WYNBERG GIRLS’
NEWSLETTER Also available on our website : www.wynghs.co.za
Dear Parents Each year, March, April and May are the months when I read over 600 applications for Grade 8 for the following year. Each year, people ask me what I am looking for when I read these many pages. The answer remains the same as when I read your daughter's application. I am looking for girls who are reaching their academic potential, or who are on the right path to achieving the marks of which they are capable. Girls must be involved at their current school and their skills, values and attitudes must be on the positive side of any scale – this includes behaviour and respect for others. I look for girls who will buy into the Wynberg brand, the ethos and traditions of our wonderful school. I sincerely hope that I did not make a mistake when I evaluated the applications of all the girls currently at Wynberg. Some need to remember the need for involvement, others must again commit to the Wynberg brand, but overall we are pleased that so many girls who earned their place have not wasted the opportunity. One of the strong ways in which a learner shows her commitment to the required Values and Attitudes is her choice to adhere to the Wynberg Way. I am sure these also encompass the values of your home and, together, we will produce wonderful South African citizens from those chosen to attend Wynberg Girls' High School. Regards Shirley Harding PRINCIPAL
BEHAVIOUR - THE WYNBERG GIRLS' HIGH WAY At Wynberg we take ownership of our choices and behave in a way that: * Shows respect for everyone * Creates an environment in which teaching and learning can take place * Ensures that all visitors and members of the Wynberg family continue to view our school as one with positive values and exemplary behaviour. In the classroom we will: 1. Stand until greeted by the teacher and given permission to sit. 2. Bring all books and complete all homework and assignments on time. 3. In behaviour and speech, interact appropriately with teachers and learners. 4. Remain seated, unless given permission to leave seat. 5. Pay attention to the lesson and allow one person to speak at a time, unless total silence is required. 6. Complete our own work unless permission is given to work as a group has been given by the teacher. 7. Stand and greet another teacher/visitor who enters the classroom. 8. Listen to announcements and pack away books and equipment only when instructed by the teacher. 9. Stand and leave the class only when dismissed by the teacher. In the school and grounds, we will: 1. Walk on the left hand side of the passage and stairs. 2. Allow members of staff and visitors to make their way unhindered through the corridors. 3. Greet all visitors to our school and offer them assistance. In assembly, we will: 1. Enter in classes, in complete silence and in an orderly way. 2. Remain standing until greeted by the teacher and given permission to sit. 3. Remain quiet during assembly.
HIGH SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER APRIL 2015
1ST IN WORLD IN AS LEVELS HISTORY Many, many congratulations to Nicole Wentzel who has been placed 1st IN THE WORLD, in the AS levels History examination which she wrote when in Grade 11. WGHS has a wonderful history of excellence in the Cambridge University A levels and AS levels examinations. In 2009, Claire Rodseth came 1st in the world in English; in 2010 Jamie de Klerk achieved 100% in History; In 2011 Julia Cosentino came 1st in the world in English; in 2012 Lauren Gildenhuys came 1st in South Africa in English and History; Lauren Mitchell was joint 1st with Lauren Gildenhuys in History. Well done, Nicole, on perpetuating this wonderful record!
WELLESLEY WINS THE CUP! Congratulations to Wellesley who won the House Cup at the end of the 1st term. Wellesley last won this cup more than a decade ago and have finally reached the top spot! Well done! Ms L Opperman, Wellesley House Co-ordinator
Wellesley House Committee Lisa Alexander, Lynelle Moodley, Tyra Petersen, Head of House, Veronique Reagon, Nhadia Gustavo
WELCOME TO WYNBERG A warm welcome to Ms Sjaene van Wyk, who comes to Wynberg as the new Head of History and Cavanagh House Coordinator. Ms van Wyk will be introducing the International Studies Programme: a cultural exchange where Grade 10 and 11 girls are 'twinned' with girls from Minnetonka High School in Minnessota, USA. And just in case she has time to spare, Ms van Wyk also runs overseas tours for teenagers with a company called Tes Adventure: this year, their 12th tour, is to the USA. Welcome again, Ms van Wyk, we hope you have a long and happy stay at Wynberg!
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ 3 NAME
Congratulations to Tuli Sulcas (Sport), Beth Petersen (Culture), Rifqah Francis (Service) & Nicole Wentzel (Academics).
GRADE %
Ashleigh Cozett Lauren de Smidt Michaela Lassen Kirstie Ludski Jennifer-Claire Ely Isobel Evans Razaana Manuel Nikiwe Mlumbi Lelethu Mtwana Aqeelah Allie Kristen Cay Jessica Stephens Megan Ingram Laylah Omar
9 10 11 11 10 10 11 10 10 10 12 10 9 10
81 80 80 80 79 78 78 78 78 77 76 76 75 75
Ashleigh Cozett
1ST TERM PILLAR AWARDS
Kirsten Cavanagh Copenhagen Waterloo Wellesley Silverlea Constantia Apsley
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
DANCE At the National Association of International Dance Teachers Bursary Awards competition held in Cape Town recently, Tasha Ainsworth was awarded the following: * 1st place Medal bursary: R250 * Best overall 16-and-over medal bursary: R2000 * 1st place in the Bronwyn Wylde Elementary Modern Bursary: R2000 We congratulate Tasha on these wonderful achievements.
UCT MATHS OLYMPIAD On 16 April, 8500 students (75 of them from Wynberg) gathered for the UCT Maths Competition. Grade 12 student, Layla Omar, reflects on the experience: “As I am in Grade 12, this year was my last time to participate. I have written the UCT Maths Olympiad since Grade 8, and every year it was a new adventure. In Grade 10, just before we were about to start writing, I realised I was in the wrong venue and just made it in time. It seems that almost every year, one gets lost at some point. For prospective participants, the training material offered by UCT (refer to their website) is a very useful way to prepare. When doing these past papers, you can practice working in the allocated time-frame of 75 minutes and learn how to handle certain types of questions. If you really love Maths, it is something that you will enjoy doing and you’ll gain a healthy respect for the sometimes very complex processes you go through to get to the answers. The aim of the competition is to popularize Maths and encourage students to take Maths at UCT. Taking part in the UCT Maths Olympiad certainly stimulates the brain. Why not try it next year?”
GRADE 8s LEARN ABOUT KAHOOT
A group of Norwegans visited Wynberg recently and spent a lesson with the 8G class and showed them how to use Kahoot - a site developed in Norway. In simple terms, there is a multiple-choice quiz projected on the screen and the learners use their tablets or phones to answer the questions. It's a lot of fun as the Top 5 leader-board changes after each question and learners are able to improve their scores if they repeat a quiz.
EMMA SADLEIR VISITS WGHS Emma Sadleir is a well-known social media expert who is a frequent guest on radio and TV. She spends much of her time educating parents, teachers and students on the responsible use of social media. Ms Sadleir did a triple duty at Wynberg on 30 March, as she spoke to the entire student body in the morning, the teachers in the afternoon and parents that evening. When speaking to the girls, Emma told them true stories of young men and women who were sued for particular posts made on various social media platforms. The possible serious legal consequences for comments or photos posted to a social media platform were emphasised. She encouraged the responsible use of social media and spoke about issues like cyberbullying and pornography in schools. Her talk had a big impact - many of us had not thought about this before and hurriedly checked the privacy settings on our social media accounts. The fact that anything posted to the web is virtually impossible to delete and the possible consequences for our future employment were discussed. It is apparent that employers do more research online these days. Restricting access to others and thereby protecting our reputations has become much more vital in such an open information age. When speaking to parents and teachers, Emma mentioned different points. She emphasised that parents should keep track of their children’s online ‘lives’. The talks were highly informative and very beneficial to all.
INTERACT CATCH-UP Celebration of Rotary's 110th Birthday The children of Constantia Primary School enjoyed a day of festive activities with the Wynberg Rotaract and Interact Clubs on Saturday, 21st February with the celebration of Rotary's 110th birthday. Interactors left with a feeling of satisfaction, having brightened the lives of many children. Night of the Proms On Sunday, 15th March, Interact members helped with the Wynberg Rotary’s Night of the Proms. Music pieces are performed by all types of bands and musicians for the entertainment of elderly members of the public. Hundreds of balloons filled the City Hall, and programmes and top hats were sold. It was a much enjoyed experience and one that we look forward to for next year! Interact Camp - 27th to 29th March Interact clubs within the Wynberg, Claremont and Steenberg districts came together at Froggie Pond in Simonstown and spent a weekend of service enrichment and team-building. The inspiration gained from the camp's experiences has, without a doubt, given our Interact Committee bright ideas for future service projects.
SERVICE PILLAR
JUNIOR CITY COUNCIL EVENTS Human Rights' Day Awareness On 21 March, at Maynardville Park, members of the public were asked about this public holiday and about what made them proud South Africans. Each response received on the day was compiled into a video that portrays the true meaning of what Human Rights' Day means to our country. Femme Kits Project Launch Saturday, 28th March, marked the launch of the JCC Femme Kits project. Boxes of necessities were packed and given to disadvantaged female matriculants in order to make their final school year an easier one. Representatives from Wallacedene, Tafelsig and Inkwenkwezi High Schools attended the JCC Full Council meeting where a handover of 359 boxes was made. These schools will be supported every month for the rest of the year. Strengthening Families Programme A group of about 100 children from all over Cape Town, who have had an unsafe upbringing were identified. The aim of this 7 week programme is to motivate and encourage each child to avoid dangerous choices. This was an eye-opener as to what some very young people have to deal with. It was a very good experience for the JCC. Back: Delucia Daniels, Ms Levona Africa, Lara Harris, Asanda Masoka, Kayla Arnold. Front: Hong Ju Nam
Back: Kayla Arnold, Melissa Guthrie, Ms Lucille Boonzaier - SPCA representative, Lara Harris, Kayla Barnes Front: Erin Barham, Robin Brink, Nadine Eddy On Friday 27 March, Wynberg handed over 588kg of pet food to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. We would like to thank everyone who made a contribution to the collection which took the form of a house challenge. Congratulations to Silverlea, Constantia and Kirsten particularly, who between them donated more than 375kg! 1ST TERM CHALLENGE RESULTS BREAD TAG TOTALS : Term 1 1 Wellesley 21.7kg 2 Cavanagh 8.2 kg 3 Constantia 6.1kg 4 Silverlea 3.6kg 5 Copenhagen 2.1kg 6 Kirsten 1.2kg 7 Waterloo 0.94kg 8 Apsley 0kg Congratulations to Wellesley!
SANDWICH CHALLENGE 1 Constantia 2 Kirsten 3 Waterloo 4 Wellesley 5 Silverlea 6 Apsley 7 Cavanagh 8 Copenhagen
SECRETS
WEDDING BELLS! Congratulations to Ms Marie-Louise Solms who married Mr Stefan van der Merwe during the Easter holidays. The happy couple are seen here with the Wynberg Jazz Band who played at the reception.
Ms Glover has been working on an exciting new dramatic work from British dramatist Fin Kennedy's The Urban Girl's guide to Camping. “Stolen Secrets” has its origin in the experiences of the girls attending Mulberry School for Girls, the school with whom Fin works. It takes the form of five dramatic performance poems, each developed from suggestions placed within secret boxes placed around the school. The author and cast would empty the boxes and identify potential starting points for stories from within the school's community. And so Ms Glover and her drama students are exploring the secrets emerging from, amongst others: a pillow fight on a tower block roof; a mother and daughter afraid of the truth; a sickly smell in the twilight air and a speechless girl with blood in her hair. Don't miss this exciting show being performed for two nights only on Wednesday 13 and Friday 15 May, in the Aileen Currie School all.
Back: Beth Petersen, Robyn Williams, Saskia de Villiers, Cara Clayton, Jamie-Lee Benjamin, Mrs & Mr van der Merwe, Ra’eesah Dalvie, Ashleigh Dreyer, Anastasia Solomons, Nadine Eddy Front: Carryn Joseph, Michelle Langeveld, Layla Omar
WOGU NEWS
CLASS OF 1990!
The Class of 1990 celebrated their 25 year school reunion!
WOGU WALKS: Just over a year ago the Wynberg Old Girls' Union decided to get out and enjoy beautiful Cape Town. So far, we've walked in Newlands Forest, on the Alphen Trail, in Silvermine and across the front of the Table. If any of you enjoy walking, please join us. Bring good walking shoes, a hat and water. Here are details of the other walks we have planned for this year: DE HEL on Saturday 25 July. An easy 1½hr circular route in the little valley between Southern Cross Drive & Constantia Nek. The WOGU Autumn walk was in Tokai forest.
Back: Paula Bowerman, Kate Feist, Phillipa de Beer, Nikki Doveton, Meredith Sayers (hidden), Nicky Davis, Lorraine Dellbridge, Lecia Hanke, Gail Bairstow Middle: Ana-Lisa Ventura, Sascha Polkey, Nicky Mitchell, Philippa Esmonde-White, Kelly McCann, Kathy Leaver, Michelle Coleman, Tracey Mills, Tamara Collins, Karen Treasure (back to camera), Karen de Wet, Kari Price, Sam Dixon, Noelene Clarke, Madeleine Simonis Front: Michelle Harvey, Fiona Symonds, Robyn Freeman, Tracy Edwards, Leigh Reynolds, Laura Meddar, Reay Bourke-Wright, Phoebe Wilson, Katherine Hudgel DEVIL'S PEAK & OPPELSKOP on Saturday 24 October. From the end of Tafelberg Road, head up Devil's Peak until we reach a contour path with magnificent views across the suburbs, city and Table Bay. CECELIA WATERFALL on Saturday 16 January 2016. This 2 hour round trip starts in the Cecelia parking area off Rhodes Drive. You will walk through open, sunny areas to the cool, dark waterfall ravine. CONTACT: Information can be found on the Wynberg Old Girls' Union facebook page, or email info.wogu@gmail.com or phone 082 4144 771.
On 17 April, the Matric class of 2015 arrived at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in a variety of cars, limos, sports cars and even a horse-and-carriage. Oohs and aahs echoed throughout the lobby as girls were amazed at the transformation of their classmates. Excitement permeated the air. The doors unfolded to reveal a room dimly lit. The glass wall painted a picture of the city, perfectly matching the ‘urban chic’ theme. The dance officially commenced when Mrs Harding welcomed everyone present. Then Ashleigh Thompson, Head of School, told the coming-of-age story of the Wynberg Matrics. To break tradition, the School Council opened the dance not with a waltz, but with a choreographed piece to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking out Loud”. Then, the rest of the grade joined in and it was all smiles! To say that the Matric Dance is a key moment in one’s school life is an understatement. It is an evening of elegance and fun, recorded forever in the endless selfies and photos. 17 April marked an event that saw the months of preparation and hours of fittings and appointments come to fruition. Friends joined together to dance and ‘anthems from our youth’ set the light-hearted tone. No, it was not an evening to forget.
ATHENA GAMES 2015 Competing in teams of two girls and two boys each from Wynberg Girls’ and Wynberg Boys’ respectively, 84 learners took part in the annual Athena Games on 15 April. The subjects ranged from Life Sciences to Geography, and allowed everyone to display her or his skills. The enthusiastic support of the teams for each other created an exciting atmosphere in the Clegg Hall at WBHS. After the welcome and formation of teams, in true Hunger Games spirit, the games began! Each team had ten minutes at each of 11 stations to complete a task. These were varied, including having to identify places on a world map, spelling difficult Afrikaans words correctly and completing as many magic squares as possible in the allocated time. It was amazing to see how the team members all worked together, considering some of them had never even met before that evening. It was a clear demonstration of how academics can be a way to have fun and meet new people. At the end of the 11 tasks, points were tallied, and the winning team, Rebecca Bredekamp, Sonja Stock, Nathan Wylie and Vincent Warrin, received vouchers for Cavendish Square. Their ordeal was not yet over, as they then participated in a sudden death round of questions. Ultimately Sonja Stock won, earning herself the title of ‘2015 Athena The Best Dressed Award went Games Victor’! to Robyn Minnie & Jessica Lee - The Athena Games ‘girls on fire’. promised to be lots of fun and the participants were by no means disappointed. A massive thank you goes to all of the staff and students from WBHS & WGHS who organised and made the games such a success. Meg Anderton and Nicole Wentzel Team winners: Rebecca Bredekamp, Sonja Stock, Nathan Wylie and Vincent Warrin.
INTERHOUSE DRAMA The theme this year was "This is Africa", and, as usual, houses were paired for this competition. Best script and best house play went to Kirsten/ Copenhagen, directed by Daniela Alves and Rebekah Nathan. Best Supporting Best Actress: Best actress was Simbongile Actress: Simbongile Makanda, from the Apsley/ Silverlea Delucia Daniels Makanda production. Best supporting actress was Delucia Daniels from the Waterloo/ Wellesley production. Best special effects went to the Waterloo/ Wellesley production. BEST PLAY: CAST & DIRECTORS
Back: Daniela Alves & Rebekah Nathan (Directors), Kelly-Beth Oliphant & Andy Hoole (Past pupil drama girls - Adjudicators) Middle: Asanda Masoka, Busi Mpanza, Bella Draper, Jenna Howes, Samantha Martin, Lesley Bredekamp Front: Vuya Puzi, Zoe van Reenen, Imaan Mothupi, Erin Lamoral
CAPE TOWN MARIMBA FESTIVAL The Senior Marimba Band spent a festive evening with 160 other marimba players from schools all over Cape Town at the Baxter Theatre on Friday 24 April. Hosted by Woodworx Marimbas and the Cape Town Big Jazz Band Festival, the show consisted of various solo items, of which our girls played two, and ended with a mass performance of Shaka and In the Jungle. This festival truly brings alive the beauty and spirit of marimbas!
KARATE Jessica Virgin competed in another KSI Regional Tournament on 25 April. In spite of the fact that she did 2 new katas, Jessica still won gold. She also achieved silver for kumite.
Back: Nirvana de Villiers, Claire Kieffer-Walker, Jennifer Ely, Amy Arendse, Caitlin Bock, Kauthar Satardien, Kiara Ramklass (Marimba coach) Front: Simbongile Makanda, Sudila Kasongo, Lara Harris
ALL GIRLS’ SCHOOLS’ FESTIVAL Over the Freedom Day long weekend, the WGHS netball and hockey teams took part in the National All Girls' Schools’ Festival which was, this year, hosted by Oranje Meisieskool, in Bloemfontein. Twenty two schools from all over the country took part and, as always, the competition was very tough. The atmosphere at the opening ceremony was incredible and the hospitality that we all experienced was superb - we all felt very well looked after and cared for. Tamsyn Gaynor: Sports Pillar Head
NETBALL
Back: Natalie Winter, Dana Arries. Middle: Alex Steyn, Ashleigh Bell, Mrs Annemarie Oberholzer (host chaperone), Jade de Villiers, Micheala Pinkham, Nolitha Macanda, Zoe Koff. Front: Asanda Masoka, Marie-Liouse Oberholzer (host chaperone), Lauren Wiemers.
The U19 netball team which travelled to Bloemfontein consisted of Wynberg U19A and B players. They had to be super fit, playing up to five matches each day! In spite of some minor injuries, the team remained strong, really giving their all in all matches. Results and scores varied, with some victories, some losses and some near misses. Mrs Williams, and Coach, Robyn van Rooyen, provided wonderful support for the team and never stopped offering encouraging words and valuable advice. The team held their heads high and did their school proud. Although not many games were won, one of the team’s aims was to use the tournament to grow as a squad and this they definitely achieved! Displaying unity, loyalty, pride, and passion for the game, there can be no doubt that these players have grown, not only as a squad, but as individual netball players. HOCKEY
Back: Ms C Johnston (Manager), Valeshka Harkhu, Marie-Liouse Oberholzer (host chaperone), Amber-Rose Bailey, Mrs J HudsonWindsor (Coach), Chelsea Manoek, Jamie Southgate, Mrs Annemarie Oberholzer (host chaperone), Sasha Sivertsen, Tasneem Rawoot, Stephanie Lopes-Stuart Front: Jenna Grey, Lutho Sidzumo, Maree Petersen, Amina Williams, Tamsyn Gaynor, Logan Patel, Kirsten Nicholls, Kayla Morgan The 1st hockey team worked hard as a team and played together well. They have grown as a team and thoroughly enjoyed their time on tour. Day 1 of the tournament was a great one for the hockey team as they played 4 matches, won three and drew one. They showed everyone how well the team could play when they worked as a unit. Day 2 was tougher as they played Eunice, one of the best teams in the country. they went down 0-1 and then lost in the play-offs to Rustenburg. On Day 3, the team played a great match and ended up drawing it. Coach, Ms Hudson-Windsor, and manager, Ms Johnston, were positive throughout which allowed the team to push harder.
ST PETERS WATERPOLO TOUR During the last weekend in February, Wynberg’s 1st waterpolo team participated in the Old Petrians Waterpolo Tournament in Johannesburg. The team played 6 games before going through to play in the shield quarter-finals which they lost 0-1 to Bloemhof. Their equalizer was disallowed because it was scored just after time ran out! The girls were very privileged to take part in such a tournament and the experience has helped them improve on their skills and understanding of the game. They will be working harder than ever in preparation for next year. Lauren Wiemers
ATHLETICS The South African Schools' Athletics Championships took place in March and WGHS was represented by super athlete, Lauren Jonathan. Lauren ran for Western Province and took part in the 1500m and 3000m events, placing 2nd in the 3000m. Lauren has worked incredibly hard and all of her achievements are the result of sheer perseverance and determination. Wynberg is very proud of her!
SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING
Caroline, Ellen & Gabriella
Ellen Schwerdtfeger, Gabriella Liversage and Caroline Enslin took part in the Level 1 Synchronised Swimming tournament in East London.
They competed in the figures and trios and Caroline also competed in and won gold in the 16-18 level 1 solo. In the figures event, Ellen placed 1st, Gabriella 2nd and Caroline 3rd. The girls also won the trio event by almost 4 points which is a very large margin in synchronised swimming. Congratulations to these three girls and good luck for any future competitions!
The Wynberg U16A Team played a match against a visiting team from the UK at the end of last term. Their opponents, an U17 team from Stratford-UponAvon, tried hard, but Wynberg won 2-0, an excellent start to the season!
Front: Kirsten Roodman, Lara Pollecutt, Erin Slater, Maryam Adams, Demi Steenkamp, Jade Boonzaaier Back: Michaela Lassen, Daniella Graney, Erin Lamoral, Kyra Roos, Olivia Walker, Lauren Wiemers
TENNIS Tali Sulcas represented Western Province at the SA High Schools Tennis interprovincial in the holidays. WP finished top of their group and played and beat Zimbabwe in the quarter finals before losing a hard fought battle against Gauteng North in the semis. WP beat Free State in the match for 3rd and 4th place. Tali had a good tournament. She played at number 2 for WP and lost only 1 singles and 1 mixed doubles match. The reward was being made a reserve in the U15 South African team. Well done, Tali!
NETBALL MATCHES vs REDDAM: 23 APRIL U16A: Wynberg lost 7-15. Wynberg started strongly and scored the first 2 points of the match. Reddam then took control. Unfortunately we were not able to regain the lead, finishing the match with a score of 15-7. The players of the match were Sarah Underwood and Natasha Classen. U16B: Wynberg lost 9-13. The Wynberg U16Bs played a tough match against Reddam. In the first half the girls made unnecessary mistakes and didn't get into the game, finishing the first half 3-6 down to Reddam. During the second half the girls came together more as a team but we were not able to secure all of our centre passes. Reddam capitalised and finished the match 13-9 ahead. Player of the match was Lupiwe Poswa. HOCKEY