“My name is Lauren Gildenhuys and
I am the proud Head of School of
Wynberg Girls’ High School”.
@student_leaders
[Taken from Lauren’s Open Day speech.]
It is tempting, on such an
occasion, to turn to all the
achievements our school has
attained, to take advantage of
the marketing opportunity and
list all the wonderful facilities
available to our students. It is
tempting to speak about
Wynberg Girls High School’s
image in the community, and
our prowess on the sport’s
field. Although these are the
things which make many a
Wynberg girl proud to call this
school her alma mater, they
are not what I will be talking
about today.
When in conversation with
Mrs Harding recently, I was
trying to find words to describe
the particular sense of life and
vitality that permeates the
walls of Wynberg. Mrs Harding
mentioned that it was as if our
school had a soul, some kind of
shared feeling that connects all
of us as learners and teachers,
both past and present, and I
agree with her. To me, it is as if
these beautiful walls live and
breathe with us, as if their
quiet strength is something we
all feel.
It is that same force which
binds all of us Wynberg girls on
certain occasions, be it
interschools hockey, swimming
galas, or when we achieve in a
particular arena and the entire
school can be seen together,
cheering with a thundering,
fierce pride. Although in the
business of our school days it is
sometimes possible to feel
isolated from one another,
there are always moments
such as these, when we seem
to act as one body, and feel a
unity so strong one could
almost touch it - this reminds
us of what it is to be a
Wynberg girl.
At this school, we pride ourselves on
our differences and our diversity,
another thing which makes it so
special. At WGHS , I have been able to
access rich cultures and traditions I
would never otherwise have been
exposed to. I have learnt to respect
others even if I do not agree with
them. I feel I can say I know
something about these different
people, that in some way I have been
linked to their customs, and my eyes
have been opened to the common
humanity in all of us.
The soul of Wynberg is not only
reflected in the unity of our students,
the beauty of our mountains and
surroundings and the fine
architecture of our buildings, it is also
something which is entrenched in the
rich history of the school. It is as if
each young woman who has travelled
the Wynberg journey has added to
the soul of the school in some way,
like adding her own special ingredient
into a cauldron of magic, and the soul
of the school has left something of
itself in her heart in return.
There is a vigour about our Wynberg
which echoes in every Wynberg girl’s
heart in every moment that she
refuses to give up, in every moment
that she taps into the courage of our
emblem, the lion. A real Wynberg girl
learns not run at the first sign of
trouble. A real Wynberg girl learns to
put others before herself, to take
responsibility for her actions, to stand
firm when challenged by others.
High school years are not just a time
for learning from books, but a time to
learn about yourself, about others,
about your individual potential, about
the amazing things you can
accomplish if you just try. I truly
believe that if you take the
opportunities offered at Wynberg,
and you walk your days here with an
open, respectful and appreciative
mind, you too will walk away with it
having touched your heart the way it
has mine and so many others.
Then you, too, will stand tall and say
that you are a proud Wynberg girl,
just as I am.
Ferial Fortune,
Head of the RCL.
Being a part of the
Representative Council
of Learners of 2013 has
been an experience
that I will cherish for
the rest of my life.
When I first entered the gates of Wynberg in
Grade 8 I did not think that I would ever
have the honour of filling this position. It
truly has been an honour. This year was not
my first year on the RCL, but I have enjoyed
each year equally, and learnt so much about
myself and others through being a member
of the RCL. The RCL forms an important part
of Wynberg and it gives girls in all grades a
chance to be a leader and to be involved in
decision-making. Everyone has an
opportunity to suggest and discuss their
ideas, thoughts and issues. The 2013 RCL
was our own small family, within the larger
Wynberg family. Suggestions and ideas came
through each week and it was always
touching to witness how enthusiastic and
determined the group was each week,
discussing and getting excited about
suggestions. From the start, we focused on
Wynberg spirit on our notice board: we were
all ‘lions’ forming what we called our
‘Wynberg Pride.’ Looking back over the past
year and seeing how the RCL has succeeded
in spreading the Wynberg Pride, brings great
joy to my heart. It showed that teamwork
really does bring greater results. Over the
years, while serving as an RCL member,
people have come to me with all kinds of
problems. Each time I was humbled when
hearing all these different stories from
different people, from all grades, from
people from all walks of life. I can truly say
that my time at Wynberg and my
experiences here are my sculptors and are
the key factors behind the person I have
changed into over the past five years. I am
saddened to be leaving but am happy
knowing that there are great leaders ready
to continue the cycle and to continue to
uphold the great Wynberg name. To my
fellow RCL members, we’ve come to the end
of a successful cycle - her