18 minute read
Highlights of the Academic Pillar
from WGHS Magazine 2021
by Wynberg Way
HIGHLIGHTS
OF THE ACADEMIC PILLAR
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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 Pillar
Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/3NSY35l for the WGHS Academic Pillar Motivational Video!
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CULTURAL PILLAR REPORT
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.
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
Brandi Ryland
SPECIAL MENTIONS
#LittleVoicesMustCount
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.
Jenna Atwood-Palm
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.
Imaan Salie
Jada Paulse
Lilitha Ontjies
Imaan Ajam
Tara Roos
Anoyolo Mzazi
Cheyanne Viviers
Grade 8 Public Speaking Competition
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!
WGHS Winners – SACEE Public Speaking Competition
In August, three Grade 11 students entered the SACEE Public Speaking Senior Competition.
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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
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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.
Model United Nations Virtual Conference
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.
The WGHS Model UN Tackles Climate Change!
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.
SERVICE PILLAR REPORT
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
SPORTS PILLAR REPORT
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
