WYNBERG GIRLS’
NEWSLETTER Also available on our website : www.wynghs.co.za
HIGH SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2015
Dear Parents
BIG DREAMS HAVE SMALL BEGINNINGS
The final Grade 12 exams have been written and our matrics of 2015 have left Wynberg to make their way in the world. We have no doubt that they have the skills to fly as high as eagles and that they will stay true to their motto “Honour before Honours” and remember their 2015 tagline “We are limitless”.
For quite some time, there has been a real need for more classrooms at Wynberg. The school is pleased to unveil the plans for the building of eight new classrooms in the Wellington Quad. If you can’t quite imagine how eight classrooms are going to fit into the quad, here are some of the architect’s drawings of this exciting development. They can be viewed with greater clarity on the school website: http://www.wynghs.co.za/news/big-dreams-have-smallbeginnings/nggallery/thumbnails
Many girls, in thank you notes, have put on paper some of their thoughts and feelings, and I have taken extracts from these letters below. It is heart-warming to know that shy girls have blossomed, hard times have built resilience and they have had fun. I think this gives all parents hope that should their daughter be going through a rough patch right now, if you keep supporting her, it does get better! “Wynberg , for me, has offered opportunity upon opportunity for which I am eternally grateful.” “When I arrived in high school, I was a shy Grade 8 with braces ….I kept to myself pretty much. I was petrified of not making new friends and getting lost…. Now, at the end of my final year here, I can say that they have been the best years of my life thus far. Sure, they have not gone by without moments of hurt and times of struggle, but if you had told the grade 8 version of myself that I would be this happy by my Matric year, I don't think I would have believed you. It still amazes me that I was able to make so many amazing friends in the space of 5 years. All I can say is thank you.” “I will always remember Wynberg, my alma mater, as a place of love and safety.” “To say 'thank you' is not enough.” “Thank you for the valuable life lessons you've helped me to learn”. “Thank you for shaping me to become a proud Wynberg girl. I will truly miss being part of the Wynberg family.” We thank the 2015 matrics for their contribution to the school and wish them well in the future. It is time for the new generation to step up! Warm regards Shirley Harding PRINCIPAL
MOUNTAIN CLUB CAPE POINT HIKE
CAVANAGH VISITS MURAMBI HOUSE On 27 and 29 October, girls from Cavanagh house went to spend some time with the senior citizens of Murambi House in Wynberg. It honestly was a very thought-provoking experience as a lot of the people of Murambi House do not get visitors, and the best gift that we could give them was our time and good conversation. We are looking forward to our next visit to the home, before the end of the term, so we can continue the conversations!
The inclement weather on Sunday, 1 November was no match for our determined Mountain Club Hikers. We admired the scenic beauty as Mr Bodenstein drove us around the reserve and along the shoreline. With the wind still howling, our planned route along the coast to Dias Beach turned, instead, into a walk up to the lighthouse and along the trail of the most south western part of the Cape Point reserve. The Scenic Walk path led us to the beach where, sheltered from the weather, we managed to enjoy our packed lunches within sight of the waves crashing against the rocks. Our walk continued around and down the mountain with the breathtaking view of all of Cape Point behind us. We were blown away by not only the wind, but the view of the Atlantic Ocean and the sea-life surrounding this paradise. Thank you to Mr Bodenstein and Ms Underhill for this opportunity to celebrate our city in the most beautiful way possible.
MATRICS DONATE THEIR SHOES In a lovely Wynberg tradition started by the Class of 2012, when the Matrics finish writing their very last exam, they donate their shoes to students elsewhere who have none.
SERVICE PILLAR BOOK DRIVE The Wynberg Service Committee collected several boxes of books for the Victoria Hospital Paediatric ward. The books were delivered to the hospital and were gratefully received by Sister Fredericks and the nursing staff team and displayed in the book corner of the children’s ward. Thank you, Wynberg girls, for this act of kindness, which could change a bleak hospital stay into something bearable.
SENIOR DRAMA SHOWCASE The Drama Society held a showcase to promote some of the work produced during Ms Glover’s extra drama classes. The showcase included the pieces which Savannah Steyn, Juliette Austin and Juliet Stromin performed this year for their South African Drama Exam. The showcase only involved the senior Drama girls from Grades 10 & 11.
Front: Dani Alves, Dani Martin, Ms P Glover, Lesley Bredekamp, Razaana Manuel Next: Juliet Stromin, Nicole Chineka, Juliette Austin, Constance Chiwaula, Frances Morris Back: Savannah Steyn, Caitlin Leatherby, Robyn Benjamin, Tyralee Nel
A couple of months ago, Wynberg was approached to become part of a pilot podcast project. The idea behind podradio.co.za is that it would become a platform where students’ voices from a number of schools could be heard on various of current issues. As part of our commitment to the initiative, Wynberg has been asked to produce one podcast a week. Rebekah Nathan, Head of Communications, is co-ordinating proceedings. Amongst the themes/issues covered by the podcasts so far are: * An interview with Lara Harris - new Head of School; * A discussion about the #feesmustfall campaign on university campuses; * A discussion about the need for a feminist society in schools; * A discussion about exams – procrastination, stress, anxiety and ways we can help ourselves; * A conversation with Grade 8s about Project Week. Download the App from podradio.co.za and listen to the podcasts the school website. http://www.wynghs.co.za/news/wynberg-girls-highparticipates-in-podradios-pilot-programme/
TENNIS On 27 October, the 3rd tennis team played against Springfield. Representing Wynberg were Megan Farquhar, Kayleigh Henderson, Erin Harris and Nkhensani Baloyi. It was an extremely hot day but that did not stop them from winning convincingly, 5 matches to 1. We are very proud of our 3rd team. Perhaps, if their matches continue in this direction, they could move up a league! We are excited to see what happens! Congratulations girls and continue to keep up the great results. On 30 October, the Wynberg 2nd tennis team played against Westerford. It was a beautiful day for tennis. The girls who competed included: Catelin Marshall, Erin Harris, Inge Tripod and Nkhensani Baloyi. The girls were determined to improve and this resulted in some very entertaining, close matches. At the end, the teams were tied 3 matches each but when games were counted, Westerford had won more. Tough luck girls, but you played some fantastic tennis! On 6 November, the 1st tennis team played against St Cyprians. The girls representing Wynberg were: Dana Arries, Katherine Nicholls, Isobel Evans and Savannah Wiegand. The match was tied with both sides winning 3 matches but then, luckily, the Wynberg A couple won their doubles and the extra point and Wynberg beat St Cyprians 7-6. St Cyprian’s must be complimented on their excellent sportsmanship and being friendly hosts.
3rd Team: Erin Harris, Nkhensani Baloyi, Megan Farquhar & Kayleigh Henderson 1st Team: Savannah Wiegand, Isobel Evans, Dana Arries & Katherine Nicholls
WATERPOLO We congratulate the following girls who have been selected to represent the province at Waterpolo:
Amaarah Cornish WP U13A
Donne Hooper WP U14B
Bilqees Benjamin WP U14B
MATCHES vs RUSTENBURG: 30 October The 1st team played a tough game but played with finesse, fighting hard for a 5-5 draw. The improvement is really evident in this team. The 2nd team lost 2-0 in an evenly matched game. The U16As played well together and put up a hard fight, unfortunately losing 1-7. Man of the match was Karen Roodman . With guns blazing, the U16Bs secured a 6-1 victory. The girls played very well and were tremendously proud of their win. The U16Cs won 5-3, maintaining their winning streak and keeping the spirit alive.
MATCHES vs WESTERFORD: 6 November The 1st team played a tough game against a well-conditioned and unrelenting Westerford team. Although Westerford was winning throughout the match, Wynberg persevered and fought until the very end. Westerford won 11-2. The 2nd team won 3-2, playing exceptionally well. We congratulate Melissa Makinson on a great performance - she scored all 3 goals, The U16As had a tough, nail-biting match. The final score was 5-4 to Westerford and the player of the match was Elizabeth Decroq. The U16B team had an absolute crauker of a game, winning 12-0. These matches were the final games for the season. Thank you to all of the coaches and managers for the time and effort you have invested into our Waterpolo girls.
DIVING On November 5, WGHS hosted a diving competition against Springfield. In each section, junior and senior, each diver was required to perform a number of dives. Springfield junior and senior divers won their sections. Sam Martin placed 2nd in the seniors and Mariné Bosch 2nd in the juniors Wynberg & Springfield divers both good individual results. However, Wynberg won the overall competition by 9 points. Each diver who competes gains points for the team, so Wynberg having 10 divers to Springfield’s 6 obviously made a difference. Well done to all the divers.
WP SHOWING CHAMPS
Chelsea Tillet participated in the 2015 Western Cape Showing Championships at the Mistico Equestrian Center. Chelsea and her horse, Blazing Badger, placed 2nd in the Junior Novice Working Riding. They then went into the championship class and won the 2015 Junior Novice Working Championship, followed by being named the 2015 Reserve Supreme Working Champions. Well done, Chelsea!
SWIMMING The WGHS swimming team competed in an individual gala at Herschel on 29 October. It was again another tough gala against very good swimming opponents. Wynberg swimmers worked hard on improving their individual times. Overall, Wynberg came 6th.
CONSUMER STUDIES PRAC EXAM Visiting a Consumer Studies practical exam is a mouth-watering experience. The delicious smells and sights which greet one would tempt even the most diet conscious person! The Grade 11s were tasked with producing ‘something savoury and something sweet’, while the Grade 10s were showing off their cake decorating skills. The results were spectacular!
The Wynberg team took part in the final gala of the year, the SACS Relay Gala. This gala showed just how much the swimming team has improved this term. Every age group improved in their times and placings. Wynberg came 2nd and 3rd in the majority of their races. Wynberg came 4th overall and was only two points behind Springfield which is a huge improvement. We couldn’t be more proud and are really looking forward to an exciting season next year!