September/October Newsletter 2016 Dear Parents With October turning into November, one realises that time is running out to complete all those new years’ resolutions, or just the list that must be ticked off annually. Each year seems to be busier, work becomes more intense and leisure hours less - in the eleventh month we have a lot left to complete. None more than the Wynberg girls who soon start their final examinations. The outgoing School Council used the theme of “Time” for their last assembly and I thought I would share some of their quotes. Perhaps they will remind us of how we should use our time, using each minute productively, remembering that relaxing is also good use of time and to make sure that we always are present in the moment to seize the opportunities. “Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back” “Time is like the ocean - you can only hold a little in your hands. Don’t let it slip away.” “Don’t let the clock govern you, govern the clock. It is better to be 3 hours early than 1 minute too late.” “Don’t waste your time banging on walls trying to turn them into doors.” “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” “The greatest gift you can give someone is your time because when you give your time, you are giving a portion of your life that you will never get back.” “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” “Sure, time flies, but remember you are the pilot.” “Take time to do what makes your souls happy. Good things take time.” “The time is always right to do what is right.” “Your time is yours. Your time is valuable. Be present and be you.” Best wishes to our Wynberg girls (and their families) as we enter this last school month of 2016. May the time spent on their studies through the year reap great rewards. Regards, Shirley Harding
FOUNDERS’ WEEK: CELEBRATING OUR 132TH BIRTHDAY Reuniting with Past Pupils
On Friday the 16th September 2016, our school celebrated its 132nd birthday – Founders’ Day – with a number of exciting events. Traditionally, the celebrations start with a cocktail party organised by the Past Pupils of Wynberg – it’s always an event that is light-hearted, where conversations flow, gastronomical delights are enjoyed, and the achievements of our Wynberg women are acknowledged and honoured and memories shared.
Flag-raising Ceremony
In keeping with tradition, the Grade 8s and new Grade 11 leaders joined Wynberg Girls’ Junior School in celebrating their annual Flag Raising Ceremony. The ceremony focused on Wynberg’s fascinating history and all of the things within our school that have changed over the years. The prestigious event was enjoyed by all and the love and pride students have for Wynberg was evident throughout. The ceremony began with the Junior School Orchestra’s rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance”. As this played, the flags were carried down the aisles and onto the stage by a group of Grade 1 and Grade 7 girls. The first flag to be presented was the South African flag, followed by the school flag and finally the flags of the school’s four houses. As each flag was raised, the national anthem was sung. To read the full story, click here. and to find out who won the Past Pupils Hockey and Netball vs WGHS’ first teams, click here.
2016 MATRIC VALEDICTORY AND PRIZEGIVING The 13th of October marked the Valedictory Service of the Matric Class of 2016. The morning was filled with many photos and the usual music and dancing in the Matric block as the matrics celebrated their farewell to the school. The staff and learners of Wynberg were together in the hall sharing moments of tears, laughter and smiles as they reflected on the high school career of the 2016 class. The Grade 11s and staff dedicated well-rehearsed songs to the matrics that certainly tugged on heartstrings. This informal service ended with a video, put together by the Memories Committee that captured the moments from Grade 8 to Grade 12 of each matric learner. The formal Valedictory Service took place at 10h30 where the parents and loved ones celebrated with the staff the achievements of the Matrics throughout their last year at Wynberg. A warm welcome by Mrs Guthrie, Vice-Chairperson of the School Governing Body, was followed by an address from former Wynberg girl and South African ballet dancer, Ms Janet Lindup, who shared with the assembly values that she had learnt along the way of success. One of the Matric music pupils, Sarah McDonald performed a flute solo of Hypnosis by Ian Clarke before the Prize Giving section of the ceremony commenced. To watch the video of the informal valedictory and to read the full report click here.
2017 LEADERS’ INDUCTION CEREMONY 29 September marked the date of the official induction of the new school leaders of 2017. Although many of the new leaders had already been hard at work while the Matrics were writing exams in preparation for their finals, it marked the formal shift of leadership, and was a very exciting event for all. The Induction Ceremony began with the singing of the national anthem. Ms McCarthy, our Deputy Principal, gave a warm welcome to the audience members, thanking them for taking the time to support the newly-inducted leaders by attending the special occasion. Chloë Johnson, Chairperson of the Representative Council of Learners for 2017 took to the podium to read the devotions, reminding everyone to be thankful for every opportunity they are given. This was followed by an address by Mrs Harding, the principal, who described the ceremony as the beginning of a new chapter for Wynberg and included a few lessons for the incoming leaders in the form of quotes from the works of Dr Seuss. Overall, the Induction Ceremony was a prestigious and honourable event and the full details of the remainder of the proceedings can be found here. Pictured on the left is Jessica Stephens, Head of School for 2017, receiving her blazer from Lara Harris.
SERVICE AWARDS
BREADTAGS FOR WHEELCHAIRS
The service year for matrics has come to an end and to celebrate, to thank our matrics and all girls who have contributed to the work of the service pillar, the service awards took place.
Wynberg congratulates Mary Honeybon who runs Breadtags for Wheelchairs on winning the People’s Post Spec Savers Community Champion Elders People’s Choice Award. Mrs Honeybon received over 160 nominations from the community for the sterling work she does in recycling bread tags to raise funds for wheelchairs for those who can not afford one. Wynberg Girls’ High School is a long standing supporter of this initiative and Mrs Paverd was honoured to attend the awards ceremony as a guest of Mrs Honeybon.
Invited guests met in the Aileen Currie Hall on Monday, 26th. Certificates were handed over and girls were thanked in the form of chocolates and hugs. Speakers on this occasion included Huda Ely, Mrs Paverd and our new head, Kayla Garcia. Pizzas had been ordered to mark the occasion, and guests needed little invitation to tuck in! Our sincere thanks is extended to all girls who have given of themselves and their time in support of others.
INTERACT JOINT WORKSHOP On Saturday, 17 September, the WGHS Interact Committee met with a number of other Interact Societies within the Western Cape. Members from Swellendam to Simon’s Town came together to attend the Interact Workshop hosted by the Rotary Club of Wynberg at SACS Junior School. The day was filled with a number of leadership training exercises, interactive workshops and inspirational speakers. Organizers from the Sunflower Fund, Shelter Box as well as the Santa Shoebox Project were there to inform us of what they do and how their organizations started. As the Interact Committee, we were inspired by and motivated to making service a much bigger part of our lives at school, at home and in the community.
ACHIEVERS’ DINNER 2016 - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER On 28 September the annual Wynberg Girls’ High School Achievers’ Dinner took place. Organised this year by Mr David Machado, Mr Jasper Saayman and Mrs Paige du Plessis, this dreamy event served as a tribute to the top achievers across the four pillars – Academic, Culture, Service and Sport – in the student body of our school. The winners of each Pillar trophy: Academic Pillar Award: Aa’isha Dout Culture Pillar Award: Tasha Ainsworth Service Pillar Award: Huda Ely Sport Pillar Award: Kirsten Roodman The full story can be found on the website here.
GEOGRAPHERS VISIT ESKOM
ALL GIRLS’ SCHOOLS CHOIR FESTIVAL
GRADE 11 GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP
On a Thursday morning, we, the Grade 11 geography learners, left school with a long drive ahead of us. After about an hour’s bus drive of music, mapwork and morning naps we reached our first destination: The Palmiet Pumped Storage Scheme in Grabouw. This is a power station owned by Eskom that uses flowing water to generate electricity for the national grid and also helps to supply water to the City of Cape Town. When we arrived, we received a talk from an Eskom staff member. We learnt all about how the national grid works, how this particular station functions and the process of its construction, as it is within a nature conservation area. After the talk we had a lunch break, before heading down to the power station itself. We went inside and looked down at the generator and pump, 20 stories below us. After this we took some photos of the surrounding area before heading off to our next destination. We drove to Caledon to look at the wind turbines and to get an idea of what a small town looks like to help us visualise the mapwork we do in class and to help put some of our theory into context. We headed back to school in the rain feeling exhausted and windswept, but we definitely had gained a greater understanding of how our country’s national grid functions, how electricity can be generated and we were able to put lots of our class work into context.
One of the highlights on the cultural calendar in the last week of the third term is the All Girls’ Schools’ Choir Festival. St George’s Cathedral is the chosen venue for this event – not only for its excellent acoustics, but its beauty and position in the heart of Cape Town. The participating Choirs, Chamber Choirs and Vocal Ensembles of the various schools are invited to perform 2 to 3 pieces simply for the joy of it – there is no competition – simply a celebration of song. The event is hosted by Wynberg, and participating schools this year included Paarl Girls’, St Cyprian’s, Springfield Convent, Sans Souci and Rustenburg High School for Girls. There is always an extremely varied programme and this year, the schools did not disappoint. This year Wynberg’s Vocal Ensemble performed Viva La Musica – D. Brunner and New York State of Mind – B. Joel (Arr. S. Zegree) and the Choir performed Prayer of the Children – K. Bestor (Arr. A. Klause) Gloria from “Missa Kenya” – P. Basler (Arr. A. Smit). We bring you a video recording of just one of the performances by our Vocal Ensemble on the night here.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SPORTSWOMEN
INTERSCHOOLS SQUASH TOURNAMENT
In Cricket
Congratulations to Saarah Smith who has been selected to represent the Western Province U19 Girls Cricket Team at the National U19 Girls Cricket Week in Pretoria from 09 to 13 December 2016.
In Gymnastics
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Congratulations to Rachel Du Plessis who was placed 15th overall at the South African National Championships (Gym Games) during the holidays. She scored 9.1 on Vault in Girls Level 5 Artistic Gymnastics at the games. She also receives her full Western Cape colours for Women’s Artistic Gymnastics in 2016.
Western Province Waterpolo Representatives
We congratulate the following Western Province Waterpolo representatives, selected to represent various WP teams at the Inter-Provincial Tournament in December this year. U16A: Tatum Leibrandt U16B: Olivia Walker U15B: Bilqees Abrahams and Bilqees Benjamin
U14S BREAK SWIMMING RECORD On 20 October 2016, Wynberg Girls’ High School participated in a B league swimming gala held at Fish Hoek High School. The U14s did extremely well despite not finishing in first place. The U14 swimmers: Sarah Williams, Jade Yardin, Malia Krapf, Mia Stock, Layla Adams managed to break a record and so they definitely deserved the title of “Swimmers of the week”.
...AND WGHS BEAT RUSTENBERG
On Saturday 17th September, the first squash team consisting of Ashlyn Southern, Demi Steenkamp, Kaylee Marshall, Isobel Evans and Inge Tripod, competed at the PGSGU Inter Schools Squash Tournament held at Western Province Cricket Club. The team was hoping to defend their title and bring back the trophy which Wynberg had won the year before. The setup of the tournament is different from normal squash tournaments. Each match is played for 9 minutes straight or until one of the players reaches 44 points. These matches can be quite tiring as there is no break. The morning began with Wynberg playing Herschel. It was a good start for Wynberg, who achieved a 4-1 win. Wynberg’s next match was against Rustenburg and the Wynberg team played very well to achieve a 4-1 win. The last set of matches of the morning for Wynberg, were against Springfield, our toughest opponents. Wynberg fought hard and the scores were very close at the end, however Springfield narrowly won 3-2. The end results saw Wynberg narrowly miss out on first place. It was a good morning of squash and the first team must be commended on a very good performance. Isobel Evans and Inge Tripod won all of their matches. It was also the last time the 2 matrics in our team, Demi Steenkamp and Kaylee Marshall, would play squash for Wynberg. They have both been involved in Wynberg squash since grade 8 and have contributed a lot to the sport. We thank them for their commitment, enthusiasm and hard work – they will be missed.
SUSTAINABILITY: LEARNING FROM OUR PEERS On 21 September, the EnviroClub went to Rustenburg School High for Girls to see how their school is advocating sustainability. Immediately we were blown away by the simplest things they had put in place in order to make a great change within their school. It was interesting to see the process they went through to figure out what works and what doesn’t, and how to compromise when faced with an unusual situation.
In memory of Kirsten Schultz and to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the 1st Team Waterpolo girls are wearing black bands around their arms. Also a huge congratulations for your win last Friday against Rustenburg (4-3)!
Some of the things we learnt were different ways of composting, for example, they have windrows and bokashi to breakdown their own organic waste. We also learnt how they save on water and electricity by using solar energy. Having seen that it can be done, EnviroClub is now eager to continue our efforts to make Wynberg into a greener and more sustainable school.
UBUNTU CULTURAL EVENING On 15 August the Ubuntu Society hosted a Cultural evening, where a number of schools, including Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Springfield, Leap Science and Maths School, Zimasa, Rhenish Girls’ High School, SACS Boys’ High School and Wynberg Boys’ High School participated. With an explosion of energy, our Junior Marimba band began the evening. Performing a mix of both African tunes and popular items from Coldplay, they were warmly received by a lively audience. Our MC’s for the evening (Katso Otukele and Nicole Botha) lead us through a number of dynamic acts from dances to choir performances and poetry renditions. A delightful tongue-in-cheek fashion show, where girls and boys modelled garments including elegant traditional dress, formed part of the entertainment of the second half. We saw the syncopated rhythms of our Ubuntu Gum Boot Dancers (with a quick practice and a bit of coaching in the carpark from our brother school) and some fiery dancing from other schools. Because it was a cold Autumnal evening, the audience was treated to a piping hot stew and umngqusho (which was Nelson Mandela’s favourite food), followed by tea and coffee. Overall, the event was a mammoth undertaking but a successful celebration of vibrant cultures and we would like to express our grateful thanks to Mrs Godana and her committee for putting it all together.
MATRIC ART EXHIBITION On 18 October the Wynberg Girls’ High School Art Exhibition was opened by Hayden Proud. Guests were welcomed to the event by the Head of Communications and one of the exhibiting Art Students, Rebekah Nathan, and Juliet Stromin, Head of Culture, introduced our guest speaker. He commended the girls on the standard of their work, and reminded all of the enormous value of studying this subject. This year for their final art practical the theme was:
Movement & Mayhem.
They explored this theme and developed intriguing new ideas and concepts. Some of the artwork produced included life size paintings, beautifully illustrated pencil and charcoal drawing, installations, and sculptures. The standard of work was outstanding. Every artwork was carefully detailed and it was extremely difficult to walk past an artwork without stopping and staring in awe. The girls have once again set the bar very high for the Art Department and we congratulate them and Mrs Saporetti
WYNBERG MATHEMATICIANS DO NOT DISAPPOINT! On 19 September, there were a number of Maths awards presented to various girls from grades 8, 9, 10 and 11. The awards ranged from the UCT Mathematics Olympiad to the Western Province Mathematics Team announcements. Many girls were awarded merit certificates for achieving in the UCT Mathematics Olympiad, an annual mathematics competition for schools in the Western Cape. More than 50 schools and 1000 students participated and our Wynberg learners did not disappoint! Read the full story here.
LAUREN GILDENHUYS RETURNS TO INSPIRE PUBLIC SPEAKERS On 17 October 2016, the Public Speaking Society hosted an “Open Afternoon� to which all girls were invited to attend. This afternoon consisted of a presentation on the opportunities offered by the society. It included information about opportunities to compete at national and even international level. The highlight of the afternoon, however, was the guest speaker. Lauren Gildenhuys joined us for the afternoon. She, who was not only Head of Public Speaking in 2013, but also Head of School joined us for the afternoon. Lauren now studies Law at UCT and is an Allan Gray Orbis Fellow. She spoke to the society about the power of communication and how being a member of the society helped shaped her as an individual. She made reference to the society greatly assisting her on a personal as well as professional level. She also talked to us about how Public Speaking played an instrumental role in the person she is today and helped shape her thinking. She encouraged us to work hard for what we want but also to be open minded and kind. Lauren delivered a highly engaging and inspirational speech, one that had girls raising their hands in earnest when the floor was opened for questions. Lauren did not only inspire us as public speakers, but inspired us as people. Her talk resonated with each and every one of us in the room, not just a select few. Overall, the afternoon proved to be a great success. Many girls left there inspired and excited about what the society has to offer.
CEDERBERG HIKE
CONDOLENCES
CEDERBERG WOLFBERG ARCH & CRACKS
The mountain club went on an incredible journey to the Cederberg in September. We started our hike in the early morning and set off into the narrow Wolfberg cracks, where we had to scramble over rocks and squeeze through small openings. When we reached the arch, we were absolutely blown away by the magnificence of the rock formations that surrounded us. The highlight of each day was enjoying lunch while sitting under this beautiful creation. The day after our expedition we spent our last few hours relaxing at the beautiful Maalgat rock pool, despite the icey waters, most of us managed to brave it and jump in. The hike is not for the faint-hearted as it requires risk taking and self-confidence. The Cederberg hike was an unforgettable experience and we recommend it to anyone who gets the chance in the future.
In loving memory of MEG WILDING
PHOTO JOURNAL #STRIKEAPOSE
GRADE 11s @ UCT GENETICS DEPT OPEN DAY