Activities News: SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2025
SEPTEMBER
Grade Eleven Life Sciences Excursion
The Grade Eleven Life Sciences learners spent a day at the Van Staden’s Wildflower Reserve hiking and exploring the Fynbos Biome.
Grade Eleven Geography Excursion
The Grade Eleven Geography learners embarked on a journey inland to Graaff-Reinet and Nieu-Bathesda to study the beautiful landscapes, establishment and continued success of these settlements. A visit to the Owl House, exploring the riverbed where dinosaur fossils can be seen, a drive in the Camdeboo National Park to admire the spectacular Valley of Desolation - these were some of the highlights of the Geography Outing. It was a wonderful time out of the classroom, experiencing the concepts that we learn about in class. Nothing brings about a good appreciation of what South Africa has to offer, culturally, creatively and environmentally, like a trip to the Karoo.
Photography Club Excursion
The day shifted from cold and cloudy to bright and warm for the Photography Club’s visit to Addo Elephant National Park. The school bus was filled with excitement as they spotted a variety of wildlife, from tiny tortoises to gigantic elephants. The club returned with outstanding photographs, capturing every detail of their expedition.
English Alive Publication
We are proud of Amy Heukelman, Isabella Hendricks, Emily Ball and Raphaela Blu Miller on being published in this year's celebratory 70th edition of 'English Alive', a high school anthology of creative writing. Many well-known figures in South Africa were once published in 'English Alive'.
South African Maths Competition
Josephine Brown and Holly Tudhope competed in the Junior section of the South African Maths competition. Olivia Freercks and Jennifer Friskin competed in the Senior section. The top 20 seniors and top 20 juniors are invited to compete in an individual and group competition. Jennifer Friskin won the Senior individual section.
First Team Water Polo: Reddam Mackenzie Cup
The first Water Polo team took part in the Reddam Mackenzie Cup held in Cape Town in September. The young team learned a lot of valuable lessons at this tournament. The team placed 10th out of 16 teams.
Mixed Doubles Tennis Tournament
The Collegiate Tennis Team participated in the inaugural St Andrews College and DSG Mixed Doubles Tournament with Grey High School. The team achieved some great results against tough opposition to earn themselves the silver medal. Well done team, Coach William, and manager Ms Coetzee.
Netball Fast 5 Tournament
Collegiate's u17 Netball Team participated at the Nico Malan Fast 5 Tournament. The team brought home the silver medal and won R7500 for the school. Well done to our team and coaches!
OCGG Matric Welcome Tea
Aliziwe Qeqe (Head Girl, 2021) delivered a phenomenal speech that was inspiring, heartfelt and interactive at the annual OCGG Tea. The Matrics connected as a grade and felt very much part of the Collegiate community as they prepare to navigate the world after high school.
Heritage Day Assembly
On Tuesday 23 September, we celebrated Heritage Day by holding a special assembly to celebrate the diverse cultures in South Africa as well as our shared heritage.
Heritage is about remembering the past and shaping the future and the Grade Eleven Diversity, Inclusivity and Transformation Committee, the Society and Service Area Committees and other volunteers worked hard to make South African’s rich heritage come alive on stage and made sure to honour the traditions, cultures and histories that shape who we are as South Africans from our language to our customs.
Our guest speaker, wife, mother and clinical psychologist, Mrs Siphesihle Metuge, gave an inspiring address on our identities as South Africans. It was special to remember Heritage Day and to recognize the rich and vibrant cultures that make South Africa the place we call home.
Musical Theatre: Fairytale Follies
On Monday 18 August, our Vocal Ensemble / Musical Theatre learners transported the audience to fairytale worlds with an enchanting evening of song and dance in their annual production, this year entitled "Fairytale Follies". We are so excited to see Musical Theatre growing at Collegiate.
OCTOBER
Collegiate Spring Sports Festival
The Collegiate Spring Sports Festival powered by Old Mutual came to a close with some fantastic play from all teams. Thank you to all the teams, managers, coaches, tournament directors, drivers and spectators. Without you this would not have been possible. An ever bigger thank you goes to the Collegiate Sports Department who through all their hard work and dedication made this a successful event.
SA Swimming & Life Saving
Congratulations to Madison Fourie, Grade Eleven, on achieving 3rd place in the Junior SS2 Race at the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships held in Durban in October 2025.
Sienna Gous, Grade Nine, proudly represented South Africa at the Africa Aquatics Junior & Senior Open Water Championships held in Kenya from 20–25 October. She achieved 1st place in the Girls 15-16 5km race, and 1st place in the Junior Relay (4 x 1.5km).
Madison and Sienna were capped at a ceremony in Cape Town on Saturday 4 October as SA Lifesaving representatives. They travelled to New Zealand in November to compete in the International Surf Rescue Challenge in Mount Maunganui.
Water Polo
Congratulations to our Water Polo players who had their capping ceremony for the upcoming Inter-provincial Tournament in Johannesburg in December. We wish the following players all the best of luck representing Nelson Mandela Bay Water Polo:
Elizabeth Horn (U19), Emily de Witt (U16), Brigid Guest (U16 - Non travelling reserve), Grace Thomas (U14), Alexis Fourie (U16), Morgan Gous (U14), Caitlin Peters (U14 - Non travelling reserve), Old Collegiation Nina van Bochove (U16 Manager), Kara-lin van Niekerk (U14), Hannah Levey (U14), Zarah Loyson (U14 Non travelling reserve), Ava Larter (U14), Megan Woolward (U14)
U15A Water Polo - Clarendon Centennial Tournament
The U15A Water Polo Team participated in the Clarendon U15 Centennial Tournament held at Clarendon Girls' High School in East London. The team went from strength to strength and ended the tournament in 7th place.
SA Gymnastics
Aneesah Lindoor, Grade Eleven, represented the Eastern Cape in the National Gymnastics Championships on Monday 6 October 2025. Aneesah achieved a Silver medal on Vault, 5th position on Bar, 8th position on Beam, 19th on Floor. Aneesah was placed 8th Overall.
Jemma van der Mescht, Grade Ten, represented the Eastern Cape at the South African National Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships held in Durban. She delivered outstanding performances, placing 1st in both her Free Dance and Clubs routines, and 4th in Ball. These achievements secured her the overall 1st place in the Level 7 Over-15 category, earning her the Gold Medal. Jemma also contributed to the Eastern Cape's group performances, competing as part of the All Starz Academy Open Dance Group and Elite Hoop Group. The Hoop Group finished 2nd overall in their category.
SACEE Public Speaking Challenge
Holly Tudhope, Grade Nine, and Aisha Mxokezeli, Grade Eleven, qualified to participate in the SACEE Public Speaking Challenge Finals. Both learners did Collegiate proud at the finals. Aisha placed first in Public Speaking Senior Section, while Holly placed first in both the Junior Spelling Bee and Public Speaking Sections. Holly was awarded SACEE Language Challenge 2025 Champion for having placed first in two sections.
Announcement of Prefects
We are incredibly proud of the Prefect Body of 2026 and excited to see the positive impact they will make in the year ahead. A heartfelt congratulations to the School Prefects, Hostel Prefects and their families for this well-deserved honour.
The elected School Prefects are: Nina Mitchell, Sophia Wood, Clarice Pieterse, Cwenga Williams, Cordé Adams, Bronwyn Shone, Lilitha Papu, Kelly Legg, Madison Everts, Sophie Brannigan, Oluhle Ntengu, Mikaela Caliste, Lilian Krige, Mieke Wessels, Kungawo Spire, Jenna Coetzee, Lisakhanya Gqunta, Chloë Strydom
The Hostel Prefects are: Lilian Krige, Kungawo Spire, Kelly Legg, Nina Mitchell, Giana Pretorius, Lea Vermaak
Prefect Camp
The Prefects of 2026 took part in an inspiring and enriching leadership experience at the Prefects' Camp. Through a series of talks, workshops and interactive activities, the learners had the opportunity to build stronger connections with one another while preparing to take on their roles as the school’s leaders. The learners explored the Laws of Leadership and gained valuable skills on leading both themselves and others. The weekend was filled with learning, growth and plenty of fun, leaving the girls motivated and equipped with meaningful insights for the year ahead.
Speech Night and Prizegiving
Donna Preston, née Stephens, Class of 2000, was the guest speaker at the annual Speech Night and Prize-Giving. Her journey from Head Girl to trailblazing brand strategist is a masterclass in courage, creativity, and reinvention. Mrs Preston’s blazer once bore the weight of countless badges, each representing her deep commitment to leadership, service, and school spirit. From Interact and Orchestra to Junior City Council and ballroom dancing, Donna lived Collegiate life to the fullest.
Donna was instrumental in rebranding Take2 into what would become Takealot, now South Africa’s leading eCommerce retailer. She then took on the role of Brand Manager at Checkers, where she led transformative campaigns including South Africa’s first Black Friday, the beloved Checkers Little Shop, and the launch of Checkers Sixty60, a standout innovation in local retail. These achievements have made her one of the most influential marketers in the country and earned her the gratitude of moms around the country.
But Donna’s story is not just about boardrooms and brands. She’s a proud mom to Jenna and Leila and helps her husband when there is time available running his home delivery business, Darling Organics. As Donna herself says: “Slowing down isn’t just important — it’s necessary. We shouldn’t leave things for later, and we really only have our health.”
Public Lecture: Emma Sadleir
On Wednesday 15 October. we were honoured to welcome Emma Sadleir, South Africa’s leading expert on social media law and our superhero attorney, as the keynote speaker for our second annual Public Lecture at Collegiate Girls’ High School. This event follows last year’s inaugural lecture by our patron, Professor Thuli Madonsela.
Emma Sadleir is an admitted attorney with a BA LLB from the University of the Witwatersrand and an LLM in Information Technology, Media and Communications Law from the London School of Economics. She founded The Digital Law Company in 2013 and is a prolific author. Her expertise spans defamation, privacy, hate speech, cyberbullying, intellectual property, and the disciplinary and reputational consequences of social media use.
Her work is deeply relevant to today’s youth. As she said: “I’m the first responder when things go wrong in South Africa with children, and they are going horribly wrong. I can’t even tell you the kind of content these children are exposed to”. Her lecture challenged us to think critically about how we use digital platforms and how we can foster integrity and responsibility in our online lives.
NOVEMBER
Facta non Verba: Feel-good Festive Fundraising
Our Collegiate girls, staff, families and community came together on 7 November to celebrate the 113th Carols service. To have well over 2200 people come together cannot be described in words. Through this annual Carols service, the Collegiate community raised R90 653,29 in aid of Community Chest this year. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr Selwyn Willis, CEO of Community Chest, for joining us at our final assembly today to receive the donation.
This event truly captures the spirit of our motto – deeds, not words. This would not have been possible without our girls of the College and the band who rehearsed tirelessly to uplift hearts in song, Mrs Agenbag who led them with skill and soul, the Collegiate staff who ensured that the evening ran smoothly, and of course to the community who came together in support of this invaluable and inspiring initiative.
Facta non Verba: Community and Connection
While some of our learners participated in the preparation and performance of our Carols' Service; others lived out our focus on community outreach in line with Facta non Verba in other ways. Those who do not participate in Carols had their annual visit to the Algoa Bay Council for the Aged. The girls played bingo and had some tea and biscuits, which were baked by the girls themselves, with the residents. A wonderful time was had by all.
Remembrance Parade at the Walmer Cenotaph
Our 2026 Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl had the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of the school community for Remembrance Day. We stand together in gratitude as we remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who served. Lest we forget.
Interact visits Livingstone Hospital: Project Flamingo
Collegiate proudly donated R74 500 from our Charity Bazaar to Project Flamingo’s Make Room for Her campaign. This gift will help transform cancer wards at Livingstone Hospital into spaces of dignity, comfort, and hope for women facing breast cancer.
Members of the Interact Society had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at Livingstone Hospital alongside the amazing team from Project Flamingo who also received the proceeds from our Charity Bazaar. Our learners were able to sit in on life-changing breast cancer operations and assist the volunteer doctors and medical staff who give of their own time to bring hope and healing to patients. It was a powerful eye-opener and a reminder of the extraordinary compassion that exists within our community. We are incredibly proud of our Interact girls for serving with heart and are deeply grateful to Project Flamingo for the phenomenal work they do. It truly is a project that changes lives.
Junior City Council
Liyakhanya Speelman, the senior Junior City Council member, welcomed the new Junior City Council member to represent Collegiate Girls' High School in 2026, Mihlali Chikowero.
Eastern Province Representatives
Congratulations to Morgan de Souza and Makenzie Thomas, Grade Eight, on their selection to the EP under 16 Cricket Team. We wish them all the best for the season ahead.
Congratulations to Jani Muller, Grade Eleven, who represented the Eastern Cape Team at the National Equestrian Championship, and attained South African Equestrian Junior Girls Teams colours.
Farewell to the Matric Class of 2025
Grade Twelves, your year was a year of lasts. It began with you all bright eyed and bushy tailed at the Parent Information Evening. Then came the last lessons, inter-house events, Old Pot/ New Pot catch-ups, House Days, Rites of Passage Assembly, Matric Dance, Fashion Show, Founders’ Day, Mid-year Examinations, Charity Bazaar, Trial Examinations, Border Banquet, Matric Dinner, Cultural and Sport Awards, Speech Night and Prizegiving, and finally Valedictory and the NSC Examinations. We truly hope you made the most of it.
The collective lessons and moments that have shaped your high school experience didn’t happen by chance. Behind them are many people whose influence and support deserve recognition. First, a heartfelt thank you to all the Grade Twelve parents and guardians. Matrics, be kind to your parents — it’s also their first time living, and never underestimate just how much they have done, and will continue to do, for you.
Next, we owe a sincere thank you to the teachers who have guided, nudged, encouraged, and occasionally begged you along this journey. To those who went above and beyond to help you reach this moment — we are deeply grateful. A special word of thanks also goes to our incredible support teams: the admin staff, the sports and cultural staff, the Counselling Department, the grounds staff, and our ever-watchful security team. Some things have to be felt to be understood, and we certainly feel and appreciate your presence every single day.
To our Matric team — Mrs Winchester, Ms Kromhout, Mrs Stephenson, Mrs Scholtz, Mrs Kelly, Mrs van Vledder, and Mr Scholtz — thank you for your unwavering devotion, fighting the behind-the-scenes, and for the rarely spoken-of battles on behalf of the Grade Twelves. To Mrs Lotz, Maria, Yimitha, and your team of Prefects — what a wonderful job you have done as leaders and ambassadors of our school. May the lessons you’ve learned and the memories you’ve made remain safe in your hearts. Remember: “A mistake that makes you humble is better than an achievement that makes you arrogant.” (Arsalan Moin). May you always remain humble, no matter where life leads you next.
And finally, to quote a poem by Walt Whitman: “O Captain! My Captain!” — Mrs Erasmus, Mrs Gerber, and Mrs Nel - thank you for your steady guidance, encouragement, and humour. Without you, we’d all be standing around like characters in a Sims game, waiting for someone to click and tell us what to do next.
You have been part of a school with a rich and proud history, but now it’s time for you to begin building your own legacy. You have the intelligence, the heart, and the spirit to do just that. So, as you step into this next chapter, know that you hold the power to write your own story. In kindness, be bold. In courage, be brave. And in all that you do, know that we are so very proud of all that you’ve achieved so far.
Goodbye Matrics; we have loved you as best we could.
- Mrs Z Grobbelaar, Grade Head
Matric Shoe Donation
The Matric Class of 2025 continued the tradition of donating their school shoes, symbolically leaving their pair of shoes on their desk occupied for the final NSC examination. Their shoes have been donated to learners in need in Gqeberha and surrounds by Love Story.
DECEMBER
BRING IT ON! The Musical – Coming March 2026
While most of the girls of the College breathed a sigh of relief as the final examinations drew to a close, a few were nervously preparing and perfecting their audition materials for Collegiate’s 2026 musical, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Bring It On!
The powerhouse production team is headed by Mrs Hemingway, and we welcome Ms Scheepers who will be co-directing as she joins the Drama department next year. To meet the tough athletic demands of the show, Mr Cheslyn Meyer joins the team as choreographer. With over 20 years of experience in the street dance community, Mr Meyer is known for his energetic, dynamic style and versatility across multiple street dance genres. The high-intensity cheer routines and hip-hop numbers are sure to leave jaws on the floor with the unbelievable talent of our cast.
The cast is already working hard preparing their lines and solos, and the team is excited to bring this production to life at The Savoy Theatre from 11-14 March 2026. More information to follow in the new year!
