjoyed the experience. Finally, 5 teams were selected and they have been entered into the Pick n Pay Cape to Cairo School Chefs Competition. They are: Courtney Cottle and Tyra Petersen, Tamsyn Gaynor and Roxanne Douglas, Aaliyah Osman and Seana Scheepers, Emily-Kate Danielz and Sinae Collins, and Danielle Page and Janisha Parbhoo. HOT OFF THE PRESS:
Pick n Pay have selected only 20 teams from the whole country to compete in the Cape to Cairo finals. Huge congratulations to Roxanne Douglas & Tamsyn Gaynor, and Danielle Page & Janisha Parbhoo: they are two of those teams and will be competing in September! Congratulations, too, to Ms Witthuhn, for encouraging her students to enter competitions such as these and broaden their horizons.
Roxanne Douglad & Tamsyn Gaynor
Danielle Page & Janisha Parbhoo
CONGRATULATIONS SARA MUHL! Ms Sara Muhl and Gavin Rossouw tied the knot last weekend - in the Cederberg! All at WGHS wish them a long and happy marriage!
CONGRATULATIONS, DR AMY DUNCAN! Huge congratulations to Amy Duncan, who we remember as Amy Northam, who has received her Doctorate in Neuropsychology from UCT. Amy matriculated from Wynberg in 1999.
BIG BAND JAZZ FESTIVAL
LEADERS IN ACTION On Saturday 21 June, on arrival at Rustenberg, the Grade 11's and 7's were warmly welcomed by the Lead4Life team. After an amusing introduction involving warm-up dances and chants, the participants split into teams to take part in different activities. The Grade 11 quest tested team-building and general knowledge. When the challenges were over we recharged our batteries with juice and biscuits, and socialised with people from different schools. In the next activity, we were put into groups with people we did not know, which was surprisingly more interesting because you were able to get a better idea of your true potential. Puzzle skills, patience, strategies and communication were being tested. Although time constraint was a problem, the Wynberg team won this event for the Grade 11's! The Lead4Life leadership course was enjoyed by all and will be repeated in 6 months time. We thought It was a worthwhile event that improved our skills and left us feeling inspired and motivated. Mikayla Visser
IT’S BEEN ICY ! Wynberg can be a cold place during winter, but ice on the quad roof? Is this a first? More heaters have been provided in the hall and the gym to make them more user friendly for exam writers. On the right, Emilia Gaisie, KerryAnn Bradley, Chloe Etheridge, Mikayla Visser and Alex Stott can be seen taking advantage of the heaters during their break. ICE
After much preparation, the WGHS Jazz Band performed at the Baxter Theatre on Saturday 31 May, in the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival. This is the 5th time Wynberg has been invited to take part in this prestigious event and once again it provided a wonderful opportunity for our girls to play in a theatre in front of a jazz-loving audience. The musicians thoroughly enjoyed performing and look forward to playing there again next year.
WOGU & COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS LAUNCH WOOL FOR WONDERS 2014 Back: Bella Draper, Storm Homan, Sara Grever, Georgia Bailey, Mrs Hilary Mills, Amira Ramklass, Melissa Guthrie Front: Mrs Carol Fallows WOGU, Vega de Vries, Mrs Deidre Schultz WOGU Chairlady, Nicol Barnett
Baby jerseys and beanies are starting to roll in at Wynberg Girls’ High as the ‘Wool for Wonders’ campaign gets underway. All knitting enthusiasts are invited to participate, and the completed garments should be delivered to the High School reception by 1st September 2014 so that they can be donated to charities and clinics. Patterns are available from the school or on the school website (www.wynghs.co.za) and will be published in the Constantiaberg Bulletin. Should you wish to donate wool, please email Hilary Mills - hmills@wynghs.co.za - or phone 021 764 2200.
BEAN BAGS FOR THE HOSTEL
MATRIC TOPS ARRIVE!
Philasande Mzalisi, Kagiso Jantjies and Sinomtha Mzamo (above) and Sudila Kasongo and Nandi Basson (below) get comfortable on the hostel’s new bean bags.
KICKBOXING Congratulations to Caitlin Dyck for her Cape Classic Kickboxing competition results. She was awarded a Silver medal for points-scoring, a Bronze medal for continuous fighting, and a Gold medal in the Grappling section. Well done, Caitlin!
HOCKEY vs STELLENBERG 1st XI: Wynberg lost 1-3 This crunch game started with much promise as Jamie Southgate put Wynberg ahead early in the game with a short corner rebound follow-up. Then Stellenberg equalised with a tremendous short corner straight shot, and added a second after half time with an excellent short corner combination. The never-say-die Wynberg lionesses continued to fight for possession - special mention must be made of player of the match, Steph Lopes-Stuart, who refused to accept defeat and worked hard for every ball. Stellenberg worked hard to seal their lead, which they did in the last few minutes of the game. This was a hard fought game from both sides and an excellent game of hockey to watch. 2nd XI: Wynberg lost 0-6. The 2nd team had a tough, defensive game against Stellenberg but learnt many communication and defensive skills. Player of the match was Tamsyn Gaynor and a special mention goes to Vicky Erfort who had to cope with enormous pressure during the game. 3rd XI: Wynberg lost 0-6 It was clear that Stellenberg was the better team on the day, walking away with a 6-0 win. The 3rds improved in the 2nd half, pushing forwards and trying to get more possession, but were unable to stop Stellenberg from scoring. U16A: Wynberg won 2-1 Stellenberg are always tough opponents and they opened the score line, scoring from scrappy, defensive play and a loose ball in the circle. This galvanised Wynberg and they equalised within the next minute from good build-up play down the right by Zoe Koff and good finishing by Jaymee Henderson. After half time, Wynberg worked very hard at keeping possession and after being awarded numerous short corners, Wynberg converted through Logan Patel. The last 5 minutes were very tight as Stellenberg kept pushing for the equaliser, but Wynberg held out to win the match 2-1. U16B: Wynberg won 2-0. The girls played very well - good passing hockey - and created many scoring opportunities. They eventually put two goals in the box but could have scored more. Goals were scored by Amy Arendse and Banele Plaatjies.
HOCKEY vs RHENISH 1st XI: Wynberg won 1-0. This match against Rhenish was very intense but Wynberg dominated throughout. The team spirit was excellent and after several short corners and numerous shots at goal, captain, Erin Prince scored for Wynberg. 2nd XI: Wynberg won 1-0. The 2nd team game against Rhenish was fast and evenly matched, and Wynberg won after a last minute short corner where Rachel Lassen scored. The player of the match was definitely the whole team - they worked together really well and made Wynberg very proud. U16A: Wynberg won 3-2. The U16A’s recorded a very good win against Rhenish on Saturday. They played committed and entertaining hockey and maintained their winning record this season. Well done girls! U16B: Match drawn 0-0. This match could have gone either way. It ended in a draw despite both sides having opportunities to score. Saarah Smith and Tyla Dickenson played very consistently at the back, but player of the match was Farah Isaacs for her work up front. It was a really enjoyable match to watch - well done, girls! U14 A : Wynberg won 2-0. Although there was no score at half time, Wynberg had had the better of the half. In the 2nd half they scored 2 goals through Jenna Grey and Hajira Lockhart. The player of the match was Maree Petersen.
HOCKEY vs HERSCHEL 3rd XI: Wynberg lost 0-3. In this away game against Herschel, Wynberg's defence did well not to let any goals through in the 1st half. In the 2nd half, although Wynberg played a better game and had more possession, Herschel dominated and scored three goals.
KARATE
U14B: Wynberg won 1-0. The girls had a great game against Stellenberg, definitely playing better as a team in the 2nd half of the match. The goal was scored by Megan Ingram after a great pass from Zandi Kwaza and the players of the match were Karen Roodman and Demi Fester.
Congratulations to Jessica Virgin won gold for kata at the final KSI Regional tournament which was held at UCT.
NETBALL vs HERSCHEL
NETBALL vs RUSTENBURG
U14A: Wynberg lost 8-13 The game started off at a phenomenal pace, and very quickly the game was tied 4-4. Herschel’s defence then intercepted five of Wynberg’s centre passes and that, ultimately, lead to Herschel’s 13-8 win. The best defence player was Jenna Grey, the highest goal scorer was Kayla Morgan, and the best attacking player was Lupiwe Poswa. Despite our loss to Herschel, we are proud of the improvement we have made as a team.
U14A: Wynberg lost 7-15. The girls took to the court with fantastic school spirit in spite of the rain and hail! Rustenburg acclimatised first and led 9-3 at half time. Although our shooters became more comfortable with the conditions, it was too late as Rustenburg had secured the win. Player of the match was Kayla Morgan, best attacking player was Okwethu Banisi, and Helena Veysey was the best defensive player.
U14B: Wynberg lost 7-8 The teams were very evenly matched. In the second half, Wynberg could not capitalise on the many scoring opportunities they created. Lara Johnson was the best defending player, the best goal scorer was Coral Hedley, and the best attacking player was Ashley Timms. It was a very narrow defeat which we will improve on next time.
U14B: Wynberg won 10-1. Everyone played quite cautiously due to the wet court and Wynberg squeaked into a 1-0 half-time lead. In the 2nd half, Wynberg got into gear and shooters, Ashley Timm and Coral Hedley (top scorer), could not be stopped! The Wynberg defence also played well and Lara Johnson was awarded player of the match for her work in keeping Rustenburg to just 1 goal. The best attacking player was Jade de Villiers.
U16A: Wynberg lost 7-13 Wynberg let the speed of the game get the better of them and were unable to score freely. Herschel continued to dominate and won the match. Player of the match was Erin Slater.
U19B : Wynberg lost 8-15 Despite the gusting winds and rain, the girls played a good but cautious game which Rustenburg won. Player of the match was Alex Steyn. 1st Team: The 1st teams had been on court for about 2 minutes when torrential rain and hail led to the match being abandoned and rescheduled! See report below.
U16B: Wynberg lost 4-9 The team failed to play to their potential and were soon behind. The second half went better but defence and communication need more work. Despite this, the girls enjoyed the game and the awesome spirit in which the match was played. Player of the match was Sarah Underwood. U19B: Wynberg WON 28-15 The match started with Wynberg stealing three of Herschel’s centre passes and securing all of their own. Then they maintained this lead right to the end. Our shooters did brilliantly in the second half, scoring 15 goals between them! This was a great win for Wynberg. Player of the match was Lauren Jonathan, the best shooter was Ashleigh Bell, and the best defender was Asanda Masoka.
Sasha Duncan, Yeukai Chamba, Kirstie Duncan, Paige Radford, Robyn Schippers and Emma Horner singing in the rain?
U19A : Wynberg WON 20-16 The team did an excellent job of applying pressure by marking tightly and thus winning some of Herschel’s centre passes. This possession gave them the lead which they maintained, despite injuries. This great team effort ensured a well-deserved victory that left their coach speechless. The best shooter was Sasha Duncan, the best attacker was Lauren Jonathan, and the best defender was Yeukai Chamba.
U19A: Wynberg lost 15-18 (Part 2) Once again Wynberg played one of their toughest opponents, Rustenburg - the same Rustenburg team that had annihilated them in Port Elizabeth. The girls did not let this influence their play and were only 1 point down at the end of the second quarter. Our shooters did their best, but we had 2 centre passes intercepted, leaving Rustenburg with a 2 goal lead at half time. Then the coach, Mrs Williams, made changes which helped the tempo of the game, but we were not able to catch up. The girls were chuffed that the losing margin was so low and were really proud of the way they had played. Player of the match was Christin Sands, the top scorer was Sasha Duncan and the top defender was Yeukai Chamba. We look forward to playing them again at interschools.
WORLD CUP FEVER HITS WYNBERG!
SQUASH NEWS Nhadia Gustavo has been selected for the Western Province U19 Squash team; Demi Steenkamp & Ashlyn Southern have both made the WP U16 team, and Kaylee Marshall has been selected as a non-traveling reserve. We also congratulate Mrs Sam Furstenburg who will be coaching the WP U16A girls team.
Nhadia, Demi, Ashlyn, Kaylee & Mrs Sam Furstenburg. SQUASH SEASON SUMMARY Wynberg 1st squash team started the season playing against Herschel in the Top Schools competition. Wynberg played really well but unfortunately lost 9-8 in matches - the closest we've come to winning in years! In their league matches, the 1st team continued playing well and won all their matches, beating Fairbairn 14-0, Herschel 14-1, Rustenburg 14-1 and Westerford 14-1. The 2nd team also played really well in their league, beating Fairbairn 12-3, Pinelands 12-0, Herschel 11-4, Westerford 11-3 and losing just one match, 2-12 to Springfield. Wynberg vs Herschel
Wynberg players: Amy Peacock, Taylor Brooks & Nhadia Gustavo at the back; Alice Weng in front.
SANESA EQUESTRIAN QUALIFIER At the final Sanesa qualifier, Chelsea Tillett and Blazing Badger took part in their Equitation class, and despite the slippery ground and steady rain, did well to tie in 3rd place. Chelsea and Abigail Kempster have been chosen to represent Sanesa Western Cape at the Regional Championships in August. Well done, girls and good luck!
SUMMER COLOURS These are the last of the awards based on “old� criteria. The Winter season sports will be based on the qualifications required in the new colours criteria which can be found on the school website: www.wynghs.co.za WATERPOLO COLOURS Half Colours: Mishka Malgas, Erin Slater & Demi Steenkamp. Junior Certificate: Melissa Makinson:
WESTERN PROVINCE HOCKEY TEAMS Congratualtions to the following girls who have been awarded their WP Hockey colours: U18A Team: Erin Prince U18B Team: Berzilee Pipes, Stephanie Lopes-Stuart, Valeshka Harkhu U18 South Team: Tasneem Rawoot U16A Team: Chelsea Manoek, Jamie Southgate, Logan Patel, Sasha Sivertsen U16 South Team: Amina Williams U14 South Team: Maree Petersen U14 Disa Team: Jenna Grey, Kayla Morgan, Olivia Walker
Mishka Malgas, Erin Slater, Demi Steenkamp & Melissa Makinson
HOCKEY vs SPRINGFIELD CONVENT
Erin Prince, Valeshka Harkhu, Berzilee Pipes, Stephanie Lopes-Stuart & Tasneem Rawoot
1st XI: Match drawn 0-0 The Springfield vs Wynberg 1st Team derby promised to be a hard-fought game and it certainly delivered. From the start, both teams made their intentions clear and the match was played at a lightning pace. While the game ended scoreless, both teams will reflect on a few missed chances and close calls. Valeshka Harkhu, in the Wynberg goals, was certainly the Chelsea Manoek, Logan Patel, Sasha Sivertsen, busier of the two keepers and kept the Wynberg team in the Jamie Southgate, Amina Williams hunt with a number of telling saves. The Wynberg defence are to be commended on their gritty determination not to allow the pacey Springfield strikers too much space in the circle. Special mention goes to Robyn Burrows on a solid and consistent performance. Both teams had their strength in the midfield and when the Wynberg team worked down their outside channels, the pace of Berzley Pipes and Nicole Jenna Grey, Kayla Morgan, Maree Petersen & Olivia Walker Alexander took the Springfield defence by surprise. Overall, this was an exciting game of hockey played in a spirit of mutual U16B: Wynberg lost 0-2 respect and quiet determination. This tightly contested match produced some very good hockey. U16A: Match drawn 0-0 Both teams had opportunities to score but Springfield used Wynberg had some clear chances early in the first half but were theirs better than we did. Saarah Smith played an excellent unable to convert them. Springfield had most of the possession game at the back but it was really a good, all-round, team effort. and pressed incredibly well, putting the Wynberg team under a U14A: Wynberg WON 2-0 great deal of pressure at the back. After half time with scores still 0-0, Wynberg started to find their hunger to win and their The Wynberg U14As were hugely focused and bursting to show their friends up the road everything they had learnt in the first efforts were rewarded with two short corners but they were half of the season. Wynberg went 1-0 up very early in the game unable to convert. The last 5 minutes of the match were very with a goal scored by Jenna Gray. They caught Springfield on the exciting as both teams threw everything they had at trying to back foot and through excellent passing broke through the find the win. Chelsea van Der Berg made a few game saving defense and scored a well-worked goal. Once Springfield settled changes in the dying seconds of the game. Well done to both down, the game was evenly matched until half time. After that, teams for a great game of hockey. Congratulations to Nikiwe Wynberg again came out with enthusiasm and excitement and Mlumbi and Isobel Evans who were our players of the match. displayed very good structure and basics on the ball. This 2nd XI: Wynberg lost 0-2 resulted in a second goal scored by Megan de Beer. It's always a This was a very exciting, fast game. The team worked very hard tough battle between the two schools, and the coach, Ryan till the end of the second half and every person deserved to be Pillay, awarded the Player of the Match to the entire U14A team the player of the match for their outstanding effort and for displaying great team work and excellent structure. commitment. U14B: Wynberg WON 3-0 3rd XI: Wynberg lost 1-2 The U14B's had an exciting match against Springfield: the first Springfield scored twice in the first few minutes but the 3rds goal was scored by Kawther Gameeldien following a long corner, also got a goal, making the score 1-2 . After half time neither the second was scored by Amy Van Zyl and the third by Kawther team scored again as they were equally matched. Even though Gameeldien. It was a great end to this half of the season for our they lost, the team played really well, finding each other on team and we look forward to our matches next term. Player of field and working as a team. the match was Kawther Gameeldien.