Westville Girls' High School Newsletter- Jan/Feb 2023

WGHS News

January/February 2023, Volume 23 #1

Celebrating Excellence

We are so proud of the Class of 2022 for achieving a 100% pass rate, keeping the school’s record unbroken since 1991. Priyasha Naidoo, who is the schools Dux for 2022, placed 2nd nationally for her achievement in mathematics. She placed 4th in KZN and 2nd in the Pinetown District.

Overall our learners achieved:

•213 (98.2%) of the 217 matriculants achieved a Bachelors’ Degree Pass

•550 subject distinctions (which equates to an average of 2.53 subject distinctions per learner)

•51 learners (23.5%) achieved an A-aggregate

•16 learners achieved 7 distinctions each

•7 learners achieved 6 distinctions each

•206 learners (94.9%) achieved an aggregate of 60% and above

A snapshot of distinctions and averages in various subjects:

NSC 2022: 100% Pass Rate.

Unbroken since 1991

• English Home Language : 56/217 - 74% average

• Afrikaans First Additional Language : 50/152 – 72% average

• IsiZulu First Additional Language : 47/65 – 80% average

• Mathematics : 30/143 – 66% average

• Physical Sciences : 30/86 – 74% average

• Accounting : 27/62 – 77% average

“We are delighted with the academic achievements of the Grade 12 class of 2022, who rose to the occasion and produced stellar results. Despite the educational setbacks they have faced across nearly two years of dealing with the challenges brought about by a global pandemic, they have remained focused and resilient. We congratulate our wonderful learners and thank their parents/guardians for supporting us in our efforts to enable their daughters/wards the opportunity to realise their potential. In addition, WGHS applauds the collective efforts of the staff who have given their all to educate this fine cohort of young women since their Grade 8 year.” Mr Untiedt

SCHOOL AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

TOP 20 IN THE COUNTRY

The 2022 NSC exams were another cause for celebration as the Class of 2022 continued to uphold our 100% pass rate. It came as no surprise that the school received numerous awards for the outstanding achievement on a District and Provincial level.

The Awards are:

• Provincial Awards: For the Public school that Performed Consistently in the Province

• eThekwini Municipality: For obtaining a 100% pass rate.

• The Pinetown District: For the Best Performing Quintile 5 School

• The Pinetown District: For the Best Performing Girls’ School

The Pinetown District further celebrated teachers who received a 100% pass rate for their subjects. We would like to congratulate the following staff members:

Accounting

Ms Maskell

Business Studies

Mrs Steele

Mrs Lilford

Economics

Mr Khubone

History

Mrs Bamford

Mr Green

Mathematics

Mrs Rahiman

Mathematical Literacy

Mrs Rosa

Mrs Appenah

Ms Bohnen

Physical Science

Miss Daly

Mrs de Beer

Miss Angappan

Mr Moodley

We welcomed 13 new staff members to the WGHS community. We have a fantastic team of highly qualified, passionate and experienced educators who always go the extra mile to ensure that every learner achieves her full potential. We are proud to welcome:

• Mr Reddy

• Mrs Masondo

• Ms Mathebula

• Miss Porritt

• Miss Warwick

• Mr Moonsamy

• Mr Kambula

• Miss Khumalo

• Miss Frank

• Mrs Anandray

• Ms Gerber

• Ms Weiss

• Mrs Mkhize

• Mrs Cookson

Staff Sponsorship

We would like to thank Pizzaboys and Ladyboho who sponsored vouchers for staff members who left us at the end of 2022.

Student Support

Our learners recieved a talk presented by Emma Sadlier, who is a Social Media Lawyer. Her talk touched on some valuable information about the risks of social media and how learners can protect themselves.

“Emma’s talks are so valuable in developing awareness around safe and appropriate social media usage and how to keep ourselves safe online and develop a positive reputation.” Said Mrs. Steyn, WGHS Psychologist.

Grade 8 Orientation

As we began the new academic year, we were excited to welcome the Grade 8 learners, the future class of 2027. The girls were treated to an informative and fun programme to orientate them on the school and how to navigate “big school”. We are proud to welcome the 247 young ladies and we look forward to inspiring greatness in each one of them.

ACADEMICS

GRADE 8 -11 OF 2022 AWARDS

On the 24th of February, we celebrated our top achievers from Grades 8-11 of 2022. We firmly believe that it is important to give due recognition to all who merit it. We would like to congratulate the following Special Award recipients:

Westville Girls’ High Trust Award: Nokutenda Sithole

Price Waterhouse Accounting Prize (Grade 10): Saiyuri Vallabh & Puja Heeralall

Price Waterhouse Accounting Prize (Grade 11: Sajani Moodley

Lethiwe Mhlongo Memorial Award for Perseverance in Mathematics: Kelcey Charles

The Tamryn Tarpey Memorial Trophy for Good Fellowship: Yan Ru Chen

4 Way Test Award- Rotary Club: Erin Chantler

The UKZN Mathematics and Science Award: Nokutenda Sithole

The Epoch & Optima Trusts’ Trophies

For Excellence in Mathematics Grade 8: Parina Nathoo

For Excellence in Mathematics Grade 9: Farrah Ballim & Lara Kroeber

For Excellence in Mathematics Grade 10: Saiyuri Vallabh

For Excellence in Mathematics Grade 11: Nokutenda Sithole

For Excellence in Further Studies- Mathematics Grade 10: Shivika Singh

ACADEMICS

GRADE 8 -11 OF 2022 AWARDS

Inter-House Trophies

The Inter-House Trophy For Academics: Makeba

The Percy Williams Trophy For The Overall Winning House: Makeba

CULTURE

Senior Learner Leaders

The Learner Transformation and Diversity Chairperson, guides her committee in developing and implementing various initiatives throughout the year, focusing on how our diverse group of learners can seek to understand one another and build an understanding of and appreciation for multiculturalism.

The Director of the Learner Management Team leads a body of 21 learners and guides them towards implementing their vision.

The Chairperson of the Representatives Council of Learners is elected by her peers to lead the RCL, which represents the entire student body in matters related to their welfare and development at the Education Department Level.

We congratulate (L-R):Tara Witthuhn- Learner Transformation and Diversity Committee Chairperson

Jenna Dunk -Learner Management Team Director

Nokuthenda Sithole-RCL Chairperson

CULTURE

RCL News

Meet the RCL Cabinet of 2023!

Congratulations to (L-R) Tara Witthurn (Deputy Chairperson) , Nokuthenda Sithole (Chairperson), Ntando Zuma (Grade 11 RCL Governing Body rep) and Aerin Fourie (Secretary). The Cabinet is voted in by the RCL’s of Grades 9-12 and plays a vital role in ensuring the learner body adheres to the school’s Code of Conduct and addresses matters arising within classrooms with school Management.

LMT News

Our 2023 Learner Management Team has been appointed and the girls are ready to hit the ground running! They will start their term by attending a camp where a lot of brainstorming sessions will take place as to how to tackle this year. The learners went through various interview stages with the schools management and 16 girls who exemplified the schools ethos were chosen. LMT combines a representative from each major ministry within the school. These Grade 11 and 12 learners meet to find solutions to issues within each ministry, and are known as the senior leaders of the school.

T & D News

Meet the Transformation and Diversity Committee of 2023!

The committee plays an important role of addressing issues relating to race, sexuality, mental health, and sisterhood. We are excited to see all the initiatives the team will come up with for this year, starting with the commemoration of Human Rights Day.

2023 CULTURAL CAPTAINS

MUSIC ENSEMBLE Erin Chantler (C)

DANCE SPORT Kelsey Fynn (C)

DRUMLINE

Vuyile Mthethwa (C) Kelsey Fynn (VC)

ECO CLUB

Deema Salman (Chairperson) Caitlyn Lloyd (Vice Chairperson)

CHOIR

Kwanelile Mchunu (Head) Lungelwa Mdoda (Deputy)

DEBATING Tara Moodley (C)

MARIMBA Erin Chantler (C) Michelle Kasiyamhuru (VC)

CHESS Aray Nathoo (C) Ayabonga Mbili (VC)

WATERPOLO

SPORTS

2023 SPORTS CAPTAINS

SOFTBALL

Leigh-Ann

SOCCER

Bridie Pretorius (C)

VOLLEYBALL

Kayleen

BASKETBALL

Katelyn Mdunge ( C)

ATHLETICS

SWIMMING

Kady Fourie (C)

Catherine Young (VC)

HOCKEY

Taya Sterkenburg (C)

Catherine Young (VC)

Cooke (C)

Catherine Young (VC)

Faathima Moola (VC)

CRICKET

Jada Fynn (C)

Catherine Young (VC)

Moodley (C)

Bronwyn Kerr (VC)

Taya Sterkenburg (VC)

Beth Mayer (C) Jenna Dunk (VC)

Erin Greenaway

GREAT 8 GALA 2023

On the 22nd of February we hosted the Great 8 Gala for 2023. Our swimming team did exceptionally well, placing 3rd after all the heats.

The results are as follows:

TENNIS

Kady Fourie (C)

Taryn Nadier (VC)

CROSS COUNTRY

Nokuthenda Sithole (C) Beth Mayer (VC)

Photo Cred: Kareeshni Naidu (Press Club)

SPORTS

NETBALL

The Junior Netball team participated in the Mini World Cup tournament. The girls played exceptionlally well with the following results:

WGHS VS Intahisekelo Secondary: 21-0

WGHS VS St Francis: 15-0

Our girls advanced to the semi finals where they played Glen Haven and won with the score being 8-4. In the finals the girls played Mzuvelele Secondary and won! We congratulate their achievement.

They advance to the Durban District competition which will take place on the 25th of March.

ALL GIRLS FESTIVAL 2023

The All Girls Festival 2023 will take place in Bloemfontein in April this year. It is with great excitement that our Netball and Hockey team will be representing our sports codes.

Representing our Cultural programme will be Debating,

Public Speaking and Chess.

We look forward to phenomenal results from all our teams.

*Hockey and Netball kit proudly sponsored by Bluff Meat Supply

TOUCH RUGBY

The touch rugby season began in February and the league took place every Friday at Northlands Girls High School. Our girls competed against various schools from Durban.

We are proud to announce the 1st Team, 2nd Team and U14A team have made it to the finals, and they will compete for ranking on the 10th of March 2023

We especially give congratulations to the 1st team, who have achieved the following results for this season:

We recognize the dedication, commitment and hard work the girls have put into competing this season. We wish them well on their final fixtures.

The Code of Conduct of the school

Section A: Rights and Responsibilities

All learners attending the school are obliged to uphold the Code of Conduct.

1. Each learner has the right to be educated in an orderly and disciplined environment and the responsibility to be co-operative and attentive and to ensure that she does not disrupt lessons or distract her fellow learners from their work. She should exercise self-discipline and be committed to the achievement of academic progress.

2. Each learner has the right to be treated fairly and the responsibility to refrain from any form of aggressive or abusive behaviour towards others. Due respect is also to be shown to all those who hold positions of authority, e.g. principal, staff, RCL representatives, student leaders and senior students, and to secretaries, caretaking staff and visitors to the school.

3. Each learner has the right

to be treated with respect by other members of the school community, irrespective of personal, cultural, racial and religious differences and the responsibility to ensure that her behaviour, actions or words reinforce respect for diversity, as well as the acceptance, understanding and appreciation of difference. In addition, to display tolerance and consideration towards others. She should not intimidate or ridicule others, nor should she attempt to convert others to her own beliefs.

4. Each learner has the right to have school activities and lessons commence punctuallyw and the responsibility to arrive at school and at lessons on time.

5. Each learner has the right to voice her opinions in a mature, tactful and appropriate manner and the responsibility to listen to and consider the opinions of others.

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Our Alumni

Our Grade 8-11 of 2022 had the honour of being addressed by Ms Siddarthiya Pillay at the Awards Ceremony on the 24th of February. Ms Pillay is from the Class of 2010 the year in which she was the Dux Award recipient.

After matric, she attended the University of KwaZulu Natal where she completed a degree in BSc Biomedical Science in 2013. In 2017 she attained an honours degree in Medical Science and an LLM Medical Law.

She was subsequently accepted to the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, to read for her Masters degree in the Management of Biochemistry with reference to Innovation and Governance. She is currently reading towards her PhD in this field, which she hopes to complete very shortly.

It was such a pleasure to be visited by Zahirah Variawa Head Girl of the Class of 2005!

Zahirah is a Travel & Lifestyle Content Creator , an Award Nominated Travel TV Show presenter amongst many great achievements. She is currently based in the UAE flying the WGHS flag high!

Words From The Principal

Dear WGHS Community

We are delighted that we are able to send you our first bi-monthly newsletter of 2023, which is full of news and reflections of events that have already taken place thus far.

We have had a busy yet productive start to the year and it’s fair to say that the school has well and truly ‘normalised’ and is running at full throttle.

There is much to still look forward to this term, most notably the ‘A’-League Gala, 2023 Matric Dance being held on 18 March 2023 and our Annual Inter-House Gala.

We cannot believe we are romping towards the end of Term1 and would like to express our gratitude to all who have contributed to making the first two months of school a productive and exciting time.

There are quite a few holidays coming up and we wish you and your families a joyous time.