WYNBERG GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER

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

AUGUST 2013

OLYMPIADS

Twenty-five Wynberg girls entered the English Olympiad this year and achieved excellent results.

girls received Silver awards and nine Bronze.

Congratulations to Kate Bell and Lauren Gildenhuys who were both awarded Gold certificates. Kate was placed 59th in the country - an excellent achievement. Thirteen

In addition to this, Kate is through to the third and final round of the South African Mathematics Foundation Olympiad. This is a tremendous achievement as only a select few attain the necessary marks to progress to the next round. She writes a four hour Olympiad on 9 September: we wish her all the best and hope she does as well in the 3rd round as she did in the 2nd!

WYNBERG INTERACT WINS

ROTARACT SHIELD, AGAIN!

There was great excitement when WGHS was handed the Wynberg Rotaract Shield for 2013! Wynberg also won this shield in 2012!

Lisa Abrahams, incoming President, and Laeeqa Allie,outgoing president, with the Rotaract Shield.

Dear Parents

Many parents and learners, when asked for the reasons they chose Wynberg Girls’ High School, mention the ethos and traditions of a school that is 129 years old. I believe that tradition is a wonderful standard – a way of benchmarking ourselves against the values of the past. The Matric Prizegiving takes place early next term and, to ensure that we award prizes in accordance with the citation given by the donor, I retrieved the records from the safe and re-read these donors’ wishes. It was as if the past could speak and I could imagine the special people donating the prize and those who were being remembered.

Many awards specify character as the over-riding criterion, some specifically for perseverance or triumphing in difficult circumstances. They highlight manners, courtesy, love and sympathy with one’s fellow pupils; they acknowledge people Wynberg is proud to send out into the world. Another large number of prizes recognise service – to the school, to the greater community, to the environment. Some awards are given in memory of a special person – a daughter, a parent, and even a teacher, from one appreciative group.

What makes it wonderful for me, is that, when discussing these many awards with the staff, there were far more girls who matched these traditions and specific criteria than the number of awards we have to give.

A few examples of the trophies and prizes on the list:The Harewood Cup for Service: During the strike in 1976, a group of Standard 9 (now Grade 11) girls helped at the Harewood Nursing Home. This cup was donated as a gesture of appreciation.

Rotary Award: Awarded to “the student who, in an unobtrusive manner, serves the school best.” This citation is intended to identify the scholar who has displayed outstanding ability for promoting healthy goodwill, harmony and fair play among her fellows.

Aderne Memorial Prize: Mrs Okes is a former pupil of Wynberg. She donated this prize for English in memory of her English teacher, Miss Erica Arderne, who was one of the greatest and most beloved teachers at Wynberg. (It was Miss Arderne’s father who established the beautiful gardens in Claremont. They were originally part of his private garden.)

Captain T.T.C. Purland Memorial Prize: Mrs Honey is a past pupil of the school. The prize is in memory of her father, who was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He was in Prince Alfred’s Guard, one of the older regiments, and was made a captain for life after losing a leg in the Basuto campaign of 1880.

How fortunate we are to have the traditions of Wynberg girls who have walked the path before, to use as our inspiration. I believe that they would be proud of our current Wynberg girls – and so am I.

Warm regardsShirley HardingPRINCIPAL

Congratulations to Aqeelah Idas (Grade 12) and Kathryn Ross (Grade 9) who have each had a piece of writing published in ‘English Alive 2013’. Wynberg is very proud of these and other budding writers!

ENGLISH ALIVE

Congratulations to Tamsyn Gaynor and Roxanne Douglas who will, later this year, be spending 6 weeks at the Walt Whitman High School, in Bethesda, Maryland. They will be staying with host families and will return the hospitality to two Walt Whitman students when they come here early next year.

STUDENT EXCHANGE

Beth Petersen and Cara Clayton started school at the Tara Anglican School for Girls in Parramatta, Sydney, recently. They can be seen here with Alex and Stevie, their host ‘sisters’, who will, in return, be staying with them when they visit WGHS next term.

Alex, Stevie, Beth & Cara

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ 4

NAME GRADE %Jenna Roll 11 82Kaylin Jacobs 11 76Tyler Warrin 11 74Gabrielle Jacobs 12 73Lauren Gildenhuys 12 73Michelle Lee 12 71Thaakiyah Ryklief 11 71Leandre Kleynhans 11 71Carla Phillips 12 70Charissa Page 9 70Misqah Parker 11 70

1st = Copenhagen & Wellesley tied3rd = Constantia & Silverlea tied5th = Apsley & Kirsten tied7th = Cavanagh8th = Waterloo

Georgia BaileyClassic: 86%Contemporary: 91%Musical: 96%Robyn BurrowsClassic: 86%Contemporary: 86%Musical: 87%Robyn WilliamsClassic: 86%Contemporary: 90%Musical: 90%Cara ClaytonClassic: 88%Contemporary: 89%

Tatum FortuneClassic: 90%Contemporary: 91%Anna JacobsClassic: 86%Contemporary: 86%Natalie WinterClassic: 86%Contemporary: 92%Musical: 90%Rachel SuttleClassic: 86%Contemporary: 85%Musical: 89%

TYGERBERG EISTEDDFOD RESULTS:

VOCAL SECTION

SOLOS

Layla Omar: High Honours

Ra'eesah Dalvie: Honours

Ashleigh Dreyer: Honours

Aa'isha Dout: Merit

Tayob Harrison: Merit

DUETS

Ashleigh Dreyer and Layla Omar: Diploma

Ra'eesah Dalvie and Layla Omar: High Honours

GUITAR EISTEDDFOD RESULTS

DUOSSamantha & Emma MartinClassic: 86%Contemporary: 90%Rachel Suttle & Georgia BaileyClassic: 89%Contemporary: 93%TRIONatalie Winter/Gabby Makohliso/Erin LamoralClassic: 89%Contemporary: 90%VOCAL ENSEMBLE: 95%!

SOLOS

VOICETatum Fortune Grade 7 Distinction (87%)Anna Jacobs Grade 6 Distinction (87%)

TRINITY COLLEGE EXAM RESULTS

Ashleigh Dreyer and Layla

Omar won the H Mare

Trophy for their duet and

performed at the prize-

giving concert.

THE PRIDE OF WYNBERGIt was with great pride that the Matric Class of 2013 unveiled their gift to the school: a pair of lions which guard the entrance. Lauren Gildenhuys, who master-minded the whole project, is seen above with Mr Vincent de Araujo (his daughter, Tamika is in Grade 11)and his brother, who moved the lions into position. Huge thanks

On behalf of the Matrics of 2013, Lauren Gildenhuys, Head of School, handed over the twin lions and explains how the School Council had the idea of expanding the role of the lion this year, and the qualities one associates with the lion - pride and courage. The lion “

. “Mrs Harding accepted the gift: “O

our mascot and our emblem of which we are so proud, signifies for us exactly what it means to be a Wynberg girl

n behalf of the staff and the past and future learners of Wynberg, I want to thank you very much for the gift that you have given to the school. The lion has really become part of not only our badge but the way we live – courageously“.

are due to them.THE UNVEILING

HOLOCAUST CENTRE AWARDS

The Cape Town Holocaust Centre runs an annual Human Rights art and writing competition, the aim of which is to facilitate a greater understanding of the need to protect Human Rights and respond to injustice. This year’s topic was: Responding to Injustice. Wynberg was represented by Annika Wium, Chloe van Niekerk, Courtney Dykes and Azrah Matthews. Annika was placed 1st (she won a Kindle) and Chloe 2nd in the Junior writing category. Courtney & Azraa won partici-pation certificates. Ms Tracey Petersen (Education Director) & Mr Richard Freedman (Director of the Cape Town Holocaust Centre) presented the awards.

JUNIOR DEBATERS: FINALISTS!

The Junior Debating team has done phenomenally well this year in the Rotary Interschools Debating Competition. After regular debates which have lasted the duration of the year thus far, they made it into the quarter finals where they beat Sans Souci, earning them a place in the Semi-Finals. Here they found themselves up against Springfield, whom they also beat.

Back: Khanyisile Matabata, Ms Jackie Kunze, Zandisile Ndlandsi, Zolisa Kapa

Front: Thandeke Chakanyuka, Natasha Mauye

This victory won them a place in the finals, against Rondebosch Boys’ High - a big event indeed, held at the Deutsche Schule in Cape Town. For this final debate, Wynberg had to oppose the motion that “Private schools should be banned.” Unfortunately they lost this one but we are very proud of them for getting to the finals. As such, they win recognition for being the runners-up and have earned R1000 for the school library.

Thandeka, Khanyi & Zolisa in action.

Congratulations to the following Wynberg girls who won Bronze medals for their entries: Amira Ramklass & Kristen van Harten, who made a fully working hover-craft; Natalie Winter, whose project title was “Magneto-reception”; and Melissa Guthrie, whose project title was “The effects of earth-worms on plant growth.”

ESKOM EXPO FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS

The speakers included a student who attended the International Science Fair in Taipei, plus Phillipe Lothaller who went to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Both learners won gold medals at last year’s Cape Town Expo and were ultimately selected to represent SA at these Expos.

Kristen,Amira,Melissa

& Natalie

Ms T Petersen, A Wium, Mrs S Harding,CDykes, Mr R Freeman & Mr M Fernandez.

Absent: C van Niekerk

A Matthews,

MATRIC FINAL MUSIC CONCERT

The final Matric music concert was held omusicians all looked absolutely stunning in their ball gowns and their beautiful music made for a spectacular evening. Praise, too, goes to the music staff for all their hard work and dedication.

n 14 August. The Top: Anna Jacobs, Genna Moss, Andrea Arendse, Erin WilsnaghMiddle: ??, Donne Daniels, Saskia Schroeder

Front: Sakhe Mbuyisa, Zoe Woodman, Tatum Fortune, Stacey Walker

Back: Claire Wilkinson, Chelsea Tuck, Caitlyn Foord, Samantha de KockMiddle: Natalie van der Merwe, Mrs Shapiro-Dodds, Tayla Lewis, Jamie

Reizenberg, Jenna SchreuderFront (examiners): Sylvie Stander, Nicola Schorn, Jennifer Papendorp

MATRIC FINAL DANCE PRAC EXAM

MATRICS DO BRAIN GYM

OTHER INTERACT NEWS

Interact visited Murambi House to spend some time with the residents. They enjoy listening to the residents stories of the past.One 2 One is a day to spoil the mentally and physically disabled in Cape Town. It is held every year at the Good Hope Centre, and there are dozens of stalls with different activities and things to eat.

Nicol Barnett, Laeeqa Allie, Thaakiyah Ryklief & Lisa Abrahams

Brain Gym describes a specific set of movements and processes and is committed to the principle that moving with intention leads to optimal learning. Doing Brain Gym often brings about dramatic improvements in areas such as concentration, focus, memory, reading, writing, math, test-taking, etc. A group of matrics are currently participating in a brain gym course with Isabel Cohen (Dip.SERE Unisa). Isabel is the author of 'Hands On – How to Use Brain Gym in the Classroom'.

Wynberg Girls’ & Boys’ High jointly hosted a table and enjoyed being able to brighten the lives of the participants.

INTERACT INDUCTION

Wynberg Girls’ High School hosted a mass Interact induction recently. Many schools from the Wynberg district came together to hand over the chain of office for their club.

Back: Lisa Abrahams (President 2014), Laeeqa Allie (outgoing President), Vega de Vries, Nabeelah Valley, Kayla Arnold (Secretary), Saleehah Domingo

Front: Thaakiyah Ryklief (Vice President), Stephanie Edge, Nicol Barnett (Vice President), Huda Ely (Treasurer)

Unusually warm winter weather gave the Mountain Club the opportunity to climb Devil’s Peak on Sunday 4 August. The party of 14 hikers set out from Rhodes Memorial climbing the steep and dramatic slopes up Devil’s Peak, via the knife edge and Minor Peak - quite an exciting challenge for some of the first time climbers. We had lunch on top, enjoying the classic views of Cape Town and of Table Mountain from interesting angles, whilst also spotting WGHS and other landmarks from 1000m above sea-level.

Another successful Wool for Wonders Campaign - a joint WOGU and Constantia Bulletin initiative -has come to an end: 1 352 Jerseys, 1069 Beanies, 115 Booties/socks, 22 Blankets and 84 YAW Dolls - 2 642 Items in total!

WOOL FOR WONDERS

Present at the handover were: Ms Michelle Edwards, Mrs Colleen Lea, Ms Anne Bruce (Nazareth House), Ms Tarryn Daniels, Mrs Dee Cawcutt (WGJS Principal), Ms Chelsea Dean, Mrs Shirley Harding (WGHS Principal), Mrs Deidre Schultz (WOGU Chair), Ms Bettina Robertson,

Ms Cathy Stagg (Cape Community Newspapers) Mrs Jo Schenck

Knitted items came in from all over the peninsula. Kathryn Manners’ momgave the pattern to her friends inAustralia and they sent us 117 jerseys and 12 beanies!

MOUNTAIN CLUB: DEVIL’S PEAK HIKE

ATHENA SOCIETY MASTER CLASS WITH JASON STEELE On 20 August, the Athena Society had a masterclass with Jason Steel, a contestant on Master Chef SA. He demon-strated various dishes and told us about his experiences and how his passion for food started. At the end of his demonstration, everyone got to taste a bit of the divine food.

Mr P Schutte, Ms E van Hardenbroek, Amy Forster, Savannah Wiegand, Kgori Mogatle, Anelisa May, Mr P Bodenstein, Gabby Jacobs, Catherine Nothling, Theresa Herbert, Jessie Phillips

Front: Ms Kelly Croxford, Lara Harris

UBUNTU CULTURAL EVENING

On 15 August, the WGHS Ubuntu Society hosted a very successful annual cultural evening: “Simunye - We are one”. The evening was centred around women's month. The Wynberg girls excelled in all of their performances - poetry, fashion show, gumboot dance, contemporary dance, and especially our amazing choir! We are very proud of our girls.

WOMEN’S DAY @ WYNBERG

It feels as if this year we should be taking Women's Day more seriously than ever. If recent headlines are anything to go by, the status of women around the world continues to be threatened. At Wynberg, each tutor group painted a specially chosen rock (”You strike the Woman, you strike the Rock!”) and placed it with others in the Wellington Quad to form a powerful symbol - the internationally recognised symbol for women.

The Aquarium class-room had large tanks containing live marine animals. It was useful to see and feel the different character-istics that we are learning about on the live specimens. Even Ms Muhl braved the stench of squid or calamari - pre Ocean Basket! Most preferred not to get their hands dirty but others took full advantage of the

GRADE 11 LIFE SCIENCES OUTING

opportunity to de-shell a squid. Who even knew they had a shell?! While hunting for information to complete our worksheet, we discovered the beauty of the Knysna Seahorse. Their cuteness alone is enough to inspire people to fight for their survival and protection of their habitats. The rock lobster's speed, agility, general menacing appearance and 'backstroke' skills enabled it to evade our inquisitive, reaching hands. He had 'LEAVE ME ALONE' written all over his face, and so we did just that. Probably the most attractive and enchanting exhibit at the aquarium is the Nemo tank: a chance to be inside Nemo's world for a brief moment was a chance the we Life Science girls could not pass up. We were also just in time to watch a few tourists, lead by a well trained instructor, go shark diving in the I&J Predator Exhibit! Overall experience at the aquarium: a fun and exciting day was had by all. Spending time surrounded by the beauty of nature was very beneficial to everyone and the interactive nature of the outing gave us a hands-on way to learn and understand our work.by Gabriella Barries & Cayleigh Brown

The Matrics celebrated their 40 remaining school days on Tuesday with much excitement as they dressed up, shared pizzas together, played music and sat, played and danced on the grass in Wellington Quad!

40 DAYS TO GO!

The Grade 9′s were recently tasked with constructing an object using a combination of at least 2 of the following shapes: cube, triangular prism, rectangular prism & cylinder. Besides making a model, they also had to supply nets of their object, plus show all their working out for both the volume and the surface area of the shapes.

GRADE 9 MATHS PROJECT

Hockey vs La Rochelle 17 AugustEven the wet weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the Wynberg team on Saturday morning in what turned out to be a very festive and fun-filled derby against La Rochelle.1st Team: Won 1-0: Wynberg dominated possession of the ball throughout the game and looked very dangerous when they opted to go wide and give the links and strikers a run. In the 2nd half it took Erin Prince only three minutes to score the first and only goal of the match. 2nd Team: drew 1-1: This was a far better match, with better application of their learned skills. The girls enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Player of the match: Caryn Peregrino. Goal scorer: Chante Beck3rd Team: Won 2-1: The 3rds were determined to win this match and eventually they did! Player of the match: Rhiannon Murray for her fantastic two goals. The whole team must be commended for giving 100 % throughout.U16A:Drew 1-1: The U16As showed a huge improvement in form and played attractive hockey that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats. The game ended in a 1 – 1 draw and a smiling coach. U16B: Drew 1-1: The match was an exciting encounter with good hockey being played by both teams. Wynberg scored first through a short corner by Lisa Isaacs. U16C: Drew 1-1: Goal scorer: Danielle Page andPlayer of the match: Kiara HomanU16D: won 2-0: Well played!U14A: Won 4-0: Wynberg played very well, linking a string of passes to one another and playing as a team. Goal scorers: Amy Arendse, Hannah Hellenberg x2, Amina Williams. Player of the match: Tyla DickensonU14B: Won 2-1: The game was a more physical contest than what the Wynberg team are used to, but the girls held their own. Goal scorers: Jenna Featherstone and Shannon Reilly. Player of the match: Shannon Reilly

Hockey vs Herschel 3 August

1st Team: Lost 0-1 : Late in the first half, Herschel

sent the ball into the Wynberg circle. It looped off

one of the defenders onto the stick of a waiting

Herschel striker who redirected it into the goals.

2nd Team: Lost 0-4: The team must implement

the coach’s game-plan and incorporate

frequently practised skills into matches if they are

going to live up to their potential. Player of the

game: Valeshka Harkhu, goalkeeper.

3rd Team: Lost 0-1: The first half saw excellent

hockey from both teams. It was a great friendly

match and both teams thoroughly enjoyed it.

U16A: Drew 0-0: It was the first time that the

U16A’s showed their true potential. Our defence

was exceptional and although our strikers did not

finish it off and hit the back of the net, we

certainly held our own. Result: 0 – 0, felt like a

victory. Player of the match: Hayley Knol.

U16B: won 1-0: The team played very well,

scoring a lovely early, Kirsten Roodman goal.

Player of the match: Valeshka Harkhu.

U16C: Lost 0-3: The girls need to remain

committed to improving their skills, which will

boost their confidence. Players of the Match:

Tamar and Carla

Hockey vs Springfield 27 July: played at Springfield:

1st Team: lost 0-2: Although it was not in the stars for a Wynberg victory on

the day, they put up a brave fight. Keeper Zoe Woodman was put to the test a

number of times, but managed to make some brilliant saves. Commendable

play from Sasha Sivertson and Cara Geere.

U16A: Lost 1-2: Unfortunately the desire to win and skills did not quite meet

on a level playing field and the beautiful form that we showed against

Herschel had abandoned us.

U16B: Lost 0-2: The match was played in good spirit and the girls put up

a good fight, playing as well as the conditions (mudbath) allowed but

Springfield just took their chances better than we did.

U16C:Drew 0-0: The field was water-logged and muddy and it was not

possible for the girls to play any form of attractive hockey. Player of the

Match: Victoria Erfort.

U16D: Won 1-0: beat Springfield 4ths

U14A: Won 1-0: Well played, girls!

U14B: Lost 0-2: Despite the field water-logged, muddy field, a lot of fun was

had in the attempt to play good hockey.

HOCKEY RESULTS

U16D: Lost 0-2: The Wynberg girls must be commended on their

behaviour on the field. Better luck next time!

U14A: Lost 0-3: Herschel had a very well organised team who played as a

unit and were very disciplined in their approach to the game. Wynberg

played much better in the second half but continued to give the ball

away rather cheaply. Player of the match: Brooke Jacobs.

U14B: Lost 0-3: Wynberg were not able to make their chances count and

could not score despite a few good runs between the links and the

strikers. Player of the match: Emily Symmonds.

LA ROCHELLE DERBY DAY

HOCKEY vs PERSE, UK

U16A: On a lovely winter's day, against the backdrop of our beautiful mountain, the U16A’s did a good job and eventually, after a chaotic shuffle in the goalbox, Wynberg put the ball in the box and won 1-0.

U14A: Wynberg dominated and scored an early goal. Then the Perse team found their feet and equalised. Wynberg dug their heels in and scored again in the 2nd half but Perse put in a lucky equaliser to draw 2-2.

U14B: This was an evenly contested match and ended in a 1-1 draw. Wynberg held the lead from early in the game but were not able to convert many of their opportunities. Perse managed to slot their equaliser in the last 30 seconds of the game!

Katherine Nichols in Grade 8 has qualified for her Western Province Gymnastics colours. She will now compete in the Western Cape Trials in Oudtshoorn in September. Qualification at these trials would allow her to go to the SA Nationals being held in Pretoria later in the year. Well done, Katherine!

GYMNASTICS

Georgia Mingo shot in the Western Cape Air rifle finals last weekend, coming 3rd (bronze medal) in the Senior Sporter class. As a result, Georgia will receive her provincial colours and has been included in the A-team for Senior Sporters and will participate in the SA Bisley in Gauteng during the September holidays. Good luck, Georgia!

SHOOTING

Congratulations to these girls for their achievements at the WP Kyokushin Karate Tournament : Monique Harrison came 1st in semi-contact and 3rd in the Kata Youth section 15-17 years 50kg events; Sonja Stock came 1st in the semi-contact 13-14 years

KARATE

Monique, Sonja & Nandi

CROSS-COUNTRY

Congratulations to Lauren Jonathan and Kirsten Roodman who have been selected to represent Western Province Schools’ Cross-Country at the Western Cape Schools’ Cross-Country Championships on Saturday. Good luck, girls!

Lauren & Kirsten

+45kg event; and Nandi Basson came 3rd in the semi-contact 15-17 years +50kg event.Well done, girls!

NETBALL VS REDDAMU14A: Lost 10-26: Minor mistakes and a failure to convert interceptions into goals proved costly. Reddam was definitely the better team. Captain, Saarah Smith, was player of the match.U14B: Won 10-7: The team played with enthusiasm and vigour but found the game more of a challenge than previous fixtures. No goals were conceded in the second half and they ended the season on a high. Brooke Jacobs, team captain, was the deserving player of the match.

NETBALL MATCHES

U16A TEAMS

U14A TEAMS

U14B TEAMS