Weekly Activities News 22-04-2024
ACADEMICS
Collegiate Girls' High School was recognised at the recent Department of Education MEC Awards Ceremony for the best performance of a Quintile 5 school in achieving a consistent 100% pass rate over the last three years.
150th JUBILEE
Collegiate had the pleasure of joining Gareth Burley at KingFisherFM this morning to talk about our 150 years of excellence, our history in the town, and the exciting celebrations ahead.
LITERARY FESTIVAL WEEK
Zandile Mjekula was a breath of fresh air at the launch of Literary Festival Week on 12 April. A storyteller, director, producer, actress and filmmaker, Zandile's vibrant and authentic presence made everyone feel at ease. At second break, she spoke about her creative journey and the seven basic plot stories. At Literary Society, she discussed storytelling and a thought-provoking discussion ensued. It was also fantastic to have a Fogarty's booksale in the Resource Centre too, as our learners had a chance to look at all the wonderful books on display and buy a few books too! A thoroughly wonderful afternoon was had by all.
Concluding "150 books for 150 years," which forms part of the Literary Festival Week, the learners who read the most books each received a book prize to commend them for their enthusiasm for the printed word.
Twenty Grade Elevens visited the Grade One learners at Collegiate Junior School for Girls and read to them for the Literary Week. It was a joyful experience, as the young girls listened and responded so well to the older girls. The Grade Elevens also thoroughly enjoyed the experience and some Grade Elevens even mentioned that they realized that teaching is the right profession for them. It was a totally feel-good experience.
The Grade Twelves and Grade Eights dressed up as characters from children's classic stories. It was a chance for Old Pots and New Pots to bond, as they decided what to wear as a pair. Great fun was had as the pairs paraded across the quad at first break showing off inspiring outfits from Alice in Wonderland to the Three Blind Mice to Willy Wonka. A fun-filled vibe of positivity spread throughout the school, as unforgettable memories were made.
The school enjoyed being immersed in the literary world, as two published writers visited Collegiate to present to various grades. Izak de Vries chatted about young adult fiction and the publishing industry, while Old Girl, Dianne Stewart spoke about her own books, writing and her experiences of being a learner at Collegiate. Dianne Stewart, author of over 45 books, facilitated a creative writing workshop on the art of short story writing. It was heart-warming to see the number of learners, who participated in the workshop, both from Collegiate and St James. There were lots of writing activities that were a source of inspiration. The desire to write is evidently there.
Old Girl and published author, Dr Jo-Anne Richards addressed the school on overcoming various challenges in life. She spoke in a vulnerable and frank fashion, and she captured her audience's attention. Her writer's voice was evident as she spoke her truth and gave her audience courage to overcome their own challenges. In the evening, she presented to an audience which included members of the public. Jo-Anne Richards is the author of the bestseller, 'The Innocence of Roast Chicken'. She delivered an intelligent and insightful speech about her journey as a writer that was filled with clever wit. The memorable speech had the wonderful title: 'Linen cupboards, hamsters, Oscar Wilde and me'. The audience were so appreciative as they absorbed Jo-Anne's observations on her childhood reflections, her observations of being whisked to London owing to her literary success, and her insight into what we gain from reading fiction. We are grateful to Jo-Anne for giving of her time, as she returned to the school that had once nurtured her love of literature.
With the literary activities celebrating our 150 years of excellence drawing to a close, we would like to express our gratitude to Fogarty's Bookshop for the generous donations of books as prizes and gifts that we received from them for the Literary Festival Week and the upcoming Wellbeing Conference.
The Literary Festival Week fittingly concluded with the St Augustine's Primary School library display. Two years ago, Collegiate undertook to renovate the St Augustine's library and connect with their learners. This mutually beneficial relationship has enabled Collegiate learners to look beyond themselves by giving of their time through activities such as reading to the learners at the school and by painting the library. We are proud of the mural Jade van Tonder and Mikaela Caliste created, featured on the library wall. It was a joyful day and a special way to conclude Literary Festival Week.
OUTREACH
WESSA coordinated alien clearing at the La Roche Drive Driftsands road area yesterday. About 25 people attended including learners from Grey High School, Collegiate and Curro Westbrook. A fire recently opened up the area. Julie Coetzee, a local resident, also joined us and is keen to mobilize other nearby residents in the project.
SPORT
The First Team Netball players took part in the St Andrews Netball Festival and the Paarl Gim Netbalfees over the March school holidays and beginning of Term Two and dazzled everyone with impressive results. The team was a force to be reckoned with and won seven out of eight games in the Paarl Gim Netbalfees. The team played their hearts out in the St Andrews Netball Festival, winning seven matches and drawing 17-17 to Eunice Girls High School. The First Team placed 12th out of 32 schools in the St Andrews Netball Festival, after their hard work and dedication. We are immensely proud of our First Team Girls.
We are very proud of Jenna Coetzee for her achievements at the recent SA School Sport Championships. Jenna won Bronze for the 100m backstroke and 400m Individual Medley. Her relay team won gold in the 4 x 100m Freestyle and Silver in the 4x 100m medley relay.
20 Vicky House learners assisted at the Ironman this past Sunday, 21 April in representation of Heatherbank School, their chosen charity for the year. With the help from a group of Grey High School learners, they set up the Bike Aid Station, handed out waters, energy drinks and bars and cheered the passing athletes on. Their support was vital and although they worked hard, a lot of fun was had.
Sienna Gous took part in the DHL South African Stillwater Lifesaving championships in Durban from 22 - 24 March 2024.
She achieved the following results in the Girls u14 category:
Individual events:
Girls 100m Obstacle: 1st place
Girls 100m Rescue Medley: 1st place
Girls 100m Manikin with fins: 2nd place
Girls 100m Super Nipper: 2nd place
Girls 50m Manikin Carry: 1st place
Sienna won overall Victric Ludorum for Girls 13 years of age.
PERFORMING ARTS
DANCE Three of our Collegiate girls represented South Africa at the World Irish Dancing Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. Megan Walker and Mia Jonker in grade 12 and Shanna du Plessis in grade 11. Megan won the Aisling award in age 17-18 ladies, which is given to the highest scoring dancer from the countries outside of Ireland, UK, US and Canada; and Shanna recalled to Day 2. She is the first SA female to ever do so since each competition was split over 2 days due to the number of competitors. These are incredible achievements and we are very proud of our girls.
MUSIC We are very proud of the following learners who have been selected for the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (ECPO) Youth Orchestral Experience. They are: Achuma Kelemana (Clarinet), Maria Freercks (Flute) and Rebecca Coombes (Trombone).
After a decade-long hiatus, the ECPO Youth Orchestral Experience returned in 2024. The Orchestra was conducted by Dr Phil Golson, a distinguished conductor from the USA who now resides in Knysna. The Orchestra performed at “Joyful Melodies: A Chamber Concert Embracing Youth (ECPYO) at the Nelson Mandela University South Campus Auditorium on the 23rd of March.
Collegiate's first organ students, Amy Elliott and Maria Freercks, attended an inspiring concert with their teacher, Mrs Range, and our Head of Music, Mrs Agenbag. Professor Theo van Wyk lectures at the University of Pretoria and has captivated audiences in numerous countries around the globe. He studied under distinguished musicians and conductors such as Marie-Claire Alain (France), Jacques van Oortmerssen (the Netherlands), Harold Vögel (Germany), Daniel Roth (France), Pieter van Dijk (the Netherlands), John Scott (United Kingdom) and Lüdger Lohmann (Germany).
