SOMERSET WEST PRIVATE SCHOOL
It is the First Term of 2015. The First Newsletter of 2015! And hopefully a
year of Firsts and success stories for us all. ‘The Voice’ of SWPS is never a
whisper; it is a shout of joy, triumph and discovery. In these pages you will
discover that SWPS speaks a unique language of its own.
Following the incredible results achieved by the school at the end of 2014,
our erstwhile head, Mr Morne Coetzer, has his sights always set on still
higher goals.
Morne has big plans for the school this year, so everyone is planning to pitch
in and help raise the funds needed to implement improvements. Watch this
space – and our Facebook page – for more details on how to get involved and
coverage of the events themselves. More on this in next term’s newsletter! It
promises to be a lot of fun and we are looking forward to some good times
where the school can meet more frequently as a community.
This term’s newsletter is jam-packed with articles and reports on what our
students and teachers have been up to over the last couple of months…A
huge thank you to the teachers and students who contributed to the news.
L. Pallatt (Editor)
SWPS
TERM ONE 2015
We have FINALLY reached the end of the first term
and yet, an even greater workload lies ahead. I
have noticed that many students are already
starting to suffer in terms of stress and what it's
doing to their bodies. From a fellow ambitious,
stress-consumed student, my message to you at the
end of this first bit of the year, is that your health is
the most important thing. It cannot be bought or
easily replenished. Shave down all the negatives in
your life. Make time to relax. Use a schedule. Get to
bed early. Eat properly and take in enough water.
Do what needs to be done, but don't kill yourself
doing it.
Jessica Andras (Junior Editor)
Page 1
SWIMMING LEGENDS IN THE MAKING!
Siblings Laiken and Gary-Paige Mattheys both qualified through
a rigorous selection over the past year to attend the Level 3
Swimming Competition held in Port Elizabeth.
Level 3 is the final level for all swimmers to achieve before
moving onto Senior Nationals and selection for the SA Swimming
Squad. It is held over 5 grueling days, where the swimmer must
qualify in preliminary races during the morning session in order
to be selected for the final heat later that same evening. Only the
top 8 swimmers in South Africa qualify to attend the final heat
and be in line to receive one of the three coveted medals.
Among of the youngest of the swimmers in attendance, GaryPaige managed to achieve a gold medal and five silver medals for
his various races. Currently he is the fastest butterfly swimmer in
his age group in South Africa and has now qualified to attend the
Senior National Swimming Competition to be held in Durban in
2016.
Laiken managed to earn a gold medal and silver medal in her
races and is currently ranked second in South Africa in her age
group, with her sights set firmly on going to Durban in 2016 for
the Senior National Competition.
These are results steeped in dedication and hard work. Often up
at 04:30 in the morning in order to swim 7km before school and
then back in the afternoon for another grueling workout six days
a week!
SWPS
Page 2
WAKEBOARDING
THE CABLE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA PRO TOUR STOP 2
Jeanu Du Plooy (Grade 12) won 2nd place in the first leg of the S.A. Pro Tour Competition held in Limpopo towards the end of February. He maintained
2nd position in the second leg (held at Stoke City Cable Park in Johannesburg, 21 – 22 March).
Jeanu says, “I managed to secure myself a spot in the finals by the skin of my teeth. We all had one chance to get a placing and I just managed to stick my
run, giving me second place right next to Dutch rider Tommy Swaan.”
Poor Dan van Zyl (Grade 11) was also set to take part, but in a dramatic turn of events he broke his femur during a warm-up round. He was rushed to
hospital by ambulance and witnesses at the scene report that he will be out of action for some weeks.
Dan’s disappointment at this turn of events is inevitable. SWPS wishes him better luck next time and all the best for a speedy recovery.
Finals will be at Blue Rock on the 17th of May to determine the overall ranking in S.A.
SWPS
Page 3
[Pictured Above: Jeanu on the water; Picture Left: On the winner’s podium – left]
LONGBOARDING
Johannes Engelbrecht (Graad 9) het aan sy eerste
“Longboard Downhill Challenge” deelgeneem (21 en 22
Maart).
Dit was die Fair Cape Downhill Challenge naby
Durbanville. Dit het baie goed gegaan en ons is baie
trots op hom.
Hy gaan 18/19 April 2015 aan die King of the Fort
(Voortrekker Hoogte Monument) resies deelneem wat in
Pretoria plaasvind.
SWPS
Page 4
NEW TEACHERS
Mr Ruan Ellis is the new Head of Discipline and Academics. He has six years of
teaching behind him and is now the HOD for Afrikaans, teaching Grade 10 – 12
FAL and HL. He also does the practicals with the Grade 11’s and 12’s for Life
Orientation. Wow! This is one busy guy! Ruan is a tower of strength under
pressure and has taken to the helm with quiet confidence. His door is always
open and he has already established an excellent rapport with staff and
students alike!
Samantha Mann has been teaching for six years and was last employed in Mpumalanga. The new HOD
of Business Studies and Accounting, she is most passionate about teaching Accounting and bringing
Business Studies to life. She has a rich home life with five-year-old daughter Taytin, two Chihuahuas
and a Labrador! Sam likes to unwind by watching the latest episode of her current favourite serial. If
she comes to your house for dinner, serve her lamb chops and liberal doses of witty conversation. Ms
Mann is a no-nonsense sort of lady who won’t tolerate bad language or disrespect in her classroom –
she goes the extra mile for her students who know that she works them hard because she really cares!
Welcome to the SWPS family Samantha!
SWPS
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Mrs Leanne Pallatt hails from Gauteng. She recently relocated to the fairest Cape
where she and her family hope to begin a new chapter in their lives. Leanne is the
HOD of English, teaching English HL and FAL to Grades 9 – 12. She has 17 years of
teaching experience (and is also the editor of this newsletter….) She secretly reads
trashy novels if she has any spare time and is addicted to walks on the beach.
NEW FACES… AND OLD… (NO OFFENCE WESSSEL!)
2015 began with hello’s and goodbye’s as we welcomed several new students to the fold and said goodbye to others. Wessel Blommerus began his
retirement at the end of January after 12 years of faithful service to the school. It was an emotional farewell…
On Friday, 31 January, with heavy
hearts, we said a difficult goodbye.
Wessel Blomerus was the "go-to guy"
at school for 12 years. The Matric
Student Council presented him with a
small gift on behalf of the students.
We wish him well as he moves into
another stage of his life. We are
forever grateful for all his lessons that
took place outside the classroom.
(Jessica Andras)
Somerset West Private School said goodbye to a
legend, Wessel Blomerus. There were a few
emotional speeches by students who paid tribute
to an equally emotional Wessel, who was saluted
for his years of service with a standing ovation
from the staff and students. After school, the staff
celebrated Wessel with a light lunch at a nearby
cafe. Wessel was at the school for more than 10
years and was well-known and respected by all
the learners - this was evident from the many
greetings he received as he made his rounds as
head of maintenance.
Wessel, we will miss you, and wish you well in all
your future endeavors. (Marlie Stander)
SWPS
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NEW ARRIVALS MUG SHOTS
SWPS
RYAN BARKLEY
GRADE 12
TASHREEQ JULIUS
GRADE 11
KEASHAN HUMAN
GRADE 11
ALEX BERTSATOS
GRADE 12
CONNOR BURNS
GRADE 10
CHRIS MARITZ
GRADE 10
KARABO SEHLOHO
GRADE 10
GAYLE HANCKE; TAICLA GILES--HUMAN
GRADE 10
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MINCHAN KIM
GRADE 10
SWPS
SAMKELO SANI
GRADE 10
MAX RUCH
GRADE 10
AYHAN STAR TURANLI
GRADE 9
ELLA VD BOGAERT
GRADE 8
LAIKEN MATTHEYS
GRADE 8
JOHANNES ENGELBRECHT
GRADE 9
Page 8
SARAH DELPORT
GRADE 8
SHANI CARSTENS
GRADE 7
SWPS
ANDRE VAN DYK
GRADE 8
HISHA PRAG
GRADE 8
B. HALLWACHS; C. MCCULLEY; J. ROBB
GRADE 11
ZELINA TEIXEIRA
GRADE 7
NERINE VAN DYK
GRADE 11
Page 9
Out & About…
CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE AND THE RHODES MEMORIAL
On 27th of February Social Science teacher Anina Grobler took the Grade Seven and Eights on a fieldtrip to the Castle of
Good Hope.
Even though a lot of us were interested in taking selfies in the torture chamber, we had to move on to the Rhodes Memorial. The
view was amazing!
After a picnic lunch, we went on an educational walk around Intaka Island, which included learning about the birds and how the
wetland cleans the water itself!
Finally, as the last activity, we got to see the rest of the Island by boat. It was beautiful to see the birds up close. We were sad
when the day came to an end.
SWPS
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TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM 20 January 2015
The Grade 11 group invested a lot of time last year to establish a little organic vegetable garden. One of our
class members, Ernesto Jardim, is on the Junior City Council and he entered the Compost Bin for this garden
into a competition. He won the competition and received free tickets for the Two Oceans Aquarium!
We had a wonderful day filled with Nemo’s, drumming, food and trying to convince the Big Wheel attendants
that the 17 year olds were still 15!
(ANINA GROBLER - Teacher)
Ernesto finding Nemo!
SWPS
Page 11
Rowan takes some drumming lessons from local street musicians… perhaps he should think about expanding his repertoire…??
GUITAR LESSONS
BEGINNER TO ADVANCED
ALL AGES
FOUNDATIONAL THEORY
CHORD STRUCTURE AND PROGRESSIONS
STRUMMING AND PICKING PATTERNS
SCALES
COVER SONGS
RHYTHM AND LEAD
CONTEMPORARY WESTERN STYLES
CONTACT:
JARROD
083 676 2478
SWPS
Page 12
Iziko Slave Lodge
On the 10th of March the Grade 11 and 12 History students went on an outing to the Iziko Slave Lodge in Cape Town. Even
though a few members of the group got lost, they managed to meet up on time. We were met by a tour guide who took us
through the museum, giving us extensive background information on each and every display.
The tour was an hour long and every question asked was answered. The tour guide was very enthusiastic and passionate and kept
us captivated throughout the whole hour. Afterwards, we were allowed to walk through the museum alone and take photos.
The outing was a great success and I definitely learned something new! It was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
(NICHAELA COLE – Grade 12)
“It was quite weird seeing my family’s name in the log books buying slaves at auction!” – Nico Myburgh (Grade 11)
SWPS
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The Grade 9’s Visit District Six
On the 6th of March the Grade 9 class went on
an outing to table Mountain and to the District
Six Museum. The weather was very nice for
the cable car and the view from on top of
Table Mountain was awesome! The District Six
Museum was an eye-opening experience and we
really enjoyed the opportunity to speak to the
‘experts’ like Joe and Ruth, who has so many
interesting stories to tell us.
Many thanks to our teacher, Anina Grobler,
for arranging this excursion for us. We really
appreciate it!
Interview
with Joe
Interview
with Ruth
SWPS
Page 14
ECO-SCHOOLS
a
SWPS
2014 was the first year that SWPS participated in the Ecoschools programme. We achieved a Bronze award
And I just want to congratulate all the students that were involved in 2014! We have lots of exciting plans for
2015….keep your eyes open.
We are aiming for the GREEN FLAG!
Page 15
We had a Valentine’s Day Social at the school on Friday 13th February. As it got closer to 9, people started arriving at last! We had hot dogs for dinner;
there were chips and drinks and we braaied marshmallows. Music played and as the night was drawing to a close some of the boys decided to go
swimming! Overall, we had a great time! ~ Caitlin De Stadler (Grade 10)
SWPS
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POETRY FOR LIFE Competition
ERNESTO JARDIM
The Poetry for Life Competition was a recent program held at the school to inspire appreciation for
poetry in the modern world. Each participant had to present two poems in assembly: one Traditional
English poem and a South African poem. In saying the poems, I discovered I was reading with more
empathy – I had to feel what the poet felt in order to show it in my voice. When I have 5 minutes to
spare, I read a poem – it keeps me going!
Poetry is not an essay; it is perfect moments in life written on paper.
I thank Mrs Pallatt for guiding us and organizing the competition at school.
SWPS
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"Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words." - Robert Frost
I competed in the District Rounds of the "Poetry
for Life" competition at Somerset College on
Saturday, 7 March. The other competitors were
extremely talented. I did not make it through to
the next round, but I thoroughly enjoyed the
experience. I encourage every student to enter
the competition as it served as great learning
experience.
PUBLIC SPEAKING: INCREASED DEMAND FOR COMPETITIORS
LEANNE PALLATT
A tradition at SWPS, the Annual Public Speaking Competition began this term, with competitors setting a high standard for those to follow. With a trophy
up for grabs at the end of the year for Juniors and Seniors, it is desirable that every student be given a shot. Unfortunately, the number of voluntary
competitors seems to be at an all time low – particularly at senior level. Hence, in an effort to encourage everyone to participate in learning this vital life
skill, Mrs Pallatt (HOD – English) will be placing a roster on the notice board outside Room 1 next term. Students will be given one week to select a date,
after which time Mrs Pallatt will be forced to fill in any names for students who have failed to do so themselves.
On a less mercenary note, the speakers who took part in the First Rounds this term generally did a great job and should be congratulated on their gutsy
performances. At this stage, the serious contenders for the Junior Cup are Xinsen Ou (Grade 8) and Gary Mattheys (Grade 9), while the Senior Cup could
be Richard Ferreira’s (Grade 12) this year, but there are some major players he will have to contend with…
SWPS
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REVIEW:
VASELINETJIE
Die Afrikaans huistaal leerders van SWPS het op 9 Maart 2015 die
geleentheid gekry om die produksie Vaselinetjie (Gr 11
voorgeskrewe leesboek) by die Woordfees by te woon. Een van die
leerders, Simon du Toit (Graad 9) het die volgende terugvoering
gehad:
THE SHIFT OF TIDE AND WIND
The sun was obscured by low slung dark cloud
that folded itself over and upon
itself. The equally grey green sea made it
impossible to distinguish between sky
and water, so that when the two came together
there was no discernible horizon.
The fresh breeze that whipped at the waves
caused plumes of sea water to rise in
valiant spouts, only to be driven backwards in
fearful defeat, time and time again.
A withdrawal not lacking in courage, but rather a
retreat to some safer place,
away from the awful and terrifying unknown.
The entity that lurked in the dark
was about to change everything we once held
most dear.
I kicked sand and water in a foul mixture and
watched as my little sister squealed
in delight and was at once sodden; the grains of
wet sand caught in her long
SWPS
Die toneelstuk by Hoërskool Stellenbosch was vir my ‘n prettige
ervaring en ek dink dat ons meer geleenthede moet kry om na sulke
plekke te gaan. Deesdae is almal se oë vasgenael aan ‘n skerm, maar
dit kan nie kers vashou by die ware Jakob nie. Alhoewel die toneelstuk
van Vaselinetjie gesukkel het om al die gebeure in die boek effektief
uit te beeld, was die akteurs uitstekend en oortuigend. Ek het die
uitstappie baie geniet. Wanneer is die volgende een?
blonde hair and made her look like a washed up
sea urchin. She sprinted into the
waves to escape and her revenge on me was
equally drenching; together we
laughed and played as we ran ahead of our
parents along the beach.
Stopping occasionally, I gazed out to sea,
sensing rather than certain that
something was wrong. I took her tiny hand in
mine and tried to outrun the feeling
that wrapped its icy fingers around my heart.
“Who wants hot chocolate?” asked my father
without any of his usual enthusiasm.
I tried to slow the pace because somehow that
hot chocolate represented the
entity that lay in ambush, hidden in the folds of
cloud where ocean met sky.
But all too soon, the hot chocolate arrived and
the tiny blonde head had to pack
away all the shells she had collected on our
walk to make space on the table.
It was then that I heard the words.
“I have an announcement to make,” said my
mother.
Then we were silent…… all three of us, as she
spoke.
“I am leaving your father and moving out….”
I stared at my sister across the table, her tiny
hand clutching her favourite shell of
the morning, disbelief and terror etched in her
tiny face - a mirror of my own. The
tears pooled in her big brown eyes and then,
one by one they brimmed over and
ran freely down her cheeks. So big, so
explosive; staring, I wondered how they
could be so silent as they fell and exploded on
her wet Smiley T-shirt.
I shifted my gaze far out to sea in an attempt to
penetrate the grey in the hope
that there was a tiny pinprick of light.
There was none. (G. Mattheys – Grade 9)
Page 19
EMERGING FROM THE SEA
The air is cold, cruel and most unrefreshing. The hungry critters of the waves open their jaws and let themselves drop contemptuously back into the
sea. The boat pitches and rolls and I can barely control my concentration--clueless of my orientation. With a crushed spirit--weak and fatigued--it is
a strain to unite my fingers and hold a firm grip on the helm. My feet are shaking and longing for firm, stationary ground. A storm is underway in
menacing ardour.
Until, in a sharp moment of perfection and a sudden onset of calm, every second appears to be lingering as an insect lands gracefully on my hand-nature's subtle sign that land is near. My heart is as light as a leaf blowing in the wind.
The thick mass of fog diminishes, revealing the delightful advent of a red orb peaking slightly above the horizon. Any unwholesome feeling of
irritation or dehydration now cannot be perceived, for I am only too thankful for my respite and deliverance from the storm.
Magically, beyond the horizon, the sun awakens and slowly radiates its ink-like rays as it begins its precise task of painting the sky, over and over,
lighter and brighter in tone each time--never complacent and quickly bored of working on a single masterpiece.
Royal, somber shades of purple diffuse into the sky, depicting the depths of reflection of the beauty of Mother Nature, transforming into a brave,
patriotic vermillion.
The artist continues to climb higher up the sky's ladder until, in a volta of thought--in delighted realisation-- it immerses itself in the sensation of
orange, mellow feelings. Quickening in pace and enthusiasm, it soon reveals its perfect painting of light-blue youthful joy.
By degrees, it reaches the ladder's end and paints upside down in a "Michael-Angelo" fashion, filling in the firmament, complete with clouds.
After a feverish day of employments and talent, the shadows lengthen--sketching pencil-like lines as if planning the blue-prints for tomorrow's
excitement.
The canvas is stripped bare once more--piece by piece, at the horizon and yonder, slowly progressing by degrees.
Emptiness is united by nothing.
Finally, the painter signs and dates the work, turning on the lamp of the moon and the North Star--a beacon from which hope and navigational aid
are derived, providing a feeling of safety.
Fears are stilled and replaced with awe. This is a sailor's energy, an unfathomable surge of motivation to maintain a forward gaze--is found in the
comfort of the sea. My second home.
Ernesto Jardim (Grade 11)
SWPS
Page 20
PARKING WARS
RUAN ELLIS
Pupil drop-off and Pick-ups at school
This term we really have not had a lot of dilemmas regarding this sometimes challenging topic. To ensure that we carry on with this
positive trend, we would just like to reiterate the following:



Please do not stop on private property to drop off your child. These include both the household estates as well as the biokinetic offices.
Take general traffic into consideration when stopping on the side of the road.
Please do not park in front of the entrance to the school to drop off your child.
Student Safety
Unfortunately, we have had two mugging incidents this term. Both incidents involved our learners and happened very close to the
school premises. We urge students who wait for lifts to rather wait inside the school premises to ensure their safety. If possible, please
motivate your child to walk in groups instead of on their own. Being vigilant is also a top priority – we encourage students not to walk
and listen to music via their headphones. This simply blocks out all sound and could make the learner an easier target to approach.
Students Driving to School
Just a reminder to all learners who drive to school: a certified copy of their license should be handed in at the office, along with the
registration number of their vehicle.
SWPS
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