vghs magazine 2015

VGHS Vision and Mission StatementVG Staff Principal's Prize-giving Address2014 School LeadersRCLHead Girls' Prize-giving SpeechVG pupilsGrades 8 - 12 Honours and Colours Recipients; Provincial and District representatives, Skills Development photosAcademic AchievementsPrizes for academicsCreative Writing - English and AfrikaansJohan Carinus Art Centre AwardsArt photo pagesBeyond the textbooks - Olympiads and Expos Social awarenessCultural ActivitiesPrizes for CultureChess ClubChoirChristians in ActionCreative Writing ClubDebating SocietyHiking ClubInteract Society Marimba BandOrchestraPhotojourn ClubService ActivitiesThe President’s Award AwarenetFirst AidLibraryGreen TeamSport CodesPrizes for SportAthleticsCross CountryHockeyNetballOutside SportsSquashSwimmingTennisHouse Awards and ActivitiesDorsetGraemeRuthvilleThursfordHouse PlaysHostel LifeEleanor Brown HouseBeaufort HouseRenfrew HouseMather Pike HouseDenise Long HouseSpecial InterestThe Sound of MusicFounders’ WeekendMatric Dance Dresses

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MISSION STATEMENT• We provide a broad spectrum of activities and facilities.• We encourage a balanced life-style without

compromising academic standards.• We encourage responsibility towards the community

and the environment.• We encourage our learners to develop, to their full

potential, condence, critical thinking skills and self-discipline.

• We encourage independent and creative thinking.• We encourage social interaction with people from

different backgrounds.• We acknowledge effort as well as achievement.• We value the unique qualities and talents of each

learner and staff member.• We provide opportunities for: taking initiative; building

condence and selfesteem; functioning individually and as part of a group.

• We promote helpfulness, honesty, loyalty, diligence, courtesy, commitment, consideration and respect for all.

• We encourage learners to set goals and work towards those goals.

• We acknowledge the uniqueness, individuality and specic needs of each learner, teacher, general staff member and parent.

VGHS VISION AND MISSION STATEMENT

VISIONAt Victoria Girls’ High School we support and respect one

another in a safe and happy environment. Our broad spectrum of activities and facilities enriches all, as we strive for

excellence.

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VG Staff

Back row: Ms R. Woudstra; Mr J. Still; Mr H. Kunju; Mr G. Mitchell; Ms M. Hartley; Mr D. Stoloff; Ms J. Smith Third row: Ms B. Mavuso; Ms D. Smuts; Mr P. Urban; Ms P. Van Der Linde; Mr S. Mkhize; Ms A. Watson; Ms J. Baart Second row: Ms O. Bunu; Ms K. Kazadi; Mr S. Jeffries; Ms A. Goosen; Ms S. Nicholls; Ms E. Farquhar; Ms T. Siga Front row: Ms S. Richards; Dr S. Hanton; Ms A. Retief; Mr W. Schmidt; Ms N. Hayes; Ms K. McCrindle; Ms N. Czeredrecki-Schmidt

Tribute to Muriel Winifrid Wood1927/08/03 - 2015/09/04Miss Wood attended VG from Sub

thA to 6 Form – or in more modern

terms from Grade 1 to Grade 12.

After school she studied for a BSc

at Rhodes University, where she

was one of the rst women to be

awarded a science degree; and

qualied as a Geography and

Mathematics teacher. After

working in Port Elizabeth and King

William's Town, she took up a

teaching position at VG in 1955.

She stayed at VG as a very

dedicated teacher for another 31

years.

She was highly respected. Ms

Wood was always willing to walk

the extra mile for the girls, whom

she cared for very much. Even

after her retirement she helped

the school by standing in as a

secretary and at a later stage as

an assistant matron in the hostel.

Old Girls remember her for her

dedication and hard work.

Lessons started with “10 short

questions”. As she was well

travelled, she could always share

interesting post cards,

photographs, slides and

mementoes as part of lessons –

remember there was no internet,

only her passion and love of

geography! They remember her

fondly for her enthusiasm; love of

life; and for singing “Waltzing

Matilda.”

The more recent Old Girls

remember her as Miss Wood who,

despite her frailness, made every

effort to addend concerts,

Founders' Weekend celebrations

and Prize Giving evenings. She

would always take the time to

speak to all concerned, still

showing a great interest in life at

VG.

The current VG girls will not

remember her in person, as she

was too unwell to undertake

school visits. They only know her

by the photo outside the

principal's ofce. Although she

was elderly she was ery and still

insisted on her opnions about VG

being heard. The Portfolio Heads

always went to visit her at

Brookshaw where she stayed and

shortly before she passed away

Khanya Jonas and Michaela

Chowles as Captain and Deputy

visited her for her birthday in order

to spoil her with owers and cake

from the VG Family.

Miss Wood's life and dedication is

an example and inspiration to all

connected to VG and she is

fondly remembered by the very

wide VG family.

ACADEMIC

PAGE 5

VG Staff ACADEMIC

PAGE 6

STAFF TEACHING STAFF

PRINCIPAL Mr W. Schmidt B.A (Hons), HDE History

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL Ms A. Retief B.A, HOD Afrikaans

HEADS of DEPARTMENT Ms N. Czeredrecki-Schmidt B.Sc., B.Ed (Hons), PGCE Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Natural

Sciences Dr S. Hanton B.Sc. (Hons), Ph.D, PGCE Natural Sciences, Life Sciences Ms N. Hayes B.A (Hons), HDE English, Mathematics, Dramatic Arts Ms K. McCrindle B.A, HDE English

GRADE HEADS Ms S. Richards B.Soc.Sci. (Hons), PGCE Mathematics Ms T. Siga B.A, PGCE isiXhosa Mr J. Still B. Com. (Hons), PGCE Accounting, Mathematical Literacy.

Ms P. van der Linde Life Orientation, Technology, Social Sciences, Computer Literacy

Ms A. Watson B.A, PGCE English, Life Orientation, Creative Arts

TEACHERS Ms J. Baart B.Mus. (Hons), R.U.L.M. (SM &

CM) Music, Creative Arts

Ms E. Farquhar

HDE (H.Ed) Sec., ACE

Consumer Studies, Economic and Management Sciences

Ms A. Goosen B.Psych (RC), PGCE Life Orientation, School Counsellor Ms M. Hartley B.Mus. (Hons), R.U.L.P. Music, Creative Arts Mr S. Jeffries B.Com, PGCE Accounting, Computer Applications

Technology, Technology, Economic and Management Sciences

Ms K. Kazadi B.A (Hons), M.A. Music Mr H. Kunju B.A (Hons), M.A. isiXhosa Ms B. Mavuso B.A, PGCE Mr G. Mitchell B.A, HDE English, Life Orientation Mr S. Mkhize B.Mus. Music, Creative Arts Ms S. Moffat B.Sc. (Hons), U.E.D. Physical Sciences Ms S. Nicholls B.Sc, B.Ed. Mathematics, Natural Sciences Ms J. Smith B.Sc, PGCE Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy Ms D. Smuts

Dip. Education

Afrikaans, Life Orientation, Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences

Mr D. Stoloff B.Sc., HDE Life Sciences, Geography

Mr P. Urban B.A, PGCE History, Dramatic Arts, English, Creative Arts Ms R. Woudstra B.A (Hons), M.A., PGDIP,

PGCE English, Afrikaans

JOHAN CARINUS ART CENTRE

PRINCIPAL Ms M. Kloppers B.A.F.A. Ed Visual Art and Design (Theory)

TEACHERS Ms J. James B.A.F.A. HDE Design (Ceramics), Design Theory

Mr G. Germond M.F.A., Dip. Adv. F.A., PGCE Visual Art (Sculpture), Visual Arts Theory

Ms B. Haggard B.F.A., PGCE Visual Arts (Painting), Design Theory

Ms C. Jacot-Guillarmod B.F.A, M.F.A., PGCE Design (Textiles), Design Theory

Mr J. Grifths B.A.F.A. Creative Arts, Visual Arts Theory

Ms M. van der Merwe B.Tech, PGCE Visual Art (Printmaking), Visual Arts Theory

Ms M. Strooberg Ms J. Deyzel

B.A. PGCE

B.F.A. PGCE

Creative Arts, Design Theory

Creative Arts, Visual Arts Theory

Johan Carinus Art School

Back row: Ms J. Deyzel, Mr J. Grifths, Mr G. Germond, Ms C. Jacot-Guillarmod Front row: Ms M. Strooberg, Ms B. Haggard, Ms M. Kloppers (Principal), Ms J. James

PGCE Students

Back row: Ms L. Barnes; Mr S. Barker Ms P. Zwezwe; Mr A. Mtileni; Ms V. Ojo Front row: Ms S. Vlandir; Ms Richards; Ms J. Hannon

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VG Staff ACADEMIC

Ground staff

Back row: Mr T. Yame; Mr A. Moni; Mr C. Mahabeni; Mr E. Kobo; Mr W. Mahabeni Front row: Ms A. Mbangi; Mr C. Nieuwoudt; Mr W. Schmidt; Mr C. Berriman; Ms J. Fetman

VG Staff HOSTEL, OFFICE AND GROUND

Back row: Ms Fourie; Ms Du Toit; Ms Nqwaba.; Ms O'BrienFront: Ms Werth; Mr Schmidt; Ms Strauss

Ms J. Mitchell Hostel SuperintendentMs S. Dampies MatronMs R. Michaels MatronMr E. Hazell House ParentMs N. Seyepe House ParentMs R. Woudstra House ParentMs Z. FillisMs C. GqobotiMs Z. HebaMs C. HloyiMs D. KetoMr T. MahabeniMs P. MagwalaMs M. MoodieMr G. MpangisoMs T. PlaatjieMs N. StoffMs B. TrollipMs N. ThwaniMs E. VivanaMr T. YameMs N. Zamani

HOSTEL STAFF

Ms T-L. O'Brien P.A. to PrincipalMs R. Fourie SecretaryMs P. Werth Financial ManagerMs R. Strauss Financial AssistantMs L. du Toit Financial AssistantMr V. Moni IT ManagerMs Y. Nqwaba Admin Intern.

OFFICE STAFF

Mr C. NieuwoudtMr C. BerrimanMs J. FatmanMr W. MahabeniMs A. MbangiMr M. Koba Mr S. MtwaloMs L. NqowanaMr N. Sam

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GROUND STAFF

Back row: Ms Plaatjie, Ms Magwala, Mr Mpangiso, Mr Mahabeni, Ms GqabothiMiddle row left: Ms Trollip, Ms Fillis, Ms Thwani, Ms Moodie, Ms Oerson, Ms ZamaniFront row: Ms Michaels, Mr Hazell, Ms Mitchell, Ms Woudstra, Ms Dampies, Ms Siyephe Floor: Giuliette Mitchell

Donkin House

Hostel Staff

Ofce Staff

VG AwardsPRINCIPAL'S PRIZE-GIVING ADDRESS

Good Evening Ladies, Gentlemen, Special Guests and young ladies of Victoria Girls' High School. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all here tonight – to the 2015 VG Speech Night and Prize Giving – where we have the opportunity to reect on the highlights of the year at Victoria Girls' High School.

We live in constantly changing times and the i s sues that a r i se a t universities and in our community cannot help but spil l into the classroom, but, much like Androulla Vassiliou, the former European Commiss ioner for Educat ion, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, who opened the Changing Lives & Opening Minds Conference in Budapest last March I believe that our best path to navigate these times is an excellent education.

In an extract from her address Ms Vassiliou stated the following: “I believe education can restore hope in our ability to choose and shape the society we want to live in. Education is surely one of the places where we can rediscover our values and a sense of identity.

We often hear that our schools and universities must adapt to the needs of employers. And of course this is true: our institutions of learning should indeed open their doors to the world around them, and work with local partners to ensure their teaching keeps pace with social and economic change.

But education must be more than that: it is one of the most powerful

tools for shaping our society's future, including the way we think about and organise the world of work. If we want a society that is open, fair, democratic and dynamic, then surely the creation of that society begins in the classroom.”

This past week all of the VG staff – teachers, admin, nancial, hostel and grounds staff – have been involved in an Appreciative Inquiry intervention. It was only recently that I was introduced to the idea of Appreciative Inquiry, which basically advocates understanding what is good about an organisation and then building on that to collectively work towards a desired future. One of the key elements of Appreciative Inquiry is the anticipatory principle which posits that what we do today is guided by our image of the future. Androulla Vassiliou's statement picks u p o n b o t h t h e s e i m p o r t a n t elements: Positivity – restoring hope; and looking forward – shaping our society's future.

Looking for and focusing on the positive is not always easy. When I rst met our Appreciative Inquiry facilitator, Mr Schalk van der Merwe, I mentioned to him that I thought one of my strengths was that I am a good problem-solver. His response was interesting: “The problem”, he said, “with being a good problem-solver is that you start to look at everything as a problem”. His challenge was to try to nd the positive in what we do and how we do it.

This approach to thinking makes a lot of sense. The more positive you can be about something the easier it is to work with. Just think of those subjects you regard most positively or the people in your life you are most positive about. Being positive about someone or something signicantly reduces the work required when dealing with it or them.

That said, just thinking about the state of education in South Africa can sometimes be enough to slam the door on all positivity. But in the midst o f a c r u m b l i n g a n d c h a o t i c education system VG is competing with the very best schools in the country – so we must be doing something right! For me, the success of VG is built on our values: passion, integrity and excellence; as well as the two massive academic pillars of

the Arts and the Sciences.

At VG we offer all ve Art disciplines: Music, Drama, Dance (which we introduced this year), and, thanks to the John Carinus Art Centre – Visual Art and Design. This year we have seen our Arts departments enter the A l e x a n d e r P l a y h o u s e D r a m a Competition (the only school from Grahamstown to do so) and The Shakespeare Schools' Festival; where VG was the only school to have the entire production beautifully directed by one of our Grade 11s, Nienke Botha. After entering the Creative City Project Foto Fence Competition, Nienke and Caryn Potgieter were selected by the Head of Photography at Rhodes, Brent Meistre, to be part of the specialised photography course that he has been running. As usual there were many entries into the De Beers English Olympiad, and the Grade 11s enjoyed the Grade 11 English Festival. Through the Johan Carinus Art Centre we have had a number of girls produce some truly excellent artworks; which we really hope they will donate to the school so we can display it for years to come - I'm not too sure that we have the space inside the buildings for some of Ongezwa Lusizi's giant sculptures, but I'm sure we can make a plan! The VG Music School's performances over the course of this year have been phenomenal and every year i t appears that Mr Mkhize wants to engage in bigger and bolder projects! And if ever we need reminding of how we equip our pupils with skills and condence and then send them out into the world – well done to 5th Harmony for playing their rst, and hopefully not last, gig at the Acoustic Café recently.

Our other academic pillar at VG is Maths and the Sciences and there have been some except iona l achievements over the last year. Khanya has already mentioned that L a u r e n a n d D a n i e l l e w i l l b e interviewed as part of the selection process for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona in 2016, but this just a small part of our success. At the regional Science Expo VG took home the top four projects and all four girls were awarded gold medals and bursaries to study at Rhodes University. A further gold, three bronze medals, two merits and a part icipation

pic Warren

VG Awards PRINCIPAL'S PRIZE-GIVING ADDRESS

certicate were all awarded to the VG g i r l s , mak ing us the top performing school at the regional expo. Since 2012 VG has produced t h e w i n n i n g p r o j e c t a t t h e Grahamstown regional expo; and has had a total of 16 girls travel to Johannesburg to take part in the National, and now International Science Expo. At the International Expo in Johannesburg recently the top four VG projects once again shone, earning the school three gold awards, with special prizes and more bursaries being awarded to L a u r e n a n d J a c q u i J a m e s . Interestingly, out of the 834 projects on display, there was only one other school at the International event with more than two representatives – n o m e a n f e a t a s t h e Grahamstown regional group was one of the smallest groups that attended this year's Expo. The Grade 11 science pupils entered the Grahamstown Enviro Quiz hosted by the Rhodes University Environmental Science Department – and thanks to some fast ngers, and Jacqui James's uncanny ability to distinguish chicken noises from all other bird calls on the planet, the team won overall and walked off with R3 000 for the Sciences Department! The SAASTA Science Olympiad was written in Term 1 and the VG girls signed up in droves, with our largest number of entrants ever taking place. Jacqui James was placed in the top 150 of the 5000 o d d p u p i l s w h o w r o t e t h e Olympiads. The Young Academics S c i e n c e L e c t u r e S e r i e s h a s continued to delight the girls this year with some fascinating talks being presented by top research students linked to Rhodes. Our partnership with Rhodes University and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity has grown this year with more girls applying for, and being accepted, into the prestigious Science Internship Programme. We can see the results of this partnership in our constantly improving academic performance in the sciences, and are grateful that Rhodes and SAIAB continue to offer this special programme to our pupils.

Academics is our core business at VG and we pride ourselves on producing exceptional results. The

year began with the Class of 2014's superb performance in the nal examinations, which, once again, demonstrated that hard work and self-motivation leads to excellence. Our school continues to maintain a 100% pass rate, but with our focus on excellence and knowing that just a pass is not good enough, it is more important to look at the number of Bachelor's Degree passes achieved by the matrics. In 2014 the matric class achieved a 97% Bachelor's Pass rate! This increase, from an average of about 92%, in Bachelor's Passes, for me, is a much more important marker of our school's performance, as it is the result of a process that began in their Grade 9 year when the girls were choosing subjects; and through careful guidance and extensive support, has allowed them to ourish.

All of these academic triumphs are in no small part due to VG's dynamic teaching staff. At the beginning of the year our teaching staff was joined by Ms Goosen, Ms Kazadi, Mr Kunju, Ms Mavuso and Ms Smith and who have coped admirably with the demands of the classroom, in addition to being register class teachers and taking a full co-curricular load. Well done on surviving Year One.

It is always so much more enjoyable to welcome staff than it is to say goodbye, especially to people who have left their mark at the school: This year we say goodbye to a handful of staff: two teachers – Ms Woudstra and Ms Watson, our two teacher interns – Ms van der Linde and Ms Bunu, and our assistant grounds manager Mr Berriman.

Ms Woudstra – your love of the girls is apparent in your lessons, and your concern for their well-being and safety never goes unnoticed. You have offered much to VG with your willingness to get involved in all sorts of activities – from Netball to Hiking and Camping, from organising VG's participation in the Rhodes Silent Protest, to making costumes for The Sound of Music and offer ing Japanese and French lessons during WEP. Thank you for all you have done in the classroom, and at Renfrew House as a house mother, it is greatly appreciated.

Ms Woudstra will still be about at the start of the year and will only be relinquishing her house parent role at the end of the rst term, so will still likely see her around before she heads off to see even more of the world.

Ms Watson – you are a treasure and if there was any way to bribe your to stay we'd do it! I've tried a couple of times, but obviously I've been a bit too subtle. Thank you for all your netball hours, running with Grade 9 drama classes, and bringing such energy to VG. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you as a Grade Head as you have been tireless in your efforts to follow up with girls and parents. Much luck as you travel to Gauteng to be closer to you r fami l y – I s t i l l don ' t understand why someone would want to go and live in the Great Smog, but I admit defeat in trying to keep you in Grahamsotown.

Tonight we also say goodbye to our two intern teachers. Ms Bunu heads off to study full time outside of the Eastern Cape. In the two years that she has been with us she has grown enormously and while she has the makings of a truly formidable teacher, when I asked her if she was still going to go into teaching her response was 'Not necessarily teaching, but some day I'd like to run the Department of Education'. I look forward to working for her one day.

I've known Ms van der Linde since I started working at VG and she was a very naughty pupil in Grade 9. She has given her all since returning to VG to be part of the Internship Programme, going on to become our rst team hockey coach and one of our more senior Grade Heads. Her leaving will be felt not only by Hockey and Athletics, and by her Grade 10s, but also in the Staffroom – where she constantly tried to get me to sit on her lap. At least now I won't have to follow through with that harassment suit.

Mr Berriman will be taking up a post a Graeme College at the end of this month and we wish him all of the best in this new endeavour. I have no doubt that Graeme will soon have some of the best grounds and gardens in Grahamstown.

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On behalf of the parents and girls I'd like to thank our teaching staff for the amazing work that they have done this year. It really is the little extras that count – pushing girls to enter competitions, Olympiads, Science Expo and guiding them each step of the way, you are a vital part that go to create the society we dream of having in South Africa.

To the School Management Team, thank you for all your work this year, it is not an easy job to continually plan ahead, anticipate what might be and manage what is, but without your input and your voices VG would not be such an amazing school. It remains a pleasure to work with you. Well done to Dr Hanton who has taken up the portfolio of Head of Staff this year and expanded it to include all IT matters, no small feat given our massive IT upgrades that are underway.

A very special thank you must go to Mrs Retief – who was nally made our ofcial deputy principal by the Department this year, after doing the best job possible since 2011. I truly value your support and your voice of reason and calm when things become heated. Thank you.

Thank you too to our Hoste l Superintendent, Mrs Mitchell, the matrons and hostel parents for taking the time to run our hostels; it is through your considerable efforts that we are able to create the secure and homely environment we strive for at VG. In 2016 there will be a restructuring of the hostel system with the off campus hostel Mather-P i k e b e i n g t u r n e d i n t o accommodation for Mrs Mitchell and her family.

General maintenance at VG is an ongoing event and is admirably done by Mr Niewoudt and his team of ground staff. Thank you for all your hard work keeping the school looking beautiful, it is another key e l e m e n t i n m a i n t a i n i n g o u r positivity.

I have a l ready thanked our teaching, hostel and ground staff for their hard work this year, but cannot fail to mention how hard the admin and nancial staff have worked. It is often harder to see

what i s be ing done in the i r respective spheres, as their work is not felt as immediately as teaching, running a hostel or xing a leak – that is of course until one of the printers runs out of ink, or there is no salary in your account! Thank you to Ms Werth, Ms du Toit, Ms Fourie, Ms O'Brien and Ms Strauss for keeping the cogs of the VG machine ticking over so effortlessly.

I must thank our parents on the Governing Body for being prepared to get involved and help run our school; your interest, expertise and involvement is greatly appreciated. Without a doubt your contributions to decisions, your voice in dealing w i t h n a n c e s a n d y o u r consideration of all parents at VG is an important aspect of creating our VG society.

This year the PTA has fundraised close to R30 000 and the bathrooms at Vicky's will receive an overhaul with these funds. These kinds of projects could not be completed without the support of the parents and girls, especially when we ask for participation in our fundraising endeavours – like rafes socials and food evenings. Thank you.

Thanks to the all the parents, guardians and sponsors of our girls for your continuing support. We truly appreciate the efforts you make to extend the learning from the classroom to home.

Khanya has given you a more d e t a i l e d p i c t u r e o f V G ' s accomplishments this year, and they truly encapsulate the core values of our Passion, Integrity and Excellence. It is no surprise when you look at the programmes of our award ceremonies this week and see the same names appearing, that these VG girls are motivated, driven and embody the ethos and vision of our school.

So, in retrospect, while being p o s i t i v e a b o u t t h e s t a t e o f education in South Africa can be a challenge, being positive about VG is actually really easy! In fact, we seem to be doing so much right that we have a great basis on which to build as we strive to be even better.

While we have a lot we can work

from and be positive about, what about the anticipatory principle of Appreciative Enquiry? If Louise Hay is correct when she says “Every thought we think is creating our future” then by being positive we are certainly moving in the right direction, but what does our future hold? No one can say with certainty what lies ahead, but I do know where the Governing Body and staff of VG want us to be.

Looking around you are going to see immediate changes: new school buses, new computer labs and classroom tech, and all the toilets being revamped. Soon you will see all the school roofs being cleaned, patched and painted. In ve years' time we want to have a n e w S c i e n c e T e c h n o l o g y Engineering Arts and Maths Centre, so that we can build on our amazing performance in the Sciences. In addition we envisage a new Dance and Drama Studio, the conclusion of our Hostel Upgrade Programme and a dynamic staff upskilling programme for our Interns and existing teaching and support staff. In ten years' time we envisage VG being seen as premier teacher training school in the country, as well as the top girls only public school in this province. We want to create the type of school that other schools look to when looking to emulate excellence.

Earlier I quoted Androulla Vassiliou w h e n s h e s t a t e d “ I b e l i e v e education can restore hope in our ability to choose and shape the s o c i e t y w e w a n t t o l i v e i n . Education is surely one of the places where we can rediscover our values and a sense of identity.” From tonight's speeches, and this week's awards, I bel ieve that VG is denitely on the right path. We spend more time doing than saying, we have a shared identity as members of the VG family, and we have the ability to shape our future together.

Thank you.

PAGE 11

VG AwardsPRINCIPAL'S PRIZE-GIVING ADDRESS

2014 School Leaders PORTFOLIO HEADS

Portfolio HeadsBack row: P. Seyisi; S. Tyibilika; K. Davies; J. Tyson; L. Mthenjana Front row: M. Chowles; Mr W. Schmidt; K. Jonas

Head Girl and DeputyM. Chowles and K. Jonas

PAGE 12

Heads of HostelsL. Mazomba and L. Jojo

Good evening honoured guests, ladies, gentlemen and VG girls.

It gives me great pleasure to deliver this speech as the Head Girl of 2015, so, please sit back and enjoy as I share with you some of our school's ne qualities and our achievements over the past year.

What is a FARM? A quick search on Google says: “A farm is an area of land and its buildings, used for growing crops and rearing animals.” And we all know, of course, that these crops and animals wouldn't just be used to feed you and me, they would be used to feed the world.

I say: A farm is an area of land and its buildings used for the accommodation of young minds and leaders that are being equipped to go out and change the world. A farm is for feeding intelligence, for development and growing the economy. A farm, for me, is what Victoria Girls' High School represents.

As pupils at VG, most of us start out as little seedlings in grade 8, while some of us are transferred from other farms, to our greener pasture. Through the various “farming methods” and sometimes works of miracles, created by the teachers and staff at the school, we are grown from our varied states, into ripe, nutritious and fresh fruits and vegetables that are sent out into the world, and although we seem, at times, superhuman we are denitely not genetically modied.

Our 2014 crop, after being planted as

seedlings in the VG grounds in 2010, obtained a 100% 'ripening rate' of ne fruits and vegetables, sure to make the best juices, wines or vegetable soups as they travel the world. A big congratulations to Nicole Oyentunji for achieving 5 A symbols and for being the VG Dux Scholar of 2014. We also acknowledged the road to ripening of some of the crops still present within our elds and especially congratulate: Kyra-Aynsli Davies, Lunako Mthenjana, Asanda Mtshabe, Milagre Lang, Jacqui James and Lauren James on achieving Academic Honours. Tonight gives us another platform to celebrate and acknowledge the ne qualities and efforts of our girls on their way to ripening and with that being said, massive congratulations to everyone receiving prizes tonight; these are the fruits of your labour.

The entries of our girls into The Science Expo, The Afrikaans, English, Maths and Science Olympiads with the results they harvest being gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as top awards show just how fertile and rich our soil is. Special mention must go to Lauren James and Danielle Walker who are preparing for their interviews for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. I have no doubt that they will keep rooted in the fertile soil of the sc ience depar tment ; and continue to grow.

N o t o n l y d o w e s p e c i a l i s e i n commercial farming, but also in subsistence farming, this is evident in o u r A c a d e m i c E n h a n c e m e n t Programme, which involves Matrics and other senior pupils tutoring most of the subjects offered at our school. The Skills Development Programme is also a place for growth as it offers our girls the opportunity to teach others and enhance their own sporting and cultural skills through coaching.

T h e c o m m i t m e n t , e f f o r t a n d enthusiasm of these coaches as well as our staff coaches, outside coaches and players have led to a great season on the sports eld. This season has not been determined just by wins or losses b u t r a t h e r t h e t r e m e n d o u s improvement and high spirit of all our sports teams. A special mention must go to the U/16A netball squad for being unbeaten this season, well done ladies. We had some girls blossom in their sports and many received Provincial Colours, I would like to especially congratulate the Squash Team for having 5 girls reach the Eastern Province Level, a very big well

done to them and congratulations to Kanyisa Gwata for making the South African U/18B hockey side. The Cross Country Team has also had quite a rich season with many of the runners making it through the Sarah Baartman Trials and moving on to the Eastern Cape School Champs, great work ladies.

The choir has provided us with some sweet melodies this year with The Founders' Weekend Concert in March and their Easter performance of Stainer's Crucixion. The Founders' Concert served, once again, as an incredible platform for the showcasing of the talents of our Marimba Band, the Orchestra and our Voice girls, and as always, it was a great success. The Victoria Primary Schools strings group were particularly pleasing to watch at Founders' and we look forward to watching their growth. Thank you to the Music Department and the music girls for always making time to share their talents and represent us well.

There have been a few tough weeds to pull during the growing season but it has been an absolute honour serving as the Head Girl of 2015. I would like thank my parents and family for their support, for instilling the values and principles seen in me to be a worthy candidate for this position; I would not have made it without you. I had a great Leadership Team, the Class of 2015, behind me and an amazing bunch of Portfolio Heads to work with which only made this experience a lot more enriching and unbelievably fun. You are all amazing, thank you.

Thank you to Mr Schmidt, or as he calls himself “Omhle Kakhulu Kakhulu” which means “The Beautiful One”, for his guidance, support and advice throughout the year. For not minding a few of my tears every now and again and always checking to see if I'm coping. Thank you to him for always willing to give our ideas a chance with the simple response “Okay, what do you need me to do?” Also, Mr Schmidt, thank you for showing us that it's okay to be the same age for at least 5 years or maybe more. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you.

To Mrs Retief, thank you for your patience, kindness, your thorough instructions, your compassion, for always being there to make sure we all know what needs to be done and for helping the RCL organise and run the coolest cake sale in the history of VG.

Mr Still, thank you for being an amazing Grade Head and almost a father to the

VG AwardsHEAD GIRLS' PRIZE-GIVING SPEECH

Khanya Jonas

Dur ing the Founders ' Assembly members shared with the audience something about the family they represent. This made it evident that leaners at VG come from a vast variety o f d i f fe rent backgrounds and inuences. And yet we all belong to one family: the VG family. Members then shared what they have learnt at VG as values and attitudes to equip them for life in an ever changing, challenging society consisting of people from different backgrounds. The message was clear: if you utilise the opportunities given to you at VG, you will be equipped more than sufciently for life and be able to bloom where ever life plants you.Members were trained as re wardens. During an evacuation with a twist, it was established that a mere 54% of learners survived the re. The reason lies therein that girls try to pack their belongings once the warning bell rang. The school was given feedback and encouraged once again to restrain from packing and thus wasting valuable time in saving their lives by moving outside the building.The RCL plays a valuable role as go between for learners, staff and the SGB. On several occasions members brought problems to light that could then be addressed in an effective way to serve the school's needs best. This role is invaluable and as it appears behind the scenes, the rest of the girls do not even carry knowledge of it. This implies that RCL members are never recognised for this part of their contribution. However, they keep on fullling this seemingly insignicant task.

For their dedication and awareness and courage I wish to thank them.A lot of fun was had during the RCL Market Day breaks. Food was sold, games were played and song requests were played. This initiative meant that R800 was paid into the Choir Uniform Fund, as well as R641 towards the expenses to send the Senior Debating Team to compete at Provincial level, as this was an expensive, but wonderful opportunity to showcase VG talent.Members played an invaluable part in ensuring the success of the PTA's Food Fair. They assisted the Class Teachers in different ways.I thank all members for their willingness

to be involved, for their time given to serving the school and for the positive attitudes displayed. It has indeed been a successful year.

Back row: M. Marawu; Z. Ndlovu; L. Nqadala; M. Lang; S. Goodes; S. Mjali; M. Cobotwana; G. Xozwa Second row: SA. Mkumbuzi; S. Meth; Z. Magadla; N. Petse; L. Nqumani; M. Gadu; N. Aja; E. Mwepu Front row: S. Heleni; T. Cannon; M. Chowles; Ms A. Retief; K. Jonas; S. Mvelo; Z. Chiduza

RCL REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL OF LEARNERS

m a t r i c s , y o u r e n t h u s i a s m a n d involvement have helped us have lots of fun while working and your constant motivation and acts of compassion have denitely helped push us.

I would also like to mention a few more teachers: Thank you to Ms Farquhar for making sure everything ran smoothly and was functioning for the Functions Committee; you denitely helped make my job a pleasure. Thank to Ms Goosen for always willing to listen and for the much needed support. Thank y o u t o M r M i t c h e l l f o r h i s encouragement and endless stories, to Mr Mkhize for always boosting my ego w i th an “Ah Schoo l Capta in !” whenever he saw me and for always managing to put a smile on everyone's

face during singing practice. Thank you to Ms Nicholls for her realistic life lessons, given mainly through maths sums, “Ladies do not fall into the trap of buying a car you are told you can start paying back after 5 months, its EVIL, in fact I th ink I want to cal l that company.” Also, thank you to Ms Nicholls for bring the rst teacher, I think in history, to thank people for attending detention. On Behalf of VG, I'd like to thank all the teachers, for their constant support and for always steering us in the right direction. Even though our actions at times might not validate this statement, we are truly grateful.

Lastly, thank you to all the ladies at VG for trusting me to lead you through this

year. I have no doubt that your condence in me has only helped me g row and become rm in the condence and strength I have developed, not just as a leader but as a person. And this I sincerely believe I would not have achieved without the chance that you afforded me. I am certain that this farm of ours will grow, and continue to produce the nest fruits and vegetables which will be sent out into the world, not just to feed it, but to completely transform it. I wish you all everything of the best for the future and I urge you to continue ying the VG ag and keep your heads up high by our motto, “With Courage and Toil, Virtute Et Opera.”

Thank You

VG Awards HEAD GIRLS' PRIZE-GIVING SPEECH

VG Pupils GRADE 8

Back row: N. Tshuma; S. Yawa; C.Prins; J. Magabie; M. FryMiddle row: R. Hendricks; A. Dyongmani; C. Bell; M. Amos;H. Maqubela; L. Denston; Front row: Z. Dhlamini; Q. Myolwa; A. Matches; Ms S. Nicholls; L. Nqumani; S. Mafani ; L. Williams Absent: S.Richards ; A. Mlata

Graeme

Back row: C. Morrison; L. Mafumana; L. Zondi; S. Goliath; A. Nonkonyana Middle row: S. Tities; H. Tyatya; L. Antoni; L. Ngece; S. Matshisi; B. Mquba; A. Qongqo; H. Makana Front row: Z. Lang; A. Nkuhlu; N. Aja; Mr Mkhize; L. Benya; T. Pinini; M. Davies

Thursford

Back row: O. Msebi; C. Wessels; Z. Nkomana; M. Wambi; S. Magula Middle row: Z. Mnyani; R. George; A. Tom; L. Richard; K. Mtoba;U. Keza; J. Swarts; L. Jass; K. Michaels Front row: R. Ledwaba;B. Ntuta; Ms T. Siga; E Mwepu, Z. Mnyani; K Lisakanya

Dorset

Open Monday – Sunday 06h30 - 23h00

Pepper Grove Pick ‘n Pay, 22 African Street,

Grahamstown Tel: 046 6361747

Ruthville

Back row: S-L Bridger; M. Kopo; K. Nonkontwana; Z. Fatyi; K. Bartis; S. Manona Middle; E. Morgan; E. Koch; M. Majeke; M. Ndemka; A. Toyisi; K. Jackson-Moss Front row: A. Mesatywa; S. Chita, M. Gadu; Mr D. Stoloff; Y. Joseph; A. Rala; Y. Nkonki Absent: S. Notyesi, M. Ncepu

VG PupilsGRADE 8

PAGE 17

A year of challenges… Grade 8, 2015By Emily Morgan and Zuzu Nkonyana

The most challenging experience we went through at VGHS was constantly getting lost in the school building. We will always remember the sinking feeling in our stomach's as we heard the second bell ring. However, we survived the rst week of school due to the kind and calm way that VGHS girls gave us accurate directions to the classroom. Some girls would even lead us right to the door of the classroom even though they would be late for their own class.We kicked off the year with an afternoon full of fun with Grade 8 Orientation committee at the Pavilion. That was a Friday afternoon to remember full of fun games, laughter and running, despite the hot weather. On the fourth week of the rst term on a Friday the whole

grade with our grade teachers we went to Hobbiton for more fun. We were transported there by our school busses, at 9:00 am we were all there ready to face the day that was drizzling. And that couldn't stop us from enjoying our day. We were divided into four groups and the team building fun began. We went hiking, we did obstacle course and middle rope games. That was another day well spent.We also enjoyed a movie night with popcorn and juice and thank to Mr Stoloff for choosing the movie for us. We must admit that this year was full of trials, but with the help of our grade head and teachers we managed to make it to the end. And we would like to say thank you to the whole school for a great year.

VG Pupils GRADE 9

Back row: L. Jojo; U. Hanton; C. Igiraneza; K. Prince; O. Teketa;L. Mcotsho Middle row: Z. Meyer; M. Chikiwa; S. Dlukulu; L. Frank;S. Maxham; A. Mfono; N. Klaas Front row: A. Kroqwana; H. Puzi;A. Mkumbuzi; Mr G. Mitchell; S. Ngxata; A. Dlekedla; S. Zilwana

Dorset

Back row: A. Sentile; S. Mhlauli; A. Betela; S. Nqumba, J. Delport;A. Vena Middle row: S. Ketani; O. Ngxe; Y. Sizani; A. Butterworth;A. Mzana; A. Njingana; S. Phillip; S. Kalipa; Z. HasenbergFront row: D. Baines; S. Manakaza; A. Makeba; Ms A. Watson;N. Petse; M. Zimmerman; K. Olivier

Graeme

Back row: Y. Manana; S. Sotashe; J. Grewar; B. Nojoko; A. Sonyamba; P. Benyon Middle row: R. Hart; F. Eddie; A. Jacobs; S. Ngoqo; C. Kula; A. Mansoor; S. Ralo Front row: S. George; S. Mahlati; C. Hillman;Mr H. Kunju; Z. Magadla; S. Saul; L. Ralo

Ruthville

Back row: T. Ntloko; F. Kirby; L. Mbengo; A. Vos; S. SithongaMiddle row: O. Mafuya; C. Faltein; C. Oti-agyemang; S. Mbhali;M. Dalasile; Q. Heba; E. Gumenge; H. Nel Front row: C. Fuller;R. Mafalala; S. Meth; Ms D. Smuts; O. Davane; A. Mapaqha;Z. Mabizela

Thursford

VG PupilsGRADE 9

PAGE 19

Grade Head: Ms A. Watson

Class Teachers: Ms A. Watson, Mr

G. Mitchell, Ms D. Smuts and Mr H.

Kunju

This year has had many labels for the grade 9s; excitement, difculty, fun, scandal and perseverance. But overall, it has been a wonderful year for grade 9s.

The year was kicked off with a fun

day of team building activities

and challenges at the Grey Dam.

The grade was split into groups

and had to achieve certain goals

but the overarching goal the

grade 9s orientated towards was

“have each other's backs”.

In term 2, the grade 9s

participated in a Careers Day

held at the Albany Museum. It

proved to be benecial for the

grade as it was the necessary

information for their big choice at

the end of the year.

Term 3, swooped in unnoticed

and before we knew it, the grade

was rehearsing, creating and

perfecting our Spring Day Play,

the theme being “Local is

Lekker”. It was an undoubted

success and highlight of the year.

Congratulations must go to the

girls in the grade and their

teachers for putting on such an

elaborate and fun play.

The grade 9s, along with the rest

of the school, took part in the VG

Food Fair, run by the PTA. Our

grade put on a ne show and the

register teachers were so proud

when all the food in grade 9 stalls

were sold out quickly.

Finally, we have come to the end

of the year and the nal task for

grade 9s is the nal subject

package choices for grade 10

and saying goodbye to their

grade head Ms Watson. It has

been a great year with Ms

Watson at the helm to guide the

grade 9s and she will be missed

dearly.

Grade 9 – A year of many things…..

VG Pupils GRADE 10

Back row: B. Magabie; Aviwe Marambana; M. Mona; E. Heinker;V, Mafanga; Anovuyo Marambana Middle row: A. Bongwana;N. Myaluza; K. Marangxa; C. Smith; M. Halana; E. Hain; S. Sibejele;C. Isaacs; F. Van Heerden; L. Matyholweni; Front row: J. Okoh; Z. Tom; E. Goodes; Ms P. van der Linde; S. Goodes; S. Moss; C. Joubert

Ruthville

Back row: A. Nombombo; J. Jacobs; Y. Baartman; C. Vogel;K. Klingenberg Middle row: N. Fullarton; W. Titi; N. Nyangana;H. Wessels; S. Mqomboti; Front row: U. Twalo; S. Olivier; Y. Gusha;Ms J. Smith; S. Mjali; S. Zonke; N. Tafane

Graeme

Back row: A. Saki; J. Welkom; M. French; S. Ngxoweni; S. Vawda;F. Akanbi Middle row: A. Tulwana; A. Mkumbuzi; K. Tokota;I. Mtumtum; E. Prince; L. Bala; Z. Kutu Front row: J. Myburg;E. Duvenhage; M. Nelani; Ms O. Bunu; M. Cobotwana; A. April;M. Green

Dorset

Back row: S. du Plessis; K. Christian; Y. Siyila; A. Mcuba; C. LambertMiddle row: M. Ganiso; Q. Mqolweni; S. Mboyo; N. Mki; E. Ndleleni;K. Kuscus; A. Sakasa; L. Flotman Front row: M. Mantla; J. Cummings; U. Songca; Ms J. Baart; G. Xozwa; K. Jonas; C. Craigie

Thursford

VG PupilsGRADE 10

PAGE 21

Now we're not so small! Grade 10, 2015

Grade Head: Ms P. van der LindeClass Teachers: Ms P. van der Linde, Ms O. Bunu, Ms J. Baart, Ms J. Smith

2015 was a stepping stone for the Grade 10 class, no longer juniors and on our way to becoming seniors. We could nally do the subjects that interested us; and for m a n y h a d t o a c c e p t m o r e

responsibility for our actions. We have had some good achievers this y e a r , w i t h S u m a i y a V a w d a achieving Academic Half Colours. Sara Goodes and Jillian Welkom were awarded Art Half Colours by Johan Carinus Art Centre. The biggest event for the grade was, of course, the Spring Dance where the school hall was transformed into a

space of magic and wonder. The girls looked beautiful, the partners equally good and a great time was had by all. The grade 10 outing was a great day – we hiked, we laughed and we played games; nishing it all off with a great braai at Grey Dam. Thank you to all the class teachers and especially Ms V; we had a wonderful year with you all.

VG Pupils GRADE 11

Back row: I. De Vos; N. Botha; M. Lackay; B. Gwedla; Middle row:A. Mantshontsho; S. Makwena; M. Mqeke; L. Du Preez; T. Gabavana; L. Mankuntsu; S. Waka Front row: M. Sihlahla; S. Kolwane; M. Lang;Mr S. Jeffries; N. Siyepu; D. Walker; A. Vos

Thursford

Back row: J. Ginn; K. Jaji; Y. Mgebuza; G. Du Toit; N. ManeliMiddle row: S. Sabisa; T. Butterworth; Y. Niwa; Z. Mbiyoza; V. Zanekile; S. Bay Front row: N. Dyongman; L. Cuka; A. Vaaltyn; Mr P. Urban;M. Marawu; S. Makeba; Y. Kalipa

Graeme

Back row: A. Jadezweni; L. Rayi; K. Gxamza; S. Martinus; Middle row: S. Kabeya; C. Findlay; Z. Gosani; S. Malgas; Z. Mvula;B. Baneld; T. Kakaza Front row: S. Manyathi; A. Coltman; Z. Ndlovu; Ms B. Mavuso; S. Macingwane; J. Fischer; K. Vermeulen

Dorset

Back row: N. Mgxoteni; S. Ndibaza; L. Vastamaki; A. Tsana; A. Potwana Middle row: T. Randall; Z. Nyumka. L. James; A. Kenene; A. Ralo; S Ntunguzi; S. Madolo Front row: S. Nortje; J. Benyon; P. Lamani; Ms S. Richards; L. Nqadala; J. James; L. Fondini

Grade Head: Ms S. Richards

Class Teachers: Ms S. Richards, Ms

B. Mavuso, Mr P-J Urban and Mr S.

Jeffries2015 was a fun lled, busy and exciting year. We started off the year by welcoming two new girls and a new teacher to our grade. We were later joined by two exchange students Anna and Luulia who helped broaden our horizons.The Matric Dance committee, headed by Danielle Walker and ass isted by the enti re grade, s u c c e s s f u l l y h o s t e d t h e r s t combined Matr ic Dance and Parents function. The Casino Royale themed evening, started off at Vicky's where parents, girls, partners and the staff could mingle. The girls were then driven over to Prime,

where they had the whole venue to themselves. It was a huge success.The annual grade 11 camp at Hobbitton-on-Hogsback was great fun and was enjoyed by all. We were fortunate to have great weather and even better food! The girls came home hot, dirty and tired, clearly a successful camp.This year the Grade 11s hosted two Shadow Shifts at Spur as their grade fundraisers and used the money to support the Association for the Physically Disabled and to buy C h r i s t m a s g i f t s f o r t w e n t y unprivileged pre-schoolers. Thank you to the girls for giving of your time, it was worth it to make other people happy.Watch out world, the class of 2016 is on its way!

Ruthville

Almost there…..Grade 11 2015

VG PupilsGRADE 11

PAGE 23

Grade 11 Leadership Camp to Hobbiton-on-Hogsback

VG Pupils GRADE 12

Back row: B. Maneli; A. Somyalo; C. Potgieter; S. Nombeu; T. Bennett; O. Gqokoma; Y. Featherstone Middle Row: J. Swanepoel; S. Seyesi;S. Mvelo; C. Sias; Z. Ngqawana; A. Mtshabe; B. Ngesi; P. SeyesiFront row: S. Ncetani; N. Cassels; L. Mancotywa; Ms M. Hartley;L. Mazomba; K. Jonas; Z. Mcotsho

Dorset

Back row: K. Hendricks; S. Sazona; K. Speckman; A. Magama;Middle Row: M. Mcuba; N. Potgieter; S. Heleni; K. Matiwane; S. Teki;S. Hewana; M. Du Plessis; Z. Nkala Front row: L. Mthenjana; S. Mpama; L. Njokweni; Ms R. Woudstra; Z. Majola; A. Zingela; N. Nkone;

Ruthville

Back row: L. Moko; K. Gusha; C. Chika; S. Hill; L. BunuMiddle Row: A. Klaas; Z. Styoshwana; B. Jonklass; A. Maxama;S. Moyeni; V. Zondani; C. Quiens; A. Ndlole; Front row: K. Gwata;M. Chowles; C. Majeke; Ms K. Kazadi; T. Cannon; S. Sangoni;D. Walton

Graeme Thursford

Back row: L. Jojo; W. Nyikila; E. Dyonase; E. Zatu; E. Mdingi; S. Mbunge; C. Mtotoba; V. Sphere Middle Row: L. Tutu; O. Lusizi; A. Ngcebetsha; Z. Setti; Q. Sixaba; T. Ndabula; Z. Chiduza;S. Nkwandla Front row: S.Tyibilika; B. Sankobe; K. Davies; Mr J. Still;S. Tonjeni; K. Roji; J. Tyson

VG PupilsMATRICS

PAGE 25

Absent from individual photos: Sisanda Mbunge

Abonga Zingela Amanda Somyalo Anathi Maxama Anovuyo Klaas Asanda Mtshabe

Avuma Ndlole Ayabulela Ngcebetsha Azini Magama Babalwa Sankobe Bathule Maneli

Brittany Jonklass Bulali Ngesi Caryn Potgieter Chandre Chika Chaneez Sias

Chulumanco Majeke Chulumanco Mtotoba Cleo Quiens Donica Walton Elam Dyonase

VG Pupils GRADE 12

Emihle Mdingi Entle Zatu Jesmine Swanepoel Jody Tyson Kanyisa Gwata

Kathy Spekman Khanya Jonas Khanya Matiwane Khanyisa Gusha Khanyisa Roji

Kirsten Hedricks Kyra-Ainsli Davies Lelethu Mazomba Leletu Bunu Lihle Jojo

Likhaya Moko Luchulumanco Njokweni Lunako Mthenjana Lutho Mancotywa Lwando Tutu

VG PupilsMATRICS

PAGE 27

Michaela Chowels Michaela du Plessis Mvelo Mcuba Nicole Cassels Nicole Potgieter

Nonty Nkone Odwa Gqokoma Ongezwa Lusizi Phelela Seyesi Qhawekazi Sixaba

Ricayla Denston Sanelisiwe Tyibilkila Sesethu Nombeu Sheugnet Hill Sihle Teki

Sima Heleni Simnikiwe Sangoni Simtandile Mvelo Siphosethu Moyeni Siphosihle Hewana

VG Pupils GRADE 12

PAGE 28

Sisanda Ncetani Siya Mpama Siya Nkwandla Siya Seyesi Siya Tonjeni

Siyolise Sazone Tahnee Bennett Thina Ndabula Tiffany Cannon Valencia Sphere

Vuyo Zondani Wanda Nyikila Yasmine Featherstone Zamamiya Majola Zenande Mcotsho

Zimkita Ngqawana Zoe Setti Zubenathi Styoshwana Zusiphe Nkala Zvikoberero Chiduza

Academic PRIZES FOR ACADEMICS

PAGE 30

GRADE 8 First in Grade Emma KochThe Dr Ella Britten Prize for English Emily Morgan(School doctor in the 1930s and 1940s) A Prize for Academic Excellence Emily Morgan, Sinochumo Manona, Mihle GaduA Certicate for Academic Achievement Robyn Hendricks, Zoë Lang, Kate Jackson-Moss, Mila-Jo DaviesThe G.B.S. Mutual Bank Prize for Diligence Yolanda JosephDiligence Certicates Sinochumo Manona, Emily Morgan GRADE 9 First in Grade Ntombekhaya FundaniThe Dr Ella Britten Prize for English Julia GrewarA Certicate for Academic Achievement Naledi Petse, Yibinathi ManonaThe G.B.S. Mutual Bank Prize for Diligence Naledi PetseDiligence Certicates Ntombekhaya Fundani, Abuyile Mkumbuzi, Sinesipho

Sotashe GRADE 10 First in Grade Sumaiya VawdaThe Dr Ella Britten Prize for English Sumaiya VawdaA Prize for Academic Excellence Emma Goodes, Sarah GoodesA Certicate for Academic Achievement Keisha-Ann Christian, Meeca Green, Kaylin Jonas,

Zizipho Kutu, Sesethu Mqomboti, Janet Okoh, Uviwe Songca, Jillian Welkom, Gugu Xozwa

The G.B.S. Mutual Bank Prize for Diligence Sesethu MqombotiDiligence Certicate Meeca Green, Janet OkohGRADE 11 The Burkinshaw Prize for the Top Scholar(Jennifer and Kathleen matriculated in 1969 & 1970 respectively) Lauren JamesSecond in Grade Jacqui JamesThe Dr Ella Britten Prize for English Jacqui James, Lauren James, Milagre LangA Certicate for Academic Achievement Milagre Lang, Avela Mantshontsho, Jessica Benyon, Ilse

de Vos, Nienke Botha, Kamva-Elihle GxamzaThe G.B.S. Mutual Bank Prize for Diligence Zikhona Nyumka, Avela MantshontshoGRADE 12 The Old Girls' Union Martha Emslie Prize for the Top Scholar(An old girl and teacher) Lunako MthenjanaThe Elsbeth Dixon Prize for Mathematics (Matriculated in 1978; CEO of Common Purpose SA, dedicated to developing leaders) Lunako MthenjanaThe Muriel Wood Prize for Geography(Matriculated in 1945; teacher from 1955 - 1985,passed away in 2015) Lunako MthenjanaThe Prize for Life Orientation Lunako MthenjanaThe Vivian Cole Prize for Life Sciences (Matriculated in 1971. Dr de Klerk is currently theRhodes University Dean of Students) Lunako MthenjanaThe Physical Sciences Prize Lunako MthenjanaSecond in Grade Kyra-Aynsli DaviesThe Glennie Prize for English (Miss Glennie was Principal from 1900 - 1923) Kyra-Aynsli DaviesThe Prize for Drama Kyra-Aynsli DaviesThe Prize for isiXhosa Phelela SeyisiThe Dr Ella Britten Prize for English Literature Jody TysonThe Laurette Munnik Prize for History (Matriculated in 1969. Her father, Judge President of theTranskei, donated the prize in her honour) Simnikiwe SangoniDie Rapportryersprys vir AfrikaansEerste Addisionele Taal Tahnee BennettThe Prize for Accounting Asanda MtshabeThe Prize for Music Donica WaltonThe Prize for Consumer Studies Zamamiya MajolaThe Prize for Mathematical Literacy Kanyisa GwataThe Debra Locke Cup for Computer Applications Technology

AcademicPRIZES FOR ACADEMICS

PAGE 31

(Matriculated in 1988; teacher from 1994 - 2005) Zimkita NgqawanaThe Virginia Reed Trophy for Excellence in Visual Art Theory Jody TysonThe Lynel Wallace Memorial Cup for excellence in Design (practical)(Matriculated in 1980. She died in a motor car accident in 1985) Bulali NgesiThe Dorothy Nel Trophy for Excellence in Design (theory and practical) Jesmine SwanepoelAustin Cup the best overall mark in Visual Arts or Design Jody TysonA Prize for Academic Excellence Asanda MtshabeA Certicate for Academic Achievement Tahnee Bennett, Tiffani-Amber Cannon, Khanya Jonas,

Lutho Mancotywa, Emihle Mdingi, Likhaya Moko, Chulumanco Mtotoba, Sisanda Ncetani, Zusiphe Nkala, Simnikiwe Sangoni, Phelela Seyisi, Sanelisiwe Tyibilika, Jody Tyson, Donica Walton

The G.B.S. Mutual Bank Prize for Diligence Michaela Chowles

SPECIAL PRIZESGrasshopper Garden Services Trophy for the Most Trilingual Learner Milagre LangThe Corinne Purdon Cup (Most Bilingual Learner)(School Captain in 1957) Sumaiya VawdaThe Junior Bilingual Prize Emma KochCerticates for Bilingualism Emily Morgan, Sinochumo Manona, Khanyisa

Nonkontwana, Sara Goodes, Gugu Xozwa, Jacqui James, Avela Mantshontsho, Kyra-Aynsli Davies

Die Maskew Miller-Longman Trofee (Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal Graad 10/11) Meeca GreenDie Livingstone Trofee (Vordering in Afrikaans)(Miss Vermeulen, later Livingstone, taught Afrikaans in the 1960s) Jody TysonThe Mycoroot Shield for Scientic Endeavour Lauren James, Jacqui James, Danielle WalkerThe Cecilia Goldberg Cup for Endeavour (Matriculated in 1966) Khanya MatiwaneA Certicate for Endeavour Khanyisa RojiThe Nadine Bailie Cup (Excelling in Challenging Circumstances) Ntombekhaya Fundani(Matriculated in 2003) The Adriaan Trophy for Perseverance (Senior) Shelby Moss(Tessa passed away in 2000 while in Gr 10) The Setti Cup for Perseverance (Junior) Faith Eddie(The Setti sisters tragically lost close relatives while they were at school.) The Prize for General Knowledge Sacreé KabeyaThe Conacher-Riddin Trophy for Neatness in Grade12 (This trophy was presented in the early 1980s by the mothers of

Megan and Zanne Conacher and Bonita Riddin) Michaela Chowles and Lihle JojoThe Millie McLeod Trophy for Class Spirit Grade 12 Drama

MUSIC PRIZES

The Newcombe Bowl for Musical Excellence Jessica Benyon and Emily Morgan(Donated by Mrs Newcombe in 1959) The Jeanine Baart Trophy for Contribution tothe Musical Life of the School Sisanda Ncetani and Sanelisiwe Tyibilika(Jeanine Baart has been teaching music at VG since July 1985) The Jeanine Baart Trophy for woodwind(Jeanine Baart has been teaching music at VG since July 1985) Jessica BenyonThe JH and BM Trophy for the best Marimba Instrumentailst(Jillian Haarhoff and Boudina McConnachie are past music teachers) Simamkele HeleniDiligence Certicates

SCHOLARSHIPSGrade 12 Lunako MthenjanaGrade 11 Jacqui JamesGrade 10 Emma GoodesGrade 9 Ntombekhaya FundaniGrade 8 Caitlin Bell, Zoë LangVictoria Primary Dux Emma Koch, Emily MorganCultural Jessica BenyonSport Zusiphe Nkala, Hostel Sanelisiwe Tyibilika, Ongezwa LusiziRotary 2015 Cheryl Joubert

Academic PRIZES FOR ACADEMICS

PAGE 32

ACADEMIC AWARDS Honours: Kyra-Aynsli Davies Jacqui James Lauren James Milagre Lang Lunako Mthenjana Asanda MthshabeColours: Jessica Benyon, Tiffany Cannon, Ilse de Vos, Kamva

Gxamza, Khanya Jonas, Lutho Mancotywa, Avela Mantshontsho, Emihle Mdingi, Likhaya Moko, Chulumanco Mtotobo, Sisanda Ncetani, Zusiphe Nkala, Simnikiwe Sangoni, Pelela Seyisi, Sanelisiwe Tyibilika, Jody Tyson, Donica Walton

Half Colours: Nienke Botha, Sumaiya Vawda, Danielle Walker

Honours and Colours RecipientsAccolades

Back row: S.Tyibilika; S. Sangoni; K. Jonas; K. Gxamza; E. Mdingi; L. Mancotywa Middle row: Z. Nkala; C. Mtotoba; J. Benyon; M. Lang; A. Mtshabe; I. de Vos; L. Cuka; A. Mantshontsho;Front row: L. James; Ms N. Hayes; K. Davies; Mr W. Schmidt; L. Mthenjana; Ms K. McCrindle; J. James

My Secret Hiding Place

By Sumaiya Vawda

Grade 10

The shrill of the school bell resonates through our classroom. I force myself to break away from my thoughts; my eyelids are still stained blood-drenched imagery from my vivid memory, whilst my body quivers uncontrollably, just like the very day on which my fate altered before my innocent eyes.

The fatal accident which rendered my parents lifeless, and divided my greed-driven family, is a haunting vision which plagues my thoughts. My beloved sister and I were then brutally cast away to separate orphanages.

Suddenly self-aware, I wipe the drool of saliva from my chin and swiftly arrange my backpack, hoping that none of my classmates had noticed my distances gaze. To my dismay, Angie, who possesses characteristics starkly contrasting to her angel-like name, approaches me with a smirk. She doesn't spare an insult in shredding my dignity before I manage to meekly slide away.

I decide to sneak away to my faithful shed for recess. It is the only remain of my childhood memories which survived the inheritance feud. The abandoned latticework of wood now seems to hunch amidst a growth of trees, but I am still able to locate it with ease.

I enter the shed with caution as a s i g n o f r e s p e c t . U n d e r m y supervision, the shed remains neatly intact. I nestle against a cushion and settle in for a relaxing recess of reading.

The sudden creak of the rusted door hinges shatters the perpetual silence. Startled, I notice a familiar pair of penetrating eyes as they nd mine from the doorway. What is Angie doing here?

My mind and heart begin to compete in pace. I ponder how Angie was able to trace my careful footsteps to the shed when she screams, “This is my shed! What are you doing here?”

The refraction of light suddenly highlights a photograph perched

on the one remaining shelf in the shed. “Angel ica?” I mumble through stied breaths.

Every part of me aches with excitement and pain, as Angelica and I spend the remainder of recess indulged in deep conversation.

I nally have someone with whom I can share my secret hiding place. Our hiding place now a rainbow-splashed utopia, shall forever remain a symbol of the reunion of my sister, Angie, and myself.

I guess fate is able to re-align itself for youthful smiles, and the frowns of deteriorating sheds alike.

A Squid in the Desert

By Kyra-Aynsli Davies

Grade 12

A dark and baleful eye lifted to contemplate the burning gaze of the desert sun. Tired, and alone, the giant squid looked back on his long, long life, and he remembered.

He remembered when he was rst transported from the black depths of the ocean, into a large, clear tank in a stainless white laboratory. It had been bright, but the light was not as harsh and hostile as the glare of the sky's eye was now. He remembered the experiments, countless chemicals and tests, and the joy of the scientists when they succeeded in creating the rst immortal creature. Him. Little did they know, he was also to be the last.

The scientists. There was one in particular, whom he recalled with what a human mgt call fondness, or love. It was a female, with large-rimmed glasses which reminded him of his own huge, inhuman eyes. Every time she entered the lab, she would come to his tank and bend down, waving her forelimb to him in greeting. Her lips would pull over her t e e t h , b u t h e d i d n o t f e e l threatened. When she left, she repeated the ritual, but in farewell instead.

He missed the dead humans, but most of all her. Her death had come long before the death of civilisation, and he had mourned in his own way, refusing to eat, starving h i m s e l f . H o w e v e r , h i s o w n immortality stopped him from

joining her in death.

Now it was just him. There were no longer any humans, or oceans, just an endless expanse of heat and desert sand, broken only by the inhospitable cold of night. His only companion was pain, as the sun baked him and the eternal wind ung into his soft skin to sting his into submission. But the sea beast only regenerated. Death would not give him the mercy he bled for.

He remembered the small metal plaque on the corner of his tank in the lab. The female with the large glasses had repeated the word on it t o h i m , m a n y , m a n y t i m e s . Specimen 2b-9W7: CHRONOS.

Chronos struggled in the sand, ignoring the sharp, hot bite of the sand. His body was made for the yielding buoyancy of water, and his immortality prevented him from adapting to the cruel weight of terrestrial gravity. But with time, he managed to lift a single titanic t e n t a c l e i n t o t h e a i r . W i t h gargantuan effort, he twisted the tortured appendage to wave twice. Once in greeting, and once in farewell.

The tentacle fell to the sand once more, to writhe pathetically in the punishing heat of a star it may outlive.

He remembered. And he longed for the past.

Man Is Born Free And Everywhere He is In Chains

By Linamandla Nqadala

Grade 11

This past weekend, my wife Desi and I were clearing the beach house where her parents spent their last days. I always wondered why Desi never expressed a wish to sell the house like most working adults who'd recently lost their parents do. My curiosity was short-lived when I witnessed her expression as we crossed the threshold. It was as though she was claustrophobic. It was like I was stuck in a house that was lacking oxygen but lled only with emotion and nostalgia. I never really knew Desi's parents; they passed away before I could visit them. But from the stories Desi has

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Academic CREATIVE WRITING

shared, I could tell that they were humble and honest.

There is just something uncomfortable about invading the property of the dead. It's as though while going through their most prized possessions; I somehow got to know them on a deeper personal level. The real people they were was shown in a secretive side that never got to explore the world. I could see my father-in-law sitting on the front porch and drinking an exquisite 50-year-old bottle of French wine. The home ofce was decorated with peasant letters, guillotines and portraits of Louis XVI. In that moment I wished we had had a single conversation just to understand his obsession with the French Revolution. As a history teacher , I loathe the F rench Revolution. Nonetheless, I admired his passion.

I gazed at the Jean-Jacques Rousseau quote in a vintage wooden frame that caught my eye, “Man us born free and everywhere he goes he is in chains.” I inched as I felt a hole burned through my chest, the feeling of familiarity. Memories, of the little boy I was, ashed before me, bits and pieces of my life ying into my face, accelerated by all the motions I ever felt like a rushing wind.

Then suddenly, I did something I hadn't done in decades. I cried. I cried for the little boy in me that wanted to be set free. I cried for the man in me that wanted to escape from the chains of pain. I thought of Desi, my sweet beloved, Desi. I cried because we had to sell this beautiful home so that er could survive.

Assassin

By Niamh Spingies

Grade 10

Drops of fresh, cool water streamed and dripped from the valleys of his face. Blades of tall grass punished any passing disturbances by a passing of dew drops that gently clung to its next host. The thunderous melody of waves hitting rock was accompanied by the waking birds' wondrous call. But, as it goes, this was no less than a typical Scottish morning.

Dante Menteath moved briskly

thought the towering meadows and paid no attention to the sea or the birds. Although through acute sense, he was aware of it all, he was aware also of the bow within his left hand and the stone building becoming ever closer. Dante was aware of the six guards over the villa's terrace and the seven inside. The blood in his face turned his skin to ames and his heartbeat was in unison with his step.

Suddenly he dropped to the ground without any hesitation or fear of injury. “And now we wait,” he muttered to h imse l f . He took out a h igh ly d e c o r a t e d b o x a n d r o l l e d a cigarette. Morning turned into midday and day into night, cigarette after cigarette, nally Dante stood up. He as about 40 metres from the villa, but that did not bother him. He drew an arrow and pulled it into place. The people outside the building were no longer people; they were to his eyes shadows and targets, the onlyu shot he would accept was a bulls eye.

In only a matter of seconds Dante had taken his shots. All were dead, not a whisper would be passed, not a t r ibute to the bodies that lay mangled on the oor. They meant nothing. Swift, crisp steps on grass and twig carried him to the house of his target in a little less than a minute.

All was silent. The entrance presented itself and he took it. His stealth was impeccable and his movements graceful and deadly as he turned he villa into a tomb. The last target stood and his bow was staring into the face of his enemy… swish, bang, crash.

His job was done.

The Horse

Jody Tyson

Grade 12

He stamps his hoof and the ground shakes

His eyes rolling to the back of his head

He champs on the bit and the brindle quakes

His coat gleaming against the red

Toward the heavens he tosses his mane

He snorts a greeting and the wind replies

He is one that shall never be tame

There is no holding back once he ies

With apprehension he dances on the spot

Tossing his head toward the sky

Kicking his hooves about in a knot

He hears the grandiose of the eagle's cry

The s i ren, he lunges fo rward, consuming the land with vigour, eating up the vast stretch of ground

The horse, surging with strength, tearing up the air with vivacity, he cannot stay still at the sound.

The Snowake

Jody Tyson

Grade 12

The snowake: dancing

Upon the wind, teasingly,

Welcoming winter.

Acceptance

Danielle Baines

Grade 9

Going down an endless road

Looking for something

Nothing else matters

Except for it

We want it more than anything

It runs our lives

We'll give anything to have it

What is it you ask

Look deep inside you

You'll nd it there

That empty space

Longing for one thing

Acceptance

Reject

Kyra-Aynsli Davies

Gradfe 12

She stands in front of a mirror.

Naked-

joyful in her creation

The paper girl

stares up at her Maker

in a childlike wonder, and whole-bodied love


“Wrong. It's all wrong”.

her face changes,

as if discovering her happy ending,

riddled with writhing maggots.

it falls,

crumples like so many pages of paper

Failure

She tears-

her inked features blotting

with Someone Else`s tears.

The smooth expanse of paper skin

folds in on itself;

throws itself away

Companion

!

By Kyra-Aynsli Davies

Grade 12!

Not even wispy mist

Dares to creep over

The turgid waters of Lake Mundi. !

Neither man nor beast

Steps to drink, for fear

Of the darkling leviathans

Belied by Her still waters. !

Her only companion

Is the weeping willow,

Whose twisted boughs and edgéd leaves

Trail through the Lake’s waters, unharmed.

The three minute ood

Jacqui James

Grade 12

Stray droplets linger in the empty corridors

Even before the bell rings

Which sets off the rusting, chatter and patter of feet

Some make a quick escape

But others are caught in the breakers

As classes pour out

Into the rising tide

Soon there is a heavy ow

And the droplets get swept along

Heedless of their will

Small islands struggle to stand

Against the converging torrents

The ood swirls round corners

Gushes down stair cases

Dams up at door ways

And unguided intersections

The classrooms begin to ll

And the ood begins to dissipate

Leaving behind a few hurrying stragglers

Once more the peel is heard

The corridors are empty

Afrikaans Kreatiewe Skryfwerk 2015

Uittreksels uit Graad 12 opstelle

Geluk lê nie in besittings of goud

nie, geluk woon in die siel

Moenie oor aardse besittings

bekommerd wees nie, jy gaan dit

verlaat as die tyd kom. Bekommer

eerder oor hoe jy mense behandel,

fokus op die goed wat reg loop en

nie negatiewe dinge nie. Lag elke

keer as jy die kans kry en spandeer

tyd met die mense wat iets vir jou

beteken. Dit sal jou siel gelukkig

maak, want dit is die klein dinge wat

die meeste gewig dra.� � � � � � � � �

Kirsten Hendricks

Geluk lê nie in besittings of goud nie,

geluk woon in die siel. Ek glo dat al

het ek die duurste goed in die

wêreld, as ek nie gelukkig is nie, is

daardie duur goed niks werd nie.

Donica Walton

My plek van stilte

Wanneer ek op die vloer is, met my

arms in die lug soos 'n groot voël,

voel ek vol van vryheid. Wanneer

ek op die vloer is, met my kop so

hoog soos 'n groot bok, voel ek

sterk. En wanneer ek op die vloer is,

met my rok wat vol en rooi soos 'n

prentjie is, voel ek pragtig. Voor die

musiek begin, is ek kalm. Ek dink nie

oor die wêreld nie, ek dink nie oor

my probleme nie. Voor ek begin om

te dans, is my liggaam en kop kalm,

soos die kalmte voor die storm.

� � � � � � � � �

Jody Tyson

Die wind waai koel en sag oor my

gesig. Dit voel asof ek op die wolke

oor die hele Grahamstad dryf. Ek

kan alles van bo af sien. Ek luister na

die manier hoe ek asemhaal, in en

uit. Ek wil nie my oë oopmaak nie,

want dit beteken dat ek weer terug

na die aarde toe moet kom.� � � � � � � �Jesmine Swanepoel

My laaste plek van stilte is wanneer

ek uiteindelik in my bed kan klim na

'n lang dag van skool en werk.

Wanneer ek op my eie is. Voor ek

slaap, sê ek dankie vir die dag en

dat ek veilig was. Ek dink aan al die

dag se aktiwiteite en alles wat ek

geleer en ervaar het. En dan maak

ek my oë toe en ek slaap. � � � � � � �Zoë Setti

Ons woon in 'n wêreld waar 'n mens

moet droom. Ek droom oor my

toekoms, ek bou paaie vir myself

wat ek moet volg.

Om iemand in die lewe te wees,

moet jy alleen werk. Mense sal nie

altyd langs jou wees nie, want hulle

bou hule eie lewe. Jy moet jou

potensiaal ontwikkel en jou eie

drome volg.

Alle mense moet 'n plek van stilte

vind sodat hulle hul eie paaie kan

maak en hul drome en gedagtes

realisties kan maak. ��

Zimkita Ngqawana

Almal van julle kan ook 'n stil plek

hê. My stil plek is nie 'n kamer of 'n

tuin nie. Dit lê nie tussen die sand en

see nie. Dit benodig nie 'n sleutel of

'n bed nie. My stille plek woon diep

in my hart en al wat ek moet doen

om daarby uit te kom, is om my

bruin oë toe te maak en te glo.� � � � � � � � �

Brittany Jonklass

AFRIKAANS

Academic CREATIVE WRITING

Die koshuislewe bou selfdissipline

Alles hang van jou af, hoe jy optree

as mens, hoe jy lyk as jy soggens

skool toe gaan en ook jou maniere,

want jou ouers is nie by jou om elke

oomblik vir jou te sê hoe jy jouself

moet gedra nie. Die koshuislewe

bou selfdissipline, want jy moet altyd

na jouself kyk en vir jouself dink,

sowel as agter jouself skoonmaak,

want niemand anders gaan dit vir

jou doen nie.� � � � � � � � �

Cleo Quiens

Die ronde wêreld

Die meeste van die tyd lyk die

wêreld soos 'n baie groot plek waar

mense hulle siel kan verloor en hulle

identiteite vergeet in die gesig van

onsekerheid. Mense weet nie wat

hulle wil doen met hulle eie lewe

nie, so hulle kies om iemand anders

se lewe op te mors en die meeste

van die tyd werk dit. Maar somtyds

werk dit nie, want jy vind mense wat

glo. En hulle glo met elke klein

haartjie op hulle liggaam, hulle glo

met hulle hele hart dat daar iemand

is wat altyd aan hulle kant is, en dié

persoon kyk oor hulle en wys vir hulle

die regte pad om te stap. � � � � � � �Luchulumanco Njokweni

Sonbrille op die strand

Op die strand sien ek ŉ paar mense.

Die son is uit en alles lyk perfek. Die

mense lag, swem, speel en

hardloop. Hulle lyk gelukkig, maar

hulle dra sonbrille.

ŉ Sonbril steek hul regte emosies

weg. Dit beskerm hulle, nie net teen

die son nie, maar teen hul diepste

gevoelens. Die dinge wat hulle

seermaak, die dinge wat hulle bang

maak, en wat niemand anders

moet sien nie. Dit is ŉ muur

waaragter hulle wegkruip omdat dit

maklik is. As hulle hul sonbril afhaal

en op die strand sit, in die

openbaar, sit hulle dit waar almal dit

kan sien. Maar sal hulle dan nog so

gelukkig lyk? ��

Sara Goodes

ŉ Kinderkamer

deur Jennifer Cummings

As ek my oë toemaak, sien ek ŉ

kinderkamer vir ŉ seun. Ek sien ŉ

baba-blou muur, en as jy instap,

trap jy op ŉ grasgroen mat wat soos

egte gras lyk. As jy opkyk, is daar

drie wit vensters met ligblou

gordyne. Langs die gordyne is daar

ŉ paar rame met prentjies van die

seun. Hy het ŉ groot glimlag op sy

gesig.

Die tema van die kamer is die see.

Daar is ŉ dubbelbank met twee

kussings – een ligblou en een

liggroen. Langs die dubbelbank is

daar ŉ werkstafel met kryt en papier

daarop. As jy opkyk, is daar ŉ

donkerblou lig met groen sterretjies.

In die middel van die kamer is daar

ŉ groot plek waar die kind met ŉ bal

kan speel.

Buite die venster is daar ŉ swembad

met kristal water. Daar is die mooiste

tuin met blomme in al die kleure van

die reënboog. Daar is ŉ groot boom

teen die muur langs die venster, en

as ek mooi kyk, sien ek daarin

daarin ŉvoëlnes. � � �

Jennifer Cummings

Human beings have a lot in

common and one of these is that

regardless of our age or

background, we've all had the

painful experience of losing a loved

one.

The poets are Grade 9 pupils at

Victoria Girls High School and are

both expressing their feelings about

the nature of death and

remembering their loved ones.

AWUHLUTHANGA NA?

nguAsiphile Vena

Ndisoloko ndicinga,

Ndicinga ngoMaMpinga

UMaMpinga owayethandeka,

Azange ndicinge ukuba

angasutywa

Kodwa sathi sisambuka,

Ukufa kwaka kwamxhwila

Ndisoloko ndicinga uMaMpinga

Kufandini awuhluthanga na?

Kufandini awudinwanga na?

Isizwe sethu siyaphela nguwe?

Izizalwane nezalamane ziyaphela

nguwe?

Ndikubukel' uginya ubimbiliza,

Ndikubukel' uginya uqongqoloza

Kanti kufa awuhluthanga na?

Kufandini awuhluthanga na?

About two weeks ago, these young

poets took part in the poetry

category of the S.E.K Mqhayi

competition organised by Mr

Mayalo from the Grahamstown

District Ofce (Education). The

competition was held at Nombulelo

Hall and the judges were Ms Sinam

from Nombulelo Secondary School,

Mr Mhlekwa from Kutliso Daniels

Secondary School and Hleze Kunju

from Victoria Girls High School. The

competition was tough and the

standard was very high. Kutliso

Daniels Secondary School

proceeded to the next level of the

competition, having taken First

Place. Unfortunately we were unable

to publish her poem in this edition. In

second place, Noluvuyo Mgxoteni,

a grade 11 learner from Victoria

Girls High School with her poem

entitled 'Intsomi kaNongqawuse'

was followed by Aphiwe Bongwana,

a grade 10 learner also from Victoria

Girls' High School. The theme for this

competition was Nongqawuse. She

was a Xhosa prophetess whose

prophecies led to the disastrous

cattle-killing crisis of 1856–1857

when two thirds of the people died

of starvation and tens of thousands

of people ed to the Colony in

search of work (Owen 1994).

nd2 Place: INTSOMI KANONGQAWUSE

Uthulele ntoni Nombanda nawe

Mhlakaza?

Kutheni unganqandi nje

kusonakala?

Kutheni ninganqandi nje

isiXHOSA


kumoshakala?

Tyhini nayeka kwatshabalala!

Hayi madoda waphel' umzi kaXhosa

Yho! Hayi ngenene

nguNongqawuse lo

Namyek' uNongqawuse ebalis'

intsomi emini

Suka nakhukhumala, nathabatheka

nathi phithi

Suka naxhamazela, naqhatheka ne-

swiiiiiii

Kanti ubuphi na wena Sarhili?

Uthule umamele uginy' ingwiqi

Yojiwa imfuyo, kwatyiwa bimbilili

Cwaka! Iphi na loo ntlutha, naloo

madla?

Tyhini nibethwe ngemfe iphindiwe.

Cwaka!

Sesishiyeke nje naloo ntlambo

kaNongqawuse � � � � �NguNoluvuyo Mgxoteni

rd3 Place KHANKXA-NKXA!

WAVALELWA UNONGQAWUSE

Safa saphela isizwe sikaSarhili

Safa saphela isizwe sabantsundu

NguNongqawus' uqhawukelwe

ziingqondo

Umprofetikazi omncinane eprofet'

ubuxoki

Yaphel' imfuyo ngumlamb' iGxarha

Aphel' amasimi ngumlamb' iGxarha

Yinina ukuba niprofetis' ibhinqa

Akhal' amadod' amakhulu

akwaXhosa

Safa isizukulwana sikaHintsa,

sikaGcaleka

Oh yini na Nongqawuse ubaxokisa

Ngumhla we-18 kweyoMdumba

1857

Mini eyaka ayabinabuhle yagcwal'

inzondo

Usigqibile isizukulwana somz'

ontsundu

Etilongweni Nongqawuse Ngena!

Ngena!

Khankxa-nkxa, khankxa-nkxa! zatsho

izitshixo

Wavaleeeeeeelwa umprofetikazi

wobuxoki

NguAphiwe Bongwana

IIKATI ZAM: U-SOCKS NO-SCRUFF NguEmily Morgan

Iikati zam zintle kakhulu nangona z inge lu lo uh lobo ekuth iwa y i “Pedigree” ngesiNgesi, utsho ugqirha wezilwanyana. Zingumxube weekati e z a h l u k e n e y o . U b o y a b a z o bumhlophe, mdaka nangwevu. Zifana ngalo mibala, kodwa zahlukile ngezinye izinto. Umzekelo; U-Socks ubhityile, ungumzingeli obukhali, uneenzipho ezimhlophe. U-Scruff yena utyebe kakhulu, usoloko elele imini yonke, avuke, atye, aphinde a l a l e . U n a m e h l o a l u h l a z a . Awunakutsho ukuba ezi kati zizalwa yikati enye.

Njengazo zonke i ikat i , ez i kat i azibuthandi ubusika. Ngamanye a m a x e s h a z i z i m e l a p h a n t s i kwengubo ukuzigcina zishushu. Ayilocebo lilungileyo eli xa ingubo isesofeni. Khawufane ucinge ukuba kunganjani kuzo xa umntu ehlala bhuma phezu kwazo engaziboni.

Omnye umkhuba ombi, u-Scruff ufunde ukulenca iinzwane zabantu xa begqiba ukuhlamba. Asazi n o k u b a u c i n g a u k u b a abacocekanga ngokupheleleyo na, okanye uthanda incasa yesepha.

U-Socks uthanda ukusipha izipho, ewe izipho! Uthanda ukuzibeka phants i e lawun j i . As i kuthandi ukufumana ezi zipho, ngakumbi xa ziqalisa ukubhabhazela zigqibe indlu yonke. Khumbula ke ukuba isipho asinakutyiwa kwa ngulowo uze naso. Luxanduva lwethu ukuba simtyise ngokwethu. Ngentsimbi yesihlanu k u s a s a u - S o c k s u t h a n d a u k u m b a m b a z e l a u t a t a w a m empumlweni. Ukuba utata akamhoyi impumlo yakhe igcwala iinzipho atsho axhume ngoko nangoko.

Kutheni ndizithanda nje iikati zam? Okokuqala, zizibhotile zam ezishushu, kwaye z i yah lek i sa xa z id la la . Ndiyazithanda kuba zindenza ndizive ngcono xa ndikhathazekile. Inye qha into endiyenzayo, kukuziphulula. A z i h l e k i , a z i n d i n t l o n t i k w a y e z i y a n d i t h a n d a . Y i n t o n i e n y e enokucelwa ngumntu kumhlobo wakhe?

'Iintlungu Zobomi' by Luhlumelo Benya a grade 8 pupil at Victoria Girls High School. She writes about the pains and sorrows of this life. She nishes off with a question, “now tell me, why thy be?”

IINTLUNGU ZOBOMI

Ubomi bubuhlungu xa usezintlungwini,

Ude ube nethemba lolonwabo ongaluboleka

Bathi kunzima ukuphumelela

Ndasoloko ndizingela lo mpumelelo

Iintlungu azinakuhlanjwa nayimvula

Kodwa usuka uphelelwe ziingqondo

Zakumka iingqondo kuqal' impambano

Yanga ndingahlala ndonwabile

Amaqabaza elamuni emanxebeni

Shu! Zintlungu zobomi ke ezo

Kowu! Zibuhlungu iintlungu zobomi

Ndixelele ke, kutheni kunjalo?

NguLuhlumelo Benya

Oh! Dlangamandla!

Izilingo, iinkqwithelo nezaqhwithi zikhona zona

Ubuxaka-xaka beenkxwaleko zobomi butsho macala

Kodw' uDlangamandla, Nca! Ubambelel' ethembeni

Ndithi xa ndiphaphazela ndiphambuka endleleni

Andinqande, andiqoqe andifak' endleleni

UDlangamandl' ondizalayo likhaka lam

Iintlungu zobomi azikho manqapha-nqapha

Yiyo lo nto uDlangamandla esoloko endixhasa

Inkxaso ekhatshwa luthando yinto enganqabanga leyo

Kwaye uyanyamezela uDlangamandla ondizalayo

Kuba kaloku ekunyamezeleni ukhon' umvuzo

Ewe ngokuqinisekileyo zikhon' iziqhamo


Yena ukuko konke endikufunayo ebomini

Ngendiphi na ngaphandle kwakhe?

Ngendiyintoni na ngaphandle kwakhe?

Ngendingubani na ngaphandle kwakhe?

Enkosi MamTolo, Zulu, Dlangamandla

Ndiyambulela ophezulu ngawe mama wam.

O! Dlangamandla!� � � �NguMakazukiswe Halana

UMNYAMA

Ndiphuphe ilizwe elizele iinkwenkwezi eziqaqambileyo,

Ndavuka ndikwilizwe eliphantsi kwelifu elimnyama.

Ndiphuphe ilizwe elinoxolo nemvisiswano,

Ndavuka ndikwilizwe elivutha umlilo neziqhushumbiso.

Ndiphuphe ilizwe elinik' ithemba,

Ndavuka ndikwilizwe elilambathayo.

Ndiphuphe ndikwilizwe lobomi,

Ndavuka ndikwiphupha elingcolileyo.

Lo ayingombongo wokukhalaza, Lo oyingombongo wokukhalala

Lo ayingombongo wokulahl' ithemba, kuba ilizwe sele lalahl' ithemba.

Ndiphuphe ngelizwe elingekhoyo,

Ndavuka ndikwilizwe elikhoyo, endingalithandiyo.

Kodwa ndaqhubeka ndiphupha, ndiphupha, ndiphupha.

Ndiqhubeke ndiphupha ngelizwe laseTopiya endilifunayo,

Ndivukile, ndivukela ukujamela ilizwe ngomsindo nentlungu.

Lo ngumbongo wotshintsho. Umbongo webhongo nomnqweno nenkuthazo.

Lo ngumbongo ochasene nabantu abangenabuntu, MNA NAWE!

Lixesha lokuba siyeke ukuthanda amaphupha nokucaphukela ilizwe lethu.

Yintoni injongo yoko?

Ukusondeza intliziyo yakho kwinto

engekhoyo?

Lixesha lokuthatha amathemba namaphupha uwanike ilizwe eliphilayo, ngoba ngubani ofuna ukuvuka enomsindo?

Ndidiniwe kukuphila isiqingatha solonwabo lwam.

Nldifuna ukuphila kwilizwe apho ukuphila kubhetele kunamaphupha.

Yeka ukonwabela ukuphupha endaweni yokusombulula iingxaki, yonwabela ukwenza ilizwe elikonwabisayo xa uvuka ukulo.

Ndiphuphe ngelizwe elinombala wengqondo yam, ndavuka ndikwi-'rainbow nation' gxebe ndikumnyama osele sawulibala ukuba sawenza!

Siphupha ngelizwe elinombala omnye! Vukani nibone nanku umnyama!

NguMilagre Lang

INTSIKELELO?

Uyandithoba ubuye undinyuse

Uyandisikelela ubuye undishwabulele

Uyandikhathaza ubuye undithuthuzele

Bomi, kazi uyiyo na intsikelelo?

Uyandindlandlathekisa ubuye unditeketise

Uyandipha uphinde undohluthele

Uyandicinizela ubuye undikhulule


Uyandikhathaza ubuye undincumise

Uyandibulala ubuye undiphilise

Uyandimfamekisa ubuye undibonise


Uyandikhulisa ubuye undinciphise

Uyandichola ubuye undilahle

Uyandinkcenkceshela ubuye undiyekelele


Okungabulaliyo kuyomeleza

Ngamaciko ke lawo xa ethuthuzela

Bubomi ke obo kuba buyomeleza

Kodwa ndisabuza, ndicel' uphendulwa

Bomi, kazi uyiyo na intsikelelo? NguSinovuyo Meth

Iingcinga Ngaye NguSanele Phillip

Ndamonyula phakathi kwabanye

Ndambanga ndathi yena ngowam kanye

Kanti ngenene mna naye sibanye

Bekucace gca okwekat' emhloph' ehlungwini,

Ukuba ndobanay' ebumnandini nasezintlungwini

Besihlala sobabini siphunge

Athi konk' okubi okuthethwa ngaye ngamampunge

kwaye bambekela nje imigibe

Ukuze zonk' ezomhlaba zimgqibe

Babemgxeka bemkwekwa bemfanisa nako konke okunkone

Kodwa mna ndandimonwabisa ndimhlekisa ndimgone

Ndabubukela buphel' ubomi bakhe ngenxa yamaqothaqikili

Ebengumhlobo kum, ndisoloko ndinaye nokuba kunini

Silala ngengub' enye nokuba iimeko zithini

Ngenj'ixukuxa ndakelwa yincwadana

Endixelel' ukuba ushiyekelwe lithutyana

Futhi akakwazanga

Ndiyeke konke ndaya ngezikaTshiwo

Ndaka edunduluzile, ndazi kungekatshiwo

Uhambo lwakhe lwandikhwankqisa

Kodwa iingcinga ngaye zisandonwabisa.

AcademicART

Johan Carinus Art Centre Awards 2015

Junior Art AwardsGold Grade 8 – M. Davies

Grade 9 – L. Ralo

Silver Grade 8 – K. Jackson-Moss

Grade 9 – U. Hanton

Bronze Grade 8 – E. Morgan

Grade 9 – C. Hillman

Visual Arts: Painting

Gold Grade 10 – C. Smith

Grade 12 – J. Tyson

Silver Grade 10 – K. Jonas

Grade 11 – T. Butterworth and J. Ginn

Visual Arts: Printmaking

Gold Grade 10 – S. Goodes

Silver Grade 10 – C. Craigie

Grade 11 – V. Zanekile

Bronze Grade 11 – B. Baneld

Grade 12 – S. Sangoni

Visual Arts: Sculpture

Silver Grade 11 – Z. Ndlovu

Bronze Grade 12 – O. Lusizi

Design: Ceramics

Gold Grade 10 – M. Fani

Grade 11 – T. Randall and S. Makwena

Grade 12 – N. Cassels, N. Potgieter and J. Swanepoel

Silver Grade 11 – S. Marthinus

Design: Textiles

Gold Grade 11 – V. Zanekile

Silver Grade 10 – J. Jacobs, J. Welkom and S. Moss

Grade 12 – B. Ngesi

Bronze Grade 11 - Y. Kalipa

Carinus Colours Awards and Art Badges

Grade 10: minimum average of 80% over 3 terms

Grade 10 Visual Arts: S. Goodes

Grade 10 Design: J. Welkom

Grade 11 and 12: minimum average of 75% over 3 terms

Grade 11 Visual Art: J. Ginn, A. Vos and T. Butterworth

Grade 12 Visual Art: J. Tyson

Academic ART IN PICTURES

AcademicART IN PICTURES

English Olympiad

This year the theme of “Stories and

Language of Mzansi” had a denite

local avour which made it very

accessible for the participants.

Seventeen girls entered with eight

receiving silver awards and four

receiving bronzes.

The process of going through the

material, debating the issues and

nally writing the exam is excellent

preparation for university essays

and generally extending creative

thought. It is always a worthwhile

experience and we commend

those that entered.

Maths Olympiad and Competitions

This year, VG had 50 entries in the

South African Mathematics

Olympiad. Of these, 14 qualied to

write the second round.

Unfortunately, none of the girls

rdmade it through to the 3 round,

but we are hopeful that this will

change in 2016.

VG mathematicians also

participated in the Rhodes

University Mathematics Experience

and did very well. Several of the

girls went on to attend regular

training sessions held by the Rhodes

Education Department and tried

out for the South African team.

Science Expo, Olympiad and Quiz

ESKOM Science Expo

Once again VG has had a successful run at the Grahamstown regional ESKOM Science Expo. Ten out of the eleven projects that were entered received an award; wi th VG

cleaning up the top 4 out of 5 placings!

This highlights how we are not only a school that excels at the arts, but how we are the top science school in the participating districts of Sarah Baartman, Chris Hani and Amatole! Congratulations to the following girls:

1st place - Lauren James2nd place - Danielle Walker3rd place - Jacqui James4th place - Lelethu RayiThese are all gold medal and Rhodes University bursary winners, who will be part of the six delegates that travel to the International Science Fair, in Gauteng, later this year.

Other VG achievers were:

Jamie Lee Delport - Gold MedalUrsula Hanton - Bronze Medal

Aimee Vos - Bronze Medal Kamva Gxamza - Bronze MedalLilitha Jojo - Merit CerticateCeline Iriganeza - Merit Certicate

Abuyile Mkumbuzi - Participation Certicate

In the October school holiday the top expo project winners travelled to Johannesburg to take part in the International Science Expo. Our girls did exceptionally well with the following results:

Lauren James - Gold Medal, the

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Beyond the textbooks OLYMPIADS AND EXPOS

Expo winners

Expo internationals

Beyond the textbooksOLYMPIADS AND EXPOS

Category Prize for Plant Sciences, has been offered a bursary at Stellenbosch and the University of Pretoria and is to be interviewed to attend the Intel ISEF in Phoenix in 2016.

Danielle Walker - Gold Medal and is to be interviewed to attend the Intel ISEF in Phoenix in 2016.

Jacqui James - Gold Medal, Microscopy Society of Southern Africa Special Prize, has been offered a bursary at the University of Pretoria.

Lelethu Rayi – Highly Commended

Unfortunately, neither Lauren nor Danielle were selected to travel to the USA, but we are immensely proud of all their efforts this year.

SAASTA Science Olympiad

The olympiad this year saw a large number of girls turning out to write this very challenging paper. Congratulations to Jacqui James on achieving ????

position – no mean feat given there are over 5 500 entrants in the Olympiad.

Rhodes University Enviro Quiz

In September a grade 11 team of

science boffs, composed of Leletu

Rayi, Jessica Benyon and Jacqui

James, took part in the annual Enviro

Quiz hosted by the RU Environmental

Science Honours class - and thanks to

some fast ngers, and Jacqui James's

love of chicken noises, beat Graeme

College in the nals! The team was

amazing on the night and really did

VG proud - especially when they

walked off with R3 000 for the

Sciences Department!

PRIZES FOR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Cultural Activities PRIZES FOR CULTURE

Senior English Best Speaker Milagre LangJunior English Best Speaker Espérance MwepuDie Rapportryersbeker (Beste Senior Spreker: Afrikaans) Milagre LangBeste Junior Spreker: Afrikaans Sonwabisa NgxataSenior isiXhosa Best Speaker Siyemkele MpamaThe Peddie Prize (Junior isiXhosa Best Speaker) Sinovuyo MethThe Virginia Lee Prize for Drama and/or Dance(An old girl from the 1940s who was a well-known singer) Nienke BothaThe Stella Patrick Prize for Work Backstage(An old girl interested in backstage work) Ilse de VosThe Philippa Morton Cup (Best Senior Debater)(School Captain in 1965) Sumaiya VawdaMost Improved Debater Milagre Lang Most Promising Debater Ntombekhaya FundaniThe de Groot Trophy for the Best Chess Player(Linda de Groot was a teacher at VG from 1991 - 1995) Victoria JacksonMost Improved Chess Player Khanya TokotaMost Promising Chess Player Kaylin JonasThe Mathie Cup for the Star Choir Singer Phelela SeyisiMost Improved Choir Singer Simanye MadoloMost Promising Choir Singer Sinochuma Manona & Zandi MnyaniThe Denise Lesar Cup for service to Choir(Music teacher from 1988 - 2000; Choirmistress up until 2006) Sisanda NcetaniMost Outstanding Marimba Band Player Simamkele HeleniMost Improved Marimba Band Member Simanye MadoloMost Promising Junior Marimba Band Member Siphosethu NgoqoMost Outstanding Orchestra Member Jessica BenyonMost Improved Orchestra Member Siso MjaliMost Promising Orchestra Member Emily MorganThe Nan Pike Memorial Award for English Poetry in Grade 8 Jennifer TeifelThe Barbara Timm Memorial Award for English Poetry in Grade 9 Danielle Baines(Matriculated in 1966) Dr Bobbins' Poetry Awards: English: Grade 10 Kayla Klingenberg Grade 11 Lelethu Royi Grade 12 Kyra-Aynsli Davies

MUSIC PRIZES

The Newcombe Bowl for Musical Excellence Jessica Benyon and Emily Morgan(Donated by Mrs Newcombe in 1959) The Jeanine Baart Trophy for Contribution to theMusical Life of the School Sisanda Ncetani and Sanelisiwe Tyibilika(Jeanine Baart has been teaching music at VG since July 1985) The Jeanine Baart Trophy for woodwind Jessica Benyon and Simamkele Heleni(Jeanine Baart has been teaching music at VG since July 1985)

Cultural ActivitiesPRIZES FOR CULTURE

PAGE 43

CULTURAL AWARDS

Colours: Lukhanyiso Cuka Jessica Benyon Milagre Lang

Half Colours: Siphosethu Moyeni, Sisanda Mbunge, Kirsten Hendricks, Milagre Lang, Yoliswa Gusha, Ilse de Vos, Simanye Madolo, Mbali Mqeke, Kathy Speckman, Zusiphe Nkala, Tahnee Bennett, Sacreé Kabeya, Sisanda Ncetani, Tulile Kakaza, Noluvuyo Mgxonteni, Liyema Fondini, Zintle Gosani, Aphiwokuhle Ralo, Linamandla Nqadala, Anati Maxama, Nienke Botha, Kuhle Jaji, Yasmine Featherstone, Bathile Maneli, Simthandile Mvelo, Caryn Potgieter, Jesmine Swanepoel, Cleo Quiens, Ricayla Denston, Siyolise Sazona, Jody Tyson, Zubenathi Styoshwana, Valencia Sphere, Amanda Somyalo, Sesona Bay, Britany Jonklass, Donica Walton, Wanda Nyikila

Cultural Activities CHESS CLUB

Chess Club Back row: S. Maxham; M. Ndemka; L. Frank; M. Mantla; A. Nombombo Middle row: O. Davane; S. Ngxata; N. Tshuma; K. Marangxa;A. Sakasa; K. Tokota; K. Jonas Front row: S. Sibejele; Z. Lang; L. Moko; Ms J. Smith; O. Gqokoma; L. Mthenjana; L. Williams

Captain: Victoria JacksonTeacher-in-Charge: Ms J. Smith

Wow, this year has been a wild one for the Chess Club and I can hardly believe it's over. Firstly we found ourselves with an eclectic and excited new coach, Ms Smith, whose unwavering dedication and enthusiasm to the sport was greatly appreciated throughout the year.

We started the year off with a new batch of eager young minds who were enthusiastic to learn the sport. This year we played two games against Port Alfred, one in term one where the results were 9-1 in Port Alfred's favour. However just a few months later, at our annual derby day in term 3 we won twice, were stalemated twice and lost six. This is incredible when you consider some of the players had never played

chess before. Another chess event of note was the annual Interhouse Chess competition which resulted in Thursford as clear winners. I strongly feel that within a few years VG will have the best chess team it has ever seen. Thank you to all who participated this year and spend many hours learning and honing their newfound skills.

PAGE 44

Back row: R. Denston; L. Bunu; I. De Vos; N. Mgxotheni; D. Walton; J. Okoh; L. Fondini; S. Manyathi; A. Potwana;Y. Mgebuza; A. Tsana; S. Mbunge; S. Teki; S. Moyeni; A. Maxama Third row: S. Bay; M. Mqeke; K. Hendricks; A. Ralo;C. Potgieter; Y. Featherstone; V. Zanekile; T. Gabavana; Q. Sixaba; A. Saki; A. Ngcebetsha; S. Martinus; B. Jonklass;N. Mki Second row: G. Xozwa; A. Klaas; C. Quiens; M. Ganiso; S. Seyesi; S. Madolo; Z. Gosani; S. Hewana; U. Songca;S. Kabeya; Z. Kutu; A. Mcuba; P. Seyesi Front row: M. Lang; K. Roji; Z. Nkala; L. Jojo; E. Zatu; S. Ncetani; Mr S. Mkhize;A. Somyalo; A. Zingela; V. Sphere; J. Swanepoel; E. Dyonase; K. Jonas

Senior Choir

Back row: L. Richards; Q. Heba; L. Mafumana; A. Betela; M. Ndemka; N. Petse; M. Dalasile; A. Rala; B. Mgquba; C. FalteinThird row: S. Meth; Z. Nkomana; A. Mzana; S. Phillip; K. Mtoba; A. Sonyamba; K. Nonkontwana; K. Mtoba; S. Manona; L. Antoni; R. Hendricks Second row: N. Klaas; H. Makana; A. Qongqo; H. Tyatya; A. Sentile; Y. Sizani; S. Ngoqo; A. Tom; A; Dyongman; F. Eddie; A. Mfono Front row: L. Zondi; S. Mafani; A Makeba, M. Davies; A. Mkumbuzi; Ms J. Smith; T. Ntloko; R. Mafalala; L; Maboza; L. Ralo; B. Nojoko

Cultural ActivitiesCHOIR

Junior Choir

Captain: Sisanda NcetaniVice Captain: Amanda SomyaloTeacher-in-Charge: Mr S. MkhizeSenior Choir Head: Mr S. MkhizeJunior Choir Head: Ms J. Smith

For choir this year has been lled

with excitement, fun and a lot of

hard work. The year came with a

slight change - the Junior Choir

was headed by Miss Smith and

they practised on their own every

Monday and joined with the

seniors on Wednesdays. This was

denitely innovative, because Miss

Smith brought with her a different

music taste, giving the choir variety

and exibility. We started the year

off with a successful performance

of Stainers' Crucixion where we

collaborated with Ntsika High

School and guest soloists namely,

Khumbulani Ntabeni, Charles

Antrobus and our ever young

Peter Breeztke who was our

accompanist. Our relationship with

Ntsika High School didn't end

there, as we performed 'Bawo

Thixo Somandla' with their basses

at our Founders' Weekend Concert

in the Park. We then participated

in the Annual Masicule Festival,

which this year was held at City

Hall, and as always, was

electrifying. The DSG/SAC music

festival followed at which VGHS

was well represented. We also

travelled to Mthatha during the

VGHS marketing weekend for a

performance which was

immensely enjoyed by our

Mthatha parents, families, old girls

and friends. We left the

community of Grahamstown

stunned when we opened the

Schools' Festival, in July, with a

prolic piece Iza Ngomso, Come

Tomorrow; we then sang with the

school at the Prizegiving evening -

once again wowing the crowd.

The choir has worked extremely

hard to make sure that these

performances were a great

success - a big thank you denitely

goes to them. Our VG family

including our parents and friends

have always given us a

tremendous amount of support;

and this year was that and more. A

big thank you goes to Mr Mkhize,

Ms Smith and the entire school for

making 2015 a successful year for

the choir.

Cultural Activities CHOIR

Back row: L. Mbengo; J. Okoh; M. Zimmerman; K. Olivier; J. Delport; A. Kenene; S. ZonkeMiddle Row: H. Nel; Z. Nyumka; E. Koch; S. Wapi; Y. Joseph; S. Mhlauli; Z. Magadla; S. Mahlati; Y. Manana; K. TokotaFront row: S. Waka; K. Gxamza; M. Sihlahla; Ms T. Siga; Ms D. Smuts; P. Seyesi; S. Macingwane; L. Matyholweni

Cultural ActivitiesCHRISTIANS IN ACTION

Society Head: Phelela SeyisiTeacher-in-Charge: Ms T. SigaSenior CIA: Ms T. SigaJunior CIA: Ms D. Smuts

This has been a year full of growth, excitement and of course, worship.We kicked off the year with the joining of UNITY, a school's Christian club and through them interacted with the different

schools involved, namely, Graeme College, Kingswood College, DSG, and St. Andrews College. We also attended Unity Rally's as well as Unity meetings which were for growing our individual clubs.

Our mission this year was nding our identity in Christ. We continued to host our own worship evenings which were

our highlights for the year and we are very grateful to the girls who attended, the guest speakers and Ms Siga. This was indeed an exceptional year and I would like to thank Ms Smuts, Ms Siga, UNITY and all my sisters in Christ for making it so very special.

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB

Society Head: Kyra-Ainsli DaviesDeputy Head: Victoria JacksonTeacher-in-Charge: Ms B. Mavuso

2015 has brought with it an inux of

fresh blood for Creative Writing, not

only in the form of new members,

but also now guided by Ms

Mavuso. While this recent

transfusion means that the pressure

is on, our literary heart is stronger

than ever.

Each writer is as different from the

next as the cells in the body, and

with each week's session we

become closer and closer to our

own unique ideals. Variety is the

spice of life, they say, and life is

certainly not bland in Creative

Writing this year, as our writers all

show off their own recipes for

poignant pieces in a diverse range

of styles, from prose to poetry and

everything in between.

Creative Writing is, as always, a

refuge from the stresses of the

outside world, and a means with

which to express what is otherwise

left unsaid.

The Practical People - Kyra-Aynsli

Davies

Methodical. Meticulous. Machine.

Day in, day out.

We wake, we work, we rest.

We laugh and we cry.

But we do not speak.

Not anything of value, anyway.

What point is there?

Cradle your thought in the writhing

hive of your mind

Protect it from tangible reality.

Day in, day out.

Continuing routine

for the simple pleasure of routine.

The same tasks, the same silence,

Minds alive with foetal words

that will never be born.

Poetry in motion.

Poetry in action.

Poetry,

As with secrets and silence,

Is broken when spoken.

A warm feeling - Mila-Jo Davies

I stand in my living room, facing

the replace which holds a great

beast coloured with orange, red

and yellow. Swaying forward and

backward, backward and

forward, leaping out and about,

begging for everyone to pay

attention to it and nothing else, on

the verge of becoming

uncontrollable but never crossing

the line. This moment triggers a

memory, and I allow myself to be

engulfed by this spontaneous

memory.

In my memory, I see my younger

self sitting on the same carpet that

I was standing on only moments

before this memory came. But I am

not alone. For a young girl, about

my age, sits behind me, playing

with my hair.

The memory evaporates like mist

dissolving into the atmosphere,

and I spin around, half expecting

the girl to be there behind me, but

she isn't. I relax and let myself slip

back into this memory that sends a

warm, tingling feeling through my

body, reaching the very tips of my

ngers.

I begin to focus on the smooth,

quiet words that the girl is

speaking. She says, “I am going to

miss you so much. I hope you know

that.”

I then hear another voice, but this

time it comes from me, only it's the

younger version of me, “Of course

I know that. And I'll miss you even

more.”

“Friends?” she asks.

“No,” I reply, “Best friends.”

That was the last thing to happen

before I come out of my sleep-like

state and begin to feel the warmth

rush out of me, even though the

blazing re still roars before me.

Is it because… - Lisakhanya Kota

Is it because of the pigment of my

skin that we'll never be equal? That

makes my 100 trillion cells different

from yours. That makes you look at

me like I'm an enemy trespassing

your grounds, every day. Every day

you never seem to fail to make me

feel like the pigment of my skin is

something I should be ashamed of

in this society. Is it because of the

pigment of my skin that makes you

judge me because of what my

ancestors did for equality and

freedom, not only for themselves

but for all races in this country?

That makes you carry anger

around because of a brutal past.

A past that'll always be tattooed

into the history of this country. A

country that has always had a rich

history etched into the heart of

brutality!

I still ask, is it because of my skin? I

am not any different from you just

because my skin's fate was to be a

few shades darker than yours. I am

one of 50 shades of black.

And that doesn't make us any

different.

Cultural Activities

Society Head: Lelethu MazombaDeputy Head: Wanda NyikilaTeacher-in-Charge: Ms A. WatsonSenior Debating: Ms A. WatsonJunior Debating: Ms N. HayesisiXhosa Debating: Mr H. Kunju

This house believes 2015 to be the

greatest year for VG debating. This

year has been one lled with great

experiences for the VG debaters.

The junior team was introduced to

the Oxford style debating, in which

they made us proud. We had our

very own Wanda Nyikila represent

us in the State Of Province Address

Schools Debate, where she was up

against representatives from many

other schools in the Eastern Cape.

Our rst debate against Graeme

College was one that set the

standard for the rest of the year as

we pulled out all the stops. Milagre

Lang, Sumaiya Vawda and Sacreé

Kabeya were delegates at the

National United Nations Debate

Competition Workshop, but could

not compete, nonetheless they

made us proud as they carried the

name of VG high up the ladder.

The Derby Day was as exciting as

any other year, our debaters once

again showed us what they're

capable of doing when put

behind the podium and given just

8 minutes to prove themselves. We

also had the very interesting

Teachers vs Pupils Debate, with a

team consisting of Mr Schmidt, Mr

Mitchell and Ms Mavuso, the

competition sure was tight. As the

year progressed both our Senior

and Junior teams not only

debated their hearts out but also

showed us that unity is strength

and when there is team work and

collaboration of ideas, wonderful

things can be achieve. We saw

this as six of our girls; Wanda

Nyikila, Lelethu Mzomba, Milagre

Lang, Sacreé Kabeya, Sumaiya

Vawda and Cheryl-Ann Joubert

competed in the Eastern Cape

Provincials Debating Competition

and they all did exceptionally well

in their debates. Remember, those

who cannot understand how to

put their thoughts on ice, should

not enter into the heat of debates.

Senior DebatingBack row: M. Ganiso; N. Nyangana; N. Mki; S. Vawda; S. Mboyo; S. Ndibaza; A. Vaaltyn; S. Sibejele; W. Titi; S. Mqombothi; C. Joubert Front row: A. Potwana; M. Lang; W. Nyikila; Ms A. Watson; L. Mazomba; S. Kabeya; S. Bay

Junior DebatingBack row: N. Fundani; L. Kota; B. Njoko; Z. Mabizela Middle row: S. Meth; R. George; O. Msebi; L. Jojo; A. Betela; O. Mafuya; A. Mfono Front row: N. Petse; W. Nyikila; Ms A. Watson; Ms N. Hayes; A. Makeba; A. Maphaqa

Xhosa DebatingBack row: T. Ndabula; S. Mpama; A. Potwana; S. MethFront row: B. Sankobe; P. Seyesi; Mr H. Kunju; A. Somyalo; A. Mantshontsho

DEBATING CLUB Cultural Activities

GENERAL KNOWLEGE CLUBCultural Activities

Society Head: Sacreé KabeyaSociety Deputy: Milagre LangTeacher-in-Charge: Mr W. Schmidt

At the beginning of the year Mr. Schmidt emphasised the importance of doing what you love, that there is no point in doing something if you hate it. He spoke about if there is something which you love then you will succeed in this eld. If there is something which you are passionate about, you should take the initiative and share that passion with others for example by starting a new co-curricular activity - and so the General Knowledge Club was formed! Knowledge is an important part of life and being a knowledge sponge is a bonus! We started off the year with our new format Interhouse General Knowledge Quiz in which each house had a team made up of a girl from each grade. The girls competing showed their competitive

edge and des i re to win f rom beginning to end. The results were as

thfollows: in 4 position Graeme house, rd nd3 Dorset, 2 was Thursford and the

winner was Ruthville. Well done to them! At the annual derby day against Port Alfred High School we held our own in the quiz. VG`s team consisted of Jody Tyson, Kyra-Ainsli Davies, Ilse de Vos, Zintle Mvula and Munashe Chikiwa. The team did their best and narrowly lost to Port Alfred. For our nal quiz match against Graeme College we brought in the big guns consisting of a team of Kyra-Ainsli Davies, Jody Tyson, Milagre

Lang, Munashe Chikiwa and Sacreé Kabeya, these girls clearly know their stuff as we convincingly beat the boys. I would like to thank both Mr Schmidt and Ms Cherry for the tips they gave on every quiz we hosted. Last but not least I would like to thank M i l a f o r h e r e n t h u s i a s m a n d helpfulness this year. I leave you with this quote: "Every addition to true knowledge is an addition to human power.”

General Knowledge Back row: M. Chikiwa; Z. Mbiyoza; I. De Vos; Z. MvulaFront row: J. Tyson; M. Lang; Mr W. Schmidt; S. Kabeya; K. Davies

Cultural Activities HIKING CLUB

Teacher-in-Charge: Mr D Stoloff

2015 has seen a somewhat rain interrupted year for the Hiking club. The great Potjie hike that was planned for term three was just not destined to happen, with the h e a v e n s o p e n i n g o n t w o consecutive weekends and thus foiling our valiant attempts.

Nevertheless, two wonderful outings were enjoyed by the club. In the fourth term, a post Park Run b reak fas t took p lace in the Botanical Gardens. This was extremely well attended by Grade 8 girls who had to run before tucking in to the rusks, cereals, fruit juice and chomps! Hopefully, this outing stimulated some interest in VGHS Park Run participation for the future.

The highlight of the year, however, was the weekend trip to Elundini Backpackers near Hogsback. Mr Stoloff, Dr Hanton, their children and 8 pupils visited the rural village about

14 km from Hogsback. Apart from an interesting tour of the village and rural life (we stayed in huts and used rather interesting toilet facilities), the group enjoyed both awesome hospitality and of course, the mushroom hunting that took place. All girls were sworn to secrecy about the location of Mr Stoloff's favourite Porcini locations.

Hopefully 2016 will bring more mushrooms and more camping. In fact , very poss ib ly , a Going Nowhere Slowly trip may be on the cards!

MARIMBA BAND

Head of Society: Iviwe NtasthaDeputy Head: Sima HeleniTeacher-in-Charge: Mr H. KunjuJunior Marimba: Ms M. HartleyIntermediate Marimba: Ms K. KazadiSenior Marimba: Mr H. Kunju

The year started off on a different note, with variations of music brought by our new members and our new conductors Mr Kunju and Ms Kazadi. This excitement resulted in our rst performance at the

Concert in The Park being a huge success and a great kick-off to our year. Maintaining the high note all 3 bands performed at the Sci-Fest Opening at the Monument where the VG musical talent was witnessed, and enjoyed by many. The excellent performers received great recognition and crescendo'd to even higher levels. Passion and love for music were the common factor that kept the girls working in accord.

All of this would have not been possible without Ms Hartley, Ms Kazadi and Mr Kunju who took on the challenge with great enthusiasm. A big thank to my vice Simamkele Heleni and to the girls for the great jam sessions, as well as performing with passion and enthusiasm. To the members of 2016 never underestimate what you and those wooden planks can create.

Senior MarimbaBack row: S. Kolwane; U. Songca; B. Maneli; Y. Siyila ; S. Madolo; Z. Mvula Front row: A. Ralo; S. Heleni; Mr H. Kunju; S. Madolo; L. Fondini

Intermediate MarimbaBack row: M. Cobotwana; A. Sakasa; S. Mboyo; I. Mtumtum;U. Twalo; G. Xozwa Front row: U. Twalo; J. Okoh; Ms K. Kazadi;A. April; N. Tafane

Junior Marimba Back row: M. Ndemka; A. Betela; Z. Nkomana; C. Oti-agyemang; O. Teketa ; L. Ngece;L. Mafumana; A. Nonkonyana ; Y. Nkonki; S. Matshisi ; K. Nonkontwana Middle row: N. Klaas;Y. Sizani; C. Faltein; A. Mesatywa; K. Mtoba; L. Richard; B. Ntuta; E. Mwepu; L. Antoni ; Z. Magadla; S. Yawa; E. Morgan Front row: S. Ngoqo; L. Nqumani; S. Nqumba; B, Njoko; Z. Lang; Ms M. Hartley; R. Ledwaba; A. Makeba; H. Nel; H. Tyatya

Cultural Activities

MARIMBA BAND Cultural Activities

Head of Society: Tahnee BennettDeputy Head: Simtandile MveloTeacher-in-Charge: Ms M. Hartley

The year started off on a high note

for the orchestra as they prepared

for the Founder's Day Concert in

the Park. There, they performed

Gershwin's “Summertime” and

debuted “Let it Go” from the movie

Frozen. This piece, arranged by Ms.

H a r t l e y , w a s p l a y e d a s a n

accompaniment to the VGHS

choir and the VPS choir who

performed with them.

In the second term they performed

at the SAC/DSG Youth Music

Festival where the orchestra was

highly commended on their huge

improvement since 2014.

The third term began with long

rehearsals to prepare for the

Prest ige Arts Evening, which

featured the orchestra as the main

performance. Among other works,

they debuted “Iza Ngomso”, a

piece composed by Christopher

Tin and arranged for orchestra by

Ms. Hartley.

Thank you to all the girls for your

dedication and hard work. Ms.

Hartley, thank you for never giving

up on us and for always believing

that we could do our best.

Good luck to the orchestra for next

year!

Back row: B. Gwedla; J. Benyon; L. Nqadala; K. Christian; Y. Gusha; Y. Siyila; O. Teketa; L. Jojo; Z. Ndlovu; U. TwaloMiddle row: R. Hendricks; S. Sabisa; L. Cuka; T. Kakaza; L. James; P. Benyon; Z. Tom; F. van Heerden; J. James; S. Mjali; M. Ganiso; A. Mkumbuzi Front row: S. Heleni; Z. Styoshwana; L. Mancotywa; S. Mvelo; Ms M. Hartley; T. Bennett; S. Sazona; D. Walton; E. Morgan

PHOTOJOURNALISMORCHESTRACultural Activities Cultural Activities

Editors: Ayabulela Ngcebetsha and Nontyatyambo NkoneTeacher-in-Charge: Ms B. Mavuso

2015 has been an eventful year

and we're grateful to have been

able to capture it in the Verbal.

This year we received guidance

and profuse mentorship from Ms

Mavuso, making sure that all the

overlaps had been cut and that

the silly typos had been

autocorrected. We're thankful for

her unwavering support and

patience. We had an avid group

of girls who worked tirelessly in

producing perceptive changing

articles that pushed our minds on

edge.

In trying to build up momentum

towards our sales, we all created

posters that successfully

advertised the Verbal - increasing

excitement amongst the VG

community. That was not all; the

girls were bribed with mufns to

buy the released issue. How's that

for food for thought? Whilst writing

our preliminary exams, the girls

organised and directed their very

own photo-shoot and came up

with innovative ideas to ensure

that next year's Verbal will be an

even greater success.

A big thank you goes to everyone

who took part in compiling the

Verbal, and ensuring that it had

been well distributed. Best of luck

to the editors of 2016.

Back row: O. Mafuya; M. Mqeke; L. Nqadala; L. Rayi; K. Lamani; T. Gabavana; L. MankuntsuFront row: Z. Styoshwana; A. Ngcebetsha; Ms B. Mavuso; N. Nkone; A. Somyalo

Cultural ActivitiesPHOTOJOURNALISM

Service Awards PRIZES FOR SERVICE

PAGE 56

The M.G. Richardson Cup for Service Khanya Jonas(Donated by an old girl, Cecilia Gelvan, later Goldberg) The Johannesburg O.G.U. Cup Simamkele Heleni and Simthandile Mvelo(Courtesy, Loyalty and Quiet Service) Sister Preston's Prize for Service at the Junior Hostels Vuyolwethu Zanekile(Nurse-matron at EB hostel) Miss M.G. Richardson's Prize for Service at Beaufort House Lihle Jojo(School Principal from 1950 -1976) The Neil McDougall Cup for Service in the Hostel in Grade 12 Lihle Jojo (His step-daughter, Denise, was the School Captain in 1985)

Service ActivitiesFIRST AID

Back row: S. Moyeni; C. Majeke; L. Moko; E. Zatu Front row: D. Walker; Ms O. Bunu; O. Lusizi

Chairperson: Ongezwa Lusizi

Vice chairperson: Danielle Walker

Teacher in charge: Ms O. Bunu

Committee: Likhaya Moko, Entle Zatu, Chulumanco Majeke, Siphosethu Moyeni

This year the First Aid society started on a good note, with Ms Bunu joining the team. First Ad lessons on Tuesday were now taught by St John's Ambulance instead of the committee and it brought a new level of commitment to the society. We also had our rst blood drive, the target given to us was 45 units and we surpassed it by collecting 55 units. A number of our girls wrote their Level Three First Aid certicate course, and they all passed it with ying colours! The winter season

was very busy because of hockey and netball matches. The committee, along with the assistance of the society members, that had written the Level One certicates, got to apply their knowledge and dealt with various injuries during the sports matches. VGHS had hosted their last blood drive of the year with a target of 48 units, which once again was a success as we obtained 59 units. During the third term a number of our girls managed to attain their Level One First Aid certicate. A big thank you needs to go to Ms Bunu for her hard work in managing the committee, and the events hosted by the society, not forgetting the committee members for their hard work in the weekly service and hosting blood drives. And lastly, yet most importantly, the school for

giving the First Aid girls an opportunity to practice their skills throughout the year.

Society Head: Nienke BothaTeacher-in-Charge: Mr D. StoloffCommittee:

This year the Green team took on many exciting challenges, our main goal being to restore the bin system to an efcient recycling system. After trying different ways to encourage the girls to recycle, we came up with the idea of creating posters with a list of

celebrities that recycle too, which can now be seen decorating our school hallways. Next year the Green team aims to take on many more projects and see more girls joining our Green team family. Help save the planet, it's the only one with chocolate.

Service Activities GREEN TEAM

Service Activities

PAGE 59

INTERACT SOCIETY

Chairperson: Phelela SeyisiDeputy Chairperson: Anelisa VaaltynTeacher-In-Charge: Mr G. MitchellCommittee: Kanyisa Gwata, Ayabulela Ngcebetsha, Milela Marawu,Michaela Chowles, Chloe Finlay, Jordan Fischer, Zvikomborero Chiduza, Luulia Vastamaki

"Service above self." That was our motto for the year and without a doubt we lived by it. This was an exciting, entertaining, educational and emotional year. We started off as the 2015 committee at the end of 2014 with the Interact Committees of Grahamstown (ICOG) Christmas boxes for the elderly, headed by Mrs Coetzee from Mary Waters and the Browns, aRotarian couple from England

who became our Rotary parents. We then attended our rst ICOG meeting where we interacted with committees from Nombulelo Senior Secondary School, DSG, Graeme College, and Mary Waters at which Anelisa Vaaltyn was elected as the ICOG President. We continued with our weekly educational sessions such as the CMVellem Primary School reading programme, the Victoria Primary School aftercare and the St. Mary's Day-care Centre.

Our biggest highlight was our annual Interact social themed "A night In Paris" which was a great success and the proceeds went towards Lumka and Solulele's school fees - they are our sponsored little sisters as part of the Children Helping Children project

that VG is part of. We also enjoy various activities with our little sisters namely, a fun afternoon at the BotanicalGarden and planned a birthday party for Lumka. This year was not only fun-lled but also heartbreaking. Earlier into the year, one of our CM Vellem reading group members, Likhaya, passed away due to cancer. He was dearly loved and will always be missed.

The Interact committee served with such dedication, enthusiasm and was able to overcome all its challenges. Thank you to Mr Mitchell and the entire committee for an incredible year of laughter, hard work and dedication. Best wishes to the 2016 committee and Interact family at large.

Back row: Z. Chiduza; C. Finlay; K. Gwata; M. Chowles; M. Marawu; A. Ngcebetsha Front row: L. Vastamaki; A. Vaaltyn; Mr G. Mitchell; P. Seyesi; J. Fischer

Service Activities LIBRARY

Senior Librarians:Back row: L. Mankuntsu; Y. Kalipa; M. Sihlahla; K. Jaji; A. Mantshontsho

Front row: A. Mtshabe; S. Sangoni; Ms S. Nicholls; Z. Mcotsho; L. Mthenjana

PAGE 60

Open Monday –

Sunday

06h30 -

23h00

Pepper Grove Pick ‘n Pay, 22 African Street,

Grahamstown Tel: 046 6361747

Service Activities PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Back row: B, Njoko; L. Rayi; A. Vos; S. Manyathi; Y. Siyila; N. Ndibaza; M. Sihlahla; Y. KalipaThird row: A. Mantshontsho; T. Randall; L. Bala; V. Zanekile; Y. Mgebuza; A. Tsana; K. Jaji; M. Marawu; I. de Vos; A. Jadezweni; S. Bay; T. Kakaza; J. Teifel; K. Jackson-MossSecond row: N. Siyepu; T. Butterworth; J. James; S. Kolwane; F. Akanbi; S. Malgas; L. Nqadala; B. Gwelda; M. French; T. Gabavana; L. James; C. Finlay; M. MqekeFront row: T. Ndabula; Z. Styoshwana; A. Vaaltyn; Z. Ngqawana; K. Matiwane; Ms B. Mavuso; O. Lusizi; L. Mankuntsu; S. Mqomboti; J. Fischer; D. Walker

Chairperson: Khanya MatiwaneDeputy Chairperson: Ongezwa LusiziTeacher-In-Charge: Ms B. Mvuso

President's Award is a youth

empowerment programme that

empowers that empowers our youth

to make our community a better

place. This year we started off with

Anelisa Vaaltyn joining the President's

Award Grahamstown Youth

Committee , Lilitha Mankuntsu being

elected as the chairperson for 2015

and Zimkita Ngqawana joining the

President's Award committee at

school.

This year the President's Award

service group took part in a winter

clothing collection and collected 12

bags of clothing and it was a mission

sorting out the clothes. The clothes

collected by the service group were

given to the Grahamstown

committee of which it was distributed

to the needy in the township. We also

took part in the President's Award

annual fun run, of which it was a

great success and big thank you

must to the VG family for the support

shown.

President's Award isn't just about

giving back to the committee, but

also about challenging yourself as an

individual by setting out on a

adventure of hiking with friends and

other people. This is always the fun

part because it allows the girls to

meet and interact with other people

from different schools and

backgrounds. Ntumekelelo Siyepu,

Siyamthanda Kholwane, Sisipho

Ndimbaza, Avela Jadezweni took the

challenge of going on a Bronze

Award hike at Assegai Trails, just

outside of Grahamstown. This was a

tough 24km hike and a special

mention must go to Ntumekelelo for

hiking in a skirt and always singing to

lift high the spirits of the girls! This year

has been a quite a successful year

and two of our girls completed their

Bronze Award, ve completed their

Silver, Jacqui and Lauren James are

currently completing their Gold

Award. We are proud of these girls

for their achievements.

2O15 proved to be a true success

and a big thank you must go to Mr

Mitchell and Ms Mavuso for guiding

the girls and the committee for their

hard work and efforts.

Sport CodesPRIZES FOR SPORT

PRIZES FOR SPORT

TENNIS The Kim Bradeld Trophy (Most Outstanding Player) Sanelisiwe Tyibilika(Matriculated in 1999) The Y. Andrews Cup (Senior Singles Champion) Sanelisiwe TyibilikaThe Coleen Crockart Cup (Senior Doubles Champions) Sanelisiwe Tyibilika & Jessica BenyonThe Norah Dold Cup (Most Improved Player) Sesona Bay & Zimkita NgqawanaKimmel Cup (Junior Singles Champion) Keisha-Ann Christian(Matriculated in 1958) The Diane Smuts Cup (Most Promising Player) Michaela Zimmerman(Diane Smuts has been on the VG staff since 1996) EP Representative Keisha-Ann Christian - U15

SWIMMING The Diane Muir Cup (Most Outstanding Swimmer) Jordan FischerThe Joan Ellenbogen Cup (Most Improved Swimmer) Shelby MossThe Most Promising Swimmer Award Mila-Jo DaviesThe Menda Wright Trophy (Senior Victrix Ludorum) Jordan FischerUnder 16 Victrix Ludorum Aimeé VosUnder 14 Victrix Ludorum Melissa Amos

NETBALL The Farquhar Cup (Most Outstanding Player) Sanelisiwe Tyibilika(Liz Farquhar has been a Consumer Studies teacher since 1988) Ellen Dell Trophy (Most Improved Player) Nozibele Dyongman(Matriculated in 1975)

Farquhar Cup (Most Promising Player) Ziyanda MagadlaEP Representative Siyamthanda Makeba - U17

CROSS COUNTRY The Most Outstanding Runner Bianca Baneld & Zusiphe NkalaThe Most Improved Runner Lukhanyiso CukaThe Most Promising Runner Linique Denston & Thandile PininiThe J. Pugh Cup (Senior Champion) Bianca BaneldThe P.T.P.A. Cup (Under 16 Champion) Linique DenstonThe J. Pugh Cup (Under 14 Champion) Aphiwe Nonkonyana

HOCKEY The Nan Pike Trophy (for the most outstanding First team player) Chaneez SiasThe Angela Hart Trophy (Most Improved Player) Tulile Kakaza(Angela Hart was a teacher at VG from 1993 - 2001)

The Thompson Trophy (Most Improved 1st Team Player) Sesethu Mqomboti(Lyndal Thompson was the rst team hockey coach) Award for the Most Promising Player Sisipho Macingwane & Sesethu

MqombotiThe M. Bowker Cup (Most Promising Grade 8) Asavela Qonqo(Matriculated in 1970)

The VGHS 1st Team Hockey Trophy(for sportsmanship & endeavour - as voted for by the girls) SA Representative Kanyisa Gwata - U18 B

Sport Codes PRIZES FOR SPORT

SQUASH Kierryn Gendall Trophy (Most Outstanding Player) Simnikiwe Sangoni(Matriculated in 2001)

Wendy Havenga Trophy (Most Improved Player) Yibanathi Manana(Matriculated in 1998)

Award for the Most Promising Player Caitlin BellLaura Alfers Trophy for Contribution to Squash Simnikiwe Sangoni & Nicole Potgieter(Matriculated in 1998)

The Cecile Scheepers Cup (Senior Champion) Simnikiwe SangoniJunior Champion Yibanathi MananaEP Representatives Simnikiwe Sangoni - U19 A Lunako Mthenjana - U19 B Nicole Potgieter - U19 B Yibanathi Manana - U14 A Caitlin Bell - U14 B

ATHLETICS

Best Field Performance Yoliswa GushaBest Track Performance Bianca BaneldMost Improved Athlete Field Events Yoliswa GushaMost Improved Athlete Track Events Bianca BaneldReynolds Cup (Most Promising Athlete: Field events) Hlomla Puzi(Lynette was School Captain in 1992) Most Promising Athlete: Track events Espérance MwepuSenior Victrix Ludorum Jemma GinnU16 Victrix Ludorum Linique DenstonU14 Victrix Ludorum Espérance Mwepu

PRESTIGE PRIZES The Miles Sisters' Cup for Sportswoman of the Year Kanyisa Gwata - SA U18B Hockey(Nicola, 1993, and Claire, 1995, were both good sportswomen) The McColl Cup (Good Sportsmanship) Chaneez Sias(Principal from 1923 -1927) The Nan Pike Memorial Prize for Service to Co-curriculars Sanelisiwe Tyibilika(An outstanding sportswoman) The Bayes Cup (Improvement in Several Sports) Keisha-Ann Christian(Anne Bayes matriculated in 1939. She was an excellent tennis player, and her mother was Grahamstown's rst Lady Mayor))

SPORT AWARDSColours for Squash Simnikiwe SangoniHalf Colours for Cross Country Jody Tyson Bianca Baneld Lukhanyiso CukaHalf Colours for Squash Lunako Mthenjana Nicole PotgieterHalf Colours for Hockey Chaneez SiasHalf Colours for Tennis Sanelisiwe Tyibilika Chaneez SiasHalf Colours for Netball Sanelisiwe Tyibilika Siyamtanda Tonjeni Simtandile Mvelo Abonga Zingela Siyamthanda MakebaHalf Colours for Swimming Jody TysonHalf Colours for Athletics Sanelisiwe Tyibilika Bianca Baneld Jemma Ginn Yoliswa Gusha Sisipho Macingwane Jody Tyson Zusiphe Nkala

Sport Codes EP REPS 2015

Eastern Province/Sarah Baartman District/Albany Zone Representatives (176)Back row: Y. Gusha; S. Makeba; S. Manyathi; H. Puzi; M. Zimmerman; S. Macingwane Third row: Y. Manana; S. Wapi; Z. Tom; A. April; L. Nqadala; S. Mafani; C. Prins; K. Christian Second row: L. Denston; C. Bell; J. Ginn; S. Dlukulu; M. Gadu; B. Baneld; E. Mwepu; F. Eddie; L. Cuka Front row: Z. Nkala; K. Gwata; S. Tyibilika; Mr W. Schmidt; S. Sangoni; L. Mthenjana; N. Potgieter

Sport Codes SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Back row: T. Bennett; C. Chika; Z. Majola; A. Jadezweni; A. Vaaltyn; S. Sazona; J. Tyson; N. Cassels; N. Dyongman; S. Manyathi; M. Lang; J. Fischer; D. Walker; Abigail Vos; L. Rayi, E. Dyonase, A. April, Z. Ndlovu, L. Moko, N. Nkone; L. Nqadala;Third row: Z. Chiduza; Z. Ngqawana; Z. Styoshwana; T. Ndabula; A. Maxama; I. Mtumtum; B. Jonklass; W. Nyikila; B. Gwedla; Y. Mgebuza; Y. Featherstone; S. Moyeni; A. Magama; S. Mvelo; B. Maneli, C. Quiens, K. Matiwane, K. Klingenberg, F. van HeerdenSecond row: A. Ndlole; S. Kabeya; L. Cuka; N. Potgieter; S. Hewana, S. Ntunguzi; A. Ngcebetsha; T. Butterworth; Z. Mbiyoza; O. Lusizi; M. Mqeke; T. Kakaza; S. Bay; S. Seyesi; M. Mcuba, M. Cobotwana, N. Siyepu, B. Ngesi, P. SeyisiFront row: B. Sankobe; T. Cannon; O. Gqokoma; K. Gwata; S.Tyibilika; Ms K. McCrindle; A. Zingela; A. Somyalo; S. Tonjeni; S. Sangoni; C. Sias; L. Mazomba

Sport Codes ATHLETICS

Back row: B. Baneld; T. Kakaza; L. Nqadala; J. Ginn; M. Chowles; M. Green; Y. Gusha; J. Fischer; M. Wambi; L. Rayi; A. Nonkonyana; Z. Tom;A. Coltman Third row: L. Denston; L. Cuka; S. Mqomboti; C. Prins; S. Wapi; A. Vos; S. Chita; L. Antoni; H. Tyatya; S. Kabeya; Z. Kutu;Second Row: J. Cummings; S. Manona; M. Gadu; S. Dlukulu; S. George; T. Pinini; L. Nqumani; S. Mafana; M. Amos; E. Mwepu; F. Eddie; S. Tities Front row: S. Macingwane; Ms T. Siga; J. Tyson; Ms A. Goosen; S.Tyibilika; Mr S. Jeffries; Z. Nkala; Mr G. Mitchell; H. Puzi; Ms P. van der Linde; A. April

Sport Codes ATHLETICS

PAGE 66

Captain: Sanelisiwe TyibilikaVice: Zusiphe Nkala

Teacher-in-Charge: Mr Jeffries

Coaches: Ms van der Linde, Mr

Urban, Ms Smuts, Ms Goosen, Ms

Siga, Mr Mitchell

To recover from the long inactive

December holiday the athletics

season kicked off with gruelling tness

sessions, and new faces in the

coaching department.

With our rst big event was the

Albany Athletics Trials and the

coaches dedicated their time,

energy and hard work into preparing

the athletes for the challenges that

were ahead of them. The Albany

Trials came; and fourteen of the VG

athletes were selected to represent

the Albany Athletics Team at the

Sarah Baartman District Athletics

Meeting. At this event eleven VG

athletes were able to secure twelve

medals, of which nine were bronze,

two were silver and one was a gold

medal. Bianca Baneld who was the

recipient of the gold medal, was then

selected to represent the Sarah

Baartman District at the EC Athletics

Trials.

To end of the athletics season, the

athletes attended the annual

Grahamstown Triangular where VG rd stwas placed 3 on the eld, but 1 in

terms of supporters! A special

mention must go to the following girls stfor securing a 1 place in at least one

of their events: Aimeé Vos, Elam

Dyonase, Hlomla Puzi, Sanelisiwe

Tyibilika and Sisipho Macingwane.

Thank you to all our coaches for

dedicating their time and energy to

the athletes. Without our coaches we

wouldn't have made it this far. To the

athletics captain of 2016, I wish you

all the best. To the team of next year,

don't let defeat THROW you off the

TRACK!

CROSS COUNTRY Sport Codes

PAGE 67

Back row: S. Kabeya; J. Ginn; T. Pinini; L. Nqumani; Y. Nkonki Middle: F. Eddie; Z. Fatyi; A. Nonkonyana ; E. Mwepu; S. Yawa ; B. Baneld; M. Majeke Front row: M. Wambi; L. Denston; Z. Nkala; Mr S. Jeffries; J. Tyson; L. Cuka; Q. Myolwa

Captain: Sanelisiwe TyibilikaVice: Zusiphe Nkala


Coaches: Mr Jeffries, Mr Stoloff

Cross Country is more than just a sport

at VGHS. The Cross Country team is a

fami ly that radiates posit iv i ty,

motivation and growth not just in

terms of physical tness, but also in

terms of attitude. Cross country gives

every dedicated athlete a positive

challenge and if you treat everything

in life like a good run, improving and

ghting with all you've got, you surely

will succeed.

T h e s e a s o n s t a r t e d w i t h t h e

welcoming of new enthusiastic

athletes, this team was certainly the

biggest cross country team there's

been in the past few years. The

competitive Cross Country season

started quite late this year; with the

rst league event being the Makana

League trial, held at the Rhodes

University, followed by another one

held at the Miki Yili Stadium. A

majority of our athletes made the

Albany team and progressed to the

Sarah Bartmaan trials which were

held in Graff-Reinet. Ten out of the

eleven athletes progressed to the

E a s t e r n C a p e S c h o o l s

Championships, and, a special

mention must go to Bianca Baneld

and Jody Tyson for receiving bronze

medals in their age categories; as

well as Zusiphe Nkala for receiving a

gold medal.

We closed off the season with the

annual Inter-house Cross Country

race. This is the second year of the

new route and this year we didn't

have the 2.5 km option. This was a

jubilant day with the whole school

participating, for the cross country

team it was a competitive event with

each person determined to make

their houses proud. The day was a

success and the top achievers were

as follows:

u/14 u/16 u/19

Winner Aphiwe Nonkonyana Linique Denston Zusiphe Nkala

Runner-up Espérance Mwepu Lukhanyiso Cuka Bianca Baneld

The season couldn't have been better. Each year comes with more athletes, greater dedication and enthusiasm;

this year was certainly a success.

Sport Codes CROSS COUNTRY

PAGE 66

Captain: Chaneez SiasVice: Jordan Fischer

Teacher-in-Charge: Mr Still

Coaches: Ms van der Linde, Mr

Still, Ms Smuts, Ms Mazisa, Ms

Roberts

The December holidays had come

to an end and early in term 1the

VGHS hockey girls put on their

running shoes to attend Mr Still's

tness programme.

Our girl's impressed the coaches

with their talent at trials and as soon

as the teams were selected we

were off to the start of a great

season. stBefore the end of the 1 Term the s tU 1 4 A , U 1 6 A a n d 1 T e a m s

attended the Eastern Province

Trials tournament. This was an

awesome experience with all three

teams s leeping over in Port

Elizabeth for two nights. All three

teams did very well and it was the

rst experience for many of the girls

to attend this kind of tournament.stSoon after the 1 Team packed

their bags and were off to Graaff

Reinet for the Union High School

Rugby and Hockey festival. The

girls played very well and came

away with 2 wins, 2 draws and only

a single loss.ndThe 2 term started with the news

that Kanyisa Gwata, Leticia du

Preez, Sesethu Mqomboti, Chelsea

Isaacs, Caitlin Bell and Sasha-Lee

Bridger had all made it through to

the second round of EP Hockey

Trials in their respective age groups.

Kanyisa Gwata eventually made it

into the EP U18A team and at the

Inter-Provincial Tournament was

chosen for the South African U18B

team. stThe 1 Team also took part in the

Kingswood Hockey festival playing

6 matches in 3 days. This was great

fun and the team played really

well. During the year we played

many different teams in a variety of

Derby Days and festivals. The

highlight been the Linkside festival

in August which is always a great

way to end the season. The nal

matches of the year against Port

Alfred once again proved to be a

great success.

Thank you to Miss Van der Linde our stawesome 1 Team coach and to

Mr Still (Head of Haockey) for

guiding hockey during the year.

We would also like to thank all of

our other dedicated hard working

coaches, Mrs Smuts, Miss Mazisa

and Miss Roberts for their passion

and interest in us and in hockey at

Victoria Girls' High School. Without

them there would be no hockey!

To the teams of 2016:

“Remember to play for that badge

on your chest with pride, integrity

and honour!”

Sport Codes HOCKEY

PAGE 68

Hockey 1st TeamBack row: C. Findlay; J. Benyon; S. Macingwane; Z. Ndlovu;S. Ngxoweni; S. Mqomboti Front row: B. Baneld; M. Green; C. Sias;Ms P. van der Linde (coach); J. Fischer; Abigail Vos; K. Christian Floor: L. Du Preez

C. Sias - Hockey half Colours K. Gwata - EP and SA hockey Rep

Hockey 2nd TeamBack row: J. James; Z. Majola; L. Nqadala; L. Rayi; S. Bay; N. Myaluza; A. Coltman Front row: O. Gqokoma; T. Butterworth; C. Chika;Ms Z. Masiza (coach); B. Ngesi; T. Kakaza; L. James Floor: V. Zondani

Hockey U16C/DBack row: R.Hart; J.Cummings; N. Aja; N. Mnyani; Y. Nkonki; C.Craigie; Q. Myolwa; E. Ndleleni; K. Marangxa: A. ButterworthFront row: S. Notyesi; S. Moss; S. Olivier; Mr J Still (coach); M. Halana;S. Manakaza; Z. Mabizela Floor: Y. Kalipa (Goalie)

Hockey U16ABack row: A. Mkumbuzi; A. Qongqo; P. Benyon; S. Dlukulu;M. Cobotwana Front row: K. Prince; E. Goodes; A. Njingana; Mr J. Still (coach) K. Olivier; A. Vos; C. Prins Floor: C. Isaacs

Hockey U16BBack row: F. Van Heerden; A. Marambana; C. Fuller; S. Du Plessis;A. Nombombo Front row: J. Delport; L. Nqumani; T. Pinini; Ms D. Smuts (coach); M. Zimmerman; S. Goodes; Aviwe MarambanaFloor: A. Dyongman

Hockey U14ABack row: R. Hendricks; C. Bell; M. Amos; K. Bartis; E. Mwepu; K. Jackson-Moss Front row: Z. Mnyani; A. Mesatywa; M Gadu; Ms C. Roberts (coach); S. Bridger; K. Mtoba; L. Jass Floor: B. Ntuta Absent: A Mlata

HOCKEY Sport Codes

PAGE 69

Hockey U14BBack row: S. Yawa; H. Tyatya; S. Magula; A. Matches; R. George Front row: M. Dalasile; S. Chita; A. Nonkonyana; Mr J Still (coach);L. Antoni; S. Goliath; Y. Joseph Floor: Y. Kalipa

Sport Codes NETBALL

Netball U19A (262)Back row: S. Mvelo; A. Zingela; N. Dyongman; S.Makeba; S.Sangoni Front row: Y. Gusha; S.Tyibilika; Ms Z.Hoyi (Coach); Ms E. Farquhar; S. Tonjeni; S. Manyathi

Netball U19B (282)Back row: S. Ntsunguzi; N. Dyongman; M. Marawu Front row: K. Jaji; L. Nqadala; Ms Z.Hoyi (Coach); Ms L. Farquhar; A. Maxama; S. Ndibaza

Netball U16A (266)Back row: S. Manona; S. Sotashe; Z. Magadla; Z. Kutu Front row: A. Mcuba; K. Gxamza; Ms A. Watson (Coach); Ms E. Farquhar; H. Puzi; Z. Tom

Netball U16B (270)Back row: F. Eddie; O. Teketa; S. Nqumba; S. Mbhali; L. Denston Front row: I. Mtumtum; S. George; Ms A. Watson (Coach); Ms E. Farquhar; U. Twalo; S. Zonke

Netball U16C (287) Back row: N. Aja; S. Ngoqo; Y. Nkonki; Q. Myolwa; N. Mnyani Front row: M. Halana; V. Mafani; Ms E. Farquhar (Coach); A. Makeba; T. Ntloko

Netball U14A (274)Back row: S. Mahlati; S. Sithonga; M. Radu Front row: L. Maboza; M. Wambi ; Ms R. Woudstra (Coach); Ms E. Farquhar; Z. Dhlamini ; A. Rala

Netball U14 B & C (278)Back row: S. Tities; C. Morrison; L. Williams; A. Nkuhlu; C. Wessels; S-L. Bridger; O. Msebi; L. Ngece Front row:S. Mafani; R. Ledwaba; Ms R. Woudstra (Coach); Ms E. Farquhar; K. Nonkontwana; S. Chita

PAGE 70

Sport Codes NETBALL

Captain: Sanelisiwe TyibilikaVice: Siya TonjeniTeacher-in-Charge: Ms FarquharCoaches: Ms Hoyi, Ms Watson, Ms Woudstra, Ms Goosen, Ms Farquhar

After saying goodbye to Ms Barnett last year, the netball season said hello to two new coaches - Ms Goosen who joined Ms Woudstra with the u14 team and Ms Hoyi who took over as the u19 coach. New coaches meant new coaching techniques were brought to the court and this was quite exciting for the girls.

The girls attended the Albany Netball Trials and the Sarah Baartman District Netball Trials. Sigcine Manyathi, Siyamthanda Makeba and Sanelisiwe Tyibilika were the selected to represent the Sarah Baartman District at the Eastern Cape Netball trials, where Siyamthanda was then selected to represent the u17 EC Netball

Squad. With our rst big obstacle, as teams, being around the corner the netballers wasted no time and began their rather sweaty journey. Through sweating, screaming, shouting and falling on the court the girls were able to give schools such as Kingswood College, DSG, Queenstown Girls' High, Winterberg, Adelaide (and so many more) a run for their money, even when they were not victorious at the end of the game. Defeats here and there did not kill the spirit of the VG netballers, but instead encouraged us to work harder for our next victory. Our highlight of the season was winning all our games at the Port Alfred Derby Day. Port Alfred just couldn't nd victory even though they played our teams who had already played against Hoërskool PJ Olivier earlier that day.

In no time we saw the season come to an end with the Linkside

festival where we continued to play with passion and enthusiasm. At this festival the u16As squad still remained unbeaten, a feat rarely seen over an entire netball season.

Thank you to all our coaches for their hard work. The cries of anguish from squats, the sweaty foreheads and the aching arms truly did pay off in the end. To the captain of next year, Keep on VG BULALING and to the teams of next year, don't forget to not do it until you get it right, but rather to do it until you can't get it wrong and enjoy every opportunity you get to play!

PAGE 71

Sport Codes SQUASH

Captain: Simnikiwe SangoniVice: Chantelle Smith


Coaches: Mr Bell, Ms

Wannenberg, Mr Urban, Mr Jeffries

This year was a very successful

year for the squash ladies. Over

the past few years, the ladies

have had a constant team that

has grown to be a strong team

that has won the majority of their

matches. All this would not have

been possible without the help of

Mr Bell and Ms Wannenberg, the

squash coaches and Mr Jeffries,

Head of Squash.

Congratulations to Lunako

Mthenjana and Nicole Potgieter

for being awarded their half

colours and Simnikiwe Sangoni for

receiving Colours.

The various squash teams

participated in the Alan Stapleton

Tournament and, this year more

individuals made it to the nal trial

rounds for the Eastern Province rdTeams. This year the 3 team

participated in the local league

games for their very rst time, and

although met some stiff

competition, performed well

overall.

There were more Eastern Province

Squash representatives this year,

half of which made the A teams

in their respective age groups,

and this is a direct result of the

efforts of their coaches and hours

spent practising on the court. The

league matches were also a big

success with the teams th thparticipating in the 5 and 6

leagues, which consisted of

matches against local schools

and Port Alfred High School. The st1 team won a majority of their

thmatches in the 5 league and

look to be steadily improving!

One of the highlights for this year, stwas when the 1 team played

against Port Alfred High School's,

where they won 12-3, this was

especially important to the team

as it was their last home match

and they beat a predominantly

male team!

rd3 Team SquashBack row: F. Van Heerden; L. Cuka; J. Ginn; R. Hart; N. Fullarton Front row: Mr S. Jeffries; S. Tonjeni; Mr P. Urban (Coach)

st1 Team SquashBack row: N. Potgieter; Y. Manana;L. Mthenjana; M. CobotwanaFront row: Mr S. Jeffries; S. Sangoni; Mr R. Bell (Coach)

nd2 Team SquashBack row: C. Bell; S. Mhlauli; O. Teketa; M. Chowles; C. Igiraneza Front row: Mr S. Jeffries; Mr R. Bell (Coach)

PAGE 73

EP Reps

Sport Codes SWIMMING

Captain: Jordan FischerVice Captain: Abigail VosTeacher-in-Charge: Ms N Czeredrecki-SchmidtCoaches: Ms S van der Waal, Ms N Czeredrecki-Schmidt, Ms Farquhar, Ms McCrindle, Ms Richards, Ms Hofmeyr

Swimming is not a sport for the feint

hearted as it takes a lot of time

and dedication to achieve the

goals you have set for yourself. We

started the year off with trials for

the grade 8s and any interested

girls; and based on that the girls

were placed into teams. The

beginner swimmers must be

commended on their

determination and willingness to

face their fears and learn how to

swim. A big thank you must go to

Ms McCrindle and her team of

assistants for their hours in the pool

pushing the beginners to the best

of their ability. A 'keep up the

good work' to the second team

swimmers with Ms Farquhar, and a

'continue to improve' goes out to

the intermediate swimmers with Ms

Hofmeyr.

The Interhouse Gala took place at

the end of term 1 and the support

from the houses for their swimmers

was amazing. Well done to Dorset

for winning the Spirit Cup, and to

Thursford for winning overall, it was

a very enjoyable day.

Congratulations to Jody Tyson for

receiving half colours for

swimming, Jordan Fischer for

winning the u/19 Victrix Ludorum,

Aimeé Vos for winning the u/16

and Melissa Amos the u/14.

Congratulations to Coach and her

husband (affectionately known as

Mr Coach) on the birth of beautiful

baby Mila, we loved being able to

watch your baby bump grow and

giving her kisses, but even more

glad to give her back when she

cries!

I'd like to thank the girls for

supporting me this year as the

swimming captain. “Swim like

there's no tomorrow, like today

never happened and like

yesterday wasn't good enough.”

st1 Team SwimmingBack row: K. Vermeulen; J. Tyson; E. Goodes; M. Lang; S. Moss; S. Goodes; C. Craigie, Z. LangMiddle row: C. Bell; A. Butterworth; L. Du Preez; A Vos; M-J Davies; C. Iriganeza; J. Delport; T. Butterworth; M. Amos Front row: D. Walker; J. Fischer; Ms S. Van der Waal (Coach); Ms N. Czeredrecki-Schmidt (Coach); A. Vos; K. Christian

PAGE 74

Sport Codes TENNIS

Captain: Sanelisiwe TyibilikaVice: Chaneez Sias

Teacher-in-Charge: Ms Smuts

Coaches: Ms Smuts, Mr Stoloff, Ms

Kilian

Our tennis season started off with

a new xture - against Clarendon

Girls' High School. It was on a hot

Saturday morning when 12 of our

girls travelled down to East London

to play this xture. Regardless of

how the heat was acting against

us, we still managed to play well

and do our best. We,

unfortunately, lost most of our

games, but well done to Zimkita

Ngqawana and Bianca Baneld

for winning at least one of their

two games.

The season progressed and the

annual Knight Shield was around

the corner. The coaches and the

players put in a lot of effort to

prepare for this event. When the

event nally came we

unfortunately lost to both

Kingwood College and DSG, but

we surely did give Kingswood a

run for their money.

A number of our girls also

participated in the Albany

Tennis Trials. Keisha Christian

and Michaela Zimmerman

were both selected to

represent the Albany District

in a match against the

Midlands Tennis Team.

Keisha was then selected to

represent the Eastern

Province Tennis Team at the South

African Schools Inter-provincial

Tennis Tournament.

Kate Jackson-Moss, Keisha Still,

Michaela Zimmerman, Jessica

Benyon and Sanelisiwe Tyibilika

represented VG at the inaugural

Sherryl Luden Tennis Tournament

for Girls. This tournament was held

at various Grahamstown courts,

and the girls had to play doubles

matches. Despite the overall loss in

this tournament the girls played

with great enthusiasm and hustled

for points until that very last point.

They won 39-36 against Kingswood

and lost 29-46 against DSG overall.

Overall the girls were unfortunately

placed third in the tournament,

with just eight points behind

Kingswood who were placed

second.

Well done to all the girls for playing

their hearts out throughout the

season and thank to Mrs Smuts, Ms

Kilian and Mrs Stoloff for being

wonderful coaches. Without them

we wouldn't be the amazing

players we are today. To the

captain of 2016, lead your team

along the road of success, get

back up if you have fallen; and

keep the VG ag ying high.

stTennis 1 Team Back row: B. Baneld; S. Manyathi; Y. Mgebuza; S. Bay Front row: Z. Ngqawana; J. Benyon; S.Tyibilika; Ms D. Smuts (Coach); C. Sias; K. Christian; M. Zimmerman

Tennis U15 Back row: H. Nel; K. Bartis; K. Jackson-Moss Front row: M. Fry; B. Nojoko; T. Ntloko; Mr D. Stoloff (Coach); A. Makeba; P. Benyon; E. Mwepu

Tennis 2nd Team Back row: A. Coltman; L. Rayi; S. Mqomboti Front row: Anovuyo Marambana; M. Halana; Ms J. Kilian (Coach); Z. Kutu; Aviwe Marambana

PAGE 76

Sport Codes OUTSIDE SPORT

PAGE 76

Karate

VG currently has 4 girls who are involved in Karate – Kayle Olivier, Chloë Vogel, Mila Lang and Zoë Lang. These girls are regular competitors in local competitions where they perform extremely well.

Ballroom Dancing

This year has seen an increase in the number of girls taking part in Ballroom and Latin American dancing. The following girls are to be congratulated on their achievements in various competitions:

Jody Tyson – Honours in both Ballroom (Waltz and Tango) and Latin American (Cha-Cha and Rumba)Ashton Coltman - Honours in both Ballroom (Waltz and Tango) and Latin American (Cha-Cha and Mambo)

Bianca Baneld - Honours in both Ballroom (Waltz and Foxtrot) and Latin American (Cha-Cha and Boogie)Georgina du Toit - Honours in both Ballroom (Waltz and Foxtrot) and Latin American (Cha-Cha and Boogie)Tasmin Randall has also participated in competition this year with her dance academy.

Horseriding

Melissa Amos

In 2014 she qualied for the Eastern Cape South African National Equestrian Schools Association (SANESA) team and competed at the National Competition in Pretoria. She was also the regional winner of her working hunter class. This year she has been representing Victoria

Girls' High School (notice the school badge on the numnah of her horses) in SANESA Qualiers. She is a graded rider with SA Show Jumping, Showing SA and Eventing SA. She competes within the Eastern Cape in the disciplines of showing, show jumping, equitation, dressage and eventing which consists of dressage, show jumping and cross-country. She does show jumping at 90cm and eventing at 80cm and cleared 1,2m in the power jump at the recent Bathurst show. Currently she competes on her black pony Forever Flicka and on her horse Gaelic Dane.

Paula Benyon

Paula has been riding well this year; She has improved her skills and is looking to ride more in 2016.

Ballroom dancers Karate

Karate Karate

P. Benyon on Silver Flute M. Amos on Forever Flicka T. Randall - Ballroom dancing

House Awards and Activities

House ExecutivesBack row: E. Zatu; Z. Ngqawana; N. Nkone; S. Sangoni Middle row: E. Dyonase; S. Tonjeni; C. Sias; B. Ngesi; Z. Nkala; K. Gwata; L. Moko Front row: Ms D. Smuts; Mr G. Mitchell; Ms K. McCrindle; Ms P. van der Linde; Ms E. Farquhar Absent: Iviwe Ntsatha

HOUSE TROPHIES

PAGE 77

The Mathie Academic Cup Dorset(Taught History from 1950 - 1985 when she retired as Deputy Principal) The Lithins Cup (Community Service) Graeme(Miriam Lithins matriculated in 1951) The Newman Cup for the Arts ThursfordThe P.J. and M. Dugmore Cup (Societies and Leadership) Dorset(Presented by Mr & Mrs C.E. Dugmore in gratitude for the tuition received by their three daughters) The Barnard Cup for Interhouse Games Dorset(Miss Barnard was Sportsmistress in 1957 & 1958) The House Shield Dorset

House Awards and Activities DORSET

House Captain: Bulali NgesiVice Captain: Zimkita NgqawanaGames Captain: Chaneez SiasTeacher-in-Charge: Mr G. Mitchell

The colours yellow and gold have

always represented victory and

winners. Dorset this year has lived

up to their colours and has added

passion into everything they have

done this year. From winning

Games Day, to raising the House

Shield, we have conquered all the

other houses with our spirit and will

to succeed in everything we do.

We have broken our “coming

second” streak and it is now up to

next years' leaders to continue

leading with pride. Mr Mitchell has

taught us this year “Hot like

mustard, sweet like custard,

Dorset's going to beat you, done

and dusted!” The House Executive

would like to thank everyone who

has helped build this well-oiled

machine that is Dorset House. I

would like to thank Zimkita and

Chaneez for being the best team

to work with, for and helping me

cope with this year.

PAGE 78

House Awards and ActivitiesGRAEME

House Captain: Likhaya MokoDeputy Captain: Simnikwe SangoniGames Captain: Kanyisa Gwata

Teacher-in-Charge: Ms. E.

Farquhar

It has been a great year for

Graeme because, not only, did

we focus on winning, but we also

strived to have fun in all that we

did. We started the year off with a

win at the Interhouse Singing

where we sang a medley of

Sarana's Siwelele and the

Soweto Gospel choir's Baba

Yethu. During the year a number

of girls kept the green ag ying

high. Yoliswa Gushu broke the

high jump record during

Interhouse Athletics and Kanyisa

Gwata made the South African

u/18 B hockey team. As the year

progressed we took home

another win, which was the

Interhouse hockey event which

was a fun lled experience for

everyone who took part. Term

three came by very quickly and

Graeme won the Interhouse Plays.

Our play was about the Albertina

Sisulu, and we paid tribute to her

amazing, humbling life. Thank you

to the grade reps for their

hardwork over the year; and to

Simnikwe Sangoni and Kanyisa

Gwata for their hard work, the

great amount of love the have for

Graeme and the measures they

went through to ensure that we

PAGE 79

House Awards and Activities RUTHVILLE

House Captain: Nonty NkoneDeputy Captain: Iviwe NtsathaGames Captain: Zusiphe Nkala

Teacher-in-Charge: Ms. P. van der

Linde

Ruthville has become a family

where each and every member

has shown unwavering support,

companionship and love toward

one another throughout the year.

The girls sang tirelessly in preparing

for the Interhouse singing that took

place in the rst term. The hard

work and absolute dedication was

not in vain as we came second to

Dorset house. A big thank you

must go to our singing director,

Simanye Madolo.

The year held more events where

our girls could show that they are

not only gifted in singing, but also

gifted in General Knowledge as

we won this year's competition.

The girls also took part in the

Interhouse squash competition

where victory was once again

ours. We came in third place for

netball; however, this only

motivated us to aim higher for the

upcoming events.

Interhouse plays were another

platform to show the versatility of

our family, compliments to

everyone who was a part of the

production as it was a pleasure to

watch. However, this would not

have been possible without our

house play director, Abongile

Potwana. Interhouse cross country

was indeed a testing event to

partake in as it involved a lot of

running and singing…and running

and crawling towards the nish

line. Congratulations to Linique

and Zusiphe for coming rst in their

respective age groups.

To everyone in the Ruthville family,

your support, love and unrelenting

cheerful spirit will forever be

appreciated.

PAGE 80

House Awards and Activities

THURSFORD

House Captain: Siya TonjeniDeputy Captain: Entle ZatuGames Captain: Elam Dyonase

Teacher-in-Charge: Ms. D. Smuts

Good, better, best –never rest,

never rest until good is better and

better is best. This is what kept us

going this whole year. We had a

“mascot” of an owl which

represented wisdom, intelligence

and power. We also welcomed

Mrs Smuts as our new Teacher-in-

charge.

We started off with Games day,

which took us in third place,

which was not a sign for things to

go bad. Our dolphins showed

other houses how it's done, with sttaking 1 place in the Interhouse

ndGala. A well-earned 2 place in

the Interhouse Hockey, along ndwith 2 place in the Interhouse

Netball, with giving the other

house a run for its position. We

captured the other opponents stking and took 1 place in the

Interhouse Chess game,

CHECKMATE!!! Even though we

didn't win most of our Interhouse

events, we still raised the blue

ag up high.

A big thank you must go to the

Thursford staff members for their

support and the wonderful team

who made this all possible. To the

committee of 2016, good luck

and always remember, “Coming

together is a beginning, keeping

together is progress, working

together is success –Henry Ford”.

PAGE 81

House Awards and Activities DRAMATIC ARTS

Interhouse Plays

The house play directors of 2015

were tasked with writing or nding

a play in celebration of “Amazing

Women”. Each of the ve

directors wrote her own play.

Graeme's play honoured Albertina

Sisulu, Thursford's honoured Ruth

First, Ruthville's paid homage to

the women who won the rst class

action against sexual misconduct

in the work place in America and

Dorset's tracked the life of Liberian

peace activist – Leymah Gbowee.

The standard of the plays and the

performances was extremely high,

and the audience was both

entertained and educated.

Congratulations to all the girls

involved on an enjoyable evening.

The following awards were made:

Best Play: Graeme House

Best Performer: Avela

Mantshontsho

Best Dance Crew: Sisipho

Macingwane; Kamva Gxamza;

Thulile Kakaza

Best Supporting Performer: Phelisa

Lamani

Best Bit Part: Sanele Philips and

Sethu Zonke

Highly commended: Zenande Tom

PAGE 82

Written by: Ms J. Mitchell, Ms Siya and Uviwe Songca

This year has certainly gone by fast. It feels like it was just the other day we were welcoming the grade 8 and 10s to Eleanor Brown House now it's time to bid them a fond farewell, they were the best!

The year started off with a braai organized by Ms January, former EB Matron, where the girls got to know each other. It can sometimes be very difcult and scary to start at a new hostel so the braai aimed to create new bonds between the girls and the staff. At the braai the girls played games like 30 seconds and broken telephone.

Ms Mitchell, our Hostel Superintendent and her family, took the grade8s for an overnight stay at Chappies Cushion Ranch. The girls had fun organising and cooking their own meals, followed by a swim in the pool. The team building events laid on by Chappie's staff soon brought out a competitive streak in the grade8s with everyone assisting each other in their teams to ensure they were the winners however good

sportsmanship prevailed!

The Grade 10s went to Kwantu Game Reserve with Ms Mitchell because they had requested to see tigers which are not native to South Africa however this game reserve had rescued some. As well as seeing the tigers they were given a talk on conservation and 5 star lunch. The jeep safari was thrilling unfortunately one jeep got stuck in the mud and the boarders had to assist in pushing it out!

The boarders dance was lots of fun with prizes being given out for Best Dressed and Best Couple. The end of year Xmas party was the best ever with all staff joining in. Ms Mitchell and the EB stooges practiced a song and dance number “Somebody Hates Me” by Reel Big Fish which went down a storm with the boarders at the party, (hint, hint old girls we want a sound system!) A big thanks must go out to Ms Michaels for the amazing red velvet cake which tasted delectable and Ms Dampies who organised all the boarders Xmas presents.

This year has also been quite busy for the EB girls with many of our

girls making us proud not only in the classroom but also on the sports eld. But it's also been a challenging year with girls dealing with power outages and saying goodbye to Ms January who moved back home to Port Elizabeth and now works at Collegiate. As another year draws to a close we say a fond farewell to our stooges and thank them for their patience and hard work as well as the weekend activities that they planned for us.

Hostel LifeELEANOR BROWN HOUSE

Back row: Y. Baartman; A. Rala; S. Magula; S. Notyesi; S. Chita; A. Nkuhlu; A. Mesatywa; Z. TomThird row: A. Matches; Q. Mqolweni; M. Majeke; L. Ngece; O.Msebi; M. Halana; I. Mtumtum; U. Songca; N. Aja; N. Mnyani Second row: A. Mkumbuzi; N. Myaluza; M. Gadu; S. Manona; N. Nyangana; A. Qongqo; Z. Mnyani; M. Cobotwana; G. XozwaFront row: M. Mona; V. Mafanga; J. Okoh; Ms R. Michaels; Ms J. Mitchell; Ms T. Ashipala; M. Nelani; E. Ndleleni; U. Twalo

PAGE 85

Hostel Life ELEANOR BROWN HOUSE

PAGE 86

BEAUFORT HOUSE

Back row: S. Sangoni; M. Sihlahla; C. Majeke; S. Tonjeni; K. Jonas; S. Macingwane; K. Gxamza Third row: B Gwedla, L Moko ; A. Kenene; L. Mthenjana; S. Mpama; A. Potwana; E. Mdingi; L. Mancotywa; Z. Mcotsho; P. Lamani;A. Jadezweni; N. Nkone; L Nqadala. Second row: A. Mantshontsho; Z. Nkala; Z. Styoshwana; T. Ndabula;Z. Ngqawana; C. Mtotoba; A. Mtshabe; S. Kolwane; A. Somyalo; K. Matiwane; T Kakaza, O Lusizi, N Siyepu,S Nkwandla Front row: S Tyibilika, Ms S Parbhoo, Ms B Moholi; L. Jojo; Mrs J. Mitchell; L. Mazomba; Mrs S. Dampies;Ms P. Mantwana; Ms Z Magazi ; S Ncetani

2015 has been a good year to be

at Beaufort House as each term

the matrons and stooges have

organised an array of activities for

us to do. We had a nice outing to

the Port Alfred at the beginning of

the year. The girls played games,

had walks on the beach, swam

and generally had fun. We were

spoilt with delicious KFC for lunch.

In term 2 Mrs Dampies organised

an Easter egg hunt after the Easter

holidays, what a great way to nd

our chocolate x! The matrics had

their farewell in May and they had

an amazing evening at Prime.

After the dance they returned to

hostel and wound down with

some snacks and music before it

was time to head off to bed.

In term 3 the grade 11s invited

Renfrew over for a pyjama party,

where they got to eat popcorn,

watch movies and have a good

time. We also had our Boarders

Dance where the girls could get

dressed up, dance to the great

music and eat some delicious

food.

In term 4 it was time to hit the

books and so there were far fewer

weekend activities. As always we

were spoilt at the Xmas banquet

some girls even said it was the best

Xmas banquet ever. The girls were

very impressed with their cell

phone pouch and headband

gifts. A big thank you to the

stooges for their interest and

involvement in the lives of the girls,

and to Mrs Dampies for running BH

this year.

Hostel Life

PAGE 87

Hostel Life RENFREW HOUSE

Back row: U. Keza; R. Ledwaba; Z. Dhlamini; M. Marawu; S. MjaliSecond row: S. Tities; K. Tokota; S. Ngxata; C. Kula; K. Klingenberg; S. Bay; S. Mqomboti; L. Cuka; Z. MeyerFront row: V. Zanekile; L. Rayi; Mr G. Mitchell; Mrs J. Mitchell; Ms R. Woudstra; Y. Gusha; K. Jaji

House parent: Ms Ruth Woudstra

Lawn bowls, art therapy and

spooky Halloween cupcake

decoration. These are just a few of

the activities that kept the RH girls

entertained this year.

Accompanying us were our

stooges Ms Lisa, Ms Buyi, Ms

Bukeka and Ms Sapho, whom we

were all sad to see go. But we

were lucky enough to nish the

year off with Ms Thandi and Ms

Tuletu, who we enjoyed getting to

know.

The main outing of the year was a

weekend trip to Thomas Baines

Nature Reserve just outside

Grahamstown, where we really

got to know each other through

team-building activities. After

wining and dining our tastebuds in

a cooking competition which the

dessert group won, we sang songs

and listened to ghost stories

around a campre.

Regular weekend activities

included movie nights, playing 30

Seconds and going on town

walks. We also had a free writing

session in Bots, a karaoke evening,

and a pre-exam netball match

which was great for de-stressing.

The bowling club experience was

exciting as we all learned for the

rst time how to bowl. We took a

record number of group seles at

the Grahamstown Bowling Club,

and at our picnic in Bots

afterwards. Thank you to Ms Lisa

and Ms Sapho for braaiing wors

for the boeries.

'Frozen' was the theme of our end

of year

Christmas

party. The

entertainmen

t committee

went all out

with their

decorations,

and even

created a

not-yet-

melted Olaf

snowman.

We enjoyed

a very special

meal (thank

you to the kitchen!) and each

boarder received 'nes', which

had us all in stitches. The festivities

ended with a water balloon ght

and a swim the day after.

We are sad to leave RH as it

becomes the new Grade 9 hostel

in 2016, but are grateful for the

fellowship we have had with our

RH family members, and the

unforgettable memories.

PAGE 88

Hostel LifeMATHER PIKE HOUSE

Back row: S. Meth; Y. Manana; S.Mbhali; L. Mcotsho; A. Maphaqa; L. Mbengo; S. Mahlati; Z. Magadla; S. Maxham Front row: R. Mafalala; Mr E. Hazell; Mrs J. Mitchell; Ms S. Duze; S. Saul

Wri�en by: Mr E. Hazell

2015 has been an exci�ng year for

MP. We welcomed two new girls:

Rethabile and Thandwayo. For our

first ou�ng of the year we went to

Chappies Cushion with the DL

boarders, where we had a braai,

swam and enjoyed team building

ac�vi�es. Other ac�vi�es during the

year including a social, where all the

girls dressed up and looked

spectacular. At Gfactor, Sambesiwe

did us proud by taking to the stage

and showing off her singing talent.

Two other highlights of the year were

the matric dance dress viewing and

the borders dance. We also had a

squash ba�le between Mr Hazell and

Yibanathi (won by Yibanathi) and a

dance off between Sinomtha and Mr

Hazell. Mr Hazell was surprisingly

voted the winner. One exci�ng

adventure that we had was taking

turns to ride Mr Hazell's bicycle. It

was quite challenging because the

bicycle was too big and the seat was

too high, nevertheless we had lots of

fun. We have loved and appreciated

our two stooges, Ms Duze and Ms K.

some of our most memorable

ac�vi�es were playing Mafia and

baking cappuccino muffins with Ms K;

and Mr Hazell's end of the year

movie night with movies projected

onto the wall. Throughout the year

Mr Hazell has also been busy outside

conver�ng our grassy patch into an

Aloe garden. We ended off the year

with our Christmas party and awards

evening, where we all received

awards which highlighted some of

our good quali�es.

We would like to thank Mr Hazell,

Ms Mitchley and our Stooges Ms K

and Ms Duze for the energy they put

into making MP our home this year.

PAGE 89

DENISE LONG HOUSE

Back row: A. Mkumbuzi; A. Mfono; S. Mhlauli; N. Petse; M. Dalasile; S. Wapi; F. Eddie Front row: L. Jojo; S. Manakaza; Ms K. Hofmeyr; Mrs J. Mitchell; Mrs N. Seyephe; H. Puzi; Z. Mabizela

Written by: Hlomla Puzi and Lilitha

Jojo

During the school terms we have

had braais for some of the

weekend activities as our hostel

mother Ms Ntombi is also one of

the FEEDEM-Pitseng managers;

and knows a lot about cooking

great meals.

We went to Chappies Cushion as

our hostel outing, along with the

boarders from Mather Pike for an

overnight trip. We did team

building activities which were

great fun! This certainly helped

create the family feeling at our

little hostel. In term 3 we said

goodbye to our fun stooge Ms

Kelly, but we also welcomed an

amazing stooge, Ms Paliso, who

has taught us some fantastic

dance moves ! Ms Peekay helped

us to learn to ride a bike which was

hilarious, and saw most of us

wobbling around the tennis courts

and driveway of the school. This

year we have learnt to work

together as a big family and how

to tolerate each other's

differences without being

complete drama queens. At our

Christmas Party we had a theme

and played Secret Santa, which

was a lovely way to end the year

receiving a special little gift. We

would like to thank our stooges Ms

Paliso and Ms Peekay for looking

after us and taking us to church,

swimming and for town walks

throughout the year.

Hostel Life

PAGE 90

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Special InterestWOZA ALBERT

PAGE 83

WOZA ALBERTIn term 3 we were taken back in time by the VG matrics and the Drama teachers performing their adaptation of an all-time South African favourite, Woza Albert! by Percy Mtwa and Bongeni Ngema. The tragi-comedy explores the second coming of Jesus (Morena) during apartheid times and is a poignant look at South African society at the time. The class shifted the performance to the hall oor giving themselves more room to involve the audience, and subtly change the dynamic by making use of more entrances and exits. The funds raised on the evening were

donated towards the publication of a South African play entitled Uhm… by Alex McCarthy and Callum Tilbury

Uhm … is about a young black woman, Coceka (or 'CK' to those who can't pronounce it), born 'Xhosa' but raised 'English'. She falls in love with Tony while she is writing her Master's thesis, which is about Victorian (hint!) literature. But it is not going well ... in fact, the ghosts of Queen Victoria (hint!), Cecil John Rhodes, and Sol Plaatje begin to haunt her. She can't silence their voices, and they begin to affect her relationship with Tony, who cannot see the ghosts.

The play is about the grey areas between language, race, and culture; specically, about how the English language tends to colonise, and then erase African culture. Will Coceka listen to Cecil and Victoria (hint!), who want to claim her allegiance to England? Or to Sol Plaatje, the ghost hiding under her bed, who insists that she mustn't give up her African roots? With all the Victorian connections we just couldn't resist being part of this publication process! We look forward to seeing it in print soon.

Special InterestEXCHANGE TRIP TO GERMANY

My Exchange – Linamandla

Nqadala

Change is inevitable. It is rapid,

brutal, beautiful, hurtful,

colourful, amazing, unexpected,

overwhelming and most of all

constant. Being an exchange

student is going from thinking

you know who you are, then

having no idea who you are

anymore to then being

someone new.

I nally felt how it was like to be

on your own. Away from home,

with no one I really knew. It was

learning to trust. Trust people

who at rst are only names on a

piece of paper.

While I was there, I had to get

out of my comfort zone and eat

food I wasn't used to eating; try

to speak a strange language

and learn more about the

German culture.

I was fortunate enough to stay

with an English speaking family. I

attend a gymnasium where I got

to experience the difference

between South African schools

and German schools. With the

family, I did various activities

ranging from visit places like

Berlin, Dresden, Hamburg and

Leipzig; to skiing and ices skating

and going to different Christmas

markets. From that I learned all

that I had not known about

Germany.

Special InterestEXCHANGE TRIP TO GERMANY

vghs magazine 2015

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