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Round
Square
International
Conference
2012 |

“No
Existence
without
Co-existence”
Round Square
conferences
certainly
provide
learners in
schools all
around the
globe with
an
opportunity
to explore
issues that
affect this
generation.
The
conferences
also provide
the
opportunity
to meet and
socialise
with other
young people
from other
schools,
regions or
countries;
giving one
an
opportunity
to learn
more about
other
cultures and
ways of
living.
The second
part of the
Round Square
International
conference
for 2012 was
hosted by
Penryn
College in
Nelspruit
Mpumalanga
from the 26
September
2012 to the
2 October
2012.
Delegates
from 59
schools
represented
the Africa,
Americas,
Australasia,
Europe,
South Asia
and Gulf
regions.
The Round
Square
International
Conference
gave
delegates
the
opportunity
to
participate
in
activities
highlighting
the Round
Square
IDEALS and
also the
conference
theme of “No
existence
without
Co-existence”.
Guest
speakers
included
Sibusiso
Vilane, who
is a
motivational
and
inspirational
speaker,
author,
adventurer,
marathon
runner,
mountaineer
and was also
the first
African to
summit Mount
Everest.
Delegates
were also
inspired by
Buhle
Dlamini, an
entrepreneur,
sought-after
speaker,
author and
managing
director of
Young and
Able cc, a
personal and
business
development
consultancy.
He coaches
organisations
and
individuals
to “Turn
Passion Into
Success” and
“Own The
Future,”
and, in so
doing,
contributes
to the
development
of the next
generation
of leaders.
The service
project
involved all
the
delegates in
interacting
with
learners in
the local
primary
schools on
an art
project and
also with
playing
games and
assisting
with the
serving of
meals.
Delegates
also brought
essential
items like
toiletries
and
stationery
from home
for the
support a
stranger
project.
Delegates
were taken
out of their
comfort
zones and
given the
opportunity
to explore a
range of
adventure
activities.
This
included the
Sudwala cave
tour,
Kaapsehoop
visit,
Mankele
Adventure
race,
Elephant
Whispers and
Riverwild
outdoor
experience.
A highlight
of the
conference
was the
opportunity
to stay
overnight in
the Kruger
National
park, where
the
delegates
went on a
game drive,
had a
traditional
South
African
braai and
had exciting
workshops
facilitated
by the Jump
Foundation.
This
conference
was of
special
significance
for our
Academy as
it was here
that we
became
Global
members,
receiving
our Round
Square
Global
membership
certificate
and the
Round Square
flag from
His Majesty,
King
Constantine.
Never before
has the
theme of
this year’s
conference
been more
appropriate.
We face
global
climate and
economic
crises,
there are
challenges
concerning
poverty,
food
shortage and
inadequate
water
resources,
too many
people and
too little
land. We
have the
awakening of
a new global
conscience,
of a new way
of doing
things, an
approach
that looks
at the
rights of
all as being
important.
What a
wonderfully
exciting and
meaningful
time to be
alive! There
are chances
aplenty to
make a
difference,
to go out
into the
world and
find ways of
making it a
better
place.
(Round
Square
International
conference
delegates:
Mrs. Anne
Van Zyl, Mr.
John Luis,
Mrs. Tasnim
Abed,
Boithsoko
Kalebe,
Dorothy
Mohamed,
Stacey-lee
Scott,
Bernice
Mohale,
Lorraine
Mphekoane
and
Boitumelo
Rapoo)
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The
Animal Farm
Production |


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OWLAG
stars at
Touch Rugby
IPTS (Inter
Provincial
Tournament) |
The Touch
Rugby IPTS
was held
from the 29
September to
1 October
2012.
U/15 student
Sindiswa
Nyingizwayo’s
team won
silver, in a
match that
came down to
“drop offs”
against the
Sowetan
team. She
scored a try
in the final
match.
U/17 OWLAG
students
Lindokuhle
Nkosi,
Slindokuhle
Mathebula,
Khonzokuhle
Nkosi,
Amanda Nkosi
and
Kendra-Leigh
van Wyk
participated
in the U/17
Easterns
team.
Unfortunately
their team
did not make
it to
semi-finals.
We are
extremely
fortunate to
have a
number of
girls who
have
succeeded in
making the
U/19
Easterns
team. Last
year OWLAG
had eight
players in
the U/17
team, which
won gold,
this year,
we had nine
in the U/19
team (this
team
consisted of
14 players).
Eight of the
girls were
still
eligible to
play for the
U/17 team
but the
selectors
decided to
push them up
to a higher
age group.
The girls
played their
hearts out
and despite
their loss
to KZN in
the early
stages of
the
tournament;
they were
still the
highest
ranked team.
They
competed in
the final
match
against
Northerns
and won 4-2.
National
champions
for the
second year:
Remoabetswe
Letlape,
Londiwe
Mdluli,
Basisipho
Jack,
Nandipha
Mbangula,
Ndivhuwo
Tshiila,
Tasmiayh
Hoosen,
Mapaseka
Sekgala,
Dulce Mbiza
and the new
edition
Tsholofelo
Tshabalala.
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USA
Collegiate
Netball Team
Coaching
Clinic |

Netball
America was
thrilled
about
bringing the
first ever
American
Netball team
to South
Africa to
compete in
the
inaugural
World
University
Netball
Championships.
Team USA
took time
out of their
busy
schedule to
spend time
with the
OWLAG
netball
players and
coaches.
Unlike in
South
Africa,
netball is
not
well-known
in the USA
or currently
being played
at school or
university
level. The
team that
visited the
Academy is
the first
generation
American
Netball
athletes.
The team of
8 under the
management
of Netball
America
President:
Sonja
Ottaway
arrived in
Johannesburg
on Tuesday
June 26,
2012 and
headed
straight out
to the
Academy.
After a
brief tour
of the
Academy,
they had
lunch with
some of the
students.
The players
candidly
shared about
the
adversities
they had
personally
overcome in
order to
represent
their
country
internationally.

Team USA
conducted a
clinic in
the
afternoon
with their
coach Ilze
Gideons
sharing her
coaching
tips with
our coaches,
which proved
to be most
enlightening.
OWLAG also
invited
other local
school
coaches to
attend the
coaching
clinic.
An
exhibition
match
between the
OWLAG first
team and
Team USA was
played,
showcasing
their skill
and
sportsmanship.
The passion
and energy
was
electric.
Netball was
the clear
winner.
The
President of
Netball
America,
Sonja
Ottaway gave
an inspiring
and
motivating
“team talk”
to the OWLAG
players. She
shared the
SA
connection
and
symbolism
behind the
team's theme
song 'River
of Life'
which is a
duet between
Lebo
Kgasapane
and one of
Netball
America’s
supporters
American
Idol
finalist
Michael
Johns. The
afternoon
ended with
the song
being played
(and sung),
and with
each OWLAG
netball
player
receiving a
lovely
memento
t-shirt from
Team USA.
Photographs
were taken
and contact
details were
shared,
ending an
excellent
afternoon.
Thanks to
Team USA
Players:
Shallyn
Reeves
(Captain),
Jordan Keen
(Vice
Captain),
Ellen
Kortesoja,
Emily
Guimond,
Laura Adams,
Erin Sparks,
Sherica
Minott,
Grace Hoyt.
Coach: Ilze
Gideons .
Team Leader
and Netball
America
President:
Sonya
Ottaway.
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The
OWLAG Dance
Company Does
Community
Service |

The OWLAG
Dance
Company
embarked on
a three-day
tour to
bring joy to
the children
of Soweto.
Each day, we
began our
journey
filled with
everything
we needed to
put on a
spectacular
performance
– sound
system,
iron,
make-up and
of course,
costumes.
With most of
the
children’s
homes having
few
facilities
we made
adjustments
to our
choreography,
rehearsed
for ten
minutes,
warmed up
our bodies
and jumped
in feet
first full
of energy to
make each
day a
success.
Our first
stop was
Kids’ Haven
Shelter and
Children’s
Home in
Benoni,
where we
performed
for
approximately
one hundred
and fifty
excited
children and
adults.
Afterwards
we gave a
small gift,
made by the
students at
the Academy,
coupled with
a hand-made
card
addressed to
each child.
We also
donated
hand-made
from an
organisation
called
Generation
Earth.
Next stop,
Othandweni
Children’s
Home. This
home was a
challenge
because we
performed in
a space in
the dining
area so we
had to move
a
refrigerator
and stack a
few tables
to make the
space
suitable for
our
performance.
Our Last
visit was to
Nkosi’s
Haven, just
outside
Soweto. The
home has a
dance studio
and large
room, which
we
transformed,
into a small
theatre. We
had the time
of our lives
playing and
engaging
with the
children
there.
It was
rewarding
for the
OWLAG Dance
Company to
share their
passion,
light and
love for
dance with
all of the
children
during the
course of
three days.
We hoped it
inspired
them to
realise that
anything is
possible and
also to not
allow anyone
or any
situation to
dim their
light. We
learnt to be
grateful
each day for
what has
been given
to us at
OWLAG and to
know that no
matter how
little you
have; you
can always
find ways to
share.
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OWLAG’s
Bright
Academic
Future |

“The
INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE
is the way
to go, for
launching
students
into the
Global
Arena” –
John Luis (Snr
Deputy Head)
OWLAG is
pleased to
be the first
South
African
school to
offer the
Middle Years
Programme of
the
International
Baccalaureate.
The
International
Baccalaureate
is offered
in more than
4000 schools
across 141
countries.
It is the
curriculum
of choice by
Higher
Education
Institutions
around the
world.
Here are
some reasons
why the
chosen
curriculum
will set
OWLAG
students
apart from
other
students
following a
different
curriculum:
1. In 2011,
statistics
research
showed that
IB graduates
were ‘ much
more likely
to be
enrolled at
one of the
top higher
education
institutions
than
entrants
holding
other
qualifications’.
2. The
creativity,
action, and
service
requirement
encourages
experiential
learning,
that is,
acquiring
knowledge
through
direct
experience.
It gives
students a
clearer
perspective
of the world
and a drive
to initiate
and plan
their own
activities.
3. Every IB
student will
have written
a personal
project as
well as an
extended
essay. These
are both
year-long
research
papers. They
require
students to
do
independent
research and
to have
excellent
organizational
skills.
International
universities
have
commented
that these
skills
develop
cognitive
research and
writing and
communication
abilities
essential
for
university
success.
4. As part
of the
school’s
commitment
to building
a better
future, the
IB
programmes
aim to
balance
National
identity
with an
international
mindset.
Students are
encouraged
to see the
world from
different
cultural
perspectives.
5. More and
more
universities
around the
world,
including
South
Africa, are
recognising
and giving
credit to
the IB
Diploma. The
number of
higher
institutions
recognizing
the IB
Diploma grew
by 21% in
2011.
6. The IB
assessment
focuses on
what
students can
do and
achieve,
rather than
on rote
learning .
The IB
programmes
are reliable
and are
recognized
as an
internationally
consistent
measure of
personal
excellence.
7. The IB
curriculum
is different
from other
curricula in
that it
encourages
students to
make
connections
between
subjects and
the skills
needed to
become
critical
thinkers and
more
effective
learners,
rather than
simply
becoming
repositories
of
knowledge.
This is
directly in
line with
higher
education
studies
where
learning is
becoming
less
compartmentalized.
8. The IB
learner
profile
offers 10
qualities
underpinning
the IB
programme.
From
“open-minded’
to
‘balanced’,
the 10
qualities of
the learner
profile form
a framework
for
international
education
that goes
much deeper
in meeting
the needs of
a changing
world.
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Netball:
A running
commentary
from the
side lines |
“Good,
better,
best. Never
let it rest.
Until your
good is
better and
your better
is best.”
These words
echo
throughout
the school
and the
netball
field is no
exception.
Various
netball team
divisions
will play
their best
game today
and leave
their hearts
on the
court.
The first
team to play
on the 16th
May 2012 is
the U/17
team. Today
they will
face tough
competition
as they go
against Dr.
Malan High
School. It
is on days
like these
when growth
is
experienced
because it
is today
that their
undefeated
streak will
come to an
end. But,
like true
champions,
they take
their defeat
with grace
and elegance
and consider
it more a
learning
experience
than a loss.
Howard
Cosell says:
“The
ultimate
victory in
competition
is derived
from the
inner
satisfaction
of knowing
that you
have done
your best
and that you
have gotten
the most out
of what you
had to
give." For
this reason,
they too are
victors.
On the
opposite
court, the
junior team
is also hard
at it
against
Greenacres.
The loud
cheers are
an
indication
that OWLAG
is once
again
playing it’s
A game. The
final
whistle
sounds and
the crowd
cheers as
once again
our school
has emerged
victorious.
The players
accept their
victory with
grace and
congratulate
the other
team on a
good game.
This small
and humble
act depicts
the true
spirit of
sportsmanship
and the
essence of
leadership.
Their
victory
however, is
short lived
as another
match is on.
This time
the U/18’s
take to the
court with
determination
written
across their
faces. Their
competitors
are the U/18
team from
Greenacres.
They play
with passion
and yet
again, play
their best
game. They
are the
victors, but
still humble
and
graceful,
and they
congratulate
the other
team.
On the
sidelines,
OWLAG
supporters
have merged
with
Greenacres’
supporters
and are
cheering
jointly.
This spirit
of
togetherness
and
new-found
friendship
lingers for
the rest of
the
afternoon.
The various
netball
divisions
have played
their best
games today
and as they
wave their
competition
off, the
words of
Professor
Jansen are
still with
them: “Good,
better,
best. Never
let it rest.
Until your
good is
better and
your better
is best.”
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Visual
Arts Field
Trip |
VISUAL
ART ON SHOW…
Each term
the senior
Visual Arts
students
have to
showcase
their work
in an
exhibition
for
assessment
purposes.
Their work
culminates
in a
retrospective
exhibition
showcasing
each
student’s
work from
Terms 1 to
3. There is
a different
theme for
each term,
which
informs
their
creative
process of
conceptualising
ideas and
creating
artworks. In
the first
term, the
theme was
"Foreign/Familiar"
and it was
required of
the students
to
creatively
explore this
idea in
personal
imaginative
interpretations
through
various art
media such
as painting,
drawing,
photography,
installation,
performance
art etc. The
final
artworks on
show were a
myriad of
colourful
narratives
expressed in
varying
media from
digital
photography
to art
installations.
JOZI ART
RULES…
On Saturday,
the 26th of
May 2012,
the Visual
Arts Grade
12 students
went on a
field trip
to various
art
galleries in
Johannesburg.
The aim was
to not only
expose the
students to
professional
art, but
also to
further
expand their
knowledge of
visual
history and
culture.
The
galleries we
visited were
carefully
selected
according to
the artists
featured in
the Visual
Arts
Curriculum.
Thus their
learning was
brought to
life through
seeing the
actual
artworks
studied in
class. We
visited the
Standard
Bank Gallery
where we
viewed work
by female
artist
Nandipha
Mntambo
whose art
makes a
socio-cultural
critique on
certain
ideals
around
gender
issues. We
also had the
opportunity
to visit The
Johannesburg
Art Gallery
where we saw
an entire
retrospective
exhibition
showcasing
prints
produced in
the
twenty-one
years of
printmaking
history in
South
Africa. We
were
overwhelmed
not only by
the grand
scale on
which the
works were
displayed,
but also by
the unique
and varying
printmaking
techniques
that were
employed.
We then
visited The
Maboneng
Precinct at
Arts on
Main, where
Art
entrepreneur,
mogul and
gallery
owner - both
in
Johannesburg
and New York
- David Krut,
welcomed us.
We received
an inspiring
mini-lecture
on the
history of
printmaking
and the
various
careers in
art one can
undertake.
We felt
enlightened
and
encouraged
to know that
art is a
valuable
commodity
and also
occupies a
very
important
place in the
cultural,
political
and
historical
spheres of
our nation.
The
highlight of
the tour
must have
been our
stop at the
Neighbourgoods
Market in
Braamfontein
where we
lunched on
organic food
and all
sorts of
tasty
delicacies.
The students
had the
opportunity
to learn
about the
photographic
medium of
lomography
at the store
in
Braamfontein,
after which
they
explored the
town before
returning to
the Academy.
This was
certainly a
fun-filled
experience
thoroughly
enjoyed by
all.
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SAATSA
National
Debate
By Masego
Mothei |

On May 5th,
the
following
Grade 10s,
Gugulethu
Resha,
Dominique
Tarr,
Angelica Le
Roux,
Nonkuleko
Magadla and
I began our
journey to
compete at
the SAASTA
(South
African
Agency for
Science and
Technology
Advancement)
Debate
competition.
I must
admit, we
were
certainly
not the most
confident
debaters
initially,
as we had
just
returned
from
holidays,
allowing for
only two
days’
preparation.
Nonetheless,
we entered
the premises
of Wits
University
armed and
ready for
verbal
battle.
The topic
for the day
was ‘Can
genetic
engineering
make
biofuels a
sustainable
alternative
energy for
the future?’
The topic
was not the
easiest to
tackle, but
we tried our
best to
research the
issues in
the time we
had
available.
We
approached
the topic
from
different
perspectives
and gained
much
knowledge in
the process.
The demands
of the
competition
involved all
five team
members
making
unrehearsed
speeches
which were
scientifically
correct
while also
being
persuasive
and
compelling.
Ultimately,
the teams
were
required to
collectively
draft an
agreed upon
policy, and
this
required a
great deal
of
one-on-one
arguing and
persuading!
We walked
away from
the
competition
delighted as
we managed
to secure
second place
under the
mentorship
and guidance
of Ms.
MacIntyre.
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Parent's
Day 2012 |

On the 19th
of May,
2012, OWLAG
parents and
guardians
were given
the
opportunity
to visit the
Academy and
see for
themselves
what it
constitutes.
Parents’ Day
is intended
to
facilitate
communication
between
families and
the Academy.
Parents and
guardians
were able to
tour our
beautiful
campus and
meet with
our
dedicated
teachers.
Most parents
came from
Gauteng with
a few who
travelled
from Durban
and Limpopo.
The Academy
understands
the
difficulties
faced by
many parents
who live far
from Gauteng
and have,
arranged
meetings in
other
central
areas such
as Durban
and Cape
Town where
parents are
able to join
in the
knowledge of
the
Academy’s
continued
growth.
The young
ladies at
the academy
were really
grateful for
the
opportunity
as it meant
they could
spend time
with their
loved ones.
They
appreciated
that the
schedule was
not
restrictive
which
allowed for
the time
spent
together. It
was
fantastic
that the
parents or
guardians
were allowed
to visit the
residences
and see how
their
daughters
live. The
consultations
with the
teachers
were
excellent
and many
felt that it
allowed for
their
parents or
guardians to
be included
in their
development.
This is best
described by
the words of
Lebogang
Mokoena who
said that it
felt like
her two
worlds
finally
united.
Parents or
guardians
were also
able to get
to know
their
daughters on
a different
level based
on what
teachers or
residence
staff had to
say about
them and
many were
happy to
have this
opportunity.
Some young
ladies who
could not
have parents
or guardians
present
spent the
day with
friends and
their
families.
The day was
one of much
love and
joy. One of
the
highlights
was the
performances
that were
really
entertaining
and well
organized.
The day
ended with a
parent-teacher
meeting.
After the
formalities,
many sadly
said goodbye
to their
parents or
guardians.
It really
was a day to
remember.
[back
to top]
|
|
Grade 8
Camp |

Ask the
Grade 8’s
about the
highlight of
this year
and most
will answer:
“Our visit
to
Mpumalanga!
It was an
adventure of
a lifetime!”
The Grade 8
Camp in May,
included
gold panning
in Pilgrim’s
Rest, that
beautiful
old historic
town, where
we actually
found some
‘fool’s
gold’! A
visit to the
local
cemetery
made the
people who
had lived
and died
during this
part of our
history seem
very real
indeed, and
not just
characters
in an old
story.
We also
visited one
of South
Africa’s
scenic
wonders: The
Blyde River
Canyon with
the three ‘Rondavels’,
the actual
river and
its awesome
waterfalls.
Then it was
on to
Kwa-Madwala
where we
camped, went
on game
drives both
during the
day and at
night. We
saw many
animals in
their
natural
habitat.
Besides the
‘Big Five’,
we also got
close up to
snakes and
other
reptiles.
For many of
us, our
perception
of these
animals has
altered as
we came to
realise the
beauty of
all living
creatures.
At night, we
experienced
the wonder
of clear,
star-studded
skies and
learnt about
the galaxies
of this
amazing
universe of
which we are
a part.
After
‘roughing
it’ in some
of the camps
, we also
came to
appreciate
the luxuries
we enjoy at
OWLAG!
[back
to top]
|
|
Grade 9
Camp |

Bright and
early on
Sunday the
20th
May,2012 the
Grade 9
learners set
off on their
trip to
Lapalala
Wilderness
School and
Outward
Bound. When
we arrived
we were
greeted by
the friendly
staff and
split into
two groups.
Outward
Bound was no
piece of
cake. We all
had to carry
our own
backpacks
with the
food we
would be
eating for
the next
three days,
plus the
equipment we
would use to
need to cook
our food as
well as the
tents we
would be
sleeping in.
The nights
were cold
and almost
always
sleepless.
The days
were busy –
four hour
hikes (where
one team was
hiking in
the dark and
had to be
rescued);
abseiling –
where some
people burnt
holes in
their
fingers
whilst
gripping
onto the
rope for
dear life;
rock
climbing –
which two
groups
unfortunately
could not do
due to the
fact that
there were
hippos
nearby and
where
Siqobile
Zulu took
quite a
fall!
At Lapalala
girls were
learning
about creepy
crawlies
(where they
got to touch
scorpions,
worms and a
Burmese
python). We
also learnt
about
climate
change and
global
warming,
adaptation
and
evolution,
river
ecology
(where one
group ended
up
mistakenly
swimming
with a baby
croc) and
experienced
a
challenging
obstacle
course.
As a group
we learnt
how positive
energy can
help us
overcome
difficulties,
and also to
go the extra
mile no
matter what
it is we are
undertaking.
A special
thank you to
very special
teachers who
accompanied
us and to
all those
who made our
trip
possible
[back
to top]
|
|
Grade 10
Camp |

Grade
outings at
OWLAG are a
much-anticipated
experience,
because they
give us the
opportunity
to
strengthen
our
relationships
outside of
the Academy
environment.
They are
also a time
to discover
new skills
and to
enhance the
ones that we
have already
acquired.
On the
morning of
20th May we
embarked on
our long
awaited
drive to our
first
destination,
ATKV, in the
Drakensberg.
We were
warmly
welcomed by
the
instructors
and
immediately
told to head
to the
destination
of our first
activity –
the “foefie”
slide. The
feared
challenge
was
conquered by
most of the
girls and
strengthened
the bond
between us
with every
encouraging
shout. The
rest of the
time was
spent lazing
in the
heated
pools,
jumping on
trampolines,
hiking to
the
waterfall in
the
Drakensberg
Mountains
and
increasing
our
geographical
knowledge,
while we
admired the
beauty of
KwaZulu-Natal
(KZN).
On the
morning of
the 22nd we
departed for
Durban. Our
first stop
was the
Durban
Harbour. We
had
firsthand
experience
on the boats
and toured
South
Africa’s
biggest
importing
and
exporting
coastal
port. The
boat ride
was an
enjoyable
experience
as it was a
first-time
experience
on the ocean
for most of
the girls.
Afterwards
we drove to
Umhlanga’s
Gateway
Mall, which
has a wide
variety of
shops. Some
of our
sisters had
the
privilege of
meeting up
with their
family
members and
friends. We
spent our
last day in
Durban
shopping and
relaxing at
the Ushaka
Marine Water
Park, many
of the girls
can add
‘been on the
highest
slide in
Africa’ to
their list
of
accomplishments.

From the
vibrant city
of Durban we
then headed
to a
secluded
camp in KZN
called
Babanango.
The girls
did not
expect much
of their
last
destination
so were
surprised to
find a five
star camp
with
delicious
food and
friendly
instructors.
There we
experienced
fireside
mealtimes
and were
taken on
night-hikes
and
stargazing
tours. The
beautiful
setting of
the remote
little
village of
Babanango
created a
happy yet
nostalgic
conclusion
to our last
night at the
camp.
Our last day
of camp was
spent at the
Battlefields
where we
absorbed
every gory
and
informative
description
of the war
between the
Zulus and
the British.
We left the
site with
our hearts
filled with
pride for
the Zulu
warriors and
our legs
aching with
cramps from
the long
hike.
After saying
goodbye to
the
beautiful
province of
KZN we left
revitalized
and
motivated
for the
exams. After
all , if we
could climb
mountains,
“foefie”
slide over
dams, plunge
down the
highest
water-slide
in Africa
and endure a
minimum of
four hours
of bus
driving a
day, the
matric exams
are nothing
to fear!
[back
to top]
|
|
The Yale
Spizzwinks
Performance |
“Girls you
are going to
have fun!
You are
going to cry
and laugh;
you name
it.”
These were
Mrs.
Raijmaker’s
words when
we got onto
the bus to
go to
Beaulieu
College for
the OWLAG
CHOIR field
trip to see
the Yale
Spizzwinks’
concert on
24th May
2012.
The Yale
Spizzwinks
is a
cappella
group of
male Yale
university
students,
which was
founded in
1913 in
America.
They perform
more than
one hundred
concerts a
year,
worldwide.
Initially we
thought that
they would
only perform
one style
which is
fairly
classical,
but we were
proved
wrong. They
sang some
well-known
songs such
as ‘Billy
Jean’ by
Michael
Jackson.
One aspect
all the
girls liked
about the
Yale
Spizzwinks
is that they
engage their
audience
during their
performance.
Their energy
flows
throughout
the hall.
Not only did
they share
their
beautiful
voices with
us, but they
also
performed
little skits
which
definitely
strengthened
our
abdominal
muscles
(from all
the laughter
they
created).
At the end
of the show
the choir
girls got
the
opportunity
to talk to
them and
take
pictures
with them.
That evening
will
certainly
live in
every senior
choir girl’s
heart.
Lorraine
Mphekoane
(17) said:
“They sang
so well,
they left
tears
running down
my face.
Words can’t
really
explain the
happiness
they brought
me.”
[back
to top]
|
|
Music
Matters to
take Note of
By Mr.
Rudi Olivier
(Head of
Music) |
The Music
Department
kicked off
the year
with an
event called
‘Orchestra
from
Scratch’.
Players of
orchestral
instruments
who do not
perform as
part of an
established
orchestra on
a regular
basis are
offered the
rare
opportunity
to work with
a
professional
conductor.
The
programme
included
standards in
the
orchestral
repertoire
such as
Stars and
Stripes, O
Sole Mio and
the Radetsky
March. The
audience was
also treated
to more
popular
tunes such
as a medley
from the
musicals of
Andrew Lloyd
Weber, YMCA
by the
Village
People and
Shosholoza.
As the
conductor
correctly
pointed out,
being
involved
with the
rehearsal
and
performance
process of a
project such
as this one,
requires
great
discipline
and focused
attention.
The
orchestra
had one
rehearsal
which lasted
three hours
followed by
the
performance
of over an
hour. Thank
you to the
following
girls who
faced the
challenge
bravely and
contributed
to the
success of
the
performance:
Kendra-Leigh
van Wyk,
Amanda Nkosi,
Avukile Zoya,
Mbali
Meyers,
Buhle
Mtsweni,
Nokuthula
Makete,
Mathapelo
Masalesa,
Sibongile
Seale,
Magdeline
Kgapola,
Mpho Lebethe,
Sasha-lee
Setzin,
Puseletso
Maepa and
Dominique
Tarr.
Our Senior
Marimba band
was invited
to perform
at the
launch of
the final
report for
the Amazwi
Abesifazane
(Voices of
Women)
Campaign on
the 20th of
May, 2012.
The event
was
organised by
Parliament
in
collaboration
with the
Constitution
Hill Trust
and the
Gauteng
Provincial
Legislature.
The campaign
is designed
to give
marginalised
women an
opportunity
to
contribute
to the
legislative
system and
influence
the design
of policies
that affect
their lives.
Mr Zubeida
Shaik,
Programme
Director for
the
Parliamentary
Millennium
Programme,
wrote the
following in
response to
the
performance:
“The girls’
outstanding
performances
contributed
greatly to
the pleasant
atmosphere
and
strengthened
the very
spiritual
nature of
the event,
also
rounding off
a perfect
day. The
girls were
amazing,
their
behaviour
exemplary,
their
disposition
admirable
and their
musical
performances
were in no
doubt one of
the
highlights
of the day”.
Thank you to
the
following
girls: Seeta
Chauke,
Obakeng
Sehlako,
Mpho Lebethe,
Mpho Wanyane,
Thina
Hlatshwayo,
Nonkululelo
Mpungose,
Maphefo
Leputu,
Khentshani
Ndlovu,
Nonsindiso
Mchunu,
Palesa
Mohale,
Boitumalo
Theepe,
Juliet
Morulane,
Boitumale
Motaung,
Sharon
Moshakeni,
Refilwe
Digoamaje,
Avukile Zoya,
Samukeliswe
Nkosi,
Lesedi Meza,
Thuli Makete,
Tshireletso
Makgatho and
Hleziphi
Mzinyane,
who
contributed
to the day’s
success.
The
Kingsmead
Orchestra
and Ensemble
Festival
took place
on the 31st
of May. The
OWLAG entry
comprised
the Jazz
band, the
Junior and
Senior
Marimba
band, as
well as an
ensemble
that
included
violas,
oboes and
double
basses. The
girls gave a
lively,
impressive
performance
and took
delight in
listening to
ensembles
from five
other
schools –
the
highlight
being a cool
and slick
performance
by a jazz
band from St
John’s
College.
Thank you to
Mrs. Mailula,
Mrs.
Miljkovic,
Mr. Phoshoko
and Mr.
Roberts for
their
contribution
in making a
success of
the evening.
Concerts
that were
attended
included the
Duke of
Cornwall
Singers’
annual
Valentines
concert as
well as the
Rand
Symphony
Youth
concert. The
Valentines
concert was
sheer
delight, a
humorous
song called
Short People
(Got no
reason to
live) proved
to be very
entertaining.
The Youth
Concert
featured
soloists
from 12 to
17 years
old. While
musical
works by
Mozart were
in abundant
supply, the
Czardas (a
piece for
violin and
orchestra
based on
Hungarian
folk music)
as well the
Doll’s Aria
was most
enjoyable.
[back
to top]
|
|
A Matric
Night at the
Oscars |
“I had a
nightmare
about the
Matric
Dance”, “I
don’t have a
date, dress,
shoes or
hairstyle!”,
“I can’t
find the
dress that I
want
anywhere!”,
“What if my
date doesn’t
pitch!”, “In
my dream my
dress tore
on the dance
floor and
everyone
laughed at
me”. Those
are some of
the thoughts
that led to
sleepless
nights prior
to our
special
night.
Saturday,
the 5th of
May 2012
meant that
the BIG DAY
had arrived!
There was a
lot to be
done:
make-up,
styling of
hair, fixing
or getting
nails done
and making
sure that
the date
knew when to
be at the
venue, and
what to
wear. The
matric girls
woke up
early as
they
realised
that the
time had
come, as the
world cup
saying
went...
‘Feel it, it
is here’. It
was a
chilled
Saturday
morning but
the
electricity
and the
vibrancy
were
tangible.
At 15h00 the
emotions
were flying
high, as the
time to go
to the venue
was getting
closer and
closer. The
Grade 11s
helped us
get dressed
and made
sure that we
were not
getting too
overwhelmed
by our
emotions.
Beautiful
princesses
start to
emerge from
their rooms,
and as we
walked out
of our res,
nervous and
jumpy with
excitement,
we found the
rest of the
Academy
waiting for
us. Screams
got louder
as each of
us walked
out, fingers
pointing
towards our
different
and unique
dresses. But
the crowd
waiting for
us went
crazy about
one thing
that most
girls are
crazy
about...SHOES!
All the way
to the buses
phones,
cameras and
Galaxy Tabs
flashed as
our ‘fans’
took
pictures.
The
Wanderers
was the
venue for
the Matric
Dance, the
theme still
a surprise
and unknown
to us. As we
climbed out
the bus and
got a
glimpse of
our dates
silence
consumed the
foyer.
Teachers
were also
waiting and
the pride on
their faces
when they
saw us was
astonishing.
They
couldn’t
believe the
glamorous
belles
entering the
ballroom.
The theme
for the
night was
The Oscars.
At least
some of us
can now say
“I have been
to the
Oscars!”.
Walking down
the red
carpet with
lights
flashing on
the sides
and teachers
snapping
away made
the night
even more
special.
As we took
our seats at
the
beautifully
decorated
tables with
our name
cards, we
took in the
scene before
our eyes and
smiled
broadly.
Beautiful
speeches
were
presented by
our Grade
Co-ordinator
Ms. Seshoka,
the LRC
president
Samukelisiwe
Nkosi and a
special one
from Ms Mpho
Wanyane.
After the
speeches our
favourite
part of the
evening
began:
eating and
dancing.
I took a
deep breath
and stood
next to
Oscar, the
Award
statue, and
the
cameraman
snapped
away. I took
to the dance
floor with
my
high-heeled
shoes and
danced up a
storm.
What did
some of the
girls think
about the
theme? “I
loved it!”
said Jamie.
For
Khentshani,
“it was
gorgeous,
beautiful
and very
unexpected.”
“It was a
wonderful
and
unforgettable
event. I
still think
about it to
this day.”
Buhle Zulu,
with dreamy
eyes. I
couldn’t
agree more
with Buhle.
I don’t
think any of
us will
ever, and I
mean ever,
forget that
spectacular
night, date
or no date
it was
amazing.
Having fun
and making
every moment
count was
what all of
us were
thinking
about.
[back
to top]
|
|
Round
Square Kenya |
DELEGATES
(Adults &
Students):
Ms. A van
Zyl
Ms. Tasmin
Abed
Moroesi
Ntsikeng
Kendra Leigh
van Wyk
Round Square
conferences
provide
learners in
schools all
around the
globe with
an
opportunity
to explore
issues that
affect this
generation
through the
Round Square
IDEALS –
that being
INTERNATIONALISM,
DEMOCRACY,
ENVIRONMENTALISM,
LEADERSHIP
AND SERVICE.
The
conferences
also provide
the
opportunity
to meet and
socialise
with other
young people
from other
schools,
regions or
countries,
giving one
an
opportunity
to learn
more about
other
cultures and
ways of
living, an
eye opening
experience
for anyone
involved old
or young.
The Round
Square
International
Conference
gave
delegates
the
opportunity
to
participate
in
activities
highlighting
the Round
Square
IDEALS and
also the
conference
theme. Guest
speakers
included
Judge Albie
Sacks, a
former
constitutional
court judge
in South
Africa and
Henry
Wanyoike, a
blind Kenyan
long
distance
runner who
uses his
prize money
and
sponsorships
to uplift
his
community.
The service
projects
included
building a
library in
Kuwinda,
laying
concrete
floors at
Osupuku, a
school for
Maasai girls
and
renovating
the kitchen
area at Dr.
Barbados
children’s
home.
The entire
experience
was very
enriching.
Delegates
were made
aware of a
greater
world beyond
their own
tiny cocoons
and that the
responsibility
of
eradicating
problems
like poverty
and
corruption
lies with
the youth.”
No man is an
island” as
the poet
John Donne
wrote and
there
certainly is
“No
Existence,
Without
Co-existence”.
[back
to top]
|
|
The
OWLAG Dance
Company
travels to
the Big
Apple |


During the
April
holidays
twenty
dancers from
the OWLAG
Dance
Company flew
to New York
City for an
exciting and
memorable
visit!
Ms.
Smallwood,
Director of
Student
Affairs and
our dance
teacher met
us at JFK
International
Airport. We
drove to our
hotel in
Brooklyn,
which would
be our home
base for the
duration of
our stay. We
then enjoyed
a tour of
“The Big
Apple”,
taking in
such sights
as giant
skyscrapers,
Central
Park, Times
Square and
Carnegie
Hall. We
drove
through
Harlem and
saw the
famous
Apollo
Theatre.
Everywhere
we went,
people
wanted to
know about
OWLAG and
South
Africa. We
also had our
first
American
meal,
followed by
a theatre
performance
of Ballet
Hispanico.
Not only did
we watch
performances,
but also at
the Dance
Theatre of
Harlem, we
were able to
share dance
moves with
some of
their
dancers. We
had our most
unforgettable
meal ever at
Ms.
Smallwood’s
mother’s
home as the
whole family
cooked for
us!
Space does
not allow a
report of
everything
we saw and
did, but a
few more
wonderful
events must
be included:
we visited
the renowned
“Fame”
school where
Ms.
Smallwood
received her
training. We
also
experienced
many live
performances,
which
energized
and
stimulated
us. As OWLAG
sisters we
grew very
close and
were
privileged
to be
accompanied
and cared
for by two
amazing
members of
staff – Mrs.
Akbar and
Ms.
Papageorgiou,
to whom we
owe thanks
for their
care and
organisation.
Last but not
least, a
heartfelt
thanks to
our own Ms.
Smallwood
for
everything
she does for
us, and Mom
Oprah for
giving us
this
opportunity
of a
lifetime.
[back
to top]
|
|
Choir
Outing to
Cape Town
by Thandi
Motunu |

Quartet
trip to Cape
Town
Nkosingiphile,
Nomsa,
Dimakatso
and I
embarked on
a once in a
lifetime
opportunity
to go to
Cape Town
for the O
Magazine’s
10th
Birthday
Celebration
in April
2012. This
was our
first time
being in
Cape Town
let alone
flying on an
airplane. We
had to wake
up early in
the morning
to catch an
early flight
so we could
get there on
time. We
arrived at
the Cape
Town
International
Airport
early enough
to drive to
the our
hotel to
rehearse and
do a sound
check.
After a
rehearsal
and sound
check, the
“meet and
greet”
followed. We
took
pictures for
the magazine
and met the
Editor in
Chief. We
also saw
Marwiya and
Shugane who
are OWLAG
2011
graduates.
We performed
a repertoire
of 3 songs,
after the
starters.
The luncheon
was followed
by Samantha
Page, the
Editor of O
Magazine SA,
who gave us
a brief
history of
how the
magazine was
started in
South
Africa.
The luncheon
and
celebration
was a great
success and
a memorable
experience.
[back
to top]
|
|
Think!
What Can You
Become?
By Trisha
Paulsen |
 |
The 1st
April 2012
marked the
beginning of
an
extraordinary
adventure
for many
HIP2B2 brand
champions
around the
country, and
I was
fortunate to
be one of
them. We
would be
living at
the Joie de
Vivre
country
house in the
Western Cape
province
wine lands.
We were all
invited to
attend a
series of
workshops to
inform us
what is
expected of
us as HIP2B2
brand
champions.
These
workshops
lasted for
four days,
but the
experience
will last
forever.
My parents
drove me to
the airport
and as it
was my first
time flying,
I was a
nervous
wreck. I was
seated next
to a
newly-wed
couple and
they made me
feel as
comfortable
as possible.
Upon my
arrival at
Cape Town
International
Airport I
was met by
Johan Van
Lil and
other brand
champions.
We were
treated to
lunch as we
waited for
the other
champions to
arrive. This
was a great
way to get
to know the
people I
would be
living with
for the next
few days.
The first
aspect we
learnt about
was the
brand,
HIP2B2 ,
which is an
initiative
started by
Mark
Shuttleworth,
the HIP2B2
head brand
champion.
The main aim
for this
brand is to
spark an
interest for
Mathematics
and Science
in children
at primary
schools.
With the
hope that
they will
choose them
as subjects
at high
school
level. The
importance
of
Mathematics
and Science
in today’s
society is
immense.
We
participated
in many
interesting
activities,
with a
variety of
people, who
thought in
so many
different
dimensions.
The photo
shoot was
incredible,
and I for
one felt
like a
supermodel.
I had a
great
learning
experience,
and it is
something I
will carry
with me
wherever I
go. It is
about
thinking out
of the box
to attain
your full
potential.
HIP2B2 is a
fire and we
the
champions
are there to
carry the
spark.
Think! What
can you
become? |
[back
to top]
|
African
Regional
Conference,
Bridgehouse
School, Cape
Town,
Bridgehouse
School, Cape
Town
26 April
2012 - 1 May
2012
“Breaking
Chains,
Forging
Links” |

DELEGATES
(Adults &
Students):
Ms.
Sibusisiwe
Thembela
Ms. Pumla
Mbandlwa
Khanyisile
Morudu
Luyolo
Mtiyane
Aviwe
Mncwabe
Charmaine
Rantsieng
Boipelo
Mooki
Magdeline
Kgapola
The Round
Square
African
Regional
Conference
highlighted
the
significance
of unity and
diversity
within the
conference
theme of
Breaking
Chains and
Forging
Links.
Delegates
were given
the
opportunity
to explore
what service
means to
Africans. We
are born
with the
principles
of service
and
compassion
but we don’t
really
acknowledge
and make use
of them in
our
day-to-day
lives. The
conference
allowed us
to serve,
acquire new
values, have
fun and form
new
friendships.
Keynote
speakers
such as
Lewis Pugh
and Pie-Pacifique
enlightened
us on the
true essence
of being an
African and
one who
strives to
achieve what
you truly
believe in.
Other
inspiring
keynote
speakers
included the
gorgeous
Ella Bella,
the
co-founder
of
Generation
Earth.
Delegates
were
assigned to
various
service
projects
such as
alien
hacking, an
emotional
trip to the
local
hospice as
well as an
inspiring
soccer
tournament
with an
energetic
group of
boys from
the
neighbouring
community.
Participating
in 5km or 10
km “draaf
“with the
community
members was
both
exciting and
exhausting
and
delegates
truly felt
part of the
Franschoek
family. .
[back
to top]
|
|
US
College Tour |

On Monday
16th April,
thirteen
Grade 12
students
left for an
exploratory
US College
Tour to the
United
States.
Although we
were
nervous, and
the flight
was very
long, we
arrived in
Atalnta
excited to
learn and
experience
as much as
we could
during our
trip. The
aim of the
college tour
was to visit
potential
tertiary
institutions
in order to
get to know
them better
with the
view to
studying
there post-matric.
The first
school that
we visited
was Spellman
College,
which three
of our
graduates
will be
studying at
from August
this year.
The
beautiful
campus, the
inspiring
and
motivated
students
left many of
our girls
eager to
consider
going there
.
The next few
days
involved
visiting
schools such
as: Brown
University,
Brandeis and
Wellesley,
all situated
in Boston.
These
schools are
among the
many that
offer a
rigorous
liberal arts
curriculum
aimed at
developing
well-rounded
students. We
left
Wellesley
for an
overnight
visit at
Dana Hall
where
friendships
were made
and
strengthened.
From Dana
Hall we
toured Mount
Holyoke,
Smith
College,
Williams
College,
Skidmore in
Saratoga
Springs as
well as
Vassar
College.
During the
entire trip,
we noticed
how people
who work for
the State in
public
service
always have
smiles on
their faces,
the love
they have
for their
country was
evident. The
atmosphere
in America
felt centred
around the
concept that
everyone is
free to be
anyone and
everyone can
express
themselves
in whatever
manner they
want to.
We travelled
into the
city which
never
sleeps.
Seriously,
New York
City never
sleeps.
‘It’s a
place where
there is a
constant
buzz; there
is a
specific
tempo to
which
everyone
lives. I
love it ...I
just love
it!’ was
Lebo’s
comment.
During our
stay in New
York City,
the OWLAG
Dance
Company, who
were also on
tour,
performed at
the Jazz @
Lincoln
Centre,
which we
were
privileged
to attend.
It was an
event hosted
by Mom Oprah
with the aim
of seeking
donations
for the
Academy’s
college
fund. We got
to meet Mom
Oprah’s
friends who
have
accomplished
so much in
their lives.
To have been
in the same
room as Mr.
Corey
Booker, New
York’s
mayor,
Alicia Keys
, Russell
Simmons and
many other
inspiring
celebrities
was a truly
humbling
experience.
We then made
our way to
North
Carolina,
where we
were special
guests at
the house of
Dr. Maya
Angelou,
well-known
author and
role model
to many an
OWLAG girl.
We were
blessed to
be in her
presence and
had the
opportunity
to meet some
of her
friends who
shared with
us some
advice about
going to
University
and the road
to success.
We also had
the pleasure
of being in
her library
and later,
getting to
sit with her
at her table
and listen
as she
shared her
wisdom with
us. She
reminded us
to believe
in ourselves
and be
conscious of
the fact
that great
things are
expected of
us.
In total, we
visited
sixteen
Schools
during the
course of
twelve days.
We left
overwhelmed
by the size
of food
portions in
the US;
amazed at
the
efficiency
of the
subways; and
having met
wonderful
people. Some
of us fell
in love with
America. The
U.S College
Tour gave us
the
opportunity
to see
another part
of the world
and to
encourage us
to reach out
for new
experiences.
[back
to top]
|
|
Brescia
House Derby |
Brescia
House
arrived at
OWLAG on
24th March,
greeted by
the sounds
of our
Marimba
band, for a
morning
filled with
both
Cultural and
Sporting
activities.
The young
ladies from
both schools
then
interacted,
ate muffins
and drank
juice, after
which they
all
congregated
at the Tree
of Knowledge
where Ms
Macaskill
explained
the
procedures
for the
morning.
There was
Debating in
the labs,
Chess in F
block and
Public
Speaking in
B block.
Both the
Chess and
the Debating
were run by
OWLAG
students,
which proved
to be a
great
success. Ms.
Papergeorgiou
was very
impressed
with the
chess
ladies. Mrs.
Tervit was
overseeing
the Public
Speaking,
with her
students
taking the
lead and
managing
their event.
All the
girls did
extremely
well.
On the
courts,
intense but
friendly
netball and
tennis
matches were
played. The
tennis girls
played with
great
spirit,
preparing
themselves
for the
upcoming
matches at
the end of
April. The
netball
girls were
on fire, and
the final
scores were:
u/14 won 13
- 6; u/15
lost 20 -
24; u/16 won
19 - 10;
u/17 won 25
- 18, and
the Open
team lost 22
- 43. Mrs.
Gumede was
very proud
of her
teams.
The field
buzz began
with the
first match
of soccer
played at
08h30. Mr.
Radebe
refereed and
Mr.
O’Flaherty
paced up and
down
encouraging
the teams.
The score
was 3-2 to
Brescia
House.
Hockey
matches then
started at
09h30. The
juniors drew
0-0, the
second team
0 - 0 and
the first
team won 1 -
0. All the
teams
impressed
Mr. Bourquin,
and he said
that he is
looking
forward to
seeing their
results in
the upcoming
league
matches.
Everyone
then went
and had a
scrumptious
meal in the
dining hall.
“This was a
great
success and
is exactly
what we were
aiming for
in 2011 when
we started
the Derby
Day with
Brescia. I
am sure this
will be a
tradition
for both
schools. We
have already
booked the
16th March
2013, for
our next
meeting,”
Ms.
Macaskill
stated. The
day would
not have
been such a
success if
it wasn’t
for the
teachers
involved,
our amazing
facilities
and kitchen
staff,
security,
administration,
as well as
the sports
committee.
And most
importantly,
the girls
who
participated!
[back
to top]
|
|
Develop
@ your own
library
|

This was the
theme for
this year’s
South
African
Library
week.
On Saturday,
24th of
March 2012
the OWLAG
library
committee
hosted a
library week
celebration
event. The
purpose was
to expose
the OWLAG
community to
the
wonderful
world of
libraries.
The
educational,
fun-filled
and
informative
day was
designed to
help the
enthusiastic
participants
develop in
many ways in
our library.
The event
focused on
possible
careers and
interests in
the book
industry and
media. It
increased
our
awareness on
the
significance
and benefits
of using
libraries in
our lives.
Invited
guest
speakers
such as
poets,
authors,
book
promoters,
book
illustrators,
editors and
a script
writer
shared their
talents and
invaluable
knowledge
with us.
The poet
Motswitla
(who goes by
the name of
Tswi’s)
performance
was
described by
the girls as
pure
piousness.
His way of
conveying
Christian
knowledge
through
poetry
changed the
way many
OWLAG girls
view poets.
The
world-renowned
book
promoter, Ms
Audrey
Hitchcock
shared the
wisdom that
she had
accumulated
throughout
her well
lived life
with books.
Nothing can
ever beat
her mantra:
“getting the
right book
into the
right hands
at the right
time.”
The library
week
celebration
would not
have been
complete at
OWLAG
without a
theatre
performance
by “Hooked
on Books”.
Their
hilarious,
funny and
overly
dramatized
book
trailers
continue to
get many
OWLAG girls
hooked on
books.
The
interactive
sessions
with the
invited
guest
speakers
proved to be
a cherry on
top: Deidre
Donnelly, a
senior
feature
writer and
book editor;
Phillipa Yaa
de Villiers
an
extraordinary
Poet; Joan
Rankin, a
Book
Illustrator;
Sifiso Mzobe,
author of
the novel
“Young
Blood”. Sbo
“Da Poet”
Mbutho, a
man who
learnt how
to use the
power of
words to
discuss
issues of
the heart,
also graced
us with his
presence.
To end the
day’s
celebrations,
we had a
private
screening of
the movie
LEO,.a Jaza
Mkataba
campaign to
help fill up
two
libraries
with books:
one in
Limpopo at
Mvele high
school and
the public
library in
Kenya.
[back
to top]
|
|
Magic of
Chemistry |

The Science
Department
celebrated
World
Science Day
on Friday
the 9th of
March with a
chemistry
magic show,
produced and
directed by
the Grade 12
Physical
Science
girls, for
all the
Grade 10 and
11 girls. It
was
memorable.
Few will
forget the
experiment
of writing
with fire
which took
off at such
a great rate
that the
paper as
well as the
secret
writing went
up in smoke.
Ms Webb
sprang into
action with
the fire
extinguisher
saving the
day and
filling the
Gym with
clouds of
white fire
repellent
dust.
Then the
Grade 12’s
encouraged
the Grade 10
and 11’s to
construct
sticky
molecules
from
chemical
formulae.
Tea, muffins
and juice
kept all
busy and
energised.
The Juniors
were treated
to a Science
Show
presented by
Francois
Geldenhuys
of Experilab.
They watched
balloons
explode;
reactions
that
produced all
sorts of
gooey messes
and
sometimes
ignited
spontaneously,
as well as
Francois’s
huge potato
gun.
In our
everyday
class work
we tackle
quite
complex
theories of
how things
should work
(and
hopefully
most things
do what we
predict they
should do!).
Spending
time playing
with
chemicals
(in a
controlled
environment)
helps to see
the theory
in practice,
and to
remind us of
the wonder
and beauty,
as well as
the power of
Physics and
Chemistry.
[back
to top]
|
|
Cornell
Model United
Nations
Conference,
USA
|
In 2011,
Sadé
Pietersen
and Noxolo
Ntaka from
OWLAG who,
together
with their
teammates
Balekaofela
Mphuti and
Esther
Khongwane
from
Meyerton
High, won
first place
at the South
African
Model United
Nations
International
competition.
As a result,
on the 24th
of March
2012, they
together
with eight
learners
from across
South
Africa’s
nine
provinces
headed for
the USA….
Upon our
arrival in
New York, we
booked into
the
Wellington
Hotel where
we stayed
for the
duration of
our trip.
Although, we
lived in New
York City
the formal
debates took
place at
Cornell
University
in Ithaca.
The formal
debating
sessions
commenced on
the 29th of
March. Each
member of
the
delegation
was assigned
to a
committee
where they
represented
South Africa
on a certain
global
issue. Some
of the
topics
included the
‘Reform of
the Security
Council’,
the
‘Promotion
of LGBT
Rights’ and
the ‘Status
of
non-self-governing
States’. The
purpose of
these
committees
was to
discuss and
find
suitable
solutions to
issues that
are
currently
facing our
global
community.
The debate
was held
over a
course of
three days
and in those
three days
each
committee
met for six
two-to-four
hour
sessions. It
was our
first time
participating
in a debate
of this
nature and
we went to
the
conference
not knowing
what to
expect,
eager and
ready to
meet the
challenge.
In the end
our hard
work did not
go unnoticed
and we were
presented
with the
award for
the most
Outstanding
Small
Delegation.
But more
than the
award, the
experience
left us with
new friends
and a
lifetime of
knowledge
and memories
that we know
we will
treasure
always.
When the
formal
debates were
over, we
headed back
to the “Big
Apple” to
enjoy what
the city had
to offer. We
were able to
see famous
tourist
attractions
like the
9/11
Memorial,
The Rock,
the UN
Headquarters
and a
highlight
for many,
the Security
Council
Chambers.
Living in
New York
City exposed
us to the
American
culture and
we had the
opportunity
to explore
America’s
fashion
district and
the
overwhelmingly
sensory
Times
Square.
When it was
time to fly
back to
South Africa
we felt both
joy and
sorrow. For
the friends
and vibrant
culture that
we had to
leave
behind, we
felt sorrow.
But because
there is no
place like
home, we
happily
boarded the
plane back
to our
Mother land,
South
Africa.
[back
to top]
|
Round
Square:
Junior
African
Regional
Conference,
Dainfern
College,
Johannesburg
18-23
February
2012 |
DELEGATES
(Adults &
Students):
Mr. Lisang
Moyo
Ms. Sarah-
Jane Goosen
Moipone
Motlhamare
Antonette
Sibeko
Sinqobile
Zulu
Megan Fraser
Nadia
Infantino
Lindiwe
Makhubela
An opening
ceremony
dinner at a
hotel with
an African
theme marked
the
beginning of
this amazing
conference.
We received
inspirational
presentations
from Prof.
David Block
from Wits
University;
founder of
Generation
Earth, Elle
Bella and
from Thabang
Skhwambane
who cycled
from
Johannesburg
to Mount
Kilimanjaro
in Tanzania
within 62
days with no
money or
food. All
the guest
speakers
left us
inspired and
determined
to make the
changes in
the world
that we want
to see. We
had a great
time at Jozi
X where the
delegates’
sense of
adventure
was put to
the test.
The last
three days
of the
conference
was spent at
Camp
Discovery in
Limpopo
where
delegates
got to
experience
some more
leadership
and
adventure
activities
while
participating
in various
challenges
including
scuba
diving.
We left with
lasting
memories,
new skills
and enduring
friendships.
[back
to top]
|
|
Residence
Life: Home
Away from
Home By
Ms. Pumla
Mbandlwa |

As the
newly-appointed
Director of
Residences,
from August
2011, I am
delighted to
be granted
the
opportunity
to look
after the
young
ladies. It
is such a
pleasure for
me to get to
know them
better and
ensure that
they are
comfortable
and safe
whilst
living on
campus. The
Residence
Team is
comprised of
sixteen
full-time
staff
working in
the
residence.
We have also
introduced
the addition
of teaching
staff into
the
residence,
called
housemistresses
and
assistants,
as well as
Grade 11 and
12 students
who live-in
and assist
in the
running of
the junior
residences.
The young
ladies
actively
take part in
the cleaning
of
residences,
not only
their rooms
but the
residence at
large, in
conjunction
with the
Residence
staff.
During the
week all
students
have a very
busy
schedule in
terms of
their
academic
schedule and
co-curricular
activities.
However,
when they
are not busy
with the
latter,
afternoons
are spent
socialising
with their
peers and
playing
indigenous
games in and
around the
residences.
Every
evening from
Sunday to
Thursday the
girls have a
formal Study
Hall session
from 19h00
to 21h00.
The study
time is
supervised
by both
residence
mothers and
full-time
teachers.
During this
time the
girls are
expected to
sit in their
bedrooms to
study
quietly.
They also
have time
allocated to
group work
should they
need
academic
assistance
from their
peers and
teachers.
The girls’
highlight of
the study
time is a
cup of hot
chocolate,
especially
in winter
because as
some of you
might be
aware,
Henley-on-Klip
can be
extremely
cold.
In 2012, the
young ladies
were given a
special
concession
to keep
their
cell-phones
on them
every day. I
must
commended
them on the
fvery
responsible
manner in
which they
have handled
this
privilege,
granted to
them by the
headmistress
of the
school, Ms
Van Zyl.
On weekends
the girls
have a
number of
activities
that take
place on-
and
off-campus,
however they
are given
free time
during which
they can
relax.
All our
young ladies
are taken
care of
holistically,
the Academy
employs
different
staff
members who
have
expertise in
different
fields to
ensure this.
[back
to top]
|
|
Oprah’s
Girls Make
History in
Style |

Violin
playing
aspiring
heart
surgeon
leads the
pack.
Thursday,
January 5
Henley on
Klip, South
Africa- The
first group
of
matriculants
from the
Oprah
Winfrey
Leadership
Academy for
Girls made
history by
recording a
100 % pass
rate while
the 72
learners
produced 188
distinctions
between
them.
The
graduation
of the class
of 2011
marks the
end of an
important
chapter for
the group
who started
at the
Academy in
2007. Five
of the
learners
obtained an
average of
over 85%, 14
scored over
80% average
while 21
obtained
over 75%.
This means
40 of the 72
candidates,
well over
half,
obtained 75%
and above.
Most
remarkably,
all but one
of the
students
achieved an
average of
over 60%.
Leading the
pack with
seven
distinctions
is Gabisile
Kgwedi, a
keen violin,
piano and
tennis
player who
will be
studying
medicine at
the
University
Of Cape Town
with a view
to becoming
a heart
surgeon. The
18 year old
from
Diepkloof,
Soweto says
she plans to
continue her
music
career, even
if it’s on a
part time
basis.
Kgwedi
obtained
distinctions
in English,
Mathematics,
Life
Orientation,
Business
Studies,
History,
Life
Sciences and
Physical
Science.
Kgwedi
reflects on
arguably the
most
important
value
imparted by
the
institution:
leadership.
“My time at
the academy
taught me
that we all
lead in
different
ways, you do
not have to
be in the
front”. She
says, noting
that
leadership
is about
values.
Anne Van Zyl,
head of the
academy for
the past two
years
describes
the
milestone as
“the most
satisfying
of her life”
as being
part of a
team that
helps
realise
Oprah
Winfrey’s
dream of
producing
woman
leaders in
South
Africa. Van
Zyl led the
academic
team that
prepared the
group for
matric
drawing on
23 years’
experience
across four
different
schools as a
head. These
include
Pretoria
Girls High
and as
founding
principal
for St
Stithian’s
Girls
College
Van Zyl
attributes
the success
to the time
that the
learners and
teachers
have put in.
The full
boarding
facilities
ensure that
staff is
available
after hours
and every
Saturday,
the student
had extra
classes.
Van Zyl
notes that
the most
gratifying
aspect of
working at
the school
is the
students
who, because
of their
disadvantaged
economic
background,
are deeply
committed to
improving
their
circumstances
and giving
back to
their
communities
through
“servant
leadership”.
The students
attend
leadership
courses and
workshops,
have
mentorship
programme
and every
day for the
week,
including
Saturdays,
engage in
community
service in
the
surrounding
community.
Six of the
students
will pursue
tertiary
studies in
the United
States, with
confirmed
acceptances,
while the
rest will be
spread
across South
African
universities.
The girls
are funded
through
private
sectors
bursaries
and
scholarships
from their
respective
institutions.
The Oprah
Winfrey
Foundation,
having
funded their
entire high
school
education,
plays no
role, except
subsistence
funding,
beyond their
high school
studies.
Van Zyl
notes that
the bar has
been set for
the next
generation,
the class of
2012, who
she is
confident
will do just
as well as
they would
have had an
extra year
of
preparation
at the
school,
having been
admitted as
founding
group of
Grade 7 in
2007,
alongside
this year’s
achievers
[back
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|
|
The
Oprah
Winfrey
Leadership
Academy for
Girls in
South Africa
Celebrates
its First
Graduating
Class |

Saturday 14
January
2012,
Henley-on-Klip,
South Africa
— Television
icon and
business
leader Oprah
Winfrey
celebrated
the first
graduating
class of The
Oprah
Winfrey
Leadership
Academy for
Girls in
South Africa
today. One
hundred
percent of
the
graduates
have been
accepted to
college or
university,
including
top schools
in the
United
States and
South
Africa. More
than a dozen
have
received
full
scholarships.
Winfrey
arrived in
South Africa
earlier this
week for the
graduation
ceremony at
the school
in
Henley-on-Klip,
south of
Johannesburg,
to create
what she
described as
a “final
lasting
moment” for
the 72 girls
who achieved
a 100% pass
rate in last
year’s
Senior
National
Certificate
examinations
and produced
188
matriculation
distinctions
between
them.
“The
pride that I
feel today
is
overpowering,”
Winfrey told
her guests,
who included
the
students,
their
parents and
relatives.
“I have been
on a mission
my whole
life to be
able to give
back what I
have been
given. Today
I am
fulfilling
that
mission.
This class
will prove
that when
you invest
in the
leadership
of girls,
you invest
in a
nation.”
Winfrey also
used the
opportunity
to thank
Nelson
Mandela, who
served as an
inspiration
in
establishing
the academy.
“I want to
thank Nelson
Mandela for
his
leadership
and support
to help make
this school
a reality.
Although he
is not
present with
us today, I
know he
shares with
us the same
sense of
pride and
accomplishment,”
said
Winfrey.
Winfrey
concluded by
noting how
she has been
enhanced as
a person
through her
time spent
with the
girls. “They
have grown.
We have
grown as a
school.
Today we
offer the
world new
scholars,
girls who
now can face
any
challenge as
they move on
to the next
chapter in
their
academic and
life
journey. The
future
leaders of
South
Africa. The
future
leaders of
the world.”
Present at
the ceremony
was Nelson
Mandela’s
wife, Graca
Machel, who
gave the
keynote
address and
serves on
the board of
directors of
the academy.
A pioneer
and leader
on women’s
issues in
her own
right,
Machel, who
has a post
graduate
scholarship
for African
women named
in her
honour to
train women
in areas of
health and
education,
emphasized
the
importance
of women’s
leadership
in ensuring
Africa’s
prosperity.
Also among
the guests
at the
ceremony was
South
Africa’s
Minister of
Basic
Education,
Ms. Angie
Motsekga.
Two of the
girls were
honored with
special
awards.
Bongeka Zuma,
from
Nkwezela in
Kwa Zulu
Natal,
achieved six
distinctions.
She is
considering
to study
political
sciences at
Spelman
University
in United
States of
America and
received the
Dux award
for academic
excellence.
The award is
determined
by the
scores of
the four
compulsory
subjects
(English,
First
Additional
Language,
Mathematics
and Life
Orientation),
and then
adding the
scores of
the three
remaining
subjects.
Between
grades 9 and
11, Zuma
received
academic
honours and
has been a
top achiever
in
mathematics
and IsiZulu.
She notes
one of her
proudest
achievements
as growing
from being a
shy girl in
Grade 8 to
being
elected
deputy chair
in Grade 12.
The Oprah
Winfrey
Leadership
Award, voted
for by peers
and
teachers,
was given to
Marwiya
James. James
scored
distinctions
in
Afrikaans,
Accounting,
Life
Orientation,
Business
Studies and
Visual Arts.
She now
plans to
return to
her native
province of
the Western
Cape, where
she hails
from
Mitchell’s
Plain, to
study at the
University
of Cape Town
to become a
chartered
accountant.
James, who
describes
her
entrepreneur
and
community
worker
father as a
role model,
has been a
recipient of
service and
leadership
awards and
was
President of
the Learner
Representative
Council
during her
time at the
academy.
[back
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|
|
Round
Square:
Philippolis |
DELEGATES
(Adults &
Students):
Mrs.
Albertina
Seshoka
Boitumelo
Theepe
Maphefo
Leputu
Juliet
Morulane
Samukelisiwe
Nkosi
On the 3rd
of December
2011, five
OWLAG
ambassadors
took a six
hour-long
drive with
Mrs. Seshoka
to
Philippolis
which is a
small town
in the Free
State. We
went to
participate
in a Round
Square
service
project in
Bergmanshoogte
together
with two
other
schools,
namely
Bridgehouse
from Cape
Town and St
Stithians
College from
Johannesburg.
The project
included
walking
every
morning at
06h30 to the
local church
to complete
the
renovations
being
undertaken
on the
church. This
task
included
mixing
cement,
chipping off
the old
paint from
the walls
and
plastering
the walls of
the church.
The hard
work paid
off when we
saw smiles
and tears on
the
community
elders’
faces.
Our time
away from
work was
spent doing
numerous
activities
including
playing
board games
together,visiting
the Tiger
conservation
park,
swimming in
the Orange
river,
stargazing
and getting
to know the
young
children in
Philippolis
better. In
the spirit
of Christmas
and
thanksgiving,
we hosted a
Christmas
party for
the
community,
where the
children of
Phlippolis
sang carols
to us. What
made this
experience
phenomenal
is that
although the
task
demanded
hard work,
we knew that
our service
to the
community of
Philippolis
would be
remembered
forever. We
believe that
one can
never give
too much,
because
giving is
talent of
the heart.
[back
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|
|
Pioneers
To Take
Their Last
Bow |
“The pain of
leaving
those you
grow to love
is only the
prelude to
understanding
yourself and
others.”
Shirley
MacLaine
(American
actress and
writer)
When we
walked onto
this campus
in 2007, we
had no idea
of what lay
ahead of us.
We were
under the
impression
that
everything
was going to
be smooth
sailing, and
that we
would be in
and out of
the academy
in a hot
second.
However,
that was not
to be. The
excitement
of the huge
buildings,
comfortable
beds, large
theatre, the
attention we
received as
part of the
first group
to come to
the academy
- and the
glitz and
glam of the
Opening Day
in January -
was really
overwhelming,
and our tiny
selves began
believing
that our
whole high
school
experience
would be
this way. We
all know now
that seasons
change and
once the
novelty of
being the
founding
group wore
off, we were
met with
something
totally new:
extremely
high
expectations
and
challenges.
We were very
fortunate to
have the
support of
the most
amazing
people in
the form of
the staff,
who were
with us
throughout
the five
years and
never
wavered in
their love
and care for
us as a
group. We
might not
have always
been the
easiest
group to
guide, but
the staff
(especially
our
teachers)
persevered
and took us
in as their
own
daughters.
These
relationships
have built
us and made
our high
school years
easier and
far more
enjoyable.
The biggest
support base
for us as
The Pioneers
was having
each other.
We came here
not knowing
each other
and not
looking
forward to
the
experience
of leaving
our comfort
zones at
home to come
and live and
learn with
total
strangers.
Yet by
looking at
us now, you
would never
say so. We
might not
all be the
best of
friends, but
we have a
bond that is
indescribable
and although
we never
really admit
this - we
are more
than friends
and
classmates…we
are sisters.
As the first
graduating
class, we
enter a
whole new
world
carrying
many lessons
in our minds
and in our
hearts.
OWLAG taught
us to be
independent.
Our Matric
year was
really
difficult in
that we had
to make
personal
decisions
that no one
could help
us with,
such as
choosing
universities,
and through
this
process, we
have
definitely
practiced
our
independence.
Secondly, we
have learnt
how to be
resilient.
Being the
first class
at a new
school
obviously
meant more
challenges
for us than
the
challenges
that the
upcoming
classes are
faced with,
but we
definitely
took it all
in our
stride.
Lastly, we
fully
realised the
importance
and value of
an excellent
education
and through
this
realisation,
we now
understand
that one
needs to
work hard
and be
dedicated in
order to
achieve
their goals
and dreams.
As we take
our last bow
and the
curtain
closes on
us, we as
The Pioneers
are ready to
embark on a
new journey,
during which
new life
lessons will
be learnt.
Although we
know that we
are going to
encounter
more
challenges,
we feel sure
that what
OWLAG has
instilled in
us will help
us in making
the right
choices and
never
dimming our
lights to
make others
more
comfortable
around us.
Leaving
OWLAG is a
bitter-sweet
experience,
but as the
quote at the
beginning of
this article
mentions,
the pain in
leaving
those we
love is just
a prologue
to gaining a
better
understanding
of who we
really are,
and
discovering
our true
purposes and
what we have
to offer the
world.
[back
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|
|
Career
Corner |
The
time
has
finally
come
-
OWLA's
first
class
will
be
entering
university!
72
learners
in
Grade
12
have
completed
writing
their
Matric
exams,
and
are
expected
to
earn
their
National
Senior
Certificates
in
January
2012.
OWLAG
can
officially
pride
itself
on
the
fact
that
every
single
member
of
its
first
Matric
group
will
be
attending
university
or
another
form
of
tertiary
education.
This
is a
noteworthy
achievement
for
a
remarkable
group
of
young
women,
OWLA’s
“pioneer”
class.
Ms.
Sue
Norval,
the
Director
of
University
Guidance
for
South
African
universities,
has
worked
extremely
hard
all
year
to
ensure
that
the
Matrics
were
able
to
navigate
the
complicated
system
and
complete
myriad
piles
of
paperwork
for
university
entrance,
not
to
mention
beat
ever-looming
deadlines
for
scholarship
applications.
OWLA
learners
have
been
admitted
in
droves
to
some
of
the
country’s
finest
universities,
with
the
highest
number
of
acceptances
at
Rhodes
University
(21),
University
of
Cape
Town
(15),
University
of
Johannesburg
(13),
University
of
Pretoria
(10)
and
University
of
Witwatersrand
(7).
On
top
of
these
impressive
results,
several
learners
have
been
awarded
full
scholarships
that
cover
university
tuition
and
residence: |
 |
•
Sharlotte
Mkansi ’11
has been
awarded a
scholarship
from the
Department
of Mining
and Energy
and will be
studying
Geology and
Environmental
Science at
University of Pretoria.
• Nonhlahla Kgwedi ’11 has received the Gallagher Scholarship award to
pursue her
degree in
Medicine at
the
University
of Cape
Town.
• Magnolia Van Wyk ’11 has received the Anglo-Coal Scholarship to study
her B.A. in
Accounting
Sciences at
University
of Cape
Town.
• Juliet Mantso has received a scholarship to study medicine at
Stellenbosch
University.
• Marwiya James ’11, Noxolo Dyulavane ’11, Sinethemba Mbatha ’11,
Nothando
Kunene ’11,
Livhuwani
Rapalalani
’11, and
Bongeka Zuma
'11 have
each
received a scholarship from Ernst & Young that covers tuition
and
residence,
and also
includes job
offers upon
completion
of their
degrees.
A dozen
other
learners
received
merit
scholarships
from their
universities
based on
their Grade
11 results;
such
scholarships
range from
R10,000-R16,000.
Numerous
learners
also made it
to the final
round
interviews
for
extremely
competitive
scholarships
such as that
sponsored by
Alan Gray
Orbis. While
the
scholarships
were
ultimately
awarded
elsewhere,
that these
learners
were
selected
from
thousands of
applicants
for final
interviews
is a
testament to
their
achievements
at OWLA.
At
the
time
of
publication,
approximately
eight
Matrics
have
elected
to
continue
in
their
pursuit
of
admission
to
colleges
or
university
in
the
United
States
under
the
guidance
of
Ms.
Wendy
Chang,
Director
of
University
Guidance
for
the
U.S.
Due
to
the
difference
in
the
U.S.
academic
calendar,
which
has
a
delayed
timeline
for
university
acceptance
compared
to
that
of
South
Africa,
the
admission
results
are
still
to
be
determined.
All
of
these
Matrics
have
secured
places
at
South
African
universities,
however,
and
are
sure
to
be
successful
regardless
of
which
path
they
choose.
To
date
every
single
Grade
12
learner
has
been
placed
at a
university
in
South
Africa,
which
is
an
amazing
feat.
Congratulations
to
the
OWLA
Class
of
2011! |
 |
[back
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|
|
Co-curricular
at OWLAG |

At OWLAG we
take pride
in providing
our learners
with ever
widening
opportunities.
Our teaching
and learning
lends itself
to
developing
the whole
person,
aiming to
build
holistic
leaders who
are critical
thinkers and
the change
makers of
our world.
This is
practiced
every
afternoon
from 15:30
to 17:30 and
over
weekends
with our
Co-curricular
programme.
The
programme
encompasses
three
departments:
Sports;
Community
Service and
Arts and
Cultural
Activities.
In the
Sports
department,
learners
have the
opportunity
to explore
winter or
summer
sports. Each
afternoon
and early
mornings,
learners
strengthen
their
physical and
emotional
fitness.
This term,
headed by
Ms. Tarryn
Macaskill
and a team
of highly
qualified
coaches, we
continued to
expand and
include a
host of new
classes that
learners
will benefit
from. We
strive to
push the
boundaries
of the
department
and stay up
to date with
what’s
current in
fitness. In
addition to
our usual
scheduled
classes such
as Aerobics,
Netball,
Tennis,
Karate,
Touch Rugby,
Volleyball,
Soccer and
Athletic
Conditioning,
we now offer
Zumba, Tae
Bo, Hip Hop
Abs and Run
For Your
Life - a
group for
our marathon
runners -
and after
much
anticipation,
Swimming.
With the
strength of
the team of
instructors’
teaching and
mentoring,
champions of
the sports
field are
being made
as we speak!

The Arts and
Cultural
portion of
the
Co–curricular
programme is
mostly
taught by
the staff
members at
OWLAG, who
volunteer
their time
and talent
after
school. The
programme
consists of
Community
Service,
Arts,
Religious
and Cultural
activities.
In this
department
we allow our
learners to
experience
hands on
learning,
develop
spirituality
and practice
Servant
Leadership.
The classes
are
interactive,
fun and
totally
voluntary.
This term we
offered:
Debating,
Mosaic Arts,
Youth Talk,
Computer
Club,
Generation
Earth, Book
Club,
Ambassadors
of
Education,
Thread Art,
Crafters
Corner, Zulu
Writers,
Drama, O
Flame, OWLAG
Dance
Company,
Culinary
Arts, Yoga,
Dance,
International
Affairs
Club,
Ballet, K53
Prep, OWLAG
Service,
Hindu
Studies,
Islamic
Studies,
Muslim
Prayer
Services,
Church, and
an extensive
Music
programme -
which
includes
choir,
string
ensemble,
OWLAG jazz
orchestra
and the
marimba
ensemble.
Each term,
Ms. Dwana
Smallwood,
Director of
Student
Affairs,
tries to add
new classes
to the
programme to
give
learners
more variety
to choose
from in an
effort to
expand their
creative
thinking.
Next term,
she hopes to
include
guest
artists who
are experts
in various
Art
professions
to expand
and build
our
programme.
This will
help us to
raise not
just
champions of
the sports
field, but
also masters
of the Arts
and
Sciences.
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|
|
Running
For Our
Lives |
Run
For
Your
Life,
OWLAG’s
recreational
distance
running
club,
has
become
a
favourite
co-curricular
for
many
learners
during
its
short
period
of
existence.
Known
in
short
as "RFYL,"
the
club
had
a
modest
yet
solid
beginning
in
January
2011,
with
a
handful
of
learners
trying
their
hand
(and
feet)
on
beginner
training
runs
-
led
each
weekday
by
staff
members
Ms.
Wendy
Chang
and
Mr.
Roger
Bourquin.
The
string
of
OWLAG
runners
snaking
its
way
through
the
neighbourhood
streets
is a
familiar
sight
to
local
denizens
of
Henley-on-Klip.
OWLAG
staff
members
take
the
lead
and
bring
up
the
rear
on
the
various
4-6
kilometre
routes,
always
accompanied
by
the
school's
dedicated
security
team
ensuring
everyone's
safety.
Depending
on
the
day
of
the
week,
anywhere
from
five
to
as
many
as
twenty
learners
participate
in
the
daily
training
runs.
OWLAG
runners
have
learned
that
RFYL
is
not
about
speed
or
athleticism,
but
rather
consistency
and
dedication.
Membership
in
the
group
is
open;
as
long
as
one
is
willing
to
put
forth
effort
and
give
of
her
best,
she
is
welcome
to
join
Run
For
Your
Life.
Learners
who
at
first
struggled
to
run
one
kilometre
without
stopping
are
now
steadily
running
five
kilometres
several
times
a
week.
|
 |
Participation
in local
Gauteng
club-sponsored
road races
is a new and
exciting
facet of
RFYL. Over
the past
five months,
OWLAG has
sent a RFYL
team to the
Pirates'
10km Race in
Greenside,
the Gerald
Fox 10km at
the
Johannesburg
Zoo, the
Spar Ladies'
10km Race in
Randburg,
and the
popular
Soweto 10km.
Original
club members
Stacey-Lee
Scott '13
and Nosipho
Shangase '12
have
participated
in all the
races to
date. And
while they
are not yet
old enough
to
participate
in 10km or
longer
races,
several of
our
dedicated
Grade 7 and
8 members
ran the 5km
"fun runs"
of our most
recent
races. RFYL
anticipates
having a
full race
calendar for
2012.
Staff
participation
in RFYL has
increased
dramatically
as well. Ms.
Chang and
Mr. Bourquin
have been
joined by
Mr. P.J.
“Dude”
Christians,
Ms. Andiswa
Nyovane, and
Ms. Marna
Bosch as
regular
coaches/participants,
and Ms.
Tarryn
Macaskill,
when not
coaching her
numerous
other
sports, has
also found
time to don
her running
shoes. OWLAG
learners and
staff of all
abilities
are
encouraged
to "Run For
Your Lives!"
[back
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|
|
OWLAG
Music
Programme |
The focus of
our
department
this term
has been on
our annual
independent
music
examinations.
Twelve
candidates
were entered
for the Rock
School
option, and
a further 89
opted for
the
Trinity/Guildhall
practical
exams. This
comprises a
total of 101
entries
compared
with 64 the
year before,
and 38 in
2009. These
numbers show
a healthy
55% year on
year growth
rate in
enrolments
over the
past three
years. While
this year’s
results are
still
outstanding
at the time
of going to
print, we
trust that
they will
once again
be in line
with our
excellent
average of
85% achieved
cumulatively
over
previous
years.
Preceding
the October
exams, there
were several
other
activities
which
included a
visit by our
choir to St.
Mary’s
Waverley.
The choir
performed in
the school’s
beautiful
new
auditorium
and was on
top form,
sharing the
stage with
their hosts
for the
evening. All
the
choristers
together
with their
director,
Ms. Nomvula
Mehlomakhulu,
are to be
commended on
a very
noteworthy
achievement.
Our
marimba
ensemble
performed
over
two
evenings
at
the
Market
Theatre
together
with
Dr.
Sello
Galane.
Along
with
their
coach,
Mr.
Magalane
Phoshoko,
they
have
had
an
excellent
year,
which
culminated
in
this
magnificent
event
at
one
of
South
Africa’s
most
important
venues.
Our
string
ensemble
attended
a
workshop
hosted
by
Professor
Francois
Henkins
who
is
head
of
strings
at
the
Free
State
University.
Prof.
Henkins
commented
afterwards
that
he
had
never
before
seen
such
progress
in a
school
string
programme
over
such
a
short
period.
He
was
particularly
impressed
that
the
learners
could
perform
a
complete
5
movement
work,
in
which
they
demonstrated
their
acquired
skills
over
a
wide
range
of
genres
-
from
jazz
to
classical
and
from
rock
to
reggae.
I
would
like
to
thank
all
the
music
programme
learners
for
the
way
in
which
they
have
risen
to
the
challenge,
and
wish
them
all
the
very
best
that
the
future
could
possibly
bring
them.
|
 |
[back
to top]
|
|
Dance
Tour |
Dance is our
Oxygen –
breathing
hope into
the lives of
young minds.
From the
16th to the
22nd of
October,
seventeen
members of
the OWLAG
Dance
Company
toured
Durban, Kwa-Zulu
Natal. The
tour was
aimed at
sharing the
talent,
passion and
dedication
of our
learners
with various
primary and
high school
learners in
and around
Durban.
Most of the
first day
was spent
driving, but
on the way
we made a
stop at the
famous
Ardmore
Ceramic
Gallery.
Here, the
learners
were given a
tour of the
gallery and
then
workshopped
as they set
out to
produce some
of their own
artworks.
After a day
well spent
at Ardmore,
we were on
the road
again and on
arrival in
Durban, we
checked into
the
four-star
Riverside
Hotel where
we stayed
for the
duration of
our time.
The OWLAG
Dance
Company
performed at
a number of
schools,
including
Crawford
College La
Lucia,
Sterngrove
Primary and
Merryhill
Primary to
name a few.
After each
performance
learners
were given
the
opportunity
to interact
with the
dancers
through a
question and
answer
session. At
some of the
schools, our
dance
teacher and
Director of
Student
Affairs, Ms
Dwana
Smallwood,
gave
workshops in
which she
exposed
learners to
different
dance
techniques.
Seeing
learners who
are trained
in ballet
and
contemporary
dance move
to African
beats was
most amusing
but
simultaneously
awe-inspiring.
It was
during
moments like
these that
we knew we
were
touching
young
hearts.
Our biggest
challenge
was the
conditions
under which
we had to
perform.
Most of the
schools did
not have
performance
theatres and
a beautiful
big stage
like the one
at OWLAG.
But as
dancers, we
adapted and
changed our
programme to
fit the
different
situations.
After a week
of humbling
experiences
- with
different
learners
from
different
primary
schools who
gave the
warmest hugs
- we went to
Inanda
Seminary, an
all-girl
school much
like ours.
Here we had
the
opportunity
to interact
and learn
from
students who
shared our
interests
and
aspirations.
On the last
day of our
tour, we
headed for
the Durban
University
of
Technology,
where the
KZN parents’
meeting was
held. After
the meeting,
the learners
performed a
full concert
for their
parents and
enjoyed the
rest of the
time with
their
families.
We left
Durban with
joy in our
hearts and
renewed hope
for the
future. For
we were
certain that
we had
shared more
than just
our passion
and
determination
with the
learners; we
had shared
our dance –
our oxygen.
[back
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|
|
OWLAG
Marimba
ensemble
wows
audience at
the Market
Theatre |

The OWLAG
Marimba
ensemble was
invited to a
concert at
the Market
Theatre by
one of South
Africa’s
legends, Dr.
Sello Galane.
The
Pula/Rain
concert is
held every
year in
November and
is about the
ultimate
experience
of purity of
life,
rebirth,
rejuvenation,
prosperity
and
posterity.
It was the
first time
the ensemble
performed at
a concert of
such
magnitude,
with a
vibrant
audience
applauding
them
throughout.
Dr. Galane
said: “The
learners
have
demonstrated
absolute
professionalism
and
technical
dexterity...”
[back
to top]
|
|
House
Plays
Festival |
The OWLAG
2011 House
Play
Festival
took place
on 10
September,
with Renos
Spanoudes
and Lindiwe
Matshikiza
as the
adjudicators.
Mangau House
opened the
festival
with ‘You
strike a
woman you
strike a
rock’.
The title of
the play is
a
traditional
Zulu saying
that became
popular in
1965 when 20
000 women
from various
racial
groups rose
up and
marched to
declare
their
dissidence
against the
Dompass and
the
Apartheid
government -
and to fight
for their
voices to be
heard. The
play offers
brief
vignettes
showing the
daily lives
of women
struggling
to survive
in an
oppressive
environment.
The play was
directed by
Lebo Mokoena
who bravely
tackled
sensitive as
well as
hard-hitting
issues.
‘Housing for
all’ by
Fatime Dike
and
Ditshkudu
House and
directed by
Refilwe
Digoamaje,
was the
inspirational
story of one
woman who
never gave
up and
ensured that
her township
received the
brick houses
that they
had been
promised by
Government.
With
startling
ensemble
work, flashy
Diva musical
routines and
clever
design, the
play
showcased
OWLAG’s
performance
talent.
‘Nongogo’ by
Izindlovu
depicted
1950s
township
life and how
the lives of
Queeny, a
shebeen
Queen, and
Johnny, a
tablecloth
salesman,
became
intertwined.
The cast,
directed by
Cleopatra
Cindi,
vibrantly
portrayed
the
politically
charged
urban life
with
delightful
characters
who often
‘stole the
show.’
‘Curl up and
Dye’,
originally
written by
Sue Pam
Grant and
performed by
Amabhubesi,
showed the
diverse
lives of
five
different
women
working in a
hair
dressing
salon. Many
conflicts
arose
between the
racially
diverse
clients who
had been
thrown
together by
South
African
society in
the 80s. The
play
explored
relationships,
humour and
the
uncomfortable
reality of
life in
Johannesburg.
Directed by
Lindiwe
Tsope, the
cast bravely
explored the
compelling
stories of
these five
women
‘living on
the edge.’
The
awards
for
the
evening
were
as
follows:
Best
Backstage
Crew:
Mangau
Best
Publicity:
Amabhubesi
Best
Junior
actress:
Anita
ndlovu
Best
Senior
actress:
Pretty
Mabaso
Best
Director:
Lebohang
Mokoena
Best
Play:
Housing
for
All,
Ditshkudu
Special
mentions:
Designer:
Nombuso
Hlengwa
Ensemble
work:
Antonette,
Cindi,
Devidine
and
Chantelle
Entire
Cast
Ensemble
work:
Ditshkudu
House
Portrayal
of
Old
Lady:
Mandisa
Kunene
Performance
as
Johnny:
Sasha
Lee
Setzin |
|
[back
to top]
|
|
Round
Square
Exchange
Programme |


Being chosen
for the
Round Square
Exchange
Program to
Dainfern
College in
Fourways was
not only an
honour for
us, but also
an amazing
experience.
We learnt
how to adapt
in a
different
environment
both at the
Bishop's
house and at
Dainfern
College. We
learnt to
plan and
organise our
time
effectively
through
balancing
fun and
studying for
our upcoming
assessments
as we had a
full
schedule
including
going to
school,
shopping and
going out
for movies
and dinner.
A
significant
difference
between
Dainfern
College and
OWLAG, is
that
Dainfern
College has
boys. We
also had to
adjust to
their school
times and
school
rules. A
highlight
was having
the
opportunity
to interact
with so many
different
people. We
also enjoyed
attending
classes and
as we were
basically
doing the
same work at
our school
we could
participate
actively in
lessons.
Overall, the
experience
was one that
would be in
our hearts
and minds
till the end
of time.
A special
thank you to
the Bishop's
family for
welcoming us
wholeheartedly
with love
and joy, to
Mrs. Van Zyl
for allowing
us to go to
Dainfern
College and
most
especially
to Mrs. Abed
who not only
organised
the whole
trip but who
was always
there for us
when we
needed her.
With
Gratitude
Rorisang
Nkomo and
Likeleli
Ramolula
Grade 10
2011
[back
to top]
|
|
Grade 8
Teambuilding |
Experiencing
the
teambuilding
workshop
facilitated
by Project
Summit was
an honour,
as the
facilitators
taught the
Grade 8s new
things and
made us
aware that
it does not
matter what
age you are
- whether
young or old
- you can
still have
fun. Our
Grade had
plenty of
fun, we
enjoyed the
games and we
had great
facilitators
(even though
they would
become
psychologists
at times).
We played
games in
goups and
they
required
teamwork. It
was a lot
easier for
my group
because we
listened to
each other,
and at the
end of the
day, we
achieved
more than
knowledge -
we also
gained
confidence
in ourselves
and other
people. Most
importantly,
I learnt
that I
cannot look
for my inner
self in
another
person, and
everybody
has to make
decisions
for
themselves.
Most of us
loved the
games we
played on
Sunday
because they
involved
water, and
for the
first time
we enjoyed
ourselves as
a Grade -
from that
day we never
complained
about being
separated
anymore.
Before
saying our
goodbyes we
ate a
delicious
cake and had
our group
photo taken.
We were so
happy that
at least
people could
see what the
Grade 8s are
made of.
Seeing each
other leave
was not sad,
because deep
down in our
hearts we
knew that
our paths
would cross
one day and
we would
meet again.
[back
to top]
|
|
South
African
Institute Of
Internal
Affairs |
SAIIA (the
South
African
Institute
for
International
Affairs)
runs an
annual
competition
on
Development
and
Sustainability,
with
specific
reference to
the impacts
of climate
change. The
OWLAG team (Abongile
Xhantini,
Tasmiayh
Hoosen,
Prinesa
Reddy and
Dulce Mbiza)
chose the
topic
relating to
the effects
of climate
change on
global,
regional and
local food
security,
with a
strong link
to
development
aspects.
This was
only the
first stage
in the
process.
Having
chosen their
topic, the
learners
embarked on
creating a
collaborative
essay. They
were then
selected to
compete
against five
other
Gauteng
finalists,
and they
produced a
powerful
presentation
on their
chosen topic
at the Sci-Bono
Museum in
Newtown,
Johannesburg.
It was a
prestigious
event, with
the American
Consul
invited to
be the
keynote
speaker. The
learners had
to cope with
a Q&A
session with
experts in
the field.
OWLAG was
chosen as
the winning
team, and
now forms
part of the
South
African
Junior
Delegation.
They will be
working with
the
finalists
from the
Western Cape
and Kwa-Zulu
Natal teams
chosen at
their
respective
events.
The South
African
delegation
will be
representing
the country
at the
Junior COP17
conference
that will be
held in
Durban at
the end of
November
2011. Around
18 learners
are in the
SA
delegation.
The SA
delegation
will take
part in a
mini UN
conference
together
with junior
delegations
from the
rest of the
world.
Recommendations
from the
conference
will be put
forward to
the Senior
COP17
Conference
that will
follow in
December
2011, in
Durban.
[back
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|
|
Leadership
Expo 2011 |

On Friday,
October 7th,
OWLAG held
its first
Leadership
Expo. Ms.
Dwana
Smallwood,
Director of
Student
Affairs,
asked
learners to
open their
minds to the
idea of
renewing the
passion and
drive that
exists
within each
of them. She
challenged
everyone to
embrace the
responsibilities
of
leadership,
and listed
the
qualities of
good
leadership:
resilience,
respect,
humility,
honour,
service,
integrity,
balance,
knowledge,
risk-taking,
and problem
solving.
These
qualities
were
beautifully
displayed on
vibrant and
colourful
banners. It
was a rich
and very
inspirational
day, where
learners had
the
opportunity
to engage
with and
share in the
experiences
of
professionals
who donated
their time
to share the
leadership
skills they
used to
accomplish
their goals.
The hope was
that all
present
would walk
away with a
plethora of
new tools to
achieve
their goals
in life,
ignite the
leader
inside, and
learn that
they are
never too
young to
lead.
The day
began with
two very
inspirational
speeches
given by
special
guests of
Ms. Winfrey.
Clemantine
Wamariya, a
survivor of
the genocide
in Rwanda
and now a
student at
Yale
University;
and Khadijah
Williams, a
young woman
who grew up
homeless and
is now a
student at
Harvard
University
in the
United
States. Both
women shared
their
profound
stories with
such honesty
and grace.
They shared
intimate
details of
their
struggles
and
triumphs.
Their
stories
taught the
learners how
to use
life’s
challenges
and
struggles as
a platform
to stand on.
Following
the speeches
the Grade 7,
8 and 9
learners
departed to
the field
for an
interactive
activity day
with a group
called
Project
Summit. The
learners
walked away
with skills
and tools
that they
can use to
tackle any
situation in
life. They
learned to
interact
with others,
solve
problems,
and to work
productively
as team
leaders and
team
members.
The Grade
10, 11 and
12 learners
proceeded to
the Gym
where more
than 70
professional
volunteers
from various
industries
answered
questions
and handed
out
information
for reading.
The day
continued
with
breakaway
sessions
where
learners
could
further
engage with
the
volunteers
on a more
in-depth
level in
order to get
a feel for
what’s
required to
set, manage,
build,
create, and
reach their
goals.

Closing the
day was our
last speaker
- Dr.
Tererai
Trent - who
spoke about
staying away
from
negative
energy,
claiming
your
excellence
and deciding
now who you
want to be.
Her speech
led us all
to reflect
on what we
want and
what we
have, and
how we
should make
no excuses
for reaching
those goals.
The day was
full for
many
learners and
was very
emotional
for some. We
were all
inspired to
be better
people and
to be
accountable
and lead
ourselves
into the
future. A
Global
Leadership
Dinner
followed our
time of
reflection,
where
learners
were able to
taste
cuisine from
China,
America,
India and
South Africa
in
celebration
of embracing
others.
Many
messages
will stay in
the
forefront of
our minds
for weeks to
come, and
they will
hopefully be
food for
thought on
our quests
to uphold
the
principles
of
leadership
and Ubuntu.
It was the
Leadership
Expo that
left us all
thinking
about the
idea of
being a
leader - one
must first
begin to
learn who
they are.
One must
align one’s
life with
their own
moral
courage when
facing
difficult
choices.
Leadership
relies on
the ability
to be
authentic
and reflects
your own
values,
motivations,
and action
alignment
with your
highest
ideals.
Ultimately,
everyone was
inspired by
the
resilience
and courage
of the
guests. We
learned that
each step
you take
will lead
you towards
honouring
your
authentic
self - so
put pen to
paper and
think about
what moves
you to take
action
today!
Planning has
already
begun for
the
Leadership
Expo 2012.
[back
to top]
|
|
OWLAG
LRC
ELECTIONS -
Leaders Make
Their Mark
|

The
community of
the Oprah
Winfrey
Leadership
Academy for
Girls has
once again
proven to be
an
environment
in which the
opinions of
the learners
matter. The
learners
from Grade
Seven up to
Grade Eleven
were given
the
opportunity
to vote for
candidates
who they
felt would
best lead
them and
ensure that
their voices
were not
muted. Being
part of a
community
where
emphasis is
always
placed on
owning one’s
voice, the
significance
of the
annual
elections
for the
Learner
Representative
Council is
considerable.
The Grade
Seven
learners
were the
most
ecstatic of
the voters
as it was
their first
time being
part of an
OWLAG
election.
The excited
bunch had
mixed
feelings
about what
to expect
from the
elections,
and whether
or not the
candidates
were going
to fulfil
the promises
that they so
ardently
made during
the election
campaigns.
First time
voter,
Karabo Mbele
(13),
described it
as being a
“cool and
weird
experience
as it is
something
that she has
never done
before” She
was hopeful
that all the
candidates
that she
voted for
would win.
Consequently,
the
elections
have ignited
the spark in
many Grade
Sevens to
aspire to be
the future
leaders of
OWLAG, as
many felt it
was an
honour and
privilege to
lead such
bright and
ambitious
learners.
The
experienced
voters felt
more
confident
that this
time around
their votes
would make a
difference.
This year’s
elections
introduced a
new way of
getting to
know the
candidates,
as opposed
to the old
process in
which
speeches had
to be
conducted
and
candidates
were judged
by how good
their
speeches
were. OWLAG
learners had
the
opportunity
to ask the
candidates
questions
that
revealed
much more of
their
personalities
and visions
for OWLAG.
There is
more
confidence
and faith in
the newly
elected
LRC.“The
President
position is
not there to
put someone
in power,
but is
rather a
position
that makes
working
together
much easier.
We now have
the
opportunity
to voice our
needs, and
we all need
to unite and
work
together to
achieve a
common goal,
as the new
LRC was
fairly
chosen by
us,”
explained
Grade Eleven
learner,
Nonkululeko
Mpungose.
The future
of OWLAG
does indeed
look bright!
[back
to top]
|
|
Taking
The Plunge |

When we all
heard that a
swimming
pool was
going to be
built on
campus, we
were
excited. We
were already
imagining
ourselves in
our cool
swimming
costumes
playing with
water. But
what many of
us did not
realise, was
that having
a swimming
pool
actually
meant that
we had to
know how to
swim. We had
to be brave
enough to be
in the
water-
something
which many
of us did
not comply
with. The
experience
of getting
used to the
water has
been an
amazing
journey for
most of us.
I remember
quite
vividly the
first time I
went into
the pool. My
terror was
evoked by
the fact
that I could
not reach
down as the
pool was too
deep. But
with the
unconditional
help and
support of
Sis Tarryn
and Coach
Dorothy, I
learnt to
overcome my
fear. I have
moved from
being
completely
terrified to
being able
to glide on
my own
without a
swimming
board or a
swimming
noodle. It
is such a
privilege
for us to
have access
to the
swimming
pool, as
swimming is
a life
skill. I
hope that
many of us
will
continue to
utilise this
opportunity
in the many
years to
come.
[back
to top]
|
|
Generation
Earth Summit |
On 26 and 27
October, the
Generation
Earth Summit
took place
in Thaba
YaBatswana
in
Johannesburg.
There were
up to 20
schools and
about 400
learners,
young
‘green’
thinkers,
who were
ready to
change the
world and
combat
climate
change.
Generation
Earth is a
youth
environmental
organisation
which was
launched
earlier this
year, and
which
focuses on
creating and
developing
young
‘green’
thinkers,
change
makers and
leaders. It
is about
creating and
motivating a
generation
of carbon
conscious
consumers
and
sustainable
decision
makers who
will lead by
example.
On the first
day of the
summit, 18
of our
learners
arrived at
Thaba
YaBatswana
and were
immediately
breath taken
by the
beauty of
the place.
We then took
our first
pictures of
the day with
G.E
Celebrity
Ambassadors:
Cito and
Edith
Hamilton.
Then we
began with
the talks
for the day,
and we
listened to
various
speakers
such as the
Vice
Chancellor
of the
University
of
Johannesburg.
The second
day was even
more
inspiring
and
remarkable
than the
previous
day. We had
to present
our projects
and plans
for the rest
of the year.
OWLAG had
choreographed
a Stomp
Military
Dance to
present that
day. The
main message
behind the
dance was
that as the
youth, we
are ready to
combat
climate
change.
Trisha
Paulsen, one
of the Grade
9 learners
who attended
the summit
commented:
“I felt the
leader
within me
come alive
and I made a
pledge to
keep my
environmentally
aware flame
burning. I
learnt that
everything I
do might not
have a
change in
global
warming and
that I might
not save the
earth, in
actual fact
even if the
whole of the
African
continent
went green
it probably
wouldn’t end
global
warming but
let’s do it
anyway. That
little I do
might save
us a few
more years
on this
planet, as
many
astronomers
have tried
but could
not find
another
planet.
There is no
planet B!
It was fun
to interact
with other
people and
hear their
views on the
topic.
Personally,
I think the
Minister in
presidency,
Trevor
Manuel said
it best:
‘You youth
of today
don’t have
the
privilege of
relaxing
like
previous
generations
have.’
I realized
that we have
to work to
save this
earth and to
try and
solve the
problem that
we have made
for
ourselves.
We have to
make today’s
generation
proud and
inspire
tomorrow’s
generation,
not to
encourage
global
warming and
climate
change, but
to stop it.
The
Generation
Earth Youth
Summit has
made me more
committed,
‘Commitment
is not
attending
meetings,
it’s about
making a
decision
considering
your life,
and the
lives of
those around
you.’ Trevor
Manuel.”
[back
to top]
|
|
Science
Trip
Overseas |
On 18 July
2011,
Nthabiseng
Ntsomishe
and I
departed for
Slovakia
where we
were going
to represent
South Africa
along with
10 other
learners.
This was a
very
exciting
trip for us
as it was
our first
time abroad.
Our journey
started at
the OR Tambo
International
Airport
where we met
up with the
rest of the
delegation,
and found
out that we
were the
only
non-Afrikaans
speakers in
the group.
This was a
challenge at
first, but
the issue
was
addressed
later on
during the
trip. The SA
group,
accompanied
by Mr and
Mrs Roodt,
flew to
Dubai and
then
connected to
Vienna,
Austria.
After the
exhausting
flights we
drove to
Bratislava,
Slovakia.
When we
arrived in
Europe on
Monday, we
were anxious
and very
excited to
see what the
rest of the
trip had in
store for
us.
Over the
next couple
of days we
presented
our project
to judges
and the
AMAVET
president,
and were
honoured
with the
opportunity
to speak to
the
Slovakian
president.
Unfortunately,
we didn’t
win anything
but we
enjoyed
every moment
of the trip.
Our
highlights
were meeting
new people
and learning
about
different
cultures. We
also enjoyed
travelling
and
exploring
Bratislava
and Vienna.
Nthabiseng
said, “It
seems like
such a long
time ago but
the memories
are still so
alive, and
we’ll never
forget all
the friends
we made.” We
feel really
privileged
to have been
given this
opportunity,
and we thank
our teachers
and Eskom.
Thank you
Mrs Daya and
Mr Wilton
for all the
guidance
you’ve given
us and for
believing in
us.
[back
to top]
|
|
Maths
Trip To The
Phillipines |
On
31
August
2011,
Miss
Reddy
and
I
took
a
7-day
trip
to
Singapore,
Manila
and
Naga
City.
At
the
airport
we
changed
our
money
to
American
Dollars
and
immediately
got
a
lesson
from
Miss
Reddy
about
the
exchange
rate.
That
was
only
the
first
of
the
many
things
I
learnt
over
the
week
that
lay
ahead.
Meeting
the
group
we
were
going
to
travel
with
was
exciting
and
scary
at
the
same
time,
as I
did
not
know
them
very
well
and
there
were
a
few
strange
faces.
We
then
went
to
check-in
our
bags
and
get
ready
for
the
long
flight
ahead.
I
saw,
for
the
first
time
in
my
life,
the
beautiful
uniform
of
the
Singapore
Airline
hostesses.
The
flight
attendants
were
very
sweet
and
patient.
They
waited
for
us
when
we
had
to
order
what
we
wanted
to
eat,
and
they
were
more
than
willing
to
answer
every
question
we
had
about
the
flight.
On
the
plane
each
passenger
had
a
television.
You
could
play
games,
watch
movies
and
listen
to
your
favourite
music.
|
 |
After 12
hours on the
plane we
arrived in
Singapore.
We went to
catch our
own bus and
took a tour
around the
place, and
we finally
arrived at
the hotel we
were going
to spend one
night in. We
later went
to catch
another bus
to take us
to town and
Sentosa
Island. What
an amazing
place! We
shopped and
swam until
we were
tired, but
we still had
a long day
ahead of us.
We also went
to a
celebration
of their new
president,
which was at
19:00
according to
their time,
which was
probably
about 13:00
in South
Africa.
Their time
is six hours
ahead of our
time. That
was my
lesson on
the
different
time zones.
On 2
September,
we took our
second
flight to
Manila. It
was about 4
hours long,
but it was
delayed for
an hour
because the
airport was
full and
there was no
space for us
to land. We
then missed
our
connecting
flight to
Naga City
and had to
stay over.
We waited at
the airport
for a bus to
take us to a
nearby hotel
called The
Heritage
hotel. The
hotel was
beautiful
and
comfortable,
but
unfortunately,
we only had
one night to
spend there.
Missing the
flight was a
good thing
as we were
given the
opportunity
to stay over
in Manila,
which was
not part of
the plan.
We woke up
early in the
morning to
catch our
plane to
Naga City as
we were
going to
start our
first test
at 3pm. The
flight was
only 45
minutes
long. When
we arrived
in Naga
City, we
were
welcomed by
two people
who work as
hotel
attendants
in Villa
Caceres. The
temperature
was way too
hot to be
real. I
don’t think
anyone who
lives there
possesses a
jersey. It
was
extremely
hot. We took
a quick
shower in
our rooms
and by the
way, the
rooms were
incredible.
They were
fancy, and
they had a
big screen
television
and the
showers were
perfect. The
test was
structured
very
differently
from what I
am used to
at school
and it was
pretty
challenging.
After
supper, we
went to our
rooms to
study and
rest.
On our
second day
at Villa
Caceres, we
wrote our
last two
tests and
rested next
to the
swimming
pool and
prepared our
presentation
for the
cultural
evening. We
worked very
hard on our
presentation.
Then on the
third day,
we performed
our
presentation
with my new
friends,
Jarrah, Luke
and Savanha,
and I had to
dance in
front of
everyone. I
somehow
managed to
be Shakira
for the day.
People took
pictures of
us and all
the hotel
attendants
wanted to
take a
picture with
ME, since I
was Shakira
and the most
beautiful
dancer they
ever saw. We
swapped
gifts and
took loads
of pictures,
and that was
our last
evening at
the hotel.
On our way
back we went
to an
Istudio, and
we were
allowed to
play with
the iPads on
display -
what an
awesome
experience
that was. We
went to
BURGER KING,
bought some
food and
relaxed a
bit before
our long
flight back
to
Johannesburg.
Travelling
abroad has
always been
my childhood
dream, so
when the
opportunity
to travel to
the
Philippines
presented
itself, I
grabbed it
with both
hands. A lot
of effort
was put into
preparing
for the
trip, as I
was going to
be competing
against
other
international
students in
Mathematics.
I felt both
anxious and
delighted at
the
adventure
that was to
follow as a
first time
international
visitor.
The
experience
was both
mind opening
and
fulfilling,
getting to
meet young
people like
me who are
ambitious
and purpose
driven. This
huge
opportunity
has enriched
my life and
broadened my
knowledge of
the
different
cultures
that exist
in this
world. The
people who I
interacted
with were
friendly and
welcoming,
and this
really made
me feel at
home.
This
experience
has also
made me
realise that
the standard
of
Mathematics
is very high
in the
Eastern
countries,
and this has
channeled me
towards
working to
develop -
not only as
a learner -
but also as
an
individual.
Salamat all
(that means
thank you in
the
Philippines).
Mabuhay ..
Welcome
Good day is:
Magandag
Omaga
How are You?
Komusta Ka
Goodbye: Pa-alam
Thank You:
Salamat
[back
to top]
|
|
Grade 10
Economics
Trip to
Kimberly
|
The
Grade
10
Economics
learners
embarked
on
an
exciting
and
educational
journey
to
the
very
cold
and
small
town
of
Kimberly
from
7 -
9
June,
2011.
We
began
our
journey
with
excitement
churning
in
our
stomachs
as
we
made
our
way
to
Gold
Reef
City.
Our
experience
began
with
an
educational
video
on
the
history
of
gold,
and
then
we
went
on a
trip
deep
into
the
earth
to
see
a
gold
mine.
The
teachers
then
allowed
us
to
explore
the
Gold
Reef
City
theme
park.
We
were
like
children
set
loose
in a
candy
store
–
filled
with
adrenaline
as
we
went
on
ride,
after
ride,
after
ride!
Then
followed
the
long,
tiresome
‘road
trip’
to
Kimberly.
On
arrival
in
Kimberly,
however,
we
forgot
all
about
how
tired
we
were
and
dressed
up
for
our
dinner
at
the
Kimberley
Club.
The
dress
code
was
smart
casual
and,
as
expected,
we
looked
gorgeous!
We
then
went
to
bed
tired
but
happy.
We
began
the
next
day
early
in
the
morning
and
soon
realised
that
Kimberly
was
such
a
small
town
- as
we
got
to
all
our
destinations
by
foot
in
just
minutes.
On
touring
the
sights
and
sounds
of
Kimberly,
we
learned
a
lot
about
the
history
of
the
city
and
its
economic
development
throughout
the
years.
Just
when
we
thought
our
day
could
not
get
any
better,
we
were
serenaded
by
the
melodious
voices
of
the
boys
of
Philadelphian
choir
at
the
Anglican
Cathedral.
Smiling
from
ear
to
ear,
we
then
went
to
the
Big
Hole
and
were
fascinated
by
its
majesty
and
size.
We
headed
back
to
the
Gum
Tree
Lodge
and
changed
before
we
went
to
the
mall.
At
the
mall,
we
watched
movies
and
ordered
junk
food
while
chatting
with
friends
about
the
small
yet
exciting
town
of
Kimberly. |
 |
Early the
next
morning, we
finished
packing and
had a
scrumptious
breakfast
before we
made our way
to the
headquarters
of the most
powerful
mine in
Kimberly.
There we
were
informed
about
historical
giants in
diamond
mining, such
as the likes
of Cecil
John Rhodes
and Barney
Bernato who
made
fortunes
through the
discovery of
diamonds.
After the
tour of the
headquarters,
we were all
so sad when
we realised
that it
marked the
end of an
amazing
trip. We
made our way
to the buses
and endured
the long
drive to
Johannesburg.
The trip to
Kimberly was
an exciting
experience
for us which
we will
forever
treasure. We
extend our
gratitude to
all the
special
people who
made it
possible. We
would also
like to
extend a
special
thank you to
our amazing
teacher,
Mrs.
Etzinger,
without whom
the trip
wouldn’t
have been
possible..
[back
to top]
|
| |
|
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.
[back
to top]
|
|
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.
[back
to top]
|
|
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!
[back
to top]
|
|
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!
[back
to top]
|
|
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!
[back
to top]
|
|
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!
[back
to top]
|
|
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.
[back
to top]
|
|
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!
[back
to top]
|
|
"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!
[back
to top]
|
|
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!
[back
to top]
|
|
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.
[back
to top]
|
|
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
[back
to top]
|
|
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.
[back
to top]
|
|
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.

[back
to top]
|
|
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.
[back
to top]
|
|
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.
[back
to top]
|
|
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.
[back
to top]
|
|
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
to top]
|
|
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.
[back
to top]
|
|
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
to top]
|
|
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
to top]
|
|
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
to top]
|
|
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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