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College Newsletter 16 November 2017
“Woodridge…
more than a school, an experience.”
Good day to the Woodridge community.
We are reaching the end of what has been a
challenging, and yet, rewarding year. The
Woodridge spirit is at its height as we witness
the phenomenal building and greening headway
being made on our campus.
With examinations in progress, we are
reminded that the real value of education
extends beyond assimilating information for
testing purposes. It is about preparing children
for the challenges of adult life, developing a
productive work ethic and sustaining healthy
relationships with humans, animals and the
environment. Enthusiasm, interest, curiosity
and drive are the prelude to any learning
process.
We are very fortunate at Woodridge to have
so many talented young people in a variety of
disciplines and, as teachers, we encourage the
utilization of these talents in order for the
students in our care to realise their full
potential.
Our school curriculum, atmosphere,
rules, regulations, operations and
processes are designed to give our
young men and women the chance to
develop their powers of discernment.
Discernment involves the ability to make good judgements.
We also value the importance of
developing an analytical mind and an
understanding of how present actions
are tied to past causes and have future implications.
Things all teenagers should know
about the digital world: If you request a naked picture from someone
under the age of 18, you are soliciting child
pornography.
If you are under 18 and you send a naked picture of yourself (or any other person under
18) to someone else, you are distributing child
pornography.
If you take a naked picture of any person
under the age of 18, yourself included, you are
creating child pornography even if you don’t
distribute it (Remember that the cloud will
automatically back up your photos, so unless
you delete them from the cloud they can be
accessed after being deleted from your
device).
The above three items are all offenses under
South African law and should someone (a
parent / teenager who has had enough) decide
to prosecute you, from the age of 10 you can
be treated in the eyes of the law as an adult
and prosecuted accordingly. Your name will
then be added to the Sexual Offenders’
Register. This will mean that when someone
googles your name, this will come up.
Don’t take naked pictures on your device.
This also goes for bullying on ‘anonymous’
websites. If the victim of the bullying decides to
take it further, your IP address will be handed
over to attorneys and you will be prosecuted.
You are never anonymous.
If you wouldn’t put it on a billboard on the side
of the road, then don’t put it anywhere digital.
We want our students to reflect on
their actions and, simply put, look
back and think before leaping into
action. We encourage our students
to set high goals for themselves and
work hard towards achieving them.
In keeping with the ethos of our
school, we aim to create an
awareness of the need for each of
our pupils to have ethical integrity.
We want our students to ask
themselves in situations of moral
choice, “How does my choice align
with my duty to society?”
I firmly believe that being involved in
school activities breeds success and
confidence.
Extra-curricular activities are life
enhancing experiences as the
students try out new sports,
instruments, clubs and activities and
the seed of a lifetime’s pleasure can
be planted.
We ask for your support of our
system and practices as we work
towards achieving our educational
goals outlined above.
Greening the campus:
The greening of the campus is well on its way with the planting of trees and grassing of
barren areas in full swing. With the recent rains many areas have transformed into attractive
green rolling landscapes. The development of another small catchment dam below the Prep
Headmaster’s house, has not only enhanced the aesthetics, but has also added to the
ecology of that particular area.
Indigenous trees line the
entrance to the school gate. A variety of flowers have been planted to
add colour to the landscaped area just
inside of the entrance.
Lush green
grass
restores
the beauty
to the once
charred
hillside. Indigenous trees on the embankment
below Knight field
A new
catchment
dam adds to
the
biodiversity.
Campus update:
The building progress:
The construction of a number of buildings is in progress with many of them already having
the roof added. The sites for the new Music Arts and Drama (MAD) block, new College Hall
and Matopos have also been handed over to the construction companies.
Mr Jacques Botha’s
home taking shape. The progress of Mr Nicholas Kock’s home.
View from the corridor outside the
new College classrooms. New College classrooms from the grandstand side.
The progress of the
building of the College
Admin Block.
The new Kohler dorms. The new Kohler common room.
Sporting news:
Although a very short time period, the third term has been a rather busy one.
Water Polo:
Our boys and girls water polo teams participated in several festivals. The water polo club is certainly growing
in numbers and the girls can now boast four full teams.
Athletics:
Just before half term, we hosted our Inter House athletics day at the Westbourne oval under lights with
Cody Schoeman walking away with the best performance on the evening.
The main results were as follows:
Victor Ludorum
Victrix Ludorum
U19:
Mark van Rensburg Louis Macdonald
U17:
Vilem Horak
Cheré Jacobs
U15: Lindokuhle Desha
Cate Cook
Cricket:
Our cricketers have been extremely busy this term with the First XI recording excellent wins over Muir
College and Paarl Gymnasium. Although the teams lost most of our matches against St Andrews and Grey
PE, they were competitive and never gave up. Jade De Klerk has been selected for the SA u19 side to
participate in a triangular against Namibia and England early in December. After this series, the SA u19 Team
will be announced to participate in the World Cup in New Zealand starting in January.
Individual milestones include:
Centuries against Muir for the u15A side from Cody Schoeman (left)
scoring 112 and Craig Saunders (right) scoring 150 n.o.
Congratulations to the following on their Provincial selections:
Elian Booysen - EP u17
Kamva Dyakala - EP u17
Cole Schoeman -EP u18
Jade De Klerk - EP u18/ SA u19
Performing Arts: A number of Woodridge College pupils have recently served as musical ambassadors for the
school: During October, Shimeon Botes held his own in the company of university students while
performing piano solos at a house concert organised by the NMU Music lecturer, Lionel van Zyl. The
pianists, Kuhle Desha and Jonathan Hughes, also did Woodridge proud as guest artists at Charlo Primary’s
Ad Libitum Concert.
These classical music performances were complemented by the contemporary sounds of ‘The Ridgelings’
(Siyabonga Motaung, Avuxeni Tyala, Vilem Horak, Cheyanne Milne, Akhona Bastile), who charmed a Jeffreys
Bay audience at The Bay Pasta and Co, on Sunday afternoon, 5 November.
Trinity Drama results: The achievements of our performing artists also extended to the Dramatic Arts, with a number of thespians
enrolling for Trinity Drama examinations on a particularly high level. Their results are as follows:
Grade 8:
Tendai Mangena (Distinction), Jessica Cormick (Distinction), Chulumanco Kate (Merit), Jonathan Hughes
(Pass), Nomxolisi Mngqibisa (Pass), Avuxeni Tyala (Pass)
Grade 6:
Jedidiah Botes (Merit)
Showtime Nominations for District Six: We are also delighted at the number of ‘Showtime’ nominations for our musical ‘District Six’. The
following pupils have been nominated for these prestigious theatrical awards: Evan Davies, Luke Erasmus, Lois Felix, Tebogo Hlalukana, Jonathan Hughes, Obakeng Kutumela, Kate Lagan,
Joshua Lee, Siyabonga Motaung, Sibusisio Solilo, Xhanti Stofile, Jason Syce, Lea Timmermans, Luvo Titus and
Avuxeni Tyala. Additionally, no fewer than seven adult members of the technical crew and production team
have been nominated, including Mrs Caren Bestbier and Mr Virgil Matrass.
Cultural news:
Amazing art:
Daniel Surmon - Summer
Danielle Mulder - Summer
Karla Venter - Issues
Courageous conversations
THE WOODRIDGE TRAIL RUN
Woodridge College, in conjunction with BIG O SPORTS, hosted
a most successful 10th ANNUAL WOODRIDGE TRAIL RUN on
Sunday, 22 October 2017. The trials in the different categories
saw runners using trails on both Woodridge and Yellowwoods
estates. All three trails were held in perfect weather and the
trails were all in excellent condition.
This event was very successful with more than 391 entries in the
various races (6 km, 14 km and 23 km). Woodridge College is
proud of Vojta Horak who easily won the 6 km event.
Congratulations to all other Woodridge pupils and staff who
competed in this event and we look forward to a bigger, better
Trail Run in 2018.
Thanks to all who assisted, especially Mr George Yerolemou
who manned the WOW Mom’s Tuck Shop all morning!
Congratulations to Christopher O’ Linsky of BIG O SPORTS on
an excellent event!
INTER HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY
The College Annual Inter House Cross
Country event was held at Woodridge in
fine weather and a great afternoon was had
by all. Thanks to Mr Christoff Opperman
for arranging and managing this event.
2017 Cross Country Champion (Girl) -
Edith Molikoe
2017 Cross Country Champion (Boy) -
Vilem Horak
THE RHINO TRAIL RUN
Congratulations to Vilem Horak who was
a most convincing winner of the 6km race
at this event held recently on Crossways
Estate.
Outdoor Education news:
OUTDOOR EDUCATION DAY
On Saturday, 7 October, The Headmaster and Staff of
Woodridge College hosted the Annual Inter House Outdoor
Education Day at the Assault Course. The College was most
fortunate to have Mrs Catherine Hempel as our Guest of
Honour and the event was held in lovely weather. A great day
was had by all, thanks to the efforts of the Woodridge Staff
(academic and support) as well as amazing input from the
WOW Moms, once again.
For the first time in many years, Founders House was crowned
as OE Day Champions for 2017!
OE day action:
SURF LIFESAVING:
WATER SAFETY PATROLS
As always, the services of Woodridge Surf Lifesaving Club members
are much sought after to assist with Water Safety and Patrols. Members of
Woodridge have and will assist at the following events:
The Billabong Junior Surfing Series, Seal Point
The Otter African Trail Run, Tsitsikamma National Park
The Woodridge Way, Gamtoos River
WOODRIDGE SLC MOVE TO A NEW BEACH - CLUB ANNUAL RETEST - FIRST DUTY 05/11
After 6 years patrolling Main Beach St Francis Bay, the Woodridge SLC has moved its area of operation to Seal Point
Beach Cape St Francis. The reason for this move is that the Club experienced a ‘hostile ’take-over’ of the little hut
used for duties by a surfing school. When queried, local Council confirmed that they had granted this surf school
permission, and that we were to share this facility. As this was completely unacceptable and with an invite from CSF
Civics Association, Woodridge SLC officially moved to Cape St Francis.
Members have access to a small hut at this beach, and in conjunction with CSF Civics, there are some exciting plans
for this facility. Below are a few pictures of our ‘new’ clubhouse and showing the School’s Aquatics Coach, Haydn
Holmes, putting in some time in preparation for the first duty.
Sunday 05/11 was a big day for Woodridge SLC as, besides this been our 1st Duty on our ‘new’ beach, it was also the
day for the Club Annual Retest. This retest, a Lifesaving South Africa requirement, was held in good conditions and
all members passed with flying colours. Well Done!
Woodridge SLC members Vilem Horak
and Simon Schwitter on duty at the
Billabong Junior Series
CANOEING AND PADDLING
Graydon Mitchley continues to fly our flag at various canoeing and ski paddling events around the country. Due
to illness and bad luck, Graydon did not achieve all the goals he set himself this year but nonetheless, he did us
proud. Recently he competed in the Fish River Canoe Marathon and the Pete Marlin Ski Series in East London.
Graydon training
at his home break,
Hulett’s Reef.
Leadership
After the recent announcement of our Student Executive that comprises of the Heads and
Deputy Heads of School, Heads of Residences and Day Scholars, we are looking to fill
other leadership positions such as Head of Academics, Sport, Cultural, Outdoor
Education and Lifesaving. All positions should be filled by the time you are reading this
newsletter. A group of 25 leaders will then attend a leadership camp on Saturday, 20
January 2018 and Sunday, 21 January 2018. On this camp they will be afforded the
opportunity to gain more knowledge on leadership styles and strategies, to learn the value
of working together as a team and to plan ahead for the remainder of their leadership
year.
Above: Headboy Nicholas Yerolemou, Deputy Headboy Sibusiso Solilo,
Deputy Headgirl Kate Bendeman and Headgirl Avuxeni Tyala.
The 2018 Student Executive:
Headboy Nicholas Yerolemou Headgirl Avuxeni Tyala
Deputy Headboy Sibusiso Solilo Deputy Headgirl Kate Bendeman
Head of Kohler
Residence
Sifiso Sechemane Head of Carter
Residence
Gemma Vorster
Deputy Head of
Kohler Residence
Jonas Andrews Deputy Head of
Carter Residence
Mbalienhle Nkutha
Head of Starck
Residence
Christopher
Yerolemou
Head of Founders
Residence
Nomxolisi
Mngqibisa
Deputy Head of
Starck Residence
Axola Diniso Deputy Head of
Founders Residence
Katrina Raman
Head of Day Scholar
Boys
Stephan Mulder Head of Day Scholar
Girls
Kerry de Villiers
Student affairs:
Many young sportsmen and
women have had the privilege of
being coached by him. His
contribution to cricket is
particularly noteworthy with our
First XI cricket teams consistently
achieving exceptional results
under his guidance.
Reverend Ronnie Alwright retires
from Woodridge after 14 years of
service to the school. He is
looking forward to relaxing in St
Francis Bay after so many working
years. We thank him for his
steadfast devotion to our
Woodridge children.
In closing, perseverance is an
essential character trait to develop
in our children. As adults, we face
multiple challenges and, as such, it
is remiss of us not to teach our
children to stand their ground in
times of adversity. We want our
children to realise that we cannot
shy away from the unpleasant
consequences of our actions and
that it is during times of difficulty
that we learn humility and develop
grit. Strength of character is a
leading factor in being successful.
Examinations provide a good
opportunity for developing
resilience and I wish our children
well during this time.
Derek Bradley
It is always sad to say goodbye to our pupils
and staff. To our matric group of 2017, we
hope the next phase of your journey is
exciting and fruitful.
We say farewell to various staff members
who have given of their time, energy and
expertise in service to the school. We thank
them and wish them every success in their
new undertakings.
Mrs Dezi Botha stepped into the Afrikaans
Department earlier this year and we thank
her for her solid contribution. Madame
Pascale Collier has flown the French flag for
seven years at Woodridge and we wish her
well for the future.
Mrs Annabel Trollip has been an integral
member of the English Department. She is
preparing to take up a position at Waterford,
in Swaziland, and we are grateful for her
endeavours in the classroom and in activities
such as Toastmasters, ‘The Ridge’ and the
homework club for the children of our
groundstaff.
Mrs Lynne Warner has made a significant
contribution in her time at Woodridge and is
headed for Cambridge High School in East
London. She has been involved in all facets of
the school from hockey to waterpolo and has
selflessly led students in various Community
Service initiatives. Lynne has always helped
wherever needed and the sound of her
laughter will be missed on campus. Her
husband, Tyrone Warner (affectionately
known as ‘Tufty’), takes up a position at
Hudson Park after 14 years at Woodridge.
Conclusion:
Recommended