June 2016 Newsletter Dear Parents nitely two perspectives about the event, both here at school and in the media. The one saw the Sleepout as a way to raise awareness for the plight of the homeless. The CEO Sleepout raised funds for educational institutions and the School Sleepout collected items required by the twinned school, in our case stationery and Physical Education requirements for Capricorn Primary School. The underlying message to all is that if we provide education for our young people, we will allow them to build skills, gain employment and thus prevent a new generation of homeless people. The other perspective saw the SleepOut as an evening where well-resourced people, ones with good homes and food, pretended to be homeless for the night, thereby glamourising the plight of the homeless. Some felt that by collecting for education, nothing was being done for those currently on the streets. a young woman who had been homeless, a situation created by her involvement with drugs, and who had turned her life around through the U-Turn organisation; and an older gentleman who had lost everything through the recession of 2008 which resulted in him sleeping on the streets before being provided with hope by the Haven organisation, left them deeply moved. A group of Wynberg girls asked if they could do something for the current homeless and, in discussion with this gentleman, decided to collect some potatoes and onions for the Wynberg Haven Shelter. They have started small, but they hope that once a month they will be able to ask every Wynberg girl to bring one potato or onion which will be used to feed the many people who use the Wynberg Haven as their shelter. The fact that we, as a community and school, are talking about the homeless, whatever our perspective of the SleepOut, means that we are more aware and that the Sleepout has had meaning at Wynberg. I salute the girls who decided to sleep out and have taken it on perspectives on the Sleepout but I know that these Wynberg girls care. Thank you to all parents who participated in the collection of stationery items for Capricorn Primary School. those learners as they participate in their studies to become productive and proud citizens. Regards, Shirley Harding Principal
WYNBERG GIRLS DOMINATE KSI KARATE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Three Wynberg girls, Chelsea de Reuck, Adriana Verster and Jessica Virgin recently took part in the KSI Karate World Championships, in Berlin, Germany. The tournament took place from the 19th-23rd July 2016. The girls said it was an awesome experience. While there was not much time to do sightseeing they visited the Berlin Wall and Check Point Charlie and made friends from all over the world. The girls did South Africa and Wynberg proud with the following accolades: Jessica competed in two events and was placed 3rd (bronze medal) in her kumite and 2nd (silver medal) in her kata. Adriana competed in three events and was placed 3rd (bronze medal) for kumite, 1st (gold medal) for kata and 1st (gold medal) for team kata. Chelsea competed in two events and placed 2nd (silver medal) for kata and 1st (gold medal) for team kata. We are incredibly proud of these three talented ladies.
And in Goju Karate news... Congratulations to Sabine Ellis who has been selected to represent Western Province in Goju Kai Karate. She went to Bloemfontein for the Nationals from 5th-8th August and competed in three divisions: kata, unison kata and bunkai. She also competed in the Western Cape championships held a few weeks ago in Paarl. Here she competed in the kata division and was awarded a silver medal.
TWO LEARNERS MAKE THE SA FOOTBALL TEAM!
Congratulations to Amy-Joy Masella and Mimosa Mguqulwa (Grade 10) who attended regional soccer trials hosted by the South African Football Association on 15 June 2016. Both ladies were selected for the Cape Town region and left for Oudtshoorn in June for Western Province trials. They arrived back at Cape Town stadium on 18 June 2016 with the wonderful news that both ladies were selected to represent Western Province. This is a huge accomplishment and we are proud of our ladies and their achievements.
RACHEL DU PLESSIS ACHIEVES 1ST IN GYMNASTICS COMPETITION
Congratulations to Rachel du Plessis who competed at the Giants Inter-Club Gymnastics Competition on 16 July and achieved 1st Place in the Women’s Artistic event for U13 age group.
PAST PUPIL DR LAUREN WATSON RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR RESEARCH AT OXFORD UNIVERSITY
KAYLA ARNOLD GETS PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH ALIVE Congratulations to Kayla Arnold who will have two pieces published in the South African Council for English Education’s publication: English Alive 2016. Her pieces, entitled “You can’t ban our minds” and “the Music Room” will be available to read in this publication.
MICHELLE BOTHA AND THE COURAGE TO BE VULNERABLE
Dr Lauren Watson, who matriculated at Wynberg Girls’ High in 2004, is currently working at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at University of Oxford. She joined the laboratory of Dr Esther Becker as a postdoctoral research scientist in January 2015. Her research focuses on understanding how mutations in certain genes lead to the development of neurological disorders. She was recently awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual European Fellowship from the European Commission, which will fund her research at Oxford for the next two years. These fellowships are “awarded to the best or most promising researchers of any nationality, for employment in EU Member States or Associated Countries”, and offer the opportunity to engage in multi-disciplinary research at world-class institutions. We are extremely proud of Lauren and her achievements and congratulate her on this prestigious fellowship. For the full article, click here.
PAST PUPIL HLUMELO MARAPULA PERFORMS IN CAPE TOWN YOUTH CHOIR Just listen to past pupil Hlumelo Marapula performing eMarabini with the Cape Town Youth Choir. It is a traditional Xhosa song about an orphan. The song asks “who will look after this child, for it is truly without parents?” eMarabini is sung with a new meaning today as South Africa’s orphan population continues to increase due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The feeling behind this song is driven by a sense of hope rather than despair; as it was sung to win past struggles, it is now sung to overcome present struggles as well. Watch the video clip here.
Wynberg Girls’ High School students were thoroughly inspired by Michelle Botha on 21 July as she shared a little of her story of blindness, guide dogs and courage. Michelle is a past pupil of Wynberg. After matriculating here in 2006, she went to UCT where she studied English, History and Gender Studies and graduated with a Masters in Social Science. She now works for the Cape Town Society for the Blind based in Salt River where she assists young blind job seekers to find suitable employment. She makes use of a guide dog, Panda, and is very involved in the work of the SA Guide Dogs Association. Promoting awareness of the blind, and the challenges they confront, is part of her portfolio at the Cape Town Society for the Blind. In a witty and entertaining address, she told us of her journey in accepting her disability when all her school and many of her university days had been spent trying to hide it. What an extraordinary journey it was: a story of having the courage to be vulnerable. It is a powerful message and there is little doubt that Michelle is an enormously talented young woman and a very fine ambassador for the society. For further information about the society please download the following pdf file.
INTERNATIONAL SPUR HOCKEY FESTIVAL
THIRD TEAM HOCKEY GIRLS VS PINELANDS HIGH SCHOOL On 23 July, Wynberg played against Pinelands High School. The score of the match was a draw of 0-0. The team played an incredible match, characterised by excellent communication, skill, structure and real teamwork. It was rewarding to see how much the girls have improved and we look forward to their future matches!
RESULTS: NETBALL VS WESTERFORD
From 21 July to 24 July, the Wynberg Girls’ First Hockey Team took place in the annual U18 International Spur Hockey Festival. For all our girls, this was the first time attending the festival. The girls’ focus was not to win every game and come out as the victors, but rather to build the team up again after the holiday break and get us back into a good team dynamic – the kind that we had before leaving on holiday. On the first day, Wynberg played against Queens College, Taunton, England and then Windhoek Gymnasium, Namibia beating both teams 2-0. There was little doubt that this left us feeling good: a little victory never harmed anyone! The second day was the very same in which Wynberg played against Paarl Girls’ and then Chisipite, Zimbabwe beating them 2-1 and 2-0 respectively. For the full story click here.
U14B HOCKEY DOMINATE PINELANDS U14A TEAM! On 23 July the U14B team walked away with a 4-0 win against Pinelands High School's U14A team. What a great way to start the second half of the season! The team played superbly, scoring a goal in the first two minutes. The goals were scored by Sweva Wiid (1), Jade Yardin (1) and Chloe Botha (2). The enthusiasm and spirit from the team was unbelievable and we hope to continue to play this way throughout the season.
On 21 July Wynberg’s second team netball girls played against Westerford. It was one of the tightest matches of the season. The second team only let one of their centre passes get into Westerford’s hands in the first half, but Westerford didn’t allow Wynberg to do the same. Thus, the score at half time was 10-8 in Westerford’s favour. The team felt a bit downtrodden, knowing that they were playing very well and could not get back the centre pass they had lost. It was difficult to start on the back leg in the second half because there was no room for error. However, against all odds, the girls didn’t let the pressure get to them and were able to come back in the second half. The last few seconds were crucial as Westerford had the ball and were near the circle area. It was a tie at this point and Wynberg did not want to lose on the very last move. The defence managed to get the ball from Westerford, not allowing them to score. The whistle blew ending with a score of 19-19. Wynberg were upset that they were so close to winning, but relieved that they, at the very least, managed not to lose since it was such a close match. Well done girls and next time we know you’ll be victorious!
67 MINUTES WITH INTERACT AND ROTORACT
DR MAMPHELA RAMPHELA INSPIRES AND PROVOKES THOUGHT We were fortunate to have guest speaker Dr Mamphela Ramphele visit Wynberg Girls’ High School. In assembly she spoke about civic duty and pride as an African/South African, encouraging the “leaders of today – not tomorrow” (as she put it) to take action to create the South Africa we want.
She then spoke to the Grade 11 and 12 History girls about the Black Consciousness Movement and how we should all become conscious of our identities and embrace them. She spoke of realizing one’s full potential and said “that once you truly accept yourself and your talents, and stop aspiring to be someone you are not, you will succeed”. Questions were asked and she had no hesitation in giving the girls long and meaningful answers; addressing not only issues of race, but also those For Mandela Day, the Wynberg Girls’ High School’s of feminism, and what it means to be a woman in South Interact Committee met with Wynberg Rotaract at Victoria Africa. Hospital. We made chocolates and notes for the nurses, doctors, security staff and ambulance drivers working at As a politician, former anti-apartheid activist, medical the hospital. We were fortunate enough to have a very doctor, academic, business woman and great public friendly nurse chaperone us through the different wards. speaker, the girls couldn’t help but be inspired. The Our favourite part was visiting the paediatric ward where atmosphere of hope and excitement was tangible and we were able to donate childrens’ bracelets, dream catchmany learners left the hall feeling inspired to contribute ers and cards made during our weekly Monday sessions. towards the South Africa we dream of. For the history girls it provided invaluable insight into the struggle and Our focus this year was not only hospitals, but included the Wynberg Police force and the petrol attendants of the helped us understand more of what Black ConsciousWynberg area. We visited several petrol stations to show ness and self-pride meant. We now know that this is not our appreciation towards the attendants for their service. something that should only be learnt about but applied practically in our everyday lives. We chatted to the attendants one on one and wished them an amazing evening.
Lastly, we went to the Wynberg Police Station. What surprised us the most was how many policemen and women work such late shifts. It made us realise how dedicated and committed they are to serving our community. A big thank you to the Wynberg Rotaract who made this extraordinary evening possible.
WELCOME TO OUR THIRD TERM STUDENT TEACHERS Welcome to our five student teachers for this term. They are: Angela Bailey (an old girl) for Maths Literacy and Natural Sciences and Julia Janssens for English and History. Both these ladies are studying at CPUT. We also welcome Neliswa Sampi-Mxunyelwa for Music Theory, Tshegofatso Letlake for Geography, Natural Sciences and Physics and Lauren White for English and History. These ladies are studying at UCT.
U14S TAKE THE WIN AT THE SAN SOUCI NETBALL TOURNAMENT
OUR GIRLS QUALIFY FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN HOCKEY TEAM
Well done to Wynberg Girls' U14 netball team who participated in a tournament hosted by Sans Souci. Our girls did us proud by bringing home the gold in four consecutive matches! The results for the games were as follows: WGHS vs Voortrekker WON 26-0 WGHS vs Sea Point WON 18-2 WGHS vs Rustenburg WON 7-4 WGHS vs Pinelands WON 22-3 WGHS vs Norman Henshilwood 2 WON 18-1 Into the final against Fairbairn College and what a tight game it was, with Wynberg in the lead at the end of the first half with a score of 4-1. Fairbairn college fought back, making it a one goal difference and at the sound of the final whistle, it was WGHS taking it with a score of 7-6.
SPOTTED ON CAMPUS THIS MONTH:
A huge congratulations to our three U18 South African hockey players: U18A team: Jamie Southgate, U18B team: Sasha Sivertsen and Chelsea Manoek. Super proud of our Wynberg Girls!
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APPLICATIONS FOR HEAD OF SCHOOL ARE HEARD The time of the year has returned for the aspiring leaders of Wynberg Girls’ High School to consider and apply for those leadership positions in which they wish to serve in 2016/17. On 25 July, seven of our current Grade 11s took the opportunity to deliver their Head of School speeches to the rest of the school. Following the prepared speeches was a variety of impromptu questions the candidates took turns to draw and answer. At this point, all the potential leaders have completed a letter of application and motivation, as well as a manifesto that has been placed on the boards around the school. Today marked the beginning of a week of speeches and the anticipation of interviews with the respective staff members before the actual voting commences. The prospective Heads of each House present a speech to their house, and other categories of leaders attend interviews and need to show their involvement in the particular portfolio. The seven Head of School applicants made it clear in their messages that Wynberg has produced learners who are able to make the most of the opportunities presented to them and carry their experiences gained through life after school. The visions and analogies presented in the speeches sparked a sense of pride and unity among the staff and learners listening. The applicants for the new Head of School definitely inspired confidence in their ability to lead and we congratulate them on a successful address to the school. All the best to these seven candidates and the other Grade 11s who have applied for leadership as they continue to strive to serve our school well in the future.
LISTEN TO OUR LATEST PODCAST
The third term is always an emotionally demanding one: it is the term in which applications for the positions of leadership for the following year become available to the Grade Elevens. TyraLee Nel, 2016 Head of Culture, chairs a discussion on the leadership system at Wynberg Girls’ High School with a number of leaders from 2016 and applicants for 2017. In discussion with her are Grade 11 aspirant leaders Robyn van Dam, Juliet Stromin and Stacey Goliath and 2016 leaders, Lara Harris, Head of School; Meg Anderton, Head of Academics; Casey Valentine, Head of Wellesley and Asanda Masoka, Deputy Chair of the RCL. Listen here.
RESULTS: CROSS COUNTRY IN MUDDY, SLIPPERY CONDITIONS On 22 July, Wynberg Girls’ Cross Country team took part in the annual league race at SACS. The girls who participated included: Sasha Petersen, Lelethu Mzaza, Kirsten Roodman, Karen Roodman, Sarah-Jane Deary, Camryn Beaton, Qailah Daniels, Mikayla Gray, Jessica Le Brun, Lizzie Du Croq, Michelle Boshoff, Beth Goode, Charlotte Gumunya, Amina Casti and Amy Foster. The race took place on the muddy, slippery school grounds of SACS. The races at SACS always seem to be one of the tougher of the season, but Wynberg worked hard and came out with great results despite the stormy, rainy and cold weather. As the season has progressed and is soon reaching an end, Wynberg’s cross country team has grown in numbers each week and many have improved on their times. Special mention to Kirsten Roodman for coming third in the U19 girls race.