155PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Happenings: Spring Fair
34
Happenings: Spring Fair
Spring Fair
Happenings: Mole Day
A Mole-rific day
At 6.02 am on 23 October 2009, the celebrations of Mole Day raised from the civvies day were donated to the Joshua
began at PHSG. The day began with a breakfast with lucky Rashopola Trust Fund.
draws and a meal that left everyone satisfied. Guests came from
as far as Hoërskool Jan de Klerk from Krugersdorp and as close The competition winners of ‘Make a mole from a mole’
as Pretoria Boys High School. Other schools included and ‘Girls High Expressions Photo Competition’ were
Hoërskool Waterkloof, Eldoraigne, St Albans College, awarded their well-deserved prizes at the Mole Day assembly.
Sutherland High School and Cornwall Hill College. A motivational speaker, Michael Kokwana, had everyone
laughing and inspired for the future.
Teachers and learners from PHSG surprised one another
with their ‘Express yourself to the power of the mole’ costumes. Many thanks to everyone who made this day possible. A
Everyone went all out and expressed themselves as fairies, special thanks must go to Mrs Roberts who co-ordinated the
honours students and hippies amongst other things. Funds whole day, and the committee for their early morning efforts!
Caitlin and Melissa Pike (Grade 11)
Ground Staff
Appreciation Day
French philosopher, Jacques Mantana once said,
“Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy.”
Gratitude encompasses something more, beyond a
mere ‘thanks’. Gratitude lies in being perpetually
grateful for that which we are fortunate to have.
It is for this reason that the RCL Executive saw it fit
to honour and thank those who make a significant
contribution to our school lives by taking care of
our school and its grounds – the grounds staff.
Their hard work and service to Pretoria High
School for Girls was acknowledged by the girls on a
special early morning tea and eats occasion,
with personal cards and certificates of
appreciation.
It is our hope as the RCL Executive,
that PHSG learners will grow to
truly appreciate those who do so
much for them in all spheres of life;
that the importance of authentic
gratitude is paramount.
Thato Mabudusha
(Grade 12)
152 PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Happenings: Ground Staff Appreciation Day
Ground Staff Appreciation Day
Art - Grade 8
Art - Grade 8
Gemma-May Grotepass Angela Gemeliaris Micaela Cox Nicole Esterhuizen Giselle Fourie, Grade 8
Winner of design-an-ad 2009
Laure Russel Rebecca Harle Giselle Fourie Amy Hatton
Megan van der Merwe Michela Morezzi Felicia Ntsitsi Kgomotso Mayotsi
Savannah Netherlands Amy Hatton Angel Janse van Rensberg Joanne van den Berg
154 PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Art - Grade 9
Art - Grade 9
Elizabeth Cilliers Sacha Lee Gush Tyler Orfao Heather Muller
Gizelle Kotze Meghan Boyd Caily Jonck Aye-Chan Htun Kathleen Goss
Karianna Riekert Yin-ting Yen Ria Abraham Tanya Ludik Meghan Pike
Sasha-Lee Gush Janine Engelbrecht Aimee Thompson Kelly Johnson Monica Blignaut
155PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Art - Grade 10
Art - Grade 10
Taryn O'Brien Chanelle Williams Mischa Durrant Shinea Swartz
Marissa Bester Nakita André Marissa Bester Danielle Millar
Chevonne Brasler Monique Rebel Nadene Kotze Michelle Mlati Joane Burger Kirsten Chamberlain
Chevonne Brasler Nakita André Micke van Zyl Nicole Quinn
156 PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Art - Grade 11
Art - Grade 11
Sibella Louw Emma Cooper Abigail Georgiades Devi Pillay Megan Steyn
Michelle Zeller Maria Banda Simone Maree Abigail Georgiades Tarryn Small
Ji-Ha Kim Keyuri Naidoo Lauren Kuhn Nicola Patrick Taskeen Sheik Omar
Eleanor Harding Nicole Liebenberg Marie-Claire van den Berg Nicole Liebenberg
157PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Art - Grade 12
Art - Grade 12
Hirra Rahman Liang Yu Tamryn Whitmore Liang Yu
Frances Moerdyk Frances Moerdyk Hirra Rahman Jae Lim Donne Grobler
Yasmin Uys Evelyn Mfolo Jasmin Uys
Sung ha Choi Niraki Ramlall Tamryn Whitmore Hannah Fobian Frances Moerdyk
158 PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Art - Grade 12
Roxette Malala Bridget Vlag Bridget Vlag Yasmin Uys
Maxine Nortjie Hannah Fobian Monique Wilkins Kylie Oosthuizen
Didi Mogashane Khotlello Mooka Nandi Mketi Evelyn Makena
Evelyn Makena Amanda Zamandu Nyami Kuluta
Yvonne Langa Evelyn Makena Evelyn Mfolo Sine Sigwaza Koketso Motloung Jennifer Carstens
159PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
PROUDLY
LEAD THE WAY
Out and About
Out and About
Annual Choir Camp
In 2009 the choir decided to save some money for the Wales tour and When Saturday came we all dressed up in our tribal attire and rooted
have our annual camp at school. The theme: SURVIVOR! We were for our teams. The team spirit was incredible. We battled it out for
ready to see which voice groups could outplay, outlast and outsing immunity as we all tried to outsing each other. Each voice group got
through this extreme rehearsal weekend. Mr Barrett started on a the chance to claim the prize and it turned out to be a really fun day.
high note as we rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed ... non-stop. We didn’t forget the main aim of the camp though. Mr Barrett
We learned each song in great detail until we had them coming out of would not let us forget. So we continued rehearsing and rehearsing
our ears. We needed a break. Eventually we got it and started to plan and rehearsing ...
our tribe names and colours for the Saturday. Siphesihle Ziqhu
Head of Choir
T he Senior Choir’s trip to the UK
Airports, luggage, duty free, check in, sleepless hours on the plane, Mrs McNair struggled less to get to the top than some of the girls.
buses and hostels. Exhausted, we arrived in Wales for the most Saturday arrived and we were ready for the most important
exciting tour the girls of PHSG have ever seen. performance of the tour. We sang our hearts out in the Female Choir
Our first competition performance was the following day and we category and later that afternoon we were all waiting nervously for
were all pretty apprehensive. We were blown away by the the results. When it was announced that we came second with only
magnificent stage we walked onto. The competitions were held in 1%, we were all ecstatic.
an enormous tent, to be able to seat the hundreds of audience On that high note we were off to London where we were treated to
members, but this wasn’t very helpful when we wanted good the brilliance of a city with amazing architecture, people, history and,
acoustics! We gave the performance for the Senior Children’s of course, shops!
Category our all, but were later disappointed to find out that we had Our incredible experience ended off with the West End musical,
come seventh with a 76% average. Wicked which was a spectacular conclusion to the tour.
The rest of the week passed, filled with television, radio and We could never have had as much fun and accomplished as much as
newspaper interviews, performances and photographs. Before the we did without the incredible staff members. Mr Barrett’s guidance
tour started, BBC World had asked us if we wanted to be the face and training have taken us to new heights and under the watchful eyes
of the competition and this meant singing and smiling for the of Mrs McNair, Mrs Spruyt and Mrs K du Toit, we were kept safe and
camera! happy.
We roamed around the festival and the beautiful town of We will forever be in debt to the people who made this tour happen.
Llangollen and even hiked up to the Llangollen Ruins. The most Thank you for an experience that none of us will ever forget.
impressive part of this was not the view, but the fact that Jolandi Swanepoel (Grade 10)
European Art Tour 2009
They said I was crazy. Touring Europe with schoolgirls? Madness. girls (and staff) made short work of the various markets at their
When faced with the sheer grandeur of David, the quiet splendour disposal. There are umpteen girls whose cupboards are groaning
of Monet’s Japanese water garden and the towering grace of the under the strain of new shoes and leather jackets. Perfume, glass
Eiffel Tower, the concept of madness becomes an attractive one. and olive preserves also made the twelve hour flight home – the
The girls and staff, under the super-efficient care of Jenny Peddle, mind boggles at how more people were not bankrupted by the
enjoyed a whirlwind tour of Italy and France. Art – the great overweight charges at the airport! But empty purses and physical
equaliser – brought this group of twenty-four to its knees. We were exhaustion were a small price to pay for the opportunity of a
humbled by the extraordinary talent of the Masters. lifetime. Bring on 2011!
Cultural activities aside, there was ample time for shopping and the Ms Debra Dugmore
161PHSG 1902-2009 • TTHEhIeRIIS ris
Out and About
Global Young Leaders’ Conference
I never knew so much could be done in so little time until I Carmyn Gast at the Liberty Bell
attended the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC). The
GYLC brings many different people from a wide variety of We went on a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the United Nations
backgrounds together and I learnt a lot about others, the world Headquarters which proved very interesting. It allowed us the
and myself. The GLYC is organised by The Congressional Youth opportunity to see many of the priceless historic artefacts that
Leadership Council and took place during June in the USA. had been presented to the United Nations by various countries.
The first few days of the conference were spent in Washington An object in the United Nations Museum that really affected me
DC. In between our many Leadership Group meetings, we still was an AK47 rifle that had been modified and changed into a
managed to find time to visit the Franklin Delano Roosevelt working guitar. The inscription ‘Make music, not war’ was
memorial and the Thomas Jefferson memorial. We also visited engraved on it. We held our own Global Summit at the United
the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Nations Headquarters which was very exciting!
National World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans’ We walked through Chinatown, along Wall Street and past the
Memorial and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. The US site where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre once
Holocaust Memorial Museum was very moving. It contained a stood. A new building and memorial for those who died during
lot of interactive and three dimensional displays, as well as the the September 11 attacks is currently under construction. We
Hall of Remembrance. The quote engraved in the Hall of took a leisurely walk through Central Park which was very
Remembrance was very powerful: “When they came for the luscious and so big that it even contained a zoo and a theatre or
Unionists I never spoke up. When they for the Communists, I two. The concept of the Jekyll and Hyde club was executed to
never spoke up. When they came for the homosexuals, I never perfection which made eating dinner there slightly eerie.
spoke up. When they came for the negroes, I never spoke up. And We strolled down 5th Avenue and ventured into the high-end
when they came for me, there was nobody left to speak up for fashion shops as well as the famous Tiffany’s Jewellery store. A
me.” tour of the NBC Studios and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum
We listened to a keynote address by Mr Jeremy Goldberg – the gave us a glimpse of the life of the rich and famous. We
founder of Global Youth Partnership for Africa. As well as a very explored Greenwich Village and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space
relevant address at The World Bank Headquarters about Museum. We also made our way to the top of the Empire State
Economics in the Developing world by Ms Angelica SIlvero. Ms Building by taking a very speedy lift to the 80th floor and then
Kimberly Whipkey from the Center for Health and Gender climbing the remaining six flights of stairs (which left us
Equity addressed us on issues relating to Population and breathless) to reach the very top. The conference concluded
Reproductive Health, which I found particularly interesting. The with a dinner cruise along the Hudson River on our final night.
address on Cross Cultural Communication and Leadership by DR The views of New York City at night are picturesque.
Gary Weaver was engaging. At the Embassy of Israel, the Thank you to the Deveugele family, Natasha Carstens and my
ambassador for Israel, gave us an informative speech about the Oupa, Peter Gast, for making this trip possible! Those two
politics in the Middle East. weeks spent in the United States of America contained some of
We also visited Georgetown Union Station and Du Pont Circle. the best moments I have ever had. Many valuable life lessons
We navigated our way through the many interesting Museums of were learnt. Priceless memories and numerous new friends
the Smithsonian Institution and even saw the Hope Diamond were made. The Global Young Leaders’ Conference showed me
which was very sparkly. We saw the White House, the Pentagon, that it is up to the youth to help solve the many problems the
the Capitol building, Cleopatra’s Needle (or as the locals call it – word faces. In the words of a very wise man: “Can we fix it?
the Pencil) and The Mall which is not an actual shopping mall Yes, we can!” – Bob the Builder.
contrary to its name. It is a long strip of very green grass that runs Carmyn Gast (Grade 12)
from Capitol Hill, past Cleopatra’s Needle and all the way to the
Lincoln Memorial.
We spent an afternoon in Philadelphia and saw the Liberty Bell
which has a big crack in it. We also viewed one of the original
drafts of the American Constitution, the Declaration of
Independence and the Bill of Rights.
The last leg of the conference took place in New York city. Once
we had unpacked and settled into Manhattan College, we took a
ferry to Ellis Island and made a quick stop at the Statue of Liberty
on our way to Ellis Island. We explored Times Square and
watched a Broadway show, Mary Poppins, in the New
Amsterdam Theatre. It was spectacular!
Dr Larry Bridwell addressed us on mastering the challenges of
International Business. He had only positive comments about
many countries, especially India, which is one of the up and
coming superpowers. We held our own national Delegations
Rally with the France country group emerging as the overall
winners.
162 PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Out and About
Grahamstown festival forget the production that left us all in a heated debate as to whether
it was about zebras or racism - the debate lives on.
On 11 July 2009, thirty Girls’ High girls, twelve Boys High boys, four What’s a festival without its workshops? We were introduced to
teachers and only one CBC boy arrived at Pretoria High School for play-making, script-writing, DJ-mixing, body movements, soul
Girls to begin our long awaited journey to the National Arts bearing and even shoe throwing. All the workshops left us all
Schools’ Festival in Grahamstown, commonly known as G-Town. thoroughly entertained. No matter who you were or what you liked
there was most definitely a workshop for you.
We travelled across three provinces, some rivers and the
Sneeuberge mountains to visit the eccentric Helen Martis’ Owl Many of us took the opportunity to walk about Rhodes campus.
House in Nieu Bethesda. We then travelled another sixteen Some spent an afternoon in Port Alfred where they saw something
kilometres to Weltevreden Farm where we enjoyed a scrumptious spectacular: a large Pineapple placed in the middle of the town!
supper in a barn surrounded by wool. At daybreak on Sunday we
rose for breakfast which included delicious homemade bread. We Every moment in G-Town was filled with arts and culture - even
then headed off to Graaff Reinet and the Pierneef Museum and walking down from meals we managed to squeeze in a song and
then made a flying visit to Somerset East and the Battiss House. dance. As a prime example of a typical Girls High girl, I feel it is my
Our very own Head Girl so graciously entertained us by turning the duty to comment on the food. Every morning, afternoon and night
corridors of Battiss House into her very own catwalk, strutting her we stared at the mountains placed on our plates and as that same
stuff left right and centre. But every great model must have her mountain began to go down we lent back on our chairs and with a
stumble and boy, did she stumble! But she stumbled with grace. great big sigh said ... ‘thank you G-Town’.
We finally reached G-Town where we received our name tags, At the end of the day this adventure would not have been
codes of conduct, festival programmes and our workshop booklets. possible without the three teachers who joined us. Mrs Cÿrus who
We then knew the festival had begun, and it was time to get in there... always got us the best seats in the house even though it meant
running out of the bus at speeds unknown to man! Ms Turpin, for
Each day we saw at least three productions. Some made us laugh, her Geography lessons along the way, and even though we still see a
some inspired us and some left us a tad bit confused. In those big pile of sand, Ms Turpin has made it something special. Also, to
productions we met various characters who hold a special place in Ms Grover for answering many of our random questions and for
our hearts and some characters even left us mimicking their lives all giving us hope that one day we’ll see the deeper meaning in artwork.
through the festival. Of all the plays we watched, we will never On behalf of the G-Town ladies, I thank you.
Margaret Olwoch (Grade 12)
Spartanburg
Stumbling off the plane in Spartanburg
after roughly 17 hours of flight (OR
Tambo-Atlanta-Spartanburg), the first
thing we noticed was the heat- we had
escaped the chilly South African winter
(and to Tumi and my delight, a few
exams!) and entered a warm, lush, green
paradise.
On our first day, we dedicated to
familiarising ourselves with our
environment (i.e. locating food),
immersing ourselves in local culture (by
visiting the Wonderworld that is Walmart)
and sleeping off our jetlag. Then, the fun
began!
Tumi, Reinold and I attended the
Youth Leadership Summit for four days at
the University of South Carolina Upstate.
The highlights were: spending a day at a
“summer camp”-Camp Greenville;
volunteering at a soup kitchen and
children’s home; visiting Senate House to Girls involved in the Spartanburg Exchange Programme
pass our own bill, having breakfast with
the mayor of Spartanburg and simply
immersing ourselves in a foreign culture and making new friends! the old town and the boat trip to Fort Sumpter. After 12 busy days
After the Summit we visited Charlotte, North Carolina; the we returned to a frosty Pretoria tanned, happy and with a new
spectacular Biltmore Estate and schools in Spartanburg. My personal perspective on politics, friendship and ourselves.
highlight was the visit to Charleston- taking a carriage-ride through Elise de Kock( Grade 11)
163PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Out and About
National Girls Festival
The Festival was initiated by Alison Kitto, the then principal of in any way. The PHSG RCL under the able leadership of
PHSG who felt it was time that girls also had a sports festival to Thato Mabudusha and Chrizell Hanekom were exceptional.
equal that of their brother schools who had regular rugby and They had girls in all grades on duty from early in the morning
cricket festivals etc. The first festival was held in Cape Town in until the late afternoon – willingly assisting with anything
2000 hosted jointly by Rustenburg and Wynberg Girls' High from picking up litter to acting as netball court 'managers'.
Schools. We participated in the first festival with a hockey We were privileged to have Oscar Pistorius as our speaker at
team, two netball teams and a squash team. We hosted the the Opening Ceremony on the Thursday evening. We were
festival for the first time in our centenary year. all greatly entertained by his speech and impressed with his
The festival has certainly grown and now includes a range of attitude of not seeing his disability as a disability at all, but
cultural and sporting activities. Twenty schools from across rather as a means to discover all his many other abilities.
the country attended our 2009 festival and participated in the First National Bank has made a firm financial commitment
following activities: hockey, netball, tennis, squash, basketball, to this festival which will hopefully ensure the future of this
debating, public speaking, one-act plays, chess and for the first festival. We would also like to thank all the other sponsors
time, orchestra. Approximately nine hundred girls for their generous donation. Without this form of assistance
participated and were housed in the PHSG, Afrikaans Hoër a festival of this nature becomes very expensive to host.
Meisieskool Pretoria, DSG and St Albans College hostels. We wish Rhenish Girls' High in Stellenbosch all the best as
The Festival generated a great deal of enthusiasm amongst the they host the 2010 festival.
PHSG staff and girls with many keen to get involved and assist Mrs S Dorlas
The results of the festival are as follows:
BASKETBALL 1 Danville Park 9 Eunice 2
PHSG 2 PHSG 11 PHSG 3
Rosina 3 Durban 12 Kingsridge 4
Danville Park 4 Pretoria Invitation13 Pretoria Invitation5
The Glen 5 Northlands 14 Queenstown 6
Northlands 6 Jeppe 15 Wynberg 7
Durban Potchefstroom 16 Northlands 8
Parktown 17
HOCKEY 1 Grosvenor 18 DEBATING 1
Eunice 1 Rustenburg 2
PHSG 3 SQUASH 1 Eunice 3
Clarendon 4 Eunice 2 PHSG 4
AHM 5 PHSG 3 Clarendon 5
Collegiate 6 Queenstown 4 Rhenish 6
Queenstown 7 Clarendon 5 Queenstown 7
Parktown 7 Collegiate 6 Northlands 8
Rustenburg 9 Wynberg 7 Kingsridge 9
Paarl 10 Rhenish 8 Collegiate 9
Danville Park 11 Durban Durban 9
Kingsridge 12 1 Grosvenor 9
Durban 13 TENNIS 2 Jeppe 9
Rhenish 14 Eunice 3 Paarl 9
Grosvenor 15 Clarendon 4 Parktown 9
Potchefstroom 16 Paarl 5 Potchefstroom 9
Northlands PHSG 6 Wynberg
Collegiate 1 7
NETBALL 1 Parktown 8 MUSIC EISTEDDFOD
Paarl 2 Queenstown 9 Abby van Niekerk,Flute, PHSG
Eunice 3 Rustenburg 10 Selina Wu, Sax, Northlands
Kingsridge 4 Rhenish 11 Megan Boegman, Sax, PHSG
Queenstown 5 Durban Girls High 12 Ingrid Pienaar, Violin ,Rustenburg
Rhenish 6 Grosvenor
Wynberg 7 Potchefstroom 1 PLAYS 1
Rustenburg 8 Rustenburg 2
Clarendon 9 CHESS Queenstown
Collegiate Potchefstroom
164 PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Out and About
165PHSG 1902-2009 • TTHEhIeRIIS ris
Out and About
Aquatics Festival - East London
Swimming
9th PHSG
8th Pietermaritzburg Girls' High
7th Oranje Meisies
6th St Mary's Kloof
5th Our Lady of Fatima
4th Clarendon Girls' High
3rd Eunice
2nd Durban Girls' College
1st St Mary's Johannesburg
Silver medals: Under 14 Medley Relay: Taryn Kotze,
Courtney Theys, Melissa Ferreira, Samantha Chamberlain
Bronze medals: Under 14 Freestyle Relay: Taryn Kotze,
Melissa Ferreira, Samantha Chamberlain, Chelsea Hayes
Diving
7th St Mary's Kloof
6th Eunice
5th Collegiate
4th Durban Girls' College
3rd St Mary's Waverley
2nd Oranje Meisies
1st PHSG
Water Polo
10th Clarendon Invitation Team
9th Hudson Park
8th PHSG
7th St Mary's Kloof
6th Pietermaritzburg Girls' High
5th Collegiate
4th St Mary's Waverley
3rd Durban Girls' College
2nd DSG Grahamstown
1st Clarendon Girls' High
166 PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Old Girls
Old Girls
Chairman’s Report 2009
Mrs Wilma Cloete
2009 has been a very exciting and challenging year for the
Association. Twenty years ago the printed word was the
communication tool of choice.
Most people wrote letters to each other when they wanted to that it is available to more people. Advertising the Reunions we
exchange information. Most people read the newspapers now have a Facebook page as well as the ads in magazines and
everyday, especially on Sundays! The telephone was used for newspapers. Newspaper circulation is dwindling as more and
quick communication but more formal communication was more people get the news on the internet or via their
written and posted or even faxed. That has changed drastically cellphones. We have to move with the times or we will soon be
over the last ten years. Microsoft and the internet changed all our left behind. As a committee we are faced with numerous
lives. First we had e-mail – what a wonderful way to keep in touch. challenges and these are very exciting times. We now have e-
We could communicate with friends and family all over the world mails from members in their 80’s starting businesses on the
in a matter of minutes. Everyone had a computer and soon we internet and embracing the new technology!
were attaching cameras and sound to our computers so that we
could talk to people and even see them. Wow! On the other hand, this year we had a Country Fair-type stall
at the Spring Fair and it was a huge success. Very reminiscent of
Then Skype came and it was even better. It was like sitting in a Miss Mullins’ Morning Market with home made cakes, jams,
room together chatting and you could see the changes that were pickles, lemon curd and syrup. It was a wonderful morning of
taking place in their lives as it happened. Then came Facebook visiting with older old girls as well as meeting younger old girls
and news could be shared with a group of friends almost and we made a very respectable profit of around R11 000.
immediately. So, if I wanted all my friends to know I was getting
divorced, I posted it on my Facebook page and everyone knew Our newsletter went out in June and our editor is
immediately (except my husband who thought we were still introducing a new section with letters to the editor, so please
happily married)! Next came Mxit with a social network via the write in and express your views. The e-mailed version crashed
cellphone. Instead of sending out invites to a party and waiting the Girls’ High computer system and we really apologise for
for a response you could do it via your cellphone and have the that. We have found a better way to send them out with Mr de
answer in minutes. No more letters getting lost in the mail. Villiers’ assistance. Keeping in touch with our members is a
constant challenge as the modern generation does not
So, how has this affected our Association? We have members understand the need to notify the Association of changes of
ranging from 18 to 100 years in age. The method of their addresses, e-mail addresses or telephone numbers. They
communication is totally different for the older and younger folk post the changes on Facebook and all their friends know – so
and we have to make the twain meet. We have had to adjust to the why don’t we know?
changes and to embrace new technology while maintaining the
old methods as well. Currently we are e-mailing as many Mrs McNair and I visited the Cape Town Branch for their
newsletters as we are mailing. Even this is not a total solution to lunch and what a wonderful afternoon of socialising it was. Mrs
the problem and so we also put the newsletter on the Website so McNair went to the Johannesburg Branch meeting and
thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. I attended the Durban
167PHSG 1902-2009 • TTHEhIeRIIS ris
Old Girls
Branch meeting on my own as it coincided with the Matric I would like to thank the committee for their hard work and
Dance. I am so grateful that we are invited every year as these are dedication during 2009. Without them I could not function.
very special occasions. We cannot thank the branches enough for Likewise, a very special thank you to Mrs McNair and the staff
the wonderful work they do. at Girls’ High; they are amazing and take such good care of our
alma mater. That is why we are still one of the top schools in
274 new members were welcomed to the Association on 9th the country. Well done!
August and it was really heart-warming to walk around the Wilma Cloete
school and see them proudly wearing their badges!
In Memoriam
A dear friend and Grade 12 learner sadly passed away on 29 January 2010.
“Time has gone by and your giggles still echo in our minds. Your smile lingers and
your warm, genuine loving hugs remain warm in our hearts. Thank you for giving
us the opportunity to befriend such a special lady.”
168 PHSG 1902-2009 • TTHEhIeRIIS ris Niraki Ramlall
22 April 1993 - 29 January 2010
Annual Financial Statements
PHSG
Annual Financials Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2009
169PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Annual Financial Statements
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2009
Governing Body members Mrs C Alton
Mrs D Brown
School’s Executive Mr H Boegman
Address Mrs W Cloete
Auditors Mr J Collins
Mr L Erasmus
Dr G Gast
Ms C Gast
Ms C Furniss
Mr R Jelley
Ms L Kgothadi
Ms T Leballo
Adv G Lubbe
Ms N Mahlaela
Mr T Ngele
Ms F Ntisa
Mrs L Powell
Ms A Swiegers
Mr J Tubb
Mrs J Viljoen
Mrs P McNair
Mrs M Bagshaw
Mrs K du Toit
949 Park Street
Arcadia
Pretoria
BDO Spencer Steward
Index Page
Independent Auditor's report 1
The Governing Body - Chairperson's report 2-3
Treasurer's report - School fund 4
Treasurer's report - Hostel fund 5
Income Statement - School fund 6
Income Statement - Hostel fund 7
Balance sheet 8
Statement of Accounting policies 9
Notes to the Annual Financial statements 10 - 13
The annual financial statements have been approved by the Governing Body on 22 February 2010 and signed on its behalf by
Chairperson Treasurer
170 PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Annual Financial Statements
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS PAGE 1
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For The Year Ended 31 December 2009
The Chairperson and Members
Pretoria High School for Girls
REPORT OF THE AUDITORS
Report on the Financial Statements
We have audited the annual financial statements of Pretoria High School for Girls, which comprise of the governing body –
Chairperson's report, Treasurer's report – School fund and Hostel fund, Income Statement – School Fund and Hostel Fund,
Balance Sheet, Accounting Policies and Explanatory Notes as set out on pages 2 to 13.
Management's Responsibility for the Financial Statements
The School's management are responsible for the preparation and fair representation of these financial statements in accordance
with the accounting policies set out on page 9 to the financial statements. This responsibility includes: designing, implementing and
maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting
estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.
Auditors Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance
with International Standards on Auditing Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free from material misstatements.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of
the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control
relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal
control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting
estimates made by directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Qualification
In common with similar organisations, it is not feasible for the School to institute accounting controls over cash collections, prior
to the initial entry of the collections in the accounting records. Accordingly it was impractical for us to extend our examination
beyond the receipts actually recorded.
We did not observe physical counting of stock as at 31 December 2008
Opinion
Except for the above, in our opinion the accompanying financial statements have been prepared in all material respects, in
accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 10 and fairly present the financial position of the school at 31 December
2009 and the results of its operations for the year then ended.
PRETORIA BDO South Africa Inc
22 February 2009 Registered Auditors
171PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Annual Financial Statements
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS PAGE 2
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2009
Governing Body
Chairperson's Report on Activities During 2009
Governing Body meetings
National Governing Body elections took a place in mid 2009. Through a good mix of experience and new blood the newly elected
Governing Body has fulfilled its mandate during 2009. The School Governing Body (SGB) met once per term. Various sub-
committees meet on a regular basis throughout the year. The sub-committees include The Executive, Finance, Buildings &
Maintenance, Subsidies, Hostel, Legal, Marketing, Parents’ Association, Policies & Strategies, Security & Risk and Social Cohesion &
Development.
The Headmistress, parent members, elected educator & non-educator representatives, the Chairperson of the Old Girls’
Association, co-opted members of the school community and members of the RCL attend all Governing Body meetings and
report on their activities during the term.
Capital Projects and Maintenance
The School built one additional workshop and one storeroom with funds received from PA fundraising efforts. PHSG also met its
obligations in terms of the school’s share of the replacement mat on the Hockey Astro at Pretoria Boys High School. Maintenance
work completed included repainting of the outside of a number of sections of the school building complex, as well as paving in a
number of areas.
in 2010, the primary project of a capital nature will be the renovation of the learners’ bathrooms in the main building. Maintenance
will concentrate of the painting of the inside of classrooms by zone, as well as work on the staff housing. Maintenance becomes a
bigger issue on an annual basis, especially in schools where the buildings are as old as those at PHSG.
School Fee Subsidies
In terms of current legislation, the school is required to grant subsidies to parents who qualify for full or partial exemption. The
school granted R683,562 in subsidies and scholarships during 2009. Parents receiving subsidies are encourage to make voluntary
payments.
Fund raising
The main fund raising event is the annual Spring Fair. Revenue from the Spring Fair in 2009 was R205,000. This is a slight increase
on the previous year, which is impressive considering the economic climate. The donation to the school is likely to be effective early
in 2010. A portion of this income has been earmarked for the installation of an Audio Visual system in the school hall. The sale of
parking and hospitality raised R475,908 during the year.
Bad Debt
The SGB is pleased to report that only 6% of 2009 school fees were unpaid at the end of the year. The staff in the finance
department must be congratulated on the efforts made to achieve this. The Governing Body will, in conjunction with the finance
department, ensure that al reasonable steps are taken to recover outstanding fees from defaulting parents.
Academic, Sport and Culture
PHSG continued the tradition of achieving excellent results with the 2009 Matric class. The pass rate achieved was 99.6%, and
92.6% of learners achieved access to a Bachelors degree. In all, 270 PHSG matriculants received 478 distinctions.
The SGB is extremely pleased with the results. Major successes were also achieved in the sporting and cultural arena. The school
choir travelled to Wales in June and ranked highly in the events. The school hosted a very successful FNB All Girls’ School’ Festival.
Executive and Staffing
A very able academic, administrative and general staff of 133 support the School’s Executive. Mrs P McNair, the Headmistress is
assisted by two deputies, Mrs M Bagshaw and Mrs K du Toit. A total of 86 staff members are paid from the school fees charged.
172 PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Annual Financial Statements
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS PAGE 3
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For The Year Ended 31 December 2009
The Department of Education’s Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) increases for educators were finalised in late 2009
backdated to July 2009. The Governing Body is appreciative of the work done by the Department towards improving the quality
of life for educators. The OSD will increase the financial burden on parents, as the school pays Governing Body staff
commensurate salaries to attract and retain the best staff possible.
General
The 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup is fast approaching and while the school hat the luxury of bordering one of the stadia, there are
sure to be some disruptions during 2010. The Tshwane Metro has assisted the school by installing paving and upgrading a large
portion of the boundary fences.
A number of long term high value capital projects have been identified by the School Executive and Governing Body. Funding
models are being investigated so as to not overly impact the parents of the school in terms of free increases.
I wish to take the opportunity to thank the staff of PHSG for the phenomenal environment provided for “our” young ladies of
the future.
James Tubb
Chairman of the Governing Body
Pretoria High School for Girls
173PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Annual Financial Statements
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS PAGE 4
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2009
Treasurer's Report - School Fund
General review
The financial results and financial position of the school at 31 December 2009 are fully set out in the financial statements. The
income statement reflects that the school realised a net surplus before capital expenditure of R1 723 226 (2008 – R2 009 347).
Capital expenditure incurred for year amounted R2 569 547 (2008 – R2 268 212), thus resulting in a net deficit after capital
expenditure of R846 321 (2008 – R258 865).
School fees
The school had an average number of 1450 learners (2008 - 1438) registered at the school during the year. School fees were set at
R12 690 per learner for the year, an increase of 13.71% on the previous year. Fees in 2008 were R11 160 per learner.
The school succeeded in collecting 94% (2008 - 94%) of its total school fees. The Governing Body and Executive Committee
express its appreciation for the way in which the majority of parents honoured the tuition agreements. Provision for the loss of
not recovering all outstanding school fees has been made in the financial statements. The bad debt cost for the year was
R349 146 (2007 – R393 707). School fees amounting to R683 562 378 were subsidised during the year (2007 – R550 378).
Other income
Other income in the main comprises fund raising income, income from the use of the school's facilities and investment income.
The school received a State subsidy of R236 215 (2008 - R228 315) for maintenance, services and learner and teacher support
material.
Academic Staff costs
During the year the school employed an average number of 85 educators (2007 - 85), of which 32 (2007 - 36) were paid from
school funds and the balance paid by the Gauteng Education Department of Education. The Governing Body also subvented the
salaries of certain of the GDE staff, where historical salary scale anomalies exist. These costs include top ups, bonus and gratuity
payments, school fee discounts, and are included in the costs of the academic staff in the school fund’s income statement. The
total cost of the additional payments was R1 561 917 (2008 – R1 248 750).
Expenditure
Excluding all capital expenditure, expenses increased at an average of 9.97% for the year and were incurred in the following
areas/ratios.
2009 2008
%%
Academic staff costs 44.87 44.22
Pupil Activities 10.31 10.45
Administrative Activities 17.12 17.01
Property Activities 14.93 15.87
Capital expenditure 12.77 12.45
100.00 100.00
Appreciation
I would like to thank the Executive, bursar and financial staff of the school for the way in which they manage the financial affairs
of the school in tough times.
Hein Boegman
Treasurer – Governing body
174 PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Annual Financial Statements
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS PAGE 5
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For The Year Ended 31 December 2009
Treasurer's Report- Hostel Fund
General review
The income statement reflects that the hostels realised a net excess before capital expenditure of R459 154 (2008 – R276 931).
Capital expenditure incurred for the year amounted to R45 343 (2008 – R1 216 564), thus resulting in a net surplus after capital
expenditure of R413 811(7008 – R939 633)
Hostel fees and rental income
The hostel housed an average 142 boarders during the past two years. Boarding fees were increased from R16 800 to R19 200
(a 14,29% increase) and fees were recovered in full. During the holidays the school was very successful in letting the hostels out to
large groups, earning additional income of some R321 893 (2008 – R146 675).
Operating expenditures
The hostels have been able to manage the operating costs extremely well during the year. Fortunately the State continued to
subsidise the salary costs of GDE supervisory staff employed in the hostels.
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures totalled R45 343 for the year, which included various maintenance and painting projects.
Hein Boegman
Treasurer – Governing body
175PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Annual Financial Statements PAGE 6
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Notes 2009 2008
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS R R
1
For the year ended 31 December 2009 2 17 809 215 15 649 790
3 88 187 119 935
INCOME 100 793 92 548
School fees 19 366 26 780
Tuition related income 586 987
Facility income 667 863 1 219 707
Fund raising income 859 319
Grants and Donations 19 272 411
Investment income 17 968 079
Total income
LESS: EXPENDITURE 9 025 420 8 060 046
Academic staff
Salaries and employment costs 562 972 514 844
Pupil Activities 633 099 511 475
Subject Expenses 566 658 535 109
Pupil Academics 66 087 88 042
Pupil Sport Activities 245 945 255 265
Pupil Extramural Activities
Pupil General Activities 2 074 761 1 904 735
Administrative Activities 4 3 048 363 2 711 553
Administrative Expenses
General school expenses 175 645 157 450
School functions
220 424 232 083
Property Activities
Property and maintenance expenses 3 444 432 3 101 086
Total Expenses
3 004 572 2 892 865
Net Surplus for year before capital expenditure 17 549 185 15 958 732
Capital Expenditure
Furniture and equipment 1 723 226 2 009 347
Capital Projects
47 874 107 623
Net deficit for the year before transfer from reserves
Accumulated Funds at beginning of the year 5 2 521 673 2 160 589
Accumulated Funds at end of the year
2 569 547 2 268 212
176 PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
(846 321) (258 865)
1 996 037 2 254 902
1 149 716 1 996 037
Annual Financial Statements
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS PAGE 7
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Notes 2009 2008
For The Year Ended 31 December 2009 R R
INCOME 2 720 739 2 393 395
Boarding fees - pupils 213 535 198 050
Boarding fees - staff 327 400 154 417
Letting of hostels and sundry income 102 537 193 210
Investment income
Total income 3 364 211 2 930 072
LESS: EXPENDITURE
Hostel Activities 454 567 416 124
Salaries and employment costs 770 362 683 693
- Supervisory staff and matrons 706 907 618 681
- General assistants
Food and catering costs 1 931 836 1 718 498
Pupil Activities 2 244 7 189
Excursions and recreation 6 369 3 927
Sundry expenses
8 613 11 116
Administrative Activities
Administrative Expenses 65 683 76 182
Salaries 120 237 108 333
Property Activities 185 920 184 515
Property and maintenance expenses
Utilities 221 349 297 343
557 339 441 669
Total Expenses
778 688 739 012
Net Surplus for year before capital expenditure
Capital Expenditure 2 905 057 2 653 141
Furniture and equipment
Building renovations 459 154 276 931
Net surplus / (deficit) for the year before transfer from reserves 18 182 132 484
Transfer form maintenance reserve 27 161 1 084 080
Net surplus / (deficit) for the year after transfer form reserve
Accumulated (deficit) / funds at beginning of the year 45 343 1 216 564
Accumulated Funds / (deficit) at the end of the year
413 811 (939 633)
- 140 000
413 811 (799 633)
(144 797) 654 836
269 014 (144 797)
177PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Annual Financial Statements PAGE 8
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Notes 2009 2008
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS R R
For the year ended 31 December 2009 6 44
ASSETS 7 6 313 303 5 263 421
Non-current assets
Fixed Assets 8 389 711 426 920
Investments
Special Fund investments 6 703 018 5 690 345
Current Assets 9 455 11 181
Arrear school fees
Sundry debtors and prepayments 110 799 123 893
Cash and bank balances
626 717 1 284 622
Total assets
737 971 1 419 696
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Capital and reserves 7 44 989 7 110 041
Accumulated Funds
Special Funds 10 1 418 730 1 851 240
Current Liabilities 11 389 711 426 920
Accounts payable
Funds in Trust- clubs societies etc 1 808 441 2 278 160
Funds in Trust- extra curricula tours
School fees received in advance 12 981 858 1 225 670
Total equity and reserves 873 970 635 173
1 176 109 843 064
2 600 611 2 127 974
5 632 548 4 831 881
7 440 989 7 110 041
178 PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Annual Financial Statements
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS PAGE 9
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For The Year Ended 31 December 2009
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis and incorporate the main accounting policies as stipulated below.
These policies were applied consistently during the year under review. The financial statements include the assets, liabilities and
accumulated funds of the School, as legal entity. Separate income statements of the school and hostel funds are maintained so as
to keeps the funds apart for internal accounting purposes.
1. School and boarding fees
School and boarding fees are recognised on an accrual basis.
2. Fund raising income
Fund raising income is recognised on a receipts basis.
3. Fixed assets
Fixed assets are stated at nominal value. Capital expenditure is expensed against current income in the year that it is
incurred.
4. Investments
Investments are stated at cost. Provision is made for any diminution in value, which is considered to be permanent.
5. Stocks
Stocks are valued at cost, calculated on a first-in-first-out basis.
6. Special Funds
Special funds represents funds collected and/or raised for specifically defined purposes and which funds are under the
control of the Governing Body and its committees.
7. Funds in Trust
Funds in trust represent funds raised for the school's extra curricula activities, the disbursement of which is to occur in
the following financial year. The funds are used to defray a portion of the learner's costs of extracurricular tours and
activities.
179PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Annual Financial Statements 2009 PAGE 10
R
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 2008
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 34 839 R
65 954
For the year ended 31 December 2009 32 258
100 793 60 290
1. Facility Income 92 548
Cell C fee
Rental of lockers, pavilion and motor vehicles - (2 785)
19 366 29 565
2. Fund raising income
Loss from Tuck - shop 19 366 26 780
Sundry income
- 150 000
3. Grants and donations - 45 824
Anglo American 292 500 404 270
Donations 236 215 228 315
Epoch Optima 58 272 66 298
Government grant - 325 000
SETA training grant
Spring Fair 586 987 1 219 707
4. Administrative Expenses 2 704 18 744
Advertising 49 916 33 080
Audit fees 349 146 393 707
Bad debts 118 725 113 326
Bank charges 128 035 102 624
Computer expenses 42 386 26 226
Debt collection expenses 180 541 166 933
Insurance 68 195 43 303
Internet charges 9 576
Legal fees 5 326 -
Postage (30 815) 6 436
Provision for bad debts 1 377 576 117 435
Salaries 234 970 1 228 689
Stationery 207 653 211 989
Subsidy shortfall 304 429
Telephone -
3 048 363 249 061-
180 PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
2 711 553
Annual Financial Statements
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS PAGE 11
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2009 2008
RR
For The Year Ended 31 December 2009
9 722 704 597
5. Capital Projects 889 027 -
370 548
Administration offices - refurbishing 199 225 245 935
Astro Mat replacement 42 214 44 439
Computers 288 069
Garages for storage - 2 174
Hall sound and lighting equipment - 16 500
Intercom 764 833 623 571
IT administration centre 73 277 235 304
Maintenance replacement projects 172 828
Mathematics Epoch Optima -
Road works 2 521 673
2 160 589
6. Fixed Assets
11
Buildings on state land 11
Computer equipment 11
Furniture and office equipment 11
Motor vehicles
44
The insured values of the school's assets are as follows:
166 784 720 151 622 474
Buildings on state land 400 000 400 000
Computer equipment
Furniture and office equipment 10 793 421 9 743 001
Motor vehicles 537 000 524 000
Substation 885 780 805 255
7. Investments 179 400 921 163 094 073
Medium term deposits 6 313 303 5 263 421
8. Special Fund Investments and Assets 73 732 69 836
315 979 5 415
Fixed deposits in respect of Bursary Funds
Net asset value of the Shoppe 389 711 426 920
181PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Annual Financial Statements PAGE 12
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 2009 2008
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS RR
For the year ended 31 December 2009 1 282 903 1 324 444
1 282 448 1 313 263
9. Arrear School fees
Arrear school fees 455 11 181
Less: Provision for doubtful recovery
1 149 716 1 996 037
10. Accumulated funds 269 014 (144 797)
Accumulated funds comprise:
School funds 1 418 730 1 851 240
Hostel funds
18 727 19 756
11. Special funds 1 461 1 971
Roberts fund
Balance at beginning of year 20 188 21 727
Add: Investment income - (3 000)
Less: Bursary paid 20 188 18 727
Balance at end of year
51 108 50 089
PHSG Bursary fund 2 436 3 019
Balance at beginning of year
Add: Investment income 53 544 53 108
Less: Bursary paid - (2 000)
Balance at end of year 53 544 51 108
182 PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Annual Financial Statements
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS PAGE 13
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2009 2008
For The Year Ended 31 December 2009 R R
PHSG Financial Assistance Fund 357 085 593 861
Balance at beginning of year (7) 22 582
Add: Investment income 245 506
475 907 45 514
Net income – Parking (41 097)
Net (loss)/income – Shoppe 907 463
791 888 (550 378)
Less: Scholarships and subsidies (683 562)
Plus: Subsidies funded through school -
Balance at end of year 207 653
357 085
12. Accounts payable 315 979
Accruals for expenses incurred 426 920
Provisions 389 711
13. Capital commitments 775 258 1 009 490
Authorised and contracted for 206 600 216 180
- Astro Mat
- Storage Rooms 981 858 1 225 670
- Upgrading of learner ablutions
- 889 027
- 199 225
159 000
-
159 000
1 088 252
14. Taxation
The school is exempt from income tax in terms of Section 10(1)(cA)(i) of the Income Tax Act. Any donations or
bequests made to the school are deductible in terms of Section 18A of the Income Tax Act.
183PHSG 1902-2009 • T he Iris
Autographs 2009
Autographs 2009
184 PHSG 1902-2009 • TTHEhIeRIIS ris
Valentines Ball
Valentines Ball
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