Dear Parents and Guardians

We have reached the end of another academic year and fondly

reminisce about what has passed and wait in anticipation to what will still be. Our children have grown in stature and wisdom having accepted the responsibility for the choices they have made. Next year, 2012, we have the start of CAPS for our new grade 10s and the obvious challenges that accompany a new venture. The staff has received the necessary training and we are using this vacation to

recharge our batteries and prepare for the morrow.

Plumstead High has much to offer as we prepare our children for an ever changing world with new technology, sometime confused value systems and a seeming lack of care for our fellow man. The ethos of our school depends on your participation as parents and how involved

you are with your children’s education. All top academic schools pros-per because of parental involvement and the desire to blaze a trail others must follow. This is also our desire as we approach 2012.

Johan Campbell said “a pat on the back has the effect of filling the tank of enthusiasm.” Pat yourselves and say well done for another year

gone by. We look forward to next year with enthusiasm knowing that there will not be problems, only challenges. I use this opportunity to say thank you to my deputies and staff, the supportive governing body parents, our beautiful children and their parents and all who have con-tributed to the success of the year.

Finally, Mr P Collins, you have trained so many, enlightened a few, changed the course of history for some and spoke with passion about Latin. Thank you for your service and dedication to the community of Plumstead High. Enjoy your retirement and remember us in your memoirs. Our announcements will never be the same.

In conclusion, I pray that this holiday you reunite with your families, cherish the moments together for they are special, pause to smell the roses and thank our creator for the gift of life. Have a blessed and joyous festive season and love yourself enough to let your light shine as you discover the path for tomorrow.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3 & 4

9 DECEMBER 2011

To All Muslim Families We wish you Muharram

Mubarak 1433. May the

year ahead be filled with ghair, barakah,

raghmah, happiness and

health.

From the Plumstead Family

The Plumstead

Quarter

Inside this issue:

The Terms in Review

From the Principal Staff News

1

2-5

Learner Achievements

6-7

Learners in Action

8-9

MATRIC 2011

Valedictory 10-11

12-13

Learner News

Looking Ahead 14

15

Editor: Mrs Paul

From the Principal’s Desk—Mr C. George

Reporters

Liza & Thaania

THE TERMS: In Review

STAFF NEWS

In term three we welcomed Mrs Abrahams to PHS. Mrs Abrahams filled the post vacat-

ed by Ms Erasmus who was offered a teaching post in Dubai. Ms Erasmus was given a

rousing send off by the learners who were fortunate to have been taught by her.

At the end of this term we bid farewell to Mr Collins who is retiring and Mrs Gosain who

is going to further her studies. Mrs Gosain joined PHS three and a half years ago. In

her short stay at this school she has made a meaningful difference in the lives of the

children she has taught and those she worked with on the sports field. She has also

been in charge of Sound and Lighting at the school, making sure that school assemblies,

shows and stage productions run

smoothly. In that capacity, she has

also trained learners to operate

sound and lighting equipment.

Did you know?

Mr Collins is on face book and has his own blog? It’s

evident you can teach an old dog new tricks!

loooooool

Congratulations !

Mrs Petersen, Mrs F. Ste-

vens (Maths) and Mrs V. Stevens (Library) have be-

came proud grandmothers.

SILVER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: Mr & Mrs George Mr & Mrs Paul

WELCOME

Ms C. Williams who joins the English department and Ms A. Scott who

will be joining the school as Teacher-Librarian.

MR COLLINS – on the SPOT with Thaania & Sizalabuhle

1. How long have you been at Plumstead High

I have been teaching for 27 years.

2. Give us a brief description of your journey through Plumstead High

When I started at Plumstead high I first taught Latin and history. Then I was

fortunate enough to teach English for nine and a half years.

3. What were your best and worst moments at Plumstead high?

Well the worst thing was the discipline. My best memories were having great

fondness with my past classes of 2002, 2005 and 2009.

4. What do you think of the changes in education?

A lot of it is just an absolute waste of money, because they need to sort out two

things: one of which is what we call Cohort Progression. In other words children in

grade 9 are pushed into the next grade and have to write an exam which they not

ready for.

5. Why did you choose teaching?

I was interested in school, mainly because of the subjects such as; Latin, History

and English.

6. Looking back at your career, would you say that you were successful?

Seeing and communicating with my past pupils who were successful in their life

actually made me proud as a teacher. I am also pleased that they remember their

lessons when they correct my English on face book ( of course those are just

typos because of a sticky keyboard).

7. So Mr Collins, where to from here?

I guess home, lol! I don’t really have plans but there is a lot of reading I want to

do. There is also the garden, writing poetry and I have a blog- http://

valleysong.wordpress.com that I want to carry on working on.

8. So is your wife going to enjoy having you at home?

Yes because she is carrying on working and I am going to be doing all the house-

work even cooking, lol!

9. Will the beard be coming off in the near future?

It should I suppose as I will have time to shave now. I started growing this beard

in 1970 when I was in the army, so I guess it is time now to cut it off.

10. What have you learnt at the age you are currently at?

Well at my age I have learnt how to blog and set up the school’s website which is

quite impressive at my age.

FOND FAREWELL FROM FRIENDS

In 1985 the school appointed its very own Phil Collins who, due to his limited musical

ability, became the Latin master. After having taught at Selbourne College in East London before relocating to Cape Town, Mr Collins decided to move from SACS to

Plumstead’s greener pastures.

Curriculum changes resulted in Mr Collins moving into the faculties of English and History where for the past 27 years our pupils have benefitted from his vast

knowledge and insight. The school made full use of his administrative skills and in-

credible command of English by appointing him to head the faculty, a job he has

done most meticulously for many years.

Extra-murally, Mr Collins involved himself in coaching hockey and chess and immersed himself in running the printing department.

Mr Collins has been a true professional whose commitment and dedication have been

an example to others. He is a gentleman who lives by his Christian beliefs and stands up for what is right. His colleagues will attest to the fact that he knows a

lot about almost everything and that he is only too willing to share his professional

knowledge with others. He also has a sharp wit and keen sense of humour.

One of Mr Collins’ hobbies is a fascination with trains, both big and small. We

sincerely hope that his future journey will include some happy train journeys.

We feel a deep gratitude for what Mr Collins has done for the school and wish him

everything of the best in the future.

Mr Beukes & Mr Duff

The many faces of Mr

Collins….

''Teaching: The Art of Training and Changing the Brain''

An interview with Mrs.N.Abrahams ''Our freshman of Plumstead High''

Give us a background to your teaching career

I became a qualified educator in 1984 and taught grades 8-12 for twenty one years at a high school in Hanover Park. Many of the skills I mastered there, I will apply to Plumstead High School. I furthered my studies at ICSA, where I balanced my education with

the Dramatic and Islamic laws. What made you choose teaching?

I chose to become a teacher because I love interacting with learners and sharing the skills I have acquired from different institution. I believe teaching was my calling. How do finding Plumstead High School so far ?

Teaching in a new school is always a challenge. Right know I’m still trying to get to know the students and find my feet. My colleagues (staff members of Plumstead High school) have made my stay easier because of their good management structure . What activities are you involved in besides teaching?

I am a teacher with compassion and I am always willing to take time after school to help the learners and give counseling to students. My door is always open.

Why did you choose Plumstead High School?

I have been involved with Plumstead High since 2005 when my daughter came to this school. I was always fond of this school because of their management structure and aca-demic performance.

On 30 July our school/club took part in a gymnastics competition that was held at

Langebaan .The school competed against many traditionally strong gymnastics schools. The

trip to Langebaan was quiet exciting and full of humour. The gymnasts of Plumstead High

team were :

Nikki Daries, Mandy Wesson, Tasneem Adams, Samantha Marchant, Rory

Bingham ,Lyle Kenny, Matthew Kenny, Kota Minlali, Kirsty Meyer, Elwin

Mabila, Amber Wyngaard, Nabeelah Noordien, Lisa Fuller.

RESULTS:

On the 19th August the gymnastics team went to Bellville Velodrome to take part in the

Western Province Championships. The gymnasts were very nervous and also very excited,

because it was the first time that they would take part in a competition at that high level.

Very hard work went into the different routines which demanded skill and refined tech-

nique.

Once again Plumstead High performed very well and outstanding performances were dis-

played. All the gymnasts received medals and moved up to the next level.

RESULTS

All of the above gymnasts obtained Western Province Colours and we at Plumstead High

are very proud that these gymnasts can take their school to much higher levels.

Nikki /Nabeelah (doubles) Gold

Nabeelah/ Matthew (doubles) Gold

Kirsty/Lisa/Amber (Trio) Silver

Nikki/Alwyn (doubles) Silver

Kirsty/Lisa (doubles) Bronze

Amber/Kota 4th place

Samantha/Lyle 5th place

Nikki /Nabeelah (doubles) Gold

Nabeelah/ Matthew (doubles) Gold

Kirsty/Lisa/Amber (Trio) Silver

Nikki/Alwyn (doubles) Silver

Kirsty/Lisa (doubles) Bronze

SPORTS & CULTURE AWARDS

A formal Sports and Culture dinner was held on 17 October 2011 to celebrate the

achievements of our learners. The following learners were acknowledged for

THEIR INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS:

TROPHIES:

Best Performing Male of 2011: Keith Drewery - SA Thai Kickboxing

Best Performing Female of 2011: Ziyadah Shaboodien—SA Figure Skating

Sportsman of the Year: Brent Apollis– Athletics, 1st Team Rugby

Sportswoman of the year: Mandy Wesson– Athletics, Gymnastics,

Netball

WP Colours

Searshin Jacobs WP Karate

Brenton Appollis WP & WC Athletics

Julian Charles WP Athletics

Nikki Daries WP Gymnastics

Edwin Mabila WP Gymnastics

Lisa Fuller WP Gymnastics

Nabeela Noordien WP Gymnastics

Matthew Kenny WP Gymnastics

Kirsty Meyer WP Gymnastics

Chad Aanhuizen WP Gymnastics

Robin Aanhuizen WP Gymnastics

Dean Spies WP Rugby

Mikaeel Osman Cycling

WP & SA Colours

Keith Drewery SA Kickboxing

Alverina Menerez SA Ballroom

Dancing

Ziyadah Shaboodien SA Figure Skating

Shameem Phillips SA Cycling

It was that time of the year again where learners hearts start racing and hands become

sweaty. For some it’s an opportunity to learn responsibility and for others its a chance to

be brave and do good by representing a whole body of learners .

Yes you guessed ! It was the 2012 MCL/RCL Election. The election is a very important

date to most grade elevens and an important date in the school’s year planner. This year

the grade elevens of 2011 had a chance for their voices to be heard by running to be on

the MCL/RCL and make a change even if it’s small.

There were over 25 candidates in the running out of 240 grade elevens for MCL/RCL. It

was clear that a lot of thought and consideration as well as different techniques went

into the writing of the candidates speeches. Some candidates got the learners’ attention

by using music in their speeches e.g the speeches by Garth September, Geno Alexander

and Siyanda Thomas that got the learners applauding as they walked off the stage. Other

learners used creative concepts in their speeches: like Micheala Majiet, Samantha An-

drews and Mishka Jefferies who we called the rhyming triplets. Taylor Adams and Erin

Hermanus came up with the ''B.I.S.C.U.T'' concepts and Nkosazana Qotoyi used meta-

phors in her speech. These are only but a few to mention of great speeches by the candi-

dates .

THE SCHOOL COUNCIL 2012…...

MCL—HEADS 2012

Rogan Jacobs

Arlene Greve

RCL—CHAIR 2012

Chanté Mini

Shaakir Thomas

The Rest of the Leadership Team—2012

Kauthar Abrahams Tayla Adams Geno Alexander

Samantha Andrews Rory Bingham Tara-Leigh Coetzee

Somaya Engelbrecht Kim Fuller Micaela Gomez

Kayla Heneke Erin Hermanus Nabeelah Israel

Ibrahim January Mishqa Jefferies Lilitha Magaqana

Michaela Majiet Tadiwa Mketwa Grechen Muller

Lauren Nicholas Allan Nkomba Nabeelah Noordien

Nkosazana Qotoyi Joy Rispel Gareth September

Tavia September Siyanda Thomas Jason Wessels

Jade Wilson

INTERACT

One of interact’s many goals is to encourage and practice thoughtfulness of and

helpfulness to others. This term we focused mainly on that goal. Though the term

wasn’t as eventful as we hoped, Interact managed to visit two hospitals.

On the 5th of August, Interact went to visit Victoria Hospital; this year we were

given permission to visit the children, men and women’s wards. Interacters were giv-en a tour around the hospitals by one of the doctors and were taken to the Resusci-

tation room as well as the E.R.

On the 16th of September, Interact visited Alexander Hospital. We were given a tour around the occupational therapy ward. We painted the nails of some of the fe-

male patients and some danced around with the other patients.

Interact plans on having a Christmas-Comes-Early-Party for the children of

Heatherdale Home in Athlone.

Interact President 2011 Amy King 11.E

Job Shadowing 2011 - Grade 11

In Plumstead High School it is a trend that every year the grades 11s go on a Job

Shadowing Programme. This is a programme for students to find out what it is like

to be in a specific profession. This helps the students to choose the college program

at higher education level and subsequently the profession that they would like to

choose.

We got to follow the professional and observe his/her daily work routine .We spent

three days observing and gaining techniques learning the general job responsibili-

ties.

For many three days were too short. This is simply because we were having fun and

learning more about our future careers.

My interest lies in medicine. I shadowed one of the emergency room doctors in

Somerset Hospital and it was a very educational experience. Now I know for sure

what I want to become in future and how to reach my goal. This was the reaction of

many grade 11s. They now know all requirements for their specific jobs .

Sizalobuhle Masuku

As the Matrics of 2011 leave us with lasting memo-ries we would like to leave them with lasting inspira-tional sayings that we hope will make a difference in the journey they will soon embark. ''Graduation is a time of completion of finishing an ending, however it is also a time of celebration of achievements.'' ''You are educated. Your certification is your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.'' ''Don't live down to expectations, go out there and do something remarkable.'' ''Go confidently in the direction of your dreams; live the life you have imagined.'' ''Your time here at Plumstead High may be over but remember that your education still continues.'' Thaania Mbali

MATRIC 2011

MATRIC 2011

VALEDICTORY

Grade 12 Prize Giving

Subject Prizes The Franke Prize for Accounting Ryan C Meyer

The Philip M Bam Prize for Afrikaans Saeeda Benjamin

The Edminson Prize for Business Studies Rukeya Abdrouef

The Magda Ball Prize for Consumer Studies Fierdouz Hendricks

The Allan Powell Prize for English Saeeda Benjamin

The Prospur Pharmacy Prize for Geography Michael Dowries

The Milne Prize for History Kaylen Bowers

The Deanne Powell Prize for Life Orientation Saeeda Benjamin

The Prospur Pharmacy Prize for Life Sciences Jehan Cozyn

The Chaplin Prize for Mathematics Luqmaan Salie

The Mathematical Literacy Prize Shane Bauer

The Klerck Prize for Physical Science Luqmaan Salie

The Campbell Family Prize for Visual Arts (shared) Lindsay Samuels Asemahle Ntlonti Fierdouz Hendricks

The Price Waterhouse Coopers Prize for the Best Average

Percentage in Mathematics and Accounting Michael Pinto

Merit Awards : Blaise Ntwali, Amy Cupido, Roxzanne Johnson,

Shaunè September, Kyle Mooi, Shanlyn Absalon, Tasneem Adams, Kaylen Bowers,

Jehan Cozyn, Angelique van Niekerk, Grant Manuel, Asemahle Ntlonti, Daniel Agulhas,

Eleazar Rietmuller,Shadley Hendricks,Ismail Washeman, Ereshaah Jacobs

Academic Half Colours : Herschelle Fortuin, Michael Pinto, Michael Dowries, Lindsay Samuels, Matthew Albertus, Ryan C Meyer, Monique Jacobs, Aneeqah Davids,

Raees Davids, Alex Samuels, Lauren Malambo, Chadley Sylvester, Kurt Stevens, Darion Faroo, Shane Bauer, Simone Adams

Academic Full Colours : Rukeya Abdrouef, Luqmaan Salie, Saeeda Benjamin,

Yumiko Stober, Jameelah Rayned, Matthew Jackson, Fierdouz Hendricks

3rd in the Grade - Saeeda Benjamin

2nd in the Grade - Luqmaan Salie

Borwick Family Dux Academic Award

for the person who is First in the Grade - RUKEYA ABDROUEF

Special Awards-

The Good Fellowship Award – Chadley Sylvester

For the matric who is the easiest to get along with, friendliest, always courteous to

everyone, treats everyone the same, never has a bad day and is voted for by the matrics

==============================================================

The Non Nobis Shield (+voucher) - Rukeya Abdrouef

For loyalty, integrity, leadership, sportsmanship and outstanding service to the school

and community.

Rukeya Abdrouef is the Chairperson of the School Council. All of her duties on the

School Council were performed in a professional and efficient manner. She is

characterised by a high degree of responsibility, integrity and maturity.

Her commitment and dedication never waivered throughout the year. She could always

be relied upon to get the job done. Academically Rukeya has benn a consistent top

achiever and she was awarded with full colours. Rukeya has been involved in the hiking

group at school. As treasurer of SHOES, she has made her valuable contribution to the

community.

Currently she is very involved with the youth at the Tarango Road Mosque.

Rukeya is a worthy recipient of the Non Nobis Award.

For Service to the School - Mandy Wesson

Mandy Wesson served as MCL this year and has contributed to the activi-

ties of the School Council. As far as sport is concerned, Mandy was the

Team Captain in Athletics and she represented the school in Netball and

Gymnastics. Her contribution to school is commendable as she executed

her duties as a first aider, never missing her

The Most Prolific Reader - Lindsay Samuels

The Keyser Bilingualism Trophy - Chadley Sylvester

Boston College Bursary - Kurt Stevens

Governing Body Bursary - Rukeya Abdrouef

Alison Langeveldt Prize - Ismail Washeman

Is Cape Town a Home to All: FORUM DISCUSSION

On Saturday Kirsty Meyer , Azhar Bassardien and Zaeyan Hendricks and I attended a di-

alogue event hosted by Mr Josh. When we arrived at tSiba campus there were many oth-

er schools there. We were overwhelmed by all the excited, yet nervous participants. It

was amazing to see so many people having the same passion for the same thing: to make

their voices heard. It was the beginning of something new, something not to be forgotten.

The entire day was based on the topic, ‘Is Cape Town a home to all ?’ Speeches were

made and then we all divided into different groups. We discussed issues that many people

in today’s society face, especially the youth. As part of our group discussions we all had

to speak about a time when we did not feel welcome. The response was good since many of

us were open about our experiences, feelings and quite comfortable about it, but the

same time it was sad to hear about people who are still being rejected. Some people even

cried as they spoke.

The highlight of the event was when lunch was served with discrimination. Some got

plates and some didn’t, some got onions while some didn’t. People were not very happy

about this and began arguing. At that point it occurred to me that this is what’s happen-

ing in today’s society. People are being classed based on who they are, race, identity the

list goes on and on. Some of us don’t even realise that what we are doing is wrong. It was

a lesson well learned.

At the end of the day we all had mixed emotions and realised that Cape Town is not going

to change if we continue to be ignorant about each other’s feelings. If we as a country

strive in treating everybody equal, the world will be such a better place.

Don’t you think !. MICHAELA SMITH

Interview With Our Very Own Thai Exchange Student Nutchanat Sermworasiri

I came to South Africa on 20th June 2011. I didn’t like the first day at PHS because I did not have

any friends. Now that I have friends I feel better.

I come to South Africa to learn English and to improve my English. Everyone wants to go to Ameri-ca, New Zealand, Europe, Australia but I wanted to make a different choice as no one wants to go to South Africa. People back home think maybe you have animals walking around the corner or on the roads of Cape Town so I came to South Africa because I wanted to know why you have ani-mals in your backyard and if they are real. When I came here it was not real.

S. Africa has a very different culture because in Thailand children have respect for their elders. In Thailand the teachers are very strict and the children fear the teachers but here it’s almost like the teachers are afraid of the learners. I was so excited to wear this uniform because in Thailand we only wear white and blue skirts.

I will be leaving some time in April next year 2012. I will take away the languages that I learnt in South Africa. I learnt words like ‘’Lekker’’,’’mooi’’ and I also learn how to click in Xhosa. I will take

the memories and lessons I learnt from my coloured, white and Xhosa friends. It’s amazing how we can all be friends here without being racist.

UNIFORM MATTERS

Parents please note that when your

children return to school on 11 Janu-ary 2012 they must be in full summer

school uniform.

Boys’ hair must be short and reg-

ulation style.

Girls: Long hair must be tied

back.

No unnatural hair colours or out-

rageous hairstyles will be allowed. Parents of defaulters will be

called in to take their children

home to sort out the hair.

Nails must be short and free of

varnish or henna.

Jewellery is limited to an ordi-

nary watch and / or stud or sleep-er type earrings in the lower lobe

of the ear.

Bags which are part of uniform

must be graffiti free.

Non regulation items of uniform

and jewellery will be confiscated.

GIRLS NOTE:

Please note that the school governing

body made the decision that the

school dresses will be phased in. All

Grade 8 & Grade 9 girls will be ex-pected to wear the new school dress-

es from January 2012.

Please keep this in mind when pur-

chasing uniforms for next year.

Red Rain Jackets – R270.00 each

White PE T-Shirts – R60.00 each

Track-Suits – R270.00 each

Boys Green Shorts – R65.00 each

Girls Red Skorts – R65.00 each

Girls Woollen Stockings – R45.00 per pair

School Dresses – S28-32 R190 / S34-36 R200/ S40-44 R210

Pull-Overs – R150 each

School Bags - R 170 each

At the

Uniform Shop

UNIFORM SHOP—JANUARY 2012

FRI: 6 JAN 2012 : 9am to 12pm

SAT: 7 JAN 2012: 9am to 12pm

TUES: 10 JAN 2012 : 1 to 2 pm

RAFFLE DRAW

This will take place on the 9 December 2011. Prize Winners will be contacted by the

school and announced in the local community newspapers.

Matric 2012; IMPORTANT NOTICE

Textbooks will be handed out on:

TUES 10 JAN 2012 from 10:00 am to 2;00 pm

TEXTBOOKS MUST BE COLLECTED THEN!

The time table will be followed from WED 11 JAN

SCHOOL FEES FOR 2012:

School Fees have increased by only 3% for 2012.

Fees payable: R7 700. Discounts for early settlement.

The Educators of PHS wish to thank Mr George, the School Governing Body, Parents, the school administration staff, maintenance staff and especially the learners for a produc-

tive year.

We wish everyone a safe and joyous festive season and look forward to 2012.

Matric Ties – R35

School Ties – R35

Badges – R20