WYNBERG GIRLS’
NEWSLETTER Also available on our website : www.wynghs.co.za
Dear Parents It is so hard to believe that this is the last newsletter for 2015. The end of the year always brings about a time of reflection on the year past and plans for the next one, which begins so soon. Unfortunately, it is human nature to remember the negatives and allow them to be the overriding descriptor of the last year. However, I encourage you to look for the positives in the year and build on them - allow them to serve as inspiration for 2016. When chatting to your daughter this holiday: Do not look at the opportunities missed – look for the opportunities taken and resolve to encourage her to take more of those chances next year. Do not look at the subjects where she fell short of your goal. Discuss her goals and targets and praise her for trying. If marks are very low, perhaps look at the subject and discuss other possibilities in the future. Give her credit for what she has done in all four pillars (Academic, Culture, Sport, Service) this year. If there is one left out, work out how you can be involved in this pillar and thus be an encouragement to her. When thinking about your involvement in her school life, do not be upset about a year past when you wanted to get involved but life got away from you and you did not make the time. Rather, make a decision to be involved in just one school event in the first term. You will enjoy the vibe and it will be fun to be at the next and the next… School is like a family, but an ever-changing one. New grade 8's will join us in January and your daughter will be a year closer to the end of her school career. Don't let the time get away from either of you! My family has changed this year with the addition of two new grandsons. As I write, Zac is 4½ months old and Blake is 8 weeks old (not to forget the others not born in this year!). What a privilege it is to be offered the opportunity to be an influence in their lives. I am trying to be as involved as I can, as I don't want to regret one day that I did not make time for important people, of which there are many – my own family, children and grandchildren; friends; the staff at school; you and your daughters. Each person enriches me and I look forward to having them all in my life next year. I trust that all our families will enjoy this festive season or holiday time with the people who are special to them. May you have a restful few weeks, travel safely and return for a fantastic 2016. Warm regards Shirley Harding Principal
HIGH SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2015
WYNBERG GOODBYES Wynberg has to bid farewell to a number of people at the end of this term. They are leaving for a variety of reasons. We know that they will always be part of our Wynberg family and we will always hold them in our hearts. MS MICHELLE EDWARDS Ms Michelle Edwards leaves after 18 years at WGHS, first as a Geography and Physical Education teacher, then, from 2003, as Head of Sport. There are few schools which can boast a Head of Sport who is also a National, Olympic and Commonwealth Games sportswoman. In 2012, Ms Edwards took on a new challenge and was appointed as Wynberg’s Marketing Officer. Her outstanding people skills plus her “can do” attitude ensured that here, too, she was a huge success. Michelle commands enormous respect – from the staff and students. Generous to a fault, deeply loyal, a person with enormous integrity and a wonderful friend and colleague, she is someone we have been privileged to work with. We know she will succeed at whatever exciting things she puts her hand to - we will miss her! MRS TAMAR PELSER Mrs Tamar Pelser has taught at Wynberg since 2006 and during this time has revitalised the Visual Arts department and built it into one which is admired throughout the Western Cape. Central to her teaching is the belief that all her learners have talent that can be unlocked. Her tutor class love and respect her - because she laughed often, fiercely defended them and pushed them to achieve. Mrs Pelser brought flair and laughter to the staffroom. She tackled problems the same way she approached life – there is always a solution. We are very sorry to lose her as she moves from Cape Town but we know there will be other learners somewhere who will be fortunate to have Tamar Pelser as their teacher. MS SAM DE MINK It is with sadness that Wynberg says goodbye to this highly valued and respected staff member. Ms de Mink joined us in 2008 and brought with her fresh ideas, boundless enthusiasm and a sincere passion for teaching. She has taught Life Orienta on and English, been a Grade Head and waterpolo manager. Ms de Mink’s focus has always been on building and maintaining posi ve rela onships and it is this interest that is taking her away from Wynberg. She has spent the past year teaching full- me and studying her Masters in Educa onal Psychology part- me; and in 2016 will complete her internship year full- me. We know that she will con nue to impact posi vely on young lives and hope WGHS will always hold a special place in her heart.
MR CLINTON CLAASEN
MORE WYNBERG FAREWELLS
Sadly Mr Clinton Claasen leaves Wynberg a er 6 years of inspira onal service to the Music department and the school. Mr Claasen's students have beneďŹ tted enormously from being taught by a musician as talented as he is, and his valuable input has enriched many a soloist. Mr Claasen has spent countless hours accompanying and preparing the vocal ensemble and choir, violinists, singers, clarine sts and saxophonists for their external music and matric exams, performances and eisteddfods. One does not always ďŹ nd a friend in a colleague, but with Clinton we were lucky. We hope to retain this friendship even a er he has moved. This dis nguished musician and colleague will be sorely missed. MR ALAN FOOTMAN Alan Footman (fondly known as Alan to the Wynberg girls and Footy to the waterpolo community) called time on his 7 years of coaching waterpolo at WGHS. His association with Wynberg started with his serving on the Governing Bodies of both WGJS and WGHS. Alan Footman hands over the new Throughout this time, Alan Footman Waterpolo Trophy he coached our 1st to Head of Sport, Janice Hudson-Windsor waterpolo team. His contribution has been enormous. Alan is widely known and recognized in waterpolo circles, having played the game for close on 50 years! His knowledge of the game is impressive, and we have been fortunate to have had his input over the past 7 years. On Saturday 5 December, WGHS players, past and present, honoured Alan at a breakfast at the pool- there were speeches by players, teachers and coaches. We thank Alan for his enormous contribution to WGHS waterpolo - he will be missed!
GOOD LUCK, TASHA!
The day after the Rock of Ages concert, Tasha Ainsworth headed off to participate in the solo section of the International Orlando Pulse competition. After that she trained for two weeks at the Alven Ailey Dance Studio in New York. She can be seen on the left in Central Park in New York! Just before she left, the results of her Modern Dancing Intermediate Exam and Medal Test came in: She achieved Honours with Distinction - 90 % plus. Congratulations, Tasha!
MS EDURNE VAN HARDENBROEK
Ms Edurne van Hardenbroek joined our Maths Department in 2013, teaching from Grade 8 to Grade 12. She ins tuted Advanced Programme Mathema cs at the school which meant girls are now able to take the subject extramurally here at school. Ms van Hardenbroek is an innova ve teacher, making Maths fun and always ready to have a laugh with her classes. She enhances her teaching by embracing technology and experimenting with new techniques. She is insigh ul and extremely competent when dealing with weaker learners as well. We are sorry to lose her but wish her all the best in her new endeavours. MS CARYN TENNANT Ms Caryn Tennant has spent a year at Wynberg as a teacher-intern. She has been a very welcome, cheerful, helpful and enthusias c addi on to the English Department. Ms Tennant was always willing to slot in wherever possible, adap ng to the needs of each class with ease. Extramurally, Ms Tennant added value to the school through her involvement in the Chris an Union and the Spanish Conversa on course she ini ated. She will be missed and we wish her well with her future teaching endeavours.
A BOOTFUL OF SHOES FOR TIN MUGS Bud Higgins from Tinmugs Africa, was at school last week to collect the school shoes which the 2015 matrics had donated. Bud Higgins with a bootful of shoes! Bud founded Tinmugs Africa Trust as a feeding and educational funding scheme for impoverished African children and has worked on the streets in some of Cape Town's poorest slums, bringing hope and educational opportunities to poor kids. Thank you, Matrics for your generous donation. The pleased recipients of the shoes!
SPUD SAYS NO TO BULLYING!
ROCK OF AGES Every year, the Cultural and Service pillars of WGHS & WBHS work together to hold a concert for the elderly. Huda Ely and TyraLee Nel, Heads of the Service and Cultural Pillars, gave much thought to making the afternoon special for the guests. Members of the service pillar worked busily in the kitchen while the Occasions team decorated the tables and performers had last-minute practices. The rapt attention of the audience as they watched polished performances from the Vocal Ensemble and Dance Society was heartwarming, and there was much delight as one of the elderly gentlemen got to his feet to dance with one of our girls as the rhythms of our jazz band seduced him. There was much discussion after the performance of the belly dancers, and quiet hearing of the Drama girls’ message. The beautiful harmonies from the Ubuntu Society were a fitting way to end a really enjoyable afternoon.
An appearance from favourite Spud cast member, Sven Ruygrok, sent a wave of excitement through the hall on Monday 7 December. Sven shared his experience and views on the destructive nature of bullying and spoke abut how we ultimately hold the power to make a change. The school was intrigued as a white-masked figure recited a monologue about judging a book by its cover. Once unmasked, Mr Ruygrok proceeded to explain how we mask ourselves in order to feel accepted. He reminded the school of the power of our words and how we often underestimate the effect our actions and words on other people. Using an image of a porcupine surrounded by lions, Sven pointed out the strength and courage of the porcupine in protecting itself. He advised finding one’s own “quills of confidence” by investing time and energy into one's passions. This in turn would boost self-confidence and self-worth. Sven showed how Lara Harris (Head of bullies, who are School), Sven Ruygrok dependent on the & Kayla Garcia support of the group, should be isolated, as without this support they would not survive. The school was also made aware of the dangers of social media in creating bullies as Sven told of his past experience as a victim of bullying behaviour. His approach towards bullying opened our eyes and his message invited us to take up a new challenge in 2016.
FAREWELL FOR FOOTY! Many current and past pupils gathered at the pool for a special farewell breakfast to honour and say goodbye to waterpolo coach, Alan Footman.
Academic Awards
Mrs Shirley Harding, Principal, with Tracy Stallard, guest speaker at the Grade 8-11 prize-giving. Ms Stallard, Class of ‘92, was inspiring in her speech about her life after school and about the changing world.
GRADE 11
TOP OF THEIR GRADE
GRADE 10
1st Aa’isha Dout, 2nd Tasha Ainsworth, 3rd Meg Anderton
Kaley Appleton Borrill Trophy: General Knowledge Ellen and Sara Goldstone Cup: Achievement under difficult circumstances Le Coctier: Promise and Ability in French Bluff Trophy: Highest Mark in the English Language Paper Grade 8 Roux-Louw Cup: Excellence in the Sciences Aa'isha Dout Prize: English Creative Writing Lotz Trophy: Excellence in the Sciences Na-Eela Coleman Brey Trophy: Excellence in Maths examinations and competitions Parina Naidoo Duffell-Canham Trophy: Highest Mark in the English Language Grade 10 Zara Wichman English Creative Writing - Grade 10 Aneesa Rawat English Creative Writing - Grade 9 Tali Sulcas English Creative Writing - Grade 8 Saarah Abrahams Premio Gattopardo: Excellence and Enthusiasm in Italian
Kaley Appleton
Tyralee Nel
Aa’isha Dout
Juliet Stromin
Na-Eela Coleman
Savannah Steyn
Parina Naidoo
Flora Bottoman
Jane Imrie
Kezra Cairns
Cultural Awards
GRADE 9
1st Parina Naidoo, 2nd Katherine Nicholls, 3rd Yusra Booley
GRADE 8
1st Na-Eela Coleman, 2nd Naima Bester, 3rd Aneesa Rawat
Kezra Cairns Mozart Cup:Most Deserving junior Music pupil Flora Bottoman R Adams Trophy: Most Original and Creative Art Work Savannah Steyn Lindy Anderson Trophy: Contribution to Drama Juliet Stromin De Villiers Shield: Inspiring and Inspirational work in Drama Tyralee Nel 1961 Matric Trophy: Service and Commitment in Cultural Activities
1st Kaley Appleton, 2nd Margareta Bosch, 3rd Tali Sulcas
Service Awards Taahirah Abrahams 1982 Matric Trophy: Outstanding Service to the Community Grade 8 Jane Imrie Louw Cup: Good Fellowship Grade 9 Kayla Garcia Bryce Trophy: Service and Commitment to the School and Community Grade 10
Chelsea Terry with Mary McCallum from the Class of 1952. Chelsea won the Class of 1952 Honour Plate which goes to a student who has upheld the school motto ‘Honour Before Honours’, and has actively demonstrated social responsibility. Taahirah Abrahams
Kayla Garcia
Sports Awards
Maree Petersen
Jamie Southgate
Aneeqah Davids
Maryam Adams
Erin Lamoral
Demi Steenkamp
Sasha Sivertsen
Emma Williams
Jessica Stephens
Ashlyn Southern
Chelsea Manoek
Amaarah Cornish
Kirsten Roodman
Caroline Enslin
Ashley Timms
Tali Sulcas
Kelsey Theunis
Coral Hedley
Aaminah Domingo
Jenna Grey
Amber-Rose Bailey
Sasha Petersen
Jamie Southgate Illse Davids Trophy: Most Outstanding Sportswoman Ryan Pillay Trophy: Hockey Player of the Year Aneeqah Davids 1961 Matric Junior Copenhagen Trophy: Sportsmanship Maree Petersen Main Trophy: Best All-Rounder in Grade 9 1989 Auxiliaries Cup: Best U16 Hockey Player Jenna Grey Johnson Trophy: Best Junior Field Athlete Gerald Lea Cup: Enthusiastic extra-mural participation Maryam Adams Hind Trophy: Best U16 Swimmer Alan Footman Trophy: Most Improved Waterpolo Player Sasha Petersen Johnson Trophy:Best Junior Track Athlete Kirsten Roodman Johnson Trophy: Best Senior Track Athlete Jessica Stephens Johnson Trophy: Best Senior Field Athlete Chelsea Manoek McCue Trophy: Most Improved Indoor Hockey Player Aaminah Domingo Best Grade 8 Hockey Player Amber-Rose Bailey Constantia Trophy: Most Improved Hockey Player Sasha Sivertsen Hester Baartman Trophy: Most Outstanding Senior Hockey Player Coral Hedley Zandberg Trophy: Most Improved Junior Netball Player Kelsey Theunis Best Junior Netball Player Ashley Timms Best U16 Netball Player Emma Williams Hind Trophy: Best U19 Swimmer Amaarah Cornish Hind Trophy : Best U14 Swimmer Hind Trophy: Most Outstanding Swimmer Ashlyn Southern Belinda White Trophy: Most Improved Squash Player Demi Steenkamp Thelland Squash Trophy: Player of the Year Caroline Enslin Best Synchronised Swimmer Tali Sulcas Tennis Player of the Year Erin Lamoral Most Outstanding Waterpolo Player
WYNBERG SPENDS A DAY SERVING THE WIDER COMMUNITY
INTERHOUSE SOCCER & WATERPOLO
The work of the academic year is done. Glorious sunshine and holidays beckon. As the school prepares for final reports, prize-giving and preparations for 2016, the students take part in one last interhouse challenge: Soccer and Waterpolo.
DATES TO DIARISE