WYNBERG GIRLS’
NEWSLETTER
Also available on our website: www. wynghs. co. za
HIGH SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER
JUNE 2013
Dear Parents
Parents and girls have celebrated both Mothers ' and Fathers ' Day during this second term. Being a Mom myself, I am asking the Dads to forgive me if I concentrate on Mothers in this end-of-term newsletter!
The staff at Wynberg always try to support the many projects which take place at school- selling raffle tickets, donating more than their R10 for civvies in aid of Stop Hunger Now and enthusiastically preparing for the big service drive on Mandela Day. The‘ Wool for Wonders’ campaign is no exception and many staff members have been knitting their contributions.
Having learnt to knit from my Mom, I decided to knit the YAW( You are Worthy) doll for the first time this year. Carefully following the instructions on the website, I completed my YAW doll and thought it looked fairly presentable! Imagine my surprise when looking through the cupboard for some extra pieces of wool for the eyes and mouth, I came across 2 almost complete YAW dolls, knitted in the last days of Mom ' s time here with the family. Taken from her home in a packet and unseen for 5 years, I had the opportunity to complete these dolls and bring them to school as her contribution to our campaign!
It also gave me the opportunity to reflect again on the legacy she left me. Not only the ability to knit( she was so much better at this than I am!), but also her moral compass, her service to others, her ability to listen and give me time, even if she was busy. I knew I was important to her, she was kind, she sacrificed so that we had what we needed, but firmly denied what we just wanted!
I hope through this story that all the Wynberg Moms will consider the legacy that we are leaving our children, especially our girl-children. Are we teaching them to be strong yet respectful when standing up for their rights? To be happy when they receive what they need and not demand more? To understand the rights of the larger family and community? To be kind and to know that giving to others brings special rewards? They will take our lead- we are the role models, and our job will often be hard.
I have been blessed in my life to celebrate the legacy of what my Mom taught me. I hope that all our Wynberg girls will be as fortunate as me. And, in case, the Wynberg Dads are feeling left out- let me add that I also had a special Dad- but perhaps that is for another newsletter!
FAREWELL, CATO!
Within an extremely short space of time, our GAP student from the Netherlands, Cato de Vos, was part of the Wynberg family. Her willingness to take on any task, whether it was dealing with the issuing of textbooks, reorganizing filing systems, invigilating during test lessons, or accompanying girls on hikes in and around Cape Town, Cato showed passion, commitment and initiative. We shall all, teachers and girls alike, miss her presence on our campus, her distinctive voice and her wonderful sense of humour, evident even in the daily messages. We hope that her nine months here at Wynberg were as good for her as she was good for us. We wish her well as she embarks on the next phase of her life – studying medicine – and hope to see her one day soon back here in Cape Town.
This newsletter accompanies the very important mid-year report. Please read it carefully and discuss these results and the Behaviour and Work ratings with your daughter. There were several girls who missed their Wynberg Pass by only a percentage point or two in one subject. Make it your aim to achieve this next term! Congratulations to those girls who have worked hard- we celebrate your success with you!
We hope that all our Wynberg families have a very special holiday with their daughters. Travel safely, enjoy the special qualities of each member of the family, and come back for the new term with clear goals of what you want to achieve in the 4 pillars and in your relationships with friends and family. Take care.
Warm regards Shirley Harding Principal
Mrs Harding’ s doll, on the right, shows she was a good student!