WYNBERG GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER

Also available on our website : www.wynghs.co.za

2010

LEADERSHIP INDUCTION

Mrs Harding formally inducts Rayne

Callaghan as 2012 Head of School

Thabile Myeza celebrates her election as 2012

Head of the RCL

The induction of new leaders is always an important occasion. There is an acknowledgment of the leaders of the current year and a formal introduction of the leaders for the year ahead. In their speeches, Mrs Harding and the 2012 Head of School, Rayne Callaghan, both included advice to assist the new leaders on their new journey: maintain the standards of excellence at Wynberg, remain committed to and passionate about their pillars, houses and tutor groups. The light lunch afterwards gave parents, teachers and leaders an opportunity to celebrate together. We congratulate all leaders and wish them a productive and enjoyable year ahead.

Dear Parents

The recent International Confederation of Principals' conference, the ‘Strategic Planning for 2012 and beyond’ held with my Management Team, and the ‘Sports Strategic Planning’ held last Saturday, have highlighted a burning issue which I wish to address.

Research tells us that fewer than 1% of parents don't want to be involved in their daughter's education. This means that 99% of the parent body at WGHS want to be involved, want to have their say and want to feel part of the Wynberg Girls' High School family. However, the reality is that very few are involved. The fact that we have little support at anything other than grade meetings which are compulsory for the girls, indicates that we are not providing you with the correct opportunities for this involvement.

Thank you to those parents who attended the Sports Strategic Planning meeting; those who support their daughters around the sports field and at cultural, academic and service events; and attend meetings such as by-elections and budget meetings. However, we need to know what we can provide that will encourage you to put other activities aside and make you more excited about being part of this magnificent community so that you show more commitment to your daughter's education and her life at school.

There is a perception that parents support their sons, but not their daughters. We would like to disprove this reality and will ask you to complete a survey form early next term to allow us to provide these opportunities for our parents in 2012 – the year of “Bring the Parents back into our School”.

There is a very short break before the all-important final term of 2011. We trust that you will enjoy this time with your daughters and that those who travel will have an enjoyable and safe holiday.

Warm regardsShirley HardingPRINCIPAL

GOLDEN LION AWARDS

During the Founders’ Day assembly, the Golden Lion award - Wynberg’s most prestigious award - was presented to two special Wynberg students. Quanita Bobbs has excelled at hockey, received SA colours and represented our country at the All Africa Games and the Youth Olympics while maintaining an above average academic record. Meghan Daniels has dedicated much time to the Cultural and Service Pillars as well as founding the Ilizwi Photography Club and

maintaining a high 70s aggregate. In addition, she was awarded the Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Award this year.

Quanita Bobbs&

Meghan Daniels

31 Wynberg participants passed recently, and 6 of them achieved a 100% pass! Congratulations to all of them.

their Level One First aid course,

FIRST AID

100% pass

E Peters, R Brey,E Nel,

Mrs J Nel,N Pillay,

C Absolon

SCHOOL COMMUNICATOR

STAY

IN

FORM

ED

Do you know that the weekly events-planner and weekly newsletter appear on the School Communicator every Friday? Click on the link below and follow the prompts:

http://www.wynghs.co.za/sandbox/2010/2010schoolcommunicator/view?searchterm=school communicator

SOMALIA FOOD DRIVE

In response to the food crisis in Somalia, Wynberg Girls' High initiated a non-perishable food drive in partnership with The Gift of the Givers. The drive was not issued as a house challenge, but girls were urged to donate goods in their own personal capacity. The food was handed over to a representative from The Gift of the Givers in an assembly on 19 September. Thank you to all who opened their hearts.

SCIENCE NEWS

Congratulations to Alexandra Hendricks and Christine Forbes, our latest winners in the Royal Society of South Africa Science Essay Competition for their essay entitled “Is green chemistry sustainable in South Africa?” They each won a merit prize of R250! Congratualtions too, to Ra’eesa Bray

Back: Alexandra & Christine

Front: Ra’eesa & Olivia

In Grade 11, the Science girls are learning about electrostatics. Hannah Cook shows the effects of the van der Graaf generator on her hair.

and Olivia Rodseth, who were awarded Bronze medals at the recent Science Expo.

BUY A BRICK CAMPAIGN

Our new Multipurpose Pool is slowly taking shape. Support the Buy A Brick Campaign to raise funds for the pool by buying a brick for only R250. You will become a physical part of Wynberg Girls' High School by having your name engraved on a commemorative wall to honour those who donated towards the pool. To purchase a brick contact Mrs Chikte on 021 764 2231 or marketing@wynghs.co.za

ACADEMIC CHALLENGE

As part of the Academic Week, a fun challenge was held in the school hall.

Silverlea challenged all houses tosupport this campaignand they did so, donating over R5000!

The National Professional Teachers' Organization of South Africa (NAPTOSA) held its Annual Provincial Conference at the Italian Club in Milnerton on 9 and 10 September 2011. Over 200 teachers and officers from Education District Offices around the Western Cape attended this Conference. On the Friday evening, a banquet was

WYNBERG WOWS NAPTOSA CONFERENCE

AFRITWIN

Earlier this term, Wynberg and its Afritwin partner schools, Devonport School for Girls in the UK and Zimasa Community School in Langa, were awarded a global curriculum grant by the British Council. This grant provides funds for us to work with our partner schools on shared curriculum-based activities. The theme for this exchange is the 2012 Olympics in London and, as part of this programme, the Grade 8 and 9 dance girls recently choreographed and perform-ed their own dances inspired by the Olympics. The Grade 8s’ dance centred on unity and togetherness – important Olympic values, while the motif of the Olympic rings rippled through the Grade 9 dance item.

WGHS travelled to Zimasa on 21 September for an afternoon of fun soccer. The Wynberg and Zimasa girls were mixed to form two opposing teams – the Super Strikers and the Royal Queens. Both teams had plenty of support from the sidelines. The game was eventually decided with a penalty shoot-out – which saw the Super Strikers win the trophy. Everyone left the field tired out but in high spirits.

In addition, WGHS recently held a Grade 8 Poetry Olympics also as part of our partnership with

Devonport and Zimasal. All Grade 8's submitted a poem with one of the Olympic values as its theme for example determination, unity, excellence etc. Kayla Arnold took gold with her poem “The Olympic Gymnast Raises the Bar”, Cara White-Philips won silver for “I'll Get There Soon” and Saleehah Domingo and Daisy Kane were commended.

Saleehah Domingo, Cara White-Phillips, Kayla Arnold & Daisy Kane

The Vocal Ensemble spent last weekend in Betty's Bay accompanied by Mrs van Bergen, Mrs Chamba, Ms Coltham and Mrs Nel. On Friday they walked on the beach and lazed around singing and getting to know each other in a very relaxed environment. The following day they entertained families

celebrating Heritage Day at the Leopards Kloof Restaurant in the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. The programme included solos by Tatum Fortune,

& HAROLD PORTER PATRONS

held, which was attended by all the delegates and various special guests, including the Superintendent General: Education in the WC, Mrs Penny Vinjevold. The WGHS Vocal Ensemble was invited to perform at this gala event. Their polished and moving perform-ance was one of the highlights of the evening, if not of the entire conference. In addition, the Wynberg Photography Club members were asked to exhibit their work at the Conference. Many delegates were heard marveling at the both the creativity and professionalism of the photographs on display. WGHS can be very proud of the fact that they were asked to ‘perform’ in two different areas at this prestigious conference, and that their work was admired by people involved in education from all around the Western Cape.

Cara Clayton, Jessica Davids and Rayne Callaghan. There were also duos and trios plus Elsa Nel wowing the audience on her flute. The full Vocal Ensemble, however, were the ones who really stole the show. Their singing of You'll Never Walk Alone, Hey There, Turn the Beat Around and Nella Fantasia, left the audience speechless. Thanks go to parents who transported and special thanks to Ann Coltham and Mrs van Bergen for making the weekend possible.

BIG BOYS DO DANCE

The show ‘Big Boys don’t Dance’ Searle and Vanessa Harris was performed at Wynberg recently and was welcome entertainment as we

written by Ash

Ash & Brad Searle

ENVIROCLUB PLANT SOME TREES

On Friday 2 September, a group of Wynberg girls went to Tokai Forest to plant trees. Tokai Forest is currently undergoing a reforestation project, through which all the alien trees in the forest will be replaced by indigenous trees and shrubs. The idea is to conserve fynbos and other plants endemic to this region. Mr Bell, manager of the project and Kate’s dad, told us about the project and helped us plant trees of our own. It was an incredible experience and we all left with the knowledge that we had helped conserve our natural heritage. Sian Ferguson

From left: Brittany Schultz, Sian Ferguson, Ms O Petersen, Laeeqa Allie, Celeste Botha, Courtney Fritz,

Jenna Joshua, Kate Bell

UCT GENETICS OPEN DAY

The group includes the five past pupils and the current Wynberg girls:

Back: Nakita Verkijk, Laura Heathfield, Lauren Watson, Heather Whitehorn, Sasha Mannion,

Mrs Alison Smith, Nastasjia PillayFront: Katrina Lehmann-Grube, Ye Ji Jung,

Nina Esterhuysen, Kim Schilder

On 5 September, five Grade 11 Life Sciences learners attended the Human Genetics Open Day at UCT. We were all very keen to hear more about genetics and possible related careers, and to spend a day learning outside the classroom. When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by five WGHS past pupils, all in the process of completing their Honours, Masters and Doctorate degrees in Human Genetics – we were so proud! We spent the day moving between different stations where we performed diagnostic hands-on tests for colon cancer in the labs, completed an exercise on genetic counselling and were put through a criminal forensic investigation, where we were all possible suspects! We also went to lectures on cytogenetics, pharmacogenetics and genetic diseases. Finally, we listened to a lecture on the UCT applications process and course options. We all had a fantastic day and learnt such a lot! Thanks to Mrs Smith for organising this great opportunity. Ye Ji Jung

WELCOME TO WYNBERGMATHS LITERACY OLYMPIAD RESULTS

We welcome new GAP student, Elise Stumpel, to Wynberg. Elise is from Holland, near Utrecht, and will be spending the next year at Wynberg Girls’ High. We hope that her stay with us is a very happy one and that she enjoys her time in Africa.

Congratulations to these girls for their Maths Literacy Olympiad achievements:

Mishka

Gold Certificate: Mishka Byram (84%)

Silver Certificates:Chantelle Boshoff (78%), Claudia Campbell (76%), Cynthia Arnolds (74%), Lauren van der Westhuizen (74%), Charndre Kippie (74%), Amy van der Westhuizen (72%)

Bronze Certificates:Gillian Prior Robyn Walker Candice PriorKirsty Steenkamer Angelique Meyer

SACCEE LANGUAGE CHALLENGE

In Grade 8 the top scores were: tied first - Stefanie Simon and Tamar Kendon 77%, tied 3rd - Ashleigh Dreyer and Kayla Arnold 72%. In Grade 9, Megan Deneys was top with 82%, and Tryshabye Esso and Gabriella Barries tied 2nd with 76%. In Grade 10, Lauren Gildenhuys was top with 79%, Jamie Jacobs 2nd with 77% and Thando Ndita 3rd with 76%. And in Grade 11, Khadija Brey was top with 83%, and Tarryn Beattie, Shannon Ronaldson and Nuha Lalla tied 2nd with 81%. Well done to all of you!

neared the end of a full and demanding term. It won a Standard Bank Ovation Award at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival in 2010. As the Grade 11's are studying Billy Elliot, and the stereotyping of masculinity is one of the major concerns of the movie, they particularly enjoyed

the satirical elements. The show was a great success: the signs were there in the girls' expressions, in the standing ovation they gave to brothers, Ash and Brad, and the fact that the school stayed to ask questions during their break! When the school does that, you know you've ‘made’ it.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Caitlyn Foord who participated in the Teachers’ Dance Association eistedd-fod. She placed first in the U14 Silver set

Lauren Gildenhuys and Saarah Coenraad and took part in the regional UN Model Debate held in the Parliamen-tary Chamber of the Provincial Legislature The aim of the

UN MODEL DEBATE

competition is for students to experience a different style of debating, one used by the United Nations when delegates debate issues of global importance in order to formulate resolutions. One of the requirements of the competition is that a previously disadvantaged school must team up with a former ModelC school. We joined forces with Heathfield, and their representatives, Jade and Lorna, were valuable additions to our team. Each team was given a country to represent, and ours was Argentina. There were roughly twenty teams taking part, and although we did not place, the judges commended us on our well–researched arguments and eloquent speaking. It was an enriching experience for all and we thank Mr Fernandez for enabling us to take part. Lauren Gildenhuys

We congratulate the following Heads of Societies for 2012:

Afritwin - Kim van Aswegen; Art Committee - Julia Cosentino;

Chess, Film Society, Brass, Photography, Wynpress Editor -

Kiara Ramklass; Cooking club - Shannon Ronaldson;

Dance - Ashley Wilton; Debating - Sian Fergusson;

Drama - Tayla van Blerk; Head of Music, Baroque, Jazz Band,

Senior Marimbas - Ye Ji Jung; Clarinet choir, Orchestra -

Helen Slater; Flute Ensemble - Alessia Patterson;

Strings - Robyn Lassen; Public Speaking - Saarah Coenraad;

School Council Cultural Representative - Rayne Callaghan; Ubuntu Society - Maxine Kayser; Vocal Ensemble - Jaime Floris ;

WBH Acting Liaison - Nina Esterhuysen;

Wynpress sub-editor - Lauren Gildenhuys.

ICDL EXAMS

The afternoon ICDL students wrote exams last week and did very well: 90% of the 39 writers achieved apassmark higher than 75%.Top marks went to the following students:Caitlyn Foord: 86% PowerPointLaeeqa Allie:89% Internet and emailShannon Smith: 86% PowerPoint, 89% Internet and EmailKelley Beth Oliphant: 86% File Management, 81% PowerpointKelly Phiri: 86% WordEmma Sue Peters: 89% PowerpointAngela Bailey: 81% PowerpointRobyn Walker: 86% Powerpoint

DOODLE CHALLENGE

TArt Committee initiated the Doodle Challenge - their first - and there was a great torrent of entries. The entries were pinned up for all to see and judged. The winning doodle -by Sarah-Lee de Jongh was featured on the cover of the Wynpress. Second

he newly-formed

HEADS OF CULTURAL

SOCIETIES

Lauren van der Westhuizen has been singing in the choir since she was in Grade 1 and the thought of her 12 year chorister career coming to an end was devastated. So she went out into the scary world of competitive / professional singing and exposed herself to the scrutiny of experts by auditioning for the Pro Cantu Youth Choir. For those not in the know, they are a

GENERAL

KNOWLEDGE

QUIZ 5

Apsley came top with 31 points, Kirsten 2nd with 29, and Cavanagh and Constantia tied 3rd. Waterloo came 5th, Silverlea 6th, Copenhagen 7th and Wellesley 8th.

Top individuals were:1st Khadija Brey Grade 11 88%2nd Sian Ferguson Grade 11 87%3rd Sinako Bovana Grade 11 82%4th Tyler Warrin Grade 9 81%

very highly rated South African choir which competes on an international level, with great success. We are happy and proud to confirm that Lauren was successful in her audition. This is a good lesson for all of us - if you don't take the risk, you will never know if you are good enough.

was Prizes were awarded to Naadirah Parker, Francis Housden and Tayla Lewis.

Pia Silifant, and third, Maxine Marais. Special

From Cape Town's perfect mountain, to its award-winning beaches, we always seem to be placing Cape Town on a pedestal, but when a Cedar High scholar attended a humanitarian conference at UCT, it dawned on him, that not every one sees this city in the same light. He became the catalyst for a workshop to which high school students from all parts of the Cape were invited. “Is Cape Town a home to all?” was the topic of the debate, held at the TSIBA Mupine college in Pinelands on 3 September. It became immediately apparent that this was an issue that students from all Cape suburbs were willing to engage in. All realised that at the core, all young people desire the same values: equal opportunity, friends, freedom of choice, and respect. As Cape-tonians, we are part of the problem as well as the solution. Laura Martin

“Is Cape Town a home to all?”

solo and in the 17-19 Gold group Modern. Well done, Caitlyn.

STAFF SUPPORT THE BOKKE!

FOUNDERS’ DAY

The 1961 Matric Class celebrated their 50threunion on Founders’ Day at the school

WGJ girls listento Tessa Suttle,WGH Head of School, during the the flag-raising ceremony at WGJS.

Mrs Harding & hockey captain, Kim Mentoor, with the Trent Cup, won by the 1st Xl for thesecond consecutive year!

Wynberg Girls' Schools celebrated their 127th year during Founders' Week from 20-23 September. The celebrations began with a Flag Raising Ceremony on at the Wynberg Girls' Junior School, and continued with a Past Pupils' Cocktail Party on Wednesday evening, where the Class of 1961 began the celebration of their 50 year Reunion. On Thursday, the hockey matches took place on the WGHS Astroturf (netball and hockey reports and photos are on the sports pages) and finally Founders' Day tea and formal assembly took place on Friday. Ashley Kay-Hards, member of the school council and deputy head of the hostel, spoke about how, for her, the Wynberg uniform has been a symbol of the honour and the freedom students are taught to claim for their own at this school.

After tWynberg Old Girls' Union Life Membership certificates, guest speaker, Mrs Jehan Chikte - PR/Marketing Manager and Wynberg Old Girl - spoke of how both Wynberg Girls' Junior and High Schools helped her to grow as a strong, independent and confident woman.

he Matrics received their

Then Mrs Harding announced the recipients of the Golden Lion Award - the school’s most prestigious award. (see front page) The girls were then able to delight in one of Wynberg’s best traditions – Founders' Day doughnuts! The 1st and U14 Netball teams played and beat the Old Girls and Young Girls respectively, while for the first time, the Senior Debating team took on a very strong Past Pupils’ team, and beat them!

Mrs D Cawcutt,WGJS Principal

HOUT BAY VISIT

Boarders discovered and enjoyed the

new Hout Bay market.

CAPE POINT HIKE

Back: Amahle Cishe, Thabile Myeza, Tammy Stemele, Kertrice Maitisa, Anita Myeki, Faith MdodaFront: Marci & Natalie Koenig

A wonderful day was had by all in the Cape Point Reserve on Sunday 25 September. It was a beautiful sunny day and we walked along dramatic cliffs and picnicked on beautiful Diaz Beach. We saw and heard whales, ostriches with their chicks, lots of colourful lizards and families of baboons. Were extremely lucky to have section ranger Mr Gavin Bell escort us, including a dramatic climb down to the very end of the Point. What a fantastic day!

INTERSCHOOLS HOCKEY

The Wghs 1st hockey team did not disappoint their crowd of supporters at the annual PGSGU Interschools' hockey tournament held on the Wynberg astroturf. The 1st team displayed skill and class when they overcame all 4 of their opponents without conceding a goal! They started their campaign by beating St Cyprians 1-0 and followed this with a sweet 1-0 victory over long time rivals Springfield. With the crowds supporting and cheering them on, the 1sts took on defending champions, Herschel. During the first 10 minutes both teams were tentative but Wynberg scored 2 goals in the last 10 minutes to win this exciting encounter. To round off the evening, Wynberg beat Rustenburg, thus securing the Interschools' trophy.

Back: Micaela Diedericks, Takara Swanepoel, Olivia Rodseth, Sharna Alexander, Carly Alexander, Chelsea Lassen, Cassi Taylor, Cara Geere, Ms Charlene PalmerFront: Zahra Dollie, Nicole Alexander, Zoe Woodman, Kim Mentor, Belinda

Plaatjies, Quanita Bobbs, Lizl Everts, Mr Ryan Pillay (coach)

Back: Ms Kelly Croxford (coach), Sara Bell, Hayley Knol, Meagan Gadney, Mr D Burrell (manager), Lauren Gilbert, Casey Homan,

Robyn Williams, Cara ClaytonFront: Aaliyah Adams, Tarryn Bester, Diane Munro,

Tasneem Rawoot (captain), Kelsey Neethling, Mia Diedericks, Valeshka Harkhu

The Wynberg U16A and U14A hockey teams also The U16's had an early start at the PGSGU hockey

tournament, when they faced defending champions, Springfield. They finished this game with a clean sheet - neither team was able to score. Wynberg then beat Sans Souci 3-1 but were unable to score in the next 3 matches, having goalless draws against Rustenburg, St Cyprians and overall winners, Herschel. Wynberg finished 3rd after Herschel and Springfield.

took part in their interschools.

Caitlyn Paulsen scores for Wynberg U16's in their match against Sans Souci

NETBALL

Congratulations to the netball teams who played matches against Immaculata earlier this month. The results were: The U16A’s won 22-0, the U16B’s won 17-3, the U14A’s won 26-1 and the U14B’s won 12-1. Well done girls!

FOUNDERS’ DAY

NETBALL

On Friday 23 September, the 1st and U14A netball teams took on the Old Girls and the

U13 team from WGHS respectively. Cheered on by the Grade 8's and 9's, the U14 Team secured a good victory over the up and coming Wynbergians. At the same time, the 1st team took on the not so very Old Girls, including Fiona Dunbar – top goal scorer of the year at Stellenbosch University! This did not deter the 1st’s who lead 27-8 at the final whistle - and retained the Wynberg Trophy!

Ms Edwards hands the trophy to captain,

Adria Burrows

The 1st’s & Past Pupils’ teams

Super Sailor Jessica Deary did exceptionally well in the All African Games in Maputo, and has come home with a silver medal. In addition, Jess has been selected to represent SA at the International Sailing Federa- tion World Championship - an event second only to the Olympic Games - to be held in Perth, Australia from 2 to 18 December 2011. Her selection is based on her excellent performance as an up-coming woman Laser Radial sailor. Jessica is at present the 2nd ranked woman sailor in the Laser Radial class in Africa and is working towards a world

SAILING

ranking that will enable her to represent South Africa at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Wynberg is extremely proud of her!

INTERSCHOOLS SQUASH

On Saturday the Interschool all girls squash tournament was held at WPCC. While the ‘Bokke’ were playing against FiJi, the girls played teams from Herschel, Rustenburg, Springfield and St. Cyprians. Action squash rules are used in this tournament: each match lasts 9 minutes, the aim being to win as many points as possible. The girls played great squash and fought for every point and came third. Well done to Lizl Everts, Carly Katzef, Nanzi Bika, Sarah Mesham and Amy Peacock for all their efforts.

Back: L Everts, N Bika, S Mesham, C Katzef, A PeacockFront: Mrs S Furstenberg & Mrs J Nel

FOUNDERS’ DAY HOCKEY MATCHES

Faced with an “Old Girls'” team filled with regular club players, WP players plus a current SA player, Illse Davids, the 1st team knew they would have to pull out all the stops. However, the 1st team also has club and WP players and a South African U17 player, Quanita Bobbs, so it was game on! The two teams did not disappoint, displaying tremendous hockey skills and at half time the score was 1-1. In a final twist, the 1st’s squeezed in a fantastic goal past Kirsten Wagner to secure the Trent Cup.

The U14 vs U13 match was real family affair. with many Wynberg younger sisters playing in the U13 team. The Junior school turned up the heat and scored while the U14's missed many chances to equalise. In the dying seconds of the match, the U13's scored again, securing a wonderful victory for WGJS. We can't wait to have you all in our U14 hockey teams next year!

a U13 and U14 Hockey

1st & “Old Girl” teams