The Iris Magazine 2012

Viewpoint

110 years

Tammy Fortuin Gr. 11

Go sa thuše go letšetša dimpša tša mmušo O se ke wa ntimelela hle
Ka go tseba go re ba ka tla morago ga nako Menwana še e dutše e le tee
Goba ba se itshwenye le ka go tla Mola o dulago gona go fifetše
Gare ga mpa ya bošego Kotana ya ka ya maleba
Go sena yo a itshwenyago O se ntimelele hle.
Ikgomotseng Sekwala Lesego Mahlako
Grade 11 Grade 10

O nkgaroša matswalo Tšhelete

Wena Afrika Borwa, o nkgaroša matswalo. Wena tšhelete
Ke ka lebaka la gago, dikeledi di keleketla Ka ntle le wena ga ke motho
maramaneng a bana ba gago. Dijo, diaparo, ngwako le dilo tšohle ke ka wena
Ke ka lebaka la gago bana ba golela dikobo dimagetleng. O pampiri, eupša o dira tšohle
Ee! Wena Afrika Borwa, o nkgaroša matswalo. Ke fihla sekolong ka lebaka la gago
Ka ponya, ke be ke ponyologe… Ke phela botse kudu ka lebaka la gago
Ga go nko ye e tšwago lemila. Ke na le sellathekeng ka lebaka la gago
Thogako ke rwele magetleng, ka imelwa. Ka ntle le wena, ga ke motho.
Wena Afrika Borwa, o nkgaroša matswalo, O mpha lethabo
efela, ke a tseba gore fa re baeti, Wena pampiri ya ka
Legodimong re a ya. Ke na le mahlatse le mahlogonolo
Malebo Sedibeng Go ba le wena bophelong bja ka.
Grade 11 Mahlatse Masimini
Grade 10
Pene
Meetse
Menwana ya ka e go atla gohle,
Ge o dutše o obamela melao ya monagano wa ka, A ela eke ke legokolodi,
Dipampiri di thalwa ke wena, kotana ya ka, Go tšwa mawatleng,dinokeng le matamong,
Bohloko bjo ke bo kwago ge hlogwana ya gago e robega A tla ka bontši.
Moleko ke wo
Bona ka mokgwa wo o thelelago lephepheng Ga a na bonnyane goba bogolo,
O tla ka mebalabala ya go fapana Re a šomiša go dira dilo tše dintši,
Puku ya ka e tletše ka mebala ya gago ya molalatladi

149The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

Viewpoint

110 years

Carla Westcott Gr. 10 Andrea Chilro Gr. 10

Re ka se phele ka ntle le ona. Lebelela Bodikela mathapama
Pula ge e ena e re thuša gore re be le meetse, Ge letšatši le dikela
Mawatleng,dinokeng le matamong, Mosegare o šutelela bošego.
go na le diphoofolo tša go dula ka meetseng, Leago Mangolele
tšeo di ka se phelego ntle le meetse. Grade 8
Ga gona seo batho,goba diphoofolo,
ba ka se dirang kantle le ona, Seithati
Meetse ke bophelo bja rena.
Tebobo Molelekeng Phejane ya ka mošate
Grade 9 Sereto ba re ke Nareadi
Mosetsana wa go phela a hlwekile; sekgwari,
Tlhago Mosetsana wa maikano, wa go ithata
Nke o ka mmona ge a sepela,
Iša mahlo Bohlabela, Bodikela, Borwa, Leboa. Mosetsana wa thlompho, Seithati ka nnete,
O bogele botse bja diatla tša Mmopı, Go myemyela ga gagwe, go ka tsoša lefase
Diphoofolo ke mehutahuta, Lentšu lona, la tla la swana le la mangeloi
Dithaba, meedı, maope, dinoka le mawatle, Ge a go gokara, o kwa borutho bja lerato la gagwe
Di ikadıle ka bothakga. O fa lerato le mma a ka fago ngwana’gwe
Lebelela Bohlabatšatšı mesong Kgošikgolo Nare o ikgantšha kudu ka Nareadi
O bone mahlasedı a letšatši A re ‘le ge e ka ba phejana, yena ke Seithati’
A kgantšha lefase ka bophara Sereto ba re ke Nareadi ’a Nape ’a Nare
Nthabiseng Matsimela
Grade 8

150 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Viewpoint

110 years

Un dialogue avec One direction Qu’est-ce qui ne va pas? Où est-ce que
vous avez mal?
Rebecca: Partout! J’ai mal à la tête, j’ai chaud et j’ai froid
Mary: Bonsoir, One Direction! en même temps, et je suis très fatiguée.
One Direction: Salut, Mary!
Mary: Vous êtes un nouveau groupe, donc Ce matin, j’ai vomi cinq fois. J’ai du
mal à respirer!
nous ne savons pas beaucoup de vous! Docteur Cluseau: D’accord. Il faut boire beaucoup
Vous êtes toutes les mêmes, ou vous
avez des différences? d’eau. Vous devez aller à l’hôpital.
C’est grave.
Niall : Nous avons beaucoup de différences. Rebecca: Oui Docteur, merci. Je ne veux pas
Je suis irlandais, mais les autres sont
anglais. Je suis célibataire mais les autres mourir!
Docteur Cluseau: Je répète, respirez fort! J’appelle une
sont en couple. Mais nous avons des ambulance. Depuis quand avez-vous
ressemblances aussi.
Harry : Oui, c’est vrai! Niall est célibataire, mais mal?
Rebecca: Depuis quatre jours j’ai mal partout.
il est le séducteur de notre groupe! Je Docteur Cluseau: Bof! Bof! Bof! J’ai téléphoné aux
suis très désordonné, et Liam nous
aide avec notre santé. Il a un rein urgences pour une ambulance. Où
habitez-vous?
malade. Nous avons beaucoup plus de Rebecca: J’habite 17A, Rue Gâteau, à ‘Grand
différences!
Mary : Un rein malade, Liam? Maison’!
Docteur Cluseau: Oui. Respirez fort! Vous avez besoin
Liam : Oui, mais ce n’est pas très sérieux... Je de beaucoup de médicaments. Ils vont
ne bois jamais d’alcool, mais beaucoup
d’eau. Je suis le survivant de One vous aider. Bon chance, Rebecca.
Rebecca Harle,
Direction! Grade 11
Mary : Louis, je crois que vous aimez la
France?
Louis : Oui! Elle est très belle, et j’ai emmené Les vacances
ma petite amie à Paris.
Mary : Ah! One Direction, merci beaucoup de Olivia: Salut Marie! Comment ça va?
votre temps aujourd’hui… Marie: Salut Olivia! Je suis très bien merci et vous?
Zayn : Mary, vous avez oublié de moi! Je suis le Olivia: Bien merci. Je ne peux pas attendre pour les
timide dans notre groupe!
Tout le monde rit. vacances.
Megan Hardwick, Marie: Moi aussi! Où allez-vous pour les vacances?
Grade 11 Olivia: Ma famille va en vacances au bord de la mer à

Je suis malade Nice. Nous avons une maison là.
Marie: Nice! C’est très bon. Quelle sorte de maison
Docteur Cluseau: Âllo, c’est Docteur Jaques
Cluseau. habitez-vous à Nice?
Rebecca: Âllo Docteur. Au secours! S’il vous Olivia: C’est une maison moderne avec les portes
plait, je me sens mal! Je m’appelle
Rebecca. bleues. Il y a un jardin et j’ai une grande chambre
Docteur Cluseau: Bof! D’abord, respirez fort. Oui. mais la salle de bains est petite.
Marie: Ah bon! Et qu’est-ce que vous allez faire
pendant les vacances? 151
Olivia: Nous allons jouer dans la mer et jouer au foot.
Le soir, nous allons à la discothèque.
Marie: Ah, c’est très bon! Quand partez-vous?
Olivia: Nous partons demain. Nous prenons le bus à

The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

110 years Viewpoint

Nice. Voulez-vous venir Dineo More Gr. 11
avec nous? 14h00
Marie: Je veux venir avec vous
mais j’ai trop devoirs. Je Chère Caroline,
suis désolée. Je voudrais savoir si tu veux venir avec moi et ma famille au
Olivia: C’est d’accord. Peut-être match de rugby à Loftus. Le match est vendredi prochain
vous pouvez venir le temps à 20h00. Nous pouvons regarder le match et dîner chez
prochain. moi plus tard. Tu ne vas pas dépenser votre argent parce
Marie: Oui, j’espère. Je dois partir que mes parents ont un billet supplémentaire pour toi. À
maintenant, au revoir! toute à l’heure,
Olivia: D’accord au revoir! Bontle.
Naazneen Saib Bontle Moatshe
Grade 10
Le 5 juin, 1 7h30

Paris, le 13 juillet Chère Lille
Je regrette mais j’ai effacé votre message, c’est ici: Votre
Chère Pascal, ami Angelo prenez-vous au dîner ce soir. Vous devez être
Je suis de bonne humeur et je suis prêt à sept-heures parce que votre réservation est pour
très heureuse! Je vais au match de sept heures trente. Il ne dit pas où il vous prend mais c’est
rugby à Loftus avec ma famille et j’ai pour votre anniversaire - c’est spécial!
vraiment envie de le voir. Tu as de la
chance parce que nous avons un billet À bientôt
supplémentaire, alors tu peux venir Jennie
avec nous si tu veux. Tu veux m’accompagner? Envoie- Tshepi Nthlane
moi un texto pour me dire si tu peux venir ou appelle-moi
sur mon portable. Mon numéro c’est le 071 496 911 .Ç a va Cher Michael,
être chouette! J’espère que je peux te voir bientôt.
Ciao! Tu veux m’accompagner? J’ai un billet supplémentaire pour
Claudia De Almeida van der Walt le match de rugby à Loftus ce samedi. Je voudrais savoir si
tu voudrais venir avec moi. Si tu veux aller, appelle-moi sur
08h15 mon portable avant jeudi.
Salut Pascal, À plus tard!
Juste un petit mot pour te dire que j’ai besoin de partir Isa
maintenant et je vais au bureau parce que j’ai beaucoup Isa van Zyl
de travail. Ta chambre et ta salle de bain sont trop sales!
Le lit dans ta chambre n’est pas fait et il n’y a pas de
serviettes propres dans ta salle de bain. Range ta chambre
et fais la lessive, s’il te plaît! Il n’y a rien dans le frigo
pour le déjeuner cet après-midi. Pourrais-tu acheter du
poisson, des pommes de terre, des légumes verts et une
bouteille d’eau? N’oublie pas de donner à manger aux
oiseaux.
J’espère être de retour vers 15h15.
Bisous,
Maman
Claudia De Almeida van der Walt

6h30

Chère Maman,

J’ écris ce mot pour te dire que tu ne dois pas me chercher à
l’école à 16h00 aujourd’hui. Je vais rentrer à la maison avec
mon amie, Amy, à 17h00. Nous allons faire nos devoirs
sur les ordinateurs de l’école. La mère d’Amy dit qu’elle va
nous chercher et me ramener à la maison.
À plus tard,
Bontle.

152 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Viewpoint 110 years

French Tour

Our 10 day tour to France was divided into two sections: four days in
Paris, the city of love and lights, and six days in the small coastal town of
Antibes, in the South of France.
Paris captured each and every one of our hearts as we visited all the major
landmarks like Le Sacré Cœur, Le Louvre, Les Champs Elyseés, L’Arc
de Triomphe and many, many more. However, none of these compared
to our final night in Paris, when we stood inside La Tour Eiffel with
its hundreds of light bulbs ablaze around us. The soft drizzle we were
complaining about, was forgotten – we were truly awestruck!
A few moments after arriving in Antibes, we were introduced to the
Mediterranean sea, ‘La Côte d’Azur’! Although it is filled with sneaky
urchins who enjoyed nibbling our South African feet, its beaches were
stunning, and the delicious ice-cream sold along its shores kept our
massive appetites at ease.
Antibes fulfilled the real purpose of the tour – to learn the language and
the way of the French. We attended classes at the Centre International
d’Antibes every morning, and enjoyed ‘discotheques’ and fun activities on
campus each night. During the day, we travelled to all sorts of gorgeous
places like Monaco, Cannes, Nice and Juan les Pins, learning the traditions
and habits of the French.
PHSG girls made up a large part our group, and we were lucky enough to
have two of our own teachers accompanying us. We thank Mlle de Kock
and Mme Bloem for their endless patience and tolerance. Among the
150 other international students on campus at the Centre, our group of
34 Sud-Afs was loved for our joie de vivre, sense of humour and adventure
and our extremely loud singing. Each one of us certainly grew and learnt
a lot during this (way too short) experience and the friends and memories
that were made will undoubtedly last forever.
Au revoir à la France, et à la prochaine!
Megan Hardwick
Grade 11

153The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

Viewpoint

110 years

Das Märchen von den Zwillingen,
der Elfe und dem Monster

Es waren einmal zwei Mädchen. Ingeborg wurde in dem Licht
geboren und Stephanie wurde in dem Schatten geboren. Ihre Wege
wurden nach ihrem Herzen bestimmt. Während sie aufwuchsen,
konnte man die Unterschiede sehen.

Stephanie und Ingeborg gingen durch den Traumwald spazieren
und stießen per Unglück einen Schwammerl mit dem Fuß um.
Stephanie zwang ihre Schwester, die Hälfte des Schwammerls zu
essen. Die Mädchen schliefen ein. In dem Traum war da eine Elfe.
Die Elfe sagte, dass die Mädchen drei Herausforderungen lösen
mussten. Die Elfe erzählte ihnen nicht, dass ihre Lösungen ihre
Zukunft bestimmen würden.
Als die Schwestern durch den Wald liefen, kam ein Monster ihnen
über den Weg. Das Monster hatte sein Baby verloren. Nur, sollten
die Schwestern das Baby finden, konnten sie Durchgang zum Wald
bekommen. Ingeborg nahm sofort die Aufgabe an, machte sich auf
den Weg, um das Kleine zu suchen. Stephanie hingegen versuchte
sich am Monster vorbeizuschleichen. Doch das Monster erwischte
sie und hielt sie gefangen. Als Ingeborg mit dem Monsterbaby
zurückkam, wusste sie, dass sie ihre Schwester nur im Tausch
wieder bekommen konnte. So rettete sie das Baby, ihre Schwester
und konnte durch den Wald laufen.

154 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Viewpoint 110 years

Kurz danach standen die Schwestern vor einer goldenen Brücke. Als
die gute Schwester auf die Brücke trat, flüsterte eine Stimme: Nur
mit Liebe kannst du über die Brücke. Stephanie hatte große Angst,
weil sie wusste, dass sie im Herzen kein Gold trug, aber Ingeborg
umarmte sie und sagte: Habe keine Angst, komm mit mir.
Vorsichtig, auf Zehenspitzen, liefen die Mädchen über die Brücke.
Am Ende der Brücke hingen zwei Schlüssel am Steinbau, ein goldener
und ein hölzener. Stephanie griff sofort den goldenen und Ingeborg
musste den hölzernen nehmen.

Vor ihnen erschien plötzlich eine Steinmauer. Auf dieser
Mauer erschienen zwei verschiedene Bilder. Die Schlüssel
wurden zu den Bildern gezogen, der goldene zum linken, der
hölzerne zum rechten.

Zwei Türen schoben sich
langsam mit kreischendem
Geräusch auf. Stephanie
und Ingeborg liefen jede
durch ihre Tür. Stephanie
lief dem Gold entgegen
und wurde in dem
Goldwasser eingezogen.
Sie versuchte raus zu kommen, aber die Goldfinger
hielten sie fest. Ingeborg hingegen lief auf eine Wiese mit
wunderschönen Blumen. Dort legte sie sich erschöpft hin
und schlief ein. Plötzlich hörte sie eine Stimme und spürte
ein Schütteln an der Schulter. Sie wachte auf und blickte in
die Augen ihres Prinzen.

Die kleine Elfe hüpfte erfreut auf den Zweigen des Baumes
und rief :
Die Liebe trägt dich zum Ende!
und wenn sie nicht gestόrben sind, dann leben sie noch
heute…

155The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

110 years Charities Charities

Coin Collection Spectacle Collection

Hettie Brittz & Veda Venter

Donating Blood

Charity Jerseys

156 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Charities

Grade 12 Soccer 110 years

Grade 11 Valentine’s Ball

157The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

Charities

110 years Grade 10 Swim

Grade 9 Boxersize
Grade 8 Walk

158 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Old Girls

Old Girls

Dear Old Girls where they could visit 110 years
2012 has been a very exciting year for our Association. Our and make as much noise
old school celebrated her 110th birthday and what a birthday as they wanted. So, with
it has been. The new entrance was officially opened in rather some younger members
grand style and I have to say that it is beautiful. On the same on the committee,
day, called the Iris Day, there were a number of celebrations at we decided to try
the school and the Old Girls thoroughly enjoyed being a part an evening cocktail
of them. function as well as a
high tea for the reunion
Another highlight was the Olympics where Old Girl, this year. We had very
Brigitte Hartley of the class of 2001, won a bronze medal strong responses from
in the Kayak single race – I can honestly say I was crying various people. Some Mrs Wilma
as she crossed the line. What a proud moment for her and
what an achievement. Another old girl, Dirkie Chamberlain, were horrified at Cloete
represented South Africa on the Hockey field and although
they didn’t win a medal, they acquitted themselves very well the thought of an evening function and complained about
and can all hold their heads up high. having to drive at night. Some loved the idea and embraced
it enthusiastically. We decided to go ahead and give it a try
We don’t always recognize what talent we have at the school for the 110th birthday and last night we had the cocktail
and sometimes the ladies themselves find it hard to realise function. Everyone who attended enjoyed it thoroughly
how talented they are. This school has given us all a very solid and encouraged us to have it again next year. After the high
foundation on which to build. Some of us have had daughters tea we as a committee will discuss it with Mrs McNair and
who have attended the school and some have been even then decide how we think we should proceed. We will keep
more fortunate to have had mothers and even grandmothers everyone informed on the web site.
who have been here. At the last badge ceremony where we One of the biggest problems we face as an Association
welcomed the matrics to the Association, we were fortunate is the communication with our members. Our database
to have a fifth generation young lass receive her badge from requires constant updating of information and the younger
her grandmother – an incredibly touching moment. It is with ladies expect it to happen online while our older ladies don’t
pride that we can all say we are Old Girls of Pretoria High always remember to send us address changes. The school
School for Girls! has appointed a young lady, Melanie, to handle the school
communication and has kindly allowed us to use her to assist
But it becomes ever more difficult to keep the values, with the database. We have found that the best method is
traditions and standards of Girls High intact. Every year we see to talk to the groups arranging the reunions and to get the
fewer and fewer parents who are prepared to become involved latest contact details from them. The plan is to have an update
in the activities of the school. The core groups become smaller facility on the website next year so that ladies can update their
and smaller and it becomes more and more difficult to have own information easily. We do need also to communicate in
functions like Spring Fair, which is a Parents’ Associant fund writing with the older ladies who are not computer literate. So
raiser. This year the question was again asked whether it is we all face challenges.
worthwhile having it as all the work falls onto a small number We now put the newsletter on the website every year and
each year. As Old Girls we fight to keep the Spring Fair, or mail fewer and fewer newsletters as we have many returned to
Morning Market, as Miss Mullins always referred to it. It is us as address unknown. The youngsters all communicate via
a wonderful occasion to meet and greet Old Girls and to see facebook and luckily we have Catherine taking care of that.
new additions to families proudly shown to us. And of course We are also starting a ladies’ business networking group
we always manage to sell items and make some money for the this year and the first meeting will be a wine tasting in
Association! But it is the community service of the Spring Fair November. The details will be posted on the web site and we
that we value very dearly.
Bridgitte Hartely, Bronze medalist in the 2012 Olympic Games
Another threat to our old school is the interference of
Government in how the school operates and one hears many The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012
rumours about changes to old Model C schools. They would
like to limit the powers of the Governing Body and that would
be disastrous for us. Every year Mrs McNair, the staff and the
Governing Body have to work smarter and smarter to find
ways to cope with the red tape. I am very impressed at their
dedication and commitment.

And then we find we are in a world that is constantly
changing: new ideas and thoughts spring up every day and as
an Association we struggle to keep abreast of the changes and
also to satisfy both the younger ladies as well as the seniors
who definitely don’t like change!

At the last reunion we were told that some older ladies were
upset by the noisy younger ladies at the luncheon. Others felt
they would prefer to be seated separately, possibly in a quad,

159

Old Girls

110 years Mrs McNair, Mrs Kitto and Mrs van Zyl Mrs Kitto and Mrs Sprüijt-Myers Olympic Bronze Medalist: Bridgitte Hartley

Four Generations Olympic hockey player: Dirkie Chamberlain

1951 1962 1972

1981 1992 2002

hope to grow this into a strong group that can assist each other such passion that the young ladies were literally hanging on
in business areas. their lips.

We have also joined up with a group of alumni across We really have a wealth of talent in the Old Girls of this
the country who are working together and sharing ideas and school! Also, fortunately on the sporting field too as we saw last
methods of interacting with old girls and boys. This group meets year with the first sporting events between the Old Girls and the
every year at a different location and they exchange information. school in a number of years. It was a very enjoyable morning
It is very informative and Kim Lovegrove attended this year. She and we saw the Old Girls win the Hockey and the Netball. The
would like to run with this project next year and see how we can school won the Basketball and it was wonderful seeing all the
utilize it further. Old Girls back again. This year we have included Squash and
also Debating as our first cultural event. Go Old Girls!
We are very fortunate to have old girls who are willing to
come and talk to the young ladies in the school about life In closing, I want to thank the committee for their hard
after matric. Recently we had Nicky Creux who is completing work and dedication in 2012. Most are career women who try
her PHD in Plant Genetics at The University of Pretoria. to balance their work with their love for the Association. Thank
In 2011 she won the Fabian (Forestry and Bio-agriculture) you. I also want to thank Mrs McNair, the Deputies and all the
Award. She spoke about what it takes to have a career in Staff at Girls High for their hard work and perseverance. It is
Science as a woman in this country and also about having a really appreciated.
passion for what you do. And this week at the Iris Assembly Thank you
we had Geraldine Massyn who did her B. COM (LAW) then Wilma Cloete
became an Expedition Leader and Cruise Director doing
160 trips to the Antarctic. Both ladies spoke so well and with

PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Old Girls 110 years

Girls vs Old Girls
Hockey / Netball / Squash / Basketball

161The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

Out and About

110 years Out and About

Global Young Leaders Conference in we commenced with the regular Leadership Group
the U S A Meetings, which occurred in our country groups that we
were divided into. Each representative from a specific
It all started when we had to wave goodbye to our safe country was placed into another country which they didn’t
homes and protective parents, to board an eighteen-hours come from. On the 4th of July we had the privilege of
flight, embarking on a journey of a lifetime. This was the viewing the fireworks display from the White House in
first page of the first chapter of a book that would be Washington DC. The core conference continued with
filled with memories that will remain with us for the rest many debates, keynote speakers and memorable visits as
of our lives. well as university visits.
When we arrived in Washington we were confronted After five days into the conference, we packed our bags,
with ... nothing. We had to wait for eight hours at the hopped onto our designated buses and began our drive
Washington Dulles Airport and this was not pleasant news to New York City. Before we arrived in New York we
for four cranky, hungry teenagers who were jet lagged and went to Philadelphia for more site visits, then continued
pretty much over the whole trip before it even started. with a five hours drive to New York! When we arrived in
However after several hours of waiting, our shuttle service New York, everybody felt ready to take on the world! We
finally arrived and it was time for us to make our first steps stayed at the St. Johns College, which was perfect for any
outside the airport and take our first few breaths of the Girls High girl because the variety of food was absolutely
intensely humid air. In the process of having to take in amazing! We had a tour in and around the United Nations
everything of our first few moments in the United States Building, different embassies, shopping in Time square,
of America, we met a handful of scholars from other Broadway shows and the list goes on .... We experienced
countries, who joined us for the Pre-Orientation Program. a true American BBQ!
When we finally arrived at the Sheraton National Hotel in On the last day of the conference we had a Global
Washington, we were welcomed by the charming GYLC Summit where each country’s group discussed worldwide
staff. We proceeded to the conference room after a warm problems and voted on suitable resolutions for these
hearty welcome and we met even more students from problems. After a successful summit, we had to clean up
all around the globe - from Australia, India, Denmark, nicely and head off for a Hudson River boat cruise. We
the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. This is when spent our last night with some of our friends, Said our
we realised that we were truly blessed to have been part goodbyes and enjoyed every moment we had before we
of such a well recognized leadership conference that parted ways.
consisted of students from far and wide. The hotel was The following day, the four of us, Steph Fichardt, Steph
spectacular and made every scholar at the conference feel Baker, Sevi Floudiotis and myself (Kea Rakolle), along
like royalty. with fewer scholars this time, flew to Los Angeles for
After five days of the Pre-program, we had already some fun time. Our three weeks of good opportunities
formed special bonds but there were many more students and friendships had come to an end. We’d like to thank all
yet to come and more friendships to forge. After being the teachers who nominated us and our parents for giving
introduced to the new leadership for the Core Conference us this wonderful opportunity.

Global Classroom – U S A Visitors
162 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Out and About

Aquatics Festival 110 years

Swimming 460
1st Durban Girls College
2nd Eunice 392
3rd St Mary’s Kloof 308
4th St Mary’s Waverley 300
5th PMB Girls High 272
6th Clarendon 264
7th Oranje Meisies Hoërskool 222
8th Pretoria High School for Girls 140
9th Our Lady of Fatima 134
10th St Stithians 130

Diving 135
1st St Mary’s Waverley
2nd Pretoria High School for Girls 88
3rd St Stithians 69
4th Oranje Meisies Hoërskool 49
5th PMB Girls High 42
6th St Mary’s Kloof 41
7th Eunice 39
8th Our Lady of Fatima -
9th Clarendon -
10th Durban Girls College -

Water Polo
1st St Mary’s Waverley
2nd St Mary’s Kloof
3rd Clarendon
4th St Stithians
5th Durban Girls College
6th Pretoria High School for Girls
7th PMB Girls High
8th Durban Girls High

163The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

Out and About

110 years F N B National Girls Schools Festival

Hockey
There were 21 Hockey Teams in total. Girls High
played in seven matches, winning five, drawing
one and losing one. The loss was against Eunice
in literally the last seconds of the match. The girls
did extremely well to end seventh overall. Well
done to the Hockey girls on their excellent display.
Netball
There were 19 teams in total. Girls played ten
matches, winning seven and losing only three.
They came sixth overall which was a huge
improvement on last year. Well done to the
netball girls.
Squash
There were 7 teams in total. The girls played
a Round Robin Tournament winning all their
matches and they therefore finished first overall.
We are very proud of this fantastic achievement.
Megan Page was also named Player of the
Tournament. Well done to the Squash girls.
Tennis
There were 13 teams in total. Girls High played
ten matches eventually finishing fifth overall.
This was also an improvement on last year. Well
done to the Tennis girls.
Debating
As is customary at the All Girls Schools’ Festival,
the competition was very fierce.
After the first five rounds, we were ranked second
in the competition.
Sadly, in the quarter final round, we had to bow
to Rhenish. Congratulations to Irene Mpofu who
was ranked fourth best speaker overall at the
end of the festival and also congratulations to
Parktown Girls, who won the competition.
Chess
There were 16 teams. Girls High played extremely
well in the pool matches losing out narrowly for
an opportunity to play out for the top four. They
were placed sixth overall - a vast improvement on
last year. Congratulations to the Chess girls on
this excellent achievement.
Public Speaking
In the Senior Section Kea Rakolle was placed
eleventh out of twenty-six in her prepared speech
and Nthabiseng Mokotedi was placed fourteenth
out of eighteen in her combined prepared
and unprepared speech. These two girls only
competed on Friday and so became our number
one supporters for the rest of the weekend –
thanks girls for all your support and well done on
your speaking.

164 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Out and About 110 years

165The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

Out and About

110 years Midmar

166 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Out and About

Eunice

Chess Netball 110 years
EHS PHSG Team Outcome
A Team 2 2 19A Lose
Developing Team 4 0 19B Win
19C Lose
Cross Country School Time 19D Lose
Place Name 19E Lose
1st Jodi York EHS 17min, 30sec 16A Lose
2nd Maryke van Rooyen EHS 18min, 40sec 16B Lose
3rd Mabongi Nyalunga PHSG 18min, 45sec 15A Win
4th TaraLiya van Zyle EHS 19min, 20sec 15B Win
15C Win
Debating 14A Lose
PHSG overall winners 14B Lose
14C Lose
Hockey u16C Lose Squash
Team Outcome u15A Lose EHS – 8
1st Lose u15B Lose PHSG – 4
2nd Lose u14A Lose Tennis
3rd Lose u14B Draw EHS – 16
4th Lose u14C Draw PHSG – 2
u16A Lose
u16B Draw

EE C Camp

A sleepover with 250 girls … It doesn’t get much better! trying to sit down in the most ladylike manner possible,
Bags of all shapes and sizes came through the school asking Devin if she was doing it the right way. The
gates on the 4th of September. Some girls were dressed result was that she fell out of the wheelbarrow and had
in designer labels while others were ready for boot camp. everyone laughing.
Our spirits were high and happy as we went on our The obstacle course was where most of the fun took place.
journey to Warthog Inn. As we turned off onto the dirt Some of us were scared of heights, felt claustrophobic
road, various comments came up about what the dorms and didn’t like the idea of getting dirty, but there was
would look like, who would be in whose group, and most clearly an overdose of adrenaline rushing through our
importantly, what the food would taste like. It’s true - bodies and we tested everything out. We felt as if we were
past Gr10s have said that at EEC they saw girls they’d in the army when we had to climb over the wall. Then
never seen before. came the dreaded mud pit! ‘It’s not that bad’ they all
But I think firstly and most importantly, we would like to tell you! And just as you are half way through, someone
report back to the Gr11s who went to EEC last year. Sexy behind you asks, ‘Do you think there’s a frog in here?’
Legs is still very much there and happy to strut around in As girls, we all like smelling nice. Let’s just say smelly
his shorts, no matter what the weather! At Warthog Inn, sewer isn’t a fragrance any of us would recommend.
they had their own way of getting us quiet - blowing a Normally, the worst that happens on an obstacle course
whistle. Before every meal we would rush to the lapa so is a scraped knee. But oh no, that was the least of our
that we didn’t have to run laps around the camp. On one worries. Catherine got chased by a cow. And as Carla was
occasion a girl had to run by herself for getting there after carried off on a stretcher she went through a lane of girls
the whistle. Not being able to live with the guilt, we all singing ‘Hallelujah’.
stood up and ran her lap with her. We were divided into There were different activities for each group every night.
three groups of dorms and one group decided to name One group would play games under the lapa while the
all the dorms in the area. We had Hollywood, Bollywood, other would stalk the lantern in the bush and the last
Limpopo North West and Eastern Cape - all in one! group would have a solitaire session and sleep under the
Our first two days were filled with ‘boeresport’, team- stars. On the Thursday night, the games took a different
building and the famous obstacle course. Trying to get toll. There was a court case with a jury, a comity, Sasol
all your team members through tiny holes during team and squatters. The debate was on Sasol wanting to build a
building turned out to be more tricky than we thought. highway through Loftus. All got involved and voiced their
Obviously, there was a catch to everything, but we had opinions. The squatters played their role superbly! They
more fun doing it our own way. The ‘boeresport’ had a acted like squatters, shouted like squatters and looked
station where one team member sat in a wheelbarrow and like squatters. They got so carried away that they started
was led by her blindfolded teammate through the course. debating against the cause they originally stood for!
Everyone put her best foot forward because Sexy Legs The weather played a huge role on our camp. The first
was in charge of that station. Keina took the liberty of day was all sunshine and smiles and the girls got to sleep

167The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

Out and About

110 years in the veld. You did not want to be doing ‘boeresport’ on swopped activities. The sky became darker and darker and
the second day because it was cold and no one wants to all of a sudden it started raining. All the groups were called
swim when it’s cold. As we all got wet on Wednesday, we back to the lapa and we sat huddled together, freezing
hung up our clothes and towels to dry. Some of us hung in our shorts; surrounded by lightning and thunder. And
them on the planks holding the roofs up, making our because no thunder storm is complete without a power
dorms look like Marabastad. Others decided they didn’t failure; the lights went out, accompanied by a few screams
want their dorms to smell like wet towels and hung their of course. We then played a game where the girls had to
things on the trees outside the rooms. say pick-up lines to one of two counsellors. If the girl’s
Meanwhile, outdoors the girls had just drifted off to sleep line was good enough, she was allowed to sit between
for about an hour or so when they were rudely interrupted the guys. What she didn’t know was that there was no
by rain and thunder. They had to pack up all their things seat for her to sit on. So as she sat, the guys stood up
and were not as fortunate as the teachers to be taken back and she landed on the pillows on the floor. After this, we
to camp on a bakkie. So our girls braved the storm and were treated to a reptile show with tortoises, crocodiles,
ran back through the pouring rain and lightning. If some Puff Adders, King Cobras and African Rock Pythons. We
were scared, they were more assured when TK told them spent our last night in the dorms sharing stories of our
not to worry because God has their backs. past three days and eating any left-over food.
We woke up on Thursday morning, all efforts of drying We were all exhausted on Friday morning. Our long wait
our clothes outside wasted. It was wet and muddy to go home became longer as our buses were late. But
everywhere! We got divided into two new groups. Half the fun wasn’t over yet. Just as we arrived at school, a rain
did the 10km adventure race, which consisted of a lot of shower welcomed us back and we were left waiting for
running and pushing people in carts. The other half went our parents in the rain!
on a game drive and saw eland, gemsbok and warthogs Issa van Zyl
and then did target shooting. After lunch, the two groups Grade 10

Abu Dhabi - Team Accelero

Formula 1 in Schools Technology Challenge is a project and all too soon, the competition was over by Wednesday
that not many students are aware of, but it is all too night and after the celebration ceremony, all the teams
familiar to two grade 11 learners, Muniek Swart and Nicole trooped back to the hotel where there was an after-party
Esterhuizen. When approached by Mrs Van Heerden in for us. On Thursday, we were given access passes to the Pit
February of 2012, we had no idea of what was in store for Lane at Yas Marina Circuit, where the Formula 1 Grand
us. After months of dedicated hard work, sleepless nights Prix would be held on the weekend. We walked right next
and weight gain from stress-related eating, we two young to pits and could watch the actual teams preparing for
ladies were on our way to Abu Dhabi, accompanied by the races. It was just an incredible experience being there.
Mrs Van Heerden and Mrs Manders, to compete at the On Friday, the four of us decided to be all ‘touristy’, so
World Finals against 32 other qualifying teams. we went to the Grand Mosque and were humbled by
Arriving in Abu Dhabi at 19:0 in temperatures higher than the serenity of the atmosphere and the tranquillity of
a hot and muggy Durban day, we joined our other team this beautiful place. We spent the rest of the day at The
mates and Nicole and I bonded with the other competing Souk, or the general market and did what we girls do best:
South African team, Team Flatline. We booked into our shopping! On Saturday morning, we took a pleasant stroll
hotel, The Radisson Blu and immediately went to bed after down to the beach, had breakfast and a swim and then
the long, but exciting day. The next morning, we woke up returned to Yas Marina Circuit to watch the qualifiers for
to the most incredible breakfast buffets, and staying true the Grand Prix and then we watched Nickleback (live)
to our Girls’ High habit, we completely took advantage afterwards!
and enjoyed it. The competition itself was a long, but On Sunday, our last day, we were too tired and overheated
organized process. There was something different to do to do anything else other than spend the morning at
every day. We registered our team and had the welcoming the Marina Mall. That night was the Grand Prix, which
breakfast and gift exchange on the Saturday and Sunday, is something that none of us will ever forget, because
and then on Monday the actual competition really started. the thrill of having a Formula 1 race car speed by is just
We set up our pit display in the venue where the indescribable. Nicole and I also won golden circle tickets
competition was taking place: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi! to watch Eminem after the Grand Prix, which really just
We had a few free hours to explore and to enjoy the rounded off the trip completely.
rides, and going on the world’s fastest rollercoaster is After a really tough year, the ten days made the hard work
one of the most memorable experiences, especially as all worth it and it is an experience that none of us will
we sat right in the front! But back to why we were there. ever forget. We met the most interesting people and made
Between Monday and Wednesday, we raced our car, went new friends, tasted amazing new foods and experienced
for engineering judging and scrutineering, did a verbal things that not all folk can say they have tasted. None of it
presentation for three judges and waited nervously while would have been possible without Mrs Manders and Mrs
the judges examined our pit display. We were at Ferrari van Heerden, who were wonderful “mommies” to us.
World until rather late every evening and were exhausted Thank you for affording us this wonderful opportunity.
by the time we returned to the hotel. But time flew by Muniek Swart and Nicole Esterhuizen

168 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Out and About 110 years

Abu Dhabi - Team Accelero

169The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

Out and About

110 years EEC

170 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Happenings 110 years

Inter High Gala: A League

Inter High Gala: B League

171The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

Happenings

110 years Inter-House Gala

172 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Happenings

Inter-House Athletics 110 years

173The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

Happenings

110 years Grade 8 Camp

174 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Happenings 110 years

Grounds Staff Appreciation Day

175The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

Happenings

110 years Spring Fair

176 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Happenings 110 years

177The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

Happenings

110 years Mole Day

178 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Art

Art - Grade 8 110 years

Jade Swanepoel Trina Kim Tina Mabugu
Lufuno Sigwadi

Teneal Morkel Antonia Chela Nicole Nortman
Dominique Martin

Ye-Suel Cho Ponahalo Mojapelo Shannon Wardlaw

179The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

Art

Art - Grade 9

110 years

Ammaraah Amod Michaela Begemann Saarah Begg Nini Chen Amber Crouse

Olivia de Kock Erica Geldenhuys Alessandra Gemeliaris Carmen Joubert Brittani Korb

Tiffany McAlister Carlynne Wade Kaitlin Studer Jane Heyn Hema Sita

Lorena Silguero Valdez Tiietso Mofokeng Linette Kotze Helen Wu

180 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Art

Art - Grade 10

110 years

Annie Oppler Andrea Chilro Paige Els

Lauren Govender Allan Gabi Rhanii Fondse

Melissa Naude Sharon Peters Casey Smit

Gaby Allan Bontle Gaobepe Crace Goss Melissa Naudé

181The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

110 years Art

Art - Grade 11

Giselle Fourie Saneh Memela Jessica Jung Jessica Jung

Ja-Nae Freel Kholofeleo Mamabolo Sarah Thompson Giselle Fourie

Seyda Gurgen Cynthia van der Walt Elizabeth Kiggundu Saneh Memela

Ja-Nae Freel Chanelle Daffue

182 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris

Art

Art - Grade 12 110 years

Monica Blignaut Wendy Tsai Janine Engelbrecht Anisha Ramlaken

Rebekah Joubert Kelly Muller Tyler Orfao Boudine Smith

Kriszti Bottyan Sarah Thompson Abbi du Preez Lunga Mkhatshwa

Robyn Roux Carol Venn Christi Meletakos Alexis McKenzie

183The Iris • PHSG 1902–2012

Art

110 years

Kathleen Goss Madelize Geldenhuys Anisha Ramlakan

Jessica Sibiya Chazwyn Ferreira Natasha Tumba

Wendy Tsai Roxanne Brasler Tatiana Prelorenzo

Art Exhibition

184 PHSG 1902–2012 • The Iris



We Work in Hope

w w w.phsg.or g.za

Mission Statement
of

Pretoria High School for Girls
It is the aim of the School to produce well educated,
balanced young women, who are adaptable, creative and
independent, having integrity, social responsibility and
respect, in an environment of inclusivity and equality.

Declared 3rd Best Public School in Gauteng
based on the 2012 Matric results.

Voted Best High School in 2012 by Pretoria News readers.