Snippets May 2018

May 2018

SNIPPETS PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

MEET THE NEW PRINCIPAL

What made you apply for the posi on at PHSG?

My career has been a me spent growing as an individual, a
leader, an influencer and a passionate educator. I have spent
many years in deputy posi ons learning what makes a good
school into an even be er school, both in State and
Independent educa on. My ambi on for my career has
always been to be a Principal of a school and I could think of
no be er place for that to be than at my Alma Mater. When I
was made aware of the posi on being adver sed at PHSG, I
felt that this would be a great opportunity to realise that
ambi on as well as to make a difference in a great school.

What are your hopes for the learners of the school and
what do you aspire to achieve during your me as
Principal?

Mrs Phillipa Erasmus will become the new PHSG Principal in August My hope for any pupil in any school is that they are happy,
cared for and developed to their true poten al. Each
We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs individual has their own unique gi s and talents and it is the
Phillipa Erasmus as Principal, effec ve 1 August 2018. The responsibility of any school to grow and develop that
year so far has been both exci ng and successful; as uniqueness. My vision would be that each learner and staff
promised, there have also been many changes. We would member at PHSG feels valued for who they are and for their
like to thank Mrs Schoombie for stepping in as Ac ng contribu on to the greater whole of the school. It is through
Principal, her love and passion for PHSG has been evident. being valued as an individual that anyone feels the desire to
She took on the addi onal responsibility effortlessly and contribute their best to the greater whole. I will strive to
without complaint, without her the transi on period from achieve unity and pride while taking the school to greater
one Principal to another would certainly not be as smooth as heights in all spheres.
it has been. She will remain Ac ng Principal un l the end of
July. There is no greater sense of sa sfac on for any role player in
the life of an individual, than to see that individual shine long
Mrs Erasmus will come to us from Cornwall Hill College, into the future. It is my vision that we as a community at
where she currently serves as Deputy Principal for the High PHSG produce many stars in many different spheres. I would
School, Grade 8 - 12. During her me there, while fulfilling like the staff, the learners and community to feel
her posi on as Deputy Principal, she was also appointed empowered through my leadership, to be able to achieve
Head of Boarding. Below is a glimpse into the life of our new that greatness.
Principal.
Do you feel that being an Old Girl significantly impacts on
your vision for PHSG?

Having an understanding of the ethos of the school and how

it impacted me certainly will have an influence on the way in

which I see my vision of the school. Continued on page 2

Park Street Arcadia Tel: 012 430 7341 www.phsg.org.za Email:[email protected]

“HEY THAT'S US!” ROBOTICS TEAM
IMPRESSES JUDGES IN HUNGARY

Hey That's Us takes first place for Research Presentation High School for Girls (Lara Gouws, Erin
McKenna, Jacky James, Amiksha Sujan,
By Patricia Gouws theme, a technical presenta on of the Paviksha Govender, Amber Beaforth,
Victoria Selby and Monique van
The FIRST® LEGO® League Open robot design and programming, and a Niekerk), Pretoria Boys High School
Invita onal Central Europe team presenta on. The compe on (Dylan Wills, Jayden Wills and Keegan
Championships was held in Debrecen, over four days included several McKenna) and Maragon (Jono
Hungary from the 16th to the 19th of interviews, three robot rounds Robinson). Africa was represented by
May 2018. This is the interna onal (preceded by a prac ce round), pit these two South African teams, as well
challenge of the 2017 FLL Challenge area discussions, interna onal as a Ghanaian team and a Nigerian
Hydro Dynamics. For this compe on, networking and exchange of team.
72 teams from all over the world tradi onal gi s.
A er four grueling days of compe on
qualified. These teams gathered to South Africa was proudly represented for the teams and delibera ons for the
compete in a friendly manner and by two teams. The Hyperion Bots team interna onal collabora on of judges,
celebrate science and technology. from Parklands College in Cape Town, the closing ceremony started at 15h00.
Each team was required to present a and the I-SET Hey That's Us team Each member of each team was
research project related to the water consis ng of learners from Pretoria presented with a medal in recogni on
of the par cipa on in the compe on.
However, not all teams were awarded
trophies.

The I-SET Hey That's Us Team were
awarded a FIRST PLACE for Research
Presenta on! The team is grateful that
all the hard work and long hours had
been recognized! The team have also
gathered hints and ps from other
teams to build more awesome
robots…the team plans to return to the
interna onal championships next year
(some as team members, others as
judges and referees)!

MEET THE NEW PRINCIPAL

Continued from page 1 significant way and is always key in my mind, as a high point
in my career, is the transforma on of Carleton Jones High
Even though I matriculated almost 40 years ago and the School from an average community school, in an extremely
world has evolved, there certainly is a sense of tradi on conserva ve community, through the transforma on
that is a Girls High girl! This would be the key factor that
would impact my vision of the way forward. mes in South African educa on and crea ng and running
the Carleton Jones Centre of Excellence to the point where
What is your most significant career highlight? the school was ranked the top school in the District. The
impact this transforma on made on the lives of many and
This is a difficult ques on to answer as I feel there have the empowerment of other professionals in the educa on
been a number of highlights. I do however, feel that the community through the project, was certainly a highlight
for me.
me in my career which has developed me in the most

2

MOVIE NIGHT

The PHSG Community gathered to watch The Greatest Showman raise money for the Choir to a end the World Choir Games,
were delighted with the success of the evening. They have
PHSG's first ever movie night took place on 11 May. The promised to hold another one, and now that they know how
Greatest Showman was played on a big screen which was well it will be a ended, will do their best to rope more
erected on the soccer field. Over 1200 people braved the parents into helping out at the stalls. Funds from the next
cold with blankets, sleeping bags and hot water bo les. movie night will be used for a different project with the hope
that over me they will be able to make a notable
The unexpected turnout meant long queues at the food contribu on to various school ac vi es.
stalls which sold boerewors rolls, pregos and a variety of
treats including popcorn. Coffee and hot chocolate were also PHSG takes this opportunity to thank the parents of this
a firm favourite on the night. The wait for food did nothing to school for the dedica on, support and love they shower
dampen the excitement of those a ending with PHSG upon our learners.
learners pleading for another movie night in the near future.

The Parents' Associa on, who had organised the event to

TSHWANE INTER-REGIONAL JUNIORS GIRLS

VOLLEYBALL

SQUAD

On Wednesday, 18 April 2018, the
Tshwane Region held their IRT Junior
volleyball trials at the University of
Pretoria. The following players from
PHSG were selected: Ayla Inggs, Bonolo
Kgobane, Jessica da Silva, Kutlwano
Sithole, Leslen Ash, Mercedes Singh, Mia
Cloete, Nimesha Venkatas, Rea le
Nkadimeng, Tlalane Ntlatlapa and
Usivile Giyose. Well done ladies!!

3

LOFTUS PARK

OPENING

Pupils from Girls High provided entertainment at the PHSG Gumboot Dancers perform at Loftus Park alongside PBH
opening of Lo us Park on 3 and 4 May. Rhythmony wowed
spectators with their beau ful voices while the Marimbas
got a beat going. Mayor Solly Msimanga, Thinus Delport, a
director at Abland, Marc Wainer, the execu ve chairman of
Redefine Proper es, and Barend van Graan, CEO of the Bulls,
welcomed the new development on 3 May 2018. The
following day various musical ensembles from the school,
including the PHSG Orchestra, played as people went about
their shopping and sat in restaurants to relax and enjoy the
beau ful sounds.

The PHSG Orchestra, Marimbas and Rhythmony wowed spectators at Loftus Park with their beautiful sounds.

SIMFONIA JUVENTI

Catherine S ff was one of 2 high school learners selected
to perform as a soloist with Simfonia Juven in 2018. The
orchestra is made up of 103 learners and performs at
various concerts culmina ng in a concert at the ZK
Ma hews Hall at Unisa. These learners are selected from
across South Africa. Catherine played the first movement
of the Mendelssohn violin concerto in E flat minor for
which she received a standing ova on.

4

EQUESTRIAN Luca Bailey on legacy

The 3rd Equestrian Qualifier was held over the weekend of
12 and 13 May. Congratula ons to the following PHSG
students on their excellent results:

Luca Bailey came 3rd in the Equita on Rider Rpecial and 4th
in Dressage Special.

Nadia Pentz came 3rd in Jumping 80cm and 4th in the Show
Jumping 80cm Compe on.

Jenna Victor came 1st in the 90cm Show Jumping
Compe on and 7th in the 90cm Jumping.

Courtney Robbeson came 6th in the 100cm Show Jumping
Compe on.

Savannah Thomson came 7th in the novice Prix Caprilli, 6th in
the 80cm Show Jumping Compe on, 18th in Dressage
Novice Test A and 12th in Dressage Novice Test B.

Caylynne van der Westhuizen came 1st in Dressage Rider
Special, 1st in Performance Riding level 1 and 4th in Working
Riding level 1.

Emma van Schie came 1st in Dressage Novice Test A, 5th in
Dressage Novice Test B, 7th in Performance Riding level 3
and 13th in Working Riding level 3.

FITNESS FANATIC BASKETBALL RESULTS

Congratula ons to Reneilwe Lehong for being selected as a The basketball girls played in the Pretoria league, results
member of the Gauteng Sport Aerobics Fitness Federa on are as follows:
(GSAFF), she will par cipate in the SASAFF Na onal U14 2nd place (2 all stars- Kamo and Lerato)
Championship in Cape Town in June. U15 3rd place (1 all stars- Owethu)
U16 3rd place (1 all stars- Malaika)
Reneilwe also received the trophy for Best Athlete for 2017 1st team 2nd place (2 all stars- Prudence and Joy)
as well as 2018! We wish her well at the Na onal
Championship. Well done to all the girls and big thank you to the coaches
and teachers!

5

CALLING ALL CLEPHAN SHIELD

OLD GIRLS! The term 1 Clephan Shield supporters' cards results are
as follows:
If you are an Old Girl or know of anyone who is, be sure to
Grade 8's:
keep reading! The 2018 Reunion is on its way! 1st place Duncan with 116
2nd place Van Zyl with 114
This year the reunion will be held from the 12 – 14 October at 3rd place Gladstone with 101
PHSG and has the following func ons: 4th place Connaught
5th place Buxton
Friday 12 October: 6th place Aitken
Wine & Cocktail Evening - Old Girls from all years welcome! 7th place McWilliam
Venue: School Pavilion 8th place Athlone
Time: 18:00 9th place Selborne
Cost: R150-00 per person/ R100-00 for pensioners over 60 10th place Clarendon
Dress: Smart Casual
Email: [email protected] Grade 9's:
Cash Bar only 1st place Buxton with 43.
2nd place was ed between Van Zyl and Athlone with 42
Saturday 13 October: 4th place McWilliam with 36
AGM- Old Girls from all years welcome 5th place Gladstone
08:00 for 08:30 – Tea and Scones 6th place Duncan
09:00- PHSG OGA AGM 7th place Aitken
10:00- Walkabout with Principal and Chairlady 8th place Connaught
12:30 for 13:00- Luncheon- reunion years only 9th place Selborne
10th place Clarendon
Reunion Luncheon - 10yr (2008), 20yr (1998), 30yr (1988),
40yr (1978), 50yr (1968) plus only Grade 10's:
Venue: School Hall 1st place Duncan with 49
Time: 12:30 for 13:00 2nd place Aitken with 45
Cost: R290-00 per person/ R250-00 for pensioners over 60 3rd place e between Gladstone and van Zyl with 37
Dress: Smart Casual 5th place McWilliam
Email: [email protected] 6thplace Clarendon
7th place e between Buxton and Selborne
Current vs Old Girls Sports- Old Girls from all years welcome
From 08:00: Grade 11's:
1st place Van Zyl with 86
Squash 2nd place Gladstone with 73
Volleyball 3rd place Athlone with 71
Waterpolo 4th place Selborne
From 09:00: 5th place Aitken
Tennis 6th place McWilliam
Netball 7th place Clarendon
Deba ng 8th place Connaught
From 10:30 9th place Duncan
Hockey 10th place Buxton

Should you wish to par cipate in any of the sport matches, Grade 12's:
please email [email protected] with the sport and 1st place McWilliam with 122
posi on you would like to play by 03 October 2018. 2nd place Athlone with 95
3rd place Gladstone with 82
To secure your reunion booking please CLICK HERE TO FILL 4th place Connaught
OUT THE FORM and send your proof of payment and 5th place Clarendon
reference number (surname and matric year) to 6th place Selborne
[email protected]. Please note that bookings close on 03 7th place Buxton
October 2018. 8th place Duncan
9th place Van Zyl
All queries may be directed to [email protected] 10th place Aitken

6

NATIONAL ALL GIRLS DEBATING on. PHSG

FESTIVAL 2018 16 Schools par cipated in the deba ng compe
placed 4th overall.
NETBALL

The 1st netball team played 5 pool matches on the 1st day of
the fes val. The 2nd day they played 3 matches against
some of the toughest compe on at the fes val but that
only mo vated them to play even harder. PHSG 1st netball
team placed 8th overall which is unfortunately 3 places
lower than last year but is definitely not an indica on of the
effort and heart they played with. The netball team played
10 matches in total and won 6 of the 10.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Olerato Kgotle (junior speaker)
placed 7th overall and Caitlin
Schroder-Beneke (senior
speaker) 5th.

HOCKEY

SQUASH The first pool game for the
PHSG 1st hockey team was a
The squash team played 7 matches of which they won 2. The local derby against AHMP. The
compe on was very tough but the squash team played girls played as a team,
their hearts out in every match. The team placed 7th in the defended well and u lised their
fes val which is in line with the results from 2017 and 2016. opportuni es which resulted in
a 1-0 win against AHMP. This
gave the team confidence which was evident in the rest of
the pool games. PHSG ended 2nd in their pool and was
ranked top 8 for tournament for the first me in 5 years.
PHSG 1st hockey team placed 8th out of 18 par cipa ng
schools. This was a very successful fes val for our hockey
team.

CHESS
PHSG chess team placed 4th out of 10 par cipa ng schools.

TENNIS

A young tennis team
par cipated in the Na onal All
Girls Fes val and placed 12th
out of 16 schools. The tennis
team played against the top
compe tors at the fes val but
this only mo vated them to
play even harder and they did
not make it easy for any of
opponents.

7

SPORTS AWARDS

Half Colours for Athle cs were presented to Lauren Cooke, Full Colours for Water Polo were presented to Jenna
Mellissa Sithole, Megan Loganathan, Modiegi Motsoaledi, Anderson, Ashley Coetzee, Megan Grobler, Jade Haynes,
Nicole Williams, Tshowa Katumba, Tyla Brand, Franella Aspen Store and Esmee Van Der Arend.
Sakata, Bavu Mhlonyane and Kaiden Moore.
Congratula ons to the following learners who received
Full Colours for Athle cs were presented to Mikaila Phillips, Water Polo Special Awards:
Cayleigh Halvey, Obakeng Mahlako, Mbali Ntuli, Jacky Most Dedicated Player: Aspen Store
James, Charlo e Smit and Kendahl Moore. Most Improved Player: Ashley Coetzee
Best Defender: Jodi Bartz
Congratula ons to the following learners who received Most Talented Player: Megan Grobler
Athle cs Special Awards:
Top Sprinters: Nicole Williams and Franella Sakata Half Colours for Swimming were presented to Rachel-Ann
Top middle distance: Kendahl Moore van Biljon, Taylor Muller, Jade Kühn, Megan Grobler,
Top hurdler: Jacky James Bronwyn Openshaw, Nicola Sequeira, Jade Haynes, Elke du
Top field: Mbali Ntuli Toit, Shayna McAlister, Savanah McAlister,
Mia Shaul, Lara Gouws and Allycin Moses.
Half Colours for Diving were presented to Amy Whi le.
Full Colours for Swimming were presented to Stephanie
Full Colours for Diving were presented to Emily Burger and Houtman, Cara Schoombie, Esmee van der Arend, Ashley
Tristan Crawford. Coetzee, Frances Coetser, Robyn Houtman and Busi Nyika.

Congratula ons to the following people who received Congratula ons to the following learners who received
Diving Special Awards: Swimming Special Awards:
Most promising junior: Kelly Du Toit and Georgie Dillon Most promising Junior: Emma Nunn
Excellent contribu on to diving: Boet Pretorius from the De Most improved swimmer: Omolemo Makombe
Jong Diving Centre.
The following Grade 12 learners received Loyalty Awards for
Half Colours for Water Polo were presented to Gisele having shown their dedica on to swimming: Teagan
Angyalossy, Jodi Bartz, Dayna Binda, Elke du Toit, Mia Janse Barnard, Kayla Heunis, Tiffany Padaichy, Dayna Binda, Gina
Van Rensburg, Jamie Mc Hardy, Nina Mc Hardy, Taylor Purkis and Danielle Robbertze.
Muller, Kara Prinsloo-Heyns, Brooklin Sofianos and Fiona
Tsang. To view the photos click here.

INTER-HOUSE QUIZ

The 2018 Inter-House Quiz was a raging success. If you thanks to the new inclusion of charades and 30 Seconds.
missed it you missed out! Apart from our brilliant students Spectators were also offered plenty of opportunity to
showing off their 'mad-skills' when it comes to general par cipate. Some of those who a ended hummed to the
knowledge, the evening also had some hilarious moments audience who tried with all their might to guess the songs.

Well done to McWilliam for coming first,
you really are shining stars. We look
forward to the next Inter-Hose Quiz!

McWilliam learners deliberate at the Inter-House Quiz Results for the evening are as follows:
1st place McWilliam with 32 points
2nd place Selborne with 28.5
3rd place was a e between Aitken and
Buxton with 27.5 points
5th place Gladstone with 27
6th place Clarendon with 26.5
7th place Connaught with 25.5
8th place Athlone with 25
9th place Duncan with 22
10th place Van Zyl with 21.5

8

PHSG OUTREACHES

In May the PHSG Contact Club reached out to various
organisa ons in order to spread the PHSG love. Our learners
were met with smiling faces and much excitement from the
children at Sun Sparrows A er-Care in Sunnyside. Also on the list
of places visited in May was Lethabo le Khutso, a home for adults
with au sm. Our learners spent the a ernoon baking and
pain ng nails with the residents.
The PHSG Robo cs team also paid a visit to Lethabo le Khutso,
they took Lego with them and spent a wonderful a ernoon
pu ng together some grand designs with the residents.

9

SACEE GAUTENG CHAMPIONSHIPS

PHSG Placed 9th out of 56 Gauteng teams at the SACEE should be allowed a private wedding with no media
Gauteng Championships. We progress to the Plate coverage”, to “This house would impose a sin tax on meat”.
compe on on 28 July. The mo ons have been of a wide Well done debaters and good luck in the Plate compe on!
variety from “This house believes Prince Harry and Meghan

Grace Mngadi explains why Buhlebenkosi Mgwenya
private companies should not run debating at the SACEE Senior
Junior debaters at the SACEE championships at Waterstone College municipalities Gauteng championships

JERSEY DISPLAY “The world howls for social jus ce, but when it comes to social
responsibility, you some mes can't even hear crickets chirping.” ―
Dean Koontz

Congratula ons to pupils and parents on a fine effort at providing
jerseys for those in need. We brought in more than 1800 jerseys.
The following chari es will benefit from your kindness: Li le Able's
Sanctuary, Mohau Centre, Sparrow Ministries, Good Shepherd,
Tshwane Child Welfare, Catholic Women's League and Hands of
Hope Founda on.

Some classes and teachers made an excep onal effort: Grade 12
Athlone brought in a massive 253 jerseys on their own! Grade 12
McWilliam provided 162! It is interes ng to note that the top three
houses (Athlone, McWilliam and Clarendon) brought in more than
HALF the total number of jerseys that were provided!

It is fairly obvious that Athlone is the overall winner! Well done to
them and their Head of House. The house rankings are as follows:

1. Athlone, 5. Connaught and Duncan

2. Macwilliam 7. Buxton

3. Clarendon 8. Gladstone, Aitken, Selborne

4. Van Zyl View more photos here.

2018 Entrance Fee: Spring Fair is just around the corner! Be sure not to miss
this much-an cipated event on the PHSG Calendar. The
FAIR Ages 14 and older R20.00 Parents' Associa on needs your help to make this event
a success. If you are willing to lend a hand before the
Ages 13 and younger R10.00
me or on the day please get in touch. If you have not
Pensioners R10.00 yet completed the volunteer form, please do so by
clicking here. It is easy and takes just 4 minutes to
18 August 2018 complete. Alterna vely please contact [email protected].

10

STAFF NEWS JUNE EXAMS

Congratula ons Parents are reminded that all learners need to be
Congratula ons to Samantha Eaton who got engaged. We at school at 7:20 each day if they are wri ng in the
also wish Ms Hubbard all the best for her wedding in June. first session and 11:00 for the second session.
Further congratula ons are in order for Mr Snyman who Gate 3 will be opened from 10:45 to 11:30, please
received his Post-Graduate Cer ficate in Educa on and for ensure you fetch your daughter meously if she is
Ms Human received her Degree in Educa on. leaving a er the first session. Gate 3 will then be
locked un l 13:00 for security reasons.
Birthdays in June Learners who have not been collected are to
2 Mrs Buckley (Afrikaans) return to the study session and remain there u ll
3 Madame Mabvadya (French) 13.00.
5 Ms. Human (Afrikaans) If you have indicated that your daughter remain at
7 Ms Turpin (Geography) school for a session without an exam and change
9 Mrs Russell (LO and Dance) your mind, please no fy the school in advance.
10 Mma Madiba (Sepedi and Maths)
11 Ms Mulder (LO) IMPORTANT DATES
12 Mrs Smit (Maths)
15 Mrs Buchel (EMS and Business Studies) Examina ons 1 – 20 June
23 Mrs Ramlaul (Life Science) Inter house Athle cs 21 June
25 Mrs Rahman (Maths and Maths Literacy) Spring Fair 18 August
27 Mrs De Villiers (Art)/ Ms. Olivier (Afrikaans) Grade 12 Preparatory examina ons 21 August
28 Mrs Albertyn (History) School's Birthday 10 October
Valedic on 11 October
TERMS Matric Final Assembly & Breakfast 12 October
Old Girls' Reunion Weekend 12 – 14 October
Term 2 10 April – 22 June End of year exams start (tbc) 1 November
Term 3 17 July – 28 September Reports handed out 12 December
Term 4 9 October – 12 December End of Term 4 for learners 12 December

For up-to-date changes see
https://teamup.com/kso59v9oc4tfijptrc

JUNE 2018

Public Holiday
Public Holiday

11

REPORTING STRUCTURES
FOR PARENTS AND LEARNERS

SUBJECT DISCIPLINE Note:
RELATED QUERY RELATED QUERY Please address all
complaints in writing
SUBJECT TEACHER FORM TEACHER to [email protected]
FORM ORGANISER and they will be
HEAD OF SUBJECT GRADE EXECUTIVE forwarded on to the
DEPUTY PRINCIPALS relevant person or
HEAD OF department.
DEPARTMENT PRINCIPAL
Should all these
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: avenues fail to
ACADEMICS address your
concern, please
PRINCIPAL contact the School
Governing Body.

EXTRA MURAL ALL OTHER
RELATED QUERY LEARNER QUERIES

COACH / QUERIES UNRELATED TO
LIAISON TEACHER SUBJECT, DISCIPLINE OR EXTRA MURALS

SPORT / LEARNER
CULTURAL ORGANISER
RCL REPRESENTATIVE
SPORT DIRECTOR/
HOD: CULTURE RCL EXECUTIVE

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: PRESIDENT OF THE RCL
CULTURE AND SPORT
PRINCIPAL
PRINCIPAL

12