Upstream TWC 2015 - The Wykeham Collegiate

Transcription

2015
The Wykeham Collegiate
Independent School For Girls, Pietermaritzburg
Educating women for the real world
This page is generously sponsored by Home Studio Furniture Warehouse
CONTENTS
EDITOR’S NOTE
SENIOR SCHOOL
Lady Principal’s Report...............4
Heads’ Reports............................. 5
Spiritually Speaking....................6
Outreach......................................8
Subject Reports.......................... 10
Drama........................................ 16
Music.......................................... 20
Choir...........................................21
Creative Writing......................... 22
Societies..................................... 30
Prizewinners.............................. 32
Grade Reports............................ 38
Sport........................................... 52
This has been another busy and exciting year in the life of this fine school. I hope some of
the richness, the quality and the joy of the school year are reflected in this edition. I would
like to thank the many people who have submitted articles and photographs, not least the
many pupils, some of whose work has been included. In Karen Gardner’s first year of office
Fiona Hedderwick has borne much of the burden of typing and collating the Junior School
material. I would like to thank her for all her hard work. Sincere thanks also to the many
photographers whose unacknowledged pictures are such a vital part of Upstream. In this
regard, particular thanks must go to Sue Tatham, Kerry Timmerman, Karin Braithwaite,
Sharon Bishop, Pam Esterhuysen, Debby Bird, Kerry Aldum, Rose Harries, Cathy Thomson
and the Grade Co-ordinators. I would like to acknowledge Upstream’s debt to Sue Tatham,
who has been a superb Junior School photographer for many years. I also acknowledge the
valuable work done over the years by Moira Lovell. Patrick Harty and Lisa-Claire Garden are
helpful identifiers of faces. Thanks also to D’René and Oliver of Blankpage Designs for their
excellent lay-out work. The school is most grateful to the schools, businesses and parents
who have generously sponsored pages.
ANTONY LOVELL
Houses....................................... 58
Staff............................................60
JUNIOR SCHOOL
New Headmistress..................... 66
Educational Matters ................. 67
Community Service....................72
Art and Creative Writing.............74
Drama.........................................82
Environment.............................. 86
Grade Outings and Activities.....87
TWC Staff..................................106
Music.........................................108
Special Events........................... 110
Reading Matters........................112
Sport........................................... 113
TWC Family................................116
TEACHING STAFF 2015
5th Row: Anne-Lee Marx, Lisa-Claire Garden, Michelle Segal, Jaco Goosen, Michelle Bennett, Miriam du
Toit, Samkeliso Ndhlovu, Jeanette Humphrey.
4th Row: Karin Precious, Brenda Beckedahl, Michael Nicholson, Antony Lovell, Les Willows, Patrick
Harty, Christa van Rooijen, Jane Howes, Levern Green, Rowan Ainsworth.
3rd Row: Pam Esterhuysen, Lynne Harris, Ronel Henderson, Sarah Dottridge, Jeremiah Padayachee, MarieLaure Johnson, Anita Elliott, Lyndal Robertson, Sheryl Watson.
2nd Row: Londi Makhanya, Claire Geber, Illy Alberts, Catherine Lewis, Helen Findlay, Caroline Griffiths,
Bernadine Elmer-English, Andhisha Mohanlall, Debra Moffatt, Sine Phungula.
Front Row: Christine Stiebel, Dalene Briggs, Debby Bird, Aileen Metherell, Sue Tasker, Cathy Thomson,
Moira Lovell, Frances Salisbury, Heather Fleming.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Book’s Abode
I am writing this letter regarding the
school’s library, a facility which I am very
grateful for. On one hand, it is just a great
place to spend one’s time. Many day-girls,
if their parents are running a bit late, just
go there to wait and read or do homework,
using the computers available. This is
definitely more fun than waiting on a
bench outside.
In addition, it encourages a lot more
girls to read. As an exchange student
from Germany, I have never seen so
many students with books in their bags.
Everyone’s always reading a book and most
of these books are from the school’s library.
This enthusiastic reading is partly due
to the books available and partly due to
the English Department’s urging. The
library, although relatively small, caters
for all tastes. From fantasy, romance,
Young Adult fiction, science fiction or the
classics, anyone can find at least one book
Semesters, Yes or No?
Last year was my first year of high school
and I loved everything about it. This year,
however, the school has done away with the
system of semesterising certain subjects
for Grade 8s and 9s, thus increasing our
workload and decreasing our enjoyment of
school.
The teachers told us the reason they did
it was so that when we come to make our
subject choices we will not forget about the
subjects we have done in the first half of the
year. I do not agree with this. Whether we
do the subjects in the first half of the year,
the second half or the whole year round it
will not change how we feel about it.
they are interested in. Another reason for
the number of readers at this school is the
kind library staff, who always make sure
their space looks inviting and homely.
They often set up little stands where
they recommend certain types of books.
Most recently, I think it was short story
collections.
Finally, this library, like most, is peaceful.
It offers an escape for quieter girls from
the louder ones. Sometimes, if one needs
a break from noise, a library is a wonderful
place to go. Because of this peacefulness it
is also a great environment for studying.
The desks and computers are perfect for
when the computer room is closed or full.
To sum up, the school’s library is a facility
used and appreciated by many. And I
personally am very glad the school invests
in it.
Yours faithfully
Lily Otter (Exchange student from
Germany)
We are currently doing fourteen different
subjects at school. We are having to
write tests and do projects for all of these
subjects. As we are doing more, we have to
decrease the lesson time for each subject
and do not get enough work done. During
our mid-year examinations we are having
to take two weeks off school to write all our
examinations, whereas last year we only
had to miss four days.
I think the future Grade 8s and 9s would
much appreciate it if the semesterising
system was put back into place.
Yours faithfully
Over-worked student (Grade 9)
Rhino Army Support
The Wykeham Collegiate, in particular
the Environmental Committee, has taken
great time and effort to support the Rhino
Army in its battle to save the animal from
extinction. It is an honour to belong to this
kind, selfless community that longs to save
a beautiful creature of our world.
As students we are not shielded from the
outside world and are expected to help in
such important concerns. It is a selfless
act that unifies students and teachers in
a common goal. Rhino numbers are being
depleted daily and the single cause is
human activity. We humans need to take
the responsibility to fix our mistakes. Many
fund-raising projects have taken place so far,
such as girls selling rhino stickers, clothing
and accessories, the money from the sales
being donated. A large rhino model has
been built to promote rhino awareness
and the girls that have supported the cause
have painted their hands on the statue. We
have had numerous presentations from
the Rhino Army ambassadors which have
been very interesting and educational. It is
heartening to see more and more students
attending the talks.
Overall, it is a satisfying thought to know
that TWC girls care deeply for their
environment and try their best to help
where they can. We can look forward to the
future with such thoughtful people soon to
be in charge.
Yours faithfully
Jessica Hirschowitz (Grade 10)
This is not a hat
intention behind this statement, the image
is a hat.
This advertising and branding of The
Wykeham Collegiate is not acceptable.
How can the school expect to be taken
seriously when they have a picture of the
school hat accompanied by the statement:
This is not a hat?
This is not just a hat or This is more than
a hat would be more suitable phrases for
the poster, as they convey the message
perfectly.
I understand that the poster/advertisement
is trying to communicate a simple catchy
phrase, but this simply does not work. It
is implied that the hat means more than
a usual hat, but this cannot be appreciated
owing to the ineffective diction and the
contradiction between text and image.
The result of this contradiction is a very
clumsy, awkward poster which draws
attention for the wrong reasons. Not
only does this statement cause sideways
glances, it also has a negative effect on the
branding of The Wykeham Collegiate. This
advertisement should be an object of pride
in the community, not something that
learners from The Wykeham Collegiate
cringe at when comments are passed that
undermine the intelligence of the school.
This poster is a blatant contradiction,
and although one may understand the
Grade 11 Homework
It is the general opinion of the Grade 11
pupils that our workload is too great. We
have to study for tests and examinations,
participate in sport, do community service
and complete our work experience tasks.
Finding enough time to do the above tasks
is challenging already, but when we have
homework it is even harder. Therefore we
would like to request a Grade 11 homework
club to help us create enough time to finish
all our work.
We understand that getting homework
helps us to understand what we are
learning but getting so much to do with
no time at all just creates more stress. We
also understand that playing sport is good
for our health and is important, especially
during examination time. However, playing
sport takes up approximately two or three
afternoons in our busy week. This creates
less time for pupils to complete homework
Although our hats are not worn often,
they are a symbol of the school, and when
used for marketing purposes should not be
made an object of ridicule by being called
‘not hats’. The simple rephrasing of the
statement would make the poster more
effective, as this is a hat, yet symbolises so
much more than that. This slogan could
potentially turn away prospective parents
as they may feel that the school is foolish
and cannot see that a hat is a hat, so it is
vital to portray the school in a positive,
correct light.
Yes, the hat is not only a hat; it is our symbol
of unity and identifies us as Wykeham
Collegiate girls and carries a sense of pride,
loyalty and other highly recommended
qualities, but right at the core of all this,
this is a hat.
Yours faithfully
Chelsea-Belle Gevers (Grade 10)
tasks and/or study, which means that we
stay up late. This lack of sleep builds up,
along with the stress, and can affect our
school work.
Having a homework club will help solve this
problem. Having an hour to do homework
before sport so that we have time to study
afterwards would be a great help. I would
suggest having the homework club on
Tuesdays and Thursdays, but allowing girls
to go to only one session – this would allow
pupils to have extra time for homework but
also be involved in clubs. Pupils should
be allowed to attend on both days during
exam terms.
A homework club would be a great
advantage. We would be less stressed and
feel more in control of our busy lives. We
would appreciate it if the school would
consider our request.
Yours faithfully
Meaghan Van Der Velden (Grade 11)
The Wykeham
Collegiate
The Wykeham Collegiate must be one
of the best schools to complete a girl’s
primary and secondary education at. The
infrastructure, staff and students create an
atmosphere for growth, self-discovery and
academic advancement.
The Lady Principal and her staff have
positive attitudes concerning all aspects
of the school. The teachers are highly
qualified in their various fields and
passionate about teaching. They encourage
their students to aspire to be leaders of
the future and to be girls of honesty and
integrity, girls who respect themselves and
others, are responsible and have a wellbalanced life. The catering and cleaning
staff at the school do an excellent job and
make The Wykeham Collegiate a better
place.
The girls are very friendly, accept discipline
when they are wrong and are proud
ambassadors of the school. They are openminded, helpful, free to express themselves
when necessary, confident and self-driven.
Most of all, the girls aspire to inspire others.
The Wykeham Collegiate creates a family
atmosphere. The different nationalities
present at the school help to promote
growth in all aspects of a student’s life and,
most importantly, the school empowers
girls to become women of the real world.
Yours faithfully
Towela Mwandila (Grade 11)
Upstream 2015 - Senior
LADY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
The Wykeham Collegiate has enjoyed another successful and
productive year and I commend and thank all the staff and girls
for their enthusiasm and commitment to the school. When
looking back on the year as a whole, I am astounded to see what
the girls, with the guidance of the staff, have managed to achieve
in a relatively short period of time.
The girls have been encouraged and prepared to participate fully,
to take risks, to be self-advocates, and to create lasting memories
and relationships with peers and staff.
Our girls have diverse interests and abilities and the school has
been able to provide the resources and opportunities for all girls to
be the best that they can be, to find their passions and to celebrate
their talents. TWC girls have achieved remarkable successes in
the classroom and beyond the classroom in sporting, cultural and
outdoor adventure activities, as well as in community outreach
programmes.
Thank you very much to Antony Lovell for producing this
wonderful magazine, which will give you an idea of the range of
activities that the girls have been involved in.
THE SCHOOL COUNCIL
Back Row: Catherine Barrett, Megan Attwood, Nina Holzbach, Emma Chapman, Chenéy Firman, Nicola Brill.
Middle Row: Zintle Mduzulwana, Meghan Hawken, Sesetu Holomisa, Elizabeth Platt, Megan Manley, Nicole Player, Santhuri Padayachee.
Front Row: Caitlin Militz, Ms Sue Tasker, Sibulelo Jolwana, Jordan Magrobi, Mrs Cathy Thomson, Bailey le Roux.
4
Heads’ Reports
TWC
HEAD OF SCHOOL
This year, in celebration of our theme, Ohana, our TWC family has
shared moments that I like to think will stay in our memories for
ever. Whether it’s been celebrating as one unit as our swimmers
won the Alex Baths Gala again or all dressing up for our Day-Girl/
Boarder evening, we have enjoyed one another’s company.
In 2015, the young women of TWC have once again achieved
excellence in all areas of the school. The Chamber of Commerce
and Grade 9s hosted a fun-filled Market Day, the Community
Service Committee hosted a Soccer Day, and a second group of
students participated in World Challenge, raising funds to travel
to Vietnam to perform community service. The House Captains
and Vice-Captains have successfully helped organise several
Inter-House events, notably swimming, athletics and music,
which always prove to be bonding experiences for members of
each House. A highlight for the Matrics was definitely our last
school war cry around the pool after the Inter-House Gala. This
year we also managed to put on an excellent school play and a
variety show. The Matrics of 2015 have to be congratulated on
their outstanding leadership and performance throughout the
year, despite academic pressure.
2015
HEAD DAY-GIRL
What an exciting and fun-filled year 2015 has been! The TWC
girls, who always strive for excellence, were often seen getting
involved in all aspects of the school: sporting, cultural,
academic and spiritual.
The Day-Girl/ Boarder Evening was especially enjoyed by the
girls. It encouraged us to have fun as a school family and to
create new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
With the assistance of Mrs Metherell, Student Forum has
managed to run effectively and it has proved to be a very
productive year. It has been a privilege to voice and represent
the concerns of the girls and contribute toward positive
changes within the school life at TWC.
The commitment shown to TWC through the long
hours day-girls spend at late night play practices or
early morning sport training has resulted in excellent
results all round. Many thanks go to our parents
who trek up and down the hill throughout the day.
Once again, we owe the deepest thanks to our parents, who
have paid our fees, taxied us around, and watched our sports
matches. We owe the deepest thanks also to our teachers, who
have lectured, ranted, cajoled, joked and generally jostled an
unbelievable amount of knowledge into our often unwilling
heads.
The constant smiles, laughs and hugs made all the hard work
worth it. A big thank you to our teachers who put so much
time and effort into our lives daily and help to shape us into
women of the real world. Being Head Day-Girl has allowed
me to grow as an individual and the lessons I have learnt will
definitely assist me in the future. It is an opportunity that I
will always be grateful for.
Jordan Magrobi
Bailey le Roux
HEADS OF BOARDING
This year has given us a new-found appreciation for all the
hard work put in to make boarding a home away from home,
a seemingly impossible task but one which The Wykeham
Collegiate performs impeccably. It has in no way been easy,
either for the girls or for the House Mothers, but we are sure that
the experiences and relationships that the girls have formed
are more than worth the effort. From late walk-in breakfasts,
to travelling to Durban to see Goldfish in concert, to World
Cup rugby evenings which provided the perfect excuse to miss
prep, the Boarding Establishment continues to think of new
ways to ensure that each girl gets the most out of her boarding
experience. The memories made over the past five years are
memories we will hold close to our hearts for the rest of our
lives.
Caitlin Militz and Sibulelo Jolwana
This page is generously sponsored by Michaelhouse.
5
Spiritually Speaking
Student Christian Association (SCA)
The ministry team at TWC has been busy seeking out
opportunities for our school family to encounter Jesusmoments throughout the year. From our Junior SCA (under
the nurturing leadership of Lora Laithwaite, Les Burczak,
and Sherrel Michie) and our Mothers Who Pray group, to the
different ministry areas in the Senior School there has been
a wonderful sense of team work and unity as we continue to
faithfully plough the land the Lord has given us here.
Mother Theresa spoke about each one of us being pencils
in the hands of a writing God sending a love letter to the
world. There is a call on each of our lives to be the hands of
Christ in a world that is desperately in need. The Apostle
Paul encourages us to shine like stars in a dark world as we
bring the light of Christ into different situations (Phil 2:15).
This year has seen many opportunities for us to reach out
to one another in different ways, displaying random acts of
kindness and serving one another. A highlight for me was
our Time With Christ week during which both the Junior and
the Senior Schools focused on being servants like Martha but
with hearts like Mary (Luke 10:38-42). During this week the
girls made cupcakes and other treats which were delivered
to different shelters and homes around Pietermaritzburg.
That act of service highlighted the need to be practical
in our service. For me personally it also highlighted not
only the importance of reaching out to others but also the
positive benefits attached to the act of serving others. The
old adage it is better to give than to receive was certainly
true as we drove through the streets of Pietermaritzburg
considering ourselves as the blessed ones as we dropped off
tea-time treats. As we continue forward in faith I would like
to encourage every one of us to be the pencil in the hand of a
loving and writing God.
As a committee we decided to continue with last year's
vision of People, Passion, Prayer as we believed this was not
something that we would ever complete but rather a mission
that we could continue to develop each year. The heart
behind this mission is to focus our attention on the people
who attend, inspiring a passion for Christ and encouraging
others, as well as our committee, to rely on God more. A
theme that we looked at was Back to Basics, which initially
included looking at Old Testament stories, how they can
apply to our lives and what they can teach us. We enjoyed
sessions with guest speakers but we also had committeeled discussions in which we had Grade 9s to 12s lead small
groups. These sessions were valuable as they allowed for
meaningful conversations and were times for fellowship.
We have learnt invaluable lessons while we have been on
the SCA Committee for the past four years, not only from
each other, but from our dedicated Committee and from
Pastor Garden. We wish the 2016 SCA Committee all the best
for next year. They will be in our thoughts and prayers.
LISA-CLAIRE GARDEN
PASTOR
6
Elizabeth Platt and Emma Chapman (Heads of SCA)
TWC
2015
Cell Groups
Confirmation
Leading Cell Groups has been an amazing experience and I have
enjoyed watching both the girls and Cell Groups grow. I have
enjoyed working with a most supportive team that always helps
without complaining and comes up with new ideas. At the end
of last year, our team of Cell Group leaders discussed what our
goals for the year would be and how we would like to see Cell
Groups grow. We all agreed that it was not the number of girls
that mattered but rather the hearts of the girls. We all wanted to
see that the girls who attended Cell Groups had a desire to grow
in their relationship with and their knowledge of God. We aimed
to create an environment in which the girls felt comfortable and
willing to share their opinions and personal stories and to connect
with other girls in different grades. I believe we have achieved
this this year and I am confident that the team for next year will
continue to grow this ministry and I wish them well.
Last year, I was blessed with the opportunity to be a part of
the confirmation journey that TWC offers and I was able to
grow spiritually by strengthening my relationship with and
understanding of Christ. Earlier this year I was privileged to relive
the experience all over again when Pastor Garden asked if I would
be a group leader for the confirmation girls of 2015. I thoroughly
enjoyed my time spent with the Grade 10s - sharing experiences,
discussing issues, learning about the Bible and developing
spiritually. Alongside the other leaders, Cassidy Robertson and
Kwenama Khuzwayo, I was able to build relationships with the
girls and guide them along their spiritual journeys. I felt that the
confirmation girls of 2015 left with a healthier understanding of
God. Because of this, I can truly appreciate how the confirmation
journey has had an impact on my life and certainly on the lives of
others in a wonderful way.
Nicole Player (Head of Cell Groups)
Moyo Lawal-Solarin (Head of Confirmation)
Chapel
This year has been one of growth within the Chapel Team and
Chapel Committee. The Chapel Team have been passionate and
dedicated as they have gone about their early morning routines.
The Sunday chapels have helped the boarders to grow in faith, with
the girls enjoying the input from visiting ministers and pastors.
The prayer box at the back of the chapel has encouraged girls to
write any prayer requests that they may have had. The Chapel
Committee, in conjunction with the Fellowship Committee,
organised the TWC Rally and Shrove Pancake Day, which were
both a great success as a result of the hard work the girls put in.
The support and guidance of Pastor and the Team have made this
year a wonderful one.
Pancake fun.
Emma Chapman (Head of Chapel)
Megan Laithwaite and Hannah Chapman.
Katlego Dingake and Meloney Polinati.
Meghan Hawken, Katherine Brodie, Stella Joubert.
7
Outreach
Community Service
The 2014/2015 Community Service Committee set out aims
to create more awareness about Outreach projects and to
encourage more TWC girls to participate in community
service. During the first term we organised a number of
visits to Grey’s Hospital, where TWC girls played with
children in the paediatric wards. An ongoing project was the
Peer Tutoring programme, in which senior pupils tutor girls
from other schools. A large number of girls were involved in
the Cancer Relay and Cordwalles Mudman. Four girls were
involved in teaching in a disadvantaged school in Muden
as part of their President’s Award programme.We hosted a
Soccer Day in the third term, in which Wizz Kids and the
PMB Street Shelter children played matches against TWC
teams. The support from the TWC girls was fantastic and
contributed greatly to the success of the day. We wish the
2015/2016 Community Service Committee all the best.
Madua Dijeng busy with peer tutoring.
Santhuri Padayachee (Head of Community Service)
Rosalind Elmer-English happily
involved in peer tutoring.
Amanda Peake engaged in peer tutoring.
TWC participants in the President’s
Award (Gold Level) with Muden pupils.
Caitlyn de Valence, Jemma Fox and Ellen
Shute helping with Mudman registration.
Helpers display Mudman medals.
8
Excited participants in the Cancer Relay.
Outreach
TWC
2015
Relaxed participants before
the Cancer Relay.
Sarah-Jane Muller, Rachel Sweeney and Zoë
Brown registering for the Cancer Relay.
WORLD CHALLENGE – VIETNAM
2015
During the July holidays nine TWC girls and four Kearsney
College boys travelled to Vietnam with the World Challenge
programme.
We left Shaka International Airport on 5 July. About twelve
hours later we arrived in Ho Chi Minh, one of Vietnam’s biggest
cities, only to find that all our bags had been left in Hong Kong!
As soon as we walked out of the main doors of the airport,
the humidity, heat and different kinds of smells assailed us. The
people, the thousands of scooters and the buildings were so
different from what we are used to.
Ho Chi Minh is a lively, bustling city. Street food outlets abound.
For a unique Vietnamese experience, we visited local markets,
explored narrow alleyways and bargained with street vendors. The
language barrier was frustrating, but it added to the experience. We
also attended a water puppet show, The War Remnants Museum,
the Cu Chi underground tunnels, a craft-making centre, and the
huge local Ben Thanh Market.
Subsequently we drove seven hours to Dalat, to begin a fourday hike through the Central Highlands. This was extremely
challenging. The days were hot and humid while the nights were
rainy, windy and cold. A cold bath in a stream on the third night was
greatly needed after the countless steep hills, heavy backpacks and
sore feet. Overall, the hike was spectacular and an unforgettable
experience.
Helping at the Mudman food table are Bronté McDonald,
Khwezi Mchunu, Aviwe Cingo and Aisha Cele.
The next four days were spent at an orphanage, the Thien Binh
Social Caring Centre. This is for physically and mentally challenged
children, as well as other orphans. It was a very moving experience.
The days were spent clearing a soccer field and a vegetable patch
in extreme heat. While some team members worked on the field,
others cared for toddlers and babies. We also played a few soccer
matches after a long day’s work, losing almost every game. Our
translator, Thai Lee, through his selflessness and passion to help
the orphanage, was an inspiration.
We managed to save a lot of money during our trip and donated
it to the orphanage’s education funds.
Overall, our World Challenge expedition was a life-changing
experience. It has broadened our perspectives and inspired us to
challenge ourselves in more ways. We highly recommend a World
Challenge trip to whoever is able to do it.
Beth Conolly and Courtney Price Moor (Grade 11)
Ashraya Naidoo and Courtney Price Moor with Vietnamese children.
9
Subject Reports
AFRIKAANS FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
It has once again been a successful and fulfilling year for the
Afrikaans Department.
This year we have continued to enhance the awareness of the
importance of this language as part of our multi-cultural school
ethos and of South Africa as a diverse country. An increasing
number of our pupils are going to the Universities of Pretoria,
Stellenbosch, North West and Free State for their tertiary
education and they find knowledge of the Afrikaans culture,
language and literature very helpful. It is encouraging to hear how
their Afrikaans has improved when they visit us.
We have continued to encourage the reading of modern Afrikaans
books which also focus on the interests of teenage readers. With the
aid of technology, we have developed interesting oral tasks where
pupils can share their opinions about the books they have read.
They also enjoy modern poetry and the short story in Afrikaans.
However, our selection of poetry in Grade 11 also includes the work
of classical Afrikaans poets.
My storie
Ek het nie baie ervaring met Afrikaans voor my graad vier jaar
gehad nie. Behalwe vir ‘n paar onbeholpe ontmoetings met Afrikaner
kassiers in omgewings in die Wes-Kaap wat aangeneem het dat ek
‘n inwoner was, het ek toe nog nie met ‘n ware boer gepraat nie.
In ‘n klein, geïsoleerde gehuggie soos Hilton, is verskeidenheid
nie ‘n realiteit nie. Maar ‘n tog na die Groot Stad – wat as ‘n ‘groot
stad’ in dáárdie geweste beskou word – het my opinie oor hierdie
‘uitheemse’ taal verander.
My gesin reis elke jaar vir Kersfees na Kaapstad, maar in 2007 het
ons besluit dat die rit in twee dele deur ‘n drie-dae-oorbly in Graaf
Reinet verdeel sou word.
Ons aankoms in Graaf Reinet by Zaan se Gastehuis, is deur
‘n glimlaggende vrou verwelkom – “Call me tannie Zaan” en
dan ‘n brabbeltaal in Afrikaans wat aan my ouers gerig was. Die
eienaardige woorde, wat met ongelooflike spoed gepraat is, het by
een oor ingevlieg en by die ander uitgefiltreer. Ek het vir ‘n paar jaar
Afrikaans by die skool geleer maar dit was nie naasteby soos wat ek
The film in Afrikaans has developed into a well-respected genre and
has established itself in the popular as well as the artistic market.
This development in the Afrikaans film industry has created a
valuable opportunity for bringing the reality of the language into
the classroom.
Our pupils have an enthusiastic and positive approach to this
language and we believe that exposing them to all the different
genres is also developing their appreciation. Bailey le Roux is
congratulated on being awarded the Afrikaans FAL Prize at the
Grade 12 Prize-giving in September.
I would like to thank Miss Illy Alberts and Mrs Ronel Henderson
for their commitment, enthusiasm, humour and expertise in the
teaching of this subject.
CHRISTA VAN ROOIJEN
HEAD OF AFRIKAANS
in die klas gehoor het nie. Daardie Karoodorpie het vir my ‘n totaal
nuwe wêreld oopgemaak om te ondersoek.
Gedurende die volgende drie dae het ek met die drie kinders in
die omliggende kamers vriende gemaak. Snaaks genoeg het almal
uit Afrikaanse gesinne gekom en kon min Engels praat. Alhoewel
die taalgrens ‘n probleem was, het ek so baie by hulle geleer. Ek het
nog nooit iets meer dramaties as die uur van 7de Laan beleef nie
en net die beste kos kon tannie Zaan se potjiekos en melktert wen.
My verstand is vir ‘n nuwe kultuur oopgemaak en my maag het dit
sekerlik geniet.
Ek weet nie of ek Afrikaans se impak op my lewe ooit kan analiseer
nie, maar ek kan sê dat ek dit wonderlik vind om te ondersoek. Die
Antwoord en Jack Parrow is gereeld op my CDs en soos enige SuidAfrikaner, kan ek sê dat biltong en braaivleis ‘n belangrike deel van
my lewe is. Maar Afrikaans is soveel meer as net kos of musiek,
dit is ‘n brug waarmee ons met ons geskiedenis, ons land en ons
medeburgers kan kommunikeer.
Kelly MacDevette (Graad 12)
Rebecca Wessels.
10
Subject Reports
CONSUMER STUDIES
Consumer Studies girls have again been
involved in a variety of activities this year.
The Grade 11 and 12 girls who entered and
passed the Consumer Studies Olympiad
examination are congratulated. Special
congratulations go to Nina Holzbach for
coming in the Top 100 and making us
proud.
TWC
justifiably proud of their masterpieces,
which looked too pretty to eat!
Grade 10 girls bravely tackled the sewing
machines and were pleased with their
colourful lined beach bags, many of which
have been put to good use during the
course of the year.
2015
This is a ‘hands on’ subject and it is
rewarding to observe how the girls grow
in confidence as they master the skills
involved.
HEATHER FLEMING
HEAD OF CONSUMER STUDIES
Two Grade 11 pupils, Laken Salzwedel
and Nicole Alder, entered the National
Cooking Competition for Schools, run
by the International Hotel School. They
were among the ten KZN finalists who
made it into the regional cook-off at the
IHS campus in Westville. This was quite
a daunting undertaking and was good
experience.
Nikki Palmer again shared her knowledge
and cake decorating expertise with the
Grade 11s, who were inspired by her
creativity and clever techniques. They were
CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
The Chamber of Commerce has had yet
another busy, but productive year. We
began our year with a formal dinner to
welcome our newest members and to get
to know one another in order to work
effectively as a team. Thereafter, we met
each Monday in order to discuss how
we could help the Grade 9s with their
entrepreneurial project, and to plan for the
annual Market Day.
This year's Market Day was arguably the
best I have been to in my five years at The
Wykeham Collegiate. The introduction of
various slippery slides and jumping castles
created an exciting atmosphere, with
junior children and teachers alike enjoying
the slides. Outside stallholders, putt-putt
and the Grade 10 Haunted House added to
the variety of the day.
The products and services offered by the
Grade 9s this year were the best that Market
Day has ever seen. They were essential in
creating the lively ambience of Market
Day - with sorbet and slush puppies to
cool exhausted shoppers off after they had
bought shirts, succulents and even deepfried oreos and spent hours in the photo
booth or having their nails attended to.
The Grade 9s were rewarded for their
achievements at the Business of the Year
Awards Ceremony. Mr Manie Wessels was
the guest speaker at this year's ceremony.
He is the CEO of Spinnaker Growth
Partners, working as a venture capitalist.
He spoke to the audience about how
to invest in one's self and the value of
the education that the students at The
Wykeham Collegiate receive. He was well
received and contributed to the success of
the morning.
The success of Market Day and of the Grade
9 businesses would not have been possible
without Mrs Green and Mrs Marx, who have
worked tirelessly alongside the Chamber
of Commerce this year. I would like to
thank these teachers for their dedication
to this aspect of the school, and to thank
the Chamber of Commerce members, who
have made it a pleasure for me to lead this
team of future businesswomen. I wish the
Chamber of Commerce 2016 team all the
best.
Elizabeth Platt (Chairlady of
Chamber of Commerce)
the
Some of the inmates
of the House of Horrors.
11
Subject Reports
Business of the year
At the Business of Year Award Ceremony, Mr Manie Wessels with Yasha Nair,
Kayla van der Westhuizen, Lethokuhle Kunene and Samantha Latouf.
Market Day
12
Subject Reports
DRAMATIC ARTS
2015 has been an exciting year in the Drama Department. While
the senior pupils were learning and creating in the Drama Centre,
significant developments were happening in the Theatre. New
lights hung on a grid (including some amazing LED ones) and
wonderful new platforms have made this a more versatile space for
performance. Directors now have the option of using the traditional
proscenium arch stage or exploring the use of more experimental
performance spaces created in the auditorium. In addition, new
seating will provide greater comfort for audiences.
Grade 8s have been guided and extended in their physical
expression by Ms Bosch and their vocal and story-telling skills by
Ms Howes. Grade 9s have dramatised myths, explored stereotypes
in monologues, interpreted scripts and created their own fantastic
Epic Journeys for an audience.
The new Grade 10 class have proved themselves both enthusiastic
and focused in synchronised Greek Chorus work, extracts from
workshopped plays and varied improvisations. It was in their
two big projects - a dramatised story performed to the responsive
TWC Junior Primary audience and their mini-theme programmes
challenging the audience - that they showed their true potential.
ENGLISH
As I come to the end of a long, happy and fulfilling career at The
Wykeham Collegiate, I reflect on the great privilege of having taught
numerous energised, enthusiastic, often talented young people;
and of being able to share with them my passion for literature and
language.
Beyond engaging in daily classroom activities and assignments,
many girls have been successful in a range of competitions and in
having their work published during the course of this year.
In March, twenty candidates from Grades 11 and 12 wrote the English
Olympiad, based on an anthology of material entitled Revelations
and Transformations: Stories and Language of Mzansi. Morgan
Rowland (Grade 11) was placed in the Top 100, a fine achievement in
a national competition that attracts thousands of entrants.
TWC girls dominated the list of prizewinners in the Douglas
Livingstone Creative Writing Competition. Kate de Gruchy (Grade
12) was awarded first place in both the Poetry and Short Story
sections for Grade 12 writers; and Laura du Toit was placed first in
the Grade 11 Poetry section. Isabelle Joubert and Erin Smith were
placed joint-second and Caragh Groeneveld was awarded a Highly
Commended in the Grade 10 Poetry section. Others who received
commendations were Ashalia Naidoo, Katie Stofberg and Daniela
Torino (Grade 11 Poetry); Anna Tchalov and Samantha Wessels
(Grade 12 Poetry); and Alex Neumann (Grade 12 Short Story section).
A number of Grade 11 and 12 girls entered The Witness True Stories of
KwaZulu-Natal Competition and six were listed as finalists: Deantha
Govender, Heather Haldane, Jordan Magrobi, Ashleigh Reimers,
TWC
2015
The responsive Grade 11s have explored the development of World
Theatre with special emphasis on South African Theatre. The
highlights of their year have been the varied performances seen at
the Hilton Arts Festival and the introduction of The Ten Minute
Play Festival. This Festival forced each group to realise the myriad
elements that have to be organised in order to stage a production,
as well as the intensity and thrill of performing in front of a live
audience! What they have learnt from these experiences will stand
them in good stead for next year.
Sadly, it is time to say goodbye to the Grade 12 class. Many of them
took part in The Lark in the first term and grew enormously from
the experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed each practical they have
presented and their wit and insight were evident in their sophisticated
ESIT practical performances. In their Final Practical Programmes
they demonstrated an ability to present complex characters, deliver
the humour in a piece and use a variety of dramatic techniques to
create original and thought-provoking drama. They leave with the
resources to deal with the challenging postmodern world in which
they will find themselves.
JANE HOWES
HEAD OF DRAMATIC ARTS
Morgan Rowland and Thokola Zungu. The stories written by these
girls were subsequently published in The Witness and the winners
of the various sections of the competition were announced towards
the end of 2015.
Four girls had their poetry published in the national journal, English
Alive, edited by Robin Malan: Jessica Dutton, Rebecca Farquharson,
Ashleigh Reimers and Katie Stofberg, all in Grade 11.
Some of the items mentioned here may be read in the pages of this
edition of Upstream.
Two girls, Alex Neumann and Anna Tchalov, presented papers at
the Advanced Programme English (APE) dinner-conference, held
at Hilton College on Tuesday 13 October. Alex presented a paper
on Alice Walker’s The Colour Purple; and Anna presented a paper
entitled Rebel vs Rebel: a study of rebellion in Hamlet. Anna was
awarded the prize for the best paper of the evening.
The English prize, presented at the Grade 12 Prize-Giving on
September 24, was awarded to Sibulelo Jolwana, for her outstanding
work in this subject throughout the year; and the prize for Advanced
Programme English went to Alex Neumann, for her excellence in
this subject.
I thank the English Department team of 2015 – Bernadine ElmerEnglish, Lynne Harris, Catherine Lewis, Patrick Harty and Antony
Lovell – for their commitment to high standards and for their
enormous contribution to the education of the pupils of The
Wykeham Collegiate.
MOIRA LOVELL
HEAD OF ENGLISH
13
Subject Reports
HISTORY
Grades 9 and 10 Visit to Durban Holocaust Centre
The Grades 9 and 10 History pupils visited the Durban Holocaust
Centre on separate occasions. The whole of Grade 9 was instructed
about the Holocaust and then taken through the Centre’s exhibition.
The highlight of the guided walk-through was undoubtedly Anne
Frank’s reconstructed room, which is an exact replica, down to the
wallpaper design, of the original hiding place in Amsterdam. The
Grade 9s were also given the opportunity, through a comparative
exhibition and a short workshop, to consider the reconciliation
processes of post-Nazi Germany and post-Apartheid South Africa.
The Grade 10 History pupils were exposed to the same content in
the walk-through, but the focus of their tour and workshop was on
the provocative and emotive issues of racism and prejudice. They
engaged in a lively and mature debate in a workshop facilitated by
the Centre. Whilst the Holocaust is a painful subject which many
may prefer to sign off to the annals of historical tragedy, the Centre
certainly brings significant issues to light. The girls were moved
by the experience, and could see the relevance of engaging with
Holocaust history beyond the school curriculum.
MORWENNA BOSCH
HISTORY TEACHER
Alice Comrie, Eniola Ojo, Aisha Cele and Olwethu Mfeka laid a wreath at
the annual Remembrance Day ceremony in the Garden of Remembrance
in Pietermaritzburg. Every year a wreath is laid, not only to honour the
fallen in all wars, but also to remember the Wykeham Collegiate old girls
who sacrificed their lives for their country.
MUSIC
After many years as a part-time piano teacher and accompanist,
Mrs Marianne Kassier retired at the end of the year. She will be
remembered for her years of dedicated and committed teaching and
we wish her all the best. Miss Cathryn Calitz, who graduated from
Stellenbosch in 2014, joined the part-time staff. We are delighted
to have someone with her skills and youthful approach in the
Department. Mrs Jenny du Plessis was away on maternity leave for
the latter part of the year. We look forward to her return at the start
of 2016. Mr Chris Palframan joined the peripatetic staff to teach
drumming and we wish him a happy association with the school.
TWC both joined and hosted the SASMT Eisteddfod this year. The
event ran over five days and was adjudged a great success. It was
wonderful to see the usual numerous TWC contingent participating,
as well as numbers of pupils from other schools, who became
acquainted with our school and Music Department.
14
Once again TWC was a centre for the ABRSM and Trinity College
practical and theory examinations. TWC is always well represented
on these occasions and our girls certainly benefit from the rigour of
presenting themselves for an external examination.
TWC has always been strong in the choral and woodwind fields. Mrs
Carol Solomon has recently formed string groups in the Junior and
Senior schools and we hope that this activity will go from strength
to strength. We are taking steps to introduce brass instruments to
girls and we hope that we will be able to develop this area of practical
music-making.
The Wind Ensemble and Choir continued to acquit themselves well.
Reports on these activities appear elsewhere in Upstream.
PATRICK HARTY
HEAD OF MUSIC
Subject Reports
SPORTS AND EXERCISE SCIENCE
TOUR TO CAPE TOWN
Twenty-four Sports Science pupils from Grades 10 to 12 and three
staff members flew to Cape Town over half-term.
We started off on the Friday at the Sports Science Institute
at Newlands. We were met by Morné du Plessis (one of the cofounders of the Institute with Professor Noakes), who took
the girls on a tour of this amazing facility. They saw the envirochamber that can create any climate or altitude and is where Lewis
Pugh trained before swimming at the South Pole. They also saw
what research is undertaken and the amount of assistance that the
Institute gives to the man in the street.
We then headed off to Stellenbosch where the girls had lunch in
the Neelsie amongst all the students so that they could get a feel
for student life. Four former TWC girls came over to chat, which
was very nice. We then went to the Sports Science Department and
had a tour there with talks by a biokineticist and others. Several
girls were put through their paces.
Then we dashed to the new Stellenbosch Sports Academy. The girls
loved this, especially as the Western Province U19 rugby team were
TWC
2015
training in the gym! The girls were subjected to two reaction-time
tests by Dr Sherylle Calder. This proved incredibly interesting.
The next day we visited Robben Island. One part of the Matric
syllabus deals with discrimination in sport and politics in sport so
this fitted in perfectly with the tour. The girls felt very bright being
familiar with a lot of the information the guides were giving.
Then we headed up Table Mountain to do the usual tourist thing.
From there we went to watch the SA Men’s Hockey Team playing
against Rotterdam.
Sunday was a slightly more relaxing day with the girls fitting in three
hours of shopping before going to the Castle. Here the girls had a
brief tour and then experienced something that very few people
do – an underground tour below the Castle and its surrounds. This
is a new tourist attraction and had a mixed reception.
On Monday we headed back without even seeing the beach! This
was a busy but successful tour which has helped a number of girls
with their career choices.
DEBBY BIRD
HEAD OF SPORTS SCIENCE
Tour group at the Sports Science Institute.
ZULU
Sbusile Visagie, Xoli Sithole, Kheswa Mpamga
and Ayonelisa Mgxaji at the Zulu evening
FRENCH
Madame Caroline Griffiths with Sarah
Bonsma, Brogan Mitchell-Innes, Emily
Koenig and Hilton pupils at the French
breakfast at Hilton College.
This page is generously sponsored by Hilton College.
15
THE LARK
Drama
THE LARK
TWC’s production of Anouilh’s The Lark was notable for its
uniformly high level of acting. The all-girls’ cast was led by Chloë
Veness, who gave an outstanding performance in the pivotal role of
Joan of Arc. Alternately innocent, spirited, despairing and defiant,
she was ultimately deeply moving. Jordan Magrobi, as Cauchon,
achieved dignity, poise and quiet authority. Robyn Blessie was a
strong presence as the enigmatic and coldly austere Inquisitor,
cynically dismissive of stupidity and rebelliousness. Thokola
Zungu gave a highly effective performance of sustained hostility
and foolish, self-interested prejudice. Kelly MacDevette showed
an excellent understanding of Warwick’s English arrogance with
his supercilious approach to the French and the Church. Megan
Manley revealed her considerable comic flair in her portrayal of
the feeble, rather effete Dauphin, Charles. Zoë Nyombayire also
provided considerable humour in her assured portrayal of the
decadent, blustering de Baudricourt, duped by his own selfimportance. Kaylee Livanos, in an alien role for her, conveyed
the crudely ignorant and violent nature of Joan’s peasant father,
whilst Catherine Mundell, a downtrodden but spirited mother,
sang a moving lullaby. The trio of royal women were beautifully
contasted. Zintle Mduzulwana was delightful as the frivolous,
manipulative Agnes, Claire Jenkins was a firm and dignified Queen,
who refused to be disrespected, and Heather-Lynn Haldane was a
haughty and disdainful Queen Mother. With her regal stature and
beautiful voice, Sibulelo Jolwana was an authoritative Archbishop
and contrasted well with Bailey le Roux’s gruffly disaffected army
commander, le Tremouilles. Linda Sithole’s cheerful and lively
personality was well suited to the down-to-earth, loyal soldier,
La Hire. The foolish prejudices of the church were portrayed in
lively fashion by the monks, Stephanie Irons, Aviwe Cingo and
Tessa Winter. The balance to their outraged utterances came from
the earnest, sensitive Ladvenu of Andile Gcaba, who was deeply
sympathetic to Joan’s plight. Rosie Hawkins was hilarious as de
Baudricourt’s downtrodden steward, Dominique Neumann was an
alert and lively brother and Tana Chimanzi and Mbali Zimu coped
well as soldiers-cum-stage hands.
BREATHING FREEDOM
Breathing Freedom was a cultural experience delving into our
South African heritage. It was a musical, exploring various aspects
of poetry and dance. Because it was workshopped theatre, it
required many weeks of rehearsals and hard work. We realised
quite early on that writing and producing this show was not going
to be easy. Those of us who stayed with the production (Nonjabulo
Khuzwayo, Jabulile Zuma, Azra Khan and Paige Hartwell) after the
performance dates were put forward by a term, were grateful for
the experience. We did encounter our fair share of speed bumps.
However, with the help of our amazing directors, Mr Mbontsi
and Ms Hartley, we pulled through and gave an entertaining
performance. The energy levels and liveliness at rehearsals and in
our week-long performance of the show were only increased by our
fellow cast members from Epworth, GHS and Maritzburg College.
Azra Khan (Cast member)
18
The new lighting and sound equipment were operated with
skill and resourcefulness by Meaghan van der Velden, Deantha
Govender and Tashmira Bundiparsad, lighting and music being an
integral part of the production. An efficient backstage and makeup crew, led by the indefatigable Kelebone Sello, included also
Chloë Hayes, Keighley van Wyk, Latoya Gama, Thembekile Cele,
Lesley Jung, Helen Willemse and Rebecca Farquharson.
The costumes, cleverly designed by Moira Lovell, created a stunning
effect. The glittering royalty, nobility and high churchmen of the
Medieval era contrasted with the sombre and drab monks and
peasants and the play was visually beguiling. Once again Mrs
Marilyn Pattenden and Mrs Brenda Beckedahl made a valuable
contribution to the making of these costumes.
The staging was fluid and minimal, with benches, chairs and
wooden fences being used in a variety of inventive ways. The
Estates staff provided willing help with the repeated moving and
setting up of blocks and furniture, (Maureen Shange at the fore);
much of the simple set and some of the props were cleverly made
by the ingenious Mr Theunis Ferreira.
Thanks and congratulations go to all who were involved in this
admirable production, particularly Mr Antony Lovell, Mrs Moira
Lovell and Ms Jane Howes.
MILLENNIUM FUNK
The Wykeham Collegiate piece in Funk this year was entitled, The
Known is Finite, The Unknown Infinite. Choreographed by Les-lee
Robinson, it explored the notion of moving from the known into
the unknown. The dancers created clear physical images, working
in pairs and using the red door frames to indicate the transition
from their comfort zones to places that are challenging and
unfamiliar. The capable cast consisted of Katherine Brodie, Hannah
Chapman, Jemma Fox, Lisha Govender, Emma Henderson, Sarah
Macleod, Ashalia Naidoo, Ashraya Naidoo, Sinesipho Ngambu,
Shanna-Lee Rowe-Needham, Vianina Rugani and Sinoxolo Xaba.
MILLENNIUM
FUNK
TWC 2015
BREATHING FREEDOM
19
WIND ENSEMBLE
As always, the Wind Ensemble has had a productive and exciting
year. We performed at old age homes, many assemblies, and in
another successful Music over Maritzburg. Furthermore, this year
was the first year in which the Senior Wind Ensemble collaborated
with the Junior Wind Ensemble to perform at our Founders’ Day
service, hopefully the beginning of a new tradition. The Wind
Ensemble demands commitment and passion from its members
and it is because of this that the Wind Ensemble maintains its
excellent standard. Both Holly and I have been members of The
Wykeham Collegiate Wind Ensemble for nine years and this has
been one of the most memorable. From year to year, the Wind
Ensemble has been an integral part of school life, for both those
in the Wind Ensemble and those who are not. I am confident
that next year and for many years to come, the Wind Ensemble's
standard will be upheld under the dedication and guidance of Ms
Theron and it will remain an important and rewarding part of
many pupils’ lives.
Kate de Gruchy and Holly Edmonds
Kirsten Moody
Flautist, Kirsten Moody (inside front cover), was selected to
perform as a soloist with the Natal Philharmonic Orchestra in
Durban in September. Kirsten also played with Morgan Rowland
in the Rising Stars of KZK Concert.
20
Music
Choir
TWC
2015
CHOIR
After the Choir’s success at the National Choir Competition in
Pretoria last year, Mr Goosen decided that it was time for the Choir
to take part in many different events in 2015.
The year started off with the Choir Camp which always involves
many hours of singing and dedication. This camp enabled us to
bond as a group. Our first performance was at the 2016 Scholarship
cocktail party, in the TWC Theatre. This was an opportunity for the
Senior Choir to show the cultural side of the school to prospective
TWC parents and girls. A Prayers in Community service takes
place in the Atrium to remember the values that our school strives
to live by. We sang a lively gospel piece at this event. We travelled
up to Hilton College to perform in a mass singing event called
Music Mania, a performance with marimbas, bass instruments
and choral singers. The Choir performed multiple pieces. Another
of the Choir’s highlights was Music over Maritzburg. This event
allows people to relax, eat and enjoy music in an informal
environment. Another highlight was the KwaZulu-Natal Music
Festival, held in the Durban City Hall. It was a very large event that
incorporated many choirs and bands from schools in the area. The
Choir had the opportunity to sing with thousands of other people
– an unforgettable experience. In the 2015 SASMT Eisteddfod the
Choir received 89%. The adjudicator loved the mature sound of
the pieces and the interpretation.
Through the hard work of Mr Goosen and Mr Harty and all the
Choir members, we were able to make this year one that will never
be forgotten.
Stephanie Irons ( Head of Choir)
21
Art & Creative Writing
This poem was placed Joint Second in the Douglas Livingstone
Creative Writing Competition (Grade 10).
A Thousand Lives
The first was perfectly ordinary.
It began with whispered snowflake words that fell from her lips
as the mouse freed the lion.
It was nothing spectacular,
but it was the first.
From there it was a blur,
a literary haze of sprites and spirits
that she sought less for substance
than to sate her hunger.
In the final pages of the regency era,
where love seemed so much more simple,
she began to yearn for the lives that had passed
that with each turn of the page had slowly become
her own.
Before she was sixteen
she had lived a thousand lives,
in a thousand worlds,
with a thousand people
that filled the gaping hole of reality.
Isabelle Joubert (Grade 10)
Her proficiency increased with her shoe sizes
and she chose her robe,
turned her pen into a wand
and was sorted by the hat
as she joined those who made her feel less
alone.
Her love for that world never waned
as her last years of primary became distorted by dystopia.
She battled against tyrannical governments
and learned not about politics,
but rather how it felt to lose a soul from her swollen heart
to the savage ballpoint of an author.
In her teens she grew hair on her feet
and once again fell desperately in love with fantasy,
forgetting that she would have to leave
when the ring fell into the fire
and they went where she couldn’t follow.
She found solace soon after,
racing through dingy London streets with the injured army doctor
after the greatest detective
the world never knew.
And she wished her life was less ordinary.
A few more lives were added to her imaginary necropolis
with the bombs that fell in wartime Germany
and for once her tears were out of relief
as the Jewish fist fighter returned unharmed and death chose to
leave the book thief.
And she began to yearn for another place,
another time,
anywhere but there.
The change of the season
brought a rider on the wings of his sapphire dragon
who taught her more than school ever did
and that at some point things have to be left behind.
And she felt infinitesimally small.
22
Sarah te Riele
This poem was Highly Commended in the Douglas Livingstone
Creative Writing Competition (Grade 11).
A tribute to Keats
(1795-1821)
The desert flower blooms but once
Then, scorched by the desert sun
Wilts, its course short spent.
Yet such fleeting bloom
Forever hangs upon the desert wind:
Its thousand scents embalmed.
You walked but short
Upon this land
Fired by the Muse
Then, chilled by the icy wind
Died, with flames scarce burnt.
Yet such inchoate warmth
Forever holds upon this passing tide:
Your thousand words enshrined.
Katie Stofberg (Grade 11)
This poem was placed First in the
Douglas Livingstone Creative Writing
TWC
Charlie
Competition (Grade 12).
Real love is
Dealing with blankets of hair
Bitter DreamsGiving up half the bed
Accepting ratty gifts
It’s lights out in your mind.
One step at a time the lights turn off,
plummeting you deep into darkness.
You close your heavy eyes,
Grateful for the time when you are finally
alone with your thoughts.
And soon the thoughts will come.
Slowly you drift, not conscious of how they
follow one another.
You stumble over them,
And blinded, you kick out to stabilise
yourself and you’re jolted into reality.
Reassured you are safe –
You let Hypnos lure you back into his
Charlie
Always running around, catching
Helping with dinner
In and out, in and out
My favorites are
The late night cuddles
The fact that you are an excellent listener
And never judgmental
But most of all
The ginger tail tickles
The goodnight razor kisses
And the lullaby of purrs
darkness; his empty comfort.
Once asleep, the dreams come,
Georgia Bodmann (Grade 10)
Jumbled images of unuttered thoughts;
confused flashes; vivid ideas.
And soon you will see him,
The man who left you; the man whom you
lost; the man who died.
2015
This poem was Highly Commended in the
Crumbling
Thin wispy hair and a
soft wrinkled face.
Cotton jerseys and floral skirts
You, with Your skin-coloured pantihose
and comfortable shoes,
always carrying that black handbag
and wind-up camera that
never ran out of film.
Slowly, memory faded,
joints swelled, and a
walking-stick became Your best friend.
Old age had come quickly and with it
came the arthritis.
It robbed You of Your locomotion
and donated to You
immense pain.
Your already weak body could not
fight away the sickness and
You suffered for it.
We visited You in the hospital you know.
You were at Your worst and living in the
ICU.
You stared at me with glassy eyes
and called a name I did not recognise.
‘No, it’s me.’
I saw you suffer, and I crumbled.
And you will embrace him,
Momentarily material, real…
Kate de Gruchy (Grade 12)
Bronté McDonald
Eventually
You left us
As easily as a summer breeze
through a field of flowers.
Surrounded by mourning,
I crumbled until there was
almost nothing left.
Looking back,
I do not see the
hollowed cheeks and empty eyes.
I see Your sparkle and Your smile
I feel Your hug and Your love
I hear Your laugher…
and I crumble no more.
Ashalia Naidoo (Grade 11)
Yasmin Rousset
23
This short story was Highly Commended
in the Douglas Livingstone Creative
Writing Competition (Grade 12).
The Living Goddess
The scent of incense mingled with
the smell of raw sewage wafts through
the dusty air. The cramped streets teem
with people. Amongst the busyness of
craftsmen selling their goods, tea shops,
art studios and motorbikes, a lone figure
stumbles. It is a young girl with long,
thick black hair and a distressed look on
her face. She cannot walk properly. For the
last eight years her feet have not touched
the ground. She has only been carried.
Such is the life of a living goddess…until
now.
Traditionally, goddesses only exist in
the spiritual realm, but in Nepal they
live and breathe. Young girls from the
Shakya clan of the Newari community,
who show specific qualities, are believed
to be the reincarnation of the goddess of
power and slayer of demons, Durga. These
girls undergo rigorous testing and rituals,
to determine whether the spirit of the
goddess has truly entered their bodies.
The girls selected are known as ‘Kumari’.
Samita clearly remembers her selection,
despite being only five-years-old at the
time. After her parents died from cholera,
she went to live with her uncle. The
selection process for a new Kumari was
about to begin. Her uncle excitedly noted
that her horoscope matched that of the
king and that her teeth were perfectly
straight and white. Her hair was long and
thick, her eyes prominent and expressive.
Her body was unblemished and free
from disfigurement. He took her to the
selection proceedings, held in the centre
of the village.
She was told that she had the thirtytwo attributes needed to be eligible for
selection. Among the items her uncle had
noted, she had ‘eyelashes like a cow’, ‘a
chest like a lion’, ‘a voice clear and soft like
a duck's’, ‘thighs like a deer’ and a ‘neck
like a conch shell’. (Samita had absolutely
no idea what a conch shell was, but she
supposed it was a good thing from all the
attention she received because of it.)
After her physical traits were assessed
and deemed apt, she had to endure ‘the
black night’. Samita was placed in a dark
24
room and had to spend a night among
the ritually slaughtered heads of goats
and water buffaloes. Men in evil masks
danced around her while making loud,
scary noises. The girl that was the true
reincarnation of the goddess would
remain calm, composed and show no fear.
As Samita’s late parents owned a meat
shop, she was accustomed to being in the
presence of animal carcasses. The men in
masks reminded her simply of her father
when he came home after drinking too
much.
Thus, Samita became a Kumari. Not
just any Kumari, but the Royal Kumari of
Kathmandu. Unlike other Kumaris, such
as the girl across town in Bhaktapur, she
was unable to go to school or experience
anything fairly close to a normal life. She
lived in isolation, rarely having playmates
and was restricted from going outside.
She appeared to the public only at certain
times, carried on a gold palanquin.
Now she is outside, and she is alone,
with no one to carry her. The outside
world is a complete stranger. She does not
understand how people are just walking
past her. A month ago people would stare
at her in awe and bow their foreheads to
her feet in respect. She had to learn how
to stay completely silent and passive when
people came to see her, as every move
she made was taken as a prediction of
something. Laughing or crying would
mean serious illness to the worshipper
visiting her. If she yawned or rubbed her
eyes, she would unwittingly forecast their
death. She often grew quite bored, but
enjoyed all the attention.
Now no one, not a single soul, pays
one iota of attention to her. She feels lost
and desperately distraught. After being
told for years that she was the earthly
reincarnation of divine female energy,
she began to believe it. Then, one day, she
woke up in a pool of red and everything
changed. Her dresser came in after
hearing her screams to comfort her, but
immediately recoiled upon seeing the
blood. Samita is now ‘ritually unclean’.
With the onset of Samita’s puberty, the
goddess has vacated her body. Her time
as a living goddess is at an end. Other
Kumaris would traditionally return to their
families and try to integrate into normal
life. Samita does not have this option,
as her parents are already dead and her
uncle has moved to India to work. She has
not heard from him for three years. The
people who had previously looked after
and worshipped her have no need for her
now, and so she has simply been thrown
into the streets of Kathmandu. She is left
with nothing, save for the clothes on her
back and her memories.
Samita feels completely disoriented.
This place is chaotic. She is not used
to the noise, dirt and dust. With steely
determination she struggles along,
working with an effort to place one foot
in front of the other. She is hungry. She
sees three gaunt children running towards
a building. She slowly follows them into
a dimly-lit room and sees rows and rows
of tables filled with young people. A white
woman brings her a bowl of rice and
smiles at her. ‘Hey, darling. Haven’t seen
you before. What’s your name?’
Surprised to be spoken to in English,
Samita replies, ‘I am Samita, Royal Kumari
of Kathmandu.’
In the past, Kumaris had no education
as they were believed to be omniscient.
However, modernisation and pressure
from international organisations have led
to Kumaris having private tutors. Samita
was taught English by her teacher, Manjit.
Oh, how she missed him. She saw him as
she was being led out of the palace, and he
refused even to look at her.
‘Oh, deary me. So you’re the one
they’ve kicked out. The problems of being
a woman, right? Well, you’re lucky you
found us. We’ll look after you. My name
is Sara.’
Sara becomes Samita’s saviour. A
British woman passionate about helping
children, she set up an orphanage in the
middle of Kathmandu. Samita is lucky to
have found help so quickly. She now has
a bed and two hot meals a day. She has to
share a room with five other girls and does
not have as many clothes as before. It is
not a lifestyle she is accustomed to, but
she is smart enough to quickly realise that
it is the best she can get.
Her transition from goddess to mortal
has begun.
Alex Neumann (Grade 12)
Trees
Maybe if I make these
Words look like poetry,
I can convince myself
They are.
Think outside the box,
But put your thoughts
In neat little boxes
So they look profound.
Capture this moment
– The present –
And wrap it up,
Make it look pretty.
You have a poetic licence,
Drive it to a place where
People’s odds (and words)
Are evenly distributed.
Maybe if I make these
Words look like poetry,
I can convince someone
They are.
So easily convinced
This is a poem about
Trees, they won’t let me
Convince them it’s not.
Anna Tchalov (Grade 12)
TWC
Capturing a Moment
Click, click… Another wonderful moment
captured. I absolutely love that sound. The
sound of that click may be an ordinary
sound to everybody else, but to me it
represents another splendid moment that
I have been able to catch.
I am the memory box for people who find
it rather difficult to remember their pasts.
I am like a save button for what they see
and desperately hope to remember. I feel
what I do for people is very important and
significant. After all, I am the most efficient
way for people to remember things they
could not hope to.
My job as a camera is quite simple. A blink
of my eye can have the most exhilarating
results. In my life I have captured unique
and
extraordinary
moments
from
friendship to nature to the Eiffel Tower. My
captures are first-class, with vibrant colour
and images that almost look painted,
although there are times when I do not like
what I see and that results in less appealing
captures.
I travel all around the world and see things
impossible to imagine. I am now currently
in the middle of a game drive. Animals are
scant for the moment so I am trying to relax
and relieve my muscles. Just a few minutes
ago the people saw elephants up close and I
was put under immense pressure to rapidly
blink and work my muscles to capture all
those images. It was frenetic and wore me
out.
Abbie Sauter
2015
Halfway through renewing my energy I
hear shouts of ‘lion’ being called out. I
groan as someone grasps me and, digging
their fingers painfully into me, sets me up
so I am ready for the moment. Something
flickers at the corner of my vision. I strain
my sight as far as I can go to get a closer
look. Everything is dead silent. My vision
becomes blurry as I look too far to focus.
As I fix my sight, a young male lion emerges
from the bush. The silence breaks with
a flurry of clicking sounds. I blink as fast
as I can, trying to get every moment. I try
different angles with different lighting so I
can seize the pride and magnificence of the
beast.
Eventually it strolls away, shaking its
shaggy mane. I skim through my captives,
frowning and discarding the ones that
came out distorted.
Finally the day is over and I am put into my
snug home where I feel myself shutting
down. As I drift off, I have a thought. People
should live more like me. Sometimes their
lives can be unfocused and confusing, as
my vision is occasionally. But if I am patient
and know what I want to see, eventually my
vision clears and I get a great shot. People
should be patient for their lives to become
clear and focus on what they want and
what is important so that they can live all
the great and worthwhile moments and, of
course, use me to capture them.
Nooreen Nuruddin (Grade 9)
Bronté McDonald
25
Pink Comfort
I provide comfort. My duty is to cushion
and insulate. Baby pink in colour with a
soft lamb-skin inner. A luxury, I am called,
as I am unwrapped and visible to her for
the first time. I listen with intent as I assess
my unfamiliar possessor.
Her sweet, six-room cottage, which I now
call home, is situated in a retirement
village. She lives alone, after recently losing
her spouse. She wears me constantly. I
am placed beside her bed every night as
she slowly moulds me to fit, soothe and
console her.
Two years on and things are not as
pleasant as when I first arrived. Although
my condition is now faded and poor and
my odour far less appealing, I am still a
favourite. However, I am concerned about
her. She weeps more and smiles less. She
drinks more and eats less. I listen as she
constantly complains of an ache in her
spine. I watch her stomach enlarge and
her zest for life deplete. My favourite
days are when her family visit. She beams
and laughs and this is when she is at her
happiest.
We recently moved to a new home. One
that smells of antiseptic and old people. We
live in a stark room with nurses continually
running in and out. It is not a hospital,
of that I am sure, as I have been to many
in the past eleven months. This centre is
different. Here she is forced to eat more
and drink less. She is regularly bathed
and for the first time, so am I. However,
her enthusiasm and vigour remain nonexistent. I am even more concerned about
her now. She seems to be in her own world.
She is confused and agitated. She pulls me
on, then off. Sometimes I am flung to the
other side of the room.
Her family still visit, but I wonder if she
really knows who they are, as she no longer
laughs and does not seem to understand
what they speak about.
A few days ago, they brought her a gift.
Pink like me but new with sparkles. I was
shoved under the bed by the nurses as they
made her show off her new present. She
did not like it. I heard her shout and howl
for me. Shortly after, I was swept up and
placed where I belong.
You see, she knows me. Well worn, I
provide the last bit of stability and certainty
in her life. I still cushion and insulate. I
am perfectly moulded to fit, soothe and
console her. Above all, I provide both
physical and emotional comfort.
This poem was placed Joint Second in the
Mr Dickens
A silhouetted cat stalks amongst the
flowers
Engaged for hours
A dog barks disrupting the peace
and the cat scrumbles up the old tree
attached like glue
his hair standing on end like an electric
bottle brush
I gently coax him down
blue eyes mesmerise me
my greeting a guttural purr
Mr Dickens my friend
is always spunky
never grumpy
master of my home.
Erin Smith (Grade 10)
Sarah Macleod (Grade 9)
Kirsten Couling
26
Tarah Wright
This story was placed First in the Douglas Livingstone Creative
Writing Competition (Grade 12 Short Story).
Mancando
Her alarm was set for 7:00am every morning, and it was of the
utmost importance that the alarm never failed to go off. She stooped
up and out of bed, her limbs, toes and fingers resembling twigs
painfully snapping and cracking as she bent them. She was not one
for complaining. She really had not been one for complaining since
the day, ten years ago, when she woke up and everything hurt.
She noticed a slip of paper with her pills on it, and her scraggly
handwriting, barely readable on a note beside them. Her
intelligence had never wavered; it was her memory that frustrated
her. She shuffled through from her bedroom to the kitchen,
passing shelves of books which she now intended to reread and
years of journals from her years at Cambridge, which she regretted
writing, even though they were a glimpse into her memory, as they
consisted of the introspective ramblings of a teenager.
She busied herself with the garden, the Spectator and internally
cursing all movies in which the elderly protagonist found love at
the end. It was unrealistic, she thought, that any old woman living
in a retirement village would ever manage to find such a thing.
A dark-haired woman entered her house. It took Mrs Anderson
a minute to recognise this woman as her daughter. And still then
she could not remember which one, or why she had come. Jessica
smiled at her mother; this was the reception she was used to.
Needless to say, Mrs Anderson had forgotten her outing. Sunday
meant Sunday Lunch, but this was only helpful if one could
remember which day it was. Mrs Anderson let Jessica help her into
the car, and detested herself for being a nuisance. Jessica snatched
the walking stick, handbag and umbrella from behind the door
and locked it in such a way that Mrs Anderson understood that
this was routine procedure.
They sat next to one another in comfort, Mrs Anderson slowly,
in a wavering voice, telling her what a busy day she had had. Her
daughter's mind was on work, the house, the children, the dogs,
and everything else. Mrs Anderson kept talking; she had not talked
to anyone else for a while, although she could tell by her daughter’s
eyes that she was basically talking to herself anyway. The only
time her daughter snapped into action was at Mrs Anderson’s
occasionally racist, inappropriate comment, and it was then only
to say, ‘Oh! Don’t say that, Mum!’
Mrs Anderson enjoyed Sunday Lunch. Her grandchildren
were pleasant, although not at all distinguishable, and the food,
satisfactory, although not at all the Sunday Roast she always
expected yet never received. And although the only activity Mrs
Anderson had done all day was in her mind, she was exhausted.
Her youngest granddaughter, with her rough table manners
and the intrusive habit of changing the topic to suit her, smiled at
her. ‘I’m studying music next year, Gran,’ she said. Mrs Anderson
stopped. Her granddaughter could not study music.
How was she to make a living for herself if all she ever did
was play around on the piano? Mrs Anderson planned to think
obsessively about it. She would plan speeches about how studying
music was not at all the way to go. She would convince her
daughter to convince her daughter not to make such a mistake.
TWC
2015
There would be nothing that could take her mind off it. Nothing
was more important. This decision would ruin the child’s life. Mrs
Anderson’s mind was spinning. This was the end of her family, she
thought.
And yet the rest of her family had moved on. They were debating
the use of the word ‘like’. Nobody else seemed to find the news
as shocking. Nobody else’s lives seemed to have been affected. It
occurred to Mrs Anderson that perhaps her immediate reaction
was melodramatic, and that there was a slight possibility the girl
would realise her mistake before it was too late. It also occurred to
her that the news was not so shocking; because perhaps it wasn’t
the first time she had been told.
Mrs Anderson hovered over her bed and collapsed into it in a
way which prevented her muscles and bones from waging war on
one another. She closed her eyes and thought of how much news
her family must have made a decision not to tell her more than
once. There was worse, much worse, which she was not being told
out of fear of her presumed over-reaction and rude judgements
which might follow. She had been told them once, probably, and
for a moment her tiny world would have collapsed. Her son-inlaw's death, her grandson’s depression, her daughter’s anger, her
family feud over money. She knew it all, somewhere. But at this
moment all she knew was that her granddaughter was giving
up her education to pursue music, and Mrs Anderson could not
remember ever hearing her play.
The family must be brave to tell her over and over again of
their terrible traumas. But if it does not go well at the first telling,
well then they can always try again. And if day after day Gran is
irreconcilably disturbed, the family makes the executive decision
not to tell her again.
It’s different for Mrs Anderson. She looked over at her note next
to her pills with the reminder to ‘tell family what doctor said’. But
she knew she could not bring herself to do it. For them, delivering
hard news to someone who will forget was easy. For her, it had the
weight and consequences all bad news should carry. She would tell
her family, who could never forget, and put them at far too much
of an inconvenience.
And with that she lay in bed, thinking of the only thing she
could ever remember. ‘I’m in pain, and I’m dying.’ And she slept.
Kate de Gruchy (Grade 12)
Bronté McDonald
This page is generously sponsored by The Neumann Family.
27
This poem was placed First in the
This is poetry too
Faded Silver
Time
This is not for me
Writing poetry, that is
I’m the one that draws
And paints
I’ll have grey pencil stains
On the skin of my right hand,
She’ll have blue ink
Sunken
In the cuticle of her bitten down third
finger nail
A poet’s hand
This is my favourite difference between us
Soft twisted knuckles
hide
the once glowing face
cherry lips, red dresses
curled hair, late nights
white wine and a cigarette
How is it that you have been here
Since the very beginning
Growing older each day
But never dying
Becoming wiser but never realising
That you leave us behind
As you progress into the future
Silver hair tarnished with
faded elegance
woollen jerseys
soft shoes
clove oil
You make our present become the past
And the past, a memory
Never to be relived.
Before realisation comes in,
You are gone
Too far ahead to be reached
I glance over at her paper
It is filled with scribbles of blue
Words are scattered
As are her thoughts
She gently turns her head to look at
My empty page
Then in my empty eyes
I say, ‘I’m not the one
That’s supposed to be writing
I’m supposed to watch you write.’
She exhales a soft laugh
And continues to write
Without a fumble or a pause
I sit next to her
Breathing
And sketching
Cursing myself for not having words
brave vestige of a smooth gait
tightly wound wool ball
loosening as she knits
the radio banters
she softens
the birds come to her
for peanut butter
she sighs, old age whisper
twirling mirage of youth.
Laura du Toit (Grade 11)
I wish I could go back
To when Time was young and foolish
And perhaps I could persuade it
To walk its journey with us
Side by side,
To wait for us
When we get left behind
And to pause with us
When we feel too tired to go on
Samantha Wessels (Grade 12)
She stops to watch again and
It makes me nervous
To have her bright green eyes on me
I am constantly determined to impress her
To never let her down
Then I see her pale hand
Scribble on my page of pointless drawings
‘This is poetry too.’
Daniela Torino (Grade 11)
Linda Sithole
28
Jordan Magrobi was a Finalist in The
Witness True Stories of KwaZulu-Natal
Competition.
Blood Rush
In South Africa, there are certain
speed limits for certain roads. I know
this, because I have started learning for
my learner's licence test. Unless stated
otherwise, on residential roads one should
not go over 60km/h, and on freeways
120km/h.
This flashes through my mind as I’m
forced backwards against the passenger
seat of the vehicle in which I am speeding
along the N3. I glance at the speedometer
– 140… 170… 160 – and then at the face of
the driver next to me. Mirrored sunglasses,
pursed lips: I can read nothing.
Through the windscreen - which I
imagine myself catapulting towards
should we collide with anyone or anything
- I see cars part for us, as though we are
opposite poles of magnets, repelling and
repelled. Framed in my tinted window, I
see what seem like millions of split-second
faces painted with shock and terror.
The terror is not due to my grimace, but
rather the vehicle I am in. The ambulance,
equipped with a siren and flashing lights,
speeding along the highway, is quite a
sight.
I am not in the ambulance because
of a heart attack, being poisoned by
my sister, or a backflip gone wrong,
but rather because for as long as I can
remember I have hero-worshipped the
ice-demeanoured, jumpsuited trauma
workers who are not scared to get dirty
when things go wrong. It’s school holidays,
and I am doing my work experience with a
local Pietermaritzburg private ambulance
service. After hours of cleaning the
ambulance and making the coffee, I’m
finally attending a callout.
The song playing from the radio is not
one of the usual fast and upbeat ones that
I hear so often on East Coast Radio, but
rather a tender, unhurried song, which
seems to be the only slow thing among the
racing hearts, speeding cars, my anxious
tapping fingers and darting eyes. The rise
and fall of the melody makes me realise
that I am holding my breath, as I tend to
TWC
do in stressful situations. I take a deep
breath, filling my lungs and embracing
the feeling of oxygen in my bloodstream
once again. I take my eyes off the road,
and look around the vehicle.
The back of the ambulance is what
my mother wishes my room looked
like more often – exquisitely clean,
perfectly ordered. A place for everything,
and everything in its place. There are
hundreds of life-saving tools and I try to
remember what I have been taught about
them. The air is dry and smells vaguely of
disinfectant and cigarette smoke, because
Death is a jealous god, and for every life
they save, the paramedics pay the price
through heavy nicotine addiction.
Lurched forward in my seat, I realise
that we have arrived at the scene of the
car crash. I jump out of the vehicle –
instinct telling me to get away from the
lightning fast van. My steps away from
the ambulance are quickly halted. Having
worried only about the car ride here, I
have not prepared myself for the scene
before me.
My eyes follow the ploughed path made
by the small red car in the long grass next
to the road. The wound in the wildflowers
bleeds out ochre soil, and this scene alone
makes me shiver. The smell of burning
brakes and cut grass lingers in the humid
air and pieces of glass reflect piercing
sun's rays into my eyes. The paramedics
are one hundred steps ahead of me.
2015
With practised efficiency they separate
onlookers from injured, critical from
inconsequential.
The high-pitched wailing is coming, not
from the figure flung from the car into the
grass rushes during the accident, but from
those sick with worry, standing around.
Intent on defying Death, a paramedic
continues CPR, sweat pouring from
her face. It pools on the ground, futile
water for the uprooted grasses. The CPR
continues, futile bloodrush for the now
uprooted life.
The happy Durban-goers passing us by
think of the accident only for a moment or
two – maybe some will acknowledge their
turn to continue to live with a sober ‘that
could so easily have been us’, followed by
a request to turn up the radio, so as not to
dampen any spirits.
The wails sound softer now, defeated, as
family members are ushered away. Death
lingers for a little while longer, and then
all at once it’s back to business. The cleanup begins; ambulances are re-packed,
ready for the next battle.
The grotesque once-car will be towed
away within the next hour or so, letting all
lives return to normal – those of the flora
and fauna. The wound in the grass will
soon heal, and after a little while longer
the hearts of the man’s family members
will slowly begin to repair themselves.
Jordan Magrobi (Grade 12)
Sinoxolo Xaba
29
Environment
Club
It has been a productive and wonderful
year for the Environment Committee.
Within a week or two, the six
Committee members and Mrs Bennett
began planning activities for the year.
We kicked off with our 'tyre' project in which we would plant various plants
in recycled tyres. Whilst we eagerly
cleaned and painted these tyres,
friendships were formed amongst girls
in various grades.
As a committee, we decided to
introduce a 'sunrise morning' and all
who attended agreed that the very early
hour was indeed worth it for the wonderful
company, rusks and spectacular view. In
order to raise funds for the Rhino Army, we
set up a stall at our annual school Market
Day and managed to raise a substantial
amount. Owing to weather constraints,
the Junior School Rhino Fun Run was
unfortunately cancelled. However, we
managed to raise a pleasing amount from
donations alone, which we were happy to
pass on to the Rhino Army.
For a bit of fun, we introduced the
class plant competition, in which each
registration class was tasked with the
care and cultivation of a spekboom
(Portulacaria afra). Whilst some thrived,
others tragically died or went missing
in action. A special congratulations to
Mevrou van Rooijen, whose tireless care
Societies
for her plant, Marta, won her the Green
Thumb Award for the winning plant.
After a busy and enjoyable year, I
can truly say that it has been a great
privilege leading such a committee.
Nonetheless, this year would not have
been possible without Mrs Bennett's
support and dedication; we would like
to thank her for all that she has done for
us. I wish the girls in the Environment
Committee of 2016 all the best.
Meghan Hawken (Environment
Council Member and Head of the
Environment Committee)
Stephanie Irons
30
Societies
TWC
2015
Debating
Although we started off the year with a very small senior team,
meaning that we could enter only one team into the league,
Debating has still had a wonderful year. Other than debating in
the Pietermaritzburg League, we also participated in a Model UN
Debate on G20 goals, where different delegations of two to three
girls each represented Australia, Zambia and Mexico respectively.
Mexico, which was represented by Caitlin Militz, Nicole Player
and Sibulelo Jolwana, was ranked first overall, and Caitlin Militz
was ranked as one of the best speakers of the entire Debate, which
consisted of about twenty delegations with two to three members
each.
We also had a tremendous year in the Pietermaritzburg league.
The junior team made it all the way to the quarter-finals, and for
the first time in TWC history, the senior team made it to the finals,
which is an amazing achievement. Although the team did not
win the final, this historic achievement is a testament to all of the
hard work that the girls have put into Debating this year. Kelsey
Moodley was selected for the KZN team.
Thank you very much to Mrs Esterhuysen for heading up
Debating, pushing us to achieve our best, and helping us with
every single one of our debates, despite her other commitments.
Most importantly, thank you to the girls for sacrificing their time
and energy for debating this year. I hope they have benefited.
Sibulelo Jolwana, Nicole Player and
Caitlin Militz, winners of the UN Debate.
Amanda Peake, Tashiana Roshan and
Natasha Balmer came 2nd in the UN Debate.
Sibulelo Jolwana (Head of Debating)
Gospel Choir
The Gospel Choir in 2015 started on a high
note. Our numbers expanded to the largest
they have ever been. We came together for
practice on Tuesdays during Clubs and on
Wednesdays from 5-6 pm. We would all
look forward to coming together and
bonding, laughing, sharing weekend
stories and, of course, the main reason
for our gatherings, to use our God-given
talents to praise and worship through
song. The Gospel Choir is known for its
versatility and this year we expanded
by singing a range of songs from Ringo
Madlingozi to Tre McLaughlin. We also
introduced a bible reading time. Each
person had the opportunity to share a verse
with the Choir. This helped each of us gain
more knowledge of the book of the Lord
and we were able to draw closer to God.
With the help of Nkk Makhanya, Kagiso
Morudu and the UKZN Gospel Choir, we
managed to excel at the Maritzburg Gospel
Choir Festival at Maritzburg College.
We would like to thank each of the staff
members and girls who came to support us
on that night and throughout the year. The
support was greatly appreciated. And of
course the biggest thanks go to all the 2015
Choir sisters for sharing their talent and for
their love and support. We wish you all the
best for the future, especially the Heads of
2016: Maduo Dijeng and Nina Rugani.
Ziyanda Mbodla and Zintle Mduzulwana
(Head and Vice-Head of Gospel Choir )
31
Prizewinners
GRADE 8
GRADE 10 HALF-COLOURS
Life Sciences
GRADE 8 MERIT CERTIFICATES
Hannah Chapman
Chelsea-Belle Gevers
Caragh Groeneveld
Megan Laithwaite
Kayla Westerdyk
Advanced Programme
Mathematics
Sigrid Aadnesgaard
Kate Archibald
Jade Brender-A-Brandis
Luzaan de Wit
Melissa Dutton
Tomelilla Gopp
Paige Mackenzie
Erin Muirhead
Aaliyah Sacoor
Hannah Volker
Nicola Wheeler
GRADE 9
Emma Anderson
Jodie Conolly
Chloë Hayes
Margot Inglis
Rebecca Irons
Lethokuhle Kunene
Julia Lawrie
Sarah Macleod
Yasha Nair
Dominique Neumann
Nooreen Nuruddin
Sarah Joy Quibell
Gianna Salamon
Ellen Shute
Rachel Taylor
Georgia Timson
Kayla van der Westhuizen
Mary Wheeler
GRADE 10
Katherine Brodie
Emma Daugherty
Husnaa Desai
Kate Dunton
Morghan Flanagan
Sarah Forde
Georgina Griffin
Lucy Hellens
Haseena Kajee
Sophie Learmonth
Keneuoe Matete
Olwethu Mfeka
Julia Schoonbee
Samantha Yeats
GRADE 10 FULL COLOURS
Grace Grant
Mathematics
Isabelle Joubert
Grace Grant
Jessica Hirschowitz
Isabelle Joubert
Brittany Spanier-Marson
Tessa Winter
Mathematical Literacy
SUBJECT PRIZES: GRADE 10
Physical Sciences
Accounting
Christin Dent
Music
Sarah Bristow
Tessa Winter
Megan Laithwaite
Sports and Exercise Science
Afrikaans First Additional
Language
Visual Arts
Caragh Groeneveld
Jordyn Glanfield
Isabelle Joubert
Business Studies
Rachel Sweeney
Computer Applications
Technology
Georgia Bodmann
Consumer Studies
Megan Laithwaite
Dramatic Arts
Tessa Winter
English
Grace Grant
French Second Additional
Language
Olwethu Mfeka
Geography
Sarah-Jane Muller
History
Grace Grant
isiZulu Second Additional
Language
Nomzamo Khanyile
Italian Second Additional
Language
Dina Errico
Life Orientation
Tessa Winter
Life Sciences
Brittany Spanier-Marson
32
Jessica Hirschowitz
This page is generously sponsored by The Neumann Family.
GRADE 11
Natasha Balmer
Ivanna Dede
Maduo Dijeng
Laura du Toit
Rebecca Farquharson
Sphumelele Khuzwayo
Towela Mwandila
Prajna Naiker
Thembeka Ngomane
GRADE 11 HALF-COLOURS
Jessica Baxter
Lucy Bryant
Katlego Dingake
Aaliyah Edris
Heather-Lynn Haldane
Marianne Harvey
Kayleigh Hughes
Fern Inman-Bamber
Deantha Govender
Andile Madlala
Talya Mason
Zaheera Mota
Catherine Mundell
Ashley Slater
Amber Stead
Kathryn Stofberg
Cinzia Whalley
Jabulile Zuma
Prizewinners
GRADE 11 FULL COLOURS
Elizabeth Burchmore
Beth Conolly
Kirsten Moody
Ashalia Naidoo
Ashleigh Reimers
Tashiana Roshan
TWC
Business Studies
isiZulu Second Additional Language
Nonjabulo Khuzwayo
Technology
Life Orientation
Ashleigh Reimers
Consumer Studies
Meaghan van der Velden
GRADE 11 HONOURS
Shana-Lee Bownes
Jessica Dutton
Charné Glanz
Luyanda Gumede
Cailin Harries
Moyosore Lawal-Solarin
Nadine Maartens
Cassidy Robertson
Morgan Rowland
SUBJECT PRIZES: GRADE 11
Language
Moyosore Lawal-Solarin
Life Sciences
Morgan Rowland
Dramatic Arts
Advanced Programme
Mathematics
Cassidy Robertson
English
Mathematics
Charné Glanz
Cassidy Robertson
Advanced Programme English
Charné Glanz
Courtney Price Moor
Language
Music
Stephanie Bridgeford
Geography
Cassidy Robertson
Outstanding Geographer
Accounting
2015
Shana-Lee Bownes
History
Morgan Rowland
Physical Sciences
Sports and Exercise Science
Joné Marx
Visual Arts
Beth Conolly
Charné Glanz
Nadine Maartens
Elizabeth Platt (Dux), Ms Tasker, Caitlin Militz (White Blazer), Kelly MacDevette (Runner-up to Dux)
Caitlin was awarded the coveted White Blazer, the highest award TWC bestows on a pupil, for her achievement of Academic
and Sporting Honours and Cultural Colours.
33
Prizewinners
SPECIAL PRIZES
The Old Girls’ Award for
Commitment
Jodie Conolly
The Adée Varney Award for
Selflessness
Sarah Joy Quibell
Parents’ Association Rose Bowl
for Service to the School
Enrolment awards for girls who
have been at The Wykeham
Collegiate since grade r
Violet Comrie
Nina Holzbach
Aimee Houghting
Claire Jenkins
Brydie McCleary
Chelsea Meiring
Joanna Michowicz
FULL COLOURS
Nicola Brill
Kristine Davies
Caylin de Wet
Claire Jenkins
Joanna Michowicz
Alexandra Neumann
Santhuri Padayachee
Ashley Richardson
Thokola Zungu
Chelsea-Belle Gevers
The 2007 Grade 12 Trophy for
Enthusiasm, Involvement and
Encouragement
Jodie Koenig
Raciborska Trophy for
Commitment to Community
(shared)
Tashiana Roshan
Morgan Rowland
The Morelle Phipson Endeavour
Trophy
Natasha Balmer
UKZN Outstanding
Achievement Award for top
Physical Sciences and
Mathematics
Cassidy Robertson
FIRST IN GRADE
Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Nicola Wheeler
Kayla van der Westhuizen
Grace Grant
Morgan Rowland
Enrolment Awards for girls who
Collegiate since Grade 1
Kate de Gruchy
Caylin de Wet
Ziyanda Mbodla
Chloë Veness
ACADEMIC CERTIFICATES
MERIT CERTIFICATES
Robyn Blessie
Violet Comrie
Kirsten Couling
Sinethemba Dlamini
Holly Edmonds
Hannah Edwards
Sesetu Holomisa
Samantha Lategan
Kelebone Sello
Linda Sithole
Sarah te Riele
Sarah Thornton
Chloë Veness
Samantha Wessels
Tarah Wright
HALF-COLOURS
GRADE 12
GRADE 12 PRIZEWINNERS
ENROLMENT AWARDS
Enrolment awards for girls who
Collegiate since grade RR
Nicola Brill
Kirsten Couling
Holly Edmonds
Hannah Edwards
Chenéy Firman
Stephanie Irons
Amy Johnson
Ashley Richardson
Megan Attwood
Minenhle Chiliza
Brittany Dorning
Alice Finlay
Talia Goga
Lisha-Mikara Govender
Meghan Hawken
Bailey le Roux
Neo Lerata
Megan Manley
Amanda Peake
Anna Tchalov
HONOURS
Kate de Gruchy
Nina Holzbach
Sibulelo Jolwana
Kelly MacDevette
Jordan Magrobi
Caitlin Militz
Elizabeth Platt
Nicole Player
SUBJECT PRIZES
Accounting
Nina Holzbach
Language
Bailey le Roux
Business Studies
Sibulelo Jolwana
Technology
Yasmin Rousset
Consumer Studies
Nina Holzbach
Dramatic Arts: Practical Award
Hannah Edwards
Dramatic Arts: Progress Prize
Chloë Veness
Dramatic Arts: Subject Prize
Megan Manley
English Home Language
Sibulelo Jolwana
Advanced Programme English
Alexandra Neumann
Language
Kelly MacDevette
34
This page is generously sponsored by Kearsney College.
Prizewinners
TWC
2015
GRADE 12 PRIZEWINNERS
Back Row: Emma Chapman, Sinoxolo Xaba, Alexandra Neumann, Holly Edmonds, Amanda Peake, Kristine Davies, Nina Holzbach,
Megan Manley, Kelly MacDevette.
Front Row: Elizabeth Platt, Kate de Gruchy, Sibulelo Jolwana, Megan Attwood, Hannah Edwards, Brittany Dorning, Caitlin Militz,
Chloë Veness, Nicola Brill, Megan Smith, Bailey le Roux, Chelsea Meiring.
Geography
Physical Sciences
Megan Attwood
Kelly MacDevette
German Second Additional
Language
Sport and Exercise Science
Bailey le Roux
Kate de Gruchy
Kristine Davies
Visual Arts: Practical Prize
History
Bronté McDonald
Bowman-Edgar Trophy for
Motivation, Enthusiasm and
Determination
Elizabeth Platt
isiZulu First Additional
Language
Visual Arts: Progress Prize
Sinoxolo Xaba
Visual Arts: Subject Award
Thokola Zungu
Bronté McDonald
Life Orientation
SPECIAL PRIZES: GRADE 12
Elizabeth Platt
Megan Smith
Life Sciences
Alexandra Neumann
Mathematics
Kelly MacDevette
Advanced Programme
Mathematics
Nicola Brill
Brittany Dorning
Music
Kate de Gruchy
Edwards & Waite Trophy for
Sportsmanship
Bailey le Roux
Clifton-Parks Trophy for Senior
Sportswoman of the Year
Caitlin Militz
Monica Gorny Trophy - most
distinguished Sportswoman
Chelsea Meiring
The Deysel-Theron Trophy
for Excellent Practical
Musicianship
The Wykeham School
Commemorative Trophy for
Contribution to Music
Amanda Peake
Rose Ella Waring Trust Trophy
Caitlin Militz
David Brown Trophy
Holly Edmonds
The Cousins Family Trophy
Elizabeth Platt
The Morton Trophy for Good
Fellowship
Emma Chapman
Runner-up to Dux Award
Kelly MacDevette
The Rutherfoord Rose Bowl for
Dux
Elizabeth Platt
Kate de Gruchy
Holly Edmonds
35
PRIZE-GIVING ADDRESS: 2015
BY GUEST OF HONOUR, MOIRA LOVELL
Over the years my colleagues in the English
Department and I have been responsible for
asking you – and I’m speaking particularly to
the Grade 12s now – to present a number of oral
tasks, among which have been formal prepared
speeches. I know these tasks have been gruelling,
but may I suggest that to stand up in the year
of one’s retirement to give the formal address
at a Grade 12 prize-giving is perhaps the most
daunting of all oral tasks. I undertake it with
some trepidation and with a sense that there is
perhaps some divine justice in the world after all
– that the one who has for so long been testing, is
now put to the test.
Each one of us is a book and by the time we
reach the end of our lives we will consist of a
number of chapters. Some of us will be short
books – novellas; some will be great volumes –
tomes. Some will be thrillers; some, romances;
some, of Shakespearean complexity; some, sheer
poetry; some, epic, some, profound. It is not in
our power to know what length of book or which
genre of book we will be. But right now, each
one of you – Grade 12s – is moving inexorably/
relentlessly towards the conclusion of a very
significant – and very substantial – chapter in
what will eventually be the story of your life.
Very significant, because these years at school
are crucial, formative years; and very substantial,
because the number of years you have spent at
school constitutes a considerable percentage of
the number of years you have been alive.
Many of us look forward to beginning the
chapter called school. Not knowing what lies
ahead, we yearn for it with an aching, impatient
excitement. Disenchantment, however, may set
in quickly. And perhaps that was the case for you.
Certainly, Roger McGough, in his poem, First Day
at School, indicates his immediate discomfort
when he hears the word ‘lessin’. What does a
lessin look like? he asks.
Lessin
Sounds small and slimy.
They keep them in glassrooms.
Whole rooms made out of glass. Imagine.
He makes a ‘lessin’ sound rather like a bottled
specimen – something dead and slippery in
formalin.
And Laurie Lee, in his autobiography, Cider with
Rosie, recalls:
I spent that first day picking holes in paper, then
went home in a smouldering temper.
‘What’s the matter, Loll? Didn’t he like it at school,
then?
‘They never gave me the present.’
‘Present? What present?’
36
‘They said they’d give me a present.’
‘Well, now I’m sure they didn’t.’
‘They did! They said: “You’re Laurie Lee, aren’t
you? Well, you just sit there for the present.” I sat
there all day but I never got it. I’m not going back
there again.’
You will remember, too, how quickly the
bright, already literate Scout Finch, in Harper
Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, is disillusioned with
a young teacher’s well-intentioned but stifling
methods. In conversation with her brother, Jem,
as early as breaktime on day one, she asserts, If I
didn’t have to stay, I’d leave. And that evening she
pleads with her father, Atticus, Please don’t send
me back, please sir.
Of course she has to go back, as do we all. And
Atticus gives her, as a coping strategy, advice that
we should perhaps all embrace as a means of
getting through – not only school – but life itself:
‘First of all,’ he said, ‘if you can learn a simple trick,
Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of
folks. You never really understand a person until
you consider things from his point of view … ’
‘Sir?’
‘ … until you climb into his skin and walk around
in it.’
However school began for you, the past years
will have essentially – though not exclusively
– been spent in a miscellany of ‘glassrooms’
experiencing quantities of ‘lessins’. And from the
vantage-point that you are at now, you will, I am
sure, be aware of the great paradox that is time.
When you reflect on the past twelve or so years,
you will no doubt have a sense that they have
been fast and fleeting, seeming, as Shakespeare
inimitably puts it,
… momentary as a sound,
Swift as a shadow, short as any dream,
Brief as the lightning in the collied night …
Or as Henry VIII memorably commented, in 1537,
Time slippeth and flyeth marvellously away.
And yet an individual lesson – perhaps too
many of them – may have seemed unendurably
long, stretching for an eternity; the hands on
the classroom clock apparently manifesting
symptoms of paralysis. Thus we come to
understand that the concept time has very little
to do with an instrument of measurement, with
the chronometers we strap onto our wrists and
hang on our walls and which tyrannically dictate
where we should be at given moments of a given
day. It seems it has more to do, in the present
tense, with a state of mind and, in the past tense,
with memory, which performs tricks of distortion
and contraction.
I know from my experience of being and
working in this school, that many of you have led
extraordinarily busy, demanding and challenging
lives. You have been offered opportunities for
This page is generously sponsored by Maritzburg College.
Prize-Giving Address
development in a range of spheres and you
have seized them. For such eagerness, for such
enthusiasm, for such determination to explore
and extend self, I salute you. The school chapter
has, for most of you, been rigorous and rich and
you have grown – and groaned – into and through
adolescence – some of you heavily tracked with
orthodontistry – towards the great conclusion
which still lies ahead – the long weeks of
examinations and the publication of your results.
On that day, when you receive your final marks,
the chapter will have been written; and the
ending will be as conclusive as a full-stop.
It cannot be rewritten. It cannot be relived.
(Unless, of course, you become a novelist and
convert your recollections of school into fiction;
or write an autobiography, in which case you will
almost certainly – according to South African
writer, J.M. Coetzee, mythologise your past. All
autobiography is storytelling, he categorically
asserts.)
It cannot be rewritten. And it lurks – curiously
– not only as your past but also in your future, as
T.S. Eliot reminds us in his Four Quartets:
Time present and time past
Are both perhaps present in time future
And time future contained in time past.
It cannot be rewritten – no chapter in life can
be – but it can be re-read, revisited, not only in a
mood of sentimental reminiscence or nostalgia,
which we are perhaps prone to, as humans, but
also with reflection on the value of what we have
done and learnt.
Each of your teachers has had a weighty
syllabus to deliver unto you and a lofty vision
of what his/her subject might bestow on your
development. For myself, through a sort of
benevolent dictatorship, I hope – amongst other
things – to leave people with an interest in the
potential and power of words: their music, magic,
mischief, mystère; to leave people with a regard
for books – printed or digital – an awareness of
the value of reading and discernment regarding
the quality of given material; to leave people with
competence in language and communication. I
hope that some of the content and much of the
intent of your teachers will remain with you.
Though I know that the unwitting eccentricities
and idiosyncrasies of your teachers are sometimes
more indelibly inscribed in your memories than
facts and formulae; titles and texts; repetition
and revision; and that even between terms, the
holidays function as a powerful delete button.
Some of you – perhaps many – are impatient
for that fateful, final day, willing it to come
quickly, willing the intervening period to pass
so swiftly it blurs. This willing swathes of life
away – looking for break-time in lesson-time,
evening in daytime, holidays in term-time,
arrivals in departures, exits in entrances, endings
Prize-Giving Address
in beginnings – is something we need to guard
against, lest it should become habitual and we
lose our lives in longing.
Norman Nicholson, in his poem, Rising Five,
warns us of the dangers of not being fully present;
not being fully in the present. The poem begins
with a child speaking with characteristic eager
anticipation of his next birthday:
‘I’m rising five,’ he said,
Not four.’ …
He’d been alive
Fifty-six months or perhaps a week more:
Not four
But rising five.
And the poem ends, soberly, like this:
…We never see the flower,
But only the fruit in the flower; never the fruit,
But only the rot in the fruit. We look for the
marriage bed
In the baby’s cradle, we look for the grave in the bed:
Not living
But rising dead.
Some of you – perhaps many – imagine that
you will conclude your chapter, not with a mere
stop but with an exclamation mark, signifying
exhilaration, triumph and liberation. Of course
there will be exhilaration; I hope there will be
triumph; liberation/freedom is a more complex
concept. Certainly, there will be freedom from
school uniforms, from particular subjects that
will no longer be part of the baggage of your
life, freedom from given parameters, prescribed
deadlines, projects, even from particular
personalities. But the word, freedom, is deceptive.
Philosophers much wiser than I would contend
that there is no such thing as freedom. The word
has to be accompanied by a preposition: freedom
of speech/expression; freedom from anxiety,
from oppression, from bondage, from school.
Further, freedom walks hand in hand with
discipline. We are free to drive a car, provided we
have gone through the discipline of learning how
to and provided we obey the rules of the road; we
are free in water, only if we have gone through
the discipline of learning to swim; we are free to
attend a tertiary institution, only if we have gone
through the discipline of schooling; we are free to
enter a profession or career, only if we have gone
through the discipline of education and training.
And so, believing in the concept of absolute
freedom is something we should be wary of.
For one thing, we exist in the bonehouse we call
the body and have to obey the many demands
it makes on us, importunate as it is in requiring
maintenance, repairs, even replacements;
and constant refuelling - in the form of food,
reupholstering – in the form of clothing,
revitalisation – in the form of sleep. Further,
life is characterised by a considerable list of
constraining words, lining up like a relentless
TWC
roll-call of r’s: rules, restrictions, regulations,
requirements, responsibilities, relationships.
The liberation you feel as you leave this place
will be a sense of release from, liberation into,
but never, as long as you are human, freedom
absolute.
Release from school; time to start the chapter
that will constitute the first of your adult life.
Shakespeare, in a well-known speech from his
play, As You Like It, suggests that there are seven
chapters to any given life. However, rather than
chapters, he uses a metaphor more suited to
him, as a playwright; the metaphor of acts to be
performed on the stage of life:
All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.
You have already passed through the age of the
infant, Mewling and puking, as Shakespeare
writes; and are about to end the period of
creeping like snail / Unwillingly to school. Ahead,
according to the bard, you will, excitingly, find
love, enter two phases of adulthood and maturity,
which will mark the peak of your personal and
professional life, and then inevitably decline, via
age, into antiquity. As you leave The Wykeham
Collegiate, you are about to perform act three; as I
leave, I am about to perform act six, characterised,
claims Shakespeare, by a shrunk shank and a
voice given to pipes/And whistles. I have to admit
to a growing awareness of both: skinny legs and
unreliable vocal cords.
What Shakespeare reminds us of, and what we
ought perhaps to remember, is that life – that very
rich and holy word – is temporary and tenuous;
and we are merely tenants, each with a lease on a
single bonehouse, in which we move through the
other buildings – like The Wykeham Collegiate
– that constitute our individual worlds and that
are more permanent than we are. However, the
temporary and terminal nature of existence is,
perhaps, a great gift. It teaches us to live with
urgency, with intensity, with passion; it teaches
us to value those around us, those whom we love;
it drives us to search for meaning. In concluding
a sonnet I once wrote, examining these thoughts,
I argued:
2015
sisters; some, your mothers; and some of them
current employees at The Wykeham Collegiate
and even your teachers: Mrs Deenik, Ms Howes,
Mrs du Plessis, Mrs Dottridge, Mrs Harris, Miss
Geber – and even, for a brief time, Ms Tasker.
I have delivered my lines through days and
weeks and years and now share with you – Grade
12s of 2015 – the close proximity of the final stop
in our respective chapters; the final curtain in our
respective acts.
I hope that you will learn to live well and winter
into wisdom. I hope that you will give and receive
great love. I hope you will leave a worthwhile
legacy of some kind – the legacy of having been
a decent human being – not having harmed any
other person and especially not having harmed
yourself; the legacy of a job – or many jobs – well
done; perhaps the legacy of offspring; perhaps of
something – however small – created, composed,
written, developed or invented and given to
the world. So that you may say, along with
the celebrated Russian poet, Alexander Sergei
Pushkin (d.1837), Not all of me is dust.
Live, love, leave a legacy.
And the famous opera diva, Maria Callas, would
also add, And don’t forget you have to have a look.
Make sure you get a look. As young women –
out of uniform – each one of you will be able to
develop your own distinctive style, so that you
may surely sign yourselves, Yours individually …
Live, love, leave a legacy, get a look. And I hope
that, ultimately, the book which you become will
be a great story, well told.
As I come to the end of my TWC chapter, the
end of my TWC act, the end of a long, fulfilling
and infinitely happy professional life; and the end
of my address to you, I say, in the words of Hamlet,
that wordiest of Shakespeare’s protagonists, your
close literary companion through 2015, and
arguably the most fascinating of all characters in
literature:
The rest is silence.
So though we’re always told that life’s the gift
Death has the gift of teaching us to live.
If All the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare asserts,
I have spent thirty-nine years performing on
the stages of various classrooms in this school,
most notably, in recent years, in Room 17; my
scenery has consisted of pin-boards and posters;
my props, essentially books (and a regiment of
red pens); my audiences – captive, though not
necessarily captivated – successive quantities
of pupils. Some of these have been your older
37
Back Row: Sthandiwe Mabizela, Sekwanele Gcaba, Nicola Wheeler, Hannah Volker, Melissa Duarte, Sbusile Visagie, Lara Cutelli, Beth Colepeper.
7th Row: Lauren Jones, Melissa Dutton, Bronwen Heenan, Holly Soderlund, Megan Wayt, Kate Archibald, Danielle Kramer, Katelyn Van Rooyen, Luzaan de Wit.
6th Row: Paige Mackenzie, Stella Joubert, Sarah Bonsma, Laylaa Manack, Jade Forde, Caitlin van der Velden, Mia Steyn, Mickey Mlenzana, Salma Mahomed, Savannah Lotze.
5th Row: Megan Carter, Aaliyah Ayoob, Isabella Clarke, Luyanda Dlamini, Chelsea Donnelly, Arona Dijeng, Paula Lekana, Aaliyah Sacoor, Hannah Durow, Thanushri Padayachi.
4th Row: Diya Naidoo, Olwethu Mtshemela, Carolyn Gore, Tomelilla Gopp, Bianca Mairs, Angela Coolbear, Celeste Ngwira, Polixeni Mitropoulos, Erin Muirhead, Samantha Kahari.
3rd Row: Shriya Anand, Rachel Kegge, Jade Brender-A-Brandis, Erin Jenkins, Stephanie Steyl, Sigrid Aadnesgaard, Shane Markgraaff, Bruna Ferreira, Robbyn Penton.
2nd Row: Krystal Abrahams, Xoli Sithole, Samantha Gilson, Fathima Noorgat, Ayoneliso Mgxaji, Elizabeth Turton, Mpanga Kheswa, Rebecca Pachonick, Ntebogeng Koloane, Aadila Kajee.
Front Row: Emily Koenig, Hannah Le Court De Billot, Mrs Michelle Bennett, Emma Huxtable, Mrs Debby Bird, Callan Nel, Mrs Lynne Harris, Siddhi Purmasir, Mrs Levern Green, Brogan Mitchell-Innes, Georgina Harries.
Grade Reports
TWC
2015
GRADE 8
The year started off with a bang with the Orientation Weekend.
This took place the weekend before the academic year started and
was a chance for parents and girls to get to know each other, as
well as giving Ms Tasker an opportunity to explain some of the
workings of the school. The fathers’ activities included archery,
beer and boerewors tasting, and drumming. The mothers’ activities
included line dancing, fudge tasting and drumming. While these
were on the go, the girls were making bracelets in the art room.
The weekend also included fun activities like zumba and a lambon-the-spit.
Early in the term the girls and their class teachers went off to camp
in the Berg at Entabeni. At this camp they abseiled, learnt archery
and participated in numerous enjoyable activities.
On Market Day the girls sold raffle tickets for Mothers’ Day and
ran a putt-putt course for young children. The money raised was
donated to the Jes Foord Foundation, which is the Grade 8 charity.
The girls also donated various items needed for rape victims. Jes
addressed the girls and parents one evening and we presented Jes
with our cash donation and the items collected. A number of girls
performed a valuable service as helpers at the Sani2C mountain
bike race later in the year.
The girls had fun at a number of Grade 8 suppers. However, I
think the highlights of the year for the girls were the two socials –
one held with St Charles and the other with Maritzburg College.
Judging by how we battled to get the boys off the property and onto
the bus, the evenings were enjoyable.
To end the year off, we have come full circle with the girls having
the same drumming workshop that their parents had at the
Orientation Weekend.
DEBBY BIRD
GRADE 8 CO-ORDINATOR
39
Absent: Tefilwe Dingake. Joined Form later in the term: Tyla Borchardt.
Back Row: Sarah Macleod, Sydney Robertson, Faith Adeleke, Catherine Royden-Turner, Erinn Schmidt, Nokubonga Kumalo, Lauren Harries, Kayla van der Westhuizen, Shannon Dwen.
6th Row: Emma Anderson, Gina Holdsworth, Lethokuhle Kunene, Lebone Dube, Jodie Conolly, Chloe Hayes, Rebecca Irons, Sarah Joy Quibell, Gomolemo Kgabi, Lauren Nalson.
5th Row: Michaela Claassen, Ellen Shute, Sophia Taylor, Chelsea Dale, Bronagh Johnson, Kate Drew, Helen Slater, Lorimer O’Bree, Olivia Wright, Julia Lawrie.
4th Row: Georgia Timson, Hannah Briggs, Kelsey Moodley, Jessica Reimers, Ziphelele Majola, Amy-Lee Fourie, Kate Jarvie, Grainne Lalor, Courtney Gibson, Thobile Mnguni.
3rd Row: Rachel Taylor, Mary Wheeler, Angelique Gengan, Summa-Lee Thomas, Megan Christophers, Tamryn Nicol, Keighley van Wyk, Georgia Gilson, Lizo Mbatha, Sharon Polinati, Gianna Salamon.
2nd Row: Ysabelle Hall, Dominique Neumann, Micaela Abreu, Sophie Harel, Asmaa Mota, Ntombikayise Sithole, Caitlyn de Valence, Thashmia Vather, Margot Inglis, Shanna-Lee Rowe-Needham.
Front Row: Noreen Nuruddin, Keya Darson, Ms Illy Alberts, Yasha Nair, Mrs Frances Salisbury, Jemma Fox, Ms Claire Geber, Latoya Gama, Ms Jane Howes, Samantha Latouf, Nonsindiso Ncalane.
Grade Reports
GRADE 9
The Simpler Journey
Until departure on 17 March, The Journey had, to many girls,
seemed surreal: a mixture of canoeing, tent pitching and cycling
in LO lessons, lectures and talks during Club times, paperwork,
tetanus injections and equipment collections. The Grade 10s
shared both realistic and mythical stories of their adventures,
creating mixed feelings of excitement and fear.
The day arrived to great excitement. Amid light drizzle final
equipment was issued, packs checked and unnecessary items
removed (although unfortunately many girls smuggled those
items back into their packs!), a final tea and chapel service and we
were off.
We had an orientation day at Emseni where girls were introduced
to Journey operator, Lee Fuller. Group Identities and Flags were
formed, with the flags having to be carried by the group for the
entire trip. The all-important safety and risk assessment talks were
given by Lee and the staff and girls were instructed in the use of
satellite phones and emergency evacuation procedures.
Eight days of physical activities, that were to test the physical,
emotional and mental strengths of all the girls, followed.
Activities included three hiking days, a leisurely canoe trip down
the Tugela, a challenging 25km mountain bike cycle, kayaking
across the Spioenkop Dam and, of course, Solo Day.
The less obvious challenges and activities included carrying
your home on your back, rationing your food, cooking Masterchef
meals, milking cows, getting close up to game such as giraffe and
rhino, hiking through Spioenkop Game Reserve wilderness area in
the footsteps of the British soldiers and dealing with blisters and
grazes.
Team and positive group dynamics were critical to the success
of every girl’s completion of the Journey. Every group experienced
curved balls to test them in the form of: getting lost on long-hiking
days; thunderstorms resulting in leaking tents, wet clothes and
muddy hiking and cycling; injuries to team members who needed
to be assisted; homesickness and heavy back-packs on long hikes.
Girls soon learned that these curved balls were best overcome
by maintaining a positive attitude and encouraging one another.
Here are some of the girls’ comments:
I have learned more than I would ever have imagined! I learned
that I should not look at the negative side of things but rather
the positives. I learned that everything we have and get should be
appreciated. I should NEVER take my parents for granted. (Emma
Anderson)
My biggest challenge was to keep moving forward no matter how
much I wanted to give up. (Tashmia Vather)
I learned that I can do anything if I’m positive and I put my mind
to it. I do things better when my peers encourage me and are on my
side. (Nokubonga Kumalo)
One of the most commented upon days was Solo Day. The
majority of girls bought into the concept, enjoyed their period of
solitude and even suggested it should be longer next year:
TWC
2015
I got to sort out my backpack, reflect on all the amazing
challenges that I thought I wouldn’t accomplish. I also got to enjoy
the lovely view from where I was sitting which made me appreciate
nature even more than I do. (Caitlyn de Valence)
Time to reflect. I couldn’t remember the last time I thought about
my life, my parents and how I’m so fortunate. Solo got me thinking,
something I wouldn’t be able to do with everyone around. ( Letho
Kunene)
I realised that choosing the easiest solution isn’t always the best
solution. I realised that I take a lot of things for granted. (Yashir
Nair)
Nature has a silent and brave way of flattening the hierarchy – we
were all faced with the same challenges. Every girl and staff member
on Journey faced her own personal challenge. For some it was
physical – in most cases the cycling day - but, for some, walking up
Spioenkop, or quite simply waking up early. For others it was social
– not having a best friend in one’s group or not having contact with
one’s parents. Finally emotional – dealing with negative moments
that could so easily ruin a journey, homesickness or quite simply
having the self-discipline to wash and brush one’s teeth each day.
As Rachel Taylor writes : Maybe the journey isn’t so much about
becoming anything. Maybe it’s about unbecoming everything that
isn’t really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first
place.
Journey is about discovering who you really are, unlocking hidden
qualities and abilities within yourself, seeing what you are made of
– GRIT, I think they call it, and also how far you can push yourself
past breaking point! Source: ‘positiveoutlookblog.com’(2015)
But, come what may, 98% of the girls found Journey to be a very
positive event.
CATHY THOMPSON
41
The Simpler Journey
42
TWC
2015
TWC Moments
43
Back Row: Megan Laithwaite, Grace Grant, Jodie Alport, Shaunagh Lesur, Samantha Yeats, Zoë Brown, Christin Dent, Hannah Chapman, Lucy Hellens, Amy-Lea Harris.
7th Row: Tengesihle Twala, Sarah-Jane Muller, Eniola Ojo, Georgia Bodmann, Tara Wheeler, Sarah Bristow, Holly Daugherty, Chelsea-Belle Gevers, Tanatswa Chimanzi.
6th Row: Jamie Pearce, Minette Steyn, Lebogang Ndlovu, Emma Daugherty, Alice Comrie, Jade Newmann, Caragh Groenewald, Jodie Koenig, Sarah Forde, Sophie Learmonth.
5th Row: Olwethu Mfeka, Helen Willemse, Nomzamo Khanyile, Isabelle Joubert, Tessa Winter, Anele Manci, Emma Henderson, Tayla Rindel, Morghan Flanagan.
4th Row: Tessa Lategan, Kate Tully, Nabila Kader, Sinesipho Ngambu, Gemma Lawson, Andrea Tratschler, Tessa Foster, Thembekile Cele, Azra Khan, Lesley Jung.
3rd Row: Savannah McIntyre, Bettina Salomo, Justine Glaeser, Isabella Cuturi, Kate Dunton, Jordyn Glanfield, Georgina Egberink, Rachel Sweeney, Katherine Brodie.
2nd Row: Aphile Mathe, Paige Hartwell, Erin Smith, Robyn Jenkins, Jessica Hirschowitz, Micaela De Abreu, Keneuoe Matete, Dina Errico, Paige Reynolds, Brittany Spanier-Marson.
Front Row: Tasmiyah Essa, Husnaa Desai, Haseena Kajee, Ms Catherine Lewis, Mrs Heather Fleming, Georgia Baytopp, Mrs Brenda Beckedahl, Mr Patrick Harty, Julia Schoonbee, Savannah
Mitchell-Innes, Yurisa Naidoo.
Grade Reports
GRADE 10
The planning for the formal dance started at the end of Grade
9 when the girls began to think about a theme. This year’s
theme was Vintage Travel, which lent itself to some very
glamorous décor. The girls were responsible for putting it all
together, a task which teaches teamwork, compromise and
conflict resolution along the way! The girls had fun learning
ballroom dancing with the (surprisingly enthusiastic) Grade
10 boys of Hilton College. It was quite a challenge for Ben
Brandon from Ben’s Dance Studio, assisted by Sister Timm,
to teach 150 teenagers how to dance! He managed, however,
and there was lots of waltzing, jiving and foxtrotting to be
seen on the night!
The girls also put together and ran the House of Horrors at
Market Day as a fund-raiser for the Dance. The girls dressed
up and painted their faces and enjoyed scaring the younger
(and older) grades who flocked there to be terrified.
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2015
Grade 10 Dance 2015
This year we chose to travel back in time vintage-style at
our Grade 10 Formal Dance. With our debonair dates from
Hilton College on one hand and our clutches gripped in
the other, we descended the stairs to witness and enjoy our
months of hard work.
Throughout the night we danced and dined – made all the
more memorable by the presence of our parents. It was truly
a night to treasure.
A special thanks to Mrs Fleming, Mrs Beckedahl and
Mrs Aldum, who supported and guided us through our
choices and helped us to create lasting memories, and to the
mothers who gave of their time to help us.
From beginning to end, it was a night to cherish.
Azra Khan (Grade 10)
The annual Grade 10 camp at Greystone is always popular.
It serves to extend the girls beyond their comfort zones, as
well as to form bonds through team-building exercises that
are designed to create trust. It is always rewarding to see how
they take care of team-mates while overcoming fears and
rising to various challenges.
HEATHER FLEMING
Savannah McIntyre, Gemma Lawson,
Lucy Hellens and Minette Steyn
weighing up what they are hearing.
Casey Rip, Kate Tully, Aphile Mathe and
Gemma Lawson listen thoughtfully.
‘Singing for their supper’ contest on the Camp.
Jessica Hirshowitz and Keneuoe Matete on the Camp.
Grade 10 Formal Dance.
45
Back Row: Talya Mason, Shana-Lee Bownes, Amber Stead, Noluthando Manci, Ashley Slater, Caitlyn Hutton.
7th Row: Jemma Veenstra, Grace Thompson, Moyosore Lawal-Solarin, Jocelyn Dormehl, Holly Strachan, Kirsten Moody, Natasha Balmer, Laken Salzwedel, Kayla Gibson.
6th Row: Catherine Mundell, Laura du Toit, Kathryn Stofberg, Heather-Lynn Haldane, Vianina Rugani, Tamryn Groening, Towela Mwandila, Fern Inman-Bamber, Cinzia Whalley, Beth Conolly.
5th Row: Ntokozo Mkhabela, Dudu Nambassi, Courtney Price Moor, Marianne Harvey, Meaghan van der Velden, Morgan Rowland, Jessica Dutton, Deantha Govender, Salma Cassimjee, Zaheera Mota, Khwezi Mchunu.
4th Row: Nonjabulo Khuzwayo, Luyanda Phetha, Kwenama Khuzwayo, Maduo Dijeng, Tashiana Roshan, Mbali Zimu, Prajna Naiker, Jabulile Zuma, Andile Madlala, Sinegugu Khuzwayo.
3rd Row: Meagan Deenik, Brittany Carlisle, Cassidy Robertson, Charné Glanz, Aaliyah Edris, Cailin Harries, Elizabeth Burchmore, Ashleigh Reimers, Kate Meiklejohn.
2nd Row: Lucy Bryant, Nadine Maartens, Luyanda Gumede, Nicole Alder, Rosemary Hawkins, Cherise Markgraaff, Daniela Torino, Rebecca Farquharson, Meloney Polinati, Ashraya Naidoo.
Front Row: Ashalia Naidoo, Ivanna Dede, Kirsty Rautenbach, Mrs Ronel Henderson, Mrs Anne-Lee Marx, Joné Marx, Mrs Dalene Briggs, Mrs Sheryl Watson, Stephanie Bridgeford,
Jessica Baxter, Jamie-Leigh Gargan.
Grade Reports
TWC
2015
GRADE 11
Our Grade 11 year has been one of great
growth. We have developed stronger and
more genuine relationships, becoming a lot
closer as a grade while persevering through
the many challenges and responsibilities
that come with the pressures of Grade 11.
Many of the girls have had a very successful
year, being involved in school productions,
competing in Inter-Provincial sports,
dedicating more time and effort to school
clubs and societies as well as excelling in
many other areas, such as music. There is no
doubt that we are ready to take our school
leadership role by the horns next year!
We were also lucky enough to have our
Grade 11 Camp at Emseni near Winterton
this year. It was an incredible bonding
time for all of us, during which we learnt
many valuable leadership lessons that will
influence the way in which we lead the
school next year. We have also had several
workshops and meetings with the Council
of 2015 to prepare us for what lies ahead
and their advice has been invaluable. It is
hard to believe how fast time has flown
and that we are already entering Matric - a
daunting thought, but we are ready to take
on the challenge and complete it to the
best of our ability. We are very excited for
all that 2016 brings!
Beth Conolly (Grade 11)
47
Back Row: Yasmin Rousset, Nina Holzbach, Alice Finlay, Amy Johnson, Emma Chapman, Hannah Edwards, Chelsea Meiring, Catherine Lohrentz, Robyn Blesssie.
8th Row: Stephanie Irons, Violet Comrie, Rebecca Wessels, Kaylee Livanos, Chenéy Firman, Michaela Schoeman, Sarah te Riele, Thokola Zungu, Holly Edmonds, Megan Attwood.
7th Row: Tashmira Bundiparsad, Aimee Houghting, Nicola Brill, Kelly Knight, Brittany Dorning, Bronté McDonald, Neo Lerata, Andile Gcaba.
6th Row: Samantha Lategan, Catherine Barrett, Megan Smith, Nolwazi Mntungwa, Minenhle Chiliza, Alessia Dos Santos, Nolububalo Rugani, Tarah Wright, Chloë Veness, Claire Jenkins.
5th Row: Abbie Sauter, Samantha Wessels, Brydie McCleary, Kivesuree Naidoo, Alexandra Neumann, Elizabeth Platt, Kelly MacDevette, Caylin de Wet, Kirsten Couling.
4th Row: Aviwe Cingo, Nandi Nymombayire, Nicole Player, Kristine Davies, Kate de Gruchy, Sesetu Holomisa, Megan Manley, Michelle Hammar, Sinoxolo Xaba, Ashley Richardson.
3rd Row: Nicole Kahari, Lisha-Mikara Govender, Sasha Robinson, Zakithi Nkosi, Sinethemba Dlamini, Linda Sithole, Ziyanda Mbodla, Joanna Michowicz, Meghan Hawken.
2nd Row: Amanda Peake, Anna Tchalov, Sindiswa Gubula, Kelebone Sello, Katherine Barry, Sarah Thornton, Zintle Mduzulwana, Talia Goga, Rosalind Elmer-English, Santhuri Padayachee.
Front Row: Mrs Bernadine Elmer-English, Bailey le Roux, Mrs Christa van Rooijen, Jordan Magrobi, Ms Sue Tasker, Sibulelo Jolwana, Mrs Moira Lovell, Caitlin Militz, Mrs Christine Stiebel.
Grade Reports
GRADE 12
What has 2015 been for this group of girls? A synopsis of events
and the achievements of teams and individuals for them is easy,
and the beautiful photographs and articles in this publication
provide a record of a memorable journey.
They are a group made up of the musically talented, feisty
feminist and exceptionally sporty. There are those whose drive
and compassion for the underprivileged is heart-warming. Others
are caring, supportive friends, enthusiastic chefs or budding
performers. The comedians and debaters have challenged us all and
kept us entertained. And it would be remiss not to acknowledge
that this was a year of the White Blazer - their generosity of spirit
for others’ achievements was never more pronounced than when
Caitlin Militz was deservedly presented with her award at the
annual Prize-Giving.
Each one of the 78 has contributed to the well-being of the
Grade. Of course there were groups within groups but as a whole
they are an exceptionally strongly bonded sorority. Jordan Magrobi
wrote in the foreword of their Leavers’ Book: We’ve created a bond
so strong that it has allowed us to stand out from the rest. As a
grade, we have grown each other from silly, frightened Grade 8s in
2010 into strong, sassy women on the verge of conquering the world.
TWC
2015
Indeed, these girls have grown and evolved into wonderful,
mature women. We will miss them but know that they are more
than ready to face the Real World. In the words of Mark Twain:
Throw off the bowlines. Sail from safe harbour. Catch the Trade
Winds in your sail. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Farewell, Class of 2015. We are proud to call you Old Girls.
CHRISTINE STIEBEL
49
Grade 12 Ball 2015
Grade 12 Moments
SPORT
Sport
ATHLETICS
Captain: Caitlin Militz
Vice-Captain: Megan Smith
Pietermaritzburg/Districts: Luzaan
de Wit, Jemma Fox, Georgia Baytopp,
Kirsten Moody, Caitlin Militz.
Pietermaritzburg Invitational: Luzaan
de Wit, Jemma Fox, Georgia Baytopp.
This year’s athletics season has been an
extremely successful one with our athletes
participating in various meetings and
competing with athletes from across South
Africa. They have performed at a very high
level and are to be congratulated on their
efforts and motivation. Numerous records
were broken, not only on our Inter-House
athletics day, but elsewhere.
The team took part in three Inter-Schools
meets. At Kingsway our girls broke records
in both the track and the field events. This
started the season with a high standard,
one that TWC was able to maintain. At
the Michaelhouse meeting the girls again
broke numerous records. Jemma Fox
was the overall best Jumper of the day
and Luzaan de Wit overall best Middle
Distance Runner. The final meeting of the
season took place at Treverton. This event
is normally the test of the year’s work as
it is the qualifying meet for Grey Bloem
and Menlo. Although the field was strong,
five TWC girls qualified: Kirsten Moody,
Amber Stead, Georgia Baytopp, Jemma Fox
and Luzaan de Wit.
CANOEING & CANOE POLO
Captain: Katherine Barry
Vice-Captain: Holly Edmonds
KwaZulu-Natal Canoeing: Gemma
Lawson.
KwaZulu-Natal Canoe Polo U19:
Katherine Barry, Linda Sithole.
2015 proved to be a successful year for TWC
Canoeing. There was an increase in the
number of paddlers competing. The Dusi
Canoe Marathon was a success, with five
girls and Mr Willows completing the race.
It also saw old girl, Laura O’ Donoghue,
taking the overall honours for the race.
Holly Edmonds finished 3rd in the U23
category and Katie Barry finished 4th in
the U18 category.
The Inter-Schools League saw many of our
girls participating and this was evident
from the influx of the blue and yellow
colours on the water in many of the races.
Katie Barry finished 2nd in the U18 league,
with Gemma Lawson finishing 4th in the
U16 league. Gemma also made the KZN
team, representing the province in the Fish
Canoe Marathon.
Canoe Polo was also a success, with TWC
entering two teams into the annual
schools’ tournament. TWC A finished 2nd
after a nail-biting Golden Goal match.
CROSS-COUNTRY
Captain: Holly Edmonds
The Cross-Country League consisted of
six races. TWC hosted their second CrossCountry League race, in which more than
350 runners from more than 12 different
schools participated. Our TWC runners
showed dedication and perseverance
throughout all the races. Luzann de Wit
was our star runner and ultimately won the
junior section.
KARATE
Captain: Amanda Peake
Black Belt 1st Dan: Amanda Peake
2015 has been another successful year for
karate at TWC. The girls have put a lot of
effort and time into training and this has
been evident in their improved technique
and confidence in fighting.
We had some great achievements this year
with Amanda Peake obtaining a black belt,
Eniola Ojo graduating from purple to 3rd
kuy brown belt and Tashiana Roshan and
Dudu Nambassi both graduating from 2nd
kuy brown to 1st kuy brown belts.
The girls are urged to maintain their
hunger for this beautiful sport.
All the athletes who participated are to be
commended.
Luzaan de Wit
54
Holly Edmonds
Sport
TWC
spirit and a passion for the game are always
highly esteemed and valued by the girls.
TWC was well represented at district and
provincial level, as can be seen above.
For some teams, 2015 proved to be a true
test of team spirit and perseverance. It was
a successful season with 72 matches played
and a total of 833 goals scored.
HOCKEY
Chloë Veness
NETBALL
Captain: Caitlin Militz
Vice-Captain: Chloë Veness
uMgungundhlovu District:
U16: Tayla Rindel, Bettina Salomo
U17: Joné Marx
U19: Caitlin Militz, Chloë Veness, Alice
Finlay, Samantha Lategan
Pietermaritzburg Independent Schools
U14: Hannah Volker, Savannah Lotze,
Mpanga Kheswa, Anele Dlamini,
Hannah Durow
U15/U16: Jade Newman, Jemma Fox,
Bettina Salomo
U17/U18: Caitlin Militz, Chloë Veness,
Alice Finlay, Samantha Lategan, Amber
Stead
KwaZulu-Natal Independent Schools:
U15 / U16: Jade Newman
U17 / U18: Caitlin Militz, Chloë Veness,
Alice Finlay and Samantha Lategan
TWC has always had a reputation for being
competitive but sporting on the netball
court. This season proved to be no different
as the netball teams excelled in their
various divisions. Sportsmanship, team
Captain: Bailey le Roux
Vice-Captain: Megan Attwood
U14: Sigrid Aadnesgaard , Georgina
Harries, Brogan Mitchell-Innes, Jade
Brender-A-Brandis, Celeste Ngwira
U16A: Samantha Yeats, Jessica
Hirschowitz, Jodie Conolly
U16: Rachel Taylor, Julia Lawrie
U18: Bailey le Roux, Megan Smith,
Megan Attwood, Cinzia Whalley,
Meagan Deenik, Jemma Veenstra
KwaZulu-Natal Inland:
U18A: Jemma Veenstra
U18B: Bailey le Roux, Megan Smith,
Cinzia Whalley
U16A: Julia Lawrie, Jodie Conolly
U16B: Rachel Taylor, Jessica
Hirschowitz (Captain)
U14A: Sigrid Aadnesgaard , Georgina
Harries
U14B: Brogan Mitchell-Innes
The TWC hockey girls had a very exciting
and eventful season.
BASKETBALL
Captain: Neo Lerata
Vice-Captain: Thokola Zungu
2015
The 1st team participated in a number
of tournaments, including the annual
SPAR tournament, ISSF and the St Mary’s
Festival in Johannesburg. A number of
U16 girls also participated in the Treverton
Festival.
With only four matrics, the 1st team of
2015 was one of the youngest yet, but the
younger members of the team adapted
quickly and the team did exceptionally
well, often giving some of the best schools
in South Africa a run for their money.
We thank all our coaches whose input
and encouragement inspired their teams
to work together to achieve their goals. A
special thank you goes to Mrs Robertson,
who coached the 1st team with great
commitment, never failing to encourage
us. Her passion and love for the sport and
desire to help each and every one of us
helped us to grow individually and as a
team.
It was a very successful season and the
girls were passionate about the game. It
was an honour to have captained such an
enthusiastic and motivated team.
SOCCER
Captain: Samantha Lategan
Vice-Captain: Nicola Brill
Pietermaritzburg/Midlands: Anele
Manci, Bettina Salomo, Jodie Alport,
Lucy Bryant
Our season has been very short but every
player improved and had a positive and
extremely enthusiastic approach. Win
or lose, everyone left with smiles on their
faces and enjoyed every minute of each
game, encouraging each other the whole
time. I would like to thank the players for
their participation and spirit throughout
the season.
Throughout the season the girls remained
positive, played hard and represented
TWC very well. The first team came 5th in
the B League at the annual GHS Basketball
Tournament. I am very proud to have
led the team this year. I believe they will
perform well in the future.
Jessica Hirschowitz
55
SQUASH
Captain: Catherine Barrett
Vice-Captain: Brittany Dorning
KwaZulu-Natal U16: Tessa Foster, Alice
Comrie, Jodie Conolly
Invitational U16: Kate Dunton
2015 has been an outstanding year for the
Squash girls. The enthusiasm for this year’s
squash season was enormous. The Jo’burg
Squash Tour was a particular highlight as
we all gained valuable insight in terms of
improving our skills. We had three teams
entered into the schools’ league and we
are extremely proud of our 1st squash girls
who finished off the season by winning the
KZN Midlands League. Tessa Foster, Alice
Comrie, Catherine Barrett, Jodie Conolly
and Samantha Yeats were consistent and
are commended on bringing home the
winning trophy. It has been an incredible
experience to have been a part of this sport
and we wish the girls all the best for the
next season.
of players who all display passion and
motivation for this sport.
In the first term the top four players
attended the St Mary’s Festival in Kloof
where they came 3rd and 4th respectively,
playing against some top schools in the
country. This achievement encouraged a
cohesion within the team that prevailed
throughout the year.
Although we did not win the main league,
the friendship within the team was strong
and this was carried right through down to
the 8th team. I am proud to say that all the
girls played with passion for their school
and fought right to the last point.
Sport
Our thanks go to Mrs Robertson, Mr
Willows and Mrs Gouws for their
continued support and dedication. I hope
that the tennis continues at this high level
for many years to come and that the girls’
interest in this sport never wanes.
EQUESTRIAN
KwaZulu-Natal 70 cm: Bronagh Johnson
KwaZulu-Natal 90 cm: Emma Anderson
Kwazulu- Natal 1,10 cm: Yasmin Rousset
Our riders have continued to participate
in a range of competitions, with Yasmin
Rousset, Bronagh Johnson, Emma
Anderson and Georgina Egbrink excelling.
Yasmin Rousset
Catherine Barrett
TENNIS
Captain: Chenéy Firman
Vice-Captain: Nicola Brill
KwaZulu-Natal Midlands:
U19: Chenéy Firman, Samantha Yeats,
Kirsten Moody, Jemma Veenstra
U15: Rachel Taylor, Jodie Conolly,
Yasha Nair
KwaZulu-Natal U19A: Chenéy Firman,
Kirsten Moody
2015 has seen mixed fortunes, but we have
had some wonderful results from all players
and TWC is fortunate to have a strong base
56
Kirsten Moody
Sport
TWC
SWIMMING
Captain: Chelsea Meiring
Vice-Captain: Alice Finlay
Emma Huxtable, Jessica Reimers,
Catherine Royden-Turner, Tara
Wheeler, Chelsea Meiring
Throughout the swimming season we
had mixed results, although the girls
definitely improved with hard training and
increasing spirit to end the season with
excellent results. The girls worked hard,
even when the water was cold, and most
were rewarded with good times.
To start the season the girls won the
Epworth Sprint Gala, finishing in the
top three in eighteen of the twenty-three
events, which enabled them to win the
Gala for the second year in a row. TWC
once again made history at the Girls
Inter-Schools' Gala, where we acquired
two trophies and the winners’ shield for
the first-ever hat-trick of wins over GHS.
At first the girls were very nervous about
swimming, as in the past few galas we had
not been at our best, but we soon realised
that we were enthusiastically supported by
pupils, teachers and parents and needed to
respond. At the interval, only two points
separated the top three schools. Our
swimmers gave their all and their hard
work and perseverance paid off as they
walked away with another victory. The girls
are congratulated on this excellent result.
We are proud of our promising swimmers
who have been doing well at Levels
Galas, KZN Championships and Senior
Nationals, gaining experience with the
top international swimmers. A special
thank you to Miss Segal, Miss Taylor and
our Vice-Captain, Alice Finlay, for all their
hard work!
WATER POLO:
2015
Captain: Alice Finlay
Vice-Captain: Nicole Player
KwaZulu-Natal Midlands:
U14: Nicola Wheeler, Emily Koenig,
Sigrid Aadnesgaard
U15: Sarah Joy Quibell, Rachel Taylor
U16: Jodie Koenig, Jade Newman
(Jodie was chosen as a reserve for the
KwaZulu-Natal U16 team.)
UNOFFICIAL SPORTS
A number of girls have excelled in sports
which are not official school sports and
they have brought the school credit. In
Polocrosse, Keighley van Wyk, HeatherLynn Haldane and Samantha Gilson have
represented Northern KZN, Southern KZN
and Midlands respectively. Kayleigh van
Wyk was awarded U19 Northern Natal
Colours.
In Gymnastics, Margo Inglis and Tayla
Rindel were selected to represent KZN at
the National Gymnastic Games.
Triumphant Swimming Team with Ms Segal and Ms Tasker
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57
Houses
CAMPBELL
CROOKES
Campbell House may not have had the most successful
year in terms of winning trophies and awards, but the girls
have maintained a positive energy throughout and in many
Inter-House events, the Vice-Captain and I have noticed an
increased participation in activities. The girls’ enthusiasm
and spirit are really appreciated, and special congratulations
must go to the Campbell Grade 8s for their energy and
participation right from the start. Crookes House has had an outstanding year. In the past, we
have been considered to be the House least likely to win.
However, this year, we came together and through committed
effort achieved some pleasing results. We were fortunate
enough to start the year with a bang by winning the InterHouse music competition. Thus began our journey together.
Girls participated in Inter-House song and dance, swimming,
debating, hockey, netball and athletics events. Caitlin Militz,
Luzaan de Wit, Georgia Baytopp and Emma Huxtable are
commended on their various sporting achievements, as are
Sibulelo Jolwana and Caitlin Militz, who have done very well
in debating. Let us not forget our Spirit Queens who tried
their best to scream and shout for Campbaba! Congratulations and good luck to the House Captains of
2016! Zintle Mduzulwana (Captain)
Violet Comrie (Vice-Captain)
58
Our lucky streak continued at the Inter-House swimming
gala, at which the House not only swam like sharks but sang
like warriors too. Crookes was fortunate enough to win the
final trophy as well as the Spirit Trophy, which was a huge
accomplishment for us all.
Although the House did not run like Usain Bolt, we certainly
had the spirit to hold onto our Spirit Trophy and keep our
athletes motivated at all times. Thus further developed our
closeness within the ranks. It has been a memorable year for
this House and we can only hope that the future shines just
as brightly. We wish the House lots of patience, motivation,
encouragement and success.
Chenéy Firman (Captain)
Samantha Lategan (Vice-Captain)
Houses
TWC
2015
MOORE
O’BRIEN
For its size, Moore did extremely well, displaying a large variety
of talent in cultural, academic and sporting events. Every
single girl got involved and participated in as many activities
as possible, whether music, supporting, cheering, playing in or
managing teams. From swimming to athletics, the girls tried
their best. This was evident when the Mooraka Tribe (which
was the theme for the year) was the runner-up in the InterHouse swimming and the winner of the Inter-House athletics.
We are so proud of the girls and of the achievements of the
House.
This year has definitely been the best for O’Brien House for
some time, not so much in terms of winning things but in
terms of spirit and participation. The girls participated in all
Inter-House events, including swimming, athletics and music.
The girls have tried their utmost and no matter what position
we finished, there was sustained spirit from the House. It is
lovely to see such dedication, even from the sport-haters.
The girls were encouraged to go out of their comfort zones
to experience new activities. However, it must be admitted
that a few sweet bribes had to be made to make girls sing on
a number of occasions. An O’Brien girl would never give up a
bright green fizzer. Being in O’Brien House has taught us that
winning is not everything; acting as a unit and supporting one
another is a huge win in life. It has been an absolute pleasure
captaining these wonderful girls and getting to know all of
them. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do
not stop. (Confucius)
We want to congratulate Jemma and Zama on becoming the
2016 Moore House Captain and Vice-Captain and wish them all
the best for 2016. It has been an honour to be the 2015 Captains
of this unique, diverse, unified group of girls. We have learnt so
much during the year.
M O O R E … Moore!
Megan Attwood (Captain)
Chloë Veness (Vice-Captain)
Catherine Barrett (Captain)
59
Staff
FAREWELL
Martha Ehlers
Hettie van der Merwe
Martha Ehlers joined TWC in June 2007 as a Grade 8
Housemother. Over the years she has coped with many
tearful and homesick girls as they started their boarding life.
Her firm but caring nature has endeared her to many. She
has often commented on how heartening it is watch the girls
grow and develop during their Grade 8 year. Many arrive
in Grade 8 boarding rather apprehensive, and move on to
Grade 9 the next year far more confident and with smiles on
their faces. Martha will be moving to Greytown to live with
her son and his family. We wish her lots of happiness for the
years ahead.
Hettie van der Merwe joined TWC in July 2000 as a Grade
10 Housemother. It is rather daunting to think that she has
been a mother to over 450 girls during her time at TWC.
Her reliable and committed attitude has made Hettie a very
valued member of the team. We will miss her sensible and
calm manner, her compassion and kindness and her quirky
sense of humour; when times were challenging, she always
found something to laugh about. She will be missed by girls
and staff, as well as by Guiseppe, the neighbour’s dog, who
popped over each day for a treat. Hettie is looking forward to
spending more time with her grandchildren and we wish her
many happy and healthy years ahead.
Pam King
Sister Pam King started at TWC in July 2006 as the
part-time nursing sister. She is a highly respected nursing
sister at the Grey’s Hospital Campus where, for many years,
she lectured in Social Science and child development. She
has not only taught many TWC old girls in that field, but
now also many of their daughters. Sister King also ran
her own pre-primary school; she works in a laboratory in
Pietermaritzburg; and she has her own private practice
in psychiatry. Pam King always showed genuine care and
kindness while treating an endless stream of headaches,
sore throats and other ailments. She patiently dressed
girls’ wounds and smothered their sunburn with Aftersun.
She has been an absolute asset to TWC. We wish her well
as she retires and spends more time with her husband.
60
Staff
TWC
2015
Michael Zondi
Frances Salisbury
Lyndal Robertson
Frances Salisbury started at The Wykeham Collegiate in
2010 as a Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences
teacher. More recently she has focused on Maths and AP
Maths and she is an integral and valued member of the
department. She has also been the Grade 9 Co-ordinator
for the past four years. She is always willing to go the extra
mile and offers support wherever it is needed. Frances treats
everyone with respect and she has a quick wit and ready
smile. She is a highly intelligent and astute person and this
has certainly stood her in good stead when teaching Maths
and dealing with Grade 9s. Her genuine care and concern
for the girls is noticeable in her sincerity when dealing with
them and in their responses to her. She has an interest in
outdoor activities and has taken girls hiking and been part of
the Grade 9 Journey camp. In 2016 Frances will be joining her
husband on a year’s sabbatical to Germany; we wish her well
and look forward to having her back on the staff in the future.
Michael Zondi joined TWC in January of 2008 as a driver.
He has transported many of our boarders to their various
extra-curricular activities and has been the designated driver
for many of our school trips. Michael took his job very
seriously and made the girls’ safety his priority. Although he
is a fairly reserved man, we will miss his infectious laugh. We
wish him well.
Lyndal Robertson started as the Senior School Head of
Sport in April 2011. She was involved in a number of sports,
tennis and hockey in particular, and the girls enjoyed many
successes as a result of her coaching. Lyndal has chosen
to start her own business, involving coaching, organising
festivals and focusing on neuroscience training. As of
September this year, she has based herself in the TWC Sports
Science building, running her new venture. We wish her
every success.
Marilyn Pattenden
Marilyn Pattenden was employed as the Librarian in
1995 and she is known for her passion for reading and love
of books. When she was employed by Miss Hogg 21 years
ago she was charged with making the library a happy and
colourful place; she has certainly managed to achieve this.
She is a dedicated librarian who is always willing to help
staff and girls find a book or information they need. She
has been instrumental in teaching the girls research skills
and how to write a bibliography. Marilyn has an amazing
eye for colour and this was an asset to her when she taught
Grade 9 Visual Arts. She also sewed costumes for numerous
school plays. She has been a loyal confidante to many staff
members, a trait which made her the perfect choice for staff
representative and pension fund representative. We wish
her all the best as she retires to Port Alfred.
61
Staff
Moira Lovell
At this year’s Grade 12 Prize-Giving we were honoured to
have Moira Lovell as our guest speaker. She ended her witty
and stimulating address by sharing her personal philosophy of
life with all of us. She challenged the Grade 12s to live, love,
leave a legacy and have a look.
I would like to pay tribute to Moira by highlighting some of
the many and varied ways she has left a legacy at TWC.
As a schoolgirl I admired her from a distance as I was not
taught by her for any length of time – but it was no secret that
she was the most stylish, dynamic and creative of teachers.
Her deep love of and passion for words and literature were
infectious and she instilled in her pupils a disciplined and
focused awareness of the power of language.
It is indeed a rarity to have on the Girls’ Collegiate staff and
The Wykeham Collegiate staff an English teacher who is an
actress, a widely recognised and published poet and playwright,
a director, a costume designer and a wordsmith. The girls
benefited enormously from being guided and encouraged by
such an artistic giant.
Her standards have always been uncompromisingly high,
whether they were academic results, Olympiad results, report
comments or her expectations of staff in her department.
Through her instruction and example, the girls were
stretched to attempt new ways of expressing themselves and
fresh ways of interpreting the literature they were exposed to,
resulting not only in academic success, but also in many of
them being acknowledged and published in The Witness True
Stories Competition, the Douglas Livingstone Creative Writing
Competition and English Alive.
Outside the classroom, Moira was involved in naming the
school magazine Upstream, editing the magazine and writing
the words to our school song.
On a more personal level, she has always been a loyal,
entertaining and inspiring person. She is a highly skilled
listener and has given of herself generously to so many aspects
of school life.
I would like to thank Moira for the support and care she has
shown me during our four years together on the staff.
I, along with the staff, girls and Old Girls, will certainly miss
her. We thank her for the decades of commitment to this
school and her invaluable contributions and we wish her well
in the years ahead. Moira Lovell is a class act and the legacy she
has left is indeed rich and profound.
SUE TASKER
LADY PRINCIPAL
Moira Lovell, Jeremy Brink (Chairman of the Board) and Sue Tasker.
62
Staff
TWC
2015
Officiating at a gala are: Aileen Metherell,
Christine Stiebel, Lynne Harris, Sam Ndhlovu
and Sheryl Watson.
Michelle Bennett, Catherine Lewis, Louise
Maher and Cathy Thomson setting off on The
Simpler Journey.
Jeanette Humphrey and Illy Alberts officiating.
Heather Fleming and Brenda Beckedahl
enjoying a Bond moment.
63
Upstream 2015 - Junior
Headmistress’ Induction
Karen Gardner takes over
as Headmistress
In 2014 Karen Gardner was appointed Headmistress of the Junior
School, assuming office in January 2015.
Karen grew up in KwaZulu-Natal and was schooled at Underberg
Primary and Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School.
She started her teaching career at schools in Pretoria in 1985, and
moved to Pietermaritzburg in 1992 when she started teaching at
Laddsworth Primary School. She joined Cowan House in January
2000. Karen taught at Cowan House for 15 years and was on the
management team as the Head of Department of the Senior
Primary. She has considerable experience in staff management,
professional development and curriculum development and she
has presented papers at various conferences since 1997.
Amongst other certificates, Karen has a Higher Diploma in
Education for Senior Primary Studies and a Further Diploma
in Primary School Guidance and Counselling from Edgewood
College; and a Master of Education in Education Management,
Leadership and Policy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
66
Karen is passionate about education in South Africa and feels that
we have a social responsibility to contribute to the future of our
country.
She is married to Robin and they have two daughters, Tegan and
Jayne, who are both in their 20s. Her interests are varied but
include jogging/walking, reading, gym and music.
Karen quickly settled into her position as Headmistress and has
embraced the new challenges. Her warm nature, sense of humour
and love of fun have endeared her to staff and girls. The reindeer
‘sweetie jar’ has been raided by many girls during their visits to her;
the new red couch has been tested by the Poppets; and Karen has
been heard tinkling away on the piano when she has thought no
one else was around. The Junior School has enjoyed a happy year
under her leadership and we look forward to many more.
SUE TASKER
LADY PRINCIPAL
Educational Matters
Katherine Human hard at
work icing her cupcake.
TWC
Each little Poppet received
her own icing kit for a
special baking experience.
Katherine Human and
Aditi Maharaj icing
their own cupcakes.
What a wonderful morning of play and fun the Poppets had at
Cordwalles. The cycle track, trampoline and jungle gym were
highlights!
Grade R is based on the principles of integration and playbased learning. All aspects of Grade R, including the classroom
environment, teaching and learning practice, should promote
the holistic and integral development of the child. This includes
cognitive thinking (problem-solving, logical thought and
reasoning), language development (speaking and listening),
perceptual motor, as well as emotional and social development.
All these aspects can be developed through stories, songs, rhymes,
sensopathic play (water, sand, etc ), educational toys, including
board games, counting, construction and imaginative play. The
children are encouraged to develop interpersonal skills to promote
their growth in confidence, independence and decision making.
Our daily programme allows optimal time for both spontaneous
free play and formal learning, which includes teacher-guided
activities, routines and child-initiated ideas. Our day includes
morning ring, school readiness, a phonics programme, free play
and specialist teaching. (e.g. music, drama). Grade R has its
unique characteristics based on how children in this age group
make sense of the world and acquire the knowledge, skills, values
and attitudes that will allow them to maximise the opportunities
afforded in the formal learning years. Education is a partnership
between home and school. Parents are encouraged to promote
and enhance learning and independence and to foster curiosity,
exploration and participation in carefree activities.
JANET BAILEY &
KARIN BRAITHWAITE
RECEPTION CLASS TEACHERS
Moyo Awolesi
walking on stilts.
Thando Duma, Cassandra
Randall, Azania Gumede
and Jessica Hall enjoyed
the trampoline.
Aerin Chen
and Abongile
Lotz climbing.
Libby Chapman and
Aerin Chen using
magnetic shapes to
make a picture.
Arya Pillay,
Mrs Mchunu and
Kimaya Naidoo.
At the starting
line - Uyanda
Gwamanda, Acacia
Fryer Dudley,
Syna Maharaj and
Georgia Aiston.
2015
Girls building with
construction toys.
Sonalia Chetty and
Vivienne Reitz
building with blocks.
67
Educational Matters
The Grade 2s thoroughly enjoyed making 3D objects out of jellytots and toothpicks during a Maths lesson.
Keanna-Kadine
Padayachee thrilled
with her construction.
Rachel Browning deep
in concentration.
Isabella Moig and
Saaliha Moosa showing
off their completed
constructions.
So Jeong Bae, Lisa Carshagen and
Roxanne Thompson building
Mr Sniggles, the skeleton.
There is always huge excitement in Grade 3 every year, when ten chicken eggs arrive to be incubated. This experiment is done as part of our
theme of Growth. The eggs arrive on Day 20 of incubation so within 24 hours there are egg shells and cheeping chicks. The girls are put
into groups and they ‘adopt’ a chick for the week (a coloured dot identifies each chick!). The girls love charting the growth of their downy
chicks as they weigh and observe them for the week. It is amazing for them to see how the chicks double their body mass in five days! This
is certainly a worthwhile and much loved science project.
Hannah Bullock, Rebecca Fisher,
Kayla Hohls and Lisa Carshagen
hold the newly-hatched chicks.
Kelly Moore and Georgie Henderson
hold the newly-hatched chicks.
Zoë Panczyk, Annabelle Walker,
Raeesa Moosa and Lungelo
Sibiya meeting chicks as they
come out of the incubator.
68
This page is generously sponsored by Capitol Caterers.
Educational Matters
TWC
2015
Excitement rippled through the Grade 6s. The great day had
arrived! It was time to write children’s stories.
Erin Ellis and Jenna Pepworth
proudly displaying their culinary
skills during Food Oral Week.
We eagerly sat at our places, letting the inspiration wash over
us in great waves. Some stories were hilarious, while some were
mysterious. Overall, they were incredible! Moral guidelines were
included to help the young children through their childhood
hardships. While the teachers quietly whispered to one another,
we impatiently waited for our chance to read our stories to the
younger children. Afterwards we felt that we had captured their
imaginations, and that our stories had been appreciated. This was
an enjoyable activity for both the authors and the audience.
Zara Inglis and Maeve Miranda (Grade 6)
Naseeha Moosa shares
a delightful story with
Georgia Mackay.
Rebecca Edwards, Emily Starmer,
Isabella Uys and Rachel Dale
with the wind vane they made
to show wind direction.
Paige Brombacher shares her
story about a zebra who lost
his stripes with Olivia Kinvig.
Nitara Visvanathan, Kiara
Naidoo, Esihle Mthethwa
and Amy Smith with
their anemometer used
to measure wind speed.
Nicola Carshagen listens
intently to a story written
by Sophie Liversage.
69
Educational Matters
The Berg Street teachers were invited to join us on three Saturday School mornings from 8:00 am – 10:00 am. Fourteen teachers who
teach from Grade R to Grade 3 joined us each time. For two sessions the women worked closely with teachers of their respective grades.
We were able to fulfil their needs by:
•
sharing worksheet and workcard ideas of our own
•
sharing helpful computer sites where free teaching aid downloads are available
•
making aids and equipment and sharing, for example, recipes for play dough
•
listening to their concerns and frustrations and trying to offer advice and guidance
During our discussions, the teachers expressed concern about some of the very difficult home circumstances that many of their children
experience. With this in mind, it was decided that for the third PIE session, Janet Bailey would facilitate a hands-on Play Therapy
workshop. The teachers left with knowledge and techniques that can relax children, such as blowing feathers with a straw, stress-balls
and worry-dolls.
We, as a Foundation Phase staff, have been humbled by our interactions with the Berg Street teachers. We are indeed blessed to work in
an environment such as The Wykeham Collegiate.
JULIE MUSTARD
FOUNDATION PHASE CO-ORDINATOR
Newspaper Fun
The Psychomotor classroom was buzzing with excitement and
creativity as the girls explored the endless possibilities with
newspapers. They built houses, shops, tv rooms and beds. They
used the newspaper for dressing-up and making hats, skating
boots, hair accessories and balls. The sheer delight and enthusiasm
were a joy to witness. Psychomotor involves mind, body, soul and
unconsciousness in the joy of play.
KERRY TIMMERMAN
PSYCHOMOTOR TEACHER
Ilhaam Moosa in
her own space.
70
Jaina Baldavoo
concentrating very hard
to balance newspaper
on her feet.
Irie-Mae Bailey
wearing a
newspaper hat.
Aaminah Mota and
Emma Barnard on a
couch of newspapers.
Educational Matters
The Wykeham Collegiate Junior School hosted a training
programme for the schools in the KZN Midlands region which
are embracing the Time2Read approach to spelling and reading.
This is a ground-breaking phonics-based method which teaches
children to work from sounds to symbols. The children map words
into chunks or syllables and then into the phonemes, or spelling
patterns which make up each chunk or syllable. Parents will be
apprised of this new approach next year.
TWC
2015
A lightbulb moment! Grade
3 teachers, Jean Clarke and
Lora Laithwaite, participating
enthusiastically at a Saturday
morning workshop.
MARY-LOU KEMP
REMEDIAL TEACHER
Such concentration from
our committed Grade R
teachers, Janet Bailey and
Karin Braithwaite.
Grade 2 teachers, Leigh Goosen
and Catherine Berndsen, enjoying
the challenge of a new and exciting
phonics approach – Time2Read.
L to R: Pranjal Gongal, Ashleigh Starmer, Katherine Elmer-English, Clarice
van Niekerk and Ashley Voller were awarded Scholarships to Grade 8.
71
Community Service
The Junior School recently held a Swimathon to raise money to
buy sports equipment for underprivileged schools. Girls from
Grades 1 – 7 raised sponsorship and many laps were swum. It
was a wonderful opportunity for the girls to give of themselves to
those who are less privileged.
The Poppets 2015 Outreach Programme was Allison Old Age
Home. Class mothers, Nikita Munro and Lisa Aiston, worked
hard at putting together fifty Sunshine Boxes. Parents donated
towards this worthwhile cause. The boxes were delivered to the
Home and were greatly appreciated.
KERRY TIMMERMAN
POPPETS TEACHER
Each year the Grade 2s study the theme of Money. We cover the
history of money, currencies and the difference between wants
and needs. The girls are then given the opportunity to put their
entrepreneurial skills to the test and take part in a real-life buying and
selling experience. Each child provides eats or drinks (a maximum of
12 units) and they sell to their peers and pupils from other grades.
Once selling is done, girls are helped to subtract their float and cost
amounts to calculate what their ‘profit’ for the day is.
It has become a tradition that the Grade 2 girls and their families
then donate the profit to Mbubu Crèche, which is an ongoing project
within The Wykeham Collegiate Junior School community.
Poppets proud of their
Sunshine Boxes.
A pyramid of Sunshine Boxes.
72
Rachel Browning and Ruth
Hatfield selling their delicious
goodies at ‘shop day’.
Community Service
TWC
The Grade 3s chose Eden Kids as their Outreach project for 2015.
Eden Kids is a non-profit organisation which was established by
Pastor Joel Ruttenberg in response to a need at the Masukwana
Informal Settlement. This community is situated between the old
East Street and the N3, along the Dorpspruit River. These may be
the least privileged children in the so-called ‘AIDS capital of Africa.’
Joel has established a food-garden project where the people create
their own vegetable gardens and their produce is for their own
use. This whole project was in jeopardy after all their gardening
tools were stolen. The Grade 3s decided to try to help them replace
All the Grade 3s with
their plethora of tools!
2015
some of their tools and brought used and new tools to school. As
usual, the girls exceeded our dreams and the tools they brought
were numerous and varied. These were handed over to Pastor Joel,
who was thrilled, as the project would now be able to thrive again.
The Grade 3s have identified closely with this project and they gave
from their hearts.
LORA LAITHWAITE & JEAN CLARKE
GRADE 3 TEACHERS
Hannah Bullock,
Abigail Newman, Jorja
Kinvig, Zoë Panczyk.
Grade 3 pupils, Tatum Laing and Kate Macaskill, handed over
money that they had raised at Market Day to Bronwyn Laing, Rhino
Art Project Co-ordinator. The money will be used to help maintain
a rhino orphanage which has been built to care for rhinos whose
parents have been killed through poaching.
A select group
of Grade 7 girls
arrives at Mbubu
Crèche with gifts
bought from
donations. They
are accompanied
by Mrs Sarah
Dottridge who
oversees the crèche.
Stephanie Maitre
feeding one of the
young children.
Grade 5
Premmie packs
and colouring -in
books and crayons
A delighted mum receiving
a pack of baby goodies
from Kathleen Forde.
Lerato Mokoatle, Isabella ThorntonDibb, Lilly Steiner, Diya Singh and
Nitara Visvanathan waiting to enter
the neo-natal ward at Edendale.
73
I love to go to school and I love drama and
I like p e and I also like reading and maths.
I also like to draw and paint. My teacher is
Mrs Black.
Olivia Mackenzie (Grade 1)
Acacia Fryer-Dudley (Grade RR)
In the holiday I went on the roundabout.
And I also went to scratch patch and I
found colourful stones.
Shannon Holdsworth (Grade 1)
Yesterday my Mum read a story to me sew
I can sleep with my teddybear and my
Mum sings a lullaby.
Minovuyo Nota (Grade 1)
Nicola Carshagen (Grade 1)
Mikjé Böcking (Grade R)
I had a braai. I cooked hot chops and I
flew my kite. We went to Midmar dam
with my cousins. We helped a man out.
His car was stuck in the mud. We played
in the mud. I got very dirty.
Zara Asmall (Grade 1)
On a very rainy day
I have to stay inside. I am very bored when
it is raining. When it is drizzling my mom
says I can put on my wellies, coat and
gloves and go play outside. I make a warm
fire and sit in front of it. I look out of the
window – it still looks cold!
Tamika Haripersad (Grade 2)
Macrorie House
On the 19th of August the Grade 2 classes
went to Macrorie House. The lady sed that
there is a ghost. The ghost is a friendly girl
ghost and there is a picher of her wearing
pink clothes.
Simoné du Plessis (Grade 2)
Grandparents Day
On Grandparents Day we did a concert for
our granparents and I was very nervous.
We sang for them. And then they came
into our classrooms and they looked at my
books. And I was very excited.
Danielle Baxter (Grade 2)
Azande Gumede (Grade RR)
I am making a cheese cake for Eid and my
mum put rose petals on top of the cheese
cake. We made slush puppy and I put
mendi on my hands.
Zoya Omar (Grade 1)
I went to the circus. I saw a clown. He
tried to catch a bee. The bee got bigger.
The bee chased the clown.
Iysti Sewram (Grade 1)
74
What shape am I ?
Siphelele Pheta (Grade R)
I had a walk in the forest. I saw some birds
flying from tree to tree.
Georgia Mackay (Grade 1)
On Thursday was my birthday and it was
fun. And I got a pair of roller blades and I
was good.
Turanya Rugbeer (Grade 1)
This page is generously sponsored by Cordwalles.
I live in the sky.
I have 5 sides.
You see me at night.
I am often near the moon.
Sumtimes the clouds cover them.
I shine all night.
I am a ………………………
Robyn Chapman (Grade 2)
TWC
Saiyuri Naidoo (Grade 1)
Macrorie House
On Wednesday all the Grade 2s went to
Macrorie House. The bath was as small as
a chair and if it was a stormi night and you
needed to go to the loo, they had a bowl
under there bed and emptied it out in the
morning. They had to work from when
they were little and the smaller the person
the worse the job because the little ones
had to get onto the roof and slid down the
chimni and clean all the gunk out of the
chimney.
Jessica Henderson (Grade 2)
2015
Lungelo Sibiya (Grade 3)
When I’m 28
Collaborative Rhyming Poem
When I’m 28 my husbands name will
hopefully be Mathew. I will have one boy
and to girls their names will be david,
taylor and lisa, david will have a Snake
and the girls will share a cat the cat will
be a tappy cat and the snake will be a corn
snake. My husband will have big musils
and be in the Olympics. When I’m 28 I
will have long brown hair. I will be tanned
and I will always where dresses just under
my knees with black slops with a wight
nicklace and bracelit, I will live in a double
story manchin my husband will have
brown or blue eyes he will always where a
blue t-shirt with patend pants with slops.
My childrens uneeform will have a white
shirt with navy blue tie the boys where
short pants and the girls where short skirts
and we will have a pool.
Anabelle Stewart (Grade 2)
At the gala we get to swim
All the swimming makes us trim.
We can do Freestyle at a pace,
We get very red in the face!
It is fun in our school pool,
The water is terrific and cool.
Diving in off the block makes a splash,
Kicking hard, we make a dash.
All the teams give a mighty cheer!
While we are swimming we feel no more
fear.
Hooray! Our team wins the prize,
It’s all because our coach is so wise!
All of us feel proud,
Our cheers and shouts are very loud.
(Grade 3)
Catherine Bracco (Grade 1)
Emily Bernhard (Grade 3)
Keya Mudaliar (Grade 2)
Kayla Hohls (Grade 3)
203 Hoosen Haffejee Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
P.O. Box 1224, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 South Africa
Tel: +27 33 395 9100 Fax: +27 33 395 9133
Cell: +27 83 640 6476 Email: jp@nashuapmb.co.za
This page is generously sponsored by Nashua.
75
SIMILES
As sweet as an apple
As beautiful as a ballerina
As clever as a cat
As quiet as dawn
As fragile as an egg
As thick as fog
As great as God
As huge as a hippo
As warm as a jacket
As messy as the kitchen
As spiky as a quill
As colourful as a rainbow
As stinky as a sock
As bright as a torch
As shady as an umbrella
As musical as a violin
As fussy as women
As bony as an x-ray
As bouncy as a yo-yo
As nothing as zero.
Mariam Yacoob (Grade 3)
As big as a bulldozer
As delicious as cake
As heavy as an elephant
As hot as fire
As good as girls
As high as a helicopter
As cold as an igloo
As tight as jeans
As naughty as a monkey
As boring as a newspaper
As quiet as a pin-drop.
As loud as a tambourine
As wicked as a witch
As thin as an x-ray
As stripy as a zebra
Kari Aadnesgaard (Grade 3)
Imagine …..
Imagine a mango
Doing the tango.
Imagine a maid
Swimming in lemonade.
Imagine a snake
Dressed as a rake.
Imagine a pig
Wearing a wig.
Imagine a hag
That likes to nag.
Imagine a nail
With a long tail.
Imagine a yeti
Dressed as spaghetti.
Imagine a blouse
Going for a browse.
Just imagine that!
Erin Dickason (Grade 4)
Georgia Bekker (Grade 4)
As shiny as an apple
As scary as a bear
As loud as a Siamese cat
As hard-working as a donkey
As funny as a jack-in-the-box
As jumpy as a kangaroo
As healthy as an orange
As small as a quail
As grumpy as a rhino
As juicy as a strawberry
As fluffy as a vole
As refreshing as water
As weird as an x-ray
As calm as a yacht.
(Neo Green (Grade 3)
Alexandra Hugo (Grade 4)
Jenna Henning (Grade 4)
76
Emma Hoole (Grade 4)
TWC
2015
Market Day
Delicious ice-creams waiting,
Helpful hands helping,
Excited children arriving,
Busy creators creating,
Ginormous jumping castles inflating,
Loud music booming,
Benevolent teachers working,
Bereft wallets lying,
Capable children buying,
Captivating rides looming,
Leftover papers disposing,
Divine food selling,
Bubbly foam evaporating,
Innumerable people walking,
Hungry gourmets eating,
Crestfallen children leaving,
Tired feet trudging and
Decaffeinated coffee finishing.
Wow, what a lovely Market Day!
Aaliya Jassat (Grade 4)
Hail Storm Disaster
On Friday 6 February the sky went dark
and the trees started bending from the
strong wind. It started lightning and
raining. The rain stopped and then it
started hailing at about 6:00 pm! The hail
was the size of ducks’ eggs. It was very
unusual and loud and came down bashing
on windows and roof tiles. As the hail
fell into a puddle it splashed everywhere.
The storm caused damage to cars, homes,
schools and businesses. Glass repair shops
were very busy with long lines of people
waiting to have their windows fixed.
Aaliya Jassat (Grade 4)
Inside my Mom’s Handbag
I opened my mom’s handbag and what did
I find?
A pack of rainbow tissues,
A dark maroon colour Mac lipstick LED
free,
A tube of foot cream,
A Samsung mini cellphone that rings 24/7,
A black purse with grey flowers with tons
of slips from all sorts of stores,
A huge bag of watermelon chewing gum
that she eats every day,
A pink water bottle,
A pair of shiny silver keys with a key ring
and some loose change.
WHAT A MESS!
Nazahah Essack (Grade 4)
I find?
Brightly coloured tissues,
An iPhone with a bright pink cover
Bulgari designer sunglasses,
Hygienic wipes from Dis-chem,
A black ostrich skin purse filled with
credit cards and notes,
A bottle of Crabtree and Evelyn
pomegranate hand cream,
Airwave chewing gum
Purple Super C’s, her favourite,
Lots and lots of tablets,
Dark pink Revlon lipstick and
A lot of receipts.
WHAT A MESS!
Saskia Sarawan (Grade 4)
Lerato Mokoatle (Grade 5)
“Pennies” and “Gerries!!!” is die woorde
wat in my kop rond hardloop. Ek vee
die sweet van my voorkop af, daar is
spinnekoppe wat in my maag kriewel.
My bene voel asof hulle van jelly gemaak
is. Skielik skree die afsitter – “Op julle
merke, gereed, gaan!” Die woorde wat Mnr
du Plessis vir my voor die tyd gesê het,
“Probeer net jou beste” dans al die pad
onder na my voete toe. Ek maak my oë toe
en hardloop. Voor dat jy pawiljoen kan sê,
is ek al klaar by die halfpad merker. Ek is
heel voor! Maar net toe ek twee meter van
die wenstreep was, skiet Piet verby my.
Darem het ek tweede prys gewen!
Zia van Niekerk (Grade 5)
I find?
A dark green tin of Zambuck,
A pack of white tissues,
A shiny black wallet with a Pick ‘n Pay
shopping card and driver’s licence,
A pack of minty chewing gum,
A blue and silver pen and a notebook,
Her skweaky clean car keys,
Some O So Heavenly deodorant,
Some colourful hair bands and big brown
round sunglasses.
WHAT A MESS!
Emma Hatfield (Grade 4)
Autumn
Trees
Distraught, unwanted,
Howling, despairing, complaining,
Standing lifelessly in the wind,
Phantoms.
Kiara Naidoo (Grade 5)
Botheo Chitja (Grade 5)
77
FRIENDSHIP
The Gala
Friendship is the colour of a soft lavender
blanket.
It feels like a warm tingly sensation.
Friendship smells like the aroma of a
sweet, sugary gingerbread cookie.
It looks like a shining star.
It tastes like juicy, sugary fruit freshly
picked off a tree.
Friendship is special because it can be
shared between many people.
Milani Ndlazi (Grade 5)
On the block waiting nervously
‘On your marks!’
Crowd quiet
Waiting for the gun
I taste the cold air
Spectators focused on swimmers
I feel the rugged block under my feet
‘Get set!’
Hands are shaking
Ready to take off
The smell of chlorine fills
the air.
‘Go!’
I dive through the water
My head is turning red
My hands are pulling stronger
I’m trying my best
Breathe, breathe, breathe …
I see the wall
I’m excited
I breathe again I’m under the flags
I touch the wall
I’m proud of myself
I’ve completed the race.
Esihle Mthethwa (Grade 5)
Friendship is the colour of rosy red cheeks
when a child laughs.
It feels like when you explode into a fit of
laughter.
It smells like a roast chicken that comes
out of the oven hot and is ready to eat.
It looks like a dog defending its owner
with a deafening bark.
It tastes like soft soothing mashed
potatoes and hot crispy ribs.
It is special because you have a special
bond with someone else.
Nitara Visvanathan (Grade 5)
Friendship is the colour of indigo lavender
bushes in the sunshine.
It feels like the rays of the sun shining
directly onto you.
Friendship smells like red roses blooming
in spring.
It looks like neon blotches of paint
splattered on a piece of boring cardboard.
It tastes like sweet sugary icing on a
delicious vanilla cake.
Friendship is special because your friends
will always be there for you in bad times.
Lucy Gilson (Grade 5)
Zara Inglis (Grade 6)
78
Lerato Mokoatle (Grade 5)
Sports Day
‘On your marks’
The cold, barren ground.
‘Get set’
Muscles in a tight ball
Ready to spring.
‘Go!’
The deafening sound of the gun
The taste of dust
Heart beating frantically.
Final lap
Sweat dripping down my face
Legs burning
Dart over the finish line
I’m finished.
Relief!
Rachel Dale (Grade 5)
Tatum Chalk (Grade 6)
TWC
The Race
Hosepipe
I knelt down at the starting line. I could
feel sweat beads forming on my face.
‘On your marks!’ I was so nervous racing
against the best running team. I had
butterflies in my stomach and my heart
was thudding in my chest. ‘Get set’. I felt
all my muscles tense as I stretched my leg.
‘Go!’ The gun exploded. I leapt forward. I
could smell the gun smoke in the air. I felt
the wind brush against my face. I knew
that I shouldn’t sprint in the beginning,
so I jogged. My legs started aching. I had
only done one kilometre, four more to
go. I could see two girls in the distance.
I bolted towards them. I could hear my
heart thud and my feet crash against
the hard ground. The two girls started
staggering and getting slower and slower,
now was my chance. ‘Go’ I told myself,
‘go’. I could hear the crowd scream, I was
getting closer and closer to the finish. My
throat was dry and it throbbed. I could see
the black and white flag ahead. I puffed
out my chest and raced over the finish
line. Everybody was screaming my name!
The excitement of having finished rushed
through my body! I was proud of my team.
They had won!
Erin Horn (Grade 5)
The camouflaged body slithering on the
ground; an urban snake.
The owner lets go and it goes crazy; a
terrified snake.
Squiggling along the grass, a hunting
snake.
Squirting water from its mouth, an
attacking snake.
Long, thin and green, a dangerous snake.
Once it’s free, it’s uncontrollable, a wild
snake.
Camouflaged, crazy, squiggly, squirting
venom, long, thin, green, uncontrollable,
it wraps itself around its holder, it wraps
itself around its prey.
Zara Inglis (Grade 6)
The Vacuum Cleaner
Steel Eagle
I am the steel eagle of the sky,
Rising through the clouds with my head
held high.
Swooping down the runway just about to
catch my prey.
I grab the attention of all those who gaze
at me from below.
My wings glistening in the morning sun,
My tail will tell you where I come from.
I’ll catch your breath as you see me soar,
My thunderous wheels followed by a
mighty roar.
Hannah Essa (Grade 6)
The vacuum cleaner wakes up
every morning and goes
scavenging on a hunt for muck.
It makes a powerful grumbling
noise as it scrambles along.
Its nozzle like a snout sniffs out all
the filth. The round tummy
stores the dirt and dust to be
later spat out.
Paige Brombacher (Grade 6)
Chelsea Walden (Grade 6)
2015
Yyonna-Shelly Padayachee (Grade 6)
Garden Snails
Garden snails are clay rocks.
They are old, slow and hardly ever move.
They are lumpy and round.
The garden snail’s antennae are little
seedlings growing on clay rocks.
The eyes of a garden snail are the pitted
skin of the clay rock caused by drops of
rain.
They hide away under the plants and slide
away when seen.
Garden snails are clay rocks.
Gemma Bernard (Grade 6)
Stars and Fireworks
Stars and fireworks glimmer in the night,
They shine in the sky,
And make the dark look bright.
They stand out, they’re a grin in a dull
crow
And give you excitement as you see them
burst.
Shooting stars are the sparkling fireworks
in the hours of darkness.
Most people love to gaze at them.
While they shimmer in the open,
They’re all spread out and about,
Stars and fireworks are magnificent.
Vania Manchev (Grade 6)
Taskeen Moosa (Grade 6)
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79
Xenophobia Audit
Who dares question xenophobia?
Not I said the blood-thirsty robber.
Not I said the ruthless murderer.
Not I said the greedy looters.
Then who?
Who dares to question xenophobia
We do, said the short-cut lives.
We do, said running refugees.
We do, said the petrified immigrants.
We question xenophobia.
Nomcebo Zuma (Grade 7)
Poaching Audit
Emma Wayt (Grade 6)
Steel Giraffe
The urban giraffe is gently loading a vessel,
with her long, elegant neck,
She is standing alone, tranquil,
then she reaches for the shipment
effortlessly,
her sturdy legs support the weight.
Her glamorously painted flaxen and
chestnut figure
stands out against the dull grey dock.
When she completes the task, she swivels
in preparation for her next job.
Then it is time to leave, she moves silently
and quickly.
Maeve Miranda (Grade 6)
Brooke Aylward (Grade 6)
White Horses
Waves are as wild as a mustang, running
with fury
in their eyes as they jump over rocks in
the depths
of the sea! White foaming forelocks flying
this
way and that, spraying salty water
everywhere.
Like a herd of stallions bunched together
or galloping
at sea as they swerve and dodge the danger
of ships.
Their booming neighs fill the air.
Pearly white foam falling everywhere.
As they rush to the shore and then get
sucked back out to sea
as hoof marks vanish with the waves.
Hayley Conway (Grade 6)
Who dares to question the poaching of
animals?
Not I, said the sly tracker,
Not I, said the merciless hunter,
Not I, said the ill-informed consumer.
Then who?
Who dares to question poaching?
We do, said the helpless animals,
We do, said the enraged game ranger,
We do, said the future generation,
We question the poaching of animals.
Kelly Wilkins (Grade 7)
Busy lifestyle audit
Who dares question our busy lifestyle?
Not I said the buzzing phones
Not I said the everlasting activities.
Not I said the full diaries.
Then who?
Who dares to question our busy lifestyle?
We do, said the struggling single parents.
We do, said the exhausted children.
We do, said the frantic business people –
we question your busy lifestyle.
Serena Almonte (Grade 7)
Gemma Barnard (Grade 6)
80
Taskeen Moosa (Grade 6)
TWC
2015
Oumas
Lost
Although both my grandmothers live
far away from me, they are as much part
of me as the things I do every day and I
love them as much, if not more, than the
people I see every day of my life.
I’m moving through the corridors. My
heart is pounding like a sledgehammer in
my chest, my face is drenched in sweat.
My eyes skim all the shops. Their bright
names flash before my eyes. People glare
at me as if I’m mad, not one of them
offering to help. I remember my dead
phone situated in my deep pocket. My
hands reach out to it and hold it steadily
and hopefully in the thought that by some
miracle it will revive itself.
My one Ouma lives in Clarens among the
mountains, whose paths she knows as well
as the back of her hand, and fresh air. Her
large garden is lined with different types
of fruit trees and her larder is filled from
top to bottom with jars of homemade
fruit jam. The whole house smells like
her, a warm, homely smell, mingling in
the evenings with the sound of the everwaking cuckoo clock and the warmth
of the crackling fire and in the morning
it surrounds you while snuggled up in
her warm bed with a cup of tea and her
delicious rusks. Her face is decorated with
wrinkles, but the wrinkles are around her
eyes. They are smile-wrinkles – I hardly
ever see her not smiling. Most mornings
she rises with the birds and the sun, to get
the perfect light for her award-winning
photographs.
My other Ouma lives in Pretoria, in a
house practically painted with photos. The
walls are covered with memories featuring
the smiling faces of my dad, aunts and
uncles from when they were young, to my
cousins, siblings and me as we are now.
Her one room is filled from top to bottom
with old items which she hasn’t been able
to bring herself to throw away over the
years. You can always see her in her bright,
flowery dresses, either outside amongst
the grass and flowers or inside knitting
or sewing a wonderful dress for one of
her grandchildren. You can always smell
fish being cooked in the kitchen and see
her smiling face bringing us biscuit upon
biscuit the whole day through.
Danalyn Schmidt (Grade 7)
Gabriella Cuturi (Grade 7)
My racing slows down to a stride. I feel
empty after finding no-one after my
thorough search. Of course it would be
easier if I knew who I was looking for. As I
pick up my heavy feet, one after the other,
I sense that someone is stalking me. That
thought sends a shiver through my body.
I start moving a lot faster but then realise
that I don’t know where I am going. I turn
around several times, but to no avail as
there is no-one focused on me. I decide
that there isn’t anyone. No money, no
family that I remember, no food, nothing.
I go up to a woman with a baby, hoping
she will feel pity for me and help me but
she just walks faster and faster with a
mumbled sorry. I try yet another person
but her reaction is pretty much the same
except that she stops and harshly tells me
that I should go to my parents and leave
her alone. After that, I lose all hope as I
scrunch against a wall.
After a few minutes, I pull myself back up
again, everything being a blur owing to
the tears in my eyes. I see a funny-looking
man examining me and then coming
closer. He smiles and holds out his arms
to me. I wipe my eyes to check if it is my
imagination and thankfully it isn’t.
I run towards him and hold on tight.
It feels so good just to be there. I’ve
conquered the world by finding him. He
picks me up and starts walking.
You don’t know my Oumas and I pity you
for that, but hopefully a piece of them has
been put into my writing so you can feel
that you know them a little bit.
Clarice van Niekerk (Grade 7)
Is it over or just the beginning of
something worse?
Tahiya Essa (Grade 7)
(Grade 7 R class project)
81
Drama
Grade RR - Grade 3 Puppet Show
The Baobab Tree:
Learning about our Heritage
The small audience was buzzing with excitement as they waited for
this show by Heather Tomlinson of PuppetWorld to begin. What
better way to learn new things than this and the children were not
disappointed.
were, eliciting many shrieks as they picked nits off each other! The
view of the tree in full bloom in the sparkling night, hiding a family
of bushbabies, was quite enchanting, as were the other nocturnal
creatures we met.
As usual the puppets were delightful with their vibrant colours and
quirky details and ranged from smaller hand puppets right through
to large scale puppets created through audience participation. The
blue crane marionette awkwardly foraging through the indigenous
South African landscape was quite charming and such an effective
way to teach young people about our national bird. We all loved
the man-sized buffalo puppet, created by five lucky Grade 2s, as he
cavorted around to the lively, African music.
Besides the enjoyment, an important message was shared of
appreciating our country and its many wonders, with a particular
emphasis on our precious resource of water. The magic of a
rainstorm had everyone in excited whispers trying to guess how
the hail and water were being created so cleverly on the puppet
stage. Following on from this, the simple coloured buckets
demonstration was a powerful way to show how much water is
wasted in our day-to-day living.
The main set piece of a baobab tree was used to teach children
about important creatures in our country. The children loved the
hornbill twittering around the chunky baobab tree. We saw how he
uses mud to cover his nest and the delightful trio of chicks nestled
inside! And what fun the baboons popping out of the baobab tree
Groups left the Atrium class by class, acting as creatures we had
met in the show, with smiles all round!
HEATHER ASHTON
DRAMA TEACHER
Grade 2s as the buffalo,
one of our Big Five.
Khanya Mtshemla
is delighted to be
dressed up as a bat!
The Bushbaby family!
Olivia Mackenzie is
another lucky bat
swooping around
the baobab tree.
Catherine Bracco and Azania
Mgaga smoking out the bees.
82
Drama
TWC
2015
Feelings and
Emotions Puppet
Show
Heather Tomlinson presented another much-anticipated puppet
show entitled Feelings and Emotions, to pupils from Poppets to
Grade 3. The girls sang and clapped and were the perfect audience!
The exquisitely handmade theatre, puppets and paper factory
exceeded expectations.
We followed the story of Bert, who was new to the neighbourhood.
He had spent many hours making a beautiful kite. His father, who
was off to work in the paper factory, encouraged him to fly it. He
told him that if it didn’t work the first time, he must try again until
it did work. Although Bert thought he was holding the kite tightly,
it ripped out of his hands. He was so upset and angry. He reminded
us that we all get angry and we need to deal with our anger. Lucy
came to help and told Bert to breathe in and out and count to 10
rather than scream and have a tantrum! They decided to go and
look for the kite next door at the block of flats. They met Sibongile
and her sister, Sofie. Although Sofie wanted to go to the park first,
Sibongile said they must help Bert first. If you are kind to others,
they will be kind back. We all clapped and sang the Echo song.
Kelly Moore and
Annabelle Walker with
school-going puppets.
The search for the kite continued to the beautiful garden of Sid and
Tom. Sid and Tom grew lots of beautiful flowers. We learnt about
green fingers, hard work, making compost and healthy eating. We
learnt about the importance of feeling happy and smiling. We do
so much better when we are happy and smiling and we should
always try to make others feel happy. The girls joined in singing
the Smile song. There are lots of things to make us happy. Some of
the girls came forward and were given a huge handmade stem with
a bud which opened into a beautiful flower.
The ‘laughing girls’ from
L to R: Catherine Bracco,
Sarah Essa, Gabriella
van Zuydam, Georgia
Mackay and Zoya Omar.
Bert needed to go back to school. The teacher spoke about good
manners, listening to your teacher, not being unkind, doing your
best and treating others with respect. Bert learnt how precious
books are and how they should not be left lying around. Bert met
more friends and we were reminded that we are all different but
special.
Bert’s friends all offered to help find the missing kite, which was
eventually found in the forest. The paper factory where Bert’s
father worked was right next to the forest. Heather created a whole
factory and the girls ‘made’ paper! We realised how much work
goes into making paper and how important it is to recycle.
The girls sang and clapped and had so much fun without realising
how much they were learning!
CLAIRE SNYDERS
FOUNDATION PHASE DRAMA TEACHER
The ‘smiling girls’ from
L to R: Tyler Moodley,
Topeka Koning, Tatum
Laing, Lucy Mackenzie
and Grace Wardlaw with
Mrs Heather Tomlinson.
83
Drama
Grade 2 Goosen
perform The
Crocodile’s
Toothache.
Grade 2s performing the
very cool Pet Shop Rap.
The Evil Dentists.
Audience participation
from Grade 1 girls
at the Grade 10
Drama presentations.
Good audience
participation at the Grade
10 Drama presentations.
84
TWC
2015
85
Environment
Aqeela Mahomed patting
a young wildebeest.
Nelissa Thompson,
Botheo Chitja and Nesisa
Mthembu look at a yellowbilled duck which was
befriended by a chicken.
Aqeela Mahomed feeling
an African rock python.
86
Emma Harrison stroking
a young blesbok.
87
Grade Outings & Activities
Grade RR • Mrs Smith
Back Row: Kristen Cameron, Azanda Gumede, Ilhaam Noorgat, Mrs Smith, Jessica Hall, Istha Sewgoolam, Tatum Gopaul.
Middle Row: Cassandra Randall, Syna Maharaj, Zoë Janas, Celine Karien.
Front Row: Hannah Morrow, Thandoluhle Duma, Sifundile Zuma, Mekaysha Pillay, Katherine Human, Georgia Aiston.
Grade RR • Mrs Timmerman
Back Row: Kaitlin Retief, Kerissa Kisten, Arya Pillay, Sarah Sewsunker, Acacia Fryer-Dudley, Jasvia Visvanathan, Rachel O’Donoghue.
Middle Row: Aditi Maharaj, Kimaya Naidoo, Jessica Wermuth, Mrs Timmerman, Carla Munro, Uyanda Gwamanda, Cassie-Rose Van Der Velden.
Front Row: Charlotte Human, Christie Breytenbach, Ilhaam Moosa.
88
TWC
2015
‘Please can we take
a bunny home?’
Jessica Wermuth
raring to go.
An excited bunch of poppets
getting off the bus.
Kirsten Cameron
and Carla Munro
enjoying the rabbits.
An enthralled audience
admiring the unusual fish.
Madison the Travelling Bear
Madison is the Poppets’ very own teddy bear that loves to visit the girls at home. She spends a night or two at their homes and the girls
record her adventures in the diary. She has been to watch ballet, attended the Royal Show, horse races, birthday parties, Spur, visited the
Botanical Gardens, had numerous picnics and even gone shopping. Madison’s favourite thing is to sleep in girls’ beds. She is cherished
and adored and the girls eagerly wait for their turn to take her home. Her adventures are told to the class on her return.
KERRY TIMMERMAN
POPPETS TEACHER
89
Grade R • Mrs Bailey
Back Row: Zita Sewram, Mishti Deeplaul, Erin Naidoo, Andiswa Mjali, Fearne McDonogh, Libby Chapman, Sharon Akinola.
Middle Row: Aerin Chen, Taylin Havinga, Mrs Bailey, Siphokazi Nxumalo, Nala Gidigidi.
Front Row: Mikjé Böcking, Gracie Delange, Peyton Phillips, Abongile Lotz, Zama Gama, Yuvali Singh.
Grade R • Mrs Braithwaite
Back Row: Vivienne Reitz, Jaina Baldavoo, Priyasha Lutchman, Emma Barnard, Sonali Govender, Aaminah Mota.
Middle Row: Siphelele Pheta, Natallia Paul, Mrs Braithwaite, Jaimie Zwart, Moyo Awolesi.
Front Row: Elethu Manentsa, Anah Samuel, Annabelle Aigbe, Irie-Mae Bailey.
90
One of the residents greeting the girls.
From L to R: Jaina Baldavoo, Erin Naidoo,
Nala Gidigidi and Elethu Manentsa.
TWC
2015
Sonalia Chetty and Jaina Baldavoo
playing with the kittens.
The Grade Rs adopted the SPCA as their Community Service initiative
this year. Parents generously donated animal food which we took with us.
Fearne McDonogh enticing
a butterfly onto her hand.
91
Grade 1 • Mrs Black
Back Row: Amaanah Yacoob, Shannon Holdsworth, Siyamthanda Ntombela, Zoë Thambiran, Hindi Rajbally.
Third Row: Lilianna Reitz, Iysti Sewram, Lonwabolwethu Mzotsho, Sandiswa Madlala, Azania Mgaga, Saiyuri Naidoo.
Second Row: Catherine Bracco, Regan Jones, Sianne Govender, Mrs Black, Kelly White, Minovuyo Nota, Zoya Omar.
Front Row: Lunathi Mkasi, Khethelo Gumbi, Olivia Mackenzie, Zara Asmall.
Grade 1 • Mrs Mustard
Back Row: Reese Laing, Malaeka Maharaj, Mihlali Hadebe.
Second Row: Turanya Rugbeer, Aphelele Makhonza, Zanda Memela, Keona Pillay, Tyler Moodley.
Third Row: Tori Jackson, Hannah Moig, Lesedi Chokoe, Mrs Mustard, Olivia Kinvig, Leletle Chitja, Ayabonga Shezi.
Front Row: Georgia Mackay, Siphokazi Sithole, Nicola Carshagen, Diya Sukraj.
92
Regan Jones and Georgia
Mackay help Kerry Peckham
to bottle-feed a new born calf.
TWC
2015
Aphelele Makonza enjoys her
snack amongst the hay bales.
Feeding the calves is such fun!
93
Grade 2 • Mrs Berndsen
Back Row: Keanna-Kadine Padyachee, Ruth Hatfield, Babalwa Fanayo, Bianca Bentley, Ayesha Jassat, Rachel Browning, Grace Wayt, Georgie Macaskill.
Middle Row: Maseeha Noorgat, Keya Mudaliar, Elle Glasspoole, Mrs Berndsen, Natalie Marshall, Isabella Moig, Alexandra Uys.
Front Row: Nontokozo Gumbi, Anabelle Stewart, Anelisa Zikode, Sarah Essa.
Grade 2 • Mrs Goosen
Back Row: Tamika Haripersad, Isabell Human, Awethu Ndlovu, Grace Wardlaw.
Second Row: Robyn Chapman, Jhuwareeyah Moosa, Abbie Chalk, Mrs Goosen, Megan van Deventer, Ella Hoepfl , Simoné du Plessis.
Third Row: Yandisa Majola, Danielle Baxter, Amelie Joubert, Topeka Koning, Tiana Bhoola, Zoë Harper.
Front Row: Bhavna Heeralal, Khanya Mtshemla, Grace Macaskill, Jessica Henderson.
94
TWC
2015
Jessica Henderson,
Grace Wayt and
Grace Wardlaw.
Isabell Human, Anelisa
Zikode and Bianca Bentley.
L to R : Grace Macaskill, Zoë Harper,
Grace Wardlaw, Isabell Human, Awethu
Ndlovu, Yandisa Majola, Abbie Chalk,
Mrs Goosen, Simoné du Plessis,
Danielle Baxter, Tiana Bhoola, Robyn
Chapman and Megan van Deventer.
Bhavna Heeralal, Yandisa
Majola, Jessica Henderson
and Abbie Chalk.
The Botanical Gardens were fun. We all had a lovely time. The
birds were singing. The butterflies were flying. The sun was
shining. We all had a great time. There were a lot of leaves
falling. There were orange leaves, red leaves, brown leaves and
it was fun. I sat with Bella for lunch. We sat on tree stumps.
Bella, Ruth and Me ran in a tunnel. We went up and down
and slid.
Alexandra Uys (Grade 2)
Keya Mudaliaar
and Sarah Essa.
95
Grade 3 • Mrs Clarke
Back Row: Mariam Yacoob, Tatum Laing, Jordan Zwart, Mitishka Deeplaul, Fatima Kajee, Kari Aadnesgaard.
Middle Row: Abigail Newman, Natasha Urbanik, Tayla Kopp, Keira Naidoo, Keira Abrams, Emily Bernhard, Lucy Mackenzie, Bakhusele Ngcobo.
Front Row: Dhiya Bhagwan, Kalia Govender, Neo-E-ntle Green, Mrs Clarke, Azaria Pillay, Kate Macaskill, Roxanne Thompson.
Grade 3 • Mrs Laithwaite
Back Row: Jorja Kinvig, Stephanie Rautenbach, Shriya Nankan, Londiwe Ngwenya, Georgie Henderson, Kelly Moore, Kayla Hohls, Gabriella Van Zuydam.
Middle Row: Hannah Bullock, L’Oreal Samuel, Zeqophelo Ndlovu, Rebecca Fisher, Annabelle Walker, Zoé Pańczyk.
Front Row: Georgina Clarke, Jenna-Rose Aylward, Lungelo Sibiya, Mrs Laithwaite, Raeesa Moosa, Lisa Carshagen, Jasrah Hussain.
96
Tree huggers : Georgina
Clarke, Tatum Laing, Tayla
Kopp and Kate Macaskill.
TWC
2015
In June, Grade 3s headed off to the KZN Museum
for an African Scavenger Hunt. We had spent the
term exploring the theme of My African Family
and this outing was the culmination of all we
had learnt. The girls were placed in pairs and
given their scavenger hunt booklet. This involved
exploring six sections of the museum, looking at
African animals, African birds, African people,
African music, African history and African hope.
After intensive detective work to find out the facts
in each section, the girls were awarded a secret
word. Once they had received all six words, and
worked out the secret sentence, they won their
prize of a return ticket to the Museum. Then it
was off to Wylie Park to expend some energy and
enjoy the fresh air and a picnic lunch.
LORA LAITHWAITE
GRADE 3 TEACHER
Grade 3s playing in the
bamboo at Wylie Park.
Roxanne Thompson and L’Oreal
Samuel enjoying San Art.
Kate Macaskill and Raeesa Moosa
learning about African big cats.
97
Grade 4 • Mrs Rabe
Back Row: Yaara Hussain, Jessica Longmore, Kimé Brits, Megan Horsley, Fatimah Moosa, Amirah Dhoda, Itai Mubako, Sarah Stewart.
Middle Row: Sadie McCleary, Itumeleng Motsamai, Jessica Margarites, Sarah Browning, Jenna Henning, Ashleigh Mackintosh, Mbali Dlamini, Diya Samarjith.
Front Row: Alexa Govender, Rachel Graves, Sphesihle Mkhwanazi, Mrs Rabe, Ayabonga Ndabisukile, Emma Harrison, Hashmika Heeralal.
Grade 4 • Mrs Tatham
Back Row: Okuhle Kumalo, Chloë Declerck, Alexandra Hugo, Jenna Daniel, Zodidi Gumede, Emma Hoole.
Third Row: Jenna Pepworth, Noluthando Ngcobo, Morgan Appleton, Darelle Petersen, Georgia Bekker, Storm Fradl.
Second Row: Sarah de Valence, Erin Dickason, Neha Sewnarain, Erin Ellis, Belinda Mabaso, Aaliya Jassat.
Front Row: Saskia Sarawan, Emma Hatfield, Cydney Brauteseth, Mrs Tatham, Maahira Essa, Emma Marcovich, Nazahah Essack.
98
TWC
2015
At the beginning of the day everybody was buzzing with excitement. We met Mrs Peckham when we got off the bus and she put us into
teams. We saw the calves which were so cute, the gosling which had just been born and the roosters which were very noisy! In the chicken
house we were given some of the miniature eggs to take home.
We did some fun rooster art on wooden boards. We then had our picnic tea in a nearby field and it was such fun. Everybody was sad when
we had to leave because we had an awesome time.
Saskia Sarawan and Maahira Essa (Grade 4)
L to R: Ayabonga Ndabisukile,
Sphesihle Mkhwanazi,
Itumeleng Motsamai.
Storm Fradl
enjoying a piece of
watermelon during
the tea break at
Maywood Farm.
Belinda Mabaso and Sarah
Browning sketching a rooster
for their art project.
The Grade 4 girls enjoyed an informative
morning at the Voortrekker Museum. They
were fascinated to hear about the Great Trek
and the many hardships which the trekkers
faced coming from the Cape to Natal.
Emma Hatfield and Maahira Essa.
99
Grade 5 • Mrs Ryan
Back Row: Botheo Chitja, Tshama Bilenge, Zia van Niekerk, Nesisa Mthembu, Rachel Morrish, Kathleen Forde, Erin Reid, Yonda Mnyani.
Middle Row: Siphokazi Nkosi, Lerato Shezi, Siphokazi Zikode, Kelly Zwart, Kimberley Lewis, Tilly Bentley, Amirah Cassimjee, Fathima Zahra Moosa.
Front Row: Yasmine Mahomed, Abby Daugherty, Aqeela Mahomed, Mrs Ryan, Jordyn Kopp, Sarah Sutton, Emma Teichmann.
Grade 5 • Mrs Woodley
Back Row: Mbali Gama, Renée Maritz, Rebecca Edwards, Asiphe Ndabisukile, Isabella Uys, Megan Mackenzie, Isabella Thornton-Dibb, Diya Singh.
Middle Row: Erin Horne, Milani Ndlazi, Emily Starmer, Okuhle Mnyoni, Lerato Mokoatle, Lilly Steiner, Esihle Mthethwa, Nitara Visvanathan.
Front Row: Kaia Govender, Amy Smith, Rachel Dale, Mrs Woodley, Kian Green, Lucy Gilson, Nelissa Thompson.
100
TWC
2015
Medieval damsels waiting
to enter the castle.
Grade 5s enjoying their day
out and about in Durban.
Grade 5s doing various
chores whilst at the village.
Dear Mrs St John-Ward
I was so excited to go to the Zulu village, Ecabazini. When we arrived, we met a man named Dave and he told us to walk 10 km, but he
was only joking. Lerato and Sipho first went in to greet. After they greeted, we could come inside. We first learnt about the cattle kraal. I
found it interesting that the Zulus turned the fresh milk into maas and that the cows smelt each other’s pee to check if they were ready
to mate! After a while, we went into the huts, and what I found most interesting is that they polish the floor with cow dung! I loved the
amagwinya, which were delicious and very oily! Their gas stinks, but it is so fascinating that they use cow dung with rain water and urine
which changes into biofuel which works the stove and lights.
Thank you very much for letting us go to Ecabazini. I know how much it takes to plan this trip.
Love
Esihle Mthethwa (Grade 5)
101
Grade 6 • Mrs Burczak
Back Row: Taetyn Anderson, Emma Wayt, Jordyn-Lee Moosa, Aphiwe Ndaba, Ziyaan Dhoda, Luthando Hlongwane, Mutsa Mutevedzi.
Second Row: Claire Christophers, Chloë Groening, Lerusha Moodley, Nhlanzeko Nene, Michaela van Zuydam, Pumla Mtshali, Brooke Aylward, Georgina Howard.
Front Row: Hannah Essa, Zara Inglis, Vania Manchev, Mrs Burczak, Kimaya Nankan, Gemma Bernhard, Josephine Le Roux.
Grade 6 • Mrs Ritson
Back Row: Paige Brombacher, Caitlin Burczak, Thirusha Naidoo, Christina Clarke, Lesley Tongoona, Sophie Liversage.
Second Row: Sophie De Klerk, Payge Ovenstone, Tatum Chalk, Kenya Msimang, Sai’an Dhayaram, Hayley Conway, Maeve Miranda, Laila Maher.
Front Row: Yashka Rabichand, Naseeha Moosa, Sbongakonke Mathe, Mrs Ritson, Chelsea Walden, Nomvelo Tshabalala, Yyonna-Shelly Padayachee.
102
TWC
2015
Twinzies in Onezees!
Row, row, row your boat! Naseeha Moosa,
Jordyn-Lee Moosa, Kenya Msimang.
Donut fun! L to R:
Caitlin Burczak, Tatum
Chalk, Christina Clarke
and Emma Wayt.
The adrenaline rush!
103
Grade 7 • Boshoff
Back Row: Fathima Doda, Gabriella Cuturi, Jozi Wright, Tahiya Essa.
Third Row: Kelsey Bartman, Yashna Allopi, Laura Quin, Julie Trodd, Alexia Rautenbach, Taskeen Moosa, Teagan Kroukamp.
Second Row: Julia Wills, Charné Smith, Danielle Grobler, Fiza Jagarnath, Katherine Elmer-English, Rachael Jackson, Kayleigh Naidoo, Clarice van Niekerk.
Front Row: Ashley Voller, Alice Beckett, Nomcebo Zuma, Mrs Boshoff, Thejna Pannalall, Jamie Sibiya, Daniela Abreu.
Grade 7 • Mrs Rogers
Back Row: Rachael Knoop, Olivia Morrish, Sarah Ryan, Shelby O’Connell.
Third Row: Zandile Sibiya, Hamida Moosa , Tyla Farina, Faathima Mota, Helen Forde, Serena Almonte, Pranjal Gongal.
Second Row: Tasmika Khoosal, Catherine Dent, Thanda Madekurozwa, Chanel Lötter, Chloë Smith, Sharaé Singh, Asma Noorgat, Danalyn Schmidt.
Front Row: Stephanie Maitre, Caroline Coolbear, Ashleigh Starmer, Mrs Rogers, Kelly Wilkins, Tabitha Stewart, Ayanda Pheta.
104
TWC
2015
The girls coped well
with the 5 km hike
on the beautiful
Mtunzini beach.
Grade 7 Trip to Twinstreams
Olivia Morrish negotiating the
spider web with Julie Trodd,
Julia Wills, Gabriella Cuturi and
Tyla Farina cheering her on.
Windswept Mrs Boshoff
and Mrs Duffy enjoying
the sunshine and the surf.
105
TWC Staff
Junior School Staff • 2015
Back Row: Leslie Duffy, Karin Rabe, Leslie Burczak, Jane Ryan, Glenda Dahlgren, Carol Smith, Hannah Gardiner.
Third Row: Bev Black, Fiona Hedderwick, Kerry Timmerman, Wendy Boshoff, Claire Snyders, Heather Ashton, Mary-Lou Kemp, Wendy Ritson.
Second Row: Leigh Goosen, Gaynor Weir, Glen Jenkins, Janet Bailey, Maureen St John-Ward, Catherine Berndsen, Sherrel Michie.
Front Row: Jean Clarke, Karin Braithwaite, Lora Laithwaite, Helen Rogers, Karen Gardner, Julie Mustard, Sharon Woodley, Sue Tatham.
FAREWELLS:
Gloria D’Oliveira was a Housemother at The Wykeham Collegiate for 19 years. During her stay at TWC Gloria was a wonderful
mother figure to all the Junior and Grade 12 boarders who were in her care. She often went the extra mile by sewing for the girls;
taking them shopping when off duty and teaching them to bake in her flat. She really had a heart for her girls. Gloria has taken early
retirement to enjoy time with her four grandchildren. We wish her well for the future.
Gaynor Weir worked as the Junior School Sports Co-ordinator for 8 years. In this time she certainly left her mark as a dedicated
member of The Wykeham Collegiate community. She has a passion for teaching sport and has inspired many young girls to
participate in various activities. Her lessons were creative and catered for girls of all sporting abilities. Gaynor will be remembered
as a friend, a colleague and a teacher; as someone who loved animals and whose faith was very important to her. She has taken up a
teaching post at Merchiston Preparatory School and we wish her well.
Sue Tatham started teaching here in 1995. She completed a number of terms and years as a locum teacher and was finally appointed
to the full-time staff in 2002. Over the years, Sue has become a much loved and highly respected teacher and friend. People are
naturally drawn to her because of her genuine interest in them. She is an innovative teacher who goes about her way quietly and
humbly. She is a good listener who is always available to provide sound advice and support to both staff and girls. Sue involved
herself in all aspects of school life, including being the Junior School photographer; she has the knack of capturing delightful,
candid moments with her camera which the girls have loved seeing on the monitor in the Junior School. There is no doubt that she
will be missed by staff and girls and we wish her many happy years ahead with her husband, children and grandchildren.
SUE TASKER
LADY PRINCIPAL
106
TWC Staff
TWC
2015
Lady Principal and Junior
School Headmistress cut the
25th Anniversary cakes.
Janet Bailey
marshals runners.
Kerry Timmerman at the
staff Christmas pary.
Sue Tatham
Karen Gardner, Leslie
Burczak, Helen Rogers
and Julie Mustard at
a school function.
107
Music
Strings Group
In the Junior School a String Ensemble has been started.
Playing in a group is very beneficial and skills such as listening,
counting, sight reading and musicality are developed. We have
lots of fun!
CAROL SOLOMON
MUSIC TEACHER
108
Music
TWC
2015
109
Special Events
Peyton Phillips, Siphokazi Nxumalo,
Abongile Lotz and Taylin Havinga.
Natallia Paul, Sonali Govender
and Irie-Mae Bailey.
Back Row: Ayabonga Shezi, Keona Pillay.
Front Row: Elisa Sergi, Siphokazi Sithole, Olivia Kinvig.
Olivia Mackenzie, Azania Mgaga, Zoë Thambiran,
Minnie Nota, Lunathi Mkasi, Regan Jones.
Kelly Moore, Emma Hoole and Lungelo Sibiya.
Moyo Awolesi
Helen Forde, Tasmika
Khoosal, Tyla Farina
and Kimé Brits.
Sharaé Singh, Faathima Mota,
Asma Noorgat and Hamida Moosa.
Grade 1 Assembly on Litter
Asiphe Ndabisukile
110
Emily Starmer
Special Events
TWC
2015
111
Reading Matters
Papyrus and the Media Centre
You look around. You are lost in a forest of books. Suddenly you
hear the rush of a river. You follow the sound as you brush against
the spines and pages of the dense jungle of novels. You stop at
the river. Growing in the shallow water is a wall of reeds, Papyrus
reeds! Right in front of your eyes is the key to finding the perfect
book for you. You are no longer lost in the library.
The teachers love stories
by candlelight as much
as the children do.
Istha Sewgoolam, Jessica Hall
and So Yun Bae thoroughly
enjoying the stories.
Papyrus is a programme that can search for books by title,
author, subject and series. It tells you where to find the books
that you’ve searched for, and shows if the book is available, or
who took it out and its due date. You can see a short blurb and
view the cover of the book if you hover your mouse over it. It
shows you if there are other books in the same series, and other
books by the same author. You can see when it was published
and look at other books published by the same company. Papyrus
can also show you all the subjects that the book falls under, and
you can click on any of the subjects and a list of other books in
those subjects in the library will pop up.
You are no longer lost in this complicated jungle of books. You
now find yourself in an organised library.
Clarice van Niekerk and Katherine Elmer-English (Grade 7)
Tyla Farina, Clarice van Niekerk, Pranjal
Gongal and Mutsa Mutevedzi represented
The Wykeham Collegiate at the Kids Lit Quiz.
They are seen here with Librarian, Mrs Michie.
Belinda Mabaso and Emma
Marcovich dressed as Wilber,
the pig, from Charlotte’s Web.
Red Riding Hood, Kerissa
Kisten, and The Cat in
the Hat, Cassie-Rose
van der Velden.
Niki Daly delighted the Junior School girls when he read his
latest book, Thank You, Jackson. Seen with Niki are :
Back, L to R : Jorja Kinvig, Jessica Longmore, Alexandra Hugo, Georgie
Henderson, Jasrah Hussain, Noluthando Ngcobo and Erin Ellis.
Front, L to R: Belinda Mabaso and Raeesa Moosa.
112
Rebecca Edwards, Lilly
Steiner, Erin Horn and
Megan Mackenzie made
charming Annettes from
Treasures in the Snow.
Dressed as Templeton, the
rat, from Charlotte’s Web are :
Alexandra Hugo, Nazahah Essack,
Kimé Brits and Jenna Daniel.
Witches, Moyo Awolesi
and Annabelle Aigbe.
Abby Daugherty as Gran
from The Diddakoi.
113
Sport
Swimming
For the 18th consecutive year our
swimming team won the Inter-Schools
A Gala. The depth of our swimming can
be attributed to the dedication of TWC
swimmers, coaches and parents. Team
Wykeham
Collegiate participated in
numerous galas. Julie Trodd, Brooke
Aylward, Paige Brombacher, Chelsea
Walden, Claire Christophers, Abby
Daughtery, Isabella Uys, Kelly Zwart and
Jessica Longmore represented Midlands,
while Paige, Julie and Chelsea competed in
the Level 2 Swimming Championships in
Sasolburg and swam personal bests.
Inter-House Gala
Tennis
A large contingent of TWC girls plays
tennis, which allows for many fixtures to
be played in the first and third terms. The
statistics are overwhelmingly in favour
of winning. Our school champions were
Megan Horsley and Alex Hugo in the U10
age group; Emily Starmer and Isabella Uys
in the U11 group and the School Champion
pair are Alice Beckett and Ashleigh Starmer.
Alice Beckett, Ashleigh Starmer, Pranjal
Gongal and Jamie Sibiya (first reserve) were
chosen to represent the Midlands Tennis
team. Congratulations to Pranjal Gongal,
Alice Beckett and Ashleigh Starmer, who
went on to be selected for the KZN Tennis
Team. Mrs Denise Gouws coached and
managed the KZN U13 tennis team who
participated in their Inter-provincial
tournament in Bloemfontein.
Alice Beckett and Ashleigh Starmer won
the Durban Girls College Cup, while Ziyaan
Dhoda and Vania Manchev were invited to
play in the Masters Tennis Team. This is
by invitation only, which means that they
are one of the top 8 KZN players in their
respective age groups.
Inter-Schools B and C Gala
Inter-Schools B and C Gala
Pranjal Gongal, Alice Beckett and Ashleigh
Starmer were selected for the Midlands
Tennis team.
Netball
Paige Brombacher was selected for
KZN Swimming.
114
The U13 Netball season started with
a bang, the girls attending the wellorganised Back to Basics Hockey and
Netball Festival hosted during the first
week of the April holidays. Jamie Sibiya
won the Most Promising Netball Player.
TWC Opens played 13 matches of which
9 were won. The Open C team remained
unbeaten for the season. The U11 age group
did not lose a match this season, while
the U10s persevered in finding that very
high hoop and won most of their games.
This page is generously sponsored by Capitol Caterers.
Hockey
U9 Hockey girls: Lungelo Sibiya, Tayla Kopp,
Kari Aadnesgaard, Jenna-Rose Aylward,
Tatum Laing and Abigail Newman.
The U13 Hockey girls attended the Back
to Basics Hockey Festival and Katherine
Elmer-English won Most Promising
Goalkeeper. Katie has had a remarkable
year; in 10 matches she played for TWC, she
only allowed one goal in and truly deserves
to represent the U14 KZN Inland-A team.
Josephine le Roux and Paige Brombacher
represented the uMungundlovu U12 team,
while Alice Beckett, Ashleigh Starmer,
Jozi Wright, Teagan Kroukamp and Julie
Trodd represented the uMungundlovu U13
team. The girls then went on to compete
for the KZN Inland teams. Josephine le
Roux captained the U12 B side, which won
the B-Section at the tournament while
Ashleigh Starmer played for the U13B
team and Alice Beckett and Jozi Wright
represented the U13 A team.
Towards the end of the hockey season
the U9 girls participated in a tournament
at The Wykeham Collegiate. There was
great excitement amongst the girls as
they were able to play a real match. They
played against numerous schools and,
although exhausted, they improved during
each match and they gained valuable
experience. The highlight of the afternoon
was being able to have an orange at halftime.
At the beginning of every hockey season
we think of orange slices, smelly socks,
astro burns and bruises and the friends we
will once again meet, on the field.
Each one of us is passionate about
hockey and the different aspects of it. There
is the thrill of scoring a goal, or saving a
goal you never thought possible. Cheering
your team-mates on, working together and,
most of all, having fun.
We wouldn’t have these amazing
opportunities without our wonderful
Sport
TWC
coaches and the support from our parents.
Each and every girl who played hockey this
year developed her skill and insight into the
game.
We were very fortunate to have been
chosen to represent KZN Inland on the
hockey field in our various age groups.
We learnt so much from our time away
representing our province.
(Josephine le Roux, Alice Beckett,
Ashleigh
Starmer,
Jozi
Wright,
Katherine Elmer-English)
Athletics
Age Medal Winners were: U9 Lucy
Mackenzie(Crookes); U10 Emma Hoole
(Campbell); U11 Kelly Zwart ( O’Brien);
U12 Sophie de Klerk (O’Brien); Open –
Kelly Wilkins (O’Brien). Not only was Kelly
Wilkins the Victrix Ludorum, but she also
represented the Midlands Athletics Team
in the 200m.
For the first time TWC entered an U11
team into the league. Emma Hoole, who
represents the U11 team was chosen as
reserve for the KZN U11 Squash Team. Two
Open Teams played regular fixtures in the
fourth term.
Many girls represented TWC in activities
outside of school. We acknowledge their
successes.
Records were shattered at this year’s
Inter-House Athletics meeting! Kenya
Msimang threw the 2.7kg shot 8.94m to
break a 17-year-old record while Londiwe
Ngwenya sailed over the high jump rod at
1.12m to record a new U9 high jump record.
Lucy Mackenzie broke Jessica Bompas’s
100m record in a time of 16.29 seconds. In
the relay events O’Brien set a new 4x100
record.
O’Brien and Crookes shared the spoils,
with Crookes winning the Spirit Trophy,
O’Brien the 1200m Trophy, Crookes the
relay cup and O’Brien going home with the
trophy for the winning House.
U13. This is an outstanding achievement
as Josephine is in her junior year in the U13 age group.
Squash
Other Activities
Mini Comrades
2015
Ballet
Reese Laing, Catherine Bracco, Tori Jackson,
and Emma Harrison. Right: Yandisa Majola
Mountain Biking
During the April holidays Sarah Ryan
received a 3rd place in the KZN Mountain
Biking Cross-Country. In June she was
placed first in the U14 SA Time Trial and
2nd in the U14 Road Race Championships.
Sarah represented KZN Cycling Youth
Tour in July, which they won and Sarah
received three 2nd places and two 1st
places.
Morgan Appleton – Merit in the Royal
Academy of Dance.
Equestrian
• Chanel Lötter
• competed in the SANESA Q3 Show-jumping Tournament.
• represented KZN Regional Team at the Pony Rider SA Championships.
• Haley Conway
• KZN SANESA Equitation and Dressage; and Provincial Colours.
• 2nd in SA for Dressage.
Star mountain biker, Sarah Ryan
Kumitae
Fathima Dhoda was awarded KZN
colours and competed in the Karate
Midlands Open Championship where she
received gold for KATA and Kumitae.
Athletics at Pelham: Jordan Zwart giving her
all to win her race
Hayley Conway on Casanova KZN Riding
Gymnastics
Sportytots athletics, the winning House,
Campbell.
•
•
Hayley Conway, Rachael Jackson and
Charné Smith received KZN colours for Gymnastics.
Josephine le Roux competed at the SA
Gymnastics games in Gauteng, where she came 3rd overall in RSA in level 7 Fathima Dhoda
Table Tennis
Yashka Rabichand qualified for the Table
Tennis District Tournament.
115
TWC Family
Mark Daniel, Lisa Daniel, Sue Tasker.
Julie Mustard, Lashan Govender and Smritee Sharma.
Henry van Niekerk, André Morrish,
Cynthia Morrish, Kevern Macaskill.
Alexandra Uys showing off her work to her
grandparents Michael and Linda Boots.
116
Vikesh Dhayaram, Joey Jeevan, Navesh and Deshmukh Baldavoo
Kate Macaskill shows a proud Gerald
Seiderer her school work.
Leletle Chitja with her grandparents,
Abraham and Annah Thamaga.
Mums, Dads & Daughters
R
Grade R
Grade R
Hannah and Ian Morrow
Isthat and Reresh Sewgoolam
Uyanda and Jabulani Gwamanda
Mikjé and Paula Böcking
Grade 1
Abongile and Nokubonga Lotz
Claire and Emma Barnard
Stuart and Olivia Mackenzie
Barry and Hannah Moig
Mvusi and Khanya Mtshemla
Thabo and Babalwa Fanayo
Grade 2
Catherine and Carlo Bracco
Ginty and Abbie Chalk
Grade 4
Grade 3
L’Oreal and Kenneth Samuel
Lungile and Simphiwe Sibiya
Logashri and Neha Sewnamrain
Zodidi and Nokuthula Gumede
Thabani and Mbali Gama
Megan and Stuart Mackenzie,
Renée and Cornelius Maritz
Grade 5
Cathy and Sarah de Valence
Neville Woodley, Siphokazi Nkosi
with Ben and Tshama Bilenge
Grade 6
Nonkanyiso and Luthando Hlongwane
Grade 7
Caroline and Payge Ovenstone
Helen and David Forde
Pranjal and Pramod Gongal and
Sundeep and Fiza Jagarnath
The
Wykeham Collegiate
Private Bag 9094, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Telephone: +27 (0)33 342 0752
Fax: +27 (0)33 394 5589
Email: admin@twc.org.za
Website: www.twc.org.za
Printed by CPW Printers • w/t 20005068 / Designed by Blankpage Design & Advertising: 0797079931

Upstream TWC 2015 - The Wykeham Collegiate

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niñas mal - Sony Pictures Television

side event

Chit-Chat - The Wykeham Collegiate

Workshop 1C

lifeline - Woodridge Baptist Church

Georgy-Porgy

ST. LAWRENCE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER HAPPY ALL HALLOWS

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