21-Aug-2018 | Twee uit die vyf wiskundige slimkoppe is van PV!
Twee uit die vyf wiskundige slimkoppe is van PV!
(Met vergunning van Die Burger. 18 Aug 2018)
21-Aug-2018 | JAMMING TO SUCCESS
On Saturday, 18 August, some of PV’s finest musicians (and performers) performed at the Grand West Arena, competing in the HIGH SCHOOL JAM against 9 other high schools, together with 1 000 other teenage performers before a crowd of over 5 000 people.
Parel Vallei has taken part in this musical event with much success over the past 12 years, under the guidance of Mr Duncan Combe (one of PV’s most revered Music teachers, who has been teaching at PV since 1993).
This event definitely unites teenagers, schools and communities through music, entertainment and performance on a world class stage. It also gives talented teenagers the opportunity to liaise with producers, choreographers, facilitators and industry specialists through mentorship and support structures.
This year, Parel Vallei’s repertoire was a fresh change from the usual pop covers; all the pieces were written by the band’s musicians. This has never been attempted by any school in the 15 years of this competition!
Playing to a packed auditorium, the judges ended up with phones in hand, videoing the explosive reaction of the crowd as Ian Marasigan and Minseok Kim led the group into the final section with their electronic composition.
Needless to say, the entire panel of judges and organisers were absolutely blown away with the show! They couldn't believe that PV took a chance doing originals and pulled it off so successfully, as it's never been done before. The organisers consider this a complete game changer and they just loved it. Gavin Taylor, head of entertainment at Sun International, was so impressed with the concept and performance that he has offered PV the use of the exclusive Roxy theatre at Grand West free of charge for a weekend. KFM radio presenter, Carl Wastie (the MC for the night) was so taken with the original songs that he wants the recordings to play on KFM! On Saturday, 25 August, the entire band will go to the recording studio in Cape Town to lay their tracks down for an album.
PV’s HIGH SCHOOL JAM group would like to thank their faithful supporters who have encouraged and supported them all the way!
Special awards on the evening went to:
Hanju Potgieter, as the Best Guitarist, and Ian Marasigan, Minseok Kim won the title as:
1sttime ever Best DJs.
Back, from left: Ian Marasigan, Mr Duncan Combe, Minseok Kim.
Front: Hanju Potgieter.
14-Aug-2018 | PV word weer vereer as topvoerderskool vir US
Me. Bongiwe Mdingi (verteenwoordiger van US) en
Me. Nolene Duvenhage (PV-onderhoof: akademie)
‘n Woord van dank gaan aan AL die onderwysers van Parel Vallei wat saamgewerk en dié noemens-waardige prestasie behaal het, naamlik om weer aangewys te word as een van die Top-100 voederskole vir die Universiteit van Stellenbosch. Op die ranglys beklee PV nasionaal die tweede plekvan alle skole!
Dis werklik ‘n uitsonderlike prestasie as daar in ag geneem word dat daar soveel Parel Valleiers is wat universiteitskeuring en –toelating ontvang en dat PV se onderwysers steeds leerders ïnspireer om te wil leer.
Parel Vallei bied die perfekte onderrigkombinasie vir leerders met genoegsame gees-, sport-, kultuur- en diensbaarheidsportefeuljes om aan deel te neem met die hooffokus wat steeds akademie bly.
Die onderstaande sertifikaat verteenwoordig werklik PV se doelgerigte visie om te strewe na akademiese uitnemendheid.
Onder die wakende oog van PV se doelgerigte hoof van akademie, me. Duvenhage, sal PV jaarliks net verder bou op hul prestasies en hulle akademiese mylpale met dankbaarheid vier.
08-Aug-2018 | PV / Pearson Derby 2018
On the 2ndof August, Parel Vallei welcomed 705 learners and 85 staff members from Pearson High School in PE. With much anticipation, a three-day programme of activities in various sporting, cultural and academic fields began.
In 2016, PV’s hockey sides toured to Pearson for the first time and from there a dream was born to have a full exchange, allowing all learners to have the opportunity to tour and take part in their skill/interest. Word’s soon turned into action and last year this dream was transformed into a reality when 700 Parel Valleiers toured to ‘The Friendly City’.
This year, the exchange gained even more momentum and involved an even wider variety of sports including hockey, rugby, netball, surfing, tennis, golf, squash, cycling, chess and cross-country.
Die kultuurliefhebbers het ook ‘n kans gehad om hulle staal te wys met ‘n musiekaand waartydens PV en Pearson se kore, vokale ensemble, jazz bands, orkeste, strykensembles en A capella-groepe deelgeneem het. ‘n Dansgroep het ook hul passies met ‘n saal stampvol ondersteuners gedeel. Die musiektalent van die twee skole het telkens die gehoor op hulle voete gehad en gesorg vir wonderlike herinneringe.
Op die akademiese front het leerders meegeding in vasvra-, debat-, poësie-, Wiskunde- en spelkompetisies. Daar is ook weer kragte gemeet op die planke en elke skool het ‘n drama-eenbedryf in Somerset-Wes se Playhouse opgevoer en die gehoor werklik meegevoer met hul oortuigende spel.
Vir die leerders wat ‘n passie het vir die skone kunste, is digitale uitstallings van ontwerp en fotografie ook aangebied.
Alhoewel die program geen tyd vir leeglê gehad het nie, is die sosiale interaksie tussen die leerders nie afgeskeep nie en was daar selfs ‘n sokkie vir die senior leeders en funksies vir die personeel om mekaar beter te kon leer ken.
It will always be difficult to highlight the best part of this exchange, as the glass through which every person looks varies, but for Parel Vallei the highlight of this event was truly the ‘Big Brag’ before the exchange started and the ‘Optog’ before the main rugby match when the BLUE THREADspirit of togetherness was tangible – it’s not something you can see, but it is something to be felt by all who strive for excellence!
The life lessons learnt in an exchange of this magnitude and style is ultimately what each learner will take with them, undoubtedly long after they have left Parel Vallei.
**Photos – under GALLERY.
Read more about this exchange in tomorrow’s DistrictMail (9 Aug, 2018)
31-Jul-2018 | PV se probleem-oplossers van formaat
Agter van links: Du Toit Spies, Tian Groenewald, Chrsitian Kotze.
Voor: Danielle Kleyn, Jesol Jeong, Benjamin Kleyn.
Baie geluk aan die Parel Valleiers wat deur is na die derde en finale rondte van die baie gewilde landswye SAMF (South African Foundation Mathematics)-olimpiade. Dit is een van die grooste olimpiades waaraan ongeveer 100 000 leerders in 2017 deelgeneem het.
Die eerste rondte van die olimpiade is reeds in Maart geskryf en het bestaan uit ‘n uur-lange sessie, met twee afsonderlike vraestelle vir juniors (gr. 8-9) en seniors (gr.10 -12). Leerders wat meer as 50% in hierdie rondte behaal het, het daarna deelgeneem aan die tweede rondte wat gedurende Mei plaasgevind het. In dié rondte is slegs die top 100 junior en senior leerders gekies vir die finale rondte wat plaasgevind het op die 26ste Julie.
Ons wens die span PV-leerders, wat elkeen een van die top 100 posisies nasionaal beklee, geluk met die prestasie! Hulle beskik werklik oor die vaardighede om Wiskunde-probleme met kreatiwiteit op te los!
Ons sal verslag lewer oor die finale uitslae wanneer ons dit ontvang.
31-Jul-2018 | PV Prodigy
Du Toit Spies and Mrs Sonia Manthey (GET phase-head and head of Science at PV)
In May this year, Du Toit Spies (Gr. 12) took part in the provincial Minquiz competition as a member of the Parel Vallei team. This competition is organised by Mintek: South Africa’s national mineral research organisation thatspecialises in all aspects of mineral processing, extractive metallurgy and related technology.
The aim of Minquiz is to promote excellence in Physical Sciences and Mathematics, encouraging interest in careers in science, engineering and technology.And what better school than Parel Vallei to promote excellence in the field of science!
Under the avid guidance of Mrs Manthey, who has been teaching at PV since 2003 and is captain of the Science department, the PV team achieved a second place in the provincial platinum division and Du Toit came first in the individual provincial platinum division!
After this outstanding achievement, Du Toit was selected for the Western Cape team and took part in the National Minquiz competition held in Randburg, Gauteng from 25 – 28 July. Overall, the Western Cape team attained third place and Du Toit achievedFIRST place in the national platinum division.
What a victory for this prodigy from PV!
25-Jul-2018 | PV’s Sterling Girls
Congratulations to our 1st team hockey girls who played their hearts out and won the SILVER medal at the Cape Town International Schools' Hockey Festival that took place from the 18th– 22ndof July.
This annual festival was founded in 2003 and is owned and managed by TEAM Sports Travel in Cape Town. The event is annually oversubscribed due to its popularity so the participating teams are limited to 48, split between u18 boys and girls. Parel Vallei is proud to have been given the opportunity to take part in this competition and to have been measured against both local and international hockey talent.
Next year, PV’s team is planning on swopping their silver medals for GOLD ones!
We are all behind you, 100 ‘Blue Thread’ percent!
25-Jul-2018 | Danielle Kock can Fiddle-De-Dee
This young Parel Valleier loves playing the violin and knows that hard work pays off. With this small and highest-pitched instrument, Danielle is making herself known and has recently been selected to play in the Hugo Lambrechts 20thConcerto Festival under the baton of Liam Burden.
She was one of only thirteen young soloists to have been selected (nationwide) to play in this concert that will take place on Sunday, 26thof August at 18:00 at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre in Parow, Cape Town.
The programme for the Concerto Festival will include compositions by Telemann, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Scriabin and Allan Stephenson.
Then in September, as per invitation, she will perform at the prestigious SAMRO Hubert van der Spuy Music Competition that will also be held at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre. This competition consists of four rounds, of which the first two rounds are compulsory. Last year, Danielle reached the third round; she is hoping to reach for one of the final eight positions this year. This competition has participants from all parts of the country and showcases the highest quality of music performance.
Be sure to save the festival date and support this Parel Valleier with some true BLUE THREAD love.
You will be amazed at her talent!
23-Jul-2018 | WORLD CHOIR GAMES
Back, from left: Dylan van Rensburg, Caitlin Schoeman
Front, from left: Mari Swanepoel, Jemma van Rensburg, Elizma van Geest
Best wishes go to these learners pictured who took part in the 10th edition of the World Choir Games held for the very first time in Africa (Tshwane).
This bi-annual international event is for amateur choirs from all over the world whose motto is "Singing together brings nations together". The singers spend 11 days meeting choir members from all over the world, exchanging and sharing more than just music notes and vocal expertise, and building friendships while taking part in competitions at Friendship Concerts and major singing projects.
The choir in which these songbirds took part was led by Hennie Loock and awarded first place in the following sections:
o Children’s Mixed Choir section (91%);
o Musica Sacra (96.25%) with accompaniment;
And they also received the following 3rd prizes:
o Pop choirs (89.50%);
o Folklore sections (88.5%).
At home, these five Parel Valleiers (in grade 8 and 9) form part of PV’s choir and are also members of the Tygerberg Children’s choir.
Keep on inspiring others with your voices!
20-Jul-2018 | SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA
The 2nd violinist for the green-and-gold National Youth Orchestra is our very own Casey Jacobs in grade 12. She travelled to Bloemfontein in June to audition.
Casey spent a week there preparing and rehearsing for the orchestra’s prestigious concert that was held on Saturday, 14 July, at the Sand du Plessis Theatre (PACOFS). While in the City of Roses, she was also privileged enough to take part in orchestra courses and workshops, orchestrated by the finest South African musicians.
This is truly a gigantic step for Casey towards achieving her music dreams!
We wish this gifted PV musician and the rest of the orchestra members all the best for their tours and performances ahead.
19-Jul-2018 | Queen of Mathematics
Parel Vallei and the entire Helderberg is extremely proud of Danielle Kleyn in grade 10 who was crowned the ‘Queen of Mathematics’ during the 26th Pan African Maths Olympiad (PAMO) that was held in Nairobi during the holiday from 23 - 30 June. The PAMO is organised annually by the African Mathematical Union (AMU) with the following two main objectives: to encourage mathematical talent and to exchange information on teaching methods in Mathematics across the African continent.
In total, 47 pupils from nine African countries participated in the final round of this competition. Danielle won two medals and was the WINNER of the olympiad’s female section.
On asking Danielle about this event, she said, “I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Nairobi and really feel enriched by this opportunity to have represented Parel Vallei and SA at this Olympiad.”
Pictured below with Danielle is Mrs Anetha Prinsloo who has taught Mathematics at Parel Vallei since 1995. She heads up the Mathematics department at PV with enthusiasm and passion.
Parel Vallei would like to thank Mrs Prinsloo and her team for inspiring Parel Valleiers to take part in Olympiads and for keeping the Mathematics standard so high in the school, thereby allowing learners to achieve their best in this field.
18-Jul-2018 | Verlore in die heelal
Alle matriek-leerders wat deel is van die PV-Gevorderde Onderrig Trust (PV Advanced Education Trust) het die geleentheid gehad om Sutherland tydens die laaste naweek van die vakansie te besoek. Wat ‘n belewenis!
Saterdagoggend ry ons rustig aan die 337 kilometer na Sutherland se koue. Daar heers ’n opgewondenheid in die busse. Ons stop vir middagete by Matjiesfontein se Coffee House en pak daarna weer die laaste 110 kilometer aan. By Sutherland gekom, ry ons direk na SALT (Southern African Large Telescope). Ons stap deur die besoekersentrum vir ’n toer deur die sterre. Die lug is ongelooflik dun en menige van ons moet sit om oor ons duiseligheid te kom. Ons ry na die boonste plato en klim uit in die snerpende koue wind wat 0°C na -5°C laat voel en ons behoorlik laat bibber. Ons besoek ’n teleskoop wat deur die Koningin van England geskenk is en sien ook Suid-Afrika se enigste aktiewe vulkaan – Salpeterkop (nogal gepas). Ons skuil teen die koue in die Suidelike halfrond se grootste teleskoop. 91 spieëls “kyk” blinkend na die teleskoop se koepeldak. Ons geniet ‘n heerlike ete in die Sutherland hotel en daarna kyk ons sterre by Sterland. Elkeen kry ‘n beurt om na Jupiter, Saturnus en vele meer te kyk. Ons tone kramp van die koue, maar dis die moeite werd. Die naghemel is asemrowend. Ons word klein teen die grote heelal.
By die hotel gekom, skakel ons al wat ‘n verwarmer is, aan. Ons nag van sterrekyk is verby. Sondagoggend eet ons ‘n groot ontbyt en vertrek - tussen sneeubedekte berge deur - na ‘n warmer Somerset-Wes.
Baie dankie aan al die onderwysers wat bygedra het tot ons wonderlike ervaring. Dit was werklik ‘n kosbare belewenis.
Hier staan ons in die snydende windjie teen SALT se muur.
Agter van links: Me. Gerber, Rosanne Maritz, mev. Gerber, Judith Coetzee, mev. Steyn, mnr. Sayer, Rèze Cloete, Marc Hamilton, Laura Hauspie, Rosemary van Driel, Lahore Hauspie, Enrico Blood, Robyn Liebenberg, Mia Doyle, Du Toit Spies, Dillon Cilliers, Victor Poole, Christof van Niekerk, Rohan Pieterse, Kyle Janse van Rensburg, Philip Opperman, mev. du Preez, Cassandra Vellema, Jessica Mol, Lisa Black en Carla Steyn.
Voor van links: Mnr. Smit, Jin Kim, Emma Brogan, Zara Vermeulen, Daniel Allsopp, Neo Botha, Tiffany Leech, Charné Merrick, René van Zyl en Liam Schreiber. Lêend: Eduan Uys.
Berig deur: Rene van Zyl
25-Jun-2018 | Fine Foot Work
Back, from left: Jason Wolstenholme, Dylan O’Grady, Sam van Heerden, Zac Strauss, Sayhan Khan, Adrian Mulder, Seth de Swardt.
Front, from left: Connor Lane, Fabian Haupt, Chad Jacobs, Miguel Ribas (captain), Lyle Williams, Daniel Hindley.
These 13 boys just can’t hide their smiles and excitement, as they will be leaving for Portugal on the 30th of June. These Parel Valleiers form part of the De Beers Soccer Club in Somerset West and have been selected to take part in the IberCup World Youth Tournament.
The IberCup is one of the largest youth soccer tournaments in the world. Around 200 teams from 25 countries will take part in this tough event from which they will gain invaluable soccer experience on a very competitive playing field.
Besides the tournament, they will also make time to visit some of Portugal’s top tourist attractions such as their beautiful beaches and world heritage sites before returning to SA on the 11th of July. We wish them all the best for their journey and matches ahead. We know that they will showcase their talents and skills to the best of their abilities.
22-Jun-2018 | Newsletter - Term 2
Click to read this term's newsletter.
21-Jun-2018 | BLUE THREAD: TERM 2
In this issue we get to know Mr and Miss PV 2018, learn more about the lives of our grounds staff, relive the glee of the sports tours and reminisce about our German Exchange.
21-Jun-2018 | Rugby Newsletter
21-Jun-2018 | Parel Vallei tackles classic SA Drama: Curl Up and Dye
Back, from left: Yolisa Rasmeni, Lucia Niland.
Front: Thalia Alberts, Mia van der Merwe, Abigail George.
The grade 11 Drama class at Parel Vallei High School, as part of their curriculum, will be staging four performances of the South African comedy Curl Up and Dye by Sue Pam Grant.
This all-female cast is discovered during an exciting yet uncertain time in South Africa: 1994. A hair salon has seen better times and now has very few clients. The manager of this salon is Rolene (Lucia Niland), who is one of the salt-of-the-earth characters, completely unaware of her lack of education and training. She is married to Denzil who abuses her financially and physically. Mrs du Bois (Thalia Alberts) is a curious character who frequents many underworld haunts; a haughty gossip, she often finds comfort in the discomfort of others. She is the caretaker of a building which only has, thanks to her efforts, white tenants, and she has a son who visits her occasionally. Miriam (Yolisa Rasmeni) is the assistant at the salon, a stalwart who has been employed for twenty years and who actually knows more about the business than her boss. She is a study in the harsh and unsympathetic world of domestic employees. Charmaine (Mia van der Merwe) is the drug-addict whose life is unlikely to ever get better. She is stressed as someone she cares about, Quintus, has been stabbed and is in hospital. The prognosis for his recovery is not good. It seems as if Quintus owes someone money, underscoring the problem with drug crimes, and Charmaine is on the run in his absence. Ms Dudu Dlamini (Abigail George) is a highly qualified nurse who makes her unlikely way into the salon when she arrives for a haircut.
Together, these women are deeply affected by what society prescribes. Through their experiences and lessons learnt, audiences are reminded of the capacious strength of a woman, transcending race and class.
“The play-project engages the learners in various roles from the director to sound engineer, set continuity to costume design. This practical approach is the best way to teach the principles of designing, staging and performing a production within the genre of realism. We are so excited to see their work.” PV’s head of Culture, Darryl Spijkers.
The play will run on 17 and 18 July in celebration of Mandela’s 100th birthday. The shows are at 17:30 and 19:30 on both days in the Old School Hall. Tickets are R40, available at PV’s Finance Office or at the door.
20-Jun-2018 | GOUD VIR PV
GOUD VIR PV
Lewenswetenskappe / Life Sciences Bioscience Global-olimpiade
Van links: Irene du Toit, Kari Oosthuizen, Eduan Uys, Du Toit Spies, Sharyn van der Walt, Renée van Zyl. Voor: me Elsabe Kruger (PV-hoof van Lewenswetenskappe).
In 2017 het PV-leerders slegs vir die derde keer deelgeneem aan die landswye BioScience Global-olimpiade en 2de geëindig! Dié uitslag het almal aan die gons gehad en dadelik is daar gewonder watter titel in 2018 op ons Lewenswetenskappe-departement mag wag….
Wel, die wagtyd is verby en die uitslae bekend: PV het vanjaar die nasionale 1ste plek behaal en kon weer bewys dat uitnemendheid jaar na jaar nagestreef word!
Altesaam 130 Parel Valleiers het deelgeneem aan die olimpiade wat leerders se kennis oor anatomie en fisiologie toets. Die leerders in die foto het besonder goed gevaar en goue sertifikate verwerf.
Om die wenners-skolelys vir die olimpiade saam te stel is die gemiddeld van die 10 beste leerders per skool se punte in berekening gebring. Die Top skolelys is as volg:
1. Hoërskool PAREL VALLEI
2. Hoërskool Pearson
3. St. Dominic’s Priory School
4. Danville Park Girls’ High School
5. Hoërskool Hopetown
6. Rondebosch Boys’ High School
7. Grey High School en Hoërskool Garsfontein
8. Wynberg Girls’ High School
9. Glenwood High School en Bryanston High School
10. Crawford College La Lucia
‘n Spesiale gelukwensing gaan aan Du Toit Spies wat nasionaal EERSTE geëindig het in die olimpiade.
Mag PV in 2019 dié GOUE titel met trots verdedig.
15-Jun-2018 | PV riders excel at MTB event
With the permission of the District Mail.
15-Jun-2018 | Rugby Advantage
From left: Angelo Fritz (WP u/18 Akademie assistant coach), Kyle Slater (WP u/16 Coastal Tournament Squad), Leonard de Leeuw (WP u/18 Coastal Tournament Squad), Thinus Pienaar (WP Talent ID u/15 head coach).
We would like to wish Kyle and Leonard all the best for their new rugby adventures! They have been selected for the WP Coastal Tournament team that will be touring to Oudtshoorn today. A great advantage awaits them, as they will be playing against other young talented teams from all around the country gaining match experience and new skills to use on their way to fulfil their rugby dreams.
Leonard is one of PV’s first team players and has loved playing rugby since his grade 1 year at Eversdal Primary School. He looks up to his favourite player, Ben Lam, from New Zealand and one day hopes to play rugby professionally.
Kyle forms part of PV’s u/16 A-side and he also played rugby since he was 7 years old at De Hoop Primary School. His favourite team is the Blitz Bokke and he also dreams of becoming a professional player and one of the best coaches!
We wish these two rugby boys plenty of energy and the stamina to chase their dreams and to reach their full potential in all rugby spheres!
13-Jun-2018 | STELLENBOSCH KUNSWEDSTRYD/EISTEDDFOD 2018
Parel Vallei se musiekleerders het die afgelope maand aan die Stellenbosch Kunswedstryd deelgeneem en al die regte note gesing/gespeel en uitstekend gevaar!
ń Hartlike applous aan elkeen van die leerders, groepe en hul onderwysers met dié besonderse prestasies.
Hiermee ń opsomming van die prestasies:
In geheel het PV die volgende ontvang:
34 x Cum Laudes
13 x Gold/Goud+
9 x Gold/Goud
5 x Silver/Silwer+
The following learners were invited to perform at the Stellenbosch Eisteddfod Prize winners’ concert that took place on the 10th of June 2018.
Darryan Kallis (solo recorder)
Joshua Swanepoel,- Hanju Potgieter and Henko Uys (Django Trio)
8 TROFEES toegeken by die STELLENBOSCH KUNSWEDSTYRD
BIG BAND/ ORKES
Parel Vallei Big Band
Vir jazz-orkes (hoërskool, studente, ope)
RECORDER / BLOKFLUIT - solo
3. Martha Carstensbeker:
Best achievement recorder:14 yrs
5. Distrikbank wissel-beker :
6. Karin Maritz blokfluittrofee:
GUITAR / KITAAR - solo
Mees belowende klassieke kitaar deelnemer
SANG/ SINGING - solo
8. Lezel Gunter sangbeker:
6 MEDALS awarded at the STELLENBOSCH EISTEDDFOD /
6 MEDALJES toegeken by die STELLENBOSCH KUNSWEDSTYRD
SINGING/ SANG - solo
PIANO/ KLAVIER - solo
Beste deelnemer 12-14 jr
6. Stellenbosch Kunswedstrydmedalje:
11-Jun-2018 | PV Drama
06-Jun-2018 | Gholfdag
04-Jun-2018 | Music results that sing of EXCELLENCE!
Our vision, Excellence in A Changing World, demands that we hold on to all that is good from the past and continue to adapt and better ourselves as we move into the future, and this is just what PV’s Music department has done at the recent Stellenbosch Eisteddfod.
PV’s Big Band, Drumline and Vocal Ensemble once again lived up to their excellent results from the past, achieving Cum Laudes and Gold+ certificates. But it was PV’s choir that set the stage alight with their warm voices in perfect harmony. This group of learners (pictured below) exceeded all expectations and achieved a Cum Laude (90%+) accolade!
Over the past years, PV has had a very successful vocal ensemble, showcasing some of PV’s inspirational young talent. Since the beginning of last year, two new music teachers have introduced another dimension to our musical composition: a choir. Under the guidance of Mrs Jolané van Niekerk, with Mrs Marietjie Steyn as assistant and Mr Winand Grundling as the accompanist, these fine educators (and musicians themselves) have not just moved Parel Vallei’s choir into the future but the choir has outperformed all others with their outstanding and highly-praised adaptation of the following two songs: For the beauty of this world and Halala Afrika.
We would like to applaud PV’s Music department, managed by Mrs Jackie Dednam since 1991, on this achievement and for continuously developing PV’s excellent music standards over all these years, taking PV’s BLUE THREAD musical notes even further into the future with the new choir!
We also praise all PV’s Music learners who have been working hard over the past month to take part in the Stellenbosch Eisteddfod.
(Results of solo achievements will be posted soon.)
STELLENBOSCH EISTEDDFOD RESULTS
PV Big Band Cum Laude (90%+)
PV Drumline Cum Laude (90%+)
Choir Cum Laude (90%+)
Vocal Ensemble Gold+ (85% - 89%)
PV Blue Thread Show Band Gold+ (85% - 89%)
String Ensemble Gold+ (85% - 89%)
Parel Vallei’s choir for 2018
29-May-2018 | Another Three President’s Awards
From left: Mrs Pam Ellis, Kayla McCulley, Jada Roberts and Robyn Wolstenholme
The President’s Award forms part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and operates in over 140 countries around the world and is therefore recognised internationally. The aim of this programme is to empower young people between the ages of 14 and 25, to grow personally and collectively through self-development.
Participants taking part in this initiative must show regular participation and commitment in the areas, of service, skill and physical recreation, and must take part in an adventurous journey.
Recently, two Bronze Awards were awarded to Kayla McCulley and Jada Roberts.
To achieve a Bronze Award, a participant must complete 3 months in the areas of physical recreation, skills and service. One of these areas must extend over 6 months and the participant must also undertake an adventurous journey over 2 days and 1 night.
Kayla McCulley received her Bronze Award for the following:
Community service at Somerset West Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and helped with holiday clubs;
Flute as her skill – attaining grade 8 and participating in Eisteddfods;
Dancing at Sume's Dance Studio which included the show Behind the Door at the Playhouse Theatre in Somerset West;
A 2 day Boesmanskloof hike in October 2017, over 28km through the mountains between Greyton and McGregor.
Jada Roberts also received a Bronze Award for:
Community service at Mila’s Angels Early Childhood Development Centre;
AS Levels Biology as her skill;
Squash for physical recreation;
A Greyton to McGregor 2 day hike, staying in a mountainside chalet in the middle of winter!
To achieve a Silver Award, a participant must complete 6 months in all four areas and the adventurous journey must extend over 3 days and 2 nights.
Robyn Wolstenholme received a Silver Award for the following activities:
First Aid at school sports, Scout Patrol Leader, beach clean-ups, painting a crèche and interacting with the children as part of her Trek community service;
Map reading and route planning through her Scouting and Trek activities as her skill;
Waterpolo and hockey for physical recreation;
A Cederberg hiking adventure over 11 days and 10 nights.
We congratulate these girls and would like to encourage even more Parel Valleiers to take part in this programme of self-discovery, while making a difference in the lives of others.
28-May-2018 | Mastering Ancient Arts
Mikaela Horn and Megan Salter
These two young ladies will be leaving for Dundee, Scotland, on the 10th of June where they will be representing South Africa at the 7th World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF) Championships during 14 – 17 June 2018.
Both grade 9 Parel Valleiers have been honing their martial art skills for more than 7 years and feel that they are now ready for this international challenge. They will form part of the more than 2 000 athletes from 20 different countries who will participate in the championships.
They will take part as Cadets in Kata and Kumite divisions under their specific age groups and are counting the days with excitement and anticipation.
They truly love practising the fine techniques and methods that this sport encompasses and have learnt that this ancient sport not only holds health and physical benefits but have been taught the value of self-discipline and mental toughness.
We wish Mikaela and Megan only the best for this championship; may they enjoy the spectacular coastal city of eastern Scotland and fly the South African and Parel Vallei flags high. Good luck!
28-May-2018 | Platinum PV-manne maak naam by Mintek-kompetisie!
Gedurende Mei het drie Parel Valleiers, met Fisiese Wetenskap as vak, deelgeneem aan die Wes-Kaapse Minquiz-kompetisie. Dié jaarlikse kompetisie word beskou as Suid-Afrika se premier nasionale Fisiese Wetenskap-kompetisie vir graad 12-leerders en word reeds vanaf 1988 aangebied deur Mintek (die spesialiste in mineraal- en metallurgiese tegnologie). Die doelstellings van die kompetisie is om ‘n belangstelling in beroepe met wetenskap en ingenieurswese aan te moedig, asook om klem te lê op die belangrikheid wat die studie van minerale en metallurgiese tegnologie vir Suid-Afrika inhou.
Tydens die kompetisie is skole in twee kategorieë ingedeel, nl. goud en platinum. Op grond van Parel Vallei se graad 12-uitslae in Fisiese Wetenskappe het PV deelgeneem in die platinumgroep.
Die eerste rondte van die kompetisie, waaraan die drie leerders deelneem het, was ‘n geskrewe individuele toets, waarin Du Toit Spies eerste gekom het van al die deelnemers in die platinumkategorie. Dié prestasie het hom ook ‘n plek in die nasionale rondte van die kompetisie later vanjaar in Johannesburg besorg.
Rondte twee het bestaan uit moeiliker mondelingse vrae waartydens leerders vinnig en slim op hulle voete moes antwoord.
Na die vraag-en-antwoordsessie het PV se groep ‘n 2de plek behaal en algeheel geëindig as een van die TOP 5-skole in die provinsie! (Die berekening vir die topskole word gebaseer op die drie individule leerders van elke skool se gesamentlike punte).
Buiten die wonderlike ervaring waarmee die PV-manne die uitdaging met soveel selfvertroue aangepak het, het hulle ook ‘n kontantbewys vir die verdere ontwikkeling van PV se Fisiese Wetenskapafdeling, onder leiding van me. Sonia Manthey en haar bekwame span, gewen. Baie geluk!
24-May-2018 | Parel Vallei se netbalster!
Baie geluk aan PV se graad 11-netbalster: Alexia Pillay, wat gekies is vir die "Western Cape Oaks" o.17-netbalspan. Dié WP-span sal vanaf 24 - 28 Junie na Boksburg, Gauteng toer om deel te neem aan die nasionale netbaltoernooi!
Alexia speel reeds vanaf graad 10, die HD-posisie in PV se eerste span en wanneer sy nie skoolgaan of netbal speel nie, geniet die bruinoogmeisie dit om na musiek te luister en sy is ook passievol oor kosmaak en om nuwe resepte te uit te toets.
Ons beste wense vergesel haar!
23-May-2018 | Striking Hockey Talent
Hockey talent definitely runs in PV’s BLUE THREAD family, as 32 Parel Valleiers were selected for Boland hockey sides!
They are truly proud players and we know that they will be wonderful ambassadors for Parel Vallei.
“Play with your heart, build on your existing skills and score for PV and your Boland teams!”
A heartfelt message from Mrs Kets (head of PV sport) to all these Parel Valleiers.
Back: P. Potgieter (u16A), B. Samuels (u16C), G. Horrell (u16C), A. Coetzee (u16B), L. Witbooi (u16A), T. Weideman (u16A), K. Kirstein (u16C), M. Roos (u/16C), R. Fair (u18B), D. Austin (u18C), J. de Necker (u18B), J. Hjlamner (u18A), R. Kaps (u18A), S. Boshoff (u18B), J. Fair (u16C).
Middle: R. Benson (u16A), K. Stockwe-Warner (u14 Pinotage), M. Kossman (u14 Pinotage), M. Eames (u14 Pinotage), E. Sulivan (u14 Pinotage), I. Thom (u14 Pinotage), K. Stokwe-Warner (u/14 Pinotage).
Front: J. Southon (u18A), L. Witbooi (u14 Pinotage), I. Brunsdon (u14 Pinotage), K. Kalmeyer (u14 Pinotage), J. Blaauw (u14 Pinotage), R. Diedericks (u14 Pinotage), G. Thomas (u18A)
Absent: L. Fortuin (u18A), B. Cronje (u14 Pinotage)
17-May-2018 | PV Rugby - Making Great Strides!
Congratulations to all these players who represented the Helderberg Regional Development Programme (RDP) teams in recent WP trials. Parel Vallei is proud to have such talented rugby players and we will continue to grow our rugby talent and set our goals on achieving rugby excellence.
Our under 15 players, as pictured below, still look forward to playing a match in Rondebosch on Saturday 19 May as part of the WP u/15 Talent Identification team against a Durbanville side and on 23 May, Leonard de Leeuw and Gethin Josephs will take part in the final WP Craven Week trials. We also wish Keanuh Michaels all the best for his trials at the WP Grant Khomo finals.
Back, from left to right: Keanuh Michaels (u/15 RDP), Kyle Slater (u/15 RDP), Juan Rossouw (u/15 RDP), Gean van Wyk (u/15 RDP), Jan Harm Solomons (u/15 RDP), Ivan Coetzee (u/18 RDP), Roux Niewoudt (u/16 RDP), Mikael Mohammed (u/15 RDP), Mr T. Pienaar (head of PV rugby)
Front: Dean Laubscher (u/15 RDP), Hiram Cassiem (u/15 RDP) , Kian Middelton (u/15 RDP), Charles Booysen (u/15 RDP), Matteo Titus (u/15 RDP), Leonard De Leeuw (u/18 RDP) , Gethin Josephs (u/18 RDP)
17-May-2018 | Dancing Their Way to The Top
Back, from left: Luke Bradshaw (gr. 10), Rodrique Japhta (gr. 10)
Front: Joline Stubbe (gr. 11), Tanya Erasmus (gr. 12), Jeanri Olwage (gr. 11)
Parel Valleiers Tanya Erasmus, Jeanri Olwage and Jolene Stubbe from Sume’s Dance Studio and Luke Bradshaw and Rodrique Japhta from Rhapsody Dance Centre will be leaving on Thursday 17 May for Croatia as part of the South African dance team that will be competing at the DanceStar World Finals. This competition sees more than 6 000 dancers from 28 countries compete against each other in various dance genres.
This has been a dream come true for them made possible through passion, hard work and commitment.
We wish them all the best. We know that they will make us proud!
Go PV! Go South Africa!
09-May-2018 | PV’s Nationally Acclaimed Drama Stars
In 2017, Parel Vallei learners Mia van der Merwe and Jordyn Linklater claimed first and second place at the National Acting Competition for High School Learners, and now we are proud to announce that we have another Parel Valleier in grade 10 who made it to the top 3 this year!
What a phenomenal achievement for Parel Vallei to have learners in the top 3 positions for two consecutive years!
This year’s competition was once again sponsored by kykNET and organised by Hoërskool Bellville and saw 2 of our learners showcase their acting talents in the final rounds.
Of about 530 participants throughout South Africa, Thalia Alberts and Angelique Filter, both directed by StageRight Drama School, made it into the first of the final rounds of the competition, where 90 candidates presented a monologue at the Artscape Theatre on Thursday, 3 May. Both Thalia and Angelique made it to the next round, where the top 30 had to present a poem and dramatised prose on Friday morning. Angelique went through to the top 16, who had to do a radio audition for RSG and a TV audition for Suidooster at the actual Suidooster film studio. These auditions were then viewed and analysed by the judges, and the final 8 were selected. Angelique was one of them. This was a very exciting experience and the nerves and acting abilities were tested to the limit.
The top 8 then had to perform all their pieces at the final on Saturday evening at the Artscape Theatre. Judges in the audience watched each performance of the 8 candidates, while celebrities, supporters and nervous parents were riveted by the performances. Angelique came 3rd and was also selected to play a role in an upcoming production which is specifically written for 5 selected learners from this competition and will be performed at next year’s Stellenbosch Woord Fees.
Angelique is a well-balanced learner who lives by Parel Vallei’s ‘Body, Mind and Spirit’ approach to life as she also makes time to focus on her studies and is one of PV’s top 10 academics in grade 10!
Congratulations to both Angelique and Thalia! You have made PV proud.
07-May-2018 | Mr and Miss Parel Vallei 2018
Mr and Miss Parel Vallei were crowned on Friday, 4 May at a fun filled evening where the audience voted for the winners.
The winners, Miss Parel Vallei: Jolindi Snyman and Mr Parel Vallei: Dillon Austin, will be the informal face of PV for the next year. They will appear at numerous events through the course of the year representing the school and what we stand for, greeting visitors and making them feel at home. They will also fulfill hosting duties at major sport and cultural events.
Thank you to Mr Visser and his team for making this event such a glittering affair and for all learners who entered!
Pictured below: our 2018 finalists with Mr and Miss PV
Back, from left (boys): Tristan Perfett, Joshua Knipe, Gian de Beer, Dillon Austin, Franshua Kennis, Jan Rademan, Michael van Niekerk, Leriche Fourie.
Front, from left (girls): Lauren Skelding, Kayla Dry, Leandri Herrewyn, Kaylee Webb, Jolindi Snyman, Tamryn Roets, Mieke de Wet, Bianca Nieuwoudt, Carla Badenhorst.
We wish Jolindi and Dillon all the best for the year ahead; may they serve the school with Blue Thread pride and passion!
26-Apr-2018 | Top of the (Maths) Charts
Danielle Kleyn, in grade 10, is a keen mathematician and loves to solve mathematical problems by working with data, quantity, structure and variables. Parel Vallei’s Maths’ teachers acknowledged her enthusiasm towards the subject and in grade 8, she was one of the many Parel Valleiers who was introduced to Maths olympiads. She started by taking part in the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO), South Africa’s biggest olympiad, were approximately 86 000 high school learners across the country participate annually. In this olympiad, she did superbly and her journey as Maths wiz began:
During her grade 8 year, in 2016, she was chosen for the Boland Junior A-team,
was one of the top 100 juniors in the South African Maths Olympiad (SAMO) and she came 2nd in the Western Cape; In the UP Maths Olympiad she claimed 1st position.
In 2017, she continued her sound mathematical path by being re-selected for the Boland Junior A-team, ending 7th in the 3rd round for juniors at the SAMO, holding the title as the number one learner in the UP Maths Olympiad and moving one place up in the SAMO to claim 1st place in the Western Cape.
To top all her achievements, Danielle just heard that she is one of only 3 girls in the COUNTRY to receive SA colours for Maths olympiads! To be chosen for the SA team, Danielle had to write various additional tests at Maths camps, hosted by the South African Maths Foundation, to which she was invited by achieving good results in SAMO and by completing additional assignments that were given out at events for Maths olympiads.
Besides being so gifted in Maths, she has a lovely and humble personality and gives freely of her time to help others prepare for Maths olympiads or learners who need extra help with Maths.
Parel Vallei respects her for being so dedicated and hardworking; she is truly a wonderful example to all!
23-Apr-2018 | Curl Up and Dye
22-Apr-2018 | Kore-fees met Laurika Rauch en Loki Rothman
Op 18 en 19 April was Parel Vallei die trotse gasheerskool vir die Skoolkore-fees met die formidabele Laurika Rauch en Loki Rothman. Dié trotse kultuurgeleentheid is aangebied deur Headline Entertainment en Musaic.
Die twee aande het gesorg vir vermaak van die hoogste gehalte! Die program het afgeskop met twee optredes van elk van die volgende skole se kore: Parel Vallei, Curro Sitari (senior- en juniorkoor), Macassar Primary, Oklahoma/Marvin Park, Hendrik Louw (junior- en senior-koor), Reddam House, Lochnerhof en Somerset House. Daarna het Laurika en Loki die verhoog betree en die gehoor geboei met hul besonderse optrede. Die twee kunstenaars komplimenteer werklik mekaar, Laurika met haar besonderse stem en unieke vertolkingsvermoë en Loki met sy virtuose perkussie-kitaartegniek en pragtige stem. Hulle het omtrent gesorg vir hoendervleis-oomblikke, baie nostalgie en gehoorlede wat van tyd tot tyd ‘n traan van hul wang moes vee…
Die aand is afgesluit met ‘n massakooroptrede waartydens al die kore saam met Laurika en Loki treffers soos Kinders van die wind en Stuur groete aan Mannetjies Roux gesing het.
Die optredes het vir seker ‘n blywende indruk op die jong koorlede gelaat en baie nuwe musiekdrome is in die harte van jong musiekliefhebbers verewig.
Parel Vallei bedank ook graag al die ouers, koorleiers, -begeleiers en ondersteuners wat die vertonings moontlik gemaak het. ‘n Spesiale woord van dank ook aan die volgende twee borge: wat ruim bygedra het, nl. True Cape en Kwikspar Lion Square.
15-Apr-2018 | Parel Vallei se nuwe Beheerliggaam
Agter: me M du Preez (opvoeder), mnr B van Rensburg (voorsitter), mnr J van der Spuy, mnr R Tough (onder-voorsitter), me M Boshoff (gekoöpteerde sekretaresse), mnr W Steenkamp (opvoeder).
Voor: mnr M Botha (tesourier), me D Hindley, mnr D Schenck (skoolhoof), S Warner, mnr K van Wyk.
Die skool se twee hoofprefekte, Nicole de Lorme en Arend Moelich, vorm ook deel van die Beheerliggaam.
14-Apr-2018 | Isabella - a truly talented golfer!
Isabella competed in the WP Women’s Amateur Championships that took place at Belville Golf Club. The competition consisted of a 36 hole stroke play event, with 61 ladies competing. Isabella tied 6th in the silver division. She was also selected as one of the top 8 in her division who qualified for the WP Women’s Amateur Match She lost 3 and 1 against a 12 handicap player.
She also went on to compete in the Nomads SA Girls Rose Bowl Championship held at the Royal Cape Golf Club - a 54 hole stroke play event with girls competing from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Province, Free State, Northern Cape and Western Province. Isabella tied 6th in the B division out of 54 golfers. Isabella was also an individual winner for the best net score after 36 holes.
Congratulations, Isabella! May this only be the beginning of MANY successes.
13-Apr-2018 | PV’s rugby teams tour the Garden Route
During the past holiday, five PV rugby teams (the 1st, 2nd, u/16A, u/15A and the u/14As) proudly displayed their skills along the Garden Route at two very competitive tournaments: the Arthur Johnson Sport Week in Mossel Bay and the Kwagga week in George.
All teams learnt valuable lessons and achieved great results! These teams built team spirit and together with all the new techniques they have mastered, they are excited and ready for the season kick-off games against Milnerton High School on the 14th of April.
All rugby players would like to thank their coaches and parents for making this tour possible. It was truly a memorable experience!
The results for the week were as follows:
Arthur Johnson Rugby Week (Mossel Bay)
PV u/19A win 15 - 12 vs HS Douglas
PV u/ 19B lose 14 - 34 vs HS Reitz (1st XV)
PV u/16A win 42 - 0 vs HS Punt
KWAGGA Junior Rugby Week (George)
PV u/15A win 51 – 0 vs HS Jeugland
PV u/14A win 41 – 0 vs HS Jeugland
PV 1st XV lose 14 - 17 (HS Punt)
PV 2nd win 21 - 0 (Ferdinand Postma 1st XV)
PV u/16A win 31 - 5 (Sao Bras)
PV u/15A lose 27 - 5 (Heidelberg Volkies)
PV u/4A lose 27 - 5 (HS Zwartkop)
PV 1st XV lose 10 - 12 (HS Vryburg)
PV 2nd win 14 - 7 (Groote Schuur 1st XV)
PV u/16A win 38 - 7 (Landboudal)
PV u/15A lose 5 -38 (Curro Nelspruit)
PV u/14A win 35-10 (HTS Middelburg - Macro School)
We would also like to make special note of the following players who were selected to play for the Arthur Johnson Sports Week Rugby Squad that will travel to Ireland in September: Ryan Coetzer, Leonard de Leeuw and Ethan Borcherds.
Seven Parel Valleiers were also identified by Sharks recruitment specialist Francois Schoeman for possible future opportunities at the Sharks Academy: Ivan Coetzee, Nicholas Goble, Daniel Haupt, Sheldon Mealing, Minawa Gesha, Leonard De Leeuw and Michael Henry.
Thinus Pienaar - Head of Rugby PV
13-Apr-2018 | AJ Sportweek Netball Tournament
The u/18 netball squad represented PV at the Arthur Johnson Sport Week in Mossel Bay, from 28 March to 2 April 2018. We formed part of 21 top notch participating schools from all over South Africa. We faced tough competition including a preview of our competitors for later in the season against Pearson High School and Hoërskool Strand.
Checking in to Santos Train Lodge accommodation, our squad of 10 players met with their first challenge; living in super close quarters was a good first exercise in finding and creating space.
Day 1 started off in the rain. The coaching session was soon suspended due to the playing surface not being safe for play to continue. We re-grouped after lunch, however as it was still raining, coaching demos were adapted to take place inside the hall. Matches commenced in the early afternoon, once the rain subsided.
With 21 participating teams and only 3 courts available, matches had to be shortened to enable 2 pool round robins to be completed by the Saturday for inter-pool play-offs to commence. Matches were only a speedy 9 minutes aside.
Our girls played a gruelling 10 matches in effectively 2.5 days of which PV won 3 matches and lost 7. We are extremely proud of the way the teams pulled together on court and fought till the end in the tougher matches, often putting up a very good second half.
We are extremely proud of Nicole de Lorme, who was selected as part of the Tournament All Stars Group of 16 players who played in an exhibition match on Monday 2 April 2018. Congratulations Nicole and all who represented PV with the true Blue Thread spirit!
Chrisna Alberts – Head of Netball PV
12-Apr-2018 | HOCKEY TOUR TO THE NETHERLANDS
At the end of term one, more than forty Parel Vallei-ers had the privilege of visiting The Netherlands as part of the PV hockey tour.
These learners enjoyed thirteen days of playing against some of the well-known Dutch hockey clubs while exploring The Netherlands. They were hosted by club members and had the pleasure of experiencing Nederlands hospitality first-hand.
The results of the games played were as follows: the A-side girls played five games, winning two and losing three; the B-side girls played five games, winning two, drawing one and losing two; the A-side boys played five games, winning three and losing two and the B-side boys played four games, winning three and losing one.
Our players also took part in two hockey clinics hosted by Dutch coaches where they were able to refine and improve their playing skills.
Apart from playing hockey, our learners also toured a number of cities: Geldrop, Alpen aan den Rijn, Eindhoven, Amersfoort, Utrecht and Amsterdam. They canoed along the canals and cycled through the streets of Utrecht. They visited the Amsterdam dungeons and the famous Madame Tussaud wax museum and even paid a visit to the Red Light District, so unique to Holland.
One of the highlights of the tour was a visit to Snow World, the world’s largest indoor ski-resort in Zoetermeer, which offered most of them a thrilling first time experience of skiing. The tour ended with a visit to a cheese and clog factory, where they demonstrated how to make cheese and clogs.
For many learners this tour was an unforgettable experience and will remain a highlight of their high school career!
A large group of our netball and rugby learners also went on tour to George and Mossel Bay. Read more about these tours on our website: www.pvallei.co.za
28-Mar-2018 | BLUE THREAD: TERM 1
PV’s online magazine the BLUE THREAD: TERM 1
BLUE THREAD has done it again – another sleek issue full of brand-new material, captivating articles and stunning photography. This autumn edition just so happens to be our 11th issue which we celebrate with some drool-worthy feature articles.
As with every other term, BLUE THREAD magazine continues to grow at an exponential rate and thanks to increasing support we are now able to create a wider range of features and profiles.
This one is no exception – bigger and better than ever, BLUE THREAD continues to strive to be a more modern, representative magazine of Parel Vallei and its unique community.
27-Mar-2018 | Willkommen!
Parel Vallei was very happy to welcome twenty German exchange students and two teachers from Memmingen, Bavaria on Sunday, 25 March. They will be visiting the school and accompanying their hosts on various excursions during the Easter holiday.
Parel Vallei learners visited Germany over the 2017 December holiday and PV hosts will in return now provide the exchange group with local experiences, including food and outings, in warm South African style.
27-Mar-2018 | Rapid and Blitz Chess tournament Brothers Lee and Mudhoni
From left: Darrel Mudhoni, Dafydd Lee, Joel Lee and Dylan Mudhoni
These four Parel Valleiers know all too well that chess has many benefits: improving your memory, increasing your creativity and exercising both sides of your brain but for them this ancient game means having fun while strategically planning their every move to triumph over their opponents - and what can be more exciting than playing different versions of fast chess? This was the main reason why these two talented sets of brothers participated in the Rapid and Blitz chess tournament that took place on 21 March at the Aristea Primary School in Kuilsriver.
Even though the tournament tested their chess skills under tight time controls, the brothers stood their ground, made the right moves and achieved the following:
· In the u.18 Rapid tournament, with a time restriction of 20 minutes a side, Joel Lee received a gold medal and Dylan Mudhoni a silver medal! Darrel Mudhoni claimed gold in the u.15 Rapid section.
· In the Blitz tournament, with a time restriction of 5 minutes a side, Dafydd Lee won a gold medal and Joel Lee a silver medal.
We would also like to recognise the gold medal won by Dafydd Lee in the Western Province Open Chess tournament in the 1 000 rating section. This wonderful achievement once again shows that PV’s chess team is on the way to success in 2018, piece by piece.
23-Mar-2018 | Bloodhound Supersonic Car
The Science department of Parel Vallei would like to thank Commander Chris Lowther for once again visiting our school and for demonstrating that careers in engineering and science can be rewarding and exciting. The Bloodhound SSC (Supersonic Car) is a British-designed car built by a group of scientists and engineers in an attempt to break the current land speed record. They hope that this car will be able to go faster than 1, 609 kilometers per hour! If they can achieve this, the Bloodhound SSC will be the fastest car on the planet.
Robyn Liebenberg, a grade 12 learner, wrote the following after Commander Lowther’s presentation to the learners:
“My experience learning about the Bloodhound Project was absolutely amazing. As someone with a love of speed and vehicles, I was blown away when I heard that the Bloodhound SSC is designed to go even faster than the speed of sound! What also caught my interest was the structure of the car and that the flat surface needed for driving the car at such extreme speed is right here in South Africa at Hakskeen Pan in the Kalahari Desert.
The presentation at my school also piqued my interest in engineering. I was made aware of exactly how broad the field of engineering is and was given a better idea of all the possibilities and opportunities in this field. This presentation helped me confirm that the field of engineering, mechatronic and aerospace engineering to be specific, is the field for me. I hope one day also to play a role in changing the world through engineering.”
Gr.12 Science learners, pictured with Commander Chris Lowther during the class he presented.
Learners from left: Blaine Coetzee, Ebrahim Ismail, Femke de Jonge, Rozena Oliver, Renee van Zyl.
To learn more about The Bloodhound Project, follow this link: http://www.bloodhoundssc.com/project/car
20-Mar-2018 | All Stars Band
Ethan Verrezen and Joshua Swanepoel
Parel Vallei was one of just ten schools selected to take part in the Cape Town International Jazz Festival Music and Careers Programme and on the 11th of March, as part of this programme, Parel Vallei’s Blue Thread Show Band performed at the Artscape Theatre.
A handful of musicians from the ten schools was selected to form part of the All Stars Band. Parel Vallei is extremely proud to announce that our very own Joshua Swanepoel (grade 12) and Ethan Verrezen (grade 11) were selected as members of this band!
The band’s first performance with local and international jazz artists will take place on the 20th of March at the Greenmarket Square, starting at 5pm. This will be only the first of many performances for this young band as they will also form part of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival that will take place over the weekend of the 23rd of March. These youngsters will also be performing at various gigs throughout the year!
Parel Vallei would like to congratulate Joshua and Ethan on this incredible achievement; we know that they will make the best of this opportunity given to them.
If you would like to support Joshua, Ethan and the All Stars Band, you can read more about the concert on the poster below. (Note that this concert will be free.)
13-Mar-2018 | Systemic Test Awards
On Thursday, 7 March, the Western Cape Education Department presented Parel Vallei with the following awards for the systemic tests written by all grade 9 learners.
Awards for Mathematics:
· a certificate for achieving a pass rate of 50% and above from 2016 - 2017
· a certificate and trophy for consistently achieving a pass rate of 80% and above for the past three years from 2015 - 2017
Awards for Languages:
· a certificate for achieving a pass rate of 70% and above from 2016 - 2017
· a certificate and trophy for consistently achieving a pass rate of 80% and above for the past 3 years
Parel Vallei would like to congratulate their Maths and Language departments on these achievements that once again highlight PV’s constant striving towards academic excellence!
Pictured below: Mrs Michelle du Preez (head of Mathematics – PV juniors), Mrs Sonia Manthey (junior phase head - PV) and Mrs Mardie Steenkamp (head of Afrikaans – PV juniors) with the certificates and trophies received from the WCED.
A closer view of the two trophies PV received.
13-Mar-2018 | PRESIDENT’S AWARD – GOLD FOR SHANNON BARRY
From left: Jaco Maree (Programme Manager Western Cape), Shannon Barry (Gold Award Holder), and Pam Ellis (Award Leader for Parel Vallei)
At the end of 2013, Robyn Keet, who was the Head Girl of Parel Vallei at the time, introduced The President’s Award to Parel Vallei. She had started the programme in her personal time, and was awarded her Gold level in 2014 at a ceremony attended by Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Recently, Shannon Barry was presented her Gold Award by the Programme Manager for the Western Cape, Mr Jaco Maree, in a special assembly presentation. Shannon is the first Parel Vallei participant who has completed all three levels of the award in her time at Parel Vallei.
To achieve a gold award, a participant must complete 72 hours of community service, show regular effort and improvement in both a selected skill and a physical recreation activity and undertake an adventurous journey of 80km over 4 consecutive days and 3 nights with no fewer than 4 peers. This must include 8 hours of activity per day.
What sets the Gold level apart is the Residential Project. This involves sharing a purposeful activity with people who are not your usual friends, in an unfamiliar residential setting for at least 4 nights and 5 consecutive days.
Shannon’s activities included successfully completing her driver’s licence and AP Maths as her skills; indoor and outdoor hockey for physical recreation; an 80km Franschoek Hike for an adventurous journey; and a residential project combining environmental and conservation projects, also in Franschoek with a local community. Her community service was truly commendable including service at Park Run, Mia’s Angels, Santa’s shoebox, Patch, Animal Welfare and even at the SPCA in White River while on holiday!
Parel Vallei is very proud to congratulate Shannon on this special achievement.
13-Mar-2018 | Athletic Stars
Congratulations to all our athletes that competed in the Western Cape Athletics Championships in Paarl from the 9th to the 10th of March.
It was a remarkable event and the learners pictured below truly seized the opportunity to compete against the best in the Western Cape. These athletes came back even more motivated to nurture and invest in their talents.
They made us proud by achieving the following:
From left: Rachel Kaps (achieved a 4th place in the 400m girls u/19 Hurdles), Leslie de Lange (achieved a GOLD medal in the 800m for boys u/15 and he also broke the Western Cape record with a time of 1.58), Skye Boshoff (received a GOLD medal in the Hammer throw and a silver medal in Shotput for girls u/19), Micaela Horn (received a bronze medal in the High Jump for girls u/15) and Jayden Daniels (received a bronze metal in the 100m and a silver medal in the 300m Hurdles for boys u/14).
09-Mar-2018 | TEACHERS BY DAY, BEST DIRECTORS AT NIGHT
From left: Mr Darryl Spijkers and Ms Yanou Pienaar
There is a common misconception that “those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach”. Firstly, this isn’t true. Teachers teach for the love of young people and education. And for the money. Secondly, there are those teachers who teach what they do and do what they teach.
Mr Darryl Spijkers, the new Dramatic Arts teacher at Parel Vallei High School, along with Ms Yanou Pienaar (English Teacher) are two such teachers. Both teachers have a passion for theatre making and are actively involved in the Playhouse Theatre and Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society. Darryl is the chairman of the society, and well-known director of community favourites such as Shrek, Grease, Wizard of Oz and Calendar Girls. Yanou has recently earned her director’s ticket in order to direct plays at the theatre.
Both teachers were honoured at the annual Cape Amateur Theatre Awards (CATA) recently held at the Masque Theatre in Muizenburg. The prestigious CATA awards were initiated by The Cape Times more than thirty years ago and recognise and honour excellence in amateur theatre productions of many theatres and societies in and around Cape Town.
Among many awards for the wildly successful Shrek, staged in 2017, Darryl received the awards for Artistic Contribution, Best Director of a Musical and the production won Best Musical overall. He also played the role of Johnny in the 2017 production of Hello and Goodbye (directed by Yanou Pienaar), for which he was nominated for Best Actor. Hello and Goodbye took home the trophy for Best Actress (former PV Drama teacher, Annelie van Zyl who played Hester), Best Director of a play and Best Play. Yanou also received the award for Best Newcomer: Directing.
These teachers truly enjoy making theatre, and are able to use their skills and passion to instil a love for the performing arts in their learners at Parel Vallei High School.
05-Mar-2018 | Woman’s World Day of Prayer
Theme for 2018: “All God’s creation is very good!”
The host country for this year’s prayer day was Suriname. The Republic of Suriname lies in the north-eastern part of South America. It has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and is the smallest independent country on the South American continent.
On this day, the women of Parel Vallei lifted Suriname in prayer and stood together for all women in the world, each facing their own unique challenges.
Nicole Bartels (an old Parel Valleier) also delivered an inspirational message on HOPE. She touched our heats and made us realise that we must never settle in life; but that we must look to the future and expect great things to come!
She is truly a wonderful example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of others. Nicole matriculated from Parel Vallei in 2004 and did mission training in Argentina where she lived for 10 years, whilst working as a full-time missionary with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). She moved back to South Africa in 2015 with her husband. She was motivated by a deep desire to build into the local community and started working with a local NGO called STOP Trafficking of People. The main aim of this NGO is to fight modern-day slavery. Nicole is proud to be the National Operations Manager for this STOP organisation.
It was wonderful for the women of Parel Vallei to connect with other women across different nations and to be a part of an initiative like this.
From left: Jessica George, Christine Beadsworth, Nicole de Lorme, Jenelle Cookson, Nicole Bartels, Charlize Janse van Rensburg.
23-Feb-2018 | Battle of the minds
Baie dankie aan almal wat weer ‘n keer ons eie Wiskunde-kompetisie, Battle of the Minds so ‘n groot sukses gemaak het. Verskeie universiteite se Wiskunde-olimpiadevraestelle, asook nuwe vrae opgestel deur PV se bekwame Wiskunde-departement, is gebruik om dié uitdagende Wiskunde-vraestel saam te stel wat oud en jonk aan die dink gesit het tydens die stryd.
Die kompetisie word al die afgelope 20 jaar deur PV aangebied. Die doel van daarvan is om leerders voor te berei vir verskeie ander Wiskunde-olimpiades waaraan daar gedurende die jaar deelgeneem word en om ook aan leerders die geleentheid te bied om hul kennis in wiskundige probleemoplossing met hulle spanmaats te deel.
Slegs een klaskamer is in die beginjare gebruik vir die kompetisie, maar die afgelope paar jaar het die kompetisie na die skoolsaal verskuif om die meer as 140 deelnemers te kan akkommodeer.
Dit was heerlik om die aand te kon deel met al die ouers, oud-skoliere, ingenieurs-dosente van Maties en vriende van PV!
Hartlik geluk aan ons pryswenners. Volgende jaar doen ons dit weer!
1. Jandre Erasmus en moeder Karina
2. Ian Thom en broer Gido
2. Chantal Robinson en broer Daniel
3. Tean Kleynhans en pa Theodor
3. Benjamin Kleyn en Charl Marais
1. Tian Groenewald en Sebastian Badenhorst
2. Ryan Niland en Nicolas Majewski
3. Adriana van der Spuy en vader Johan
1. Reuben van Wyk en oudskolier Mark Doyle
2. Danielle Kleyn en Caitlyn Slabbert
3. Regardt Loedolff en oud-skolier broer Christiaan
1. Kayla van Rensburg en Chanel Bowen
1. Dean Joao en Francois Truter
2. Michael du Plessis en Joshua Boshoff
3. Gerard Madsen–Leibold en oud-skolier sus Ansophi
1. Liam Schreiber
2. Du Toit Spies en Henko Uys
3. Johan van der Spuy en Dillon Cilliers
22-Feb-2018 | Noordheuwel Top 15-atletiekbyeenkoms
Parel Vallei is baie trots op die 15 atlete wat deelgeneem het aan die Noordheuwel Top 15- atletiekbyeenkoms wat aangebied is by die Universiteit van Johannesburg se atletiekstadion.
Dit was ‘n verrykende ervaring vir al die Parel Valleiers en tussen al die atletiek kon leerders ook verskeie uitstappies geniet, soos onder meer ‘n besoek aan die Wieg van die Mensdom, 'n wêrelderfenisgebied aan die Wes-Rand in Gauteng.
Die volgende leerders het PV se blou stempel afgedruk met die medaljes wat hulle verower het tydens dié atletiekbyeenkoms.
Van links: Leslie de Lange – Goud Seuns O/15 400m, Jayden Daniels – Goud Seuns O/14 300m Hekkies en Goud vir die 200m, Josefine Hjlamner – Silwer vir 3 000m Dogters O/17, Rachel Kaps – Silwer 400m-hekkies Dogters O/17.
02-Feb-2018 | PRESIDENT’S AWARDS
From left: Jamie-Leigh Job, Megan Lane and Ryan Beavon.
On Monday, three Parel Vallei-ers were presented with President’s Awards. The mission of the President’s Award programme is to empower young people between the ages of 14 to 25, by providing a balanced, non-competitive framework for self-development that will enhance their capacity to achieve in whatever context they find themselves, enabling them to become active and responsible citizens.
To complete this programme, learners must take part in activities consisting of four pillars:
Bronze Level Awards were awarded to Ryan Beavon and Jamie-Leigh Job.
To achieve a Bronze Level Award, a participant must complete three months in the areas of physical recreation, skills and service. One of these areas must extend over six months. They must also undertake an adventurous journey over two days and one night.
Ryan Beavon received a Bronze Award for the following activities:
· community service to Hospice and Cub-Scouts SA,
· clarinet as his skill,
· hockey and Park Run as his physical recreation and
· a Table Mountain Hike over two days and one night as his adventurous journey.
Jamie-Leigh Job received a Bronze Award for the following activities:
· community service to Township Animal Rescue and the Stellenbosch Medi-clinic,
· AP Maths as her skill,
· hockey as her physical recreation and
· a Cape Point Hike over two days and one night as her adventurous journey.
To achieve a Silver Level Award, a participant must complete six months in all four areas and the adventurous journey must extend over three days and two nights.
Megan Lane received a Silver Award for the following activities:
· community service to the Brownies (a section of Girl Guides) and the Herald Mission Trip,
· participation in the Dramatics Drama Academy as her skill,
· a Cederberg Mountain range hike over eleven days and ten nights as her adventurous journey.
Parel Vallei is proud to be a part of this international programme that has played such a big role in bringing about change in the lives of over 130,000 young people in South Africa since 1983.
01-Feb-2018 | PV, die naaswenners van die Frank Myburgh Twilight Gala!
Ten spyte van die droogte het PV se sportdepartement besluit om steeds deel te neem aan verskeie galas en om net so hard soos in die verlede te bly oefen.
Gedurende Februarie is hulle toegewydheid beloon met ‘n 2de plek in die Frank Myburgh Twilight Gala wat in Worcester geswem is. Meer as sewe ko-ed skole en vier meisie- en seunskole het deelgeneem. PV se swemspan is trots op dié podiumposisie en sien uit daarna om nog groot titels los te swem in die toekoms!
Die volgende swemmers het plekke in die top drie posisies behaal:
O.14 Ben Leysens, 3de in vlinderslag
O.16 Tian Groenewaldt, 1ste in vryslag
O.18 Bianca Nieuwoudt, 3de in rugslag
O.18 Isabella Booyens, 1ste in borsslag - met ‘n nuwe galarekord!
O.18 Connor Campbell, 3de in vlinderslag
O.18 Ryan Coetzer, 3de in vryslag
O.18 Johan van der Spuy, 3de in vryslag
Connor, Ryan en Johan het saam ook ‘n 3de plek in die vryslag- en wisselslagaflosse behaal.
30-Jan-2018 | PV’s passionate Film Appreciation group
From left: Jessica Mol, Erika van der Merwe and Nina Andro.
On Sunday 28 January, Parel Vallei’s relatively small but very passionate Film Appreciation group went to Cape Town to watch the critically acclaimed film The Shape of Water by director Guillermo del Torro. The group of three learners and Miss Botha opted to see the film at the beautiful Labia Theatre in Orange Street, which remains one of the very few independent movie theatres in the country. After enjoying lunch in Long Street (which included grabbing sorbets and gelato ice-creams on the way back) they made their way into the cinema and couldn’t wait for the lights to dim and for the show to start. The group was enthralled by the aesthetics of the film, based in America during the cold war, and how the director expertly shaped the mood of the film through his camera angles, colour scheme and musical score. The lead actress, Sally Hawkins, was outstanding as the mute protagonist, Eliza, and the complexity of each character in general resulted in much discussion between all who saw the film. The thirteen Academy Award nominations that this film received were certainly well-deserved.
For those who love film the only thing better than watching an amazing piece of cinema, is watching an amazing piece of cinema with a group of people who appreciate it as much as you do. Future trips to The Labia will therefore definitely be organised and there is a sincere hope that Parel Vallei will see it’s Film Appreciation group grow over the next year.
(PV learners that would like to form part of this group are welcome to contact Miss Botha: mbotha@pvallei.co.za)
29-Jan-2018 | Interhouse Athletics Results 2018
On the 25th and 26th of January all athletes and supporters participated in true BLUE THREAD spirit and gave their best for their individual sport houses: Stella, Alberdeen and Nassau.
20 new records were set and the day even saw staff participating in a race or two…
Congratulations to house STELLA who were the overall winners of the ATHLETICS TROPHY. (House Stella won with 956 points, with Nassau in second place with 874 points and Aberdeen third with 866 points).
This year house ABERDEEN won the SPIRIT CUP! This house really stood together with pride and passion and their commitment could be seen all through the day! (Stella came second and Nassau third).
Thank you to Mrs Kets and her team for organizing this great event each year and for giving Parel Valleiers the opportunity to realize their full potential…
PV’s top athletes
From left: Senior Victor Ludorum: Kyle Slater; Senior Victrix Ludorum: Rachel Kaps (she set 2 new records and had 5 first places); Mr D Schenck (headmaster); Mrs Eunice Kets (Head of sport PV); Junior Victor: Jayden Daniels (he set 4 new records and had 5 first places); Junior Victrix Ludorum: Amy Jacobs (5 first places).
Aberdeen’s proud cheerleaders!
Lesley de Lange
**More photos under GALLERY (on the Communicator).
26-Jan-2018 | A European experience of note!
Written by: Miss Taryn Nel and Mrs Riette Viljoen; PV teachers and the organizers of the German Exchange programme.
Over the December holidays 20 of our students were lucky enough to take part in a European experience in the German Exchange. After a warm welcome in Memmingen, the students were hosted by families from the Bernhard Strigel Gymnasium. We attended classes for a week and were also treated to a typical German Christmas and other festive customs. The students had the opportunity to learn how to ski and ice skate. They were also able attend traditional Christmas markets, museums, and art galleries and were even fortunate enough to meet the Mayor.
Once we had bid farewell to new friends, we made our way to Prague. There we spent New Year’s Eve enjoying folk music, traditional Czech dancing and a dazzling display of fireworks. We went on a tour of the magnificent, old, golden city and saw amazing sights. These included Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the Astronomical Clock, and Jewish Quarters and we savoured the Trdelnik.
We entered the New Year on our way to Berlin, where we visited the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Museum Island, East Side Gallery and the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. The historical city lived up to its expectations! The students had a wonderful time and were on their best behaviour throughout, making us proud to be a part of Parel Vallei.
We are excited to welcome our new German friends to stay with us in South Africa between the 25th of March and 12th of April, where we will show them our warm South African hospitality.
24-Jan-2018 | Merietetoekennings en Top 10-vakprestasies
Parel Vallei is wéér een van die Nasionale Senior Sertifikaat (NSS)-topskole in die Wes-Kaap en is bekroon met die volgende merietetoekennings en vakprestasies:
8 WKOD Top 10-vakprestasies word behaal:
· Besigheidstudies: Kirsten Moffitt – 4de.
· Verbruikerstudies: Katja Majewski – 4de en Stephania Kolatsis – 8ste.
· Ingenieursgrafika en –ontwerp: Stefan le Roux – 5de.
· Ontwerp, Sarah Swanepoel: 6de.
· Lewenswetenskappe, Chanél Roos: 8ste.
· Informasietegnologie, Charl du Toit: 10de.
· Rekeningkunde, Chanél Roos: 10de.
· een van die topskole: 12de in die Wes-Kaap;
· grootste vordering in Inligtingstegnologie en
· 2 leerders, Chanél Roos en Juan Swanepoel haal, die Minister se Top Meriete-lys!
Van links: me Anetha Prinsloo (graad 12-graadhoof ), mnr David Schenck (skoolhoof), Chanél Roos, Juan Swanepoel en Debbie Schäfer (Wes-Kaapse Minister van Onderwys).
22-Jan-2018 | BLUE THREAD BASH
16-Jan-2018 | ‘n Hartlike BLUE THREAD-welkom!
Parel Vallei is opgewonde oor die nuwe, bekwame onderwysers wat by ons aansluit! Ons hoop dat hulle baie gelukkig sal wees en hulself ten volle en met uitnemendheid sal uitleef in alles wat hulle aanpak.
Agter, van links na regs: Darryl Spijkers (Drama), Wernhard van Rooyen (IT), Chrisna Alberts (Netbal), Meagan Jackman (Lewensoriëntering), Jonathan Schenck (Geografie).
Voor: Madeleine Wessels (Wiskunde), Liana Kriel, (Wiskundige Geletterdheid), Jo-Ann Franken (Fisiese Wetenskappe), Theresa Brown (sekretaresse), Adel van Wyk (Afrikaans).
05-Jan-2018 | MATRIC RESULTS
Matric merit list:
MATRIC RESULTS: CLASS OF 2017