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 !