Weekly Newsletter: 11 November

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PREVIOUS WEEK

As we move into the exam period, many of the extra-mural programmes have stopped, so that girls can concentrate on their Academic work

ACADEMIC
KAREN JENNINGS RETURNS TO WYNBERG TO TEACH HER TEACHERS
CAPS training in a number of subject areas is currently taking place. Teachers of English Home Language were delighted when one of our past pupils, Karen Jennings, returned to our school as one of the guests of the Western Cape Education Department to talk to us about Creative Writing. Since leaving the school she has completed two Masters degrees in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Cape Town. In 2010 her short story ‘From Dark’ won the Commonwealth Short Story Competition for the African region. In 2009 ‘Mia and the Shark’ won the English section of the MML short story competition and is now studied in schools. In 2012 Karen will begin a PhD in Creative Writing at UKZN under the supervision of Kobus Moolman.

WYNBERG GIRLS EXCEL IN MATHEMATICS COMPETITIONS
Congratulations to Khadija Brey (Grade 11) and Nicole Wentzel (Grade 8), both of whom were placed tie second in the University of Pretoria Mathematics Competition, Khadija in the Grade 10 & 11 section and Nicole in the Grade 8 & 9 section. Each of them won a R600 cash prize. Khadija also progressed to the third and final round of the Harmony South African Mathematics Olympiad, for which she received a certificate and a bronze medal. Congratulations to Khadija and Nicole on their achievements!

EXAM TIPS FROM THE WEB COMMITTEE
• Some say that the secret to success is to be like a duck: smooth and unruffled above the surface of the water but paddling vigorously underneath. – Kristen van Graan
• Do not attempt to sleep with your books, facts will not miraculously fly into your head in the form of dreams. Things just don’t work like that. – Lauren Footman
• Find your ideal study method, be it running around the house screaming Newton’s Law or listening to the sound of your voice while singing organic chemistry. – Saarah Coenraad
• Get together with your friends and form study groups. The tricky thing is actuallyto study and not to turn the study session into a social gathering. – Laylah Ryklief
• When it is time to take a break do not watch television because chances are you will remain glued to your seat. – Sinako Bovana
• To relax do not sleep during study breaks, rather exercise or meditate and pray. – Amy Clayton
• With regards to diet don’t starve yourself, skip meals or forget to eat while working so hard. Study with a full stomach to energize your mind. – Michela Schiava
• Drink lots of tea. Variations of exotic, fruit flavoured and rich aroma teas can help calm you down and hydrate you at the same time. – Kiara Ramklass
• Get yourself some Biostrath for a long lasting energy boost. – Sinako Bovana
• Trust me, you don’t want to overdose on rescue remedy. – Laylah Ryklief
• When writing an exam read the instructions, and answer all the questions carefully. You don’t want the teachers to be playing noughts and crosses along the marking margin of your paper. – Thabile Myeza
• Remember that being able to speak English does not excuse you from having to study for your English exam. – Thabile Myeza
• Above all remember to laugh, remember to smile, appreciate the happy moments. Do not let exams get in the way of your happiness. -Rayne Callaghan
• “Nothing is impossible until you decide to stop trying”

CULTURE
CONCERT FOR THE ELDERLY
On Friday 4 November, the Heads of Service and Culture at the Wynberg High Schools hosted a concert for the Elderly. This project is an initiative of both the Service and Cultural pillars, where the heads of the two pillars work together with their counterparts at Wynberg Boys’ High School to provide an afternoon of tea and entertainment for senior citizens from the old age homes within our community. This year some of the top performers from both schools treated them to a range of items from short story readings, to dance, singing and music. The occasion also marked the debut of our Baroque Ensemble, who gave a stellar performance. The programme was slick, utterly professional and extremely entertaining. There was little doubt that the afternoon was enjoyed by everyone and we are immensely proud of all of those who took part. We congratulate performers, organisers and those who gave of their time to be of service to the community.

FUNDRAISING
Enter the In It to Win It Raffle and help us to raise funds for Wynberg Girls’ High at R20 per ticket. Participants stand a chance to win one of these fantastic prizes:
• First Prize : Apple iPad 2 16GB Wifi PLUS a 500GB Toshiba External Hardrive
• Second Prize: Bed & Breakfast Voucher for 2 at Greenways Hotel
• Third Prize: Elephant Sanctuary “Trunk-in-hand Walk” PLUS a Luxury Hamper

Winners will be contacted after the final draw which will take place during our school’s final assembly on Friday 9 December.

PLEASE NOTE THAT A LETTER WAS SENT HOME ON (4 NOVEMBER) ABOUT ARRANGEMENTS DURING THE EXAMINATION PERIOD