Da-Palm Voice Issue 6

The Da-Palm Voice Da Palm SSS' official newspaper

Welcome Back! $4 Volume 2, Issue 1 February 2014 Da-Palm Wishes a Productive 201 4 to Old and New Faces Alike Inside

New Teacher Interviews Athletics Day Photos International News Soccer Scores Olympic Medal Count CHESS Club Journalism Club Debate Team Sports Tournaments The Month of Love School Year Calendar Games and Riddles

Above: Learners new and old gather at the hall on Valentine's Weekend. Below: Da-Palm welcomes new teachers - (L ro R) Mr. Francis, Mr. Libongeni, Ms. Iita, Ms. Hijarunguru, Ms. Gowases (more interviews to come in the next issue).

Special this issue!

A reprint of the article about Quinton Gertze and Da-Palm School that appeared in the Namibian on Thursday, February 13th.

A new regular section:

Namlish VS English

Check it out each issue to see how our beloved Namlish stacks up to standard international English! Sports - by Riyeure Ngurungunda The opening tournament of 201 4 This was the first tournament for the year 201 4 and it ran from the 1 7 – 1 9 of January. This tournament has the most goals scored in the history of Da-Palm tournaments. It was organized by LRC's under the leadership of Gregory Uiseb, and this tournament showed that the seniors are serious no matter what happens. Fixtures of the matches: Grade 11 (0) VS Grade 1 2 (8) Grade 1 0 team B (3) VS Grade 9 (5) Grade 1 0 team A (4) VS Grade 9 (0) Grade 1 2 (5) VS Grade 1 0 (2) Players were recognized due to their hard work. The best player of the tournament was Denzel Hevita and top goal scorer Frio Petrus.

THE VALENTINE'S CUP

It was held from the 1 4 – 1 6 February this year. This tournament was on many people's lips, when many where saying that they were going to take revenge on the teams that beat them in the first tournament. Although it was a cup of “Love” many teams did not show love towards other teams. Match highlights are as follows:

First match Mixed team (0) VS grade 1 2 (1 ) Second match grade1 0 (0) VS grade 11 (1 ) Final match Grade 1 2 (2) VS Grade 11 (0)

As is the culture of the Da-Palm tournaments, players are always recognized for their hard work. The top goal scorer was Frio Petrus, and the player of the tournament was Fessy Mwatangeyo. Many were not happy about the player of the tournament as the Da-Palm voice made interviews with grade 11 , 1 0 and 9 players who said, “The organizers are not giving the title best player of the tournament according to how the players have played in the tournament, but only to people whom they know." They also said they want the official or the organizers to be present at all games during the next tournament that's going to come. When the Da-palm voice asked one of the officials Gregory Uiseb he said, “ We are not choosing the best player according to favoritism or grade, but but we are choosing according to how the player plays, and the players that we choose have the potential and everything we were looking for in the best player of the tournament, and a word to my colleagues or my fellow students: I just want us to try to remove envy amongst ourselves because it is the only way that we will create better football in our school”.

Page 2 Despair of Nothing The Interview of Mr. G.H. Francis by Meisie Kahunda 1 . Could you please tell us about your education? I am a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in science and teachers diploma in secondary education. Presently, I pursue an old course through Unam to learn about international relations. 2. How do you feel about the school, and what have you experienced so far? So far so good. The learners seem to be well disciplined to an acceptable level. The community is kind of friendly and curious about the ins and the outs at the school. The school environment is clean, so is the natural environment outside. 3. What has inspired you to come to Da-Palm? I wanted to change certain habits in my life. I also heard about the school and its positive achievements in the past. 4. What should learners expect from you? A hardworking and friendly teacher. I respect myself and others so I expect to be respected, provided others respect themselves first 5. What are your hobbies? Gardening, reading any material and teaching. Did you know that the Bible has a wealth of information that can guide you through this bedeviled world? 6. For how long have you been a teacher? Many years, I can't remember. 7. What was the one subject that you did poor in school? I was excellent in most subjects except history. It sucks, man! 8. Who is Nelson Mandela to you? A humble and a visionary servant of the people. He outshines every other leader on the globe. His sense of humanity is thrilling. 9. If someone wrote a book about you, what would the title be? The Man I Thought I Knew

The Interview of Ms. Hijarunguru by Desmond Kauraisa 1 . Could you please tell us about your education? I have a grade 1 2 from Jan Mohr S.S and a B.Sc degree from Unam, currently doing advance diploma through distance at Unam. 2. How do you feel about the new school and what have you experienced so far? So far so good. The learners are well disciplined just a few who are lazy and don't want to do homework. 3. What inspired you to come to Da-Palm? A new job, a place far from my comfort zone and a chance of meeting new people. 4. What should learners expect from you? A high standard of learning experience, committed and willing to go the extra mile for my learners to make them understand the work. 5. What are your hobbies? Walking to new places and discovering God's creation and reading. 6. For how long have you been a teacher? For three years. 7. What is the one subject in school you did poor in? Afrikaans 8. Who is Nelson Mandela to you? The greatest, most human being who ever walked this earth. 9. If someone wrote a book about you, what would the title be? Rise Above All

Page 3 Despair of Nothing Athletics Day - Friday the 7th of February

The starting line for the track events.

The high jump in action.

An early score, but indicative of the end results. Congratulations to the White Team!

Page 4 Despair of Nothing Month of Love by Juanitha Xoagus

Saint Valentine's Day is also known as Valentine’s Day or the feast of Saint Valentine. It’s observed on February 1 4th each year. It’s the day where lovers tend to fall in love again. It’s the day when marriages rebound. People say: True love never grows old and it’s very true.

It’s also the day lost love is found once more. They say love is like the measles, we all have to go through it whether we like it or not. On this day people give each other gifts such as jewelry, perfumes, chocolates, teddy bears and much more. I would say love is the best present anyone could get.

Valentine's Day by Jacoba Guriras

On the 1 4th of February (known as Valentine's Day) we held the Newcomer’s Clash that Friday evening, whereby the newcomers of the hostel had to perform something, but only some could meet the requirements and those were the army group and the catwalk. The night was amazing! Guess what? Our own Mr. Martin was on the dancing floor himself in person with Ms. Nangombe. If you were not there I'm telling you that you seriously missed out on a lot.

Riddles English VS Namlish by Mr. Martin See Mr. Martin or Journalism Club members for answers. English is a strange language. It's different everywhere you go. 1 a. How do you fit a giraffe into a refrigerator? American English is different than British English, and both are 1 b. How do you fit an elephant into a refrigerator? different from our beloved Namlish. This section will be dedicated to 1 c. If the Lion King calls all the animals together for an animal highlighting unique aspects of Namlish that other speakers of English conference, what is the one animal that doesn't show up? might not use. 1 d. If you come a river that you know crocodiles live in, and you need to cross but there is no bridge or rope or boat, what do you do? Today's Battle: Catch a Photo VS Take a Photo

2. What has thousands of holes but still holds water? In Namlish, we say we 'catch a photo' when you use a camera, or 3. You throw away the outside then cook the inside, then you eat the someone uses a camera on you. Everywhere else, people use the outside and throw away the inside. What did you eat? verb 'take'. As in 'He likes to take photos' or 'Take a photo of me!' or 'I 4.What can you catch but cannot throw? took a lot of photos last holiday'. 5. What goes around the world but stays in a corner? 6. The man who built it doesn't need it. The man who buys it doesn't If you go to London or New York and ask someone to 'catch a photo use it. The man who uses it never knows it. What is it? of you', they will think that you're about to thow a picture at them!

Volume 2 Issue 1 Page 5 Clubs of Da-Palm

C.H.E.S.S. by Emma Ngeama The name CHESS is an acronym for the Club of History, Environment and Social Science, which are the subject that the club explores.

The club is managed by Mr. Chiviya and the leadership structure is comprised of: President – Nancy Guriras Vice president – Collin Ndjai Secretary – Emma Ngeama Vice secretary – Mathews Jombi Treasurer – Trudy Muruko Speaker – Mbapeua Tjiposa Three additional members – Melisa Kauatojao, Jacoba Guriras, Domingos Mandavela

The objectives of the club are: to enhance learners interest in the subjects of history, environmental and social science; to give learners the opportunity to explore and learn how to take care of the environment; to add to learners knowledge of the subjects; to address social issues such as gender inequality, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and passion killing.

The activities of the club include: extra classes for Grade 1 0 and 1 2; to invite external speakers from different institutions, especially in the area of social science and environment; to visit different historical and geographical areas that are most important in our region and country at large; to visit other schools in our region and country to learn from their academic performance; to observe and host events relating to some of the important days in Namibia history, e.g. Independence Day and Heroes' Day. The C.H.E.S.S. Cleaning Campaign by Patience Tjivikua

The CHESS club deals with our environment, and their first task was taking care of our environment. The club had a cleaning campaign on the 8th of February. The president of CHESS, Nancy Guriras, and her team cleaned the school toilets and picked up papers around the school yard and the teachers' quarters. There were refreshments after for the participants and many say they enjoyed it.

Thank you Mr. Chiviya! The Journalism Club The Da­Palm Debate Team The Da-Palm Debate Team is back for its second year! The Journalism's Club main task is producing this The team represented Da-Palm at the regional newspaper, the Da-Palm Voice. Members meet at competition in Swakopmund last year, and is determined least once a week with the coordinator Mr. Martin to to do even better this year. Debate team veterans are discuss new articles, features, and ideas for the Joselyn, Prince, and Stefan. We're glad to welcome new school newspaper. The Journalism Club members member this year as well: Job, Erens, Nehemia, Veverly, are the reporters for the Da-Palm Voice, and you can and Tony. find them all around school and at all local events, covering the stories that effect Da-Palm and The debate team practices making and refuting Otjimbingwe. arguments - but not just any arguments. This is not about yelling and screaming! This is about using logic, reason, Expect two issues of the Da-Palm Voice per term, and the power of words to cut down your opponents. and don't forget to pre-order the next issue to get a discount! The debate team meets at least once a week in the library, usually on Tuesdays at study time.

Page 6 Despair of Nothing International Headlines and Soccer Results for February 23 Algeria's president to seek new term courtesy of bbc.com/news The Algerian president, who has not publicly addressed the country for nearly three years, will run for re-election, his office says. Museveni stalls on anti-gay bill President Museveni asks the US to advise Ugandan scientists about homosexuality, as he decides whether to sign a law increasing penalties. Venezuela's Maduro seeks Obama talks Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro invites US President Barack Obama to join him in talks aimed at resolving the problems between the two countries. US teen makes history in slalom World champion Mikaela Shiffrin of the USA becomes the youngest Olympic slalom champion with victory at Rosa Khutor. Sudan court convicts Ethiopian woman over 'gang-rape' An Ethiopian woman who says she was gang-raped in Sudan has been convicted of "indecent acts". The woman of 1 8 was three months' pregnant at the time of the alleged attack. Ukraine appoints interim president Ukraine's parliamentary speaker is designated interim president, a day after the dismissal of President Viktor Yanukovych. Pope Francis appoints new cardinals Pope Francis appoints 1 9 new cardinals at a ceremony in Rome - the first such appointments of his papacy. Australian TV presenter found dead Australian TV presenter and anti-cyber bullying campaigner Charlotte Dawson is found dead at her Sydney home. Obama's Dalai Lama chat irks China US President Barack Obama hosts the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, a move denounced by China as "gross interference". Mexico's "Shorty" Guzman arrested One of the world's most wanted drug barons, Joaquin "Shorty" Guzman, is arrested in a joint US-Mexican operation in Mexico's Sinaloa state. Deadly attacks hit rallies in Thailand A bomb kills two people near a protest site in a busy shopping district of Bangkok, hours after a deadly gun attack on a rally in eastern Thailand. Mugabe marks his 90th birthday Thousands of Zimbabweans attend an official 90th birthday celebration for President Robert Mugabe. Winter Olympic Medals - Final Results

Volume 2 Issue 1 Page 7 Godliness and Hard Work

by Adam Hartman, Staff Reporter, Namibian

Reprinted from the 1 3th of February

Attentive: Grade 1 2 pupils pay attention during a mthats lessons.

OTJIMBINGWE’S Da-Palm Senior to be Namibia’s first colonial capital. and out of school. Secondary School’s recipe for producing Da-Palm was established in 1 982 and best Grade 1 2 results is simple - currently has 480 pupils from Grade 8 to According to his mother, Naomi Gertze, Godliness and hard work - according to 1 2. Of these 220 are accommodated in a he stayed away from the streets and the principal. government school hostel at the village. worked hard. He also made a point to go Learners apparently come from all over to church and engage in Bible studies. The school, which produced Erongo Namibia, but especially from the Erongo Gertze did his entire schooling in Region’s best Grade 1 2 Namibia Senior region. Otjimbingwe, and never wanted to go Secondary Certificate (NSSC) Ordinary anywhere else because he wanted to Level pupil – Quinton Gertze – last year, “There are several factors to our stay in his home town. is currently the sixth best high school in success. First, this is a historical place the region. Two years ago, the school with a Christian foundation. It’s a spiritual He has a brother and two sisters who are also produced a top performer – realm with God’s spirit over the school. currently living at the coast. Natasha Kameeta – at the same level Another aspect is that pupils are Gertze said that the reason for his good countrywide. dependent on books with no computer or performance was that he studied every internet facilities. This encourages them day. Gertze scored 35 points in five subjects to work hard when they study,” said – making him the best performer at this principal Xoagus. “God gave me strength to stay motivated level in Erongo, which is among the top and keep me away from trouble,” he told performing regions in Namibia. According to her, principals from other The Namibian. Da-Palm Secondary School also won the schools have urged her to send her top 201 2 EU-Erongo School Quiz. learners to them – because their schools He is currently staying with his aunt in In 2011 and 201 2 it was the top were ‘more advanced’. Windhoek, where he is studying performing high school in the Omaruru biochemistry at the University of circuit. “It’s not about the school and how Namibia (Unam). He hopes to get a advanced it is, or how big it is; it’s about scholarship, which will eventually enable This despite the fact that Da-Palm God’s influence. No matter how ‘great’ a him to go to go and study in South Africa. Secondary School is in rural Erongo with school is, if it does not have God, it Asked what advice he has for other nothing special apart from the Swakop cannot be a better place for the pupils,” pupils, Gertze said: “You must know River that runs past it. she argued. “It’s God’s influence that where you come from, and not compare makes the difference.” yourself with others. Yesterday, Principal Helena Xoagus and pupil Quinton Gertze told The Namibian, She said the school makes an effort to God made everyone special and has during a visit to the school, that they connect the learners with Christianity given everyone talents; focus on your attribute their success to hard work and through morning prayers, praise and talents. It is also important to do your their belief in God. worship songs and even a Bible study part. There’s no point in having talents session once a week. and not doing anything with them. Also First it was the clean and tidy premises choose your friends wisely, and stay out which impressed – nowadays an “The pupils realise the importance of of trouble.” exception considering the state of school Christian values and through this they infrastructure in the country. Peeking into learn the importance of hard work. It also Recently a Namibian businessman the classrooms resulted in pupils teaches them to respect one another, the Johny Doeseb gave Erongo’s top standing up respectfully with a friendly elders and the school,” she explained. performers N$1 0 000 to help them with greeting. “Everyone here is aware that God comes their studies and Gertze was one of the first.” beneficiaries. Otjimbingwe became a settlement after Christian missionaries used it as a Gertze, although a quiet shy boy, was central location for Namibian missions in noticed by peers and teachers for his 1 849. Locals even consider Otjimbingwe diligence to study and good behaviour in

Page 8 Despair of Nothing Volume 2 Issue 1 Page 9 Despair of Nothing! A word from the staff

Welcome back to Da-Palm! The staff of the Da-Palm Voice want to wish everyone a productive and enlightening school year 201 4. We are excited to continue producing this school newsletter and to welcome some new faces to our team. By the time you read this, the first term will nearly be half over! Time flies, doesn't it? Be sure to buckle down and study hard. Good performace on exams this first term will set a high standard for the rest of the year. Make this year yours! We aim to make the Da-Palm Voice even better than last year. We hope to add in even more puzzles, riddles, news, celebrity gossip, and other features in our future issues. We've even set dates for the next issue: March 31 st. Be sure to take part in our new pre-order scheme. When you order and pay for a copy of the Da-Palm Voice in advance, you save a dollar off the cover price! That makes it only $3 instead of $4. Once again, welcome back to Otjimbingwe and Da-Palm. We look forward to hearing from all of you and wish the best of luck this year. The Da Palm Voice is:

President: Tiro Kariseb

Head of Sports: Riyeure Ngurungunda

Head of Entertainment: Patience Tjivikua & Jacoba Guriras

Reporters: Juanitha Xoagus, Emma Ngeama, Melisa Kavatojao, Desmond Kauraisa, Meisie Kahunda, Amaru Naruseb

Coordinator: Mr. Martin

P U Z Z L E T I M E