HEADGIRL'S ADDRESS 2011

"A mind once stretched by new thoughts can never regain its original shape." - Albert Einstein

Good morning Mr Taylor, honoured guests, parents, the Matric class of 2011 and Girls' High pupils. This year has been absolutely amazing! I could not have wished for a better final year. High school has been unforgettable - and this is a recollection of how it all culminated in this point.

In the December holiday before Grade 8 I used to put on my brand new Girls' High blazer and wear it around the house. I would button it up, push out my chest and smile. I was really excited for 2007 to roll around. I did not care that Matrics and Prefects were out to get us or that I was at the very bottom of the hierarchy. I was a Girls' High pupil and that was all that mattered.

So I eventually, in January 2007, walked through the big school doors and I had no idea what this school had to offer. In my quest to find out I joined every single activity, except for Camera Club and Netball, to see what Girls' High was about.

I started to see that the greatness of this school lies not in the buildings, the classrooms or the big school doors, but in the people who fill up this place every day. Each person, from Miss Millington to a Grade 8, adds something special that has been engraved deep into my heart and soul - love and respect for all that this place is.

To me, school has been much more than a place of exams, meetings, tests, assemblies, long days and piles of work. It has been a place where I have grown, not only taller, but into a young lady. It has opened countless doors and has instilled in me the need always to do more - to do more than what is asked and always to improve. For this, I am truly grateful.

To the school : a strong woman, in her essence, is a gift to all the world. This holds true for each and every one of you. You are all so special, in your own unique way. Remember, life is not a coincidence but a mirror of your own doings. So give out as much as you'd like to get in. Do not let fear cripple your dreams; fear will not take you anywhere. I do not mean fear of snakes, spiders or in Courtney's case, fear of cotton wool. The fear I am speaking about is the fear of being judged. The fear of what others may say. The fear of standing out because of your achievements. The fear of coming second. And even the fear of failing. Do not let fear leave you with regret or 'if only'. Keep this in mind : "As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." Remember that! To the 2012 Head Girl and Prefects : Please take care of the girls and everyone in this place. Girls' High is too good for words and I wish you all the best for the coming year.

How can I stand here and not appreciate all those who have had an impact on the past 5 years, so here goes : to the office ladies, Mrs Trethewey and Mrs Rossouw, thank you for keeping me on my toes and for always having an answer to my long stream of requests and questions. To Mrs Langhein, I have never before come across such a selfless and helpful person as you, ma'am. I adore and respect you for it. Thank you for everything! Mr and Mrs Watson, thank you for the chats, the encouragement and for the faith in me. It has taken me a long way into surviving high school. I appreciate it very much. Mrs Brown, thank you for the hard work and humour you put into this year. It has been a pleasure to be under your wing. Mrs Bradley, I love your unique dress style and how you have shown us that teachers can be really cool. Thank you for guiding the Prefects and keeping us together. Thank your also for the advice and Maths I have learnt from you. Mrs A Coetzee, you care so much about us and you really put so much love and passion into your work. I'll always remember this ma'am, Astra Castra, Numen Lumen. Mrs Smit, thank you for the kindness you have shown. Please look after Groom House, ma'am. I will appreciate that. Mrs Barnes, you made university applications such a breeze, thank you. I'll always remember that your office is open on Mondays from four to five. Mrs Lentoor, thank you for just putting what you felt out there - for calling a spade an spade. Thank you for your honesty and the heartfelt message you have given us. Mrs du Preez, for at least four of our hockey games, you said you would remain calm and quiet and let us do our thing. Well, 10 minutes into the first game, I could already hear you cheering and shouting. This is due to, I am sure as we all know, your passion and competitive nature. Thank you for all the guidance and effort you have put into hockey. I know you still believed in me when I had let myself and so many others down. I admire you so much and throughout your time here, I made sure I spoke to you whenever I had a chance. I was hoping that the great person you are could perhaps rub off on me. You deserve all the success that comes your way. I will always remember you. Miss Millington, I admire and respect the strong woman you are, ma'am. The endless advice you have given is sure to stay with me. Yes ma'am, like a Maths exam, life is like a tennis match. Mrs Steyn, mevrou, I appreciate all the hugs, understanding and kind words. I do not think I will ever meet a stronger and more upright woman than you. Ek is baie lief vir mevrou. Ek hoop die Vader sal mevrou altyd seλn. Mr Shone, thank you for everything : the coaching and the care! What is an athlete without a coach?

Thank you to every staff member - Ms James, Mrs Brill, Mrs Coetzee for all that you have done for this Matric class and for me over the years. It has not gone unnoticed. Thank you to my friends, Ndimakazi and the prefects for the endless support.

Thank you, Mtwakazi. We made it, bud! I could not have asked for a better deputy to go through 2011 with. I admire and respect your strong will and devotion to whatever you do. I love you very much, my friend. To my mother, there are no words to describe my gratitude. This person who will forgive you when you mess up and who will give the clothes on her back for her child. I love you so much. Thank you for everything. I will miss you next year. I hope you are proud of your daughter.

Finally, to the Matrics - from little elephants to popping our collars to the superior seven. Thank you for all the memories. Not only have you contributed to the person I have become, you have offered great friendships, bitter experiences and a great environment. Matrics, let us not close the book but let us just turn the page as we step into our new lives. I love you guys!

To those who remain, take care of this great place and remember the thousands of girls who have come before you. Ndiyayithanda iGirls' High, I love you Girls' High, Ndiyabulela. Till we meet again. Thank you.