TERM 4 2021
light and illusion
w y n p r e s s
04 05 06 07 09 11 12 13
Editor's Letter Taherah Orrie Mirror, Mirror Chloë Harding What Is Light Jade Beukes Darkness: The Enemy or The Ally Atheerah Isaacs Hannah Moses: A Bright Light In Our Community Jesse Daniels Biolumiescence Carrey Giffard 360 Mersei Mananga Support Systems Rumaanah Surtee
15 The Darkness of Night 17 Liezaan Bosch Light Pollution is a Thing Hannah Hill 18 Summer Snacks Michele Maneya 19 Everyday Illusions Amy Press 21 The Sun to Your Raindrop Imaan Ajam 23 Kaleidoscopes Olivia Behrens 24 Burn Brighter Amy Scholtz 25 5 Modest Summer Trends Chloe Adrian
EDITOR'S LETTER
Light and Illusion: it’s everywhere around us! We experience it from the moment we wake, until the depths of the night. This year’s final Wynpress edition is bound to trip your thoughts and deceive you. In this issue, we discuss a multitude of themes ranging from how to combat the darkness within our lives, embrace the bright lights within our communities and this new summer light, with modest fashion looks and tasteful treats! Grab a snack and enjoy our new edition, whether you are on a study break or enjoying a little recreation. A very warm thank you to our wonderful writers for creating this edition. We wish our Wynberg Community an abundance of luck as we take our final exams. We believe in you. Do not forget to embrace the light and illusions around you!
Taherah Orrie
Mirror, mirror on the wall The illusion of people And the way it affects us all.
The illusions we have created Which has caused many of us to be hated Despite few knowing what we’re really like Since we only reveal ourselves at night. In the darkness of the cool air Where no one can stare And people are unable to see The ‘real me’. The art of illusion, The distortion of people affects us all Because people aren’t always the same Once you break down their walls.
From those who seem calm on the outside But cry themselves to sleep To those who are loud and confident But are most likely to weep.
Mirror,
Mirror
Mirror, mirror on the wall Do I trust you enough to cover my flaws? Does my face reveal what I think? Or can I cover it up with a wink?
From those who feel broken . but stay strong
To those who have it all
together but feel like Everything is wrong.
Mirror, mirror on the wall
The illusion of people And the way it affects us all.
by Chloë Harding
W H A T
I S
light ?
ight is the thing that helps us see, or it could be what illuminates our room at night. In whatever form we find this irradiating marvel, it has different meanings, depending on the circumstances. Light is not just what we consider a bright force. It’s all around us, even in the dark. There are many types of light, but the one we refer to most times is visible light. Our eyes have evolved to be conditioned to see only this type of light and nothing else. When light interacts with matter, it is changed in order to give us more information about the object that we see. Light is also the fastest thing in the universe travelling at a speed of 300 million metres per second! To put that into perspective: a cheetah, known to be the fastest mammal on Earth, only travels at an average of 29 metres per second.
The Visible Light Spectrum also consists of a variety of colours, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. These hues make up the colours of the rainbow. Red, yellow and blue, which are primary colours, are mixed to make up the rest of the colours seen on the visible spectrum. A division of visible light, known as Ultra Violet light or UV, is only visible to a select group of insects, making it a unique feature to withhold. Whatever form you find this brightness, may it always be a marvel to your eyes and an enquiry to your mind.
Jade Beukes
“Light must come from inside. You cannot ask the darkness to leave; you must turn on the light.”- Sogal Rinpoche.
“Life is an unpredictable series of moments of pure happiness, and moments of complete and utter despair. Moments of light, and moments of pitch-black darkness. As humans, we desire nothing more than that unending stream of light in our lives. Those moments where everything feels perfect and your heart is full with unexplainable joy. However, as we hear too often, life was not meant to be easy. Instead we are forced to travel through a tunnel of darkness and struggle in order to find that light.
Those moments of journeying through darkness may seem unbearable but they are vital to us. Why? Because we may not come to know those moments of happiness or light without the darkness and struggle. The light at the end of the tunnel is but only the result of the challenges faced in that frightening, dark whirlpool of anguish.
DARKNESS: THE ENEMY OR THE ALLY?
Those cold, dark seasons of struggle in our lives help build us into who we are. They help make us stronger, help us to learn more about ourselves, our priorities and our weaknesses. Although those moments can be beneficial, it is crucial to shine a light on the positive aspects of our lives and to remember our goals, as it can be easy to fall victim to the negativity of the situation at hand. We need to use positivity to motivate ourselves to keep fighting against that impending darkness.
We are not afraid of the darkness, we are afraid of what lurks there. When we approach that tunnel, that tunnel of uncertainty, we should embrace the darkness. Embrace whatever challenge may come ahead. We may not be able to walk away from every battle victoriously, but we should grant ourselves kindness and mercy nonetheless, for we may not have come out a winner, but we have come out with new skills or newfound knowledge about ourselves.
The task at hand may be difficult, but the result of our efforts will always be worth it. It will always be worth that glorious light. As Sir Francis Bacon said, “In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.”
Atheerah Isaacs
Hannah Moses A Bright Light in Our Communities Hannah Moses, a Grade 12 learner, has dedicated her time to ensuring that her surrounding community is well looked after. A role model and an inspiration to all those around her, Hannah’s passion for service has propelled her far into her young life as she shines a light on all those with whom she comes into contact.
In the beginning, Hannah and her family only made soup, but as time went by they began preparing different dishes such as curry, akhni, pasta and stews.
Hannah is part of “Helping Underprivileged Groups”, a nonprofit organisation committed to preparing 100 meals each week for the Haven Night Shelter. ‘HUG’ began operating in July 2020 and has an interesting story as to how it came to be. Hannah’s mother and her friends began ‘HUG’ seven years ago. The young philanthropist has fond memories of helping out at numerous fundraisers, such as high teas and various service projects.
Unfortunately, for a multiplicity of reasons, ‘HUG’ was forced to stop operating. When Hannah started High School in 2017, she rediscovered her love for service and in 2020 decided to take the initiative to help meet the needs of those in her community.
Whilst having an abundance of food each week, HUG decided to spread the love even more by providing the Victoria Lodge informal settlement, St Michael’s CYCC and St George’s Home for Girls with hot meals. ‘HUG’ has also been involved in multiple projects for the St. Michael’s Home for Girls, including a Women's Day drive.
This December ‘HUG’ is preparing another generous Santa Shoebox drive that has been running for 2 years. HUG has even collaborated with our very own WGHS Interact Society to make sleeping bags that were distributed to the homeless around our community.
Hannah has served her community in an extraordinary way and has been a humble guiding light to her peers and school. She can be commended for her selfless acts of kindness. We wish her well in her future endeavours.
Jesse Daniels
You have probably wondered what makes
When
glowworms
or
water, it is usually a plankton-formed algae bloom,
deep-sea creatures flicker. The answer?
and this will begin to glow when it is disturbed by
Bioluminescence.
splashes
glow,
fireflies
You
gleam
have
probably
we
see
or
phenomenon
actually mean? If we break up the word,
marine
we can see the prefix ‘bio’, which implies
begin
anything
beautiful
to
life
or
living
organisms. This leaves us with the word
“luminescence”,
which
means
can
animals,
to
of
waves
heard that word before, but what does it
relating
lots
glow
at
be
night.
caused
called
as
gleam
bioluminescence
However,
by
tiny
break.
blue
seen
This
on
waves
this
or
same
single-celled
dinoflagellates,
waves
of
in
which
will
creates
the
the
shores
of
beaches.
the
emission of light that is not from heat
With
(such
bioluminescence is the same but they have the ability
as
burning
wood).
Now
that
we
deep-sea
have an understanding of the word, we
to
control
can look at an explanation.
needs
creatures,
when
such
as
they
the
light
seeing
a
process
up
meal
of
depending
or
a
creating
on
potential
their
mate.
They can do this by regulating their brain process
and chemistry.
bioluminescence
carrey giffard
Bioluminescence
is
light
produced When glowworms and fireflies light up it is also due
within a living organism that occurs due to bioluminescence and the same chemical reaction to a chemical reaction. For this chemical that
takes
place
in
marine
animals.
Glow-worms
reaction to take place, the species must find it difficult to control their supply and intake of contain
a
molecule
called
luciferin. oxygen
meaning
lights,
but
they
cannot
flicker
or
flash
their
Luciferin reacts with oxygen to produce
light
energy.
Often
the
organism
a
catalyst
called
maintain
a
sustained
beam
of
also light.
produces
rather
When
it
comes
to
fireflies,
they
are
able
to
luciferase control when the chemical reaction takes place and,
which speeds up the rate of the reaction. therefore,
are
able
to
stop
and
start
their
light.
However, fireflies tend to light up only at night as
that
is
mate.
when
The
males
try
chemical
to
grab
the
attention
reaction
of
creating
of
a
the
Bioluminescence is a gorgeous spectacle
bioluminescence inside of both the glow-worm and
that
fireflies’ light organ is what creates the stunning
we
see
in
nature
and
is
an
opportunity to really see the beauty our
blue-green glimmer we see at night.
Earth contains.
Light. I wake up and see the light.
I
see
what
I
think
Gradually
is
being
light, what I want to believe
I
have
an
empty
and
void
Reflect upon yourself. What
with
has
a
triumphant,
serene
deconstructive rejection.
to
to
into
of
a
chilling
occupied
with
Words
are
howling
swimming
several water droplets on the
this
surface
36 0
again met with nothing but
concede
you
am
of
my
face.
I
am
paralyzed with a current of
is a direction and I am once
don’t
brought
I
through, making sure to leave
place?
aura. I look in what I assume
Now,
enveloped
winds.
that is yearning to be filled
that
discomfort. My mind is hazy
gathered
everything -now, what? -
feel
tornado
is light.
Darkness
I
your
dark thoughts - push through, overcome it.
uncertainty.
Uncertainty
in
myself and what is in store for
me.
The
need
to
reach
out to someone or something is intensifying.
A
silence
so
deadly:
one
utterance and I might destroy I
rise
and
along
with
sweep
my
the
spirit
through
walls
I
surrounding
every
assume
me.
are
Someone
is
crevice of my being-trailing
knocking on the doors of my
behind
eyes,
any
toxic
remnants
asking
for
entry.
They
knock with such a force that it
that could infect my body:
would turn someone away but I
I
feel
the
heaviness
of
my
discontent tugging me towards the core of the earth. My
mind
is
flooded
open-ended that
are
with
closure.
Closure that will allow me to proceed, forward into a future
that
is
filled
with
uncertainty. Uncertainty as to whether I have it in me to
get
feel
m
er
possibilities
seeking
to
the
said
n a man
sei
A beam penetrates through me
and
I
several
feel
one
toxic
of
the
remnants
disintegrate. Within seconds I feel
whole
again.
I
can
feel
the glimmer of perseverance
whether
this
is
a
successful path and not a
g
a
turn
away.
drawn,
open
the
Instead,
compelled
door
as
I
I
to
have
suffocated hope.
The ice is starting to melt and I feel the walls of the chambers of
my
heart
Movement fluid
is
and
tension
slipping becoming
graceful. in
away.
my
I
more
feel
face
the
being
released along with some of the baggage that has been holding me down. The look in my eyes
waving at me.
destination; uncertainty as to
don’t
holds more life and sincerity. I
A moment (a second of hope and willingness to allow light to come
dead end.
feel
my
soul
revitalising
dancing
tune.
I
to
taste
a the
sweetness of chirping birds on a
through) eliminate
has the
surrounds you.
the
power
darkness
to that
warm
spring
adrenaline through alongside
my the
day.
The
moves
swiftly
veins,
working
blossoming
that are sealing my pores.
rays
upport system s ystems support s ystems support supp support syst systems supp and and and the the and nd and the the he the light light withhin withhin light light with hin
A support system is a group of people who are able to provide you with assistance, care, and guidance. Having a healthy support system in one's life can benefit your mental health and overall well-being.
The
people
reliable
in
and
your
support
trustworthy,
system
people
should
who
love
be and
Here are some tips to help you to use your support system in a proactive way:
care for you. They should bring light into your life -
consciously
or
people
make
life’s
burdens
feel
lighter
on
your
in
choose your
life
shoulders. Surrounding yourself with people who
you feel are reliable.
appreciate
emotional
Ensure
well-being. A healthy support system is beneficial
system
is
people
who
you
is
important
for
your
to you as this system wants you to thrive as an individual. Ensuring that you have a support system
happiness,
do
The benefit of having such people in your life helps you not only to cope with your life challenges, but helps
you
to
reduce
feeling
your
isolated
and
invisible. Being a part of this system helps you to learn from others as well. Caring for others and being cared for by others, encourages us to see beyond our own needs and difficulties, and helps us to understand the importance of working with others.
not
who
support
filled add add
self-confidence
is also a component of self-care.
also
that
the
judge
with
to to
your
and or
your
who
ridicule
you. Accept
that
there
to
take
the
others
help
are
you,
and
guidance
or
support given to you. Communicate openly with those
in
your
support
system. Openly
express
boundaries
to
your
those
in
your support circle.
Your loved ones can also light up your life through their
caring
choose
nature.
healthy,
It
caring
is
important
relationships
to in
actively order
to
help you grow. It is also beneficial to know how to use your support system as it can improve your mental well-being tremendously and ensure that it is maintained.
rumaanah surtee
A
support
system
works
both ways. Always try to reach
out
to
others
and
make sure that they know you are there for them.
The sunny days are upon us and so are the newest textile trends. Let us welcome the heat, whilst staying modest, keeping you cool, comfy and stylish for the summer months to come! From larger-than-life bucket hats to eye-catching zebra prints, let’s help you stay cool in more ways than one.
Puffy
sleeves are the next big thing! With the emphasis placed on comfort and coverage, try out puffy sleeves to leave you feeling sweet this summer. Regardless of whether the puffy couture you choose is dress, shirt, or tank topform, breathable textures like cotton poplin or linen will keep you the coolest in the endless heat. puffy sleeves
Feel the heat and summer beats by drenching yourself in enthusiastic tones such as '80s and '90s pops of neon. Whether you pick some punchy pastels or select a tone-on-tone fit, conceals like orange, purple, and green are bound to steal the show! bright colours
The best way to stir up a bland outfit is by tossing on some mid-2000s-inspired prints. Varieties include gingham, painterly whirls, or natural prints perfect for obtaining that beachy vibe.
funky prints
Catch a breeze or an admiring gaze with a billowing summer dress. Try out something bright and layered, making it ideal for both get-togethers with friends or even as a simple coverup following a dip at the beach! flowy dresses
Trade in your baseball cap for a perfectly bulky bucket hat, one of many summer trends worn by our favourite fashion icons. Protect your head from the heat in style and give it a go.
chelsea adrian
bucket hat
The darkness of night, The root of my fears, Chases me into shadows And stabs me with spears
The darkness of night, It’s a maze of despair A winding path of worry Leading me to my own lair
The darkness of night, It comes from within And blinds me from the light All around life looks dim
If only I looked up If only I looked past my dread The stars and the moon Still shine in my stead
Though my light may be gone And hope seems out of reach There is always light in the distance No matter how small it may seem
Shiny dew drops on a cold winter morning A single flower sprouting in a barren field Hot chocolate and marshmallows on a rainy day The laughter and glee when a surprise is revealed
The darkness of night
A 2021 study found that light pollution has increased by 49% over the last 25 years. But what exactly is light pollution and why is it such a big deal? By definition, light pollution is the brightening of the night sky caused by street lights and other man-made sources. The (continuous) results of the steady increase of it can be clearly observed by just looking out of your window at night, attempting to see the stars. Yes, you’ll probably be able to see some twinkly spots against that dark ceiling we call the sky, but unless you live in a more isolated area outside of the city, the true beauty of the galaxy is rarely seen today living a modernised life.
light pollution is a thing. An entire species could be put in danger just because of light pollution. Since animals are sensitive to light changes in their natural habitats, they are threatened once again. Humans can also be affected in the way that when their circadian rhythms (certain biological processes) are disrupted by too much/the wrong kind of light, they may develop health issues like cancer, depression, insomnia or cardiovascular disease.
Educating others on light pollution and conserving energy are small and helpful steps to start taking. Thereafter, it will be worth considering investing in light shields and motion sensors.
Overpopulation, motor vehicle lights, poor planning done by engineers and the excessive use of electrical lights are just a few causes that contribute to light pollution. Light pollution is a problem because it disrupts the regular state of the earth and its ecosystems. Earth naturally responds to light patterns received by the sun, resulting in our seasons which affect all life. An issue arises when there is an unbalanced amount of light, because many creatures are light dependent and it may mess with their metabolic cycles.
hannah hill A lot of light is used at night which leads to the emission of harmful gases. Therefore, light pollution also contributes to air pollution. Looking at the rate at which light pollution is increasing, it’s important that people start limiting or changing their light usage.
By everyone doing their research, light pollution can be lessened in the hopes of maintaining a healthier planet!
After a long and intense school day, many of us have that favourite snack or meal that we look forward to eating once we get home. The popular choices often fall into the unhealthy snacks category, which has little nutritional value. Instead of reaching for that chocolate bar or packet of chips, here are some light and healthy snacks to try that will keep your body energized this summer.
Summer snacks MICHELE
MANEYA
A
classic
your
snack
lunchbox
that
at
has
least
landed
once.
in
Fruit
salads require little time and effort to make, so, instead of reaching for the sweet jar, add as many fruits of your
fruit salad
choice in a bowl with your favourite yoghurt
and
enjoy
the
benefits
of
natural sugar and vitamins.
For
those
who
struggle
to
finish
their
target litres of water each day, these may make
drinking
water
more
appealing.
Simply wash and cut your desired fruits so that
they
can
fit
into
empty
ice
cube
holders. Then add water or alternatively diluted juice, then wait overnight for them to freeze and add them into your water the
next
watermelons
day. are
Strawberries
recommended
as
and their
bright colours will add a visual appeal.
fruit ice cubes
No matter which side you are on the
pineapple-on-pizza
mini
fruit
some
pizzas
situations,
pizza.
You
can
debate,
prove fruit
mini fruit pizza
can
follow
that
in
go
on
an
easy
recipe on how to bake the base on Cooking Classy's website that covers before any
it
with
cream
decorating fresh
the
fruit,
cheese top
with
including
pineapple!
Perhaps this recipe by Kayla Itsines will change your mind about eating plainlooking
rolled
following cacao
into
oats. a
powder,
Simply
bowl: chia
add
maple seeds,
the
syrup, vanilla
extract, orange juice and zest, and cool
chocolate-orange
it
overnight
morning,
overight oats
Quench your thirst in five minutes with Overhiser's
the
orange
refrigerator.
slices,
plain
In
yoghurt
twist
on
oats
will
definitely
taste as scrumptious as it sounds.
three-ingredient
watermelon slushie. All you have to do is
cut
your
watermelon
into
smaller
pieces that can fit into a blender, add 2
tablespoons
of
sugar
and
a
tablespoon of lime juice. Then blend till it forms a liquid, and, finally, add 3 cups of ice and blend until you see an icy slushie consistency. Watermelon is 92
℅
water, so this slushie is a healthy option for those with a sweet tooth!
the
and cacao chips are added on top. This creative
Sonja
in
watermelon slushie
everyday illusions
amy press
Illusions can be seen everywhere and almost everywhere you look. For the most part, people hide behind a facade that they have custom made, to hide from the fear of being judged for who they are or what they look like. We, as individuals, can feel the need to disguise who we are so we can protect ourselves from others and so that we avoid hurting ourselves.
We, as individuals, are relatively complicated but that makes us who we are. You will express yourself differently depending on who you are around. They can be your parents, siblings, teachers, coworkers, peers, and general people you interact with in everyday life.
We constantly feel as though we are on a podium. Being a teenager, a human being, and knowing from personal experience, we tend to feel as though we are being watched and judged by our every move. We frequently wonder what others might be thinking about us and this will probably never stop.
Changing the way we act is almost second nature to stop the nagging feeling that we must always be liked and fit into every group. We feel as if we should not have any flaws or that we cannot make any mistakes, purely based on the fear that someone could judge us. We will always have an ever-changing perception of who we are.
In Japan, there is a saying that we have three faces. The first face we show to the world and everyone around us. The second face, we show to our close friends and family members.
The third face is the face we show to nobody. This face is hidden from everyone, but ourselves and is only shown when we are alone. It is said that it is the most accurate reflection of ourselves. Each face represents the way we present ourselves and the way our character is shown to the world around us.
T H E
S U N
to your raindrop
Optical Phenomenon. What is it? When light and matter interact we see the result. For example, when water droplets (matter) and rays from the sun interact, we see something beautiful: a rainbow. Now, put yourself into the equation. You can be the droplet and someone else can be the sun and vice versa. Allow me to elaborate...
When you interact and converse with people, the impact can either be positive or negative - we usually hope for a positive outcome. To achieve your positive impact, you need to find yourself a sun to go with the droplet (you), so that a rainbow can be created. We all go through difficult interactions . and we all have bad days, but, with a sun, that tricky day could turn into an unexpectedly delightful day. This can be done with a kind word - or a smile! Now, what makes a sun? Speaking figuratively, a sun is someone who ‘turns a frown upside down”, someone who is a good friend, and someone who brings light into your life - in the same way, the sun literally gives us light.
In your mind, you might be the raindrop but in someone else's, you’re their sun. You may be helping them or you may be the shoulder they lean on, or the one who makes them laugh. This is what’s so fascinating to me, the fact that you can be a sun and a raindrop at the same time! I encourage you to find your sun or be the sun to someone else and make a memorable rainbow together.
I
m
Imagine a life without the sun. All living organisms would die! Now imagine life without your suns. Would you be able to go a day without them? Exactly what I thought.No. I wouldn’t last either. A friend like a sun works wonders. To whom do you go for help? Whose shoulder do you lean on? Who makes you laugh? The answer to all of these questions would be a best friend, or what I would call, a Sun. Finding your sun is important because when you are in need or in darkness, these best friends will bring light to your life.
.
aa
n A
ja
m
Kaleidoscopes OLIVIA BEHRENS
Looking into my kaleidoscope transfixed by its glory, I reach for the colours I can’t seem to catch. My private telescope looking at diamonds and stars - fugitives of the sky.
A flowing conveyer belt that calls itself life: feeding you with uncertainties, pressures, insecurities, deadlines for work and social expectations, the constant flicker of a rectangular light pulsing in the corner of your vision distracting you from reality.
Whirl me away back to my kaleidoscope days, my world embraced with happiness and colour carefree.
Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that”. In the age of social media activism, it has become increasingly difficult to avoid feeling defeated by the state of our society. Every day we are bombarded with news of devastating violence, corruption and injustice. This constant stream of negativity can become overwhelming or even make us indifferent to tragedy. A million voices scream that the world is burning up again, children are starving and they haven’t achieved peace in the Middle East. All before you’ve eaten breakfast. We must take care to stay human, not to lose our genuine empathy in the process of racing to post about every disaster across the globe. There is a certain pressure amongst teenagers to use their social media platforms to bring awareness to pressing issues and give a voice to the voiceless. At its heart, this is well-intentioned and can truly make a difference, but like anything, it has its pitfalls.
BURN BRIGHTER AMY SCHOLTZ ANGELO BREWING
We feel obliged to educate ourselves and others to the point where there is a constant worry of “Am I doing enough?” It raises the question of whether our activism is simply performative if we only post infographics and articles because we feel that not doing so makes us seem ignorant or selfish. Our inability to stop the endless suffering outside makes us feel guilty. This mentality is unhelpful and only furthers negativity. As important as news, knowledge and awareness are, you are not responsible for fixing it all. Being over-informed can paralyze us, the darkness eventually becomes all-consuming. How are we supposed to find any joy at all in these conditions? The only way to make the world a better place is to drive out darkness with light. Allow yourself to embrace the joy and beauty in the world. There are still beautiful things, and you shouldn’t feel guilty for focusing on what brings light. Allow for balance. You should be commended for your efforts to advocate for those who are suffering, but share good news regularly - it’s an important act of self-care. Remember: You don’t have to save the world, but if you choose to try, do so through sharing love and spreading light.
light illu
sion
light
sion li AGE Special thanks to:
Our thoughful and talented Wynpress committee for always creating such enticing work;
Ms Lawrence for all of her efforts dedicated to ensuring every Wynpress issue reaches its full potential;
Dr Wallace for taking the time to ensure that the issue is perfect for publishing;
the Communications and Marketing team for sharing our work with the Wynberg family;
and last but certainly not least, many thanks to you, our amazing readers for your never-ending support.
*Images and cartoons are courtesy of Canva (www. canva. com) and Unsplash (unsplash. com)
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