November/December Newsletter 2016 Dear Parents Janet Lindup, a Wynberg past pupil, addressed the matrics at their valedictory ceremony and shared a few of the things her career as a ballet dancer had taught her. From dancing the role of Clara in The Nutcracker at the age of 12, she won the Adeline Genee competition in London while in Grade 11 and was the youngest dancer to be accepted into the CAPAB ballet company at the age of 18. With a professional career spanning 20 years and dancing most of the principal roles in all of the classical ballets, her name became synonymous with ballet in Cape Town and further afield. She shared the following points which helped her in her life journey: 1. TIME MANAGEMENT: Dancing 6 days a week, going to school and trying to manage a balanced social life wasn’t always easy - but I learned to juggle my time to suit me and be as productive as I could. 2. DEDICATION: Being a dancer was hard work and meant that sometimes I had to miss out a few things growing up. But I always felt that being dedicated to something you love was worth it - and it paid off. 3. DISCIPLINE: I had some tough teachers growing up, but dance taught me self-discipline. Being involved in such a disciplined “sport” taught me a lot about life…if you want something badly enough, you have to work for it. 4. PERSEVERANCE: There were times in my career that it was so tough and competitive, that I wanted to throw it all in and give up. But roughing it out was so worth it in the end and I am so thankful that I didn’t just quit when the going got tough. 5. TEAM WORK: Although being a principal dancer means carrying the whole ballet individually - there is still team work involved. Being in a ballet company, one has to learn to work with different personalities and types of people which prepares one for life in general. 6. OVERCOMING FEARS: It takes a lot of guts to get up on stage in front of a critical audience - constantly being judged. Dancing was about overcoming fears and learning the positives about pushing myself further. Sometimes being out of one’s comfort zone is one of the most rewarding feelings afterwards. 7. PASSION: It’s hard not to be committed to something without passion - dance sure taught me that. My ballet career showed me how important it is to do things you love and are passionate about. Without passion it is difficult to truly succeed. 8. IT ISN’T ALWAYS FAIR: And life isn’t always fair. It’s a hard lesson to learn, but I learnt how to deal with the tough times, which have helped me throughout my life. So I would encourage each and every one of you to reach for your dreams, follow your passion and make it happen. It IS all possible….just NEVER give up. We hope that our matrics, and those that read Janet’s speech, take heed of her journey and use her tips in the path they will tread. We wish all our Wynberg families a happy and relaxing holiday. For those who travel, we wish you a safe journey. We look forward to starting 2017 with the wonderful girls and families who make up the Wynberg we know and love. Warm regards Shirley Harding
SHINING AT OUR FIRST ATHLETICS TRIANGULAR
RESULTS: WATERPOLO VS SPRINGFIELD The second team started the afternoon off with a bang on 4 November by beating Springfield 8-3. They are growing stronger as a team every week and communication has also improved drastically. Players of the matchwere awarded to Tyra-Leigh Findlay who plays hole and defended brilliantly and Emily Hansen who scored five goals with incredible awareness and speed. The u16A’s game was extremely fast-paced. Both teams’ fitness and skills were evenly matched. Wynberg won 6-3 and the girls were extremely happy. Jenna Mentoor put up a good fight when defending and Jordan Mans (goalie) performed well and communicated throughout. To read the full set of sports results on the website, click here.
TENNIS RESULTS On 4 November, Wynberg took part in its first ever Annual Athletics Triangular with Rhenish and St. Cyprian’s. A team of twenty-five athletes, along with some girls who volunteered to be officials for the event and a few members of Wynberg’s Spirit team, travelled by bus to Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch to participate in the wonderful event. Wynberg’s spirits were high as we arrived as a team, all sporting black and yellow ribbons in our hair and yellow war paint with glistening gold glitter on our faces. Everyone was buzzing with excitement as the other schools arrived and our team did a warm up lap and formed a circle in the centre of the stadium to stretch. Wynberg’s team warming up on the field is always a sight to see – all of the athletes moving in unison creates the perfect image of everything a team should be. Once Rhenish and St. Cyprian’s had arrived, the events began. With so many events happening at once, there was always something for the supporters to watch. The track events for the day included 100m, 200m and 400m sprints, 1500m long distance and 90m hurdles. The field events included shot put, high jump, long jump and triple jump. Our girls all did exceptionally well, and although we placed third overall, it was evident that everyone had put in their best effort. We are very proud of all of our athletes and look forward to participating next year! Well done to the following girls who placed in the top three of their events: • • • •
LARA JOHNSON – first place for both 100m and 200m sprints, awarded best u17 track athlete and Senior Victrix Ludorum JESSICA STEPHENS – first place for high jump and second place for long jump BETH GOODE – second place in 1500m LELETHU MZAZA – third place for shot put
WGHS 1st tennis team played against St Cyprian’s School for Girls on Friday 4 November. This was the first match of the season and despite losing overall, it was a great learning experience for all. Numbers 1 and 2, Katherine Nicholls and Savannah Wiegand lost their doubles 8-4 and both their singles matches. The girls had some good points and some really great rallies. Isobel Evans and Inge Tripod won their doubles 8-3 and Isobel also won her singles 8-3. Congratulations to Isobel for fighting hard and playing consistently to win her match. Inge unfortunately lost her singles and St Cyprian’s won 4-2 overall. On 4 November, the 2nd tennis team played against Springfield. The team played excellent matches with results that were very close. Nkhensani Baloyi and Erin Harris won their doubles 8-6. Kayleigh Henderson and Megan Farquar lost their doubles 8-3. Nkhensani won her singles 8-5 but unfortunately Erin lost her singles 8-6. Kayleigh lost her singles whilst Megan won her match 8-6. To find out how the third did, read the full story here.
MAGICAL MOMENTS AT THE FLUTE AND PIANO CONCERT
TUNE IN THESE HOLIDAYS TO OUR PODCASTS
Green flash
Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” In this podcast Juliette Austin chats to a group of thoughtful committed students from the EnviroClub about some of the projects the school will be embarking on to protect the environment and to develop sustainability. In discussion with her are Caitlin Thomson and Denver Johnston.
On the issue of cyberbullying On 2 November, a number of Wynberg Girls’ flautists and pianists performed in the annual Solo Concert. It was a special and intimate evening for the girls as a handful of family members as well as a few students were in attendance. This concert is held annually in order to prepare the music students for important future performances such as exams, competitions and eisteddfods.
Robyn van Dam discusses the issue of Cyberbullying with two Grade 9 and two Grade 11 students. In discussion with her are Tejal Kooverjee, Paige Farquar, Agape Thamar and Kayla Barnes.
Healthy Food Choices
In this podcast, Tejal Kooverjee chairs a discussion with Ammaarah Jacobs, Isobel Evans, Maxine Schmid and The performers ranged from Grade 8 to 11, and all played Jewel Ormond about our food choices and health. To lispieces of various musical grades. Although the major- ten to these discussions and more, visit WGHS’ very own ity of the performers were flautists, we were also dazzled podradio station here. by piano and recorder solos. This concert was especially important for the Grade 11’s, some of whom have recently completed the external Trinity Grade 7 exams, and are now AND THE MAJOR PRODUCTION preparing their final Grade 8 pieces for matric. A special thanks goes out to Miss O’Hagan and the marketing team for allowing us to make use of the fairy lights and jars to add a charming and relaxed ambiance to the hall. And on behalf of the performers, we would also like to thank Miss Franke for her guidance and extra hours put in to ensure that her students felt comfortable with their individual pieces.
FOR 2017 IS...
All in all it was a very successful evening, and we hope that the girls feel a little more prepared as they begin with their music practical exams this week, and we wish them the best of luck!
The 2017 Major Production will be Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” and we are extremely excited to announce that auditions have been running since 30 November and end on 2 December. Good luck to our budding actors for the auditions!
RESULTS SWIMMING - COMBINED GALA AT HERSCHEL
WGHS FIRST FUN RUN AND MARKET DAY In the early morning of Saturday 15 October, Wynberg Military base sports ground became the location for the first ever Fun-Run and market day hosted by Wynberg Girls’ High School. As the stalls were being set up, the participants of the Fun-Run began to arrive and prepare for the race. Excitement and nerves filled the air as the runners gathered by the start line for the beginning of the race. There were many people participating in the race, of all different ages and physical abilities. At 8:30, after a very enthusiastic countdown from Ms O’Hagan as well as some wise words of encouragement: “It doesn’t matter if you win or not, just beat the boys!”, the Fun-Run began.
Recently, the Wynberg Girls’ High School swimming team competed in a combined gala at Herschel Girls’ High School. Despite the chilly weather, the girls all made the most of the event. The team were supportive of each other and every member was encouraged throughout the gala.
The race was 5km long and consisted of two laps of a circuit around the grounds of the Military Base. Ms O’Hagan, the Marketing Manager and one of the driving forces behind this morning, was also the MC and encouraged the runners from start to finish through the speakers!
The U14s maintained their high standards from last week’s competition, while the U16s took the opportunity to shine and achieve top four finishes in a number of their races. The U19s also gave of their best and worked hard for their results. Overall, Wynberg ended in 6th position, ahead of Bergvliet and Fairmont and are certainly inspired to work harder. Well done to all the girls for competing with such great sportsmanship and spirit.
LAST DAY OF MATRIC For a number of years, Matriculants on the last day of their NSC examinations hand in their shoes for those who might need them. The moment of handing them over is a significant one: they have walked a long road in them, and in surrendering them, it might make the journey for another a little easier.
There were delicious food stalls which offered something for everyone from bacon and egg rolls, macon and egg rolls, boerewors rolls, continental breakfasts, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cool drinks. Learners and parents were invited to buy stall space to sell goods to the public and some of these stalls included dog beds, jewellery, clothing and more. After everyone had completed the race, there were many prizes to be given away and each runner had their race number entered into the draw to win a variety of prizes. Thanks must be given to the Parents’ Association, Mrs Mills, Miss O’Hagan, Mr Burrell, Mrs Harding, the Tech team, the Occasions team, all the participants and staff members for giving up their time to make this event as memorable and enjoyable as it was. Huge thanks to the sponsors which came on board including Pick ‘n Pay, Two Oceans Aquarium, Falke, Johnson and Johnson, the Hair Gallery and Civvio. We aim to make the event bigger and better next year so start planning your stall or dust off those running shoes and get training!
ROCK OF THE AGES CONCERT
GUITAR SOLOIST CONCERT
The Rock of Ages Concert is an event organised and presented by the Wynberg Girls’ and Boys’ High Heads of Culture and Service in the Aileen Currie Hall. Meticulous and thoughtful planning is given to the event, as they prepare an afternoon of entertainment for the elderly. Invitations are extended to our guests and what is essentially a high tea is organised by the Service Pillars, while a carefully considered programme of entertainment is drawn up by the Head of the Cultural Pillar – Juliet Stromin.
It was a first for the guitarists… the first concert just for us. Just an hour was set aside for the event and there was much excitement for many – and perhaps a great deal of nervous energy for others. The stage was set, along with the chairs and stands on the sides and there were refreshments outside the venue.
They did a fabulous job this year, and there is no doubt that our guests were delighted. Guests arrived to the African sounds of our Senior Marimba Band whose energy, celebratory joy and pure delight in performing together is utterly captivating. Once all had arrived, they were warmly welcomed by Juliet and Kayla and the entertainment continued: the Jazz Band followed by our Flute Ensemble. The Wynberg Boys’ Duo “The way you look tonight” charmed every member of the audience and the stellar performance by the Vocal Ensemble of “New York State of Mind” was equally appreciated. Robyn van Dam’s tap dancing (Mambo #5 and All about that Bass) delighted young and old. The fabulous Sinatra sounds of “Fly me to the Moon” by a Wynberg Trio, had everybody swaying and tapping in time. The afternoon ended with fabulous performances from our Orchestra (Pearl Harbour) and Choir (Bright) and the guests exclaimed that it was all over much too soon. Juliet and Kayla did a superb job this year. Some members of the audience said that they had been to this event for a number of years, and that it was one of the best they had ever attended. Many thanks to the staff members who made themselves available for this function: Mrs Paverd, Ms Orpen, Ms Pearce, Mrs van Bergen, Mr Lewis and Mr Saayman. Thanks to our fabulous Occasions Team and Tech Team members whose attention to the smooth running of events like these cannot be underestimated. Well done to all involved. You served your school well and did us proud.
The audience was welcomed by Mrs Brink – our guitar teacher – who has done so much to provide platforms on which we can perform throughout the year. This was the culmination and a celebration of all of that hard work. It was her intention to make it a fairly informal affair and to provide a rich and varied programme. While there were ample opportunities for the girls to perform solos, there were also opportunities to perform duets, trios and quartets and as an ensemble. From Handel’s “Bourrée” to Green Day’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, the carefully selected pieces spanned both the centuries and the world. The delightful sounds of Spain, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Chili and Bolivia filled the hall, and the audience gave a long and appreciative applause at the end of the evening.
CHARITY PERFORMANCE BY OUR JAZZ BAND On 5 November, our Jazz Band was invited to give a half hour performance at the Marsh Memorial Home Fundraising Fete. Marsh Memorial Home is a residential care facility based in Rondebosch, Cape Town, providing a safe haven for around 60 children at risk. There was very little doubt that everyone who attended had a marvellous time. Listen to a clip from their performance here.
KAREN JENNINGS - TRAVELS WITH MY FATHER
WGHS OLD GIRL WINS TLC’S NEXT GREAT PRESENTER After weeks and weeks of working extremely hard to win the title, WGHS past pupil, Carissa Cupido was announced the official winner of TLC’s Next Great Presenter search. When the campaign was launched earlier this year, organisers of the competition said that they were looking for “contenders who were made to be in front of the camera; with the enthusiasm, charisma, style and smile needed to make our TV screens light-up and join the likes of Buddy, Randy and Oprah in the TLC hall of fame. That is no mean feat, but we know our African viewers will take up the challenge and show us what they’ve got!” Well they have certainly got that in Carissa! Congratulations – we’ll be watching your career with interest and pride.
Past pupil, Karen Jennings, has just released “Travels with my father: An Autobiographical Novel” Despite the fact that all copies were sold out at the launch, we were able to get in first, and obtain a (signed) copy of the book for our library. Samantha Mckeever had this to say about the launch: “Last night I was privileged to meet one of my favourite authors, Karen Jennings, whose latest offering was launched at the eclectic Book Lounge in Cape Town”. To read more about Karen, her novel and the experience of writing an autobiography, click here.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE TO MUCH DESERVED SUCCESS
AND THAT’S A WRAP! HAPPY HOLIDAY
We were thrilled to hear that WGHS educator, Lindsay Wills, received a letter informing her of her results from the University of York, and that she has been awarded her MA in Women’s Studies with Distinction. Further than this, she has been awarded Palgrave/Macmillan Susan Anderson Memorial Prize for Outstanding Work in Women’s History. The academic rigour Lindsay brings to her own work and to our school is certainly something to be celebrated. Heartiest congratulations to you Ms Wills.