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Oprah’s
Girls Make
History in
Style |
 
Violin
playing
aspiring
heart
surgeon
leads the
pack.
Thursday,
January 5
Henley on
Klip, South
Africa- The
first group
of
matriculants
from the
Oprah
Winfrey
Leadership
Academy for
Girls made
history by
recording a
100 % pass
rate while
the 72
learners
produced 188
distinctions
between
them.
The
graduation
of the class
of 2011
marks the
end of an
important
chapter for
the group
who started
at the
Academy in
2007. Five
of the
learners
obtained an
average of
over 85%, 14
scored over
80% average
while 21
obtained
over 75%.
This means
40 of the 72
candidates,
well over
half,
obtained 75%
and above.
Most
remarkably,
all but one
of the
students
achieved an
average of
over 60%.
Leading the
pack with
seven
distinctions
is Gabisile
Kgwedi, a
keen violin,
piano and
tennis
player who
will be
studying
medicine at
the
University
Of Cape Town
with a view
to becoming
a heart
surgeon. The
18 year old
from
Diepkloof,
Soweto says
she plans to
continue her
music
career, even
if it’s on a
part time
basis.
Kgwedi
obtained
distinctions
in English,
Mathematics,
Life
Orientation,
Business
Studies,
History,
Life
Sciences and
Physical
Science.
Kgwedi
reflects on
arguably the
most
important
value
imparted by
the
institution:
leadership.
“My time at
the academy
taught me
that we all
lead in
different
ways, you do
not have to
be in the
front”. She
says, noting
that
leadership
is about
values.
Anne Van Zyl,
head of the
academy for
the past two
years
describes
the
milestone as
“the most
satisfying
of her life”
as being
part of a
team that
helps
realise
Oprah
Winfrey’s
dream of
producing
woman
leaders in
South
Africa. Van
Zyl led the
academic
team that
prepared the
group for
matric
drawing on
23 years’
experience
across four
different
schools as a
head. These
include
Pretoria
Girls High
and as
founding
principal
for St
Stithian’s
Girls
College
Van Zyl
attributes
the success
to the time
that the
learners and
teachers
have put in.
The full
boarding
facilities
ensure that
staff is
available
after hours
and every
Saturday,
the student
had extra
classes.
Van Zyl
notes that
the most
gratifying
aspect of
working at
the school
is the
students
who, because
of their
disadvantaged
economic
background,
are deeply
committed to
improving
their
circumstances
and giving
back to
their
communities
through
“servant
leadership”.
The students
attend
leadership
courses and
workshops,
have
mentorship
programme
and every
day for the
week,
including
Saturdays,
engage in
community
service in
the
surrounding
community.
Six of the
students
will pursue
tertiary
studies in
the United
States, with
confirmed
acceptances,
while the
rest will be
spread
across South
African
universities.
The girls
are funded
through
private
sectors
bursaries
and
scholarships
from their
respective
institutions.
The Oprah
Winfrey
Foundation,
having
funded their
entire high
school
education,
plays no
role, except
subsistence
funding,
beyond their
high school
studies.
Van Zyl
notes that
the bar has
been set for
the next
generation,
the class of
2012, who
she is
confident
will do just
as well as
they would
have had an
extra year
of
preparation
at the
school,
having been
admitted as
founding
group of
Grade 7 in
2007,
alongside
this year’s
achievers
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The
Oprah
Winfrey
Leadership
Academy for
Girls in
South Africa
Celebrates
its First
Graduating
Class |
 
Saturday 14
January
2012,
Henley-on-Klip,
South Africa
— Television
icon and
business
leader Oprah
Winfrey
celebrated
the first
graduating
class of The
Oprah
Winfrey
Leadership
Academy for
Girls in
South Africa
today. One
hundred
percent of
the
graduates
have been
accepted to
college or
university,
including
top schools
in the
United
States and
South
Africa. More
than a dozen
have
received
full
scholarships.
Winfrey
arrived in
South Africa
earlier this
week for the
graduation
ceremony at
the school
in
Henley-on-Klip,
south of
Johannesburg,
to create
what she
described as
a “final
lasting
moment” for
the 72 girls
who achieved
a 100% pass
rate in last
year’s
Senior
National
Certificate
examinations
and produced
188
matriculation
distinctions
between
them.
“The
pride that I
feel today
is
overpowering,”
Winfrey told
her guests,
who included
the
students,
their
parents and
relatives.
“I have been
on a mission
my whole
life to be
able to give
back what I
have been
given. Today
I am
fulfilling
that
mission.
This class
will prove
that when
you invest
in the
leadership
of girls,
you invest
in a
nation.”
Winfrey also
used the
opportunity
to thank
Nelson
Mandela, who
served as an
inspiration
in
establishing
the academy.
“I want to
thank Nelson
Mandela for
his
leadership
and support
to help make
this school
a reality.
Although he
is not
present with
us today, I
know he
shares with
us the same
sense of
pride and
accomplishment,”
said
Winfrey.
Winfrey
concluded by
noting how
she has been
enhanced as
a person
through her
time spent
with the
girls. “They
have grown.
We have
grown as a
school.
Today we
offer the
world new
scholars,
girls who
now can face
any
challenge as
they move on
to the next
chapter in
their
academic and
life
journey. The
future
leaders of
South
Africa. The
future
leaders of
the world.”
Present at
the ceremony
was Nelson
Mandela’s
wife, Graca
Machel, who
gave the
keynote
address and
serves on
the board of
directors of
the academy.
A pioneer
and leader
on women’s
issues in
her own
right,
Machel, who
has a post
graduate
scholarship
for African
women named
in her
honour to
train women
in areas of
health and
education,
emphasized
the
importance
of women’s
leadership
in ensuring
Africa’s
prosperity.
Also among
the guests
at the
ceremony was
South
Africa’s
Minister of
Basic
Education,
Ms. Angie
Motsekga.
Two of the
girls were
honored with
special
awards.
Bongeka Zuma,
from
Nkwezela in
Kwa Zulu
Natal,
achieved six
distinctions.
She is
considering
to study
political
sciences at
Spelman
University
in United
States of
America and
received the
Dux award
for academic
excellence.
The award is
determined
by the
scores of
the four
compulsory
subjects
(English,
First
Additional
Language,
Mathematics
and Life
Orientation),
and then
adding the
scores of
the three
remaining
subjects.
Between
grades 9 and
11, Zuma
received
academic
honours and
has been a
top achiever
in
mathematics
and IsiZulu.
She notes
one of her
proudest
achievements
as growing
from being a
shy girl in
Grade 8 to
being
elected
deputy chair
in Grade 12.
The Oprah
Winfrey
Leadership
Award, voted
for by peers
and
teachers,
was given to
Marwiya
James. James
scored
distinctions
in
Afrikaans,
Accounting,
Life
Orientation,
Business
Studies and
Visual Arts.
She now
plans to
return to
her native
province of
the Western
Cape, where
she hails
from
Mitchell’s
Plain, to
study at the
University
of Cape Town
to become a
chartered
accountant.
James, who
describes
her
entrepreneur
and
community
worker
father as a
role model,
has been a
recipient of
service and
leadership
awards and
was
President of
the Learner
Representative
Council
during her
time at the
academy.
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Pioneers
To Take
Their Last
Bow |
“The pain of
leaving
those you
grow to love
is only the
prelude to
understanding
yourself and
others.”
Shirley
MacLaine
(American
actress and
writer)
When we
walked onto
this campus
in 2007, we
had no idea
of what lay
ahead of us.
We were
under the
impression
that
everything
was going to
be smooth
sailing, and
that we
would be in
and out of
the academy
in a hot
second.
However,
that was not
to be. The
excitement
of the huge
buildings,
comfortable
beds, large
theatre, the
attention we
received as
part of the
first group
to come to
the academy
- and the
glitz and
glam of the
Opening Day
in January -
was really
overwhelming,
and our tiny
selves began
believing
that our
whole high
school
experience
would be
this way. We
all know now
that seasons
change and
once the
novelty of
being the
founding
group wore
off, we were
met with
something
totally new:
extremely
high
expectations
and
challenges.
We were very
fortunate to
have the
support of
the most
amazing
people in
the form of
the staff,
who were
with us
throughout
the five
years and
never
wavered in
their love
and care for
us as a
group. We
might not
have always
been the
easiest
group to
guide, but
the staff
(especially
our
teachers)
persevered
and took us
in as their
own
daughters.
These
relationships
have built
us and made
our high
school years
easier and
far more
enjoyable.
The biggest
support base
for us as
The Pioneers
was having
each other.
We came here
not knowing
each other
and not
looking
forward to
the
experience
of leaving
our comfort
zones at
home to come
and live and
learn with
total
strangers.
Yet by
looking at
us now, you
would never
say so. We
might not
all be the
best of
friends, but
we have a
bond that is
indescribable
and although
we never
really admit
this - we
are more
than friends
and
classmates…we
are sisters.
As the first
graduating
class, we
enter a
whole new
world
carrying
many lessons
in our minds
and in our
hearts.
OWLAG taught
us to be
independent.
Our Matric
year was
really
difficult in
that we had
to make
personal
decisions
that no one
could help
us with,
such as
choosing
universities,
and through
this
process, we
have
definitely
practiced
our
independence.
Secondly, we
have learnt
how to be
resilient.
Being the
first class
at a new
school
obviously
meant more
challenges
for us than
the
challenges
that the
upcoming
classes are
faced with,
but we
definitely
took it all
in our
stride.
Lastly, we
fully
realised the
importance
and value of
an excellent
education
and through
this
realisation,
we now
understand
that one
needs to
work hard
and be
dedicated in
order to
achieve
their goals
and dreams.
As we take
our last bow
and the
curtain
closes on
us, we as
The Pioneers
are ready to
embark on a
new journey,
during which
new life
lessons will
be learnt.
Although we
know that we
are going to
encounter
more
challenges,
we feel sure
that what
OWLAG has
instilled in
us will help
us in making
the right
choices and
never
dimming our
lights to
make others
more
comfortable
around us.
Leaving
OWLAG is a
bitter-sweet
experience,
but as the
quote at the
beginning of
this article
mentions,
the pain in
leaving
those we
love is just
a prologue
to gaining a
better
understanding
of who we
really are,
and
discovering
our true
purposes and
what we have
to offer the
world.
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Career
Corner |
The
time
has
finally
come
-
OWLA's
first
class
will
be
entering
university!
72
learners
in
Grade
12
have
completed
writing
their
Matric
exams,
and
are
expected
to
earn
their
National
Senior
Certificates
in
January
2012.
OWLAG
can
officially
pride
itself
on
the
fact
that
every
single
member
of
its
first
Matric
group
will
be
attending
university
or
another
form
of
tertiary
education.
This
is a
noteworthy
achievement
for
a
remarkable
group
of
young
women,
OWLA’s
“pioneer”
class.
Ms.
Sue
Norval,
the
Director
of
University
Guidance
for
South
African
universities,
has
worked
extremely
hard
all
year
to
ensure
that
the
Matrics
were
able
to
navigate
the
complicated
system
and
complete
myriad
piles
of
paperwork
for
university
entrance,
not
to
mention
beat
ever-looming
deadlines
for
scholarship
applications.
OWLA
learners
have
been
admitted
in
droves
to
some
of
the
country’s
finest
universities,
with
the
highest
number
of
acceptances
at
Rhodes
University
(21),
University
of
Cape
Town
(15),
University
of
Johannesburg
(13),
University
of
Pretoria
(10)
and
University
of
Witwatersrand
(7).
On
top
of
these
impressive
results,
several
learners
have
been
awarded
full
scholarships
that
cover
university
tuition
and
residence: |
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•
Sharlotte
Mkansi ’11
has been
awarded a
scholarship
from the
Department
of Mining
and Energy
and will be
studying
Geology and
Environmental
Science at
University of Pretoria.
• Nonhlahla Kgwedi ’11 has received the Gallagher Scholarship award to
pursue her
degree in
Medicine at
the
University
of Cape
Town.
• Magnolia Van Wyk ’11 has received the Anglo-Coal Scholarship to study
her B.A. in
Accounting
Sciences at
University
of Cape
Town.
• Juliet Mantso has received a scholarship to study medicine at
Stellenbosch
University.
• Marwiya James ’11, Noxolo Dyulavane ’11, Sinethemba Mbatha ’11,
Nothando
Kunene ’11,
Livhuwani
Rapalalani
’11, and
Bongeka Zuma
'11 have
each
received a scholarship from Ernst & Young that covers tuition
and
residence,
and also
includes job
offers upon
completion
of their
degrees.
A dozen
other
learners
received
merit
scholarships
from their
universities
based on
their Grade
11 results;
such
scholarships
range from
R10,000-R16,000.
Numerous
learners
also made it
to the final
round
interviews
for
extremely
competitive
scholarships
such as that
sponsored by
Alan Gray
Orbis. While
the
scholarships
were
ultimately
awarded
elsewhere,
that these
learners
were
selected
from
thousands of
applicants
for final
interviews
is a
testament to
their
achievements
at OWLA.
At
the
time
of
publication,
approximately
eight
Matrics
have
elected
to
continue
in
their
pursuit
of
admission
to
colleges
or
university
in
the
United
States
under
the
guidance
of
Ms.
Wendy
Chang,
Director
of
University
Guidance
for
the
U.S.
Due
to
the
difference
in
the
U.S.
academic
calendar,
which
has
a
delayed
timeline
for
university
acceptance
compared
to
that
of
South
Africa,
the
admission
results
are
still
to
be
determined.
All
of
these
Matrics
have
secured
places
at
South
African
universities,
however,
and
are
sure
to
be
successful
regardless
of
which
path
they
choose.
To
date
every
single
Grade
12
learner
has
been
placed
at a
university
in
South
Africa,
which
is
an
amazing
feat.
Congratulations
to
the
OWLA
Class
of
2011! |
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Co-curricular
at OWLAG |
At OWLAG we
take pride
in providing
our learners
with ever
widening
opportunities.
Our teaching
and learning
lends itself
to
developing
the whole
person,
aiming to
build
holistic
leaders who
are critical
thinkers and
the change
makers of
our world.
This is
practiced
every
afternoon
from 15:30
to 17:30 and
over
weekends
with our
Co-curricular
programme.
The
programme
encompasses
three
departments:
Sports;
Community
Service and
Arts and
Cultural
Activities.
In the
Sports
department,
learners
have the
opportunity
to explore
winter or
summer
sports. Each
afternoon
and early
mornings,
learners
strengthen
their
physical and
emotional
fitness.
This term,
headed by
Ms. Tarryn
Macaskill
and a team
of highly
qualified
coaches, we
continued to
expand and
include a
host of new
classes that
learners
will benefit
from. We
strive to
push the
boundaries
of the
department
and stay up
to date with
what’s
current in
fitness. In
addition to
our usual
scheduled
classes such
as Aerobics,
Netball,
Tennis,
Karate,
Touch Rugby,
Volleyball,
Soccer and
Athletic
Conditioning,
we now offer
Zumba, Tae
Bo, Hip Hop
Abs and Run
For Your
Life - a
group for
our marathon
runners -
and after
much
anticipation,
Swimming.
With the
strength of
the team of
instructors’
teaching and
mentoring,
champions of
the sports
field are
being made
as we speak!
The Arts and
Cultural
portion of
the
Co–curricular
programme is
mostly
taught by
the staff
members at
OWLAG, who
volunteer
their time
and talent
after
school. The
programme
consists of
Community
Service,
Arts,
Religious
and Cultural
activities.
In this
department
we allow our
learners to
experience
hands on
learning,
develop
spirituality
and practice
Servant
Leadership.
The classes
are
interactive,
fun and
totally
voluntary.
This term we
offered:
Debating,
Mosaic Arts,
Youth Talk,
Computer
Club,
Generation
Earth, Book
Club,
Ambassadors
of
Education,
Thread Art,
Crafters
Corner, Zulu
Writers,
Drama, O
Flame, OWLAG
Dance
Company,
Culinary
Arts, Yoga,
Dance,
International
Affairs
Club,
Ballet, K53
Prep, OWLAG
Service,
Hindu
Studies,
Islamic
Studies,
Muslim
Prayer
Services,
Church, and
an extensive
Music
programme -
which
includes
choir,
string
ensemble,
OWLAG jazz
orchestra
and the
marimba
ensemble.
Each term,
Ms. Dwana
Smallwood,
Director of
Student
Affairs,
tries to add
new classes
to the
programme to
give
learners
more variety
to choose
from in an
effort to
expand their
creative
thinking.
Next term,
she hopes to
include
guest
artists who
are experts
in various
Art
professions
to expand
and build
our
programme.
This will
help us to
raise not
just
champions of
the sports
field, but
also masters
of the Arts
and
Sciences.
[back
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|
|
Running
For Our
Lives |
Run
For
Your
Life,
OWLAG’s
recreational
distance
running
club,
has
become
a
favourite
co-curricular
for
many
learners
during
its
short
period
of
existence.
Known
in
short
as "RFYL,"
the
club
had
a
modest
yet
solid
beginning
in
January
2011,
with
a
handful
of
learners
trying
their
hand
(and
feet)
on
beginner
training
runs
-
led
each
weekday
by
staff
members
Ms.
Wendy
Chang
and
Mr.
Roger
Bourquin.
The
string
of
OWLAG
runners
snaking
its
way
through
the
neighbourhood
streets
is a
familiar
sight
to
local
denizens
of
Henley-on-Klip.
OWLAG
staff
members
take
the
lead
and
bring
up
the
rear
on
the
various
4-6
kilometre
routes,
always
accompanied
by
the
school's
dedicated
security
team
ensuring
everyone's
safety.
Depending
on
the
day
of
the
week,
anywhere
from
five
to
as
many
as
twenty
learners
participate
in
the
daily
training
runs.
OWLAG
runners
have
learned
that
RFYL
is
not
about
speed
or
athleticism,
but
rather
consistency
and
dedication.
Membership
in
the
group
is
open;
as
long
as
one
is
willing
to
put
forth
effort
and
give
of
her
best,
she
is
welcome
to
join
Run
For
Your
Life.
Learners
who
at
first
struggled
to
run
one
kilometre
without
stopping
are
now
steadily
running
five
kilometres
several
times
a
week.
|
 |
Participation
in local
Gauteng
club-sponsored
road races
is a new and
exciting
facet of
RFYL. Over
the past
five months,
OWLAG has
sent a RFYL
team to the
Pirates'
10km Race in
Greenside,
the Gerald
Fox 10km at
the
Johannesburg
Zoo, the
Spar Ladies'
10km Race in
Randburg,
and the
popular
Soweto 10km.
Original
club members
Stacey-Lee
Scott '13
and Nosipho
Shangase '12
have
participated
in all the
races to
date. And
while they
are not yet
old enough
to
participate
in 10km or
longer
races,
several of
our
dedicated
Grade 7 and
8 members
ran the 5km
"fun runs"
of our most
recent
races. RFYL
anticipates
having a
full race
calendar for
2012.
Staff
participation
in RFYL has
increased
dramatically
as well. Ms.
Chang and
Mr. Bourquin
have been
joined by
Mr. P.J.
“Dude”
Christians,
Ms. Andiswa
Nyovane, and
Ms. Marna
Bosch as
regular
coaches/participants,
and Ms.
Tarryn
Macaskill,
when not
coaching her
numerous
other
sports, has
also found
time to don
her running
shoes. OWLAG
learners and
staff of all
abilities
are
encouraged
to "Run For
Your Lives!"
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|
|
OWLAG
Music
Programme |
The focus of
our
department
this term
has been on
our annual
independent
music
examinations.
Twelve
candidates
were entered
for the Rock
School
option, and
a further 89
opted for
the
Trinity/Guildhall
practical
exams. This
comprises a
total of 101
entries
compared
with 64 the
year before,
and 38 in
2009. These
numbers show
a healthy
55% year on
year growth
rate in
enrolments
over the
past three
years. While
this year’s
results are
still
outstanding
at the time
of going to
print, we
trust that
they will
once again
be in line
with our
excellent
average of
85% achieved
cumulatively
over
previous
years.
Preceding
the October
exams, there
were several
other
activities
which
included a
visit by our
choir to St.
Mary’s
Waverley.
The choir
performed in
the school’s
beautiful
new
auditorium
and was on
top form,
sharing the
stage with
their hosts
for the
evening. All
the
choristers
together
with their
director,
Ms. Nomvula
Mehlomakhulu,
are to be
commended on
a very
noteworthy
achievement.
Our
marimba
ensemble
performed
over
two
evenings
at
the
Market
Theatre
together
with
Dr.
Sello
Galane.
Along
with
their
coach,
Mr.
Magalane
Phoshoko,
they
have
had
an
excellent
year,
which
culminated
in
this
magnificent
event
at
one
of
South
Africa’s
most
important
venues.
Our
string
ensemble
attended
a
workshop
hosted
by
Professor
Francois
Henkins
who
is
head
of
strings
at
the
Free
State
University.
Prof.
Henkins
commented
afterwards
that
he
had
never
before
seen
such
progress
in a
school
string
programme
over
such
a
short
period.
He
was
particularly
impressed
that
the
learners
could
perform
a
complete
5
movement
work,
in
which
they
demonstrated
their
acquired
skills
over
a
wide
range
of
genres
-
from
jazz
to
classical
and
from
rock
to
reggae.
I
would
like
to
thank
all
the
music
programme
learners
for
the
way
in
which
they
have
risen
to
the
challenge,
and
wish
them
all
the
very
best
that
the
future
could
possibly
bring
them.
|
 |
[back
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|
|
Dance
Tour |
Dance is our
Oxygen –
breathing
hope into
the lives of
young minds.
From the
16th to the
22nd of
October,
seventeen
members of
the OWLAG
Dance
Company
toured
Durban, Kwa-Zulu
Natal. The
tour was
aimed at
sharing the
talent,
passion and
dedication
of our
learners
with various
primary and
high school
learners in
and around
Durban.
Most of the
first day
was spent
driving, but
on the way
we made a
stop at the
famous
Ardmore
Ceramic
Gallery.
Here, the
learners
were given a
tour of the
gallery and
then
workshopped
as they set
out to
produce some
of their own
artworks.
After a day
well spent
at Ardmore,
we were on
the road
again and on
arrival in
Durban, we
checked into
the
four-star
Riverside
Hotel where
we stayed
for the
duration of
our time.
The OWLAG
Dance
Company
performed at
a number of
schools,
including
Crawford
College La
Lucia,
Sterngrove
Primary and
Merryhill
Primary to
name a few.
After each
performance
learners
were given
the
opportunity
to interact
with the
dancers
through a
question and
answer
session. At
some of the
schools, our
dance
teacher and
Director of
Student
Affairs, Ms
Dwana
Smallwood,
gave
workshops in
which she
exposed
learners to
different
dance
techniques.
Seeing
learners who
are trained
in ballet
and
contemporary
dance move
to African
beats was
most amusing
but
simultaneously
awe-inspiring.
It was
during
moments like
these that
we knew we
were
touching
young
hearts.
Our biggest
challenge
was the
conditions
under which
we had to
perform.
Most of the
schools did
not have
performance
theatres and
a beautiful
big stage
like the one
at OWLAG.
But as
dancers, we
adapted and
changed our
programme to
fit the
different
situations.
After a week
of humbling
experiences
- with
different
learners
from
different
primary
schools who
gave the
warmest hugs
- we went to
Inanda
Seminary, an
all-girl
school much
like ours.
Here we had
the
opportunity
to interact
and learn
from
students who
shared our
interests
and
aspirations.
On the last
day of our
tour, we
headed for
the Durban
University
of
Technology,
where the
KZN parents’
meeting was
held. After
the meeting,
the learners
performed a
full concert
for their
parents and
enjoyed the
rest of the
time with
their
families.
We left
Durban with
joy in our
hearts and
renewed hope
for the
future. For
we were
certain that
we had
shared more
than just
our passion
and
determination
with the
learners; we
had shared
our dance –
our oxygen.
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|
|
OWLAG
Marimba
ensemble
wows
audience at
the Market
Theatre |
The OWLAG
Marimba
ensemble was
invited to a
concert at
the Market
Theatre by
one of South
Africa’s
legends, Dr.
Sello Galane.
The
Pula/Rain
concert is
held every
year in
November and
is about the
ultimate
experience
of purity of
life,
rebirth,
rejuvenation,
prosperity
and
posterity.
It was the
first time
the ensemble
performed at
a concert of
such
magnitude,
with a
vibrant
audience
applauding
them
throughout.
Dr. Galane
said: “The
learners
have
demonstrated
absolute
professionalism
and
technical
dexterity...”
[back
to top]
|
|
House
Plays
Festival |
The OWLAG
2011 House
Play
Festival
took place
on 10
September,
with Renos
Spanoudes
and Lindiwe
Matshikiza
as the
adjudicators.
Mangau House
opened the
festival
with ‘You
strike a
woman you
strike a
rock’.
The title of
the play is
a
traditional
Zulu saying
that became
popular in
1965 when 20
000 women
from various
racial
groups rose
up and
marched to
declare
their
dissidence
against the
Dompass and
the
Apartheid
government -
and to fight
for their
voices to be
heard. The
play offers
brief
vignettes
showing the
daily lives
of women
struggling
to survive
in an
oppressive
environment.
The play was
directed by
Lebo Mokoena
who bravely
tackled
sensitive as
well as
hard-hitting
issues.
‘Housing for
all’ by
Fatime Dike
and
Ditshkudu
House and
directed by
Refilwe
Digoamaje,
was the
inspirational
story of one
woman who
never gave
up and
ensured that
her township
received the
brick houses
that they
had been
promised by
Government.
With
startling
ensemble
work, flashy
Diva musical
routines and
clever
design, the
play
showcased
OWLAG’s
performance
talent.
‘Nongogo’ by
Izindlovu
depicted
1950s
township
life and how
the lives of
Queeny, a
shebeen
Queen, and
Johnny, a
tablecloth
salesman,
became
intertwined.
The cast,
directed by
Cleopatra
Cindi,
vibrantly
portrayed
the
politically
charged
urban life
with
delightful
characters
who often
‘stole the
show.’
‘Curl up and
Dye’,
originally
written by
Sue Pam
Grant and
performed by
Amabhubesi,
showed the
diverse
lives of
five
different
women
working in a
hair
dressing
salon. Many
conflicts
arose
between the
racially
diverse
clients who
had been
thrown
together by
South
African
society in
the 80s. The
play
explored
relationships,
humour and
the
uncomfortable
reality of
life in
Johannesburg.
Directed by
Lindiwe
Tsope, the
cast bravely
explored the
compelling
stories of
these five
women
‘living on
the edge.’
The
awards
for
the
evening
were
as
follows:
Best
Backstage
Crew:
Mangau
Best
Publicity:
Amabhubesi
Best
Junior
actress:
Anita
ndlovu
Best
Senior
actress:
Pretty
Mabaso
Best
Director:
Lebohang
Mokoena
Best
Play:
Housing
for
All,
Ditshkudu
Special
mentions:
Designer:
Nombuso
Hlengwa
Ensemble
work:
Antonette,
Cindi,
Devidine
and
Chantelle
Entire
Cast
Ensemble
work:
Ditshkudu
House
Portrayal
of
Old
Lady:
Mandisa
Kunene
Performance
as
Johnny:
Sasha
Lee
Setzin |
|
[back
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|
|
Round
Square
Exchange
Programme |
Being chosen
for the
Round Square
Exchange
Program to
Dainfern
College in
Fourways was
not only an
honour for
us, but also
an amazing
experience.
We learnt
how to adapt
in a
different
environment
both at the
Bishop's
house and at
Dainfern
College. We
learnt to
plan and
organise our
time
effectively
through
balancing
fun and
studying for
our upcoming
assessments
as we had a
full
schedule
including
going to
school,
shopping and
going out
for movies
and dinner.
A
significant
difference
between
Dainfern
College and
OWLAG, is
that
Dainfern
College has
boys. We
also had to
adjust to
their school
times and
school
rules. A
highlight
was having
the
opportunity
to interact
with so many
different
people. We
also enjoyed
attending
classes and
as we were
basically
doing the
same work at
our school
we could
participate
actively in
lessons.
Overall, the
experience
was one that
would be in
our hearts
and minds
till the end
of time.
A special
thank you to
the Bishop's
family for
welcoming us
wholeheartedly
with love
and joy, to
Mrs. Van Zyl
for allowing
us to go to
Dainfern
College and
most
especially
to Mrs. Abed
who not only
organised
the whole
trip but who
was always
there for us
when we
needed her.
With
Gratitude
Rorisang
Nkomo and
Likeleli
Ramolula
Grade 10
2011
[back
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|
|
Grade 8
Teambuilding |
Experiencing
the
teambuilding
workshop
facilitated
by Project
Summit was
an honour,
as the
facilitators
taught the
Grade 8s new
things and
made us
aware that
it does not
matter what
age you are
- whether
young or old
- you can
still have
fun. Our
Grade had
plenty of
fun, we
enjoyed the
games and we
had great
facilitators
(even though
they would
become
psychologists
at times).
We played
games in
goups and
they
required
teamwork. It
was a lot
easier for
my group
because we
listened to
each other,
and at the
end of the
day, we
achieved
more than
knowledge -
we also
gained
confidence
in ourselves
and other
people. Most
importantly,
I learnt
that I
cannot look
for my inner
self in
another
person, and
everybody
has to make
decisions
for
themselves.
Most of us
loved the
games we
played on
Sunday
because they
involved
water, and
for the
first time
we enjoyed
ourselves as
a Grade -
from that
day we never
complained
about being
separated
anymore.
Before
saying our
goodbyes we
ate a
delicious
cake and had
our group
photo taken.
We were so
happy that
at least
people could
see what the
Grade 8s are
made of.
Seeing each
other leave
was not sad,
because deep
down in our
hearts we
knew that
our paths
would cross
one day and
we would
meet again.
[back
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|
|
South
African
Institute Of
Internal
Affairs |
SAIIA (the
South
African
Institute
for
International
Affairs)
runs an
annual
competition
on
Development
and
Sustainability,
with
specific
reference to
the impacts
of climate
change. The
OWLAG team (Abongile
Xhantini,
Tasmiayh
Hoosen,
Prinesa
Reddy and
Dulce Mbiza)
chose the
topic
relating to
the effects
of climate
change on
global,
regional and
local food
security,
with a
strong link
to
development
aspects.
This was
only the
first stage
in the
process.
Having
chosen their
topic, the
learners
embarked on
creating a
collaborative
essay. They
were then
selected to
compete
against five
other
Gauteng
finalists,
and they
produced a
powerful
presentation
on their
chosen topic
at the Sci-Bono
Museum in
Newtown,
Johannesburg.
It was a
prestigious
event, with
the American
Consul
invited to
be the
keynote
speaker. The
learners had
to cope with
a Q&A
session with
experts in
the field.
OWLAG was
chosen as
the winning
team, and
now forms
part of the
South
African
Junior
Delegation.
They will be
working with
the
finalists
from the
Western Cape
and Kwa-Zulu
Natal teams
chosen at
their
respective
events.
The South
African
delegation
will be
representing
the country
at the
Junior COP17
conference
that will be
held in
Durban at
the end of
November
2011. Around
18 learners
are in the
SA
delegation.
The SA
delegation
will take
part in a
mini UN
conference
together
with junior
delegations
from the
rest of the
world.
Recommendations
from the
conference
will be put
forward to
the Senior
COP17
Conference
that will
follow in
December
2011, in
Durban.
[back
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|
|
Leadership
Expo 2011 |
On Friday,
October 7th,
OWLAG held
its first
Leadership
Expo. Ms.
Dwana
Smallwood,
Director of
Student
Affairs,
asked
learners to
open their
minds to the
idea of
renewing the
passion and
drive that
exists
within each
of them. She
challenged
everyone to
embrace the
responsibilities
of
leadership,
and listed
the
qualities of
good
leadership:
resilience,
respect,
humility,
honour,
service,
integrity,
balance,
knowledge,
risk-taking,
and problem
solving.
These
qualities
were
beautifully
displayed on
vibrant and
colourful
banners. It
was a rich
and very
inspirational
day, where
learners had
the
opportunity
to engage
with and
share in the
experiences
of
professionals
who donated
their time
to share the
leadership
skills they
used to
accomplish
their goals.
The hope was
that all
present
would walk
away with a
plethora of
new tools to
achieve
their goals
in life,
ignite the
leader
inside, and
learn that
they are
never too
young to
lead.
The day
began with
two very
inspirational
speeches
given by
special
guests of
Ms. Winfrey.
Clemantine
Wamariya, a
survivor of
the genocide
in Rwanda
and now a
student at
Yale
University;
and Khadijah
Williams, a
young woman
who grew up
homeless and
is now a
student at
Harvard
University
in the
United
States. Both
women shared
their
profound
stories with
such honesty
and grace.
They shared
intimate
details of
their
struggles
and
triumphs.
Their
stories
taught the
learners how
to use
life’s
challenges
and
struggles as
a platform
to stand on.
Following
the speeches
the Grade 7,
8 and 9
learners
departed to
the field
for an
interactive
activity day
with a group
called
Project
Summit. The
learners
walked away
with skills
and tools
that they
can use to
tackle any
situation in
life. They
learned to
interact
with others,
solve
problems,
and to work
productively
as team
leaders and
team
members.
The Grade
10, 11 and
12 learners
proceeded to
the Gym
where more
than 70
professional
volunteers
from various
industries
answered
questions
and handed
out
information
for reading.
The day
continued
with
breakaway
sessions
where
learners
could
further
engage with
the
volunteers
on a more
in-depth
level in
order to get
a feel for
what’s
required to
set, manage,
build,
create, and
reach their
goals.
Closing the
day was our
last speaker
- Dr.
Tererai
Trent - who
spoke about
staying away
from
negative
energy,
claiming
your
excellence
and deciding
now who you
want to be.
Her speech
led us all
to reflect
on what we
want and
what we
have, and
how we
should make
no excuses
for reaching
those goals.
The day was
full for
many
learners and
was very
emotional
for some. We
were all
inspired to
be better
people and
to be
accountable
and lead
ourselves
into the
future. A
Global
Leadership
Dinner
followed our
time of
reflection,
where
learners
were able to
taste
cuisine from
China,
America,
India and
South Africa
in
celebration
of embracing
others.
Many
messages
will stay in
the
forefront of
our minds
for weeks to
come, and
they will
hopefully be
food for
thought on
our quests
to uphold
the
principles
of
leadership
and Ubuntu.
It was the
Leadership
Expo that
left us all
thinking
about the
idea of
being a
leader - one
must first
begin to
learn who
they are.
One must
align one’s
life with
their own
moral
courage when
facing
difficult
choices.
Leadership
relies on
the ability
to be
authentic
and reflects
your own
values,
motivations,
and action
alignment
with your
highest
ideals.
Ultimately,
everyone was
inspired by
the
resilience
and courage
of the
guests. We
learned that
each step
you take
will lead
you towards
honouring
your
authentic
self - so
put pen to
paper and
think about
what moves
you to take
action
today!
Planning has
already
begun for
the
Leadership
Expo 2012.
[back
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|
|
OWLAG
LRC
ELECTIONS -
Leaders Make
Their Mark
|
The
community of
the Oprah
Winfrey
Leadership
Academy for
Girls has
once again
proven to be
an
environment
in which the
opinions of
the learners
matter. The
learners
from Grade
Seven up to
Grade Eleven
were given
the
opportunity
to vote for
candidates
who they
felt would
best lead
them and
ensure that
their voices
were not
muted. Being
part of a
community
where
emphasis is
always
placed on
owning one’s
voice, the
significance
of the
annual
elections
for the
Learner
Representative
Council is
considerable.
The Grade
Seven
learners
were the
most
ecstatic of
the voters
as it was
their first
time being
part of an
OWLAG
election.
The excited
bunch had
mixed
feelings
about what
to expect
from the
elections,
and whether
or not the
candidates
were going
to fulfil
the promises
that they so
ardently
made during
the election
campaigns.
First time
voter,
Karabo Mbele
(13),
described it
as being a
“cool and
weird
experience
as it is
something
that she has
never done
before” She
was hopeful
that all the
candidates
that she
voted for
would win.
Consequently,
the
elections
have ignited
the spark in
many Grade
Sevens to
aspire to be
the future
leaders of
OWLAG, as
many felt it
was an
honour and
privilege to
lead such
bright and
ambitious
learners.
The
experienced
voters felt
more
confident
that this
time around
their votes
would make a
difference.
This year’s
elections
introduced a
new way of
getting to
know the
candidates,
as opposed
to the old
process in
which
speeches had
to be
conducted
and
candidates
were judged
by how good
their
speeches
were. OWLAG
learners had
the
opportunity
to ask the
candidates
questions
that
revealed
much more of
their
personalities
and visions
for OWLAG.
There is
more
confidence
and faith in
the newly
elected
LRC.“The
President
position is
not there to
put someone
in power,
but is
rather a
position
that makes
working
together
much easier.
We now have
the
opportunity
to voice our
needs, and
we all need
to unite and
work
together to
achieve a
common goal,
as the new
LRC was
fairly
chosen by
us,”
explained
Grade Eleven
learner,
Nonkululeko
Mpungose.
The future
of OWLAG
does indeed
look bright!
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Taking
The Plunge |
When we all
heard that a
swimming
pool was
going to be
built on
campus, we
were
excited. We
were already
imagining
ourselves in
our cool
swimming
costumes
playing with
water. But
what many of
us did not
realise, was
that having
a swimming
pool
actually
meant that
we had to
know how to
swim. We had
to be brave
enough to be
in the
water-
something
which many
of us did
not comply
with. The
experience
of getting
used to the
water has
been an
amazing
journey for
most of us.
I remember
quite
vividly the
first time I
went into
the pool. My
terror was
evoked by
the fact
that I could
not reach
down as the
pool was too
deep. But
with the
unconditional
help and
support of
Sis Tarryn
and Coach
Dorothy, I
learnt to
overcome my
fear. I have
moved from
being
completely
terrified to
being able
to glide on
my own
without a
swimming
board or a
swimming
noodle. It
is such a
privilege
for us to
have access
to the
swimming
pool, as
swimming is
a life
skill. I
hope that
many of us
will
continue to
utilise this
opportunity
in the many
years to
come.
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Generation
Earth Summit |
On 26 and 27
October, the
Generation
Earth Summit
took place
in Thaba
YaBatswana
in
Johannesburg.
There were
up to 20
schools and
about 400
learners,
young
‘green’
thinkers,
who were
ready to
change the
world and
combat
climate
change.
Generation
Earth is a
youth
environmental
organisation
which was
launched
earlier this
year, and
which
focuses on
creating and
developing
young
‘green’
thinkers,
change
makers and
leaders. It
is about
creating and
motivating a
generation
of carbon
conscious
consumers
and
sustainable
decision
makers who
will lead by
example.
On the first
day of the
summit, 18
of our
learners
arrived at
Thaba
YaBatswana
and were
immediately
breath taken
by the
beauty of
the place.
We then took
our first
pictures of
the day with
G.E
Celebrity
Ambassadors:
Cito and
Edith
Hamilton.
Then we
began with
the talks
for the day,
and we
listened to
various
speakers
such as the
Vice
Chancellor
of the
University
of
Johannesburg.
The second
day was even
more
inspiring
and
remarkable
than the
previous
day. We had
to present
our projects
and plans
for the rest
of the year.
OWLAG had
choreographed
a Stomp
Military
Dance to
present that
day. The
main message
behind the
dance was
that as the
youth, we
are ready to
combat
climate
change.
Trisha
Paulsen, one
of the Grade
9 learners
who attended
the summit
commented:
“I felt the
leader
within me
come alive
and I made a
pledge to
keep my
environmentally
aware flame
burning. I
learnt that
everything I
do might not
have a
change in
global
warming and
that I might
not save the
earth, in
actual fact
even if the
whole of the
African
continent
went green
it probably
wouldn’t end
global
warming but
let’s do it
anyway. That
little I do
might save
us a few
more years
on this
planet, as
many
astronomers
have tried
but could
not find
another
planet.
There is no
planet B!
It was fun
to interact
with other
people and
hear their
views on the
topic.
Personally,
I think the
Minister in
presidency,
Trevor
Manuel said
it best:
‘You youth
of today
don’t have
the
privilege of
relaxing
like
previous
generations
have.’
I realized
that we have
to work to
save this
earth and to
try and
solve the
problem that
we have made
for
ourselves.
We have to
make today’s
generation
proud and
inspire
tomorrow’s
generation,
not to
encourage
global
warming and
climate
change, but
to stop it.
The
Generation
Earth Youth
Summit has
made me more
committed,
‘Commitment
is not
attending
meetings,
it’s about
making a
decision
considering
your life,
and the
lives of
those around
you.’ Trevor
Manuel.”
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Science
Trip
Overseas |
On 18 July
2011,
Nthabiseng
Ntsomishe
and I
departed for
Slovakia
where we
were going
to represent
South Africa
along with
10 other
learners.
This was a
very
exciting
trip for us
as it was
our first
time abroad.
Our journey
started at
the OR Tambo
International
Airport
where we met
up with the
rest of the
delegation,
and found
out that we
were the
only
non-Afrikaans
speakers in
the group.
This was a
challenge at
first, but
the issue
was
addressed
later on
during the
trip. The SA
group,
accompanied
by Mr and
Mrs Roodt,
flew to
Dubai and
then
connected to
Vienna,
Austria.
After the
exhausting
flights we
drove to
Bratislava,
Slovakia.
When we
arrived in
Europe on
Monday, we
were anxious
and very
excited to
see what the
rest of the
trip had in
store for
us.
Over the
next couple
of days we
presented
our project
to judges
and the
AMAVET
president,
and were
honoured
with the
opportunity
to speak to
the
Slovakian
president.
Unfortunately,
we didn’t
win anything
but we
enjoyed
every moment
of the trip.
Our
highlights
were meeting
new people
and learning
about
different
cultures. We
also enjoyed
travelling
and
exploring
Bratislava
and Vienna.
Nthabiseng
said, “It
seems like
such a long
time ago but
the memories
are still so
alive, and
we’ll never
forget all
the friends
we made.” We
feel really
privileged
to have been
given this
opportunity,
and we thank
our teachers
and Eskom.
Thank you
Mrs Daya and
Mr Wilton
for all the
guidance
you’ve given
us and for
believing in
us.
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Maths
Trip To The
Phillipines |
On
31
August
2011,
Miss
Reddy
and
I
took
a
7-day
trip
to
Singapore,
Manila
and
Naga
City.
At
the
airport
we
changed
our
money
to
American
Dollars
and
immediately
got
a
lesson
from
Miss
Reddy
about
the
exchange
rate.
That
was
only
the
first
of
the
many
things
I
learnt
over
the
week
that
lay
ahead.
Meeting
the
group
we
were
going
to
travel
with
was
exciting
and
scary
at
the
same
time,
as I
did
not
know
them
very
well
and
there
were
a
few
strange
faces.
We
then
went
to
check-in
our
bags
and
get
ready
for
the
long
flight
ahead.
I
saw,
for
the
first
time
in
my
life,
the
beautiful
uniform
of
the
Singapore
Airline
hostesses.
The
flight
attendants
were
very
sweet
and
patient.
They
waited
for
us
when
we
had
to
order
what
we
wanted
to
eat,
and
they
were
more
than
willing
to
answer
every
question
we
had
about
the
flight.
On
the
plane
each
passenger
had
a
television.
You
could
play
games,
watch
movies
and
listen
to
your
favourite
music.
|
 |
After 12
hours on the
plane we
arrived in
Singapore.
We went to
catch our
own bus and
took a tour
around the
place, and
we finally
arrived at
the hotel we
were going
to spend one
night in. We
later went
to catch
another bus
to take us
to town and
Sentosa
Island. What
an amazing
place! We
shopped and
swam until
we were
tired, but
we still had
a long day
ahead of us.
We also went
to a
celebration
of their new
president,
which was at
19:00
according to
their time,
which was
probably
about 13:00
in South
Africa.
Their time
is six hours
ahead of our
time. That
was my
lesson on
the
different
time zones.
On 2
September,
we took our
second
flight to
Manila. It
was about 4
hours long,
but it was
delayed for
an hour
because the
airport was
full and
there was no
space for us
to land. We
then missed
our
connecting
flight to
Naga City
and had to
stay over.
We waited at
the airport
for a bus to
take us to a
nearby hotel
called The
Heritage
hotel. The
hotel was
beautiful
and
comfortable,
but
unfortunately,
we only had
one night to
spend there.
Missing the
flight was a
good thing
as we were
given the
opportunity
to stay over
in Manila,
which was
not part of
the plan.
We woke up
early in the
morning to
catch our
plane to
Naga City as
we were
going to
start our
first test
at 3pm. The
flight was
only 45
minutes
long. When
we arrived
in Naga
City, we
were
welcomed by
two people
who work as
hotel
attendants
in Villa
Caceres. The
temperature
was way too
hot to be
real. I
don’t think
anyone who
lives there
possesses a
jersey. It
was
extremely
hot. We took
a quick
shower in
our rooms
and by the
way, the
rooms were
incredible.
They were
fancy, and
they had a
big screen
television
and the
showers were
perfect. The
test was
structured
very
differently
from what I
am used to
at school
and it was
pretty
challenging.
After
supper, we
went to our
rooms to
study and
rest.
On our
second day
at Villa
Caceres, we
wrote our
last two
tests and
rested next
to the
swimming
pool and
prepared our
presentation
for the
cultural
evening. We
worked very
hard on our
presentation.
Then on the
third day,
we performed
our
presentation
with my new
friends,
Jarrah, Luke
and Savanha,
and I had to
dance in
front of
everyone. I
somehow
managed to
be Shakira
for the day.
People took
pictures of
us and all
the hotel
attendants
wanted to
take a
picture with
ME, since I
was Shakira
and the most
beautiful
dancer they
ever saw. We
swapped
gifts and
took loads
of pictures,
and that was
our last
evening at
the hotel.
On our way
back we went
to an
Istudio, and
we were
allowed to
play with
the iPads on
display -
what an
awesome
experience
that was. We
went to
BURGER KING,
bought some
food and
relaxed a
bit before
our long
flight back
to
Johannesburg.
Travelling
abroad has
always been
my childhood
dream, so
when the
opportunity
to travel to
the
Philippines
presented
itself, I
grabbed it
with both
hands. A lot
of effort
was put into
preparing
for the
trip, as I
was going to
be competing
against
other
international
students in
Mathematics.
I felt both
anxious and
delighted at
the
adventure
that was to
follow as a
first time
international
visitor.
The
experience
was both
mind opening
and
fulfilling,
getting to
meet young
people like
me who are
ambitious
and purpose
driven. This
huge
opportunity
has enriched
my life and
broadened my
knowledge of
the
different
cultures
that exist
in this
world. The
people who I
interacted
with were
friendly and
welcoming,
and this
really made
me feel at
home.
This
experience
has also
made me
realise that
the standard
of
Mathematics
is very high
in the
Eastern
countries,
and this has
channeled me
towards
working to
develop -
not only as
a learner -
but also as
an
individual.
Salamat all
(that means
thank you in
the
Philippines).
Mabuhay ..
Welcome
Good day is:
Magandag
Omaga
How are You?
Komusta Ka
Goodbye: Pa-alam
Thank You:
Salamat
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Grade 10
Economics
Trip to
Kimberly
|
The
Grade
10
Economics
learners
embarked
on
an
exciting
and
educational
journey
to
the
very
cold
and
small
town
of
Kimberly
from
7 -
9
June,
2011.
We
began
our
journey
with
excitement
churning
in
our
stomachs
as
we
made
our
way
to
Gold
Reef
City.
Our
experience
began
with
an
educational
video
on
the
history
of
gold,
and
then
we
went
on a
trip
deep
into
the
earth
to
see
a
gold
mine.
The
teachers
then
allowed
us
to
explore
the
Gold
Reef
City
theme
park.
We
were
like
children
set
loose
in a
candy
store
–
filled
with
adrenaline
as
we
went
on
ride,
after
ride,
after
ride!
Then
followed
the
long,
tiresome
‘road
trip’
to
Kimberly.
On
arrival
in
Kimberly,
however,
we
forgot
all
about
how
tired
we
were
and
dressed
up
for
our
dinner
at
the
Kimberley
Club.
The
dress
code
was
smart
casual
and,
as
expected,
we
looked
gorgeous!
We
then
went
to
bed
tired
but
happy.
We
began
the
next
day
early
in
the
morning
and
soon
realised
that
Kimberly
was
such
a
small
town
- as
we
got
to
all
our
destinations
by
foot
in
just
minutes.
On
touring
the
sights
and
sounds
of
Kimberly,
we
learned
a
lot
about
the
history
of
the
city
and
its
economic
development
throughout
the
years.
Just
when
we
thought
our
day
could
not
get
any
better,
we
were
serenaded
by
the
melodious
voices
of
the
boys
of
Philadelphian
choir
at
the
Anglican
Cathedral.
Smiling
from
ear
to
ear,
we
then
went
to
the
Big
Hole
and
were
fascinated
by
its
majesty
and
size.
We
headed
back
to
the
Gum
Tree
Lodge
and
changed
before
we
went
to
the
mall.
At
the
mall,
we
watched
movies
and
ordered
junk
food
while
chatting
with
friends
about
the
small
yet
exciting
town
of
Kimberly. |
 |
Early the
next
morning, we
finished
packing and
had a
scrumptious
breakfast
before we
made our way
to the
headquarters
of the most
powerful
mine in
Kimberly.
There we
were
informed
about
historical
giants in
diamond
mining, such
as the likes
of Cecil
John Rhodes
and Barney
Bernato who
made
fortunes
through the
discovery of
diamonds.
After the
tour of the
headquarters,
we were all
so sad when
we realised
that it
marked the
end of an
amazing
trip. We
made our way
to the buses
and endured
the long
drive to
Johannesburg.
The trip to
Kimberly was
an exciting
experience
for us which
we will
forever
treasure. We
extend our
gratitude to
all the
special
people who
made it
possible. We
would also
like to
extend a
special
thank you to
our amazing
teacher,
Mrs.
Etzinger,
without whom
the trip
wouldn’t
have been
possible..
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