RGHS Magazine 2022

Rustenburg Girls’ High School 2022

LEFT TO RIGHT - FIRST ROW: Alex Bonaconsa, Kimberley Steffen, Thamina Davids SECOND ROW: Tayla Swan, Miyo Jappie, Savanna Hill THIRD ROW: Manina Viljoen, Jordan Carnell, Lara Pienaar FOURTH ROW: Gia Paulse, Chrystal Wan, Clea De Klerk, Danielle Henry, Gabriela Venter, Han-Lu Li FIFTH ROW: Tyra Phipson, Gabriella Venter, Jenna Edwards (Grade 12s)

Rustenburg: an innovative, values-driven school, where we strive to create a sense of belonging and empower womxn to become compassionate leaders of change.

Rustenburg Girls’ High School

PHONE: 021 686 4066

FAX: 021 686 7114

WHATSAPP: 071 728 1129 E-MAIL: info@rghs.org.za

Editorial Team:

Mr Michael Gates, Ms René Forbes, Ms Denise Campbell

Creative Director:

Mr Adrian Skelly

Photographer: Ms Kristina StojiljkovicCampbell Portfolios:

Ms Susan Schnetler (Deputy Principal: Academic Head)

Ms Gillian Blackshaw (Deputy Principal: Pastoral Head)

Layout And DTP: Ms Caryn Köhler Printing: CT Printers Finance Office: Ms Mariam Naidoo Ms Meria Ferreira Ms Anne Quinlan Proofing: Ms René Forbes Ms Kimberley Pet Operations: Mr Graeme Broster

ADDRESS: Campground Road, Rondebosch, 7700 /rustenburggirls

/school/rustenburg-high-school-for-girls/

Photo Team:

Staff-member-in-charge: Ms Renè Forbes

GRADE 12

Naadirah Adam

Thamina Davids

Nika du Preez

Alexandra Espag

Emma September

GRADE 11

Jessica Bartnicke

Imaan Davids

Quiara Smit

GRADE 10

Rachel Pelser

GRADE 9

Maya de Villiers

Tamsyn Emery

Ellen Hodgekinson

Morgan Hunter

Juliette Meyer

Taylor Staniland Britanny Steffen Gabriella Roodt

While I was walking into school one morning, a phrase suddenly struck me: “Alphabet Soup!”.

I am not sure why, but it got me thinking. Our lives are just like Alphabet Soup, filled with possibility, with so many words, paragraphs, and stories to create.

From the Princ ipal

Mr Michael Gates

We’ve

After an initial period of resistance and three years of planning, we are now in full swing. This year’s magazine is a testament to the fantastic success this has been so far.

The incredible feeling of togetherness at the exciting house, sports, and cultural events has helped shape our story. It is exciting to see not only the educators but also the support staff embracing the opportunities to engage with our learners. It was heartwarming to see the Matric class of 2022 sharing their farewell with their tutors and co-tutors and it confirmed the success of the venture..

The wonderful team I work with

TOP LEFT: Principal’s PA: Ms Suleilah Ebrahim

TOP RIGHT: Admissions Secretary: Ms Linda Corbello

BOTTOM LEFT: Receptionist: Ms Nomazizi Sapepa

BOTTOM RIGHT: Office Manager: Ms Jackie Weston

It is time to stir up our Alphabet Soup and find uplifting stories. Let us discard the rumours, fabricated stories and negative attitudes that can mar a beautiful and happy space. Rustenburg is what we each make of it; everyone can express respect and kindness. The upcoming chapters will be page-turners filled with success stories, as confident young people take hold of opportunities to become who they were created to be.

So grab a spoon and a slice of buttered bread and dip into the fantastic Rustenburg “Alphabet soup” experience.

embarked on a new chapter in our lives at Rustenburg by introducing the exciting Vertical Tutor System.

From the School governing bo dy

Mr Mahomed Latiff

As I write this in the spring of 2022, the current SGB has been operating for two years. It continues to be a privilege to chair the SGB and I want to thank the parents, teachers and school staff who have volunteered to support this vital governance body. Their hard work has meant that, as a school, we continue to grow from strength to strength.

In executing our role as the SGB, our primary purpose is to provide governance and oversight over the school’s finances. At the onset of this SGB’s tenure, we undertook to focus our attention on three areas.

Firstly pay closer attention to expenditure and support parents by keeping fee increases to the minimum.

Secondly, enhance our debt management systems at the school to ensure that a more robust recovery process is in place to recover outstanding fees, thereby strengthening the school’s finances.

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Mahomed Latiff

DEPUTY CHAIR: Cllr Yagyah Adams

PRINCIPAL: Mr Michael Gates (ex officio member of SGB)

TREASURER: Ms Bahija Hashim

SECRETARY: Mr Wihan Neethling (elected)

CLERK: Mr Graeme Broster (co-opted, non-educator)

ELECTED PARENTS:

Ms Fatima Adam, Ms Tasneem Fakie-Halday, Mr Tom Sanya, Mr Jon Musikanth

EDUCATOR REPRESENTATIVES: Ms Gillian Blackshaw (co-opted), Ms Susan Schnetler (elected)

NON-EDUCATOR REPRESENTATIVE:

Ms Geila Wills (elected), Ms Mariam Naidoo (co-opted), Ms Ulpha Edries (co-opted)

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Gia Paulse (elected learner - RCL Chairperson), Naadirah Adam (elected learner - RCL Deputy Chairperson)

Thirdly, to commence with planning the building of the Music Block extension and the new Bugs Boutique.

As you would have noted from last year’s finance report, we have been able to contain dramatic fee increases. We have also improved our debt management processes by onboarding a new debt collection agency to assist with the collections. Thanks go to the school’s Finance Department, management staff and SGB Finance Sub-committee for this extraordinary effort. We are not without some challenges, as COVID and a rising cost of living have impacted several parents, affecting the offering that we, as a school, would like to afford our children.

The essential planning of the Music Block extension is complete and an Architect, Engineer and Land Surveyor have been appointed. We have also commenced with work around the cost and financing of the extension. Regarding the Bugs Boutique build, we have jointly funded this with Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School and this project has now been completed. These initiatives will create muchneeded extra classrooms for the school (Music Block extension) and improve security for our children (Bugs Boutique’ move). Our sincerest hope is that we can break ground on the Music Block extension near the end of next year.

Lastly, to our Grade 12s who are most likely reading this in the new year of 2023, I hope that your exams were a success and as you commence with your post-school phase of life, wherever that may take you, we wish you all the best for your future.

From the DEPUTY PrinCipal Academic Innovation

Ms Susan Schnetler

2021 NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATES

Rustenburg’s 154 Grade 12 candidates passed the 2021 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with 152 meeting the requirements for a Bachelor’s Pass and two attaining a Diploma Pass.

611 subject distinctions were achieved across the grade, with 10 subject averages at 80%+ and six between 70 and 79%. Although fewer learners were in this year’s group, a record number of 88 candidates (57.14%) achieved four or more subject distinctions.

The average aggregate for the grade in these external examinations was 78.05%, with 17 candidates achieving aggregates of 90% and above - our most significant number of exceptional achievers to date.

Once again, Rustenburg received a Ministerial Award for Academic Excellence.

Our Dux Scholar, Erin Coull, had an aggregate of 96,5%, placing her among the top NSC candidates in the province. She received a Ministerial Award for her outstanding results. Erin’s seven subject distinctions were all above 90% and included 99% for Mathematics.

We are exceptionally proud of the class of 2021, who pulled out all the stops, despite a disrupted Grade 11 year, and produced outstanding results.

Rustenburg’s top candidate in 2021 was Erin Coull, with an aggregate of 96,5%, placing her among the top NSC candidates in the province.

FROM LEFT: Mr Adrian Skelly, Ms Renée Fourie, Mr Wihan Neethling

BRIDGING PROGRAMME

The concept of a bridging programme was raised in 2021 when teachers discussed the impact of COVID-19 and subsequent disruptions to learning, especially at junior schools where essential skills were not introduced. It was thought that our newcomers needed additional scaffolding to facilitate the transition to high school.

From this emerged the idea of a foundation course. All Grade 8s were automatically enrolled and did this during the school day. There were various components, including Capacity Building (mind-maps, mnemonics, exam-writing techniques), Literacy (comprehension) and iPad Integration (using technology as a pedagogical tool). Pupils also received emotional and academic assistance through the Life Orientation Department and Student Development Unit. Grade 8s could partner with a Grade 11 or Grade 12 pupil for revision and draw on the services of trained peer tutors. Subject Heads of core learning areas had put in place several support strategies.

ACADEMIC INTERNSHIPS

At Rustenburg, we have always welcomed university students to do their teaching practice with us. Mentoring them is a privilege and provides an opportunity for us to help develop future teachers. In 2022 we have had around 15 students pass through our classrooms.

This year we have also welcomed longer-term interns in the Mathematics Department. We have had the great pleasure of two young teachersin-training joining our ranks this year. Esihle Fetman is in the second year of her BEd, and joined as an observer through TeachersPlus. Apryl Graham is completing her PGCE through the University of Cape Town this year. Apryl’s energy and eagerness to involve herself in all our activities is a testament to the teacher she is becoming.

TECH INTEGRATION

Goodnotes, a handy app that allows students and teachers to share their digital notebooks, was rolled out to all learners with iPads this year.

This enables students to combine handwriting with text, images, and stickers to create a comprehensive learning experience. It has also meant that teachers can mark work anytime and anywhere, improving the feedback process. Students have access to all their notebooks right from their iPad!

While hosting the South African Girls’ Schools’ Association Conference, some staff demonstrated how Goodnotes transforms learning. Grade 9 learners also delivered workshops around the school, ranging from flying drones to creating movies and even a customised version of Google Maps Street view, offering a handson experience. Many visiting principals complimented Rustenburg on how confident and well-mannered the learners were.

2022 is the second year we are offering IT programming within the FET Phase. Our students have risen to the challenge and tackled the subject head-on. IT programming affords learners a headstart in tertiary-level courses and could open many doors.

Our learners embrace technology, from using the Green Screen Room to record footage for the digital House Play videos to making digital, interactive content for lessons.

From the

DEPUTY Principal Holistic Growth

Ms Gillian Blackshaw

This year saw the much-anticipated implementation of the Vertical Tutor System.

The Vertical Tutor System moves away from the traditional form class consisting of only pupils in one grade, to a tutor group where there are three or four pupils from every year group.

Each tutor class has a tutor and a co-tutor and the group remains the same from one year to the next. All tutor groups belong to one of five Houses. The main aim of this system is to ensure that every pupil is known, cared for and supported, and as a result, learning outcomes improve. Every pupil also has the opportunity to mentor others and receive support from older pupils.

The Heads of House, aided by the Assistant Heads of House and other members of the School Leadership Team, spent many months in 2021 planning and putting procedures and protocols in place to launch and implement this system effectively. Part of this involved allocating all pupils into tutor groups and new Houses. The themes and names of the new Houses were nominated by the pupils, shortlisted, and then voted on by pupils and staff at the end of 2021.

This year also saw the introduction of a new leadership system necessary to support the Vertical Tutor System. There was some continuity from last year to this year’s leadership system as the RCL, a mandatory body, remained unchanged and functioned as usual. The changes saw each House having a House Leader and two Deputy House Leaders (a Deputy of Spirit and a Deputy of Growth). These Matric Leaders replaced last year’s Learner Leaders and previous years’ Prefect body. Another change to the leadership system saw the introduction of the Community and Citizenship committee, which comprised the Heads of Societies.

The new Houses and Vertical Tutor System and the return to extramurals post-COVID brought excitement, a positive atmosphere and “gees” to the school, that had long been missing. Much credit for this must go to the Head of House Leadership Team and the Matric Leaders. The highlight of each term was “Gees Week”, which took place in the last week of each term.

2022 saw the first full year of the new Post Level 2 Transformation position, held by Ms Norma Caesar. Another important addition in this regard was the long-awaited launch of the Transformation, Equity and Belonging Committee. This committee includes staff, pupil and parent representatives, and past pupils. We look forward to the positive impact this committee will have on Rustenburg.

This year has brought much change, and I hope that the changes made will continue to impact every Rustenburg community member positively.

From the Lead for Transformation Holistic Growth

Ms Norma Caesar

2022 allowed us to restart our transformation journey at Rustenburg with a renewed sense of urgency. Awakening from the induced slumber of the COVID-19 pandemic, we realised that we need to speed up this process of change that we started in 2017.

Who can forget the moment of pride when the new school song was sung for the first time by the entire school on 4 February in the Kemp Hall? This moment of clarity showed our commitment to the way forward. Even those who nostalgically still clung to the old ways had to acknowledge that, yes, we were on the right path.

Another moment of clarity came with the formation of the Transformation Equity and Belonging (TEB) Committee. The committee comprises various stakeholders (learners, educators, support staff, parents and alumnae) who make up the Rustenburg community. Working groups that will be driving the transformation process within this umbrella body, will be focussing on the following: (1) Academic Curriculum; (2) Staff Recruitment, Retention and Wellness; (3) Learner Admissions, Engagement and Wellness; (4) Heritage, Culture, Signs and Symbols. The hope is that these working groups will develop a transformation plan based on the input from all stakeholders and focus on addressing critical concerns within the school.

Our Dialogue Days became part of the learner social discourse programme again. Since September 2021, we have had Dialogue Days around themes of our diverse heritage; mental health and human rights.

What I do know is that Rustenburg is not unique in struggling with issues of our past. Transformation asks all of us, as a school community, to build a better future together - one where we are committed to creating an environment which embraces diversity and belonging. As we journey together, we should be conscious of the fact that we come from different backgrounds and cultures. (This is one of the reasons we continue to look at policies and procedures so that we make the necessary changes that do not favour one section of our community above another.) We should acknowledge the socio-economic differences that make up our school community. Still, foremost, we should embrace what we have in common: our Rustenburg values and our need for change.

From the Operations Ma nager

Mr Graeme Broster

Over the last few years, the staff at Rustenburg Girls’ High School have been undertaking leadership training with the help of Organisational Health Solutions (OHS).

The facilitator, Brad Anderson, has been fantastic in helping staff realise their own unique strengths and how these contribute to their unique leadership styles. The focus has been on leadership through influence, and not merely on the title or the position that they hold. They have also discovered how different leadership styles within their team can complement each other and how to optimise working together effectively.

The sessions have led to interactive engagement and interesting discussions around how to improve the day-to-day workings of the staff members’ respective departments, and we look forward to seeing the impact this will have on the school as a whole.

One of the COVID-era innovations was the introduction of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), which provided opportunities for unemployed youth to have work experience and skills training. In the Education sector, this took the form of employing Education Assistants and General School Assistants. They assisted with various tasks in return for a stipend from the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

The DBE set out stringent criteria for Phase III of this initiative, which meant that the two assistants from Phase II, Brittany Knipe and Olesdi Kwetsi, could not continue into Phase III. The DBE advertised the posts, and shortlisted applicants attended interviews. In the end, three young people, Ashley Arendse, Kealan Adams and Remile Nicholson, were appointed as Assistants for Phase III from May to September 2022.

Ashley, appointed as a so-called “eCadre” in the IT department, has assisted the Operations team with various administrative duties. She has made the most of the opportunity to acquire and develop new skills and hopes to learn more as the months progress.

Remile, a University graduate, is working as an Education Assistant in the History Department and was a key driver of the successful Youth Day programme in Term 2. She is partaking in this programme in order to decide whether she wants to pursue teaching as a career.

Kealan made a good impression with his attention to detail and conscientiousness in maintaining the school grounds. Unfortunately, he was forced to withdraw from the scheme at the end of Term 2 for personal reasons.

Each of the Assistants has reported having a positive experience thus far and they look forward to the remainder of their stay at Rustenburg Girls’ High School. We trust that the knowledge and skills gained during their time here will serve them well into the future.

From the CAMPUS MAN AGER

Mr Craig Leith

It has been a joy and privilege to serve the Rustenburg Girls’ High School community since the end of 2021 when I joined the staff. This year has seen the school campus continue to thrive and develop as we have sought to improve on what is an already stunning environment in which to learn, work and play.

We have completed the refurbishment of the front administration office and given facelifts to the Heads of Houses’ offices, HOD offices, and the pupils’ Waiting Room.

We managed to plant four well-established stinkwood trees along the school’s main thoroughfare, one of which was kindly sponsored by the Mtiaaz and Bahijah Hashim Family Trust. Sadly, we lost three of our large stone pine trees planted in 1932. We will be planting some large trees to replace these.

Before the end of this year, we would like to complete two major projects. The first is the onsite relocation of Bugs’ Boutique, which makes access to the shop easier. The second is the installation of solar and PV cells to reduce our energy costs and provide power backup to offset the ongoing rolling blackouts we are experiencing. The Facilities Team, ably led by Mr Stephen Nichols (Campus Supervisor), Mrs Ruth Kabinda (Cleaning Supervisor) and Ms Geila Wills (Campus Administrator), has continued to support virtually all of the school’s events throughout the year, including sports days, inter-house and school events, workshops, the SAGSA conference, Music and Art Weeks, and many more. We commend their commitment and dedication to the school. I wish to thank them for the enormous, often unseen and unnoticed contribution they make to the smooth and efficient running of the school throughout the year.

The school would not continue to look as wonderful as it does without the hard work of our Ground Staff, Cleaning Staff and Handymen, who work tirelessly throughout the terms and during the school holidays. They are always willing to assist in both big and small ways, and we value and appreciate their enormous positive impact on our school community.

I look forward to many more productive years at such a special school.

From the Chairperson of the RCL

Gia Paulse

I have been in the RCL for most of my high school career and served as the 2022 President of the Metro-Central District RCL. In these roles, I have had the opportunity and honour to be part of an innovative leadership body that inspired me to continue investing in the change we strive for as young leaders. Working alongside learners who genuinely believe in making school an environment where everyone feels like they belong, has been an honour.

The Representative Council of Learners has been working hard to uplift our school. Throughout 2022 we have remained dedicated to improving the lives of all learners and the wider RGHS community. An influx of ideas from the entire school motivated us in the duties for which we were elected.

Working as a team, the RCL has completed a stationery drive for a school in need, continued our sanitary pad project and hot chocolate mornings, and begun a lunch initiative that serves our learners. We have held vision meetings to discuss new initiatives and receive training. Because our Executive Council has learners from Grades 8 to 12, we have heard multiple perspectives, which resulted in more informed decision-making.

We are excited that there are RCL learners on the Transformation, Equity and Belonging Committee, as it is part of our duty to uplift learners and create an inclusive space that accepts and provides for their needs. We look forward to seeing what the future holds as learners, staff, parents, and alumnae collaborate on this committee to bring about significant progress and change.

Representative Council of Learners

BACK ROW: Gabriella Roodt, Salakha Thwalo, Trinity Ngaka, Zahraa Abdurahman.

MIDDLE ROW: Tshimologo Zantsi, Sage Davids, Ammaarah Braaf, Isabella Gomes, Qaylah Davids, Payal Somai.

FRONT ROW: Tia Morrow, Naadirah Adam, Ms Jan Thorne, Gia Paulse, Ms Norma Caesar, Sasha Apolles, Thakazelwa Sishi.

Serving on the School Governing Body as learners, we have experienced the daunting reality of decision-making and prioritisation. We put our fears aside, and worked together to ensure that the learners’ voices were heard at meetings.

We hope that our efforts and successes throughout the years have helped learners have a more enriching and caring experience at Rustenburg. We know that we are building on past initiatives that will further encourage strong leadership.

Rustenburg Staff

Principals

PRINCIPAL:

Mr Michael Gates: BMedSc (Hons), HDE (PG) Sec, MEd

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: Academic Innovation

Ms Susan Schnetler: BSocSc, BA (Hons), HDE (PG) Sec

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: Holistic Growth

Ms Gillian Blackshaw: BA (MBK), HDE (PG) Sec

OPERATIONS MANAGER: Mr Graeme Broster: BSc (Hons), HDE (PG) Sec

Heads of Department (PL2)

ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP TEAM: Ms Renée Fourie: MA, HDE (PG) Sec

ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP TEAM: Mr Adrian Skelly: BA, HDE (PG) Sec

HEAD OF TRANSFORMATION: Ms Norma Caesar: BA (Hons), HDE, MEd

Pastoral Leadership Team

HEAD OF CORVUS HOUSE: Mr Bernard Biermann: BA, PGCE ASSISTANT HEAD OF CORVUS: Ms Doris Wyne

HEAD OF CYGNUS HOUSE: Ms Lindsay de Klerk: BA, PGCE ASSISTANT HEAD OF CYGNUS: Ms Karyn Gideon: BEd (Senior and FET Phases)

HEAD OF LACERTA HOUSE: Ms Olivia Herrendoerfer: BMus (Ed), PGCE

ASSISTANT HEAD OF LACERTA: Mr Wihan Neethling: BA (Hons), PGCE

HEAD OF LEPUS HOUSE: Ms Janine Myers: BTech (IT), HDE (Comm) Sec, FDE (Comp) Sec ASSISTANT HEAD OF LEPUS: Ms Megan Bell: BSc, PGCE

HEAD OF PAVO HOUSE: Ms Linda Mallon: BA, HDE

ASSISTANT HEAD OF PAVO: Ms Kayla Voskuil: BEd (Senior and FET Phases)

Extra-Curricular Leadership Team

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC: Mr Jaco Goosen: MMus, UTLM

DIRECTOR OF SPORT: Ms Renée Scott: BA (Phys Ed), HDE

Support Leadership Team

CAMPUS MANAGER: Mr Craig Leith: HDE, B.Ed (Hons) (Education Management)

HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS

AND FUNDRAISING: Ms Ulpha Edries: BA (Hons)

HEAD OF FINANCE: Ms Mariam Naidoo: CA (SA)

ICT MANAGER: Mr Francis Vogts: Dip. IT

HEAD OF INNOVATION & ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP TEAM: Mr Wihan Neethling: BA (Hons), PGCE

Subject Heads

ACCOUNTING & EMS: Mr Gian Marneweck: BCom, PGCE

AFRIKAANS: Ms Erika van As: MA, HDE

CONSUMER STUDIES:

Ms Kelly Erasmus: Food Science and Nutrition (Hons), Masters of Applied Science

DESIGN AND VISUAL ARTS:

Ms Jackie Chambers: BA Fine Arts (Hons), HDE DRAMATIC ARTS:

Mr Adrian Skelly: BA, HDE (PG) Sec ENGLISH:

Ms Lindsay de Klerk: BA, PGCE

FRENCH: M. Kerwin Baartzes: BA (Hons), Licence F.L.E.

GEOGRAPHY: Ms Susan Schnetler: BSocSc, BA (Hons), HDE (PG) Sec

GERMAN: Ms Renée Fourie: MA, HDE (PG) Sec

HISTORY: Ms Fatima Flores: B.Soc Sci, BA Psych (Hons), PGCE

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:

Ms Janine Myers: BTech (IT), HDE (Comm) Sec, FDE (Comp) Sec

ISIXHOSA: Ms Mavis Mase: BA (Hons), HDE

LIFE ORIENTATION: Ms Zulfaa Ismail: B.Ed (Intermediate & Senior Phases), B.Th.

LIFE SCIENCES: Ms Susan Viljoen: BSc (Hons), PGCE MATHEMATICS AND MATHEMATICAL LITERACY: Mr Paul van Koersveld: BSc; PGCE MUSIC: Mr Jaco Goosen: MMus, UTLM

NATURAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY: Ms Jane Behne: BSc, HDE

PHYSICAL SCIENCES: Mr Graham Reggiori: BSc, HDE (PG) Sec

Academic Staff

Ms Saeeda Bassardien: BSc, PGCE

Mr Murray Buitendag: BMus (Jazz Performance).

Ms Julie Campbell: BJourn, PGCE

Ms Astrid Castle: BTech (Fine Arts)

Ms Nicky Cooper: BA

Ms Zohra Damon: BEd (4th year)

Mr Shamiel Dramat: B.Sc, HDE, JAVA Programming Certificate

Ms Martha de Jager: BMus (Ed), BBibl (Hons), BSc (Hons)

Ms Sue Duncan: BA, PGCE

Dr Washiela Fish: PhD (Mathematics), HDE

Ms Christelle Grimbeek: BSc, PGCE, LLM Envi. Law

Mr William Haggard: BA (Hons), HDE (PG) Sec

Mr James Hendricks: MA, PGCE

Ms Sindisiwe Herbert: BA (Hons), PGCE

Ms Lynette Jacobs: BA Human Ecology (Educational Course)

Mr Shaun Klaasen: BEd, LTCL (Musical Theatre, Speech & Drama)

Ms Gillian Lucas: BA, PGCE

Ms Kuhle-ke Mkosana: BSc, PGCE

Mr Maty Ndambi: BSc (Hons), PGCE

Ms Zizipho Ngaka: B.Ed (Hons) (Leadership and Management)

Ms Kimberley Pet: BA (Hons), PGCE

Ms Leander Pietersen: B.Mus, BA (Hons), HDE (PG)

Ms Zargielay Rabeh: BSc, HDE (PG) Sec, BEd (Hons), ABET

Ms Veronique Ravat: BSc, PGCE, BEd (Hons)

Mr Umar Samandarov: BSc (Applied Mathematics & Mathematics Teaching)

Ms Tarin Scharneck: BEd (Arts)

Ms Tasneem Shaboodien: BSc, PGCE

Ms Brigitta Stack: BSc (Hons), PGCE

Ms Jan Thorne: BMus (Ed)

Ms Liana van Schalkwyk: MA, HDE

Ms Louise White: BTh, PGCE

Mr Mark Wilson: BA, HDE

Student Development Unit

Ms Perdita Norval: BA (Hons), HDE (PG) Sec

Ms Sanda Sogoni: MA (SW)

Interns

PRESIDENTIAL YOUTH EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE (PHASE III)

Ms Ashley Arendse (assisting in ICT and Operations Departments)

Ms Remile Nicholson (assisting in History and Marketing Departments)

MATHEMATICS TEACHING

Ms Apryl Graham

Ms Esihle Fetman

Part-time Music Educators

Ms Justin Bellairs: MMus

Ms Zanelle Britz: Post Grad Diploma (Performance)

Ms Cheryl de Havilland: BSc (Physics/Music), L.R.A.M.

Ms Annelize de Villiers: MMus

Mr Jose Dias: BMus (Hons), Post Grad Diploma (Performance)

Mr Robert Jeffery: MMus, ATCL

Ms Maria Raynham: MMus, LMV, UTLM

Ms Rina Schutte BMus (Hons)

Ms Marga Smith: MMus, LTCL, PGCE

Mr David West: BMus (Hons) (Music Education), LTCL, AMusTCL, ATCL

Ms Cara Pearce Dip ABRSM, ACTL, Bmus

Media Centre

Ms Jordan Tame: BSocSc, PGCE, BEd (Psych) Hons (cum laude)

Administrative Staff

Ms Beth Brown

Ms Linda Corbello

Ms Suleilah Ebrahim

Ms Meria Ferreira

Ms Renè Forbes

Mr Olu Ncukana

Mr Alister Penny

Ms Anne Quinlan

Ms Nomazizi Sapepa

Ms Gabbi van der Westhuizen

Mr Robert Verhagen

Ms Jackie Weston

Ms Geila Wills

Ms Lynne Young

Bugs’ Boutique School Shop

Ms Lydia Mostert

Ms Eugenie Solkow

Campus

Supervisor

Mr Stephen Nicholas

Cleaning

Supervisor

Ms Ruth Kabinda Osongo

Campus

Staff

Mr Ibrahim Allie

Mr Lluwellen Giebelaar

Mr Ali Ibrahim

Ms Veronica Chiwala Kabinda

Ms Neliswa Mjiqiza

Ms Bongiswa Mketo

Mr Simangaliso Mlambo

Ms Gcobisa Mlozane

Mr Checkson Mwale

Mr Edward Mudiwa

Mr Adrian Munnik

Mr Kudakwashe Mwaedza

Ms Agnes Ndyambo

Ms Nokuzola Ngxabani

Ms Mandisa Nkumanda

Mr Yusuf Osman

Ms Bongiwe Pikini

Mr Emmanuel Vureya

Head of Erinville Hostel

Mr Michael Gates

Ms Doris Wyne (Assistant)

Erinville Catering Manager

Ms Melanie van Blerk

Erinville Staff

Ms Hannah Abdoll

Ms Michele Bakker

Ms Lauren Bates

Mr Gregory Isaacs

Ms Theresa Muller

Ms Elaine Nyhila

Ms Lizette Samuels

Ms Chanelle Scholtz

Ms Sheila Stoffels

Ms Elizabeth Theunissen (retired June 2022)

Ms Nomawethu Tshona

Tuckshop and Catering

Ms Michelle Haylett

Ms Linda Mantshi

Ms Norah Jimu (Barista)

Academic Staff

BACK ROW:

Ms Jacqueline Chambers, Mr James Hendricks, Mr Robert Jeffery, Mr Shaun Klaasen, Mr Paul van Koersveld, Mr Murray Buitendag, Ms Astrid Castle, Mr William Haggard, Mr Gian Marneweck, Ms Nicola Cooper.

FOURTH ROW:

Ms Perdita Norval, Ms Sanda Sogoni, Mr Umar Samandarov, Mr Mark Wilson, Ms Christelle Grimbeek, Ms Gabi-Lee van der Westhuizen, Mr Kerwin Baartzes, Ms Fatima Flores, Ms Kimberley Pet, Mr Maty Ndambi, Ms Jane Behne.

THIRD ROW:

Ms Louise White, Ms Veronique Ravat, Ms Lynette Jacobs, Ms Jordan Tame, Ms Susan Viljoen, Ms Megan Bell, Mr Olu Ncukana, Ms Martha de Jager, Ms Mavis Mase, Ms Sindisiwe Herbert, Ms Liana van Schalkwyk, Ms Zulfaa Ismail.

SECOND ROW:

Ms Tasneem Shaboodien, Ms Tarin Scharneck, Ms Brigitta Stack, Ms Saeeda Bassardien, Ms Gillian Lucas, Ms Jan Thorne, Ms Leander Pietersen, Ms Zizipho Ngaka, Mrs Kelly Erasmus, Ms Kayla Voskuil, Ms Karyn Gideon.

FRONT ROW:

Ms Olivia Herrendoërfer, Ms Linda Mallon, Ms Norma Caesar, Mr Adrian Skelly, Ms Gillian Blackshaw, Mr Michael Gates, Ms Susan Schnetler, Ms Renée Fourie, Mr Wihan Neethling, Ms Janine Myers, Ms Lindsay de Klerk, Mr Jaco Goosen.

ABSENT:

Ms Erika van As, Mr Graham Reggiori, Mr Bernard Biermann.

Administrative Staff

BACK ROW: Ms Suleilah Ebrahim, Ms Nomazizi Sapepa.

THIRD ROW: Ms Lynne Young, Ms Michelle Haylett, Ms René Forbes, Ms Beth Brown, Ms Jordan Tame, Ms Remile Nicholson.

SECOND ROW: Ms Linda Corbello, Ms Linda Mantshi, Ms Gabi-Lee van der Westhuizen, Mr Alister Penny, Mr Robert Verhagen, Ms Ashley Arendse, Ms Anne Quinlan, Mr Olu Ncukane.

FRONT ROW: Ms Meria Ferreira, Ms Mariam Naidoo, Ms Renée Scott, Mr Michael Gates, Ms Ulpha Edries, Mr Graeme Broster, Ms Jackie Weston.

ABSENT: Mr Francis Vogts, Mr Craig Leith.

Campus Staff

BACK ROW: Ms Agnes Ndyambo, Ms Neliswa Mjiqiza, Mr Simangaliso Mlambo, Mr Gregory Isaacs, Ms Nokuzola Ngxabani, Ms Bongiwe Pikini.

MIDDLE ROW: Mr Adrian Munnik, Mr Ali Ibrahim, Mr Kudakwashe Mwaedza, Mr Yusuf Osman, Ms Veronica Chiwala Kabinda, Ms Mandisa Nkumanda, Mr Gerhard Giebelaar, Ms Gcobisa Mlozane (Gloria).

FRONT ROW: Mr Edward Mudiwa, Mr Ibrahim Allie, Ms Ruth KabindaOsonge, Mr Stephen Nicholas, Mr Michael Gates, Mr Craig Leith, Ms Geila Wills, Ms Bongiswa Mketo, Mr Emmanuel Vureya.

ABSENT: Mr Checkson Mwale.

Erinville Hostel Staff

BACK ROW: Ms Lizette Samuels, Ms Kareemah de Goede, Ms Sheila Stoffels, Ms Theresa Muller, Ms Elaine Nyhila.

FRONT ROW: Ms Michele Bakker, Ms Doris Wyne, Mr Michael Gates, Ms Melanie van Blerk, Ms Lauren Bates.

STAFF RETIREMENTs

Farewell to Elizabeth Theunissen

Elizabeth Theunissen joined the staff at Erinville in 1978 at the age of 21. In the time she was on the staff, she married and had two daughters, Keshia and Stephanie. Keshia attended Rustenburg and matriculated in 2003.

Until 1999, when the principal’s house was built, the principal lived in the boarding house. Ms van Blerk (Principal from 1991 to 1999) wrote this: “Before I started at Rustenburg, Ms McIntyre (Ms van Blerk’s predecessor) told me a great deal about the school and hostel, and about the people I would meet. She spoke very highly of the eight ladies who made up the housekeeping staff and praised Elizabeth especially, as she was the person who would look after the principal’s flat and see to the meals for the principal and her husband. So we know that Elizabeth was highly valued in those early days. She was a wonderful help to me, always looking after my interests, keeping the flat beautifully and showing me every care and consideration. Around the hostel, she was always very discreet, always careful and conscientious and very good at doing her work well.”

Ms Bedford, who ran the kitchen at Erinville for a number of years, described Elizabeth as sensible, quiet, reliable and professional. She valued having that kind of backup and felt that Elizabeth was a “cut above”.

In 2013 Elizabeth became part of the kitchen staff, mainly responsible for the salads and serving of the boarders and the staff members at meal times. She was eager to learn new recipes and accepted her new responsibilities with enthusiasm. Elizabeth took great pride in her work and soon got to know the boarders and their individual preferences and diets. She knew exactly what meal each staff member regarded as their favourite and on those days, gave them an extra little bit to brighten up their day. Elizabeth was loyal and reliable and with her sense of humour, she was a pleasure to work with and is missed in the kitchen.

At the final assembly of the first term, the staff and learners paid tribute to this amazing woman who had devoted so much of her life to Rustenburg. It is likely that no one else in the future of the school will manage to clock up 44 years of uninterrupted service. The school lined the path from the hall back to the hostel, sending Elizabeth off with a standing ovation. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.

Farewell to Renée Scott

I doubt there are many schools which can boast having had a pair of identical twins running their Sports Department, one after the other. Having built up the Rustenburg Girls’ High Sports Department, Ms Viv Williams was replaced by her twin sister, Ms Renée Scott in July 2015.

During the challenging times of COVID, when no sporting contact was allowed, under Ms Scott’s guidance, Rustenburg offered online sessions for Hockey and Water Polo and set goals for Cross Country runners. A teacher for many years, Ms Scott was aware of the

impact COVID might have on the mental wellness of the learners and brought in the “BelievePerform” platform which proved to be a positive decision. She used her experience to lead the Sports Department steadily and ably and, despite COVID, Rustenburg remains a force to be reckoned with in a variety of sporting codes. The Sports Department also used the time to design a 1,2km oncampus trail route, which is used extensively by learners and staff. The development from Social Soccer to Team Football proved very popular. During terms 2 and 3, it was uplifting to pass the fields after school and see the fun and hear the excitement of both players and spectators once again.

The Sport Department has grown, from being located in a small office shared by the Head of Sport and an administrator, to the most beautiful premises, overlooking the playing fields, housing Ms Scott and two administrators.

A bit of sleuthing revealed that Ms Scott is a very accomplished athlete and she holds some extremely impressive records. A brief resumé includes:

1991: Set the Women’s Cycle Tour record. Her record of 2h44.04 still stands today.

1991: Placed in the Top 10 in the Elite section of the Duathlon World Championships held in Palm Springs, California.

1991 & 1992: Captained the Springbok Triathlon and Duathlon teams

1993: Winner of the World Age-Group Triathlon title at the World Championships in Manchester, UK.

She completed eleven Two Oceans Ultra Marathons and eleven Two Oceans Half-marathons. She completed ten Comrades Ultra Marathons, running two of them in sub-seven hours to achieve Gold medals in 2001 and 2004.

2004: She represented South Africa at the World 100km Running Championships in Cleder, France.

Ms Scott continues to cycle and run. Recently she won the 60+ category at the Western Province 21km Road Championships. Her achievements go on and on.

After such an active career, it is time for Ms Scott finally to have more time to spend with her husband and their two daughters, Dominique and Natasha. They too, are accomplished sportswomen, with Dominique having represented South Africa at the Summer Olympics in Rio in 2016 and again in Tokyo in 2020.

We doff our caps to Ms Scott and celebrate everything she has achieved. We wish her much happiness as she wings her way about the world, doing all the things she has dreamed about. We will follow her accomplishments and those of her family closely.

Farewell to Kerwin Baartzes

We are sad to bid farewell to our dear Head of French, Kerwin Baartzes, or as the learners know him, “Monsieur”.

Mr Baartzes is a skilled French teacher, whose expertise we will miss. He studied at the University of Grenoble, France. After five years abroad, he was appointed Head of French at Somerset College, where he taught for 20 years and where he was using Google Classroom for some years before we introduced it. During

this time, he was an IEB NSC marker and NSC Oral Moderator.

Monsieur Baartzes has been at Rustenburg for four years. He had his digital lessons up and running in no time at all and was able to assist confused (to be polite) colleagues, who were trying to get digitally sorted. We got to appreciate his lesson planning, his skill in mentoring colleagues, his good rapport with his students and his wonderful sense of humour. This latter trait proved useful, as he has had to endure a long drive on the N2 to school daily, without losing his cool!

In our Foreign Languages meetings, it has been a pleasure to work alongside him and share our knowledge of the IEB requirements. I will miss our annual ‘excursion’ to the WCED to hand in the Matric portfolios and marks which are sent to the IEB.

We will all miss Monsieur Baartzes dearly and we are sad that he is taking early retirement. We wish him good health and happy days, as he now will have time to do the other things that he loves.

Au revoir Monsieur le Professeur, merci beaucoup et tout le meilleur!

Renée Fourie

Staff News

It is always sad to say goodbye, but the converse of that is the chance to welcome new faces to our school.

Under the guidance of Ms Janine Myers, Rustenburg now offers IT as a fully-fledged NSC subject. Previous-WCED Subject Advisor for IT, Mr Shamiel Dramat, assists Ms Myers part-time. He is helping to grow the subject so we may offer it to learners from other schools.

Consumer Studies suffered a loss when Ms Steenekamp emigrated to the United Kingdom at the end of the first term. She was an innovative teacher, and the notice boards outside her classroom are a testament to the hard work, the fun and the array of activities her classes enjoyed. Ms Kelly Erasmus, who joins us from KwaZuluNatal, has taken over this role.

Also from KwaZulu-Natal is Ms Kimberley Pet, who replaced Ms Boshoff when she left in December 2021. Ms Julie Campbell transferred to Claremont High School at the end of Term 2. The Afrikaans Department also boasts two new educators this year: Ms Leander Pietersen, and Ms Liana van Schalkwyk.

There was a change in the Life Orientation department in April when Ms Barrett-Theron left our school to work as a full-time online counsellor. A competent and serene Ms Zulpha Ismail took over as Head of Life Orientation, and Ms Perdita Norval became a full-time counsellor.

It was a significant loss when Dr Melck, Head of History, moved to Springfield at the end of March. His replacement, Ms Fatima Flores, has slotted into the department with aplomb.

In December, the Campus Manager, Mr Mhlanga Nombewu, left for KwaZulu-Natal with his young family. Mr Craig Leith, who has experience as a principal and a campus manager, replaced him.

The isiXhosa Department has grown with the addition of Ms Zizipho Ngaka, who joins Ms Mase. Ms Ngaka now teaches isiXhosa as a Second Additional Language, thus providing more learners with an opportunity to learn the language and the culture.

In February, Ms Palesa Hlela moved to the University of Pretoria, and we acquired the services of Ms Gabi-Lee van der Westhuizen. She is a real live-wire with a passion for sport. Ms Renée Scott, Director of Sport since July 2015, is to retire early at the end of the year, so she can spend more time with her husband and daughters. She leaves the Sport Department on a solid footing and goes with our gratitude for a job well done.

April saw the Music Department bid farewell to the animated Ms Juanita Atkinson, life and soul of every event she attended. Ms Martha de Jager stepped into big shoes, and she is doing admirably.

We will say goodbye to Mr Kerwin Baartzes, Head of French at the end of the year. He has led his Department quietly and solidly since 2019. Ms Chelsea Johnson who matriculated from Rustenburg in 2010 is taking over leadership of this department.

In December 2021, iPad “Apple Dude” Mr Juandré van der Westhuizen, left the school. In his place, we secured the services of Mr Robert Verhagen from the American International School in Constantia.

Mr Paul van Koersveld, Head of Mathematics, recently accepted a position in Johannesburg. He will be sorely missed by the other members of the Mathematics department (which operates like a family), and his leaving is a loss to us all. Compassionate and sensible, Mr vK, as he is fondly called, could be counted on to provide a listening ear and sound advice.

In further Mathematics news, the department accommodated intern Ms Apryl Graham this year. The department also welcomed a brand new baby boy, Ayyub, born to Ms Damon in July.

In the new round of the “President’s Initiative to Create Employment for Teachers and School Assistants”, which lasts four months at a time, Rustenburg was fortunate to host Ms Remile Nicholson and Ms Ashleigh Arendse.

We were sorry to lose our Head of Communications and Fundraising, Ms Ulpha Edries at the end of August. We have employed Ms Andrea Slater to take over the reins in this challenging role.

Mr Simangaliso Mlambo joined our Campus Staff in February. He replaced Tawanda Muyambo, who left to further his career. We hope Simangaliso will be very happy at Rustenburg.

Erinville Hostel bid farewell to Chanelle Scholtz in December 2021 to care for her young family. We are grateful to have had her step in, at short notice, when we needed her. After forty-four years, Elizabeth Theunissen retired at the end of June. She joined the staff in 1978 at the age of twenty-one, married, and had two daughters, Keshia and Stephanie. She shared much of her life with Rustenburg and we wish her well for her retirement. In her place, we welcome Kareemah de Goede. Congratulations to the Erinville team’s fellow staff member, Elaine Nyhila and her husband, who welcomed their fourth child, daughter Melokhule in April.

In other exciting news, Ms Brigitta Hopley early this year married Lee Stack. We wish them every joy for the future. Congratulations also go to Design teacher, Ms Astrid Castle, who got engaged to Sebastian Selzer and Life Orientation teacher and Head of the Media Centre, Ms Jordan Tame, who got engaged to Devon Keyser.

And that sums up the highs and lows for 2022. We hope you enjoyed learning a little more about the staff who care for your children while they are at school.

From Erinville BOARDING HOUSE

Ms Doris Wyne

Mr Gates and I have headed up the management of Erinville, working closely with Ms van Blerk (Catering Manager) and Mr Leith (Campus Manager). The fantastic kitchen team, duty mistresses, and Mr Isaacs (Handyman) have worked hard to ensure our boarders’ needs are met.

We began the year with our tradition of welcoming the Grade 8s and taking them and our Matrics to Spur for their welcome dinner. Later, in the first week, the Grade 12s took our Grade 8s to Michael’s to enjoy milkshakes. These fun events help with bonding and building the Erinville family.

The reduced number of out-of-province learners has meant a change to weekly boarding, which is working well. While our numbers this year are the lowest they have been for a while, we continue to be positive. There is less interest in boarding in the Southern Suburbs, so we will widen our net to attract learners from further north over the coming months.

The easing of COVID restrictions in the second term has enabled us to have our fundraising event in person again. The first-ever dinner dance proved to be a great success. Our boarders helped sell raffle tickets; many performed, showing off their talents to the audience’s delight. We managed to raise just over R 30 000. We were the film location for a KFC advert earlier this year, and we look forward to seeing our beloved hostel on the screen. The proceeds from this helped to refurnish the Matric Sanctum. We hosted teams from the National School’s Squash tournament, and our excellent staff made our visitors feel welcome.

With the increasing concern for mental health and wellbeing, we ran a workshop for our boarders at the beginning of the fourth term to equip them with coping tools in these increasingly changing times.

We were sad to see Elizabeth Theunissen (Ma Elizabeth) leave the hostel as she retired after serving in the kitchen department for an incredible 44 years! We wish her nothing but the best in this new season of her life.

We thank our outgoing leader learners, Phelo, Asa, Olu, Result, Jorja and Charité, for taking their responsibilities seriously. Our entire Grade 12 group has shown expert leadership over this year. We thank our house moms, Sis Noma, Ms B and Lauren, for making Erinville a happy and vibrant “home away from home”.

From the Head

Eri nville Phelo

Xulu

Erinville House has been my home away from home for the past five years, and I honestly wouldn’t have had it any other way.

of

I’ve loved every second, from the first day at the hostel in 2018, where I met the rest of my grade and my mentor for the first time, to the last first day back this year, where I got to meet my mentee and start the journey of my final year in the hostel with my fellow matrics.

I have been in the hostel before, during and after the pandemic and have seen the love and support of boarders and hostel moms get us through tough times. COVID transformed our carefree environment into a strict social-distancing system, where you couldn’t visit each other’s rooms and had to wear masks for everyone’s safety.

COVID-19 in the hostel wasn’t the ideal situation for this type of environment. Still, it was amazing to see how we all fully respected the rules for ourselves, the other boarders, and for their family members. We understood that following the rules was the best way to support each other at a time like that.

The COVID-19 protocol began to die slowly towards the end of 2021, and by 2022 things were back to normal with regard to how the hostel was run. Nevertheless, there was tremendous growth in the way that boarders respected each other’s space and had empathy for each other. During the pandemic, we learnt that you never really know what a person is dealing with at home, so you need to be kind.

Going into 2022 as the Head of Hostel was not an easy task. During the pandemic, I had learnt a lot about putting myself in other people’s shoes when trying to solve problems, and respecting people by treating them the way I wanted to be treated, which was already one of my core values. However, I wouldn’t have been able to get through this year without my deputy, Asamkele Mpeke, and her positive energy that lights up the room. She was my go-to person when I needed someone to talk to or bounce off my thoughts. I’m also grateful to the hostel learner leaders and my fellow matrics who have made this a unique and memorable year.

Matric Sanctum was a haven for the matrics this year, from the latenight crash courses before an exam and the last-minute projects to the matric movie nights. Sanctum has united our grade, and it has been the source of great laughs and happiness. The duty room is one of the warmest and most comforting places, regardless of which house mom is on duty. They all make you feel welcome and safe, so it is where many boarders go to de-stress and occasionally procrastinate. The dining room, where we eat all our lovely meals prepared by the kitchen staff and have our long, deep discussions around the dinner table, will always be one of my favourite places.

ERINVILLE HOUSE LEADERS

BACK ROW: Jorja Roberts, Oluhle Tunyiswa, Charité Strauss, Result Machiya.

FRONT ROW: Phelo Xulu, Ms Doris Wyne, Asamkele Mpeke.

It is hard to think that I’ll never come back at the beginning of the year, after the long holidays, to hear all the screams of excitement and gossip about what happened over the holiday. That excitement and joy of seeing all your Erinville sisters, is honestly unmatched. I am forever grateful to all the fantastic young people I have met in this hostel, and I will treasure all the memories I have made forever. So to all my wonderful hostel sisters, good luck on the journey ahead. I wish you all the best.

Matric Dance Committee 2022

Matric Dance

Matric Dance

GRADE 12 AWARDS CEREMONY

PRINCIPAL’S SPECIAL AWARD: Gia Paulse

SPORT PRIZES

CROSS COUNTRY (Best U19): Kayla Ross

FOOTBALL (Best Senior): Aqueelah Ismail

NETBALL (Best U19): Result Machiya

SWIMMING (Best U19): Tyra Phipson

SQUASH (Best Senior): Emma Phillipson

SQUASH (Most Improved Player): Amy Basson

TENNIS (Best Senior): Juliana Barrish

TENNIS (Most Improved Player): Simone de Villiers

WATER POLO (Best Senior): Anna Gray, Jaime Kelly

WATER POLO (Most Improved Player): Shelby le Roux

MUSIC PRIZES

ELIZABETH SOLE TROPHY (for singing): Sarah Pengilly Dernier/Sole Trophy (for piano): Stephanie Kuliskovskaya-Russo

IVAN KILLIAN BOOK PRIZE (for commitment, loyalty and dedication to Music): Bi Qing Lee

JANET KIRK TROPHY (for classical instrument performance): Shelby le Roux

ROSEMARY DAVIS PRIZE (for jazz instrumental performance): Taylin Holland

SPECIAL PRIZES

CENTENARY CUP (for all-round excellence in service to the school over five years): Anna Gray

DR MOLL HONOUR PRIZE (presented to the pupil who has best upheld the values and ethos of Rustenburg): Anna Gray, Luyanda Ndaba

KARIN WIESE TROPHY (for someone who, in the eyes of her peers, has overcome great difficulty with dignity): Leyla Johnson

PREISS FLOATING TROPHY (for loyalty and service to Erinville House): Phelo Xulu

SIEBRITS ECO ACTION AWARD (for making environmental awareness an intrinsic part of school life and involving the wider community): Amy Basson, Vivienne Banks

SUBJECT PRIZES

ACCOUNTING: Anna Gray, Hannah Lavery

AFRIKAANS FAL: Jodi Bouman-Hughes

CONSUMER STUDIES: Jumanah Gaffoor DESIGN: Danielle Henry

DRAMATIC ARTS: Sasha Apolles ENGLISH HL: Kelly Prowse

FRENCH FAL: Clea de Klerk

GEOGRAPHY: Anna Gray, Kelly Prowse

GERMAN SAL: Nora Altwegg HISTORY: Mia Sharratt

ISIXHOSA FAL: Result Machiya

LIFE ORIENTATION: Kelly Prowse

LIFE SCIENCES: Kelly Prowse MATHEMATICS: Kelly Prowse

MATHEMATICAL LITERACY: Emma Irwin MUSIC: Stephanie Kulikovskaya-Russo, Asha Cawood, Shelby le Roux

PHYSICAL SCIENCES: Kelly Prowse VISUAL ARTS: Manina Viljoen VISUAL ARTS (PHOTOGRAPHY): Miyo Jappie

SPECIAL ACADEMIC PRIZES

CHRIS MURISON TROPHY (for achievement in Mathematics Competitions): Shelby le Roux

PRICE WATERHOUSE COOPERS AWARD (for Mathematics and Accounting): Anna Gray

OVERALL ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT (based on aggregate; June to September): Zahraa Badsha

GRADE 12 AWARDS CEREMONY

BRONZE AWARDS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Zahraa Badsha, Alex Bonaconsa, Mila Cuyler, Erin Daffarn, Simone de Villiers, Charlotte de-Beger, Nika du Preez, Jenna Edwards, Alexandra Espag, Michelle Fernandes, Robyn Gersowsky, Sofia Gray, Taedi Hansraj, Hannah Hector, Savanna Hill, Taylin Holland, Bi Qing Lee, Emma Leyshon, Sasha Munian, Lia Naidoo, Gia Paulse, Megan Pringle, Laila Valley, Ghanaan Wicomb, Nicole Willig

SILVER AWARDS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Zeenat Ahmed-Mohamed, Sasha Apolles, Kayla Beattie, Amélie Bellerose, Jordan Carnell, Nazia Cassim, Rayna Edwards, Zainab Essack, Hannah Grimbeek, Chloë Henry, Jiho Jeon, Aa’ishah Khan, Leena Khan, Caitlin LyonsMcGraddie, Haseeba Manjra, Zahrah Mohamed, Luyanda Ndaba, Kayli October, Firdous Omar, Kauthar Parker, Chloe Pentz, Lara Pienaar, Jorja Roberts, Kayla Ross, Nicola Smith, Kimberley Steffen, Charité Strauss, Tayla Swan, Oluhle Tunyiswa, Amaarah van der Schyff, Manina Viljoen, Emma Walker, Sara Wepener, Faatimah West, Hannah Williams, Taybah Williams

GOLD AWARDS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Zayahn Abrahams, Taylor Ackermann, Naadirah Adam, Nora Altwegg, Vivienne Banks, Amy Basson, Gabrielle Bellerose, Caitlyn Benjamin, Jodi Bouman-Hughes, Kyla Brink, Michaela Brukman, Jenna Caldwell, Asha Cawood, Micaela Ceruti, Milahn Davis, Clea de Klerk, Kaitlyn Doms, Samia Essack, Saarah Gaffoor, Jumanah Gafoor, Anna Gray, Zarah Hendricks, Zoë Hendricks, Viwe Hlatshwayo, Emma Irwin, Aqeelah Ismail, Taskeen Ismail, Imaan Jacobs, Aimee Jansen, Miyo Jappie, Rachel Jonker, Stephanie Kulikovskaya-Russo, Hannah Lavery, Shelby le Roux, Seona Mahabeer, Hanan Mazema, Timiah October, Kirsten Okkers, Voningo Pecego, Sarah Pengilly, Emma Phillipson, Kelly Prowse, Megan Renecle, Kia Russion, Mia Sharratt, Zahra Toefy, Erin Velcich, Nina von der Heyden, Chrystal Wan, Alia Williams

TOP ACADEMIC POSITIONS IN GRADE 12

Vivienne Banks, Amy Basson, Jenna Caldwell, Anna Gray, Stephanie Kulikovskaya-Russo, Hannah Lavery, Shelby le Roux, Timiah October, Kelly Prowse, Nina von der Heyden

HEAD OF HOUSE: Mr Bernard Bierman

ASSISTANT HEAD OF HOUSE: Ms Doris Wyne

HEAD LEARNER LEADER: Jodi Bouman-Hughes

DEPUTY LEADER OF SPIRIT: Ghanaan Wicomb

DEPUTY LEADER OF GROWTH: Phelo Xulu

While reflecting on this past year, it became apparent to me, the enormity of what we, as leaders, and as a house, have achieved. Living up to its characteristic crow nature, Corvus has done nothing less than soar.

Being the House Leader of Corvus and a pioneer of the new house system has been an immensely valuable experience for me. Although exciting and daunting to enter the new, much-anticipated Vertical Tutor System, I can testify that it has been enlightening, challenging and an incredible opportunity for growth.

Co rvus

None of this would have been remotely possible without the Corvus team, consisting of Deputy Leader of Spirit: Ghanaan and Deputy Leader of Growth: Phelo. Together, we have navigated the unknown and each given our all to ensure the success of our respective portfolios. We greatly thank our Head of House, Mr Biermann and Assistant Head, Ms Wyne, for their input, support, and guidance throughout the year. We extend our thanks to all the tutors and co-tutors involved in the day-to-day bonding and mentoring process during tutor periods.

Highlights of the year include the fun-filled “gees weeks”,

a memorable Gala with an incredible display of spirit, the Talent Show, the Food Fair and Market, the Trail Run, the Cake Decorating Contest, a breath-taking performance of Under the Sea at the Singing Competition and victoriously winning 1st place for House Plays. We have also been able to contribute to countless outreach drives and numerous collections.

Thank you, Corvus, for your ceaseless ‘gees’ and support, and for making 2022 a year to remember.

Jodi Bouman-Hughes

HEAD OF HOUSE: Ms Lindsay de Klerk

ASSISTANT HEAD OF HOUSE: Ms Karyn Gideon

HEAD LEARNER LEADER: Taybah Williams

DEPUTY LEADER OF SPIRIT: Asamkele Mpeke

DEPUTY LEADER OF GROWTH: Milahn Davis

This year, a new house and tutoring system was introduced to help form connections and strengthen the bonds between students. We, as leaders, were able to be on the front lines in making this a possibility and were pleasantly surprised by the resulting surge in school spirit.

Heading up a new house had its challenges. In those moments, however, we worked together as a unit, Milahn, Asamkele and I. Throughout this year, we’ve developed our abilities as leaders and teammates in order to grow the Cygnus spirit.

CY GNUS

Each “gees week” spent with Cygnus, along with the spirit witnessed at the gala, our first event as a new house, were events never to be forgotten. Not only was Cygnus dancing and cheering until we lost our voices, but we had the whole school “jiggalowing” with us as well. Inter-house singing had us partying and sambaing every single practice, but the most memorable moment was when we performed our song at the competition.

The people in Cygnus… where to start? Their dedication to the best house ever, as well as their unwavering

willingness to participate and their excitement for every request, have been the most motivating gift any leader could have asked for.

Thank you to the teachers and students of Cygnus for making this year an incomparable experience. Milahn and Asamkele: thank you for making everything we’ve achieved possible.

Taybah Williams

HEAD OF HOUSE: Ms Olivia Herrendoerfer

ASSISTANT

HEAD OF HOUSE: Mr Wihan Neethling HEAD LEARNER LEADER: Kelly Prowse

DEPUTY LEADER OF SPIRIT: Oluhle Tunyiswa DEPUTY LEADER OF GROWTH: Aa’ishah Khan

It has been an honour and a privilege heading up Lacerta during this year of transformation and growth at Rustenburg. Our vision as a house was to foster an environment for learners to encourage their peers and aspire to achieve excellence in all they do.

This vision came to life at our first house event of the year, the Inter-house Gala, where I felt exhilarated watching our house band together to cheer on fellow Lacerta members. The unity, encouragement and “gees” from our house resulted in us winning the spirit cup – an achievement that continues to make me proud.

LA CERTA

I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the courageous learners in Lacerta. They put their all into house events, shared their original ideas and radiated joy and kindness in their tutor classes. We would not have been able to sing “Prince Ali” with such vivacity, or make such a unique house play if it wasn’t for the participation and hard work of all the house members.

As challenging as this year has been, this leadership position has felt effortless due to the guidance and

abundant support from Ms Herrendoerfer, Mr Neethling and my two deputies, Oluhle and Aa’ishah.

With Lacerta’s hard-working, creative members, I am certain our future leaders will manage Lacerta’s house events and growth admirably. Therefore, I am confidently leaving this house in good hands.

Kelly Prowse

HEAD OF HOUSE: Ms Janine Myers

ASSISTANT HEAD OF HOUSE: Ms Megan Bell

HEAD LEARNER LEADER: Lia Naidoo

DEPUTY LEADER OF SPIRIT: Anna Gray

DEPUTY LEADER OF GROWTH: Gia Paulse

Finding a balance between being a good leader and navigating the new tutor system was challenging. However, when I have had a bad day and a Grade 8 learner walks past me with an enthusiastic “Hi Lia”, it makes all the leadership challenges worth it. As the House Leader of Lepus, I’m ending the year very proud of myself, my house and my fellow Leaders, Gia and Anna.

LEP US

We have made a name for Lepus as the winning house. Nothing beats the look on the learners’ faces after finding out that Lepus had won all but one of the Inter-house trophies for term two “gees week”. Being elected House Leader was one of the best things that happened to me. It has made me aware of the needs of other people and how I affect their lives. This has been an incredible year.

Thank you Anna, Gia, Ms Myers and Ms Bell for being incredibly supportive and a fantastic team. But most importantly, THANK YOU, LEPUS! Thank you for being the best group of people I could ever imagine leading. You have all changed my life and I hope I have changed yours in some ways.

Lia Naidoo

HEAD OF HOUSE: Ms Linda Mallon

ASSISTANT HEAD OF HOUSE: Ms Kayla Voskuil

HEAD LEARNER LEADER: Nazia Cassim

DEPUTY LEADER OF SPIRIT: Luyanda Ndaba

DEPUTY LEADER OF GROWTH: Hannah Williams

As a matric leader body, we started the school year on a high note. The energy and excitement at the start of the new year, as parents and peers drove through the gates of Rustenburg, was palpable, as we gave them a warm welcome. This exhilaration foreshadowed only a fraction of what was to come for the remainder of 2022.

“To create a school environment where we all belong”, was the vision I led with through 2022. With the help of the tutor system, we are closer to achieving this.

PA VO

To head up a new house and system is daunting. However, it’s been one of the greatest opportunities I’ve ever had. It has allowed me to grow as a leader and as a person. It has allowed me to interact with learners outside of my grade and has helped me to represent my peers. It has bridged the gap between learners and has created a closer-knit Rustenburg community.

The highlight of 2022 was the Inter-house Gala. I can’t even begin to express how surreal it was to witness that level of school spirit and the overwhelming peer support.

It’s only fitting to give a big thank you to my team. Thank you to my Heads of House, Ms Mallon and Ms Voskuil, as well as my two deputies, Luyanda and Hannah, for your support and guidance. Last but not least, thank you Pavo for being the best house I could have ever asked for!

Nazia Cassim

HOUSE AWARDS 2022

TERM 1

Interhouse Gala LEPUS Grade 8 Trail Run PAVO Talent Show CORVUS Singing Competition LEPUS Spirit Cup LACERTA House Cup LEPUS

TERM 2

Whole School Trail Run LEPUS House Plays CORVUS Spirit Cup LEPUS House Cup LEPUS

TERM 3

Interhouse Winter Sports LEPUS Dance Competition LACERTA Spirit Cup PAVO House Cup LEPUS

OVERALL WINNERS FOR 2022

Culture Trophy CORVUS Sport Trophy LEPUS Spirit Trophy CYGNUS & LEPUS

HOUSE OF THE YEAR:

LEPUS

CREATIVITY

LEFT TO RIGHT - FIRST ROW: Mahira Anwar (Grade 10), Quiara Smit (Grade 11), Farren Kirsten (Grade 11) SECOND ROW: Danielle Henry (Grade 12), Chloe Henry (Grade 12), Danielle Henry (Grade 12) THIRD ROW: Jessica Mayers (Grade 12), Alexandra Schelin (Grade 11), Alice Gibbons (Grade 11) FOURTH ROW: Alexandra Espag (Grade 12), Miyo Jappie (Grade12),

LEFT TO RIGHT - FIRST ROW: Savannah Hill (Grade 12), Manina Viljoen (Grade 12), Manina Viljoen (Grade 12)

SECOND ROW: Miyo Jappie (Grade 12), Miyo Jappie (Grade 12), Morgan Thomas (Grade 11), Miyo Jappie (Grade 12)

THIRD ROW: Isabella Volker (Grade 11), Isabella Volker (Grade 11), Emma van Zyl (Grade 12)

FOURTH ROW: Tayla Swan (Grade 12), Frances Louwrens (Grade 10), Katherine Andrews (Grade 11)

FIFTH ROW: Emma Irwin (Grade 12)

LEFT TO RIGHT - FIRST ROW: Jodi James (Grade 11), Jodi James (Grade 11) SECOND ROW: Caitlin Manuel (Grade 11), Dominique Porter (Grade 10), Dominique Cunningham (Grade 11), Erin Pells (Grade 10) THIRD ROW: Taarah Davids (Grade 10), Lima Gqomfa (Grade 11), Jodi James (Grade 11) FOURTH ROW: Eleni Kyprou (Grade 12), Grade 10 Weaving, Phoebe Van Noie (Grade 10) FIFTH ROW: Jordan Gericke (Grade 11)

LEFT TO RIGHT - FIRST ROW: Taarah Davids (Grade 10), Yaqin Kriel (Grade 10), Gabby Hemp (Grade 10) SECOND ROW: Robyn Biccard (Grade 11), Zahraa Ahmed (Grade 11), Lucy James (Grade 10) THIRD ROW: Chido Pepukai (Grade 11), Cadence Hendricks (Grade 10), Saarah Effendi (Grade 10) FOURTH ROW: Salem O’Connor (Grade 10), Manina Viljoen (Grade 12), Manina Viljoen (Grade 12) FIFTH ROW: Finuala Josephy (Grade 11),, Taylor Ackerman (Grade 12)

LEFT TO RIGHT - FIRST ROW: Kiera Londt (Grade 12), Jodi James (Grade 11) SECOND ROW: Kiera Londt (Grade 12) , Kiera Londt (Grade 12), Levi-Reese Bowers (Grade 10)

THIRD ROW: Lara Pienaar (Grade 12), Sofie Watermeyer (Grade 10)

LEFT TO RIGHT - FIRST ROW: Caylyn Fincham (Grade 9), Kayla Sherry (Grade 9)

SECOND ROW: Michaela Labuschagne (Grade 9), Dawethi Siwundla (Grade 9)

THIRD ROW: Erin Buhagiar (Grade 8), Khanyisa Siko (Grade 8), Juliette Meyer (Grade 9), Morgan Hunter (Grade 9)

LEFT TO RIGHT - FIRST ROW: Molly Low (Grade 9), Nyle Muzzell (Grade 8) SECOND ROW: Grade 9 Postcard Design, Yasmeen Mohamed (Grade 9)

THIRD ROW: Grade 9 Sound Compositions, Talia Montoya-Pelaez (Grade 9) FOURTH ROW: Grade 9 Sound Compositions,, Madison Bailey (Grade 9), Bella Murray (Grade 9)

LEFT TO RIGHT - FIRST ROW: Danielle Henry (Grade 12), Chloe Pentz (Grade 12)

SECOND ROW: Sakina Cader (Grade 11), Samantha Wallace (Grade 11)

THIRD ROW: Taylor Ackermann (Grade12), Robyn Gersowsky (Grade12), Ruby Stone (Grade 11), Karla Rautman (Grade 11) and Jessica Visagie (Grade 10)

FOURTH ROW: Grade 10 Litho, Gabriela Venter (Grade 12), Megan Pringle (Grade 12)

LEFT TO RIGHT - FIRST ROW: Sarah Chadwick (Grade 11), Clea De Klerk (Grade 12) and Ruby Stone (Grade 11), Katherine McCree and Isabella van Rensburg (Grade 11), Sadia Patel (Grade12)

SECOND ROW: Jordan Gericke and Chelsey Smith (Grade11), Karla Rautmann (Grade 11), Jessica Visagie (Grade 10)

THIRD ROW: Jenna Bischoff (Grade 10), Taarah Davids (Grade 10) FOURTH ROW: Grade 11 Workshop, Erin Pells (Grade 10)

From the DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Mr Jaco Goosen

During one of the choir rehearsals, I reminded the group to think back to where we were two years ago - we couldn’t do anything, not even rehearse as a group. This year I made sure they understood that we can never again take what we do for granted; and that we must embrace every opportunity to perform.

It was with this mindset that the Music Department approached the year, as performances, eisteddfods, masterclasses, camps, tours, competitions and audiences finally became a reality again.

We are very proud of the Grade 12 Music Class of 2021 and their success in the NSC music examinations. They achieved an average of 88% with 18 A’s and 1 B.

This year we welcomed Ms Cara Pearce (saxophone) to the Music Department. She has been an excellent addition to the Department and her expertise and enthusiasm have been invaluable.

2022 was the year of performing, and it started with a very successful Music in the Park evening in the main quad. Most of our ensembles performed at this event and the informal carnival atmosphere made it a very enjoyable experience for everyone. Our lunchtime concert programme continued as usual. It provided an opportunity for our musicians to perform and for the school as a whole to support the Music Department.

The third term saw the introduction of a new initiative called “Music Week”. A Music Assembly introduced this exciting week, which included performances by our smaller ensembles at first break in the Kemp Hall foyer. The second break during Music Week was a real treat, with guest performances by Simply Blue (Bishops), Rondebosch Boys’ High School Jazz Band, Music Staff, and the South African Youth Orchestra. The Youth Orchestra presented a Baroque-focused programme led by Baroque expert Erik Dippenaar. It is safe to say that lunchtime concerts have never been this well attended. A beautiful collaboration concert featuring choirs and ensembles from our school and Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School was a fitting close to the week.

Rustenburg was again very well represented at the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod and won several medals. Our ensemble programme resumed and it was clear from the start that everyone was hungry to perform. The Jazz Combo wooed the audience at the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival with their elegant

interpretation of Mike Campbell classics. The Orchestra and String Ensemble took part in the Tygerberg Eisteddfod, winning their respective categories. Our Chamber Choir competed in the Tygerberg Eisteddfod finals. For the second year in a row the Chamber Choir won the Kyknet Sing in Harmonie competition. The choir also went on tour to George to compete in the Cantamus National Choir Competition, which they won.

I feel sheer happiness and immense gratitude for what we have achieved this year. Never again will we take for granted being able to do what we do best: perform live!

Music Tours & Trophies

Thirteen of our music students attended the National Youth Jazz festival in Makhanda. During the week, they attended workshops presented by professional musicians, collaborated with students from other schools across the country in a daily band programme and witnessed live Jazz from South Africa and abroad.

The Chamber choir went on tour to George as part of the Cantamus Choir Competition. They managed to visit the Cango Caves and partook in several public concerts. However, winning against solid competition from Paul Roos Gimnasium and Hoёrskool DF Malan was the highlight. With that, the choir brought back a very impressive trophy. They also managed to win the final of the Sing in Harmonie competition, as well as reach the final of the prestigious Tygerberg Eisteddfod in the City Hall, obtaining 91,3%

The Orchestra and String Ensemble took part in the Tygerberg Eisteddfod at Settlers High School. Both won their categories with an average of 90% and 91%, respectively, bringing home two more trophies.

Music Class of 2022

SPORT

SPORT

From the Director OF SPORT

Ms Renée Scott

We were incredibly proud of Skye Micklethwaite, who represented South Africa at the World Biathle Championships held in Machico, Madeira Island, Portugal, from 26-31 Oct. Skye received her SA federation colours.

All sports resumed as per pre-COVID conditions and the leagues started up again. We enjoyed an entire summer sports season, including swimming galas, tennis and Touch Rugby league matches. Our teams played Water Polo matches every Friday and we sent two teams on tours to Johannesburg and Gqeberha. The social summer season saw much action in the swimming pool, with Social Swimming and Learn-to-Swim attendance at a new level. On the Move and Football were popular, and so was the Run Club.

At the end of Term 1, all winter sport team trials took place and we entered our 1st Football Team into a tournament hosted by Reddam House, Constantia. Our 1st Netball Team attended the Reddam Netball tournament at the same time, so the footballers and netballers were able to support each other. Pre-season Hockey tournaments were in abundance with the 1st Team playing in three tournaments. Our U16s and U14s played in two tournaments each. The U14 Netball Team participated in the Rhenish Tournament and the U16 Team participated in our own Champions’ Cup.

Term 1 included the Grade 8 Inter-House Trail event and the annual Inter-House Swimming Gala. Rustenburg also hosted the PGSGU Interschools Tennis Tournament. The Term 2 highlight must have been the successful hosting of the 6th edition of the Champions’ Cup Hockey and Netball tournament. The learners also all participated in the Inter-House Trail Day.

Term 3 was jam-packed. We enjoyed weekly Hockey, Netball and Squash fixtures. The Cross Country League did not run smoothly with many cancelled races. We travelled to Rhenish Girls’ High for the annual derby weekend, playing Hockey, Netball and Football matches. Our 1st Football Team also played against a touring team from Johannesburg. Rustenburg hosted the PGSGU Interschools Cross Country event and the Netball tournament. The Netball tournament included four age groups and took place over two days.

Proudly, Rustenburg achieved very pleasing results within the leagues for all our winter sports. Please read the detailed reports on the pages that follow.

We have many learners who excelled in both school sports and sports not offered at Rustenburg. In 2022 we had 76 provincial representatives over an array of 18 sports codes. The details of these are on the Western Province Representatives page.

Sport at Rustenburg is enjoyed during the Summer and Winter months by a large percentage of our learners, as the programme caters to both competitive and social involvement.

Western Province Representatives

BACK ROW: Darcy Gliddon (Rowing), Stella Lazarus (Water Polo), Tatum Malherbe (Water Polo, Touch Rugby, Indoor Hockey, Outdoor Hockey).

FIFTH ROW: Kylie Henry (Water Polo), Lara Perrow (Underwater Hockey), Anna Irving (Underwater Hockey), Michaela Labuschagne (Open Water Swimming), Zaidah Isaacs (Touch Rugby), Bella Murray (Water Polo, Touch Rugby), Isabella Webber (Swimming), Kayla Sherry (Underwater Hockey), Nihaal Effendi (Touch Rugby).

FOURTH ROW: Christy Augustine (Indoor Hockey), Ashleigh Briers-Danks (Touch Rugby, Water Polo), Ashleé Pretorius (Open Water Swimming), Layla Worrall (Touch Rugby), Leah Hofmeyr (Hockey, Indoor Hockey), Morgan Hunter (Touch Rugby), Lisa Penney (Tennis, Indoor Hockey), Margaret Krieg (Tennis), Robyn Biccard (Outdoor Hockey), Loren-Kate Dicks (Touch Rugby).

THIRD ROW: Hannah Swartz (Touch Rugby), Emily Readhead (Touch Rugby), Skye Micklethwaite (Biathlon, Biathle), Megan Wightman (Indoor Hockey), Azra Mahmood (Touch Rugby), Lucy Walker (Rythmic Gymnastics), Tamsin de Villiers (Rythmic Gymnastics), Mariam Halday (Rythmic Gymnastics), Thanaa Hartley (Touch Rugby).

SECOND ROW: Saarah Magiet (Touch Rugby), Zaina Kazi (Touch Rugby), Yaqin Kriel (Touch Rugby), Trinity Ngaka (Touch Rugby), Lucy Kane (Hockey, Indoor Hockey), Rachel Kane (Hockey, Indoor Hockey), Shan Tong Yu (Figure Skating), Alhaan Emeran (Touch Rugby, Hockey, Indoor Hockey), Jodie Blows (Hockey, Indoor Hockey), Trinity Simmons (Horse Riding).

FRONT ROW: Karla Rautmann (Deepsea Angling), Juliana Barrish (Tennis), Kaitlyn Doms (Artistic Swimming), Anna Gray (Netball, Water Polo), Ms Renée Scott, Jaime Kelly (Water Polo), Alex Bonaconsa (VWH), Rachel Jonker (Dancing), Zeetha Gain (Indoor Netball).

ABSENT: Kerry Malan (Touch Rugby), Katherine McCree (Rhythmic Gymnastics), Isla Barbour (Indoor Hockey), Robyn Day (Rowing), Ashleigh Dixon (Indoor Hockey), Caila McKend (Indoor Hockey), Hannah Dommisse (Indoor Hockey).

U16 CH AMPIONS

Rustenburg hosted the 6th annual U16 Champions Cup Hockey and Netball tournament on 8 and 9 April. 15 Hockey and 14 Netball teams started arriving on the school campus from 10h00 on Friday morning. The hockey matches began at noon and the netball started at 14h00.

Due to the pandemic, the last Champions Cup was held three years ago in 2019. The thrill of hosting this tournament and the excitement felt on campus were contagious. Food trucks and vendors provided a wonderful assortment of breakfasts, lunches, coffees and sweet treats for sale. The weather was ideal and the entire atmosphere was what so many of us needed – an opportunity to watch the youth in action again.

Many of the Rustenburg learners, academic, cleaning and ground staff assisted us throughout the weekend, all kitted out in their new Rustenburg shirts. We were able to secure the assistance of the Rondebosch Medical Centre staff with an ambulance on campus. Their team so ably assisted and inspired our Level 3 First Aiders throughout the tournament.

The competition was of a very high standard and the spectators were treated to exceptional levels of play and outstanding sportsmanship from all teams. It was a treat to witness the SAgraded umpires for both the Netball and Hockey matches in action.

In the final of the Netball tournament, the trophy was won by Parel Vallei from Somerset West, after beating Diocesan School for Girls from Makhanda, 22-13. The bronze medals went to the team from Reddam House, Constantia.

A flawless and brilliant display by the team from Paarl Gimnasium against Diocesan School for Girls secured them the Hockey tournament, with a final score of 3-0. The bronze medals went to Herschel.

We are looking forward to hosting the seventh tournament in April 2023.

Herschel Girls Reddam House Constantia

Rhenish Girls’ High WISEUP

St Cyprian’s Rustenburg Girls’ High

Paarl Girls’ High Rhenish Girls’ High

Somerset College Springfield Convent

Springfield Convent St Cyprian’s

Stellenberg Wynberg Girls’ High

Parel Vallei Westerford

Westerford Herschel Girls

Fairmont Somerset College

Reddam House Constantia Rustenburg Girls’ High U15A

Wynberg Girls’ High

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE: Mr Olu Ncukana

COACH: Ms Sasha Sivertsen

CAPTAIN: Jodie Blows

VICE-CAPTAIN: Lisa Penney

INDOOR HOCKEY

For the first time since 2019, the Indoor Hockey league returned. While there was still some uncertainty about its return in 2021, we continued with our team trials and trained hard in preparation for the 2022 season.

In 2022 we entered our Grade 8 learners into the league for the first time, and Rustenburg had six Indoor Hockey teams – increasing from four teams in previous years. What makes these numbers even more impressive is that there were no matric learners in any of the teams, which bodes well for the future of Indoor Hockey at Rustenburg. The 1st Team was admirably led by Grade 11 learners, Jodie and Lisa.

Coached yet again by Western Province Indoor Hockey player Sasha Sivertsen, this young team enjoyed an extremely successful season. Despite finishing in third place out of eight teams, Rustenburg finished the Indoor Hockey season as the only team not to lose a match throughout the season. This was a fantastic achievement. The PGSGU tournament provided an opportunity for the team to be involved in a tournament for the first time together. Hosted at the new St Cyprian’s School Indoor Sports Centre, the 1st Team faced some tough challenges, playing in a very different format to what they had been accustomed to throughout the season. Rustenburg finished in fourth place.

It has been rewarding to watch Indoor Hockey grow. The development of the Grade 8 teams, as well as the senior teams, was incredible and the 2023 season promises to be an exciting one.

U16 Seals: Jodie Blows (Grade 11); Lisa Penney (Grade 11)

U16 Sharks: Lucy Kane (Grade 10); Rachel Kane (Grade 10)

U16 Sunbirds: Ashleigh Dixon (Grade 11)

U14 Seals: Isla Barbour (Grade 9); Leah Hofmeyr (Grade 9)

The Rustenburg players who were selected to play at the PSi National tournament were:

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE: Ms Christelle Grimbeek

COACH: Ms Vivienne Williams

CAPTAIN: Anna Gray

VICE-CAPTAIN: Erin Daffarn

Swimming

The Rustenburg swimming pool was used extensively throughout the season. We offered Social Swimming and Learn-to-Swim sessions and separate team swimming sessions for juniors and seniors. The Social Swimming and Learn-toSwim participants were delighted with the new skills they were taught and could practise them throughout the summer months.

Coach Viv worked with the Social Swimmers and Team Swimmers four afternoons a week and at one morning session. In Term 4 we enjoyed our first gala post-pandemic, which Rondebosch Boys’ High School hosted.

In the new year we opened our season with a co-ed gala hosted by Rhenish in their new pool and we placed third. We then travelled to Fish Hoek and again placed third. We placed fifth in a gala hosted by St Cyprians in their new indoor swimming facility. We entered an A and a B team into the gala hosted by Rondebosch Boys’ High. This enabled more of our swimmers to experience a competitive environment and put into practice the new starts and turns that they had learnt. Rustenburg placed fourth and fifth in this gala.

At the annual PGSGU Interschools Gala, hosted by Springfield, Rustenburg placed fourth. Rondebosch Boys’ High again hosted the A-league gala and Rustenburg placed fifth out of nine schools. We hope to be back in the newly renovated Newlands 50m pool in 2023 for this prestigious A-league gala.

Individual swimmers shone at various regional level galas throughout the country: Skye Micklethwaite (Grade 10) and Jenna Renecle (Grade 11) competed in the Level 3 Championships. Skye also qualified for the South African Regional Championships in one of her events.

Isabella Webber (Grade 9) participated in the South African Regional Senior and Junior Championship Gala in George and brought home seven medals.

Michaela Labuschagne (Grade 9) is active in the Open Water Swimming scene and has produced some excellent results that have qualified her to compete in the SA National Open Water Championships.

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE: Ms Megan Bell

COACH: Ms Hayley Nel

CAPTAIN: Emma Phillipson

VICE-CAPTAIN: Catalina Ross

Tennis

After a few seasons of disrupted school tennis, our players were happy to be back on the court and to let “the racquet do the talking”. We entered eight teams into various leagues. The teams were determined by the ladder, which changed with each challenger match played.

The 1st Team had a great start to the season, winning the first two opening matches of the year. The second two matches were greatly contested, but unfortunately did not go the way of Rustenburg.

The season’s highlight was when Rustenburg Girls’ High School hosted the 2022 PGSGU Tennis Tournament for the first time. The top four U15 and top six U19 tennis players represented Rustenburg in their respective categories. It was wonderful to have our courts filled with such competitive and high-quality tennis. The U19 category was won by Herschel with Rustenburg’s U19 team coming second. Rustenburg’s U15 team shared first place with St Cyprian’s. All the players were congratulated on a fantastic day of tennis.

Coach Hayley continued to guide and support our players with her commitment, positive energy and passion for the game. The practices were focused on improving the skills of the players and the players always felt as if they had gained something new after one of Hayley’s sessions. All our teams always showed great sportsmanship on and off the court. They played to the best of their abilities and never gave up. This can be attributed to their love for the game and the determination of every player.

Congratulations to our Western Province Representatives:

U19 - Julianna Barrish (Grade 12), U17 - Lisa Penny (Grade 11) and U15 - Margaret Krieg (Grade 9).

We look forward to the next season, where our love for the game can continue to grow and flourish.

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE: Ms Zaandré

Barrett-Theron

COACH: Ms Zaandré Barrett-Theron

CAPTAIN: Azra Mahmood

VICE-CAPTAIN: Georgia Haarhoff

TO UCH RUGBY

This year marked another very successful Touch Rugby season for all our teams. Touch Rugby continued to grow as two more schools, Westerford High School and Springfield Convent Senior School, joined the Western Province Touch Rugby Schools’ League on Friday afternoons on our campus. Rustenburg entered three teams this year, each faring exceptionally well in their respective divisions.

Congratulations to the following four WP Touch Rugby players who were included in the U18 Squad which could potentially represent South Africa at the 2023 World Cup in Manchester, UK: Alhaan Emeran, Saarah Magiet, Azra Mahmood (Grade 11) and Loren-Kate Dicks (Grade 10).

Our 1st Team remained unbeaten and proved to be a force to be reckoned with. They were crowned champions of the A-division when they beat Wynberg Girls’ High School in the finals. Our 2nd Team, coached by Mr Neethling, also walked away as champions, after finishing at the top of the log in their round robin competition in the B-division. We are incredibly proud of our teams who worked hard, supported one another and showed remarkable sportsmanship this season.

Special mention must be made of Saarah Magiet (Grade 11) in our 1st Team and Nihaal Effendi (Grade 10) in the 2nd Team who were awarded ‘Most Valuable Player’ in their respective divisions. Our 1st Team captain Azra Mahmood (Grade 11), described the season as “exciting but also nerve-wracking going back into league matches after two years.”

It was exciting to welcome back spectators after the pandemic and it was also heartwarming to see so many friends and family next to the fields, cheering our teams on. The season was wrapped up with a game between all players and coaches. This once again provided evidence of the incredible touch rugby community and the exceptional friendships made between the players.

We had several players representing Western Province at the 2022 Junior Interprovincial Tournament (IPTs) in Durban from 19 to 21 March. These players included: Kerry Malan (Grade 8); Ashleigh Briers-Danks, Morgan Hunte, Tatum Malherbe, Bella Murray, Emily Readhead (Grade 9); Loren-Kate Dicks, Nihaal Effendi, Thanaa Hartley, Zaidah Isaacs, Zaina Kazi, Yaqin Krie, Raeesa Mohidien, Trinity Ngaka, Hannah Swartz (Grade 10); Alhaan Emeran, Saarah Magiet, Azra Mahmood, Layla Worrall (Grade 11).

TEACHERS-IN-CHARGE: Mr Gian Marneweck and Ms Karyn Gideon

COACH: Ms Palesa Hlela

CAPTAIN: Anna Gray

VICE-CAPTAIN: Jamie Kelly

Water Polo

The 2021/2022 season was a very exciting one. Trials took place in Term 4 and we welcomed some new coaches on board. We played two friendly matches against Wynberg and Westerford and hosted a swim-a-thon as a fundraiser for the upcoming tours.

The new year started with an intense pre-season programme in preparation for the upcoming tours. The U16A Team travelled to Gqeberha and participated in the U19 Alex Road Festival. The team played 11 matches, faced some tough competition, and held their own against very good teams. The Alex Road Festival proved to be a great opportunity to learn.

The U19A Team travelled to Johannesburg and competed in the Old Petrians Tournament, hosted by St Peter’s College. Our team went on to win the Shield Cup and came 21st out of 28 teams. At the closing ceremony, Rustenburg received the Guy Pinker Floating Trophy (the Fair Play Award), given to a team who showed spirit and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

Besides the tours, our teams participated in league matches every Friday afternoon. The U14A and U16A teams made it through to the semi-finals of the Waller Cup tournament.

The U16s also participated in the Fireball Tournament in Stellenbosch and the U14A team competed in the Rhenish Tournament and the Dave Pitcairn Tournament, hosted by Reddam.

Eight of our learners were selected to participate as members of the Western Province teams at the National Championships that Western Province hosted in Cape Town.

WP U19B: Anna Gray (Grade 12), Jamie Kelly (Grade 12), Hannah Hillman (Grade 12 -2021)

WP U16A: Stella Lazarus (Grade 11)

WP U15B: Kylie Henry (Grade 10)

WP U14A: Tatum Malherbe, Bella Murray (Grade 9)

WP U14B: Ashleigh Briers-Danks (Grade 9)

Anna was also selected as a member of the U18 Western Province Junior National Team that competed at the Junior National Water Polo Championships in East London in March.

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE: Ms Jane Behne

COACH: Ms Vivienne Williams

CAPTAIN: Khensani Hlatshwayo

VICE-CAPTAIN: Kayla Ross

CROSS COUNTRY

Cross

The runners came away having improved after each practice session. Our professional Cross Country coach, Coach Viv, ensured our runners became fitter, stronger, and more knowledgeable about why they were put through certain warm-ups, drills, challenges and cooldowns. On Wednesdays, we offered our runners the opportunity to run a 2.4km time trial by completing two laps of the trail on the campus.

The racing season kicked off with the challenging Jan van Riebeeck route. Due to a date change, only our Grade 8s were able to attend. They made us proud and ran this challenging route admirably. Throughout the season, we raced at SACS, Milnerton, Vista Nova and Westerford. The weather played along this season and all the races were in the glorious winter sunshine. Rondebosch Boys’ High School hosted the final league race of the season and Rustenburg Girls’ High School was well represented in the race.

Rustenburg hosted the PGSGU Interschools Cross Country event on a beautiful warm winter afternoon. The Rustenburg trail route was extended onto the Rygersdal fields to make it 2km in length. This route was completed twice. On completion of lap one, the runners entered the main Rustenburg fields, passed through the start-finish area to collect an elastic band, and headed off to complete the second loop. The trophy was contested by Herschel, Rustenburg, Springfield and St Cyprians. Rustenburg won the U17 and U19 age-groups, placed second in the U14, U15 and U16 agegroups and were declared the overall winners. Congratulations go to all our runners and their coach. What a splendid way to end our first post-COVID Cross Country season!

Kensani and Kayla have led this team admirably, setting a great example for the younger runners. A great culture within the squad created an atmosphere of team spirit, rather than the runners participating for themselves. This, in turn, brought winning results.

Country sessions on Mondays have been extremely well-structured and beneficial to all participants.

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE:

COACH:

Ms Liana van Schalkwyk

Mr Olu Ncukana

CAPTAIN: Micaela Ceruti

VICE-CAPTAIN: Nina von der Heyden

HOCKEY

2022 saw the return of a full calendar of hockey. With pre-season tournaments taking place in March, and the season concluding with the PGSGU tournaments in September, it was six months of non-stop hockey for a number of our learners.

We were able to field nine teams this year, which meant that a total of 128 learners formed part of the hockey programme and represented us during the league season.

Our “A” teams took part in multiple pre-season tournaments in preparation for the season, and the rewards were seen as the season progressed. The U19A team was particularly busy, playing a total of 40 matches during the course of the season.

Narrowly missing out on semi-final spots at the Fairmont Easter Tournament and the Cape Town International Tournament, the U19A team, boasting only four matric learners, showed a number of the top schools in the country that they will compete with the best for many years to come.

The U19A team also managed to register a third placed league finish, while only narrowly missing out on tournament victory at the 2022 PGSGU tournament, finishing in second place. The team also ended the 2022 season without suffering defeat at home. The U14A and U16A teams placed third in their respective tournaments. Our U19C team had an impressive league season and managed to finish the season as the only undefeated team.

A total of nine learners across three age groups were selected to represent Western Province. Caila McKend (U14 South), Lucy Kane, Rachel Kane, Tatum Malherbe (U16 South), Leah Hofmeyr (U16B), Robyn Biccard, Lisa Penney, (U18 South), Jodie Blows (U18A) and Alhaan Emeran (U18B).

Jodie Blows was also selected to be part of the South African U17 High Performance Squad.

Four of our coaches were rewarded for their hard work, by getting selected to be part of these tournaments. Mr Olu Ncukana (U19A Coach), was selected as the Head Coach of the WP U18B team. Ms Erin Coetzee (U14A Coach), was the Assistant Coach of the WP U18B team. Ms Sasha Sivertsen (U16A Coach), was selected as an umpire for the National U18 tournament, where she was awarded her South African Hockey Association Level 2 certificate. Mr Abraham Groener (U19B Coach), was selected as the Umpire’s Manager for the National U16 tournament.

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE: Ms Megan Bell

COACH: Ms Vanessa Lingeveldt

CAPTAIN: Charité Strauss

VICE-CAPTAIN: Result Machiya

Netball

The 2022 netball season started off with our teams playing Rhenish Girls’ High School in a SuperSport Premier Interschools Netball Weekend. These matches were filmed live and broadcast on SuperSport. It was an amazing experience for all players.

It was a very busy netball season; all our players were grateful and enthusiastic to welcome back spectators, playing our first complete season since before COVID. We played a total of nine league games with our U19B, U16B, U16C, U14B and U14D teams undefeated the entire season, reaching the Cape Town High Schools’ Netball finals as first-placed teams in the Southern Zone First League. Our 1st Team lost only two matches the entire season and qualified for the playoffs, where they faced Fairmont High School on their home turf. It was an extremely tight and tough match that resulted in a draw at full time. They then went into overtime, with Fairmont High School narrowly passing Rustenburg with a final score of Rustenburg 23 to Fairmont’s 25.

The U16As and U14As narrowly missed out on second place in their respective age groups, having to settle for a third-place finish. The U16As had a huge comeback this season, and went from losing to a strong Reddam side by 17 points, to winning their next six games in a row. The U14Cs and U15As finished their season in fifth and eighth places, respectively.

Rustenburg was privileged to host the Netball PGSGU over two consecutive Thursdays. Due to the conflict between the league playoffs and the PGSGU tournament scheduled for the same day, our U19B Team had the opportunity to step up to represent Rustenburg in the U19A category at the PGSGU tournament. We are extremely proud of all our teams who participated in the tournament. The results were as follows: the U19B, U16A and U14A teams finished in third position and the U15A team in fourth position.

We would like to acknowledge further the individual achievement of Anna Gray (Grade 12), who made the Western Province U19 Doves Team this year. She played in this team at a tournament held in Wellington during the June/July holidays.

Our committed coaches and teachers ensured that practices were of the highest standard. Their dedication and love for the game were evident on and off the court and played a significant role in the players’ enthusiasm and loyalty to the sport.

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE: Ms Kayla Voskuil

COACH: Mr André Naude

CAPTAIN: Amy Basson

VICE-CAPTAIN: Lara Pienaar

Squash

This season we hosted 12 schools at these courts. Amy Basson (Grade 12) arranged additional practices once a week at the WPCC courts for those players who could not attend the official school practices. These additional sessions definitely helped our players improve and connect as a team.

We have a 1st and 2nd Team and both of these teams played in the 1st Girls League this season. In addition to these teams, which are made up of advanced players, there was also a beginner and intermediate group of players. Coach André coached both these groups every Wednesday and nurtured and inspired the players throughout the season.

Our 1st Team played 10 matches throughout the season and remains unbeaten. This team of four players has made Rustenburg extremely proud. The 2nd Team also played 10 matches this season, winning five and losing five matches. Amy and Lara have led the teams with distinction, forever enthusiastic and passionate about this sport.

The 1st Team also had the opportunity to participate in the PGSGU tournament held on 26 August at the WPCC. This was a small tournament and was played in a round robin format. The games were either nine minutes long or play continued until one of the players reached 44 points. A great afternoon of Squash was enjoyed by all. The end result of this tournament placed us second out of the three schools that participated.

Rustenburg continued to use the Kelvin Grove Squash courts for our weekly practice sessions and started to use the Squash courts at Villagers, in Claremont, as our home courts.

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE: Ms Louise White

COACH: Lungile Oliphant

CAPTAIN: Nikita Green

VICE-CAPTAIN: Hannah Hector

FOOTBALL

This year was a momentous one for football at Rustenburg. Due to its popularity with the learners we have once again upgraded it from a social sport to a team sport.

We started the season with a tournament at Reddam where we lost our first few games dismally. However, that was not the end of the story: we grew in leaps and bounds over the course of the tournament and our improvement continued throughout the season. At one of our last games, the opposition’s coach said that he couldn’t believe that this was the end of our first season because we had played so well.

Our coach, Lungile Oliphant, was instrumental in developing our team into capable and confident footballers. We have worked on playing from the back, with a proper build up, culminating in attacking in the last third. Many spectators have commented that our team was extremely enjoyable to watch. Our team has mastered the build up well but we sometimes needed to be more ruthless in front of the goals – that is something we will work on next season. Most of our games this season have been friendly games against local schools. Next season we hope to join the inter-schools football league so that we can play more frequently.

Notable games this season included: beating St Cyprians 3-1 and a convincing win against Groote Schuur 6-0. We had the opportunity to play against a touring team from Johannesburg, Beaulieu, at the end of the season and although we played fantastic football we conceded two goals in the last few minutes of the game and lost 1-2.

We are incredibly proud of our progress this season and look forward to what is to come. The Matric students that were part of the 1st Team have led the way for the sport to be a success and we are very thankful for their contributions.

CROSS COUNTRY

Best U19 runner: Kayla Ross

Best U16 runner: Skye Micklethwaite

Best U14 runner: Sofia Fiasconara

Most promising runner: Annie Malherbe

FOOTBALL

Best senior player: Aqeelah Ismail

Best junior player: Innie Song

Most improved senior player: Katherine Jowett

Most promising junior player: Georgia Altbeker

HOCKEY

Best U19 player: Jodie Blows

Best U16 player: Leah Hofmeyr

Best U14 player: Kate Naiker

Most improved player: Alhaan Emeran

Full Colours: Jodie Blows

Half Colours: Robyn Biccard; Alhaan Emeran

INDOOR HOCKEY

Best senior player: Jodie Blows

Best junior player: Leah Hofmeyr

Most improved senior player: Alhaan Emeran

Most improved junior player: Tatum Malherbe

Half Colours: Jodie Blows; Lucy Kane; Rachel Kane

NETBALL

Best U19 player: Result Machiya

Best U16 player: Mila Magcoba

Best U14 player: Katja de Villiers

Most improved player: Kristen McGregor

Full Colours: Anna Gray

Half Colours: Result Machiya

SPORT COLOURS & AWARDS

Congratulations to all recipients of the RGHS Sports Awards and Colours for 2022.

SQUASH

Best senior player: Emma Phillipson

Best junior player: Tara Neville-Smyly

Most improved senior player: Amy Basson

Most promising junior player: Isla Barbour

SWIMMING

Best U19 swimmer: Tyra Phipson

Best U16 swimmer: Isabella Webber

Best U14 swimmer: Jade Jarvis

Most promising swimmer: Skye Micklethwaite

Half Colours: Erin Daffarn; Skye Micklethwaite; Jenna Renecle; Isabella Webber

TENNIS

Best senior player: Juliana Barrish

Best junior player: Margaret Krieg

Most improved senior player: Simone de Villiers

Most promising junior player: Ally Goulding

Full Colours: Juliana Barrish; Lisa Penney

TOUCH RUGBY

Best senior players: Jodie Blows and Saarah Magiet

Best junior player: Morgan Hunter

Most improved senior player: Nihaal Effendi

Most improved junior player: Katja de Villiers

Half Colours: Loren-Kate Dicks; Alhaan Emeran; Saarah Magiet; Azra Mahmood; Layla Worrall

WATER POLO

Best U19 players: Anna Gray and Jaime Kelly

Best U16 player: Bella Murray

Best U14 player: Jade Jarvis

Most improved player: Shelby le Roux

Full Colours: Anna Gray; Jaime Kelly

Half Colours: Stella Lazarus

Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Tatum Malherbe

Senior Sportswoman of the Year: Jodie Blows

EXTRA

MURALs

Societies &

Ms Kimberley Pet Servi ces

With the easing of pandemic restrictions, 2022 has welcomed active and vibrant communitycentred participation from the student body.

The Societies and Services portfolio and Rustenburg took on renewed vigour in 2022, thanks to the softening pandemic restrictions, resulting in many of the well-loved activities and initiatives returning to the school calendar. Not only did we see an increase in participation and collaboration across the board, but with the successful introduction of the Clubs initiative, the Societies and Services portfolio was re-energised, providing pupils with an opportunity to share, learn and grow beyond the curriculum.

The newest addition to the Societies and Services portfolio is the introduction of Clubs, which are term-based activities offered by passionate staff, sharing their interests and skills. Some of the clubs offered this year included Yoga, Ultimate Frisbee, Cooking Club, Crochet, Tai Chi, Science Club, Board Games, Maths Circles, Zumba/ Aerobics and Chess. The Clubs initiative has formed an exciting new extension of the Rustenburg extramural program and we thank our staff for volunteering to share their talents with the student body. With such success in 2022, it’s safe to say that Clubs are here to stay and we look forward to seeing what more will be on offer.

In 2021 a revision of the Societies and Services portfolio identified two key goals: Increased collaboration between societies and the subsequent development of a strong sense of community. Nowhere has this collaboration been more evident than during the termly Gees Week. Societies and Services came together to fulfil a Community and Citizenship initiative each term. Our societies ran a children’s book and Easter egg collection in support of Klipfontein Pre-Primary. This initiative was accompanied by creative video recordings of our tutor groups reading and expertly acting out their books. Much fun was had by all. In true community spirit, we saw the student body come together for a Mandela Day sandwich-making drive in aid of Soul Food Africa, resulting in a donation which surpassed expectations. This year also saw pupils working together in support of The New Heritage Foundation. Pupils donated towards much needed dignity packs to help end period poverty and they put their creativity to the test by creating promotional posters to increase awareness for The New Heritage Foundation. Heartfelt thanks must go to all our societies, services, pupils, parents, and staff who have made these worthy initiatives possible.

The success of 2022 would never have been possible without the hard work of the various Societies’ and Services’ committees and members. From community initiatives to internal projects, blood drives to tech support, they have certainly played a vital role in the community spirit of the school and provided a supportive hand in its functioning. At the time of writing, the elections for the new committees were taking place and we look forward to what the new committees will add to the school in support of the causes and roles they passionately serve.

Community & Citizenship Committee

BACK ROW: Amy Basson (Head of Earth Children), Phelo Xulu (Head of Jabulani).

FRONT ROW: Zeenat Ahmed-Mohamed (Head of Interact), Alia Williams (Head of Habitat for Humanity), Ms Kimberley Pet, Taybah Williams (Head of MSA), Mia Sharratt (Head of Pride).

ABSENT: Charlotte de-Beger (Head of Ignition).

EXTRA

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE:

Ms Jackie Chambers HEAD: Amy Basson DEPUTY HEAD: Vivienne Banks

Earth Children

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE: Ms Christelle Grimbeek

HEAD: Charlotte de-Beger

DEPUTY HEAD: Amy Basson

Ignition

Interact

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE: Ms Jane Behne

HEAD: Zeenat Ahmed-Mohamed

DEPUTY HEAD: Caitlyn Benjamin

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE: Ms Sindisiwe Herbert

HEAD: Alia Williams

DEPUTY HEAD: Nazia Cassim

Habitat for Humanity

Muslim Students’ Association

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE: Ms Saeeda Bassardien

HEAD: Taybah Williams

DEPUTY HEAD: Ghanaan Wicomb

TEACHER-IN-CHARGE: Ms Mavis Mase

HEAD: Phelo Xulu DEPUTY HEAD: Lakhanya Damane

Jabulani

TEACHERS-IN-CHARGE: Mr Shaun Klaasen and Ms Gillian Lucas HEAD: Mia Sharratt DEPUTY HEAD: Erin Swanepoel

The President’s Award

At Rustenburg, interest in the President’s Award is gaining momentum after two years of limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been impressive to see the wide variety of activities, skills and adventurous journeys that the students are pursuing toward earning their awards. Furthermore, there are so many opportunities on offer at Rustenburg that can be used for the skills, sports and service components required for each level.

We have celebrated numerous learners attaining bronze and silver awards this year. We are especially proud to have a gold awardee: Vivienne Banks.

The President’s Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award that equips young people for life. Entering the Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others; it pushes young people to their limits and recognises their achievements.

Participants are required to complete various activities over a set period of time in order to earn the Award. Upon completion, they are awarded a certificate and badge for the level they have completed. The certificates are recognised globally by employers and institutions of higher learning.

In order to achieve the Award, Vivienne volunteered tirelessly in the Media Centre, committed herself to frequent exercise and dedicated much time to building her skills in music. Vivienne spent five days canoeing down the Orange River to meet the Adventurous Journey requirements.

A special requirement for the gold level is participation in a five day purposeful project, that is not carried out with usual colleagues or friends, but in an unfamiliar residential setting. For this, Vivienne spent a week in Makhanda at the Youth Jazz Festival to extend her musical skills.

We are so proud of all our learners who have achieved various levels of the Award and wish those who are working towards their next level all of the best.

Debating

Junior & Senior Debating Teams

BACK ROW: Samiha Uddin, Juliette Meyer, Imaan Davids, Tia Morrow, Zahraa Roshan.

FRONT ROW: Tamsyn Arendse, Bipasha Paul, Nazia Cassim (Head), Ms Saeeda Bassardien (Teacher In Charge), Sadia Patel (Deputy), Tatenda Marandu, Azra Bawa.

ABSENT: Uyathandwa Bandla, Paul Van Koersveld (Assistant Teacher In Charge)

The Senior Debating Team represented Rustenburg Girls’ High School in the Western Province Schools Debating Tournament. As a result, Imaan Davids, Zahra Roshan and Tia Morrow made it through to WP trials, with Imaan Davids being selected for the WP Senior team. ,

Not all learning happens in the classroom. Young people need a variety of experiences to become committed, responsible and fulfilled citizens of the world.

BACK ROW: Tayla Alberts, Liyyah Chilwan, Ellen Hodgkinson, Saarah Effendi, Lindokuhle Mdunyelwa, Sienna Calow, Juliette Meyer.

FRONT ROW: Isabella Francisco, Jordan Carnell, Charlotte deBeger (Head), Mr Alister Penny, Yonela Macaba (Deputy Head), Tejal Naicker, Tatenda Marandu.

BLOOD DONOR & FIRST AID

SIXTH ROW: Hannah Lavery, Morgan Cicero, Abigail Meyer, Kate Spargo, Hanan Mazema, Iman Amien, Caitlyn Barrable, Izabel Esterhuizen, Emi Du Preez, Imaan Soeker, Yuhan Gong, Cassidy Philander, Tayla Alberts, Aa’ishah Khan.

FIFTH ROW: Imaan Isaacs, Aqeelah Ismail, Mia van Niekerk, Caitlyn Walter, Isabella Francisco, Amarah Ahmed, Sidrah Khan, Victoria Boughwan, Rahmah Hamdulay, Tazkiya Deane, Shannon Brooks, Azra Mahmood, Erin Blankenberg, Angelina Nostro, Kirsten Okkers.

FOURTH ROW: Emma Walker, Georgia de Villiers, Anika Sitela, Ammaarah Braaf, Nia Magcoba, Jaime Wray, Jordan Carnell, Edith Oldroyd, Zayaan Lutta, Jenna Gordon, Shelby le Roux, Sasha Munian, Ruth Jones, Anna Zylstra.

THIRD ROW: Siphosethu Mbambo, Nihaal Effendi, Lara Perrow, Kayla Beattie, Milan Bailey, Eleni Kyprou, Lauren Henderson, Kayla Ellis, Charlotte de-Beger, Aimee Davids, Ayla Makda, Ella Booysen, Morgynn Whitfield, Cassidy Faught, Aimee Fell.

SECOND ROW: Zainab Essack, Ammaarah Ally, Lelona Ketelo, Nkhensani Chauke, Alexandra Schelin, Rameesah Essack, Tista Paul, Khanya Mtati, Farzana Allie, Sameenah Essack, Saarah Gaffoor, Yueh-Tswen (Frieda) Tseng, Payal Jaga, Arya Maharaj.

FRONT ROW: Ms Martha de Jager, Taskeen Ismail, Ms Ashley Arendse, Erin Velcich (Committee), Remile Nicholson, Zeenat Ahmed-Mohamed (Deputy Head), Ms Zargielay Rabeh, Bianca Bysshe (Head), Mr Gian Marneweck, Caitlyn Benjamin (Committee), Ms Sindisiwe Herbert, Nicole Willig (Committee), Ms Tasneem Shaboodien, Mariam Munir, Ms Jan Thorne.

BACK ROW: Megan Pringle, Jenna Caldwell, Nuha Vallie, Salma Abderouf, Emma van Zyl, Michelle Fernandes, Ella Mortonson, Phoebe Van Noie, Nazia Cassim, Tejal Naicker, Gabriella Fernandes.

Bug Magazine

BACK ROW: Chidochashe Pepukai, Anika itela, Rachel van Schalkwyk.

MIDDLE ROW: Isabella Dunbar, Amy Basson, Chloe Pentz, Caitlin Jackson, Hanan Mazema.

FRONT ROW: Zayahn Abrahams, Clea de Klerk (Head), Ms Kimberley Pet, Emma Irwin (Deputy Head), Mia Sharratt.

ABSENT : Manina Viljoen.

Bugs Boutique Monitresses

BACK ROW: Tayla Alberts, Anika Sitela, Ra’eesa Mahomed, Tejal Naicker.

FRONT ROW : Nkhensani Chauke, Phoebe Van Noie, Erin Blankenberg, Nicole Willig (Head), Iman Amien, Chidochashe Pepukai, Julia Dickson.

ABSENT : Ms Eugenie Solkow, Angelina Nostro.

Media Centre Monitresses

BACK ROW: Yueh-Tswen (Frieda) Tseng, Luvuno Gqomfa, Nkhensani Chauke.

Middle Row: Tatenda Marandu, Tia Morrow, Caitlin Jackson, Manina Viljoen, Emma Miller, Abigail Meyer.

FRONT ROW: Morgan Cicero, Lauren Richardson, Shelby le Roux (Head), Ms Jordan Tame, Rachel Jonker (Deputy Head), Vivienne Banks, Nora Altwegg.

ABSENT: Lucy Wood, Taedi Hansraj.

MUSIC Committee

BACK ROW: Lucy James, Tamsyn Emery, Lucy Wood, Gemma Forbes, Yueh-Tswen (Frieda) Tseng.

MIDDLE ROW: Robyn White, Ruby Stone, Cassidy Faught, Kate Ferguson, Mieke San Giorgio, Robyn Steyn.

FRONT ROW: Simone de Villiers, Jordan Carnell, Lia Naidoo, Ms Martha de Jager, Jenna Caldwell, Asha Cawood, Sara Wepener.

PHOTO Team

BACK ROW: Gabriella Roodt, Rachel Pelser, Maya De Villiers, Juliette Meyer, Tamsyn Emery.

MIDDLE ROW: Taylor Staniland, Ellen Hodgkinson, Brittany Steffen, Imaan Davids, Anna Irving, Morgan Hunter.

FRONT ROW: Jessica Bartnicke, Naadirah Adam, Alexandra Espag (Head), Ms René Forbes, Thamina Davids (Deputy Head), Emma September, Nika du Preez.

ABSENT: Quiara Smit.

TUCKSHOP Monitresses

BACK ROW: Hannah Groenewald, Imange Jentile, Imani Magotsi, Tamsyn Emery, Shan Tong Yu, Caitlyn Walter, Lirandzu Simango, Vuyiso Sozawe.

MIDDLE ROW: Liyakhanya Davids, Mivuyo Xakekile, Grace Irish, Nia Magcoba, Hannah Hector, Emma Walker, Mila Magcoba, Taylor Staniland, Refilwe Ntunzi, Nthabiseng Chiloane.

FRONT ROW: Zainab Essack, Lakhanya Damane, Hannah Williams, Ms Michelle Haylett, Isabella Gomes (Head Monitor), Ms Norah Jimu, Saarah Gaffoor, Kirsten Okkers, Taskeen Ismail.

ABSENT: Kelly Prowse, Ms Linda Mantshi.

RUSTENBURG ALUMNAE

1. Ms Jane Hofmeyr, Ms June Watson, Ms Belinda Peterson, Ms Pam Heiberg

2. Dr Elizabeth Fullard (Past Principal 1999-2006), Mr Michael Gates, Ms Mary van Blerk (Past Principal 1991-1999), Ms Laura Bekker (Past Principal 2007-2015).

3. Nika Hofmeyer (2020 Top Matric Student), Erin Coull (2021 Marchand Dux Trophy winner), Zahra Parker (E 2019)

4. Ms June Watson, Ms Karin Evans.

5. Rustenburg Alumnae Adopt a Dog stand at the RGHS Food Fair.

6. Ms Jane Hofmeyr, Ms Ruth Romburgh, Ms June Watson.

7. Opening of the Rustenburg Alumnae Life Sciences classroom.

8. Ubuntu Award Winner 2022, Tamsyn Emery (Grade 9).

LEFT TO RIGHT - FIRST ROW: Taylor Ackermann, Amaarah Van der Schyff, Iman Hashim SECOND ROW: Emma Irwin, Eleni Kyprou THIRD ROW: Jessica Mayers, Taylor Ackerman, Jessica Mayers FOURTH ROW: Jorja Roberts, Hannah Grimbeek, Erin Mccoy (Grade 12s)

Rustenburg Girls’ High School 2022