WYNBERG GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER

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

TERM 2 #1 APRIL 2007

ATHENA TROPHYThe recipient of the Athena Trophy for the first term, Margaux Flack, has achieved academic excellence throughout her school career. She came in the top three of her grade in 2006, and has received full academic colours, achiever badges and General Knowledge badges. In addition, Margaux attained an A for English in the Cambridge AS Levels examination.

DEMETER TROPHYThe trophy for service is awarded to Julie Hosking for her extensive involvement in service. As a peer guide, head of the Technical Team, Head of House or Head of Hostel, Julie always uses her intiative, speaks her mind, listens with empathy and understanding, thinks quickly under pressure, and is a compassionate role model.

DISCOBOLOS TROPHYThe recipient of the Discobolos Trophy, this term, is Stephanie Salvage. Stephanie currently, and has been for 3 years, a member of the 1st tennis and 1st squash teams. Stephanie was awarded the squash player of the year trophy at prize giving, and was ranked in the top 10 at the Boland open. She has represented Western Province in squash for the last 5 years.

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ORPHEUS TROPHYThis term, the Cultural trophy, Orpheus with his Lyre, goes to Kathryn Luyt wonderful performance in Dry Rot; for her writing and directing of the road show on Open Day; for her excellent leadership and service through ‘Between the Lines’, and her leadership within the Drama Department.

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Dear Parents

Traveling and meeting new people and experiencing their culture and view of life are always enriching experiences. My journey to New Zealand to the International Principals’ Conference during the recent holidays was such an experience.

We so often see education from the narrow perspective of our own country and school and, in South Africa, we see only the uphill battle of a new curriculum and establishing equality in all our schools. It was stimulating to meet educators from all corners of the world who shared their own best practice and to hear of new research in many areas of education.

The theme for the conference was “The Leading Edge” and the conference papers challenged delegates to move education into the 21st century to adequately provide our learners with the skills they need to survive in this challenging world. Wynberg is well on track with our commitment to technology, with computers accessible to learners and interactive whiteboards. Our challenge is to purchase and master the many software programmes which are powerful learning tools. We also need to look at other forms of technology and create a world-view of learning through greater interaction with learners in other countries using e-pals, Skype, etc.

My visits to New Zealand schools highlighted the multicultural nature of their learners and the programmes which they are developing to create a harmonious school population with due regard for all cultures and individual needs. I have returned from these visits very proud of our school and the work that is done here. There are always new and different things to create and develop but it is great to know that our learners are receiving good education, equipping them adequately for the world beyond school. Our challenge is to remain at this cutting edge, to stay that step ahead of the rest. We are committed to this and will explore some of the programmes and new educational developments to assist us in this quest.

Warm regardsShirley HardingPRINCIPAL

PILLAR AWARDS

From left to right:

Stephanie Salvage, Kathryn Luyt, Margaux Flack and Julie

Hosking

LA ROSA DANCE THEATRE COMPANY

Wynberg Girls' High was extremely fortunate to have the La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre Company provide a lecture demonstration in one of our cultural periods at the end of the

The Trivial Pursuit EveningLate in February, the Wynberg Girls’ and Boys’ High Service Pillars held a Trivial Pursuit evening, in order to raise funds for their joint tour in April. The evening was a huge success and everyone’s support was greatly appreciated as the fund-raising target was reached.

SERVICE PILLARS GO ON TOUR

The TourDuring the April holidays, the long-awaited tour finally arrived. The touring party left from Wynberg Girls’ High early on Tuesday 10 April and returned during the afternoon of Saturday the 14th. During the five days of the tour, the participants worked with the Veldrift community, building playgrounds, painting, and doing minor interior alterations to two crèches. The tour was hard work and, for many, physically draining, but seeing the positive impact in the lives of the deserving children who will benefit from this work gave all of us an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction. The tour was extremely successful as we managed to accomplish everything that we had aimed to do, and more.We would like to thank everyone: our parents, fellow learners, sponsors and educators who in some or other way made a contribution and supported us in making this tour the success that it was. We most definitely managed to stick to our motto, “Serving others to the highest degree.”Amena Hayat

The Fashion ShowAt the end of last term, the WGH & WBH Service Committees had a fashion show to raise funds for their upcoming Service tour to Veldrift. The show was hosted by the Boys’ high and the show was opened to a roaring, excited audience. The learners put together a wonderful show and raised just over R 10 000 toward the tour - an outstanding achievement!

The Service Pillar hits the road!

first term. Carolina Rosa's company was established in 1990 "in order to provide opportunities for local dancers to perform in a professional

environment.” She is an inspiration not only because of her personal achievements but also because of what she is contributing to the development of dance in poorer communities.

The lecture demonstration which we were given explored similarities between African and Spanish Dance and her dancers enthralled the very supportive audience. Wynberg was even luckier when Carolina Rosa ran a workshop for a small group of Mrs Shapiro's dance students. By the end of the hour-long workshop, it was clear that she had them hooked! It is not often that Wynberg has an award-winning choreographer visit the school - we are deeply appreciative that La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre were willing to include us in their schedule.

DATES TO DIARISE

Wed 23- Fri 25 May Ballet prac. examsFri 25 - Sun 27 Hostel out weekendMon 28 May School exams start (seniors)Fri 15 June Exams endFri 15 - Sun 17 June Hostel out weekendSat 16 June Public Holiday : Youth DayMon 25 - Thurs 28 June Grade 11 WorkshadowTues 26 June Wynberg Campus of Schools’ Music Concert

@ CTICC @ 19h00Wed 27 June Grade 12 Biology outingFri 29 June End of term 2

WGHS MOUNTAIN CLUB : LIMIETBERG DAY HIKE

Our choice of hike for the second term was the walk from the top of Du Toit’s Kloof to the top of Bain’s Kloof, which amounts to most of day one of the well-known Limietberg Trail. The hike took place on the first Sunday of the term and was well supported, with 2 staff members (Mrs Wilding and Mr Bodenstein),1 parent (Mrs Muhl) and 11 girls.The weather played along and it was a beautiful autumn day, with blue skies, warm sun and a gentle breeze to keep us cool. Added to this, the trail took us through very dramatic landscapes, across hills and valleys with absolutely no sign of human habitation. The streams were all flowing and Proteas, Nerinas and Ericas were in full bloom, especially large stands of King Proteas (Protea Cynaroides). The group members all managed extremely well, with no evidence of the fact that one or two had never hiked before!! Even though a flat tyre provided us with a little drama as we were about

From left to right:Hayley Hurst, Ella Muhl, Zoe Woodgate, Tessa Brock,

Jennifer Louw, Mishka Slamang, Mr P Bodenstein, Alex McIntosh, Stacey Treu, Jacky Spiby, Abby Whelan,

Kimberley Wain

to leave Bain’s Kloof, things turned out well and everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly. After a good day in the mountains to take one’s mind off the demands of the busy exam term ahead, and a warm soapy bath to ease the aches and pains, the hikers felt good about their accomplishments and are already asking “Where to next?”Pete Bodenstein

DE BEERS YOUNG MARINE BIOLOGIST COURSE

On the 4 December 2006, four Grade 10 Wynberg girls were lucky enough to take part in the De Beers Young Marine Biologist course at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Kimberley Wain, Jessica Hitchcock, Fiona McLellan and Caitlin Firth were accepted into the it after writing a letter of motivation to the Head of Education at the aquarium, Russell Stevens. All in al,l there were about 30 students who attended the course - a

week of lessons held in the Education Centre at the Aquarium. We also received photographic plant and animal identification booklets on our field trip to Dalebrook Beach. On the field trip, we looked at what is called a transect and recorded all the animal and plant species in a certain area (the transects) from the wave-break, through the rock pools and up the beach. During the week, we found out what goes on behind the scenes in the running of an aquarium, and we observed the marine life in the exhibits.

The course ended with an educational camp at the Potberg Educational Centre, located just outside the De Hoop Nature Reserve. The excited group of students set off in the bus for Potberg and, during the weekend they hiked, made and flew kites, stargazed, went on a night hike and generally had a wonderful, memorable time.

The week was an extremely interesting one and highly beneficial to all. Through it numerous opportunities and possibilities were opened up to those who attended. All were also given the chance to become volunteers at the aquarium. All the teachers/lecturers at the aquarium put so much effort into the week and the camp, guaranteeing that it was a fantastic experience for all! Kimberly Wain

Fiona, Jess and Caitlin enjoying the field trip.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

On Friday 2 March, the WGHS Choir Ensemble participated in the “World Day of Prayer” which was held at the DRC Wynberg church. They sang beautifully, like angels. A huge thank you to the girls for their special contribution, and to Mrs Barwise and Mr Le Roux.Mrs J Nel

SYNCHROThe SA Intermediate and Senior National Synchro Championships were held in Durban over the holidays. Emma Manners-Wood and Jenna Thomson did really well, winning gold in the duet event. Emma achieved silver for both individual events and Western Province received bronze for the team event.

WESTERN PROVINCE LONGBOARD SURFING TEAM

Congratulations to Hannah Bing, who was selected to represent Western Province in the U-19 Girls division of the South African Longboard surfing Championships which was held in Cape St Francis from 29 April to 5 May 2007.

SPORTS & CULTURAL TOURThe Sports and Cultural tour to Eunice Girls’ High in Bloemfontein was held during the long weekend. The tennis, netball, hockey and debating teams competed, and they were accompanied by Ms Edwards, Ms Palmer, Ms Marneweck, Ryan Pillay - hockey coach, Louise Cameron - netball coach, and Alex Kearsley - gap student. Check the next newsletter for the full report.

The U14A hockey girls get down to some serious training !

Back: Christine Smith, Megan Daniels, Tayla Schilder, Quanita Bobbs, Aaisha Sity, Kayla-Dene Flavio (Captain), Jody Treu,

Nadine Staggie, Kelsey Peters, Ashleigh HartFront: Gloria Moloi and Belinda Plaatjies

Absent: Tayla Wilcox (goalie)

SQUASH NEWS

On the weekend of 20-22 April, the annual Western Province Open took place. Gillian Van Vlaanderan, Stephanie Salvage, Sherice Rens, Azrah Osman and Morghanne Bullough all took part. They all played extremely well and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Well done girls - keep up the hard work!

NETBALLWynberg 1st and U16A Netball teams played against St Stithians and their lack of practice showed as they were comprehensively beaten by the visitors !!! Still, this is only the beginning of our season, so it should provide girls with lots of incentive to practise hard and improve !

WP synchro swimmers ready to take the plunge !

Coach, Mrs Louise Cameron looks on!