Original Document - Rhenish Girls` High School

Values
YEARBOOK 2015
• Excellence
• Compassion
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Diversity
1860
• Respect
RHENISH GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL
Phone: (021) 887 6807
Fax: (021) 887 8090
email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Address: Koch Street, Stellenbosch 7599
website: www.rhenish.co.za
Rhenish Girls’ High School aims to provide its learners with an
education of the highest quality and is committed to providing
an environment that is conducive to effective teaching and
learning. All learners, regardless of their intellectual abilities,
social backgrounds and academic aspirations, are encouraged to
develop their full potential, to strive for excellence in all they do,
and to become responsible, caring and productive citizens.
Contents
Acknowledgements
Leaders....................................................................................................2
Hostel News.............................................................................. 14
Academic....................................................................................... 17
RGHS Class of 2015...................................................... 36
Creative Expressions.................................................. 55
Inter-House................................................................................ 62
Sport....................................................................................................... 65
Clubs and Societies..................................................... 89
Social Responsibility.................................................. 99
PTA......................................................................................................... 104
ROGU................................................................................................. 107
Prize Winners....................................................................... 109
Distinguished Old Girl........................................ 117
Valedictory.............................................................................. 118
Editor
Mrs Sharon Hershaw
In-house Photography
Mrs Francoise Arzul
Group Photographs
Mr Julian Kruger of Fokus Photography
Arrangements of Landing Page
Photographs
Mrs Elmarie Mouton
Design and Layout
Mrs Lee-ann Harris of Purple Design
Printing
RSA Litho
Dedication
On 9 July 2015 Rhenishers lost one of their sisters with the tragic
death of Chantalle di Stefano, Class of 2015.
This yearbook is dedicated to the memory of Chantalle,
who will be forever young.
On the death of a friend, we should consider that the fates, through confidence, have devolved
on us the task of a double living. That we have henceforth to fulfill the promise of our friend’s
life also, in our own, to the world. -- Henry David Thoreau
1
Leaders
American author and educator John
Holt says, “Since we can’t know what
knowledge will be most needed in the
future, it is senseless to try to teach it in
advance. Instead, we should try to turn
out people who love learning so much and
learn so well that they will be able to learn
whatever needs to be learned.”
In an article entitled, “When everything
changes: Succeeding in disruptive times”
Graeme Codrington, a South African
author, futurist and strategy consultant,
says, “The evidence is all around us:
we’re not just going through a time of
change; we’re at a moment in history
when the ways in which we live and work
are being disrupted. We’re living at a time
when we need to accept new rules, new
ways of living and new ways of working.
As the global market place is constantly
changing, we can no longer only educate
tomorrow’s leaders and workforce for
specific occupations.”
It is clear that in order for our girls and
young women to be successful, we
must educate them to be innovative
and creative. Being innovative is about
looking beyond what we currently
do well, identifying the great ideas of
tomorrow, and putting them into practice.
Learning and improvement filters
through the culture of our school – that
is why, at Rhenish, we celebrate not just
achievement, but also progress. Our
enduring aim is to provide each girl
with a tailored education within a caring
community so that she can maximize
her abilities and achieve her personal
objectives – be they academic, cultural,
sporting or other forms of excellence. We
are ambitious for every learner and want
each Rhenisher to have the confidence
and desire to be ambitious for herself.
Rhenish is different. We aim to make our
learners free-thinking, independent adults,
not mere “machines”. We believe, for
example that they need to learn to manage
adversity, and to cope with failure. By
not sheltering them from adversity, we
help them to grow in character and to
develop perseverance and resilience.
Children need the opportunity to learn
that failure often teaches us more than
success does. Everyone goes through
difficult times, and these can be crucial
for the development of children’s moral
characters. How else will they learn
LEADERS
Principal’s Report
that the greatest triumph is the one that
follows a defeat?
When I look at our diverse group of
Grade 12s and how we have worked with
every single one of them over their five
years at Rhenish to ensure that they can
be their best possible selves, I am proud
to say that not one teacher ever gave up
on them! I believe that if we educate
our girls to be confident, independent,
creative thinkers, rather than focusing on
simply preparing them for end-of-the-year
examinations, the results will speak for
themselves.
To be successful, we need all the
stakeholders to take hands and work
towards the same goal. I am grateful to
all the stakeholders: these are the people
that ensure that Rhenish is a school that
functions well, a school of which we can
all be very proud.
The Rhenish Staff – The teaching staff,
administrative staff, support staff and the
hostel staff are a diverse group of very
interesting people. I do not think parents
fully appreciate how the dynamics of this
group of people affects the school. If we
do not work together it impacts negatively
on the whole school. But, as every single
member of the staff will tell you, the
priority for every member of staff is the
girls of Rhenish Girls’ High, and nothing
else. I want to thank the Rhenish staff for
their on-going support and dedication, and
for being so passionate about our school.
Your commitment to Rhenish is much
appreciated.
Our Governing Body and PTA – we
are very fortunate to have a group of
parents who, in addition to caring for
their families and holding down day jobs,
also want to help and support the school.
Under the leadership of Mr John Thöle,
the SGB is a very functional body that
devotes a great deal of time and energy
to serving Rhenish. The PTA under the
It is clear that in order for our
girls and young women to
be successful, we must
educate them to be
innovative and creative.
leadership of Mrs Lizl Hobson also plays
a crucial role in the life of our school.
This group of parents is responsible for
organising much-needed fundraising
events, and is dedicated to beautifying
our school. Thank you, John, for always
advising me when I do not have answers –
I really value your guidance and support,
and Lizl and the PTA, thank you for
always going the extra mile – your hard
work is much appreciated.
Our Rhenish Old Girls’ Union –
Deborah Flannery and her committee
are a huge asset to Rhenish. It is so
wonderful to know that they want to
support their alma mater and want every
old girl to be current with events at
Rhenish and to be as involved as they can
be with the school. We always value the
input from our Old Girls and are thrilled
that their active involvement in the school
is growing. The cocktail function that the
committee organised this year was most
successful in drawing young Old Girls
back to the school and we want to thank
them for this initiative. A few Old Girls
are also sponsoring some of our current
learners – we are extremely grateful to
them for giving back to Rhenish in this
way.
Highlights in 2015
One of the many highlights at Rhenish
this year was when the MEC of the
Western Cape Education Department, Mrs
Schӓfer, visited the school on 16 March
to open the new facilities (Ebenezer Hall,
new cloakrooms and new classrooms)
officially. The WCED provided the
funding for these developments and
obviously needed to see how their money
had been spent. I am happy to report that
Mrs Schӓfer was extremely impressed
with the buildings. She also showed a
keen interest in our pioneering ELearning
programme because, as most of us
know, the Department has developed an
ELearning policy for all schools in the
province.
3
LEADERS
The Grade 9s were exposed to
ELearning this year. We decided
to not dive into this unknown
territory, but to introduce it
slowly and to train our teachers
properly and I am proud to say
that the route we have taken
has had very positive outcomes.
The Grade 9s brought tablets to
school instead of textbooks, and
the staff underwent many training
sessions on “Google Classroom”
to be able to use the internet
and tablets as effective tools to
enhance teaching in the classroom. This
year we used the tablets mainly for the
EBooks, but our intention is to utilise them
more in 2016. We are rolling out tablets for
Grade 8, 9 and 10 in 2016 and these will
be used alongside the textbooks provided
by the WCED. I am proud to say that our
infrastructure for ELearning is in place for
the whole school. We have also appointed
a full-time technician to help with any
technological issues.
days and it seems as if the girls and staff
enjoyed the experience tremendously.
Next year the hockey and netball girls will
have the opportunity to travel to Malaysia.
Another highlight this year was the
opening of our Letitia Snyman Astro
in January. It is indeed an asset and we
cannot wait to use our Astro for more
home games in the future. The highlight
of the afternoon was definitely the
presence of Ms Snyman to cut the ribbon,
and the motivational speeches made by
two past Rhenishers who had represented
their country at hockey, Mrs Rennie RossInnes and Ms Kathleen Taylor.
Plans for the future
The SGB and staff are in the process of
finalising a priority list for the next three
years. At this moment, we believe the
upgrading of the Science lab is imperative
and we are thrilled to have received
R100 000 towards this project from a
very generous donor. We also feel that
the tennis and netball courts need to be
re-surfaced. Many will ask why we are
not looking at upgrading our swimming
pool – our list of development initiatives
is never-ending, and we are looking at
all our options. Hostel accommodation
is also in such demand that we plan to
extend the hostel towards the end of 2016.
Ms Sarga and some of the staff took a
group of 70 girls and staff on a European
tour. They visited Germany, the Czech
Republic, Austria and Italy in just over 10
As you read through this magazine, you
will see the many varied areas in which
our girls have achieved and grown during
2015. We are proud of every one of them.
I have referred here to changes – not only
changes in schools, but changes in the
world. We, the educators, have to stay
abreast of all the changes and equip our
learners to do so too. These changes make
teaching interesting, but to some extent
also daunting.
In life it is often tempting to avoid change
and to want things to stay as they are
forever. This is because the present is
good and we want to stay within our
comfort zones. There is no doubt though
that to remain strong, we have to move
forward. The world around us is in a
constant state of flux and if we do not
adapt, we cannot hope to succeed in life.
I hope that you will agree that we provide
a learning environment that enables
your daughters to make the most of their
exciting worlds.
TO OUR MATRICS OF 2015
I want to wish you every success for the
examinations that are around the corner
and I leave you with these wise words
from an anonymous student, “Life is
not a remote control; you cannot press
forward and rewind. You just have to be
careful. Grade 12 is a preparation for real
life, the journey is not easy. From now
on you must set your priorities straight
because the real journey has just begun.
Use all challenges as stepping stones.
And remember, we can transform our
communities through education.”
Ebenezer
4
Ms Helmien Slabber
At our annual Prize-Giving, we gather to
celebrate the achievements of ALL the
learners of Rhenish Girls’ High School,
but particularly the achievements of
those who are to be recognised for their
special attainments. I congratulate every
learner who achieved an accolade at
this prestigious highlight of the school’s
academic calendar. May those who
did not receive the recognition they
had perhaps hoped for be motivated
by the success of their peers to strive
for excellence themselves in 2016 and
beyond.
understand the importance of your work.
“And the only way to do great work is
to love what you do,” he said. “If you
haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t
settle. As with all matters of the heart,
you’ll know when you find it.”
While I was studying I came across the
term “Significant Emotional Event” also
known as a SEE. These events are events
which shape our thinking, our beliefs
and our overall attitude. When I ask
people about the things that have shaped
their lives, they invariably mention
momentous occasions, mainly traumatic
events that were hard to ignore. They
regard things like moving house, city
or country; marriage; the birth of your
children; loss and painful failures as
Significant Emotional Events. In the case
of our Grade 12s, I would like to suggest
that passing Grade 12 is a Significant
Emotional Event. It is an event that will
shape their lives significantly, in one way
or another.
Both Jobs and Rowling used their
Significant Emotional Events to make
everlasting changes, to maximize their
own positions during very challenging
times. I would like to encourage the Grade
12s to regard this final year of school as
a significant year, a game changer, as a
time to refocus and to do the best that you
can do. I wish them all the very best for
the coming exams and I look forward to
sharing in the joy of well-earned results at
the end of 2015.
Settling means giving in to someone
else’s vision of your life — a temptation
Jobs warned against. “Don’t let the noise
of others’ opinions drown out your own
inner voice. And most important, have
the courage to follow your heart and
intuition.”
LEADERS
School Governing Body
I would like to thank our Principal Ms
Helmien Slabber for her immense hard
work and leadership over the past year,
ably assisted by her Leadership and
Management team. Ms Slabber has had
a very successful, but tough year during
which she has also had to experience her
own Significant Emotional Event, the
passing away of her beloved father. The
range of issues that Ms Slabber deals with
on any given day is quite overwhelming
and, having worked with her for almost
four years now, I can honestly say that she
is an extraordinary lady with whom it has
been a privilege to work and from whom
to learn.
John Thӧle
“An exceptionally short-lived marriage
had imploded, and I was jobless, a lone
parent, and as poor as it is possible to
be in modern Britain, without being
homeless. The fears that my parents had
had for me, and that I had had for myself,
had both come to pass, and by every
usual standard, I was the biggest failure
I knew.” This was said by JK Rowling,
hugely successful author of the “Harry
Potter” series in her commencement
address at Harvard to the class of
2008, referring to the dark period she
experienced before she achieved success.
In a remarkably personal address made
during a speech at Stanford University,
the Apple founder and CEO, Steve Jobs
advised graduates to live each day as if it
were their last. “Remembering that I’ll be
dead soon is the most important tool I’ve
ever encountered to help me make the
big choices in life,” he said. He had been
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a year
earlier.
Jobs said this mindset would make one
5
LEADERS
Staff
Head and Deputies
Ms Angela Sarga, Ms Helmien Slabber, Ms Erna Joubert
Senior Management Team
Back row: Ms Ellen Fourie, Ms Renate Rӧhrs, Ms Ingrid Hofhuis, Mrs Fredi Bellstedt,
Mrs Wilmie Louw, Mrs Sherna Smith, Mrs Jessica Hendricks
Front row: Mrs Esmé Kinghorn, Ms Angela Sarga, Ms Helmien Slabber, Ms Erna Joubert,
Mrs Rozanne van Dyk
Hostel staff
Back row: Ms P​hilicia​ Damon,
Ms A​ngela​ Sarga, Mrs P​atsy​ Seward
Front row: Mrs L​oretta​ Orsen,
Mrs ​Babalwa​Boyana, Mrs M​argie​Pietersen,
Mrs C​orin​Flandorp, Mrs M​onica​Ncapayi
6
Ground and security
Back row: Mr Sia Matokazi, Mr Llewellyn September, Mr Neville Green, Mr William September
Front row: Mr Mlamla Mtsukumbini, Ms Essie Poole, Mr Stephen Coetzee, Ms Heidi Abrahams,
Mr John Pienaar
LEADERS
Staff
Back row: Mr Braam Goeman, Mrs Kowie Marie Smith, Mrs Debra Le Riche, Mrs Alex Maree, Mrs Ena van der Merwe, Mrs Martha Vosloo,
Ms Lana Schreuder, Mrs Justine Senekal, Ms Samantha Henery
Third row: Mrs Ruth Gibbon, Mrs Matthea Lombard, Mrs Sonja van Amstel, Mrs Francoise Arzul, Mrs Sharon Hershaw, Ms Tanya Marais,
Mrs Beth Smart, Mrs Jeanette Liebenberg, Mrs Michelle Lubbe, Mrs Cheneen Whelpten, Mrs Elmarie Mouton, Mrs Juanita Cox,
Mrs Larissa le Roux, Mrs Glenys Kruger, Ms Magda Fouche
Second row: Ms Amy Davids, Mrs Sustiana van Huyssteen, Mrs Elizabeth Keyser, Mrs Lynn Conchar, Mrs Tessa Taylor, Mrs Charlene Cicero,
Mrs Stephanie Krige, Mr Paul van den Hoven, Mr Carl Potgieter, Dr Alison Bennie, Mrs Jinnie de Kock, Mrs Margaret van Eck, Mrs Alice Forsyth,
Ms Karien Viljoen, Mrs Minda Joubert, Mrs Sue Hodges, Mrs Karelien Kriel
Front row: Ms Renate Rӧhrs, Mrs Wilmie Louw, Mrs Esmé Kinghorn, Mrs Ellen Fourie, Ms Angela Sarga, Ms Helmien Slabber, Ms Erna Joubert,
Mrs Fredi Bellstedt, Mrs Sherna Smith, Mrs Jessica Hendricks, Ms Ingrid Hofhuis, Mrs Stefanie Serfontein
7
LEADERS
LEARNER SUPPORT UNIT
Mrs Alex Maree: M Ed (Psych)
Mrs Christelle Pretorius: B A (Hons) PGCE
PRINCIPAL
Ms Helmien Slabber: M.Ed
DEPUTY PRINCIPALS
Ms Erna Joubert: B.A H.D.E M.A
Ms Angela Sarga: B.Com H.E.D
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT TEAM
Mrs Fredi Bellstedt: B.Sc (Hons) H.E.D
Mrs Ellen Fourie: N.T.D
Ms Jessica Hendricks: M.A H.D.E
Ms Ingrid Hofhuis: B.A (Hons) PGCE
Mrs Esmé Kinghorn: M.A H.E.D
Mrs Wilmie Louw: B.A N.H.E.D
Ms Renate Röhrs: B. Sc B.A (Hons)
PGCE
Mrs Sherna Smith: M.A H.D.E
Mrs Rozanne van Dyk: B.Ed Psych
GRADE HEADS
12 Mrs Esmé Kinghorn
11 Mrs Wilmie Louw
10 Mrs Rozanne van Dyk
9 Mrs Fredi Bellstedt
8 Mrs Sherna Smith
ACADEMIC STAFF
Mrs Francoise Arzul: L.S.D. (BChD)
Mrs Lynne Conchar: H.D.E A.C.E
Ms Hayley Conway Kapp: B Sc
Ms Amy Davids: B. Ed
Mrs Jinnie de Kock: B Comm (Hons)
PGCE
Ms Linda de Villiers: B. Music (Hons)
Mrs Alice Forsyth: BA, HDE
Ms Magda Fouche: B Sc, PGCE
Mrs Saartjie Fouché: B.A H.E.D
Mrs Ruth Gibbon: B.A (Hons)
Ms Sam Henery: B. Ed
8
Mrs Sue Hodges: B. A HDE
Mrs Minda Joubert: B Sc (Hons) HDE
Mrs Nonkosi Doreen Jikela-Nqulwana:
BA Bed HDE BPhil(Translation)
Mrs Elizabeth Keyser: B Ed (Hons)
Mrs Karelien Kriel: B.Sc (Ed)
Mrs Stephanie Krige: BArch, PGDipArch
Mrs Glenys Kruger: H Dip Ed
Mrs Jeanette Liebenberg: B.A (Ed)
Mrs Michelle Lubbe: B. Ed
Mrs Matthea Lombard: B.A H.E.D
Ms Tanya Marais:
Mrs Elmarie Mouton: B.Tech (Drama)
H.E.D
Ms Samantha Petersen: B. Dram PGCE
Mr Carl Potgieter: B.Comp, N. Dip
Mrs Christelle Pretorius: B.A Hons
(Journalism) PGCE
Ms Lana Schreuder: B.Sc PGCE
Mrs Justine Senekal: B.A H.E.D
Mrs Stefanie Serfontein: B Ed
Mrs Beth Smart: B.A H.E.D
Mrs Kowie-Marie Smith:
Mrs Tessa Taylor: B.A. H.E.D
Mrs Janna Thomas: M. Mus (Cum Laude)
Mrs Sonja van Amstel: B. Mus HED
Mr Paul van der Hoven: B.A, HED, Hons,
B.Ed
Mrs Ena van der Merwe: B.A H.E.D
Mrs Margaret van Eck: BA H.E.D
Ms Sustiana van Huyssteen: BA (Hons)
H.E.D
Ms Karien Viljoen: B Sc Hons
(Physiology)
Ms Linnaea Vlok: BCom, Management,
PGCE
Mrs Martha Vosloo: N H.E.D FDE
Mrs Cheneen Whelpton: BA (Hons)
HDE
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Dr Alison Bennie
Secretary to the Principal
Mrs Charlene Cicero
Laboratory Assistant
Mrs Juanita Cox
School Bursar
Mrs Sharon Hershaw
Communication
Mr Braam Goeman
IT Specialist
Ms Mariena Kotze
Archivist
Mrs Larissa le Roux
Hostel Bursar and Debtors’ Clerk
Mrs Debra le Riche
Reception and Admissions
ESTATE MANAGER
Mr Stephen Coetzee
SUPPORT STAFF
Mrs Heidi Abrahams
Mr Neville Greene
Mr Siyabonga Matokazi
Mr Mlamla Ntsukumbini
Mr John Pienaar
Mrs Essie Poole
Mr Llewellan September
Mr William September
HOSTEL MATRON
Mrs Patsy Seward
HOSTEL STAFF
Corin Flandorp
Margie Pietersen
Monica Ncapayi
Loret Orsen
Philicia Damon
Elise van Rooyen
Harold Linders
Elliot Ngqoba
yourself. It is so important for me to be
able to grow as a person and also to be
able to make a positive difference in the
lives of others. I know at Rhenish I am
given these opportunities. Despite being
a junior, I feel very comfortable being
able to voice an opinion. I know here my
voice is heard.
Head Girl – Ash Rutherford
HEAD GIRL
I had needed little guidance in choosing
Rhenish as my high school. Thinking
back on those first few days of school and
hostel, I remember the excitement, the
nervousness, the overwhelming feeling
of everything being new: new friends,
new teachers, new surroundings and a
new uniform. I remember looking at my
new badge and realizing that this is what
would define who I was now, the person
into whom I would evolve over the next
five years. Our badge has been close
to my heart throughout my journey; it
has reminded me constantly that I am a
Rhenisher.
My life at Rhenish has been a time of
laughter, joy, fear, sorrow, pain, bravery
– the full range of experiences and
emotions. In this time I have created many
memories, shared many celebrations,
triumphs and victories and had my fair
share of challenges. Challenges and hard
work have helped to mould me into the
young woman I am today and through the
good times and the difficult ones, Rhenish
has been the constant. It has been my true
north.
Realizing that the end of my high school
career is in sight is more difficult than I
ever could have imagined. It has been a
bitter-sweet realization that 2015 is a year
of lasts: my last speech at Open Day, my
last 4M gala, my last 40 day celebration,
my last participation in many events at
Rhenish. The year has dashed by but the
smiles are greater than the tears and I am
immensely grateful for all that Rhenish
has contributed to this period in my life.
LEADERS
Learner Council
make a difference. With this in
mind, our leadership body set
out to put our motto of Face
the Challenge, Embrace the
Change into immediate action.
The commitment, dedication
and respect for one another in
the LC made for a successful
and rewarding year. It has been a
year of unfolding personalities,
patience, laughter and lifelong
friendships. Thank you to each member
of the LC for accepting the challenge that
2015 has been and for excelling.
I am grateful and honoured to have been
elected by my peers as Head of our
Learner Council. Serving as Head Girl
has been a humbling experience and the
love, patience, positivity and pride within
this body of strong women is something
that will live in me forever.
Despite the many late nights that turned
into early mornings during my term of
office, I would not change it for anything.
As Rhenish ladies, we need to keep
moving forward opening new doors and
doing new things because we are curious
and curiosity keeps leading us down new
paths. The time has now come for me
to move on. It is also a time to express
thanks to all who have made this year
such a privilege.
To all the teachers, Ms Sarga and Mrs
‘mom’ Forsyth – we have been blessed
to have you steer our boat, we have felt
your warmth, enthusiasm and support.
You made us feel important no matter
how small the task. Ms Slabber and Ms
Joubert, thank you for believing in me and
for allowing me to be honest, to express
frankness and for accepting me as ME.
Leadership is not a position; it is not a
role but rather an opportunity to try to
To each member of the LC, you have
fulfilled your role of duties with dignity,
Alongside all the “lasts”, I have also been
fortunate to celebrate a year of many
“firsts”: we have celebrated our 1st hockey
asto, I have been the 1st Head Girl to speak
in our new hall, we have new classrooms
and we are a part of the new matric quad.
In Grade 9 I expressed my thoughts on
Rhenish at our Open Day and my feelings
then are true now:
Rhenish is a home, with a big family. It
is a home of understanding and neverending opportunities; a place where we
all stand together in good times and sad
times.
At Rhenish I am understood and accepted
for who I am – I can just be ME. I don’t
have to impress or try to be someone I’m
not. There is nothing better than being
Back row: Jessi Africa, Kayla-Ann Weidemann, Nosipho Potelwa, Tanya Schloms, Shannon
Morse, Taneal Adams, Nizette Gordon, Jessika Brtan (Head of Hostel), Rebecca Molenaar
Front row: Pharryn Jansen, Kaitlyn Sparks (Deputy Head of Hostel), Ash Rutherford
(Head Girl), Suzaan Hobson (Deputy Head Girl), Mia Taylor, Tyler Setzer
9
when Grade 7s ask about your wonderful
school at Open day was another highlight
for me. One of our successes, that we
trust will be continued, was to build
meaningful relationships with the
Bloemhof and the Paul Roos Student
Councils.
True friendship is not about
who came into your life first,
but it is about those who never
left. Suzaan, as Deputy Head
Girl, friend and confidant, thank
you for accepting me for who I
am and for helping me retain perspective.
Your level of commitment to people and
to the job at hand are guaranteed to bring
you success.
Finally to every Rhenisher:
Yet the year of an LC member is not just
these moments of glitz and glamour. We
soon learnt that being a leader means
serving. The late nights washing dishes
and early mornings decorating the hall
are where memories are made and lasting
bonds formed.
LEADERS
dedication and loyalty. You
have endured extra meetings,
later nights and earlier morning
meetings and you have made
Rhenish proud. Go forward next
year and dream, believe, inspire,
lead. You have what it takes.
Piglet: ‘how do you spell love?’
Pooh: ‘you don’t spell it, you feel it.’
I leave to start a new beginning filled with
love for every Rhenisher. When I am old
and reflect on my past, the pages of my
life written during my time at Rhenish
are ones that will help make it a story
worth reading. Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end. They simply
mean I will miss you, until we meet again.
God Bless. Ebenezer
DEPUTY HEAD GIRL
A previous Head Girl told me that when
many of our high school memories begin
to fade, we will ultimately measure the
time we spent here not in years, but in the
friendships that we made, the times we
shared and the values Rhenish has given
us. These words have proven to be so true.
The success of this term of office is due
to the LC’s enthusiasm and willingness to
take on anything. I learnt so much from
each of you in ways that you do not even
realize and am blessed to be a part of such
a unique, driven group of girls. For this I
would like to thank each of you.
The LC was never without the guidance,
wisdom and ‘can-do’ attitude of our
Head Girl. If you have an organised,
positive Head Girl, you will always have
a successful body. Ash was this AND so
much more to me. She became one of my
closest friends and I cannot imagine high
school without her.
Thank you to all the teachers, especially
Ms Sarga and Mrs Forsyth. Their constant
support and advice, their passion,
commitment and dedication, has given the
LC direction and held us together through
difficult times.
Our LC motto this year was “Face the
Deputy Head Girl – Suzaan Hobson
challenge. Embrace the change”. It was
all about celebrating life but knowing
that we will be faced with challenges.
Life is constantly changing around us
and we must not be afraid to embrace
these changes. Waldo Emmerson once
said “What lies before us are tiny matters
compared to what lies within us”. My
message to the LC of 2016 is to believe
in yourself and to stand up for what you
believe in.
My term of office has seen a great deal
of personal growth in me and I know that
Rhenish has shaped me into the woman I
am. She has given me everything I need
to become the woman I want to be. Being
Deputy has given me the confidence to
take a stand, to have faith in others and
it has given me the confidence to lead.
Thank you, Rhenish, for the opportunity.
You have blessed me in so many ways.
I remember the excitement of receiving
my braided blazer and soon began to
appreciate the responsibility that came
with it. I can confidently say each LC
member wore it with pride and passion
for Rhenish.
Matric is a year of “lasts”, of bittersweet
memories and a round of claims that your
group of matrics is the most extraordinary.
Memories range from wearing pearls,
receiving matric jerseys and ties to
hearing the school sing ‘we love you
matrics’. But, it was with the Learner
Council (LC) that I made the most
memories and grew as a person.
A highlight of the year was to see my
fellow matric LC looking unbelievably
beautiful at the Paul Roos Prefect
Dance. Events like these allowed us to
meet different leaders and make new
friendships. The feeling of intense pride
10
Learner Council
Back row: Okara Opara, Alexa de Villiers, Nosipho Potelwa, Shannon Morse, Jessika Brtan,
Tanya Schlöms
Middle row: Tyler Setzer, Kayla-Ann Weidemann, Gabriella Bolognesi, Nicole Blows,
Priyanka Govender, Jessica Feltman, Victoria Beeka, Nizette Gordon, Taneal Adams,
Rebecca Molenaar, Monique Bartsch
Front row: Jessi Africa, Mia Taylor, Suzaan Hobson, Mrs A Forsyth, Ms A Sarga, Ash Rutherford,
Oratiloe Mokoena, Kaitlyn Sparks, Pharryn Jansen
Our duties as Heads of Hostel started in
the beginning of August 2014 and there
was great excitement for the term of
office that lay ahead. The majority of the
Hostel Learner Council (HLC) had been
in hostel for most of their school career
and were eager to take on the discipline
and leadership of the establishment.
With great determination to make the year
as exciting as the previous one, we set
off by planning for events that would not
only be enjoyable for everybody but that
would also strengthen the bonds between
the girls in the tight knit hostel family.
The first event was thrust upon us: the
legendary hostel dinner. With weeks of
planning and extensive fund raising, the
Hollywood-themed night was a success
and the girls were dressed to the nines.
The hand-picked menu that starred food
that is not always found on our regular
menu, was enjoyed by everyone. A
particular favourite was Aunty Margi’s
chocolate pudding. This wonderful
evening was made complete for us when
we got to see the duty teachers and
our hostel matron out of their natural
environment and having fun on the dance
floor.
Once the new year was on the horizon,
planning for the welcoming of the new
Grade 8s started in earnest. In order to
prepare for our new hostelites, survival
guides were printed, introduction games
were set out and the supplies were
collected for the legendary Black Bag
Fashion Show. The hostel LC were
prepared and excited to welcome to their
second homes the newest additions to
the hostel family. Their arrival, however
awkward and nervous, reminded us of
our own arrival and just how we had
matured during our time here. We stood
proudly in our blazers with huge smiles
hoping to make the parents, as well as
their daughters, feel confident about their
choice to be hostel girls. The next day,
when the rest of the hostel arrived, the
Grade 8s had had a day to acclimatise to
the hostel environment, to get to know
the ‘lay of the land’ and to make friends
with the other girls in their dorms. The
following week, the age old tradition
of the matrics receiving their Grade 8s
occurred. This tradition was started as a
way of ensuring a smooth transition for
the Grade 8s into hostel by providing
them with a “big sister” who would look
out for them.
One of our main goals for the year was
to improve the bonds between us and
our neighbour hostels at Bloemhof and
Paul Roos by planning more events
involving them. Firstly, we organised a
game night between the Rhenish and Paul
Roos Grade 8s. After several rounds of
30 seconds, our girls had moved past the
beginning awkwardness and managed to
make friends with the young Paul Roos
hostelites. Later on in the year, we started
LEADERS
Heads of Hostel
Deputy Head of Hostel: Kaitlyn Sparks
Head of Hostel: Jessika Brtan
a “pen pal” communication between
the two girls’ hostels in Stellenbosch,
encouraging them to try something new
and attempt to get them to make new
friends. The Bloemhof girls wrote English
letters to our girls and our Grade 8s were
forced to respond in Afrikaans. After two
nights off intense google translating, the
girls were ready with their replies to their
new Bloemhof friends.
The Grade 8s were not the only ones
who got to know our hostel neighbours.
The infamous 5M returned in the 2nd
term, however, this year we decided to
change the focus from interhostel rivalry
to interhostel co-operation. Teams made
up of a combination of Rhenish and
Bloemhof girls battled it out in a series of
“boeresport” games. This year, in order
to encourage the two schools to work
together and thus make friends, the best
grade and not the best hostel won. Later
on in the term, the Rhenish hostel Matrics
also visited our sister hostel for an
evening of volleyball and “braaing”.
As our term of office came to an end in
the third term, we organised one final
event for the hostel. We took advantage
of a cold Stellenbosch evening in the
second week of term to host a movie
night, complete with popcorn, hot
chocolate, marshmallows and warm
blankets. A chick-flick projected onto the
dining hall wall seemed like the perfect
way to end off our term of office as the
Hostel Learner Council of 2015.
Hostel Prefects
Back row: Ash Rutherford, Caitlyn Roux, Alexa van Rooyen, Kelsey Nel, Nosipho Potelwa,
Chloé Wileman
Front row: Danielle Fouché, Kaitlyn Sparks (Deputy Head of Hostel), Ms Angela Sarga
(Superintendent), Jessika Brtan (Head of Hostel), Ulla Demasius
When I was in Grade 8 I learnt what
a privilege it was to be part of this big
family at hostel. Now, in matric, I am only
grateful for the memories I have managed
to make during the course of the past five
years. It has not only been a privilege and
an honour to serve the hostel but also to
work with this amazing group of girls.
Jessika Brtan
11
LEADERS
Being elected as the school
cheerleaders is both an honour
and a responsibility. We are
honoured to have led the
school body at two of the most
important functions of the
year – 4M athletics and the
Boy/Girl Gala – and we felt
the responsibility of ensuring
that the Rhenish spirit, wellrenowned at these events as
almost an additional competitor
on the field or in the pool, was in
fine fettle and full voice.
Cheerleaders
Cheerleading is not without its challenges
and we have been very fortunate in having
Mrs Taylor at our side to intervene and
to help us navigate our way through the
troubled waters of costumes and themes.
With her assistance, the cheerleading
Naval Officers were able to weigh the
anchor of HMS RGHS and leave the
harbour under full steam.
The Rhenish values of sisterhood and
team work stood us in good stead as
each cheerleader expended her energy
Back row: Robin MacKinnon, Mrs Tessa
Taylor, Lilitha Nkewana, Shae Petersen
Front row: Lebohang Mothibi, Laeeqa
Cornelson, Faatiema Arnolds
12
in her own field of expertise – be it
costume design, song writing, make up
or other more menial tasks. The HMS
RGHS encountered some rough seas
and changing winds, but we were able
to adjust our sails and we arrived in
Paarl on a scorcher of a day, groomed to
perfection; our ‘sailors’ ready to show
our rivals just what the Rhenish spirit is
and how sisterhood works.
Our opening cheer was extremely well
executed and the girls on the stands
performed exceptionally, making us
swell with pride. Success on the track
was enthusiastically cheered and we had
Rhenish grace to ensure that we also
cheered the successes of our opposition.
Cheerleading has been a HUGE
learning curve. We have had to develop
organisational skills and we have had to
learn to power the Rhenish spirit with
our own enthusiasm and, on occasion,
through sheer determination. We have
strived at all times to motivate the girls
on the stands to support our athletes and
swimmers with passion and pride.
Thanks for the hugely enjoyable and
enriching experience – through the
challenges we have faced we have
learned valuable life lessons. All that’s
left to say is “Ahoy!”
Faatiema Arnolds
Mentors
Mentorship is defined as “a personal
developmental relationship in which a
more experienced or more knowledgeable
person helps to guide a less experienced
or less knowledgeable person”
Some key elements of mentorship in
2015 for the group of Mentors have been
that it is “personal” and we have tried
to “develop” the Grade 8s and Grade 9s
assigned to us based on our experience
both in life in general and in life as a
Rhenisher.
For the mentors of Grade 8s, this is
a wonderful opportunity to impact
positively on the lives of the very
impressionable young Rhenishers that
arrive at the start of the year. Together
with the Learner Council, we welcomed
these fledgling Grade 8s on Orientation
Day, tried to make them feel comfortable
and made ourselves available to them
should they have had any questions – no
question is ever too silly to ask. We
also accompanied them on their camp
and established a relationship with them
that we have built upon over the course
of the year. As mentors, we were also
tasked with introducing the Grade 8s
to the Activity Cards and managing
these through the year. This is always
challenging but we are convinced that it
is a good way to ensure that the juniors
are exposed to as many facets of life at
Rhenish as possible – there is surely no
more effective way of getting to know
something new than by engaging fully
with it on a regular basis.
We have stood beside the Grade 8s from
Orientation, through 4M cheering and
Boy/Girl Gala to finally welcoming them
as members of the Rhenish family with
the presentation of their Grade 8 badges
and we have been delighted to see how
well they have adjusted to the many
varied demands of high school life.
LEADERS
anything else Rhenish has to
offer.
As mentors we have been
delighted to be part of the
development of our young sisters
who are no longer the babies
of the school but are starting to
make their own decisions. They
are aware of what is expected
of them at Rhenish and they are
confident enough to seize the
opportunity to stand out and
stand up. Most of the Grade 9s
have found the sport and society in which
they are interested and they have settled
into the crazy Rhenish life – where it is
entirely normal to have a bun on the top
of your head, to play sport EVERY day,
to be involved in EVERY society, to put
everyone else above yourself, to cheer
louder than the winners and to dance as if
nobody is watching.
As we reflect over our period of office
and we look at the young Rhenishers who
have been our charges, it is obvious that it
is not only the Grade 8s and Grade 9s who
have matured and developed over this
period. The opportunity to mentor these
amazing young women as they embark
on their life as a Rhenisher has been a life
altering experience for each of us too.
The Grade 9 mentors followed their
mentees from 2014 into Grade 9 and we
have therefore been privileged to witness
their development from shy Grade 8s
quite lost in their new environment, into
strong independent Rhenishers with a
strong passion for their school. Girls who
confidently participate in 4M, winter’s
week, public speaking, Inter House, and
Back row: Azemahle Dyubeni, Caitlin Sleet, Margo Paterson, Emma Sadie,
Tammy van der Heever, Megan Arendse, Taylin van Wyk
Front row: Taryn Hartley, Mrs S Smith, Mrs F Bellstedt, Louise Currie, Bonny Saal
13
Hostel News
HOSTEL ACCEPTS CHALLENGES AND
EMBRACES CHANGE
As the year draws to a close, we take
a breath and reflect on the year that
has been. Many of our Grade 8s have
already forgotten those first apprehensive
moments when they arrived at Rhenish to
start their high school journey, ready to
embrace change. Matrics too may have
forgotten their resolutions as they entered
their last year at Rhenish to grasp every
opportunity and to make changes that
would ensure that they would be able to
master challenges that came their way.
The bigger question looms: was there
change at Rhenish Hostel and how did we
face up to the challenges of 2015?
Rhenish Hostel prides itself on its good
facilities and the process of upgrading
the Hostel is an ongoing one. In 2015
we were able to replace a huge rusty
water tank, we renovated the Grade
10 and 11 dorms, replaced all the old
window frames on the top floor of Hostel
with aluminium windows and, most
importantly, we painted the exterior of
the Hostel. This much needed facelift has
given the old girl a makeover that has
not been done in 15 years! By the end of
2015 we will have completed renovations
to Grade 8 and 9 dorms as well as the
repainting of the main bathroom.
There is a huge demand for Hostel space
that we hope to address with an exciting
new project that will be launched in 2016.
The School will hopefully be building a
new Hostel to cater for approximately 35
additional boarders. If we have sufficient
funds, we hope to include two squash
courts in this project too.
Technology in this rapidly developing
world is always a challenge and we have
15
HOSTEL NEWS
tried to address the challenge of
providing good, steady and fast
internet access for all boarders
in the Rhenish hostel in 2015.
Responsible use of gadgets
remains a challenge and will
form part of our programme for
2016.
As part of our holistic
development of our boarders,
Mrs Maree, our in-house
psychologist, has worked
tirelessly with our boarders
throughout the year. Her Monday evening
workshops have provided not only fun
and laughter, but also many skills relating
to Hostel life and we thank her for her
continued support of our boarders in
2015.
Our boarders are always known to be
hungry and we are grateful to all the
kitchen staff for constantly keeping the
boarders’ hunger at bay and for ensuring
that healthy meals are provided. Our
16
Boarders are also known to be messy at
times and a big thank you goes to all the
cleaning staff who work tirelessly to keep
the Hostel clean, neat and tidy.
To Mrs Seward our 24/7 Hostel Mom, a
big thank you for all that she does. Her
endless hours do not go unnoticed and,
finally, thank you to our duty teachers
who manage the girls’ activities and try to
keep them in line.
Ms Angela Sarga
Academic
ACADEMIC
Deputy Principal: Academic
They would be right, of course.
placed fourth in the Western Cape. The
prize money was used to buy three
desk cameras, the modern version of an
overhead projector.
• At the annual Stellenbosch Eisteddfod
71 Rhenish learners took part in
categories for Poetry, Dialogue,
Prose, Public Speaking, Singing and
Orchestra, winning 30 Cum Laude, 18
Gold Plus and 19 Gold awards.
• A matric learner this year was Keynote
Speaker for the National Teachers
Awards: Cape Winelands District,
where she received a standing ovation,
while a Grade 9 learner was selected to
represent the province at the National
Nkosi Albert Luthuli Oral History
Competition.
With a 100% pass rate, a 100% Bachelor
Pass rate and 48 A aggregates in the NSC
Examination, the matrics of 2014 have set
a very high standard. At the opening of
our new facilities in March this year, the
MEC of Provincial Education, Ms Schӓfer,
congratulated our matric staff and the
matrics of 2014 on the outstanding results,
and cautioned the current matrics that the
bar had been set high and that she would
be watching their results with interest.
• Some of our current Grade 12s have
already been accepted at various
universities to study medicine, actuarial
science, architecture and many more – a
sure sign that superior performances
continue to be delivered at Rhenish.
• Old Girls too continue to excel
academically. Former Head Girl, Karen
Bosman, was awarded her Masters in
Law (with distinction) by Georgetown
University in Washington earlier this
year and she was also placed on the
Dean’s List.
• In February at the Western Cape School
Awards for Achievement in Language
and Mathematics based on the results
of the Systemic Tests written by the
Grade 9 learners in October every year,
Rhenish received a prize for being
Academic Excellence is, however, also
about developing your intellectual
capacities and skills. What better way to
enhance your abilities and broaden your
horizons than to be part of enrichment
days, outings, competitions, Olympiads,
courses and camps.
• The Grade 9s participated in a Business
Simulation Day in which the Banango
Traders Game taught leaners basic
business and problem solving skills.
• The Grade 9 Enrichment Day was
equally informative, when the girls
were treated to a host of thoughtprovoking and interesting activities.
• Learners taking Afrikaans as a subject
were treated on two occasions to
the expertise of award-winning
Afrikaans novelists. Nerine Ahlers,
Alet Steenkamp and Esta Steyn visited
the school and gave tips on becoming
writers and information on the
prescribed setwork book for Grade 10,
Meeulanders. Well-known Afrikaans
actors also visited to discuss their new
book.
• Some of our learners participated in the
“WOW debatsfees” at the Woordfees,
and literally wowed the adjudicators
with their flair in Afrikaans.
At Rhenish we strive for Academic
Excellence, defined by most people as
achieving high grades and superior
performance, or excelling at academic
activities.
• Many junior and senior learners write
the Afrikaans Olympiad. This year
Louis Beyers was first in the Western
Cape in the Junior Olympiad, with 93%,
and one of the top four in South Africa.
• Literacy, debating and oratory skills
were further developed and challenged
this year with the English Olympiad, the
Young Ambassadors Public Speaking
Competition, the SAIIA Debating
Competitions, the Strand Rotary Club
Oratory Competition and the Poetry
for Life Recital Competition. Learners
entered their own short stories, poetry
and art work to compete with the rest
of the country in the Art and Literature
Competition, and all the Grade 8 – 11
learners wrote the SACEE Language
Challenge and Puzzle Parade, some
placing in the top three in South Africa
in their grade.
• Attending the Maynardville Open Air
Theatre is a highlight on the Rhenish
calendar. This year’s Shakespeare
production, Othello, was of particular
value to the matrics for whom this was
a prescribed work.
• For the first time our school was the
venue for the regional round of the
Eskom Science Expo. Many of our girls
made it through to the regional round
and many were awarded medals. Two
girls were selected to take their projects
to Nationals.
• Aside from the organised Life Sciences
outings to Kirstenbosch for Grade 9s
and the Two Oceans Aquarium Field
Trip for Grade 11s, some learners also
signed up for the Young Biologist
Course at the Two Oceans Aquarium, a
week of interacting and learning about
animals found along the South African
coastline. The course also involved
volunteer work at the aquarium for
a minimum of 35 hours. Others
completed a Two Oceans Aquarium’s
Marine Science Academy course,
exploring Oceanography and Zoology.
• Rhenish was very proud of our
Academic Excellence is about FAR MORE than the achievement of excellent grades,
or the development of skills and or keeping abreast of educational trends…
Academic Excellence is what we achieve at Rhenish Girls’ High School because,
like Desdemona in Shakespeare’s Othello, she “counts it a vice in her (his)
virtue not to do more that she (he) is asked to do.”
18
Part of excelling academically is to stay
up to date with the latest developments.
This year e-learning was piloted at
Rhenish in the Grade 9 group. The Grade
9 textbooks were available in electronic
format on the girls’ tablets and towards
the second half of the year, all Grade 9s
had access to the internet at school and
teachers received Google Training. Next
year’s Grade 8-10s will also be part of the
e-experience.
BUT, Academic Excellence is about
FAR MORE than the achievement of
excellent grades, or the development of
skills or keeping abreast of educational
trends…
• It is about the girl who walks 3km from
the train station every morning to be in
time for school.
• It is about the many girls who get up at
5am to catch a bus to attend the school
of their choice.
• It is about all the afternoon, evening
and Saturday extra lessons offered by
teachers.
• It is about exchange students who
come to Rhenish for a 6-month foreign
experience, but end up staying to finish
their schooling, because they have
never come across such an amazing
academic institution.
• It is about the LSU Department where
study skills and time management are
taught, where extra Maths and Reading
Programmes are available, where girls
with learning barriers feel comfortable
and confident.
• It is about the parents and guardians
of our learners who attend parent
evenings, the Grade 8 Orientation
Parent Meeting, the Grade 9 Subject
Choice Meeting and the Grade 12
Information Evening because they have
their child’s best interests at heart.
• It is because the stakeholders at
LSU: A reflection
The vision we had for the Learner Support
Unit for 2015 was to expand so that more
learners would be able to make use of the
emotional and academic support that has
become a trademark of the school.
Emotional Support
Teenagers experience tremendous
challenges and our girls have not been
spared the heartaches and pains of
growing up in this age. Emotional
support continues to be on offer from Mrs
Maree (nee Butterfield) our Educational
Psychologist, and this year we have
been fortunate to have the additional
caring hands of an intern Educational
Psychologist, Mrs Thea Coetzee on
Thursdays and Fridays. The emotional
support available to our learners aims not
only to provide a confidential, safe space
for counselling/therapy during difficult
times, but also to empower our girls and
to equip them with the skills necessary for
dealing with the outside world. Personal
growth and development are therefore a
central focus of the emotional support we
offer.
Academic Support
No longer do we only help learners who
are “struggling” academically, but the unit
has become more of an enrichment centre
which offers skills that anyone can use to
improve their marks with a percentage or
two, or to enhance their performance and
be better prepared for the world of work
when they leave at the end of matric.
Although Mrs Pretorius co-ordinates the
academic side of the LSU, learners and
staff have shown that they are happy to
share their knowledge and skills to help
others achieve at their optimum. For
example, two How to Study series have
been filmed and made available for usage
right here at school. Christie Munro and
Rebecca Molenaar, two matrics, shared
their invaluable years of experience of
studying together for Life Sciences,
complete with mind maps, interactive
teaching and key cards and this was
filmed by Mrs Arzul for the LSU and
made available on a CD.
The Drama series was put together with
the help of the Grade 9 s’ Cool Skills
group which consisted of six enthusiastic
learners who filmed and edited an
interview between Ms Petersen and
various Grade 10 and 11 learners with
their tablets and a hand-held camera. This
can also be accessed on the computers in
the homework centre.
“Alternative Assessment”, the new
Rhenish are part of the
solution instead of being part
of the problem, including
ex-staff members like Ms
Snyman and Ms Hyland, who
are still involved and assist
where necessary.
• It is because staff, parents
and fellow learners encourage
the development of personal
talents, ideas and creations.
• It is because learners at
Rhenish take ownership.
• It is because, in the words
of former Head Girl, Chanel van
Zyl, guest speaker at the school’s
155th birthday celebration, “we are so
privileged to have incredibly wellqualified, experienced and passionate
staff who deliver such a high standard
of quality education.”
ACADEMIC
mathematicians who made it through
various grilling rounds of the Maths
Olympiad and of the 19 Rhenishers
who received merit awards at the UCT
Maths competition.
• The annual Inter House Plays was an
opportunity for the girls to display their
Drama talent, writing their own scripts,
selecting their own cast, crew and
director. The Grade 11s also attended
the Drama Festival in Cape Town.
Academic Excellence is what we
achieve at Rhenish Girls’ High
School because, like Desdemona in
Shakespeare’s Othello, she “counts it a
vice in her (his) virtue not to do more
that she (he) is asked to do.”
Ms Erna Joubert
SIAS document and “inclusivity” are
no longer words that belong exclusively
to the Learner Support Unit as various
teachers, like the head of Mathematics,
Mrs Liebenberg, have found. Support
has come from her, her team and other
teachers too as documents were perused
and meetings held with subject advisors
and other officials from the Department.
Mrs de Kock organised peer tutors for
EMS to assist Grade 8s and 9s who found
EMS a challenge and when the first
training for amanuensis or scribing was
held at Rhenish by the WCED, no fewer
than three of our teachers signed up to
make sure that every learner can achieve
her best in spite of learning barriers.
Mrs Christelle Pretorius, Mrs Alex Maree,
Mrs Thea Coetzee
19
ACADEMIC
Olympiads
THE 2015 SACEE
LANGUAGE
CHALLENGE
AND PUZZLE
PARADE
All the learners at the
school from Grade 8 – 11
participated in the 24th ANNUAL
SACEE LANGUAGE CHALLENGE
AND PUZZLE PARADE TEST on 4
September.
Over 41 000 learners from more than 100
schools all over the country participated
this year.
The LANGUAGE CHALLENGES and
PUZZLE PARADES test various aspects
of language usage such as: vocabulary,
spelling, comprehension and correct
language usage.
This year the Rhenish winners were:
Grade 8 Marion Lee Rabie – 81%
Grade 9 Kelly Viljoen – 87%
Grade 10 Estelle Hislop – 91%
Grade 11 Larissa Tredoux – 96%
ENGLISH OLYMPIAD
Rhenish learners once again participated in the English Olympiad. The theme this
year was “Stories and Language of Mzansi”
The Olympiad encourages self-study and it provides the opportunity to the learners
to develop and express their valuable opinions. The learners were encouraged to
produce essays of university quality – drawing on their creative and scholastic skills.
Our Rhenishers achieved 2 Gold Certificates, 8 Silver Certificates, 17 Bronze
Certificates and 10 Merit Certificates. Congratulations to all the learners who
participated and a very special congratulations to Talya Beyers and Vanya Conradie
for both achieving Gold.
The English Olympiad
calls for learners who are
enthusiastic about the
language as well as the
world around them. It is
an excellent platform for
them to think critically
and to explore other
valuable ideas.
Mrs Justine Senekal
Vanya Conradie and
Talya Beyers
SAIIA INTER SCHOOLS QUIZ
Anjé Albertyn, Priyanka Govender,
Megan Lord and Maria Stallmann
represented Rhenish Girls’ at the SAIIA
Inter Schools Quiz. The quiz is based
on international news coverage from ten
issues of the Cape Times, between the
3 – 14 August 2015. The event was held
at Bishops Diocesan School.
The girls had spent afternoons between
these two dates pouring over copies of
the newspapers and being quizzed by Mrs
Conchar. Their hard work paid off when
they attained eleventh position out of the
42 schools that participated.
Mrs Lynne Conchar
Back row: Anje Albertyn, Priyanka Govender
Front row: Maria Stallmann, Mrs L Conchar,
Megan Lord
20
DIE AFRIKAANSE
OLIMPIADE
Die Afrikaanse Olimpiade is ’n
nasionale eksamen wat jaarliks
geskryf word. Daar is twee katogorieë
vir juniors en seniors. Die senior
olimpiade word elke jaar in Mei
geskryf en die junior olimpiade in
September. Die leerders word nie
verplig om dit te skryf nie, dit is dus
hulle eie keuse. Rhenish is trots daarop
dat baie leeders aan die olimpiade
deelneem. Elke leerder wat die
eksamen aflê, ontvang ’n sertifikaat.
Hierdie jaar het 104 leerders aan die
senior afdeling deelgeneem en 83
leerders aan die junior afdeling. Dit
is verblydend dat die leerders moeite
doen om deel te neem ten spyte
daarvan dat dit nie hulle huistaal is nie.
Die leerders doen oor die algemeen
baie goed en vind definitief baat by die
deelname.
Mrs Stefanie Serfontein
On the 15 August, a group of four Grade 11
Accounting students, Philne Roberts, Ashleigh
Wyatt, Shannon Phillips and Priyanka Govender,
represented Rhenish at the annual Spine Road High
School Accounting Olympiad. On 1 August we had
attended a prep session at Spine Road High to get
us accustomed to the rules and regulations of the
competition and we surprised ourselves and our
teacher, Mrs de Kock, by coming fourth in a practice
round on the day.
We were undoubtedly at a disadvantage as our
team comprised of Grade 11s as opposed to the
other teams who were all matrics. Nonetheless, we
promised each other that we would have fun and,
if nothing else, take away some valuable learning
experience for Grade 12. We had received some
coaching on the matric syllabus from Ms Sarga and
Mrs de Kock.
On the day we were quite overwhelmed by the
formality of the event and the presence of Helen
Zille, but we persisted with good spirits, high
hopes and a lot of last-minute crammed knowledge
(that was waiting to be spewed out before being
forgotten). By the end of the first round, Rhenish
was announced as one of the top five leading
schools; we were not sure exactly what position
we held and cared even less as our excitement
was brimming. Ms de Kock, in an excited flurry,
arranged for us to have a photo taken with Helen
Zille, the premier of the Western Cape, and by this
time we were delighted – even if we did not win any
medals or trophies, at least we had a picture with
Helen Zille.
By the end of the second and final round, Rhenish
were awarded joint second place, but by the
whooping coming from the spectators stand
(courtesy of Mrs de Kock and parents) one could
have mistaken Rhenish as the first prize winners. We
were awarded R3 000 for our school and took home
quite a shiny trophy. If our performance did not
surpass all our expectations, the trophy certainly did.
We can definitely attribute our success to excellent
teamwork, having fun in the midst of tension and the
unwavering support from Mrs de Kock,.
MATHS @ RHENISH
Magic, mayhem and madness in Maths
The Annual UCT Mathematics Competition
On Thursday 16 April 2015, Mrs Smart and Miss Marais
accompanied sixty of our learners to UCT to participate in
the annual UCT Maths Competition. About 7000 learners
participate in the competition each year and invitations are sent
to 400 high schools in the Western Cape.
We entered 60 learners this year and the results were as follows:
• Tessa Malan in Grade 9 won the School Award which is
awarded to the highest-ranking individual in the school in
any grade.
• Furthermore we had twelve individual Merit Awards and
twelve group Merit Awards.
ACADEMIC
ACCOUNTING OLYMPIAD
Mathematics Olympiad
Our Rhenish Learners again took part in
the prestigious South African Mathematics
Foundation Olympiad this year.
A total of 95 learners entered the first round.
The standard of this Olympiad is high and
getting through to the second round is
Tessa Malan and
considered an excellent achievement. We
Mrs Beth Smart
are very proud of the7 junior and 26 senior
learners that did so. We are even prouder of Vanya Conradie and Kaitlyn
Sparks (both in Grade 12) who each got into the top 96 in the province in
their age groups.
Special mention must be made of Tessa Malan (Grade 9) who made it
through to the third round of the Olympiad, as only 100 learners in the
whole country do. She received a bronze medal for this outstanding
achievement.
Technology in the Maths classroom
The Mathematics Department has invested in new technology: the desk
camera.
This small but powerful device can be used in various ways as a teaching
tool but also for intervention purposes. Although we are not using it to
its full extent yet, we are already enjoying the benefits it brings to the
classroom.
We hope to purchase more of these desk cameras in the future as it
enhances the visual presentations of Mathematics teaching and learning.
We are sincerely grateful for this opportunity and
can only hope that next year, with some matric
experience and Mrs de Kock in the spectator stand,
Rhenish will once again be able to surpass their
wildest expectations at the Accounting Olympiad.
Priyanka Govender, Ashleigh Wyatt, Mrs Jinnie de
Kock, Philne Roberts, Shannon Phillips
21
ACADEMIC
Matric Results 2014
Rhenish Reaches New
Heights with National Senior
Certificate Results
Rhenish Girls’ High was the only
state school in the Western Cape
to achieve a 100% Bachelor’s
Pass Rate. This significant
achievement is also a first for
the school which celebrated the
fact that every girl in the 2014
class is eligible for tertiary study.
With the worrying news of the drop in
the national pass rate for the National
Senior Certificate, and the decrease in the
pass rate in the Western Cape, it was an
anxious group of matrics and their parents
who awaited the release of results at
22
Rhenish Girls’ High on Tuesday 6 January
2015.
Their anxiety was misplaced – the
Matrics of 2014 had delivered a truly
exceptional batch of results:
• 100% pass rate – a record held by
Rhenish for nearly 30 years
• 100% Bachelor’s Pass rate
• 374 subject distinctions
• 49 A Candidates (80% or more)
• Rhenish placed twelth in the Province,
according to the WCED criteria
• Ten of our candidates also achieved top
ten positions in the Province for various
subjects
Rhenish Dux Scholar, Natali van Zijl
managed an impressive 8 As with an
average of 92,6%.
Ms Helmien Slabber was overjoyed at
the results. “I was overwhelmed and
very proud to hear that Rhenish was the
only state school in the Western Cape to
have achieved a 100% Bachelor’s Pass.
The Grade 12 learners and staff must be
congratulated on their hard work. We are
very proud of our girls,” said Ms Slabber.
CAPS presented a host of challenges
to the learners and to their teachers but,
thanks to a massive team effort, the class
of 2014 managed to surpass expectations.
The results speak to the hard work and
thorough preparation the girls receive
from their dedicated teachers who are
passionate about education and about
ensuring that each girl is afforded every
opportunity to achieve to her potential.
23
ACADEMIC
Grade 8
In January 2015, a group of
scared, anxious girls walked
into the Rhenish gates with
freshly ironed navy dresses,
our white socks neatly folded
and our hair secured back as
we began our journey into
high school. 160 girls with
different backgrounds, races and
personalities would soon join
the Rhenish Sisterhood and learn
what it meant to be a Rhenisher.
On the first day of school, we met our
“sisters” from the Learner Council and
received a warm welcome to the school.
After a day of orientation and then the
first day of school, we were just starting
to acclimatize, albeit like fledglings
pushed out of the nest, when it was time
for the Grade 8s to take a short trip to
Wellington where our Grade 8 camp
would be held. This gave us a better
chance to get to know each other and
to create the beginning of friendships
that will last forever. As we danced and
laughed, we soon began to feel a sense of
unity, pride and sisterhood.
As the academic year started, the Grade
8s had to get used to new teachers and
the Rhenish environment. Every girl had
her own challenges but with the help of
teachers and seniors the transition was
GRADE 8A
Back row: Milan Basson, Lauren Robb, Kaylee Petersen, Genevieve Elliston, Chloё Whiteboyd,
Elmarie Swanepoel, Melissa Griggs, Paige Mitchell, Cameron Struthers
Middle row: Catherine Totten, Ophelia van der Merwe, Moné Janse van Rensburg,
Zethu Mavovana, Amber Oostendorp, Minethia Markman, Chelsey Petro, Freya Chester-Browne,
Milissa Kirkman, Zena Barber, Nande Lujabe, Keshia Keys
Front row: Shanice Theunissen, Tyla Wiggins, Britney Kivido, Jenna van Blerck, Mrs Stefanie
Serfontein, Michaela Budge, Jahan Ebrahim, Erin Pool, Bronte Marinos
made easy and fun. From the 4M athletics
to the Inter School Gala, we were given
a taste of what it meant to be part of the
Rhenish sisterhood. Rhenish sure does
know how to scream and cheer.
It was a very special day when we
received our 2015 Rhenish badges. That
small piece of metal meant that we had
been accepted into Rhenish, that we
were Rhenishers. That day was a very
important day for the Grade 8s and we
all became closer and stronger as a unit.
“It was nerve-wrecking walking into
Rhenish for the first time, knowing
that Rhenish was going to be the
cornerstone of my future.
Every choice I made here was going to
influence the rest of my life.
Each opportunity I took advantage
of would be a stepping stone
guiding me on my way.”
Alexandra Ware
GRADE 8B
Back row: Erin Green, Gabriella Brown,
Amy Roux, Marie-Luise Zeitvogel,
Alexandra Ware, Mikaela Liebenberg,
Maria Simondwood, Chloé Quickfall,
Lize Viljoen, Kira Louw, Megan Momberg
Middle row: Lauren van Schaik,
Caitlyn Green, Sonica Betchu, Jamy Seas,
Monica Igrec, Mickayla Stone, Imke Pietersen,
Courtney Pieterse, Janet Cunningham,
Cassidy Jacobs, Khanyisa Nkuna,
Hannah Smit
Front row: Lynzee Arendse, Chelsea Cicero,
Bronwyn Williams, Jazz Mallam,
Mrs J de Kock, Georgia Roux,
Madeleine Basson, Jesse Polman,
Chwayita Mzozoyana
24
ACADEMIC
GRADE 8C
Back row: Jenna Stevenson, Zoё
Meyer, Kaye Huxter, Julia Robb,
Brigitte Bester, Kayla Scott, Drew
Jenkins, Nina Williams, Robyn Louw
Middle row: Alec Coles, Sydney Beyer,
Kian-Lee Du Toit, Chloё Cox, Kyra
Wolhuter, Jada Adams, Nikita Witten,
Zeta Constable, Kelly-Shéa Baatjies,
Sue-Ann Dreyer, Chelsey Brown,
Diana Marnewick, Emma Degn
Front row: Nandi Chauke, Jordyn
Wolhuter, Lauren Young, Taylin
Dupont, Ms Jessica Hendricks, Lauren
Cyster, Amber Piagesti, Phenyo
Mathapo, Aneeqah Arnolds
Absent: Tiffany Gordon, Sian Wolfaardt
We were now part of a legacy that would
continue for years to come.
This year, we learned that becoming a
Rhenisher is possibly the most important
thing that we have done so far in our
young lives. We are the new generation
of Rhenishers and by taking pride in
our school and carrying on the tradition
that has lasted for 155 years, we hope to
succeed and to excel. Cayleigh Plaatjies
GRADE 8D
Back row: Robin Esau, Emma Olden, Kailin Lazarus, Lauren Mare, Abigail Smart,
Anina Scholtz, Tiffany Engelbrecht, Jessica Mcilroy, Whitney Poole, Aaliyah Jumat
Middle row: Nazliyah Philips, Brook-Lynn Norkie, Jade Dilgee, Georgia Wyborn,
Michaela Kruger, Chiara de Franchi, Taylor Yates, Cleo Williams, Gaby Stewart, Sheena October
Front row: Caitlin Collins, Amber Londt, Thato Moroka, Piya Igwe, Ms Tessa Taylor,
Ana Sampson, Kamva Swapi, Emily Middleton, Leonie Diemont
GRADE 8E
Back row: Alexandra Osborn, Kady Arendse,
Chante Sampson, Waliyah Hess,
Medea Brookes, Melissa Wainright,
Erin Oelofse
Middle row: Monique Zeegers, Megan Nel,
Chrisite van den Berg, Erykah Pieterse,
Cnadice Nkomo, Danielle Foster,
Tyler Kenyon, Jane Daniels, Robyn Beyers,
Annabelle Matthews, Chloe Adams,
Angela Sivoglou, Jessica Hackett
Front row: Nicola Schlusche, Cassidy Truter,
Chante Curia, Saskia Sonnerer,
Ms Amy Davids, Marion Rabie,
Ziyanda Xelenga, Ruby von Wiese,
Bianca Jardim
25
ACADEMIC
Grade 9
2015 was an exciting year filled
with ‘firsts’ for the Grade 9s.
Not only was this the ‘first’
year of us no longer being the
babies of the school, but we
were also Rhenish’s Guinea-pigs
as we were the first grade to be
exposed in a really significant
way to eLearning.
The start of 2015 saw us returning filled
with excitement, ready to embrace the
changes we would encounter and to face
all of the challenges that the year ahead
would undoubtedly hold. Our tablets
were ready and we could hardly wait
for Ms Rӧhrs to call us to receive our
electronic textbooks.
GRADE 9A
Back row: Mikayla Eagles, Cachel Joubert, Emma Goodwin, Michal Kirsten, Nicole Smithdorf,
Gabriella Bolognesi, Lorraine Louis, Caitlin Joubert
Middle row: Laska Harford, Chelsea Williams, Danielle van der Merwe, Oratiloe Mokoena,
Nadyah Phillips, Jeanelle Huskisson, Tatum Jooste, Yvonne Makwara, Cleo Appies,
Victoria Matthews, Aimee Cupido
Front row: Tatum Hendricks, Jessica van der Merwe, Palesa Makena, Monique Seele,
Mrs Elizabeth Keyser, Kelly Viljoen, Meg James, Tia Naidoo, Adrienne Edson
eLearning has been an exciting experience
filled with pros and cons. If you were to
ask a Grade 9 learner whether they prefer
a hard copy text book to an electronic
one, each learner would probably give
you a different answer as each of our
experiences and our opportunity to
engage with technology in a meaningful
way has been different. One thing about
eLearning does go unchallenged: our
bags are definitely MUCH lighter.
This year was also a ‘first’ for many of
us who travelled with our teams to Port
Elizabeth to play against Collegiate Girls’
GRADE 9B
Back row: Rebecca Behne, Keagan Whitehouse
Third row: Marlenie Louw, Megan Badenhorst, Kelly Kietzman, Meeka Lenisa, Cleopatra
Kleinschmidt, Tessa Malan, Jessica Marshall, Alexa de Villiers, Caterina Lourens, Julia Maritz
Second row: Ciara Roberts, Shaan Hardien, Caitlin Spolander, Tarryn Ohlsson, Elisa Hanke,
Carla Newman, Mya Dalton, Emma van Lill, Ivile Mini, Rachel Nel, Marie Geeraert
Front row: Lynette du Toit, Sarah-Jane Burg, Sharné Davidse, Jay-Dee Meyer, Mrs Vosloo,
Erin Swarts, Hannah Leworthy, Casey Langford, Emily Kock
Absent: Inge Weidemann
26
High. Aside from the very long bus ride,
it was an amazing experience that left
many of us with newfound friendships
and unforgettable memories.
4M in Paarl was a ‘first’ for the Grade 9s
and, while we did not achieve the highly
prized third place, and although it was
exceedingly hot, we all had a ton of fun
and went home with very husky voices
having cheered the Rhenish athletes on
with great enthusiasm. A highlight for us
was definitely NOT having to clean the
stands after the event – a responsibility
we had fulfilled as Grade 8s.
GRADE 9C
Back row: Leanne Walker, Dominique Potgieter, Bianca Ordman, Megan Art, Chloë Morris,
Jemima Kuzamunu, Emma Taskes
Middle row: Saskia Hooper, Kaylynne Moore, Amy Naidoo, Masimange Sesanti,
Nicole Costabile, Isabella Esau, Mia Jooste, Simphiwe Masilo, Skyler Hendricks, Montana Böhs
Front row: Zoë Goff, Chelsea Samuels, Nicole Africander, Mandy Ngabaza, Mrs E Mouton,
Ashley Loxton, Jeewon Chung, Joyline Tizwe, Lara Jacobs
ACADEMIC
The Grade 9s also had an
enrichment day during the
course of the year where a
number of people addressed
us on topics of particular
interest to girls of our age. We
were offered advice and were
encouraged to ask questions
about eating habits, healthy
diets, and tips and tricks on how
to look after our hair and our
skin.
A challenge all Grade 9s must
face towards the end of the year is the
selection of the subjects we will continue
with to matric. For those of us who are
still unsure about careers and direction,
this proved to be quite a daunting task.
However, both teachers and seniors
were very helpful in answering all our
questions and offering advice, ensuring
that we were able to make sound choices.
Although the year has been busy and we
may have at times been overwhelmed, we
have pulled through and also found time
to make new friends and to have fun.
Cayleigh Westcott
GRADE 9D
Far Back row: Francis Marriott, Sarah Jeffery, Jessica McHugh
Back row: Skyla Geldenhuys, Nina Smith, Ashley Moss, Danielle Dorman, Storme Jacobs,
Maria Ortelee, Nicola Skipp, Jessica Badelt, Donné Elias
Middle row: Chelsea Tucker, Catherine Rostin, Lara Stevens, Monet Bekker, Tayley Whittle,
Kerryn Janse van Vuuren, Paige Deacon, Megan Hirst, Iksha Bhowon, Bronwyn Grey
Front row: Louise van de Venter, Amy Noyce, Saskia Lensink, Jordon Dowd, Mr Carl Potgieter,
Cayleigh Westcott, Hannah Coates, DanickaGempies, Caroline Potgieter
GRADE 9E
Back row: Kelsey Tucker, Megan Milne,
Stacey-Megan Gerber
Middle row: Emma Marriott,
Jordan Reynolds, Jessica Botha, Hannah
Chemaly, Kayla Witbooi, Megan BaillieStewart, Taryn Carstens, Rebecca Wynne,
Mckayla Erasmus, Melissa Wrench
Front row: Jayden King, Keira Goedhals,
Abigail Janse van Rensburg, Alexandra Grey,
Ms Tanya Marais, Tayla Du Plessis, Claudia
Rudman, Lishka Lakatos, Cayli Saunderson
Absent: Danica Fitzmaurice, Keshia Mowers
27
ACADEMIC
Grade 10
“Face the challenge, embrace
the change,” was the motto
around which we orientated our
year. We were faced with many
challenges – managing projects
and our time, juggling between
school work and different extramural activities being just a few
of these. Changes such as new
classmates and the selection
of subjects that we would take to matric
initially caused some confusion, but
they were overcome with conscientious
application of ourselves and our skills.
The year started off with a bang as we
adapted to having only seven subjects.
This did not provide the relief we
anticipated – the depth and scope of
each subject meant that there was an
unexpected increase in our work load.
Grade 10, we were quickly coming to
realise, was to be a crucial year as we
discovered what our real interests are and
where our talents lie.
One of Rhenish’s key qualities is its
diversity. This does not only apply to the
constitution of the learner body, but can
be seen in the wide variety of areas in
which our girls get involved and in which
they excel – culturally, academically and
on the sports fields. We are truly proud
of all of the Grade 10s who have achieved
this year and we would like to encourage
them to continue to strive for excellence.
Highlights of the year include the Inter
House plays and the grade event. The
GRADE 10A
Back row: Zara Ellis, Anouk Sonktjohanser, Rain McKay, Amei van den Heever,
Amber Abrahams, Isabelle Kressel, Rachel Groenewald
Middle row: Kate Lamprecht, Raegan Jacobs, Leah de Gois, Tayla Myburgh, Nicola Yates,
Sharla Theunissen, Belinda Ranger, Rahmah Carrim, Oriole Viljoen, Holley Wilson,
Emma Oosthuizen
Front row: Emma Fowlie, Courtney, Vanessa Yon, Zoe Dolan, Mrs Sue Hodges, Moya Smith,
Kirsten Allies, Kelsey Peterson, Miikha Gonsalves
Absent: Courtney Green, Chiara Jeptha
true leadership potential of this strong
group of Grade 10s can be seen in the
fact that the productions of all three
houses were directed by Grade 10
learners. Congratulations to them for
putting on an incredible show. Secondly,
the grade event, planned and executed
by the Grade 10 Learner Councillors,
was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It was an
excellent opportunity to interact with our
peers by means of decorating cookies and
presenting it to a classmate who was not
previously in our friendship group.
committed to their academic work and
can identify goals and work towards
achieving them systematically.
This grade is definitely a hard-working
one with many achievers. More than
half of the Grade 10s obtained honours
or ‘boff’ badges. Grade 10 learners are
Grade 10 is an extremely busy and
stressful year. However, we are grateful to
our educators and peers for making it an
incredible year. The journey will continue
and I am confident that success and
greatness await these ambitious girls.
Science Expo always features rather
largely for the Grade 10s and they started
prepping for it in January. Among many
outstanding presentations, twenty five
were selected to progress to regionals
where seven of the projects received
“Best in Category” Awards and two of the
Grade 10s were selected to present their
projects at the National Expo.
Winston Churchill once said, “Success
is not final. Failure is not fatal: it is the
courage to continue that counts.” I believe
that our grade possess the courage and
strength to carry on. I am honoured to
experience a high school journey of
growth and self-discovery with these
beautiful, intelligent and courageous girls.
Victoria Beeka
GRADE 10B
Back row: Aiden Louw, Hannah Carew, Jessica Britz, Mieke Dickason, Megan Wyeth,
Hanna McHendrie, Ammelie Diemont, Ashley Le Roux, Kristen Brittz
Middle row: Sarah Dillon, Kristen Rafferty, Megan Roos, Stacey Solomons, Cara Tyler,
Andrea Gain, Kate Munro, Jessica Feldtman, Morgan Jacobs
Front row: Tara-Leigh Jurgens, Zea Stuttaford, Michaela de Wet, Amber Williams, Ms K Viljoen,
Tyra Nenguke, Dee Fortuin, Deone Wright
28
ACADEMIC
GRADE 10C
Back row: Zanne Eiselen, Bianca Kitching, Sakeenah Bickerstaff, Samantha Marsh,
Nadia van Elst, Ashleigh Kirkman, Cara Uys, Nelisa Siyengo, Jessica Steyn
Middle row: Jamie Barron, Tamsin Lenisa, Jade Hendrickse, Hannah-Jane Cunliffe,
Nicole Meyer, Abigail Rynhoud, Melissa van Rensburg, Keezhia Pasquallie, Sabrina Wright,
Daniella Baschiera, Sam-Jamie Du Toit
Front row: Tasnem Uheida, Caren Newman, Emma Reid, Mrs Hayley Kapp, Ms Magda Fouché,
Estelle Hislop, Whitney Samson, Jenna Lackay, Tannyn Erasmus
Absent: Kayla Vermaak
GRADE 10D
Back row: Thembi Potelwa, Alexandra
Volkwyn, Camirin Smith, Lynne Geza,
Adrianne Hobbs, Alexandra Bester
Middle row: Alexa Lipparoni, Amy-Lee
Cairns, Tamia Abrahams, Sarah Vorster,
Amber Hector, Danisha Coopoosamy, Aimee
Welmans, Nancy Rademeyer, Robin Jordaan,
Kellyn Bester, Kate Sinclair
Front row: Kirsten Marnewick, Noni
Nobatana, Chanté Daniels, Bailey Kelly,
Mrs Margaret van Eck, Nina Blom, Azeeza
Magerman, Emily Allingham, Danae Williams
GRADE 10E
Back row: Tanya van der Merwe, Michaela van Schaik, Megan Bosman, Natalie Kitching,
Tayla Smith, Natasha Marnewick, Louise Beyers
Middle row: Robyn White, Carly du Plessis, Victoria Beeka, Lisa Meyer, Bronwyn Roberts,
Paula Curry, Savannah Rafferty, Se-Joung Kim, Harley Dalton, Hannah van Houweninge
Front row: Siddiqah Abdullah, Alessia Ledere, Tarryn Agulhas, Chelsea Chapman,
Mrs M Joubert, Megan McEwan, Hannah-Lynne Potgieter, Yarah Narker, Amy Everitt
Absent: Tyle-Maria Swart, Monique Bartsch, Roxanne Upton
29
ACADEMIC
Grade 11
It seems so long ago that we
were the newest Rhenishers,
with our hair carefully pinned
back and our calf-length dresses.
As 2015 draws to a close, many
of us have begun to realise just
how close we are to being at the
end of our high-school career.
Grade 11 has not been a walk in
the park, but we have celebrated
the many highs and lows together.
Entrance into the senior year is always
quite special for the Grade 11s as we are
granted special privileges such as being
able to use the senior bathrooms as well
as wearing the winter skirt. Privilege
seldom comes without a price and we
were also made aware of the increasing
academic pressure on the Grade 11
group who have to use this year’s results
to apply for tertiary study. Our time
management skills have been tested as we
balance all our extra-murals, academics
as well as social activities. Yet despite all
this, the year has been a great success for
the Grade 11s.
The focus in the first half of the year
was largely on the Matric Dance that
was to be held in July. The Grade 11s
are responsible for making the night
a memorable one for the matrics.
The planning, the fundraising, the
determination of the theme and the
execution of this through the invitations
and décor on the evening are all part
GRADE 11A
Back row: Cassia Rimell, Shannon Smith, Katia Teixeira, Cassidy Watson, Georgia Fourie
Middle row: Erin Pietersen, Solei Barbeitos, Kiyara Latchman, Mary Anderson, Amy Cupido,
Michelle Han, Jennileigh Jooste, Peta Morris, Kayla Skipp
Front row: Rahma Darries, Chelsea Bird, Celeste Opperman, Leah Primo, Mrs Jeanette
Liebenberg, Randi Jordaan, Nolukhanyo Ngavu, Christine Schmidtgen, Kristen Attwell
Absent: Ceilidh Courtney, Tia Dixon, Casey Hurling, Kalyn Venter
of what goes into ensuring that the
matrics had a wonderful evening.
Congratulations to all the girls on the
Matric Dance Committee who managed to
make the night such an unforgettable one
for our matrics!
A highlight – albeit quite a stress
inducing project – was definitely the
Life Orientation job shadowing that
took place at the end of the second term.
Some of us looked forward to it, some
of us were anxious about it, and some of
us could not wait until it was behind us.
We set out to shadow various careers,
some of which included lawyers, doctors,
business owners and designers. Whatever
GRADE 11B
Back row: Manuela Huckfeldt, Danniella Roche, Alexa Brown, Megan Cupido, Justine Noyce,
Allegra Jansen van Vuuren, Catherine Melck
Middle row: Lyla Ess, Kesia Abrahams, Karelin Hodge, Christi-Lee Vlok, Kiara Perotti,
Jenine Roos, Jenna Walker, Alicia van Staden, Mishka Arendse
Front row: Anuschka Bennett, Kischa Snell, Chloe Jacobs, Isabella-Rose Barnes,
Mrs Glenys Kruger, Victoria O’Regan, Blantinah Qoaka, Sarah McLaughlin, Jessica Branson
Absent: Jo-Mari Kleinhans and Celina Kintscher
30
our experiences were, we all gained
insight into the careers we shadowed
and we definitely consider it a valuable
experience.
We have spent 788 school days together
as a grade thus far. After four years of
companionship, I hope that next year will
be even more successful for all of us as
we move forward into our final 197 days
together. Matric, here we come!
ACADEMIC
GRADE 11C
Back row: Zanne Eiselen, Bianca
Kitching, Sakeenah Bickerstaff,
Samantha Marsh, Nadia van Elst,
Ashleigh Kirkman, Cara Uys, Nelisa
Siyengo, Jessica Steyn
Middle row: Jamie Barron, Tamsin
Lenisa, Jade Hendrickse, HannahJane Cunliffe, Nicole Meyer, Abigail
Rynhoud, Melissa van Rensburg,
Keezhia Pasquallie, Sabrina Wright,
Daniella Baschiera, Sam-Jamie Du Toit
Front row: Tasnem Uheida, Caren
Newman, Emma Reid, Mrs Hayley
Kapp, Ms Magda Fouché, Estelle
Hislop, Whitney Samson, Jenna Lackay,
Tannyn Erasmus
Absent: Kayla Vermaak
GRADE 11D
Back row: Anjé Albertyn, Rosanne Strauss,
Josephine Knappe, Anin Olivier,
Cindy Dorrington, Sian Fell, Tess Ellerbeck,
Gaëlle Geeraert, Okaraonyemma Opara
Middle row: Kirstin Boshoff,
Megan Lord, Jeanne Hislop, Soul Ji Kim,
Jaymee Vermeulen, Larissa Tredoux,
Michelle Gelderblom, Stormè-Lee Oliver,
Nicole Blows, Genna Warrington
Front row: Shelby Stephenson,
Robynn Seconds, Eleana Botha,
Maria Stallman, Mr P van der Hoven,
Carmen-Marie Payne, Jaimé Goedhals,
Isabelle Fowler, Carmen Arendse
Absent: Megan Leslie, Savannah Handley
GRADE 11E
Back row: Helen Barnard, Jessica
Wainwright, Emma-Jane Cairns, Kayler
Lamberts, Philné Roberts, Kira van Niekerk,
Erin McMaster, Rebecca Ricketts
Middle row: Kate Thöle, Alison Delport,
Chelsea Jurgens, Priyanka Govender,
Sarah Uheida, Amy van Lill, Rachel Leach,
Tamryn Barron, Anais Breytenbach,
Tegan Zwart, Ashleigh Wyatt
Front row: Belinah Qaoka, Alatha Pinyana,
Shannon Phillips, Emily Orgovanyi, Ms L
Schreuder, Aqeelah Boraine, Cassandra
Snyman, Nicola MacDonald, Shannon Benting
Absent: Angeline dos Santos, Laycon Lewis,
Katoo Machtelinckx, Jayne Rimell,
Monét van Antwerpen
31
ACADEMIC
Matric
This was a year filled with
‘lasts’. From the last first day
of school to our upcoming last
ever Life Orientation exam, we
are constantly reminded that the
end is rapidly approaching. This
is why, of course, we have been
determined to make the most of
it.
Finally, we were the queens of
the school. With our pearl earrings and
crisp white jerseys, we stood out from
the crowd and it was delightful to see the
crowd part before us so that we could get
to our next class. Jerseys and earrings
were quickly followed by white scarves
and – a first for Rhenish matrics – our
own special matric tie. All these ‘marks
of distinction’ helped us to identify as a
group and drew us closer together.
GRADE 12A
Back row: Jodie-Lin Scheepers, Tyler Setzer, Michaela Scott, Taryn Kotze, Anke Smit,
Katia Hartmann, Alexandra Breckwoldt, Brenè Williams, Chané Herman, Emma Thompson,
Natalie de Jager
Middle row: Michelle Vaughan, Tammy van der Heever, Dasom Che, Shelley Petro,
Shakirah Bosman, Luske Aysen, Natalie Britz, Alexa Raad, Laeeqa Cornelson, Pharryn Jansen,
Kelly Robertson
Front row: Shinaed Flusk, Schae Pietersen, Tina Mtiya, Laura-Lee Gillion, Mrs Matthea
Lombard, Emma Wayne, Sharfah Cupido, Clarisse Hendrickse, Gabrielle Dicke
We delighted in the rest of the school’s
cheers of “We love you matrics” and we
enjoyed breaks spent on the new matric
grounds – the greenest lawn on the school
premises, but these were merely minor
distractions from the true business of
matric: our final exams. We felt the
relentless academic pressure that grew
more intense as the year progressed, but
we applied ourselves with determination,
somewhat consoled by the knowledge that
this part of our journey was almost over.
4M truly was one to remember and even
though we came last (again), we really
showed Bloemhof, La Rochelle and Paarl
Girls’ High that we are working towards
challenging the status quo. The matrics
cheered louder than ever, led by a team
of energetic cheerleaders. At Boy-Girl
Gala, we cheered our hearts out for our
team, who came home victorious for the
tenth consecutive year. What an honour
to bear witness to such an incredible
achievement!
This year has not just been about
academics, after all, ‘all work and no
play’ is not the Rhenish way. Our last
A highlight in every matric’s year has
to be the matric dance. After months of
looking for the perfect dress, finding dates
GRADE 12B
Back row: Taylor Uys, Emma Sadie, Caitlyn Roux, Taneal Adams, Nicole Thompson,
Robyn MacKinnon, Andrea Auerbach, Megan Ralph
Middle row: Tyla Ordman, Kelsey Pienaar, Caelyn Millar, Roxanne Kruger, Sasha Hay,
Gillian Gordon, Thandi Bean, Jade Stephens
Front row: Caitlin Dougall, Danielle Fouche, Taryn Hartley, Lebohang Mothibi,
Ms Ingrid Hofhuis, Chelsea Parkins, Tamryn Davids, Mthembukazi Twala, Bonny Saal
32
and practising walking up and down in
our heels, the night finally arrived. Every
young lady looked absolutely breathtaking
and the months of preparation – by
both the matrics and the Grade 11s who
organised the dance – were more than
worth it.
The thrill of turning 18 was celebrated by
matrics throughout the year as, one by one
we became legal eagles. Drivers’ licences
were earned and happy birthdays were
sung by the whole school.
Another highlight of the year was 40
days, when the school was overrun by
Gangsters, Gypsies, Goddesses and
Ghosts. It was a day full of fun, laughter
and silliness as we celebrated the
approaching end of our school careers and
a brief respite from our preparations for
finals.
This year has not been without its hard
times. It came as a huge shock to us all
when Chantalle Di Stefano, a beloved
matric, passed away very suddenly during
the June holidays. Every matric, whether
they knew her well or not, felt the loss
of her vibrant personality and beautiful
smile. We were devastated, but also came
to realise just how special life is and the
importance of making the most of the
time you have, like Chantalle did.
ACADEMIC
GRADE 12C
Back row: Tegan Slater, Kirsten Clarke, Tyla du Plessis, Danielle de Mol, Lineshe Botha, AnnaIngeborg Kreft, Jade Hintenaus, Nizette Gordon, Shannon, Jacobs, Rebekah Frylinck, Murphy
Fourie, Jess Barkhuizen
Middle row: Megan Arendse, Ruth O’Reilly, Mary-Ann Dos Santos, Azemahle Dyubeni, Jade
Adams, Faatiemah Arnolds, Mia Taylor, Sangiwe Ntshanga, Khanyisa Tyeku, Unathi Mange,
Rebekah Acutt, Courtenay Tame, Hannah Groenewald,
Front row: Onezwa Siko, Seithati Phumane, Charlane Alexander Kalsy Meyer (Class Captain) Mrs
Smart, Laura Loubser (Vice Class Captain), Kayleigh Bonodo, Nadine Benjamin, Jordon Jenkins
As we approach the final exams, we are
often struck by how quickly the year
has flown. It seems as though it was
just last week when we started wearing
our pearl earrings and soon we will be
able to wear whatever earrings we want,
whenever we want. We look towards
next year with a little uncertainty, but
mainly with the confidence that Rhenish
has prepared us well. We have formed
friendships that will undoubtedly last a
lifetime and found our passions because
of the excellent guidance from the staff
and our classmates. We face the world
as respectful, graceful, honourable and
spirited young ladies.
Talya Beyers
GRADE 12D
Back row: Kelsey Cloete, Jessika Brtan,
Rebecca Molenaar, Casey de Langen,
Michele Ter Huurne, Tanya Schloms
Middle row: Kristin Malan, Shah Noor Khan
Niazi, Lijan van Niekerk, Taylin van Wyk,
Julia Josephs, Abigail Fortuin, Erin Sinclair,
Kayla-Ann Weideman, Kelsey Nel,
Ash Rutherford, Nosipho Potelwa
Front row: Teo Stuttaford, Kaitlyn Sparks,
Ulla Demasius, Ghyslaine Kakisingi,
Mrs Justine Senekal, Alexa van Rooyen,
Cara Kintscher, Cathryn Goodwin,
Jessi Africa
Absent: Natasha Piprek
GRADE 12E
Back row: Amy Lamprecht, Shirley Huang, Zahn Scholtz, Chloe Wileman, Margo Paterson
Middle row: Talya Beyers, Emma Osborn, Rebecca Carter-Smith, Lilitha Nkewana, Caitlin Sleet,
Suzaan Hobson, Claire Dehosse, Marie Dreyer, Amber Clarke, Shannon Morse
Front row: Luzaan Erasmus, Shannon van der Westhuizen, Christie Munro, Vanya Conradie, Ms
R Röhrs, Emma de Clercq, Erin Meerburg, Louise Currie, Lauren Oosthuizen
Absent: Danisa le Roux, Ji Eun Nam, Di-Anne Wyngaard
33
ACADEMIC
MATRIC COMMITTEE
Matric is the year that takes the
longest to arrive, but once it
arrives it all passes in a blur. The
matric committee is responsible
for directing all the events and
activities involving the matrics.
We have been blessed this year
as the girls on the committee
have been committed to ensuring
a memorable year for us all.
The committee was elected
and announced in August 2014
and this group of creative and
hardworking young women have gone
to great lengths to meet the needs of
the matric group. Often work by the
committee goes unnoticed as we work
predominantly in the background, but our
weekly meetings over the course of the
year have taught us to manage complaints
and negotiate compromise while
remaining positive and upbeat.
The matric committee designed and
arranged the production and very early
delivery of our unique and personalized
2015 matric jersey. We have all worn
these with pride.
The committee created a new tradition
this year by designing the first Rhenish
Matric tie. This change and new tradition
was welcomed by all the matric girls. As
a committee, we learnt that one cannot
always please everyone all the time, so
we focused on fulfilling our duties as a
committee and through it all we remained
positive and committed.
The committee is also responsible for the
decoration of the stands at 4M. This was
slightly more challenging than normal
as this year the event took place at Dal
Josephat in Paarl. We did not have access
as easily as we have in the past, but the
committee all worked together and pulled
it off in record time. We were determined
that our stands would stand out – and they
did!
The matric committee of 2015 were
also responsible for the establishment
of something that Rhenish matrics will
be able to enjoy for years to come: the
Matric Committee
back row: Kelsey Cloete, Caitlyn Roux, Marie Dreyer, Kalsy Meyer, Abigail Fortuin,
Thandeka Bean
Front row: Lauren Oosthuizen, Mrs Sue Hodges, Amber Clarke, Mrs Glenys Kruger,
Chloё Wileman
34
Matric Grounds. The committee had
to fundraise for the grass that would be
planted on the grounds and with great
dedication and strong willed girls on the
committee, we managed to raise R10 000
for the grass though our “Donate a square
metre of grass” fundraiser.
The 40 days celebration was also
organised by the committee. The school
was packed with crazy girls dressed up
in all sorts of different costumes starting
with the letter “G”. There were Grapes,
As a committee we have come
to recognize the individual
strengths of our members and
this has helped us to become
a strong group, capable of
achieving our goals though
working together. We have come
away with wonderful memories,
having learnt a number of
important lessons.
Gifts, Granny and Grandpas, Gypsies,
Giraffes and even Gorillas! The day was
filled with silly pranks and lots of laughter
as the matrics enjoyed the prospect of
leaving school behind.
Our final responsibility was to arrange
the valedictory. The day was a bittersweet one. We reflected on the changes
and growth the grade has experienced on
their journey together though high school.
ACADEMIC
life. Rhenish has imbued us with
these skills.
We are ready to spread our wings and
discover life beyond the Rhenish walls,
but we are also saddened and a little
anxious about the future.
As a committee we would like to thank
Mrs Kruger and Mrs Hodges for all the
help and input they have given us this
year. We are grateful for their guidance
and advice.
The matrics of 2015 have now completed
an important stage of their life’s journey.
We have metamorphosed from shy,
awkward, uncertain Grade 8s into
confident self-assured young women,
who have the necessary skills to deal with
On a personal note, I would like to thank
each member of my committee for all
your hard work and dedication to the
cause. It has been a pleasure leading and
working with you this year.
Amber Clarke
MATRIC DANCE
35
36
Rebekah Faith Acutt
Jade Lee Adams
Taneal Amy Adams
Jessi Faith Africa
Charlane Daniëlle Alexander
Megan Jane Arendse
Faatiemah Arnolds
Andrea June Auerbach
Luske Aysen
Jess Noël Barkhuizen
Thandeka Amy Mthembu Bean
Nadine Ann Benjamin
Talya Beyers
Kayleigh Dawn Bonodo
Shakirah Bosman
Lineshe Allison Botha
Alexandra Breckwoldt
Natalie Kathleen Britz
Jessika Cher Brtan
Rebecca Eva Carter-Smith
Dasom Che
Amber Clarke
Kirsten Jessie Clarke
Kelsey Nikki Cloete
Vanya Conradie
Laeeqa Cornelson
Sharfah Cupido
Louise Grace Currie
Tamryn Marchelle Davids
Emma Louise de Clercq
Gabriella Camilla de Franchi
Natalie de Jager
Casey Louise de Langen
Danielle de Mol
Claire Mathilde Dehosse
Ulla Pauline Demasius
Chantalle di Stefano
Gabrielle Elizmarie Dicke
Mary-Ann Dos Santos
Caitlin Dougall
Marié Dreyer
Tyla Genevieve du Plessis
37
38
Azemahle Dyubeni
Luzaan Monique Erasmus
Shinaed Tyler Flusk
Abigail Fortuin
Danielle Fouché
Murphy-Raine Fourie
Rebekah Anne Frylinck
Laura-Lee Gillion
Cathryn Hannah Goodwin
Gillian Amy Gordon
Nizette Adri Gordon
Hannah Elizabeth Groenewald
Taryn Vernice Hartley
Katia Luise Hartmann
Sasha Christie Hay
Clarisse Crystal Hendrickse
Chané Herman
Jade Hintenaus
Suzaan Hobson
Shirley (Si Hua) Huang
Shannon Jacobs
Pharryn Jansen
Jordan Dayne Jenkins
Julia Josephs
Ghyslaine Kakisingi
Niazi Shah Noor Khan
Cara Marie Kintscher
Taryn Leigh Kotzé
Anna-Ingeborg Kreft
Roxanne Kaitlyn Kruger
Amy Lamprecht
Danisa le Roux
Laura Loubser
Robyn Brittany Mackinnon
Kristin Malan
Unathi Mange
Erin Meerburg
Aneschka Brittney Meyer
Kalsy Jessy Meyer
Caelyn Maria Millar
Morena Modibedi
Rebecca Rae Molenaar
39
40
Shannon Mary Morse
Lebohang Mothibi
Tina Mtiya
Christie Munro
Danica Betina Müller
Ji Eun Nam
Kelsey Rose Nel
Lydia Ngcama
Lilitha Nkewana
Sangiwe Phathisa Ntshanga
Ruth Mary O’Reilly
Lauren Oosthuizen
Tyla Ordman
Emma Jane Osborn
Chelsea Parkins
Margo Nadia Paterson
Shelley Jane Petro
Seithati Phumane
Kelsey Pienaar
Schae Seymour Pietersen
Natasha Piprek
Nosipho S’jadu Potelwa
Alexa Raad
Megan Elizabeth Ralph
Kelly Robertson
Caitlyn Julia Roux
Ashlea-Leine Rutherford
Bonny Saal
Emma Vera Sadie
Jodie-Lin Lauren Scheepers
Tanya Schloms
Zahn Susannah Petronella Scholtz
Michaela Scott
Tyler Ellen Setzer
Onezwa Siko
Erin Willow Ryan Sinclair
Tegan Dee Slater
Caitlin Isabella Sleet
Anke Smit
Kaitlyn Louise Walsh Sparks
Jade Stephens
Téo Steel Stuttaford
41
Courtenay Maddison Tame
Mia Taylor
Michéle Bernadette ter Huurne
Emma Joy Thompson
Nicole Lee Thompson
Mthembukazi Twala
Khanyisa Tyeku
Taylor Jean Uys
Tammy Joy van der Heever
Shannon Kathleen van der Westhuizen
Lijan Ella van Niekerk
Alexa van Rooyen
Taylin Sanchia van Wyk
Michelle Vaughan
Emma Louisa Yeats Wayne
Kayla-Ann Weidemann
Caitlin Mornette White
Chloé Ann Wileman
Brenè Williams
42
Di-Anne Wyngaard
ACADEMIC
anything but easy. The girls
often find it challenging to
rationalise inherently irrational
movements within theatre, but
this teaches them to “think
outside of the box” and the
critical thinking, so valuable in
the subject, is developed greatly
in this year. Frustration and
exhaustion aside, the girls have
described the year as rewarding,
having created a performance
that is both entertaining and
moving. Knowing first-hand
the amount of work that goes into their
practical performances, I take my hat off
to the girls and wish them all the best with
their final exam.
Dramatic Arts
Our goal as a Drama department is
to develop creative ways of getting
learners to reach their full potential in
the classroom and outside of it. With this
goal in mind we have been tweaking our
methods to accommodate the various
personalities and abilities we find inside
the Drama classroom.
One of the biggest changes we have
adopted and developed is that of having
two teachers instead of one at the
disposal of every senior class. This has
been such a wonderful experience for
all involved. The teachers, Mrs Mouton
and Ms Petersen, are able to focus on
various elements of the subject. This
is particularly useful in preparation for
practical exams where learners receive
extra time with a teacher. In theory classes
they have the expertise and assistance
of two teachers. Working as a well-oiled
machine, the learners have come to love
and flourish in the environment created by
these teachers.
Grade 10 learners are being introduced
to the more challenging subject Dramatic
Arts from its introductory counterpart
Creative Arts, and finding it a lot more
challenging. They are enjoying it
nonetheless.
“It’s not hard, it’s just a lot of work, but it
is fun. You learn about accountability. It’s
very different to Creative Arts. It’s more
focused and you learn more about drama
than you expect.” – Lisa Meyer.
Despite there being quite a few changes,
there are some things that have become
tradition, such as our annual trip to the
South African Schools’ Festival at the
Artscape Theatre Centre.
As usual, the Grade 11 learners and their
teachers set off at the crack of dawn
to reach Cape Town at the required
admission time. In true Rhenish style,
we all ended up dancing to the music of
the Marimbas in front of the Artscape
Theatre Centre while other schools stared.
The girls watched fantastically creative
productions which not only stretched
their imaginations but opened up to them
a world of physical theatre performance
that one can only really experience
once one has seen it being executed so
masterfully. They attended workshops on
various elements of performance such as
improvisation, dance, mime, puppetry,
physical theatre and even beatboxing!
They attended lectures on identity in
the age of the selfie as well as a very
informative talk on the viability of a
career in the arts. All in all, it was two
exhausting but wonderfully fulfilling
days for learners and teachers alike. The
girls also managed to make a lot of new
friends.
The festival is a fantastic way to
encourage the learners to exercise their
creativity and not to limit themselves in
the classroom. It seems like the Grade 11s
this year have a very distinct feel for how
situations and characters can be portrayed
physically, which makes for a very
interesting and lively practical exam. It is
clear that we are going to have some very
successful Grade 12s in 2016!
For the second year after its reappearance
last year, Inter House Plays was a
success this year. Everything ran more
smoothly and, thanks to the guidance
of Mrs Conchar, the event is becoming
more established in the school. The
challenges were similar, particularly that
girls do not really have time to rehearse,
but Rhenishers always manage to make
it work. A stunning array of comedy,
drama and suspense with some fantastic
acting, dialogue, costume and makeup made for a thoroughly enjoyable
evening. The directors, Estelle Hislop
(Terlinden), Deoné Wright (Weber) and
Natalie Kitching (Van Der Stel) poured
themselves into their projects, making it
almost impossible for the judges to choose
a winner. Van Der Stel took the winning
spot at the end of the night, but, again in
true Rhenish style, everyone came onto
the stage and danced their hearts out. It
was truly a memorable evening.
2015 can be described as both challenging
and rewarding for the Drama department,
but I can confidently say that all involved
would not change a thing. Work and play
are so intertwined that one cannot help
but immerse yourself in every facet of
the subject. We look forward to 2016: its
challenges, experiences and rewards.
Ms Sam Petersen
The Grade 12 class of 2015 has managed
to finish up their academic year in drama.
They performed their final exam in
August and, from a very proud teacher’s
perspective, their hard work paid off!
Dramatic Arts at Grade 12 level is
43
ACADEMIC
Visual Art – PJ Olivier Centre
The PJ Olivier Art Centre is
situated in the middle of town
– next to the Braak with the
landmark rubber tyre mule by
Andries Botha in front of our
entrance. The centre provides
art education for all learners on a
variety of levels.
Lara Burger
Nicola Skipp
Learners in Grades 8 and 9 do
the Visual Art component of
Creative arts as part of the compulsory
learning areas of the Senior Phase at the
art centre. We expose learners to a variety
of art techniques and begin to teach them
how to look at and analyse the different
types of art forms that one can encounter
in this technological 21st century.
The Grade 8 and 9 learners can also
take Art as a choice subject. During
these lessons learners do more intensive
projects that expose them to the different
art forms that may be taken as subjects in
the FET phase in Grades 10 to 12.
In Grade 10 learners may choose Art as a
subject to take through to matric. In Art
there are two directions provided – Design
and Visual Art. Design presents learners
with a subject that is focused on the
production of products that are functional
and that have aesthetic value. Visual
Arts is about self-expression and offers
learners a way to engage meaningfully
with, and respond to their world.
Anais Breytenbach
Abigail Smart
Sibo Bongo
Keira Goedhals
Natasha Piprek
Talya Beyers
Both subjects have a practical and
theoretical component. For the final
matric examination learners are required
to do a practical artwork, set up an
exhibition that shows an overview of their
progress in Grades 11 and 12 and write a
three hour theoretical exam during which
their skills in visual literacy are tested.
Rhenishers have a proud history of
excellence in the work they do at the
P J Olivier Centre for Art. This year, Teó
Stuttaford in Grade 12 was awarded the
South African National Association for
the Visual Arts (SANAVA) Best Design
Artist Trophy.
Shirley Huang
44
Freya Chester-Browne
Teo Stuttaford
Chloe Cox
In order to understand the mechanism
of the Rhenish Girls’ High Music
Department, consider the following before
reading further:
“Love isn’t material. It’s energy,
enthusiasm. It’s the feeling in a room, a
situation, a person. Money can’t buy it. We
experience it as kindness, giving, mercy,
compassion, peace, joy, acceptance, nonjudgement, joining and intimacy.”
2015 started off with a big challenge
with Mrs Lambert’s sudden resignation
which left Grade 10-12 without a teacher
for literacy, saxophone and clarinet. This
was a challenge in the truest sense of the
word, “something that needs great mental
or physical effort in order to be done
successfully and therefor tests a person’s
ability.”
In stepped Mrs Lisa Joubert, all the way
from the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, and
she has filled the vacancy left by Mrs
Lambert in every way. Mrs Annemarie
Bam took over the teaching of the
clarinet and Miss de Villiers took over
the saxophonists. The Music Department
had the pleasure of teaching 51 learners
this year, each learner was allocated to a
teacher for practical and the theoretical
and music knowledge for each grade was
also divided amongst the staff.
ACADEMIC
Music Department
Celeste Opperman – Best
Musical
Lisa Meyer – Best Jazz
Masi Sesanti – overall winner in her age
group U14
Jamie Goedhals took part in the recorder
section and achieved a gold plus.
Concert in the Garden – a Music
Department event that has become
quite an institution at Rhenish – has
traditionally been held in the gardens at
Rhenish. This year, we took the bold
step of relocating this very popular
and well-supported event to the Oude
Libertas Amphitheatre. This proved to
be a very successful move – the weather
played along and the parents were very
supportive of this showcase of Rhenish
musical talent.
Another feather in the Rhenish Music
Department’s cap was the 86 entries to
the vocal section of the Stellenbosch
Eisteddfod. Results were encouraging
with more than 75% learners achieving
gold plus, 25% achieved cum laudes and
1% achieved gold and silver. Rhenish
took trophies for four different categories:
Leah Primo – Best Italian Song
To the accompanists of these learners, a
very big thank you for the many hours of
rehearsals, of waiting at the venue and for
supporting our girls.
Life is slowly being breathed into
our dream of upgrades to the Music
Department and the general beautification
of our facilities through new flooring and
collage displays of our achievements.
To staff in the Music Department,
you have made a difference in the
lives of every learner with whom
you have contact – your patience and
perseverance when life gets busy and
practising can be neglected can be seen
in the improvements in every girl’s
performance.
If life’s challenges are accepted positively,
the rewards of hard work and dedication
will follow.
Mrs Sonja van Amstel
45
ACADEMIC
CHOIR
We have a large number of
talented voices at Rhenish and
have thus continued with two
choirs.
The junior choir started the year off with
two short rehearsals on a Tuesday and
a Thursday morning before school. As
winter approached, the busses arrived
later and the mornings became colder and
darker. This made early morning practices
increasingly challenging and we were
fortunate to secure the assistance of Mrs
Lucille May who, together with Miss de
Villiers, took the junior choir on Tuesday
afternoons.
grades did not matter as we all shared the
same love and joy of music and singing.
This reflected in our music and resulted in
a joyous noise.”
A definite highlight for the senior choir
was the tour to Durban at the end of
March. “It was a wonderful experience
filled with joy and fun as well as work.
It was interesting to see St Anne’s and
Michaelhouse in Pietermaritzburg and
to be able to perform at both schools.
The atmosphere in the amphitheatre
at St Anne’s was phenomenal and
performing in the chapel at Michaelhouse
The senior choir had the basics: auditions,
choir camp and rehearsals every Tuesday
afternoon. Choir camp was its usual
success. Tarryn Barron, “This year’s
choir camp was definitely one of growth
and development as a choir. The unity
amongst the girls was quite profound
and the fact that we were all in different
Senior Choir
46
a very special experience. Our last
day was spent at Ushaka Marine
world and it was just what we needed:
SUNSHINE,LAUGHTER AND FUN IN
THE WATER.”
Nicola Macdonald
The Rhenish choirs both played a vital
role in the inauguration of our Ebenezer
Hall during our Choral Celebration. This
was held over two evenings – a Junior
and a Senior evening. We were especially
privileged to have two of the top ATKV
winning choirs – Gene Louw Primary
School and Durbanville Primary School’s
senior choirs. Also performing at the
Junior Choral Celebration were the choirs
of Laёrskool Stellenbosch and Rhenish
Primary School.
the choir’s exciting performances was
the two evenings we showed off our
The past year has been a tough one for
the members of the marimba band as
we had to say goodbye early in the year
to many of our senior members as they
embarked on their very busy matric year.
Despite their leaving, we have gained
a few enthusiastic new members who
have added to the atmosphere of fun and
enjoyment that always surrounds the
marimba band.
Under the guidance of Mr Hinds, our
talented coach, and Ms de Villiers,
our supportive liaison teacher, Okara,
Victoria, Palesa, Louise and I have
successfully ploughed our way through
yet another year of early morning lessons
and late night performances. The year
has been filled with school performances
ACADEMIC
A final singing coup was the A capella
competition initiated and driven by
one of our Grade 9 learners, Anna
Hosking. This was an Inter House
event that was professionally run by the
girls and the adjudicator, Craig Daniels
(Head of University Ser groups) was
very impressed by the talent and he is
looking forward to adjudicating again
next year.
Mrs Sonja van Amstel
The Senior choirs that performed were
the two Rhenish choirs, the Paul Roos
Choir, the Stellenbos Hoёrskool choir,
and the Eikestad Laёrskool choir that had
not been able to perform at the Junior
evening. An important aspect of the
evening was that the choirs could listen
to each other perform and the report back
from parents was very positive. “One of
MARIMBA
brand new Ebenezer Hall. The
primary school “maaitjies” were
so cute. Paul Roos managed
to send shivers up our spines
and the beautiful harmonies
from Stellenbosch High school
contributed to the splendour of
the evening. The Rhenish girls
showed their love for music and
singing with their jazzy “Down
by the Riverside” and touched
everyone’s soul with “I leave
you with a Song”.
Jaime Goedhals
at the annual Siyaphambili evening, the
Mother and Daughter Tea Party, Rhenish’s
very new A capella evening, the opening
of the new hall and astro turf as well as
many other events.
Despite the dedication that the marimba
band demands (or perhaps, because of
it), we have grown as a group and are
constantly improving our skills. We would
like to extend a sincere thank you to Mr
Hinds and Ms de Villiers, without whom
this growth, improvement, and enjoyable
opportunity would not be possible. We
hope to see many new members joining
our junior and senior bands in the coming
year.
Marimba
Back row: Priyanka Govender,
Palesa Makena
Middle row: Louise Beyers, Okara Opara,
Victoria Beeka
47
ACADEMIC
ORCHESTRA
Rhenish’s orchestra comprises
of a group of talented musicians
conducted by Miss de Villiers
and Tamryn Barron as Concert
Master. Our orchestra has many
instruments – our strings section
is made up of violins, cellos,
and the double bass, in the
woodwind section are flutes,
the recorder and the clarinet, the
brass section is made up of the
soprano and alto saxophones,
the trumpet and trombone. All of
these are accompanied by percussion and
the piano.
At the beginning of the year we enjoyed
our Annual Orchestra Camp. It was great
fun and we learnt many pieces for our
repertoire. Mrs Kapp came with us and
Ms Fourie came along to serve us her
delicious meals. The girls all bonded and
new friendships were made.
Later in the year we took part in an
Eisteddfod at the Endler Hall which was
an amazing venue in which to perform.
We came away very proudly with a
Cum Laude! This year the Concert
in the Garden was at Oude Libertas
which was another lovely opportunity
and performance. Irish dancers even
accompanied our Brave medley. We
performed at Hoërskool Stellenbosch
for their Cultural Week where we were
treated like professional musicians.
The orchestra recently performed at the
Choral Celebration in the Ebenezer Hall
after which we listened to surrounding
schools choirs performing. We performed
at the Cultural awards and recently went
to watch a few of our own girls perform
in Hugo Lamprecht’s orchestra – Tamryn
and Jamie Barron. It was spectacular.
The orchestra has had a very eventful year
full of music and performances which
all the members thoroughly enjoyed.
Practising is one thing – and make no
mistake, we enjoy it – but we really come
alive when we have the attention of an
audience.
Finally, something the orchestra holds
dear, “No one can whistle a symphony, it
takes a whole orchestra to play it!” We
are all equally essential.
Kirsty Bucholz
Orchestra
Back row: Hannah van Houwingen, Alexandra Osborne, Gabriella Bolognese,
Michelle ter Huune, Natalie Kitching
Middle row: Danisha Coopoosamy, Jaime Goedhals, Kate St Clair, Kalsy Meyer, Jane Daniels,
Saskia Dyllan, Alessia Lederer, Palesa Makena, Cayleigh Plaatjes, Minethia Markman
Front row: Jamie Barron, Jamy Seas, Cailin Joubert, Mrs H Kapp, Ms L de Villiers,
Tamryn Barron, Chante Daniels, Cassidy Truter, Anninge Kreft
48
LIFE ORIENTATION
Learners across the grades had the
opportunity in 2016 to engage with
different topics that included: The
World of Work; Constitutional Rights
and Responsibilities; Development of
the Self in Society; Health, Social and
Environmental Health; Study Skills and
Physical Education.
Grade 12 learners started their final school
year by analysing how they use their time
by keeping a Time Journal for 3 days. We
often hear that there is not enough time
to finish school work. It is important to
deal with the issue at the beginning of the
year in order to assist the girls with much
needed Time Management Skills. This
proves to be a vital skill as they tackle
the challenges of Grade 12, “I identified
many time wasters in my time journal
that I was able to cut out” said one matric
while another commented, “I waste a
lot of time on social media and browsing
the internet in general, therefore I should
switch off my cell phone”.
The main aim for Grade 11 Life
Orientation this year has been to equip
and prepare the learners for their last two
years of high school, the world of work
and adulthood beyond the walls of the
classroom. Problem-solving methods,
goal-setting and relationship challenges
were essential building blocks for starting
the year and most classes were used to
discuss and implement these skills in
groups. Learners were challenged to
do pre-reading – ‘just as you would in
university or college’ – and to come to
guidance classes prepared for the many
challenges that Grade 11 held.
Third term saw solemn issues such
as eating disorders and poor personal
choices being shared by student teachers
who had powerful examples of what lies
beyond the classroom. The highlight of
the term was without a doubt the creative,
exciting feedback from three days of
job-shadowing in which every Grade 11
learner participated.
“This job-shadowing task was very useful
ACADEMIC
and helpful for me because
I got an insight not just into
advertising, but also into how
it feels to have a proper career.
I was treated like I actually
worked there, so I couldn’t just
slack off and use the WiFi. I
actually worked hard and helped
with ideas where I could (or
where they would allow me to!)”
Cassidy Watson (11A)
Learners across the grades
participated in various fitness,
games/sport and recreational activities.
Learners performed dances like the Salsa,
Cha Cha, Waltz and other movement
routines from dance movies. Grade 10
learners choreographed rhythmic routines
with ribbons and Grade 9 learners
performed Cheerleading routines. It gave
learners an opportunity to be creative
and be expressive through dance. Fitness
activities included choreographing and
presenting aerobics routines, measuring
their health-related fitness components,
taking part in Zumba and other fitness
routines. Sport and Games included
Ultimate Frisbee presented by the Maties
Ultimate Club, Tag Rugby presented by the
Tag Rugby Union, Volleyball, Basketball
and Softball. The learners participated
in teambuilding activities like the “Trust
Walk” where blindfolded learners were
guided through a course, orienteering
activities and Minefield, where blindfolded
learners were guided through an area
scattered with “mines” and fun relays.
Learners experienced leading a team,
working together as a team and most
importantly they had a great deal of fun.
While many may question the value of
Life Orientation as a school subject,
when one looks at the what is achieved
across the grades over the course of a
year, it is clear that valuable life lessons
are imparted in a friendly, stress-free
environment.
Grade 12 learners had the opportunity
to research an organisation in their
community that deals with the violation
of human rights of women and children.
They analysed the effectiveness of
campaigns that deal with this and learners
commented that their research left them
“shaken and sad” and many felt the need
to become more involved in helping the
victims of abuse in their communities.
They also felt a great amount of respect
for the people who work at organisations
that try to protect, support and uplift the
victims and some commented “we need to
do more than just spread awareness. We
need to take action”.
49
ACADEMIC
Outings and Activities
THE ESKOM SCIENCE EXPO
As is tradition at Rhenish, the
Grade 10s who do Physical or
Life Sciences have to submit a
project for the Science Expo.
Everyone participates in the
Rhenish Science Expo and the
top projects are submitted to the
Regional round of the Eskom
Science Expo.
Twenty-five Rhenish Grade 10 projects
were entered in the Regional round of the
Eskom Science Expo which was held on
28 August at Rhenish Girls’ High School.
Rhenish Girls’ impressed the judges
(and the public) with their outstanding
presentations, the quality of their research
50
and the application of their scientific
method to their field of study. Dedication
and hard work were applauded by the
judges.
Rhenish came away with a basket of
awards: 6 Gold medals, 12 Silver medals
and 11 Bronze medals. We are also very
proud of the two girls, Emma Oosthuizen
and Yarah Narker, who were selected
to present their projects at the National
Science Expo later in the year.
A number of our girls were also “best
project” winners in their categories:
Emma Oosthuizen (Best project in
Innovation and Technology), Camirin
Smith (Best project in Health Care
and Sports Science), Louise Beyers
(Best project in Computer Science and
Information Technology), Carly du
Plessis and Harley Dalton (Best project
in Food Science, Food Technology
and Healthy Eating), Kirsten Bucholz
and Zoë Dolan (Best project in Plant
Sciences including Marine Plants and
Plant Ecology), Adrienne Hobbs (Best
project in Environmental Management),
Roxanne Upton (Best project in Animal
and Veterinary Science, including Marine
animals and Animal Ecology).
Congratulations to all these young
scientists and we wish Emma Oosthuizen
and Yarah Narker the best of luck for
when they take part in the National
Eskom Science Expo.
Ms Lana Schreuder
A highlight on the calendar of the Grade
11 Life Science learners is definitely the
visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape
Town. While it may not be in a typical
classroom, the trip is an extended lesson
and anyone who thinks that excursions
should not be part of the curriculum needs
to experience this outing to understand
the value for the learners of seeing the dry
theory they study in class become very
real as Rhenishers come to grips with the
biodiversity of our shores.
A hands-on lesson in which the girls had
the opportunity to touch and explore sea
life found on our shores was focused on
the conservation of biodiversity and there
was plenty of opportunity for interactive
stimulation as girls touched sea anemone
as well as sharks.
The lesson was followed by group work
that had the girls exploring the aquarium
working on an assignment that had to be
completed on return to school. Driven by
curiosity and competitive spirits the girls
set to the task with energy and
enthusiasm. They moved from
exhibit to exhibit answering
questions regarding the diverse
aquatic life in each exhibit.
They observed, reviewed
information boards and studied
the different aquatic animals.
ACADEMIC
TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM FIELD TRIP
Exhausted, enriched and minds
overflowing with marine
biology, we arrived back at
Rhenish and, with a degree of
relief, handed in our completed
assignments. A SASSI Fish Pocket
Guide in hand, a smile on our faces and
backpacks full of memories, the Grade
11s were very pleased to have had this
opportunity to experience their learning in
this real life situation.
Philné Roberts
RHENISH ‘DIGS’ FOSSILS
A group of Grade 10 and 11 Life
Sciences girls visited the West Coast
Fossil Park in Saldanha Bay early in
September.
We were welcomed to the Fossil Park
with a presentation that had everybody’s
eyes stretched wide with fascination. At
the digging sight we learnt about and
saw fossils that ranged from a Shortnecked Long-horned Giraffe’s jaw to a
snake’s vertebrae.
blossom and we managed to spot
Bontebok, Eland, whales, ostriches and
other four-legged friends.
Another memory that will not be forgotten
is being surrounded by people who have
the same passions and interests as each
other.
We were privileged to be able to see the
best nature had to offer us in only one day
and we made memories surrounded by
people with similar passions and interests.
A great deal was learnt and many laughs
were shared and, even though we were
exhausted, we headed home deeply
satisfied.
Moya Smith
After all the fossilized information was
deposited into our heads, everyone was
ready for a cruise in the West Coast
National Park, and it was spectacularly
beautiful! The half-Fynbos-halfSucculent Karoo biome was in full
51
ACADEMIC
EUROPE TRIP
On the 24 June 2015, Cape
Town International Airport was
flooded with a large group of
very excited Rhenishers. The
butterflies in our tummies felt as
heavy as our nearly-overweight
luggage. After a year of planning
and excitement, the much
anticipated Europe trip was
about to start.
The plane trip was long, but
the enthusiasm we felt when we landed
in Berlin overshadowed the exhaustion.
We visited sites like the Berlin Wall,
Checkpoint Charlie and the Egyptian
Museum. The thing that excited us
Rhenishers the most, though, was the
shops! For most of us, it was our first
time inside H&M and Starbucks and
by the time we left for Prague, our
budgets were blown. Berlin evoked
emotions in everyone: excitement when
we went on the underground for the
first time; heartbreak when we visited
the concentration camp; confusion
when we were addressed in German
and disorientation when the sun started
setting at 9pm. By the time we left Berlin
our fitness levels had increased, new
friendships had formed and our currency
exchanging skills were top-notch.
The architecture of Prague is my
overwhelming memory of this city. It
filled us with wonder as all the buildings
have different colours and different
detailing, but they all share the same
storybook-like style. In Prague, we
WALKED. We visited the “Old City”
which felt like being on the set of a
fantasy movie. We visited so many
52
beautiful old buildings and churches that
we were practically historians by the end
of the day. We had a lot of free time in
which to explore the city. Shopping was
the priority for some and they took full
advantage of the Rand being stronger
than the Czech Krona. One of the most
incredible experiences on the Eurotrip
was the boat ride through Prague –
somehow a city is even more beautiful
when your feet are not aching.
Our next destination was the beautiful city
of Salzburg in Austria, with a two-hour pit
stop in Munich. Salzburg is any Sound of
Music fan’s dream. It was so fascinating
to see not only where the movie was
shot, but also where the real Von Trapp
family lived. We saw Mozart’s house
and ate traditional pretzels in a variety of
interesting flavours.
After two nights in Austria, we once
again packed our bags and climbed on our
busses. We stopped in a little town in the
Czech Republic called Cesky Krumlov.
Like something out of a storybook, this
is a castle town complete with a moat
and two guard bears. We had the whole
day to ourselves to explore the village
and so our little groups went in different
directions. Some of us decided to go river
rafting, others spent the day looking at the
historical castles and towers and others
simply spent the day souveneir shopping
(there’s no Starbucks in storybook towns
apparently).
When our bus arrived at the train
station in Italy we were tired, hot and in
desperate need of a shower. But these
inconveniences were forgotten as soon
as our train stopped in Venice. Visiting
Venice was like leaving the real world and
entering a romance novel. And while there
may not have been many boys, there was
PIZZA! Many of us took a gondola ride
through the city and it was incredible. We
saw so many old buildings and houses, it
was truly a culturally-rich experience.
other historical sites. Our tour guide was
very charismatic and it was so interesting
to be taught about the city by a local.
The Europe Trip was a life-changing
experience for all of us. So many new
friends and memories were made. Thank
you so much to all the teachers and
parents involved for making this truly
unforgettable experience possible.
There’s a quote that goes: “The world is
a book and those who do not travel read
only one page”. After this trip we have all
read a few more pages, and it has inspired
us to finish the book.
Emma Wayne
Our final day on the trip was spent in
beautiful Verona where we visited the
ancient arena, Juliette’s house and many
53
ACADEMIC
eLearning
Rhenish has taken huge strides
in bringing the 21st century
into our classrooms this year, or
maybe it is a case of bringing the
classroom into the 21st century.
Either way, 2015 was filled with
exciting new developments in
the field of technology.
In 2014 a group of teachers and
parents determined a technology vision
for Rhenish: “All teachers and learners in
the school should be confident in the use
of new technologies in order to achieve
their full potential as global citizens”.
To achieve this vision, technology
needs to become part of the learning
environment in the same way that
textbooks and exercise books are. To
achieve the synergy between technology
and learning, we envision that within
three years each learner should have
access to a personal device. A lot of
planning went into rolling this out in
stages to ensure that the focus is not on
technology for the sake of technology,
but rather that the technology enhances
the good education Rhenishers already
receive.
The process started in 2014 with a huge
investment in our infrastructure. State-ofthe art wifi was installed that covers the
whole of the academic campus and we
also upgraded the incoming broadband
line to make provision for more
simultaneous users. We soon realised that
with the increased use of technology in
the classes, there was a definite need for
on-site technical support and we were
glad to welcome Mr Braam Goeman to
the Rhenish family at the beginning of
July.
54
firewalls were in place before learners
could get access to the internet. Each
girl received her own Google-education
identity, which include unlimited storage
space in Drive, an email address and
access to all the other Google apps.
Changes were noticed almost
immediately: research on the internet
could now be done in class; up-to-date
information could be used to supplement
the textbooks and revision exercises could
be done on the internet which enables
each learner to work at her own pace and
receive immediate feedback.
After a great deal of deliberation, it was
decided to pilot an eLearning project in
the Grade 9 group. The parents of the
2015 Grade 9s were hugely supportive
and 98% of the girls started the year with
a tablet. We were also very fortunate
in receiving some sponsored tablets to
enable every girl to work on a device.
Each girl received a set of ebooks, in
addition to the textbooks provided by the
WCED. Making use of ebooks has many
advantages: instead of carrying a heavy
bag full of books girls now only had to
take their tablet and exercise book to
class; they can no longer get into trouble
for forgetting a textbook – as long as the
tablet is charged, the learner has all her
books with her all the time; and ebooks
also gives the girls who have not worked
on a mobile device the opportunity to get
used to working on a tablet every day.
The second part of the pilot phase had to
be postponed until broadband access was
increased in the third term. We also had
to ensure that all the necessary filters and
While all of this was happening in the
Grade 9 classes, a lot of time was put
into training. The staff spent multiple
afternoons in training sessions to improve
their technical skills and prepare them
for incorporating technology into their
classroom. We were also privileged to
have Ms Emma Sadleir talk to the school
about social media and the law. Ms
Sadleir is considered to be the foremost
expert on social media law in South
Africa. What she said really made an
impression on both learners and staff and
they were encouraged to take control of
their digital content and online presence.
During 2015 we took huge strides to bring
the classroom into the 21st century, but
this is only the first phase on a long road
to ensure that Rhenishers receive the best
possible education to ensure that they are
prepared for the brave (technology driven)
new world out there.
Creative Expressions
CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS
Beautiful South Africa
Wrapped in the arms of her
lovers, the icy Atlantic Ocean
and the warm Indian Ocean, she
stands proud, prepared to take on
the world. Her dress in spring is
hemmed with exotic flowers that
come out to witness her beauty.
While the flowers can only be
around her beauty for a short
time, the fynbos decorates her
dress all year round, so devoted
to her that they will live no place
else. As your eyes move up
her dress, the colours alternate
between the green of the bee-eater and the
brown of the little francolin.
Her treasures do not only lie in her beauty.
Wrapped in bracelets, necklaces and
earrings are long streams of the brightest
diamonds and the softest gold. Running
across her dress in breath-taking colours
are exquisite fields and orchards of
grapes, wheat and maize, tended with the
utmost care by South Africa’s youngest
children, her pride and joy, her human
inhabitants. These children began their
lives wrapped in her arms and as they
grew up, slowly wandered away to new
lands and homes. She still hears news of
them from the air and the water and is
happy to know that they thrive on every
point of the compass.
She has watched them grow from kind
children who trust everyone, to rebellious
teenagers who fight against everything
good she has taught them and finally to
adults who are beginning to mature and
learn what is wrong and what is right.
Every generation there will be children
who are cruel or a foolish idea that
leads to horror and destruction. When
this happens, she tries to find her good
children and does her best to lead them
Tyler Setzer
to the right path. Not too long ago she had
to say good bye to one of the greatest of
her children, Nelson Mandela, who had
saved South Africa from being ripped in
two.
Humans are not South Africa’s only
children and they do not occupy all her
heart. She has special places in her heart
for those who fly upon her breath, those
who stride across her body and those who
swim in her life’s blood. She treasures
all the children she has created and does
her best to protect them from all dangers,
including each other.
She is there for every single moment
of her children’s lives, from when she
welcomes them into the world to when
their bodies join with hers in their death.
She is their mother, their protector and
their home.
Emma-Jane Osborn
Sasha Hay
Teo
Stuttaford
The Teacher
“Good morning, class,” the teacher says,”
I’d like to introduce you to a new student.
I’m sure you’ll do your utmost to make
her feel at home.” He is holding his arm
around a pretty blonde girl supportingly.
She greets the class with a blank stare,
and they reply with equally uninterested
expressions. Their indifference seems to
anger the teacher, who furiously throws
the blackboard eraser which he had been
clasping in his white-knuckled hand, at
the child sitting directly in front of him.
The boy doesn’t flinch.
After a moment of silence, the teacher’s
red face returns to normal and he smooths
down his tweed jacket. He leads the girl to
an empty desk near the back of the class
and is momentarily distracted, ensuring
the girl is comfortable.
56
The class doesn’t take advantage of his
distraction. There is no discernible chatter
or raucous shouting. From a glance, it
would seem that they do not move a
muscle.
The teacher walks to the front of the class
and proceeds with the lesson. Something
about traditional death customs.
The class sits quietly, attentively. They
do not fidget, as one would expect them
to, and there is no sound of pens against
paper. The only sound is that of the
teacher scrawling notes on the blackboard
and rambling fanatically about his chosen
topic.
The children sit upright, almost painfully
so, and stare with glassy eyes at their
excited professor. He stops for a second
and leans over his desk, trying in vain to
tame his tousled hair.
He places his glasses on the day’s paper,
which lies open before him and looks up
warily, spotting a child that is not sitting
quite as upright as she should be. He
opens a drawer and removes his hammer
and nails.
He walks quietly to his pale student
and lifts one of the nails up to the girl’s
drooping shoulder. Bang, bang, bang goes
the hammer.
The girl does not fight.
He walks back to his desk and replaces
the tools. Picking up the newspaper and
allowing his glasses to fall to the floor, he
turns to the front page. “Look children,”
he says, “you’re all on the front page.” He
looks down at the pictures fondly.
The headline reads:” Missing, Believed
Dead.”
Isabelle Fowler
ground would have been beautiful if the
shards had not been smeared with blood,
reflecting pure suffering a thousand times
over.
Natasha Piprek
I did not even notice the tears trickling
down my cheeks as I saw that my city was
still intact. The buildings glittered, not
reflecting pain and suffering and flames,
but the brilliant blue sky and fluffy white
clouds that drifted past serenely.
Teo Stuttaford
Furnace
My heart pounded in my chest as a drop
of sweat wound its way down to the base
of my spine. I could not believe what
I had just seen. My vision gradually
returned as the pain in my head subsided,
relief lapping over me like waves on a
shore. I had had visions of the future
before, but nothing like this.
Hands trembling, I gripped the edge of
my bed and lifted myself up off the plush
carpet. I stumbled my way to the window,
which was large and gave me a stunning
view of the city. I pressed my hands to the
cool glass, breathing a sigh of relief.
Just moments before I had seen the
towering glass skyscrapers crumple to the
ground, dissolving into glittering shards
of glass as they reflected the flames
devouring the wreckage. The sight would
have been eerily beautiful if it were not
for the screams, wrought with terror,
that tore the air apart. The deafening,
animalistic roar that had accompanied the
screams chilled my blood. The sound of
glass breaking and tinkling as it hit the
A deep rumble made the ground vibrate.
At first, I thought it had been my
imagination – a remnant of my vision,
perhaps – but when the ground shook
again and I fell with my face against the
glass, I was forced to believe that it was
real. I leaned against the glass as dread
clawed at my stomach, unable to take
my eyes off the city. The rumbling grew
louder and some buildings had begun to
shake visibly. It took a moment for the
screams to begin.
I hardly noticed my father’s arms around
my shoulders, pulling me away from the
window. I knew exactly what was going
to happen, but I could not prevent myself
from witnessing it for a second time.
Giants
Mountains reach for the sky
in great waves of crashing green and
silver stone
breathing centuries of dust and serenity
Maria Stallmann
Rebecca Molenaar
The centre of the city exploded. I
recognised the roar as it reverberated
through my bones. The wings of the
creature which had produced the sound,
sliced through the buildings as they
spread to their full span. The creature,
whose existence had previously been
confined to pictures in books, lifted its
head towards the sky.
Orange flames licked hungrily at the blue
and I sank to the ground, clutching my
father as we watched our city burn.
Talya Beyers
Tammy van der Heever
Shirley Huang
57
CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS
Teo Stuttaford
Story Felling
He marched towards me with a machine,
ever so sharp. There was no emotion
in his eyes, no guilt in his heart. He
began slowly cutting deep into my skin,
slicing my soul into chips that flew to
the far corners of the world. I swayed, in
pain, but could not speak. I didn’t want
to speak anyway, not to this creature
showing no mercy. He did not deserve
my words, just my last resistance.
I was beautiful, you know, before he cut
me. I was tall, stately, kind and provided
so much actually for his species. For
years, I bought happiness to his race and
beautified the surroundings.
I regret everything.
I regret helping then throughout the years
when all they were waiting for was the
perfect time to destroy me, shape me
shift me and stamp on me. But what I
regret the most is, thinking they actually
appreciated and valued me.
Gabriella de Franchi
Kayla-Ann
Weidemann
After the torture was over, they sent me
away, away from my home and family.
There was no goodbye, just broken, torn
parts left behind as a grim reminder of
my existence. I was scared and helpless.
Inside of me though, a thread of pure
happiness developed when I realised the
man with the devil’s spirit trapped within
him was gone.
a kiss and fled. I whispered silently to
myself, “I love you too.”
I arrived in the dusk at my next stop,
unloaded roughly from the rumbling
truck. The beasts carried me into a
massive building, and once again, with a
harsh electric whine, the torture started.
This time, it was worse. They annihilated
me, pulped me to change me completely.
There were so many of them and this
time, as I became unrecognisable, I gave
up completely. I used my final breaths
to pray. I prayed to be beautiful again, to
be appreciated and to always be with my
love. The last slice of machinery came
down on me with great pressure and I
knew it was all over now. I drew my last
breath and died smiling.
The gentle boy turned the last page that
fluttered in the breeze and with tears in
his eyes, cradled the book tightly against
his chest. He whispered, “You are
beautiful tree. I appreciate you as a living,
breathing giant and as I hold you now as
this book, I will love you forever.”
Natalie Kitching
Kelsey Cloete
My lifetime love, the wind with spiritual
fingers and cooling breath, had kept me
company throughout the trip but now he
had other duties to fulfil. He sang softly
to me and vanished before I could plead
for him to stay. Before he left, he told me
he loved me, brushed my rough skin with
Talya Beyers
Claire Dehosse
Claire Dehosse
58
To Dust
The road beneath my feet stretched
forward like a red carpet, a red carpet
that was hard, devoid of glamour and, of
course, not red. It was the dull colour of
dust, the same dust that invaded my nose,
hair and eyes and mingled with the beads
of sweat pearling on my forehead.
The brightness of the sun made my eyes
ache and the distance I still had to go
made my already sore feet throb with
bitter anticipation. I cast my gaze down to
the map in my hand and it took a moment
for my eyes to adjust to the shade of the
small tree I had chosen to shelter me from
the cruel sun.
A thin line, drawn in fading blue ink,
directed me towards my destination.
Away from my previous life. Away from
the expensive dresses, the mansions, the
ostentatious cars and the real red carpets.
I closed my eyes, drawing in a breath that
turned the inside of my mouth to paper as
I reminded myself – not for the first time
– where I was going and why I had to go
there. And why I had to go alone.
My family had never understood my
obsession with finding this place, the
place I’d heard about only in musty old
books in the family’s extensive library.
It was my Atlantis. My Narnia. My
Neverland. The only difference was that
this place was real. Nobody believed me,
except my grandfather, the one who had
lost his right leg on a trip to the Amazon
more than fifty years ago.
Before I could waste one more second, I
stepped out of the shade of the tree and
began to walk, keeping my head high. If
I used my heat-enhanced imagination, I
could almost see the lush woven fabric
rolling out into the distance, livening up
the landscape with rich scarlet.
Talya Beyers
Kelsey Cloete
I smiled at the thought of him. He was an
adventurer: a real explorer. There were
even faded pictures of him in khaki shorts
and a matching pith helmet to prove it.
I knew he had suffered far more than
I could ever imagine – his missing leg
was proof of that – but I could not help
wishing for an off-road vehicle to save my
aching feet and to carry more food than
the dry bread and can of beans I had in
my backpack.
I checked my watch and calculated the
remaining number of kilometres I had to
cover. I was elated to find that if I walked
at a steady pace into the night, I would
reach my destination before sunrise.
Kelsey Pienaar
Tammy van der Heever
Lineshe Botha
Nam Ji Eun
59
CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS
’n Besoek aan die Teater
Die ligte van die teater gaan
onverwags af. Die gedreun van
verskillende stemme en unieke
aksente verander in ’n fluister.
Daar is die laaste ritsel van
papiertjies terwyl mense hulle
lekkertjies wegpak, en om my
verdwyn die laaste helder ligte
van selfoonskerms. Vir ’n paar
sekondes is die majestieuse
kamer doodstil. Verwagting hang
in die lug en soos rook versmoor
dit die gehoor.
Skielik, asof iemand in ’n eksamen ’n
potlood laat val het, is daar klank. Eers is
dit net huiwerige klaviernote wat die stilte
opsuig en die rook wegwaai, maar stadig
bou die geluide op. Die lang, hartseer
koorde van ’n orrel, die ongeduldige
stemme van fluite, die uitbundige gelag
van trompette en ander, onherkenbare
geluide gryp aan ons. Dit gryp aan ons
harte, ons hare en klim in ons koppe, in
ons siele in. Dit slaan die asem uit ons
borskaste en trek ons aan ons hande in die
storie in.
Die donkerblou fluweel van die gordyne
is soos ’n donker aand sonder sterre wat
’n denkbeeldige son na albei kante van die
verhoog toe stuur. Agter die gordyne is ’n
nuwe wêreld wat ons verwelkom. Daar is
skielik ’n besige Franse dorpie voor ons.
Pragtige langbeenmeisies ry met hul fietse
oor die verhoog, mans met dubbelkenne
eet croissants in straatkafees en poedels
stap gehoorsaam agter hul eienaars aan.
Erin Meerburg
Vir die volgende twee uur hou die teater
ons onder sy towerspel. Ons gee vir die
heldin ons harte en sy hou dit agterlosig in
haar hande vas. Sy ruk aan ons hartsnare
soos sy lus het en neem ons deur ’n reeks
emosies. Ons liefdesverhouding met die
karakters word oor en oor getoets terwyl
hulle vir ons hul storie vertel. Die gehoor
word angstiger en almal hou hulle asems
in, maar net so skielik soos dit begin het,
is dit alles verby.
Die helder ligte wat aangaan, brand ons
oë en bring ons terug na die werklikheid.
Almal vee skuldig aan hul nat wange en
haal diep asem, asof hulle vir die twee uur
onder water vasgesit het. Skielik is die
teater weer net ’n groot kamer met rooi
opvoustoele en ’n verhoog. Die towerspel
is verbreek en al wat oorbly, is ’n vertrek
vol mense vir wie die werklikheid weer in
die gesig staar.
Terwyl ek deur die groot houtdeure
stap, wens ek dat ek die hele ervaring
weer kon beleef, want die kleure van die
werklikheid is nooit so helder soos die
van dié verhoog nie.
Anjé Albertyn
Caelyn Millar
Shannon Morse
Kelsey Pienaar
Abigail Fortuin
Erin Meerburg
60
Die Ou Viool
Yster. Dit is waarna hierdie stad proe.
Yster en olie en sement.
ʼn Geroeste blik versmoor die yl blaartjies
van ʼn stukkie onkruid wat deur die
teer loer. Ek skop die blik weg en soos
dit knetterend wegrol, los dit ʼn streep
rooibruin roes op die rowwe swart van die
teerpad.
Die geluid van glas wat êrens agter my
breek, weerklink deur die nag en ek begin
vinniger beweeg. Ek hoor die hygende
gebrom van die motor net ʼn paar sekondes
voor die kopligte my skaduwee op die pad
voor my gooi. Ek spring net betyds uit
die pad uit en die groot swart motor gaan
verby. Dit neem ʼn tydjie voordat my hart
weer normaal klop. Jy moet meer versigtig
wees, Tobias, dink ek.
ʼn Paar minute later staan ʼn verlate fabriek
voor my. Daar is ʼn voordeur, maar ek weet
hy is al lankal toegeroes. Ek kry die gat in
die muur waar daar jare gelede ʼn venster
was en klim deur.
Ek gaan staan vir ʼn oomblik en maak
my oё toe soos die eerste note my tref. ʼn
Bekende gevoel tril deur my lyf. Ek moet
nader kom.
Ek ken al die plekke waar ek moet trap
sodat ek nie ʼn geluid maak nie. Ek klim
by die ystertrappe op, maar ek is so gevul
met musiek dat ek nie meer die metaal kan
proe nie.
My Beste Vriendin
ʼn Mens sou seker ʼn beste vriendin
kon beskryf as iemand wat altyd daar
is om jou te ondersteun. My beste
vriendin ry daagliks saam met my deur
die lewensavontuur. Haar volle naam
is Geelkameel, maar ek noem haar
sommer Georgie. Ek sou vir seker nie
ʼn dag maak sonder haar nie en sy is dus
gekroon as my beste vriendin. Dalk
moet ek byvoeg dat sy ʼn fiets is.
Half-sewe begin ons dag saam op pad
skool toe. Georgie vlieg verby die
suur gesigte wat vanuit die verkeer ons
dophou. Ek is gewoonlik binne vyf
minute by die skool, afhangende van
hoe vriendelik die verkeersbeampte is.
Smiddae is wanneer Georgie my die
meeste ondersteun. Skool, huis, Matiesastro, tennisbane, Markotter-grasveld,
huis. Party dae ry ons die dorp plat.
Om laatmiddae deur die studentedorp van
Stellenbosch te ry, vul my met borrelende
Uiteindelik is ek bo. Ek kyk af. Die
fabriek is leeg, behalwe vir haar.
Tayla Beyers
Haar klere is vuil en hopeloos te groot
vir haar. Haar hare is kort. Sy het
dit waarskynlik self geknip. Die ou
musiekinstrument onder haar ken is
stowwerig en erg gekrap, maar op plekke
blink hy nog in die maanlig wat by die
massiewe gat in die dak instroom.
Die laaste noot weergalm van die mure
af. Die meisie hou haar oё toe terwyl sy
die instrument stadig laat sak. Sy buig,
lag vir die “gehoor” van vullis en stukkies
boumateriaal.
Sy maak haar oё oop. Haar wange blink.
Sy begin loop na die venster waarby ek
ingeklim het, maar net voordat sy die
vensterbank raak, kan ek myself nie meer
inhou nie.
“Wag!”
Haar hele liggaam verstyf, soos ʼn
eekhorinkie s’n. Sy kyk op en sien vir my
op een van die balke sit.
“Moet my asseblief nie seermaak nie.”
Die vrees in haar oё maak my hart seer. “Wat
is daardie pragtige instrument se naam?”
“Viool,” sê sy, en voordat ek háár naam
kan vra, verdwyn sy by die venster uit.
Talya Beyers
blydskap. Die ou akkerbome se nuwe
blaartjies glinster deurskynend groen in
die lenteson. Op die Coetzenburgvelde
speel Dagbreek-manskoshuis rugby
terwyl meisies wat bikini-lyfie-doelwitte
het langs die Eersterivier af draf.
Stellenboschberg word pers-pienk gekleur
in die laatmiddagson. Dit is net wanneer
ek met Georgie ry, so tussen die gehaas
van die lewe, dat ek hierdie wonderwerke
opmerk. ʼn Beste vriendin is vir seker
iemand saam met wie jy ervarings deel
wat jy amper nie aan ander kan beskryf
nie.
Georgie staan altyd teen ʼn boom of paal
langs my terwyl ek by die koffiewinkels
met vriende skinder of senuweeagtig
lag op ʼn eerste afspraak. Espresso geen
melk? Boerekoffie met boerebeskuit?
ʼn Tafel vir twee, skaduwee of son? Vir
enige koffieliefhebber, besige student of
skolier op ʼn afspraak, het Stellenbosch
vir seker nie `n tekort aan koffiewinkels
nie. Ek en Georgie se persoonlike
Silent Rage
I have no rage within me.
I sit in thought-constructed fields and
observe flowers…
how a bee stumbles from a vibrant
centre,
drunk on pollen and beauty
how light catches in a dog’s fur
how rain sounds on large flat leaves.
But on occasion the wrath inside me
lifts her head
and shakes her mane of terrible gold
and roars so that earth trembles
and all the hearts of pitch
that murder and steal and rape and
destroy
turn to ash.
Does anybody hear my roar?
A whisper in the ether,
a ripple in the ocean.
And so I whisper to my flowers,
to the stumbling bees that know not of
the lion,
nor of that which slithers in the dark.
Maria Stallmann
gunsteling is “Blue Crane and the
Butterfly” met sy heerlike wortelkoek of
die antieke “Oude Bank Bakkerij”.
Ons mees intieme tyd wat ek en Georgie,
die Geelkameel, in ʼn dag saam spandeer,
is op die lang afraande na my huis toe.
Ons ry gewoonlik daar af (so sesuur
in die aand) na ʼn harde atletieksessie,
terwyl die son oor Kaapstad sak. Dit lyk
asof iemand ʼn glas water oor ʼn skildery
van rooi vuur en pienk blomme laat val
het soos die kleure in die hemel meng.
Ek verslap my greep op die handremme
en strek stadig altwee my hande uit langs
my lyf soos ʼn arend se vlerke.
En so vlieg Georgie en ek, soos die
somer se eerste swaeltjies, huis toe. Op
daardie oomblik is daar niks wat my
pla nie en my hart borrel met blydskap
vir die lewe. Liewe Georgie, my
Geelkameel, vir jou is ek ewig dankbaar.
Ons gaan nog ʼn lang pad saam ry.
Suzaan Hobson
61
Inter House
INTER HOUSE
TERLINDEN
2015 has been both an exciting and
memorable one for Terlinden.
The year started off with the annual Inter
House athletics held at Coetzenburg. The
three House Captains were dressed to
impress. As Ninja Warriors, the Terlinden
girls were motivated for the long hot day
that lay ahead. The Terlinden girls went
all out, irrespective of whether they were
running, jumping, throwing, pushing or
sitting on the stands cheering. Tellies
pride was shown throughout the day. We
were lucky enough to have Kaitlyn Sparks
in our house who received her South
African colours for pole vault.
Terlinden dominated once again at the
Inter House swimming gala, taking the
cup. The tellies swimmers from Grade
8 to 12 really did a great job in both
the individual and relay events. Ash
Rutherford had a great day of swimming
where she won the Senior Victrix
Ludorum. There was no shortage of tellies
spirit on yet another boiling hot day.
Terlinden girls have been very involved
in every aspect of school life at Rhenish,
whether it was the Inter House plays,
public speaking, debating, a capella or
quiz evenings. A lot of hard work and
effort was put in by many girls to put on
an entertaining evening. Estelle Hislop
was the director of the play Cinderella,
with the theme being “Shake it off”.
Terlinden also had ten speakers at the
Inter House speaking competition,
unfortunately, none of our girls were
placed. Jenna Armstrong and twelve
other Terlinden girls have been preparing
for the a capella evening where they
performed covers and mash ups of songs.
No matter what came our way this year
we always gave our best and, irrespective
of the result, our heads remained high.
Most importantly, throughout the year
every girl has been given the opportunity
to make new friends and to cherish
new memories. This past year as House
Captain has really taught me a lot and
helped me to grow as a person and to
become more confident.
Anke Smit and I would like to thank every
Tellies girl for all their hard work and effort
throughout the year. We also appreciate all
the organising and support offered by Mrs
van Dyk and Miss Shreuder.
Louise Currie and Anke Smit
VAN DER STEL
What a great honour it has been to lead
Van Der Stel as House Captain this year.
In Grade 8 I was selected as the mascot
and this year my dream was realised when
I was selected as the House Captain of
Van Der Stel.
Our first event was the Inter House
Athletics at Coetzenburg in February.
Taryn Hartley was selected as the ViceCaptain and together we made a mean
team. We, unfortunately, did not have
cheerleaders this year, but, with a lot
of help from our fellow Van Der Stel
matriculants, we managed to lead the
house in OUTSTANDING cheering for
our athletes.
Van Der Stel did not achieve the coveted
1st position, however, we had GREAT
SPIRIT and our athletes certainly held
nothing back in every event in which they
were entered. The incredible Van Der Stel
spirit was a presence on the athletics track
and was borne testimony to in the hoarse
voices on the following day.
Our next event was the Inter House
Gala. The school curriculum prevented
us from meeting with our House and it
made it difficult to plan and rehearse
new songs. The timing was totally out
because the school had to prepare for 4M
the following week, but we embraced
the challenge. We all walked to the Paul
Roos pool with white war paint on our
faces and yellow stripes on our arms,
Back row: Megan Arendse (van der Stel), Louise Currie (Terlinden), Anke Smit (Terlinden),
Tammy van den Heever (Weber)
Front row: Taryn Hartley (Van der Stel), Mr Carl Potgieter (Van der Stel), Mrs Rosanne van Dyk
(Terlinden), Ms Ingrid Hofhuis (Weber), Nizette Gordon (Weber)
63
INTER HOUSE
as true warriors going into
battle, determined to win the
water race. Our swimmers did
us proud and the spirit of the
Rhenish Sisterhood was evident
at the end of the event when all
of the houses ended up cheering
together.
I want to take this opportunity to
thank everyone who participated
in the Inter House netball,
hockey, soccer and squash
as well as the Inter House
debating that contributed to Van Der Stel
points. A special thanks must go to our
Inter House play group who won that
particular competition. All of you worked
very hard, achieved great results and
contributed in your specific areas for the
greater Van Der Stel good.
Thank you to my vice-captain, Taryn
Hartley, who helped along the way. I
appreciate all that you have contributed
towards your house. The Van Der Stel
girls thank you for your crazy spirit
and I shall always remember you as my
wonderful co-captain.
The stellies girls will never let anyone
down when it comes to bringing the spirit,
it will live forever because, “Once a
Stellies girl, Always a Stellies girl!”
Megan Arendse and Taryn Hartley
part in the Inter House plays and had a
great time in the spotlight. All of the girls
who participated in events throughout
the year showed great commitment and
determination. They showed true Weber
spirit whether they came first or last. They
trained hard to obtain the best possible
results to make our house proud.
WEBER
2015 started off with a bang for Weber.
Many things were done differently and
the house captains were only elected
this year. This meant a great deal had to
be done in a very short space of time as
Inter House Athletics also took place in
the first term, unlike previously. Also,
there were no house cheerleaders and no
rehearsed house cheers at the athletics
and swimming gala. This decision was
taken to minimise academic disruption
and the time was rather spent on 4M cheer
practice.
We faced a couple of new challenges, but
it has not been anything that the Weber
girls could not handle and the Weber girls
showed great determination at both the
Inter House swimming and the athletics
events. At the Inter House athletics, our
girls put a lot of effort in and therefore our
results were excellent. The girls in Weber
who are not as athletic as others took
64
On the school’s birthday, we once again
moved away from tradition and we did
not deliver a speech on the history of
the houses but Weber, Van Der Stel and
Terlinden compiled a video to wish the
school a happy birthday. We also had a
delicious “155” cake baked for the school.
This year, there have been more Inter
House events than previously with the
introduction of the Inter House A capella
singing competition. This was a magical
event that showcased many previously
‘unsung’ heroes. It is a fact that the
Weber girls flourish not only in their
physical activities but also academically
as shown by the high number of
honours badges awarded for academic
achievement in exams.
It has been a tough year in some ways,
but it has been a great ride. Good luck to
the Weber girls and the house captains of
2016.
Nizette Gordon and Tammy van der Heever
Sport
SPORT
Swimming
2015 has been an eventful year
for our Rhenish swimmers – bus
rides in rush-hour traffic for
weekly Cape Town Thursday
galas; racing our own teammates
at Inter House; battling our sister
schools at 4M; and carrying on
the RGHS legend at Boy/Girl
Gala (not to mention the daily
club training, early mornings in
cold water, cap tans, wet hair
and permanent chlorine fragrance that
comes with the territory!)
While each event had its own struggles,
pressure and strategies, one thing remains
constant: water sports are definitely our
forte. With domination every time, we
continued the winning streak yet again.
Inter House was the one opportunity we
had to battle each other and, as usual, it
took place on the hottest day of the year.
It ended in laughs all around, a couple
more records broken and Terlinden
proving that while our blood may be blue,
over half of the swimmers have green in
there too!
Next came 4M: keeping it short and
sweet the team did Rhenish proud for
the ninth time (Triple hat trick), and we
sure settled the score after 4M athletics
by winning by more than four times as
much as the school in second place. Of
course, that was mostly down to our new
team costumes and the fantastic spread
eaten that morning at the traditional 4M
breakfast.
The twelve top swimmers closed the
season at Boy/Girl on a high. It can
officially be said (with a decade of
experience) that the crowd, competitors
and stunning setting combined with
Rhenish spirit and dedication is a recipe
for success. As the team sat down for a
victory dinner that night, remarking how
close Rusties were at our heels, we all
agreed that the hard work had been worth
it.
Many swimmers also swam at various
Boland, Western Province and National
events throughout the year for club
swimming and open water. You are almost
guaranteed to see a Rhenish swim cap
during warm up at these weekend galas,
and sometimes even a record or two
broken in true Rhenish style.
With next season looming, bringing a
whole range of new challenges, I only
hope our reign as the top girls’ swimming
school in the Western Cape continues –
but for what it is worth, double figures are
not too shabby!
Caitlin Sleet
SWIMMING 2015 RESULTS:
Inter House:
Individual trophy winners:
U14 Free
Hannah Coates
U14 Breast
Hannah Coates
U14 Fly
Kiara Noades
U14 Back
Kiara Noades
U14 Individual Medley
Kiara Noades
U16 Free
Inge Weidemann
U16 Breast
Ash Loxton
U16 Fly
Inge Weidemann
U16 Back
Cailin Joubert
U16 Individual Medley
Cailin Joubert
U19 Free
Laura Loubser
U19 Breast
Ash Rutherford
U19 Fly
Tia Dixon
U19 Back
Tia Dixon
U19 Individual Medley
Ash Rutherford
Relay winners:
Back row: Ash Rutherford, Ash Loxton, Carli Antonopoulos, Cailin Joubert, Jo-Marie Kleinhans,
Inge Weidemann
Front row: Holly Coates, Caitlin Sleet, Ms Samantha Henery, Tia Dixon, Mikayla Eagles
66
U14 Free
Weber
U16 Free
Terlinden
U19 Free
Terlinden
U14 Medley
Terlinden
U16 Medley
Terlinden
U19 Medley
Terlinden
SPORT
Water
Polo
1st Team
It has not been an easy season,
but we managed to keep our
heads up and play polo to the
best of our abilities and we
ended the season on a very good
note.
We had a number of girls that represented
Boland at the SA schools’ water polo
tournament held in Johannesburg at the
end of 2014. These included Megan
Leslie, Anine Olivier, Josephine Knappe,
Rosanne Strauss, Alexa Brown and Jenna
van der Watt (who represented Eastern
Province at the U16 tournament), Tyla
Ordman, Rebecca Carter-Smith and
Louise Currie.
Victrix Ludorum:
Junior: Kiara Noades
Senior: Ash Rutherford
Captains Award: Adrianne Hobbs
House winners:
1st Terlinden 241
2nd Weber 169
3rd Van Der Stel 123
4M:
(All from Rhenish)
Best swimmer U14
Kiara Noades
Best swimmer U16
Inge Weidemann
Best swimmer U18
Mikayla Eagles
Best swimmer Open
event
Kiara Noades
Final Scores:
1st Rhenish: 345
2nd Bloemhof: 85
3rd La Rochelle: 82
4th Paarl Girls’: 70
Boy/Girl Gala
Girl’s results:
1st Rhenish: 230
2nd Rustenburg: 217
3rd Herschel: 182
4th St. Cyprian’s: 163
5th Springfield: 155
6th Jan van Riebeeck: 89
7th Fairmont: 73
The season is filled with incredible
memories, especially for those of us in
matric for whom this will be our last
water polo season. Beating Bloemhof
was definitely a highlight of the season.
The hard work and dedication of every
team member was evident in our games.
All the tough swim sets, underwaters and
early morning training sessions are among
the memories we take with us.
I would like to thank all the 1st team
girls for making the season an extremely
memorable one and for not giving up until
the final whistle had blown.
A very special thank you must go to Nick
Tinkler, our coach, for believing in us and
for motivating us even when we looked at
the scoreboard despondently.
Louise Currie
The first term started off exceptionally
well for the 1st team with the girls
attending a fitness/match play water polo
camp that was held the weekend before
the school year commenced. This camp
put the girls in good stead for the long
term that was to follow. Throughout the
term, early morning swimming practices,
as well as continuous match play helped
the girls to maintain an excellent level of
fitness that was displayed throughout the
first term matches.
The term began with a match against
a formidable Herschel team to whom
we had lost 12-1 in the further term
of 2014. Unfortunately, the Herschel
team’s superior fitness managed to get
67
SPORT
the better of us and we lost the
game 7-2. The second game saw
us facing Wynberg Girls’ High
School who also had a fierce
reputation for being one of the
fittest teams in the Cape, but
through superior strength and
the will to win, the team managed to win
the fight back from losing 3-0 at half time
to winning the match 8-5. The third game
might be considered the low point on the
first term seeing the first team go down
to Westerford 13-2. The final game of the
season saw us playing Rustenburg, a team
that had made a significant impact at the
St Peters tournament in Johannesburg.
However, having arguably the best game
of the term and finishing with a bang, the
team managed to beat Rustenburg 5-3.
managed to win nine of our eleven
games. More importantly, it provided a
much needed boost to our confidence and
we approached the remaining games of
the season with greater conviction and
determination.
The first term saw significant growth in
each player that represented the Rhenish
1st water polo team and we are now
hoping to carry that progress into the new
season.
Nick Tinkler (Coach)
The work that the girls put in in the
swimming pool as they practised drills,
worked at their fitness and developed
strategies went a long way towards
developing us as individual players AND
as a cohesive team.
U16A
Gavin Graggs was a great coach who
worked us hard, supported us loudly from
the side of the pool and had unshaking
faith in each of us. All of the girls
enjoyed their season and we eagerly
anticipated making a greater ‘splash’
in the water polo pool next season with
many more wins.
Carly du Plessis
The 2014/2015 season was a very busy
one for the U16A water polo team.
We played four league games,
unfortunately, only winning one of these.
We also toured to Port Elizabeth where
we participated in the Alex Tournament.
The tour was very successful and we
Water Polo U16A
Front row: Amy-Lee Cairns, Tasmin Lenisa, Mrs Keyser, Carly Du Plessis, Bailey Kelly
Back row: Mya Dalton, Emma Reid, Jordan Dowd, Cameron Smith, Michaela van Schaik,
Ashley Loxton, Alexa de Villiers
The U16A Water polo team has been
nothing but a pleasure to coach over the
past two seasons. Through hard work
at training the girls have managed to
produce pleasing results, growing as a
team and individuals with each game.
One of the highlights of the past season
was our trip to the annual Alex Road
tournament in Port Elizabeth, where the
U16As achieved some fantastic results.
It is always rewarding as a coach to see
the players improving on their skills and
having fun in the process.
Gavin Graggs (Coach)
U16B
The U16B water polo girls had a
wonderful season. We played a good
number of games during which we were
able to develop our skills as players and
we enjoyed mixed results.
The growth in the team is in no small
way a tribute to our coach, Ruari Walker,
who put in a great deal of time and effort.
He drilled us to improve our strength in
the water, our breathing so that we could
muster a greater offence and our ball
skills so that more balls made it directly
from our hands to those of our team mates
and, ultimately, into the goal box.
Being truly competitive is a learned skill.
It does not always come naturally to all
girls but it is a massive advantage when
Water Polo 1st Team
Back row: Alexa Brown, Adrianne Hobbs, Anin Olivier, Jenna van der Watt, Rosanne Strauss,
Helen Barnard
Front row: Josephine Knappe, Louise Currie, Ms Samantha Henery, Tyla Ordman,
Rebecca Carter-Smith
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Water Polo U16B
Front row: Tarryn Ohlsson, Tessa Malan, Mrs Keyser, Bianca Ordman, Ammelie Diemont
Back row: Nina Blom, Nadia van Elst, Catherina Lourens
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U14A
The beginning of the water polo
season saw the introduction of
a group of fledgling water polo
players to this gruelling sport
that we would all come to feel
very passionately about by the
end of the season.
While all of us could swim
– with varying degrees of
competence – none of us
had held a water polo ball in
our hands before, not even
mentioning surviving a chukka or any of
our many training sessions.
A couple of training sessions in which we
grappled with the water polo jargon and
playing water polo and the desire to win,
the determination to do what it cost to
achieve that (training, training and more
training) is something all of us will take
away from this season.
It was a wonderful experience to be part
of this team and I thank them for their
undying enthusiasm and high spirits.
When we were down in a game with the
points stacked against us, someone would
always offer up a pearl of wisdom that
either had us spluttering with laughter
as we unwittingly swallowed water or
gritting our teeth in determination as we
squared off against our opponents once
more.
Water polo is not just any sport, it is one
of the world’s toughest sports and I am
very proud of this team and the way in
which they conducted themselves (both
in and out of the pool) this year. It is an
accepted fact that only 10% of the real
action in water polo happens above the
water. These girls have some of the best
poker faces!
Bianca Ordman
Water Polo U14A
Back row: Gabriella Brown, Milan Basson, Jade Dilgee, Julia Robb, Chiara de Franchi,
Brontè Marinos, Lauren Robb, Alec Coles, Kira Louw, Jenna Stevenson
Front row: Kyra Wolhuter, Jazz Mallam, Ms K Viljoen, Georgia Roux, Jordyn Wolhuter
Absent: Tiffany Gordon
The season began with a tricky start as
the girls had many basic skills to work
on before we could progress. However,
aside from that obstacle, the U16 B team
showed an incredible determination and
a commitment to improving and becoming
the best water polo players they could be.
Devon Taylor (Coach)
Water Polo U14B
Back row: Erin Oelofse, Paige Mitchell, Christie van den Berg, Brook-Lynn Norkie, Zena Barber,
Sydney Beyer, Tiffany Engelbrecht, Melissa Wainwright
Front row: Zethu Mavovana, Michaela Budge, Ms K Viljoen, Chloë Whiteboyd,
Courtney Pieterse
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unglamorous caps, struggled
to keep afloat through treading
water while lifting ourselves
out of the water to hurl a
ball at a net protected by a
fearsome opponent and our
hearts were won over to the
thrill of this game, to the edge
of competitiveness and the
camaraderie of the girls in the
pool and at the water’s edge.
During the course of the season
we learnt a great deal about
our fellow team members as we shared
the disappointment of a loss or the joy
of scoring goals. It was a sharp learning
curve that took us from complete novices
who barely managed to grip the ball
properly to a more skilled team eager
to face up to the challenges of this sport
come the new season in October.
Jazz Mallam
For many of the girls that I had the
privilege to coach this season, water polo
was a complete unkown. Swimming was
unquestionably of a high standard, but the
girls realised very quickly that water polo
was about more than just swimming and
we began with the basics.
The season was tough on the girls as
many of our competitors had learnt to
play from Grade 6. Many a time the
scores did not reflect the effort of the
girls. The improvement from the first
game to the last game was immense and
something of which I am extremely proud.
I look forward to growing their talent
and enhancing their skill in this coming
season so that as many Rhenish girls
as possible may represent in provincial
teams at the end of the year.
Devon Taylor (Coach)
U14 B
To start off the season, many of our keen
new water polo players attended the preseason training clinic which took place
before the school term started. It was
amazing to see the amount of passion,
drive and excitement each girl displayed
towards the game which was still so new
to them.
As the season progressed and the girls
learnt more the game, it was rewarding
to watch how each player in the pool
flourished and grew in terms of their skill,
commitment and team work. It was an
absolute pleasure coaching these girls
and I have no doubt they will continue to
improve.
Nicole Ramsay (Coach)
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Athletics
At the end of 2014 we set ourselves a goal
– to place third at 4M. This motivated the
girls to put in the extra bit to make their
school proud as they stand there cheering
for the athletes. Unfortunately, we did not
end with the results we wanted; as we had
stepped up our game from last year, so
too, perhaps spurred on by our growing
strength at 4M in 2014, did the other
schools. The athletics team aimed not
only to perform for themselves, but for
their school.
Our annual 4m breakfast was held the day
before 4M. We arranged for a speaker
to motivate our girls and to prepare them
for the day that lay ahead. Our athletes,
true to Rhenish tradition, finished all the
food before the breakfast was over. Every
girl received a “goodie bag” which had
sponsored items from various companies,
parents and students. Thank you to all
those that made it possible to give each
athlete a positive way to start off the day.
At 4M we had the chance to stand
together not only as a proud school, but
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as a sisterhood. Even though we did not
reach our goal for 2015, we have set
ourselves new goals to work towards for
the years to come.
Congratulations to the girls who were
selected for the Western Cape team, all
your hard work finally paid off.
I would like to thank all the girls who
were on the stands, backing our athletes.
Mr van der Hoven, thank you so much
for all your hard work in organising
competitions, medals, the track and the
motivated coaches. Thank you is also
due to the coaches who have brought us
this far. We can already see the positive
difference you have made to Rhenish
athletics.
“There is no finish line. It is a continuous
journey and always be prepared to push
your limits”
Anke Smit
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Tennis
1st Team
This year was the best tennis
year for Rhenish in the history
of the school. Our results
were outstanding as a team
but we also achieved amazing
individual results. As a team
we ended third in the Premiere
League, we came fourth at the
Gerrie Berner Team tournament
in Paarl out of twelve teams
and we won inter schools.At the end of
September, the first team participated in
the Sun City Tennis Tournament. Rhenish
team won the tournament. This is a first
for Rhenish and we are incredibly proud
of the girls. Rhenish won five matches
and played in the final against Collegiate
Girls’ of Port Elizabeth. Manuela
Huckfeldt and Megan Lombardi have
been invited to the SATA Masters Tennis
Tournament in which the top twelve
girls in the country compete against each
other.
Our individual results were as follow:
Megan Lombardi (no. 1 Boland
Interprovincial U15), Elmarie Swanepoel
(Boland B team), Cindy Dorrington (no.
2 Boland Interprovincial U18), Sinazo
Solani (no. 4 Boland Interprovincial U18).
Cindy, Megan and Sinazo were awarded
South African colours during the
Interprovincial Tennis Tournament in
April and went on to represent South
Africa in Europe during the June school
holidays. Sinazo also made the SA side
but did not tour.
The team coach, Sunel Malan, says,
“I had to build this programme from
scratch and I have an amazing bunch of
girls who function and play as a team.
Tennis 1st Team
Back row: Kelsey Nel, Sinazo Solani,
Michele ter Huurne
Front row: Elmarie Swanepoel,
Mrs Serfontein, Cindy Dorrington
Tennis 2nd Team
Back row: Suzaan Hobson, Claire Dehosse
Front row: Marie Dreyer, Ms Amy Davids
They support one another as a team
but also individually. Last year Megan
came in and made a huge impact. This
year Elmarie came and contributed
immediately. All the girls work extremely
hard. They understand commitment and
discipline which is the key to success.”
for the future of the tennis at Rhenish.
Unfortunately, we had many U19 payers
who did not get much match exposure,
but I would also like to appeal to the
girls to develop more of a commitment to
matches so that we can enter more sides
in future.
Our team improves each season and all
of us are excited and positive about our
next season. None of these achievements
would have been possible without our
fantastically supportive coach, Sunel
Malan. We are very grateful for all her
help and guidance and we would like to
thank Mrs Serfontein and Ms Davids for
their ongoing support.
Cindy Dorrington (Captain)
U15
It has been a wonderful privilege to be
involved with Rhenish tennis yet again.
This year was very exciting as we had
a great intake of very promising Grade
8 players and we entered two very
talented U15 sides. This is good news
The results were not always the best, but
the practices were very well attended and
the girls tried hard. These young players
just need to develop some good work
ethics, and self-confidence, which will
come through more match or tournament
exposure, to do justice to their talents.
They were a pleasure to work with and it
would be wonderful if these girls can take
their tennis, which is a difficult game,
more seriously. It was great to see that
they did, however, try their very best to
contribute to the team effort in trying to
improve their own results in every
match.
Thank you to every player who really did
her bit for the team!
Rennie Rose-Innes (Coach)
Tennis 3rd Team
Back row:
Anje Albertyn,
Kristin Malan,
Natasha Marnewick,
Ashleigh Wyatt,
Victoria O-Regan,
Hannah Carew
Front row:
Alessia Lederer,
Ms Amy Davids,
Paula Currie
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and were disappointed to win
only four of our nine matches.
The girls played every game
with passion and commitment
and, even though disappointed
when we lost, we accepted our
defeats with grace. The players
showed great sportsmanship
and represented Rhenish with
pride. Irrespective of the scores
though, the girls had a great
deal of fun on and off the court
and the time spent on the court
in the company of friends will be
cherished by all of us.
Anna Hosking
Tennis U15AB
Back row: Amy Roux, Gaby Stewart, Saskia Sonnerer, Ana Sampson
Front row: Tatum Jooste, Kerryn Janse van Vuuren, Ms Lana Schreuder, Ms Tanya Marais,
Leonie Diemont
Absent: Anna Hosking
U15A
Three of the four players in the U15A
team this year were Grade 8s who were
also facing the challenge of adapting to a
new school. Initially, it was very difficult
to get to know each other’s strengths on
the court and we had to learn to trust
each other in our doubles game.
matches were all very close, but the
highlight of the season was definitely our
win over Somerset College towards the
end of the season.
With hard work and dedication, our team
grew stronger and our results improved.
We also developed new friendships and
learned to depend on each other.
We are very fortunate to have an amazing
coach, and a Rhenish Old Girl, Rennie.
Her commitment to Rhenish tennis is
unfaltering and she ensured that our
practices were enjoyable. A big thank
you to Ms Schreuder for her support and
encouragement at every match.
Amy Roux
We did not play many matches, but with
each match our confidence grew. The
The U15Bs played really well this season
U15B
Synchronised
Back row: Ash Rutherford, Cachel Joubert, Cailin Joubert, Lize Viljoen, Erin Sinclair,
Alec Coles, Franchesca Lomas, Gabriella Bolognesi, Nosipho Potelwa, Julia Maritz
Front row: Cleo Appies, Oratilwe Makoena, Madeleine Basson, Dorothea Schwoerer,
Jeanelle Huskisson
This year marked another fun yet
successful season for the Rhenish
synchronised swimming girls. Throughout
the season the girls were put through
various fitness sessions and drills.
Newcomers quickly learnt the importance
of mastering sculling techniques and
from there the different figures. Once
some headway had been made with the
basic skills and figures, the girls then
moved on to practising more challenging
endeavours, such as lifts in groups and
routines which they took great pleasure in
helping create.
Since the team consists of girls from
Grade 8 to Grade 12, it is always
extremely gratifying to observe how
the older and younger girls bond over
their mutual passion for synchro. Their
enthusiasm and dedication to this sport
makes coaching them a truly rewarding
experiencing.
Kath Butler (Coach)
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Squash
2015 is racing forward to conclusion at
such a speed and it is easy to overlook
what our girls have achieved so far.
• Our 1st team was unbeaten in the first
half of the season.
• We have 5 girls who were awarded
Boland Schools Colours, they are:
Jen Jooste
U19A
Kirsten Marnewick U16A
Jazz Mallam
U14A
Harley Dalton
U19B
Mya Dalton
U16B
• Rhenish was selected to attend
Top Schools Championships in
Pietermaritzburg. This is a first for
Rhenish and a wonderful achievement.
Top Schools is a competition for the
best school from each province, boys
and girls, making it the best of the best
and a very elite competition. Rhenish
represented the Boland region. It is also
a 6 man team, which means that 2 girls
from our 2nd team attended and received
invaluable experience. Rhenish squash
has great depth.
An exciting prospect is that none of our
first team is in Matric and, as a result, we
should be even stronger next year and we
will be in a position to challenge the best.
Congratulations to all the girls and
heartfelt thanks to Mrs Bonny Dalton for
travelling with the team and taking such
good care of them. I also commend and
thank all the parents of the girls travelling.
A more supportive and positive group of
parents we could not wish for and the girls
are very fortunate to have them.
Squash 1st Team
Back row: Harley Dalton, Mya Dalton,
Jazz Mallam
Front row: Jenni-Leigh Jooste, Ms K Viljoen,
Kirsten Marnewick
determination but also happy to simply
gain the experience. We ended eighth but
were extremely happy with the quality of
squash that was played that weekend in
Durban. The girls showed commitment
and honour.
We would like more girls to get involved
in squash and would like to drive
fundraising initiatives to build courts at
Rhenish. This would improve the level of
our squash.
Thanks to our amazing coach – Richard
Castle – and our manager – Ms Viljoen
Jenni-Leigh Jooste
2nd Team
Squash 2nd Team
Back row: Nadia van Elst, Katia Hartmann,
Skyler Hendricks
Front row: Ulla Demasius, Mrs M Joubert,
Laura Loubser
1st Team
The 1st team had a fantastic season and
we could not be more proud. We started
the season with great enthusiasm and
excitement, determined to conquer things
we had not done before. The entire team
was involved in Boland squash and we
were asked to join SA top schools for
the first time. Uncertain what to expect
of the tournament, we entered with
The 2nd team had an exceptional season
in 2015. While not all matches ended in
victory, our progress, determination and
spirit left us feeling unbeaten. We had
our fair share of challenges – the main
one being that we never had a complete
team of 4, but we managed to get a team
together for the majority of our matches.
Every player had a role in making our
team feel like a family and they were
endlessly supportive. Our most reliable
players were Ulla Demasius, Laura
Loubser and Katia Hartman. Katia
only started squash this year and her
improvement has been phenominal. The
highlight of the season was definitely
beating Bloemhof in Winter’s Week.
Laura Loubser
I would like to thank all the girls for
attending practice and trying so hard to
improve, especially all our new faces from
Grade 8. Get your friends to come play so
that next year we can hopefully enter U15
teams as well.
Lastly my thanks to Rhenish for
supporting the sport of Squash, these
young ladies and the sport are certainly
worth it.
Richard Castle
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Squash Social
Back row: Freya Chester-Browne,
Chelsea Petro, Britney Kivido, Tyla Wiggins
Front row: Mrs M Joubert, Ruth O’Rielly,
Ms K Viljoen
Cross Country
Another successful season of cross
country has gone by at Rhenish. Practices
have varied from running on the quiet
roads in Dalsig, to the beautiful trails in
the Stellenbosch Mountain.
All who attended were very enthusiastic
and personal-best goals (distances and
times) were pushed on our favourite
routes. We are very fortunate that we can
utilise the trails in the mountain as it gives
us a real off-road training experience.
The Winter’s Day race against HMS
Bloemhof was an event to remember: the
weather was wet and freezing, and we
were very proud that many of our girls
could achieve some top positions despite
the rather unfavourable conditions. The
Inter House cross country was, as usual,
very exciting. All the girls in the school
took part in the lap around the nearby
schools, and there were some very
impressive times from many girls within
the different houses.
Back row: Freya Chester-Brown, Megan Art, Michelle ter Huurne, Jaydee Meyer,
Casey de Langen, Josephine Knappe, Catherine Melck, Michaela van Schaik, Alessia Lederer
Front row: Ruth O’Reilly, Caitlyn Sleet, Mrs Sue Hodges, Mrs Ruth Gibbon, Shannon Morse
This was a great way to end off the
season.
Shannon Morse 75
Rhenish hockey is grateful to its advertisers for their continued support
76
Hockey
1st Team
Fun, laughter, hard work, tears, triumphs
and memories – the 2015 Hockey season
has drawn to a close with a bundle of
experiences from which we have learnt.
The season began with a positive
attitude and all efforts were centred
around our 2015 hockey motto: WE
DRIP D.A.N.G.E.R – a reminder
and representation of our values:
Determination, Attitude, Never give up,
Guts, Encouragement and Rhenish.
An end result of 5th at the Annual All
Girls’ Festival in Bloemfontein was
a boost of confidence as we went
forward into the season. The Brother’s
International Hockey Festival in Cape
Town too was a highlight for the girls,
ending in a successful 6th position. Both
results show a marked improvement
on 2014’s 13th at All Girls’ and 13th at
Brother’s.
It is encouraging that many of our girls
strive to develop their passion for the
game and work hard to be recognised
outside of school hockey. The following
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1st team girls were selected
for various regional and
interprovincial teams and we
once again congratulate them:
U16B IPT:
Natasha Marnewick
Megan McEwan
U16A IPT:
Monique Bartsch
U18 Regional:
Megan Lord
U18A IPT:
Louise Currie
Anuschka Bennett
Ash Rutherford
Well done to Monique Bartsch and Ash
Rutherford, who were selected for the
South African U16 High Performance
Squad and South African U18B team
respectively.
Rhenish entered an exciting growth phase
this year with the launch of our own astro
turf and with the investment into new
programmes, committed coaches and
enthusiastic liaisons. It is with confidence
that we can say, an important step towards
the development of a bright hockey future
has been taken.
The team’s season together was certainly
a journey of both triumphs and tears.
However, it is those triumphs and tears
that unified us as a team, supporting each
other as sisters both on and off the field.
We would like to thank our liaison teacher
or “Hockey Mamma“, Mrs Lombard
for her constant support and motivation.
Her presence on the side of the field
(often accompanied by her husband)
Hockey 1st Team
Back row: Rosanne Strauss, Anjé Albertyn, Natasha Marnewick, Megan McEwan, Kelsey Nel,
Anuschka Bennett, Michele ter Huurne, Tegan Slater, Monique Bartsch
Front row: Louise Currie, Suzaan Hobson (vice captain), Mrs Matthea Lombard,
Ash Rutherford (captain), Megan Lord
Absent: Megan Leslie
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Hockey 2nd Team
Back row: Jessica Wainwright, Rachel Leach, Anke Smit, Allegra Janse van Vuuren,
Ashleigh Wyatt, Solei Barbeitos, Kayla-Anne Weidemann, Jenna van der Watt
Front row: Sarah McLaughlin, Alatha Pinyana, Mrs Smart, Taryn Hartley (captain),
Claire Dehosse
and her words of encouragement are
truly appreciated by each member of the
team. A special mention too, as we say
farewell, must be made to our first team
coach of two years, Shannon Boucher, for
his inspiration, passion and belief in our
ability.
It has been an honour to be part of the
hockey community of Rhenish. To my
fellow matrics – Suzaan, Louise, Michele,
Kelsey and Tegan, thank you for five
years of unforgettable hockey adventures.
To our younger teammates and the hockey
stars to follow, best of luck. I have no
doubt that the ’new guard’ will strive
to keep our name held high. May every
match played for Rhenish be played
with 110%, passion and guts and, more
importantly, may they cherish the feeling
Hockey 3rd Team
Back row: Erin McMaster, Nicole Blows, Jenna Walker, Julia van Rooyen, Savannah Petersen,
Nicola MacDonald, Kiara Perotti, Katelin Hodge, Julia Josephs, Josephine Knappe
Front row: Alatha Pinyana, Amy Cupido (Vice-Captain), Mrs Smart, Nizette Gordon (captain),
Emily Orgovanyi
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tour to PE. The girls have
grown from strength to strength,
and whilst the results have not
always gone in our favour there
has never been an ounce of quit
from anyone.
I am tremendously proud of
the way they have represented
themselves and their school,
both on and off the field. They
have played hockey in its true
spirit, and have flown the
Rhenish flag with pride. It has
been an amazing season.
Ryan Fanton (Coach)
of pride and honour as they represent
Rhenish Hockey.
Ash Rutherford
The 1st team has really stepped forward
this year and has pulled off some stellar
results. Ash Rutherford has controlled
the team and helped by leading from the
front. The girls have realised that there is
so much more to hockey and that passion
is contagious and filters out into life in
general.
This year saw Rhenish field an immensely
strong senior age group, which has
been admirably reflected in the majority
of the 2nd team’s performances. The
precedent was set with a narrow 2-0
defeat to Fairmont’s first side. The girls
continued to work hard and built on that
momentum, defeating Pearson (2-1) and
narrowly missing out on a victory against
Collegiate (2-2), during the early season
U16A
The U16A team has grown into a mature
brand of hockey this year. Focus has been
on the understanding of principles behind
good play rather than on set moves and
tactics. Each player in the team needs
to understand the roles of the others as
well as their own if they are to adapt
to the unpredictable and ever changing
happenings of hockey.
The 1st team had great depth with
many players being given a chance to
experience top level hockey and fitting
in very well. The girls were extremely
sacrificial in their training both on and
off the field and the results showed this.
They have set the standard for the rest
of the school in terms of work ethic and
dedication.
The astro has helped to develop the
necessary skills and playing patterns to
compete at the top level. The girls all
bought into a certain mind-set and were
willing to give everything for the player
next to them. It has been a pleasure
coaching such an awesome group and
seeing them excel. Rhenish hockey is
growing exponentially.
Shannon Boucher (Coach)
Hockey U16A
Back row: Lara Stevens, Dinisha Coopoosamy, Anna Sampson, Raegan Jacobs, Nicola Yates,
Oriole Viljoen, Jessica Feldtman, Ash Loxton, Alexa de Villiers
Front row: Taryn Agulhas, Adrianne Hobbs, Ms Ingrid Hofhuis, Moya Smith, Lara Jacobs
2nd Team
“Winners are not people who never fail
but people who never quit”
This describes the 2nd team of 2015. We
always gave our best and played hard
right to the final whistle. We had wins,
losses and draws and throughout, we had
team spirit. We fought harder each time
and we constantly pushed our limits. It
was a privileged to lead a team of ladies
that had heart and love for the game and
gave 110% each time they ran onto the
field for their school.
Taryn Hartley
Hockey U16B
Back row: Ashleigh Kirkman, Kelly Venter, Tessa Malan, Paula Currie, Mya Dalton,
Laska Harford, Carly Du Plessis, Amy Roux
Front row: Cailin Joubert, Megan Hirst, Vanessa Yon, Nancy Rademeyer, Keira Goedhals,
Megan Badenhorst
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Results have been mixed
throughout the season although
predominantly positive.
Highlights have been winning
against Paar Gym and Bloemhof
in close fought games which
showcased U16 hockey at
its best. At different times,
individuals in the team have been
tested and each has stood up to
that challenge in her own way
with admirable determination.
The team has been plagued
by injuries and sickness in the second
term showing just how the depth and
understanding within the team can pay off
when most needed.
Andrew Drummond (Coach)
U16B
The past season has been an exciting
journey for the U16B girls. Their fighting
spirit and willingness to learn has made
my job extremely enjoyable. Their “never
give up” attitude, despite some losses,
and their eagerness to fight back and
train hard has been an inspirational
journey and a true honour to coach.
The girls have grown and their skills
and knowledge of the game have
broadened and, as a result, they have
improved tremendously. It has been a
pleasure getting to know all the different
personalities in the team and the team
bond has strengthened as the season
progressed. Well done, girls, on all your
hard work and dedication. Jenaed Brodell (Coach)
U16C
When looking at all the girls during the
first week at trials, the coaches could see
that the U16 age group was going to be a
strong one. With 5 teams fielding at least
12 or more players in each, it has made
our jobs as coaches that much easier, as
more competition means better and more
competitive sides going out on weekends
against other schools.
The U16 C team has had a fantastic
season with wins against Paarl
Gymnasium and Somerset College and
narrow defeats against Rustenburg and
our derby against Bloemhoff by only
1 goal each. The team has had many
changes with a few girls moving up to the
B team and the calling up of some D team
players who have come into the side and
have fitted right in. All the girls get along
so well with no one being excluded.
All the girls have attended most of the
practices where they have been involved
with some decision making drills and
all have done exceptionally well. From
the Captain to the newest players in the
team, they have all done themselves very
proud and must keep up the great Rhenish
hockey that they have been producing
every weekend.
Sean-Michael Campleman (Coach)
U16D
Hockey U16C
Back row: Dominique Potgieter, Sam-Jamie Du Toit, Caleigh Wescott, Cleo Appies,
Kelly Kietzman, Chelsea Chapman, Monique Seele
Front row: Oratiloe Mokoena, Jessica van der Merwe, Jordon Dowd, Mrs Serfontein,
Emma Reid, Ruby Wiese, Dani van der Merwe
Hockey U16DE
Back row: Leanne Walker, Holley Wilson, Chloё Morris, Bronwyn Grey, Morgan Jacos,
Bianca Kitching
Middle row: Megan Art, Lisa Meyer, Tarryn Ohlsson, Saskia Hooper, Carla Newman,
Mandy Mgabona, Hannah Chemaly, Victoria Matthews, Belinda Ranger
Front row: Caroline Potgieter, Saskia Hooper, Tamia Abrahams,
Mrs Stefanie Serfontein, Tatum Hendricks, Kerryn Janse van Vuuren, Iksha Bhowon
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The U16D hockey team was unbeaten
this season! We started out slowly with
a one goal victory against Herschel
and we improved on that with a 2-0 win
against Paarl Gym and we finished our
first term together with a 4-0 thrashing
of Rustenburg. In these games the
opposition barely had the ball and when
they had it we forced them back into their
own half.
We lost players to higher ranked teams
because of these results and their
performances. The only match in which
we did not manage a win was against
Bloemhof during Winter’s Week. We were
still rusty after the vacation but did not
disappoint, after we conceded an early
goal we did not give up and fought back
to find an equalizer and held on to earn a
draw.
At practice it was difficult to give
attention to all the players as some
needed more than others when learning
new skills, but thanks to Sean Campelman
(16C) and Andrew Drummond (16A)
who helped when needed we managed.
The struggle was relieved when another
coach (Gabby Manuel) was appointed
as the U16E coach. This meant there
were always two coaches to help improve
skills and answer questions. Practice was
always kept at a level where players could
enjoy themselves and improve their skills
at the same time.
Gideon de Jager (Coach)
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The girls started off their
season with a fantastic 1-0 win
over Herschel. This set a high
standard for the rest of the
season. The girls went on to
play another 2 matches before
the season ended. Although the
scores did not go their way,
they never gave up and I would
like to commend them on their
fighting spirit. The girls have all
improved their own individual
game and it was wonderful to
see them put into practice what
they have learnt this season. All their hard
work paid off when they were victorious
over Bloemhof.
Hockey U14A
Back row: Kira Louw, Diana Marnewick, Moné van Rensburg, Lauren Robb, Zethu Mavuvano,
Taylor Yates, Cleo Williams, Cassidy Jacobs, Milan Basson
Front row: Kyra Wolhuter, Jordyn Wolhuter, Mrs Wilmie Louw, Julia Robb, Nicola Schlusche
Absent: Sian Wolfaardt
U14A
After a very impressive set of trials for
the U14 group the A team looked to be a
strong, confident and talented bunch of
girls.
for this team. Their constant enthusiasm
and willingness to learn has made my job
that much more enjoyable.
They have all learnt valuable skills that
will form the foundation for their future
hockey careers. I am very proud of this
team and it has been a pleasure to coach
them.
Heather McEwan (Coach)
Throughout the season their development
has been impressive and they have truly
gone from strength to strength. The
results tell the story, with a great start of
10 games unbeaten and only 2, wellcontested, losses throughout the season.
Some of our favourite victories over
strong schools include beating Bloemhof
twice, Pearson, Paarl Gym, Somerset
College and Rustenburg Girls’. The girls
have scored an impressive total of 38
goals and only conceded 10 throughout
the season. Four of our U14 girls
represented the Stellenbosch regional side
which was extremely competitive.
Martin Schouten (Coach)
Hockey U14B
Back row: Tiffany Engelbrecht, Angela Sivoglou, Jenna van Blerck, Gaby Stewart,
Bronte Marinos, Taylin Dupont, Paige Mitchell, Melissa Wainright
Front row: Elmarie Swanepoel, Nandi Chauke, Brook-Lynn Norkie, Mrs Jinnie de Kock,
Megan Nel, Madeleine Basson, Marion-Lee Rabie
U14B
I have no doubt that this season has been
a learning curve for the girls – the step
up into high school hockey is a big one.
They all took this challenge with utmost
intensity and energy and not only learnt a
lot, but also had a fun time.
Their performance improved dramatically
during the course of the season and they
were playing fantastic hockey as well as
finding that flame and love for hockey that
will burn with them throughout their high
school hockey career. I really enjoyed
working with the girls and I loved every
minute of practice.
Daniel Seha (Coach)
U14C
This past season has been an exciting one
Hockey U14C
Back row: Erin Oelofse, Kaye Huxter, Ally Osborn
Middle row: Marie-Louise Zeitvogel, Michaela Kruger, Lauren van Schaik, Chloe Adams,
Nikita Witten, Melissa Kirkman, Amber Oostendorp, Keishia Keys, Chloe Quickfall
Front row: Tyler Kenyan, Thato Moroka, Megan Momberg, Mrs Glenys Kruger, Michaela Budge,
Chiara de Franchi, Piya Igwe
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Soccer
1st Team
This season has been an exciting one for
the first team soccer. We kicked off with
our first match versus Boston Private
and left the pitch with a 7-1 win. This
match set the tone for the rest of the
soccer season. As the weeks went on, we
managed to continue our victorious streak
thanks to lots of hard work and dedication
during practices and matches.
The first team also received a new match
kit, kindly sponsored by Mr Green. We
wear our new shirts with pride on the field.
Soccer 1st
Back row: Nina Blom, Amy Naidoo, Alexandra Bester
Middle row: Victoria Beeker, Belinah Blantina Qaoka, Sabrina Wright, Mika Gonsalves,
Chandre Koen, Bailey Kelly, Gamuchinai Nyabereka
Front row: Victoria O’Regan, Siddqah Abdullah, Okara Opara, Ms Amy Davids, Melissa May,
Amy Everritt, Gillian Gordon
At the start of the third term, we also
welcomed a new coach, Garren Smith.
I hope that next year’s soccer season will
be even more successful than this one for
the champions of the field. Okara Opara
effort and commitment. 2nd team soccer
girls will be back even stronger and fitter
for the next season and we cannot wait.
Anna Hoskins
Our first two friendly matches were lost against Stellenzicht and Cloetesville High
School. The losses only speared us on to
become the team we are today.
2nd Team
Grade 8 Soccer Team
During the April holidays we attended a
soccer clinic which helped us improve our
skills and set goals. Our main goal this
season was not only to win matches but,
more importantly, to enjoy our time on the
field. We look forward to every match and
practice that we have because we know it
is going to be fun.
Aaliyah Jumat
This year the 2nd team soccer has had
a great season. We have played many
matches, always keeping Respect, Grace,
Honour and Spirit in mind.
We have lost graciously and have won
with pride. We have grown really close
as a team. Throughout the year we have
gained valuable knowledge from both our
coaches and we thank them for their time,
Soccer 2nd
Back row: Amy-Lee Everritt, Taryn Carstens,
Tasmin Lenisa
Front row: Yvonne Makwara,
Dorethea Schwoerer, Casey Langford
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Half of the Grade 8 team were beginners
who had never played before. This has
not, however, held us back in any way.
During the course of the season, the girls
have improved their skills and we have
become dedicated to soccer, improving as
players with each kick of the ball.
Soccer Grade 8
Back row: Saskia Sonnerer, Catherine Totten, Erykah Pieterse, Zena Barber, Chloe Whiteboyd,
Medea Brooks
Middle row: Monica Igrec, Lauren Young, Amber Piogesti, Aneeqah Arnolds, Tyla Wiggins,
Erin Pool, Minethia Markman, Michaela Stone, Ophelia van der Merwe, Hannah Smit
Front row: Bronwyn Williams, Chanté Curia, Shanice Theunissen, Ms Amy Davids,
Aaliyah Jumat, Britney Kivido, Jahan Ebrahim
The 3rd team started the season
with twenty members. For a
host of reasons, we have lost
many team members who had
great ball sense and the ability
to work as a team. The loss of
team mates and friends had an
impact on the team setup as well
as on the attitude of the girls.
1st Team
From the first practice session I had with
these girls I realised that this was going
to be an interesting year. Throughout
the season we shared a lot of laughs,
a quick shopping session, talked about
embarrassing moments and worked hard
as a team.
They are strong and confident young
women that do not allow a scoreboard to
determine how they feel about a match.
They have improved on an individual level
and as a team. The All Girls’ Festival in
Bloemfontein was definitely a highlight
of the season as the team played as a true
unit, supported each other and did really
well regardless of a few setbacks. They
grew closer to each other and allowed
their teammates to make mistakes.
Arina van Deventer (Coach)
2nd Team
The 2nd team has a great fighting spirit
that sustained them through a tough
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Netball
3rd Team
Ultimately, we ended the season
with a team of dedicated and
driven individuals who love
to play netball and to have fun. These
girls always gave their best and pushed
through because they knew the rest of the
team depended on them.
Claudia Rhoode (Coach)
U16A and U16 B
season. They had a few challenging
matches but always remained positive and
worked together beautifully. Towards the
end of the season we were down to seven
players but this did not dampen the spirits
or dull the effort of these ladies.
Arina van Deventer (Coach)
The U16A and U16B netball teams field
players that are determined. Even though
I only started coaching them at the end
of the season, I can see that they will
end their season strong and with great
success. They are always positive and
they love netball.
Jacobu Muller (Coach)
Netball 2nd team:
Back row: Gaёlle Geeraert, Emma Sadie, Amy
van Lill, Shannon Benting, Zahn Scholtz
Front row: Kalsy Meyer, Mrs Justine Senekal,
Amy Lamprecht
Netball 1st team:
Back row: Helen Barnard, Mary-Ann Dos Santos, Justine Noyce,
Kayleigh Bonado, Courtenay Tame
Front row: Megan Ralph, Alexa van Rooyen, Mrs Justine Senekal,
Tanya Schloms, Sinazo Solani
Netball 3rd team
Back row: Storm-Lee Oliver, Mary Anderson, Carmen Arendse,
Tegan Zwart, Michelle Taylor
Front row: Chelsea Bird, Lilitha Nkewana, Ms Renate Rὂhrs,
Seithati Phumane, Joanelle Meyer
Absent: Motlhago Baartman
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U16A
This season the U16As did not
measure our success by the
number of goals we scored or
games we won, but rather by the
number of new skills we learnt,
trust we gained and relationships
we built.
We started the season as a group
of girls who hardly knew each
other. With time we came to
appreciate our differences, our
individual strengths and we
learnt to work together to bring out the
best of each member of the team.
Despite a very rocky season in which we
had more than one coach and lost more
than one game, we came out stronger and
we are eagerly looking forward to next
season.
Ammelie Diemont
Netball U16A
Back row: Amber Abrahams, Hannah Carew, Robyn White, Jessica Steyn, Estelle Hislop
Front row: Savannah Rafferty, Ammelie Diemont, Ms Tanya Marais, Kelsey Petersen,
Kristen Rafferty
U16B
The netball season has flown by so quickly
and a season of sisterhood, growing as a
team, bonding and fun experiences has
come to an end. Throughout the season
our team has learned to create a winning
mentality as every single player improved
in different aspects physically and
mentally. The season was very challenging,
Netball U16B
Back row: Meghan Bosman, Tasneem Uheida, Zanne Eiselen, Amber Hector
Front row: Victoria Beeka, Kirstin Allies, Ms Tanya Marais, Andrea Gain, Robin Jordaan
Netball U16C
Back row: Tanya van der Merwe, Cara Uys, Kate Lamprecht, Emily Allingham, Megan Roos,
Tayla Myburgh, Megan Wyeth, Thembakazi Potelwa
Front row: Okuhle Mayiji, Noni Nobatana, Mr Paul van der Hoven, Michaela de Wet, Jenna Lackay
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we have had ups and downs but, most
importantly, we have remained positive
and we have encouraged each other.
Our team is very grateful to our coach,
Alzena Mulder, who was with us for
most of the season and also to our current
coach, Jakobu Muller. We have learnt so
many new skills and developed closer to
our full potential. On behalf of our team I
would like to thank our liason, Ms Marais
for always making sure our arrangements
were in order and for the way in which
she tried to motivate all the girls.
The season has been enriching and I am
proud to have been able to captain our
team through a fantastic season.
Kirstin Allies
U16C
The U16C team has had a very successful
season, winning most of their matches.
Victories over Collegiate Girls’ and
Strand were hard fought and won. Our
12-13 loss against Paarl Gymnasium
inspired the girls to practise even harder.
Antionette van der Hoven (Coach)
U15A and U15B
The U15 girls have really grown and
worked very well as a team. There
has been a great improvement in their
confidence and determination during their
practices and their matches. Their range
of general netball skills has improved
significantly.
We won the majority of our matches and
have shown tremendous team spirit.
Jodi Boustred (Coach)
Netball U15A
Back row: Alexandra Grey, Danielle Dorman, Kaylynne Moore,
Ashley Moss, Caterina Lourens
Front row: Tatum Jooste, Nicole Smithdorf, Mrs Jeanette Liebenberg,
Aimeé Cupido, Emma van Lill
Netball U15B
Back row: Jessica McHugh, Megan Milne, Chante Sampson,
Bianca Ordman, Skyla Geldenhuys
Front row: Monet Bekker, Gabriella Bolognesi, Mrs Jeanette
Liebenberg, Erin Swarts, Mckayla Erasmus
Netball U15C
Back row: Melissa Wrench, Andrea Fraser, Isabella Esau,
Jeanelle Huskinson, Emma Goodwin
Front row: Zoё Goff, Lynette du Toit, Mrs Tessa Taylor, Palesa Makena,
Ivile Mini
Netball U15D
Back row: Caitlin Spolander, Sheena October, Julia Maritz, Rachel Nel
Front row: Chelsea Williams, Hannah Leworthy, Mrs Tessa Taylor,
Emily Kock, Amy Noyce
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U15A
This season has been outstanding
thanks to a wonderful team,
a great coach and an amazing
manager.
Our season had its ups and
downs and the matches were
tough but I am very proud of the
team who played with passion
throughout the season. We
developed in strength, stamina
and skills over the course of the
season, in no small part thanks
to our coach. Next year we hope to excel
even further when we compete against the
top schools.
It has been a great season and I look
forward to next year.
Aimeé Cupido
U15B
New season, new team, new coach.
After trials we settled into our team quite
quickly and, while the first few matches
did not go brilliantly, we had more than
enough enthusiasm and spirit to overcome
these disappointments as we got used to
each other as team mates.
Repeated defeats played havoc with our
motivation at times, but we continued
to practise our hardest in an effort to
improve our game. While we did not play
as many matches as we would perhaps
have liked, our game definitely improved.
The 2015 season was challenging, but
definitely one to remember.
Erin Swarts
U15C
The U15Cs have grown in skill level
on court during the season and the
team spirit among them has developed
strongly during the course of the season.
The individual characters of each team
member contributed to the general team
feeling and the girls have always been
eager to learn and to try new things.
Megan Gossmann (Coach)
Netball U14A
Back row: Gabriella
Brown, Jazz Mallam,
Jamy Seas, Jessica
McIlroy, Erin Green,
Tiffany Gordan
Front row: Kaylin
Lazarus, Ms Jessica
Hendricks, Leonie
Diemont
Once the girls had become used to each
other, they began to play like the Superstars
they are. They kept on improving their
skills, their ability to work under pressure
and their emotional stability on the court.
We have weaknesses like any other team,
but we play to our strengths and work hard
as a team to improve those weaknesses.
These characteristics show their strength,
commitment and passion for netball and
each other.
As a team we strive to be the best netball
payers we can be by working hard on and
off court. To us, only those that can see
the invisible can do the impossible.
Nadia Jordaan (Coach)
U14C and U14D
The U14 C/D squad were committed,
enthusiastic and so willing to learn. I am
deeply proud of the fact that they really
gave their best every time they ran out
onto the court. Each player has improved
so much, and I have high hopes for the
rest of their netball experiences! They
have worked well as a team throughout
the season.
Robyn Phillips (Coach)
Netball U14B
Back row: Chelsea Brown, Courtney Pieterse,
Lynzee Arendse, Drew Jenkins, Robin Esau
Front row: Christie van der Berg, Ms Jessica
Hendricks, Georgia Roux
U14A and U14B
The netball season started off with trials
where the girls were selected not only
based on their talent and skill level, but
on their ability to work well in a team.
It has been wonderful to witness the
enthusiasm for netball that the girls have.
We started with a revisit of the basics
of netball and under the mentorship
of Francoise Retief their basic skills
improved and friendships developed
between the girls.
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Netball U14CD
Back row: Zoё Meyer, Kady Arendse, Lauren Maré
Middle row: Robyn Bayer, Sue-Anne Dreyer, Kian-Lee Du Toit, Erykah Pieterse, Khanyisa Nkuna,
Chloё Cox, Sydney Beyer
Front row: Sonica Betchu, Chwaita Mzozoyana, Lauren Cyster, Mrs Alice Forsyth,
Nande Lujabe, Candice Nkomo, Jade Dilgee
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All Girls’ Festival
1st Hockey
Our team went to All Girls’ with a goal
in mind and we can confidently say we
achieved it by coming 5th. It was a great
improvement on last year’s result and a
good start to the intense season that lay
ahead.
The tour was about more than the results,
however. It helped us bond as a team –
from the long bus drive to supporting our
other Rhenish teams. We shared many
memories together and luckily none of
our team members got the contagious
virus that affected many of the other
schools. The matches were tough but
all could see we played as a team with
passion, guts and determination.
We arrived back in Cape Town at 2am on
Tuesday morning exhausted yet excited
for the season to come.
Netball
After an overnight bus trip of thirteen
hours, we arrived in Bloemfontein. It
really is a fantastic feeling to be part of
something as extraordinary as the All
Girls’ Schools Festival.
Over the next two days our Netball team
played ten matches, of which we won six.
We improved in our play over
this period and bonded as a team
over the weekend, overcoming
tiredness, injuries and a few
disappointments together. We also shared
many laughs and the joy of our success.
On the Monday morning we faced our
friends from Collegiate for the second
time in a week. It was an intense match in
which we battled over 9th and 10th position
(out of 21 teams). We, unfortunately lost,
ending the tournament in tenth place. The
game itself as well as our performance
over the weekend as a whole, was a
fantastic show of strength, talent and
resilience.
Tanya Schloms
Squash
We entered the tournament with great
anticipation, determined to prove
ourselves. The bus trip – 14 hours
– passed in a blur and we arrived in
Bloemfontein eager to play.
Our first match was on Saturday morning
against Pretoria Girls’ High School. We
all played extremely well receiving 3-0
on all our games, a 16-0 win. This gave
us positive mind set for our further game.
Our next game (against Collegiate) was
much more challenging and our team
wanted to prove themselves because of
the loss we had had to them in PE the
previous weekend. Each one of our team
members played their heart out because
this was a game we wanted to win.
However, Collegiate was very strong
and, unfortunately, took the win with a
score of 14-5. Queenstown was also a big
challenge because of their strong team.
Ultimately, we lost 16-2.
That night we all supported the hockey
and on Sunday morning our first game
All Girls’ Festival
Back row: Megan Ralph, Tanya Schloms, Alexa van Rooyen, Kelsey Nel, Helen Barnard,
Michelle Ter Huurne, Sinazo Solani, Megan Lord,
Ash Rutherford
Middle row: Tegan Slater, Natasha Marnewich, Mary-Ann Dos Santos, Jazz Mallam,
Harley Dalton, Suzaan Hobson, Jen Jooste, Kayleigh Bonodo, Courtenay Tame, Anje Albertyn,
Rosanne Strauss, Megan McEwan, Louse Currie
Front row: Altha Pinyana, Danielle van der Merwe, Jessica van der Merwe, Mr Carl Potgieter,
Ms Samantha Henery, Ms Tanya Marais,
Ms Karien Viljoen, Kirsten Marnewick, Mya Dalton, Rahma Darries, Anuschka Bennet
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was against Oranje Meisieskool.
Kirsten Marnewick played a
beautiful game of squash with
her wonderful drops resulting in
a great win. Her calm presence
on the court made it great to
watch and her positivity was
always good to have around on
those tough matches. Harley
Dalton also had a 3-0 win and
showed great determination.
Harley only joined the first team
this year and proved herself so
much on this tour. She played
with heart, determined to do her best and
have fun. For our last game on Sunday
we played against Pretoria, again with
a lovely 16-1 win. Jazz Mallam, the
newbie of our team who is only in Grade
8, came along on the tour as a reserve
and she played in this match, winning
3-1. She was extremely focused on the
court and an asset to the team. Her funny
personality always kept us smiling.
On Monday morning we played Oranje
again and all our girls won their matches
with great skill. Jennileigh Jooste was
determined to beat her opponent as she
had lost against her the previous time.
She came out with a win of 3-1 and
showed great determination. Our team
won overall 16-2. This resulted in our
first team squash taking fifth place at the
tournament.
We would also like to thank Ms Viljoen
for all the hard work and dedication she
puts into our squash. Without her we
would not be at our games on time and we
would not be nearly as organised.
Jen Jooste
SA Colours
Back row: Tia Dixon (Swimming),
Kaitlyn Sparks (Athletics),
Sinazo Solani (Tennis),
Ash Rutherford (Hockey),
Monique Bartsch (Hockey),
Tiffany Gordon (Action Netball)
Front row: Cindy Dorrington
(Tennis), Ms Samantha Henery,
Anke Smit (Karate)
Absent: Megan Lombardi (Tennis),
Angeline Dos Santos
(Action Netball)
Provincial Representatives
Back row: Cachel Joubert, Estelle Hislop, Michaela van Schaik, Adrianne Hobbs, Ash Rutherford, Rosanne Strauss, Alexa Brown, Amber Abrahams,
Cailin Joubert, Moya Smith, Sinazo Solani
Third row: Jenna van der Watt, Rebecca Carter-Smith, Tyla Ordman, Natasha Marnewick, Carly du Plessis, Ash Loxton, Camirn Smith, Anke Smith,
Cindy Dorrington, Anin Oliver, Josephine Knappe
Second row: Michelle Taylor, Jen Jooste, Jazz Mallam, Julia Robb, Caitlin Sleet, Elmarie Swanepoel, Diane Marnewick, Anuschka Bennet,
Mya Dalton, Raegan Jacobs, Nicola Yates, Lauren Robb, Michaela Eagles, Bianca Ordman, Harley Dalton, Gabriella Brown
Front row: Louise Currie Kirsten Marnewick, Dinisha Coopoosamy, Lara Jacobs, Tatum Hendricks, Ms Samantha Henery, Melissa May,
Rahma Darries, Kaitlyn Sparks, Jessica Feltman, Megan McEwan
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Clubs and Societies
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
GLU
GLU, “God Loves You”, is the
Christian society at Rhenish
Girls’ High school. GLU is the
only society that no-one has
to sign up for – we meet every
Thursday at second break to
celebrate God’s greatness and to
discuss the challenges we face
as Christians and how we can
overcome them, and anyone can
drop in and join us. GLU moms
have also been praying every
Friday morning in the parking lot.
As a matric, one of the challenges has
been focussing on a relationship with
God, getting school work done and
studying for Matric finals. It has been
a balancing act but I have found that
choosing God first every time, no matter
how hard, is the biggest challenge ever!
Back row: Emma Sadie, Gamu Nyabereka,
Blantinah Qaoka, Taryn Hartley, Nina Blom
Front row: Hannah Groenewald (head),
Mrs Christelle Pretorius,
Mary-Ann dos Santos (vice)
For Camp 2015, the theme was women
of the Bible. Carryn Titus shared her
testimony on the first evening and the
girls were so moved, they were made to
realize their worth and God’s great love
for them. Louwrika Vaandrager spoke
about the armour of God and on the final
day, Taryn Hartley, one of our own, talked
about our identity in Christ – how loved
and precious we are to God. Mrs Gibbons
shared her testimony this year and it
moved and touched so many girls’ lives.
with Bloemhof for one GLU meeting. We
broke the ice between the two schools
with ice lollies. Bonding with our sister
school over common ground: Christ. It
was so cool. So ice!
This year has been challenging, but we
have grown and learnt who God is and
that His heart is for us and for our school.
We can truly say, “Rhenish, God loves
you!”
Hannah Groenewald
Food draws all and it was Jessi Africa’s
idea, a member of GLU for three years, to
try something different by getting together
SPIRIT OF YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
For the past three years, the leadership
girls have met every week. Leadership
has been more than a course to develop
our leadership skills. We have formed
friendships that have helped mould us
into the young ladies we are today.
We have grown both as a group and as
individuals in whas that far exceeded
our expectations. From planning events
to informative conversations, our
mentor, Kiran Maharaj, has taught us
and guided us through many valuable
life lessons and skills.
As young ladies, we now feel much
more prepared to face life after school.
We have been a very privileged group to
have had a mentor that was there for us
and to have the opportunity to apply our
strengths and improve our weaknesses
through this leadership course.
Ruth O’Reilly and the Leadership Girls
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This is the final year of the Leadership
programme at Rhenish and I have had the
pleasure of working with the twelve girls
in the programme for three years. During
this time I have watched them grow into
confident young ladies. In the course we
covered topics like Who am I? How do
I see myself? and Event Management
(Grade 10) and University applications,
Dealing with exam stress (Grade 12). I
have now become a mentor to these young
ladies.
The girls have developed important life
skills through exposure to this programme
and the extension of the programme in
years to come would be invaluable to
learners in the future.
Kiran Maharaj, Maties
Sport Joint Unit Team Leader
Back row: Danielle de Mol, Shirley Huang,
Ruth O’Reilly
Front row: Caitlin Sleet, Alatha Pinyana,
Luzaan Erasmus
Absent: Tanya Schloms
Jenna Walker and Leanne Walker
represented Boland at SANESA
Regionals and Meeka Lenisa, Tasmin
Lenisa and Katoo Machtelinchx made
the Western Cape Schools Team
that competed at SANESA National
Endurance Ride Competition in the
October holidays.
Morgan Jacobs qualified for Western
Province Show Jumping 1.10 metres
and will compete at the end of the
year at Nationals. Morgan has also
been nominated to represent Western
Province Dressage.
One of the projects that the horse
riding society wishes to tackle in 2016
is giving back to the community and
we hope to assist the cart horse society
in this regard.
Back row: Morgan Jacobs, Kiara Perotti,
Jenna Walker, Leanne Walker
Front row: Caelyn Millar, Andrea
Auerbach, Danielle de Wet
TECHNICAL TEAM
Rhenish’s tech fairies have once again
prevented all tech gremlins from
fiddling with our most prized equipment,
preventing (mostly) unexpected
shutdowns, equipment failures and
malfunctions. In other words, the new
and improved Technical Team of 2015
has implemented smooth, well-run school
events including the important drama
rehearsals and exams where technical
work is concerned.
Most people are not aware of our hard
work and effort where we spend long
hours packing and repacking, setting
up and shutting down and dealing with
the pressure of ensuring all sound and
lighting cues are met and all technical
work is perfectly executed. We are indeed
rulers of behind-the-scenes, doing what
we love while staying hidden, regardless
of the amount of recognition we receive.
One of our biggest challenges this year
has been the completion of the Ebenezer
Hall and the adjustment to the new
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
HORSE RIDING
The Rhenish Horse Riding club
is a quiet presence at the school
with a number of riders performing
exceptionally well over the season.
Because of the nature of the SANESA
league most of the Rhenishers choose
to compete locally. Representing
SANESA requires that our riders travel
considerable distances to compete as
we fall under Boland and most of the
competitions are hosted on the other
side of the mountain. High costs
mean that fewer riders can compete
and represent Rhenish in the schools’
league. However, the few girls who
are able to compete in this league do
extremely well.
equipment in this hall. New
mixers, microphones, speakers
and amplifiers have had to be
figured out and our skills and knowledge
of sound engineering has been broadened
as a result.
2015 saw a fresh batch of ‘techlings’ who
have willingly learnt their duties and I
am immensely proud of their work and
the effort, energy and commitment that
they have brought to the job. People who
have an interest in technical things are
not common and it is fantastic that we
have been able to recruit Rhenishers who
share our passion for this job. As quiet
and unassuming as the tech team is, our
members continue to learn and to fulfil
their duties, ensuring the success of events
that take place throughout the year.
As a team, we are proud to be able to
provide a service to Rhenish and we
look forward to witnessing the continued
growth of our “techling” team.
Rahma Darries
Back row: Emma Marriott, Aimee Welmans, Lynne Geza, Alexandra Grey
Front row: Michelle Han, Jessica Branson (Deputy Head), Mrs E Mouton, Rahma Darries,
Christine Schmidtgen
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CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
The President’s Award is a national
programme set out to enrich and
develop learners of all ages. The
programme has been running at
Rhenish for four years now and it has
become a very popular programme in
which the girls get involved.
The programme entails three different
levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold), each
of which should take learners 6 – 12
months to complete. This programme
encourages self-discipline and
independence as the learners “tick off”
the different tasks set at their own time
and speed. All levels require learners
to complete a physical activity, a skill
and an adventurous journey.
CHESS
The chess club was established in 2010
after the arrival of chess enthusiast and
coach, Mr Potigieter. Since then, Rhenish
chess players have reached top ranks
within local and national tournaments
where our skilled mentalists have
earned spots in the top 5 for more than
two consecutive years in provincial
tournaments. So far, two of our members
(Michelle Taylor and Rahma Darries)
have been selected for the Boland
chess team and thereafter represented
the Western Cape in the national South
African Top Schools’ Tournament during
the years 2014 and 2015. More and more
of our members have begun to participate
in tournaments unrelated to school events,
gaining immensely valuable experience
and strengthening their chess skills.
During 2015, Michelle Taylor was
selected to form part of the provincial
Boland team and within weeks, gained a
spot in the Western Cape team. Not only
has she represented the Western Cape
during this year, she has earned a position
in the top 10 during a newly-established
national tournament where only students
under the age of 18 were allowed to
participate. We have yet to see her claim a
spot in the Western Province team, joining
her fellow chess friend Rahma Darries to
participate in the SAJCC (South African
Junior Chess Championship) of 2016.
the annual All Girls’ Festivals in
Bloemfontein, hosted by Oranje Girls’
High.
Our members have lost and won many
games graciously, incorporating a great
deal of enthusiasm and energising spirit
into the competitions in which we have
participated and even more into our
practice sessions where we sharpen our
weapons of logic and strategy.
Junior members have yet to fill the shoes
of our successful seniors who are nearing
the end of their school chess career, and,
as an assistant coach, I am confident that
they will do so sooner than we may all
think.
Rahma Darries
At the end of 2014 it was decided to do
away with the activity cards for Grade
9s and, instead, to encourage them to
do the President’s Award programme.
This had a slow initial uptake, but we
did have quite a few entries in the end.
I hope to see many of these Grade 9s
receiving their Bronze awards by the
end of the year.
We are very excited
to have our first Gold
award at Rhenish. Ash
Rutherford not only
completed the programme
but excelled whilst doing
it. In working towards her Gold, Ash
was often taken out of her comfort
zone and was taught many different
life skills throughout the four year
process. I hope her achievements
encourage the young to aim for the top
and to complete what they set out to
achieve. We now have many different
learners on the different levels and
are hoping to have a few more gold
participants throughout the next few
years.
Mrs Elizabeth Keyser
The Rhenish Chess team of 2015, as a
whole, has performed brilliantly over
the course of the year. How well they
performed was most evident during
Back row: Rahma Darries, Danielle van der
Merwe, Jaimé Goedhals, Michelle Taylor
Front row: Jessica van der Merwe,
Mr Carl Potgieter, Keira Goedhals
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Back row: Amber Clarke, Kira van Niekerk,
Jessica Wainwright, Estelle Hislop
Front row: Michaela van Schaik, Christie
Munro, Shannon van der Westhuizen
was something only Mr Potgieter
could accomplish. Pressing the
point that it would indeed make
for an epic action photo! It was
an unforgettable experience that
was definitely worth the early
morning.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
CHAOS – CAMPING HIKING AND OUTDOOR SOCIETY
Sadly the passing of our
very close friend and deputy
of CHAOS during the June
holidays was a tough time for
us and going on a hike without
Chantalle di Stefano after this
devastating news was too sad to even
consider. We hope that her liveliness and
spirit for adventure will live on in the club
of years to come.
We are grateful to the club’s liaison
teacher, Mr Potgieter, for helping us to
organise hikes, for transporting us when it
was needed and for being an enthusiastic
hiking partner.
As Suzaan and I bid farewell to Rhenish
and to CHAOS, we look forward to
seeing the club flourish as more girls
become involved in the pursuit of outdoor
activities and we watch eagerly to see the
mountains the Rhenish girls will conquer
in the future.
“In every walk with nature, one receives
far more than he seeks” – John Muir
Lijan van Niekerk
CHAOS is all about having fun, going on
adventures and keeping active in nature.
Sadly, it is the end of my time as leader
of this club, but the memories that Suzaan
Hobson and I have made and the times
we have spent outdoors exploring the vast
hiking trails in the area have been some
of the most significant moments of high
school.
Bad weather and the arrival of Mr
Potgieter’s much awaited new addition to
the family, Nathan, meant that we were
not able to go on as many hikes as we had
envisioned. Few they may have been, but
each hike has been thoroughly enjoyed.
of sheer amazement upon the faces of girls
who had not yet experienced this hike was
unforgettable. Hopping over lizards and
frogs was all part of the fun as we explored
the untapped corners of this scenic nature
reserve. The last part of the trail lead us to
an exciting boulder-hopping experience
up through the river until we reached
the enchanted pool. Convincing us to all
submerge ourselves in the icy waterfall
From left: Lijan van Niekerk,
Mr Carl Potgieter, Suzaan Hobson
In memory of: Chantalle Di Stefano
My favourite adventure this year was
our hike to the waterfalls in Jonkershoek
Nature Reserve. I was surprised that many
of the girls had never been there before,
and I was delighted that this club could
give them the opportunity to explore this
gem that lies in the heart of Stellenbosch.
We visited a series of three waterfalls, each
more breathtaking than the last. The look
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CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
RHECO
RHECO is the Eco and
Recycling society at Rhenish.
Responsibilities of the club
include the efficient recycling
of paper-waste that the school
generates throughout the
year, spreading awareness
about climate change and
environmental degradation, as
well as involving Rhenishers
in projects that clean up our
community.
Rhenish takes part in termly beach and
park clean-ups. This project allows for
Rhenishers to make an immediate impact
on their surroundings. It is a great way to
spread environmental consciousness and
for like-minded Rhenishers to collaborate
and make a difference.
Rhenish took part in the People’s
Climate March towards the end of 2014.
This was a large-scale activist event to
advocate action against climate change.
Rhenish became part of global history by
participating in the largest global climate
change march the world had ever seen.
Back row: Chelsea Bird, Alison Delport,
Pharryn Jansen
Front row: Shannon van der Westhuizen,
Mrs Keyser, Christie Munro
Absent: Natasha Piprek
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Rhenish debaters have always been a
force with which to be reckoned. 2015
proved once again that Rhenish has an
absolutely exceptional debating team.
Under the capable guidance of Coach
Khadija Bawa, two excellent senior and
two strong junior teams were formed.
All four teams participated in the Boland
School’s League. Throughout the year
many debates were held in which our
teams were challenged and sometimes
let down. The criticism, however, only
pushed our teams to become stronger and
more passionate.
Junior team 1 (Megan Hirst, Piya Igwe,
Palesa Makena and Simphiwe Masilo)
qualified into the semi-final
round of the Boland League, but
unfortunately lost against La
Rochelle.
Senior team 1 (Okara Opara,
Alatha Pinyata, Deone Wright
and Estelle Hislop) qualified for
the Provincial League, held at
the University of Cape Town.
They made it to the octo-finals
before losing to Bishops in a
very tough debate.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
DEBATING
Without our trusted liaison teacher, Mrs
Lynne Conchar, we would not have
been able to achieve the successes we
have. She has supported and pushed us
to achieve and we are grateful for her
dedication and care.
Debating Junior
Back row: Cleopatra Kleinschmidt,
Simphiwe Masilo, Piya Igwe,
Michaela Kruger, Megan Badenhorst
Front row: Chiara de Franchi,
Mrs Lynne Conchar, Palesa Makena
Debating Senior
Back row: Okara Opara, Estelle Hislop,
Megan Hirst, Priyanka Govender,
Vanya Conradie
Front row: Jessi Africa, Mrs L Conchar,
Rebekah Acutt
Thank you to our coach, Khadija Bawa,
who opened our eyes to the world this
year and inspired a culture of avid newswatching and newspaper reading. We are
thankful for all the energy and passion she
put into raising our teams to debate at an
even higher standard.
Thank you to all the debaters for the
laughs, memories and lessons with which
you have left me.
Natasha Piprek
MODEL UNITED NATIONS DEBATING
Model United Nations Debating
simulates United Nations Debate.
Students discuss international issues
while representing a country. This year,
Rhenish Girls’ competed in two Model
United Nations debates in Parliament,
and one smaller one hosted by St
Cyprians where Simpiwe Masilo (who
won best speaker), Michelle Gelderblom
and Masi Sesanti competed.
In the first parliament debate of the year,
Rhenish debated “Migration” and we
debated as Qatar. Because it was a South
African Model United Nations Event,
two girls from Rhenish, Simpiwe Masilo
(Grade 9) and Michelle Gelderblom
(Grade 11) joined up with two students
from a less well-resourced school,
Makapula High School, for the debate.
The joint team performed well, and the
debate was very interesting.
to and from the debates. They are very
grateful for the enthusiastic support
of Carly-Roze Jephta, their tutor, who
matriculated from Rhenish in 2012.
In the second parliament debate an all
Rhenish team debated the adoption
of Sustainable Development Goal
16: “Promote peaceful and inclusive
societies for sustainable development,
provide access to justice for all and build
effective, accountable and inclusive
institutions at all levels”. Rhenish
represented Russia and was at the centre
of the lively debate. We were awarded
the Best Team Spirit award. Estelle Hislop
(Grade 10), Michelle Gelderblom (Grade
11), Okara Opara (Grade11) and Simpiwe
Masilo (Grade 9) thoroughly enjoyed
the experience and are looking forward
to next year’s Model United Nations
Debating.
The Rhenish girls who debated would like
to extend their thanks to Mrs Hendricks,
their very involved liaison teacher, as well
as Miss Davids who transported them
Back row: Okaraonyemma Opara,
Estelle Hislop
Front row: Simphiwe Masilo, Ms Jessica
Hendricks, Michelle Gelderblom
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CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
FIRST AID
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Public Speaking is very popular and wellsupported at Rhenish Girls’ High where
the girls are encouraged to express their
opinions in an environment where their
opinions are given the respect embodied
in the “Right to Freedom of Expression”
entrenched in our constitution. They are
encouraged to develop their thoughts and
knowledge on a wide range of topics and
in various forms of public speaking.
In the first term we hold an Inter
House competition as trials for the
Young Ambassadors’ Competition – a
competition aimed at those for whom
English is not a mother tongue. Thirteen
girls entered and Maria Stallmann, for
whom German is her home language,
won. Runners up Aze Dyubeni and
Lathitha Msi were put through to the
district final of the competition. The
sponsors of the competition withdrew,
but the WCED organised a competition
with the same criteria and rules and Aze
Dyubeni was one of two speakers who
won at the District Finals and represented
the Winelands District at the Provincial
Finals at the Artscape Theatre. Aze was
placed third in the competition and was
thereafter invited by the very impressed
English Subject Advisor, to present her
speech at a workshop of English Subject
Advisors in Worcester. So impressed
were they by this young Rhenisher that
Aze was invited to deliver the keynote
address at the regional final of the S A
Teachers’ Awards in Paarl. Her topic was
“Teachers, the Heartbeat of the Nation”.
In the third term the Inter House
competition was held to select the top
candidates to enter the Strand Rotary
Oratory competition. The thirteen Grade
8 and 9 girls participated in the junior
section and the senior section comprised
of eleven girls from Grade 10 – 12.
Victoria Matthews was the winner in the
Junior section and Priyanka Govender
won the Senior section.
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The Strand Rotary Oratory competition
was hosted by Bloemhof and the Rhenish
speakers once again stood out. Victoria
Matthews spoke on Euthanasia and won
the Junior section and received the Award
of Excellence as the most impressive
speaker of the evening. Priyanka
Govender came second in the senior
section. As both girls had achieved such
excellent results, Rhenish won the school
shield for the best combined achievement
for the fourth consecutive year.
Public Speaking is very
popular and well-supported
at Rhenish Girls’ High where
the girls are encouraged to
express their opinions
2015 has been a very successful year for
Public Speaking. The quality of speeches
delivered in the different competitions
was of a high standard and the girls were
well-prepared. It is also very encouraging
to see a greater interest in public speaking
among the girls – to the point where
we almost find it necessary to limit the
number of entries in competitions.
Mrs Margaret van Eck
Victoria Matthews and Priyanka Govender
No-one has a need to call 911 with
Rhenish’s First Aid team around
this year. From scrapes to breaks to
‘hockey-balls-in-the-face’, the First
Aid team has handled it all with quiet
confidence born from training and
practice.
We had our first aid course during the
April school holidays and the First
Aid Society has quadrupled since then.
The course was technical and ‘hands
on’ and all of the girls that attended
have developed vital skills – not only
for use as part of our team in service
of Rhenish, but skills that will stand
them in good stead for life. These
newly trained girls, together with the
previous members of the team, gave up
weekends throughout the winter season
to ensure that our sports girls were safe.
The year has been a very busy and
eventful one in terms of injuries dealt
with, time tables that had to be coordinated and first aid supplies that
had to be monitored and replenished
with surprising regularity, Ms Viljoen
managed to keep us all on track.
This year we once again had the
opportunity to fulfill our society’s purpose
by interacting with other schools, the
opportunity to embrace their cultures and
to showcase ours.
Our group consists of poets, contemporary
dancers, hip hop dancers, house dancers,
traditional dancers as well as traditional
girls.
We have visited and performed at quite a
few schools this year: Camps Bay High
School, Rustenburg Girls’ High School,
Wynberg Girls’ High School and many
more. Our society has remained active
throughout the year. We have practices
on a weekly basis and we are therefore
always well prepared to perform at events.
The Siyaphambili girls never fail to
impress the audience at the annual
Siyaphambili Cultural Evening. It took
place on 12 August 2015 and a variety
of schools attend this to showcase their
talent and highlight their culture.
Our group continues to grow annually.
We are an enthusiastic bunch of girls
who are eager to take part in our different
activities. The Siyaphambili Society has
a lot to offer all the current and future
Rhenishers.
First Aid is a service willingly offered
by the girls in the team. It was fantastic
to see the sacrifices and commitment
of some of our members recognised
through the awarding of colours to them
at the Cultural and Service Awards
evening.
2015 has been a hectic and eventful
year that has seen many positive
changes and it has been an honour for
all of us to serve as first aiders.
Estelle Hislop
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
SIYAPHAMBILI
The Siyaphambili Cultural Society is a
society for all races, for Rhenishers from
all cultural backgrounds and religions.
It is a society which unites all groups
and allows us to embrace one another’s
cultures.
Back row: Seithati Phumane,
Sangiwe Ntshange, Tina Mtiya
Front row: Tammy van der Heever,
Mrs Nonkosi Jikela, Unathi Mange
This has been a great year for each
and every member of this society. We
embody “siyaphambili” which means to
move forward.
Tammy van der Heever
Back row: Michelle Taylor, Ruth O’Rielly
Front row: Estelle Hislop, Ms K Viljoen,
Dinisha Coopoosamy
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CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
THE RHENISH
LIBRARY
2015 has been a big year for the
Rhenish Library. Our shelves
have seen the addition of
hundreds of new books on mindstretching topics such as ancient
history, autobiographies, aviation
and the latest popular newreleases. Once more, our school
library is a place where any
Rhenisher can have the chance
to curl up with an enticing book
and spend some time away from
the hustle and bustle of school. They
leave the library with their mind spinning
with new ideas, a sparked imagination or
a better researched project. 2015 has also
seen another book drive sweep through
Rhenish – now less-privileged schools
have the chance to share in the joy of
reading that books offer.
The amount of work that goes into
maintaining the library is phenomenal.
The school librarians have worked hard
every break and after school throughout
the year to ensure that all the books are
available to the students. They issue and
receive library books, maintain sections
of shelves and find and recommend
books for whoever passes through the
library doors. Their unending patience,
dedication to their library, passion for
reading and remarkable skill at finding
a book based on a vague description of
the main character is truly incredible and
often goes unappreciated. It has been an
absolute honour working alongside such
fantastic people and Rhenish would be a
Back row: Estelle Hislop, Shirley Huang, Kelly Viljoen
Middle row: Tess Ellerbeck, Erin Petersen, Jessica Branson, Lathitha Msi, Anna-Ingeborg Kreft,
Lynne Geza, Tayla Smith, Natasha Marnewick
Front row: Bronwyn Roberts, Luzaan Erasmus, Gabrielle Dicke, Mrs Francoise Arzul,
Megan Roos, Erin Sinclair, Oneswa Siko
Absent: Emma de Clercq, Deoné Wright, Cailin Joubert, Cachel Joubert, Palesa Makena,
Jess van der Merwe
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poorer place without their commitment
and hard work. Huge thanks must also be
given to the ‘Queen of the Library,’ Ms
Arzul. Under her guidance the library
has flourished and continues to be source
of pride for every Rhenisher. The school
library would not exist at all without her
hard work and love for every book on our
shelves.
Books are a true source of magic. In one
afternoon I can travel the world, become
the ruler of a kingdom or the darkest of
villains. I can learn things I never knew
before and see the world through the
eyes of thousands of other people.
Books boost my creativity, expand my
understanding of the world around me
and give me a chance to improve myself
through the worlds of others. Charles W
Eliot, the president of Harvard in 1869,
said, ‘Books are the quietest and most
constant of friends; they are the most
accessible and wisest of counsellors, and
the most patient of teachers’. This belief
will continue to be reflected through the
Rhenish Library, just as it has been since
the school began.
Erin Sinclaire
Social Responsibility
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
PROJECT 155
Respect, Grace, Honour and Spirit
– these values were identified by
a Learner Council some years ago
as integral to Rhenish and, with
Project 155, the Learner Council
of 2015 has once again brought
them to the fore.
The Learner Council of
2015 chose to celebrate our
155th birthday through the
act of giving. Project 155, in
commemoration of 155 years of pride and
excellence, comprised of five community
outreach projects that exemplified the
compassion and willingness of our girls to
make a difference in the lives of others.
Project 155 commenced with what was
undoubtedly our largest and most exciting
project: the Stellenbosch Can Project.
Rhenish, along with other schools,
businesses and individuals in the district,
aimed to collect canned food items for
the Stellenbosch Feeding in Action
Organisation that provides food to less
privileged members of our community.
Although our Rhenishers were motivated
by the mere fact that these cans were
going towards a very worthy cause, it was
nonetheless a competition with a cash prize
of R25 000. Rhenishers were not about to
let an opportunity to shine slip through our
fingers. The initial challenge was to collect
3000 cans and the girls quickly surpassed
this, going on to collect an astonishing
7167 cans, surpassing the other schools in
our district and easily taking first prize. At
the end of our first successful project, it
was heart warming to know that Rhenish
had contributed so significantly to ensuring
that many families in our community
would have full tummies and smiling faces
over the next few months.
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Our second project was a visit and concert
at Azaleahof Old Age Home which took
place on the 22 April. The residents of
Azaleahof were truly touched by the
few items of dance, music and drama
performed by our enthusiastic and talented
Rhenishers. The Rhenishers’ performances
were greeted by hearty applause and
beaming faces that attested to the joy they
had brought into the lives of the elderly.
The Rhenish performers definitely took
from this experience as much as the
residents themselves, having made fond
memories and shared the gift of music.
On 28 April, The Learner Council and a
few enthusiastic Rhenish helpers put into
motion projects 3 and 4 of Project 155:
the sports clinic and sports equipment
drive. 24 learners from St Idas Primary
were invited to use our sports facilities for
a day. Under the guidance of our Rhenish
helpers, the students were taught netball
and hockey skills. These girls had the time
of their lives as they were coached and
motivated to pursue their passion. They
were delighted to receive goodie bags
and the sports equipment collected by the
Rhenish students at the close of the clinic.
On 29 July Rhenish completed their
final project: a bread and sandwich
topping drive. Once again our Rhenishers
surpassed our expectations by collecting
enough loaves of bread to make 621
sandwiches, well over our original goal
of 325! These sandwiches were handed
over to the Stellenbosch Feeding in
Action Organisation, and delivered to two
underprivileged schools.
Rhenish can proudly say that they have
given of their very best this year in terms
of compassion and community work. We
are grateful to all learners, parents and
teachers who have contributed in any
way to making these projects a success
and truly hope that we have supported
the Rhenish tradition of giving that will
continue to endure through the ages.
Priyanka Govender
The Animal Welfare Committee strives
to help the Stellenbosch Animal Welfare
and their cats and dogs. A large part of
the running costs for this organisation
goes towards the feeding of the animals.
That is why, this year, the committee
has taken part in a project aimed at
collecting money for the feeding of one
cat for an entire year. This amounts to a
commitment from us of R250 a month
We collected the money by having
cake sales in which we sold pizza and
homemade biscuits. The money raised
in one civvies day also went towards
this cause. In return, the Stellenbosch
Animal Welfare is giving one day of their
calendar to Rhenish for “advertisement”. The committee has also organised a
beading project in which Rhenish girls
The Rhenish Cancer Society has had a
rather busy year with a new and exciting
event each term.
Back row: Kayla-Ann Weidemann,
Tanya Schloms, Emma Thompson
Front row: Ruth O’ Reilly (deputy),
Mrs Minda Joubert, Michéle ter Huurne (head)
CANCER SOCIETY
Easter time presented us with another
opportunity to make a difference in the
lives of those affected by cancer as the
girls took the goodie bags to the Red
Cross Children’s Hospital’s oncology
enjoyed the loving atmosphere created
by our Rhenishers.
This year the society made special
bracelets that were sold at their cake
sale, at the Rhenish open day and during
the month of October.
The society started with Cancer
Awareness month in October 2014.
Sweets in a jar were raffled, pancakes
and chocolate sold and, of course, the
pink wigs were seen around the school.
During break a banner was made of
girls dipping their hands into paint and
making prints on the banner. These were
put up around the school to raise cancer
awareness among the learners.
We kicked of 2015 with a project to
make goodie bags for children at the
Red Cross Children’s Hospital. The
goodie bags consisted of colouring
books, sweets and crayons. While
the goodie bags were being made the
society girls enjoyed some muffins.
paid for beads and mad string
AND they gave up time to make
bracelets. These were given to the
Stellenbosch Animal Welfare to
sell, helping them to raise more
money.
Because of our passion and love
of animals and to encourage
more Rhenish girls to become
involved in Animal Welfare,
we also organise outings to the
Stellenbosch Animal Welfare. We
play with the dogs and puppies as
they are in dire need of love.
The Stellenbosch Animal Welfare can
use all the help they can get. They rely
heavily on donations and volunteers,
so we encourage people to volunteer in
their own time and we appreciate any
donations in support of this wonderful
organisation.
Michele Ter Huurne
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
ANIMAL WELFARE
The year ended off with the annual
Grade 10 dance. The girls entered a hall
of fairy lights and an enchanted forest
and enjoyed an evening of socialising
for a good cause.
All money raised by the Cancer Society
is donated to the Mariette Loots Cancer
Trust which has benefited from the
heartfelt efforts of Rhenish girls for
many years.
Back row: Cailin Joubert, Randi Jordaan,
Mary Anderson, Cachel Joubert
Front row: Yvonne Makwara, Abigail Fortuin,
Noni Nobatana
ward. The girls brought smiles and joy
to the children, handing out Easter eggs
and playing with them. Even the parents
It has been an honour to be part of the
Cancer Society with Mrs Fourie. I trust
that next year’s committee will come
up with creative ways to raise funds and
create awareness as Rhenish continues
to make a significant difference in the
lives of others.
Abigail Fortuin
101
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
BLANKET DRIVE
Big Brags and big words are
one thing, but actions speak
louder than words and nothing
draws the Rhenish community
together more strongly than
their involvement in community
projects. Nowhere is this more
evident than in the annual
knitting drive that starts in April
and culminates in August with
the handing over of blankets to
the needy in the Stellenbosch
community.
As Mrs Smart has so often said, it would
be ‘easy’ to buy blankets to donate, but
the act of caring that goes into knitting
a square or putting together misshapen
squares into beautiful blankets speaks
of a greater commitment. It speaks of
a willingness to give not just of one’s
worldly goods, but of oneself.
Each blanket delivered in our Blanket
Assembly on Monday 17 August had
woven into it pride and love. Each girl
is proud of the skill she has developed
in becoming a knitter, she is proud of
the blanket she helped produce and she
is proud of her class and her school for
the way in which they are able to give
back to the community. The blankets are
symbolic of Rhenishers’ love for their
fellow man and the compassion they feel
for those in need.
To every learner that knitted a square,
to the extended Rhenish community of
mums, grans, aunties and friends who
contributed too, thank you.
102
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
as many of them do not have
electricity in their homes or any
means to keep themselves warm
during Stellenbosch’s cold winter.
We have tried to live out “Service
Above Self” and we also believe
that service begins at home. As an
Interact society we have therefore
also offered our services at events
at school throughout the year
– we assisted with serving and
welcoming guests at the opening
of our Astro in January and then
again at the LC sports clinic, to name a few.
Our big event this year was the One2one
day held in August. Many months of
planning and fundraising went into this
very special day. We hosted a “Minion
Ten-Pin Bowling” stall at the event and
our generous volunteers who gave up
their Sunday to do shifts at the stall really
enjoyed themselves.
We look forward to the 2016 when we
will be back with new members, a new
leadership and even more occasions at
which to serve.
Ms Amy Davids
INTERACT
2015 marked the third year of Interact’s
existence at Rhenish. The Interact society
is the youth division of the International
Rotary association. The slogan of the
Rotary association “Service above self”
rings true for all Rhenishers and we have
tried to encompass this motto in the
heart of our school by being involved in
community projects throughout the year.
Our service started early in the year
assisting our community in the annual Tour
de Stellenbosch cycle race. We helped
with registration of the cyclists early in the
morning, manned the water points along
the route as well as handing out of medals
to participants at the end of the race.
Interact has incorporated the Golden
Oldies and we visited Azaleahof three
times during the course of 2015 to spend
some time with the residents, drinking tea
and eating cake. Our visits to Azaleahof are
a highlight in our calendar and are always
enjoyed by all.
This past winter the Interact society
collected clothes for the community of
Jamestown. We filled two cars with bags
of clothes which we then delivered to the
informal settlement in Jamestown. The
residents were very grateful for the clothes
Back row: Nicole Blows, Okara Opara, Anje Albertyn
Third row: Tayla Smith, Emma Reid, Priyanka Govender, Catherine Melck, Cindy Dorrington,
Hannah Carew, Alexandra Grey, Natalie Kitching
Second row: Jessica Badelt, Catherine Rostin, Andrea Gain, Alessia Lederer,
Hannah-Lynne Potgieter, Paula Currie, Iksha Bhadwon, Bronwyn Grey, Se-Joung Kim
Front row: Nizette Gordon, Alexa van Rooyen, Tanya Schloms, Ms Amy Davids,
Mthembukazi Twala, Gabi Diekie, Laura Loubser
103
PTA
Makes a Difference
PTA
In 2015 the Rhenish PTA gave parents the
opportunity to add value to the Rhenish
Community. In so doing we continually
discovered the gift we have in our
headmistress, teachers, staff and parents
– a true blessing to all of us. Loving
kindness in action is what makes Rhenish
a place of growth and lasting progress.
We would like to share some of our
cherished 2015 memories:
The New Parents Evening in January
was hosted by Susan de Hosse, her team,
Ms Fourie and the girls. Soon after this
Rhenish hosted the 4M-Gala at the
Paul Roos pool. Michele de Villiers coordinated the Rhenish moms who served
the headmistresses and staff of the four
schools.
The Concert in the Garden at Oude
Libertas at the end of March was a
truly joyous event. The PTA sold cool
drinks and wine and the money raised
will go towards revamping the Music
Department.
The 5th annual Dad & Daughter Dance
at Joostenberg ‘s theme was ‘A Night
at the Oscars’. The evening is a great
opportunity for Dads to teach their
daughters how to conduct themselves at
a formal dinner. It is also an opportunity
to spend an evening with their daughter
and to get to know other dads. Heather
Osborne and team raised more than R25
000 that will go towards air-conditioning
for some classrooms. Big thanks to outgoing moms Susan de Hosse, Charlotte
ter Huurne and Linda Morse for many
years of helping to make this evening the
success it has become.
The PTA is also part of the team that
showcases the school to prospective
parents and learners at the Open Day at
the end of March. Michele de Villiers
organised moms to decorate tables and
serve refreshments. The warm hospitality
and grandeur of the Rhenish Product: Our
Girls certainly contributed to the flood of
applications we received for 2016.
The Care Group, with the help and
guidance of Mrs Pretorius, assisted
various learners during the course of the
year and co-ordinates flowers for the
school foyer and treats for the staff each
Friday.
Back row: Lize Malan, Sue Champan, Janine Arendse, Corinda October, Olga van der Merwe,
Tootsi Lord and Michelle de Villiers
Middle row: Karyn Rimmel, Irma Blom, Alida Swanepoel, Pam Leslie, Michelle Lombardi,
Suzanne van Niekerk
Front row: Fredi Bellstedt, Lizl Hobson, Dave Norman, Michelle Middlteton
105
PTA
Rhenish Supporter Gear helps
to give us an identity at sporting
and other functions and creates
a sense of belonging and pride.
Thanks to Mariza Schlusche and
Johlene Bartch who drove this
initiative.
Our Annual Golf Day on 4
September was a spectacular
occasion. Corrina Everitt and
her dedicated small team of Sue
Chapman, Debbie Dowd, Janine
Arendse and Michelle Lombardi
did a stearling job, raising over R90 000.
The PTA, together with the Grade 11s and
an event organising committee, is also busy
organising an awesome Break-up party
which will take place at the end of 2015.
At the Winter Week Inter Schools the
PTA created a “gesellige” atmosphere
by having music and stalls. We hope this
event will become a tradition at Rhenish
where Rhenish Old Girls can mingle and
meet current students and together build
pride and a stronger bond.
Many other projects were also undertaken
by the PTA: staff blinds, a Pavilion
make-over, new signs to direct guests and
noticeboards.
The Garden club is run by Rentia Hobbs,
Ross Bean and Caryn Scrimgeour. They
created areas where our girls can connect
with nature and each other. An overall
Garden Plan for the Rhenish grounds
has been drafted and we are very excited
about beautifying and greening the school
in a water-wise way.
Our lives are gifts to each other.
In 2015 we witnessed the difference we
can make in the lives of others whilst reenergising our own.
By living out LOVING KINDNESS we
hope to help our girls to:
Master the Joy of Living
Our lives are fleeting
Our Impact Permanent
Life is not a Movie...
S Cathcart from “The Lie we Live”
(abridged)
Lizl Hobson and Tootsi Lord
106
Rhenish Old Girls’ Union
ROGU
Another year has flown by and
it is once again time to reflect on
the ROGU activities for 2015.
The 2014 matrics were
given a fitting send-off at the
valedictory service held on 17 October
and we were proud to be involved in
this event as the girls left to prepare for
the final hurdle, the matric exams. The
academic excellence of our alma mater
is indisputable and the class of 2014
surpassed all expectations when they not
only upheld the tradition of 100% pass
rate, but also achieved a remarkable 100%
Bachelor’s Pass. We can all take pride
in the continued success of the school in
achieving these results. Well done to the
teachers and staff!
As per long-standing tradition, our annual
Luncheon/ AGM was held on the 9 May,
to coincide with the school’s birthday.
The event was well supported with
seventy five guests spanning the decades
from 1954 to 1997.
The day itself was blessed with beautiful
weather befitting a ladies luncheon and
with the astroturf established and the
new multi-purpose hall complete, the
surroundings had been transformed. The
members of the Learner Council did an
exceptional job of welcoming guests and
ensuring name tags were allocated and
refreshments provided. It is not difficult
to be transported back 10, 20, 30 or 40 (as
the case may be) years, to the day when
we were one of those girls in Rhenish
uniform. The buzz in the “incubator” as
our “Old Girls” caught up with each other
was tangible evidence of the reminiscing
and strong bond amongst Rhenishers
across the decades.
The annual luncheon reinforces our
bond with Rhenish and provides the
108
opportunity for old girls to catch up with
news of each other. It is also a time
to reflect on the Rhenishers who have
passed away. This year, we said good-bye
to Felicity Alwright, one of our ROGU
committee members who, days before the
event, had confirmed that she would be
at the luncheon. We celebrate her life and
contribution to the Old Girls’ Union and
will remember her fondly.
The Head and Deputy Head Girls and Ms
Slabber provided an update on the school’s
achievements and plans for the future.
It is so exciting to see our old school
entering into such a very exciting time of
growth and expansion, led by a dynamic
team focused on ensuring that Rhenishers
have access to the tools required to be
competitive in the 21st century.
At the luncheon we asked each table to
come up with an idea on how ROGU
could raise money to support the school
in its ongoing endeavours to maintain and
improve facilities. The ideas were judged
by a panel comprising of Ms Slabber, Ms
Snyman and Mrs Commaille. Spot prizes
were awarded to the tables with the first
(crowd funding initiative) and second
(Barnyard Theatre event) best fund raising
ideas and we look forward to working on
these in future.
Rhenish wine and Gill Myburgh for the
beautiful flowers.
The cocktail party, now an established
annual event, was held on 17 September
in the pavilion. The committee was given
access to décor from past matric dances
and this year’s theme transformed the
pavilion into somewhere in Egypt. The
weather was the best we have had to date
for this event and we were delighted to
host about forty girls, mainly from the
2011 – 2014 matric years. Girls caught
up over a glass of wine or non-alcoholic
“champagne” with cheese and savoury
snacks aplenty.
Other events such as re-unions have been
organised by different year groups. Please
let us know if there is anything we can do
to help make these occasions even more
memorable. Our aims, as set out in the
ROGU constitution, are firstly to retain
a link between present and past pupils
and members of staff of the school and,
secondly, to help in any way possible to
promote the welfare of Rhenish.
Last but not least, thank-you to the school
communications officer, Sharon Hershaw,
and to my committee for all your help and
support. It’s been fun!
Deborah Flannery
Events such as the luncheon are made
possible through the continued support
of the school, particularly Mr Coetzee
and his team and Ms Arzul who printed
the programmes, name tags and also took
the photographs. We are also grateful to
our sponsors, especially Delheim for the
Committee member
Role
Deborah Flannery (Stirling 1989)
Chair
Nikki Lombard (Gerber 1977)
Deputy Chair
Debbi Krüger (Anschutz 1991)
Member/Marketing & Comms co-ordinator
Jade da Costa Silva-Snyman (Da Costa Silva 1997)
Member/Com Secretary
Michelle du Toit (Maree 1997)
Member (alternate)
Arlene Cloete (1995)
Member
Vix Barnard (1997)
Member (alternate)
Gabrielle Camara (2012)
Member
Rebecca de Villiers (2012)
Member (alternate)
Prize Winners
PRIZE WINNERS
SUBJECT PRIZES
GRADE 8
Cluver Markotter Prize for the
Highest
Achievement in the Grade
Kira Louw
Second Place
Economic And Management
Sciences
Human And Social Sciences
Life Orientation
Creative Arts
French
Alliance Francaise de Stellenbosch
Chiara de Franchi
Third Place
Alexandra Osborn
Prize for Progress
Bronwyn Williams
English Home Language
Marion Rabie
LDP Prize for Mathematics
Chelsey Petro
Natural Science
Chloe Cox
Afrikaans Home Language
Madeleine Basson
Afrikaans 1st Additional Language
Maria Simondwood
Technology
Georgia Roux
Music
Elmarie Swanepoel
Isixhosa 2nd Additional Language
Ana Sampson
Art
Abigail Smart
Engineering Graphics Design
Kaylin Lazarus
German 2nd Additional Language
Shannon Williams
Computer Literacy
Christie van den Berg
GRADE 9
Cluver Markotter Prize for the Highest
Achievement in the Grade
Creative Arts
Technology
110
Life Orientation
Cachel Joubert
Second Place
Cailin Joubert
Third Place
Natural Science
English Home Language
Economic Management Sciences
Rebecca Behne
Prize for Progress
Sandra Koning Memorial Cup
Yvonne Makwara
LDP Prize for Mathematics
Afrikaans Home Language
Tessa Malan
Human And Social Sciences
Danielle van der Merwe
German 2nd Additional Language
Afrikaans 1st Additional Language
Jessica Badelt
Third Place
Accounting
Victoria Beeka
Prize for Progress
Computer Applications Technology
Ashleigh Kirkman
History
Estelle Hislop
Life Orientation
Geography
Hannah Carew
Dramatic Arts
Kate Sinclair
French 2nd Additional Language
Alliance Francaise de Stellenbosch
Roxanne Upton
Consumer Studies
Holly Coates
Design – Illustration
Aimee Welmans
Engineering Graphics Design
Alexandra Grey
Visual Art – Painting
Rachel Groenewald
Music
Emma Taskes
Music
Chante Daniels
Xhosa 2nd Additional Language
Kelly Kietzman
Isixhosa 2nd Additional Language
Nina Blom
French 2nd Additional Language
Alliance Francaise de Stellenbosch
Iksha Bhowon
Mathematical Literacy
Kayla Vermaak
Computer Literacy
Cayleigh Westcott
Art
Rachel Nel
GRADE 10
Cluver Markotter Prize for the Highest
Achievement in the Grade
Nelia Manson Cup for Mathematics
English Home Language
Afrikaans Home Language
Paulette Wiegman Cup for Afrikaans
LDP Prize for Information Technology
Louise Beyers
Second Place
Physical Science
Life Sciences
Afrikaans 1st Additional Language
Yarah Narker
Engineering Graphics Design
Sarah Dillon
GRADE 11
Cluver Markotter Prize for the Highest
Achievement in the Grade
Life Sciences
Accounting
Physical Science
Afrikaans 1st Additional Language
Philne Roberts
Second Place
LDP Prize for Mathematics
Advanced Mathematics
Life Orientation
Priyanka Govender
Third Place
History
Anje Albertyn
Prize for Progress
Michelle Taylor
Centenary Progress Cup
Onezwa Siko
Afrikaans Home Language
Geography
Larissa Tredoux
English Home Language
Afrikaans Home Language
Prys van die Vriende van Afrikaans
Visual Art – Painting
Elodie Daneel Cup for Bilingualism
Talya Beyers
Consumer Studies
Shelby Stephenson
Life Orientation
Taylin van Wyk
Dramatic Arts
Nicole Blows
Engineering Graphics Design
Tanya Schloms
Music
Tamryn Barron
Geography
Christie Munro
French 2nd Additional
Alliance Francaise de Stellenbosch
Erin Sinclair
German 2nd Additional Language
Celina Kintscher
Isixhosa 2nd Additional Language
Carmen Arendse
Mathematical Literacy
Ceilidh Courtney
Engineering Graphics Design
Genna Warrington
Isixhosa 1st Additional Language
Mothlago Baartman
Design – Illustration
Soul Ji Kim
Jeanine Bosman Cup
(Progress In Mathematics)
Justine Noyce
GRADE 12
Buisinne Scholarship Medal
Cluver Markotter Prize for the Highest
Achievement in the Grade
Moorestephens Prize for Accounting
Life Sciences
Dramatic Arts
Afrikaans 1st Additional Language
Pricewaterhouse Award for Mathematics
And Accounting
Nicolai Buis Shield for Accounting
Jessi Africa
German 2nd Language
Cara Kintscher
Computer Applications Technology
Boston College Shield
Kristin Malan
Consumer Studies
Ash Rutherford
History
Alexa van Rooyen
Mathematical Literacy
Rebekah Acutt
Design – Textiles
Inspiration Art Cup
Teo Stuttaford
Music
Anna-Ingeborg Kreft
Isixhosa 2nd Additional
Mthembukazi Twala
Ruth Townsend: Progress Mathematics
Caitlin Dougall
Centenary Scholarship Cup
LDP Prize for Mathematics
Advanced Mathematics
Vanya Conradie
Third Place
Physical Science
Ginsberg Cup for Science
Lijan van Niekerk
Sisters all recipients of Principal’s Award
Bianca Schloms (2010), Nicola Schloms
(2011) and Tanya Schloms (2015)
HONOURS LIST
For consistent academic
achievement
GRADE 8
Lynzee Arendse
Michaela Budge
Chloe Cox
Lauren Cyster
Chiara de Franchi
Kayla Lazarus
Kira Louw
Jazz Mallam
Minethia Markman
Zethu Mavovana
Alexandra Osborn
Erin Pool
Marion Rabie
Amy Roux
Georgia Roux
Ana Sampson
Kayla Scott
Saskia Sonnerer
Elmarie Swanepoel
Lauren van Schaik
Shannon Williams
Taylor Yates
PRIZE WINNERS
English Home Language
Visual Art – Print-Making
French
Alliance Francaise de Stellenbosch
Maria Stallmann
GRADE 9
Nicole Africander
Jessica Badelt
Rebecca Behne
Iksha Bhowon
Hannah Chemaly
Jordan Dowd
Keira Goedhals
Zoe Goff
Alexandra Grey
Bronwyn Grey
Tatum Hendricksz
Jeanelle Huskisson
Meg James
Cachel Joubert
Cailin Joubert
Kelly Kietzman
Meeka Lenisa
Ashley Loxton
Tumisang Makena
Tessa Malan
Jay-Dee Meyer
Carla Newman
Tarryn Ohlsson
Maria Ortelee
Ciara Roberts
Monique Seele
Erin Swarts
Danielle van der Merwe
Kelly Viljoen
Cayleigh Westcott
GRADE 10
Siddiqah Abdullah
Tarryn Agulhas
Danica Elaine Bagley
Monique Bartsch
111
PRIZE WINNERS
Victoria Beeka
Kellyn Bester
Louise Beyers
Megan Bosman
Kirsten Bucholz
Amy-Lee Cairns
Hannah Carew
Rahmah Carrim
Chelsea Chapman
Harley Dalton
Chanté Daniels
Michaela de Wet
Ammelie Diemont
Sarah Dillon
Zoë Dolan
Carly du Plessis
Tannyn Erasmus
Amy Everitt
Rachel Groenewald
Estelle Hislop
Adrianne Hobbs
Raegan Jacobs
Robin Jordaan
Bailey Kelly
Bianca Kitching
Kate Lamprecht
Alessia Lederer
Alexa Lipparoni
Azeeza Magerman
Natasha Marnewick
Okuhle Mayiji
Megan McEwan
Hannah McHendrie
Lisa Meyer
Kate Munro
Tayla Myburgh
Yarah Narker
Tyra Nenguke
Hannah-Lynne Potgieter
Nancy Rademeyer
Emma Reid
Bronwyn Roberts
Megan Roos
Kate Sinclair
Camirin Smith
Moya Smith
Tayla Smith
Jessica Steyn
Tyle-Maria Swart
Roxanne Upton
Amei van den Heever
Tanya van der Merwe
Hannah van Houweninge
Michaela van Schaik
Oriole Viljoen
Aimee Welmans
Robyn White
Deoné Wright
GRADE 11
Anjé Albertyn
Carmen Arendse
Helen Barnard
Nicole Blows
Anais Breytenbach
112
Emma-Jane Cairns
Rahma Darries
Alison Delport
Sian Fell
Isabelle Fowler
Michelle Gelderblom
Jaimé Goedhals
Priyanka Govender
Jeanne Hislop
Soul Ji Kim
Celina Kintscher
Josephine Knappe
Megan Leslie
Laycon Lewis
Megan Lord
Katoo Machtelinckx
Erin McMaster
Anin Olivier
Okaraonyemma Opara
Emily Orgovanyi
Carmen-Marie Payne
Shannon Phillips
Rebecca Ricketts
Cassia Rimell
Jayne Rimell
Philné Roberts
Christine Schmidtgen
Robynn Seconds
Cassandra Snyman
Maria Stallmann
Shelby Stephenson
Rosanne Strauss
Larissa Tredoux
Sarah Uheida
Monét van Antwerpen
Jenna van der Watt
Amy van Lill
Jaymee Vermeulen
Jenna Warrington
Ashleigh Wyatt
GRADE 12
Rebekah Acutt
Jessi Africa
Thandeka Bean
Nadine Benjamin
Talya Beyers
Jessika Brtan
Kelsey Cloete
Vanya Conradie
Emma de Clercq
Casey de Langen
Claire Dehosse
Ulla Demasius
Gabrielle Dicke
Tyla Du Plessis
Luzaan Erasmus
Abigail Fortuin
Laura-Lee Gillion
Gillian Gordon
Hannah Groenewald
Suzaan Hobson
Julia Josephs
Ghyslaine Kakisingi
Cara Kintscher
Amy Lamprecht
Danisa le Roux
Laura Loubser
Kristin Malan
Erin Meerburg
Rebecca Molenaar
Shannon Morse
Danica Muller
Christie Munro
Ji Eun Nam
Kelsey Nel
Tyla Ordman
Emma Osborn
Margo Paterson
Nosipho Potelwa
Ashlea-Leine Rutherford
Tanya Schloms
Zahn Scholtz
Tyler Setzer
Erin Sinclair
Tegan Slater
Kaitlyn Sparks
Teo Stuttaford
Michele ter Huurne
Nicole Thompson
Shannon van der Westhuizen
Lijan van Niekerk
Alexa van Rooyen
Taylin van Wyk
Emma Wayne
Kayla-Ann Weidemann
Chloe Wileman
MERIT AWARDS
For diligence, good behaviour and
commitment
GRADE 8
Kady Arendse
Madeleine Basson
Sonica Betchu
Emma Degn
Kaye Huxter
Lauren Mare
Diana Marnewick
Zoe Meyer
Erin Oelofse
Chelsey Petro
Caleigh Plaatjes
Jesse Polman
Chloe Quickfall
Maria Simondwood
Abigail Smart
Hannah Smit
Cassidy Truter
Lize Viljoen
Sian Wolfaardt
Marie-Luise Zeitvogel
GRADE 9
Megan Badenhorst
Gabriella Bolognesi
Nicole Costabile
Tayla du Plessis
Adrienne Edson
GRADE 12
Faatimah Arnolds
Luske Aysen
Alexandra Breckwoldt
Mary-Ann Dos Santos
Caitlin Dougall
Azemahle Dyubeni
Danielle Fouche
Taryn Hartley
Sangiwe Ntshanga
Ruth O’reilly
Chelsea Parkins
Natasha Piprek
Jodie-Lin Scheepers
Michaela Scott
Mia Taylor
Emma Thompson
GRADE 10
Kirstin Allies
Nina Blom
Dinisha Coopoosamy
Sam-Jamie Du Toit
Zara Ellis
Jessica Feldtman
Ashleigh Kirkman
Natalie Kitching
Emma Oosthuizen
Keezhia Pasquallie
Whitney Samson
Holley Wilson
Swimming
Rix Cup for the Best Aquatic
Achievement
Kiara Noades and Inge Weidemann
GRADE 11
Mishka Arendse
Kristen Attwell
Isabelle-Rose Barnes
Tamryn Barron
Shannon Benting
Aqeelah Boraine
Alexa Brown
Ceilidh Courtney
Amy Cupido
Megan Cupido
Lyla Ess
Tamsyn Gallie
Randi Jordaan
Melissa May
Joanelle Meyer
Peta Morris
Justine Noyce
Victoria O’Regan
Celeste Opperman
Belinah Qaoka
Blantinah Qaoka
Sarah Stanley
Jaime Swartz
Michelle Taylor
Kira van Niekerk
Alicia van Staden
Jessica Wainwright
Jenna Walker
Tegan Zwart
SPORTS AWARDS
Swimming Centenary Cup
Caitlin Sleet
Soccer
Nicholls Cup for Soccer
Okara Opara
Squash
Jenni-Leigh Jooste
Tennis
Tennis Centenary Cup
Megan Lombardi and Sinazo Solani
Waterpolo
Toni Broadhurst Cup for Waterpolo
Louise Currie
Athletics
Justine Johnson Athletics Cup
Kaitlyn Sparks
La Guerenne Basson Cup for
the All-Round Sportswoman of
the Year
Ash Rutherford
SPECIAL AWARDS
House Cups
For the learner who has
contributed the most points to
her house during the past year:
Terlinden Van Der Stel
Weber
Jessi Africa and
Ash Rutherford
Vanya Conradie
Tanya Schloms
Sarah Scott Cup For Singing
Leah Primo
Celeste Opperman
Lambert Trophy for Best Woodwind
Candidate
Charlane Alexander
Cathryn Goodwin
Marshall Trophy
(Dedication in developing instrumental
and vocal talent)
Jaime Goedhals
Irene Kim Trophy
Hannah van Houweninge
Blumberg Cup for Senior Music
Tamryn Barron
Netball
Netball Centenary Cup
Tanya Schloms
Dorothy Johnman Cup for Chamber
Music
Tamryn Barron
Jamie Barron
Chante Daniels
Barbara Burger Cup for the Player of the
Year
Angeline Dos Santos
Traillwood Cup for Practical Drama
Jessi Africa
Hockey
Hockey Centenary Cup
Ash Rutherford
Rhenish Award for Debating
(Donated By Zina Johnson)
Estelle Hislop
Harris Medal (The Best Player)
Monique Bartsch
Library Services
Erin Sinclair
Luzaan Erasmus
Kirsten van der Walt Shield
(For Participation at International Level)
Anke Smit
Ainsleigh de Kock Shield
(For outstanding achievement in
provincial sport, to a pupil who has
achieved provincial colours in at least two
sports offered by the school)
Louise Currie
PRIZE WINNERS
Megan Hirst
Anna Hosking
Lara Jacobs
Emily Kock
Jemima Kuzamunu
Yvonne Makwara
Simphiwe Masilo
Victoria Matthews
Jessica McHugh
Kaylynne Moore
Rachel Nel
Mandisa Ngabaza
Dominique Potgieter
Emma Taskes
Joyline Tizwi
Jessica van der Merwe
Emma van Lill
Leanne Walker
Public Speaking
Azemahle Dyubeni
Regina van Zyl Shield for Practical
Science
Emma Oosthuizen
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PRIZE WINNERS
Service to Rhenish
(Junior who has contributed
exceptionally to the general life
of the school)
Tessa Malan
Alsona Bain Award
Ana Sampson
Sally Coldicott Cup
(In recognition of a special
gift, ability or achievement, as
recommended by the matric
committee)
Tammy van den Heever
Bourquin Cup
(For the group which has done most to
promote school spirit, as recommended by
the LC)
Siyaphambili
(Seithati Phumane)
Meri Williams Award
Christie Munro
Meri Williams Scholarship for 2016
Rahma Darries
Carmen Arendse
Melissa May
Nikki Liebenberg Award
(for a pupil who has contributed
exceptionally to the school’s academic
and cultural life)
Jessi Africa
Allderman Cup for Dedication and
Service to Rhenish and the Community
Michelle Ter Huurne
Teddy Lange Memorial Cup for Loyalty
and Service to Rhenish
Amber Clarke
Chloe Wileman
Philippa Husband Trophy for Community
Service
Tanya Schloms
Witney Cup for Loyalty and Service to
the Hostel
Jessika Brtan
Ebenezer Cup for a Special Achievement
Chante Daniels
Archibald Cup for Outstanding Service
Kaitlyn Sparks
Bertha Voigt Award
(For her fortitude in the pursuit of
excellence)
Hannah Groenewald
Letitia Snyman Award for All-Round
Excellence and Service
Suzaan Hobson
Manning Award for Helpfulness and
Courtesy
Kalsy Meyer
The Rose Bowl Trophy for Commitment
and Dedication
Shannon Morse
Louise Garlick Fellowship Medal
(For Courage and Determination)
Emma-Jane Osborn
Rhenish Bursary
Taneal Adams
KPMG Scholarship Award
Megan Bosman
Investec Specialist Bank Young
Researcher Award
Yarah Narker
Investec Specialist Bank out of the
Ordinary Award
Tanya Schloms
Meri Williams Award for Creative Writing
Talya Beyers
Maria Stallmann
114
The Buisinne Award for Leadership and
Loyalty
Ash Rutherford
Principal’s Award
Tanya Schloms
The House Shield:
Terlinden
Runner-Up
Winning House Weber
CULTURAL COLOURS
AWARDS
HALF COLOURS
CHOIR
Alexandra Volkwyn
Amy van Lill
Ashley Flores Bartoli
Bailey Kelly
Belinah Qaoka
Blantinah Qaoka
Bianca Kitching
Carmen Arendse
Charlane Alexander
Dinisha Coopoosamy
Gaelle Geeraert
Hannah Carew
Jaime Goedhals
Jamie Barron
Jenna Armstrong
Jess Wainwright
Jessica Feldtman
Jo-Mari Kleynhans
Kate Thole
Kirsty Bucholz
Louise Beyers
Maria Stallman
Megan Leslie
Megan Lord
Michelle Gelderblom
Moya Smith
Nicola Macdonald
Nicole Blows
Okaraonyemma Opara
Okuhle Mayiji
Shah-Noor Khan Niazi
Shannon Phillips
Tamia Abrahams
Tamryn Barron
ORCHESTRA
Alessia Lederer
Anna-Ingeborg Kreft
Chante Daniels
Dinisha Coopoosamy
Jamie Barron
Kate Sinclair
Michelle Gelderblom (Music)
SIYAPHAMBILI
Ghyslaine Kakinsingi
Unathi Mange
Lebohang Mothibi
Tina Mtiya
Lilitha Nkewana
Seithati Phumane
Motlhago Baartman
Sinazo Solani
DEBATING
Rebekah Acutt
Priyanka Govender
Okaraonyemma Opara
Alatha Pinyana
Natasha Piprek – Captain
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Azemahle Dyubeni
Priyanka Govender
Alessia Lederer
Kate Sinclair
SAIIA INTERSCHOOL QUIZ
Anje Albertyn
Priyanka Govender
Megan Lord
Maria Stallman
FIRST AID
Dinisha Coopoosamy
Andrea Gain
Estelle Hislop
Ruth O’Reilly
Michelle Taylor
LIBRARIANS
Shirley Huang
Anna-Ingeborg Kreft
MARIMBA
Louise Beyers
Priyanka Govender
Okaraonyemma Opara
FULL COLOURS
CHOIR
Jessi Africa
Megan Arendse
Jessi Barkhuizen
Kirsten Clarke
Azemahle Dyubeni
Caitlin Dougall
Nizette Gordon
Julia Josephs
Anna Ingeborg-Kreft
Lebohang Mothibi
Kalsy Meyer
Mia Taylor
Taylin van Wyk
MUSIC
Tamryn Barron
Chante Daniels
Celina Kintscher
DEBATING
Estelle Hislop
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Tamsyn Gallie
CHESS
Michelle Taylor
LIBRARIANS
Gabrielle Dicke
Luzaan Erasmus
Erin Sinclair
TECHNICAL TEAM
Jessica Branson
Rahma Darries
DANCING
Rachel Leach
ORCHESTRA
Tamryn Barron
Celina Kintscher
Kalsy Meyer
Michelle Ter Huurne
Jessi Africa
Buisinne Scholarship Medal
for Top Scholar and Nicolai Buis Shield
for Accounting
Vanya Conradie
Centenary Scholarship Cup
Tanya Schloms and Ms Slabber
Alternatively Y125
Principal’s Award
Ash Rutherford
La Guerenne Basson Cup for the
All-Round Sportswoman of the Year
Mrs Annette Fella with Ana Sampson
Alsona Bain Award
Emma-Jane Osborn
Louise Garlick Medal for
Courage and Determination
115
PRIZE WINNERS
Taneal Adams
Rhenish Bursary
Ms Slabber and Ash Rutherford
Buisinne Award for Leadership
and Loyalty
Louise Currie
Toni Broadhurst Cup for Waterpolo
Ainsleigh de Kock Shield for Provincial
Sport Representation
Tamryn Barron
Blumberg Cup for Senior Music
Azemahle Dyubeni
Public Speaking Award
Hannah Groenewald
Bertha Voigt Award
116
Kaitlyn Sparks
Archibald Cup for Outstanding Service
Kalsy Meyer
Manning Award for
Helpfulness and Courtesy
Ms Slabber and Suzaan Hobson
Letitia Snyman Cup for All-Round
Excellence and Service
Kaitlyn Sparks
Justine Johnson Athletics Cup
Shannon Morse
Rose Bowl for Commitment
and Dedication
Chante Daniels
Ebenezer Cup for an
Outstanding Achievement
Jessi Africa
Nikki Liebenberg Award
It is a tradition at Rhenish Girls’ High
to invite a former Rhenisher who has
achieved significantly on leaving school
and of whom we are particularly proud,
to be our Distinguished Old Girl at the
Annual Prize-Giving evening.
cycling events, including World
Cup and World Championship
road and track competitions,
achieving many gold medal
results.
In 2015 Rhenish is honoured to have
identified Roxy Burns (Class of 2006) as
our Distinguished Old Girl. Roxy and her
parents attended our annual Prize-Giving
where this title was conferred upon her.
Roxy matriculated from Rhenish Girls’
High in 2006. She was a prefect whose
enthusiasm and integrity were of great
benefit to the prefect body of that year. At
school Roxy was seen as an intelligent,
committed learner with an outstanding
work ethic, a learner who worked with
insight and commitment. It is clear that
she has approached her tertiary studies
with the same enthusiasm, determination
and focus. After matric Roxy was
accepted for a degree in Sports Science
at Stellenbosch University where she
graduated in 2011. She continued her
studies in the field of Foundation Phase
Education and was awarded a Diploma
(cum laude) from UNISA. This field
seems to suit her perfectly since she has
always been seen as supportive, loyal and
invariably sensitive to the needs of others.
She is presently completing an Honours
Degree in the same field of education at
Stellenbosch University.
Usually our Distinguished Old Girl
makes a speech at the Prize-Giving, but
Roxy has an inherited genetic condition
called Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT). It
is somewhat similar to cerebral palsy,
although it is degenerative. It affects her
balance, her fine motor skills and, to some
extent, her speech.
Before enrolling at Rhenish, Roxy
attended Paarl School, a school which
caters for Special Needs learners. For a
number of reasons, the teachers at Paarl
School encouraged Roxy to engage in
sport. They identified her natural athletic
potential and recognised that sport
could be one vehicle through which she
could realise her potential. Although
she excelled in track and field athletics,
it quickly became clear that her real
sporting talent was cycling.
At Rhenish she was very actively
involved in athletics and especially
cycling for the physically disabled.
She captained the Western Cape team
which participated in the South African
Championships. Roxy competed in her
first international cycling event in Grade
11 when she represented South Africa at
the World Championships in the United
States. She won five gold medals and
earned the most points of all the South
African team members. These points
counted towards South Africa’s eligibility
to participate in the 2008 Paralympic
Games in Beijing. The second event
was the European Championships in the
Netherlands in September 2005, where
she also excelled. In her matric year,
Mrs Kinghorn said of her, ‘Roxy is an
exceptionally talented young woman, not
only academically but also on the sports
field.’ Since leaving school Roxy has
gone on to compete in many international
PRIZE WINNERS
DISTINGUISHED OLD GIRL – ROXY BURNS
Although relatively comfortable
with the excitement of
international competitions,
nothing had prepared Roxy
for the splendour of the 2008
Beijing Paralympic Games. She
did South Africa proud on this occasion
and followed this up with excellent
performances at the London 2012
Paralympic Games. Before deciding to
specialise in track cycling, Roxy ended her
road competition career on a high note in
2013 by being acclaimed the International
Cycling Union Road World Cup series
winner. (She is only one of two South
Africans ever to achieve this). Despite
these fantastic achievements on the
sporting stage, she has remained true to
herself and her humility is truly admirable.
Her track racing results in 2015 indicate
that she stands a very good chance of
selection to the national team that will
compete in the Rio 2016 Paralympics.
If Roxy is selected to compete in the Rio
Paralympics, she will probably use this
occasion as a grand finale for her cycling
career. Thereafter, she imagines herself
becoming involved in remedial teaching,
possibly working with young children on
a 1-to-1 basis.
Roxy’s years at Rhenish Girls’ High
were of the happiest she can remember
and she does her very best to serve as an
ambassador for the school. The teachers
at Rhenish remember her as a friendly,
refined young woman with a charming
disposition and a lovely sense of humour
– a joy and privilege to teach!
Roxy, your courage, perseverance and
leadership skills continue to be a source
of inspiration to all of us. We salute you
and wish you well for the future.
Roxy matriculated from Rhenish Girls’ High in 2006. She was a prefect whose enthusiasm and
integrity were of great benefit to the prefect body of that year. At school Roxy was seen as
an intelligent, committed learner with an outstanding work ethic, a learner who worked with
insight and commitment. It is clear that she has approached her tertiary studies with the same
enthusiasm, determination and focus. After matric Roxy was accepted for a degree in Sports
Science at Stellenbosch University where she graduated in 2011.
117
Valedictory
Parents who look at their matric daughters
today may be astounded that the five
years have passed so quickly. When you
look at your daughters today, I am sure,
you are amazed to see not your little girls,
but fine young women. They walked into
Rhenish Girls’ High, unsure little Grade
8s, and they walk out today, self-assured
young adults.
We are sad to bid farewell to so many
special girls – and we thank each of them
for her contribution to Rhenish over the
past 5 years.
Thank you to our Head Girl and Deputy
Head Girl, Ash Rutherford and Suzaan
Hobson, to our Head and Deputy
Boarders, Jessika Brtan and Kaitlyn
Sparks. We want to thank them for their
contribution to Rhenish as well as their
hard work and passion. To all other
Grade 12 LC members, Mentors, Matric
Committee, and House Captains, thank
you for your dedication. It has been
rewarding to see so many of you grow
into fine young ladies with leadership
qualities that will stand you in good stead
in the future. We appreciate what you
have done for Rhenish.
You have all spent the past five years
wandering the halls of this great school.
Now you are ready to move on. You
have learned, laughed, perhaps got into
a bit of trouble, cried… but most of all
you have matured together. During the
course of your last day at Rhenish, you
have undoubtedly reminisced over your
shared experiences, but today should not
just be about looking back. It
should also be about looking
forward, about looking towards
your future.
VALEDICTORY
Many of the matrics will today have
thought back to January 2011, to their first
day in Grade 8 – which, coincidently, was
also my first day at Rhenish! Today will
have been filled with memories of seniors
whom you have seen leaving, the galas
you have cheered at and all the sport and
cultural events you have attended. And,
of course, you would have thought about
the most important function – the matric
dance. But, it is over and a new life
awaits you.
Life is a series of passageways,
and you are leaving one only to
move on to the next. You may
have thought that Grade 12 was
tough; the years that lie ahead of
you will be full of surprises and
challenges that will have you
looking back on this year as one
of your best, your easiest and the
most fun. As you face these challenges,
I urge you to take a step back, to breathe
slowly and to remember: every challenge
or problem can be solved and you will
be fine. So many people overreact when
faced with a challenge and then the
problem becomes even bigger. It would
pay to remember the words variously
attributed to John Lennon and Paul
Coelho, “It will all be okay in the end. If
it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
Therefore my message to the matrics is
simply, “There is always a solution to
complex problems”.
Many years ago in a small Indian
village, a farmer had the misfortune of
owing a large sum of money to a village
moneylender.
The Moneylender, who was old and
cunning, fancied the farmer’s beautiful
daughter. So he proposed a bargain. He
said he would forgo the farmer’s debt if
he could marry his daughter. Both the
farmer and his daughter were horrified by
the proposal.
The moneylender told them that he would
put a black pebble and a white pebble
into an empty money bag. Then the girl
would have to pick one pebble from the
bag. There were three possible outcomes:
if she picked the black pebble, she would
become his wife and her father’s debt
would be forgiven; if she picked the
white pebble she need not marry him and
her father’s debt would still be forgiven;
119
VALEDICTORY
but if she refused to pick a
pebble, her father would be
thrown into jail.
They were standing on a pebble
strewn path in the farmer’s field.
As they talked, the moneylender
bent over to pick up two pebbles.
As he picked them up, the sharpeyed girl noticed that he had
picked up two black pebbles and
put them into the money bag.
The Moneylender, then asked
the girl to pick a pebble from the
money bag.
Now, imagine that you were standing in
the field. What would you have done if
you were the girl?
Careful analysis would produce three
possibilities: the girl should refuse to take
a pebble; the girl should show that there
were two black pebbles in the money bag
and expose the moneylender as a cheat;
or the girl should pick a black pebble and
sacrifice herself in order to save her father
from his debt and imprisonment.
This story makes us appreciate the
difference between lateral and logical
thinking as the girl’s dilemma cannot be
solved with traditional logical thinking.
Think of the consequences if she chooses.
What would you recommend to the girl
to do?
The girl put her hand into the money bag
and drew out a pebble. Without Looking
at it, she fumbled and let it fall onto the
pebble strewn path, where it immediately
became lost among all the other pebbles.
“Oh, how clumsy of me,” she said. “But
never mind, if you look into the money
bag for the one that is left, you will be
able to tell which pebble I picked.”
120
Since the remaining pebble was black, it
must be assumed that she had picked the
white one. And since the moneylender
dared not admit his dishonesty, the girl
changed what seemed an impossible
situation into an extremely advantageous
one.
Every challenge has a solution. Often
times, we need to cast off traditional
thinking as we figure our way through
our challenges. The outcome will
ultimately be determined by how you
handle the challenge. All the best to
the class of 2015 as they face up to the
future challenges in their lives.
This is it girls. Your new venture is here.
As this new venture in your life begins,
look forward to the opportunity you now
have of experiencing life at a new and
more fulfilling level. From today onwards
look forward to being the best you have
ever been at being you.
You have received an excellent education
at Rhenish and for this thanks must go to
all the teaching staff. Rhenish Girls’ has
empowered you to think for yourselves,
and it has prepared you to move on and to
take on whatever challenges come next in
your lives. Your education is a great gift
to you from Rhenish Girls’ – we cannot
say this of all schools in South Africa.
Here at Rhenish you have received a
high degree of academic excellence
and whether you intend to continue
your education or not, you will benefit
from what you have learned here. You
certainly leave here well equipped.
On behalf of the staff I would like to
wish you success in the forthcoming
examinations and in all your future
undertakings. Remember, “You have
brains in your head. You have feet in
your shoes. You can steer yourself any
direction you choose. You’re on your own.
And you know what you know. And YOU
are the one who’ll decide where to go...” ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go
Values
• Excellence
• Compassion
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Diversity
• Respect
Phone: (021) 887 6807
Fax: (021) 887 8090
email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Address: Koch Street, Stellenbosch 7599
website: www.rhenish.co.za
Values
• Excellence
• Compassion
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Diversity
• Respect
Phone: (021) 887 6807
Fax: (021) 887 8090
email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Address: Koch Street, Stellenbosch 7599
website: www.rhenish.co.za