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1 DECEMBER 2011

Dear Parents

Girls’ High has once again enjoyed a happy and successful year.  Many girls have excelled in a variety of activities ranging from academic achievement to prowess on the sports fields and also in the cultural sphere.  We do indeed have a very special school.

BUDGET MEETING

At the annual budget meeting the proposed School and Hostel fees for 2012 were presented for adoption. The proposed fees for 2012 were approved by the parents in attendance :

• SCHOOL FEES : R 12 440,00 per annum
• HOSTEL FEES : R 28 960,00 per annum

DISCOUNT FOR SCHOOL FEES

A 5% discount is granted when school fees for the year are paid in full by no later than 31 January 2012 (R12 440,00 - R622,00 = R11 818,00).

NO SCHOOL FEE / HOSTEL FEE STATEMENTS FOR 2012

Due to the new accounting system used by our auditors, parents will not receive accounts for 2012 with this newsletter. These statements will only be issued in January 2012. Any queries regarding fees for 2012 may be directed to the school bursar, Mrs Rossouw.

ACADEMIC MATTERS

The completion of exams/assessments at the end of this year has been an exacting process. The Grade 9, Grade 11 and Grade 12 classes have all written external examinations. Overall teachers have expressed satisfaction with the standard of papers.

ACADEMIC REPORTS

Your daughter's end-of-year report should be included with this newsletter. If it is not, then you need to see the school bursar, Mrs Rossouw, to collect the report from the school. Please note that academic reports are not withheld from parents.

MATRIC RESULTS - 2011

Matric results will be released from the school on Thursday 05 January 2012 from 08:00 until 12:00. Matrics will be able to collect their advice of results from the school or phone the school (045 839 4160) to be advised of the results.

The results will be published in the press and will also be available on various websites, including that of the Education Department (ecdoe.gov.za). Exam numbers are required to access individual results on the internet. Matrics are advised to monitor the press for possible changes to the release date.

Matrics are also advised to request a re-mark if the mark obtained does not accord with expectations. Matric candidates are responsible for arranging for the remarking of scripts.

ACADEMIC AWARDS

Congratulations are extended to all the girls who met the requirements to be awarded their Scholar Badges for academic achievement in the 3rd term of the year.

SCHOLAR BADGES
Special congratulations go to the following first-time recipients :
	Grade 8	Grettel Osorio, Namhla Nyoka, Tara Emms, Nomhle Mtola, Avela Mzileni, Leesa Maytham, Tegan Gibbens
	Grade 9	Geraldine Lentoor, Paballo Ponoane, Anela Luggya, Dali Nel
	Grade 10	Imkhitha Nzungu, Natasha Dana, Simnikiwe Pasiya
	Grade 11	Apiwe Makatesi, Berucia Arends, Sibonisiwe Hlawula, Uyanda Sondlo, Noloyiso Dimaza, Qhamani Xoseni
	Grade 12	Qhama Qali
CUM LAUDE SCROLLS
New Awards	Grade 12	Cindy Wang, Nomtha Jayiya
	Grade 11	Nicole Mager, Simanye Mpengesi, Elizabeth van Papendorp
	Grade 10	Amulya Mathew, Lindsay Dell, Erika de Coning, Nandipha Tyaliti, Maryke Coetzee, Sarah Maclean, Ann Thomas
Re-Awards	Grade 12	Siyasanga Hayi, Michι Coetzee, Mtwakazi Bula, Kanyisa Ntombini, Jodie Trethewey, Margo Staffen, Nontlantla Mkwenkweni, Unathi Mandaba, Ashleigh Fincham, Courtney Birch, Nana Adofo-Ansong, Pumelela Lombo, Sinazo Mabunu, Kuhle Sibuta
	Grade 11	Meril Mathew, Kayla McEwan, Irene Saji, Thandwa Faltein, Morgan Bolze, Akangcha Pal, Kanyisa Nondabula, Trudy Theodosi, Esmariι Steyn, Sikokele Ncame
SUMMA-CUM LAUDE SCROLLS
Re-Awards	Grade 12	Siyasanga Hayi and Michi Coetzee

These girls are congratulated on attaining this level of academic excellence.

PRIZEGIVING 2011

At the 2011 Girls' High School Prize Giving Ceremony it was our privilege to be addressed by Ms Shιri Brynard. Shιri, a renowned Bloemfontein-based motivational speaker, was born with Down Syndrome. She received a standing ovation from the appreciative audience for her inspiring address. Shιri has gained international recognition for her achievements in overcoming her disability. She has become a well-known campaigner for the recognition of those born with Down Syndrome and has addressed audiences across the country and further afield. In her speech, Shιri described her personal struggle to overcome her condition and mentioned some of her unique achievements.

Major prizewinners were :

The NON-NOBIS AWARD for the girl who has put service before self and has lived most nearly to the ideals and traditions of the school and who has displayed leadership, been steadfast and conscientious, yet never lost the touch of good fellowship, the QUEENSWOOD TROPHY awarded in the spirit of honour before honours which was the motto of the old Queenswood School, the DA FONSECA TROPHY for Outstanding Commitment and Contribution to Sport and the OPPERMAN TROPHY for Excellence in her chosen sport
Nontlantla Mkwenkweni

The COCKIN CUP for the DUX SCHOLAR of the school in 2011, the LESLIE TROPHY for ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT and the FREDA SPENCE AWARD
Siyasanga Hayi

The SHIRLEY COTTERREL TROPHY for Integrity and a True Concern for others
Mtwakazi Bula

The LES TERWIN MEMORIAL TROPHY for the Non-Prefect who did the most for the school
Ayabonga Pasiya

The SANDRINGHAM SPORTS CLUB AWARD for a Keen Spirit of Sportsmanship
Sisonke Ronoti

The POPE CUP and the QUEENSTOWN HARRIERS AWARD for Best All-Rounder at Sport
Mary-Jo Langhein

The JOAN DENT MEMORIAL TROPHY awarded to a girl who has made a success of her school career
Kanyisa Ntombini

GRADE 8 GEOGRAPHY EXCURSION

The Girls' High School Grade 8 class went on a 'Nature Walk' recently. The trip included a trek up Longhill to the first vantage point, where they viewed the outlay of Queenstown. They then proceeded to climb Bowkers Kop and had a picnic at the top. The walk ended at Berry Dam. Needless to say, the girls had a lot of fun but were totally exhausted when they got back to school.

SCIENCE WEEK

Esmarie Steyn was selected, based on her performance at the 47th National Science Olympiad, to attend the Australian National Youth Science Forum in January 2012. She will be visiting the University of Australia in Canberra after which she will be required to submit a detailed report to SAASTA. SAASTA and Harmony Gold Mining Ltd are sponsoring the trip.

CULTURAL MATTERS

CULTURAL AWARDS

At a special Cultural Awards assembly the following girls were awarded Colours in recognition of their achievements and service to the school :

Art	Janine Sahd
Drama	Yanela Tokota
First Aid	Luyanda Maheshana, Aphiwe Mhlangulana, Zandile Patekile
Public Speaking & Debating	Nana Adofo-Ansong, Courtney Birch, Siyasanga Hayi

PUBLIC SPEAKING AND DEBATING

Siya Hayi, Nana Adofo-Ansong and Courtney Birch participated in their final debate against Queen's College. This debate was recorded to show new members what a formal debate is all about. The Girls' High Matrics won this debate.

Mr Watson organised a Public Speaking Workshop at the school. Miss Millington was the guest speaker and she spoke about the essence of good speeches and the skills involved. The workshop was informative and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

An internal Public Speaking Competition was held for the members of the society to test their skills. Phiwokuhle Tom accumulated the most points in this competition.

FIRST AID

The Girls' High School First Aid Society is amongst the busiest at the school. They hosted their first tea party at the OQA. This event was held to welcome the new committee, to bid farewell to the old committee (and the matrics) as well as to thank the staff and members of the society for their support and assistance. There was more than enough to eat and a memorable afternoon was had by all.

Luyanda Maheshana, Head of First Aid, together with 20 members of the Girls' High First Aid Society, attended a First Aid Practical held at Queen's College. Mr Mark, the instructor, accompanied by Thabo and Jaco from the 24/7 Ambulance Services, organised the practical. They were taught how to administer CPR correctly and also how to treat injuries on the sport field. Mrs Pieterse accompanied the girls to this informative practical.

POETRY EVENING

The Drama Society hosted a Poetry Evening for the pupils to display their talents in the writing and presentation of poetry. Interspersed between the poems were a few items of song and dance, all inspired by the theme of the evening : "Love, Peace, War". The event was well attended by an appreciative audience and gave our diverse societies a chance to display their talents.

CHESS

In a friendly fixture against Queen's College, our chess team went down 5 - 9.

INTERACT

Interact had an extremely busy term and some of its activities included :

• Interacters helped the Queenstown Rotary Club by manning water points at "The Bong" Marathon
• A group of Interacters did a sterling job working at the Heritage Home Arts and Craft Market
• Another group multi-tasked at a wedding (waitressing, washing-up and performing other such activities)
• Another visit to the Mzamomhle Home-Based Care Centre in Sterkstroom ensured that their playroom got fitted with a carpet which was generously donated by Mr Mark Sahd from Interiors
• The Swallows Orphanage in Tarkastad was once again treated to a Christmas Party
• Interact and the SCA joined to host a 'Stork Party' to collect old clothes, books and toys for the needy. The girls generously supported this event and bags full of items were collected
• Interacters are also keeping "Paper & Waste" busy with their contribution of recyclable paper
• They are currently collecting toys for the Buffalo Riders annual 'Toy Run'
• Girls' High School Interact, together with Mr and Mrs G Harvey, made Christmas extra-special for 18 children from Mzamomhle Home Based Care Centre in Sterkstoom. A Christmas party, complete with presents, treats and a game drive, quite overwhelmed the little ones and they left Wildschutsberg Game Lodge clutching their goodie bags and presents after an exciting day.

The Interact Board and all Interacters must be congratulated on their commitment and service. There have been plenty of opportunities to 'give to the community'. Interacters who have not been involved need to move out of the Club and give those who weren't selected an opportunity to serve!

QUEENSTOWN EISTEDDFOD

Many of our girls enter in the Queenstown Eisteddfod and these are some of their results :

SINGING	GOLD	Athi Conjwa (solo), Marteli Potgieter (solo), Marteli Potgieter x2 (duet), Phiwokuhle Tom (duet)
	SILVER	Athi Conjwa (solo), Marteli Potgieter (solo), Trudy Theodosi (solo), Trudy Theodosi (duet)
PIANO	GOLD	Robyn Hudson (solo), Robyn Hudson (duet), Tessa Woollgar (duet)
	SILVER	Robyn Hudson (solo), Robyn Hudson (2-piano), Michelle Li (solo), Kelia Losa (solo), Grettel Osorio (duet), Sarah Stone (duet), Nandi Tyaliti x2 (solo), Tessa Woollgar (duet), Tessa Woollgar (2-piano)
	BRONZE	Michelle Li x2 (solo), Kelia Losa (solo), Amulya Mathew x2 (solo), Grettel Osorio (solo), Ann Thomas x2 (solo), Nandi Tyaliti (solo), Tessa Woollgar (solo)

SCA

SCA Stay awake! Fifty brave girls gathered in the Erica Danckwerts Hall on a Friday evening for the annual SCA Stay Awake from 18:00 until 06:00 on Saturday morning. Activities included vibrant praise and worship, challenging treasure hunts and Bible "30 Seconds" contests.

CHOIR BADGES

The following girls were awarded Choir Badges at the Cultural Awards Assembly : Ezile Mhlambiso, Zikhona Jacobs, Aphiwe Makatesi, Sikokele Ncame, Aphiwe Maweni, Kelia Losa, Loyiso Mfithi and Marteli Potgieter.

SPORT

SUMMER SPORT CAPTAINS AND SECRETARIES FOR 2012

Sport	Captain	Secretary
ATHLETICS	Nicole Mager	Janine Sahd
SWIMMMING	Tessa Woollgar	Jessica Goosen
TENNIS	Athi Conjwa	Kyla Breetzke

SWIMMING

Marteli Potgieter, Sarah Stone and Jessica Beal-Preston attended the Border Champs Swimming Gala held at the Joan Harrison Pool in East London. Girls' High School was also represented at the Ice Breaker Gala, the Sprint Gala and the Aqua Bear Gala in East London

ATHLETICS

Mr Barnaby Shone and Mrs Corneel Venter accompanied our athletes to Bloemfontein where they competed in the Jim Fouché Invitational Athletics Meeting against some of the top young athletes in the country. The following results were obtained :

u/15	Lutho Bleki	High Jump	5th with 1,3m
u/16	Dali Nel	800m	4th in 02:48min
		400m	4th in heat in 00:66min
	Morgan Catto	Discus	11th with 16m
	Ongeziwe Pantshwa	High Jump	5th with 1,45m
u/17	Kyla Breetzke	200m	3rd in 00:28min
		Long Jump	6th in heat with 5,07m
	Janine Sahd	800m	5th in 02:43min
		400m	3rd in heat in 0:68:05min
u/19	Nicole Mager	Long Jump	2nd with 4,6m
		100m	6th in heat in 0:13:03min

TENNIS FIXTURES

The Top 10 Tennis team played against Hangklip and lost 2 - 3.

HOCKEY

Nontlantla Mkwenkweni played in the South African Games in Polokwane during the September holiday. She represented the Eastern Cape u/19 team. This team played 7 matches in the round robin section of which they won 4, drew 2 and lost 1. They tied for first place on points with the Western Cape. The gold medals were therefore shared between the two teams. Nontlantla was also vice-captain of this team.

EQUESTRIAN

Elizabeth van Papendorp competed in the Eastern Cape Equestrian Championships in East London during the holidays. She tied in 1st place for the Preliminary Dressage Section.

SQUASH

Maryke Coetzee represented the South African u/16 Squash Team during the holidays. In Johannesburg the team played against and beat the University of Johannesburg, lost against the Gauteng Ladies Jarvis team and lost against the Northerns Ladies Jarvis team. They played against and beat the University of Cape Town, lost against the Western Province Ladies Jarvis team and lost against the Boland Jarvis team in Cape Town. The team was also fortunate enough to be coached and motivated by the national coach, Richard Castle.

Maryke, along with other top junior squash players, has been invited to participate in the 2012 High Performance Squash Camp to be held in Pretoria in January 2012. She was also invited to represent the u/16 S A Team in Australia in December, but will not be attending this tournament.

'TWIZZA' SPORT FESTIVAL

As many of you will know, Queen's College hosts a Sports Festival in the March holidays. Next year, thanks to the initiative of Mrs Nicky Stone and Mr Hayden Buchholz, we hope to host an U/16 Netball Tournament component of the Festival.

LEADERSHIP

The 2012 Prefect Body was inducted into office after a vote by the Upper School (Grades 10, 11 and 12) and the staff.

School Prefects
Headgirl	Deputy Headgirl	Prefects
Morgan Bolze	Nicole Mager	Namhla Bula, Kelly Bouwer, Luphumzo Jonas, Meril Mathew, Simanye Mpengesi, Immaculate Lwanga, Esmariι Steyn, Megha Vasudevanunni, Athi Conjwa, Thandwa Faltein, Eileen Kaba, Kayla McEwan, Asiphile Moyake, Sikhokele Ncame, Tessa Woollgar
Hostel Prefects : School House
The following are congratulated on their election :
Headgirl	Deputy Headgirl	Prefects
Athi Conjwa	Simanye Mpengesi	Luphumzo Jonas, Khanyisa Nondabula, Asiphile Moyake, Sibulele Nyangeni

All these girls are warmly congratulated.  A great deal is expected from them as we look forward  to another successful year.

HOUSE CAPTAINS AND SECRETARIES FOR 2012

Congratulations to the following on their election :

HOUSE	HEAD	SECRETARY
BESWICK	Nicole Mager	Maryke Coetzee
BURT	Tessa Woollgar	Sarah Maclean
GROOM	Megha Vasudevanunni	Janine Sahd
THOMAS	Morgan Bolze	Kyla Breetzke

GENERAL

BIRTHDAY WEEKEND - 2012

Our Birthday Weekend in 2012 will be on Saturday 18 August and Sunday 19 August. Girls' High School will be hosting the Classic Clash against Kingsridge from King William's Town on the Saturday. Please go to www.qtghs.co.za for the programme for the weekend.

PREFECTS CAMP

The newly elected Prefect Body of Girls' High School accompanied by Mrs Brown, Mrs H Coetzee, Mrs Bradley and Mr Styles participated in a leadership development camp at Blanco, Tarkastad. Mental and physical challenges, as well as informative lectures, prepared the new leaders of Girls' High School for the challenges they will face in 2012. The girls enjoyed themselves, showed maturity and initiative, and worked well together.

GET SQUARE !

During the month of October, a number of the staff and girls of Girls' High School have once again joined women all over the world in the knitting campaign which supports breast cancer victims and which raises awareness of this killer disease and the need for early detection.

INTER-HOUSE FINAL RESULTS 2011

PLACE	NAME
1st	Beswick
2nd	Groom
3rd	Burt
4th	Thomas

INTER-HOUSE INDIVIDUAL RESULTS 2011

ACTIVITY	WINNER	ACTIVITY	WINNER
Athletics	Beswick	Biathle	Thomas
Chess	Burt	Hockey	Groom
Netball	Thomas	Debating	Groom
Public Speaking : Senior	Beswick	Public Speaking : Junior	Groom
Tennis	Thomas	Squash	Beswick
Swimming	Burt

MORGAN BOLZE JOINS THE HOSPICE CYCLE CHALLENGE

Morgan Bolze, the Girls' High School Head Girl for 2012, is joining the St Bernard's Hospice Cycle Challenge from East London to Port Elizabeth early in December 2011. This non-profit organization relies heavily on fundraising to enable it to care for terminally ill patients. Last year 30 cyclists took part in this Cycle Challenge and they are hoping to increase this number to 50 cyclists this year. The cyclists will cover 310km over a period of three days and Morgan is looking forward to the challenge. The organisers of the event are hoping to raise R200 000 for the care of cancer patients.

OQA and VALEDICTORY ASSEMBLIES

The matriculants who joined the Old Queenstonia Association were welcomed into the association at a special badge presentation assembly. They were handed their badges by the National President of the OQA, Mrs Heather Moorcroft. It was most heartening to see so many of our matriculants joining the OQA. At a very emotional assembly the school bade farewell to the Matric class of 2011. The Valedictory Assembly was followed by a lunch in the Erica Danckwerts Hall.

OQA GET-TOGETHER

An innovation this year was an end-of-year function held for Old Girls at the OQA Centre. It was wonderful to see about 30 Old Girls arriving and enjoying themselves. We encourage Old Girls (of all ages) to make contact with the school and join in the fun.

RISING STAR

Girls' High School is proud to present : Lukho Ngobo! Lukho entered the Tamboekie's "Got Talent" Competition and won the 1st prize of R1 500,00. She sang Beyonce's 'Listen' and beat 9 other entrants, including the Queen's College Band. Two other entries from Girls' High School were Anathi Tshabe (in Grade 10) who sang Rihannah's 'Only Girl in the World' and Xabiso Lombo, Anelisa Malgas and Sinovuyo Kupiso (all in Grade 8) who did three dance items.

2012 GIRLS' HIGH DIARIES

The school will again in 2012 issue a special Girls' High Diary to each girl. The diary has some very important information in it such as our Vision and Mission Statement, Code of Conduct, School Rules, House Points System and important dates for 2012, to name but a few. There is no charge for the diary.

MATRIC DANCE

Please note that the Matric Dance will be held on Saturday, 17 March 2012. Boarder parents are reminded that boarders are required to be in the hostel on the afternoon of the dance and to sleep in the hostel that night. All Matric parents are reminded that, as the Matric Dance is a Girls' High School function, dresses must comply with certain criteria. These are set out in a separate letter to 2012 Matric parents.

OPEN DAY FOR GRADE 8s OF 2012

An information afternoon was held to introduce next year's Grade 8's to some aspects of life at Girls' High School. The following Grade 8s gave a short presentation on the various facets of life at Girls' High : Jemima Hart, Thandiwe Jadezweni, Qaqamba Mtebele, Indiphile Matini, Tongase Sakala, Noloyiso Hinana, Miliswa Pasiya, Ayabulela Njoli and Lukho Ngobo. After the presentations the Grade 7s were taken on a tour of the school. Mrs Pieterse and Mrs Taylor organised the afternoon and it was a great success.

CONDOLENCES

Ms Nobuhle James, whose brother passed away recently, is in our thoughts and prayers.

We extend our condolences to Dumisa Qonondo in Grade 8 whose mother passed away suddenly. We pray that God will comfort her and her family at this time.

The school heard with sadness of the death of the father of two of our girls, Meril in Grade 11 and Merlin in Grade 10. Our condolences go out to the Mathew family and we pray that God will comfort and strengthen them in the days ahead.

COMBINED CAROL SERVICE

Our girls joined QCJ, Balmoral and Queen's College in the festival of Christmas Music held at the Rec. Each of the schools' choirs sang an item, ours being a medley of secular carols called "The Bells of Christmas", but most of the carols were community carols. New this year was Rowan Knights' QCJ Marimba/Xylophone band which infected everyone with the joy they felt in their enthusiastic performance.

There was a fairly brief but torrential rainstorm which caused the audience to flee for shelter and which played havoc with the electronic equipment. The sound system failed during our choir item which continued acapella - 'The show must go on!'.

S. A. NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICE

A big thank you to our 2011 Peer Promoters Meril Mathew, Simamnkele Mbebe, Namhla Bula and Immaculate Lwanga. These girls assisted the Blood Bank with selfless dedication and are commended for their efforts to help save lives.

BOARDERS

• A sincere thank you to all boarder parents for their support and co-operation throughout the year.
• Parents of boarders are reminded that boarders must have a raincoat, torch and umbrella as part of their uniform.
• All boarder parents are reminded that we are no longer allowed to dispense any form of medication to pupils. If you wish the matron to dispense medication to your daughter, clear written instructions and a note authorising the dispensing of the medication must be given to the matron, along with the medication.
• Boarders who regularly stay in the hostels over the weekends are invited to join the weekend DVD club. Each boarder makes a small contribution per term and a DVD contract is purchased. This enables the boarders to watch a DVD over the weekend at reasonable cost. The matron will be able to supply you with details.
• A timeous reminder to 2011 boarder matric parents: Please be aware that your daughter will be required to leave the hostel on the day that she writes her final examination.

STAFF MATTERS

• Ms Adrie Stockdale will be retiring at the end of the year. At a special farewell assembly held earlier this term, Ms Millington paid tribute to Ms Stockdale for her many years of exemplary service to Girls' High School. Ms Stockdale will be relocating to Jeffrey's Bay at the end of the year. We wish her a happy and fulfilling retirement and thank her again for all she has done for our school.
• The failure of the education department to fill substantive posts has meant that schools have had to use their own resources to ensure that posts are filled this year. With the recent publication of post provisioning data for 2012, there is some hope that the department will meet its obligations next year. The proposed procedure for filling posts will, however, lead to further delays.
• The School Governing body has identified the need for an additional educator in our growing Xhosa Department and we are pleased to announce that Mrs Nonkoliseko Mtwana, who is currently teaching in Cape Town, will be joining the staff next year. The English post vacated by Ms Stockdale will be filled on a temporary basis until a suitable applicant can be appointed.
• Mrs Shelly Goldschmidt will return next year after a period of accouchement leave which saw the arrival of baby Kelly. The school is indebted to Mrs Ana Taggart who took over Mrs Goldschmidt's classes during her absence.

2011 has been a busy and, in many ways, a very successful year for Girls' High School. Thank you for your enduring support and loyalty to our school. May you and you families have an enjoyable holiday. We wish our Christian families a blessed Christmas and trust that 2012 will be a happy and prosperous year for all.

Yours sincerely

 

F TAYLOR
Headmaster