Twenty eight Wynberg Old Girls from the class of 1957 reunited last week for their 60-year reunion.
They were joined by their Standard 2 (Grade 4) class teacher Vera Lawton and current principal Shirley Harding, who was the guest speaker, at the gathering held at the Western Province Cricket Club in Rondebosch on Thursday October 19.
All the women used their maiden names because that is how they still know each other.
Ms Harding, who has spent 37 years at Wynberg Girls’ High School, told the Old Girls that while many things, from buildings and sport to school fees and prefects, had changed, their motto, Honour before Honours, had remained the same.
As did the school’s ethos of growing up and going out there and doing amazing things. Some of the girls have gone far away to do this.
Among those who attended were Dilly Kruger from Wellington in New Zealand, Ann Zoutendyk from Florida in America, Denise Albertyn from Kenton-on-Sea and from Johannesburg were Jean Lunt, Elaine Meyerthal and Felicia Pasvolsky. Since the have left school, waterpolo has become the fastest growing sport in girls’ schools.
Wynberg Girls’ High School has done away with the old prefect system.
The girls now apply for the position, presenting their CV, being interviewed and shortlisted if necessary. “Some come with vision and are well prepared but if they do not do the job well their badge is removed,” said Ms Harding.
The government school has 930 pupils with 31 teachers paid by the department of education and 58 paid for privately.
Something the old girls did not contend with during their schooldays was social media, which is a huge challenge faced by teaching staff today.
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