COLLEGE NEWS No 1 www.bridgehouse.org.za 15 January 2016

#Headspace: 21 – Key to the Future

Firstly, Happy New Year to all Bridge House families! Welcome back to all returning families and a special welcome to those joining us for the first time. May 2016 be a wonderful year for all of you, and for our nation. Here at bridge House, it’s going to be a really special twelve months indeed! Wikipedia is an amazing resource, always interesting, if not always 100% accurate! If you look up “21”, the following information (and a whole lot more) pours onto the screen:

 “Twenty-one is the fifth discrete and the second in the (3 × q) family. With 22 it forms the second discrete Semiprime pair. As it is a semiprime with both its prime factors being Gaussian primes, 21 is then a .  Twenty-one is a Fibonacci , a , a , a and an , as well as a , its proper being 1, 3 and 7.  21 is the sum of the first six natural (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 = 21), making it a triangular number.  21 appears in the , preceded by the terms 9, 12, 16 (it is the sum of the first two of these).  The sum of divisors for the integers 1 through 6 is 21.  21 is the smallest non-trivial example of a whose digits are Fibonacci numbers and whose is also a Fibonacci number.  21 is a in base 4 (1114).  21 is the smallest that is not close to a power of 2, 2n, where the range of closeness is ±n.  21 is the smallest number of differently sized squares needed to square the square.[1] Age 21  In several countries 21 is the age of majority. See also: Coming of age.  In some countries it is the voting age. 21 is:  The number of spots on a standard cubical (six-sided) die (1+2+3+4+5+6)  The number of firings in a 21-gun salute honouring Royalty or leaders of countries  There are 21 trump cards of the tarot deck if one does not consider The Fool to be a proper trump card.  The standard TCP/IP port number for FTP connection  21 grams is the weight of the soul, according to research by Duncan MacDougall, generally regarded as meaningless.  The key value and highest-winning point total of the popular casino game Blackjack  The number of shillings in a guinea.” I’m not sure I need to know all that, even if I could understand any of the Mathematical stuff or that bit about the “TCP/IP port”, but possibly there’s some useful stuff here for when your dinner-party conversations go quiet…

What I do know, though, is that the number 21 has special significance for us at Bridge House this year. We celebrate our 21st birthday, and therefore come of age. Also, in this 21st year, we have committed to 21st Century Learning, irreversibly stepping into a very different space. Our 1:1 iPad programme has generated much excitement and much personal and professional growth already, and it is going to be incredibly exciting to watch this process develop and just keep on improving the delivery of more than just the curriculum. I cannot adequately capture the progress made by our teachers during 2015, in terms of exploring and exploiting what e-learning has to offer.

In addition to this teaching and learning paradigm-shift, 2016 is a year of extremely rapid physical growth and development on the campus. By January 2017, we’ll have completed a hockey season on our own astro-turf. By January 2017, we’ll have completed a fourth boarding-house – and it will have a new name. By January 2017, there will be a new dining-room to cater for boarders at the southern (Huguenot House) side of the campus, and we’ll have added six new teaching spaces for the College. In the space of 10 or so months, we will have leapt from being a growing school to becoming just about fully grown: a young adult with a strong identity and real confidence, on the threshold of fully-fledged adulthood, just like a 21-year-old. It is indeed exciting, and that these developments should happen in our 21st year has an almost serendipitous feel to it!

By January 2017, we will all have celebrated our Founders’ Dream in some style at a series of events dotted through the terms. Watch this space for details. In the first-ever Bridge House school magazine in 2001, the then Head, Allan Graham wrote: “So, to the dreamers – the Friedmans, Rands and Huxter families – to our Founding Headmaster Lloyd Smuts, and to our Founding Parents, Staff and Pupils, thank you for your courage and foresight. Thank you for making Bridge House happen!”

I can only echo Allan’s words. Thank you for making Bridge House happen. Thank you for the support and guidance and trust and belief that has seen and continues to see the dream unfold. It is almost beyond one’s capacity to imagine what those first exploratory, tentative discussions of 1994 must have been like, and to look now at our school and be able to see your dream reach this coming-of-age milestone. To think that you had the faith and courage to pursue this dream at a time of great uncertainty about the future of South Africa, as our country took its first exploratory, tentative steps towards democracy, is even more testament to the inspirational power of vision.

Thank you for making Bridge House happen! Mr Mike Russell

Matric Results

Congratulations to the Class of 2015 on outstanding results in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) Matric exams. You will find detailed information about the Bridge House results on our webpage http://www.bridgehouse.org.za/college/academics/matric-results

We are proud that two Bridge House students (out of six in the Western Cape) appeared on the IEB Outstanding Achievers List. They are Aimee Fuller and Kaila Fourie with the following outstanding results:

AIMEE FULLER – 9 Distinctions KAILA FOURIE – 9 Distinctions

Aimee did 9 subjects including Advanced Kaila did 9 subjects including Advanced Programme English and Advanced Programme English and Advanced Programme Programme . She achieved 9 Mathematics. She achieved 9 Distinctions Distinctions with 6 subjects over 90% with 5 subjects over 90% (Accounting 94%, (Accounting 91%, Afrikaans 92%, English Afrikaans 92%, Economics 95%, Maths 96%, 95%, Maths 96%, Physical Science 91% Physical Science 93%). She came in the top and Visual Art 96%). She came in the top 1% in SA in Afrikaans and Economics. 1% in SA in Afrikaans, English and Visual Arts.

Further outstanding results from the top students

JOSH FERREIRA CHRISTINA LOUW JANIE DE LANGE NINA CONDÉ 7 Distinctions including 7 Distinctions including 92% 6 Distinctions including 95% 6 Distinctions including 91% 94% for Economics. for Mathematics for Accounting, 98% for for Economics and 91% for Top 1% in the country in Economics, 92% for French, English & 90% for French. Economics. 92% for Life Orientation & Top 1% in the country in

91% for Mathematics. Top English. 1% in the country in Accounting, Economics & Life Orientation.

COSIMA BABL GEMMA MAUGER SEAN OOSTHUIZEN 5 Distinctions 5 Distinctions 5 Distinctions including 96% for Economics Top 1% in the country in Economics.

CHARLOTTE BARLOW ALEXANDRA BOREL-SALADIN CIMÓN SAAYMAN 4 Distinctions 4 Distinctions 4 Distinctions

Class of 2015 Reunion On Tuesday, the Matrics of 2015 returned to school for a reunion with their classmates and teachers. They were presented with past pupils scarves and ties and Aimee Fuller, the Dux student for 2015, was presented with a trophy and certificate. Congratulations on this excellent achievement, Aimee. It was a very happy occasion and we enjoyed having the Class of 2015 back so soon!

Philippolis Community Partnership

Every December, volunteers from Bridge House visit the tiny Southern Free State town of Philippolis where they give of their time, love and labour to interact and assist the community with renovations to the facilities there.

In the first week of the holidays, while everyone else was relaxing, a group of seventeen Bridge House pupils with Mr Jones and Ms Hutton-Squire headed off to Philippolis where hard work awaited them. They began work at 4:45am every morning working on the crèche at a local community centre which has had no maintenance done for a decade. They fixed the playground, replaced the ceilings, painted window frames with enamel, fixed the doors and scraped and then painted the walls with educational drawings. As if this was not hard enough work, there was a crowd of curious children to entertain throughout the day. The group managed to do all of this with a happy, positive attitude every day.

Well done, Mr James Jones, Ms Megan Hutton-Squire, Aimee Otto, Camille de Villiers, Chelsea Rowland, Ella van Niekerk, Faith Hathorn, Hestia Brink, Isabella Dower, Jordan Michel, Konrad Blümers, Lara Wessels, Marceleen Marx, Matthew Browne, Meeka Cohen, Meghan Gomes, Natasha Glazer, Nicole Meyer and Victoria Macfie for your commitment, jokes, squad spirit and hard work.

Swimming Star On Tuesday, star swimmer, Migael Adams (Grade 8), who won a total of 9 medals for South Africa at the CANA Zone 3 Swimming Championships in Uganda during the holidays was filmed going about his daily routine at school and he was interviewed by the SABC for a programme on TV.

His fantastic results at the Championships were as follows: - 4 individual medals (1 gold in 50m breaststroke, 3 bronze in 100m & 200m breaststroke & 50m backstroke) - 5 relay medals (2 gold and 3 silver).

We will let you know when the programme airs and where to watch it.

Condolences We extend our sincere condolences to Yougeshini Periasawmy, the new College CAT teacher, whose sister passed away on Sunday, meaning that she had to return to Kwa-Zulu Natal as a matter of urgency before the term began. You are in our thoughts at this sad time, Yougeshini.

Sam Ruiters’s father in law passed away on Wednesday. We extend our sincere condolences to the Ruiters family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

We also extend our heartfelt condolences to Sandie Parker and Michelle Willard on the passing of their brother-in-law late in December. Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.

Congratulations

During the holidays, music teachers, Philip and Marsanne Malan, welcomed their gorgeous baby boy, John, to their family. We are looking forward to meeting him.

Found An earing was found in the Uniform Shop at the end of last term. If you lost an earing, please come into the College office to collect it.

Assistance needed in the Uniform Shop Volunteers are needed to assit in the uniform shop on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 07h30 to 08h30. Your assistance would be required two or three times a term. If you are able to assit, please contact Margaret on (021) 876 8433 or email her on [email protected]

Upcoming Events

Grade 12 Parent Meeting Grade 12 parents should have received an email about this meeting for Grade 12 pupils and their parents to take place on Tuesday 19 January in the Theatre at 18h00.

College Inter-house Athletics Day The College Inter-house Athletics Day will take place on Thursday 21 January from 16h00 to 19h00. Parents are invited to join us at this fun event. Please bring something to sit on and umbrellas to sit under. Refreshments will be on sale in the coffee shop and in the tuckshop

College Awards Ceremony All College Parents should have received an invitation to this Ceremony which takes place on Thursday 28 January at 19h00 in the Theatre.

Please keep abreast of the Term’s events on the Term 1 Calendar which was emailed to you and enclosed in the pack with reports or you can have a look at it on the website here: http://www.bridgehouse.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Term-1-2016-Final.pdf

The Bridge House Mile Postponed

It is with regret that we announce the postponement of the 4th annual Bridge House Mile proudly sponsored by Standard Bank. As seen in the photo below, the water levels at the Berg River Dam are very low and the safety of our swimmers is of paramount importance which is why we have decided to postpone the event until November 2016. There are many tree stumps sticking out of the water and in addition the safety boats will have difficulty launching. Entries for the February event will be rolled over to the new event date. Please keep an eye on the website http://www.bridgehousemile.co.za/ and The Bridge House Mile Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thebridgehousemile/?fref=ts for updated information. Bring on the rain!

Sports Update

COLLEGE ATHLETICS PROGRAMME

MONDAY 18 JANUARY 15:00 – 16:00 Boys & Girls U15 High Jump 15:00 – 15:30 Boys & Girls U14 Shot Put 15:30 – 16:00 Boys & Girls U14 Long Jump 16:00 – 17:00 Boys & Girls U14 High Jump 16:00 – 16:30 Boys & Girls U15 Shot Put 16:30 – 17:00 Boys & Girls U15 Long Jump

TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 08:00 – 08:20 1500m races 08:20 – 09:00 Boys & Girls U17 High Jump 08:20 – 008:40 Boys & Girls U19 Shot Put 08:40 – 09:00 Boys & Girls U19 Long Jump 09:00 – 09:40 Boys & Girls U19 High Jump 09:00 – 09:20 Boys & Girls U17 Shot Put 09:20 – 09:40 Boys & Girls U17 Long Jump Those athletes participating in these events may come to school in House colours

WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 15:00 – 17:00 If any of the field events are not completed we will use this slot

THURDAY 21 JANUARY 16:00 March-on of the House & War-cries 16:30 - 17:00 200m races 17:00 - 17:15 Tug of war 17:15 - 17:50 400m races 17:50 - 18:20 100m races 18:20 - 18:50 Relays 19:00 - 19:15 Trophy awarded to winning House All Grade 8s to stay until 19:30 and help tidy up

PLEASE NOTE THAT ON MONDAY 18 JANUARY ONLY BOYS & GIRLS WATER POLO CONTINUES AS USUAL FOR THE COLLEGE (NO CROSS COUNTRY, CLIMBING MOUNTAIN BIKING, BOYS INDOOR HOCKEY & TENNIS). THE U14 & U15 BOYS & GIRLS INVOLVED IN FINALS OF THE FIELD EVENTS ARE EXCUSED FROM WATER POLO.

THERE WILL BE NO COLLEGE SPORT ON THURSDAY 21 JANUARY

FIXTURES FOR THE WEEK AHEAD Saturday 16 January Cricket 1st team vs Scotch Oakburn College touring team from Tasmania (home) Tuesday 19 January Cricket U15A vs PRG (home) Friday 22 January Boys & Grls Water Polo Fixtures (tbc) Saturday 23 January Swimming – Mountain Mill Mile (Worcester)

Bridge House Recipe Book

Last year, A wonderful group of parents, with the help of professionals, produced a magnificent recipe book called, “For the Love of Food”. For those of you who have not seen it, if you missed ordering it last year or if you would like additional copies, you can still order.

Don’t delay order a copy online: click on this link here

Apart from all the delicious recipes provided by Bridge House Families, For the Love of Food includes recipes from these famous chefs: Margot (The Tasting Room), Reuben (Reuben's), Chris Erasmus (Foliage), Ryan (Ryan's Kitchen), Matthew Gordon (French Connection & Harvest), Neil Jewell (Bread & Wine) and Jean Pierre Smith (Vrede en Lust), as well as from our own past pupil and Master Chef finalist who has his own TV programme in the USA, Guy Clark.

This recipe book is the only recipe book in the world which has recipes from this combination of chefs and cooks.

For the Love of Food costs R275.00 per copy and makes a beautiful gift. To view a copy, pop into the Prep or College Reception.

Please note all the advertisements which appear in our newsletters are paid for by the advertisers. Bridge House School does not in any way endorse any of the products, events or businesses advertised in this newsletter and takes no responsibility for the use of any of the products which are advertised here.

Compact one bedroom apartment available to rent Compact one bedroom apartment available to rent. Part time care of house, garden, 3 dogs and guest cottage to be part of the rental deal. Includes electricity and wifi. Must be quiet-living and true animal lover. 1.5km outside Franschhoek village on rural property. Call Emma 079 451 3019 for further details.

Art Classes Art Classes: Cathy Milner is giving art classes to Adults and High school children at her studio on Natte Valleij Farm in Klapmuts. She teaches beginners and advanced artists and focuses on drawing, painting and printmaking. She has morning and evening classes available. She is also hosting Art Getaways throughout the year on the West Coast, Nieu Bethesda and the Klein Karoo.

Please contact her on 073 1959082 or [email protected]