Newsletter No. 4 27 May, 2013

Angeliki Koutromanos (MV B) has been selected to participate in the SA JKA Karate Shotcup Trials, on 30 May.

Alexandra Lawrence (LV B) she was awarded a silver medal for Kumite at the recent National Karate Championships, which were held in Durban. Alexandra has also been selected to represent South Africa, at the World Karate Championships, which will be held in Japan during July.

Lucy Strauss (M B) was selected to play violin, in the SA National Youth Orchestra, in June.

Megan Harper (M L) and Savannah Roy (M B) were selected for the Water Polo National SA U20 squad.

Frances Whitehead (MV L) qualified for five events in Regionals Swimming Competition and came 4th in the 100m Backstroke. Frances also auditioned and qualified for the Artscape Youth Music Competition.

The following girls auditioned and were selected to play in the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra:o Alexandra Plakas (AM K) – Violino Bianca Beekhuizen (MV K) – Fluteo Chloe Stipinovich (MV K) - Trumpeto Alice de Beer (UV B) - Trumpeto Jaylin de Klerk (AM B) – Flute

IN THIS ISSUE: Congratulations From the Headmistress Social Responsibility Debating Society Model UN Afrikaans Department French Homestay Tour The President’s Award and Round Square Art Tour – April 2013

Music Department Counselling Department Matric Dance Committee Sports Department Equestrian Team PTA SAORA Tuck Shop News

FROM THE HEADMISTRESSD ear Parents

The second term has begun, with a flurry of activity, not least of which is the commencement of the building of the Rene and Fred England Centre for Mathematics Excellence. We are delighted that this capital development project is finally under way. Thank you for understanding that the driveway constraints experienced during a normal day now have to be exacerbated. The estimated completion date for the centre is the end of September and the construction is on schedule. Once the major demolition phase has been completed by the end of this month, the driveway area outside the kitchen should be less congested. Bears Gate Entrance will, however, remain closed until the centre is fully operational. Once again, thank you for your consideration and support.

The annual Matric Dance was held on the first Saturday of term and it was a triumph on so many levels. The weather gods really smiled on the Ante-Matrics and the Matrics, and what began as a blustery, wet, and unpleasant morning, ended in a calm, clear, and gentle winter’s evening. This, of course, did justice to the theme of Le Jardin des Lumiéres (Garden of Lights). The natural garden areas of Roedean were transformed by an enchanting glow of candles and fairy lights. Founders Hall was sophisticated in its simplicity. What this group of Antes so wisely understood was the old maxim that “less is more”. Our Matric girls rose to the occasion and looked beautiful, and their behavior, together with that of their partners, was exemplary. I trust the evening has created for them some very special memories.

I would like to thank Mrs Kenny and Mrs Kosseff for the guidance and support they give each year to the Ante-Matric class in the huge tasks they undertake to fundraise for and host the Matric Dance.

During the holidays, Mrs Rogers, Ms Harrison, and I, attended a Senior Regional Round Square Conference at Tiger Kloof School in Vryburg. It was a marvellous experience for all the pupils and teachers who gathered from schools throughout Africa. The programme of talks and activities was, in many cases, inspirational, and yet challenging. I always return from this experience so encouraged by what I see and hear, as this generation of young men and women react to the complexity of many of the societal issues with which they are confronted. If these young people are indicators of the future, it appears to be in good hands!

On Friday, Mr Robbie Venter, Chairman of the Roedean Board, officially opened our new sports facilities. We are so fortunate to be able to offer facilities of this calibre. Our guest speaker, Mrs Cindy Poluta, spoke about the importance of sport in our holistic development. She urged the girls to strive to be the best they could possibly be, either on the sports field or as spectators. As Roedean continues this year to celebrate 110 years, there are a number of exciting calendar events about which I would like to remind you. School play – Steel Magnolias – Tuesday, 28 May Yamaha/Lovemore Music Competition Gala Evening - Friday, 7 June Music Picnic - Sunday, 4 August

At the start of the term, we welcomed Dr Alison Barker to the Science Department. Dr Barker is a physicist, and hails from Sussex Downs College (UK). She is a specialist in the development of a science curriculum. Dr Barker left England in August 2012 to join her husband on an inter–company transfer and to take up residence in RSA.

Pascale Theron (Matric 2011), has been accepted to the prestigious Design Academy Eindhoven in Holland. The design school has been responsible for the education of many of the world’s best-known,

quirkiest, and most interesting designers and has made The Netherlands the most distinctive and coherent nation in design today. Tord Boontje, Marcel Wanders, Piet Hein Eek, Martin Baas, Hella Jongerius, Job Smeets, and Jurgen Bey, as well as the design collective, Droog, are all Eindhoven alumni.

Enjoy the term.

Kind regards

MRS M E WILLIAMSExecutive Headmistress

Princess of Wales Terrace, ParktownPrivate Bag X3031, Houghton 2041011 643-8337 / 011 647-3200 (tel)011643-1484 (fax)

roedean@roedeanschool.co.zawww.roedeanschool.co.za

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYThe UV Service Learning Project is well under way. The Grade 10 Life Orientation curriculum, Learning Outcome 2, states that the learner needs to identify a social or environmental issue and participate in a group project to address a contemporary social and environmental issue. For this reason, the LO and Community Service Departments have integrated their skills and content in providing learners with a holistic programme.

The purpose of this learning is to give the girls an understanding of project development from the beginning to actual implementation. The process consists of various components that have to be examined in detail: i.e., compilation of a needs analysis, designing a project proposal. Planning a budget, ongoing monitoring, actual implementation, and evaluation of outcomes, self and group.

Emphasis is placed on working as a team, deciding as a group, what skills and knowledge all members have to offer the organisation. It is in this light that the project is designed and developed.

A group of Interact volunteers assisted with a fun day on 18 May at Forest Farm Centre, a home for severely physically and mentally disabled patients. Many happy memories were made among the Roedean interactors and the residents of Forest Farm.

The AM pupils will be encouraged to participate in the Phedisang Residential Project, which takes place in August. A call for submission of motivations will be made next week. A group of 18 AM pupils will be selected to participate in a 5-day project in semi-rural Limpopo with our community partner, Phedisang. The

theme, “Women Working Together for Social Change”, will be the focus of the residential project. The team looks forward to another positive reciprocal-learning experience.

This week, during the Social Responsibility period Roedean will support the Topsy Foundation, affiliated early-childhood-development centres, by painting wooden blocks for the children. In the next sessions, pupils will involve themselves in various activities as a build-up to Women’s Month.

The House projects (NOAH, Jabulani, Christchurch) started this week. The volunteers have been trained and are ready to provide academic support and are equipped with skills to manage sometimes challenging weekly sessions.

On 3 August, in celebration of Women’s Month, 40 pupils will be given the opportunity to volunteer at two of the POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse) shelters. The volunteers will assist with gardening, cleaning, and painting. The Women’s Walk will no longer be taking place because of Constitution Hill’s limited capacity.

The Roedean Yeoville Community School Literacy Enrichment Project continues to move from strength to strength. Thank you to all who continue to volunteer @The Link on a Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Thank you to all, for supporting the Vintage with Love project which took place on the 11 and 12 May, as proceeds from this event will go towards the Roedean Yeoville Community School Literacy Enrichment Project.

The Phoenix Leadership Committee, a committee that consists of the pupil Heads and Deputy Heads of Schools in Johannesburg, as a part of its Social Responsibility programme, Phoenix runs an annual “Can Drive” for charity. The young leaders hope to give back to the community, whilst proving that the youth of South Africa can make a difference in their communities. Makro Woodmead collaborates with Roedean on this initiative, by matching the number of tins the Roedean pupils manage to collect. The Jesuit Refugee Centre will be the beneficiaries.

On 31 May, Roedean will support Takkie Tax Day (a fundraising project for a group of welfare organisations in SA). Roedean will support Sparrow Schools. Pupils will be encouraged to purchase a sticker for R10 from their Social Responsibility representative. She will attach this sticker to her djibba. This will entitle your daughter to come to school wearing her favourite pair of takkies with her school uniform on 31 May, Friday only.

Pupils are encouraged to bring bread tags and plastic screw on bottle caps for the Junior Johannesburg Council initiative.

Mrs C Hulley: Social Responsibility

DEBATING SOCIETYThe beginning of the second term has been a busy one for the society, with debating taking place every weekend from the start of term, including the two Model UN competitions (described elsewhere in the newsletter), which have featured on the calendar this month.

The Seniors brought their bid for entry into the SACEE Championships to a close on Sunday, 12 May, at Sacred Heart. They heroically took part in three debates on the day following the Matric Dance and on the day that a high Belieber fever struck Johannesburg. Undeterred by such considerations, our stalwart debaters took to the floor: Behnazir Mohamed (M-L), Paula Chappel (UV-K), Naseerah Laher (UV-L), Raeesa Mohamed (AM-L), and Falak Khan (AM-K).

Debate 1 (Semi-Prepared: final side of motion allocated half an hour before)THW adopt a federal system of government in South AfricaProposition: Roedean [Naseerah, Paula, Behnazir]Opposition: Sacred HeartWon by Sacred Heart[This was a very closely contested debate. The adjudicators needed Proposition to explain the context of the debate and the essence of federalism. They felt that there were too many assertions from both sides. Opposition won on the question of accountability and on their ability to challenge the issue of whether regional governance could, in fact, help with laboratories for democracy. Legislation was not the issue, but rather how legislation was implemented.]Debate 2 (Impromptu)THW ban religious organisations from advertising in public spacesProposition: Boiphelo ImpiloOpposition: Roedean [Behnazir, Raeesa, Paula]Won by Roedean [Adjudicators complimented both sides, and, again, thought the debate was close. Some confusion from Opposition regarding the nature of these advertisements]

Debate 3(Impromptu)THW privatise the police forceProposition: Roedean [Falak, Behnazir, Paula]Opposition: Jeppe Girls’Closed Round: No adjudication given. Result not announced so as to add an element of suspense for the announcement of the teams to be selected for the next stage of the competition.[Roedean established the context of the debate by emphasizing the current situation (high crime rate and levels of corruption) and the need for transparency. Teams clashed on whether or not to privatise, the question of security issues, and that of money. Better definition of privatisation were required.]

News of the Seniors having been selected to go through to the Championships arrived at the start of this week and the following girls have been chosen to speak: Behnazir Mohamed, Emma Ho, Isioma Umunna, Shazia Patel, and Paula Chappel. From now on, all debates will be impromptu. 48 schools in total have earned their place in the SACEE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS this year. There are 16 teams from the West, 13 from the East, 13 from the Central region (our region), and 6 from the North, including Pretoria. Teams will be competing in 3 debates on Saturday, 25 May, at Willowmoore High in Benoni and 3 debates on Sunday, 26 May, at King David Linksfield. We wish our indefatigable and erudite team the very best of luck.

For the Junior leg of the SACEE competition, our Juniors spoke at Sacred Heart on Sunday, 19 May. The team consisted of Alexandra Breckenridge (MV-B), Sinéad McKenna (MV-L), Zahra Abba Omar(MV-B), Georgia Williams (MV-B), and Zoe Coleman (LV-L). My grateful thanks go to Mrs D Joffe for accompanying the girls.

Debate 1 (Semi-Prepared: final side of motion allocated half an hour before)THW elect a president separately.Proposition: Roedean [Zahra, Alexandra, Sinéad]Opposition: KingsmeadWon by Roedean[A close debate which Roedean won by 1 point, thanks to the Opposition failing to address certain issues which had been raised.]

Debate 2 (Impromptu)THW not allow government officials to use private health careProposition: Roedean [Georgia, Zoe, Alexandra]Opposition: King David Linksfield[A fairly messy debate. Some speeches were a little short. Roedean said that government officials would be motivated to improve facilities, if they themselves were obliged to make use of state facilities.]Closed round: no adjudication given. Thanks and congratulations go to all the speakers who have contributed to the success of the Roedean SACEE teams over the season. We look forward to announcing further good results!

Mrs Lise Gordon: Teacher-in-charge of Debating

MODEL UNOn 24 May, the second mini-Model UN debate took place. The topic was, Promoting gender equality and empower women. Seventeen different teams took part and Roedean entered two teams. The results were as follows: 1st place – Roedean team that represented Bhutan (Alexa Clark, Reshmi Wilson, and Isabella Kriegler) 2nd place – Roedean team that represented China (Franci van Rhyn, Aaliyah Buksh and Hannah Freed)

Well done to these girls who achieved so highly and especially to Aaliyah (UV) and Hannah (LV) who stepped into the place of two Matric girls who were unable to make the debate due to a Maths portfolio task.

On Monday, 13 May, Paula Chappel(UV), Tamsin Mathew (AM) and Alex Breckenridge(MV) were placed first in a mini Model UN debate at St Benedict’s. The country they represented was Rwanda. The topic was Millennium Development Goal number 3: Promote gender equality and empower women. The speakers had to consider efforts that can still be made to achieve MDG 3 and to identify the challenges that still hamper progress. Delegates will be required to provide a post-2015 strategy to address MDG 3 and discuss how nations can work together to help one another achieve this goal.

Tamsin Mathew, Paula Chappel and Alex Breckenridge

Background Although great strides have been made, gender inequality still remains a major issue that holds back greater progress in development. Gender equality means that no woman will face discrimination based on her gender and that women will enjoy the same liberties and rights shared by men. Empowering women is to ensure that their dignity and rights are not undermined and that they have the opportunity and platform to participate on all levels of society.

Twenty countries were represented from nine schools. Roedean had only one team present. Many schools had Matrics as their debaters, whilst our three were younger. The team had to debate and use diplomacy in the mind of Rwanda to ensure that Rwanda’s views were heard in the General Assembly MDG subcommittee, reviewing how far the world has come with these goals and what still needs to be done.

A position paper was researched and read by Paula Chappel, Tamsin responded to other countries’ views, and Alex drafted and lobbied for a new resolution in the assembly.

Mrs Marj Brown Model UN Coach and Coordinator

AFRIKAANS DEPARTMENT

Congratulations to Suzanna Visser (M-K) and Berdine André (M-K) whose poems will be published in the annual magazine of the South African Academy for Science and Art. Their poems were selected from 680 entries nationally and Suzanna Visser’s poem achieved third place overall.

Well gedaan aan ons ontluikende digters!Mrs Marietjie le Roux:

HOD Afrikaans

FRENCH HOMESTAY VISIT 2013Blue skies, some rain, a little snow, stained-glass windows, tulips and hyacinths, cheeses, shopping bags, pâtisseries, Norman and Gothic cathedrals, blossom, war memorials, lots of French, some history, some art, sweet lilac, sun, and sea … The recipe for a memorable tour…

In the April holidays, a group of 24 girls from Ante-Matric and Matric joined their French teachers, Mrs Marianne Scholtz and Mrs Lise Gordon for the long-awaited two-and-a-half week visit to France. The first five days in Paris flew by, filled with the delights of a city beginning to believe in spring. Hearty appetites were excused on the grounds that we were walking it off! And it was a time for many kilometres of walking and for artful navigation of crowded Metro passages. There was many a counting of heads and a constant checking that no-one had been left behind!

Apart from delighting in the usual feast of museums, such as the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and its Impressionists, the Hôtel Biron, Rodin’s final home and studio with his Thinker and The Kiss, and an audio-guided tour of Versailles and its gardens, we thoroughly explored the city. We travelled from La Défense, with its architectural delight of La Grande Arche, to the Arc de Triomphe, with its tomb of the Unknown Soldier,

from the Champs Elysées to Montmartre and the Sacré Cœur, from the top of the Eiffel Tower to a boat ride in a bateau mouche on the Seine. Who will forget our first night in Paris? After a group dinner in Montmartre, we walked down the hill, in the darkening twilight, from la Place du Tertre, past Amélie’s café, down to the neon and bustle of the Moulin Rouge.

Paris by day and Paris by night allowed us to uncover many of the treasures of Paris. After a real Parisian ‘defilé de mode’, or Fashion Show, at the Galeries Lafayette (the flagship store with its jewelled Art Deco domed ceiling), we shared umbrellas in the growing dusk, queuing in the light rain for the exhibition Paris Haute Couture in l’Hôtel de Ville, which showcased confections of remarkable elegance from 1900 to the 1960s. Original drawings and photographs led us to a hall in which we marvelled at the evening gowns or the ‘little black numbers’ from designers such as Worth, Balmain, Chanel, and Christian Dior, all a testament to extraordinary creativity and the impeccable needlework of seamstresses.

Special memories must include our Sunday morning exploration of l’Île Saint Louis, as we made our way across the little bridge to l’Île de la Cité towards Notre-Dame and her flying buttresses, rising above the surrounding trees in pink bloom, behind one of the many bridges in Paris completely covered with lovers’ padlocks, with each padlock attesting to undying love. Before visiting the cathedral, celebrating its 850 th

anniversary, we stopped at the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, the Monument to the Martyrs of the Deportation, which lies tucked away on the western end of l’Île de la Cité. The memorial was inaugurated by President Charles De Gaulle in 1962 to commemorate the 200,000 people deported from France. As you descend the steep, narrow stairs leading down into the memorial, the high walls confine and restrain, blocking out the open horizon and the world. Triangular recesses, echoing the yellow star, contain ash and sand from the death camps whose names they bear. A long tunnel of thousands of tiny flickering lights reminds us of those whose lives were taken. Moving texts from writers such as Paul Eluard (his poem, Liberté), Antoine de Saint Exupéry, and Jean-Paul Sartre are carved into the cold stone. Robert Desnos’ poem, Le Dernier Poème, which I had always viewed as a love poem, takes on a heart-breaking new meaning in the crypt.

The Last PoemI have dreamed so much of you,I have walked so much, spoken so much,So much loved your shadow,That nothing more is left to me of you.All that remains to me is to be the shadow among shadowsTo be a hundred times more shadow than the shadowTo be the shadow that will come and come again intoyour sunny life.

A surrealist poet, Desnos was an active member of the French Resistance, until his arrest and deportation. Tragically, he died of typhoid a week after the end of the war in 1945. Upon leaving the crypt, we are reminded: “PARDONNE. N’OUBLIE PAS.” Forgive. Don’t forget.

Our last morning, and another early start, saw us visiting the University of Sciences Po, in the Latin Quarter. After a brief introduction to the possibilities of studying at this university, we explored the campus set in

LE DERNIER POÈME J'ai rêvé tellement fort de toi, J'ai tellement marché, tellement parlé, Tellement aimé ton ombre, Qu'il ne me reste plus rien de toi. Il me reste d'être l'ombre parmi les ombres D'être cent fois plus ombre que l'ombre D'être l'ombre qui viendra et reviendradans ta vie ensoleillée.

various buildings on either side of the renowned Boulevard Saint Germain, past the famous haunts of Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir at Les Deux Magots and the Café Flore. And then, before catching the train to Vichy, we spent a couple of hours at la SHOAH, (the French word for Holocaust), the museum in the Marais which pays tribute to the 76,000 Jews deported from France, and the 11,000 children.

Who can ever forget the room with four walls covered with the labelled photographs of infants, young girls, and boys sent to the camps? In the courtyard, marble walls are inscribed with an unending list of names, faithfully recorded, alphabetically, listing year by year all those who were transported, with records having been kept meticulously of each trainload of men, women, and children. The street outside has been renamed L’Avenue des Justes, the Avenue of the Just, to honour those who took a stand against man’s inhumanity to man, to honour those who fought against Nazi barbarism and the horror of the deportations. Our visit to la SHOAH helped to give us some background to our next destination, Vichy, the seat of the collaborationist government under the Maréchal Petain during the Second World War.

After a three-hour train-ride to Vichy, in the heart of Auvergne, the girls were forced to leave the comfort of the group as they went off with their host families. This week allowed for greater independence and the girls thrived, as they engaged with interactive language classes, exploring their feelings and ideas on the subject of human rights.

Various afternoon excursions gave us a chance to explore the town and the region: a guided walking tour through the streets and the park along the river Allier with our guide, Guillaume; a bicycle ride on the vélodrome, a visit to Clermont-Ferrand (home of Michelin, and Vercingetorix who defied Julius Caesar, and Blaise Pascal) with its cobbles and its cathedral made of volcanic stone. We tasted the waters of Vichy-Les Célestins, fresh from their source - and we sat through an extraordinarily bad film, Lucky Luke with the main role played by The Artist’s Jean Dujardin. In this small, welcoming town, we found few traces to remind us of the ignominy of 1940. People were quick to tell us that there is a difference between the Vichyssois (the people of Vichy) and the Vichystes (those who supported Petain).

Despite a rainy and unseasonal start to our final week, in Antibes, the girls’ spirits did not flag. They made an excellent impression in their morning classes. Our designated accompagnateur, Maxime, a young man from Cannes, stole several girls’ hearts and he was never short of attentive listeners as he shared his knowledge. With him, our afternoons were spent exploring some of the Riviera’s delights: St Paul de Vence, Nice, and Cannes. Our Sunday visit to Monaco combined a guided visit to the Palace (and the gift of an autographed photo of SAS le Prince Albert and South Africa’s very own SAS la Princesse Charlene), and a visit to the magnificent Oceanographic museum. In Grasse, we mixed our very own perfume, based on this year’s fragrance: le muguet, lily-of-the-valley. We saw Audrey Tautou’s latest film, Boris Vian’s L’Ecume des Jours, at the little cinema in Antibes; we visited the Picasso Museum and le marché provençal. We revelled in being at the sea-side, with train-rides along the shore, the walk in la vieille ville in Antibes, the visit to the 8-metre-high statue of Nomade, designed by the Spanish artist Jaume Pensa, a statue of a man sitting, holding his knees, looking out to sea. Constructed from a jumble of letters, the statue emphasises the importance of letters which allow us to construct language and to communicate with one another. What better symbol could there be of our journey to France?

Despite an intensive programme from morning to night, our Roedean girls impressed everyone with their curiosity and unflagging determination to see as much as possible. Mrs Scholtz and I are immensely proud of the progress they have made in their French, and of the positive feedback we received wherever we went. I should especially like to thank Mrs Scholtz for her help, efficiency, and friendship. To all of you who were part of the French Homestay, Merci beaucoup! Thank you for the laughter and for the many memories of an unforgettable trip.

Mrs Lise Gordon:HOD French and

Second Additional Languages

ROUND SQUARE AND THE PRESIDENT’S AWARDThe President’s Award

Challenging young people everywhere

A group of girls visited Logwood village for their Gold Residential ProjectOur heartfelt thanks are expressed to the village for allowing our girls the opportunity to live with their residents. They “walked in the shoes” of mentally challenged adults and gained an understanding of their challenges.Well done to the girls who completed their Adventurous Journeys during the holidays! 8 silver and 9 gold girls enjoyed the Magoebaskloof Trail, and 5 girls rose to the challenge of a hiking and canoeing trip in Mpumalanga.

Nompilo reflects on the Gold President’s Award Hike to Mpumalanga:If I were simply to say that I was taken out of my comfort zone, it would be an understatement of note! At points, I was crying my way up the mountain. This journey was very tough; my backpack felt impossibly heavy; my entire body ached and at some points I was unsure whether I could take another step. But I can say it awoke a sense of adventure buried deep within me, I felt it was a real adventure to carry everything I was going to use – from water, to toilet paper to rubbish– with me for four days on my back. The first day was by far the easiest. We started our journey in pleasurable conditions, paddling our way down the Wilge River on little inflatable kayaks. We spent about five hours on the river before arriving at our base camp for the night. Here we had to walk only 20 metres to – yes, cabins!

I think that is what this trip has taught me most: you just have to do it, and you will be rewarded. In retrospect – from the comfort of my warm bed with real sheets - the trip was amazing, because it showed me that challenges can be overcome with persistence, and because of the bonds I formed with my friends and fellow President’s Award hopefuls.

Lenka van Wyngaardt reflects on the Magoebaskloof Trail:Our hike was 4 days long and we had to carry all our food and clothes, as well as other essentials, such as a sleeping bag and a cooker. The scenery was beautiful, complete with forests of pine trees. The first day is always the hardest, and the fact that it was mainly uphill did not help. There were a lot of unhappy faces and sore feet. That night we all had one of the coldest showers in our lives, as there was no electricity or hot water. We were all so tired and sore from the day’s hike that we fell asleep at 6 pm.

When we reached base camp on the fourth day, there were big smiles on our faces and a strong sense of accomplishment in each one of us. This Adventurous Journey definitely pushed us to our limits! Many of us thought that we would not be able to complete the hike, and the satisfaction that we felt when we completed our journey was indescribable.

As with every adventurous Journey, we are indebted to our service providers: the staff of Chameleon Adventures and Garry Townsend of Adventure Lifestyles, for their care of the girls and their care of the girls and their leadership in wilderness areas.

Term 2 Award CeremonyThe bronze, silver, and gold participants are working towards completing their service, skill, and physical activity so that they can achieve their awards. I strongly encourage them to persevere with their endeavours. The last date to hand in journals for the Award Ceremony this term is: Monday, 8 July.

The President’s Award is organising a trip for gold participants to Kenya in the August holidays. This will be a residential project and an adventurous journey. Girls who are interested in this venture must see Mrs Murray.

Round Square International understanding Democracy Environmental Awareness Adventure Leadership Service

There is more in you than you think

Africa Senior Regional Conference: Tiger Kloof: 29 April – 1 May. Theme: BE THE CHANGEThe Senior Africa Regional Conference is one of the highlights of the Round Square calendar, and the hospitality of Tiger Kloof certainly made our time with at the school one of the most memorable conferences.

As part of the Round Square family, Roedean extended hospitality to Starehe Boys’ Centre and St Andrews School from Kenya. We travelled to the conference with the Kenyans and Saints Boys’ and Girls’ Colleges.

The school has an amazing history; it was opened in 1904 by the London Missionary Society to educate the Batswana communities. Its success in educating, among others, the Kama family of Botswana resulted in its closure under Verwoed in the 1960s. It was reopened in 1994, and, today, it is a thriving day-and-boarding school, serving the Northwest Province.

The students’ passion for education, their manners, and their leadership of the conference are testimony to the ethos of the school. We visited the local township and handed food parcels to needy families. We accompanied children on their daily 8km walk to school, and we were given much to think about by the speakers. Wilhelm Verwoed, the grandson of Hendrick Verwoed, spoke most humbly and sincerely about forgiveness and reconciliation. In addition, Lesego Holzapfel, past pupil of Tiger Kloof, Ela Ghandi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, and Fred Swaniker of the African Leadership Academy delivered thought-provoking messages to all of us.

InternationalismOur first visiting Round Square exchange student arrives in June. Katie Comfort met Emma Kruger , our first outgoing exchange student, at Hotchkiss, The Krugers are to host her during her short visit to South Africa. We look forward to welcoming her to Roedean and to her establishing firm friendships with the girls.

Girls in UV and MV are reminded to speak to Mrs Murray, if they wish to apply for exchange opportunities.

Street School visit to IndiaZiya Bipath, Uvira Sign, and Lushmika Morar went to India with Street School: 13 – 20 April. Thanks to Klassie Wessels and his team for providing our girls with such an exciting and rewarding experience. Uvira reflects on the trip:

We arrived in Mumbai and jetted off to Delhi where we spent one day. We toured Delhi and went to the Golden Temple. It was scorching in Delhi, with a temperature of nearly 32°C. The next morning, we flew to Amritsar, and drove the rest of the way to Dharamsala. It seemed like an extensive car ride, but I believe the crazy traffic made it seem worse. Before we reached Dharamsala, we had our first glimpse of the Himalaya Mountain Range - it was truly life-changing! We spent the next few days in Dharamsala, a delightful hillside community, with a very kind populace. We had conversation classes with many of the Tibetan refugees, and we visited schools, the homeopathic hospital, and a monastery. We all became aware of what exactly is happening in Tibet, and we were determined to raise awareness about this despicable affair. All in all, it was a spectacular trip, and we would love to return!

The Model United Nations DebatesCongratulations to Paula Chappel (UV), Tamsin Mathew (AM) and Alex Breckenridge(MV) who placed first in a mini Model UN debate at St Benedict’s.

Democracy.Our Student Representative Council tutor reps continue to channel the concerns of their classes to the SRC where the matters are given due attention. Issues range from the girls’ caring about the physical environment of the school to uniforms at sports matches. The reps’ ability to listen attentively to the class and report decisions is a valuable service. The SRC also strives to develop new initiatives and alternative programmes for more pleasant and efficient systems around the school.

Ngozi Olojede: Deputy Head Girl, and Round Square Committee member for Democracy.Democracy

Environmental AwarenessWe look forward to acknowledging the significance of our environment on 5 June, WorldEnvironment Day.Our Food Garden at Noah got off to a wonderful start on 18 May.

Thank you to all the girls who volunteered for the Garden project, at Noah. A heartfelt “Thank you” goes to Linda Crabb and her team at The Garden Shop who have donated pots, compost, seeds, and seedlings so generously to this venture. Our next day to work on the garden is 13 July. Girls who were not given a place on 18 May will able to help on 13 July.Adventure

We are very proud of the girls’ who completed their President’s Award silver and gold hikes this holiday.

Scuba: congratulations to Vida and Tayla Saayman, Ashleigh Conclaves and Caitlin van der Merwe who qualified as open-water divers. Thank to Sean Schimper and Karen Hulme for running the Scuba Club.

SAVE THE DATE: Please diarise Roedean’s first family hike: Saturday, 13 July. Details of the venue and the logistics of the day will be in the half term newsletter.

LeadershipLeadership is not something exclusive and out of reach; leadership is possible every day in many different ways. In Round Square, we all get the opportunities to be leaders in whatever we are passionate about because we take initiatives. I would like to think that all Roedean girls have the capacity for leadership, and how we choose to develop it is what will make us passionate about what we do. After all, you don't need a title to be a leader.

Didintle Kgaugelo Tsitsi: Head Girl, and Round Square Committee member for Leadership.

ServicePlease see Social Responsilbity and Presendents Award initiatives.

Mrs Sandy Murray: President’s Award Leader and Round Square Representative

DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL ARTS AND DESIGNART TOUR – APRIL 2012

We departed from OR Tambo on 12 April, and arrived safely in London after a transfer flight from Charles de Gaulle.

We left Heathrow and departed for a quick sightseeing tour of London Bridge, The Wheel, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. We then visited Westminster Abbey, one of the most beautiful Gothic Cathedrals in the world. It houses the graves of many great writers such as Charles Dickens and, hidden in a corner, we found Jane Austen. We enjoyed going to the Globe Theatre. It is constructed exactly as it was in the 1600s; we even got to sit in the Queen’s seat! A (wobbly) walk across the Millennium Bridge brought us to the Tate Modern Gallery with its remarkable collection of contemporary and 20 th-century art – a strong visual contrast to the older paintings that we saw in the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square. We visited the National Museum with its remarkable collection of ancient art. After a dinner in the Hard Rock Café, we rounded off our London sprint by seeing the latest West End musical, Wicked: an innovative witty adaption of the Wizard of Oz, it dazzled us with its elaborate costumes and delighted us with its humour.

Our next destination was Paris where we stayed in a lovely little hotel. We visited Le Garnier Opera with its astounding tale of the Phantom; the inspiration for Weber’s great musical The Phantom of the Opera. Other visits included the Notre Dame, a night visit to the Louvre, which meant that we could actually see the paintings, and the Musee d’Orsay. Free time included a visit to the Galleries Lafayette and a sunset ride to the second storey of the Eiffel Tower. For many girls, Versailles was a highlight (until Ms Lordan burst our romantic bubbles with some reality checks about living conditions in Paris in the 1800’s!).

From Paris we went to Milan. Despite the constant rain, we had a lovely time and were privileged enough to go on a tour to La Scala Opera House where our very own Pretty Yende recently made her début as the newest star of international opera.

Before we knew it we were on our way to Venice: we stayed on the island of Lido di Jesolo. It was wonderful to go for beach walks at night! Venice is a beautiful city and we all felt sad to leave it behind after a day of much walking, sightseeing, and ice cream…

However, I have never eaten so much ice-cream as I did in Rome (a minimum of 3 scoops a day). My favourite place was the Colosseum – one gets used to seeing it in movies and in photographs, but it will never truly depict the beauty of what it actually is. The Forum walk brought us to some truly beautiful nature spots, filled with red poppies. Some girls opted to visit the Catacombes. We also had a delicious lunch hour at the Farmers Market, right in the centre of Rome. This time our night walks took us to the Trevi Fountains. We learnt at our dinner venue what ‘hamburger and chips’ really means: a thin, flat meat patty with some chopped potatoes on the side!

Returning to Paris, we spent our very last day visiting the Sacre Couer and Montmartre, where local haunts of artists, such as Picasso and Monet, as well as many famous writers and poets, can be found. We also saw the Moulin Rouge.

We left Europe on the twenty fifth and arrived back where we started, OR Tambo. We all owe a huge thank you to our parents for giving us this wonderful opportunity, and, most of all, to Ms Lordan and Mrs De Bondt. Their presence made it all the more enjoyable.

Our experiences in England, France, and Italy were definitely ones to remember. As members of the group, everyone made new friends and I think it's safe to say that each girl learnt something new every day.

Isabella Lagrange (AM) and Jessica Gaynor (UV)

Mrs Lene Lordon HOD Visual Arts

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

As per calendar, The Yamaha/Lovemore Music Competition will take place on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of June in Hersov, Founders and the Lodge from 15:00h00 onwards. Please note that the competition is an important Music department initiative, all Music staff will be involved, and therefore individual lessons will be affected. Music teachers will communicate with their pupils regarding lessons.

Girls and parents are very welcome to attend the adjudication sessions on the afternoons of the 3 rd, 4th and 5th of June. The schedule will be on display outside Hersov and Founders.

The Gala Evening where the finalists will perform and receive their prizes will be held on Friday 7 th of June at 18:00 in Founders. Please book for this wonderful event through Gillian Maree at gmaree@roedeanschool.co.za.

Please note that the Music Picnic date has been changed to Sunday, 4 August at 11:00 to avoid a clash with the 702 walk-the-talk on 28 July.

Ms Nell Bowen HOD Music Department

FROM THE COUNSELLING DEPARTMENTGlobal Education is an independent education agency which assists South African students to choose and apply to undergraduate, postgraduate or vocational courses of their choice abroad. For girls interested in and researching the possibility of studying overseas, we have been notified of Global Education’s 2013 Education Expo, which is taking place on the Wednesday 29 May from 15h00-19h00 at St. Benedict’s School situated in Harcus Road, Bedfordview. You will have the opportunity to meet and to talk with representatives on the day, who could provide you and your family with more information about studying overseas.

A reminder to Ante- Matric and Matric Girls who participated in the Career Assessment process last term with Mrs Gillian Green that haven’t yet scheduled in their feedback appointments are urged to do so as soon as possible, as the last weekend for feedback at Roedean is on Saturday, 1 June.

Mrs Jacqui Gomes Da Silva:School Psychologist

Akeso Clinic, Parktown is presenting a very topical and informative talk on “The Bullying Effect” by well-known Psychologist, Liane Lurie. The talk will take place on the 27th July 2013 from 10:00-12:00pm in St John’s School Auditorium, St David’s Road, Houghton. There is a nominal fee of R50-00 for attendance to cover administrative costs. Please would you contact Bronwyne Bellars (bronwyne.b@akeso.co.za) by the 12th July 2013 to reserve your place.

Dr Marty Ferreira:School Psychologist

MATRIC DANCE COMMITTEELe Jardin des LumiẻresOn Saturday, 11 May, the Roedean Matric girls and their partners walked through a magnificent garden, illuminated by hundreds of coloured candles. On their entering the hall, the girls were enraptured by the softly mingled hues of cream roses, lavender, and peppermint-green table cloths, under gentle candlelight. This delicate combination set the tone for a truly enchanting evening.

On receiving their invitations, which consisted of floating lavender- coloured, paper butterflies in glass jars, most of the Matrics decided to adapt to the planned colour-scheme of the evening, and they stylishly complemented the decor by wearing the most beautiful, elegant, and subtle gowns.After dinner, the Head Girl opened the dancing. A table laden with delectable French desserts was the final treat of an unforgettable evening!

Mrs Val KoseffHOD Media Centre –Info Specialist

SPORTS DEPARTMENT“Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of. One person gets only a week’s value out of a year, while another person gets a full year’s value out of a week”.

Here, at Roedean, I think our Sports teams are getting a year’s value out of a week. We are busy practising hard and playing matches, making the maximum use of our new facilities. Our hockey results have been outstanding, and the Netball teams continue to compete with confidence in our local leagues.

We are looking forward to participating in the Independent Schools’ Festival at St John’s in Pietermaritzburg next week: our Hockey, Netball, Tennis, and Squash teams will represent Roedean.

Hockey League and Netball results so far:

HOCKEY LEAGUE RESULTS 2013SCHOOLS U14A U14B U15A U15B U16A U16B 2nd 1st

Randpark High Won 2-0 Won 4-0 Drew 1-1 Won 4-1 Won 3-0 Won 2-0 Won 1-0 Won 4-1

Northcliff Won 1-0 Won 1-0 Won 1-0 Drew 0-0 Won 2-0 Lost 0-1 Won 1-0 Drew 2-2

St Andrews Lost 0-3 Won 2-0 Drew 0-0 Drew 0-0 Lost 0-1 Won 2-0

HIGH SCHOOL NETBALL RESULTS 2013SCHOOLS U14A U14B U14C U14D U15A U15B U15C U15D U16A U16B U16C U17A 2nd 1st

St Stithians Lost 6-20 Lost 4-16 Lost 1-40 Lost 7-19 Lost 3-25 Lost 2-27 Won 5-4 Lost 0-49 Lost 4-16 Lost 2-22

St Marys Lost 12-7 Lost 16-2 Lost 0-7 Lost 1-19 Lost 7-14 Lost 15-17 lost 2-18 Won 6-5 Lost 2-21 Won 11-3 won 16-6 Lost 7-30 Lost 11-18

St Andrews Won 10 -9 Lost 4-6 Lost 2-13 Lost 3- 13 Lost 4-27 Lost 3 -12 Lost 1-11 Lost 4-19 Lost 4-16 Lost 3-12

ROEDEAN EQUESTRIAN TEAMResults from the First and Second round qualifiers:

Rider Horse Discipline Level PlacingEmma Veysie One Bryant Park Equitation 2 1 1

One Bryant Park Show Jumping 3 1 6Helena Hegele Sebastian Island Equitation 4 3 3Kate Stucke Scene Around Show Jumping 4 1 3Lena Lubbe Bandenburg Samurai Performance Riding 5 7 6Luka Copperthwaite Goldmark Chelsea Equitation 4 3 2Sylvia Dixon Waterside Nile Wizard Show Jumping 9 4 2Waterside Welsh

Luanna Dressage 9 5 2Waterside Welsh Luanna Dressage 10 5 1Waterside Goldrush Show Jumping 11 5 4Waterside Nile Wizard Equitation 7 7 2Waterside Welsh Luanna Performance Riding 5 7 1Waterside Welsh Luanna Working Riding 5 7 1

10 riders took part

SUMMARY OF TOP ACHIEVERS - Q1 (9 February 2013)

Rider Horse Discipline Level PlacingHelena Hegele Sebastian Island Equitation 4(90cm) 3 5

Sebastian Island Working Hunter 3(90cm) 5 6Lucie Brooks Francis TK Performance Riding 2 1 3Luka Copperthwaite Goldmark Chelsea Equitation 4(90cm) 3 3Rebecca Henning Games of State Performance Riding 3 3 5Stephenie Burrell Sunlands Rovano Dressage 4 1 2Sylvia Dixon Waterside Welsh Luanna Dressage 9 5 1

Waterside Welsh Luanna Dressage 10 5 1Waterside Nile Wizard Show Jumping 11(1.1m) 5 3Waterside Royal Sensation Show Jumping 12(1.1m) 5 2Waterside Goldrush Show Jumping 12(1.1m) 5 4Waterside Nile Wizard Equitation 7(1.1m) 7 3Waterside Welsh Luanna Working Riding 5 7 1

10 riders took part

SUMMARY OF TOP ACHIEVERS - Q2(10 March 2013)

Ms Julie Symons: Director of Sport

We wish the Roedean girls every success for the Third Round Qualifiers rounds!

Mrs Karen Henning - Chef d’ Equipe

PTAThe Roedean School PTA has started a very busy term, with the following sought-after events taking priority.

Saturday 25 May, 2013

A momentous Victorian Mother Daughter Tea was enjoyed on Bears lawn on Saturday, 25 May 2013. Our beautiful school was transformed to resemble a refined and decadent era, where together we all enjoyed tea in antique cups and marveled at the specially designed cake, a true sugar-art masterpiece. Our matric girls, who have just enjoyed a memorable matric dance, kindly modeled their beautiful dresses for mothers and daughters from the Roedean family, and the winners of the Statement Fashion show also showcased their interesting creations.

Our ever-popular raffle prizes were another highlight of the day, and being blessed with perfect weather. The event was a huge success, and enjoyed by all.

Golf Day – Tuesday, 23 July, 2013

Our annual Golf Day is another highlight on the PTA social calendar and will again be hosted at the Wanderers Golf Club in Illovo. The Golf Day will raise funds for the upgrading of the Jennifer Currie Memorial Circle, and, as in previous years, will contribute to the Roedean School Bursary Fund. Please look out for the invitation packs that have been sent home with your daughters and diarize the date for an enjoyable round of golf, followed by an auction and a prize-giving dinner.

Please contact either Lizelle van Huyssteen (082 827 8960 / lizelle.vanhuyssteen@gmail.com) or Pippa Smith (083 704 2219 / pippa99@worldonline.co.za) if you would like to participate by buying a fourball or taking up a sponsorship. Your generosity will be much appreciated.

The Roedean School PTA thanks all the members of the Roedean community, for their ongoing support, and we look forward to enjoying our special events with you.

Mrs Dina MareeChairlady of the PTA

SAORAKneelers for the Roedean ChapelThe Roedean initiative to replace the chapel kneelers is progressing really well, and, already, 30 new kneelers have been dedicated in the chapel within the past year. This is a wonderful way of leaving a legacy at the school, as your name or the name of your child is stitched onto the side of the kneeler. We aim to fill the chapel with the new kneelers. This ambition means we need to sell approximately 300 kits. The kits can be purchased from the SAORA shop or directly from Lisa Dawson, contact her on 082 855 8681.The price of each kit is R500 and includes all materials needed to make it up yourself. Should you require someone else to stitch it for you, an additional R500 is required. Many other schools have personalised chapel kneelers, and they are a touching addition to khaall chapel services.

TUCK SHOPThe new electronic card system has been implemented in the Tuck Shop and is running smoothly. Cards are issued at a cost of R20 and are available from the Tuck Shop. Payments into these cards can be made with cash or via EFT. Each time the card is scanned, the card is debited with the item purchased and if the card is lost, the funds can be transferred onto a new card. For more information please contact Mrs Pam Woolcott at the Tuck Shop, on 011 647 3232.