S3 Newsbuzz

3rd Edition Sarepta Secondary School
Apr 2016 - Issue 003
Our Schools
media 24 visit
Sarepta Atlete
Presteer
Spreading the
love
WeCan24 digital
program
Interskole Dag
Valentines Day Show
PREFECT AND RCL INAUGURATION 2016
Grade 12 Learners of Sarepta Senior Secondary
Lekeesha Oliver
Keisha Ross
On Tuesday, 16 February 2016 the
prefect and RCL(Representative Council
of Leaners) inauguration took place in the
school hall. The ceremony acknowledges
the leaders of our school, as they receive
their badges, making them an official
member of the prefect and RCL team.
The guest speaker for this event was
Keanan Hudson, an ex-student of our
school, who is now in his final year of
studying medicine. He gave learners
some amazing advice such as to surround
ourselves with positive people with huge
ambitions. “Iron sharpens iron, so a person
sharpens another person,” said Keanan.
The principal also mentioned that it is a
significant year for the matrics as they get
to end their journey the year the school
turns 30! He spoke about the difference
between life and school. “In school you are
taught a lesson and given a test, in life you
are given a test that teaches you a lesson,”
said Mr. Williams.
The highlight of the evening was the
announcement of the new leaders of our
school. Elected as chairperson of the RCL
was Bronwyn Swinton. “I felt honoured
because some of the RCL members
has only known me for a few days and
has already put their trust in me,” said
Bronwyn.
At this ceremony they announced the
Deputy and Head prefects for 2016; HeadBoy Luciano Coetzee, Head-Girl Shannon
Nomdoe, Deputy Head-boy Rowan
Maggot and Deputy Head-Girl, Jamie Van
Rensburg.“It feels like a dream come true.
I’ve always dreamed about being Head-Boy
of our school,” said Luciano. They received
their badges together with the handing
over of the school flag from our former
Head-Girl Jaime-Lee Peters and Head-Boy
Dylan Hughes.
“When my name was called out for
Head-Girl, I felt overwhelmed with emotion.
This position was a major boost for my selfesteem because being elected as the HeadGirl is a wonderful accomplishment,” says
Shannon.
The evening was a huge success and just
like the principal mentioned that the road
to success is not an easy one, but with the
help and assistance of our leaders we aim
to make this one smooth and joyous ride.
Congratulations to the new RCL and prefect
2016 bodies.
page 2
S3 NewsBuzz - Issue 003
Apr 2016
A Message From
The Principal
FROM THE DESK OF THE
PRINCIPAL
This year, 2016 promises to be
a very exciting year for all of us,
as we are celebrating our 30th
Anniversary.
Since it was established in 1987, our
school has grown and developed
into a well-respected academic
institution, which has served the
community and grown into a
beacon of Hope for those from
under-privileged backgrounds. At
this school we have always tried
to create for learners a structured,
disciplined and caring environment
where they can flourish and
develop to their full otential.
Academic excellence has always
been the number one priority and
an average matric pass rate of
+-85 – 90% over the past 29 years
is a testimony to the efforts and
endeavours of all our learners and
teachers throughout the years.
As I stated at the beginning,
2016 promises to be an exciting
year with many high-lights as we
have arranged several events/
functions to celebrate our 30th
year of existence. On Sunday, 17
April 2016, we will be having a 30th
Anniversary Thanksgiving Church
service.
On Tuesday, 26 April 2016 our
annual “Surf-walk” will take place
and we are appealing for your
support to make this major fundraising effort a success.
Friday evening, 24 June 2016,
the last day of the second term is
the date for our 30th Anniversary
Alumni Ball – a special event
where we hope that some of our
ex-learners will not only support
the event, but also take the lead in
arranging this grand evening. On
Sunday, 9 October 2016, we will
be having our GOLFDAY and we
hope that it will be an even bigger
success than the one we had in
2015.
In all our ventures we desperately
need your support and co-operation
to ensure the success of
these events and functions and to
make sure that 2016 becomes a
memorable year that will live
on for many years to come.
- Your Principal
Mr. D.J Walliams
Sarepta Presteer
in Sport
Nadine Harrison (Gr 12D)
Amanda Talapile (Gr 12D)
Die interskoleatletiekbyeenkoms was op 18
Februarie 2016 gehou. Sarepta het
in die B-seksie meegeding en 6de
geëindig.
Twee-en-twintig atlete
het deurgedring om deel te
neem in die Noordelike sone
Kampioenskappe waar vier atlete
die Noord-sone span gehaal
het. Quen Jacobs (0/14) het
onderskeidelik goud vir die 800m
en 1500m gekry. Op 4 en 5 Maart
het Quen Jacobs, Jody-Amber
Jansen (200m), Jeremon Williams
(1500m) en Kyle Adams (O/15
– Verspring) aan die Westelike
Provinsie Kampioenskappe
deelgeneem. Quen is opgeneem
in die WP-span wat op Saterdag
12 Maart 2016 deelneem by
Groenpunt stadium aan die WesKaap Kampioenskappe.
Ons is baie trots op hierdie
atlete en wens hulle alle
voorspoed toe. Baie dankie aan
Me. Morkel (spanbestuurder) en
Me. R Jeftha vir die tyd wat hul
opgeoffer het om hierdie leerders
te vergesel.
We Have A Winner!
Congratulations
to our Johnsons
& Johnsons
Hamper
winner!!!
Mrs. Harrison
won the lovely
Johnsons
hamper worth
R500.
Our heartfelt
thanks to those
who bought
tickets.
Tam-Tam & Mini-Me
“Yes, some of us allow negativity to have a
huge effect on our lives,
we let negativity really get to us.
Yes negativity will always be there,
somewhere In that dark space,
in the corner of your heart,
but that does not define the
person who you truly are.
So stand up, No matter how deep it hurts.
Prove people wrong, show them that no
matter how hard that rock might Hit you,
shine the brightest, live like there’s no
tomorrow. Make the best of life, life’s too
short to be fooling around.”
S3 NewsBuzz - Issue 003
Apr 2016
page 3
Meet Our New Teacher, Mr. Petersen
Robin Isaacs
This year we welcome Mr. Petersen
to the Sarepta family. From what we’ve
seen so far, learners have grown so
used to this man and that’s why we
grabbed this opportunity to get to
know him better.
Mr. Petersen has previously taught
at three other schools and will be
taking on Sarepta, hopefully to end
off his career with us. “Teachers and
learners of the Sarepta family have
made me feel super welcome here and
for that I would like to thank them,”
says Mr. Petersen.
He adds that the learners here are
the most behaved learners out of all
the schools he has taught at so far.
“Their discipline, co-operation and
work ethics are very good and for
that I am grateful,” says a smiling Mr.
Petersen.
He is glad that he didn’t have much
of a choice when it came to studies
during the apartheid, he initially
wanted to become a food technologist
but does not regret anything because
if he was given a choice he would
never have become such a great
teacher.
Mr. Petersen loves animals,
interacts very well with
people. This is what motivated
him to go on, teach the nation
and make a difference in the
lives of youth.
Mr. Petersen’s words of
encouragement to all learners,
and teachers are,
“We can achieve anything we
believe and even better
than what we think.”
Farewell
Mr.
Titus
Tyler Du Toit
Jenay Herbert
We would like to dedicate a
special farewell tribute to Mr.
Titus, who has been with the
Sarepta family for more than 10
years.
Mr. Titus is now teaching
at a high school in George (his
hometown). We will fondly
remember him for his interesting
geography and tourism lessons.
He made us hungry to want to
Sarepta’s Rising Star
Cheron Rudolf
Our own Charnice Adams
(matriculant 2015) is truly an
example of the popular saying,
“Don’t let your circumstances
define who you are.” Many of us
were not aware of her obstacles
and challenges a teenager should
not have to face. Growing up in
a children’s home, life was not
easy for Charnice. Daily struggles
made her life a difficult one to
live, but through those struggles,
she managed to become one
of the most dedicated learners
our school has ever had. She
managed to be one of the school’s
travel the world.
We will surely miss him tons
at our annual athletics and surf
walk outings.
Mr.Titus is well renowned
for his popular anecdotes and
we wish him all the best and
a successful time at his new
school.
His most fond saying were… “yes
bruh,” “just chill,” “go and hug
a tree,” “ focus,” “get your own
line,” “ do you think you are on
holiday?” and not forgetting “the
show must go on.”
top academic learners every
year. Charnice has proven to be
a loyal and hardworking young
lady. All her hard work has paid
off as she is now studying to be a
social worker on a full bursary at
the University of Stellenbosch. “I
would love to help others who are
in my situation,” says Charnice.
This is her motivation for wanting
to go into this particular field.
With the assistance of generous
sponsors ,she was able to complete
her studies at Sarepta. Now at
university, she doesn’t have to
worry at all about fees. Sarepta’s
own shining star gets to realise
her dream.
S3 NewsBuzz - Issue 003
page 4
Apr 2016
MGD Gee Terug
Gesondheidsorg
is ‘n baie belangrike
komponent in enige
person se lewe.
MGD (Maties
Gemeenskapsdiens)
verskaf elke maand gratis
mediese dienste by die
Kalkfontein Laerskool
aan die Kuilsrivier
gemeenskap.
Mediese studente
van die Stellenbosch
Universiteit en plaaslike
dokters lewer uitstekende
dienste waar die pasiënte
selfs voorskrifte gratis by
Essential Apteek kan gaan
afhaal.
Hulle verskaf ook
verwysings briewe na ‘n
hospitaal.
Our Safety Is Important
Crime in Kuilsriver is getting out of
hand
Memeza Shout Crime Prevention is
the answer!
Residents expressed their
concerns about the increased
robberies, burglaries and theft in
the area.
They feel robbed of a
peaceful community and want to
claim it back. “Children are being
exposed to so many negative
elements.
The struggle is real but
so is our God, we just need to
persevere,” said a resident.
Memeza is a NPO that focus
on protecting the vulnerable.
They’ve installed alarms in
various community homes in
Johannesburg to help eliminate
crime and violence.
“We provide tangible tools
and technology, integrated with
SAPS and Emergency Services to
vulnerable people like children,
elderly, people with disabilities,
rape victims and even schools, to
ensure these people can protect
themselves and their families,”
said Elmarie Pereira, Vodacom
Change the World volunteer.
“My Vodacom CTW duties
include helping Memeza deploy
projects, raise funds and getting
our strategy and product ready
to ensure a National roll out.
Since last year we have
been focussed on school safety
ensuring that we can protect no
fee paying schools, learners and
teachers.”
They focus on vulnerable
schools that receive new ICT
equipment such as tablets and
smartboards, as these schools
and children become targets.
“When we deploy the Memeza
Community Alarm system in
these schools, we create a direct
link to SAPS and even Emergency
Services, therefore if there is a
crisis at the school, the police
can be proactively notified,” she
said.
The good news is that
Memeza will soon launch in the
Western Cape.
“We are very excited about
our partnership with The
Cape Digital Foundation,” said
Elmarie. “Their focus is to deploy
broadband to schools as part
of the Government connectivity
strategy and Memeza will form
part of this project, to ensure
the technology deployed can be
secured, including the children,
teachers and surrounding
communities.
We hope to in the next
couple of months finalize the
project scope and start with
deployment to schools outlined
by the Cape Digital Foundation.
Once this project kicks off
and Memeza has a presence
in the Western Cape, we hope
to make the product available
to the public, especially the
vulnerable.”
Elmarie adds, “Memeza
will also soon be adding WIFI
to our community alarm, which
now means that we can provide
Safety and Connectivity through
one offering.
Memeza is very excited to
start working in the Western
Cape and hope that the CDF
project will be the first of many
projects in this region.”
Did You Know?
AMANDA TALAPILE
I keep a list of all the random facts
I learn that I feel like I should have
known or that would have been
awesome to known I BET YOU DIDN’T
KNOW!!!!!!
• Everyone on earth is born with the
ability to wiggle their ears, but if you
don’t learn how early on, the muscle
•
•
•
•
•
atrophies and you can’t learn any
longer.
A snail can sleep for more than three
years at a time.
Apparently, if you eat a Polar Bear’s
liver, you will die of a vitamin A
overdose
Cows have the ability to walk upstairs
but not down again
Baby rabbits are called… kittens.
It is physically impossible for you to lick
your elbow
SO HOW ABOUT WEIRD FACTS THAT OTHER
COUNTRIES HAVE??
• Only a qualified electrician is allowed to
change a light bulb in Victoria Australia
• Flushing the toilet after 10pm is illegal
in Swaziland
• In Portugal, it’s against the law to pee in
the ocean.
• In Kentucky, carrying ice cream cones in
your pocket is illegal
• In Miami, Florida, imitating animals is
illegal.
Apr 2016
S3 NewsBuzz - Issue 003
MATTERS
of the HEART
page 5
Learners Advice
Column
Psalm 32:8 New International Version (NIV)
I will construct you and teach you in the way
you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
All questions are answered by professional Hope House
Counsellors. Submit your questions in the submission
box at your school. You can ask about any problem
you’re facing in life.
Anonymous
I live in a home where
both my parents serve the
Lord. In the beginning of the
year my father started acting
weird, he started abusing
my mother physically and
my siblings and I were
witnesses.
On the 24th of May
last year things got out of
hand, it was my baby sisters
birthday and my aunties and
grandpa wanted to come
over to wish her.
They brought her
presents and a cake, we
were all enjoying each
others company.
Then my dad came
home and asked everyone
to leave and he threatened
that he will put my mom out
Anonymous
Dear Counsellor,
I don’t really know how
to say this, but I’ll just go
ahead and ask.
I have a friend who
has been living with
us for a few months
now because of the
circumstances at home. I love having her
around, but not all the
time…sometimes I wish I
can have some privacy.
I know my parents
mean well but what about
us? Don’t we have a say?
She is street smart, which
means she’s already
sexually active and things
and always speaks about
what she gets up to.
I feel that she
and also threatened to kill
her.
He then took all my
baby sisters presents and
broke them, she was crying
and we were very scared.
When he threatened to kill
my mom, my aunt called the
police and he was locked up
for the evening.
In June I ran away from
home because I couldn’t
take it anymore, it just
got too much. My dad is
very violent and has anger
problems.
I am not allowed to
have a phone and neither
is my mother, he is the
only one that has a phone.
Counsellor, all I’m asking is
your help to get my mom
and my siblings out of this
bad situation. PLEASE HELP
overshares. I’m focused
on my school work and
would rather not know
about her life but she just
keeps on and on about it.
I don’t want to hurt
her feeling by telling her
not to talk to me but that
is my right isn’t it?
But what if she starts
to have a attitude and
ignores me.
I will create a bad
atmosphere at home?
How do I just tell her no,
my values are so different
to hers!
Counsellor
I am so sorry to hear that
you and your family have
been going through such a
terrible time. These changes
in your father must have been
confusing for you.
Firstly, it’s very important
that you, your mom and sister
know that it is not your fault!
There is nothing that you could
have done to avoid any of this,
it sounds like your dad might
be going through something
and that he is taking it out on
your family.
Sadly, we often hurt the
ones who are closest to us.
Secondly, in these types of
situations, it is best that you
have an adult who knows what
you are going through - your
aunt sounds like she could be
this person for you.
Counsellor
This must be such a
frustrating situation for you
being caught between wanting
to be a good friend but also
needing your own space.
You are 100% correct - it is
your right to say what you want
to be exposed to and when
you are not comfortable with
something you need to speak
out.
There are two areas to
point out here. The first is that
you want to concentrate on
your school work.
This is a really great
decision you’ve made. Is there
any place in the area that you
could go to after school to
complete your homework like a
community library?
That way by the time you
get home, if your friend wants
to chat for a bit it might not
stress you out as much because
Your mom might find it too
difficult to speak to someone
else but you could ask your
aunt to help you contact a
social worker in the area.
If at times you feel like you
don’t want to tell anyone else
about it or that maybe your
father will change without the
help, can I encourage you that
talking about it and getting the
help for your family also shows
how much you care about them
because you want them to get
better.
It sounds as if you’ve been
very brave! When you have
those moments again when
you feel as if you can’t take it
anymore, give Childline a call,
they know exactly what you are
going through and are there to
support people who are going
through exactly what you are.
(Childline 08000 55 555)
you’ve already focused on the
school work that needed to be
done that day.
The second point is the
stories your friend chooses
to share with you. She may
not know that the content
of her stories makes you
uncomfortable, you need to let
her know.
This can be done in a
gentle way - you know your
friend best - give some thought
to how you’re going to tell her
and the words you will use.
Then, if she does react badly
that’s okay.
She might just need some
time to process it but when
she does come around, your
friendship might be stronger
because you trusted her
enough to be honest with
her and the stress of keeping
your frustrations about her to
yourself, will be gone.
S3 NewsBuzz - Issue 003
page 6
Apr 2016
Christian Fellowship
Robin Isaacs
As you all know, our school has
its very own Christian Fellowship Club.
We are a group of learners devoted to
Christ to pray and stand in the gap for
our fellow Christians.
We meet every second day
where we are led by Mrs. Ruiters, an
extraordinary lady who teaches us
‘the how to’ in our everyday lives. We
share our testimonies as we go on
this incredible journey with Christ and
experience the joys of walking with
Him. We have bible studies and have
our very own theme every year.
Every year we are united with our
brothers and sisters in Christ and host
An interview with our new grade 8’s
“I was very nervous and felt the
Cleo Daniels
adrenalin throughout the first day,”
says Layan. She adds that she was very
Jennifer Machelm
anxious and shy.
This is a new year and that means
new learners have joined the Sarepta
family. We welcome the Grade 8’s of
Sarepta Secondary school 2016. Some are small and cute from what
we’ve seen thus far. One of our Grade
8’s, Layan Khatieb agreed to have an
interview about her experience of the
first school day at Sarepta Secondary.
Another newbie, Sydneigh Medee
says, “This is a step into a whole new
Monday to Friday life”.
Erin Josephs says it is really easy to
make friends at school, the learners are
extremely friendly.
Our Grade 8’s are encouraged to
work hard and stay focused on their
high school career.
KIDULTHOOD Book Review
Jenay Herbert
Author: Noel Clarke
The Novel is based on the most
controversial film of 2006
Kidulthood is must read.
The novel is about a day in the life of
a group of 15-year-olds when they
are given a day off from school due to
a girl in there year has killed herself
after relentless bullying .A cautionary
tale of modern, living this story looks
at the effects of bullying and the way
in which a group of young people
make some very difficult choices,
which happens in everyday life.
projects with UCSA (United Christian
Student Association) to spread the
gospel of God and lead many Muslims,
Christians and many other diverse
cultures to God. One of our successful
themes and outreaches last year was
“love connect”, we give a tremendous
thanks to all who donated tins of food.
TB patients at the Wesbank TB clinic,
received the food with grateful hearts
and was brought closer to our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ. We encourage
everyone who love the Lord and who
would like a closer and more personal
relationship with God to come and
experience and taste of the sweet fruits
we as a rising army offer.
Spotlight On!
Robin Isaacs
We had a chat with one of Sarepta’s best
Afrikaans teachers, Mrs. M.E. Williams to
find out more about her.
According to Mrs. Williams the
teachers at Sarepta made her feel very
welcome and would like to thank them.
Her passions are languages and this is
one of two reasons why she chose to
become a teacher. The other reason is
the joy she feels to sharing knowledge
with others, especially children.
Previously, Mrs. Williams has
been sharing her passion and love for
languages with her students at Bernadino
Heights in Kraaifontein. She has been
an asset to them but is now with us,
hopefully to retire as an amazing teacher
and great mentor.
She believes that children should be
part of the lesson and that teachers are
also informers. Her wise words to all who
wish to be a success are; “Add zest to
your life and that each individual is the
architect of his or her own life and can
build their own future.”
Wardah Nordien
Tam-Tam & Mini-Me
“Yes, some of us allow negativity to have a
huge effect on our lives,
we let negativity really get to us.
Yes negativity will always be there,
somewhere In that dark space,
in the corner of your heart,
but that does not define the
person who you truly are.
So stand up, No matter how deep it hurts.
Prove people wrong, show them that no
matter how hard that rock might Hit you,
shine the brightest, live like there’s no
tomorrow. Make the best of life, life’s too
short to be fooling around.”
I had a chat with Mr.J.Jansen who told me
about his teaching journey. He has been
teaching at Sarepta Secondary for about 21
years.
After 8 years his back hopefully to
retire. Some of us are inspired by him and
learn a lot by his style of teaching. Likewise, it
turns out Mr. Jansen’s math teacher was his
inspiration and played a big role in his way of
teaching.
He has a great passion for music and is
a sports fanatic. He loves music, he sings in
the church choir and he plays the trombone
in church.
His words of encouragement, “From
what I have heard you are doing a great job
,carry on fulfilling that job to the best of your
ability.”
S3 NewsBuzz - Issue 003
Apr 2016
Media
24 Visit: The S3 Newsbuzz team participated in the
WeCan24 Digital Journalism workshop at Media24 on
Saturday 12 March. Here are some photo’s of their fun,
educational visit.
Valentines Day 2016
ANDREA & JUANITA
February is the month of love,
where people show each other how
much they love one another.
Valentine’s Day is always an
exciting event at our school where
students can show case their talents.
We had a variety of dancers,
amazing singers, beautiful and
handsome models and even
dedications were made to the
students. Some of the performances
were by Maxwell George, Chesrin
Dyers, Mickalye Page and Pumi
Goegela.
Maxwell started the show off
with an amazing performance.
Jackie and Michaela sang a beautiful
rendition of HELLO by ADELE.
Mandy and her friends had done a
beautiful dance – what is love.
The raffle winner was Ms. Morkel.
The MC’s for the show were Amanda
and Jason (Grade 12).
Mr & Mrs Valentine were Jade
Williams and Ignase, then Mr & Mrs
Personality did not go unnoticed,
Erin and Aiden definitely brought
out their personalities.
Nikita Mayekiso’s(singer/dancer)
high notes and outfit was on point.
The models paraded in causal
and formal wear. They all looked
fantastic, some who modelled were
namely Jessie, Cole, Jade, Kaylin,
Dorcas, Nadiene, Aiden, Morgan,
Chante, Miguel, Sevenita, Erin,
Miche, Ignase and many others.
The show was a tremendous
success and it was an awesome
experience!
page 7
page 8
S3 NewsBuzz - Issue 003
Sarepta Inter-School Athletics
Apr 2016
Taking
a break: Students of Sarepta enjoy the
shade on a hot day.
Sarepta
Fans:
Students proudly supporting their
school whilst stricking a pose for the camera.
Jessica-Zoe Hartnick
Cameron Perzens
On Thursday, 18th of February
2016 Sarepta Secondary School
participated in B-section of the Interschool athletics which took place at
the Bellville Velodrome.
We competed against the Luchoff
High, Elsies River High, Kasselsvlei
High, Scottsdene High, Kleinvlei High
and Florida High.
As expected this turned out to be
a really tough challenge for our very
hard working athletes. The athletes
fought hard and gave their best but
unfortunately could not obtain a
desired position, as such we came
6th place.
The crowds were an amazing
support for the athletes and
regardless of the outcome they kept
on cheering.
Although we weren’t so good in
our challenges our u/15s boys really
made us proud. We brought the
trophy home and gave our principle
the biggest smile.
Some of our athletes who did
exceptionally well qualified for
Northern Zone Championships.
Congratulations to all our athletes,
you made us proud.
Nicole Isaacs
Sarepta Brigade
DesignedBy
AddictiveDesign
LayoutArtist
RezaSimpson
Ontmoet Sarepta Sekondêr
se brigade. Hulle het vir ons
‘n skouspelagtige opvoering
gegee. Ons het met van die
span ‘n onderhoud gevoer
en hulle het ons vertel dat
dit hope pret is, maar dat
dit ook harde werk is. Hulle
bemoedig ook ander leerders
om aan te sluit en saam met
hulle hul kompetisies te wen.