Waterfield House
Collegiate High School

2 May 2012

Dear Parents

So much has happened since last I wrote to you all. I have returned from my Big Adventure and I really wish to say, most sincerely, thank you for letting me go. Our grandson, Finn, aged 6 months is, like every other grandchild, the best in the world and we could not have asked for a nicer holiday. I hope that you, too, had a good time with your daughters.

However, that was then and this is now. Firstly, I wish to inform you that Mr James Miller is the new Chairman of the Hostel Committee and we are delighted to have him on board, especially since he has a daughter here. On behalf of all the parents and staff of Waterfield House, I wish to thank Mrs Helen Ayerst for her loyal support as Chairman over the past three years. Many of you will have chatted to your daughters and it may be that you have thoughts, or queries, or ideas you wish to pass on for discussion – positive or negative. You are more than welcome to be in touch with the reps from your area: Mrs Tyna Ferreira (the Valley); Mrs Lisa Weyer-Henderson (Somerset East/Jansenville) and Mrs Judy Wilson (Tsitsikamma, Plett, St Francis etc).

There have been a few ‘happenings’ since term began. We had a very successful Grade 12 ‘in’ weekend and our girls were able to go to Animal Welfare where they walked dogs, gave in donations of food and generally got involved with the homeless animals there. Also, and a First for us was our St Michael and St George’s House Day last week where Mrs Ray Anne Cook gave an animated and absorbing talk on sensory processing and ADHD. She herself was a boarder here (Ray Anne Zondagh) and she did not miss a chance to do all the things she couldn’t do when she lived under hostel rules… like sliding down the banister, for a start! It is really exciting to think that we are forging ahead as a House in our own right. It has made all the difference to the spirit here amongst the girls too. On that special House Day, several of our girls received awards. Scrolls for Choir – Kate Terblanche and Nosimo Ndamane; Scrolls for Athletic – Aimee Weyer-Henderson and Tayla Bladergroen; Silver Bar for Athletics –Sam Webster; Colours Blazers – Nosimo Ndamane (Orchestra) and Lisa Luckman (Athletics). We are very proud of their achievements.

Sadly, Mrs Lynne Jolliffe, our driver for the past three and a half years, has left us, citing petrol costs, since she lives so far out of town. She has always been such a cheerful asset as she drove all those kilometres and her wise counsel to the girls in the car on their trips will be missed. This has meant a shuffle around and our present staff having to share out driving and admin duties. So, please be understanding and please accept that while we try to do the best for your daughter, transport-wise, it may not be easy to accommodate everyone.

I trust that you will all be involved in the Farmers’ Market which is coming up next week. James and the Committee will be notifying you. The proceeds go to the hostel, so we need to participate, whether in cash or in kind, in one way or another! Take care and my good wishes for you and your daughters as we go into this, a very important stage of the term, with exams looming. I shall be speaking to each one about her marks, sport involvement, societies etc just to gee them up to give of their very best in the May/June exams.

Yours

Barbara Symons