2011 Valedictory Service

Matric Valedictory – 14 October 2011 Over the course of five years, a student will attend many weekly assemblies, annual prize givings and other termly school events. One event, however, can be considered the pinnacle of a student’s school career: the Valedictory Assembly. The Valedictory marks the end of a phase in each learner’s life and encourages a moment of reflection on some of the highlights of that time. At the same time, bright and exciting futures beckon every matric learner. Valedictory Day for Wynberg girls begins with the tradition of matrics dressing up in fun costumes – which is all part of the spectacle of the Informal Valedictory Service – organised, directed and hosted by the Matrics. The whole school attends this service.

This year the matrics started off with heartfelt messages of gratitude to the teachers of each subject offered at Wynberg. Words of advice taken from the song “Everybody’s free to wear Sunscreen“ by Baz Lurhmann were delivered by Ameera Conrad before the matrics sang their song of farewell to the school. The singing set the tone for the songs sung to the matrics by the Grade Elevens and their Teachers respectively. The closing event for this concert was a slide show, capturing moments throughout the five years of the class of 2011.

Grade Elevens, Teachers, Parents, Invited Guests and most importantly, Valedictorians 2011 then convened at 10:30 for the formal proceedings. The Valedictory was opened by the head of the School Governing Body, Mr A. Dean who relayed invaluable advice about the importance of making full use of all the opportunities that will present themselves in the careers and lives of the matrics.  The guest speaker, Ms Viola Manuel, is the first female executive director of the Cape Chamber of Commerce. In relating her experiences and career moves Ms Manuel was able to impart many practical suggestions and inspire the departing matrics. The core of the speech echoed the school’s motto, Honour before honours, suggesting that a sure way to achieve success is to pursue one’s dreams while always looking for opportunities to improve the lot of others. Memorable quotes include one relating to perseverance, as Ms Manuel encouraged girls to “Be like a postage stamp. Stick to one thing until you get to your destination“. Ms Manuel was an engaging speaker and there is no doubt that the advice she gave will be remembered by many.

The prestigous subject prizes and various other tropies were then awarded to the matrics. These awards are the culmination of five years of dedicated service and many hours of work in various disciplines. The awards ranged from academic performance, cultural achievements, sporting excellence and service commitments to awards relating to the character and mannerisms of exemplary Wynberg women.  Tessa Suttle delivered an moving farewell speech to the matrics, crediting the effort and support of teachers and parents. She perfectly described the excitement and anticipation of the matrics as they prepared to leave the secure environment of high school to move into university or the workplace.

Mrs Harding then addressed the matrics for the last time . Inspirational words of Steve Jobs were heard in many of the speeches, testament to the instrumental role he has played in shaping our world; both in terms of technological devices and life philosophy. The leaders of 2011 were formally honoured as they  handed over their badges and walked across the stage for the last time, marking their completion of a year’s service to the school as leaders and their walk to future endeavours and opportunities. The Valedictory included musical interludes with the school choir singing “Your song” and a flute piece by Christine Forbes, Allegro by Taffanel. The Valedictory concluded with the matrics singing their farewell song, “Everything” by Michael Bublé. Before the end of the song, Matrics and Parents were crying. As all the matrics sang the school song for the very last time, the tears were wiped away.