Our names, faces, families and cultures are only a few things that make up our diverse identities. Our identities are powerful. As the heads of SRC, we seek to ensure that all aspects of students’ identities at DGC are cherished and that students feel heard and valued in every aspectof their school life. However, we specifically focused on one of our most important and exciting identities, this week. This identity is one which we all share – ouridentity as South Africans.

This past Tuesday, as we know, was an opportunity for us to celebrate our ‘Africanacity’ as South Africans. Freedom Day is the day the South African identity as we know it was born. An identity of acceptance, diversity, and one that nurtures human rights – an identity that we can all be proud of.

In light of this, it was fitting that we commemorated our shared South African identity by having our Renaming of The Forum assembly, this past Friday. Throughout the past few months, we have undergone a thorough process to

change the name of our school forum to one that is au-thentically South African, and is more fitting for the hub of activity and laughter that is The Forum. The new name of our DGC Forum, put forward and voted for by the girls, is ‘The Pozi’!

‘Pozi’ is an authentically South African word that means ‘house’ or ‘home’. A home should be fun, where you are accepted for being yourself, where you can connect with others, but – most importantly – where you feel valued as an individual. DGC is the home of many and the renam-ing of The Forum proved to be a step towards transforma-tion and change, as well as a reminder that every girl in our school is valued and heard. On Friday, we not only celebrated our College home, but also our South African home where we are free to express ourselves and have confidence in our identity.

Jenna Pearson & Melissa GithinjiHead & Vice-Head of SRC

College ChatterFrom the Helm

College Moment

The new nameof The Forum,put forward by and voted forby our girls.

Introducing...'The Pozi'!

Issue#122

Page 2Junior Primary

30April2021

Our teachers wore green and jewelry made from

recycled goods!

Our Grade 1 and 2 girls areenjoying their hockey sessions on

the Astro turf with their coaches. So many new skills are being learnt!

The Grade 1 girls used their Green Thinking Hat to create and design a robot. They used their

imagination, coming upwith creative an alternative

ideas, and worked wellin small groups.

Grade 3s getting to gripswith the importance of their part to play in keeping our world healthy

during our discussions onEarth Day.

Earth Day was celebrated in the JP on 22 April 2021. Our Grade 1 girls made posters.

Page 3Junior Primary

30April2021

Our Junior Primary girls celebratedWorld Book Day by dressing up as their

favourite story characters. They also donated pre-loved books that will be given to children

to experience the joy of reading.

Page 4Senior Primary

30April2021

Charlotte Böhmke (Grade 4) was awarded a certificate for

achieving the grade of ‘Blue Belt’ in karate. Well done, Charlie!

We are very proud of our Grade 4 girls who were awarded certificates for the 2020 IEB IBTassessments. Great job, girls!

We are very proud of our Grade 7 girls who

received certificates for the 2020 IEB IBT assessments.

Well done, girls!

Grade 4 girls enjoying their isiZulu books.

Grade 5 girls dissecting plants as part of their NST lesson.

Emily Macqueen (Grade 7) participated in the Level 3 Regional Championships during the holidays. She participated in six events and won six gold medals – an incredible achievement! Emily also qualified to swim at the SA National Junior Championships in three events but chose not to compete this year. A special mention must be made that Emily broke three records at our Championship Gala. Well done,Emily – we are so proud of you!

Grade 4 girls working on 'Adjective Puzzles'.

Fun in the Grade 6 Maths class, making good use of

Thinking Maps!

Page 5Senior Primary

30April2021

Congratulations to Romana Gangat (Grade 4) who was the top learner in the country for the 2020 English IEB IBT assessment. Well done, Romana, we are so

proud of you!

Mrs White conductingan interview withTwina Chawla.

Our Grade 7s selected their peers, Holly Thompson (left) and Lily Corbett (right), to be

the SRC Representatives for Semester 1. Melissa Hulsen is our SP Cross Country Captain, Isabella Stephen-son is our SP Netball Captain, Emily Macquet and Bailey Bartlett are our SP Netball Vice-Captains.

Victoria Scott (Grade 4) participated in a SANESA event held in Pietermaritz-burg in March. She came 1st and 2nd in her two dressage events. Great job, Torey!

Our SP Staff got creative with their

outfits on BookCharacter Day!

These beautiful photos were taken by Paige Botha (Grade 6) and were published in the Junior Magazine with a lovely write-up about the quality of her photos.

Twina Chawla reading her short story,"Ubuntu - I am because we are", which was published in a book entitled "Afri-ca, where the magic is", which contains

a compilation of short stories.

Page 6High School

30April2021

The first Durban Girls’ College internal Afrikaans Spelkompetisie

was held on Friday, 23 April 2021.

Our Environmental Committee girls held a ‘Thrift Market’ on Earth Day (22 April 2021).

“The clothing industry is caus-ing rapid destruction to the environment and it's rarelyspoken about, therefore the DGC Thrift Market was thought of to create awareness and spark conversations. The idea of this market was that ‘everyone benefits’: the girls selling their clothes get to keep their money, and donations made are given to The Angel Network, and it has positive effects on the environment.”

– Mia Paton (Head ofEnvironment Committee)

Congratulations to our winners: Yaseera Jazbhay (Senior Category) and Zaara Francis (Junior Category).

Page 7Recommended Reading

30April2021

In keeping with World Book Day (23 April 2021), here are books recommended by some of our girls and staff.We hope you find a title that interests you!

Recommended by Our Junior Primary Teachers

The Mantis and the Moonby Marguerite Poland

The Adventures of Amelia Jane by Enid Blyton

We Are Oneby Refiloe Moahloli

Gogo’s Listby Portia Dery

Princess Arabella is a Big Sister by Milo Freeman

Naledi’s New Lookby Thumisang Shongwe

Luna Booksby Garth Newman

The Things That Really Matter by Refiloe Moahloli

Mpumi’s Magic Beadsby Lebohang Masango &

Masego Marulane

Kantiga Finds the Perfect Name by Mabel Mnensa

The Very Hungry Caterpillarby Eric Carle

The Gift of the Sun by Dianne Stewart

Page 8Recommended Reading

30April2021

Books Recommended by Our Senior Primary

Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian

(Miss Keyworth)

Mr Gumby Andy Stanton(Fari’ah Vally,

Grade 6)

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed(Divya Ramklass,

Grade 7)

Keeper of the LostCities by Shannon Messenger (Lilla Fowlds, Grade 7)

Alex Rider Seriesby Anthony Horowitz

(Sameeha Jeewa, Grade 6)

The Secret Summer by Ali Standish

(Gemma Ropertz, Grade 7)

Gallagher Girlsby Ally Carter

(Jasmina Gokal, Grade 6)

Wonderby R. J. Palacio(Fathima Ismail,

Grade 7)

All Fall Down by Ally Carter

(Milla Ramkissoon, Grade 6)

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

(Zaynah Mahomed, Grade 7)

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

(Mishara Naidoo, Grade 7)

Chocolate Cake with Hitler by Emma Cragie

(Mrs Campbell)

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

(Hannah Kharwa, Grade 7)

Murder at Twilightby Fleur Hitchcock(Tharanya Dhaver,

Grade 7)

A Pinch of Magicby Michelle Harrison

(Darsha Munasur, Grade 6)

Page 9Recommended Reading

30April2021

Book Recommendations from Our High School Girls

The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly(Sarah McLaren,

Grade 8)

The Girls Guide to Summer by Sarah Mlynowski (Maya

Robertson, Grade 8)

The Kite Runnerby Khaled Hosseini

(Hannah Hansa, Grade 11)

The Huntressby Kate Quinn

(Rebecca Winter, Grade 12)

Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott(Yaseera Jazbhay,

Grade 12)

A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers(Keara Dunford,

Grade 12)

Little Womenby Louisa May Alcott

(Avantika Naiker, Grade 12)

The Dark Tideby Alicia Jasinska

(Mahek Gandecha, Grade 10)

Jane Eyreby Charlotte Brontë(Nomcebo Ngcobo,

Grade 11)

In Another Life by C. C. Hunter

(Ashley Ridgway, Grade 12)

The Grace Yearby Kim Liggett(Kasmir Pillay,

Grade 12)

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

(Aisha Essack, Grade 8)

It’s Not Summer With-out You by Jenny Han

(Sinalo Dema,Grade 8)

The City of Brass by S.A. Chakeaborty(Sonali Mahabeer,

Grade 10)

Digital Fortressby Dan Brown(Sarah Sparks,

Grade 11)

Shadow Hunters (Series) by Cassandra Clare (Anika Naidoo,

Grade 8)

Page 10Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Alumna

Sydneigh Couch – Senior Primary Intern

Shannon Verster – Class of 2017

I grew up in a small town called Marianridge in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Growing up, I was always a social butterfly – always playing “T (Teacher, Teacher)” with the other children. I would always be the teacher and this is where, I believe, my passion for teaching started.

I am currently in my final year of studies; I am studying a Bachelors in Education for Intermediate Phase and have been given the opportunity to teach isiZulu which is such a rewarding experience for me.

My hobbies include reading, writing and, most importantly, playing andcoaching netball.

My greatest desire is to see children transform into who they were born to be. I am – and always have been – most passionate about teaching. I believe that edu-cation in itself is a universal language, one that can change one’s outlook on life; teaching happens all around us if we are open to learning. Being part of a child’s journey and development is such an honourable experience, one that I carry with me throughout my life. Seeing them tapping into the greatness that lies within is such a rewarding experience as an educator.

This allows for me to always give the best of myself so that the lives around me can be transformed into whatever it is they aspire to be, and I see myself blessed to play a part – however small the part might be – in each child’s life.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”– Nelson Mandela

Shannon Verster (Class of 2017) won the Open Heptathlon at the SA Athletics Championships held in Pretoria on 15 to 17 April 2021.

She achieved her best high jump height of 1m76cm, recorded her best hurdles, 200m and 800m times, as well as scoring points for long jump, shotput and javelin events. She has qualified for the All Africa Games which will, hopefully, take place in July this year.

Her hard work has paid off! Her coaches were thrilled with her achievements. She is currently studying High School Education at the University of Pretoria.

Here is Shannon with her main coach, Hugo Badenhorst.

30April2021

Page 11

Notices

30April2021

ORDER YOUR INDIVIDUAL AND CLASS PHOTOS NOWIndividual and class photos are ready for order through Head Hunters. Please follow the steps below to purchase your photos:

HOW TO ORDER YOUR PHOTOS ONLINE 1. Go to www.head-hunters.co.za.

2. Click on the ‘Place order’ option on the main menu. 3. Enter the following information (case sensitive): • Username: DGCp&g • Password: 26Feb2021

4. You will be directed to the ordering page where you will need to click on the ‘Portraits’ or ‘Groups’ option.

5. Make your selection under each section.

6. Select the images you want to purchase by clicking on ‘Add to Cart’.

7. When you have all the desired images, click on ‘View Shopping Cart’.

8. Add necessary quantities.

9. Select preferred delivery method.

10. Click on ‘Proceed to Checkout’.

11. Fill in checkout details.

12. Follow the payment options. (When using credit or debit cards, please ensure that your card has been activated for online purchases by your bank. Non-activated cards will be rejected by the system.)

THE GALLERY WILL CLOSE ON 13 MAY 2021.

From Our ChaplainMichelle EdgcumbeHe is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. Ephesians 1:7

I guess no one likes to think about being in the position of needing free-dom. That would mean that one is not free. We feel strongly about this.It’s why we fight for it when we have to, and celebrate it when it is won.

Freedom is a huge theme in the bible. In fact, it may be said to be the overarching theme of the whole biblical story. It’s ironic, then, that many would say that the God of the bible is anti-freedom. Often, he is assumed to be the epitome of restriction, the one who would prevent me from living my best life if I let him. Let’s not give our hearts and minds permission to think this way. In the gentle moving of time, over generations and millen-nia, we see in the unfolding biblical narrative God’s commitment to win-ning ultimate freedom for people who just can’t win it for themselves. And we see Jesus fulfilling all those promises and offering us the gift of future freedom from the burdens of injustice and hardship that so often character-ise this life. This kind of freedom isn’t free. It cost a lot. But, praise God, he bore the cost.

LIFESAVING CHAMPSHannah Savage (Grade 7) competed in KZN NipperLifesaving Champs on Saturday, 17 April 2021.

She achieved the following: • 2 x Silver Medals for Surf Swim and Run Swim Run • 2 x Bronze Medals for Iron Nipper and the Long Run • 6th in Flags • 7th in Malibu Board

She gained points in 6 out of her 7 individual events.

She was crowned the overall U13 Female Competitor of the competition as she achieved the most points and received a trophy.

Well done, Hannah!

HORSERIDINGSienna Setzkorn (Grade 7) is currently ranked 11th in SA in the Junior Rankings and 5th in the Children’s Rankings. • Equistar Dressage Show: Children’s Elementary – 2nd place x2 • Triple P Show Jumping: Adults & Junior 90cm – 6th place • ESP Show Jumping: Junior & Children’s 90cm – 2nd & 5th place

Well done, Sienna!

DGC AFRIKAANS SPELKOMPETISIEThe first Durban Girls’ College internal AfrikaansSpelkompetisie was held on Friday, 23 April 2021.There were two categories – Junior (Grade 8 and 9, 30entrants) and Senior (Grade 10, 11 and 12, 34 entrants). The entrants were given their 100 Afrikaans words on Fri-day, 26 March 2021 to learn over the holidays.

Congratulations to our winners: Yaseera Jazbhay (Seniors) and Zaara Francis (Juniors).

Page 12Results

30April2021

Page 13 30April2021

CalendarMonday 3 May – Sunday 16 May 2021

Monday 03

Monday 10

Tuesday 04

Tuesday 11

Wednesday 12

Wednesday 05

Thursday 06

Friday 07

Saturday 08

Sunday 09

Day 608h00-08h30: HS Assembly: Online

Day 7JP: 08h00-09h00: Grade 3 Parent Muffin Morning – Our Thinking School: JP HallJP: 09h00-09h30: Grade 3 Mothers’ Day Surprise: JP Play AreaHS: 14h45-16h15: Open Circles Workshop Group 2: LO Classroom

Day 8JP: 08h00: Grade 1 Mothers’ Day Surprise: JP HallHS: Netball vs DGHS: DGHSHS: 15h00-16h00: Drama Showcase #1: Lecture TheatreHS: 18h00-19h45: History Quiz: Ken Mackenzie Hall, Clifton

Day 9JP: 07h30: Grade 2 Mothers’ Day Surprise: JP HallSP: 14h00-15h30: Bloom’s Training Session 3HS: 15:00-17h00: Netball vs Kingsway: DGC

Day 10JP: 08h00: Grade 00 & R Mothers’ Day Slumber Surprise: JP HallJP: Slipper Day – Reach for a DreamHS: 10h00-10h30: Grade PeriodSP: 09h30: AssemblyHS: 15h00-17h30: Hockey vs Westville, U16B, U14A&B: DGC

MOTHERS' DAY

Day 1WS: 08h00: Assembly: OnlineSP: 14h30: Netball vs Glenwood Prep: Glenwood PrepHS: U14-1st Netball Matches vs Crawford La Lucia: DGC

Day 2JP: 08h00-09h00: Grade 2 Parent Muffin Morning – Our Thinking School: JP Hall09h00: DGC Trust Meeting: BoardroomSP: 14h30: Netball vs Port Natal: DGCHS: 14h45-16h15: Open Circles Workshop Group 2: LO Classroom16h00-17h30: DGC Finance Committee Meeting: Online

Day 3HS: 14h30-16h30: Proverto Accounting & Business Olympiad: Business ClassroomsSP: Durban Central Netball Trials

SP: Durban Central U12 & U13 Netball Trials HS: Independent Schools 1st Team Netball Tournament: Epworth SchoolHS: 08h00: U15 Netball Tournament: St Henry’s Marist CollegeHS: 08h00-15h00: 1st Team Netball Tournament: Kingsway

Page 14 30April2021

CalendarMonday 3 May – Sunday 16 May 2021

Thursday 13

Friday 14

Saturday 15

Sunday 16

Day 4End of RamadanJP: 08h30-09h30: Incredible Dog Show: FieldSP: 10h00-10h30: Incredible Dog Show: Field

Day 5SP: 09h30: AssemblyHS: 10h00-10h30: Assembly: Online

SP: 08h00: Netball vs Umhlali: UmhlaliHS: 08h00: Hockey vs Fatima: RiversideHS: 08h00: U16 Netball Tournament: Maris Stella

HS: 08h00-15h00: Durban Central Spar Tournament: 3-Schools Astro

If you're someone people count on,particularly in difficult moments, that's

a sign of a life lived honourably.- Rachel Maddow

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