Addo Outing - Grade 6

BY Mrs J. Panayiotou

The Grade 6s loved their visit to the Addo Wildlife Sanctuary. Many had never seen so many wild animals so up close and personal. The girls were welcomed by Maddy, the three-legged Vervet monkey. Maddy loves attention and that’s exactly what she got, and loads of it! She is  tame and the girls had fun feeding her, playing with her and taking photographss.

 

Next they got to see the ‘Three Musketeers’ . They are Vinny, the Fennec Fox, Milly the three-legged grey mongoose and Zuki the Meercat. These three were very entertaining as they ran up and down the cage loving all the attention. They girls enjoyed feeding them fruit and giving them belly rubs. From there things tensed up as Miss Inggs, the guide, took out the rock monitor, Toothless, for everyone to touch. Most of the girls were eager to feel what his skin felt like but a few stayed in the background, intimidated by his size and his sharp nails.

 

The owls were popular as the girls learnt how special they are. The girls were fascinated by the way they turn their heads and the size of their beautiful round eyes. The two meercats, Minion and Jasmine, were very popular. The crocodiles were next and they were very intimidating. The two caracal, Kerry and Nitro came really close to the fence and they were able to see them up close, noting their black tuffs of fur on the tips of their ears.  The girls were privileged to see the African Wildcats Olive and Arthur with their two day old baby kitten, Ava. Ava managed to survive while another kitten did not.

 

The highlight of the day was when the girls were able to handle and take pictures with a gecko, skink and snakes. They started off with the smallest leopard gecko, Victor, who everybody was happy to touch and hold. Then it was the blue tongued skink, Louise. He was much bigger and was fascinating to watch with his blue tongue. The snakes were definitely the most popular. The girls had an option to touch or hold the snakes at their own choice. We started with the smallest, the red and black corn snake. Then we had the two albino black rat snakes, Peaches and Cream, whom the girls adored! Lastly was the 3kg Burmese Python, Carley who spent a lot of time around the girl’s necks. By the end of the encounter the girls were very pleased to have spent some time with some of the most interesting of creatures. Many of them overcoming their fears.

During the lunch break, the girls bought some curios, played with the baby guinea pigs and Maddy the monkey ran around stealing pieces of bread and biscuits and she enjoyed sipping on some sweet drinks.

 

Thanks to the teachers, Mrs Woods, Miss Panayiotou, Miss Johnson, Mrs Swanepoel and Miss Potgieter for transporting the girls safely!

 

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 October 16, 2014
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SCA Bash

BY Martez Meyer

The SCA Bash has been a moving and rejuvenating night. There was dancing and praising and worship. Everyone who set foot in Muir College’s Hall must’ve felt something because the energy and the hunger for His word was overflowing. 
The SCA and SU Committee of both Muir and Riebeek planned this event a while back. We decided to change things up a bit and move the Bash, which is normally held at Riebeek College, to Muir College. During the week before the Bash, we as the SCA and SU committee were faced with obstacles and challenges that could have had us ‘running to the hills’. But being the warriors that we are, we didn’t let that stop us from fulfilling what we wanted to do and accomplish. We are grateful to ALL of those who stepped at the last minute.
To start the evening off, Riebeek’s SCA Dance Crew set the stage alight with slick dance moves that Yolanda Mni had taught us. The theme for the Bash was “C4J” which stands for “Crazy for Jesus” and what other way to show how crazy we all are than doing the Monkey. A fun, energetic dance that unleashes your inner monkey had everyone up and full of energy. We were honoured to have 2 bands playing. The first band, leading praise, was the UMC Youth Band of which 2 of our SCA Members were part of and the second band was MAD: Make a Difference, which lead worship. Pastor Miggels and his family of band members took worship to another level and some parts of his message that stood out include, “Do not be conformed to this world” ; “We are in this world but not from this world” ; “Don’t bow down to other gods” ; “We are Children of God”.
The night was a huge success and many of us felt heartsore to leave that safe environment but we hope that each amd everyone of us had taken something from the night. There are many people to thank including the dancers, bands, those at the prayer booth and tuckshop, the Dad’s for being our bouncers, : Mr De Beer, Mr Meyer, Mr Ferguson and Mr Tee, our teachers: Mrs Elie, Mr Elie, Mrs Evert, Miss Hauwkins and Mr Russ. There are many people to thank so if you did something special or you came to the Bash, we thank you but then again we wouldn’t have been able to have a successful Bash without our Father so all thanks be to God.

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 October 23, 2014
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Asi - Writing Competition

BY Administrator

Congratulations to Asisipho Tsotsa who is one of the 54 best nationally in the National Front Page Father Essay Contest. She was awarded a Walton's prize comprising a large box of stationery

WHAT MY DAD MEANS TO ME by Asisipho Tsotsa

My dad teaches me about God. He pays for my school fees and makes sure I'm well taken care of. I depend on him for almost everything. My dad always makes sure the doors are locked at night before he goes to bed. That's his way of making sure his family is always safe and protected.

 

Daddy is not perfect. I keep seeing more of that now. However, doesn't knowing our heroes aren't perfect make us love them even more? Saying my dad means the world to me would be a major clichè, because he doesn't always. Like any father to his teenage daughter, he gets on my nerves, gets too involved and tries too hard to be cool. But when he's not trying too hard, he automatically becomes the most awesome dad EVER!

 

Although I had a more priveleged upbringing than many, there's a lot of stuff my dad didn't do. He didn't tuck me in at night and read me a bedtime story. My dad never came home with well-thought-out gifts for each one of his children and his wife after a long day at work. He's never been the kind to drive us out to the beach on hot days for ice-cream. Even now my dad and l do not have the best father-daughter relationship imaginable. But one thing my dad always did without having to be told or reminded to do is love, protect and guide his family. He still does.

 

I believe everybody has their role in the family they're put into. My daddy's shown me what a real man is supposed to be like. My dad is not scared of showing emotion and contrary to popular belief, that makes him by no means any less of a man. I've seen every side there could possibly be to him, but my favourite side is when he makes me laugh. Dad has the most amazing sense of homour. It's contagious. I inherited that from him, plus many things.

 

They say you never really know what you have until it is gone. I've never been forced to think of what my daddy means to me, but in the back of my mind and in my heart l guess l've always known. My dad means something greater than words of any kind could explain, because with every new moment, Dad means something different.

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 June 04, 2014
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Reunion Report Backs

BY Administrator

Class of 1954

 

By Ria Botha Meyer 

 

50 years, that’s half a century, which has flown by.   We grew up without television, computers or cellphones, but we were probably no different to the teenagers of today, perhaps a little more naïve without outside influences – we went to school, did homework and talked about boys – simple.

 

I attended Founder’s Day in 2013, as I 

do every year, and joined the class of 1963, who were celebrating their 50th reunion for lunch.   It was a real treat to see them meeting and greeting each other, many of whom had not seen each other for 50 years.   I decided that our class should enjoy the same experience.  

 

It is difficult tracing classmates after all this time.   Women change their names, which makes the exercise doubly difficult.   You need to know where to look, but also who you are looking for.   Facebook is a wonderful thing, I don’t know where I would have been without it.   Once I got the ball rolling, it gathered momentum and girls were contacting me with information about classmates.   Believe me, this is not something one can do alone, and without the help of classmates and Wendy Robinson Collier, Burleigh Lombard Tunbridge and Valme Combrink Rogers from the class of 1963, this reunion would not have happened.

 

On Thursday evening several classmates met at the Algoa Bay Yacht Club for sundowners and supper.   This was a wonderful opportunity to meet before the emotional uproar of Founders Day at the school.   We had had a 25 year reunion in 1989 and had little contact with each other since, so there was a lot of talking to be done.  

 

Friday 9th May dawned, a beautiful autumn day, windless and sunny, Uitenhage at it’s very best.   Jenny Allen Anderson and I had made a memories board in the foyer of the school on the Tuesday before Founders Day, and we were gratified to see it being appreciated by our classmates.   We had tea in the student centre amid much talk and laughter and greeting Old Girls who were not in our class, but well known to most of us.

 

The Founders Day assembly was, as always, a moving experience, beginning with the school song, and what a good idea to sing it twice,  the” In Memorium”  the wonderful Riebeek choir, the guest speaker’s address and ending with the National Anthem.   It was, and always is, a wonderful experience, so much so that the local classmates have undertaken to attend next year’s Founders Day, and I shall hold them to it.   Well done to the reunion group who initiated a resounding 3 cheers at the end of the assembly, it was richly deserved.

 

Lunch at the Golf Club was a noisy affair, to say the least.   This must surely have been close to what it sounded like at the Tower of Babel!     The food was good and the company excellent, we didn’t want it to end and several of us stayed until the very end, encouraged by that junior school girl who now occupies the lady principal’s office (well done Marilyn, we are proud of you).

 

On Saturday we gathered at the home of Irma Venter Bezuidenhout in Port Elizabeth for a “bring and share” lunch.    The conversation was reminiscent of break time at Riebeek.   Teachers were discussed, naughtiness revisited and tales of old boyfriends told.   There was also a lot of “whatever happened to so and so”   Several classmates were accompanied by partners, who were all old Uitenhagers, so they could entertain themselves while the girls had the time of their lives.

 

And so our weekend drew to a close.   What a wonderful time we had and how sorry we were to see it end.   Thanks to Mrs Woods, the staff and pupils Riebeek for allowing us to create total mayhem at the school and a special thanks to Mrs Natalie Stear for establishing Founder’s Day as a tradition at Riebeek.

 

Class of

1974

 

ByLynne Thomas Griffiths

 

The day began with a very warm welcome by some young ladies at the door with whom we had photographs.  Into the foyer where it was great to see an old class mate , Linda, Strydom Killian,  and next there was Mr Hoare to give me a big hug.  Linda and I walked through the quad with an amazing array of plantation to the upper hockey field to watch the hockey match.  The tea was held in the new (to us)   clubhouse        where Ann, Louis ,Lesley , Bev, Paulette  and Seugnet, joined us for a good chat. Memories came flooding back to all of us and many questions were asked about our fellow classmates that had been unable to attend.

 

The assembly , held in the Sholto McIntrye Hall, was quite a moving event, to stand there and  listening to the choir singing was just too beautiful.  Being able to remember the school song and sing it was also very emotional.  The different old girl’s classes were introduced  - they were sitting in the balcony (also new to us).   2 of our teachers were present Mrs Watts Potgieter and Mrs Swart.  Mrs Woods was not one of our class teachers but was the std 3 teacher in the prefab next to us(our history class Mrs Rump) and also our hockey

coach.

 

I had the privilege and honour to be part of the stage party.  Being able to address the whole assembly after 40 years was quite something and hope that it was enjoyed by all and that my message of encouragement to take each challenge, give your best  and grow all ways would be useful to a few of the girls present. 

 

After assembly we mingled a bit in the foyer looking at the posters that each class had made for the reunion – so many photos of the past.  Lunch at the golf course was next on the agenda – a delicious meal and a chance to chat some more.

 

Our class met the next morning for breakfast at Brioche – we nearly stayed for lunch too.  This was a great time to chat, show photos, ask questions and exchange numbers and addresses – thank goodness for facebook and email.  I thank all the girls that were able to attend and make this a memorable 40 th year reunion.

 

We look forward to our next reunion and hope that all the families are kept safe and blessed until we meet again

 

 

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 June 03, 2014
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Hockey Festival - February 2014

BY Administrator

U/16 Hockey Festival

By Francesca Gottini

 

Our annual U/16 hockey festival was held in February. The festival took off on Friday the 21st on a bit of a windy note. However, more heated weather followed, along with more vibrancy and determination, the following day. 

 

Miss Potgieter, the festival co-ordinator said, “The festival was a success, especially as there were no major incidents. The Riebeek U/14 side looks promising and as for the Riebeek U/16 side, there is work to be done, but they are looking good for the upcoming season. The coaches are lovely and open people. They understand the friendliness of our festival and that it is an opportunity for them to get a look into the season with their teams and to see needs to be done.”

 

All feedback from the festival was good. Some comments from various people at the festival include, “The girls were very lovely and had the best manners.” (Mrs Stark) “The players were great and the support was very encouraging.” (Langelihle Kasibe, RBK U/16 inv) “I really enjoyed myself, thanks to my lovely team.” (Shanice Pieterson, RBK U/16 inv) “It was nerve wrecking and exciting!” (Phumelela Kwanini, RBK U/14) “This has been another learning curve for me, injury and all.” (Asemahle Nkume, First Aider) “Some new friendships were started right here at the festival.” (Langelihle Kasibe, RBK U/16 inv)

Results of the U/16 team for the festival include one victory and two draws. Their victory was 4-1 against Victoria Girls U/14 and their draws were against Brandwag 0-0 and Victoria Girls U/16 1-1.  

 

Highlights of the festival included some exceptional performances from Riebeek players. Lara Naidoo, Octavia Johannes and Tammy Jaftha from the U/14 side, Shanice Pieterson and Sanelisiwe Zitho, U/16 inv as well as, Natheera Sirkhotte, Caydin Nicolaai and Megan de Beer from the U/16 side.     

 

There were many people to thank, including, Miss Potgieter (Festival Co-ordinator), Mr Biljoen (U/16 Coach), Mrs Elie (U/16 inv Coach), Mr Jonas (U/14 Coach), Mylan Jonas and Danelle Klassen (assisted our teams) and all the teachers who stepped to help in any way, Mrs Stroebel, Mrs Swanepoel, Mrs du Plessis, Mrs Gunter, Mrs Gerber and Mr Hoare. Also, special thanks goes to the McFarlane, Minter, Isaac and Coetzee families. Well done to the First Aiders, Interacters, Cultural Board, Prefects and the U/18 squad.  

 

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 June 03, 2014
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Speeches at Founder's Day 2014: Guest Speaker

BY Administrator

Slide 1                 tv pattern                                       Welcome to 1974

YES   MAN HAD WALKED ON THE MOON  - WE ALL LISTENED TO THE LANDING AT SCHOOL OVER THE INTERCOM SYSTEM VIA A RADIO TRANSMISSION          NO TV TO SEE THIS EVENT HAPPENING        TODAY  WE ARE ABLE TO TRAVEL IN SPACE    - THE FORTUNATE MAN  IS  MARK SHUTTLEWORTH

GOOD MORNING TO EVERYONE

MRS WOODS, STAFF, GUESTS, PUPILS AND RIEBEEK OLD GIRLS IT IS AN HONOUR TO BE INVITED TO SPEAK TO THIS GATHERING OF LADIES AND GENTLEMEN TO CELEBRATE OUR SCHOOL

A SPECIAL WELCOME TO ALL THE GIRLS WHO ARE HERE TODAY WHETHER YOU ARE OUT OF SCHOOL FOR 1 YEAR, 5 YRS OR 50YRS – RIEBEEK COLLEGE WILL ALWAYS HOLD A SPECIAL CORNER IN OUR HEARTS

MY NAME IS LYNNE    AND       I AM PROUDLY  FROM THE CLASS OF 1974   Slide of matric dance talk    

LETS GO BACK TO 1974 -  40 YRS AGO I WAS PRIVILEGED TO STAND ON THIS STAGE IN FRONT OFTHE GRADE 11 AND 12 PUPILS, TEACHERS, PARENTS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND ADDRESS THEM.  THIS WAS THE MATRIC FARWELL DANCE.  MY SPEECH THAT NIGHT WAS LIKE THIS        WORDS WORDSA WORDS      DO NOT WORRY WITH ALL THE MODERN TECHNOLOGY OF TODAY  YOU ARE WATCHING  MY SPEECH     MEMORY STICK  WITH IMAGES  TO MAKE IT MORE INTERESTING   -  WHAT GREAT MEMORIES WERE CREATED.  WE ALL HAD  TO WEAR LONG WHITE  DRESSES WITH SLITS THT ONLY WENT TO THE KNEE   AND WE  WALKED  A RED CARPET TO BE PRESENTED TO THE MAYOR OF UITENHAGE. PHOTO OF MATRIC DANCE THIS WAS NEAR THE END OF OUR SCHOOL YEARS TOGETHER.

 PHOTO OF LAST DAY AT SCHOOL

WE SPENT THE NIGHT TOGETHER AND TRAVELLED TO SCHOOL ON THE MILK TRUCK

WE WOULD SOON BE WRITING OUR FINAL EXAMINATIONS AND SOME HAD ALREADY DECIDED ON THEIR FUTURE CAREERS

LET ME SHOW HOW THE CLASS OF 74 BEGAN

PHOTO OF CLASS  IN COLLEGE HILL

A FEW MEMORIES OF THE CLASS   PHOTO OF CONCERT

 WE  GREAT  TIMES AT SCHOOL         PHOTO, SWIMMING GALA, WATCHING HOCKEY MATCH ON A TOUR TO KAFFARIAN GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

CHEER LEADERS FOR ELIZABETH HOUSE AT THE SWIMMING GALA,  A TENNIS TEAM

THE CLASS OF 74  IN 1971     WE HAD CHANGED QUITE A BIT BY NOW   THE HAIR STYLES WERE DIFFERENT AND WE HAD LOST THE BOYS   - do not worry we get them back later

PHOTO OF TWINS    WE WERE PRIVILEDGED TO HAVE 3 SETS OF TWINS IN OUR CLASS.  ALTHOUGH THEY DID NOT ALL FINISH UP TOGETHER  IN 1974   The Vermaak’s became famous tennis players after leaving Riebeek at the end of std 7    Lesley and Louis are here today to celebrate with us

WE WERE INVOLVED IN MANY ACTIVITIES   DRAMA – WE WENT AS A GROUP TO THE OPERA HOUSE TO SEE   SHAKESPEAR’S PLAYS  AS THESE WERE OUR SETWORK BOOKS.   THIS WAS ALWAYS AN EXCITING OUTING.   SPORT      LINKY BOSHOFF  REPRESENTED  SA AT WIMBLEDON IN 1974  AND BEVERLEY ECKLEY REPRESENTED OUR EASTERN  PROVINCE AT HOCKEY.  ACADEMIC    MANY OF US WROTE AN EXAMINATION CALLED    “DIE TAALBOND” AN INDEPENDENT LANGUAGE EXAM  AND ALSO THE MATHS OLYMPIAD AND WE WERE ALL SUCCESSFUL.  WE WENT TO THE SCIENCE FESTIVAL IN GRAHAMSTOWN WHICH WAS MUCH FUN BUT ALSO A LOT OF LEARNING AND SHARING.  HELEN MARTIN , JENNY MEYER AND MYSELF MADE IT ONTO THE BROCHURE OF THE FESTIVAL   WE ALSO DID CHARTY DRIVES  - ONE YEAR WE KNITTED SQUARES AND MADE UP BLANKETS  - I CANNOT REMEMBER HOW MANY WE DID IN TOTAL  BUT REMEMBER THAT THE GRADE 9 CLASS MADE 11 BY THEMSELVES

SOME OF THE PUPILS IN THE PHOTO FROM COLLEGE HILL  ARE STILL IN THE PHOTO 12 YEARS LATER

PHOTO OF CLASS OF 74

WHAT WAS HAPPENING  IN 1974 - 

WE DID NOT HAVE      CELL PHONES, CD, DVD, COMPUTER, I PAD, TABLETS, 3D MOVIES

BUT         WE DID HAVE THE DRIVE IN, MUSIC CASSETTES, CINEMA,

AND THIS IS THE YEAR  YOUR SWIMMING POOL WAS STARTED    AND WE NEVER GOT TO SWIM IN IT         POOL

WHERE DID WE GO TO FOR DELICOUS FOOD PHOTO OF WIMPY     WE ONLY HAD THE WIMPY TO GO TO FOR OUR CHOCOLATE SUNDAE

NOW WE HAVE SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM    DEBONAIRS, MUGG & BEAN, STEARS TO NAME A FEW  

PHOTO BEETLE     CAR OF YEAR 1974   please remember her as you will see what happens

AFTER WE HAD WRITTEN OUR FINAL EXAM  WE HAD TO MAKE A CHOICE FOR OUR CAREER -OUR CHOICES WERE A BIT LIMITED     PHOTO NURSE DOCTOR  YOU COULD BECOME A NURSE, TEACHER, BANK CLERK  AND NOT MUCH ELSE.  THE BOYS GENERALLY BECOME THE DOCTORS AND THE GIRLS THE NURSES.      AFTER GRADUATION WE COULD BEGIN OUR CAREERS.   WE WOULD THEN GO ON TO CHOOSE OUR HUSBANDS

I THINK THE BIGGEST CAREER THAT A WOMAN HAS IS TO MANAGE THE FAMILY-  YOU HAVE TO EDUCATE THE CHILDREN,  MANAGE THE HOUSEHOLD , GO TO WORK EACH DAY, AND KEEP  EVERYONE  HAPPY AND ORGANISED    PHOTO LINKY  AND SOME OF THEM WERE MUIR BOYS   PHOTO MUIR CLASS OUR BROTHER SCHOOL

OUR CHILDREN GREW UP AND WENT TO SCHOOL  - SOME ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO ATTEND RIEBEEK COLLEGE IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THEIR MOMS – WHAT A PRIVILEGE.

TO-DAY  THE GRADE 12 PUPILS HAVE A HUGE SELECTION TO CHOOSE FROM     PHOTO OF CAREERS 

PHOTO  SPORTSWOMAN, RADIOGRAPHER, PHARMACIST

THESE ARE BUT A FEW - YOU COULD GO TO UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE, TECHNIKON AND STUDY LIKE MAD AND YOU WOULD GRADUATE PHOTO GRADUATION  WHEN YOU ARE CHOOSING YOUR CAREER  DO NOT THINK THAT YOU HAVE TO BE A DOCTOR OR SCIENTIST TO BE SUCCESSFUL  - THINK OF YOUR OWN TALENTS AND INTERESTS AND CHOOSE ALONG THAT PATH AND YOU WILL ENJOY YOUR LIFE.   THERE IS AN AMAZING FUTURE WAITING FOR EACH MATRIC PUPIL

WHEN YOU ARE AT SCHOOL YOU DO NOT REALISE HOW EACH AND EVERY PERSON YOU MEET WITH HAS AN EFFECT ON YOUR LIFE.  WHETHER IT BE ON THE SPORT FIELD, CLASSROOM, LIBRARY OR IN THE CORRIDOR.

YOUR TEACHERS AND CLASSMATES ALL CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCE.   AT 40 YEARS WE NOW HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE BUT NOT YET TOTALLY QUALIFIED AS THERE IS STILL A LOT OF LEARNING TO DO AS LIFE IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING. WE ARE CHALLENGED EVERYDAY TO GROW AND LEARN NEW IDEAS            LETS TAKE THE CELL PHONE

PHOTO OF CELL PHONE    OLD AND NEW     LOOK AT HOW THE CELL PHONE HAS CHANGED

EVEN OUR USE OF WORDS HAS CHANGED     I HAVE HAD TO LEARN WORDS LIKE

SMS     MSG    LIKE   LOL   ROTFL    WHATSAP     TWITTER    AND THE NEWEST   IS   SELFIE

I AM A RADIOGRAPHER AND THIS IS MY SELFIE          PHOTO OF SELFIE     

REMEMBER THE BEETLE BACK THEN   SEE HOW IT HAS EVOLVED   PHOTO OF CAR   BEETLE IT IS NO LONGER THE MODEL OF THE YEAR

NOW THE MODEL OF THE YEAR IS        A   HUMMER OR  A MASERATI   OR THE BIGGEST 4X4 YOU CAN FIND               ENOUGH OF MEMORIES LETS GET TO THE  TEACHERS

TEACHERS PHOTO 1972

TO THE TEACHERS OF 1974   Mesdames Hutton, Chapman, Rump, Swart, Watts, Brockett, , Springer, Crane, Black, Woods, Kotze, Newman, OLIVIER AND EHLERS       I THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF THE CLASS FOR WHAT YOU DID FOR US AND GIVING US AN EXCELLENT GROUNDING FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE IN OUR CAREERS AND OUR FAMILIES.

MRS WOODS  YOUR SUPPORT AND TRAINING  FOR THE  HOCKEY TEAMS   WAS FANTASTIC

MRS WATTS   I HOPE I HAVE MADE YOU PROUD TODAY

I MUST  , HOWEVER, SAY SORRY TO MRS SWART         I STILL CANT BAKE SCONES 

PHOTO OF CLASS OF 1974 NOW

TO THE CLASS OF 74     I  THANK EACH AND EVERYONE FOR JUST WHO YOU WERE  AND CONGRATULATIONS ON ALL YOUR SUCCESSES AND FRIENDSHIP TO EACH OTHER.  FACEBOOK HAS MADE IT EXTREMELY EASY AND EXCITING TO CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS.   WE HAVE ALL INFLUENCED OR TOUCHED SOMEONE IN OUR 40 YEARS AFTER SCHOOL, ALTHOUGH YOU DONT REALISE IT AT THE TIME, YOU HAVE SUPPORTED EACH OTHER AT SCHOOL – WE FACED CHALLENGES TOGETHER AND THIS WAS PART OF GROOMING US AND FORMING OUR CHARACTERS.

I WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE EVERY PERSON HERE TO DAY WHETHER YOU ARE GRADE 4, 12 OR 40 YRS OLD TO ACCEPT EVERY OPPORTUNITY, OR CHALLENGE YOU ARE GIVEN, GIVE YOUR BEST AND LEARN AND GROW FROM IT.  WHETHER YOU HELP A FRIEND ,  OR YOU ARE GOING TO SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST DAY OF A NEW YEAR,    BE POSITIVE, BE KIND, BE ENCOURAGING TO ALL AND YOU WILL HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE OF SOMEONE’S LIFE.   A SMILE IS THE MOST AMAZING FEATURE IN YOUR WHOLE BODY AND USES A NUMBER OF  MUSCLES AND NERVES TO CREATE IT  BUT CAN CAUSE  THE BIGGEST WARMEST  FEELING IN ANOTHER PERSON

TO THE GRADE 12  CLASS OF TODAY   GOOD LUCK FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR, CHOOSE YOUR CAREERS WISELY, FACE THE CHALLENGES AND STEP FORWARD INTO AN AMAZING FUTURE  -  THERE IS LOTS TO EXPLORE

 

THANK YOU ALL AND MAY THE YEAR AHEAD TO OUR NEXT REUNION BE A BLESSED ONE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 June 03, 2014
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All Girls'National Schools and Cultural Festival

BY Mrs A. Peltason

During the April break, 26th – 29th April,  a group of debaters and public speakers took part in an All Girls’ Festival at Collegiate. We were one of 20 schools from all over the country and the competition was tough.

 

Our debaters did exceptionally well. They were knocked out in the semi-finals after 6 glorious rounds, by Collegiate. There was little to separate the teams and the decision could have gone either way. In the end, despite losing the semi-final, Riebeek came second with 13 points and a score of 1255 to Collegiate’s 13 points and 1210 points. Durban  Girls’ High was the ultimate winner with 15 points and a score of 1263. It was certainly very, very close.

 

Two of our debaters were placed in the Top 10 Speakers. Micaela White and Asisipho Tsotsa. Micaela with 75 points was very close to the top score of 77.5. Well done all the debaters. You have proven that you can perform at  a national level and win!

 

Public speaking also fared very well, with Anavuyo Selani making the final line-up for both the prepared and impromptu sections. Nicola McEwan and Carla Ferreira spoke very well on each occasion. The competition represented to top girls’ schools in the country. Our

girls acquitted themselves exceptionally well.

 

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 April 30, 2014
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Inter House Gala

BY

The annual Inter-House gala was hosted at the Riebeek Penny Haynes Pool on Tuesday 25 March. Despite the intense heat it was a highly enjoyable day. Well done to all the swimmers and non-swimmers for participating with such energy. The prize for Best Theme and Dance went to Elton, and Eleanor was awarded Best Spirit and named the Overall Winners. Thank you to all the staff for their efforts, especially Mr Reynolds and Mr Lawson for officiating, and Mrs Hickson, Mr Calitz and Mr Weidemann for forming the Riebeek Relay Team.

Mini Fun Gala

 

The Mini Fun Gala held on 14 March was thoroughly enjoyed by the juniors. Thank you Miss Johnson and the participants. This years Mini Fun Gala started with the cheerleaders dances which was won by Elizabeth house. Elton was 2nd and Eleanor 3rd. Then we had a swimming demonstration by the Gr 7 Beginner swimmers to show the water safety skills we have taught them at beginner swimming this year. The Ashes race was narrowly won by the Muir boys but it was a nail biting finish and the girls swam so well. There was great support from the parents and the tuckshop did a roaring trade and seemed to be a hive of activity all day. Thanks to all the staff for their help. Miss Johnson reports that it is wonderful to be part of such an enthusiastic team of teachers.

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 March 30, 2014
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Head Girl 2015 reports on her selection to attend Die Burger Leadership conference

BY Yolanda Mni

I feel very blessed and honoured to have been chosen as the Head Girl of 2015. This is a great opportunity, granted to me by my peers, for me to grow not only as a leader but as a person as well. As the 2015 prefect body we presented a HORNS presentation which outlined the rules of the school and reminding the girls to always look neat and presentable. However, the R stands for Respect. Next year I would like the beautiful Riebeek Girls to have self-respect, respect for others and take pride in who they are. Self-respect includes believing in yourself, thinking highly of yourself, being confident and have a high self-esteem. Self-respect allows one to not be defined by society. As girls I would like us to not fit in with the crowd but stand out. By the end of 2015 I would like to see these traits in my peers.

 

At Riebeek you are surrounded by people who support and believe in you. The staff of Riebeek go beyond their call of duty for the learners. I would like to thank Mrs Woods and Mrs Snyman for nominating me and submitting my entry for the selection process of the 56th Die Burger Jeugleierskapkonferensie in Muizenburg. Thank you to Mrs Gerber who kindly assisted Mrs Snyman in completely my entry. When I heard I was selected I was overjoyed. The joy I felt at that moment cannot be expressed in words. My mother reports, "it is every parents dream and wish to see his/her child reaching for goals that have meaning for him/her as an individual my role as Yolanda's mom has always been a support system in whatever dream she has. It is in Yolanda's blood to grab any opportunities that awaits.When she saw the article, I encouraged her to take the chance and apply. When I received the news that she made it I couldn't believe my ears. I cant even express the way I feel even now. As a Christian I believe that everything is possible to God. My gratitude goes to Riebeek College teachers, who managed to unearth the hidden leadership skills in Yolanda. They played a great role in all this. Above all I thank God for His unfailing love for us. I've realised how luck I am to have such a wonderful, smart and optimistic daughter. When she was applying for this she was so optimistic that she will be chosen and I gave her my full support to go ahead. I even asked her if she will be able to participate in the conference as it will be in Afrikaans, and she said yes I can and I will. I know she will make us proud and leave a mark in Cape Town.The sky is the limit Yolanda!"

 

I'm overwhelmed and ecstatic to have the privilege of attending this conference. I am looking forward to learning about leadership before the year ahead. This opportunity couldn't have come at a better time.

The Mother City is a place that I've been wanting to visit and now I'm getting that opportunity. The Cape is rich in history that I cant wait to experience. When I get back I will be sharing the pearls of wisdom I have gained with the rest of the school as I believe that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders.

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 November 22, 2014
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Yolanda Mni

Woolworths Sing Dance Celebrate Competition - Riebeek in Top 5

BY

Riebeek is proud to announce that we have placed in the top 5 schools in the Woolworths Sing Dance Celebrate Competition.  The girls will, with Mr Calitz and Mrs Woods, now work on another song to compete in the finals.  The girls are 

Carleen Braun, Yonela Mapela,  Lilitha Mali, Ambesa Daniels,   Thimna Hobongwana,   Abongile Magidimesi ,  Phumela Kondile,    Busisiwe Rooibaard, Simbulele Gosani,   Lelethu Ntshangase.  The video can be watched in our MEDIA SECTION OF THE WEBSITE.   

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 October 13, 2014
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Kruger Park Tour

BY Carmynn Collins and Tayla Boscombe

These were the girls who set off on a grand adventure with Mrs Myburg during the October holiday: Tayla Boscombe, Carmynn Collins, Ma-asha de Long, Desire Ferguson, Keshia George, Megan McAuley, Leane Naidoo, Munira Natha, Anelisa Ngojoba, Siphosetha Ngqamfana, Emma Patterson, Anelisa Rabie, Natheera Sirkhotte, Siviwe Tole, Buhle Williams, Mandisa Witbooi, Sanelisiwe Zitho. 
We started the tour off at 4:00am and there was not much sleep on the bus. Our first stop in Bloemfontein allowed for shopping at the Loch Logan Waterfront. At Loskopdam in Middelburg, we loved the heated pool. Sudwala Caves was where Tayla Boscombe was picked by the guide to demonstrate how the women cave tribes would prepare food. We spotted the Big Five at the Kruger Park and visited Moholoholo Game Farm in Hoedspruit for a night game drive and we visited Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre, where Desire, Emma and Mrs Myburg had the wonderful experience of feeding vultures. We also met Olive, a young tamed rhino. We visited our country's most breath-taking places along the Blydepoort Canyon. We stopped in Pilgrim's Rest, an old mining town, where we saw the popular "Royal Hotel" . The night was spent in Graskop at Mogodi Lodge. Gold Reef City and Sun City awaits the girls.

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 October 08, 2014
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Carmynn Collins and ...

Sasol Solar Challenge

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The Sasol Solar Challenge was held on 1 October 2014 at Kings Beach in Port Elizabeth.

Mr Jonas selected 10 grade 6 pupils to enter the competition.   He reports: “The girls were all exited when we built the model cars and could not wait to race them against the other Primary schools on the day.   The girls each received a certificate and T-shirt.   During the quiz many of them won calculators headphones and diaries.   We ended third in the race which Mr Jonas said was a huge achievement as many of other schools were mostly boys.   We showed them what girl-power is all about.”  

The girls had the following to say:

Tarryn Barry “I was nervous to race our Solar car so I let Romesa go in my place.   Thank you Mr Jonas for taking us; I promise you we have had an awesome experience.”

Okuhlekwethu Mjuza “I was so nervous and praying that we win.”

Robyn Minnaar “I am so happy that we got 3rd place.   It was a truly great experience.”

Romesa Muhammad “Finally our turn came and in the first round Azraa had to run after the car and we came 2nd.   In the second round I had to run after the car on the track and we came 2nd again.   In the final round we ended 3rd.  

Jessica Craill “We all enjoyed watching the entire schools race.   We also saw a big Solar racing car.”

Ganeefa Sirkhotte “I really enjoyed the Sasol Solar Challenge, especially the quiz.”

Azraa Rockman “When it was our turn to race the excitement was building within me and hoped that we would win.   I really enjoyed learning new things about solar power and how it can help us.   It will be a day that I will never forget.”

Alexandra Dennis “I won a calculator!  We had so much fun at Mc Donald’s after the race … Thank you Mr Jonas.”

Joanne Miller “We won all sorts of prizes.   It was awesome and amazing and an experience I will never forget.” 

Naomi De Booi “That day I woke up early just because I was excited to go to the challenge in PE.   Thank you Mr  Jonas for giving some of your time to take us to the Sasol Solar Challenge.”

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 October 05, 2014
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We are Proud of Tinique Theron

BY
Tinique Theron is 9 years old and in Grade 4. Her granny helped her send her photograph to JET and she was very excited one Tuesday recently when her grandfather got a message on his phone that she had won the JET competition. She won R1000 of books for our school library and a R1000 JET voucher. "All my friends wanted me to buy them clothes" she said. Tinique loves Arts and Crafts with Mrs Skeates and loves reading and going to the library. She likes fun books and loves books by Judy Moody. She enjoys drawing and painting. She dreams of becoming a doctor to help people and save lives. She would have loved to have met Nelson Mandela to tell him how inspiring he is to her.
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 September 30, 2014
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New JTC Mayor - Tayla Boscombe

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 We are immensely proud of our mayor!  Tayla reports: “Being elected as the new Alpha Leo (JTC) Mayor for 2015 is such a great honour. It has always been a goal of mine, ever since I was voted onto the committee in 2012. When the former Mayor read out my name, it felt as if my whole body turned to stone, I couldn’t move. I couldn’t think. I am very excited to Sow the Seeds of Love in my 2015 term. Mother Teresa is a perfect example of how a little kindness can change the world. Her selfless sacrifices are an inspiration to us all. She said: ‘Not all of us can do great things, but we can all do small things with great love’.” 

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 September 24, 2014
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Welcome Letter from the Principal: January 2014

Please click here.

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Term 1 of 2014 letter from the Principal

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Term 1 of 2014

Please click here for the term 1 newsletter of 2014.

Please note that we are phasing the newsletter out in favour of the D6 school communicator conveying our news as it happens.

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Term 4 of 2013

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Term 2 of 2013

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Please click here to view the newsletter of Term 2 of 2013.  There is a lot of exciting news!

Term 3 of 2013

Please click here for the Term 3 of 2013 newsletter.

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Term 1 of 2013

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Please click here to view the news of the first term of 2013.

Jamie-Lee Daniels wins Boland Ladies Open

BY

Jamie-Lee Daniels, a Grade 9 at Riebeek College,  played in the Boland Ladies Open at Arabella Golf Estate (7-8 September).  She won the tournament with 3 shots ahead of second place - a round of 74.71 on a golf course with a par 72 (1 over par).  This makes Jamie-Lee the Boland Ladies Champ for 2014.  Jamie-Lee was four when she started playing golf and she fondly remembers trips to the golf course with her dad and sister.  Jamie-Lee acknowledges that success has not come easy for her as she has to practice every day for about 2 hours, regardless of the weather or the homework piling up.  “You just have to make the time and find the time to get your school work done while keeping your eye on the ball – knowing you have to put in the hours to get the results in golf.”  Jamie-Lee also participates in u16A Hockey as centre link or centre forward.  Jamie also came fourth in the EP and Border Championship at Port Alfred Golf Club on 16 and 17 August.  Jamie-Lee says that in her spare time she loves travelling or spending time with friends, but mostly she loves playing golf even in her spare time.  Principal of Riebeek College, Mrs Marilyn Woods says,  “We are all extremely proud of Jami-Lee’s wonderful success in her chosen sport of golf. What is so admirable about her, is that she continues to give of her best at school and endeavours to take part in as many of the extra-mural sporting and cultural activities on offer.   She is a true example of a Riebeek Girl of whom we are justifiably proud.   She has the ardent and  loyal support of all of the Riebeek Family! “

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 September 11, 2014
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Manali Kapadia - Accounting Achiever

BY

Manali Kapadia, a Grade 12 learner at Riebeek College, recently took part in the provincial round of the Accounting Competition in East London and was placed second.   The competition was organised by the department of education. Mr Makgoba, head office subject planner : Accounting at the Eastern Cape department of Education was in charge of the competition.  Mrs du Plessis, Accounting Teacher at Riebeek College, said: “Manali has a passion for Accounting and has made use of opportunities offered at Riebeek to improve on her presentation skills. At the competition one of her stated reasons for taking  Accounting was" the joy when a balance sheet balances". If you find joy in your work you have to be successful.”   Manali has been very busy with her matric trials and reports that all is going well.  She has participated in drama productions and become a technical whiz from her involvement in creating slideshows for various events at the school.  Manali also spoke at a leadership seminar held at the school entitled “Being Human”.  She spoke of the importance of being organised and open to new experiences.  This seminar was on the same day as the first round of the Accounting Competition and Manali raced from one successful event to the next. 

 

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 September 11, 2014
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Hockey Tour to Cape Town

BY Francesca Gottini

Our journey to Cape Town started off  early one cold morning, with lots of luggage, and hugs and kisses from moms and dads who bid us goodbye and good luck! We ensured a cosy trip by bringing blankets and cushions to keep us warm. Sleeping on-and-off, we made our way to George, where we made a quick stop to pick up a hockey stick (an absolute essential) for Kristin Leach and made our first real stop in the historical town of Swellendam. After a long trip, with Abongile Magidimesi constantly jumping up and down saying "Are we there yet?" every time she spotted a mountain in the distance, and Miss Potgieter and Mrs Panayiotou shouting at the GPS which kept taking us in the wrong direction, we reached our destination. Eager to see our apartments, we explored a little, while waiting for our keys. With a stunning view of Table Mountain from our balconies and a relaxed supper at the braai area, we knew that we were going to have a blast!      

 

An eight o'clock breakfast got us started on our first full day in Cape Town. Our first trip of the tour took us to the Two Oceans Aquarium. Fun times in the Nemo Tank head view, pretending to eat mushroom sculptures in the frog corner and selfies with the sharks gave us a fulfilling experience. We moved our journey to the V & A Waterfront. As we were departing the mall, a red Ferrari caught our eyes. We were warmly invited and welcomed on board a Chinese navy ship and were given a full tour of the ship. It was a very exciting day, especially for Robyn Thompson who may like to follow a career in the navy. We had a lovely cosy dinner at Primmi Piati, where we spotted Eben Etsabeth, who is the Stormers’ lock.

 

On Tuesday morning we went for a run on the beach and played a jumping exercise with long tubes of washed up seaweed. We spent our afternoon at Canal Walk. Some watched a movie and others had fun in the arcade, where Mrs Panayiotou enjoyed all the little kiddies’ rides. In the evening we played our first match against Rustenburg Girls' High where our own ex-principal, Miss Bekker, is currently headmistress. It was the first match of our season on an astro turf and it proved to be a great training experience. Unfortunately, we lost the game 5-0, but it taught us some new skills and techniques to improve our game. Our opposing team was very friendly and after our match we were invited to join them for doughnuts and juice. We all received button badges with "120" on them, symbolizing the 120 year anniversary of their school. There is a ladybug on the badge, which is used as they are often referred to as the “Rusty Bugs”.

 

Stiff bodies and heavy eyelids ventured to Access Park on Wednesday. Sales in the  Cotton On Factory Shop led to many red bags and new clothes. Next stop was China Town for some more sweet deals.  We were all in dire need of a Spur lunch to fill our hungry stomachs! At the Western Province Hockey Stadium, we played against Pinelands Ladies Club and implemented what we had learned from the Rustenburg game. We put on a good game. At half time we were tied with no score. In the second half Amore Wannies, working together with our captain, Shannon Dillon, scored a goal, giving us a 1-0 lead. Pinelands Ladies managed to slot a goal off a short corner and that ended a well-played game with a 1-1 draw. As a gift from Pinelands Ladies Club, we received a mini version of their emblem.   

 

After a grocery trip and lunch on Friday we made our way to Edgemead High School. This is where former Riebeek Life Sciences teacher, Mrs Jooste, now teaches. Back to our home turf :grass. However, the field was so badly waterlogged that our feet sank in the ground with every step we took. Nevertheless, we fought on, and were proud of our 1-0 victory.

 

Shannon Dillon and Elricia Meyer went down to Miss Potgieter and Mrs Panayiotou’s apartment to fetch them for supper, as we had a "surprise" for them. Miss Potgieter had a full on make-over : hair, make-up and nails. Kristin Leach (hair), Francesca Gottini (make-up) and Elricia Meyer (nails) did the make-over, while everyone else sat back and took photos. Later that night, Amore Wannies’ back was acting up, causing her great discomfort. Miss Potgieter, along with Elricia Meyer, Shannon Dillon, Michaela Balie and Francesca Gottini, took her to the closest hospital where she received an injection that put her to sleep, while we travelled to Belville to get medication from the only pharmacy still open in the early hours of the morning.  

 

We started our day off with a Wimpy breakfast and then headed off to Belville. We went toboggan sledging. Michaela Balie claimed that reckless speed was the only way to fully enjoy the ride. We spent the rest of the day at Grand West. We split up to have lunch and then, as a group, headed off to the Go Carts where we all got a chance to show off our car racing skills. Our free time was spent playing the games in the arcade. At 6pm we were standing in line at the Ice Skating ring! An hour of fun and falls showed us who could skate and who could not. However, as with most things, we all gave it a go and had a good time nevertheless! Poor Abongile Magidimesi fell four times! We ended the day out at Beijing Orchids with a delicious buffet meal. When we arrived back “home”, we all had to pack up our things.

 

Our way back home after an amazing week, was a long and tiring journey, with constant sleeping. It was indeed a great tour.

 

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 June 30, 2014
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Ziva Isaacs writes about her karate experiences

BY Administrator

Dream Come True!!

The satisfaction of knowing that I am officially a Springbok is amazing beyond measure. When I heard the news my head was pumping and my heart was beating so fast. At first, I could not believe it, but when things starting falling in place (e.g. my passport arrived and I got my SA kit) I knew that there was no turning back.

I started karate when I was 6 years old and have been doing it ever since. I train 5-6 times a week. Monday and Wednesday’s in Kirkwood and Tuesday and Thursday’s in Uitenhage. People often ask me if I ever get bored of karate. Honestly, I really don’t. There is constantly something to work towards. If it’s not the friendly club competition coming up the weekend, then you train towards your long term goals (e.g. grading). I learn something new every time I go to training and it just gives me peace of mind.

I will be representing South Africa in the Gichin Funakoshi Cup held in Tokyo, Japan in October this year. This is the biggest championships in the world and I feel really honoured being able to represent not only my country but also my province and even my hometown, Uitenhage.

It’s been such a great journey up until now and I can’t wait to encounter future endeavours. Right now, I am mainly focusing on the world championships. However, competing in the local competitions gives me good practise and also helps get me in the correct frame of mind. Karate doesn’t only discipline me but also teaches me to endure and persevere through tough situations. I am very blessed to have such an amazing support system behind me and I hope that I am an inspiration to the young girls out there who are big dreamers. I am a big dreamer myself and look where that got me!

 “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in defeat or victory but in the perfection of the character of its participant.”- Gichin Funakoshi.

 

 

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 June 17, 2014
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Riebeek Literary Olympians

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Nicola McEwan, who came 73rd in the English Olympiad in 2013, this year achieved a brilliant 18th place in the Nation-wide literary competition. She is pictured here with Micaela White, placed 9th last year and once again in the top 100. Both girls are awarded tuition bursaries to Rhodes University. Rhodes University is Nicola’s University of choice, where she will read for a degree in Anthropology and Politics. Micaela’s plans include studying medicine at the University of Stellenbosch. Thank you, Mrs Peltason, for encouraging the girls!

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 June 06, 2014
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faces and places - the 2014 Drama Production

BY Administrator

 

By  Yolanda Mni

 

The Drama Club is more than just another extra-mural! It is a place where you belong. You feel like you are important. You also get to showcase your star quality. This year hasn’t been any different.

 

Our annual production was  “Faces and Places: Where Geography and Psychology Collide.” The show shared the message that love is all around, not just in one place, but in the many faces that become special to you. This show also made people realize that you can design and create the most wonderful place in the world, but it takes people to make a dream a reality.

 

The directors were Francesca Gottini, Nicola McEwan, Loren Buchner, Andrea Siwak, Sibongile Pllatjies, Sinovuyo Mnyazi, Pulane Setlai, Kauthar Ravat, Anovuyo Selani, Asisipho Tsotsa and Yolanda Mni. The directors worked hard to ensure that their sections were the best they could be and they should be congratulated for their amazing work. Nicola McEwan has always been the director for the youngest grade and she has always enjoyed it. On the night of the production, if she glows with pride when her ‘”babies” are on stage, then you know that they have done their utmost best.

 

The cast for this production was small, but this gave us the opportunity to bond more. We’ve had a lot of memorable moments during rehearsals and performances. These include our catchphrase of “Speed and Spirit”, and the amazing acting skills of our main characters: Dannie, played by Pulane, and Francesca. When Nicola McEwan called Lucy Jordan Juicy Lordan we were in stitches. Ambesa Daniels  is commended  for being in character all the time:  From being a bull to being a boxer she managed to portray her character effectively. The Michael Jackson duo, Kauthar Ravat and Anovuyo Selani., might just be the next Queens of Pop. Sanelisiwe Klaas had everyone at hello with her performance in Jerry McGuire.  Lelethu Ntshangase joined the cast late -   she was singing with happiness after the Friday Team Building Afternoon when Mrs Gerber stopped her and told her to meet at school by 8am the next day.  She fitted right in and, on the night of the performance she made one of the audience members, who is from America, feel homeward bound when she sang “Walking in Memphis.” Who can forget the ever energetic and full of spirit Grade 9’s along with the backstage crew, who went beyond their job description when they decided to join the cast on stage?

 

Our prizegiving was held before the Theatre Dinner. The prizes included the “Too cool to finish the song” award to Mr Calitz. He went off stage before he finished singing on the Thursday night performance. “Mr Buchner” award to Loren Buchner: she has played a male character in every production and inter-house play. The “Best Spirit” award to the Grade 9s for always being the ray of sunshine in the cast and bringing everyone’s spirits up. The Theatre Dinner went well and we enjoyed our party after the performance for the last time as a cast.

 

Thank you, Mrs Stark, for taking care of the finances and for feeding the cast on the nights of the performances. Mr Calitz , thank you for sharing your music skills with all the soloists. We were honoured to have worked with a man of his caliber. To the cast,: Ladies, you were amazing. Remember that l will always belong with you and you will always belong with me. To the deputy, Kelly, thank you for taking care of all the behind-the-scenes work that people may overlook. You were always there to help me when I needed you help and always asking, “Can I help you with anything?”

 

However, despite the journey being wonderful, there was a down side to it. We had to say goodbye to Mrs Gerber. This was her official last Drama Production for now. I was privileged to have worked with Mrs Gerber over the past 4 years. Drama was another family for all the drama girls. Thank you, Mrs Gerber, for your gentle and caring guidance. In Drama you learn how to work in a team, organise and volunteer to do everything. Mrs Gerber has always taught us lessons which have become part of us. Thank you for sharing Daniel and Bailey with us, it was always wonderful to see them at rehearsals. They always put a smile on the girls’ faces. Drama will not be the same without you, but we will continue passing the lessons you passed to us to future drama girls.

 

 

 

 

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 June 03, 2014
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Founder's Day Opening Remarks by Mrs M. Woods

BY Administrator

Our guest speaker, Lynne (Thomas) Griffiths, from the Class of 1974, has close connections to Uitenhage and I have but the fondest memories of Lynne as Headgirl in 1974 and as our First Team Hockey Captain.   It was my first year of coaching the Senior 1st and 2nd hockey teams, so Lynne was very special to me, as she was such an inspiring, helpful and a totally dedicated young lady.  In fact, Mrs Sally (Watson)Potgieter also an ex-Headgirl (1963) and a member of staff in 1974, was responsible for coaching the 3rd and 4th Senior Hockey Teams, and the two of us had loads of fun, pretending to be “professional” hockey coaches!   Our girls believed that they were Springboks and therefore played accordingly!   

 

Today marks the 27th Founder’s Day celebration at the school, for which we shall always be grateful to Mrs Natalie Stear (whom I am thrilled to have with us here today as a special guest), who initiated this annual “Birthday Party” in 1988, in her first year as Lady Principal of Riebeek College.  Founder’s Day is always a memorable occasion for all of us, as it unites the past with the present and gives us an opportunity to pay tribute not only to our founder, Dominee Braam Steytler, but also to all the girls, teachers, principals, parents and friends of Riebeek College, over the past 137 years, who have been responsible for the development and growth of our precious school.

In the Hymn, “Let us now Praise Famous Men”, we sang the following words: “Leaders of the people, By their counsels and by their knowledge”.  These words are an apt tribute to our founder, Dominee Steytler.   He was a respected leader of the people of Uitenhage and a man of visionary insight, knowledge and courage, believing in the need for girls to be well educated  in an era when it was not considered important. 

 

As we celebrate our 137th Birthday of the school, we celebrate with our theme being, “Be your own kind of be-you-tiful”.    Believing in yourself and having good self-esteem is conducive to being able to learn and achieve.   I am pleased to say, everybody has embraced this theme with passion.   As I mentioned in my first assembly this year, to really be beautiful, all that we have to be is the truest form of ourselves.   May we never forget to live beautifully, by honouring what we have learnt over the years at Riebeek College, about the values of the Fruits of the Spirit.    If each one of us is our own kind of beautiful every day, Riebeek College will grow in strength as, an exemplary values-based school.   As Albert Einstein once said, ““Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” 

 

You will see that Mrs Gerber, our highly efficient and hands on school media officer, has kept up our website and facebook page beautifully.   Old Girls, do yourselves a favour and visit our facebook page.   I have no doubt that you will feel great seeing pride, seeing the  wide variety of activities and the excellent performances of our girls.   This is also a wonderful way of keeping in touch and celebrating with your alma mater.  I am sure that you noticed the building in progress on the side of the admin block.   This is long overdue, as the school was initially built to house 400 girls and at present we have 710 girls at the school.   It has taken us nearly 3 years to get permission for this project, and the school’s Governing Body and Finance Committee in particular, under the chairmanship of Mr Gordon McAuley, need to be congratulated on their perseverance and meticulous planning that has made this dream of mine, become a reality!  It is so exciting.

 

After last year’s Founder’s Day, Ruth (Hamilton) van Zyl donated a generous amount of money and we had two beautiful benches made that you may have noticed standing on the front verandah of the school.   One was in memory of her mother, Kathleen (Rudman) Hamilton who was secretary at Riebeek from 1952 to 1966. I wish to make brief mention of some of my memories of these classes and what a few of these girls said when they were in matric, in their magazine profiles.   I’m sure that not many of them remember.

 

Firstly, the youngest group of Old Girls, the Class of 2004, celebrating their 10 year reunion:  I have a very vivid memory of this group when they were Junior School prefects under the Headship of Lee-Anne Bartle. I trained them as a group of cheerleaders and entered them in a Pick ’n Pay competition in PE.  They won the competition, beating all the PE schools.   They won a DSTV recorder and a R1000 cheque. (A lot of money 10 years ago!)    This money was used to buy a fridge, paint, tile, and decorate the Junior prefects’ room, that is still in use today.   Cherise (Louw) Swanepoel, who is now a member of staff, was also in this group.  In this class’s matric profiles in the school magazine, many of them remember the following:   breaks on the wall, Cherise’s skeleton walk (Mrs Swanepoel you will have to show us at assembly one day) climbing through Mrs Stevens’s window, sharing lunch in the sun, more than half the class being kicked out of the English class for being late and drag-racing suitcases down the top corridor.   Sesethu Lungu remembers singing Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” for an oral and Hlumela Matika remembers sleeping in Geography!

 

I also fondly remember a very special young lady who belonged to this group of girls, and that was Amanda Forrest.   She had suffered from the debilitating disease, Cystic Fibrosis since she was nine years old and although she was often reliant on oxygen and tubed nutrition in order to survive, she seldom missed a day’s school…. in her matric year, in particular.   She also went on the Oudtshoorn tour in Grade 7 and we took her wonderful, dedicated mother, Dorothy, and her physiotherapy bed along with us.   Nothing ever stopped Amanda from taking part in as many activities at school as was possible for her, even though just breathing, was a huge effort.    Her positive attitude and dedication to her academics (in which she excelled)and to living life to the full, was an example for everyone at the school.   Sadly, Amanda passed away during her first year at university, but the memory of a sweet, kind and spirited young Riebeek lady, shall be with all who had the privilege of knowing her, forever.   She was a play director in her matric year and we honour her annually with atrophy awarded at the inter-house plays for a cameo performance.

   

The 2nd youngest group, of Old Girls, the Class of 1994, celebrating their 20 year reunion:  Suzanne (Rudman) Dixie was the Headgirl of both the Hostel and the school and she represented the Springboks as an equestrian show jumper.   I remember that Suzanne travelled to Kentucky in America as part of the South African team and I still have the little magnet that she brought me, on my fridge at Jeffreys Bay.

 

The 3rd youngest group of Old Girls, the Class of 1989, celebrating their 25 year reunion: The young lady on the cover of the 1989 magazine, is Hendrin (Hamilton) Germishuys.   Hendrin said 

in her matric profile, that she would like to see longer breaks, less homework and would like to be able to eat in class.   Nothing has changed, Hendrin.   In fact, Hendrin’s mother,  Mrs Ronel Hamilton, was one of my favourite teachers when I was in Std 6 (Grade 8) at Riebeek.   I clearly remember Mrs Hamilton climbing up on the teacher’s table when she was trying to teach us how the earth revolves around the sun…..i think.   She was an awesome teacher, Hendrin! Natalie (Bright) Wilmot, said in her matric profile that she would love to see school start later in the morning.   Natalie, I just want to tell you that all the girls of today, will support you on this suggestion.   They are given demerits for being late in the morning nowadays, and when they accumulate too many, they go to detention.  So…..we continue to try and instil responsible sense of punctuality.  Lauren (Gouws) Frueholtz said that she felt strongly about the institution of a free period for matrics and would also like to see SA create more opportunities for talented people – a South African Hollywood!   Lauren’s mother, Anne Bubb, was in my class at school, and my best friend. Desiree (Enslin) Jewell said that she would like the girls to be allowed to grow their nails and would like to transfer the Republic of South Africa to the Caribbean!

 

The class of 1969 celebrating their 45 year reunion is the class that matriculated the year after me, so I have fond memories of many of these ladies, as friends, as members of the hockey team and many other activities.  Pam (Pieters) de Villiers and Jean (Miller) Baker , and I all lived in the same neighbourhood and were great friends.   It is very special to have you here with us today, ladies.

 

Then,  the class of 1964 celebrating their 50 year reunion.   What a remarkable achievement!  I met two of these girls,  Ria (Botha) Meyer and Jenny (Allen) Anderson in the foyer the other day putting up a display of their class of ’64.   They looked a bit parched, so I offered them a nice cup of tea.   They were most grateful and merrily carried on putting up their photographs.       I also remember Joselie (Knoesen) Biggs and Zingra (Ellis) Hanley as 2 passionate boarders and hockey players.   Patricia (Elliot) Hagerman, was an outstanding swimmer and represented the province on many occasions.   This group has been joined by Wendy (Collier) Robinson, whose sister, Jenny was in my class at school and Burleigh (Lombard) Tunbridge from the class of 1963, who have both been staunch supporters of our Founder’s Day since its inception.

To all you other grand ladies here this morning, thank you for taking the time and making the effort to be with us today.   Each and every one of you is special to us and without your wonderful support, this day would not be so memorable. 

 

So today, ladies, gentlemen and girls, we give thanks to our God for this school, for our founders and governors,  for those of us who teach and those of us who learn, for being keen in spirit so that we may diligently serve the community in which we live so that it’s people may be prospered in all their works and in all good living. To all our friends and guests here today;  May they find among us kindness, courtesy and consideration.

I need to remind you that once a Riebeek Girl,…………..always a Riebeek girl.

 

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 June 03, 2014
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Inter House Plays - The Results

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The Riebeek College Old Girls Association Cup (for the Best Performance in a supporting role) - Sinovuyo Jantjies

The Amanda Forest Trophy (for a dynamic cameo performance) - Andrea Siwak

The Margaret Bowles Cup for the Second Best Actress - Loren Buchner

The Hilton Preston Cup for the Best Actress - Athi-Lilitha Tyumbu

The Erica Gillmer Cup (for the Best lighting, stage effects and set arrangements) - Eleanor

The Edith Dovey Award for Teamwork - Eleanor

The Edith Dovey Award and Sherril Chaplin Cup for Best Production - Elton

Well done to the casts and crews. Pulane, Asi and Loren were amazing directors. Mrs Swanepoel delivered a wonderful speech at the end and was amazing at organising the event. Mr Hoare and Mrs Peltason were great adjudicators. Thank you to Miss du Preez and the Interact girls for the tuckshop. The performers were so professional and their musical numbers wowed the audience. Thank you to Mrs Stark and the Cultural Board for the front of house. The eats in the staff room were fantastic. Priyanka Kooverjee was great with sound. The master of ceremonies roles were beautifully attended to by Nicola McEwan and Yolanda Mni. Francesca Gottini was responsible for the over-all organisation of the event, with Mrs Swanepoel, as one of her portfollios as a member of the Cultural Board and once again proved to be a brilliant organiser. It was a stunning evening with a warm atmosphere and an attentive and appreciative cast. All the actresses and directors were winners!

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 June 02, 2014
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Introducing the Reunion Groups 2014

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It has been said that your education has been a failure if it has failed to open your heart and the heartfelt laughter, genuine interest in others and the comraderie of our reunion groups show that our Riebeek Ladies have had a hearty not failed education. Let’s peak into the hearts of these groups by way of introduction to each group.

The Class of 1964 celebrate their 50 years with the co-ordinator Ria Botha Meyer. Ria’s mother  Maria Kinghorn Botha is a Riebeek Old Girl of the 1920s and Ria remembers being enrolled at Riebeek, her heart pounding, and being amazed that her mother  knew the school secretary. You have to be very important to know people at a big school. At their 40 year reunion 5 of them had a riot they say and RIA, president of the RCOGA from 1990 to 1992,  thanked Mrs Stear for allowing the Old Girls at each Founder’s Day to take over and create total chaos in the foyer.  Seven classmates married childhood sweathearts. They noted that the older ladies at their 40 year reunion had given new meaning to the phrase – growing old gracefully. We note that 10 years later the same can be said of them.  

 

The class of 1969 celebrate their 45 year reunion and were enthusiastically co-ordinated by Denise Mowatt du Plooy from Johannesburg (who played league 10 pin bowling and achieved provincial colours in 1993). They listened to the landing on the moon on the school intercom as there was no television in their day. Dr Jean Van Onselen taught 50 of them in one class of  youngsters in the old Riebeek school building. Mrs Woods' sister Carol taught them a mnemonic for the order of the planets: Mr Van Niekerk Eats Many Juicy Sandwiches Under Nellie's Pillow. They have dedicated their presence here to their highly regarded Std 7 and 8 teacher, Mrs Denise Cranke, who passed away in 2010. If Mrs Cranke discovered that anybody was eating in class they had to eat everything including the wax wrap of the sandwiches, and chewing gum was a total no-no, as she would put it in their hair, down to the scalp!  They can still visualise her smacking on their palms with a ruler the verb rules: Am, are, is, was, were, shall be, will be, seems to be, appears to be, became. What delightful ladies they became.

 

The Class of 1974 celebrate their 40 year reunion with Lynne Thomas Griffiths as headgirl,  guest speaker and the reunion co-ordinator. They wore white dresses to the Matric farewell dance with slits only  to the knees, no cleavage and no low backs;  and  live bands  played for the evening. The 1974 hit song Memories – The Way We Were is particularly poignant to them today.

 

The Class of 1989 celebrate their 25 year reunion. Headgirl Stephanie Mitchell  Jamieson is overseas  and Miss Riebeek 1989 Lauren Gouws Frueholz took on the task of co-ordinator beautifully.  They are grateful to Mrs Swart for teaching them how to rinse out a dishcloth properly after cleaning up. Mr Ossher is remembered fondly by Melaney Geldenhuis Olwagen – she is currently 

furthering her studies and recently realised in an accounting lecture that it’s the subject that puts her to sleep, not the teacher. This class has in its ranks the vivacious Natalie Bright Wilmot who has done much good work in autism awareness  and whose sister Mrs Lesley Young, a much loved English teacher, will be joining us for lunch; and Jennie Lynn Roberson whose nickname was grootbek.  They remember writing letters to Lady Diana and As they are from the era of way back when, they prefer proper spelling (taught by the wonderful English Teachers, Mrs Woods, Mrs Potgieter and Mrs Stear) to L.O.L.  They remember watching the royal wedding of Princess Diana – and dreaming of being princesses one day. They remember sleeping next to the lions at the Seaview Game Park camp. The lion hearted princess class is what we call them as a result.

 

The Class of 1994 celebrate their 20 year reunion with Suzanne Rudman Dixie as headgirl and co-ordinator. They remember today the 2 classmates they have lost: Chantelle Harth and Nhomabotwe Zakumba. In the headgirl report, Suzanne wrote of the matric year flying by with the speed of a concord – the 20 years that followed went even faster. Matriculating in an iconic year in South Africa’s history, their gift to the school was the two Victorian lights on the pillars of the front gate. Their matric farewell theme was Planetasia and though not from another planet, they are here.

 

The spirited, dramatic and some would say LOUD Class of 2004 celebrate their 10 year reunion with Cindy Rabie as headgirl and reunion co-ordinator. One of this class is still well known in the corridors of Riebeek College: our English teacher Mrs Cherise Lowe Swanepoel.  Speaking of corridors, one corridor incident saw a group of prefects (including the deputy headgirl and our own Mrs Swanepoel) being sent out of English class for not doing homework. They were finishing the said homework in the corridor when Miss Bekker, the headmistress, walked past and queried why prefects had been sent out of class. They quickly explained that they had done their homework and were sent out while the teacher was dealing with the naughty ones in the classroom. Fittingly then, the school motto that year was “Your attitude determines your altitude”. The matric class were asked to write about their favourite items from their childhood: Caitlin Miller wrote of her doll but then conceded she moved on to Barbies and then more importantly, Barbie’s partner, Ken. Ma-aasha Ismail wrote a poem THE JOURNEY ending with “Excitement and chats will happen when we meet again…”.  “That prophecy has come true today. 

 

In addition, there are a number of Old Girls attending who are not part of official reunion groups. In the Class of Experience is Elaine Smith Dullisear  of the Class of 1947 and Verna Le Roux Barlow from the Class of 1952, Wendy Robinson Collier from the class of 1963 joins the class of 1964.  Jenny Allen Anderson – class of 1964 – is joined today by her mom , Gladys Minnie Condon from the Class of 1940 (she and Dr Jean van Onselen are the last surviving members of this class). Denise Matioda Shaberg is attending today as headgirl of the Class of 1984. We introduce then these Old Girls and any other of our Old Girls from other reunion years not formally mentioned.

 

Special mention must be made of a Class of their own, the reunion co-ordinators for today with hearts of gold.  They have whatsapped, facebooked, bbmed, stalked, phoned, begged, pleaded and reconnected and been tireless snoopers and investigators to ensure that they traced their classmates. Their grace in tolerating our many requests and their kind manner in their communications with us is much appreciated

 

 

Some things just get better with old age, and our reunion groups have a wonderful chance to see how much they have gotten better. Comments overheard about reunions include: I had the strangest experience at my high school reunion – a lot of my class changed so much, they didn’t recognise me. I don’t  want to brag or make anyone jealous but I can still fit into my high school earings. High school reunions – because you can’t hug a friend on facebook. It appears someone invited a lot of old people to my class’ high school reunion. These comments serve to prove that a trip to nostalgia now and then is good for the spirit…and the heart. We wish our reunion groups a spirited and hearty reunion.

 

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 May 09, 2014
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A Monday in the life of a Riebeek Girl

BY Yonela Mali, Lisakhanya Duruwe, Natheera Sirkhotte

No matter the day of the week, Riebeek is always a hub of activity. Even on a Monday everyone is excited to get involved.

The media committee went on an investigative journalism excursion finding out what everyone was up to on this beautiful day.

We met up with Khanya Jantjies, who was on her way to tennis. Khanya has been doing tennis for a year and really enjoys it.

 Walking through the corridors, the beautiful sound of Simbulele Gosani playing the piano could be heard. When Simbulele plays she feels as though she is in another world, all her frustrations melt away. To Simbulele that is what happiness feels like.

We also visited the library. A few of the librarians were covering books, Emihle Prince being one of them. Helping in the library helps these ladies learn a few skills. Emihle loves the peace and quiet in the library.

Waiting outside the pool for swimming to start Karena du Plessis was relaxing in the sun. Karena has been swimming since grade 4 and is now in grade 6. She loves swimming with Mrs Stear. Evin Muller said the one thing she loves about swimming is the water.

We also met up with Cleo Eksteen and Aarifah Liberty, whom were busy watering some plants. They volunteered to be part of the Going Green project. Amy Schambril loves the Going Green project because she gets to clean the school. She also learns a whole lot more about nature. Lwazi Solomon likes taking care of nature and spends time with friends whilst doing so.

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 October 27, 2014
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