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Matric's
Live Art at
the
National
Schools
Festival |
On 9 July
2011, the
first
graduating
class of
OWLAG
climbed
aboard buses
that would
take them to
a world of
inspiration
and mental
evolution.
The 12
learners
undertook a
five-day
trip to
Grahamstown
that left
them awed
and enthused
by the Arts.
The
festival,
held at
Rhodes
University,
was
fun-filled,
mind
opening, and
unlike any
other
experience
the learners
have had.
After being
on the buses
for many
long hours,
spending a
day at Free
State
University,
and then
spending a
night at the
unforgettable
Gariep Dam
in the Free
State, the
learners did
not
anticipate
that the fun
would
continue in
the way that
it did when
they arrived
at Rhodes
University
on 10 July.
The weather
was warm,
the people
were
friendly and
welcoming,
and the art
was
completely
life
transforming.
The festival
commenced on
11 July with
an amazing
address by
Siv Ngezi, a
South
African
actor and
comedian.
His address
was
motivational
and
entertaining.
He got
everybody
thinking
hard and
laughing
even harder.
On the
following
day, South
African
performer
and
entrepreneur,
Nobulali
‘Lali’
Dangazele,
gave an
outstanding
lecture
titled
‘Turning
Your Passion
Into
Financial
Abundance’
in which she
encouraged
the
Matriculants
of South
Africa to
follow their
hearts’
greatest
desires and
make money
while doing
so.
Being at the
National
Arts
Festival
meant that
the OWLAG
learners,
together
with the
other
900-odd
South
African
Matriculants,
had the
opportunity
to
experience
the Arts
first hand -
and opened
doors to
meeting
phenomenal
artists and
making new
friends.
Workshops
during the
four days
were not
just fun,
they were
also hard
work - they
required
dedication
and
discipline.
Learners
learnt how
to Gumboot,
write
scripts,
perform
physical
theatre,
prepare for
performances,
and pup
petering.
They also
learnt how
to be Arts
journalists,
directors or
producers,
radio DJs
and actors.
Other
insightful
lectures
included:
‘Step into
the Cipher’
during which
Ian
Robinson, a
South
African Hip
Hop artist,
discussed
the Hip Hop
culture and
its four
elements;
and ‘Do
Schools Kill
Creativity?’
led by
Matthew
Jackson, an
American
performer.
This lecture
was an
opportunity
for the
learners to
share views
and
experiences
regarding
the
schooling
experience
in general
and,more
specifically,
about the
South
African
education
system.
Athambile
Masola, who
is doing her
Masters in
Education at
Rhodes
University,
tackled the
issues that
come with
democracy in
a lecture
titled
‘What’s so
new about
the New
South
Africa.’
Marcel
Meyer, a
South
African
actor,
simplified
Shakespearean
literature
in a
workshop
titled
‘Shakespeare
is Greek to
me.’ OWLAG
learners
described
these
lectures as
interesting,
as they had
been given
the chance
to share
ideas with
other South
Africans
their age
and to hear
how other
young
people, from
all walks of
life, feel
about the
issues South
Africa is
facing
today.
“Apart from
the festive
and
generally
powerful
feel of the
Grahamstown
Schools
Festival, I
was
particularly
captivated
by the
workshops.
They were
honestly
worth
pocketing
and taking
home! Both
intricate
and detailed
lessons of
what it
means to
live in
modern South
Africa awoke
a
consciousness
that I was
never aware
of: A
consciousness
that
informed me
of how much
of a voice I
have as a
member of
the youth
and how
important I
am,”
Nompumelelo
explained.
She added,”
The
workshops
for me
served as a
modem that
converted my
presumptions
of art, to
what I now
consider as
fruitful
knowledge...
Knowledge
that I
intend to
use in MY
future
WORKSHOPS
and to grow
a bigger
vineyard of
prospective
artists.”
When not in
lectures or
workshops,
the learners
were in the
theatre
indulging in
some of
South
Africa’s
best
artistic
performances.
These
included
theatrical
plays such
as
Kardiavale,
Death of a
Colonialist,
Escape from
Nombiland
and Mafikeng
Road.
Evening
performances
introduced
the learners
to all sorts
of dance
styles and
beautiful
music.
The festival
also
included two
parties that
gave OWLAG
learners an
opportunity
to show off
their
dancing
skills and
mingle with
everybody.
When the
event came
to a close
on 14 July,
the OWLAG
learners
were
enriched and
motivated to
go into the
Arts. The
festival
gave them
the chance
to explore
their
artistic
abilities
and
challenge
themselves.
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Grade 10
KWA-ZULU
NATAL TRIP |
On Monday,
March 23rd,
75 Grade 10
learners and
six staff
members set
off for
their tour
of Natal.
Our first
stop was All
out
Adventures
in the
foothills of
the
Drakensberg
Mountains.
The learners
had a great
time leaping
off the
extremely
high ‘King
Swing’,
gliding
through the
treetops,
playing
paintball
and
participating
in various
other
activities.
That night,
they made
their own
‘Stokbrood
and
Boerewors’
dinner on
the braai.
The next day
we departed
for Durban
where we
stayed at
Treasure
Beach on
‘The Bluff’.
During the
afternoon we
went to the
beach around
the corner
where many
of the
learners
enjoyed
their first
experience
of the sea.
On Wednesday
morning we
jumped onto
two boats
and went on
a tour of
Durban
harbour and
the adjacent
beachfront
area. We
were given
interesting
insights
into the
workings of
the harbour
and the
views of
Durban from
the sea were
spectacular.
In the
afternoon we
visited the
SharksBoard
in Umhlanga
where we
were
fortunate to
watch a
dissection
of a Ragged
Tooth Shark.
The learners
had a great
time
shopping and
eating at
the massive
Gateway Mall
in the
evening.
Thursday was
spent at the
spectacular
uShaka
Marine
World. Here
the learners
enjoyed a
guided tour
of the
aquarium and
watched a
dolphin
show. They
then spent
the
afternoon on
the water
rides in the
amusement
park.
The
following
day we left
for our
3-night stay
at the
beautiful
and
efficiently
run
Babanango
Valley Camp
in northern
Natal.
During our
time there,
the Grade
10’s
participated
enthusiastically
in obstacle
course
activities,
a night
walk, a
river study,
raft
building,
orienteering,
stalk the
lantern and
stargazing.
On the last
day, we went
on a
fascinating
full day
battlefield
tour of
Isandlwana
and Rorkes
Drift.
A big thank
you to all
the learners
for their
outstanding
behaviour,
and for
their
enthusiastic
participation
in all the
activities.
You did the
academy
proud. Thank
you to the
staff who
went on the
tour for
your hard
work in
making the
trip a
success.
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Grade 9
Lapalala
Camp |
Pilanesburg
National
Park,
located near
Sun City (a
famous
resort in
South
Africa) in
the
Northwest
province,
provided us
with
fantastic
camping
experiences.
We were able
to interact
and bond
with nature,
knowing that
we were
being taken
out of our
comfort
zones.
During the
camp we had
the
opportunity
to learn
about
different
animals,
nature and
about life
in the
wilderness.
The
experience
we had was
both new and
exciting.
Not to
mention the
sisterhood
and bonding
amongst the
learners. It
made us
realise the
importance
of spending
time
together and
getting to
know each
other in a
more natural
way.
Going on
Game Drives
was one of
the most
relaxing
experiences
we had. We
went out in
the wild and
around the
Game Reserve
with our
curious
minds,
seizing the
opportunity
to watch
astonishing
animals that
we rarely
see in our
daily lives.
Armed with
our
binoculars,
we enjoyed
zooming in
and watching
animals such
as the black
rhino,
giraffe and
chubby
lions.
We also went
hiking on a
steep and
high
mountain,
during which
we learned
more about
the trees
and plants
growing on
the mountain
from our
instructor.
Pilanesburg
was not just
an ordinary
camp. It
taught us
about
applying our
leadership
skills and
about taking
into
consideration
the things
we are
taught in
class. Going
out into the
wild and
making the
best out of
it was what
the camp was
all about!
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GRADE 8
PILANSBERG
CAMP |
Pilanesburg
National
Park,
located near
Sun City (a
famous
resort in
South
Africa) in
the
Northwest
province,
provided us
with
fantastic
camping
experiences.
We were able
to interact
and bond
with nature,
knowing that
we were
being taken
out of our
comfort
zones.
During the
camp we had
the
opportunity
to learn
about
different
animals,
nature and
about life
in the
wilderness.
The
experience
we had was
both new and
exciting.
Not to
mention the
sisterhood
and bonding
amongst the
learners. It
made us
realise the
importance
of spending
time
together and
getting to
know each
other in a
more natural
way.
Going on
Game Drives
was one of
the most
relaxing
experiences
we had. We
went out in
the wild and
around the
Game Reserve
with our
curious
minds,
seizing the
opportunity
to watch
astonishing
animals that
we rarely
see in our
daily lives.
Armed with
our
binoculars,
we enjoyed
zooming in
and watching
animals such
as the black
rhino,
giraffe and
chubby
lions.
We also went
hiking on a
steep and
high
mountain,
during which
we learned
more about
the trees
and plants
growing on
the mountain
from our
instructor.
Pilanesburg
was not just
an ordinary
camp. It
taught us
about
applying our
leadership
skills and
about taking
into
consideration
the things
we are
taught in
class. Going
out into the
wild and
making the
best out of
it was what
the camp was
all about!
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ZUMBA @
OWLAG |
Zumba is a
new dance-
aerobic
fitness
programme
that was
introduced
in Term two.
It combines
Latin and
International
music with
fun and
effective
workout
systems on
DVD, with
classes and
instructors
worldwide.
This term,
Zumba took
place from
Monday to
Friday at
5h30, and
during exams
it took
place in the
afternoon.
When we
first heard
that Zumba
was going to
be
introduced
at our
school, many
of us could
not wait to
give it a
try. The
exotic
rhythms and
international
beats made
it so much
fun to work
out and
before we
knew it, we
were getting
fitter and
our energy
levels were
soaring! We
also got to
learn the
basics of
many dances
we never
thought we
could do,
for example,
Cumbia,
Salsa,
American
mixes and
many more.
Our
dedicated
coach,
Tarryn
Macaskill,
made sure
that all our
sessions
were set up
in the
morning and
the
afternoon,
so as soon
as we got
there we
could “break
it down.”
She
participated
with us and
motivated us
when we got
really
tired.
Zumba is
easy to
follow,
effective
and totally
exhilarating.
It has built
a deeply
rooted
community
which has
allowed us
to bond with
our sisters
to a greater
extent. In
addition to
all of this,
Zumba is a
wonderful
way of
keeping
healthy!
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Oprah
Winfrey
Receives
Honarary
Doctorate in
South Africa |
On Friday,
24 June
2011, Oprah
Winfrey was
awarded an
honorary
doctorate in
Education by
the
University
of the Free
State in
recognition
of her
dedication
to improving
the lives of
others.
Through her
award-winning
show and the
various
charity
organizations
she has
established,
Winfrey has
harnessed
the power of
her iconic
stature in
the struggle
to eradicate
poverty and
make
education
accessible
to all.
At the
ceremony,
the audience
was
entertained
by South
African
music
legend, Ms
Sibongile
Khumalo, the
Bloemfontein
Children’s
Choir,
Bartimea
School for
the Deaf and
Blind’s Sign
Language
Choir, and
several
other
musical
performers
as well as
dancers.
John Samuel,
former CEO
of OWLAG and
current
interim
director of
the
university’s
International
Institute
for Studies
in Race,
Reconciliation
and Social
Justice,
described
Winfrey as
an “honorary
daughter of
South
Africa”.
Vice-chancellor
and rector,
Professor
Jonathan
Jansen,
hailed the
moment as
“the event
of the
century for
the
University
of the Free
State”.
Professor
Jansen is no
stranger to
OWLAG as he
held the
position of
Scholar in
Residence at
the school
in 2008.
Congratulations
to our
benefactor
Mom Oprah,
the OWLAG
community is
proud of
you!
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Nanhua
Temple Visit |
My
experience
at Nanhua
Buddhist
temple (the
continent’s
largest
temple) was
unforgettable.
I had never
been to a
Buddhist
temple
before, and
didn’t know
what to
expect.
Being a
Buddhist, I
had a great
connection
with the
place - it
made me feel
complete. I
was joined
by Dominique
Tarr,
Matshidiso
Mabe and
Pragati
Desai.
The
experience
began with a
delicious
vegetarian
meal. After
that our
tour guide
took us
through all
the major
areas of the
temple
grounds,
starting at
the museum.
I learned a
valuable
lesson about
Buddhism-it’s
transformed
every
culture it
has entered
and has been
transformed
by its entry
into that
culture.
This was
evident in
the main
Temple. The
Head of
Buddhism in
South Africa
thought it
critical
that African
culture be
recognised
in the
temple.
Hence the
Buddha’s in
the main
temple are
made from
African
wood, with a
thatched
roof
overhead,
around the
altar.
Furthermore,
the Dharma
Protectors
are made as
Zulu, Xhosa
and Sesotho
warriors.
The trip to
Bronkhorstspruit
was
awakening
for me. A
lot of
things were
made clear
to me that I
had
previously
misunderstood.
This has
been one of
the most
important
trips in my
life. I am
truly
grateful for
this
experience.
May all
beings
everywhere
find
happiness.
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OWLAG
Music
Programme
Spreads its
Wings |
This term
has been
very
productive
for our
music
programme
and has
included
several on
and off
campus
events.
The
highlights
among these
were
undoubtedly
our Choir’s
visit to
Saheti as
well as our
String
Orchestra’s
visit to
Kingsmead
College.
On May 19th
our choir
took part in
the Music
and Mezedes
evening
which is
hosted
annually by
Saheti
School. Not
only did the
evening
feature an
assortment
of
performing
schools, but
it also gave
us a taste
of Greek
culture,
both musical
and
culinary.
Our learners
were
captivated
by the high
standard and
pulsating
energy of
our host
schools’
Bouzouki
bands
performing
traditional
Greek music.
The OWLAG
choir was
extremely
well
received and
thoroughly
enjoyed the
evening
spent
dining,
whilst the
participating
schools took
turns to
perform for
each other.
The special
Greek
hospitality
proved to be
more than
could ever
have been
imagined
when Dr.
Damon Bizos
whisked one
of our
learners off
to hospital
during the
final
number.
Fortunately
it was
nothing
serious...Her
allergic
reaction
came after
one of the
desserts
proved to be
just a
little too
good to
resist!
On May 24th,
our String
Orchestra
set off on
their very
first off
campus
adventure to
the annual
Kingsmead
Orchestra
and Ensemble
Festival.
Here they
were able to
share the
stage with
other
schools and
experience
something of
the range of
musical
activity
that is
taking place
in the
broader
community.
The learners
performed a
diverse and
lively
programme
consisting
of a
selection of
Baroque,
Rock, Blues,
Reggae and
African
music. They
received a
warm welcome
and many
accolades
for their
contribution,
and can be
proud of the
progress
they have
made in the
two years
that they
have been
studying
their
instruments!
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"A
Mothers
Gift" Dance
Performance |
Given its
reputation
for
excellence
and
professionalism,
it was no
surprise
that the
OWLAG Dance
Company’s
performance
this past
February was
yet another
success.
With only
eight weeks
of
rehearsal,
“A Mother’s
Gift” was
performed in
the school’s
very own
theatre
along with a
special
appearance
of eighteen
talented
dancers from
the Tuesday
co-curricular
class. The
performance
was narrated
by one of
the
Academy’s
gifted
storytellers,
Angelica Le
Roux, who
painted a
vivid
picture of
what was to
come with
elegance and
grace.
Set in
Brooklyn,
New York, “A
Mother’s
Gift’ is the
story of a
dancer who
in following
her mother’s
footsteps,
wanted to be
famous and
travel the
world. She
desperately
tried to
live up to
the legacy
and
accomplishments
of her
mother, but
failed to
recognize
her own
potential.
With little
money,
confidence
and energy
she realized
that nothing
short of
love, the
encouragement
of her
teachers,
pastor,
friends and
most
importantly
a gift from
her deceased
mother,
would help
her to
achieve this
goal.
In this very
colourful
production,
lead dancer
Lebogang
Maraba told
the story of
a journey of
self-discovery.
Supported by
a strong
cast, she
twirled
across a
vibrant and
creative set
beautifully
designed by
Ms Smallwood
and built by
the school’s
Facilities
Department.
The
knowledge of
the gift’s
magic made
those who
wished to
rid her of
her chances
trying to
steal the
dancer’s
shoes,
leaving
Lebogang
hopeless and
distraught.
She wanted
to give up
when her
friends
decided to
create a
replica of
the shoes,
which she
auditioned
in with
passion and
promise -
not knowing
that the
shoes she
had on were
not the
magic shoes
her mother
gave her.
Despite
this,
Lebogang won
a place in
the
International
Dance
Ensemble and
fulfilled
her destiny.
However, the
performance
left much to
the
imagination
by allowing
the audience
to ponder
whether the
gift from
her mother
was the
shoes, the
skill, the
talent or
simply the
belief in
oneself.
Many people
were
involved in
the success
of the show,
acting as
make-up
artists,
technicians,
wardrobe
assistants
and most
importantly,
supporters.
The OWLAG
Dance
Company is
undoubtedly
on its way
to
greatness!
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Milton
Academy
Performance |
The Milton
Academy
comprises of
learners who
are in High
School. Some
of them take
music as a
subject and
others
attend music
lessons for
the
enjoyment of
it. The
Milton
Academy Jazz
Band tours
South Africa
once every
two years.
Bob
Sinicrope,
the director
of the band,
has been
involved
with the
upliftment
of Jazz in
South
African
music
centres for
many years.
The Milton
Academy also
teaches
other genres
of music,
but its main
focus is
Jazz.
The
collaboration
of the
Milton
Academy and
the OWLAG
Jazz
Orchestra
came at the
right time.
Our learners
had the
opportunity
to play jazz
with their
peers from
across the
ocean. It
took the
orchestra a
month to
prepare the
piece they
performed on
that day.
The Jazz
Orchestra
complements
what we
already have
in the music
department.
The Milton
Academy
collaborated
with our
brass and
wind
(trumpets,
saxophones
and
clarinet)
learners,
playing
South
African Jazz
pieces from
musicians
such as
Abdullah
Ibrahim. It
took our
learners a
week to
learn the
two pieces
and they
will surely
get better
and better
as they
learn to
improvise.
Once they
acquire and
master the
skill of
improvisation,
they will be
able to play
in any band
that plays
contemporary
music.
Improvisation
in music
allows
creativity
to take its
course
without
limiting the
artist. The
artist is
able to
express
herself
freely. Yes,
Jazz
liberates!
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Grade 11
Visit to
Lebone II
College of
the Royal
Bafokeng |
On May 23rd
the Grade 11
learners and
five staff
members
travelled to
the Bafokeng
kingdom to
meet the
Grade 11
learners of
another
“extra-ordinary”
school with
whom OWLAG
collaborates. Lebone II
College of
the Royal
Bafokeng has
recently
moved into
their new
school
buildings
which
overlook the
whole of the
nation’s
territory.
Ms Jill
Worth of the
Lebone II
English
department
ran a
session on
film study,
followed by
Mr. John
Luis
challenging
the learners
to think and
solve
problems.
The learners
had a great
day out,
meeting and
making new
friends,
swapping
email
addresses
and seeing
how another
school
operates.
Our Grade 11
learners
will host
the Lebone
II Grade 11
learners at
OWLAG in Term
III.
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|
|
67
minutes,
Mandela Day |
The Grade 11
and Grade 12
learners
felt
adventurous
as we took
to the
streets of
Henley-on-Klip
for our
“Clean
Henley”
project for
Mandela Day.
The
excitement
could be
felt and
heard by
everyone
involved as
we left the
OWLAG gates
with
enthusiasm,
ready to
embark on
our mission
to clean
Henley. We
went out in
groups
supervised
by either
our advisory
teachers or
other adults
from campus.
Each group
headed in a
different
direction in
order to
conquer the
litter in
Henley. We
were proud
to serve the
community of
Henley by
making some
contribution
and we are
more proud
that we did
so with
tremendous
enthusiasm.
We must
admit that
we also
enjoyed
being
outside the
perimeters
of the
school,
getting
exercise and
having fun
with our
friends.
Juliet
Morulane and
Mohau
Mazibuko
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|
|
The
Eclipse of
the Moon |
The Moon
reflects
sunlight so
it shines at
night and is
often
visible
during the
day. On June
16th 2011,
the shadow
of the Earth
passed over
the Moon,
and the Moon
was
eclipsed.
The
telescope
was moved to
the balcony
of the Grade
9 residence
so that the
learners
could see
the Moon
changing
from a shiny
bright
colour to a
dull red orb
in the night
sky.
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|
|
Caring
for the
Henley
Community |
Grade 7, 8
and 9
students
recently
made a
significant
contribution
to the
environment
in Henley.
They managed
to fill 4
bakkie loads
full of
papers,
tins,
plastic and
bottles. Our
local
security
vehicle
assisted the
eager
students to
load the
collected
waste and
transfer to
the Academy
waste
management
area for
recycling.
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|
|
International
Baccalaureate
Staff
Workshops
|
As part of
the
professional
development
program that
is planned
for
preparing
staff to
teach to the
Middle Years
Programme in
the
International
Baccalaureate,
OWLAG is
sending five
of the
teachers
currently
teaching the MYP IB
program to a
Category 1
Workshop for
new IB
teachers in
Brussels,
Belgium.
The
conference
will take
place from
24 - 26 June
2011.
The workshop
will deal
with
components
of the MYP
program such
as:
• Learner Profile
• Areas of Interaction
• Unit Plans
• Assessment Criteria and Reporting
OWLAG plans
to send five
teachers to
IB workshops
every year.
This year
the teachers
attending
are: Ms.
Dwana
Smallwood,
Ms Jane
Webb, Mr
Thomas
Tervit, Mrs
Hentie
Tomkinson
and Ms
Stella
Papageorgiou.
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|
|
Visit to
the American
International
School in
Maputo,
Mozambique
20 – 22
April, 2011 |
 |
 |
 |
|
John
and
Poppy
(the
new
MYP
coordinator) |
Colleen
(the
present
MYP
coordinator)
and
Claudia
(one
of
the
learners)
with
an
example
of
her
personal
project
exhibits. |
Lorna
Ferguson
and
her
personal
project
presentation. |
John Luis
and Jane
Webb spent
two very
informative
days
learning
about the IB
MYP from our
wonderful
hosts. We
visited
different
classes, had
meetings
with many of
the
teachers,
and were
honoured to
attend the
Personal
Project
evening
during which
MYP Year 5
learners
each
presented
their
Personal
Projects to
fellow
members of
the school
and
visitors.
Our hosts
were willing
to share
their
experiences
and work
with us, and
plans were
put in place
to form an
ongoing
relationship
between our
respective
schools in
the future.
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|
|
First
Matric Dance
for OWLAG Gr
12’s |
The matric
dance took
place on 1
April 2011.
This
extravagant
event gave
the Grade 12
learners the
opportunity
to get
dressed up
to the
nines, and
they not
only looked
spectacular,
but as if
they had
just walked
off the
cover of
Vogue!
There was a
great deal
of
preparation
that went
into this
event and
the Grade 12
learners
rose to the
occasion.
It all
started in
October of
last year
when the
current
Grade 12
learners
were allowed
to host a
first-ever
social
function on
the Academy
property.
What made
this event
so special
was that
young men
from the
local
community
(and as far
as
Johannesburg)
were invited
to enjoy an
evening of
fun and
games with
the
learners.
This event
went so well
that it
endorsed a
second
social which
took place
in February
2011. This
relaxed
braai was
welcomed as
the learners
were feeling
the pressure
of being in
matric.
These two
events were
only a small
part in the
preparation
of the
Matric
Dance. At
the end of
last year,
the young
learners
were given
an allowance
from which
they had to
purchase
their dress
and
accessories
for the
Matric
Dance.
During the
week prior
to the
Dance, the
learners
were given
the
opportunity
to get their
hair done.
Furthermore,
they were
given the
day of the
Matric Dance
off. Many
of the
learners
used this
opportunity
to go home
and get
ready to
dazzle
everyone at
the Dance.
The evening
was amazing
and everyone
had a good
time. From
Mrs.
Seshoka’s
inspirational
speech to
Mrs. Moore
telling the
learners to
“get this
party
started,” it
was an
occasion
enjoyed by
all.
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|
|
African
Regional
Round Square
Conference |
As regional
members of
Round
Square, OWLAG
attended the
African
Regional
Round Square
conference
from 27
April 2011
to 1 May
2011. The
conference
was hosted
by St
Stithians
Girls
College in
Bryanston,
Johannesburg.
OWLAG was
represented
by a
delegation
of six
learners and
two
teachers.
The learners
that
attended
were: Mohau
Mazibuko,
Mbali
Meyers,
Boitumelo
Theepe,
Tasmiayh
Hoosen,
Sharlotte
Mkansi and
Noxolo Ntaka.
They were
accompanied
by Mrs.
Tasnim Abed
and Ms.
Pumla
Mbandlwa.
Fourteen
schools from
South
Africa,
Namibia,
Kenya and
Ghana
attended the
conference,
which proved
to be highly
successful.
Round Square
has six
IDEALS,
namely:
Internationalism,
Democracy,
Adventure,
Leadership
and Service.
The
conference
gave
learners the
opportunity
to explore
each of the
IDEALS
through
various
activities,
outings,
speakers and
discussions.
It gave
special
focus to the
Leadership
ideal, as we
look ahead
to the
future and
the need to
have the
youth of
today lead
change that
we want to
see. The
theme of the
conference
was
therefore,
"Neva 2
Young 2
Lead".
The
delegates
were given
the
opportunity
to interact
with young
leaders in
the country
who were
instrumental
in making
changes that
were
sustainable.
The keynote
speaker was
Aloysias
Maimane, who
is a mayoral
candidate
for the city
of
Johannesburg
in the
upcoming
municipal
elections.
He has
worked as a
presenter,
trainer and
senior
consultant
to South
African and
international
organisations.
As a
consultant
he has
spoken to
over 100 top
South
African
companies on
the subjects
of
Diversity,
Black Talent
and
Generational
Differences.
He has also
rolled out
diversity
and
transformation
programmes
within
organisations
such as BP,
Eskom,
Nestlé, SAB,
SASOL and
Transnet. He
is also a
lecturer at
GIBBS; a
pastor at
Liberty
church in
Cosmo City;
speaks six
languages
and is in
the process
of
completing
two Masters
degrees.
The Jump
Foundation
also
facilitated
a leadership
programme at
the
conference.
This was
done by a
young,
inspiring
man - Justin
Bedard - who
holds a BA
in
International
Development
and has been
awarded the
Canadian St
John's
Ambulance
Award of
merit and
the Dragon
Award for
courage and
Service to
Humanity.
The Jump
Foundation
was
established
in 2006 in
response to
its founding
member
seeing a
need for
youth
education
and for
programmes
that
addressed
the dearth
of
Leadership.
In the Jump
sessions,
delegates
explored
their traits
as personal
leaders,
community
leaders and
global
leaders.
Delegates
also had
focused
discussions
on
identifying
issues
facing the
youth - such
as poverty
and teenage
pregnancy,
with the aim
of working
towards
solutions.
Conference
delegates
were also
given the
opportunity
to choose
between
various
outings to
historical
museums.
Delegates
went to
Constitution
Hill in
Johannesburg,
Liliesleaf
museum in
Rivonia and
the
Apartheid
museum in
Ormonde,
Johannesburg.
The aim of
these trips
was to
remind the
delegates as
young
leaders that
they have
been
liberated,
and with
that
liberation
comes the
responsibility
to keep
making
change in
their
communities
and the
world at
large.
Servant
leadership
was also an
important
focus at the
conference.
As young
leaders,
delegates
were exposed
to the
importance
of uplifting
and serving
the
community.
Opportunities
were given
for
delegates to
participate
in various
service
projects and
to make a
difference
that was
both
immediate
and
sustainable.
The Soweto
Methodist
church Youth
Community
Centre was
established
in 1976 to
offer
various
services
such as AIDS
awareness, a
home for
approximately
80 children
and computer
skills to
the people
of Soweto.
Delegates
assisted
with general
cleaning up
of the
premises and
with the
preparation
of meals.
At the
Refilwe
Community
centre which
is a
home-based
care
facility
which has a
tuberculosis
management
programme, a
hospice and
a shelter
for
abandoned
children,
delegates
took on the
responsibly
of painting
and fixing
the walls so
that the
environment
could be
more
pleasant.
The service
programme at
the Central
Methodist
church in
Johannesburg
gave
delegates
the
opportunity
to paint the
classrooms
and clean
the kitchen
environment
that is
being used
for the
young
children who
live at the
church.
A highlight
of the
conference
was the
Dream chair.
The dream
chair is an
extraordinary
artwork that
was created
by 150
female
crafters
from The
Woza Moya
project.
This chair
was created
as an income
generation
for the
Hillcrest
Aids Center
in Kwazulu
Natal. It is
an
extraordinary
chair in the
sense that
it holds the
dreams that
were
expressed by
South
Africans for
our country
and for the
African
continent as
a whole. The
dreams were
expressed by
fellow South
Africans,
including
Archbishop
Desmond
Tutu, Leon
Schuster,
Johnny
Clegg,
Zolani
Mahola of
Freshly
Ground and
many others.
The chair
has traveled
around South
Africa to
places such
as
Johannesburg,
Cape Town
and Durban
and also as
far as New
York City.
Throughout
the
conference,
the dream
chair was a
reminder of
what our
African
continent
deserves. It
deserves
better
education
for its
children,
exemplary
leadership,
and most
importantly,
young people
who can
dream and
work towards
their
dreams.
The
conference
certainly
gave
delegates
the
opportunity
to realise
that you are
never too
young to
lead!
[back
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|
|
Science
Department
in Action |
The Grade
10’s and
11’s
constructed
cannons from
kits
designed and
supplied by
the KZN
University
Mechanical
Engineering
School in
order to
investigate
projectile
motion. The
Grade 11’s
practised by
firing
volleys at
anyone who
passed by.
The Grade 9
class had
fun with
balloons
while
learning
about
electrostatics.
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|
|
Red Nose
Day at OWLAG
- 29 March,
2011 |
“DO
SOMETHING
FUNNY FOR A
SMILE”
The learners
and staff at
OWLA Ginvited
a group of
children
from the SOS
Children’s
Home in Ennerdale to
spend a
fun-filled
day at OWLAG.
The children
from the
home ranged
from 5 to 15
years old
and spent
the day with
the
learners.
The
hilarious
2-hour show
during which
staff and
learners
from across
all grades
performed
was
presented by
the two
tiniest
girls in the
school -
Tshegofatso
Mondella and
Chantell
Claasen
(Grade 7).
We thank the
staff that
donated just
short of
R1250 for
the SOS
home. The
learners
were asked
to give up
some of
their tuck
money to buy
a gift for
the home,
and OWLAG has
requested
SOS to
suggest a
possible
gift idea.
[back
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|
|
Campus
Facilities
Update |
The first
quarter of
2011 has
continued
with major
construction
going on
around
campus. It
was with
great
fanfare that
the new
swimming
pool was
officially
dedicated by
our
benefactor,
Ms Oprah
Winfrey, on
9 March
2011.
Progress on
the
multi-use
pavilion is
on track and
scheduled
for
completion
and
hand-over on
30 April
2011. Other
good news is
that
Vodacom/Telkom
finally
turned on
the
mini-cell
tower that
is mounted
on top of
the theatre.
It now gives
us full
coverage for
Vodacom
users with a
range of 400
meters. This
ensures that
we can all
use
cellphones
as a back-up
system to
our landline
on campus.
We thank
Manfred for
his thousand
follow-up
calls – this
has been in
the works
for the last
three years
and four
months!
In addition,
the new
sports field
has now been
covered with
instant
lawn. The
official
hand-over
will take
place on 14
April 2011.
We are all
excited to
see our
field
hockey,
soccer, and
touch rugby
teams take
to the field
as soon as
school
reopens on 5
May 2011.
[back
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|
|
The
African
Regional
Round Square
Conference -
Johannesburg |
The African
Regional
Round Square
conference
is scheduled
to take
place from
27 April
2011 to 1
May 2011 at
St Stithians
Girl's
College. The
theme for
this year's
conference
is "Neva 2
Young 2
Lead".
Six learners
have been
selected to
represent
the Academy:
Mohau
Mazibuko,
Sharlotte
Mkansi,
Boitumelo
Theepe,
Tasmiayh
Hoosen,
Mbali Meyers
and Noxolo
Ntaka. They
will be
accompanied
by two
educators,
Mrs Tasnim
Abed and Ms
Pumla
Mbandlwa.
During the
conference
the learners
will be
participating
in
activities
that
represent
the IDEALS
of Round
Square,
which are:
Internationalism,
Democracy,
Environment,
Adventure,
Leadership
and Service.
The learners
are looking
forward to
an
informative
and
enriching
experience
in order to
share their
lessons with
the OWLAG
community.
[back
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|
|
Library
Week 2011
Celebration |
Battle of
the Books
“Our first
most
cherished
mission”
Score
keepers…hand
checkers….language
quiz masters
was what the
library
committee
was on about
as they
tried to put
together
their very
first task
since their
committee
was
established.
As part of
library
week,
celebrated
during the
week
commencing
26 March
2011, our
events team
had to
prepare
something
that would
show our
school’s
commitment
towards
reading.
Library Week
is
celebrated
every year
across South
Africa.
LIASA
promotes
reading and
education by
introducing
various
themes each
year, and
this year’s
theme was,
“Read in
your own
mother
tongue.” As
a result,
the Library
Events Sub-
team,
together
with the
Library
Leaders
Committee
created the
Battle of
the Books.
Long hours
of planning
and
discussion
ensued as
everybody
tried to
accomplish
the goal.
Trecia
Makhubela
(Library
Events
Leader)
together
with her
team agreed
that the
questions
would be
derived from
the current
and past
prescribed
literature
books, which
learners
have studied
in their
language
classes. A
few were
selected
from the
collection
of books
from our
kindle gift.
With that,
came the
serious task
of preparing
questions
and answers.
Our language
teachers, Ms
Mbandlwa,
Ms. Kerr, Ms
Papageougiou,
Ms McIntyre,
Ms Keyter,
Mr Radebe
were
fantastic in
helping and
guiding us
with the
process.
Questions
were derived
from the
following
books:
Charlotte’s
Web,
Midsummer’s
Night Dream,
Romeo and
Juliet, Maru,
and Much Ado
about
Nothing,
just to
mention a
few. In
addition,
African
literature
books also
made the cut
as the theme
suggested
“reading in
your own
mother
tongue.”
Lalela
Mngane wami,
Tshehla,
Hanna Hoekom
and a few
other
African
literature
books were
also used.
After many
‘hectic’
days of
planning all
the details
of the
event, the
final night
arrived and
the school’s
theatre
buzzed with
excitement,
anxiety and
expectations.
Some
impatient
participating
class
representatives
could not
wait for the
event to
begin. Each
class had
nominated
their six
trusted
representatives.
The theatre
was silent
for a moment
as the first
question was
posed by the
quiz
mistress.
Bells rang
from left to
right as
representatives
indicated
that they
were ready
with their
answers. The
night
proceeded
with loud
cheering and
electrifying
music to
keep the
audience
entertained.
As for the
committee,
they spent
the evening
running from
one end to
another as
they tried
to keep
track of the
winning
teams and
calculating
each team’s
scores.
When the
programme
finally came
to an end,
there were
many merry
faces.
Enticing
prices,
including a
book voucher
worth
R150.00,
were happily
handed over
to the
victors and
every
learner
enjoyed a
delicious
piece of
cake, as
they left
for their
residence.
From the
committee’s
point of
view, that
was a night
well spent
and it also
strengthened
our team
work and
relations.
It was not
easy… but
our first
mission was
successful,
what more
could we ask
for?
[back
to top]
|
|
Launch
of
Generation
Earth at
Crawford
College
Sandton |
A group of
18 learners,
accompanied
by Ms Webb
and Ms
Papageorgiou,
attended the
launch of
Generation
Earth, an
environmental
green
networking
platform for
the youth of
South
Africa. The
learners
were
inspired by
the
presentation
and formed
new contacts
with
students
from other
schools. All
the
participants
agreed to
form a
Generation
Earth school
council in
their
respective
schools and
signed the
founder
member
school
council
declaration
form.
[back
to top]
|
|
Career
Exhibition
2011 |
On Wednesday
23 March
2011, the
Oprah
Winfrey
Leadership
Academy held
its first
ever Careers
Exhibition.
The
objective of
the
Exhibition
was to
expose the
Grade 11 and
12 learners
to various
tertiary
institutions
and career
opportunities
available to
them.
The
exhibition
was held in
the gym
which was
transformed
into a
wonderful
exhibition
centre,
thanks to
all the help
from
Facilities
Management.
The
exhibitors
arrived at
twelve
o’clock to
set up their
stands. A
great team
of OWLAG
learners
were there
to meet them
and assist
with setting
up their
equipment.
The team
included
Mellisa
Tshabalala,
Atuna Pillay,
Boikanyo
Thamae, Neo
Thekisho,
Susan Ncube,
Marwiya
James,
Motjati
Sebola and
Nompumelelo
Nobiva.
Lunch was
served in
the foyer of
the theatre
and then the
guests were
taken on a
guided tour
of the
Academy by
the
learners.
The
exhibitors
really
enjoyed the
tour and
were highly
complimentary
of their
tour guides
and the
school. Mrs
Van Zyl
opened the
expo and
thanked all
the
exhibitors
for making
the effort
to be at the
Academy. The
expo ran for
two and a
half hours
and the
learners
could wander
around the
various
stands,
asking
questions
and
collecting
brochures
and
application
forms.
A number of
the local
schools and
staff’s
children
were invited
to attend.
Henley High
school,
Assemblies
of God,
African
Leadership
Academy and
individual
learners
from
Meyerton
High took up
the offer
and were
most
appreciative
of the
opportunity.
The feedback
from the
OWLAG
learners was
most
gratifying.
They really
enjoyed
finding out
about all
the various
opportunities
that are
available to
them in the
future.
We thank all
the staff at
the school
who made the
event
possible and
to all the
learners for
being such
great
ambassadors
for the
Oprah
Winfrey
Leadership
Academy. I
am sure this
will become
an annual
event!
We also send
a big thank
you to the
very
positive
responses we
received
from the
exhibitors,
which
included the
following
institutions:
UNIVERSITIES
University
of the
Witwatersrand
Wits School
of Education
Rhodes
University
University
of Pretoria
University
of
Johannesburg
Monash
University
Nelson
Mandela
Metropolitan
University
North West
University
A special
thank you to
Pretoria
University
who brought
staff
representatives
from all 10
faculties.
This really
gave the
girls an
opportunity
to find out
all the
details
directly
from the
faculty
officers.
UNIVERSITIES
OF
TECHNOLOGY
Tshwane
University
of
Technology
Cape
Peninsula
University
of
Technology
Vaal
University
of
Technology
OTHER
The Capital
Hotel School
and Training
Academy
SA Health
and Skincare
Academy
The Design
School of
South Africa
Stenden
South Africa
International
Academy of
Health and
Skincare
Spero
Villioti
Elite Design
School
LISOF
International
Hotel school
VEGA
International
Tertiary
Studies
Academy of
Sound
Engineering
AFDA
Air Traffic
Control
Services
Sakhikamva
Foundation –
Pilot
training
Swiss Hotel
School
18 Twenty 8
SCHOLARSHIPS
AND FINANCE
Deloittes
KPMG
Allan Gray
Orbis
Foundation
Ernst and
Young
Eduloan
[back
to top]
|
|
Brescia
House/OWLAG
Sport and
Cultural
Derby 2011 |
|
A day that
was preceded
by a phone
call on
Friday night
notifying us
of heavy
rains and
the
likelihood
of
cancellation
ended up
being a
great
occasion
filled with
fun and
excitement!
We boarded
the buses at
7h30,
feeling cold
and nervous.
When we
arrived at
Brescia
House, we
were greeted
with tea,
coffee and
delicious
muffins. The
opening
statement
from Mrs.
Nott was
moving and
she wished
all the
participants
well.
Our teams
were
enthusiastic
and did
their best.
Here are
some of the
results:
- Seven debating students did exceptionally well under the supervision of Ms. McIntyre.
- Ms. Abrahams and Ms. Papergeourgiou’s seven public speaking students did brilliantly.
- Deleah Chetty played two chess games and won both.
- The tennis girls went off to the courts and had a great deal of fun, playing their first ever matches.
- The soccer girls have not had any practices this year, but made us all very proud as they took to the field, losing a wellfought match 2-1.
- The netball girls looked stunning in their bright green kit and were energetic and enthusiastic. The U/14 team lost 16-10; u/15 won 21-11; u/16 won 18-14 and the Open team lost 40-10.
- The hockey girls looked wonderful on the field and played exceptionally well. Our junior team lost 2-1, the second side won their match 1-0 and the senior team lost 2-0.
|
[back
to top]
|
|
Trip to
Johannesburg
Observatory |
On 11
February
2011, eight
Grade 9
learners,
accompanied
by Ms. Webb
and Ms.
Crossman,
went on an
excursion to
the
Johannesburg
Observatory
in order to
learn more
about the
history of
the
Observatory
and
Astronomy in
South
Africa.
We departed
at 16:30 and
headed for
Johannesburg.
When we got
to
Johannesburg,
we had a
great
surprise as
we found out
that we were
going to eat
at Mike’s
Restaurant
for dinner.
After a
scrumptious
meal at the
restaurant,
we set off
for the
Observatory,
and although
we had
trouble
finding the
place, we
did
eventually
arrive at
our
destination.
When we got
there it was
already dark
and
(disappointingly)
a bit
cloudy.
We went
inside the
Observatory
dome and
learnt about
the history
of the
Observatory.
The
telescope
was made and
the dome
already
built in
1910, but
the opening
was delayed
due to the
First World
War in 1914.
Soon after
the end of
the war the
Observatory
was finished
and
officially
opened.
However, as
a result of
increasing
light
pollution in
Johannesburg
it became
more
difficult to
get the most
out of the
telescope,
and South
Africa’s
Largest
Telescope in
Sutherland
was built
because
there was
less light
pollution at
that
location.
Then, in the
1970s the
Observatory
was closed
down because
SALT was
built where
our major
astronomical
observations
have
subsequently
been made.
The
Johannesburg
Observatory
is now
officially
closed down
but it is
still open
for
astronomers
who might
still want
to carry out
their own
observations.
The
Observatory
has open
nights on
Fridays. On
these
evenings
guests and
astronomers
are allowed
to see or
use the
telescope
and do some
stargazing
if the night
sky is
clear.
After
learning
about the
history we
made our way
up the hill
to see other
telescopes.
As the sky
cleared up
we did some
stargazing
and met some
of the other
visitors and
astronomers
who were
there. It
was very
interesting
talking to
people who
were
interested
in the same
things as we
were. The
visit was
enlightening
and we all
enjoyed
ourselves to
the fullest.
By Moroesi
Ntsikeng
Grade 9O
[back
to top]
|
|
LRC:
Inspired,
Informed and
Ready for
Change |
On Saturday
19 February
2011, the
Learner
Representative
Council
members of
OWLAG went on
a leadership
retreat. It
was an event
that would
enable
members to
learn the
lessons that
will make
them the
best that
they can be.
All
twenty-two
learners and
four
facilitators;
Ms Seshoka,
Ms Tervitt ,
Mr Tervitt
and Ms
Thembela,
were bright-
eyed and
eager to be
on the way
early in the
morning.
After a
short drive
to the
scenic
Suikerbosrand,
it was time
to get down
to work. In
a spacious
conference
room with
assigned
seats and
professional-looking
equipment,
it was quite
clear to the
members of
the LRC that
it was a
retreat that
required
their full
concentration
and
attention.
The first
lesson
focused on
the pillars
of a good
social
leader. This
was to teach
the LRC that
a leader
must possess
a number of
seemingly
ordinary but
crucial
qualities in
order to be
an effective
and fair
role model.
The next
lesson was
on the
importance
of
communication,
which was
taught to be
the defining
quality of a
successful
representative
council.
After a
delicious
lunch that
included
mouth-watering
dessert and
much-
appreciated
soft drinks,
it was back
to the
conference
room, where
even more
learning
took place.
From
conflict
management,
to the
compilation
of the
vision and
mission
statement of
the LRC (and
the
beginnings
of a
constitution),
nothing went
without the
intense
scrutiny of
the
facilitators
and full
attention of
the LRC.
Equipped
with
powerpoint
presentations,
videos and a
highlight
for many -
role-plays,
there was
never a dull
moment in
the
presentations
that were
given by
both the
facilitators
and
learners.
Seizing the
opportunity
to become
the best
leaders for
the OWLAG
learners was
the top
priority.
When one
member was
asked about
the whole
experience,
she replied:
“It was
great! I
can’t wait
to actually
practice all
of the
things that
I now know.”
The LRC
leadership
retreat was
an
unforgettable
experience
that not
only
contributed
to making
all of the
individuals
more
informed and
aware, but
also started
the process
of making
the 2011 LRC
the best
that it can
be - for
everyone.
Sam Nkosi
[back
to top]
|
|
Junior
Round Square
Conference -
Namibia |
|
Six Grade 9
learners,
namely
Angelica Le
Roux,
Boitshoko
Kalebe,
Dominique
Tarr,
Dorothy
Mohamed,
Gugulthu
Resha and
Lee-ann
Mokoena were
selected to
attend the
Junior Round
Square
conference
in Namibia.
We prepared
a gumboot
dance
presentation
three weeks
ahead for
the opening
ceremony to
introduce
ourselves,
our school
and our
country at
the host
school, St.
Georges,
Namibia,
Windhoek.
For some of
us, it was
our first
time flying
so it was a
truly
remarkable
experience.
Arriving at
the Hosea
Kutako
Airport in
Namibia
after a
two-hour
long flight,
we were
escorted by
two staff
members from
St.Georges
School
alongside
other
students
from Brooke
House
College in
Kenya. We
were then
divided into
separate
groups and
were picked
up by our
various host
parents.
We
participated
in many
activities
in the hopes
of
understanding
and
enforcing
the IDEALS
of Round
Square.
Concerning
the IDEAL
Internationalism,
we had the
opportunity
to meet
students
from other
countries
and schools
as well as
explore a
different
and new
country
-Namibia.
An evening
was
allocated to
carry out
the second
IDEAL,
Democracy.
During this
meeting we
discussed
the
Childrens’
Rights based
on extracts
from the
Constitution
of Namibia
as well as a
few case
studies. One
of our
favorite
IDEALS was
Environmentalism.
In our
different
groups, we
had to
create a
mascot
illustrating
the IDEALS
of the
conference
through the
use of
recycled
materials.
On one
occasion, we
went on a
night walk
in the Namib
Desert,
where we had
an
informative
lesson about
the
different
types of
stars, their
sizes and
significance.
Afterward we
were given
an
opportunity
to play a
game in the
dark where
one group
had to spot
the members
of the other
using our
torches.
That was
great fun
until our
instructor
made us do
50 or so
push-ups,
because
someone had
spoken while
he was
explaining.
Even though
one of our
members,
Angelica,
gained a few
bruises,
Adventure
was one of
the most fun
IDEALS.
Divided into
our groups,
we were
taken to a
well-known
sand dune
boarding
spot near a
town called
Swakopmund.
There, we
walked up to
the top of
the dunes
and had to
lie on our
bellies on a
flat board
and slide
all the way
down at a
thrillingly
fast speed.
Before
leaving, we
all took
part in a
contest to
see who
could travel
the furthest
down.
Gugulethu
claimed the
name
“Fastest
Girl on
Sand”.
When we had
to carry out
the fifth
IDEAL, we
learnt many
new things
to take back
to OWLAG and
share with
our sisters.
As
you know, a
great leader
is a great
follower;
and we were
required to
practice
this
principle.
We were
split into
different
groups, and
each group
was assigned
a group
leader from
St. Georges
School. We
had to
portray our
followership
through
respecting
and working
with our
leader.
The sixth
and most
important
IDEAL ended
our amazing
trip:
Service.
A
day was set
aside
whereby we
were sent to
the beach at
Swakopmund,
not to swim
and relax,
but to pick
up all the
litter and
strange
objects that
were
regarded as
harmful to
the marine
life and the
birds in the
area.
During the
time that we
carried out
these
IDEALS, we
learnt that
it sure is
fun to make
a change in
others’
lives!
We thank Ms.
Abed for
accompanying
us on the
trip and Ms.
van Zyl for
giving us
the
opportunity
to be a part
of Round
Square.
[back
to top]
|
|
The
Blazer
Ceremony |
“I do.” This
was the
proclamation
of the
incoming
class of
2011 in
response to
the school’s
pledge.
Assisted by
their big
sisters who
were
standing
behind them,
the Grade 7s
then donned
their new
blazers.
It was a
mere four
years ago
that we had
the
privilege of
wearing our
blazers for
the first
time. Back
then we were
the little
ones
wandering
around
trying to
figure out
what the
academy was
all about.
The school
experience
is different
for us now,
as we are
responsible
for showing
the Grade 7s
what the
academy
requires
from them,
and has to
offer.
As we sat
anxiously in
our seats
listening
for our
little
sisters’
names to be
called out,
various
thoughts
crossed our
minds: from
the
responsibility
that was now
bestowed
upon us, to
the fear of
being a
disappointment
to our
little
sisters.
When we
accompanied
them to the
front of the
theatre
where they
would
finally
accept their
new
responsibilities,
the whole
process
seemed like
déjà-vu -
yet at the
same time -
a new
experience.
As our
little
sisters said
“I do,”
every Grade
10 learner
responded in
her mind.
She was
accepting
the new
responsibilities
that she had
just earned.
Each Grade
10 was
agreeing to
make her
little
sister’s
stay at the
academy a
fulfilling
experience,
packed with
different
kinds of
emotions.
This moment
was the
start of a
new,
exciting
journey that
the sisters
were going
to take
together.
All it would
take is to
go one step
at a time…
Nontsikelelo
Maduna -
Grade 10
Nosipho
Khumalo -
Grade 10
What
some of our
Grade 7's
had to say
about the
Blazer
Ceremony:
“When my big
sister
assisted me
with my
blazer, I
was filled
with joy and
pride.”
Linah Oock
“When we
read our
core values,
they came
from deep
inside my
heart .”
Tshepiso
Latagoma
“I promise
to honour
our school
values
throughout
my life.”
Zandi
Moima
“I
appreciate
my big
sister’s
support.”
Zikhona
Xhipu
“When I read
our school’s
core values
I meant
every word.
I’m proud to
be an OWLAG
girl and I
will aspire
to rise to
all my
school’s
expectations.”
Linda Shwana
“When they
called my
name, my
heart
pounded with
pride - deep
within my
chest.”
Nareen
Reddy
|
PLEDGE
CORE
VALUES
Incoming
Class
of
2011
As
members
of
the
OWLAG
family
we
will
strive
to
uphold
the
following
values
not
only
within
our
community,
but
within
our
daily
lives.
We
will
value
challenge
in a
nurturing
environment.
We
will
also
value
curiosity,
clear
thinking,
and
academic
accomplishment.
We
are
encouraged
to
value
the
development
of
resilience,
determination,
and
self-confidence
for
a
lifetime
of
learning
in a
world
of
constant
change.
At
OWLAG
we
will
strive
for
excellence.
Excellence
is
doing
our
best,
giving
careful
attention
to
every
task
and
every
relationship.
Excellence
is
effort
guided
by a
noble
purpose.
It
is a
desire
for
perfection.
The
perfection
of a
seed
comes
in
the
fruit.
When
we
practice
excellence,
we
bring
our
gifts
to
fruition.
Excellence
is
the
key
to
success.
Compassion:
Compassion
is
defined
as
“a
powerful,
deep
awareness
of
someone
else’s
suffering,
making
it
so
that
you
want
them
not
to
suffer”.
In
other
words,
it
is
understanding
and
caring
when
someone
is
hurt
or
troubled.
It
is
wanting
to
help,
even
if
all
you
can
do
is
listen
and
say
kind
words.
You
forgive
mistakes.
You
are
a
friend
when
someone
needs
a
friend.
Honour:
The
concept
of
personal
honour
is
an
enduring
and
constant
standard
by
which
we
tell
others
how
we
want
to
be
measured.
When
we
are
honourable,
we
keep
our
word.
We
do
the
right
thing
regardless
of
what
others
are
doing.
Honour
is a
path
of
integrity.
Once
developed,
personal
honour
is
the
benchmark
by
which
to
judge
all
our
actions.
Respect:
Respect
for
others
begins
with
respect
for
self.
Respect
for
others
extends
beyond
tolerance
to
include
active
concern
for
and
service
to
others.
We
show
respect
by
speaking
and
acting
with
courtesy.
We
treat
others
with
dignity
and
honour
the
rules
of
our
families,
school
and
nation.
Respect
yourself,
and
others
will
respect
you.
Service:
We
see
giving
back
as a
requirement
of
the
heart,
for
when
we
give
we
receive
so
much
more.
OWLAG
gives
us
tools
necessary
to
make
an
impact
in
both
our
local
and
global
communities.
May
we
always
be
ready
and
willing
to
answer
when
the
call
for
conscientious
action
comes. |
[back
to top]
|
|
Grade 11
trip to
Rocklands
Centre in
Simon's Town |
|
On Sunday,
16 January
the Grade
11s boarded
the buses
bound for O
R Tambo
International
to fly to
Cape Town to
attend a
leadership
camp at
Rocklands
Centre in
Simon’s
Town. They
were
accompanied
by the Grade
supervisors,
Sandy Kerr
and Tasnim
Abed, and
other Grade
11 teachers
including
Marion
Plantagie,
Pat Jay,
Paul Wilton,
Roshnie
Pillay and
Sue Norval.
Erna
Weideman was
part of the
team and was
a real
superstar
--rushing
around
fetching
Halaal meals
and any
other
necessities
that the
students
required.
Many of the
students had
never flown
before so
they were
very
nervous.
However, the
flight was
smooth and
they all
enjoyed the
new
experience.
On arrival,
the weather
was fine and
Mrs Van Zyl
had booked
tickets to
go up Table
Mountain. We
had
spectacular
views of
Cape Town,
and
especially
of the
stunning
beaches. The
fine weather
changed
dramatically
when
orographic
uplift took
place and
all of a
sudden we
were all up
in the
clouds. This
was a
wonderful
example for
the
Geography
students.
After
descending
Table
Mountain, we
headed off
to
Muizenberg
Beach where
the students
swam and
strolled
along the
beach, all
the while
taking note
of the
“talented
surfers.”
We then took
a drive
around the
coast to
Simon’s Town
and booked
in at
Rocklands.
We unpacked,
enjoyed a
lovely
dinner and
had an early
night as the
next six
days were
going to be
action-packed.
After
breakfast on
Monday we
explored the
Boulders
penguin
colony which
is home to a
growing
colony of
the
vulnerable
African
Penguins.
Wooden
walkways
allow
visitors to
view the
penguins in
their
natural
habitat. Mr
Wilton also
gave an
interesting
talk about
the
penguins. We
then headed
off to Cape
Point. We
were dropped
at the beach
and we
walked,
climbed,
moaned and
groaned all
the way to
the top and
then
proceeded to
extend
ourselves a
little more
and made it
up to the
light house.
It was a
really
challenging
walk and
certainly
created a
great spirit
and
camaraderie
amongst the
students and
staff. In
the
afternoon we
started with
the
Rocklands
activities
and the
students
eagerly
awaited
their
instructions.
They were
divided into
groups and
were
allocated a
country. The
groups were
identifiable
by the
beaded
bracelets
that they
made and
they then
had to
compose an
anthem or
war cry for
their group.
This
activity
created
plenty of
energy and
noise.
During their
break most
of the
students
leapt into
the pool and
Ms Jay and
Ms Norval
gave some
basic
swimming
lessons and
were on duty
at the pool.
After dinner
they
participated
in some fun
activities
and then met
in the
dining room
for hot
chocolate
and
reflections.
Tuesday was
another
beautiful
day so the
decision was
made to go
to the
beach. Long
Beach at
Kommetjie
was our
first stop,
but rough
seas and
mountains of
kelp forced
us to move
on to
Fishhoek.
There the
beach was
beautiful
and the sea
was calm.
Everyone
swam,
relaxed and
played on
the beach.
There was a
great ice
cream shop
on the beach
which did a
roaring
trade. We
had packed
lunches so
we just
picnicked on
the beach.
In the
afternoon
the students
participated
in a number
of
activities
and rotated
from one
activity to
the other.
These
included
archery,
pencil
beading,
communication
games,
looking for
items around
the camp and
deciphering
a code and
the climbing
wall. They
were fun and
some were
quite
challenging.
The students
worked
effectively
in their
groups and
were able to
fathom out
problems in
a logical
and peaceful
way.
On Wednesday
and Thursday
the students
were
involved all
day at
Rocklands.
The
programme
included
adventure
obstacle
courses,
talks on
birds and
snakes, fun
team
activities
such as
soccer, pool
volleyball,
table tennis
and pool.
The students
swam every
day and many
of them
progressed
so well that
in the
evenings’
reflections
one of them
said, ”I am
now a
professional
swimmer!” We
decided to
braai for
dinner on
Wednesday
evening. It
was great
fun and many
of the
students
offered to
show off
their
culinary
talents and
took charge
of the braai
... it was
delicious!
After dinner
we donned
our track
suites,
trainers and
torches and
headed off
up the
mountain for
our night
hike. It was
a full moon
so we were
hoping for a
spectacular
view of the
reflections
of the moon
on the
water. The
students
sang all the
way up the
mountain.
Unfortunately,
whilst we
were on the
walk the
clouds moved
in and we
came down
the mountain
in the
pouring rain
... but our
spirits were
never
dampened. We
all gathered
in the
dining room
and
swallowed
down a cup
of hot
chocolate
before
retiring to
bed.
On Thursday
one of the
activities
was beach
art. The
students
walked down
to the
little beach
in front of
the camp and
got to work
on their
“beach art.”
Their art
included
things such
as dolphins,
crocodiles
and people.
The team
that
designed the
crocodile
won the
Golden
Bucket and
Spade
trophy.
Thursday
night was
the talent
contest. The
students
could choose
their own
groups or
partner or
perform on
their own.
The
performances
were
outstanding
with a
couple of
special
mentions:
Charmain
Rantsieng
singing
‘time after
time’,
Siphokazi
Lumkile
presenting
her poetry,
Lebogang
Maraba
dancing to
‘cold case
love’, and a
startling
performance
by a group
of
‘talentless’
students who
ironically,
wowed us
with their
talents! The
judges from
Rocklands
were
speechless
and tears
welled up in
their eyes
as they
could not
believe the
amazing
talent and
confidence
that the
OWLAG students
demonstrated.
The team
were up
bright and
early on
Friday
morning as
we had an
appointment
at the
University
of Cape
Town. We
arrived on
middle
campus and
were
welcomed by
the student
recruitment
team and
ushered into
a lecture
venue in the
Kramer Law
building.
Mrs Van Zyl
and Mrs
Moore joined
us at UCT.
The students
were very
attentive
and listened
carefully to
the
admission
requirements
for 2012
entry to the
various
faculties at
UCT. They
asked some
very
interesting
questions
and they all
realised how
important
their Grade
11 results
were for the
application
process. We
then toured
the campus,
went into a
residence
and had our
photograph
taken on the
famous steps
of UCT.
The next
destination
was the
Slave Lodge.
We had a
guide to
explain the
history of
slavery and
watched a
fascinating
video. By
this stage
the students
were ready
for lunch so
we had a
picnic in
the town
gardens.
Camps Bay
beach was
our next
port of
call, the
weather was
spectacular
and so was
the beach.
The students
all changed
and were
ready for a
swim when
the
well-known
South Easter
started to
blow. It
blew the
sand along
the beach
and stung
their legs.
There was a
combination
of screaming
and laughing
and
definitely
laughing
when the
students
found Mrs
Moore and Ms
Jay huddled
up behind a
beach chaise
lounge
covered with
towels. It
took a long
time to
remove the
sand from
our
costumes,
ears and
eyes. A
quiet trip
along the
coast to
Hout Bay led
to our
having take-aways
at Mariners
Wharf.
Everyone was
so delighted
to be
indoors
protected
from the
howling gale
and enjoyed
having fried
fish and
chips. The
journey back
to Rocklands
took us over
Chapman’s
Peak with
amazing
views of the
coastline,
beaches and
mountains.
It had been
a very busy
day and
everyone was
happy to
climb into
bed.
All too soon
it was
breakfast,
wash up and
we were on
our way to
the
Waterfront.
We had
bookings for
the 09:00
ferry to
Robben
Island. We
boarded the
huge
catamaran
named
Sikhululekile
which can
seat 300
passengers.
The 45
minute
journey
across was
calm and we
boarded
buses on
Robben
Island for a
guided tour
of the
historic
island. The
bus trip was
followed by
a tour of
the high
security
prison. The
tour guides
are
ex-prisoners
so their
stories are
very real
and
interesting,
and they
really help
to
understand
the
hardships
the
prisoners
experienced.
Whilst
touring the
island the
wind had
picked up
considerably
so our
return trip
was bumpy
and many of
the students
experienced
their first
bout of sea
sickness.
Once on
terra firma
they bounced
back, ready
to enjoy
their free
time at the
Waterfront.
We all moved
to the big
amphitheatre
at the
Waterfront
as this was
to be our
meeting
point. The
students who
live in Cape
Town or who
have family
there were
allowed to
meet them at
the
Waterfront
and spend
some time
with them.
Everyone
dashed off
in their
little
groups and
made their
purchases,
grabbed a
bite to eat
and did some
window
shopping. At
five o’clock
there was a
live band
playing in
the
amphitheatre
and the
students
bopped away
to the
music.
Congratulations
to all the
students -
everyone was
at the
meeting
point on
time and
everyone had
had a
wonderful
day. Back at
Rocklands,
the students
finished off
their
packing and
went to bed.
Breakfast
was followed
by our
farewell to
Rocklands
staff, last
minute
pictures and
then off to
Cape Town
International
airport. An
easy
check-in and
then we were
on board our
Mango flight
to
Johannesburg
- enjoying
final
reflections
on a
wonderful
Grade 11
tour and
returning
back to
school.
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