Principal's Desk
By the time you read this final edition of The Buzz for 2024, the Grade 12s will have concluded their final NSC Exams and potentially headed off to wonderful holidays, enjoying much-needed sleep or finding casual employment to cope with holiday expenditures. Many of them will return to school on Tuesday, 14 January 2025, when their matric results are released. More details about this very important day will be communicated to the matric parents.
Our Grade 8 to 11 learners would also have concluded their Term 4 exams and preparing for a well-deserved 4-week festive holiday.
Reflecting on November, we recall that our Music Department hosted a Sunset Concert for the learners and their parents. Beautiful weather created the perfect evening for listening to our talented music learners. To our music staff, we say thank you very, very much for the endless hours and the sacrifice of your hearing (😊) to bring out the best in our learners.
The Grade 10 Hospitality learners hosted their first restaurant session breakfast as part of their exams. This required start-to-finish preparation from venue set-up, menu preparation, décor, theme, service flow from kitchen to table and the dreaded kitchen clean-up. At the end of it all, providing a renewed appreciation for restaurant industry staff. Their parents were invited to enjoy all that this entailed.
This same procedure was followed when the Grade 11 Hospitality class hosted a High Tea for their family members on Saturday, 23 November. Another beautiful day accompanied a beautiful assortment of treats presented to the attendees.
Both these grades did their teacher proud and Mrs Mamhende can be assured that her efforts throughout the year resulted in two wonderful events.
On the Cultural and Sporting side of school life, the Cape Town Eisteddfod Music, Art and Writing hosted an event where several Bergvliet High School learners and teachers were honoured for their work throughout the year. The Bergvliet High School Vocal Choir in particular were acknowledged, along with their teacher. Do visit our Social Media pages for more details.
Tamara van Niekerk participated in the Western Province Champs Kyokushin Full Contact Karate and placed 1st in the Girls’ under-17 60kg competition.
Isra Arnold in Grade 8 achieved her 1st Kyu and final Brown Belt for Karate at Samurai Karate in Claremont.
Imaan Van Schalkwyk in Grade 11 was selected to be a member of the Western Province 2024 CSA U19 Girls Cricket Squad.
At the Sea Cadets Awards ceremony, Seaman Miyolo Radebe was awarded a trophy for Best Dress, Bearing and General Drill Categories. BHS now has 3 females in the Sea Cadets. Joining Miyolo are Njabulo Nxele and Shaakira Alexandra.
We are understandably very proud of all their achievements.
As we wind down to the last day of term (Friday, 13 December), we pause to say goodbye to our much-loved Tourism Subject Head Ms De Waal, for the past 6 years. Sad to see her go but excited for her, as she furthers her studies at Stellenbosch University next year. She will be pursuing her Masters in Educational Psychology. We wish her every success.
To Mr Fortune and Mr Smith who assisted us during the year when vacancies arose, thank you.
To our Academic and Support Staff and our SGB members, as principal, I am indebted to you for the contributions that you have made to ensure a successful end of year. With much still to be done, I have every confidence in you that all checks and balances will be completed before we close.
To our parents and guardians, enjoy family time with your children. To those celebrating the festive season, may Peace and Goodwill be with you.
Whether staying at home or travelling, I pray that you will be safe. To those learners, families and staff members returning, best wishes, till we meet again.
Mrs P Demas
PRINCIPAL