The Iris Magazine 2014

Chess

Chess This year has been a very exciting year for the
Chess Club, ranging from our annual tournament
CHESS 1ST TEAM at the All Girls’ Festival to our normal league. In
Back Row (L-R): Tania Blake, Nikhila Moodley, Marlise van Tonder, Robyn Markram the past year the Chess Club has had so many
Front Row (L-R): Mantshadi Tlhabadira, Mrs T van Tonder, Angelicah Kiggundu enthusiastic inexperienced girls who wanted to
CHESS 2ND TEAM play chess, so it was up to our matrics (Robyn
Absent: Hsang-Chun Chiu Markram, Muntshadi Tlhabadira and me) to
Back Row (L-R): Angela Wang, Abigail Kuhn, Tara Pemu, Rose Mamabolo coach for the first few weeks as we did not have a
Front Row (L-R): Tamica Davids, Mantshadi Tlhabadira, Mrs T van Tonder, coach at the time. Teaching the girls was so much
Angelicah Kiggundu, Michelle Blake fun and we quickly learnt what they all struggled
to understand – the movement of the knight!
The All Girls’ Festival in Port Elizabeth was an
unforgettable experience. Most of the games
played were lost, but not without a lesson. At the
festival we got to play some of the most skilled
young ladies from all over the country. We played
nine two-hour games, four on both the first and
second days, and one on the last day. A lot of
friendships were made and even though we did
not do so well, there was so much we, as a team,
learnt.
What made this year’s chess league even better
was our victory against Hoër Meisieskool, our all
time rivals, placing the First Team in second place
in the league
What a lot of people do not know is that not
only is chess played at our club, but also other
games (which one can really describe as differ-
ent variations of chess), such as ‘Eat and Ex-
plosion’, which is basically the reversal game of
chess, in which the person with the least pieces
wins. These games were introduced by Marlise
van Tonder!
Chess at Girls High has grown so much and I can
only hope that it will continue to do so. Howev-
er, without the guidance of skilled coaches, the
Chess Club would not grow. Thanks go to coach
Steenkamp for a wonderful year of learning, and
Mrs van Tonder for her guidance and support.
All the best for next year!
Angelicah Kiggundu
Captain

99The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Cross Country

Cross Country

CROSS COUNTRY
Back Row (L-R): Benita Kiabilua, Lebo Maboa, Lexi Botha, Fundi Kokela, Alexa Robinson, Jeanne Ngo Mbous, Tetelo Mpuru
3rd Row (L-R): Kaylee Harris, Jamie Hopson, Lufuno Sigwadi, Lauren Van Zyl, Ellen Maartens, Claudia Da Cunha, Amalia Magnin
2nd Row (L-R): Keamogetswe Manamela, Gabriella Matthews, Erinn Simpson, Taylor Rees, Nika Britz, Gaby Birkholtz, Megan Gerber, Obakeng Mahlako
Front row (L-R): Cayla Rosenblatt, Jamie Brown, Thabi Maboa, Miss M Lippi, Kamo Kgasago, Tristen Rees, Annie Bredell

As another memorable Cross Country season comes to an end, The Pretoria league was a tough one but with the help and
the hard work involved over the past year was rewarded. The support of our coach, Kenny, and our number one supporter,
season began with somewhat unfit runners having just enjoyed Ms Lippi, we managed to get our three top runners, Tristen
a lazy summer holiday and when our first practice came we were Rees, Taylor Rees and Rethabile Maboa, to attend the Pretoria
all hoping that it was going to be a relaxed one. However, when B league prize giving where they received bronze medals in
we saw our coach approach with a thick book in his hands we their age groups. The Junior Team came third and received
instantly knew that he had different plans for us! bronze medals and the Senior PHSG Combined Team came
Reluctantly, we felt compelled to follow him, and by the time second in the league. We are very proud of our girls as it has
our first Johannesburg league race was scheduled, we were been many years since we last placed in the Pretoria League
ready and the results clearly showed this. Team competition.
Our Cross Country Team performed well in the Johannesburg This year Cross Country has been an exciting one with
league and qualified for the District Championships even many wins, losses and memories. None of this could have
though we did not place at these championships. It was clear happened without my friends, family and my Cross Country
that we were determined and that we would stop at nothing Team of 2014.
to win. We also competed at the Eunice Girls Festival where Rethabile Maboa
our team came first. Captain

100 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Equestrian

Equestrian

EQUESTRIAN
Back Row (L-R): Amaarah Amod, Simoné Maree, Dayna Blignaut, Kristi Harvey, Megan Pieterse, Robyn Jansen, Valentina Fiachetti
Front row (L-R): Jean-Marie Rossouw, Ameerah Amod, Mrs E Lubie, Francesca Bithrey, Tiffany McAlister

We started the year off by inviting new members to our group push forward and do their best as well as supporting our team
so as to grow our family and we welcomed back familiar faces. at every show we attended, whether it was raining, windy or
The PHSG Equestrian Team competed in the South African in blazing heat. She was always there, cheering us on. We
National Equestrian Schools’ Association (SANESA) which especially thank our equine soul mates without whom our
falls under the Gauteng North division and events are held at lives would be incomplete.
Misty Meadows near Rayton. Girls competed in a number of ‘There is no secret so close as that between a rider and her
divisions ranging from Equitation, Dressage, Show Jumping, horse.’ (Unknown)
Performance Riding, Pre-Caprelli, Working Rider, Working Robyn Jansen
Hunter and Western Mounted Games. Captain
Two girls were selected for the Gauteng Provincial Team:
Kristi-Leigh Harvey was selected for the A Team for dressage
as well as for the C Team for Equitation, and Ammaarah
Amod was selected for the A Team in Show Jumping.
Kristi-Leigh Harvard, Ammaarah Amod and Jean-Marie
Rossouw also competed for Gauteng North in the national
competition held in September. Jean-Marie Rossouw was
placed first in the South African Western Mounted Games

and we congratulate all these riders.
On behalf of the team, I thank Mrs
Lubie for her constant support and
encouragement in striving for the team to

101The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Diving

Diving

Retired basketball legend, Dennis Rodman, DIVING 1ST TEAM
once said, ‘This life is like a swimming pool. Absent: Cydney Liebenberg, Danielle Fröhling
You dive into the water, but you can’t see Back Row (L-R): Erinn Simpson, Leah Mascini, Jenna Pretorius, Amber Crouse, Bella Gioia
how deep it is.’ This is especially true of Front Row (L-R): Tyla Grobler, Serah-May Smedsrud, Mrs J Prinsloo, Melissa Botha, Jade Theys
any competitive diving season, as we do not BEGINNER DIVING
realise how much depth we have until we get Back Row (L-R): Lauren Schutte, Claudia da Cunha, Jeanay van Schalkwyk, Lara Gouws, Tristan
into the water. Crawford
This year has been immensely successful for Front Row (L-R): Serah-May Smedsrud, Mrs J Prinsloo, Melissa Botha
diving at PHSG and we have developed in
terms of skills and depth. We had the priv-
ilege of acquiring the skills of ex-interna-
tional competitive diver and old girl, Linda
Liebenberg, to aid us in coaching and she
was supported by another enthusiastic old
girl, Courtney Male. Starting with a very suc-
cessful grade 7 diving clinic last year, we hit
the pool diving with very determined junior
and senior squads in January. Competing at
St Mary’s Summer Splash and improving by
six positions was definitely an awesome way
to start the season, as well as placing third at
the National Aquatics Festival.
All the girls showed excellent progress, div-
ing at much higher degrees of difficulty and
qualifying at provincial and national levels.
We always had divers in the top three in each
competition in which we participated, with
Cydney Liebenberg winning her age group
at the Inter-High (with immaculate two and
a half somersaults) and numerous other
competitions and also placing third at the
National Aquatics Championships.
Our dedicated and enthusiastic captains,
Serah-May Smedsrud and Melissa Botha
proved themselves to be invaluable assets
to the team, both in motivating other divers,
organising displays and coaching our large
group of enthusiastic grade 8s and senior
beginners. We welcomed numerous seniors
into the beginner squad and look forward to
building on this depth in 2015.
This year we have certainly seen how deep
the water is and look forward to jumping
in even deeper next year with a new Diving
Second Team to compete in the league.
Mrs J Prinsloo
Liaison teacher

102 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Hockey

Hockey

HOCKEY 1ST TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Jemimah Smith, Kelsey Langley, Kirsten Coetzee
Middle Row (L-R): Shannon Henry, Meeghan Scheffer, Yaelin Tate, Meeghan Klomp, Matika Ras, Marelise van Tonder
Front Row (L-R): Jénica da Encarnacao, Melissa Langley, Mrs K Brimecombe, Kirsty Gibson, Annebelle Bettman
Insert: Mr D Reid-Ross (Coach)

Many hard and hot training sessions prepared us for a long Hoërskool Menlopark) we came third overall.
season ahead and our first test arrived at the opening of our This long season reminded us that hockey is not for the
very own Astro, where the newly selected First Team played faint-hearted and most of our players sustained injuries:
against our sister school, Eunice. Although we lost 0-4 it was a we had two broken noses, broken fingers, pulled ligaments
great evening of celebration and a chance for us to learn not to concussions and many more.
play the occasion, but the game. We then played in the annual St Although this year’s First Team had a slow start, I am proud
Mary’s Festival which is always a tough tournament as it is at the to say that in the end the team came together, playing a
beginning of the season and physically demanding. We played beautiful brand of hockey and developing into a force with
ten twenty-five minute matches and we conceded only three which to be reckoned. The future of PHSG hockey shines
goals, ending seventeenth out of twenty-eight teams, which was brightly as the younger teams have done so well, clearly
an improvement from last year. This was a promising start to showing the benefit of having our own Astro. Thanks go
the season in the eyes of our coach, Mr Reid-Ross. to everyone who played a part in making PHSG’s Astro a
At the National Girls’ Schools Festival, hosted by Collegiate, we reality. With this facility and more girls being exposed to
ended eleventh out of eighteen teams. It was on this tour that the experience, we have started to see a huge improvement
we all bonded as teammates and as friends which helped our in our hockey. The U16A Team did so well this year with
performance on the field.
After this the Pretoria league started. just missing out on the Noordvaal competition.
Our dip in performance throughout Our U15A Team did qualify for the
the Pretoria league forced us to competition but unfortunately
travel to Tzaneen for one night to just lost and were not able to
play Ben Vorster on a grass field play in the final tournament held
so that our team could qualify to in Pretoria. All our B teams had an
play in the Noordvaal league. We opportunity to play league matches
showed the Tzaneen team what on the Astro.
we were made of by winning 7-1. Thank you to Mr Reid-Ross
In the Noordvaal league (held at who really uplifts our game and
Mrs Brimecombe, in particular, but

103The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Hockey

HOCKEY 2ND TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Jennifer Meyer,
Kerry-Anne Genricks, Natalie Petzwinkler
Middle Row (L-R): Michelle Roux, Hayley Elcombe,
Kristi-Leigh Harvey, Kaylah Mascini, Tabang Motale,
Brittani Korb
Front Row (L-R): Brigitte Winterstein, Tayla Wagner,
Mrs J van der Westhuizen, Bianca Clingham,
Banele Motsheweni
HOCKEY 3RD TEAM
Absent: Chiara Wheatley
Back Row (L-R): Laiken Venter, Cindy Cherry,
Simoné Maree, Paige Els, Robyn Murphy,
Lauren McAlister
Middle Row (L-R): Tsholo Dlamini,
Robyn Bezuidenhout, Monique Knight, Caitlyn Frisby,
Kirsten Harvey, Zola Nzimande
Front Row (L-R): Erin de Hart, Mr J Calmeyer,
Angelicah Kiggundu, Mr R Jelley, Holly Dercksen
HOCKEY 4TH TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Kelly den Hertog, Shannon Forbes,
Jaydene Pereira da Silva, Caitlin Dixon
Middle Row (L-R): Tiffany McAlister, Sarah Pitt,
Keabetswe Tsebe, Jessica Heath, Erica Geldenhuys,
Mandy Gordon
Front Row (L-R): Kgothatso Kgosana, Mrs M Marais,
Lisa Ndyulo, Mrs T Meintjies, Sibu Masemola

also to all our other liaison teachers, without whom hockey at PHSG
would not be what it is.
To all our players, stay humble, always keep fighting and do not stop
believing in each other and most importantly, believing in yourself.
Kirsty Gibson
Captain

104 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Hockey
HOCKEY U16A
Absent: Jenna Shuker
Back Row (L-R): Ashleigh Wilhelm, Simone Dorland,
Josie Martin, Genevieve Joynt, Tia Dupuy
Middle Row (L-R): Danielle Fröhling, Jo-Anne Faller,
Karen Collins, Hannaé Meyer, Callia Nicolaides
Front Row (L-R): Mabongi Nyalungu, Janie Mouton,
Mrs T Meintjies, Teneal Morkel, Lisa Lastrucci
HOCKEY U16B
Absent: Shanesia Rugbar, Amy Chapman,
Lesego Matsemela
Back Row (L-R): Linoré van Wyk, Nicole Cunningham,
Marcail Wragg, Erika Smit, Olivia Hitchcock
Middle Row (L-R): Lili Smit, Kezanne Denton,
Micaela Alapatt, Veronique Frances, Kirsty Sutton,
Lebo Telite
Front Row (L-R): Meghan Delaney, Mrs M Albertyn,
Megan van Schalkwyk, Ms C Male, Daniela Casieri
HOCKEY U16C
Back Row (L-R): Hannah Snyman, Rachel Ngyende,
Isabella da Silva, Jamie Wills, Jade Swanepoel
Middle Row (L-R): Abi Howard, Tina Mabugu,
Gift Baloyi, Lelethu Nokele, Kurston Fortuin,
Michaela Agathopoulos
Front Row (L-R): Gemma Felton, Megan Williamson,
Ms L Austin, Justine King, Amy Finlayson

105The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Hockey HOCKEY U15A
Absent: Michelle Kwofie
106 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris Back Row (L-R): Cameron van den Berg,
Tayla Pretorius, Gabriella Lucas, Leah Mascini,
Morgan Kleinhentz
Middle Row (L-R): Cayla Rosenblatt, Shazia Solomon,
Caitlyn Thompson, Mikela Nortje, Louisa Anyimadu,
Cassie Quiterras
Front Row (L-R): Emma Scheffer, Larah Scurr,
Mrs M Oertel, Ellen Maartens, Jamie-Lee Brown
HOCKEY U15B
Absent: Mr D Andrew
Back Row (L-R): Rebecca Nel, Sarah Place, Lexie Reeler,
Tamryn Logan, Abigail Ashfield, Catherine de Rouibaix
Middle Row (L-R): Racheal Heath, Peyton Beyleveld,
Artheia-Angelika Lightley, Neo Sonny, Megan Gerber,
Leovan Scott
Front Row (L-R): Kenya Thomas, Jade Gower-Jackson,
Mrs N le Riche, Natalie Tyler, Alexandra Savvas
HOCKEY U15C
Absent: Courtney Truebody
Back Row (L-R): Ms S Anderson, Courtney Truebody
Back Row (L-R): Hannah van der Linde, Bella Gioia,
Cayla Pearson, Avela Dlungele, Aa’Isha Begg,
Jennifer Cazalet
Middle Row (L-R): Natasha Zachariades,
Caitlyn Hilliard-Lomas, Milena Rodrigues,
Legolo Maphunye, Erinn Simpson, Mikayla Isebeck
Front Row (L-R): Carol-Kate Chapman, Fransesca
Bernardi, Ms H Pelser, Camryn Thurman, Micaela Lima

Hockey

HOCKEY U14A
Back Row (L-R): Mikaila Philips, Cara Janse van
Rensburg, Charlotte Smit, Cara Schoombie,
Jenna-Lee Clingham
Middle Row (L-R): Kirstin Dippenaar,
Lauren Proudfoot, Kamaryn Muffler, Trinity Brown,
Ashley Coetzee, Charné Griesel
Front Row (L-R): Tristen Crawford, Nicole Barnard,
Ms L Grindley-Ferris, Ashleigh Place, Megan Fourie
HOCKEY U14B
Absent: Francis Breckenridge, Jessica van der Merwe
Back Row (L-R): Allicyn Moses, Erin Nicholson,
Lara Gouws, Esmee van der Arend,
Natascha Janse van Rensburg, Lauren Cooke,
Erin McKenna, Lucia Leal Garcia
Front Row (L-R): Cassandra Papangeli, Aspen Kurz-Store,
Mrs J Jubber, Emilia Magnin, Shakeerah Masoet
HOCKEY U14C
Absent: Jamie Gopaul
Back Row (L-R): Motsi Macheha, Jennifer Koen,
Morgot Haskins, Naledi Sekoati
Middle Row (L-R): Kaylee Harris, Zoë de Souza,
Kellin Burger, Danelle Grassman, Alexandra Bahlman,
Gabriella Blake
Front Row (L-R): Cayla Lieberum, Nicolette Kotzé,
Ms H Pelser, Asanda Nkonde, Kemi Maila

107The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Netball

Netball

NETBALL 1ST TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Sharon Munyai, Mahlatse Masimini, Tisetso Petje, Lara van Zyl, Lorraine Dippenaar, Sérah-May Smedsrud, Kaitlin Howe,
Regina Maepa
Front Row (L-R): Tyla Grobler, Ms S Dorlas, Zenande Booi, Mrs R Matthyse, Boitshoko Mopedi

This year has been very festive and one never to forget. Eleven parents, teachers and coaches this year. Thank you for
determined and enthusiastic First Team ladies embarked on a always supporting me and always being keen to help out
journey that forged spectacular memories. where possible, and also to our spectators who never failed
Our first tournament was the St Andrews Netball Tournament to support all the netball teams, whether it be at school, at
and out of the thirty-two schools, we came sixteenth. Our away matches or tournaments.
My thanks go to our vice, Boitshoko Mopedi, who was
biggest tournament yet, the All Girls’ Schools National always there to make the team smile and give a word of
Festival held at Collegiate Girls’ High School, where encouragement when needed. The team would not have got
we played up to four games a day, followed. This so far had she not been there to cheer them on.
tournament proved to be a huge improvement Netball at PHSG never fails to grow from strength to
and success as we came eighth out of strength, and it is a testament to hard work paying off. The
seventeen schools. 2014 teams truly led by example and left a lasting impression
Our school’s A league started, and we took on the younger girls. To all the players and especially to the
every game as it came. We were not going First Team of 2015, do not be afraid to try new things. Be
to back down that easily. We played close courageous and work hard – you will never know how far
games, losing narrowly to our opponents on you can go until you push yourself. It has been an honour.
occasions. This season, especially, was a Good luck!
great improvement, thanks to our coaches Zenande Booi
and liaison teachers, not forgetting the Captain
girls who committed themselves to
playing the sport. Their eagerness to
learn made it easier to understand what
was required of them.
Congratulations to Zenande Booi who
was selected for the Gauteng Under 18
Team. Her team came fifth at the All
Ages Tournament held in Margate, and
she was selected to play for the Under
18 National Squad. We would like to
extend a huge word of thanks to all the

108 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Netball
NETBALL 2ND & 3RD
Back Row (L-R): Tsholofelo Mamogale,
Amy de Wet, Fundi Kokela, Charlotte Angel,
Ashleigh Mokgoshi
Middle Row (L-R): Awande Lugojolo,
Nthabiseng Mokotedi, Lesego Mahlako,
Palesa Molefe, Kgali Ratsoana,
Amogelang Kolokoto
Front Row (L-R): Ashton Carolissen,
Palesa Moshia, Mrs T Janse van Rensburg,
Tshegofatso Tleane, Samantha Buckland

NETBALL U17A NETBALL U17B
Back Row (L-R): Attie Booi, Natalie Ntsaku, Johanna Makgobane, Back Row (L-R): Lungile Mahlangu, Mrs M Andrade, Ms T du Preez,
Princess Ndala, Zozo Makaula, Lwazi Khoza Nicole Mampye
Front Row (L-R): Bonolo Kgoebane, Mrs M Andrade, Front Row (L-R): Nicky Murugan, Thandiwe Thwala, Nthabiseng Utla,
Simbongile Nyangintsimbi, Ms T du Preez, Bronwyn Adams Daisy Nemutanzhela, Lebo Moleleki

NETBALL U16A NETBALL U16B
Back Row (L-R): Thandiwe Ndlovu, Jodi Steytler, Deirdré van Niekerk, Back Row (L-R): Mametse Moropyane, Bronwin Sebonka, Ms B Grover,
Nthabiseng Mabapa Courtney Donaldson, Tisetso Phadu
Front Row (L-R): Kristen-Lee van der Merwe, Nkhensani Biko, Front Row (L-R): Obakeng Moropa, Andile Mangisa, Bophelo Mmako
Ms B Grover, Shanique Parker, Vanessa Arcanjo
109The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Netball

NETBALL U16C & D
Absent: Boitumelo Phadi, Basetsana Ramahuta
Back Row (L-R): Michaela Rodrigues,
Samantha Scott, Basi Mamogale,
Mfanelo Maluleke, Lebohang Maboa,
Chloé Chappell
Middle Row (L-R): Emmerentia Tshiovha,
Thabang Ajigini, Sheryl Lepedi, Savanna Primmer,
Khanya Petje, Mmopi Nkuna
Front Row (L-R): Naa Shidaa Mills,
Pamela Maako, Mrs M Ford, Rebekha Gwangwa,
Palesa Sedibe

NETBALL U15A NETBALL U15B
Back Row (L-R): Kuhle Besman, Khensani Shibambo, Kendal Grant, Absent: Tayla Cromhout
Kristen Marshall Back Row (L-R): Chantelle Pienaar, Clara Minny, Refiloe Menyaapelo,
Front Row (L-R): Boipelo Mokgale, Mr F Pretorius, Tayla Frans, Palesa Sebego
Mrs R Matthyse, Helena Zelle Front Row (L-R): Mishka Kramer, Mr F Pretorius, Holly Kearns,
Mrs R Matthyse, Tshedi Mokoele

NETBALL U15C NETBALL U15D
Absent: Flourish Oluwamakinde Back Row (L-R): Sascha Kacnik, Mishqah Parsotam, Favour Nwabuwanne,
Back Row (L-R): Simona Coetzee, Jade Joubert, Charmaine Bosma, Rayleigh Jonker
Jayde Menelaou, Caitlin Holtzkampf Front Row (L-R): Orapeleng Kgampe, Mbali Nzimande, Mrs A van der
Front Row (L-R): Tlou Lekgau, Mrs A van der Walt, Danièll Cook-Patterson Walt, Thando Mbonani, Naledi Mafela

110 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Netball

NETBALL U14A NETBALL U14B
Back Row (L-R): Lerato Skosana, Megan Hilton, Mellissa Sithole, Absent: Mbali Soga
Tshegofatso Mello Back Row (L-R): Kearopetse Mokoena, Cayleigh Harvey, Grace Donaldson,
Front Row (L-R): Erin Hendricks, Mrs E Whelpton, Mbali Ntuli, Lauren van Zyl, Nontokozo Mgwenya
Mrs L Stellaard, Refentse Manyelo Front Row (L-R): Mrs E Whelpton, Annette Tsaku, Mrs L Stellaard

NETBALL U14C & D
Absent: Sihle Moremi
Back Row (L-R): Danian Smit, Daniella Mitri, Caragh McIntosh, Claire Angel, Dayna Binda,
Dimpho Mhlanga, Jessica Blair
Front Row (L-R): Jessica da Silva, Mrs I Rademeyer, Njabulo Ntuli, Stacey Hassen,
Amy Holtzkampf

111The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Squash

Squash

SQUASH 1ST TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Alex Pashkin, Ashleigh Place, Mrs D Klopper, Mignon van Zyl, Rachel Glass
Front Row (L-R): Shannon Pullock, Nikita Claassen, Jessica Colley

Squash this year has been fun and entertaining for all our which I will never forget. Thanks to Mwansa Chilese,
girls. Even though we did not have many victories, having Mrs de Sousa, whom we will surely miss, and Mrs Klopper,
lost many of our stronger players when our matrics of 2013 for all their support and all the endless smiles and laughs and
left us, we still enjoyed the game we all play. At the All Girls’ for motivating us, especially when the score-board didn’t look
Schools National Festival, we played against nine different promising.
schools. We lost against eight of the nine schools, leaving us Thanks to the First Team for being
in ninth place. As a new team we bonded well though and there through wins and losses.
had many laughs. We lost against Eunice in Bloemfontein, They will always have a special
but the girls who went had fun and we bonded as a sport. place in my heart and I wish them,
I am proud to have been the squash captain this year and and all the players, all the best for
hope the ladies keep at it. We congratulate Jessica Colley the years to come.
who represented Gauteng North at the Inter-Provincial I know they will make our school
tournament. I am very proud of all the proud and will enjoy doing it.
squash ladies and thank them for a fun Shannon Pullock
year. Captain
Finally, I thank everyone who made
my squash journey at this school one

112 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Squash

SQUASH 2ND TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Annie Oppler, Kaitlin Studer, Courtney Donaldson, Marcail Wragg
Front Row (L-R): Tiffany McAlister, Justine King, Mrs D Klopper, Tina van der Breggen, Canzonette Malherbe
SQUASH BEGINNERS
Back Row (L-R): Kirsten Regan, Jessica Dachs, Nicolette Kotzé, Megan Fourie, Danian Smit, Vibaksha Lalla
Middle Row (L-R): Jacqueline James, Charné Griesel, Kenya Thomas, Larissa Liebenberg, Meadow Brenner, Arielle Gibson
Front Row (L-R): Helena Zelle, Ms S Nthuli, Skye Brown, Mrs M Buchel, Siphu Buhali

113The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Swimming

Swimming

SWIMMING A TEAM
Absent: Deirdré van Niekerk
Back Row (L-R): Heike Thormählen, Tayla Cromhout, Jemimah Smith, Stephanie van Zyl, Kendal Grant, Mia Köpplinger, Kelsey Langley,
Kirsten Coetzee, Alexa Robinson, Lexie Reeler
Middle Row (L-R): Cara Schoombie, Emma Scheffer, Caitlin Manley, Nicole Siebert, Courtney van Biljon, Lucy da Costa, Frances Coetser, Kristin Ellis,
Michelle Swanepoel, Cami van den Berg, Hayley Elcombe, Esmee van der Arend, Franki-May Tooley
Front Row (L-R): Natalia de Nobrega, Sasha Lordan, Kelsy-Amor Taljaard, Ms S Dorlas, Mrs M Albertyn, Melissa Langley, Trinity Brown, Ashley Coetzee

SWIMMING B AND C TEAMS
Back Row (L-R): Jade Gower-Jackson, Rachel Price, Lara van Zyl, Chené van Heerden, Kristi-Leigh Harvey
4th Row (L-R): Hannah van der Linde, Courtney Anderson, Kelly Lucas, Nicola Antoniazzi, Savannah Netherlands, Busi Nyika, Monica Esterhuizen,
Ariami Joubert
3rd Row (L-R): Marie Malan, Danica Wolfaardt, Ingrid Roos, Cassidy Murphy, Julia Tosi, Alexa Gioia, Lulu Tooley, Kaylah Mascini, Kirsten Marshall
2nd Row (L-R): Jamie Brown, Tristan Crawford, Megan Gerber, Gemma Felton, Lara Gouws, Jessica Blair, Micaela Rodrigues, Carol-Kate Chapman,
Aspen Kurz-Store, Claudia da Cunha, Tiyani Chabalala, Cayla Rosenblatt
Front Row (L-R): Jean-Marie Rossouw, Hannah Snyman, Melby Mhuruyengwe, Ms S Dorlas, Brogan Black, Mrs M Albertyn, Paige Els, Regina Maepa,
Loraine Shuttleworth

114 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Swimming

From Pretoria to Johannesburg to East London and at many of our galas and for this, we thank them.
Pietermaritzburg, our swimmers travelled in search of a pool As Michael Phelps once said, ‘You can’t put a limit on
in which to swim in order to find success and bring it back anything. The more you dream the farther you get.’
home. We had a most successful season and this was due to Our placings in the galas over this past year were as follows:
the tremendous amount of hard work all round.
Our inter-house gala took place early in the first term and the Pretoria Inter-High A-League Gala, held at Hillcrest.
winning house was Connaught. This is always a fun-filled and Girls’ Team scores
exciting event which takes place in the evening and this year 1. Menlo Park 368
we had many parents supporting our swimmers. A big thank 2. Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool 324
you to all. 3. Pretoria High School for Girls 271
The swimmers truly swam with passion and excitement and 4. Cornwall Hill College 267
stood out as true Girls’ High girls in every aspect. The First 5. St Mary’s DSG 256
Team travelled to East London to attend the National Girls’ 6. Crawford College Pretoria 208
Aquatics Festival where we ended eighth. Later we made our 7. Hoërskool Garsfontein 206
way to Pietermaritzburg in order to participate in the Midmar 8. Hatfield Christian School 199
Mile. We shared many laughs, had good food and lots of fun. 9. Woodhill College 142
We congratulate Ms Dorlas and Mrs Albertyn for coming
fifth and fourth respectively in their age groups at the Midmar Pretoria Inter-High B-League Gala (Girls’ section)
Mile. This was Ms Dorlas’s twentieth third time of swimming 1. Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool
the Mile. 2. Hoërskool Waterkloof
We came fifth at St Mary’s Splash Gala, first at the Kingsmead 3. Hoërskool Menlopark B
Gala, fourth at the Night Gala and sixth at the Johannesburg 4. Midstream College
Girls’ Premier League Gala. All round we had a very good 5. Pretoria High School for Girls
year. At the Pretoria Inter-High Gala, our First Team came 6. Hoërskool Montana
third out of the nine schools that participated and our B-Team 7. Hoërskool Oos Moot
came fifth at the Pretoria Inter-High B Gala. The girls never 8. Willowridge High School
stopped giving their best and they always pushed themselves 9. Hoërskool Eldoraigne
that extra bit further which was really exciting. 10. Sutherland High School
Thanks are due to Ms Dorlas, Mrs Albertyn and Mrs Marais for
all their support and hard work throughout the season. Mrs Kelsy-Amor Taljaard
McNair, Mrs K du Toit and Mrs Schoombie also supported us Captain

115The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Lifesaving

Lifesaving

2014 began like any other year: the usual group assumed their be the same at PHSG. Thanks also go to Ms Austin who has
places next to the pool, teaching eager grade 8s the basics of kindly taken over the liaison for the team and to Jenna-Lee
lifesaving: strangleholds, recover positions and CPR in the Price for being a supportive vice-captain. Organising forms
warm sun. This was followed by slightly less eager laps, drills and games cards has been all the easier thanks to her tireless
and spinal board practices in the cold pool. dedication and commitment which have been a motivation
The news broke: our liaison teacher, Mrs de Sousa, would no to us all.
longer be part of our team – she was changing schools. This Lastly, I thank the lovely, lifesaving ladies for being an
came as a shock to us all because she had been coordinating enthusiastic group. Their eager participation, support
our group for several years. On behalf of the PHSG and hunger for constant improvement have made this
Lifesaving Team, I would like to thank her for her countless year all the more enjoyable. I wish them all the best for
hours of dedication and support. their exams!
I also thank Mariaan Koolen for her endless energy, admirable Stephanie van Zyl
patience and commitment. Without her, lifesaving would not Captain

LIFE SAVING JUNIOR LIFE GUARDS
Absent: Laiken Venter, Elif Yilmaz
Back Row (L-R): Danielle Roux, Neo Kgobane,
Kendal Cole
Middle Row (L-R): Caitlin Dixon, Candice Gunn,
Natania Harding, Simone Rosa
Front Row (L-R): Nazneen Saib, Stephanie van Zyl,
Mrs J de Sousa, Jenna-Lee Price, Raffaella Braga

LIFE SAVING LIFE GUARDS
Absent: Zoë Kuhn, Chelsea Venter
Back Row (L-R): Teagan Barnard,
Kayla Barnard, Gabriella Lucas, Hannàn Jeppe
Front Row (L-R): Catherine de Roubaix,
Stephanie van Zyl, Mrs J de Sousa, Jenna-Lee Price,
Jo-Ann Harrison

116 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Tennis

Tennis

TENNIS 1ST TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Meeghan Klomp, Simone Pretorius, Michelle Roux
Front Row (L-R): Annebelle Bettman, Mrs T Jonker, Isabella Chela

‘The depressing thing about tennis is that by one point! We then progressed to the very competitive All
no matter how good I get, I’ll never be as Girls’ Schools National Festival held at Collegiate where we
good as a wall.’ Mitch Hedberg beat La Rochelle and Rustenburg in the pool stages but lost
This was an extremely to Eunice and Collegiate. We were unfortunately knocked out
tough year all round and did not advance to the semi-finals, ending ninth overall.
for our school’s The future for PHSG’s tennis looks bright and promising
tennis teams. It started as both Simone Pretorius and Antonia Chela were chosen
off with the annual St to represent Gauteng North. Our Junior Team also did
Mary’s Festival where we exceptionally well, winning most of its league matches. We
narrowly lost to Wynberg thank our coach, Tarryn Jonker, for her constant effort and
Girls and beat Somerset College, support for the girls on the many tours. Her coaching has led
ending seventh overall. The First us all to new heights of achievement, joy in our tennis and set
Team had a successful league, us firmly on the path to reach our goals.
beating Garsfontein and Curro and Michelle Roux
losing to Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool Captain

117The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Tennis

TENNIS 2ND TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Chané Theron, Mrs T Jonker, Danny Wolfaardt
Front Row (L-R): Jessica Heath, Antonia Chela, Ariami Joubert

TENNIS 2ND TEAM TENNIS JUNIOR A TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Lucy da Costa, Marlise van Tonder Absent: Antonia Chela
Front row (L-R): Arantxa Blecher, Mrs T Jonker, Ashley Witson Front Row (L-R): Simone Pretorius, Micaela Worthington,
Jade Georgiou, Mrs T Jonker

TENNIS JUNIOR B TEAM TENNIS JUNIOR C TEAM
Absent: Tara Pemu Back Row (L-R): Ilhaam Ally, Natascha Janse van Rensburg,
Back Row (L-R): Clea Welch, Sharelle Moopanar Jade Gower-Jackson, Mrs T Jonker
Front Row (L-R): Noa Anthony, Mrs T Jonker, Kristin Katzin

118 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Volleyball

Volleyball

VOLLEYBALL 1ST TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Priyanka Ramnath, Sabrina Colley, Lisah Dzemwa
Middle Row (L-R): Nadia Rossouw, Angelique de Kock, Crystal Grace, Ami-Rose Nel, Tumisang Letebele, Vhuiwa Neluvhalani
Front Row (L-R): May Khalaf, Ms C Park, Bontle Moatshe, Mrs Y Jackson, Thando Dwangu

Every sport is a victim of stereotypes. Even the sports that are as C Teams attended. The competition outlined the potential
exhilarating and enticing as volleyball are subject to misconstrued that each of the teams had. The B Team played from strength
generalisations. The most popular misconceptions include: the to strength, but did not make it past their pool of challenging
fact that volleyball is easy; the belief that only tall people can teams. The C Team progressed into the Round Robin where
succeed in playing volleyball and that volleyball can only be they then unfortunately lost their match. Finally, the A Team
played in summer. This year our Volleyball teams effortlessly made it to the Round Robin and won all their matches right up
discredited each of those stereotypes by showing how complex until the final, at which point they lost to the hosting school
volleyball can be when strategies are incorporated, having and finished second overall.
a diverse range of tall and short players and by playing our Volleyball camp is always a much-anticipated event scheduled
hearts out in the peak of winter. The volleyball players were in the diaries of the committed and passionate players. It is
well accustomed to practising in cloudy and cold weather by the ideal platform to acquaint themselves with players from
the time the first term had drawn to an end. To our dismay, different teams and to indulge in the glories of team-building.
the cold front that swept over the country for a couple of Nothing is more gratifying than welcoming the grade 8s to the
weeks during March, prevented us from attending some of volleyball sisterhood. The volleyball talent show is yet another
the tournaments which we annually compete in. However, off-court delicacy that perpetuates just how multi-talented
despite the unstable weather conditions, we insisted in beating the players are. In the midst of all the exciting activities lined
our opponents with our arrival at the tournament hosted by up in volleyball, we never ceased to remember the primary
Fourways – PHSG was back in action. The Under 19A, B and objective: the culmination of the necessary skills to play to the

119The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Volleyball

VOLLEYBALL 2ND TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Magali Kiabilua, Tina Kondouli,
Anastasya Papavarnavas
Middle Row (L-R): Lerato Thabane, Odette le Grange,
Louise Burdett, Kathryn Bredell, Bianca Caldeira de Aguiar,
Ofentse Pheme
Front Row (L-R): Shocky Shai, Ms C Park, Paballo Mangala,
Mrs Y Jackson, Phemelo Tshehla
VOLLEYBALL 3RD TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Taeeun Kim, Maryam Sanatkaran,
Ashton Flowerday, Benita Kiabilua, Gontse Ledwaba
Middle Row (L-R): Bronwyn Harmse, Amanda Kwele,
Mahlatse Motitswe, Keentswe Magodielo, Vaschel Naidoo,
Anastasia Nkune
Front Row (L-R): Elsie Bokaba, Ms C Park, Vhonani Radzilani,
Mrs Y Jackson, Merveille Luis

best of one’s ability and enrichment pertaining VOLLEYBALL U16A
to the tactful strategies that enable us to improve Back Row (L-R): Dominique Lockhart, Alexia Daniel,
Nickyla Naidoo, Kayla Barnard, Nomsa Twala, Bianca Human,
our standard of game play. Self-growth Nomsa Mahlangu
was evident within many players, but most Front Row (L-R): Lethabo Motlonge, Ms C Park, Caryn Wright,
importantly, the biggest improvement surged Mrs Y Jackson, Nicole Naidoo
when the team strived to play as a single, third overall which was seen as a fine achievement as this is an
integrated entity. We reaped the benefit improvement in our ranking from the past two years. Two of
of our hard work when we attended the our players received special individual awards.
most momentous tournament of them all: Volleyball is a tight-knit community which we like to re-qualify
Mafikeng. Our Second Team faced tough as a sisterhood. We always have the spirit because that is just
competition and went on to play for the Plate what we do. I, personally, thank the players for being themselves.
Cup, whilst the First Team made it all the way Volleyball may be perceived as an easy sport, but it is a whole
to the semi-finals where they narrowly lost by other experience when one is not on the stands, but on the court.
a two point difference. PHSG’s A Team came Volleyball would not have been the thrill that it was this year had
it not been for each and every participant. I leave the latter with
120 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris this thought: one’s biggest competitor is not on the other side of
the net, but rather one’s reflection in the mirror.
Bontle Moatshe
Captain

Volleyball

VOLLEYBALL U16B
Back Row (L-R): Zenaye Skosana, Simona Coetzee, Georgia Plaitt,
Skhanyiso Jako, Chelsea Roberts
Middle Row (L-R): Caitlyn Hilliard-Lomas, Storm de Groewe,
Ella Mosako, Tumi Mokolane, Gaby Birkholtz
Front Row (L-R): Tlhago Mathibedi, Ms C Park, Sanam Kanjee,
Mrs Y Jackson, Vanessa Caldeira de Aguiar
VOLLEYBALL U14A
Absent: Mercedes Singh
Back Row (L-R): Chané du Toit, Ayla-Maria Inggs, Robyn Voorendyk,
Clea Welch, Vibasksha Lalla
Front Row (L-R): Atarah Subrayan, Ms C Park, Karabo Mlangeni,
Mrs Y Jackson, Megan Hautmann
VOLLEYBALL U14B
Absent: Zahra Arabzadeh
Back Row (L-R): Reagile Nkadimeng, Mandisa Maepa, Jessica Pillay,
Khanyisile Ndhlovu
Front Row (L-R): Hala Wagi Allah, Ms C Park, Raeesa Boodoo,
Mrs Y Jackson, Wamu Spies,

VOLLEYBALL U14C
Absent: Nolwazi Mahlangu, Jemima Luis, Nolitha Mrwata,
Reitumetse Kelepetsweng
Back Row (L-R): Mandi Lekganyane, Jabulile Hlalethoa, Onkie Iglaas
Front Row (L-R): Ms C Park, Mbali Mahlaka, Mrs Y Jackson

121The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Water Polo

Water Polo

WATER POLO 1ST TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Brittani Korb, Alexa Robinson, Kirsten Coetzee, Jemimah Smith, Jade Ashmore
Middle Row (L-R): Ms L Austin (Manager), Hayley Cooke, Franki-May Tooley, Michelle Swanepoel, Tayla Wagner, Mrs L Leslie
Front Row (L-R): Shannon Henry, Gabrielle Schoeman, Alexa Gioia, Keina Jooste, Kaitlin Howe

The Water Polo season was an exciting one for all of the We thank the coaches and players for their hard work and
players. For the First Team, our year started off with a dedication. The games were always exciting to watch and
bang before school began in January, training extremely great polo was played in the pool. Water Polo at PHSG
hard for the busy season ahead, along with our new coach, is becoming increasingly popular and the players give their
Mr Thompson. We knew the season which lay ahead was hearts and souls to the game. I know that Water Polo will
going to be tough, but we trained as hard as we could and flourish and it can only get better from here! You swim past
throughout the season, we continued to grow stronger as the ball in a swim off. You pass the ball to the wrong team.
a team. We faced tough competition, but never gave up. Your bounce shot does not bounce. You drop the ball while
We fought until the very end and our results prove that. you are trying to block the goalie. You miss your five metre
The First Team participated in a few big tournaments this shot. The ball gets rebounded and hits your face. You get
season, including the Roedean School Old Mutual Water kicked out and you do not know where to go. Well, that is
Polo Prestige Cup, St Stithians Invitational Festival , the what you get when you play Water Polo. All you can do is
National Girls’ Aquatics Festival, St Peter’s Water Polo keep playing the world’s toughest sport and enjoy it!
Tournament and the Reef Cup. Almost every week our Alexa Gioia
school teams played tough matches against other schools. Captain

122 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Water Polo

WATERPOLO 2nd TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Tara Clancy, Monica Esterhuizen,
Kendal Cole, Carmen Colyn, Stephanie van Zyl,
Lexi Botha, Kaylah Mascini, Niharika Bhardwaj
Front Row (L-R): Andrea Fortuin, Danielle Roux,
Ms L Austin, Kirsten Harvey, Sasha Lordan

WATERPOLO U16A
Back Row (L-R): Jodi Steytler, Janie Mouton,
Deirdré van Niekerk, Caitlin Manley
Front row (L-R): Abigail Smit, Ms. L Leslie,
Loraine Shuttleworth
WATERPOLO U15
Absent: Tia Dupuy, Chantelle Pienaar
Back Row (L-R): Julia Tosi, Ellen Maartens,
Georgia van Wyk, Nicola Antoniazzi
Middle Row (L-R): Tashie Zachariades,
Cameron van den Berg, Bella Gioia, Jordan Martin,
Leah Mascini, Lauren van Zyl
Front Row (L-R): Carol Chapman, Kendal Grant,
Mrs M Oertel, Tayla Cromhout, Tannah Howe
WATERPOLO U14
Back Row (L-R): Mandisa Marepa, Mia Shaul,
Rachel Price, Fendi Mampane, Julia Wood
Middle Row (L-R): Claudia da Cunha,
Trinity Brown, Nicole Siebert, Jessica da Silva,
Jessica Blair, Aspen Kurz Store, Cara Schoombie,
Kameryn Muffler
Front Row (L-R): Natalie de Nobrega,
Erin Hendricks, Mrs D Klopper,
Lila Liebenberg, Ashley Coetzee

123The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Cultural Highlights

Cultural Highlights

124 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Organ-ised Chime

CULTURAL ORGANISERS
Back Row (L-R): Ms D Dugmore, Mrs A Racionzer, Mrs V Hohls
Middle Row (L-R): Mrs J Cÿrus, Mrs R Mackenzie, Mrs R Spruyt, Mrs A Groenewald, Mrs M Ford, Mrs D Glover
Front Row (L-R): Mrs V Venter, Ms D Cooper, Mrs B du Toit, Mr M Fourie, Mrs J Greenberg

Organ-ised Chime

Pretoria High School for Girls is home to a historic masterpiece. The Mr Jan Zielman and
organ’s origin dates back to the late 1800s. The pipe organ is the grandest Mr Fanus Minnaar
musical instrument in size and scope, and organs in their current form
have existed since the fourteenth century. Along with the clock, it is 125The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014
considered one of the most complex human-made mechanical creations
before the Industrial Revolution. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart called the
organ the ‘king of instruments’ and PHSG is fortunate to be one of
the few schools in Pretoria to house such a magnificent asset. It was
constructed in the old English style with a pure mechanical action.
It is a remarkable piece of artwork, and underwent a major service
and repairs were done in the latter part of this year. It was presumably
purchased second-hand after the First World War as there would have
been insufficient funds to source a new organ at the time. The pitch of
427Hz urges experts to believe that the organ originated somewhere between
1850 and 1880, as the pitch is reminiscent of that of the Old London pitch
forks of the same period. The construction of the wind canals – wide and
flat – shows another similarity to this era. This type of construction was seen
in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Baroque-style organs. Organs
constructed thereafter, like the one by Brimley and Vorster in the church in
Bosman Street, have a different shape and deviate from the form as seen in
our school’s organ.
The organ was provided with a wind motor in the early 1900s, probably, as
deduced from texts, during a major service done by Cooper, Gill and Tomkins
in 1926. It is very clear when considering the form of the wind canals, that the
wind motor was added after the construction of it and not during it.
After being removed for disassembly in 2005, the organ was mounted
on the reinforced gallery floor that we see today. During this assembly,
the playing mechanism was restored, giving the organ a lighter playing
character. The organ was also decorated with satin upholstery and
red paintwork, to ensure that the various levels of the organ could be
appreciated from a variety of angles in the hall.

Choir

Choir

SENIOR CHOIR
Absent: Phumzile Gubanca
Back Row (L-R): Antonia Chela, Tina Kondouli, Thandiwe Ndlovu, Nicci Lombard, Maricelle Immelman, Carlynne Wade, Ruby McGregor-Langley,
Kia Monyokolo, Ponahalo Mojapelo
4th Row (L-R): Alex Pallikarides, Abigail Zandberg, Angela van Rooyen, Phumi Mukhari, Kaitlin Studer, Lungile Mahlangu, Marcail Wragg,
Nicole Nortman, Tina Mabugu, Kutlwano Malete
3rd Row (L-R): Mokgadi Ngwepe, Qukeza Nokele, Lelethu Nokele, Azile Mdleleni, Naline Boketso, Amy Gouws, Rebecca Ewang, Rachel Glass,
Mametse Moropyane, Heejin Jung, Daniella Correia
2nd Row (L-R): Luthando Dube, Nashida Mills, Dineo Mogale, Charlotte Dube, Thabiso Moloto, Karen Collins, Keabetswe Tsebe, Hope Mkanda,
Sarah Mirkin, Vaschel Naidoo, Avril da Nation, Nothile Mphuthi
Front Row (L-R): Mrs R Spruyt, Noko Makatu, Laurentia Bopela, Tshimollo Mvusi, Mbali Sebokedi, Carol Grace Luposo, Mr S Gericke, Megan Napier,
Chiara Wheatley, Lesedi Moerane, Tshepang Mabuela, Mashoto Tsagae, Mrs R Mackenzie

With a new conductor the doves of the Senior UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA YOUTH CHOIR
Choir have taken on new challenges and a new Front Row (L-R): Mbali Sebokedi, Airyn Goodhand, Sarah Mirkin

identity. Growing from forty-five
members to fifty-five, the volume
of the beautiful sound which we
produced has earned us an A+ at
the Beeld Eisteddfod, as well as a

gold in the ATKV competition,
ranking us the eighth best high
school choir in the country. It
has been an honour leading
this choir to success. May
the winds be always at your
back fellow doves and always
remember, when words fail,
music speaks.
Carol-Grace Luposo
Head

126 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Choir
JUNIOR CHOIR
Absent: Keneilwe Mmako, Sihle Nkoni, Lungile Molubi, Misqah Parostam
Back Row (L-R): Themba Jiyane, Paballo Maubane, Kay-Lee Squire, Josephine Ogboro, Masego Selemela, Tshiamo Mathabathe, Danielle Oelofse,
Kimberleigh Majola
4th Row (L-R): Risuna Hlungwani, Malebo Ramaotsoa, Ofiloe Nkadimeng, Kelly Lucas, Amy Serfontein, Kristen Katzin, Mylo van Straaten, Gaby Sigoulas,
Gwyneth Kufakunesu, Disa Burget, Jemma Luis
3rd Row (L-R): Atlegang Nyatlo, Langa Sitsha, Erin Savage, Shaylyn Davis, Unako Bubula, Lara Gouws, Margot Haskins, Motsi Macheka, Karla Bester,
Lungile Molubi
2nd Row (L-R): Khumo Mosidi, Eyerusalem Ataro, Misha de Beer, Aviwe Mbashe, Oratile Mokgwabone, Phumelele Nsibande, Alexandra Bahlman,
Mmathabo Maredi, Lindo Masango, Lynadia Samuel, Kayleen Makgabo
Front Row (L-R): Mrs V Venter, Caitlin Braga, Khutso Makka, Jessica Guimaraĕs, Sbusile Mhlanga, Kamohelo Motsoeneng, Mr S Gericke, Mrs R Spruyt,
Tshepiso Baloyi, Ntombi Khumalo, Keneilwe Mmako, Tori Fossett, Mrs A Groenewald

127The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Orchestra

Orchestra

ORCHESTRA
Back Row (L-R): Gift Baloyi, Linette Kotzé, Airyn Goodbrand, Isabella da Silva, Ye Seul Cho, Meghan van Schalkwyk, Tatiana Blecher, Lexie Reeler,
Yebin Cho, Charissa Holdt
4th Row (L-R): Deirdré van Niekerk, Shulami Oh, Erinn Simpson, Antonia Chela, Stacey Sapsford, Louise Burdett, Marcail Wragg, Danielle Grant,
So Jung La, Abigail Smit, Sarah Mirkin, Helen Wu, Phumi Mukhari
3rd Row (L-R): Skye Brown, Loraine Shuttleworth, Chanté Fortune, Daniela Casieri, Cristina Valente, Alice-Jane Marais, Chiara Wheatley,
Khanysile Mbukwane, Shannon Wardlaw, Qukeza Nokele
2nd Row (L-R): Yebin Cho, Leigh Cruywagen, Riyazah du Toit, Firdaus Salie, Milan Dowlath, Siwe Mdoda, Callia Nicolaides, Pusuletso Phofa, Karla Bester,
Zeenat Salie, Raquel de Almeida, Helen Napier, Micaela Lima
Front Row (L-R): Shaaiqah du Toit, Yi Lei, Tamryn Thomaz, Yeogyeong Kim, Mrs M Ford, Michelle Roux, Karina de Kock, Mrs V Hohls,
Tsholofelo Mamogale, Vanessa Reis, Kgaladi Moropyane, Purcell Suen

‘Music is the great uniter. An incredible force. Something that to watch a live professional orchestra at Wits. We were also
people who differ on everything and anything else can have in privileged enough to be able to pay a tribute to Mrs McNair at the
common.’ Sarah Dessen annual Night of the Proms concert by performing her favourite
Starting the year off with ten new members was quite a pieces which consisted of a vast range of songs such as: ‘Gimme
challenge, but rather exciting as the orchestra now has sixty- Gimme’, ‘Waving Flag’, ‘Climb every Mountain’ and ‘Thankful’.
two members, the largest in PHSG’s history. We started slowly Our final and most challenging task was performing the thrilling
with the simple energetic melodies of ‘Viva la Vida’ and then 007 song at the prestigious Four Schools’ Concert. With hours of
travelled back to the sixties to wow everyone at our first concert drilling through every bar and Mrs Hohls’s contagious enthusiasm,
with a classic Beach Boys’ melody and the modern ‘Paradise’ we finally perfected it. The orchestra has certainly gone from
song. In order to gain more inspiration we were privileged strength to strength this year, performing more difficult and
demanding songs each time.
SIMFONIA JUVENTI We owe the success of our orchestra to
Front Row (L-R): Monnica Germishuizen, So Jung La our conductor, Mrs Hohls, who has not
only changed our attitude towards music,
128 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris but also ignited a flame within each of us:
the flame of true compassion, courage,
pride and sisterhood. Bringing purpose
and order to sixty-two babbling young
ladies is quite a challenge! Fortunately
we had Ms Ford to keep us all going!
To my fellow matrics, I hope that the
memories created never leave you, and to
the rest of the orchestra, never let the
passion for music go!
Michelle Roux
Head

Rhythmony

Rhythmony

Absent: Ntombi Khumalo
Back Row (L-R): Mrs D Glover, Grace Yav, Angela van Rooyen, Gwyneth Kufakunesu, Nemesia Tau, Daphney Maponya, Tshego Tleane, Mr M Ndlovu
Middle Row (L-R): Nonhlanhla Maphanga, Rabi Mabilo, Nothile Mputhi, Lelani Mbukwane, Hope Mkanda, Nokwazi Kola, Blessings Baloyi
Front Row (L-R): Sharon Peters, Kamohelo Motsoeneng, Zandi Dinwayo, Grace Luposo, Azile Mdleleni, Obamelang Tongoane, Boitumelo Moloto,
Sihle Nkonki

2014 has been a year of growth for our way such as the music concert and the performance at
Rhythmony. Although we did not the Night of the Proms in honour of Mrs McNair. We have
participate in any competitions this also gained exposure by being part of the Cancer Awareness
year, team building was definitely an Concert which was aired on a TV show as well as Mr Ndlovu,
exercise that we practised. We had a our conductor’s concert in celebration of his ten years as a
splendid rehearsal weekend in February full-time musician. It has been a fantastic year indeed. May
to change the image of Rhythmony the rhythm of our hearts and souls forever be in harmony
and reinforce sisterhood. Along with when we sing.
this bond, we were ready to take on Carol-Grace Luposo
the great performances that came Head

129The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Blue Tie

Blue Tie

Absent: Savina Popov
Back Row (L-R): Karina de Kock, Mrs A Racionzer, Cherèe Janse van Rensburg
Front Row (L-R): Cristina Valente, Qukeza Nokele, Linette Kotze, Gift Baloyi, Sandisiwe Mdoda

Big Band

All the sections of instruments now
have at least one player, including
strings, woodwinds and guitars. We
also had the chance to have auditions
for singers and to work together with
these singers which was a challenge
for us all, but eventually we learned a
lot about team work and listening to
each other.
Because the band grew more popular
and better, we were invited to play
at the usual music concerts that the
school hosts. Our first performance
was at the music concert held in
March this year. Having a little
point to prove from the previous
year, the band performed really
Absent: Fikile Matthews well and we also gained more
Back Row (L-R): Angel Lightley, Simoné Dorland, Ashton Flowerday, Jessica Bule, Sarah Mirkin
2nd row (L-R): Leigh Cruywagen, Chiara Wheatley, Cristina Valente, Helen Wu, Zeenat Salie, confidence in our playing. After
Firdaus Salie, Raquel de Almeida that, a performance at the Mother’s
Front row (L-R): Linette Kotzé, Khanyi Mbukwane, Mrs N van Wyk, Arantxa Blecher, Marlise van Tonder Day Concert followed and finally
we had the privilege to perform at
Big Band, which started in 2013, is a new edition to the Music the Night at the Proms which was held as a special tribute
Department. It is a smaller group than the orchestra and its to Mrs McNair who retired this year. Our band played with
purpose is totally different. Big Band plays pop or modern confidence and performed well.
songs on classical instruments, although we have some acoustic This year has been a year of growth and improvement for Big
and electric guitars and drums as part of our instrument group, Band and we say a big thank you to Mrs van Wyk for arranging
alongside the normal string instruments and woodwinds. all our music and inspiring us to play our instruments with
It was only this year that Big Band grew more popular and confidence and o have fun while doing just that!
we welcomed additional members. By the end of the year we Arantxa Blecher
had a wonderful number of fifteen girls playing in the band. Head

130 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Chordettes

Chordettes

CHORDETTES
Back Row (L-R): Lexie Reeler, Maricelle Immelman, Carlynne Wade, Ruby McGregor-Langley
Front row (L-R): Jean-Marie Rossouw, Arielle Gibson, Mr M Fourie, Kameryn Muffler, Kirstin Dippenaar

Woodwind

2014 has been an exciting year for
this ensemble, filled with laughter,
food and music of course. The
Woodwind Ensemble was created
two years ago and has grown in
expertise although we have lost
some members during the year.
Most of the members have been
part of the ensemble since the
beginning and now we have reached
that point where we play well
together. Our ensemble consists
of only flutes and clarinets.
Being a very small ensemble of
only seven girls, we are
able to play at special
events and places. For
the grand opening
of our very own
hockey Astro, we Back Row (L-R): Helen Wu, Tatiana Blecher, Ye Seul Cho, Tsholofelo Mamogale
performed on Front Row (L-R): Puseletso Phofa, Arantxa Blecher, Mrs N van Wyk, Yeogyeong Kim, Abigail Smit

the stairs in the foyer while people were This has been a wonderful year for the woodwind ensemble,
walking in and out of the hall. We played having many opportunities to display our abilities and
in the quad for the PHSG Open Day and provide good music for special events. Thank you to
supplied background music for the Model Mrs van Wyk for organising all our performances and for
UN Debate which was held at the school tolerating our crazy members and for having a good laugh
this year. We also performed at the usual with us!
music events: the music concert in March, the Arantxa Blecher
Mothers’ Day Concert and also the Night at Head
the Proms.

131The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Clubs and Societies

Clubs and Societies

HEADS OF CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
Back Row (L-R): Sandra Siakam (Drama), Kagiso Manyai (Public Speaking), Annie Oppler (Art), Tisetso Petje (SICC), Karina de Kock (Debating),
Claudia van Rooyen (First Aid), Tetelo Mpuru (SCA), Thandi Mahlangu (Amnesty and Current Affairs),
Middle Row (L-R): Carol-Grace Luposo (Choir and Rhythmony), Rebecca Ewang (Model United Nations and Sound and Lighting),
Sinazo Magadiela (House Tutoring), Michelle Roux (Orchestra), Elizabeth Kiggundu (Science), Nadine Boketsu (Bridge), Robyn Jansen (Equestrian),
Arantxa Blecher (Woodwind and Big Band)
Front Row (L-R): Zola Nzimande (Contact), Kgomotso Adams, (Peer Tutoring), Nazneen Saib (In the Limelight), Mrs D McCusker, Kaitlin Bester
(Photography), Grethen de Waal (Pottery), Charlotte Dube (Peer Counselling)

tremendous commitment and dedication. It was truly a pleasure
being a part of a group of ladies who think far beyond themselves
and who are the backbone and structure of ACAS.
Thandi Mahlangu
Head

Amnesty and Current Affairs Society Art Club

Amnesty International Club is a part of a global movement with Art Club has been nothing but a bundle of fun. As this is my
mass support in the pursuit of upholding the human rights of second and last year in Art Club I have come to notice that the
all. This year, Amnesty at PHSG was renamed to Amnesty and girls who attend are always eager to learn and share new ideas.
Current Affairs Society, now dealing with current events that our Heading our club has been a great pleasure this year. Nervous
times are facing. We focused on discussions with topics such as girls have transformed into talkative, cheerful and creative artists.
the Middle East warfare, effects on post-apartheid, gender-based I have been unbelievably lucky and grateful to have Kaitlin Studer
violence, equality and women’s rights throughout the world. as my vice head. She has always been willing, and with a smile
Discussions became complex and thought-provoking as the club to match, to help when things were not going well and I am
grew in members. This made it easier to analyse every topic from confident that she will take the lead with great enthusiasm.
many different points of view. We also used protest art as a form The girls have arrived on a Thursday, ready to take on each task
to protest gender inequality in connection with our will to seek with great enthusiasm, even after a busy day of school. There
out solutions rather than emphasising problems. never was a time where laughter did not fill the classroom, or
Thanks go to Sinazo for her constant support and assistance. when someone did not have anything creative to share. The
I am also grateful to Mrs Bloem for always lending a helping girls gave their all with every piece of work given to them. This
hand and for encouraging us to take pride in what we believe amazing club would not have been able to function without
in. Thanks also go to the members of the society for their Ms Eaton who inspired us throughout the months but sadly
relocated to photography, leaving us in the ever capable hands of
132 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris Mrs Fincham who has been helpful and given us endless ideas.
I wish Mrs Fincham all the best at her new school next year and
for Kaitlyn, the best of luck for next year and I leave knowing
that the girls are in capable hands. I am excited to see what they
will come up with in the years to come.
Liz Kiggundu
Head

Clubs and Societies

Bridge BRIDGE
Absent: Amy Ferreira, Samantha Smart, Dominique Bothma, Lucia Jardim, Ayla Inggs
The madness of 2014 has come to an end and time Back Row (L-R): Gwen Viljoen, Tasmin Wood, Alex Potgieter, Amy Serfontein,
flies when one is having fun. However, fun is an Caitlin Perfect, Kayla Fraqueiro
understatement to describe what actually happens Middle Row (L-R): Tiffany Padiachy, Naledi Pooe, Obakeng Mahlako, Meadow Brener,
on Tuesdays in Room 57. Every Tuesday is full of Faith Tarigha, Misha de Beer
laughter. We walk in with a frown and walk out feeling
a whole lot better. Bridge is not only fun and games Front Row (L-R): Lisa Mawunganidze, Alex Pashkin, Mrs J Cowan, Naline Boketsu,
though as our intellectual skills are challenged with a Courteney Hislop
lot of thinking and concentration. How we can talk
as much and concentrate on the game is a mystery but
then women can actually multi-task! Friendly matches
are always the highlight of the year. This year’s
match was hosted by PBHS. It was an interesting and
enjoyable afternoon with much food and laughs.
Alex has been a very supportive vice and I thank her
for that. A big thank you to Katy Godfrey for being an

amazing coach and Mrs Cowan for always believing is us and making
time for us. My greatest thanks go to the girls because the club would
not have existed without them.
Naline Boketsu
Head

Contact Club committed team. Our ladies have incredible hearts and never stop
caring, no matter how small the gesture is. Grateful thanks go to the
2014 has been an incredible year for the Contact Club. We had legendary Mrs van Heerden for always leading us with a generous
a lot more laughs and many more light-hearted and emotional heart and helping us to be giving and organised at the same time.
experiences. We have become regulars with the children at May your heart continue to warm the hearts of others forever.
Silverton and they are always excited to see us. We have gained Zola Nzimande
much experience and insight at the Princess Christian Home. Head
Children have been our preoccupation and we have seen how,
no matter what environment they are in or what they are going 133The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014
through, they still have the unending ability to warm a person’s
heart with love. We were able to visit a day care centre in
Sunnyside where we too each received a bowl of ice cream. We
felt as though we were one of the children there for a moment
and that became an experience we will not forget. We were given
the opportunity of visiting the children’s cancer ward at the Steve
Biko Hospital. No words can describe what we learnt and saw
there. All that can be said is that we have learnt about the joy of
giving of one’s time and that storytelling must be playful or else it
just does not work and hopefully we passed on that lesson.
It has been such an honour to serve in this club. The last two
years have taught me so much about caring for people and doing
it because one truly wants to. Thank you to the strong and

Clubs and Societies

Debating SENIOR DEBATING TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Side Ntsaluba, Ponahalo Mojapelo, Cameron Perumal, Joyce Bongongo,
‘It is better to debate a question without settling Voni Pillay
it than to settle a question without debating it.’ Middle Row (L-R): Mona-Lisa Gqwede, Shannon Wardlaw, Sinazo Mogadlela, Ms J Cÿrus,
Joseph Joubert. Jeanay van Schalkwyk, Kate Kabe, Tumi Makhafola
2014 proved to be a year of great excitement for Front Row (L-R): Mr C Hojem, Karina de Kock, Ms J Swanepoel, Rebecca Ewang,
our Debating Society while the world around us Mr P Margondo
discussed anti-homosexual laws in Russia and JUNIOR DEBATING TEAM
Uganda, Crimean succession and sovereignty, Back Row (L-R): Stacey Sapsford, Grace Mngadi, Tania Twinoburyo, Naledi Sekoati
humans and the culture of polygamy in South Middle Row (L-R): Mr C Hojem, Khutso Maloka, Maryam Mohamad Al Mahdi, Ms J Cÿrus,
Africa. Malengete Ngoatje, Katleho Moteane, Mr P Mangondo
The National All Girls’ Schools’ Sports and Front Row (L-R): Chipo Hansungule, Karina de Kock, Ms J Swanepoel, Rebecca Ewang,
Cultural Festival held in Port Elizabeth did not Nolitha Mrwata
necessarily result in victory and triumph, but ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT WINNERS
rather the creation of happy memories and the Tumi Makhafola, Joyce Bongongo, Mr Werner Smit, Sinazo Magadlela, Vani Pillay
cultivation of an impressive team spirit which
helped get us through the year. For the first
time, PHSG entered two senior teams into
the SACEE Debating League, in which both
teams progressed to the championships. After
two full days and six exhausting debates, the
First Team ranked ninth. The juniors also
participated, but were not so lucky.
I thank the entire Debating Society for a truly
enriching year. It has been exciting hearing
terms such as hactivism, vigilantism, polyandry
and non-heteronormativity used in the school
corridors. I hope they will continue to
question the world around us and that they will
inspire their peers to do the same. Thanks go
to Mrs Cÿrus, coach Chris Hojem and Jolandi
Swanepoel (Old Girl) for the hours they have
given to keeping debating at our school alive
and challenging.
Karina de Kock
Head

Model United Nations

This year Model United Nations (MUN) at
Pretoria High School for Girls has grown
immensely, not only in terms of support but
also in the number of young ladies getting
involved in numerous ways. The highlight for
this year has been hosting our very own MINI-
MUN Conference, a global summit to end
sexual violence in conflict. We represented
Syria (Rebecca Ewang, Sinazo Magadlela and
Shikara Balkshun) and the United Kingdom
(Mona-Lisa Gqwede, Vani Pillay and Cameron
Perumal). Both teams performed remarkably,
living up to their real delegation’s standards!
Overall our United Kingdom team was
ranked third and Syria’s opening speaker was
awarded best speaker. The comments and
points raised at our conference were used to
create a two to three page South African Youth
Communiqué for Ending Sexual Violence in
Conflict. It was an honour to be part of the
official handing over of the communiqué
to the British High Commissioner of South
Africa. As in the previous year, we entered
into the Environmental Sustainability Project
at SAIIA, but this time we entered two teams

134 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Clubs and Societies

to give more girls a chance to be involved. One team of Sinazo Drama Club
Magadlela, Mona-Lisa Gqwede and Joyce Bongongo made it
through to the second round after they handed in an excellent Another year has gone by with many activities and fun had at
essay on climate change and natural disasters. In September Drama Club. We started off the year with a group of nervous
the year was still buzzing with MUN activity with a SAMUN and eager girls and we are ending it with a group of confident
on the humanitarian crisis in Syria where we represented Jordan actresses. We have had the privilege of watching the girls develop
and participated in another MUN event in Johannesburg. their own stage styles, personalities and enough confidence to
The success of MUN at PHSG is credited to two things: the blow any audience away.
pure hard work and dedication of the girls themselves and the Along our journey in Drama Club we made wonderful memories,
invaluable support of Mrs Cÿrus who is always available to help from mocking certain people’s love for Justin Bieber to the epic
whichever way she can. collapse of our impressive human chair. But, aside from all the
I am proud to have witnessed the society’s growth over the laughing and joking, we learnt the art of theatre too. We had
year and to see all the young ladies involved become worldly the opportunity to perform and create original skits and we also
diplomats. It has been a privilege to lead this remarkable team improved the finer aspects of acting techniques. We have all
and work with so many people who have a passion for global grown and we’ve all learnt and we owe it all to our incredible head,
change. I wish PHSG’s MUN society continuous success and Ms Russell. Her invaluable theatre experience and leadership
growth in the future. have brought our Drama Club to where it is today. Thank you
Rebecca Ewang for another amazing year everyone and remember to break a leg.
Head Sandra Siakam
Head

FIRST AID First Aid
Absent: Huilisane Nefale, Kgaladi Moropyane, Michelle Roux, Kgothatso Kgosana,
Charlene Ferns From grazes to bruises and from stiff muscles to
Back Row (L-R): Danielle Roux, Jenna-Lee Price, Tsholofelo Mamogale, Vhoni Radzilani girls faking an injury to get out of playing sports.
Middle Row (L-R): Lwazi Khoza, Keabetswe Tsebe, Hayley Elcombe, Nazneen Saib, First aiders have seen it all. Optimism runs high
Odette le Grange, Letso Ledwaba as the sport season begins in January every year
Front Row (L-R): Lebo Motolla, Claudia van Rooyen, Sr T Shenfield-Schwartz, but soon the inevitable happens: someone gets an
Tatiana de Aveiro, Asha Das injury! First aiders are immediately on the scene,
ready to assist no matter the extent of the injury.
At the beginning of term two, a new group of girls
who are not scared of blood or dislocated joints
went through a hard week of training and joined the
team. They were ready for action and taken under
the wings of an experienced first aider.
The ladies worked effortlessly through the year at
most sporting events. They are always ready for
anything. I thank you ladies, for your willingness and
availability to assist.
Lastly, thanks go to Sister Tanya. She was always
around to help if we were not sure what to do about
an injury. I thank her for the opportunity to be head
of such an amazing team. I also thank our vice,
Tatiana de Aveiro, for her continued support.
I wish the first aiders all the best for 2015.
Claudia van Rooyen
Head

House Tutoring but they were the backbone of house tutoring and I would not
have been able to run this programme without their support.
House Tutoring began when Mrs K du Toit handed me a list of Sinazo Magadiela
grade 8 girls who needed a little more than TLC when coping Head
with the adjustment from primary to high school. A special
team of ladies then sat down with these young ladies and the In The Limelight
tutoring began! Many hours were spent giving these grade 8s the
extra attention they required. There were sad times, tough times, The year proved to be a challenging but exciting one for the
humorous times and breakthrough moments, but the best times journalists of ‘In the Limelight’. This year we launched our first
were seeing the pure delight on their faces once they saw that ever grade 8 edition of the newspaper which turned out to be a
there was light at the end of the tunnel in what may have seemed huge success and even resulted in an increase in journalists as we
like a cold, dark abyss. Many thanks go to Mrs K du Toit for her saw many newcomers all eager to participate in the production
willingness to assist when a problem arose, Ms Turpin for the of the Girls High newspaper.
joke, look or pat on the back when times started to look a little This year we also applied a new approach in developing the
bleak, and to the hardworking house tutors who always put in newspaper by splitting our journalists into different groups such
one hundred and ten percent. Their work often went unnoticed,
135The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Clubs and Societies

as reporters, photographers and cartoonists. IN THE LIMELIGHT
This idea turned out to be very effective as our Absent: Aqila Rab, Ashton Flowerday
club no longer attracted reporters only, but also Back Row (L-R): Abi Ashfield, Talia Moodley, Pearl Lutwama, Simoné van der Merwe,
those interested in photography and art. Our Lucia Mkanda
reporters even had the opportunity to interview Front Row (L-R): Siwe Mdoda, Mishka Ismail-Wazar (Sub-Editor), Mrs J Cÿrus,
Mrs McNair, as her retirement from the post of Nazneen Saib (Editor), Asanda Nkande
headmistress was one of the highlights of our MUSEUM MONITORS
editions this year. Back Row (L-R): Natasha Shiweva, Neo Kgobane, Zozo Makuala, Lily Mgangira,
None of our achievements and successes would Bobo Mjwara, Jade Gower-Jackson, Tshego Mathe, Daphney Maponya, Oratile Mosiane,
have been even remotely possible without the Chané Engelbrecht
help of Mrs Cÿrus who gave us guidance and Front row (L-R): Thabiso Mthombeni, Claudia de Almeida van der Walt, Masego Mahlatjie,
opened our eyes to new ideas and different ways Mrs. A Campbell-Atkins, Solange de Freitas, Celia Yeung, Kemisetso Phakathi
of thinking.
I have immensely enjoyed my times as a
member of this club and the discussions in
every meeting which were so stimulating and
often humorous. Although it saddens me to be
leaving this year, I know that the newspaper will
be in good hands with the new editor, Mishka
Wazar. I trust that she, along with the rest of
the Limelight crew, will continue to produce an
outstanding newspaper.
Nazneen Saib
Head

Library

Back again this year, stronger than ever, the
2014 library monitors took the school by storm.
From issuing and returning books, to helping
learners (and teachers at times) with printing
and scanning documents, the library monitors
have been serving and joyfully helping out in the
library five days a week. The library attracted
added attention through the middle of the
year, when we started stocking new Afrikaans
reading books for learners and our computers
(and headphones) were all upgraded too. These
new facilities really helped most of the girls
with their projects and school work. We had
our annual Valentine’s Day competition, where
learners were encouraged to write a book review
on their favourite romance novel. We received
numerous steamy, enchanting and captivating
entries and our winner, Camille Samson, was
announced in assembly. Our thanks go to the
teachers on afternoon duties with us, as well as
to the learners for always having great manners
and patience. This year would also not have
been possible without the library’s backbone
and driving force, Mrs Muller. We thank you
for making this year a year where we were all
glued to our reading.
Kelly Anthony
Head

Museum

2014 was a year to remember and a year
when the Museum Club grew. Our hard work
remained constant as we filed many documents,
rearranged many old and recent pictures of the
school and her activities and also cleaned the
museum every week. This year we decided
to open the museum every Wednesday during

136 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

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break and we encouraged many learners to visit it and to see if and entrusts her precious tutees to them. She always asks the
they could spot any familiar faces. tutors to write down their greatest fears and explains that tutees
Our hardest project this year was to say farewell to Mrs McNair. are the bravest people because they face their greatest fears every
Finding pictures of her during the time she was an educator at day in the classroom. We are all grateful for all that you do,
PHSG was a difficult task as there were so many and we did not Ms Turpin and may the Peer Tutoring programme grow from
know which ones to choose. Saying goodbye has never been easy strength to strength.
but we managed to say goodbye in a very special way. Kgomotso Adams
The Museum Club would not have been possible without the Head
guidance of Mrs Campbell-Atkins and the rest of the museum
ladies. Mrs Campbell-Atkins contributed so much to the museum Photography
and her loyalty to the club and motivational talks kept everyone
motivated to carry on and for this we say thank you M’am. 2014 was a year to remember as even on the first day we had an
Masego Mahlatjie overflow of learners who wanted to join the club. Unfortunately,
Head we were only able to cater for twenty-four learners. Each member
of the club brought new ideas to the club. With these we were
Peer Counselling able to learn new techniques and skills. We spent most of our
time in the dark room developing monograms and photographs.
Over the past few years, the Peer Counselling group has matured This year would have not been successful were it not for the
immensely. During the yearly activities, we approached the help and dedication I received from my vice, Misha Malherbe.
nervous and new grade 8s by guiding and making them feel For this I owe you a huge thank you as you were always there to
comfortable in their new school and we were able to accommodate help and support me. To Mr Tshabalala, who was the teacher in
many learners seeking guidance, which is the purpose of the charge of the club, we will sorely miss you and wish you luck with
Peer Counselling group. We also had counselling amongst the your further studies abroad. I would also like to welcome Ms
counsellors themselves which helped us with stress-related issues Eaton who is willing to look after the photography club family.
and simply to bond. Kaitlin Bester
Through hours of duty and Friday meetings we have grown to Head
understand that through love, compassion and simply lending an
ear we can change a person’s life. The Peer Counselling group Pottery
works effortlessly in the background of our school, making a
difference within the hearts and minds of young intellectual From being a small club of clay-workers a few years ago, Pottery
students to ensure a happy learning experience. Club has grown to full capacity this past year. Each term has
This group has been well trained and groomed by none other brought new faces spurred on by our more seasoned potters. As
than Mrs Godfrey who spends a great amount of time making we grew in numbers, we also grew into a family. I felt inspired as
sure that the Peer Counselling group functions accordingly and the girls worked together to create works of art that gladdened
that their needs are met. their souls.
Charlotte Dube My Thursday afternoons became filled with squeaky requests to
Head find the ‘wire cutter thingy’ and to roll up jersey sleeves. The
girls easily took the peculiar themes I challenged them with into
Peer Tutoring their strides and created the most magnificent pieces (cartoon
characters, animals and food seemed to be a consistent theme).
As the time has come for Ms Turpin to again train prospective After the chattering juniors had left the studio, all would be quiet.
girls to be tutors in 2015, I realise how fast time has gone and Mrs Greenberg, the studio and I would breathe a sigh of relieved
remember the day I sat before one of the most passionate contentment! In my heart I will always remember the pottery
people I have ever met on Friday afternoons, learning how to studio as a haven for creativity and continuous conversation.
pass my knowledge on to someone else. The PHSG peer tutors The pottery studio will never be the same again and frankly, we
comprises of girls who take time and invest in someone who would not want it any other way.
has courageously asked for help. They teach a tutee to believe Grethen de Waal
in herself and to work towards her dreams and we explain a Head
few things on the way. Tutors challenge their tutees to think
and challenge their minds. ‘We ask ourselves, who am I to be 137The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014
brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually,
who are you not to be?’ – Nelson Mandela. And it is for this
reason I was privileged and honoured to have been the head of
Peer Tutoring, to lead a group of ladies who patiently waited
for girls to embrace their light and become ‘the talented, brilliant
and fabulous’. This year was challenging, but thanks to the TLC
executive members, the tutors and the TLC members, Kelly and
I managed to survive. With the added pressure of prelims and
the general chaotic nature of matric, there was room for growth.
Kelly and I learnt how to be more effective leaders and the TLC
members learnt how to cope with more responsibilities. I am
forever grateful for the lessons taught to me by all the tutors and
the TLC executive members.
There is one person, in particular who has taught me so much.
This inspiring woman of compassion embraces all new tutors

Clubs and Societies

Public Speaking PUBLIC SPEAKING
Absent: Boiphemelo Magampa, Kgaugelo Moya, Precious Mphafudi, Jo-Ann Harrison,
Every Tuesday afternoon a group of energetic, Keletso Maboitshego, Omdemo Baloyi, Unako Dubula
curious and passionate young ladies comes Back Row (L-R): Mishka Cassim, Meaghan Koen, Tabo Mwila, Kristen Katzin,
together to let their opinions be heard. Public Masego Selemela, Julia Tosi, Ashley de Beer
speaking 2014 has been like no other. The society Middle Row (L-R): Aqila Rab, Pooja Pundit, Tshilidzo Mabadzhabadzha, Lucia Mkanda,
has grown from a group of nineteen to a class of Letsobana Ledwaba, Nthabiseng Matsimela, Sbusile Mhlanga, Katlego Malepane
thirty-two. We have had the privilege of having Front Row (L-R): Tshegofatso Matlou, Kiara Jaimungal, Kelly Anthony, Ms D Cooper,
a group of six girls from grades 8 to 11 attending Kagiso Monyai, Siwe Mdoda, Thiavna-Nishka Subroyen
a public speaking course with Mrs Debra Nel. ROBOTICS
The girls have had an opportunity to showcase Back Row (L-R): Erin McKenna, Noa Anthony, Maricelle Immelman, Natania Harding,
their public speaking talents at the National All Nicolette Kotzé, Peyton Beyleveld
Girls’ Festival in Port Elizabeth and the Cornwall 2nd row (L-R): Mrs L van Heerden, Jessica van der Merwe, Hinvira Sujan, Lara Gouws,
Hill College competition. They were given one Amiksha Sujan, Mrs S Roberts
last opportunity when they hosted the first, and Front Row (L-R): Antonia Mugisa, Jacqueline James, Jamie Wills, Mrs P Gouws, Amy Gouws,
hopefully not the last, Four Schools’ meeting. Manushri Naidoo, Kaylee Harris
Many of the Old Girls who were public speakers
at our school continue to use the skills they have
learnt in their day to day lives. As someone once
said: ‘not everything worth knowing can be found
in a book’. Public speaking is a skill that can only
be taught by experience and not by studying.
Kagiso Angy Monyai
Head

Robotics

Robotics has arrived! It is a brand new activity
that was incorporated into the PHSG time-table
this year. What started out as a tiny class of eight
unsure girls has become a fun-filled group with
much determination. Robotics is currently open
to any enthusiastic and eager-to-learn, ‘out-of-
the-box’- thinking learner. These inspired learners
are mentored and coached with patience (and lots
of coffee) by Mrs Roberts and Mrs van Heerden.
The teams are part of the Inspired towards
Science, Engineering and Technology (I-SET)
project - a community engagement flagship

project of UNISA.
The cupcake challenge in the first term
was most definitely a most memorable
exercise that took place in the class.
The ‘ah-ha’ moment came with Riley
the Robot being built – and working,
succeeding in pushing the objects
around or writing a letter!
We attended and presented at the
UNISA CSET Learner Research
Summit, participated in the World
Robotics Olympics (WRO)
and FIRST Lego League

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ROBOTICS HEADS competition (FLL) and the teams have achieved the
Back Row (L-R): Mrs L van Heerden, Mrs P Gouws, Mrs S Roberts impossible with all teams progressing to the national level
Front row (L-R): Amy Gouws, Jamie Wills of both the WRO and FLL competitions in their rookie
years.
Science Club In May, Amy Gouws represented South Africa at
the Open European Championships for the FLL
Every Tuesday in lab 33, a group of young, eager girls gathers, competition. Her team, the I-SET Angels (also consisting
willing to learn more about science or just to have a chat about of girls from The Glen High School and Tersia King
their day’s events. Science Club has been nothing but FUN! The Learning Academy) won first place for the teamwork
teachers are always willing to help and have taught us a lot this year. category. They competed against ninety-six other teams
Mrs Mjadu, with her caring and motherly nature and Ms Rahman’s from forty-two different countries. In July the PHSG
fun games and brainteasers always leave the girls ‘amped’ for the teams participated in the WRO competition and reached
next round and have made this club what it is today. Some exciting national level. At the regional WRO competition PHSG
experiments were done during this year, one of them being the well- obtained a second place in the junior high category
known ‘elephant toothpaste’ done successfully by one of the grade (I-SET LED -a community team from PHSG and PBHS)
8 groups. Exciting games were played for prizes. Doing write ups and a third place in the senior high category (‘I-SET Pigs
have helped the girls in their subjects at school such as Physics and can Fly’) with an experienced team member as part of
Life Sciences. The four years in Science Club have taught me many the team. The day of the nationals of WRO (and Spring
things such as appreciation and patience and more about science in Fair) was also the launch of the the next competition.
general. Girls from all grades coming and sharing food (outside the The theme for 2014 FLL competion was ‘World Class’
lab of course) and best of all, making unforgettable memories are (learning unleashed) where learners tell adults how they
what will stay with me for a long time. This year will forever be in want to learn. The North Gauteng Regional Competition
my heart. Thank you to Mrs Mjadu, Ms Rahman, Eternal Lonji and happened too quickly and caught the teams slightly off-
Kylee Pillay, the seniors of next year. guard. However, the teams wowed the judges and both
Liz Kiggundu rookie teams (IRIS and Square One) were invited to the
Head two-day nationals competition to be held in December.
IRIS also received the award for the ‘most innovative
solution’ at the regionals. The ‘I-SET Hey that’s us’
team (a community team from PHSG, PBHS, The Glen
High School and Glenstantia Primary School) was the
regional runner-up. Amy Gouws and Marlise van Tonder
volunteered for refereeing at the FLL competition –
officially South Africa’s first female FLL referees!
This ‘sport of the mind’ for the courageous learner of the
future’ has proven that science and technology can be fun
and inspiring. Friendships are formed and memories made.
From attending competitions as supporters to Saturday
practices to get the few extra points, these girls have made
their “rookie” year at PHSG unforgettable!
Mrs S Roberts
Robotics

139The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Clubs and Societies

SCA COMMITTEE
Absent: Genevieve Joynt
Back Row (L-R): Ms J de Kock,
Amy Gouws, Lungile Mahlangu,
Kaylyn O’Brien, Sinaze Magadlela,
Keabetswe Tsebe, Ms C Greenwood
Front Row (L-R): Danielle Gradwell,
Zola Nzimande, Tetelo Mpuru,
Lwazi Khoza, Palesa Mataitsane

Student Christian Association The journey of SCA this year has been life-changing, not only for
myself but for the girls as well. New things were encountered
When Mrs McNair announced that I was to be head of SCA, my such as a theme song and the SCA band. Having to work with
heart literally smiled. I knew from that moment that I was about to Zola has been a blessing, for always being willing to perform the
encounter a journey I had never planned but God had. work of God with passion. To my committee, you were such a
It is a huge blessing to be able to speak about God and have a day pleasure to work with. I thank you for always being there and for
where girls are able to share their hearts about God with other being so helpful. Your unfailing passion and drive to serve the
girls. This freedom is truly a blessing and I am very grateful for it. Lord and to love as He says we should in His Word is appreciated.
SCA this year has grown incredibly, not only in numbers. I can To our wonderful leaders, Ms Greenwood and Ms de Kock, your
only say that it was by the grace of God that I lead SCA with guidance is appreciated. Your willingness always to help wherever
my wonderful sister in Christ, Zola Nzimande and a group of you can and your wisdom are appreciated.
beautiful committee members. And to our heavenly Father, our praise can never be enough
This year’s theme was ‘The Holy Ghost Fire’, a theme that became to express our gratitude for your amazing works at our school.
evident at the first praise and worship meeting. We witnessed We are grateful for your never-ending love and faithfulness.
remarkable changes in the girls that only God could have done Tetelo Mpuru
through SCA. We had the honour of having ‘C Jay’, a hip hop Head
artist, come and perform at one of our praise and worship nights.

140 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Clubs and Societies

Student Inter-Cultural Club Sound and Lighting

The Student Inter-Cultural Club (SICC) is a platform where the Once again the year started off with a bang for the ladies
young ladies of the school showcase their talent and their cultural of Sound and Lighting, who are almost always behind every
backgrounds. SICC gives us the opportunity to learn about scene at Pretoria High School for Girls. As the equipment has
different cultures representing diversity. Heading this club has been advanced so has our knowledge and experience. Our training
a great privilege which came with a great deal of responsibilities sessions with Mr dos Santos have taught us more than just
and challenges. The ever so popular SICC Fashion Show was the basics and enabled us to deal with much more advanced
held on 11 April. The theme of the show was an ‘Evening of technical situations. Without the ladies of Sound and Lighting,
Sound and Dance´ with Gumboot, Kwaito, House, African and our many events such as the annual house plays, the SICC
Indian performances. The dancers really outshone themselves evening, Night at the Proms and the Spring Fair Fashion Show
with new and exciting moves and a breathtaking performance would not have been the successes that they were. This year’s
by vocals and Lulutho reciting a poem to Nelson Mandela. The team would not have been so efficient without the never-ending
show was a true definition of diversity, showing and celebrating support and guidance from Mrs B du Toit, Ms de Kock and Ms
twenty years of our country’s democracy. Great appreciation goes Greenwood. The Sound and Lighting ladies themselves also
to the heads of all the groups and to my vice, Thato Moggi, for deserve recognition for remaining committed and keen to help
their commitment and for encouraging the girls to do their best. To throughout the year. Thank you for performing a sometimes
Mrs Dowlath and Mrs Mjadu, thank you for your dedication and forgotten service for this grand old lady! May this service
patience in running this club for many years. I wish all the girls the continue to grow into a more advanced and popular one for
best for the years to follow and may the 2014 SICC Fashion Show many years to come!
set the tone and mood for bigger shows to come. Rebecca Ewang
Tisetso Petje Head
Head

141The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Creative Writing

Creative Writing
English

Hair

~ for Sarah, on turning 40

I have loved your hair all my life
All 17 and ¾ years of it.
When I was little (littler)
You were
The Rapunzel with the curly hair
A dark Helen
Freya of the Norse
Diana of the night,
stars caught on the midnight mass of it.

Your hair was like
Having my own heroine
Fantasy personified.
And I grew.
I still dream of wild curls
escaping from the archer’s hood,
the elven cloak
dark as blackest night.
But it’s different now,
You, am I different
Older
Different?

Life Begins at Forty Carlynne Wade, Grade 11
I’ve heard. Can you not feel them washing down your back with hot
Rather odd, water?
says my 18-year-old mind. But every once in a while,
I’m here, aren’t I? When you leave it loose,
Living, breathing? When I see you from behind,
Life has very much begun for me When, for a moment, the cares of your world leave your face,
The knots untangle
No. And everything,
For you, all of it,
Woman with the mahogany halo Comes loose,
The years have been caught, The autumn years floating to the floor,
tangled in with the stars The stars taking their rightful place in the sky
Trapped like fish in knotted nets.
If there is grey there, And once again you’re my sister.
I have not seen it Just that,
mistaking it for the trail of a comet, Nothing more.
Or perhaps a thread of silver in the loom of your life. You hold me again,
Marriage, children, fatigue, laughter A screaming baby
hours in aeroplanes wet from my bath.
They’re all there.

142 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Viewpoint

Bontle Goabepe, Grade 12 Melissa Naudé, Grade 12
I sit on your lap,
The piano stool supporting us both, them but the children are too captivated by the story to
watching your long fingers drawing out an Adagio. notice. Seeing their disinterest, the wind stops, settles down
And I say goodbye to you at numerous airports, and listens to the elder’s story for the children.
my eyes following you The people are angry. They cheer asking why Louis XVI is
through the last gate, marched to the scaffold. The French flags lie limp as the wind
around the last corner is hiding. It watches from a distance, fearful of these people
tears held back only by whose anger has driven them to want to kill their leader. It
The knowledge that shudders as it hears the blood-thirsty cries of the people and
Goodbyes Are Not Forever. the blood-curdling scream of the king.
And then the wind blows, The wind roars with victory as Nelson Mandela walks free.
you turn slightly It joins in with the joyous shouts of the people. It wraps its
the tiniest of lines appears between your brows, arms around the man who has not felt its embracing touch for
And that beautiful hair 27 years. It rushes up the flag poles, springing the vibrantly
regains its load, coloured flag of the rainbow nation into life.
Making you, The wind is mischievous sometimes. It enjoys blowing up the
once again, dresses of prim ladies and toppling the top hats off stiff men.
That timeless thing, It feels these people are too proper and need to laugh and feel
Inspiration of Ages the wind on their pale legs and their bald, shiny heads.
A Wonder Sometimes, the wind plays the villain. Its raging tornadoes and
Mature, Wild, Magical, storms rip up cities and lives. Destruction and death are on its
A Woman mind as it fiercely, with no mercy, beats the buildings and people.
Annie Oppler, Grade 12 The captains of the sea see the wind as a hero and helper. It
speeds their ships along to new adventures and brings them
Whispers in the Wind back home when they are ready.
Today the wind howls at the pain of the world. It
The wind, the ancient storyteller that has witnessed the rise desperately, helplessly, rattles at the window of a child who
and fall of humanity again and again. is being beaten. It cries as it topples the ragged clothes of
The timeless being that looks upon the world and records the poor.
all it sees in its volumes of memories. The wind has always But, the wind still sees good in the world. It laughs as it lifts
been and always will be. It knows and sees all and sometimes the kite of a child with his father. It sighs as it caresses the
decides to take part in the stories it is telling. smooth skin of two lovers. It sings as it moves through the
The hunters move slowly up the deer-trodden path. The wind forests and deserts, over the waterfalls and rolling plains as it
blows in their faces, masking their scent from the deer and celebrates the beauty of nature and life.
revealing where the wounded doe is lying. The hunters close The wind hears, sees and feels the pain, sorrow and loss
in and as they make the kill, they softly whisper a prayer of of the world. But, it does not give up hope as it listens to
thanks to the doe’s spirit for providing them with food. As the sounds, of joy and peace and love. The wind is wise
the hunters walk back into camp with their prize, they see the as it has seen all the world’s happenings. The wind tells its
children sitting around the fire, listening to one of the elders. stories and can pass some of its wisdom onto you. You
The wind softly blows against the children’s necks, tickling need only listen.
Megan Napier, Grade 12

143The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Viewpoint Jeanique Strydom, Grade 11
Carmen Joubert, Grade 11
Winter Metamorphosis Erica Geldenhuys, Grade 11

For Sahil
It’s always on the most un-exceptional days that the
unbelievable happens. The day was pretty ordinary, when my
world shattered around me.
We were sitting in my grandmother’s study, the three of
us. The sun was gently streaming in through the windows
and the breeze was blowing through the trees. My sister
and I were sitting on our grandmother’s ancient sofa.
Our mother was sitting opposite us with her back to the
windows. Her face was hidden in shadow. She uttered the
words we had been dreading to hear. And just like that,
my world became flooded with despair. The warmth and
comfort of the day had vanished. I became numb in the
freeing, suffocating water of despair.
From that day, every decision I made just plunged me deeper
and deeper into the water, isolating me from any warmth
I had previously treasured. I was stuck in this big glass
bowl. I felt as if nothing I did was right. I made friends
with all the wrong people. I changed myself; I built walls to
guard my shattered being. Ha! Feeble walls! All around me,
people disappearing from my life, shattering the walls and
taking pieces of my sanity with them.
I sank deeper and deeper.
Melancholy became my constant companion, weighing me
down in the wretched water. Do you know depression? Do
you know what it feels like to be numb and cold in dark,
murky water, unable to breathe, with just enough light to see
all those around you happily and easily smiling and drawing in
that sweet, precious oxygen? And somehow, their smiles and
breaths become inky, gooey tendrils that drag you deeper yet.
I couldn’t breathe, and frankly, I didn’t want to.
Then you came along.
You held my hand in the darkness and you taught me how
to breathe again. I wasn’t ready to leave the darkness that
I had grown accustomed to, but you were patient. You
stayed.
Every time you laughed, I felt happy. You held me in the
lightless water and we laughed together. You asked me to
come out of the darkness but I shied away, unable to leave.
The tendrils are too strong, I’d say. Still, you stayed. And you
held me. Gently, you began to rock the bowl back and forth,
back and forth.
One day, as we were lying in a stranger’s bed, avoiding the
masses at some party, I opened my heart to you. I told you
about my past and what had hurt me... I spoke for what felt
like hours. Soon I had no control over what I was saying
anymore. My words and tears flowed freely. With each
sentence, the water became brighter and ever so slightly
warmer. Perhaps, those were the tears streaming down my
face. I spoke until my words ran dry. You hadn’t said a word
during my confession and you weren’t saying anything now. I
looked at you, frightened of what you might say.
Had I said too much, was it too soon?

144 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

Viewpoint

With just three words, you completely turned my world Each side would argue vehemently against the other but the
around. “I love you.” Suddenly, with the power of a logical inhumane, unemotional facets always seemed to be
thousand gods you tipped the bowl over and all the dark the best advocated. This remained ever true in the infinite
waters poured out. I was shivering and frightened but you dance of dragons that is logic versus emotion.
held me. We turned to face the dawn and were warmed by However, logic and reason never took into account the pain,
the sunshine of our love. the suffering, the loss felt by the victims of the policy eugenics
Grethen de Waal, Grade 12 had targeted. It did not feel the agony of a sterilised mother
who would never be able to hold her child in her arms. It
Because the Government Wants More did not understand the love a spouse could have for a disabled
partner. It could not imagine the black night of the six million
I am tired of the constructions candles extinguished at Belsen and Dachau, at Mauthausen and
I am tired of the building Treblinka and Auschwitz . . . .
I am tired of the traffic and always to be yielding. Year after year, the teacher used her voice to impress upon
I failed my project because the teacher couldn’t hear me. her students the resounding truth of these words. Sometimes
I failed my test because I couldn’t hear my teacher she felt like laying down the weapon that was her knowledge
And I was almost suspended from school because I shouted and calling a ceasefire. She never did. She knew that the
“speak louder”. whole journey that was the history of humanity could
I walk through the sands depend on a change of heart in one solitary individual. It
Of high and low waves. was this that kept her helping her students to wade past the
The bulldozers become hands thick fog to see into the raging sea that is the human heart.
That remove the roads that were once paved. Knowing this, the teacher braced herself momentarily. And
I can hear none of my teachers. then began to speak.
I can pass none of my tests. Rachel Glass, Grade 11
The noise comes in through the windows and that single door
All because the government wants more. Lost but not forgotten
Mpfuxelelo Makhubele, Grade 12
A message to Boko Haram
So We Beat On ‘I understand how you feel’ – a phrase overused
‘It will all be okay’ – a sentence abused
Perhaps it was the utter lack of sound rather than the silence The truth is, one can never feel the same as another is feeling
itself that drew her attention away from the blackboard to the No amount of compassion will contribute to healing
assemblage before her. She was so accustomed to the chatter At this point in time, we don’t know their position
of her students that this development had her slowly turning Let alone their emotions, state of mind or condition.
around to meet faces of indecision. All eyes were drawn to Deceived and taken, almost at free will
the words that she had written carefully in dusty, white chalk: Until realising their heroes had desires to kill
‘Eugenics – the belief and practice of improving the genetic The Alpha male barking orders under a camouflage buff
quality of the human population.’ Fatal instruments tucked in armpits, grabbing arms, rough
Disbelief had been the first emotion the teacher had Truckloads travelling to a destination unknown
felt when she had seen this section in the History CAPS The captors excited, the dog has its bone
syllabus. But really, after reflecting on the words of George Now the trucks are gone and we all stare into oblivion
Santayana, she couldn’t agree more with the choice. For What is the fate that awaits these young women?
those who do not remember the past truly are condemned Sleeping in fear on unyielding concrete
to repeat it. This was her responsibility, the cause she had Insipid bread supper, far from sweet
pledged herself to from the beginning of her career, the Nightmares of shadows, waking up sweating
only way to redeem the mistakes made long ago. This was Families distraught never forgetting.
her life now. She was here to instruct, to educate, to tutor Giants looming, uncertainty reigns
and train the children entrusted to her care. She was in No mother to calm them, no consolation for their pains
essence a potter, moulding the minds of her learners. And Oblivious to hashtags and drones lost in the sky
what many tend to forget is that learners are the future. A country in panic; the people scream: why?
This group of born frees needed to be taught never to ln the feelings of dread could there be some of worth?
allow the pyrrhic past to repeat itself. So with that thought Could they have been defeated? Made infinitely to
in mind, she proceeded to cast her students into the kiln. leave earth?
This was it. From ashes to ashes, dust in the ground.
She knew that mere seconds would pass after she asked her Somewhere in heaven, new angels are crowned.
class to hear their views before hands would spring up, each Although we are still uncertain, there’s no time for games
student hoping to voice the words that gushed from the A united Phoenix must rise up in flames
cacophony of their thoughts. That was what tended to happen The wind blows strong, it whistles and whirls
in this diverse class full of scientists and humanitarians alike. One can just perceive the whisper
Bring Back Our Girls
Sasha Lordan, Grade 11

145The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014

Viewpoint

Courtney Donaldson, Grade 10 Olive Olusegun, Grade 10
and ran out of flour for the next batch of muffins. She had a
Boot Camp big function the next day so she dropped me off at home and
went to the shops. I was home alone . . .
I have always had this feeling that I needed to prove myself. I ran upstairs, threw my bags down and parked myself in
I did not have many friends back home, and I got the feeling front of the TV, even though I had so much homework to
that I did not quite fit in. Even though I have just finished do. While I was sitting and staring (brain-dead) at the TV, I
school, I still feel small, as if it is my first day of grade 8. suddenly heard a rumble and realised it was coming from my
I play this story in my mind every day and we start the day at stomach. It was rather painful and felt as if my organs were
5:00 am. We all need to be in the dining hall by 5:15 sharp. I trying to tell me something.
stare down at my bowl of mush. The dust-coloured porridge is I was starving! On top of that, the house smelt amazing from
looking particularly dreadful today, but I reluctantly pick up my all the baking. My mouth started to water and saliva began to
spoon and gulp it down, trying not to let the flavour linger. I gather under my tongue. I eventually decided to get off my lazy
wash it down with a mug of cold, watered-down coffee. Yum.! bum and scavenge in the fridge for something delicious to eat.
At 5:30 we all leave the hall for the start of our training. Warm- Alas, the fridge was empty and my stomach was growling at me.
up starts with a ten kilometre run around base camp. I didn’t know what to do. I then decided to go and raid the
At first, I felt good after a run. That was a few years ago. Now cupboards. On my way there, I felt a warm breeze on my legs. It
I can’t stand it. My shins ache from the impact, my cheeks was the oven, and something was inside it. Then, all of a sudden,
burn from the heat and my clothes stick to my sweaty body. the oven timer went off. Whatever was in the oven was ready!
After running, we do obstacle courses, crawling through mud As I slowly opened the oven door, my eyes widened, my mouth
and only stopping for water and an overripe banana. Believe watered heavily, and my heart started racing. I pulled out the
it or not, the day is almost over. The commander sends us hot baking tray with thick, soft oven gloves and put it on the
back to our rooms for a quick shower in icy, arctic water. The stove. It was the prettiest sight I had even seen. The heat was
mud caked on my skin comes loose and falls down the drain steaming off them. They were soft. They were moist. They
in a river of brown. After my shower, I get into my tracksuit were my mom’s famous CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES! I
and finish just as the siren rings for dinner. didn’t even give those little soft circles of heaven a chance to
Once again, I look down at my plate and see the same thing. Soggy cool down before I consumed them. There were two left and,
peas, a large, grey piece of meat, stale bread with unsalted butter by then, I had started to feel a little bit guilty. But sadly that guilt
and a glass of weak orange juice. I am starving and parched, so I was not strong enough. Just like that all twenty-four delicious,
wolf down my food and juice. I put my plate in one of the tubs scrumptious chocolate chip cookies were gone!
and head for the camp leader’s table. He has our letters. I take my Out of nowhere, my mom decided to walk through the door
letter - more than one this time, and head to my room. I lie on my and caught me wiping crumbs off my face. The only words
bed and read the letters from my mother and sister. I am barely that came out of my mouth were, ‘I can explain’, along with
halfway and my eyes close. Only three months left. some crumbs!
Hannah Snyman, Grade 10 Jade Swanepoel, Grade 10

I must confess From my bedroom window

I must confess, I did something terrible today. I lay in my bed silently and waited for the dreams to make
their entrance. I took one last lazy breath and allowed them to
It was a normal, long day at school and, as always, my mom paint a beautiful picture. My dreams were soon interrupted,
hadn’t packed enough lunch for me. When my mom fetched though, when I heard a loud crash coming from outside. My
me, she explained that she had been baking the whole day,

146 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris

eyes snapped wide open and my body tensed up. All was Viewpoint
silent but I heard the fast beating of my anxious heart. Slowly,
I pulled my duvet to the left of my body. Holding my scuffed Hema Sita, Grade 11
teddy, Rusty, I extended my feet to the soft and fluffy carpet
beneath my warm bed. It felt odd to be up so late! Carmen Joubert, Grade 11
I moved silently towards my bedroom window, too scared to Mignon Van Zyl, Grade 11
see what was roaming the cold, green gardens outside. I peeped
quickly through my condensated window but only glimpsed an 147The Iris • PHSG 1902–2014
image of darkness and water droplets. I took another look, but
this time I scanned the scene that was before me. I saw it then.
I clung to my teddy as fear started bubbling throughout my
body. The shadowy figure glared up at my window and smiled
a yellow-toothed grin. A shiver ran down my spine as I held a
terrified scream in my mouth, locking it away.
I grasped the window’s handle with shaking hands and opened
it with a squeak. The figure crept into the shadows then the
wind rushed into my bedroom, making my back hair dance
around my neck. I blinked a few times, getting used to the cold
and then the lights went out. I let out a whimper and scurried
off to my bed. I heard a shuffle downstairs but noted that my
parents had gone to bed earlier. If they were awake now, then
they would have seen me and made me go to bed again.
I slid underneath the small gap that my bed gave me to hide.
Thumping sounds made their way up to my bedroom door
in the most angered manner. I could see a shadow linger at
the door before it glided into my space of comfort. My
breathing came out in ragged gasps. I was trying to hold my
breath. In a panic, I tried to cease the noise I was making but
only ended up in letting out a terribly loud sound. A loud
thump rattled through the silent house. I froze. Glancing
to the left, I saw the yellow-toothed alien. He had heard me.
He had found me. I did the only thing I could do when its
hand reached out for me. I screamed with my nails digging
into poor, little Rusty.
Toni Siebert, Grade 9

The Night of the Burglary

Cassidy quietly slipped on her leggings and crept down the
stairs, her light rucksack on her back. She moved swiftly and
silently through the passage and entered the third room from
the end. She sighed and immediately relaxed when she passed
her flute stand and pulled a switch, so that the studio lit up.
She sat down and pulled her pants out of the bag, lacing them
up with the ease of an old pro. She stood up and began to
stretch, as she imagined herself twirling and flying gracefully
about a stage as her mother once did.
John and Pete crouched behind the bougainvillea-covered
wall of the Streak’s mansion.
“You sure you want to do this, mate?” asked Pete, pulling off
his black beanie and regarding him with serious eyes. No,
John didn’t want to do this, but what choice did he have?
He had a family to feed, and his job wouldn’t suffice - he
just hoped the burglary would pay the bills. He nodded to
Pete, who then began his steady descent into the hole at the
bottom of the wall. John waited until he was out of sight,
then slipped in after him.
In between doing a plié and putting her curly brown hair into
a messy bun, Cassidy wondered what would be in store for her
the next day. Probably flute lessons with her tutor and choir.

Viewpoint

Annie Oppler, Grade 12 Amber Crouse, Grade 11 Samantha Hurst, Grade 12

She hated flute. “URGH!” she exclaimed as she left her hair If you can’t say it to my face
to cascade down her shoulders. She began to dance, using I’m ready for your weapons
all her pent-up anger, but stopped dead in her tracks when All your gear and armoury
she heard footsteps outside the studio door. Why would her Ready to shoot me down
father be up at this time? The door creaked open, and two With your words that never speak
men in black appeared. Upon seeing her, one swore loudly Say it to my face
and the other just stared. Cassidy screamed. I dare you
“Well, this complicates things,” Pete muttered as he clamped a Say it to my face
hand over the screaming girl’s mouth. John continued looking And if you can’t even do that
at her. Her eyes had that deer-caught-in-headlights look, Then who’s the one
watching him in pure terror. He heard loud footsteps coming That should feel my pain.
from above the studio, and Pete cursed under his breath. Amy Serfontein, Grade 8
The decision to leave immediately was unanimous, but John
managed to swipe a few things on his way out, just so it wasn’t Africa, Africa …
all for nothing.
Between police interviews and hot chocolate, Cassidy coped well Africa, Africa, beat the drum in your heart,
in the days to come. She didn’t stop dancing, though, and did And I promise that we shall never be apart,
so now with a sense of urgency and need. She found herself Africa, Africa, light the fire in your soul,
walking through the house three days later, trying to keep herself And we shall fight for you no matter the toll.
busy on a Saturday. She walked past an empty little space on Africa, Africa, paint the sky with your hues,
the table, and frowned as she tried to remember what had been And under it I know we shall never lose.
there. Then she grinned, realisation dawning on her face. Africa, Africa, light the spark in your eyes,
They had taken her flute. And fight against the corruption and the lies.
Kristin Katzin, Grade 9 Africa, Africa, wash away all your hate,
Forgive and move on, before it’s too late.
Say it Africa, Africa, cleanse the land with your rain,
And wash away the past and its stain.
Say it to my face Africa, Africa, let your spirit be free,
I dare you And fill the hearts of your children with glee.
Say it to my face Africa, Africa, let go of the pain,
The darkness inside you And the song and dance will come back again.
Will never replace Africa, Africa, let the smiles return,
The sadness I felt And let the frowns and tears burn.
When you updated your status Africa, Africa, while the sun goes down,
You fill yourself with pride Let all our fears and sorrows drown,
When you make someone feel worthless And as the dawn approaches we shall all stand together,
You feel so glad and happy Now, tomorrow and forever.
When you find out they’re depressed Gabriella Clara, Grade 8
But you’re the worthless one

148 PHSG 1902–2014 • The Iris