Bergvliet High School - Press Releases

The second annual Edusport 20/20 Day/Night cricket series at Bergvliet High School begins on Friday 19 October when the school hosts the opening match of the 6-week tournament, which will see Bergvliet vying for the Trophy for the second time against 5 other schools: Pinelands, Westerford, Fish Hoek, Reddam and Wynberg Boys. The series runs over 6 consecutive Fridays.

Last years winners, Wynberg Boys’ High, will be determined to keep the trophy against some tough competition.

“This year’s series promises to be even more exciting than last year, as the boys have now gained some experience in this type of cricket,” said Les Ryan, Sports Co-ordinator at Bergvliet High School. “And of course, with the International T20 having just finished, I am sure we will see many aspiring new champions wanting to emulate their heroes. We hope that members of the public will come down and enjoy the matches with us – food and refreshments will be available and a great evening’s entertainment is guaranteed,” he concluded.

Due to the popularity of the series last year, the school has decided to set aside hospitality areas for companies wishing to entertain their clients and/or staff. Further details in this regard, as well details for companies wishing to promote products during the series, are available from the Marketing office at the school on tel. 712 0284 X 230.

During the month of October, Bergvliet High School will be participating in the COLLECT-A- CAN GUINESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT to collect the most cans over a one month period.

“ We would like to appeal to the local community to help Collect-a-Can break this record,” said Willy. “Used cans (beverage and food) can be dropped off at our recycling depot from Mondays to Saturdays. It will also greatly assist us if the cans can be cleaned of cigarette butts and other debris and separated from any other waste before being dropped off.”

The School’s recycling program is no stranger to records, having won numerous accolades in the past, including coming 3rd in South Africa for the most cans collected in 2006, in the annual “Collect-A-Can” competition. Bergvliet was the only high school in the country to feature amongst the winners in this competition.

The Recycling depot is also in need of additional helpers. “We would value any assistance the community can offer – even if its an hour a week,” said Willy. “Just like the whole process of collecting your waste, every little bit helps the environment,” she concluded.

Bergvliet High’s Cricketers take on the English

Bergvliet High School’s First IX enjoyed an excellent tour of England during the July holidays. Only two of their eight matches were affected by rain and of these only one was lost. Captain Josh Bent scored some 360 runs, including a top score of 117 and two solid half centuries. Adrian Dunbar and Mark Hendricks also batted well. Mark Hendricks, Clinton Jarman, Mitchell Luthi, Chad Hamman and Joshua Bent all showed good form with the ball.

Bergvliet High School’s First cricket side enjoyed an excellent tour of England recently. Josh Bent found English pitches to his liking, scoring some 360 runs including a fine 117 (against Leighton Park) and two solid half centuries. Adrian Dunbar and Mark Hendricks were also among the runs. Wickets were fairly evenly shared with Mark Hendricks, Clinton Jarman, Mitchell Luthi, Chad Hamman and Joshua Bent all showing good form. From the back, L-R: Jody Ford; Jason Chivell; Chad Hamman; Peter-John Bain; Mark Hendricks; Clinton Jarman; Richard Stemmet; Mitchell Luthi; Spurgeon Maart (scorer); Rory Cullinan; Kyle Williams; Chad Ludwig; Mr. S Price; Chad Sabatta; Mr. L. Ryan; Joshua Bent (captain); Mr. M. Fortune; Adrian Dunbar

The tour coincided with the school’s 50th Birthday celebrations and covered 5 destinations throughout England over a period of 15 days.

BERGVLIET HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS ATTEND JAZZ FESTIVAL IN GRAHAMSTOWN

Five Bergvliet High learners were among 500 students aged 13-26 who attended this year’s annual Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Festival event held in Grahamstown from 27 June – 3 July.

120 students auditioned for the 18 places available for the National Schools Jazz Band. Bergvliet’s Kim Raad and Tracey –Lee Theunissen were selected as members of the band. This ranks Kim the top school’s jazz baritone player in the country and Tracey the 4th best school’s jazz trumpeter in the country.

10th Corporate Sponsorship Announced

Continuing with their commercialisation drive, Bergvliet High School has signed a Partnership agreement with a firm of Attorneys, Notaries, Conveyances and Administrators of Estates, Grant Gunston Inc.

In terms of the arrangement Grant Gunston Inc. will obtain exclusive marketing rights to and through the school in the category: Legal Services, in return for contributing to the school’s fundraising efforts.

The deal has been structured in line with the school’s drive to become more innovative in meeting its ever-increasing financing needs, and will run for an initial period of 3 years.

Vernon Wood, Principal of Bergvliet High School, handing over the Gold Partnership Certificate to Grant Gunston of Grant Gunston Inc., the 10th and latest corporate to partner with the school.

“We are thrilled to welcome Grant Gunston Inc. as Partners,” said School Head, Vernon Wood. “They join a growing list of quality, committed community – related businesses whose philosophies and outlook are aligned with ours in as far as the future of our children is concerned. We expect that their investment will be returned many fold in terms of support from the BHS community in return.”

Grant Gunston, shareholder spokesperson for the firm added, “Our mission is to deliver legal services focusing mainly on the property and commercial sectors, of a high quality, at a fair price, within reasonable time periods that meet clients' expectations. We see our investment in Bergvliet High School as adding value to that proposition.

BERGVLIET HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES 50TH WITH PAST PUPILS MARK BANKS & AVRIL KINSEY

Bergvliet High School rounded off their 50th celebrations with a party at the school for over 400 guests, who were entertained by some of the best talent to come out of the Cape in the form of past pupils, comedian Mark Banks and Internationally renowned classical guitar performer/composer, Avril Kinsey.

Highlights of the evening included a performance by the school’s junior jazz ensemble, Mark Banks as MC, a performance by Ms Kinsey, the awarding of full colours for the Arts to Mark, a memorabilia display and the re-establishment of old school acquaintances by the over 250 past pupils who attended the event.

Principal Vernon Wood paid tribute to past and present staff whose dedication and commitment had contributed richly to the lives of those present.

The evening was rounded off by the band Fully Covered, playing all the hits of the past 50 years for the enthusiastic crowd of party go-ers who danced into the early hours.

“Bergvliet High School has a unique culture,” said Wood. “Whilst we are uncompromising in our quest to provide a world class education for our pupils, we blend that with a down-to-earth approach that includes knowing how to have fun, and that was very evident by the lively response of our guests during the evening”.

“As we progress through this, our 50th year, we are happy in the knowledge that the school is at the cutting edge of education and will continue to provide the children of our community with a superb headstart for life,” he concluded.

BERGVLIET HIGH SCHOOL - FASHION SHOW

Bergvliet High School’s recent Fashion Show was a great hit.
Entitled Déja Vu, the show reflected the last 50 years of fashion to coincide with the school’s 50th Anniversary. The show was directed by Coretha Winkworth, produced by Tracey Ghiaroni and the school was fortunate to have the services of past pupil James Bradley, who added a professional touch to the exciting and creative Grade 11’s choreography. Seen here are Marcel Tredoux and Nikita Booth.

The staff of Bergvliet High School joined in the fun on the final night of the school’s Fashion Show and brought the house down with their reflection of sixty’s fashion. Pictured here from back, left to right are: Vernon Wood (principal), Wynne Garbers; Patsy Demas; Graham James; Jenny Hunt; Karen Cowell; Lesley Watson; Estelle Pope; Leon Collop; Jennifer Abels; Ebrahim Harris; Bridget James; Estelle Fouché and Kathy Miles.

BHS excels in 2007 U.C.T. Maths Competition

Pictured above, from the back , left to right, are:
Jessica Du Toit , Sang Lok Woo (excelled in pair's event with Marché Arends), Xavier Haddad & Liam Moses (topped the individual performers in the Grade 10 section), Richard Sturrock, Alison Jacka, Stephen Ritchie, Robyn Smith (top 10), James Watson (achieved gold in the Grade 11 section), Marché Arends and Aadam Wei (top 10).

10 Bergvliet High Learners excelled in the 2007 U.C.T. Maths Competition held recently. In this popular test of mathematical ability, with some 1300 learners competing in each grade, Bergvliet High School learners maintained their high record by achieving 12th position out of the 138 schools which entered.

Bergvliet High School learners to attend World Scout Jamboree in UK

Pictured from L to R: James McFarlane, Ronnie Kellermann, Jason Hewitson, James Peart and Bevan Hendricks, all learners at Bergvliet High School, have been selected to attend the 21st World Scout Jamboree to be held in the United Kingdom in July and August this year.

The World Scout Movement is the largest non-formal education movement in the world with more than 28 million members in 150 countries. This year is the Movement’s Centenary celebration and the Jamboree will see over 40 000 members from almost every country in the world gathering to celebrate and share their experiences.

ThinkQuest competition website rated best in AFRICA in the under 19 Category.

Over the past 5 Months a team of Bergvliet High students, under the Guidance of Mr Price and Mr Odell, took part in the ThinkQuest website design competition. ThinkQuest is an annual international competition, sponsored by the Oracle Education Foundation, where students and teachers work in Teams to create innovative and educational websites to share with the world.

The team, who called themselves the Bergies, consisted of five members: Robin Pretorius, Sasha Lewis, Analodia Arends, Trishen Sewpaul and lead by Bruce Lunnis. The theme of the Bergies website was the 2010 FIFA World Cup and great effort was put into the design as well as the content of the website.

Mr Odell (assistant coach) Bruce Lunnis (leader), Mr Price (coach), Robin Pretorius and Trishen Sewpaul, as well as Sasha Lewis and Analodia Arends, who were absent.

Any content used had to be approved by the respective copyright holders so the team spent countless hours negotiating with and interviewing FIFA, the International Marketing Council of South Africa and Cape Town City Management. The website concentrated mostly on the 2010 FIFA World Cup venues as well as tourism surrounding these venues and each member had to research two Stadiums and two South African Provinces.

All the hard work and long nights paid off as the team's website, 2010 Soccer Mania, was rated the best website in AFRICA in the under 19 Category.

To view the website and others done by students around the world go to the Oracle Thinkquest website /www.thinkquest.org and click on the Library.

Dino Wessels being trained overseas to serve.

Dino Wessels, in Grade 11Na, has been selected to attend the Operation Smile 2007 Summer Mission Training Workshop in Ireland from 27 - 29 July 2007. Operation Smile South Africa (OSSA) has also chosen Dino to attend the International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) in Ireland from 30 July - 03 August 2007.

Dino is an Operation Smile student volunteer who represented OSSA at the International Student Leadership Conference in the USA in July 2006 and participated in OSSA's inaugural mission in Empangeni, Kwa- Zulu Natal, in September 2006.

Operation Srnile is a non-profit, non-governmental volunteer medical services organisation that provides free surgery* to children suffering with facial deformities. Operation Smile has become the largest worldwide organisation dedicated to providing direct treatment to children with cleft lips and cleft palates whilst simultaneously providing education to promote multi-disciplinary' care, treatment, prevention, nutrition and research.

Bergvliet High hosts successful 3 day Sports Festival

Bergvliet High School hosted 10 schools (4 local, 5 up-country and 1 international) in a 3-day sports festival over the long weekend at the end of April. Despite the rain on the first day of the event, the various teams and spectators thoroughly enjoyed themselves throughout the weekend and a high level of sporting excellence was in evidence. Rugby, soccer, netball, hockey, basketball, squash and tennis were all featured.

Participating schools were: Westerford, Pinelands, Fish Hoek, Reddam, Alexander Road High and Victoria Park (Port Elizabeth), Weston Agricultural College (KZN), Roosevelt High and St Mary's Diocesan School for Girls (JHB) and The Priory LSST from the United Kingdom.

Bergvliet High celebrates 50th Anniversary with special Founders Day assembly

Bergvliet High celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special Founders Day programme on 15 March. The school’s Bergvliet Singers and teacher Sandile Gomo performed a moving rendition of “Special Star” during the assembly.

As part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of Bergvliet High School, a special Founder’s Day programme was held on 15 March, where past pupils from the school’s first 10 years joined in the celebrations with the current 1200 learners and staff.

Past pupils were treated to a tour of the school facilities (now very different to what they remembered) before joining in at a special assembly which included the launch of the book: BHS- The first 50 Years: Anecdotes, Tributes and Memories” by Richard Hamburger, a past teacher at the school.

The assembly was followed by tea and the opening of the school’s Memorabilia exhibition, which showcases the school and suburb’s history over the past 50 years.

“We are all very proud of our school and have gone to great lengths to celebrate our 50th birthday,” said principal Vernon Wood.

This was echoed by former pupils, brothers Joe and Mike Meiring. “We felt very honoured at the VIP treatment we received, and are very proud past pupils, “said Joe.

Launch of commemorative book for Bergvliet High School’s 50th Anniversary

Author of “BHS- The first 50 Years: Anecdotes, Tributes and Memories” - Richard Hamburger—a past teacher at Bergvliet High School, (right) hands an autographed copy of his book to one of the first pupils of the school, Joe Meiring (from the standard six class of 1960), at the school’s Founder’s Day Assembly held on 15 March.

Researched and compiled by Richard Hamburger (a past teacher at the school for 27 years), the book covers the early history of the suburb of Bergvliet leading up to the opening of the school, then moves on to cover every year since 1957.

Contributions were received from past pupils and current and past residents of Bergvliet and coupled with the memories and experiences of the author, these have been blended together to form a colourful history of the events and personalities that have made the suburb and school such an integral part of the Cape Town community.

At 256 pages and containing 45 photographs, the book is a must for every resident of the suburb and pupil of the school, both past and present. It is available from the school at R80-00 a copy.

Fitting 50th birthday present sees Bergvliet High School named best in Western Cape, one of top 10 in SA.

Bergvliet High School’s Principal Vernon Wood (middle, back row) accepted the school’s award from National Education Minister Naledi Pandor. Flanking Minister Pandor are representatives from the other provinces who won awards in their regions.

At the National Department of Education’s “Most Improved Schools Awards” ceremony held at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on 1 March, Bergvliet High School was again awarded the prize for the top performing school in the Western Cape and was recognized as one of the top 10 schools in South Africa in the category: Consistency Improvement. This is the second year in a row that Bergvliet High School has won this award.

The Most Improved Schools Awards is the Department of Education’s initiative to promote excellence in education by identifying and recognising achievements and improvements in the performance of schools.

Drawing its guidelines from JIPSA - The Joint Initiative Program for Skills Acquisition - which aims to deliver a 6% annual growth rate by 2014, the focus of the awards program is on increasing the number of graduates in engineering, construction and communication/transport over the next 8 years.
The key objectives of the Awards are to:-

Bergvliet High School’s award was earned for achieving sustained consistency in the improvement of Matric pass rates and Matric Endorsement levels (University Entrance candidates) over the past 3 years.

This year sees the 50th Anniversary of the school, which opened its doors for the first time on 29 January 1957.

On 29th March the School holds a 50th Anniversary Celebration Concert which takes place at the Baxter Theatre and features award-winning past pupil and international Opera star, Angela Gilbert, with the Bergvliet High music department and the University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra. The concert will feature Vivaldi’s Gloria, and concertos by Beethoven, Kabalevsky and Milhaud.

Recent steps to help in the continued delivery of the school’s mission were the acquisition of 36 interactive whiteboards – the most technologically advanced teaching tool available – and the installation of floodlights on the main sports fields, allowing for day/night cricket and floodlit rugby and soccer.

As part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations, the school has published a book titled: BHS – The First 50 Years: Anecdotes, Tributes & Memories.

Angela Gilbert celebrates Bergvliet’s 50th at the Baxter

World-Renowned Opera singer Angela Gilbert returned to Cape Town on 29 March for a once-off performance at the Baxter as part of Bergvliet High School’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.

A past pupil of BHS, Ms Gilbert made her professional debut as Sandrina in La finta giardiniera in Cape Town where she has also performed a variety of roles including Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro, Hanna Glawari in The Merry Widow and Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi. A graduate of the South African College of Music in Cape Town, Angela Gilbert was the recipient of numerous awards and prizes including the VITA award, the Oudemeester Music Prize, the Adcock Ingram Music Prize and the Chiappini Opera Trust.

In the 2000/2001 season, Angela Gilbert joined the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program at the Metropolitan Opera New York where she has appeared in several Young Artist Gala Concerts under James Levine and where her operatic roles have included Unborn Die Frau ohne Schatten (Christian Thielemann and Philippe Auguin), Dew Fairy Hänsel und Gretel (Sir Charles Mackerras), Peasant Le Nozze di Figaro (Donald Runnicles) and Shepherdess L’Enfant et les Sortilèges (James Levine) - Angela also covered the roles of Queen of the Night and Olympia Les Contes d’Hoffmann.

Operatic repertoire includes her debut with San Diego Opera in the title role Lucia di Lammermoor (Richard Bonynge), Honeggar Le Roi David in Atlanta, Antonia/Olympia and Giulietta Les Contes d’Hoffmann, Norina Don Pasquale, Violetta La Traviata and title role Lucia di Lammermoor for Cape Town Opera, Micaela in Peter Brook’s La Tragédie de Carmen (which toured South Africa and Namibia), Morgana Alcina at the Handel Festival in Germany, title role Adelia, Inez La Favorita and Elena La Donna del Lago for the Opera Orchestra of New York at Carnegie Hall, Madame Hertz Der Schauspieldirektor, Norina and a recital with Steven Blierfor Wolf Trap Opera, title role Luciafor Palm Beach Opera, Violetta for the Spiers Festival in Cape Town and in Pretoria, Queen of the Night Die Zauberflöte at the Lyrique en Mer Festival in Belle Ile, France and Gilda Rigoletto for Opera Africa.

Concert engagements include extensive concerts with the Cape Town Philharmonic and the Natal Philarmonic in South Africa, a series of opera concerts at the Hanover Festival in Germany, Cunegonde in highlights of Bernstein’s Candide at the Met (James Levine), Konstanze in highlights of Die Entführung aus dem Serail (James Levine) at the Danny Kaye Playhouse,Messiah in Cape Town and a Song recital at the Klein Karoo Festival in South Africa. A keen recitalist Angela has performed for both NYFOS and is a frequent collaborator with SEFoS (Southeastern Festival of Song), who sponsor her in the US. Angela has also made appearances at the New York Festival of Song with Steven Blier and was chosen to represent South Africa at the Cardiff Singer of the World Competition in 2003.

Recent engagements include Konstanze Die Entführung aus dem Serail for Icelandic Opera and her debut with Kentucky Opera in the title role Lucia di Lammermoor. Subsequent engagements include Lucia di Lammermoor for the Anna Livia International Opera Festival in Dublin, Queen of the Night for Cape Town Opera (Sept/Oct this year) and title role Maria Stuarda for San Diego Opera.

Ms Gilbert performed with the Bergvliet High Music Department and the University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Corvin Matei.

The concert, which was co-sponsored by Fine Music Radio and First National Bank, was a tremendous success and a fitting way to celebrate both the school's 50th as well as the success and growth of the music department.

50th ANNIVERSARY FUN

Bergvliet High School pupils, staff and parents enjoyed their annual fun run recently. The event was given a special “50th Anniversary” flavour with every participant given party balloons and with spot prizes being awarded to every 50th person completing the event. Pictured here are Lynn Glen-Young, the school’s receptionist, and Carol Drew, Deputy Principal, with the school’s anniversary flag.

One of the many Bergvliet High School pupils who participated in the school’s 50th Anniversary fun run.

Two Bergvliet High pupils represent South Africa in Las Vegas

Tim Gore (left) and Neil Mackay from Bergvliet High School have been selected to represent South Africa at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas. Neil and Tim are currently in their sixth and final year of magical studies at the College of Magic. The World Magic Seminar will be held from the 18th February 2007 until 21 February 2007. Each year the World Magic Seminar welcomes thousands of magicians from all over the world as well as hosting lectures, workshop sessions and shows by famous magicians such as Lance Burton. Neil and Tim will be among eight other students from the College of Magic also attending the World Magic Seminar.

50 years at the heart of Bergvliet and getting stronger every year

This year sees the 50th Anniversary of Bergvliet High School, which opened its doors for the first time on 29 January 1957.

From the humble beginnings of an isolated new building in the middle of a field of pine and wattle trees, to a central point and pillar of the community, Bergvliet High School has featured in and helped shape the lives of thousands living in the southern suburbs of Cape Town (and nowadays, around the world).

Bergvliet High School celebrate their 50th Anniversary this year. Pictured here are some of the new intake of Grade 8’s, showing the school’s new uniform.

The school’s mission is to provide learners with an all-round education of world class, equipping them to play a constructive role in South Africa – a mission it has a proud record of delivering. The 2006 matric class, continuing the record of those before them, achieved outstanding results, including the school’s highest ever University Entrance exemption rate of 79%. These results come on the back of continuous improvements over the past few years for this measurement and resulted in the school receiving a Ministerial Award for Special Achievement from the WCED.

Recent steps to help in the continued delivery of the school’s mission were the acquisition of 25 interactive whiteboards – the most technologically advanced teaching tool available – and the installation of floodlights on the main sports fields, allowing for day/night cricket and floodlit rugby and soccer.

Many exciting events are planned by the school to celebrate the reaching of their 50th year. The year began with the unveiling of a special commemorative flag, whereafter every learner received a 50th anniversary badge, to be worn daily during the year. All those participating in sports will also receive a celebration badge for their sports uniforms.

The fun starts early in February, when the annual 5km walk and sports day will get a special “50th” makeover. Next on the agenda is a joint event with Sweet Valley Primary (also celebrating their 50th) in the form of a day/night 20/20 cricket match on 14th March. The next day is Bergvliet High School’s Founders Day, which will see a special Assembly taking place, the launch of a book titled: BHS – The First 50 Years: Anecdotes, Tributes & Memories, the sealing of a time capsule, the launch of a memorabilia display and sales of mementos.

The 29th March sees the BHS 50th Celebration Concert taking place at the Baxter theatre, featuring award-winning past pupil and international Opera star, Angela Gilbert, with the Bergvliet High music department and the Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra. The concert will feature works by Vivaldi, Beethoven, Kabalevsky and Milhaud.

Early in the second term the action hots up with a 5 day sports festival, where schools from all over the country will be participating.

In June the school will host their annual fashion show, the 1st cricket squad goes on tour to the UK. Then on 20 and 21 July the main celebration weekend will take place, which will include a Past Pupils’ Assembly and Tour, a cocktail function, a project fair, various displays and the annual Derby Day against Westerford.

All in all, the year promises to be one that will be remembered for a long time.

2007 Press Releases