Wynberg Girlsʼ High School is a value-based, eco and socially conscious learning environment encouraging the development of confident and unique women who strive for excellence.
Wynberg Girlsʼ High School, Aliwal Rd, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7800 Thanks to the team of Contributing Editors: Tammy Duggan, Marketing Officer | Jennifer Wallace, Principal | Ann Coltham, Wynberg Girlsʼ Alumnae Secretary
PRINCIPAL’ S MESSAGE 2
Do not hold onto the past Evolve into today
As if it’s your last – Kayoko Kan
If 2020 was the year in which everything changed, 2021 has been about how we have responded to the challenges presented by the global pandemic – as individuals, as a school community, and as a nation. Although it might not always have appeared to be the case, 2021 presented us with some choices –choices that provided us with a measure of agency, albeit still limited when compared to freedoms we so carelessly enjoyed in the pre-pandemic world.
Choices that included whether to attend school in person or online, when and how to make the most of the activities made available to us, to take control and get ‘the jab’, to find joy and laughter in small things once taken for granted, and to support others less fortunate than ourselves.
The pages of this school magazine are a testament to the indomitable spirit of Wynberg Girls’ High School and our staff and learners, filled as they are with celebrations of achievements well-deserved, of reflections on challenges faced and overcome, and of images of belonging, laughter and fun, and a united commitment to our school values and pillars. All of this
speaks to conscious, deliberate decisions made, and I am so proud to be a part of the community mirrored in these pages.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our School Governing Body and its Chair, Mr Richard Brown, for their support and commitment to the school this year, as well as for their wise counsel in what have continued to be deeply uncertain times. My sincere gratitude also goes to our School Management Team, Educators, Admin and Support Staff. Our teachers have continued to manage significant disruptions to more traditional teaching methods and interactions with learners. Likewise, our Admin, IT and Support Staff have navigated changes and new challenges on a daily basis, all the time remaining deeply professional and committed to the tasks at hand. I thank each and every one of you.
Thank you too to our Alumnae, and especially our remarkable WGA Committee, for the positive part they have played in helping to ensure that morale has remained high. Even though we were unable to celebrate Founders’ Day in person for the second year in a row, their presence and commitment to our school and learners has been evident, and much appreciated. Our parent body has also been wonderful this year, and I wish to thank all for their continued support and for the numerous offers of assistance to the school, and other Wynberg families, received.
And finally, I wish to pay tribute to our learners who have ‘survived’ this second year of Covid-19 under difficult circumstances, and for their determination and incorrigible spirit that collectively they have demonstrated. I am particularly grateful to Siba Tokwe and Buyisile Nqubelani for their outstanding leadership and strength, and the way that they demonstrated warmth and compassion towards their peers and members of the younger grades, thereby ensuring that all have felt a sense of belonging and connection in these socially distanced times.
Alina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, had the following to say about lessons learned from the pandemic: “Only by working together can we recover better and yield a world in which everyone thrives in peace, dignity, and equality on a healthy planet. It is possible, together.” The past year has shown us how truly interdependent we all are, and the importance of connection, communication, and compassion. 2021 has presented us with many opportunities to do something extraordinary, and I am so proud of the myriad of ways that, as individuals and collectively, our school community has risen to this challenge.
As I write this, I reflect on the many years I have served on the SGB at the various schools. I started out with two terms at WBJS, then on to WGJS and finally, with my youngest daughter entering Matric next year at WGHS.
I can honestly say that it has been a privilege to serve on the SGB for so many years.
This past year has been one of the toughest for the school community. Covid has wreaked havoc with school life and many parents and learners have used the experience to assess what is important about Wynberg. We know that many learners and parents have opted to join the growing ranks of on-line learners. By the same token, many more have decided that attending school every day is a far greater enriching experience.
The school can reflect proudly on the efforts to return learners to in-person teaching whilst maintaining the very high academic standards expected of learners at Wynberg. I am sure every learner can relate their stories about writing tests and exams in person for the first time in two years. The fact that we could transition so well is testament to the resilience of our learners who remain at the center of all we do.
Our Educators also needed to adapt. They will tell you in-person is much better than on-line. They can tell you many stories about how they were instantly able to assess who understood the concepts being taught just by looking at the faces in their class - something that is not possible with on-line. Our Educators are resilient and committed.
Our school leadership has risen to the occasion to deal with issues that have never occurred previously. They have done so with aplomb.
Our facilities continue to be maintained at a very high standard. There is constantly work being done to upgrade and maintain them.
It is, however, not one thing, but rather all these things that combine to give our learners the best experiences at school. The support of friends and friendship circles is something that is best experienced in person.
All these things combine to make the experience of the journey truly amazing.
It happens, not in a vacuum, but through the efforts of many people. I wish to extend my thanks and gratitude to my fellow SGB members who have sacrificed a lot of time to support the school. To the parents I say, “Get involved”. You need not serve on the SGB but I can attest to the fact that with your involvement, the learners get involved and the experience becomes truly fabulous. Our support staff have done a tremendous job just keeping things going. Thank you. Our educators have put in so much extra during these trying times and have succeeded in ensuring that standards are maintained. To Dr Wallace and her team, including the school counselors, thank you for all you have done.
As I approach the end of my tenure on the SGB, with next year being my final one, I know that there is much still left to be done. The school is ambitious and rightly so. I also know that there are fantastic parents waiting to pick up the cudgels and continue the journey for the betterment of the entire school community. Getting involved in whatever way we can will ensure that the excellence continues.
Thank you again to the parents for the confidence shown in me over the years. I wish the school all the best. I will continue to be involved in whatever capacity in the future, but to those whose turn it is, get involved and then stay involved.
Our educators have put in so much extra during these trying times and have succeeded in ensuring that standards are maintained.
In honour of all our staff members who continued to show their support, tenacity and courage through the second year that COVID impacted the world, we would like to show our appreciation by listing their names as these are the people who make Wynberg Girls' High School the wonderful school it is today!
Dr Jennifer Wallace | Principal
Ms Melissa Abrahams | Life Sciences & Natural Sciences
Mrs Ingrid Adolph | Afrikaans
Mrs Octavia Ahmed | Afrikaans
Ms Shireen Amien | Life Sciences & Natural Sciences
Mrs Jackie Badenhorst | Dance Studies & Creative Arts
Mrs Rashieda Badroodien | Life Sciences & Natural Sciences
Mrs Susan Baker | English
Mrs Liezel Bam | Afrikaans & Life Orientation
Mr Peter Bodenstein | Physical Sciences
Mr David Burrell | Mathematics & EMS
Ms Lucille Damon | Accounting & EMS
Ms Michelle Dias | LO (PE)
Ms Ntombekaya Didiza | isiXhosa
Ms Noeline Faller | English & French
Ms Brigitte Franke | Music & Creative Arts
Mrs Sam Furstenburg | CAT, DMT & Geography
Mrs Nicita Hansrajh | Technology & English
Mrs Trenell Hanuman | Geography
Mrs Kerry Hermans | Life Sciences & Natural Sciences
Mrs Elke Hill | Geography
Mr Andrew Hunter | Mathematical Literacy & EMS
Mrs Gabrielle Johannes-Swanson | English
Mrs Clivene Keyster | Afrikaans
Ms Lydia Kim | Mathematics
Ms Miki Lawrence | English
Ms Lauren Louw | English & Life Orientation
Ms Yvette Marais | Afrikaans & Life Orientation
Ms Ché Marneweck | CAT & DMT
Ms Niyanda Maseti | Geography and Mathematics
Ms Melissa McCarthy | English & Mathematical Literacy
Mrs Nazeeba Moerat | Physical Sciences
Mrs Vanessa Muller | Afrikaans
Mr Ruan Myburgh | Physical Sciences
Mrs Jolanda Nel | Mathematics
Mrs Willene O'Connor | Afrikaans & Life Orientation
Ms Nina Ox | Visual Arts, Creative Arts & Life Orientation
Mrs Jennifer Paverd | Life Orientation
Ms Dayna Pearce | Music & Creative Arts
Ms Stephanie Pienaar | Mathematics & EMS
Mr John Roberts | Mathematics
Mr Jasper Saayman | Music & Creative Arts
Mrs Debby Saporetti | Visual Arts & Creative Arts
Mr Brandon September | Technology
Ms Tremaine Sewraj | Technology & DMT
Ms Marie-Rose Slabbert | History
Mrs Alison Smith | Life Sciences
Mrs Sharon Statham | Music & Creative Arts
Ms Kaelin Stemmet | Mathematical Literacy, Life Sciences & Natural Sciences
Ms Kathryn Stranex | English & History
Mr Kevin Topkin | Music & Creative Arts
Ms Carynn Underhill | Geography & Mathematics
Ms Sjaene van Wyk | History
Ms Candysse Vrancken | Mathematics
Mrs Nadine Wessels | History
Ms Amy Wilkinson | History & Life Orientation
Mrs Sakeena Williams | LO (PE)
Ms Cheryl Witthuhn | Consumer Studies
Mr Michael Zietsman | Mathematics
Mrs Lorraine Visser | Afrikaans
Mr Jesse Adams | Network and System Administrator
Mrs Jackie Aproskie | Debtor’s Administrator
Mrs Tammy Duggan | Marketing Officer
Mrs Julie de Villiers | Financial Manager
Mr Enver Hassim | IT Manager (RIP)
Ms Lee-Ann Hector | Finance Manager
Mx Storm Homan | IT Helpdesk Technician
Ms Tarah King | School Business Manager
Mrs Verna Leverzencie | PA to Principal and Admissions
Mrs Liesl Maart | Print Room Officer
Mrs Ruby-Ann Muller | Bursar
Mrs Marileen Smith | School Secretary
Mrs Jeanette Stokell | Operations Manager
Ms Britt Williams | Operations Manager and HR Assistant
Mr Roy Bonus | General Worker
Ms Meggan Cupido | General Worker
Mr Terence Damane | General Worker
Mrs Louella Gcweka | General Worker
Ms Althea Kennell | General Worker (RIP)
Mr Clint Leak | Assistant Estate Manager
Mr Craig Leak | Foreman
Mrs Nomawethu Mhlauli | Laboratory Assistant
Mr Bennet Moyikwa | General Worker
Mr Christopher Naku | Security
Mr Zikisa Nhose | Security
Ms Vuyo Nonyongo | General Worker
Mr Sibongile Gqada | General Worker
Mr Byan Wood | Estate Manager
Ms Fundiswa Zonela | General Worker
Mrs Robyn Baker | Clinical Social Worker
Mrs Julia Campher | Clinical Social Worker
Mrs Allison Eakin | Clinical Social Worker
Mrs Candice Warner | Clinical Social Worker
Mrs Julia Campher | Hostel Super Intendant
Ms Florence Cull | Senior House Mom
Mrs Sadia Dustay | Household Aid
Ms Tabitha Horn | Household Aid
Ms Siseko Jukuda | Boarder Mistress
Mrs Marilyn Levine | Household Aid
Ms Kholiswa Menemene | Boarder Mistress
Ms Nomonde Ntsham | House Mom
Ms Babalwa Nyangeni | Boarder Mistress
Ms Andrea Pienaar | Household Aid
Mrs Sharon Statham | Boarder Mistress
Ms Merlyn Bartes | Catering Manager
Mrs Wendy Adonis
Mrs Georgia Adams
Mrs Lemicia Jacobs
Mrs Mishkah Jonas
Ms Bianca Pienaar
Mrs Natalie Plaatjies
Ms Charmaine Sedonie
Mrs Shantal Solomons
Mrs Elizabeth Southgate
Ms Nadine Timotheus
Ms Chandre Wilmore
We started the year off by welcoming new staff members to the WGHS family.
Ms Niyanda Maseti joined the Geography and Mathematics departments.
Ms Lorraine Visser joined our team as a part-time Grade 8 and 12 Afrikaans Educator.
Mrs Nazeeba Moerat joined the team as a part-time Physical Sciences Educator.
Ms Siseko Jukuda, who was previously an intern in the English and History departments, joined us as full time educator in both departments.
Ms Candice Warner, an independent social worker, joined the Counselling department.
Ms Verna Leverzencie, was appointed the PA to the Principal and the Admissions Secretary.
Ms Tarah King a WGHS alumna, was appointed as the School Business Manager.
Mx Storm Homan also a WGHS alumna, was appointed as the IT Helpdesk Technician.
Mr Brandon September joined us as a full time Technology Educator.
Mrs Ruby-Ann Muller joined our team as the School Bursar.
Ms Lee-Ann Hector joined our team in August as the School’s Finance Manager.
Just a few months after celebrating Dr Wallace’s success of receiving her PhD, we heard the news that her first co-authored article, titled ‘Costs and benefits: Scholarship students’ reflective accounts of attending an elite secondary school.’ was published in the International Journal of Educational Research. Dr Wallace’s dedication to educational research in a South African context is an inspiration to both staff and learners alike at WGHS.
Dr Wallace’s dedication to educational research in a South African context is an inspiration to both staff and learners alike at WGHS.
In April, Ms Noeline Faller and Glen Williams tied the knot in a wonderful celebration in Franschhoek. We wished them much joy in their exciting new adventure together.
In October, we congratulated our Head of Grade 11, Ms. Willene Paulse, who married Shane O’Connor in Robertson at a celebration with friends and family.
Congratulations to Ms Nicita Hansrajh on the birth of her baby girl who was born on Monday, 26 April!
Tabitha Horn joined Wynberg Girls’ High School Hostel from Victoria West, in 1993. She worked in the hostel kitchen and contributed in many ways by preparing meals, keeping the hostel kitchen spotless, and cooking up a storm! We have no doubt that Tabitha will cherish the relationships she has formed over her 28 years at WGHS. We wish Tabitha all the best for her retirement. The hostel staff and learners are going to miss you!
In May we bid farewell to Jeanette Stokell who retired after 19 years at Wynberg Girls’ High School. She has contributed tremendously to the smooth running of the school. She organised catering, managed security, coordinated Wool for Wonders, managed the booking of school venues and so much more. Jeanette is a true source of information and most definitely a ‘jack of all trades’ who we will miss dearly!
In September we said our farewells to Avril Greening as she retired from Wynberg Girls’ High after twenty years. Avril successfully ran the WGHS second-hand clothing shop. Before working in the second-hand shop, Avril worked in the school tuckshop. Avril ensured that all garments sold in the shop were of a good quality, even if it meant that she would wash and mend the garments herself. She also removed braiding and badges. Avril was fastidious in the running of the clothing exchange and in recent years she also sold second-hand textbooks.
John Roberts started at WGHS in 2016 and he taught Mathematics and Advanced Programme Mathematics, initially in a full-time post and then part-time in the last couple of years. He ran a number of Maths workshops to help our Grade 12s prepare for their exams as well as the university NBTs. He is a quiet, kind, caring and supportive member of the team and also stood in as Subject Head for a time. He is known for his unlimited patience when explaining concepts to learners at all levels as well as for his outstanding mathematical brain when a difficult question presented itself.
*Ingrid Adolph (Long Serving Afrikaans Educator and House Coordinator)
*Vanessa Muller (Long Serving Afrikaans Educator and Tutor Teacher)
*Miki Lawrence (Long Serving English Educator and House Coordinator)
Julie de Villiers, our Finance Manager since 2018, left WGHS to emigrate to UK with her family. Over the past few years, Julie has built many longlasting friendships with her colleagues and has been dedicated to WGHS. Besides being a superb Finance Manager, Julie has had the best interests of the school at heart as she has been involved in many projects to upgrade the school.
Florence Cull was the Senior House Mother in our hostel since 2015. Florence was known by the hostel boarders as ‘Sis Flo’. Her natural warm caring and yet hardworking nature contributed significantly to the hostel. Not only will her fellow staff members miss her dearly but so will the hostel boarders. We wish her all the best with her new post at Springfield Convent School for Girls.
Nadine Wessels joined our team in 2018, teaching English and History in 2018 then solely focusing on History from 2019-2021. Mrs Wessels was involved in the archiving of the school’s history and was an integral part of the transformation of the meeting room and reception. She created the updated school history timeline that can now be viewed in the meeting room. Mrs Wessels was also very involved with the school’s debating society, Public Speaking, Model UN and the Matric Dance Committee. Her contribution to WGHS will be remembered. We wish her all the best with her future studies.
We also said goodbye to Ms Tremaine Sewraj. Ms Sewraj joined the WGHS family in 2018 as a Technology teacher, she also taught Life Orientation. In her years at Wynberg, Ms Sewraj’s professionalism, passion and subject knowledge, as well as her love for the learners, endeared her to both staff and learners. Ms Sewraj left WGHS to take up a position as a Quantity Surveyor in Johannesburg. She will be missed by the staff, her learners, and her tutor group.
We bid farewell to Ms Kathryn Stranex, who leaves to take up a wonderful career opportunity. Ms Stranex taught in the English and History departments since 2019. We will miss her and wish her everything of the best for her future.
Her caring and genuine love for both her students and colleagues will always be remembered, as well as her lovely sense of humour.
Ingrid Adolph has been the Head of the Afrikaans Department since 2004 and is retiring after 17 years of teaching at Wynberg Girls’ High School. The Afrikaans Department has excelled under her leadership and mentorship and she will therefore be sorely missed.
Mrs Adolph is a passionate teacher and leader and her knowledge of the Afrikaans language is extensive. She will always be remembered for her love of literature and ability to make a novel, short story or poem come “alive” in her class.
Her caring and genuine love for both her students and colleagues will always be remembered, as well as her lovely sense of humour. She has strong principles and always stands up for what is just and right.
During her years at Wynberg she has been involved in Afrikaans clinics and has been the Academic Outreach Coordinator for Zimasa. She has had many “sleepovers” in the staffroom while being part of the Grade 12 team when the
Grade 12 learners had their annual sleepover at school. She has also been the Student Teacher Coordinator for many years.
In her capacity as House Coordinator of Azima, she has led with fairness and integrity, always making sure that every learner and colleague who is part of Azima also feels that they are part of the Wynberg family and share the Wynberg spirit and our core values. Mrs Adolf exemplifies the Wynberg values of Inclusivity, Integrity, Courage, Accountability, Respect and Empathy.
After 30 years of teaching Afrikaans at Wynberg Girls’ High School, Vanessa Muller is retiring from the teaching profession. The Afrikaans Department will miss Mrs Muller’s knowledge and passion for all things related to Afrikaans.
The learners in Mrs Muller’s (or Mevrou, as she was affectionately called by her learners) class benefited greatly from her extensive knowledge of Afrikaans literature and grammar.
Mrs Muller will always be remembered for her witty sense of humour as well as her caring nature towards both learners and colleagues. During her years at Wynberg she had become much more than just a teacher to many of the learners in her class.
Mrs Muller has always been involved in the many facets of Wynberg from squash and tennis to Afrikaans clinics, Afrikaans Olympiads and Afrikaans exemptions. She has also been responsible for welcoming new learners to Wynberg and has been involved in Wynberg’s Open Day Tours.
We wish Mrs Muller many happy retirement years with her family and appreciate her many years of service towards Wynberg Girls’ High School!
We bid farewell to Miki Lawrence, a long-serving, dedicated staff member, and a stalwart of the English department.
Mrs Muller will always be remembered for her witty sense of humour as well as her caring nature towards both learners and colleagues.Mrs Vanessa Muller
She will always be remembered for her love of literature and ability to make a novel, short story or poem come “alive” in her class.
Miki joined the WGHS community in January 1990 as a Latin and English teacher. Over the years, Miki was involved in many areas of the school: academics, management, early morning computer room and evening hostel study duties, sport, and culture. Even with the onset of online learning in her last two years of teaching, her dedication to the school, her team, and learners did not waiver. Neither did the speed of her red pen, which will always be the stuff of legend in the English department (a pack of exam papers marked in one afternoon?!). Miki was an energetic and fiercely competitive house coordinator right to the last assembly, skipping across the Honours Quad with cheering learners on the slopes. Her passion for Jackalberry extended beyond the purple curtains and purple items of clothing she wore at house events or school occasions, to a deep sense of duty to and compassion for the Jackalberry house tutors and learners.
She was a compassionate and inspiring colleague with a wicked sense of humour (and fun). Miki’s go-to form of compassion and inspiration was a small, quiet interaction (or email) of “How are you doing?”, or a few words affirmation. These moments will be missed dearly, as will her wicked sense humour. Case in point of Miki’s willingness “to get stuck in” and have fun is the 2019 Staff Dance Showcase for the learners where she participated in the choreographed hip hop dance and entertained the learners with a breakaway freestyle moment with Pat Orpen.
Miki Lawrence certainly gives truth to the statement “dynamite comes in small packages”. Miki has left a legacy of academic excellence, and the importance of hard work and fun in the English department. I am certain that she will be greatly missed at WGHS.
(1968–2021)
When we heard the sad news of Enver Hassim’s passing, we wished his family and all who cared for him our sincere condolences. The Counselling and IT Department held an intimate memorial service for Enver at school, and it was attended by close colleagues and his family.
In April we heard the very sad news that Althea Kennell passed away after a long battle with cancer. Althea joined the WGHS Feedem team in April 2019 and will be remembered by many of us for her warm and friendly greetings in the staffroom, and the care that she took in ensuring that everything was clean and in order around the school.
The Wynberg Campus of Schools decided to do something to show their appreciation to their own community health workers.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues across the globe, many have felt its devastating effects over the last year. In a bid to thank those who have risked their own lives to help others, the Wynberg Campus of Schools decided to do something to show their appreciation to their own community health workers.
Staff of all four Campus schools (Wynberg Girls’ Junior, Wynberg Boys’ Junior, Wynberg Girls’ High and Wynberg Boys’ High) took to their grounds to thank the frontline health workers.
A moment of silence was held to remember those within the school’s own community who have passed on over the last year, those who are currently ill and those whose lives have been negatively affected by the greater economic effects of the pandemic. Courtney Wallace of WBHS wrote and read a poem titled Heroes Among Us.
Recognising the value that health care workers have played across the country and closer to home in the Wynberg community specifically, the schools have decided to host a number of civvies days over the coming months, to encourage donations from the schools’ communities for the staff of Victoria Hospital in Wynberg.
Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/3OaDKjx to view the video.
Scan the QR codes or visit bit.ly/3Ohv1fA and bit.ly/3QoCWcz to view the stories.
With the ongoing Covid restrictions we were experiencing in late 2020 and early 2021, sadly we were unable to host our usual events, meetings or have our annual Open Days.
In order to assist people still to view our beautiful school, we set up a virtual tour on our website.
This was a first ever for WGHS and is still a feature on our website. It allows people to take a tour of our school from the comfort of their homes or offices!
Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/3Qnqp9c to view the Virtual tour.
In July, amidst the pandemic, Urban Harvest began installing WGHS’s very own sustainable edible garden, to bring about hope and renewed energy and to continue to make sustainability a tangible and practical part of WGHS. The garden serves to educate and provide for those in need in the WGHS community. Learners are involved in planting, maintaining, harvesting and either donating or making use of produce from the garden.
Scan the QR codes or visit bit.ly/3QnPr8c, bit.ly/3tDoYKb, bit.ly/3MJBbE1, bit.ly/39o8Q8C and bit.ly/3OfvUFa to view the stories
The Cultural Pillar created a space where learners can be as creative and expressive as they feel. The chalkboard titled ‘Our Lens’ has a monthly theme and we started the year with the theme being ‘Write from your heart’. We look forward to seeing this wall transformed into an expressive art form!
Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/3aTDUNN to view the story.
The learners of WGHS have taken a stand against bullying. It is a sad truth that, in every environment, bullying is prevalent.
“A healthy mind does not speak ill of others.” As students, let us treat others the way we wish to be treated and not to forget our six school values: accountability, courage, inclusivity, integrity, respect, and empathy.
Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/3xoCrXy to view the story.
In March many of the clubs, societies and committees could resume meeting in person. The school was buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm, after an extended time of virtual meetings and, for some, no meetings at all! It has been delightful to have the learners rehearsing and meeting once again. Learner and teacher heads of clubs and societies are ensuring that all Covid protocols are being followed.
Covid-19 doesn’t seem to be leaving us anytime soon and we have had no choice but to adapt. Over the past few months our community has suffered immensly; people have lost their lives, their loved ones, their sense of safety and security. We’ve heard many stories that have taught us that we can no longer exist in isolation and we are increasingly becoming dependent on interdependence.
At Wynberg Girls’ High School we have created a space where diverse perspectives, cultures and values are accepted, appreciated and celebrated. In achieving this we had to accept responsibility to be actively involved in addressing the educational, economic, cultural and societal needs of a community in flux. It was important to think globally and
act locally and to do that we had to understand that the world is a multicultural society of which we are a part. Since we embraced this, we have grown stronger. It is clear at Wynberg Girls’ High School we do not back down from a challenge.
With extra-murals starting up again, we started to see achievements in all sectors: academics, sports, culture and service – it is clear at Wynberg Girls’ High School we do not back down from a challenge. With undying support from the staff, school management, parents/guardians, our learners were able to regain their confidence to achieve greatness.
The matric year kicked off with the Sunrise event, which acted as a welcomed start to the final year of school. The matrics had to dress up as ‘their future selves’ and it was interesting to see the diversity in what learners aspired to be.
Completing matric during this challenging time has given our learners the opportunity to learn resilience and the courage to push through obstacles that may come their way. Nelson Mandela said: “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
Wynberg has provided a space for our learners to grow, by thinking about issues and being proactive, getting involved in a variety of sports and cultural activities, where skills are honed and new skills are learned. They have been able to build relationships with others, forming lifelong bonds. I am sure they will look back at Wynberg with fond Memories.
As the year drew to a close, we were able to host the Matric Celebration, one of the highlights of this year. It was so refreshing to see our Grade 12s in a different light: all grown up and sophisticated! They had a wonderful time, making more memories with the special people in their lives.
My wish for our 2021 Grade 12 group is that they use what they have learnt at Wynberg, continue to embody the Wynberg values and use them as a foundation to building a successful path in the world.
Written by Ms Shireen Amien, Grade12 Head
The Grade 12 Prize Giving ceremony is a culmination of the past five years of their high school career and enables us to acknowledge and celebrate our learners’ success and development. Apart from the table laden with the usual trophies, shields, certificates, book prizes and bursaries, which are tangible signs of those achievements, Dr Wallace took time to pay tribute to this particular group’s tenacity, resilience, ability to self-manage and ability to break free from the familiar and embrace change.
A beautiful musical interlude was performed by Phoebe Andrews and many Subject Distinction Certificates, Special Awards and Book Prizes were awarded to well-deserving Grade 12 learners. This was a wonderful way to celebrate the Class of 2021, their school career, and their achievements!
Congratulations to the certificate and award winners!
Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/3NSrOmz to view the list of award winners
Being Head of School and doing so in a pandemic has taught me how to be an innovative person, as the School Council and I had to find new ways of bringing in school spirit and bringing the school closer together, during a time when doing so was not physically allowed.
The School Council and I found our way though, through house challenges that included trivia, sports and creativity. We also organised many dress up days for the matrics making sure that we could make many memories in our final year together, as we had lost a whole year as a group because of Covid. Dress up days included: dressing like you’re where you see yourself in the future, stereotypical high school characters, ‘white lies’ and many more. It also taught me how to work with people who have different ideas to me, and how to collaborate rather than pick one idea over another.
As Head of School I got to learn more about the people I led, realising that there are so many different learners at Wynberg and though they are all different, each and every single one of them adds value to our school. The way we celebrate diversity at Wynberg is something that I will truly miss, because we all know that we come from different backgrounds and we do not let that stop us from having a strong sisterhood. We never let our differences segregate us but rather they were what united us. Being a Wynberg learner is a privilege and having the opportunity to lead as a Head of School is an honour that I will carry forever.
Written by Siba Tokwe, Head of School 2021
Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/3MTPXIe to watch the Q&A session with Siba
Kyla Peters, a Grade 12 learner was awarded 2nd prize in the 2021 Royal Society of South Africa National School Science Essay Competition.
In the category, ‘What effect has the Covid-19 pandemic had on climate change, and to what extent could climate change be considered the cause of this (and possible future) pandemics?’, Kyla Peters was awarded 2nd prize.
We are extremely proud of you, Kyla! Congratulations on writing an award-winning essay!
In the early morning on 5 March the Grade 12s of 2021 had their Matric Sunrise Picnic. This event marked the beginning of their final year at WGHS, and will no doubt hold significance in the collective memory for the Class of 2021.
The matrics had a wonderful morning dressed up according to the theme of “our future selves”. The Honours Quad was alive with a mix of music and an array of colourful outfits.
On 24 August, our Matric Class of 2021, celebrated the start of the ‘final countdown’ to the end of their school career.
With their choice of wacky, fun, and colorful outfits, and music vibrating through the school, there was an electric feeling of excitement in the air!
The Matrics enthusiastically made their way to the Astroturf, where they were able to let their hair down and share a meal together as they celebrated their school journey thus far and reflected on what the future holds. They used this opportunity to stream and selfie up a storm, creating celebratory memories together.
On Wednesday 20 October, we celebrated a very special occasion with the Matric Class of 2021 – their final school event, their Valedictory ceremony.
It was truly a momentous and memorable occasion. We were delighted to be able to accommodate a limited number of family members per matriculant for us to celebrate their incredible school journey.
The Matric Class of 2021 gathered on one slope on the Honours Quad, and the parents and guardians on the other for a more informal ceremony than usual but it was no less special and significant. Siba Tokwe and Buyisile Nqubelani, the Head of School and Chairperson of the RCL for 2021 respectively, addressed the Grade 12s for the final time, followed by Dr Wallace. The three speakers shared words of kindness, wisdom, and encouragement with the Class of 2021. Several Half Colours, Colours and Protea Colours were awarded to learners for their achievements in the four pillars of the school. The ceremony ended as Dr Wallace called out the name of each Grade 12 learner who came forward to receive a protea from their House Coordinator.
As much as we are saddened that the Class of 2021’s time with us is coming to an end, we are excited about the opportunities that their future will bring.
Scan the QR codes or visit bit.ly/39k24Ay, bit.ly/3HnEYWl, bit.ly/3aTDZ44, bit.ly/3HjJhSG and bit.ly/3xoEk6A for Matric articles that may be useful
We are immensely proud of our Matriculants, and celebrate another set of excellent results! 2021 was another trying year for all, particularly for our Grade 12s who completed both their Grade 11 and their Matric year during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the late start to the academic year, and online schooling, our Grade 12s showed great resilience, perseverance, and motivation to excel. We join them in celebrating an impressive 98.9% pass rate. We are further delighted that 97.3% of our candidates obtained a Bachelors’ Pass, thereby attaining the minimum requirements for admission to university.
Special mention must be made of the following:
There were 441 subject distinctions in total
Our learners achieved an average of 2.7 distinctions per candidate
WGHS placed 12th on this prestigious list in the category of Excellence in Academic Performance. Wynberg Girls' High School placed in the Top 20 schools in the Western Cape, based on the results of the recent National Senior Certificate examinations.
Over 80% of candidates in the following subjects achieved 80% or above: 80%+
Dance Studies (100% of candidates achieved >80%)
History (89% of candidates achieved >80%, with 97% of candidates achieving >70%)
Visual Arts (81% of candidates achieved >80%, with 90% of candidates achieving >70%)
Over 80% of candidates in the following subjects achieved 70% or above:
Music (91.7%)
isiXhosa FAL (90%)
Mathematical Literacy (86.8%)
Life Orientation (86.1%)
English HL (83.4%)
The following candidates achieved 100% for a subject (History): Zara Allie; Jessica Carter; Khanyisile Cotani; Jamie Geland; Emma Harris; Buyisile Nqubelani; Happiness Walter
The Top Ten candidates at Wynberg Girls’ High School in 2021
1. Jenna Ryklief (90.7%)
2. Zara Allie (87.9%) 3. Shazia Parker (87.7%) 4. Ashleigh Mingo (87.4%) 5. Caylin O’Kelly (87.0%) 6. Emma Press (87.0%) 7. Happiness Walter (86.7%) 8. Leah Brown (86.4%) 9. Sadie Kennedy (86.3%) 10. Emma Harris (85.9%)
8 Subject Distinctions
Ashleigh Mingo Shazia Parker
7 Subject Distinctions
Jenna Ryklief Laaiqah Tasriet
6 Subject Distinctions
Karyn Bock
Leah Brown
Jamie Fisher Kira Hofmeyr
Jaime Lodewyk Buyisile Nqubelani Caylin O’Kelly Emma Press Happiness Walter
5
Imaan Alie
Zara Allie
Alicia Arends
Jessica Carter
Margarita Charitou
Khanyisile Cotani Summer Dreyden
Kezia Floris Tayla Gassert
Jamie Geland Lenay Hagan
Emma Harris Sadie Kennedy Zoë Koeries Linda Mema Chloë Naidoo Kyla Peters Anastasia Petersen Imaan Salie
4 Subject Distinctions
Ronalee Africa
Aqilah Davids Rabiah Gaibie Bernadetta Kabou-Block Swandle Mwezo Imaan Parker Jada Paulse Kaitlin Pearse Zoë Plato Su’ad Price Megan Speedy Ashleigh Stevens Erin Thornhill Emma van der Berg Eryn van Rooyen
We applaud the skills, commitment and hard work of our staff for the significant role that this exceptional team played in successfully preparing our learners for the 2021 NSC Examinations. We also thank the candidates’ families for their ongoing support.
Well done Class of 2021 – we celebrate your success with you!
When we started this year we weren’t sure how it would go, with lingering Covid waves ebbing and flowing as they have. However we were determined to make the most out of this year. We set out to be as inclusive and kind to everyone considering the year we had behind us and live up to our WGHS values.
The quote that motivated us this year was: Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader … They set out to make a difference. It’s never about the ROLE, it’s always about the GOAL.
The Grade 11s of 2021 truly lived up to this quote. They have stepped up as a grade and have shown great promise as the new leaders of our school both as seniors and now as the leaders and role models for 2021/2022. It has been delightful to see so many talented and motivated individuals work together for the greater good of their school and community. Together, the Grade 11s have shown great devotion to their individual interests and together these have contributed to the advancement of our entire school.
Together, the Grade 11s have shown great devotion to their individual interests and together these have contributed to the advancement of our entire school.
Here is to the Matrics of 2022. This is your time to be GREAT. May the new year ahead be filled with adventure, memories and growth. We look forward to seeing all of you living out your potential and achieving your wildest dreams.
Written by Mrs O'Connor, Head of Grade 11
It is always with great excitement that the school announces the newly appointed leaders. Here they are for 2021/2022.
In a very different yet memorable tutor class, the Representative Council of Learners, Matric Leaders, Heads of Pillars and Portfolios, Hostel Leaders, and the Head of School were announced online.
RCL Chairperson: Layla Poole
RCL Deputy Chairperson: Yasmin Adams
Head of School: Shakeelah Williams
Head of Academic Pillar: Pollyanne Carlos
Head of Cultural Pillar: Zubenathi Gongo
Head of Service Pillar: Shalom Masanga
Head of Sports Pillar: Casey Williams
Head of Sustainability: Lilitha Ontjies
Head of Communications: Lailah Moosa
Grade 8: Tatum Barnes, Carrey Giffard and Janaan Stegmann
Grade 9: Azra Hassiem, Hannah Hill and Analissa Mguqulwa
Grade 10: Taskeen Hoosain, Mersei Mananga and Florence Omari
Grade 11: Yasmin Adams, Pollyanne Carlos and Layla Poole
Head of Hostel: Zubenathi Gongo
Deputy Head: Kamva Yozi
AMAQUA
Head of House: Jesse Daniels
Matric Leaders: Yasmeen Dhansay, Hannah Thompson, Gadeeja Samaai and Nur Haroun
ARISTEA
Head of House: Anoyolo Mzazi Matric Leaders: Jessica Forbay, Raabia Wentzel, Cheyanne Viviers and Angel Brink
Head of House: Cuba Arendse Matric Leaders: Nusrat Hoosain, Mariam Abrahams, Jodi Meyer and Tahirah Ebrahiem
Head of House: Zoë Vermaak Matric Leaders: Huda Waggie, Razaan Gamiet, Khanyi Kamisa and Chloe Smith
Head of House: Kian Green Matric Leaders: Leah Geldenhuys, Phinley Constant, Yasmin Adams and Jo Williams
Head of House: Lisakhanya Macanda Matric Leaders: Kiara Davids, Siphosihle Sipoyo, Megan Africa and Caitlin Joseph
Head of House: Wren September Matric Leaders: Atheerah Isaacs, Imaan Lalla, Inéz Marthinus and Raeesa Zalgaonkir
Head of House: Chido Mukondiwa Matric Leaders: Norah Kischke, Taherah Orrie, Alexa Loxton and Amy Scholtz
We congratulate these learners and wish them well in their term of office.
The words they set to the tunes were heartfelt, hilarious and had them all singing at the top of their lungs.
The Class of 2023 has had a busy year. At the start of the year Class Captains were elected which created an opportunity for the elected learners to take on the responsibility of looking after their classes. The Class Captains did an excellent job communicating information to their classes and creating class spirit. In Term Two we held a Grade 10 Karaoke Competition and each Class Captain had to get their class to create their own lyrics to a popular song.
We sang them together during one of our grade assemblies. The songs they chose were upbeat and fun (an ABBA compilation, ‘Youngblood’ by Five Seconds of Summer and obviously there was ‘We’re all in this Together’ from High School Musical). The words they set to the tunes were heartfelt, hilarious and had them all singing at the top of their lungs.
We also held an unsanctioned pajama day in Term Two, when the Grade 10s surprised everyone (except, it must be admitted, their Grade Head) by rocking up to school in their pajamas one Washday Wednesday. The Grade 10s spent a very cosy day, the envy of every other grade and teacher, wrapped up in gowns, furry slippers, onesies and so much flannel.
In Term Three the Geography and Life Sciences departments arranged for Plant the Seed to facilitate a day of environmental workshops. The theme of the day was ‘A New Normal’, a term that has come to refer to how we are having to adapt to Covid. Plant the Seed put a very positive spin on the phrase, encouraging the learners to see that there is an opportunity to define this ‘New Normal’, and have it align more with our core values and in balance with nature. The programme consisted of various workshops that the Grade rotated through: ‘Indigenous Flora and Fauna’, ‘The World of Waste’, ‘I am Water’, ‘Ocean Conservation: The Beach Co-op’, ‘Meditation and Mindfulness’ and ‘Sustainable Architecture and a net-zero carbon house’. They ate black fly larvae, put tufts of indigenous herbs up their noses and were inspired to breathe deeply and think about their world and themselves differently.
Towards the end of Term Four each Class Captain nominated three learners from their class that they thought deserved any kind of award – these ranged from catching ducklings to flying into soccer nets to stop a goal to having great story telling skills and being able to distract their teachers. This was an excellent way to end the year and the grade was on top form, applauding their peers delightedly and laughing at their many inside jokes.
Written by Ms Carynn Underhill, Head of Grade10
I have a new teacher. We have a new class. My new class is tiny. We’re all wearing masks.
At first I was scared about how things would change. School was closed for so long. Would it feel bad or strange? But today I rode back to my school on my bus. I sat by myself. There wasn’t a fuss. Not on my ride or when we got to school. We stood far apart. We learned some new rules. Our teacher read books. We all shared our names. What I thought would be different was almost the same.
Written
by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
As the Grade 9 head this year, I realised the Grade 9s needed consistency and structure (as best as we could). The Grade faced two years of online lessons, alternating days in class and load shedding (if the pandemic wasn’t bad enough). I found that in those challenges, the Grade stayed united and grounded in the fact that WE, Wynberg Girls’ High School, had their best interests at heart and most importantly, their safety.
The Grade 9 year is such a crucial year in one’s schooling career, this is the year where you as a student discover yourself, your emotions and try to make sense of what you want out of life. One way we were able to achieve this was by an educational talk by Ron Addinal regarding gender diversity. Not only educating the Grade 9s but empowering them to be mindful and actively aware of the LGBTQIP+ community by the fact that they understand and practice inclusivity in all aspects of life.
Subject choice looms for the Grade 9s in Term 3, where most learners get stressed and overwhelmed by the thought of picking subjects for Grade 10 –Matric. The idea is to not expect the learners to know exactly what they want to do after school, but to think about what subject field they enjoy learning and broadening their horizons for the future. By the end of the subject choice process, they feel empowered and excited for the next chapter of their lives. The Grade 9s unfortunately missed out on Camp in Grabouw this year; however, the learners were involved in some opportunities to build new friendships and fun experiences together. School life after school became more “busy”, and this was a positive step forward for the learners to focus their attention on the four pillars of Wynberg Girls’: Sport, Culture, Service and Academic. This gave many of the Grade 9s an opportunity to get involved and get their hands dirty – in our new veggie garden!
I am looking forward to watching this Grade 9 group grow together as a collective and learn to support each other and encourage one another during the challenging times. I have faith that they will make the best memories in the years to come!
Written by Ms Kerry Hermans, Grade Head
Covid has thrown many spanners into the mix and our Grade 8s of 2021 have taken them all in their stride. Our Grade 8s initial welcome to Wynberg was a series of videos from the various leaders as well as their subject teachers introducing themselves and what to expect in their subjects via Google classroom.
A fantastic Welcome Party and Orientation organised by the leaders followed, in which the Grade 8s had a House reveal, presentations from the various pillars and portfolios, and learned the school song (amidst shrieks of laughter).
Throughout the year the Grade 8s have found their way, not only around the school without getting lost, but also the way in which they want to be involved at Wynberg. Many have found themselves excelling in academics, culture and sport as well as getting involved in service related activities. They also engaged with relevant talks from speakers such as Ron Addinall, a gender-diversity expert and speakers from SALT (The South African Large Telescope).
Term 4 saw the Grade 8s complete their official end-of-year assessments and see the end of their first year of high school!
I thank the Grade 8s of 2021 for a good year and I wish them well with the rest of their high school career!
Written by Ms Amy Wilkinson, Grade 8 Head
It is difficult to believe that we are almost at the end of a year during which the school ran under Covid-19 protocols from beginning to end. When one considers the delayed start to the 2021 academic year, the further disruption to the school calendar in the middle of the year and the fact that we did not have all grades attending school in person at various stages of the year, we can feel proud that the curriculum was completed in all subjects and in all grades. Both teachers and learners learned from their experiences in the early part of the pandemic last year and things worked so much better in 2021 when we were able to transition almost seamlessly from face-to-face teaching to online lessons as required.
The year started on a high note when we received outstanding 2020 National Senior Certificate results. Wynberg Girls’ High School placed in the Top 20 schools in the Western Cape, placing12th on this prestigious list in the category of Excellence in Academic Performance. The Grade 12s achieved an impressive 441 subject distinctions between them (averaging 2.7 distinctions per candidate). Our Grade 8 to 12 learners of 2021 have performed well and we are expecting good things from them at the end of the year.
The 2021 Academic Committee, under the leadership of the Pillar Head, Jaime Lodewyk, did an outstanding job and highlights included the return of the Athena Games, the launch of the STEM Club and a successful Subject Choice Fair to assist Grade 9 learners in choosing their FET subjects. The new committee has started their term of office well and we can expect more new events and activities in 2022.
The 2021 Academic Committee, under the leadership of the Pillar Head, Jaime Lodewyk, did an outstanding job and highlights included the return of the Athena Games.
I am very grateful to all who have helped to make 2021 a successful academic year – our teachers and our learners, supported by their parents and guardians as well as our non-teaching staff who played a vital role in this success.
Written by Mr David Burrell, Academic Pillar Head
Well Done, Pollyanne!
Pollyanne Carlos, Grade 11, placed 3rd in the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) annual Interschools Quiz.
SAIIA’s annual Interschools Quiz began in 1993, out of a hope to see South Africans of all backgrounds involved in the future of the nation’s international affairs.
SAIIA is an independent public policy think tank. They provide a platform for the public to engage with global and national issues such as foreign policy, the environment, economic policy and social development, with a focus on Africa’s development.
We are very proud of Pollyanne’ s participation in the SAIIA annual Interschools Quiz and for representing WGHS so well.
And, in the blink of an eye, it’s all over … Another year of pushing learners to reach their full academic potential. Another year that came with its own unique challenges that needed to be overcome. Yet, another year closer to creating an ideal environment that fosters growth and self improvement over perfection. As 2021 draws to a close, let’s take a moment to reflect on all that the Academic Committee and I have achieved throughout the course of this year.
It is no secret that since the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic a new normal had to be embraced. Nevertheless, the academic committee chose to stay committed to our goals and persevere through the more difficult times.
One achievement we are particularly proud of is the annual Athena Games which took place on 18 May. From Joey and Chandler from “Friends” to Danny and Sandy from “Grease”, learners from both Wynberg Girls’ High School and Wynberg Boys’ High School dressed to impress according to the “Iconic Netflix Duos” theme. However, the enthusiasm didn’t stop there; teams poured their hearts and souls into each and every game with hopes of being declared the champions of the evening. All and all, the night was a complete success filled with a boat ton of fun and an indescribable atmosphere of competitiveness.
Another noteworthy accomplishment is the launch of the STEM Club! The STEM Club was created to spread awareness about STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and to give learners insight into potential careers within STEM. In Term 2 –when the STEM Club first started – learners had the opportunity to choose between 3 courses: Design thinking, Statistics/Calculus and Medical Science. Throughout these courses learners are either exposed to the design thinking process that is used by many successful businesses and organisations, real world applications of statistics and calculus or real life experiences spoken by professionals in various careers within the medical field. However this is only the beginning … Through this club the academic committee hopes to inspire many learners and encourage them to become innovative pioneers that will change the world.
I have only mentioned two of this year’s greatest academic achievements, however it was the incorporation of the many small efforts that, when garnered together, contributed significantly to the prosperity of the academic pillar. Things such as the reintroduction of the peer tutoring programme, and the start of the academic pillar’s
Instagram page played a vital part in ensuring that learners were equipped with the resources to help them achieve their goals. I cannot say thank you enough to the hardworking academic committee of 2021 who dedicated so much of their time, tides and talents to the pillar. So as I close off my final report I would like to leave Wynberg with a piece of advice that took me far too long to comprehend:
This is only 5 years of your life – it doesn’t determine the fate of your journey. So prioritize taking care of yourself over taking care of your marks. Step out of your comfort zone and take risks. Give yourself credit for how far you’ve come and while you’re chasing goals, chase the small things that make you genuinely happy. You won’t remember the marks but you will always hang on to the memories.
Written by Jaime Lodewyk, Learner Head of Academic PillarScan the QR code or visit bit.ly/3NSY35l for the WGHS Academic Pillar Motivational Video!
The Cultural Pillar gives our learners a space to share their passions and interests. In 2021, Covid-19 drastically affected the school environment, particularly the extra-mural component, preventing many clubs and societies from meeting. Term 2 however, saw a slight improvement for the pillar activities, and learners started to engage once more.
The MSA supported four orphanges, namely Kenwyn Orphanage, Bonteheuwel, Hanover Park and Delft. The learners collected clothing, shoes, and food parcels which are in great need and were distributed over the holy month of Ramadaan. Each learner chose an individual to support and it was their responsibility to ensure that that child was dressed for Eid.
On Youth Day the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA), with other Islamic organisations raised funds for the Quds Shield Programme which supports the youth of Palestine. They did this by making and selling burgers at various locations across the city. Our learners were based at Masjid Fatagh in Ottery where they worked tirelessly and managed to raise an incredible R24 000. To this we have to extend a huge thank you to all those who supported this initiative.
Wynberg’s music department’s very own Jenna Atwood-Palm and Imaan Salie were inducted into the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. This is no easy fate; it is a strenuous audition process where only a handful of learners are picked.
In celebration of Pride Month, Ms Wilkinson, Erin Thornhill and Zion Mangadi sat on a panel joined by other individuals and teachers from other schools to discuss creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ learners. This panel included people from Gender Dynamix, the Triangle Project and the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, as well as educators from other schools. The discussion was livestreamed and was aimed at assisting schools in navigating how they can create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ learners within schools, the importance of celebrating Pride Month, and how to best support and include LGBTQ+ people within school communities.
The Model UN was highly productive: three members of the WGHS Model United Nations participated in Youth@SAIIA’s annual Model United Nations
Conference. The conference centred around the refugee crisis in the current global pandemic. It focused on three aspects: access to education, healthcare and vaccines. In preparation for the conference, the society helped the team gather relevant information and helped them to structure their argument. Tara Roos, Anoyolo Mzazi and Cheyanne Viviers (all Grade 11 learners) represented Wynberg Girls’ High School as the delegates from Mexico. Over 50 countries participated, all represented by high school and university students.
Tara Roos did exceptionally well and was awarded Best Speaker and was selected to be part of the Youth Action Climate Plan, a selection of university and high school learners from across the country who have drafted a policy regarding South Africa’s responsibility to adopt sustainable and renewable energy sources to combat global warming. This draft was submitted to Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan and Barbara Creecy (a member of the National Assembly).
Because of her outstanding performance and passion, the South African Institute of International Affiairs (SAIIA) provided Tara with the opportunity to work with them as one of their Youth Liaisons. The official document was released on 1 October and Wynberg Girls’ High School was credited on the official document.
Our Model UN team also participated in the SAIIA Johannesburg Model United Nations Conference. Tara was awarded second place for best speaker and her team won second place for the best delegation.
In October, Wynberg Girls’ High School hosted a Grade 7 Open Day. We showcased various performances all around the school including
in the hall. Art lined the walls and performances from the Marimba band and Ubuntu Choir, Strings, Flute and Clarinet ensemble delighted the senses. Our very own Head of Culture, Zubanathi Gongo, recited a poem. The showcase was mainly aimed at showing our Grade 8 class of 2022 all that Wynberg has to offer. The evening was a great success and the Grade 7s were enthralled by the diverse activities Wynberg Girls’ High School has to offer.
The evening was a great success and the Grade 7s were enthralled by the diverse activities Wynberg Girls’ High School has to offer.
SAIIA’S annual Interschools Quiz began in 1993 – out of a hope to see South Africans of all backgrounds involved in the future of the nation’s international affairs.
Pollyanne Carlos in Grade 11 was placed 3rd in the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) annual Interschools Quiz.
SAIIA is an independent public policy think tank. They provide a platform for the public to engage with global and national issues such as foreign policy, the environment, economic policy and social development, with a focus on Africa’s development. Hemi Tseng in Grade 11 also did well and achieved 3rd place for the annual quiz. Besides receiving a personal prize, the school also won several amazing new books for the library.
Despite the obstacles faced in 2021, the Cultural Pillar has shown their ability to unite and support one another during hardships as well as show us our humanity.
Written by Ms Dayna Pearce, Head of the Cultural Pillar
A Monitor’s function is to draw from their lived realities and provide input to the Commissioner, enabling her to fulfil her monitoring and research responsibilities.
Brandi Ryland, Grade 9, was appointed as a Child Government Monitor.
The Western Cape Children’s Commissioner, Christina Nomdo, called for learners across the province to share their experiences of learning during a pandemic and their thoughts on how to make the 2021 academic year better for all children. Brandi Ryland took up that call, shared her thoughts, and after a rigorous process, was appointed as a Child Government Monitor. We are immensely proud of her!
A Monitor’s function is to draw from their lived realities and provide input to the Commissioner, enabling her to fulfil her monitoring and research responsibilities. Monitors are also tasked with providing service feedback to inform the Commissioner’s recommendations to the Government Departments of Health, Education, Social Development, Sports, and Culture, of which the Commissioner has oversight responsibility.
Brandi, along with the team of Child Government Monitors, has worked on a few exciting projects. The Monitors have exchanged views with the President of the South African Paediatric Association (SAPA) about the Covid-19 vaccine, and made formal submissions to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, the African Peer Review Mechanism, and the Children’s Act Amendment Bill B 18 of 2020.
The Monitors’ slogan is #LittleVoicesMustCount, and each Monitor’s voice will be heard until they turn 18 years old.
Brandi also featured in ‘Learning under Lockdown: Voices of South Africa’s Children’, a book compiled by Prof. Jonathan Jansen and Emily O’Ryan. The book was published last year and features stories from learners across South Africa about learning during a pandemic and under a national lockdown.
We congratulate Brandi on her appointment!
Three of our Grade 12 learners – Bernadetta Kabou Block, Phoebe Andrews, and Happiness Walter very bravely entered a competition on 5Fm Radio –The 5Drive Interschools Music Challenge.
All three of our WGHS entrants to the 5FM, 5Drive Interschools Music Challenge had their songs played on live radio and were interviewed. We, with the rest of South Africa, have loved hearing their talented voices resonate over live radio!
Congratulations, Jenna and Imaan!
In May, Jenna Atwood-Palm (Grade 9) and Imaan Salie (Grade 12) were both selected for the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. This is a wonderful achievement as all applicants have to be on a Grade 7 level of Music and go through a rigorous audition process.
Achievements: Jenna Atwood-Palm: Violin Imaan Salie: First Alto saxophone
In June, Jada Paulse, Grade 12 learner, performed in “Surreal”, a New World Dance Theatre production at the New World Dance Theatre who hosted a fundraising dance show. Choreographer, Marlin Zoutman, approached Mrs Badenhorst to invite Jada Paulse – to perform a neo-classical solo piece for the show. Performers included New World Dance Theatre (NWDT), Indoni Dance Arts & Leadership Academy, a trio by Unmute Dance Theatre, and NWDT’s duet, Going Home. The show was a tremendous success and a wonderful experience. Later that month, Jada completed her virtual Elementary Modern Dance exam with the Association of International Dance Teachers (AIDT). Jada did exceptionally well and received 96%, a well-deserved distinction.
This is a wonderful achievement as all applicants have to be on a Grade 7 level of Music and go through a rigorous audition process.
On 4 June, five Grade 8 learners submitted speeches for the South African Council of English Education (SACEE) Online Public Speaking Competition. We are extremely proud of Imaan Ajam who placed first!
In August, three Grade 11 students entered the SACEE Public Speaking Senior Competition.
Lilitha Ontjies was selected as part of the top 10 participants whose speeches were adjudicated on Zoom on Saturday, 21 August. We are extremely proud to announce that Lilitha placed first! Watch Lilitha’s speech by scanning in the QR code or visit bit.ly/3MKmtwh
The winner of the Junior Competition was Imaan Ajam, a Grade 8 learner. This was announced in June. For the full story and to watch Imaan’s speech, scan in the QR code or visit bit.ly/3MKmSih
It was also announced that the overall winner across both competitions is Wynberg Girls’ High School.
On 18 June, three members of the WGHS Model United Nations participated in Youth@SAIIA’s annual Model United Nations Conference. The conference, centred around the refugee crisis in the current global pandemic, focused on three aspects: access to education, healthcare, and vaccines.
In preparation for the conference, the society helped the team gather relevant information and structure their argument. Tara Roos, Anoyolo Mzazi and Cheyenne Viviers (all Grade 11 learners) represented Wynberg Girls’ High School as the delegates from Mexico. Over 50 countries participated, all represented by high school and university students. Tara Roos was awarded Best Speaker.
On 13 August 2021, the WGHS Model United Nations (UN) took part in a parliament simulation centring the youth’s perspective on climate change solutions. Each team was tasked with writing a position paper that would later be compiled into the SA Youth Climate Action Plan (YCAP). This action plan will be added to South Africa’s resolution for climate change. This YCAP will be presented at the official United Nations Climate Change Conference later this year.
The WGHS Model UN entered two teams into the simulation, one of which won an award for best 2nd Speaker – a special congratulations to Tara Roos for this incredible achievement. The simulation lasted a total of 3 hours; the editing committee, which both teams were a part of, spent the additional week finalising the Youth proposal.
Both teams dedicated many hours after school to a cause which can greatly benefit the future of South Africa, and even the world. We are extremely proud of Amy Scholtz, Anoyolo Mzazi, Ayesha Hofmeyer, Tara Roos and Cheyanne Viviers for their courage and determination.
Each team was tasked with writing a position paper that would later be compiled into the SA Youth Climate Action Plan (YCAP). This action plan will be added to South Africa’s resolution for climate change.
It was another challenging year for Service with many of our activities, however we were able to draw on lessons learnt in 2020 and devise innovative ways to keep Service and the ethos of service to others as an integral part of Wynberg.
As a school we hosted numerous civvies days for organisations including the support staff Civvies day to raise funds for vouchers to express our gratitude for all they do for the school. We also hosted a campus of schools civvies day to raise funds for the health care workers at Victoria Hospital. These funds were used to help create a recreational space for them.
Other whole school projects included the marshmallow easter egg collection and a mask collection. This was a great way to build the house enthusiasm to start the year. We collected 5 337 eggs which were donated to over 15 organisations as well as our own support staff. The masks were distributed by our counselling department to our broader community including three shelters. We also held a sanitary products drive which proved very successful and raised awareness about period poverty. We held an emergency collection for the firefighters who were tackling the fires in Table Mountain National Parks which caused damage to property including the University of Cape Town.
Sadly societies like First Aid, Tuckshop Monitors, Occasions Team and Academic Support were not able to do much due to the ongoing pandemic. Groups like Computer Monitors and Library were able to start opening up towards the end of the year. Peer promoters held successful blood drives and continue to grow the number of donors. Peer Guides continued with the Big Sister Programme run with WGJS and to offer guidance where needed.
The Network Operating Crew (NOC) has taken off again and learners have been taught new skills and have been involved in projects ranging from cabling to reimaging and rebuilding PC’s. They were very busy towards the end of the year installing the new docking stations.
The Textbook Team never seems to stop working and year round they can be found working to ensure books are repaired, covered and ready to issue. This team works tirelessly and gives up many hours during breaks and even holidays.
The Tech Team continues to provide exceptional service to the school and are on call for a wide range of events including assemblies, speakers, grade evenings, dance showcases, open days, staff developments and many more. A highlight of their year was the upgrade to the sound and lighting box.
Interact continues to be a hive of activity and went back to holding weekly meetings when protocols made this possible. This allowed for more bonding within the group. They were able to adapt to the circumstances and also held online events such as a polio quiz to raise funds for Rotary’s Polio eradication. Throughout the year they built up their Instagram profile and continued to strive towards achieving their Rotary President’s Citation. They were involved in many projects such as a collaborative session with Earth Kids Org to make toys for underprivileged kids as well as a collaborative session with Helping Underprivileged Group (HUG – a non-government organisation started by Hannah Moses) making sleeping bags for the homeless. They also hosted a very successful movie evening in Term 4.
Enviro Club and Sustainability have joined, to form one committee to unite forces to ensure that WGHS becomes more sustainable and more conscious about their environment. They have retained a Head of Enviro to coordinate meetings. The main focus last year was on the establishment of the Veggie Garden.
Written by Mrs Jenny Paverd, Head of Service Pillar
This team works tirelessly and gives up many hours during breaks and even holidays.
With the uncertainty of 2020 being carried over into 2021, the Sports Pillar year can be summed up into one of balance and continually adapting to the global pandemic, much like other aspects of our school. A delayed start to the 2021 academic year and directives from the Department of Basic Education (DBE), resulted in the sports timetable initiating non-contact practices across all sporting codes late into Term 1.
Fortunately Term 2 saw the commencement of sports fixtures with a restriction on spectators. Looking to honour the dedication of the family and friends of our athletes – who have always been on the sidelines as engaged as those on the pitch –Outdoor Hockey began live streaming their fixtures. As swiftly as this initiative began, which would be utilised by other sporting codes, a spike in Covid-19 cases marked the immediate end of all contact sports practices and fixtures.
It would not be until Term 4 that there would be a return to full-contact practices and fixtures; however this time we would see the welcomed return of spectators in the few Tennis and Water polo fixtures that took place.
We would like to acknowledge each one of the athletes within our school; it is their tenacity and passion for sport that creates the excitement within the pillar. Additionally we’d like to congratulate the many athletes who have been selected to represent various teams at provincial and national level.
As a pillar, we will continue to strive towards creating opportunities for our athletes to hone their skills, while prioritising their safety and that of our staff.
Written by Ms Michelle Dias, Head of Sports Pillar
Being the Head of the Sports Pillar over the last 12 months has not been easy. The majority of sports fixtures have been prohibited for most of the sporting seasons. Provincial and national tournaments have been cancelled or run on a restricted basis. Tours have been planned and then cancelled, resulting in students losing their motivation and passion to participate in practice and for sports, in general, through this uncertain time.
As a whole, the Sports Pillar has experienced an immense sense of loss over the last 18 months. Nevertheless, I am extremely grateful that I was given the opportunity and challenged to think of different ways that we, as a Sports Pillar, could keep sports alive. This birthed the WGHS Sports pillar Instagram page, where we were able to communicate digitally with the rest of the sporting community. This provided a platform for additional information such as teachers to contact about
the various sporting codes, uniform items but, most importantly, a place where learners could be acknowledged for their achievements in sports, whether in school or out of school. The idea behind this page was to encourage learners to participate in their sports practices and to keep on challenging themselves to improve and persist even through difficult times such as the ones experienced in the last 18 months. I cannot, however, take full credit for the idea as I had an incredible team of sporting leaders who assisted with the making of this page and who supported the page by freely contributing their ideas. Teamwork is never easy as there are always ideas or opinions which clash. Even after these arguments or moments of tension, my team came together. I am grateful to have worked with this passionate and enthusiastic team and thank each of them for the support they have offered me this year and the contribution they have made to the Sports Pillar. I wish the Head of Sport for 2022 well.
Written by Gina Walker, Learner Head of Sports PillarJohnson Trophy: Best Junior Track Athlete – Qaadirah Crous
Johnson Trophy: Best Junior Field Athlete – Qaadirah Crous
Hind Trophy: Best U14 Swimmer – Gemma Harris
Zandberg Trophy: Most Improved Junior Netball Player – Kristen Dirks
Trophy: Best Junior Netball Player – Jenna Springleer
Trophy: Best Grade 8 Hockey Player – Morgan van der Schyff
1989 Auxiliaries Cup: The Best U16 Hockey Player – Jehan Abrahams
1961 Matric Junior Copenhagen Trophy: Sportsmanship –Grades 8 & 9 – Morgan van der Schyff
Gerald Lea Cup: Enthusiastic Participation in Extra-Murals-Grade 9 –Erinne Roos
Main Trophy: The Best All-Rounder in Grade 9 – Naadirah Daniels
Louw Cup: Good Fellowship – Grade 9 – Amanda Zuma
Western Province Water Polo
Jessica Uhuaba
Jessica Collins
Western Province Hockey
Jehan Abrahams
Morgan van der Schyff
Sydney February
Kiera Volkwyn
Hester Baartman Trophy: Most Outstanding Senior Hockey Player –Aakifah Abrahams
Hind Trophy: Best U16 Swimmer – Zara Kleinhans
Hind Trophy: Best U19 Swimmer – Megan Africa
Ilse Davids Trophy: Most Outstanding Sportswoman – Casey Williams
Johnson Trophy: Best Senior Track Athlete – Zara Ackerman
Johnson Trophy: Best Senior Field Athlete – Robyn Rorich
The Constantia Trophy: Most Improved Hockey Player – Aneeqah Gallie
Trophy: The best U16 Netball Player – Marissa Phillips
Trophy: Tennis Player of the Year – Kian Green
Waterpolo Trophy: For the Most Outstanding Player – Jo Williams
Wynberg Cup: Synchronised Swimming – Casey Williams
Zandberg Cup: Most Improved Netball Player – Chido Mukondiwa
McCue Floating Trophy: Most Improved Hockey Player – Aneeqah Gallie
Hockey: Represented Western Province – Aakifah Abrahams, Amaal Ceres, Wren September (U18A), Jesse Gradwell (U16A), Ciara Williams and Kiera Volkwyn (U16B), Morgan van der Schyff, Sydney February and Jehan Abrahams (U14A)
Synchronised Swimming: Casey Williams Obtained 3 Medals in the SSA National Artistic Swimming Championships.
Bronze – Junior Technical Duet
Bronze – Junior Free Duet
Gold – Junior Free Team
Water Polo: Represented Western Province – Jessica Uhuaba (U14B), Amy Southgate (U14B), Jessica Collins (U15B), Sarah Bray (U16A), Tara Roos (U16A), Taurus Mackenzie (U16B), Angela Dimopoulos (U16B), Jade van Niekerk (U16B), Jordan La Guma (U19A), Jo Williams (U19A), Gina Walker (U19B), Kaitlin Pearse (U19B), Yasmin Adams (U19B), Cheyanne Viviers (U19B), Jessica Forbay (U19B)
Represented South Africa in the EU U17 Nations Tournament: Jo Williams
We give special mention to learners who have received accolades in their respective sporting codes outside of WGHS.
Cricket: Jemma Botha
Gymnastics: Amy Sutherland
Horse riding: Cayla Byrne
Mountain biking: Chloe Chesterton
Sailing: Hannah Sasman and Gabriella Willemse
Surfing: Kira Hofmeyr
Swimming: Zara Kleinhans, Gemma Harris, Courtney Badenhorst and Megan Africa
The Sustainability Portfolio has had a busy and impactful year. Summer Dreyden, Head of Sustainability, started the year with the Theme of ‘Find Your Why’, an invitation to every learner to find a reason why they should care about the environment, but also a statement that we should have a reason to care.
In Term One the Committee, in collaboration with Peer Guides, Mountain Club and Enviro Club hosted ‘Mindfulness Week’. Learners joined a WhatsApp group that notified them of each day’s theme. These themes consisted of Meditation Mondays, Tuneful Tuesdays, Wednesdays Without Social Media, Thoughtful Thursdays, and Fun Fridays. Each of the days allowed the learners to get a better understanding of mindfulness and how it can have a positive impact on their lives and, in particular, stress management. Many of the activities such as dancing to music, journaling, reducing social media intake, and spending time in nature are simple and familiar to most people. This Mindfulness Week aimed to remind participants that there is an abundance of light surrounding us and all we have to do is invite it into our lives to experience the beauty of the present moment.
The Sustainability Bingo house challenge was launched at the beginning of Term Two. Through this challenge the Sustainability Portfolio aimed to create
awareness, build habits and inspire change when it comes to sustainability within the lives of learners. Each bingo card had 25 squares, and each square contained a sustainable practice that was to be completed by three learners in a tutor group before being marked off. Each tutor group was given one bingo card to complete and learners had to submit photographs of themselves engaging in the sustainable practices. Unlike regular bingo, the entire card had to be filled before “bingo” was called, and not just one row. This challenge was a difficult one to complete, so it was a pleasant surprise when our first tutor group, VM in Marula, completed their card so quickly. The first house to complete the challenge was Amaqua, with all four tutor groups completing the full bingo card. As Amaqua won this challenge, the plant which Amaqua house is named after, the Keurboom tree, will be planted first. The winning tutor group were awarded our school reusable shopping bags and the winning house has its house plant planted on the school grounds.
In Term Three the new WGHS Veggie Garden was constructed and planted. The key to the garden’s success has been the involvement and experience of Urban Harvest – an organisation that helps create and maintain vegetable gardens all over Cape Town.
A new learner club, the Young Buds, has been started to maintain the garden and to learn from Urban Harvest twice a month when they do their edu-maintenance. Each Young Bud has an assigned day when they do their duty, which entails at least 20 minutes of working in the garden. Aaliyah Joshua has been chosen to be Head of the veggie garden and Wren September has been appointed to be in charge of the worm farms. She coordinates delivery of the compostable scraps from the hostel kitchen to the worm farm twice a week and keeps an eye on how the worms are doing.
The produce from the garden is being split three ways; one third sold to the school staff to enable further expenditure on the garden, the second third will be donated to local community organisations, and the last third will be used with the learners – showing them how to cook and consume the vegetables that they have grown.
Throughout the year the Sustainability Portfolio has been developing a WGHS Sustainability Policy. After talking with outside experts on how to decrease our environmental footprint it was suggested that we come up with a set of targets that the school can meet based on five focus areas: Water, Waste, Energy, Biodiversity and Consumables. This idea has been supported by the School Management Team and Governing Body, and we hope to publish the final Policy in Term One next year.
Summer and her team have shown so much enthusiasm, commitment and care for the school and its environment – their underlying belief is that we care for the environment in order to better care for each other.
Written by Ms Carynn Underhill, Head of Sustainability Portfolio
As the Head of Communications, I have had the opportunity to work alongside the leaders to capture the events which took place this past year. We have been fortunate enough to have these events even though we had restrictions. I worked alongside the Communications Committee to ensure the rest of our Wynberg Community could see these exciting events!
The committee is filled with the most hardworking individuals in our school who are determined to offer their service to the school. Their work is seen and appreciated by our Wynberg Community on our Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Pages.
I have had the opportunity to expand our team. I aimed to create an environment for each learner to grow more confident in the content they produce. We held team-building days after-school, where we gathered together to form ideas to grow our team.
We have expanded our video content on Instagram, where we started editing and filming videos posted onto IGTV and Reels. Our different approach gives our Wynberg Family more insight into the events occurring in our school. We have held video-editing workshops to give the learners in the team a chance to grow their knowledge and skills, and to produce content posted on the school social media pages.
We relaunched our podcast! Our new podcast “Unfiltered” has been our project of the year. I have had the opportunity to work alongside individuals in our committee to choose the best name and logo for our revived podcast. This podcast has touched on different topics on Feminism and Bystanders in Bullying. I am excited to see how it grows in the next few years.
The ‘Wynberg Wonders’ is posted every Wednesday on the Instagram Page. It gives recognition to the learners’ achievements that we do not want to go unnoticed. It has been an incredible way of celebrating the learners in our school.
It has been a year filled with opportunities for growth for the Communications Committee. The individuals in this committee have so much potential, and I wish the team all the best for the years to come.
Written
by Erin White, Learner Head of Communications PortfolioScan the QR codes or visit bit.ly/3tvIgBa and bit.ly/3ObCr3N for the Unfiltered article and podcast.
We have held video-editing workshops to give the learners in the team a chance to grow their knowledge and skills, to produce content posted on the school social media pages.
It is time for us, as the 2021 House Leaders, to say goodbye to our houses: our school family. Our houses have provided a support system throughout our High School career, along with lifelong friends and memories.
As we prepare to go off into the world by ourselves, we must take the time to remember this year with all our achievements and victories.
With Covid-19 impacting our ability to hold a multitude of House Challenges while complying to Covid-19 protocols and social-distancing, we held smaller, more focused challenges for the Grade 8s and 9s.
In the beginning of 2020 we held the annual Grade 8 Orientation which can only be described as a major success. We introduced the new Grade 8s to their peers and their fellow Grade House Members to help them with their transition to High School.
The Grade 8, and subsequently the Grade 9, House Challenge in Terms 1 and 2 consisted of the same structure: A relay race, GK quiz, Minute to Win It, a Scavenger Hunt and an Upcycling Activity. Houses were split into smaller groups that competed to earn points which contributed to our Termly House Point count. This challenge brought the learners together, and gave them their first opportunity to work together for their house.
The next, and probably the biggest house event this year was the Sustainability Bingo House Challenge, which ran over multiple weeks. The Sustainability Committee created a bingo sheet wherein tutor groups worked to fill it up and win an individual prize. The first tutor group to complete the sheet won re-usable WGHS bags for all of its members, and the first house to complete the sheet won the planting of their house tree! Congratulations are owed to tutor group VM for being the first tutor group, and Amaqua for winning the overall challenge!
Various drives were completed throughout the year, including the Wool for Wonders, Pet Food Drive, Sanitary Drive, Easter Egg Drive, and Mask Drive. These all helped to drive our houses to get involved in helping the community, and encouraging healthy competition between the learners and the houses.
These all helped to drive our houses to get involved in helping the community, and encouraging healthy competition between the learners and the houses.
2021 has been a year to remember, and while it was a challenge to work with Covid-19, the Heads of Houses were still able to come together to lift up the spirits of our houses in these tough times. We wish the leadership of 2022 all the best.
Written by Corina Austin, Learner Head of House, Amaqua. The report is written on behalf of all the houses.
Head of House | Ms Sjaene van Wyk
Tutor | Ms Nicita Hansrajh
Grade 8 | Cayla Byrne, Erica Cameron, Namita Dhaya, Rania Small and Willow Wicomb
Grade 9 | Sinead Conrad, Raina Joowalay, Charlene Meleka, Wendy Moses, Somilangaye Mzamo and Nazia Paleker
Grade 10 | Nina Abrahams, Tikara Conradie, Thanaa Essa, Chichi Hove, Kaline Tshilolo and Katje van Niekerk
Grade 11 | Jessica Bailey, Amy Coetzee, Hannah Dyers, Aneeqah Gallie, Gadeeja Samaai and Carly Truter
Grade 12 | Madison Blows, Clarise Conradie, Imaan Parker, Siba Tokwe and Zénelle Vermeulen
Tutor | Ms Nyanda Maseti
Grade 8 | Maya Adams, Esihle Haya, Julia Kalell, Alex Peters, Taryn-Rae Schuller and Rayaan Sherally
Grade 9 | Kaylin Brown, Abigail Cochrane, Lea Miller, Salma Rylands, Jesse Swartz and Morgan Thompson
Grade 10 | Haidee-Leigh Brouwer, Zoë Ceto, Florence Edridge, Taurus Mackenzie, Fatima Shaik Abdul and Kirstin Theunis
Grade 11 | Abigail Correia, Nur Haroun, Chloe Lennox, Zion Mangadi, Asanda Noludwe, Michaela Renze and Shakeelah Williams
Grade 12 | Corina Austin, Qaylah Conrad, Gemma Hoskins and Happiness Walter
Tutor | Mrs Liezel Bam
Grade 8 | Georgia Arendse, Khadijah Conrad, Mia Harrison, Kendra Johns, Hannah Kemp, Saskia Knipe and Emily Schalker
Grade 9 | Liyaa Allie, Keira Du Toit, Farah Jacobs, Nokwazi Mcutshenge and Haneen Mookrey
Grade 10 | Zia Essa, Tristan Hoskins, Mikha Jacobs, Lithitha Lobese, Mackenzie Maggott and Usisiphokazi Manxoyi
Grade 11 | Shakila Africa, Olivia Behrens, Jesse Daniels, Sarah Knox, Tayana Mwanjirah, Limé Serfontein and Hannah Thompson
Grade 12 | Aneeqah Carelse, Aqilah Davids, Catherine Haman and Kyla Peters
Tutor | Ms Kathryn Stranex
Grade 8 | Tineeca Blake, Farah Martin, Tyra Pearson, Keleabetsoe Rapulungoana, Fey Sanderson and Shay Walters
Grade 9 | Charity Abraham, Jade Cannon, Calais Cridland, Nikita Damast, Nathi Delo and Razia Paleker
Grade 10 | Lilitha Feni, Erin Hoskins, Maya Jacobs, Okuhle Jokazi, Paige O'Connor, Kouthar Saliem and Ruwaidah Sherally
Grade 11 | Jemma Arendse, Yasmeen Dhansay, Kyra Essex, Phoebe Lanz, Lailah Moosa and Aishah Sibda
Grade 12 | Jodie Biddlecombe, Amisha Dhaya, Daniella Leppan, Kaitlin Pearse, Ashleigh Turner and Tiero van Niekerk
Head of House | Mr Andrew Hunter
Tutor | Ms Carynn Underhill
Grade 8 | Kensey Armstrong, Amaal Jappie, Rania Khan, Amber Paterson, Hannah Schafer and Janaan Stegmann
Grade 9 | Kaitlin Bowers, Kelsey Edwards, Zahraa Limbada, Zahraa Mohamed, Gabi Nobel and Talya Rozendaal
Grade 10 | Willow Janse van Rensburg, Stella Mapingire, Emily Moses, Jorja Pereira, Zuhaa Peters and Amy Sutherland
Grade 11 | Kirsten Collison, Asemahle Diza, Jessica Forbay, Anoyolo Mzazi, Tara Roos and Jodie Twiss
Grade 12 | Summer Dreyden, Lauren Fox, Rabiah Gaibie, Rachel Heath, Melissa Hull, Eunice Kantu, Gabriella Spriggs and Siobhan Walker
Tutor | Mr Peter Bodenstein
Grade 8 | Jenna Bell, Gina Casey, Rachel Charles, Bailee Coetzer, Maryam Eldawoody, Jorja Faulmann and Nurah Harribi
Grade 9 | Thanaa Davids, Azra Hassiem, Lydia Kantu, Michaela Kimberley, Bianca Sivertsen, Larkin Trerise and Kiera Volkwyn
Grade 10 | Nikita Booysen, Chelsy Cross, Tara Lewis, Erin Leigh Roos, Nurul-Huda Samaai and Emily Solomon
Grade 11 | Aakifah Abrahams, Christinah Augustino, Erynne Dickson-Hall, Shalom Masanga and Cheyanne Viviers
Grade 12 | Thaaniyah Abrahams, Alexandra Figaji, Danielle Jacobs, Samantha Springorum, Ashleigh Stevens and Emily Taberner
Tutor | Mrs Rashieda Badroodien Grade 8 | Tatum Barnes, Hayden Coetzee, Jenna Cothill, Kayla Fortune, Katie Fox, Lucy Machanik, Zona Mzazi and Hannah Swarts
Grade 9 | Chulumanco Kasana, Zara Manasse, Rhana Masoet, Inam Mbiza and Lucy Potter
Grade 10 | Morgan Bailey, Jordan Blacker, Caitlin King and Saarah Sadan
Grade 11 | Anna Beyleveld, Caeden Jacobs, Mandisa Shange, Ameera Waglay and Raabia Wentzel
Grade 12 | Phoebe Andrews, Thania Bloemstein, Athraa du Toit, Michaela Edwards, Anoushka Gopal, Safiyah Khan and Okuhle Stofile
Tutor | Mrs Willene O'Connor
Grade 8 | Jehan Abrahams, Fatima Ahmed, Mika Flynn, Ella Horsley, Nabila Safodien and Taybah Shira
Grade 9 | Leanne Holloway, Emma Johnson, Hanaan Mammon, Gianna Pereira, Jennifer Saunders and Emma-Raé Swarts
Grade 10 | Daneen Fortune, Zaakirah Gaibie, Esha Parbhoo, Catherine Simons and Safiya Soni
Grade 11 | Angel Brink, Taytum-Lee Pepper, Chelsea Van der Poel, Taylor Yardin and Kamva Yozi
Grade 12 | Naseegha Abbas, Salma Francis-Adams, Caitlin Goodwin, Amber Halls, Bernadetta Kabou Block and Naledi Sesethu Lehoke
Head of House | Mrs Ingrid Adolph
Tutor | Mrs Jackie Badenhorst Grade 8 | Jessica Butler, Sydney February, Jenna Fortuin, Inam Hlaleleni, Shalom Madziwa, Leah Mohamed and Tiziana Mutombo
Grade 9 | Ammaarah Dawood-Moosa, Thania Grever, Alex Jacobs, Kirsten Kroukamp, Nuhaa Samaai and Gia Smith
Grade 10 | Kayla Lamb, Eletu Mjuza, Bhavika Parbhoo, Raughmah Solomon and Layla Truebody
Grade 11 | Hannah Fisher, Amy Jonathan, Michelle Maneya, Jodi Meyer, Meghan Miles, Sashley Whittaker and Casey Williams
Grade 12 | Imaan Alie, Margarita Charitou, Amber-Faye de Wet, Anna Lee, Anastasia Petersen and Umange Xhego
Tutor | Ms Melissa Abrahams
Grade 8 | Sarah Boardman-Smith, Keala Espin, Carrey Giffard, Tiara Moore, Zahra Petersen and Rutendo Rusare
Grade 9 | Anastasia McBain, Unako Ngalo, Logan Pietersen, Mackenzie Thomas and Tyra Thomas
Grade 10 | Yaz Anibal, Quanita Banoo, Amy-Leigh Brown, Chrystal Maramwidze, Jada Mcleod, Nina Petersen, Leah Southgate and Aaliya Truebody
Grade 11 | Cuba Arendse, Andisiwe Biko, Nusrat Hoosain, Chané Scheepers and Kayla Wyngaard
Grade 12 | Jessica Carter, Taylor February, Tayla Gassert, Asanda Manashe, Zoë Plato and Danielle van Wyk
Tutor | Ms Shireen Amien
Grade 8 | Faye Breytenbach, Madelyn Camara Buswell, Tiara Chand, Ashleigh Fisher, Aaliyah Gamieldien and Zoë Richards
Grade 9 | Aaron Boonzaaier, Kirsten McCreadie, Ameera Parker, Brandi Ryland, Jesse Siljeur and Julia-Anne Stevens
Grade 10 | Leah Barkhuizen, Jenna Cupido, Taskeen Hoosain, Isabella Kindo, Aaliyah Mia, Morgan Smit and Jade Van Niekerk
Grade 11 | Taryn Ah Shene,Tanyaradzwa Chirova, Tahirah Ebrahiem, Sara Fakir, Chloë Harding and Keemisha Venketsamy
Grade 12 | Zara Allie, Su-aad Armadien, Jamie Fisher, Leah Lombard, Okuhle Maqhubu and Megan Speedy
Tutor | Ms Amy Wilkinson Grade 8 | Azrah August, Robin Elias, A'aliyah Grever, Ellen Magama, Catherine Millin and Georgia Schreuder
Grade 9 | Tyler Adriaanse, Cailyn Africa, Amani Ahmed, Liyyah Coenraad, Sarah-Kate King and Zara Vollenhoven
Grade 10 | Zoë-Joy Bartman, Mmakobo Gejengana, Shazia Grainger, Zara Kleinhans and Erin Theron
Grade 11 | Mariam Abrahams, Thea Cable, Pollyanne Carlos, Zubenathi Gongo, Emihle Nonyongo and Jessica Viljoen
Grade 12 | Ronalee Africa, Nina Basson, Lisa Constant, Chelsea van der Ross, Eryn van Rooyen and Jessica Ward
Head of House | Mrs Alison Smith
Tutor | Ms Stephanie Pienaar
Grade 8 | Zeenid Abrahams, Rebecca Christians, Nandile Sochenywa, Shahzaadi Tape, Phumelela Tshaka and Hannah Wood
Grade 9 | Nikita Abrahams, Chelsea Adrian, Zoë Fortuin, Mbalentle Kamisa, Shareefa Orrie and Amber Vermeulen
Grade 10 | Zeenat Ackerman, Miranda Bodla, Jordyn Florus, Jesse Gradwell, Le-ah Lawrence, Siyamthanda Matabeni and Jordan Springveldt
Grade 11 | Liana Duncan, Jenna Jacobs, Jordan Moyce, Chloe Smith, Zoë Vermaak and Zomthi Zibi
Grade 12 | Almaas Bailey, Isabella Beugelink, Emma Harris, Cheroni Mbekeni, Nabeelah Safodien and Lauren Schuller
Grade 11 | Jade Gericke, Khanyi Kamisa, Alexandra Kandralides and Ku Nur Laylaa Mustirah Ku Md Salleh
Grade 12 | Alyssa Duncan, Samantha McMaster, Hannah Moses, Su'ad Price, Savannah Solomon and Robyn van Graan
Tutor | Mrs Gabrielle Johannes-Swanson
Grade 8 | Camryn Francis, Jemma Henry, Hannah Isaacs, Lynnay Jephtha, Nihan Köstepen, Leah Moses and Liyabona Nceka
Grade 9 | Sarah Essa, Saarah Jaffer, Nikeeta Naidoo and Katelyn Thebus
Grade 10 | Faraah Amod, Kira Fenton, Khiara Harvey, Reneé Jethro, Gabriella Mans and Mishall Petersen
Grade 11 | Teagan Europa, Razaan Gamiet, Ayesha Hofmeyer, La'eeqa Hoossen, Joelle Mazau and Huda Waggie
Tutor | Mrs Nadine Wessels
Grade 8 | Ashanti Majavu, Keira Moollan, Tamara Musunte, Anna-Belle Naidoo, Jemmeh Nefdt and Isabella Smuts
Grade 9 | Natasja Poggenpoel, Hanan Salasa, Nabeelah Salie, Eva Schrönen and Jessica Williams
Grade 10 | Zarah Benjamin, Emma De Swardt, Armaan Köstepen, Florence Omari, Mbali Sajini, Lisa Stofberg and Skye Waters
Grade 12 | Hannah Bleekers, Courtney Joshua, Kaylen Meiring, Laaiqah Tasriet, Erin Thornhill and Chloe van Zyl
Tutor | Mrs Kerry Hermans
Grade 8 | Geraldine Brand, Isabella Buckland, Hanah Dalvie, Katherine De Freitas, Kathryn George, Zandisile George and Rania Samsodien
Grade 9 | Isabella Adams, Kate Brown, Haylie Gericke, Kendre Hetherington, Zoë Koeberg and Yusrah Rustin
Grade 10 | Tatum Borrett, Shannon Carr, Mersei Mananga, Bianca Petersen and Hannah Winter
Grade 11 | Alix Bredekamp, Aaliyah Joshua, Elona Khonzaphi, Tamia Lottering and Phoebe Webb
Grade 12 | Dana Da Mata, Clé Fisher, Jamie Geland, Nomvelo Majola, Ashleigh Moyce and Tebogo Simanga
Head of House | Mr Jasper Saayman
Tutor | Ms Lucille Damon
Grade 8 | Hannah Bulcraig, Cassi-Bella Fouten, Jamie Kleyn, Lihle Qongqo and Lara Tait
Grade 9 | Hannah Hill, Robyn Jason, Jenna-Lee Price and Moira Sonamzi
Grade 10 | Qaniah Arnold, Keira Clarence, Sisipo Dlakavu, Jessica Green-Thompson, Lerece Moodley and Ruah Payle
Grade 11 | Zara Ackerman, Zehara Marshall, Kate Murtagh, Iman Sakier, Jade Smith and Clemine Tal
Grade 12 | Rumbidzai Chipunza, Micki Chisholm, Kelly Mchelm, Ashleigh Mingo, Buyisile Nqubelani, Gita Urion and Kristin van Reenen
Tutor | Mrs Octavia Ahmed
Grade 8 | Ashlee Albertus, Chloe Chesterton, Qaadirah Crous, Gemma Harris, Caitlin Mackenzie, Margret Nordahl and Celina Theunissen
Grade 9 | Naadirah Daniels, Niave Hutton, Aa'ishah Samodien and Elizabeth Sigamoney
Grade 10 | Waseela Coenraad, Gemma Crown, Mvula Lefuma, Jordan Meyer, Hannah Pedersen and Marissa Phillips
Grade 11 | Yasmin Adams, Tessa Burge, Phinley Constant, Olwethu Macanda, Amy-Lea Mizen, Morgan Orgill and Jo Williams
Grade 12 | Kaydi Le Grange, Jada Paulse, Layla Pillay, Ocean Schmidt and Rebecca van Breda
Tutor | Ms Lauren Louw Grade 8 | Imaan Ajam, Emma Duk, Emma Muller, Taylor Nicol, Ihmaan Robertson, Saarah Salie and Isabelle Varner
Grade 9 | Elisabeth Bolligelo-Smith, Caitlyn Jardine, Khiara Meier, Jamie-Lee Valensky and Hannah van Breda
Grade 10 | Romy Adriaan, Sarah Bray, Imaan Brey, Cassidy Green-Thompson, Ayesha Hassam, Mia Njikho and Catherine Wills
Grade 11 | Mia Davids, Kian Green, Lilitha Ontjies, Aaliyah Osman, Lauren Skippers and Hannah Young
Grade 12 | Kristen Dyers, Emmah Herbert, Kira Hofmeyr, Kira Lauts, Lailah Rahman, Carla Reinecke, and Hayley Wentzel
Tutor | Mrs Lydia Kim
Grade 8 | Kirsten Jaftha, Omega Kasongo, Aqhama Roto, Gabriella Topping, Hemi Tseng and Jessica Uhuaba
Grade 9 | Shaylin Carelse, Keisha Delaney, Analissa Mguqulwa, Imaan Sadien, Kelly Tayler and Amanda Zuma
Grade 10 | Cassidy Flatwell, Jessi Francis, Azrah Luckan, Raeesah Rawoot and Ciara Williams
Grade 11 | Tayla Fargher, Leah Geldenhuys, Shazia Parker, Gabriella Richards and Reese Roode
Grade 12 | Kezia Floris, Milla Lauts, Meghan Louw, Mishka Parker, Saarah Stanford, Erin White and Megan Wolmarans
Tutor | Ms Kaelin Stemmet
Grade 8 | Arabella Addison, Hannah Atkins, Cameron Bayvel, Riley de Vries, Layaan Kemp, Kristen Patience and Krista Roman
Grade 9 | Erin-Leigh Adams, Annabel Beetge, Aimee Buxey, Erin Holdsworth, Alexa Jeaven, Cadence Nain and Hana Noordien
Grade 10 | Kaitlyn Collison, Asha Feigelson, Salma Khan, Nicole Mufudze, Sikho Roxo, Lara Thomas and Simthandile Tyindyi
Grade 11 | Azraa Simons, Siphosihle Sipoyo, Yumnah Suliman and Mia Viglino
Grade 12 | Abby Fraser, Hudaa Hendricks, Nawaal Isaacs, Isabella Knoop, Jenna Ryklief and Emma van der Berg
Tutor | Mrs Trenell Hanuman
Grade 8 | Zenande Afrika, Nabeelah Brey, Tatum Cupido, Hannah George, Sienna Kotze and Lusanda Zibi
Grade 9 | Jenna Atwood-Palm, Isla Campbell, Leah Fernandez, Aaliyah Hoosain, Angelique Lubbe and Jade Walsh
Grade 10 | Kezia Dantu, Tayla Hayes, Robyn Rorich and Gabriella Willemse
Grade 11 | Megan Africa, Courtney Badenhorst, Alexis Boonzaier, Jordan La Guma, Teige van der Merwe and Aisha Zouheir
Grade 12 | Gemma Frantz, Zoe Gabriel, Nuhaa Hendricks, Taylor Holdsworth, Yusrah Khan, Rachel McIntyre and Lihle Mosala
Tutor | Ms Yvette Marais
Grade 8 | Caitlin Bell, Jemma de Vries, Tessa Gilpin, Emma Leigh Isaacs, Jade Matthews, Nuha Mia and Morgan van der Schyff
Grade 9 | Emma-Lee Brown, Julian Chukwuzubelu, Jorja Davids, Kristen Dirks, Nicola Mans, Erin McHelm, Jade Stevens
Grade 10 | Danielle Hodson, Jordan Petersen, Rumaanah Surtee and Ally Rose van der Berg
Grade 11 | Isabella Brown, Alexandra Hartog, Caitlin Joseph, Lisakhanya Macanda, Kristin Taft and Samara van der Ross
Grade 12 | Zuhaa Abader, Megan Frost, Jaime Lodewyk, Liyema Mgca and Gina Walker
Tutor | Mrs Jola Nel
Grade 8 | Wi-aam Abader, Chlóe La Grange, Sive Makapela, Salma Mugjenker, Kristen Stewart and Morgan van der Westhuizen
Grade 9 | Emily Engel, Aeysha Gomez, Kirsten James, Nasia Surtee, Tyla van der Westhuizen and Ameya Verster
Grade 10 | Zain Beaunoir, Imrah Burton, Ella Dodds, Mia Holland, Luchwayitile Msingizane and Tara Roos
Grade 11 | Amaal Adams, Haaniya Carelse, Kiara Davids, Skyla Halvorsen, Onesimo Nikelo and Amy Samuels
Grade 12 | Khanyisile Cotani, Gemma Dawson, Lenay Hagan, Keera Kirsten, Jessie Manshon, Courteney Steenveld and Jessica Witten
Tutor | Mrs Vanessa Muller
Grade 8 | Cheyenne Abrahams, Lauren Abrahams, Aaliyah Davids, Jessica Feldman, Micayla Fortune, Naledi Kaseya and Hannah Nash
Grade 9 | Ashley Jacobs, Erin Kloppers, Kirsten Leak, Phelokazi Mhlom, Jenna Springleer and Siyamthanda Yeki
Grade 10 | Cayla de Jager, Asmaa Ebrahim, Jihaan Jacobs, Rebecca Mutyaba, Madeleine van Sittert, Lunabile Veto and Angela White
Grade 11 | Rebecca Botha, Raine Horne, Atheerah Isaacs, Wren September and Quanita Wise
Grade 12 | Alicia Arends, Thandi Collair, Aqeelah Hassen, Sadie Kennedy and Linathi Mpono
Tutor | Mrs Elke Hill
Grade 8 | Maria Buckley, Erin Leary, Nila Paulsen Madison Priday, Mikayla Quinn and Cydney Vincent
Grade 9 | Umamah Allie, Liana Bourne, Hannah Hanekom, Gabriella Leak, Lilitha Nkosi, Olivia Tromp, Amy Woodward and Tatiana Zincke
Grade 10 | Mwazilinda Banda, Mariam Davids, Aalia Domingo, Isabella Flint, Emma Gammon, Tara Jenneker and Linathi Mphokotyi
Grade 11 | Celeste Ficks, Juliana Henning, Imaan Lalla and Amy Lee Scholtz
Grade 12 | Leah Brown, Aaniquah Dicks, Julia Dimopoulos and Akhona Mangesana
Tutor | Mrs Clivene Keyster
Grade 8 | Kolbe Cronje, Keira Hochfelden, Chelsey Leak, Gaylin Minnaar, Jodi Priestman, Hannah Sasman and Kacee Smith
Grade 9 | Keren Bosch, Isabella Ching, Asibabale Noah, Thanaa Parker, Olivia Stol and Kaitlin Titus
Grade 10 | Isabelle Devlin, Angela Dimopoulos, Karraugh Fisher, Leah Randall and Malikah Williams
Grade 11 | Azra Abrahams, Adanna (Tumelo) Ikediashi, Mia Paulsen, Leah Philander, Ella Pinkerton and Raeesa Zalgaonkir
Grade 12 | Aminah Allie, Ashleigh Arendse, Mia Baatjes, Amaal Ceres, Zoë Vermeulen and Meera Voges
Tutor | Ms Tremaine Sewraj
Grade 8 | Mackenzie Carstens Fortuin, Jessica Doyle, Xoliswa Engel, Hana Hassen, Sarah Heaton and Lilli Horne
Grade 9 | Tatum Cupido, Sarah Frick, China Grundman, Erinne Roos, Isabella Schoof and Janika Theron
Grade 10 | Amber Cupido, Mishka Fataar, Mbali Hlope, Camryn Priday, Kiya Stockenstroom and Ongezwa Swartbooi
Grade 11 | Kailyn Jacobs, Tyla Lottering, Inéz Marthinus and Kwakho Mhlom
Grade 12 | Erin Barodien, Rebecca Beardwood, Karyn Bock, Jade Carlos, Andrea de Kock, Jordyn Ferrier and Asanele Magxiva
Tutor | Ms Candysse Vrancken
Grade 8 | Zayaan Ajeraan, Katherine Ball, Jemma Botha, Holly French, Farah Parker, Kieva Ramsay and Chloe Wright
Grade 9 | Tamsen Caveney, Thana Dawood, CaseyLee Petzer, Cassidy Roodt and Jessica van Niekerk
Grade 10 | Skylar Dreyer, Emily Fisher, Jennifer Harris, Sahara Khan, Caitlin Meyer, Dànika Naidoo, Rachael Redelinghuys and Leah Tarentaal
Grade 11 | Fatima Fakir, Erin Horne, Norah Kischke, Kara Lefson, Farah Manie and Iman Veenendaal
Grade 12 | Hannah Daniels, Imogen Lewin, Nazirah Modack, Jenna-Morgan Mouton, Swandle Mwezo and Shazia Parker
Tutor | Mrs Sam Furstenburg
Grade 8 | Ruby Haigh, Hanim Jackson, Keziah Jonas, Kalin Kleintjies, Khaluba Phiri and Ana Potter
Grade 9 | Precious Klaasen, Anna Lucas, Angelique Marshall, Hannah Naidoo, Zoe Radebe, Zara Thomas and Shaqeelah van Rooyen
Grade 10 | Zahra Firfirey, Nikkita Hayes, Chloe Isaacs, Carys Jordaan and Kelsey Liebenberg
Grade 11 | Lilitha Langeni, Taherah Orrie, Layla Poole, Mmiki Serifi, Hannah Smith and Jemma-Lee van der Berg
Grade 12 | Ammaarah Kriel, Imrah Lodewyk, Linda Mema, Chloë Naidoo, Emma Press and Imaan Salie
Tutor | Ms Siseko Jukuda
Grade 8 | Tatum Bevan, Amy-Rose Heiberg, Talana Jacobs, Scarlet Kischke, Roxane Milne and Yusrah Noor
Grade 9 | Hanaa Abbas, Tayla Bailey, Amaan Jamal, Amy Press and Ifrah Salie
Grade 10 | Emma Farmer, Erin Julies, Asiphe Morometsi, Yusrah Sakier, Kristen Trew and Famke Annabelle Zeeman
Grade 11 | Abbigail Leah Caveney, Layla Ebrahim, Alexa Loxton, Megan Petersen, Amy Scholtz and Lily von Alten-Reuss
Grade 12 | Mia Isaacs, Jordyn Naidoo, Zoë Norman, Caylin O'Kelly, Courtney Sassman and Katherine van Nieuwenhuizen
Tutor | Ms Marie-Rose Slabbert
Grade 8 | Jorja Bailey, Miché Christians, Kayleigh Cronje, Zariyah Fataar, Jeneveve Kinsey, Shriya Parbhoo and Kaylin Paulsen
Grade 9 | Kylie-Ann Adlington, Jessica Collins, Logan Parker, Zeenat Parker, Chloe Taylor and Tanya van Leeuwen
Grade 10 | Jade Beukes, Emihle Gwangqa, Jessica Hansen, Zara Jacobs, Siyamthanda Pepani and Riley Wesson
Grade 11 | Elisabeth Bosch, Madeline Brogden, Pearl Gungu, Tasneem Majiet, Chido Mukondiwa and Bongeka Tsiloane
Grade 12 | Zoë Koeries, Luana Lima, Makulu Jael Mbay, Leigh Philander and Zakiyah Salie
2021 Waterloo welcomed new staff members – Julia Campher (Superintendent), Marcille Stevens (House Mother), Niyanda Maseti and Siseko Jukuda (Academic Liaisons), Nzele Omari and Ashieqah Kadjo (Boarder Mistresses).
As Staff we held our very own “Think Tank”, to share ideas and thoughts on how we were going to make Waterloo House a place for all learners to feel at home.
Our mission is ‘To create a fun, healthy and safe environment for the boarders’.
We believe that balance is key – and that as a Home away from Home, it is important for us as staff to instil academic support for all learners and provide them with opportunities for fun and social interaction (adhering to all Covid-19 Protocols).
A hostel peer tutor system was drawn up allowing our Senior boarders (Grade 10–12) the opportunity to sign up as tutors for any subject they did well in and specified which days during study time they would be available to assist their ‘tutlings’. This was not only a good academic initiative but also one that would dismantle the stratification of boarders according to their grades and furthermore create a platform for mentorship.
Our boarders are not only academically sound but multitalented too – they often showcase these talents at the beginning of the year with a Talent Show! Other activities include movie nights, arts and crafts and karaoke.
Towards the end of the year the Matrics of 2021 had their end of the year dinner at Primi in the V&A Waterfront. Needless to say, they made sure they left their Schooling Career in style – it was a beautiful evening that was filled with much joy and laughter.
At the end of the year we bid farewell to the following staff members, many of whom were long-serving members of staff and have taken the opportunity to pursue other adventures. We wish them all well and will miss them dearly – Florence Cull, Valentina Nicol, Cheslyn De Wet, Babalwa Nyangeni and Ashieqah Kadjo – we thank our Community for their support and contribution to achieving our mission.
“It’s not only music. It’s not only art. It’s a community. It’s a sense of having a place to belong.” – Jared Leto
Across the board, 2021 came with its various obstacles and opportunities. With limited physical contact we were nudged to evaluate the way things were and the way things could be. We reflected on what it is to be a Wynberg alumnae and what gives us as a community value, and that is: connection. Amidst rebranding and welcoming new committee members we seized the moment and committed to being more present, more available and more visible. How could we use our platforms to be as expansive and as true to our mission, vision and aim as possible?
Amidst rebranding and welcoming new committee members we seized the moment and committed to being more present, more available and more visible.
Our projects included: Changing our name to “Wynberg Girls’ Alumnae” and in the spirit of playing an active role in transformation and healing, we volunteered to help archive the High School’s records – a big part of this is making digital records of material that can be accessible for alumnae around the world to see. This includes magazines and items going back to 1884 when the school started. Part of this rebranding was a new logo, designed by Mikaela Meyer, Class of 2020 – whose interpretation of the concept was fresh and elevated. Coming soon: locally made tote bags and hoodies with our new logo – watch this space!
We introduced an IG Live series where committee members chatted with alumnae about their post-matric education and career choices. It was fantastically enriching for current students and alumnae alike to see what realm of possibilities there are when it comes to the steps it takes to be fulfilled in one’s career.
We encouraged alumnae to network by sharing information about their businesses and projects in our Facebook group and applauded their successes.
We were delighted to host an intimate nature walk in Newlands Forest with a group of alumnae and look forward to being able to do more in-person gatherings in the future.
In service to the wider community, we managed our ‘Wool for Wonders’ campaign where we collected knitted jerseys, blankets, beanies and similar items for babies and children. Squares from alumnae and learners were sewn together to make blankets, and all items were distributed to poor communities in Capricorn Park by Tinmugs Africa Trust.
At the end of every year, we give hand-written messages from alumnae with little gifts to Grade 7s and Matrics, wishing them well and letting them know that we are thinking of them as they spread their wings towards new challenges and opportunities.
We had a Zoom chat with matrics from the Class of 2021 after one of their final exams. From this chat, a Whatsapp group especially for this year of learners is the way that we’ll be keeping in touch with them and supporting them as they venture into the world!
As long as you were at either school for at least three years somewhere along your school career, you are automatically included in this wonderful network around the world!
Everyone who was at Wynberg for at least three years is a part of the alumnae – Junior or High, or both! As long as you were at either school for at least three years somewhere along your school career, you are automatically included in this wonderful network around the world!
The committee has twelve elected members, but they are not the only people involved at all! Volunteers from across the alumnae serve on subcommittees and help with projects, and if you’d like to help with something even on an ad-hoc or once-off basis, we’d love to hear from you.
Fun fact is that only two of the committee members are in their fifties! All other committee members are under 30, and some left school just recently. If you’re interested in joining the committee, please let us know – and you can live anywhere in the world (our Chair lives in Germany)!
Many thanks to the 2021–2022 Committee – Andi, Ann, Aqilah, Hilary, Hlumelo, Kerri, Kiara, Leila, Mikaela, Naeelah, Rayne, Saarah & Yumna and everyone whose time and energy contributed to making the most of 2021.
We see you, we love you and we look forward to our paths crossing again.
Founded in 1884, we are a school which embraces change and actively prepares our young women to take their place in a democratic South Africa and throughout the world.
Wynberg Girls’ High School, Aliwal Rd, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7800 | 021 764 2200 | principal@wynghs.co.za | www.wynghs.co.za