College Newsletter 16 November 2017

“Woodridge…

more than a school, an experience.”

Good day to the Woodridge community.

We are reaching the end of what has been a

challenging, and yet, rewarding year. The

Woodridge spirit is at its height as we witness

the phenomenal building and greening headway

being made on our campus.

With examinations in progress, we are

reminded that the real value of education

extends beyond assimilating information for

testing purposes. It is about preparing children

for the challenges of adult life, developing a

productive work ethic and sustaining healthy

relationships with humans, animals and the

environment. Enthusiasm, interest, curiosity

and drive are the prelude to any learning

process.

We are very fortunate at Woodridge to have

so many talented young people in a variety of

disciplines and, as teachers, we encourage the

utilization of these talents in order for the

students in our care to realise their full

potential.

Our school curriculum, atmosphere,

rules, regulations, operations and

processes are designed to give our

young men and women the chance to

develop their powers of discernment.

Discernment involves the ability to make good judgements.

We also value the importance of

developing an analytical mind and an

understanding of how present actions

are tied to past causes and have future implications.

Things all teenagers should know

about the digital world: If you request a naked picture from someone

under the age of 18, you are soliciting child

pornography.

If you are under 18 and you send a naked picture of yourself (or any other person under

18) to someone else, you are distributing child

pornography.

If you take a naked picture of any person

under the age of 18, yourself included, you are

creating child pornography even if you don’t

distribute it (Remember that the cloud will

automatically back up your photos, so unless

you delete them from the cloud they can be

accessed after being deleted from your

device).

The above three items are all offenses under

South African law and should someone (a

parent / teenager who has had enough) decide

to prosecute you, from the age of 10 you can

be treated in the eyes of the law as an adult

and prosecuted accordingly. Your name will

then be added to the Sexual Offenders’

Register. This will mean that when someone

googles your name, this will come up.

Don’t take naked pictures on your device.

This also goes for bullying on ‘anonymous’

websites. If the victim of the bullying decides to

take it further, your IP address will be handed

over to attorneys and you will be prosecuted.

You are never anonymous.

If you wouldn’t put it on a billboard on the side

of the road, then don’t put it anywhere digital.

We want our students to reflect on

their actions and, simply put, look

back and think before leaping into

action. We encourage our students

to set high goals for themselves and

work hard towards achieving them.

In keeping with the ethos of our

school, we aim to create an

awareness of the need for each of

our pupils to have ethical integrity.

We want our students to ask

themselves in situations of moral

choice, “How does my choice align

with my duty to society?”

I firmly believe that being involved in

school activities breeds success and

confidence.

Extra-curricular activities are life

enhancing experiences as the

students try out new sports,

instruments, clubs and activities and

the seed of a lifetime’s pleasure can

be planted.

We ask for your support of our

system and practices as we work

towards achieving our educational

goals outlined above.

Greening the campus:

The greening of the campus is well on its way with the planting of trees and grassing of

barren areas in full swing. With the recent rains many areas have transformed into attractive

green rolling landscapes. The development of another small catchment dam below the Prep

Headmaster’s house, has not only enhanced the aesthetics, but has also added to the

ecology of that particular area.

Indigenous trees line the

entrance to the school gate. A variety of flowers have been planted to

add colour to the landscaped area just

inside of the entrance.

Lush green

grass

restores

the beauty

to the once

charred

hillside. Indigenous trees on the embankment

below Knight field

A new

catchment

dam adds to

the

biodiversity.

Campus update:

The building progress:

The construction of a number of buildings is in progress with many of them already having

the roof added. The sites for the new Music Arts and Drama (MAD) block, new College Hall

and Matopos have also been handed over to the construction companies.

Mr Jacques Botha’s

home taking shape. The progress of Mr Nicholas Kock’s home.

View from the corridor outside the

new College classrooms. New College classrooms from the grandstand side.

The progress of the

building of the College

Admin Block.

The new Kohler dorms. The new Kohler common room.

Sporting news:

Although a very short time period, the third term has been a rather busy one.

Water Polo:

Our boys and girls water polo teams participated in several festivals. The water polo club is certainly growing

in numbers and the girls can now boast four full teams.

Athletics:

Just before half term, we hosted our Inter House athletics day at the Westbourne oval under lights with

Cody Schoeman walking away with the best performance on the evening.

The main results were as follows:

Victor Ludorum

Victrix Ludorum

U19:

Mark van Rensburg Louis Macdonald

U17:

Vilem Horak

Cheré Jacobs

U15: Lindokuhle Desha

Cate Cook

Cricket:

Our cricketers have been extremely busy this term with the First XI recording excellent wins over Muir

College and Paarl Gymnasium. Although the teams lost most of our matches against St Andrews and Grey

PE, they were competitive and never gave up. Jade De Klerk has been selected for the SA u19 side to

participate in a triangular against Namibia and England early in December. After this series, the SA u19 Team

will be announced to participate in the World Cup in New Zealand starting in January.

Individual milestones include:

Centuries against Muir for the u15A side from Cody Schoeman (left)

scoring 112 and Craig Saunders (right) scoring 150 n.o.

Congratulations to the following on their Provincial selections:

Elian Booysen - EP u17

Kamva Dyakala - EP u17

Cole Schoeman -EP u18

Jade De Klerk - EP u18/ SA u19

Performing Arts: A number of Woodridge College pupils have recently served as musical ambassadors for the

school: During October, Shimeon Botes held his own in the company of university students while

performing piano solos at a house concert organised by the NMU Music lecturer, Lionel van Zyl. The

pianists, Kuhle Desha and Jonathan Hughes, also did Woodridge proud as guest artists at Charlo Primary’s

Ad Libitum Concert.

These classical music performances were complemented by the contemporary sounds of ‘The Ridgelings’

(Siyabonga Motaung, Avuxeni Tyala, Vilem Horak, Cheyanne Milne, Akhona Bastile), who charmed a Jeffreys

Bay audience at The Bay Pasta and Co, on Sunday afternoon, 5 November.

Trinity Drama results: The achievements of our performing artists also extended to the Dramatic Arts, with a number of thespians

enrolling for Trinity Drama examinations on a particularly high level. Their results are as follows:

Grade 8:

Tendai Mangena (Distinction), Jessica Cormick (Distinction), Chulumanco Kate (Merit), Jonathan Hughes

(Pass), Nomxolisi Mngqibisa (Pass), Avuxeni Tyala (Pass)

Grade 6:

Jedidiah Botes (Merit)

Showtime Nominations for District Six: We are also delighted at the number of ‘Showtime’ nominations for our musical ‘District Six’. The

following pupils have been nominated for these prestigious theatrical awards: Evan Davies, Luke Erasmus, Lois Felix, Tebogo Hlalukana, Jonathan Hughes, Obakeng Kutumela, Kate Lagan,

Joshua Lee, Siyabonga Motaung, Sibusisio Solilo, Xhanti Stofile, Jason Syce, Lea Timmermans, Luvo Titus and

Avuxeni Tyala. Additionally, no fewer than seven adult members of the technical crew and production team

have been nominated, including Mrs Caren Bestbier and Mr Virgil Matrass.

Cultural news:

Amazing art:

Daniel Surmon - Summer

Danielle Mulder - Summer

Karla Venter - Issues

Courageous conversations

THE WOODRIDGE TRAIL RUN

Woodridge College, in conjunction with BIG O SPORTS, hosted

a most successful 10th ANNUAL WOODRIDGE TRAIL RUN on

Sunday, 22 October 2017. The trials in the different categories

saw runners using trails on both Woodridge and Yellowwoods

estates. All three trails were held in perfect weather and the

trails were all in excellent condition.

This event was very successful with more than 391 entries in the

various races (6 km, 14 km and 23 km). Woodridge College is

proud of Vojta Horak who easily won the 6 km event.

Congratulations to all other Woodridge pupils and staff who

competed in this event and we look forward to a bigger, better

Trail Run in 2018.

Thanks to all who assisted, especially Mr George Yerolemou

who manned the WOW Mom’s Tuck Shop all morning!

Congratulations to Christopher O’ Linsky of BIG O SPORTS on

an excellent event!

INTER HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY

The College Annual Inter House Cross

Country event was held at Woodridge in

fine weather and a great afternoon was had

by all. Thanks to Mr Christoff Opperman

for arranging and managing this event.

2017 Cross Country Champion (Girl) -

Edith Molikoe

2017 Cross Country Champion (Boy) -

Vilem Horak

THE RHINO TRAIL RUN

Congratulations to Vilem Horak who was

a most convincing winner of the 6km race

at this event held recently on Crossways

Estate.

Outdoor Education news:

OUTDOOR EDUCATION DAY

On Saturday, 7 October, The Headmaster and Staff of

Woodridge College hosted the Annual Inter House Outdoor

Education Day at the Assault Course. The College was most

fortunate to have Mrs Catherine Hempel as our Guest of

Honour and the event was held in lovely weather. A great day

was had by all, thanks to the efforts of the Woodridge Staff

(academic and support) as well as amazing input from the

WOW Moms, once again.

For the first time in many years, Founders House was crowned

as OE Day Champions for 2017!

OE day action:

SURF LIFESAVING:

WATER SAFETY PATROLS

As always, the services of Woodridge Surf Lifesaving Club members

are much sought after to assist with Water Safety and Patrols. Members of

Woodridge have and will assist at the following events:

The Billabong Junior Surfing Series, Seal Point

The Otter African Trail Run, Tsitsikamma National Park

The Woodridge Way, Gamtoos River

WOODRIDGE SLC MOVE TO A NEW BEACH - CLUB ANNUAL RETEST - FIRST DUTY 05/11

After 6 years patrolling Main Beach St Francis Bay, the Woodridge SLC has moved its area of operation to Seal Point

Beach Cape St Francis. The reason for this move is that the Club experienced a ‘hostile ’take-over’ of the little hut

used for duties by a surfing school. When queried, local Council confirmed that they had granted this surf school

permission, and that we were to share this facility. As this was completely unacceptable and with an invite from CSF

Civics Association, Woodridge SLC officially moved to Cape St Francis.

Members have access to a small hut at this beach, and in conjunction with CSF Civics, there are some exciting plans

for this facility. Below are a few pictures of our ‘new’ clubhouse and showing the School’s Aquatics Coach, Haydn

Holmes, putting in some time in preparation for the first duty.

Sunday 05/11 was a big day for Woodridge SLC as, besides this been our 1st Duty on our ‘new’ beach, it was also the

day for the Club Annual Retest. This retest, a Lifesaving South Africa requirement, was held in good conditions and

all members passed with flying colours. Well Done!

Woodridge SLC members Vilem Horak

and Simon Schwitter on duty at the

Billabong Junior Series

CANOEING AND PADDLING

Graydon Mitchley continues to fly our flag at various canoeing and ski paddling events around the country. Due

to illness and bad luck, Graydon did not achieve all the goals he set himself this year but nonetheless, he did us

proud. Recently he competed in the Fish River Canoe Marathon and the Pete Marlin Ski Series in East London.

Graydon training

at his home break,

Hulett’s Reef.

Leadership

After the recent announcement of our Student Executive that comprises of the Heads and

Deputy Heads of School, Heads of Residences and Day Scholars, we are looking to fill

other leadership positions such as Head of Academics, Sport, Cultural, Outdoor

Education and Lifesaving. All positions should be filled by the time you are reading this

newsletter. A group of 25 leaders will then attend a leadership camp on Saturday, 20

January 2018 and Sunday, 21 January 2018. On this camp they will be afforded the

opportunity to gain more knowledge on leadership styles and strategies, to learn the value

of working together as a team and to plan ahead for the remainder of their leadership

year.

Above: Headboy Nicholas Yerolemou, Deputy Headboy Sibusiso Solilo,

Deputy Headgirl Kate Bendeman and Headgirl Avuxeni Tyala.

The 2018 Student Executive:

Headboy Nicholas Yerolemou Headgirl Avuxeni Tyala

Deputy Headboy Sibusiso Solilo Deputy Headgirl Kate Bendeman

Head of Kohler

Residence

Sifiso Sechemane Head of Carter

Residence

Gemma Vorster

Deputy Head of

Kohler Residence

Jonas Andrews Deputy Head of

Carter Residence

Mbalienhle Nkutha

Head of Starck

Residence

Christopher

Yerolemou

Head of Founders

Residence

Nomxolisi

Mngqibisa

Deputy Head of

Starck Residence

Axola Diniso Deputy Head of

Founders Residence

Katrina Raman

Head of Day Scholar

Boys

Stephan Mulder Head of Day Scholar

Girls

Kerry de Villiers

Student affairs:

Many young sportsmen and

women have had the privilege of

being coached by him. His

contribution to cricket is

particularly noteworthy with our

First XI cricket teams consistently

achieving exceptional results

under his guidance.

Reverend Ronnie Alwright retires

from Woodridge after 14 years of

service to the school. He is

looking forward to relaxing in St

Francis Bay after so many working

years. We thank him for his

steadfast devotion to our

Woodridge children.

In closing, perseverance is an

essential character trait to develop

in our children. As adults, we face

multiple challenges and, as such, it

is remiss of us not to teach our

children to stand their ground in

times of adversity. We want our

children to realise that we cannot

shy away from the unpleasant

consequences of our actions and

that it is during times of difficulty

that we learn humility and develop

grit. Strength of character is a

leading factor in being successful.

Examinations provide a good

opportunity for developing

resilience and I wish our children

well during this time.

Derek Bradley

It is always sad to say goodbye to our pupils

and staff. To our matric group of 2017, we

hope the next phase of your journey is

exciting and fruitful.

We say farewell to various staff members

who have given of their time, energy and

expertise in service to the school. We thank

them and wish them every success in their

new undertakings.

Mrs Dezi Botha stepped into the Afrikaans

Department earlier this year and we thank

her for her solid contribution. Madame

Pascale Collier has flown the French flag for

seven years at Woodridge and we wish her

well for the future.

Mrs Annabel Trollip has been an integral

member of the English Department. She is

preparing to take up a position at Waterford,

in Swaziland, and we are grateful for her

endeavours in the classroom and in activities

such as Toastmasters, ‘The Ridge’ and the

homework club for the children of our

groundstaff.

Mrs Lynne Warner has made a significant

contribution in her time at Woodridge and is

headed for Cambridge High School in East

London. She has been involved in all facets of

the school from hockey to waterpolo and has

selflessly led students in various Community

Service initiatives. Lynne has always helped

wherever needed and the sound of her

laughter will be missed on campus. Her

husband, Tyrone Warner (affectionately

known as ‘Tufty’), takes up a position at

Hudson Park after 14 years at Woodridge.

Conclusion: