July News
Celebrating Collegiate Achievements:
We are thrilled to share some remarkable successes of our Collegiate learners this month:
Emihle Mazomba and Jana Prinsloo have earned the prestigious honour of being selected to represent South Africa in the U16 Hockey team. Their dedication and hard work have been truly exemplary, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to both of them.
Shiloh Walsh (Grade 8) recently showcased her entrepreneurial spirit at the iBhayi Small Business Chamber Young Entrepreneurs Launch. Held on July 27, 2024, at the Walker Drive Shopping Centre, Shiloh operated a stall featuring succulent plants, demonstrating impressive initiative and creativity.
Sienna Gous has achieved a significant milestone by being chosen to represent South Africa at the World Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships in Italy this September. This is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are immensely proud of Sienna’s dedication and talent.
Congratulations to all our learners for their outstanding achievements and contributions!
Sport:
In early July, Collegiate had the privilege of hosting the annual Netball Festival over a span of three days. We welcomed esteemed schools from out of town, including Herschel and Reddam, as well as local teams such as Framesby and Brandwag. The festival was a remarkable display of competitive spirit, culminating in a thrilling victory for our very own Collegiate first team, who triumphed against Brandwag in the finals. The resilience and skill demonstrated by our players were truly commendable. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Grobbelaar and the dedicated Sports Department for their unwavering support and effort.
From 19th to 20th, July, our Collegiate hockey teams journeyed to Bloemfontein for their annual derby matches against Eunice High School and Oranje Meisieskool. Despite encountering a few losses, our teams exhibited exceptional camaraderie and sportsmanship throughout the event.
Following the derby, our netball and hockey teams competed against Woodridge from July 24th to 27th, delivering outstanding performances both on and off the field. Notably, the U16A Hockey Team reached new heights by securing the Eastern Province Schools Outdoor League title. They achieved a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Pearson in the final. Our first team also performed admirably, drawing 0-0 against Pearson in the final and earning a well-deserved second place in the league. Congratulations to all our Collegiate hockey players for their remarkable achievements!
On July 12th, Collegiate's First Team Chess competed against Framesby in a highly intense and closely contested match. Despite their commendable effort, Collegiate narrowly lost with a final score of 3-4.
As we approach the end of the winter sports season, we look forward to hosting our final derby against Clarendon Girls High School on August 3. We encourage everyone to come out and support our teams as they conclude this exciting season.
Music Department Achievements and Highlights
Our learners have recently excelled at the Knock-on-Wood Festival hosted by Woodridge College. The Music Department delivered impressive performances, earning a total of 1 bronze certificate, 16 silver certificates, 23 gold certificates, and 14 double gold certificates. Noteworthy individual achievements include:
- Kat Wilson: 2nd place for Vocal Solo
- Lufezo Nongqoto: 2nd place for Brass Solo
- Choir (Choir Leader: Achuma Kelemana): 1st place
- Avethandwa Goboza and Kat Wilson: 1st place for Small Ensembles (Vocal Duet)
- Aisha Mxokozeli: 1st place for Vocal Solo
In addition to these festival accolades, several music learners have received outstanding results from the Trinity College of London practical exams. Congratulations to:
- Siyasanga Magoqwana: Merit for Saxophone Grade 3
- Avethandwa Goboza: Distinction for Saxophone Grade 4
- Hannah Stiglingh: Distinction for Voice Grade 7
- Camryn Robinson: Distinction for Voice Grade 7
At the start of the term, the Music Department also hosted an enriching masterclass for brass players, featuring Andrea Hobson, a Euphonium specialist from Germany and an esteemed alumna of Collegiate Girls’ High School and Junior School. Her engaging presentation and insightful background on the pieces and instrument greatly benefited the audience and provided two learners with the opportunity for a personal masterclass. Andrea’s visit was a memorable and inspiring experience for all involved.
Simamele:
On July 25th, the Simamele Workshop, Till Death Do Us Part, provided an enriching opportunity for learners to explore and share wedding traditions from various cultures and faiths. The forum covered the wedding procedures of Muslim, Chinese, Greek, and Xhosa communities, revealing the symbolism and beauty inherent in these diverse traditions. This exposure fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation among participants. Additionally, Lihle Mthi, the Diversity and Inclusivity Prefect, connected the ASPIRE (Agency, Safety, Positivity, Inclusion, Respect, and Equity) values to relationships, emphasising the importance of mutual care and respect. Events like these play a crucial role in building unity within our school and beyond, as they encourage an appreciation for the richness of different cultures.
ASPIRE Week:
Our Aspire programme, dedicated to promoting Agency, Safety, Positivity, Inclusion, Respect, and Equity, has been bustling with engaging activities over the past two weeks.
The programme kicked off with an inspiring performance by Booshle G, who recently graced the Kirkwood Festival and whose music has been featured on Algoa FM charts. His uplifting message and positive energy provided a perfect introduction to our Aspire initiative. Throughout the programme, students have benefited from a series of insightful guest speaker presentations:
Tim Marshall spoke on empowering oneself and the importance of active listening.
Cherise Swanepoel addressed the themes of positivity and the value of reaching out.
Kirsty Govender offered guidance on effective conflict resolution.
Our Music Department contributed to the vibrant atmosphere with surprise performances during break times, and students had the opportunity to participate in motivational karaoke sessions.
Qaanitah Sallie led two sessions with our MSA, focusing on the principles of kindness and dignity, supported by relevant verses from the Quran.
In addition, a special book display in the resource centre highlighted themes of friendship, while learners attended a thought-provoking talk on "My Place in Cyberspace."
Our boarders also made a positive impact by participating in a community litter pick-up, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship.
We are proud of the enthusiasm and engagement shown by our learners throughout the Aspire programme, reinforcing the values we strive to uphold.
Mandela Day:
We are pleased to highlight several recent acts of generosity by our students. Our pupils have collectively donated 189 handmade blankets to Nazareth House, Mosaic Children's Care, EP Children's Home, Bet Shekoom, and MES, showcasing their commitment to supporting those in need. Additionally, Vicky House made a meaningful contribution by organising a charity drive to collect new and gently used bras for Grade 6 and 7 pupils at Heatherbank School. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Collegiate Girls' High School boarders, who dedicated their 67 minutes on Mandela Day to support The Khazimla Project. Their compassionate actions and thoughtful consideration for others truly reflect the spirit of Nelson Mandela's legacy. We commend all involved for their outstanding efforts and dedication to making a positive impact in our community.
Inter House:
On July 30, we proudly hosted our Inter-House Winter Sports Day, featuring thrilling competitions in cross-country, hockey, soccer, and netball. Students displayed remarkable house spirit and resilience, navigating the chilly winds to earn valuable points for their respective houses. On the same day, the Inter-House Plays showcased the exceptional talent and enthusiasm of each house, with vibrant performances and impressive stage presence. Lizzy House emerged as the standout winner of the evening, earning top honours for their captivating performance.
Upcoming
Join us on August 8, 2024, at 18:30 for an evening of musical celebration in honour of Women’s Day. The Collegiate Voice Studio and Vocal Ensemble will present "SHEroes of Broadway," an enchanting performance showcasing the remarkable contributions of women in musical theatre. Tickets are available for R50 each at the bursar’s office. We look forward to seeing you there!
