Dear Students,

We can all agree that this term

has been incredibly busy com-

pared to our December Holi-

days. There have been many

challenges that all learners have

had to overcome. Everyone has

been working hard and it’s

time for a much-deserved

break. This time of the term

reminds me of the following

verses from Genesis 2:2 “And

on the 7th day God finished his

work that he had done, and he

rested on the seventh day from

all His work that he had done.

So God blessed the seventh

day and made it holy, because

on it God rested from all his

work that he had done in crea-

tion.”

My view, as we come to the end of the term, is somewhat

similar. I believe that although

we have felt this term has been

difficult, we all worked hard

and worked through it, right

to the very end and now, as

we look back, we can see all

the hard work we’ve com-

pleted and can be proud of

ourselves. We can now take

time to relax in the company

of loving family and friends.

So, I encourage all the stu-

dents of Richard Varha to

make the most of this well-

deserved break by relaxing

and preparing ourselves for

the second term, so that we

can strive to do even better.

So that we can achieve even

more of our goals. May we all

have a great holi-

day and we wish all

members of the

Richard Varha

family a happy

Easter break.

Editorial

From the Principal’s Desk

Welcome back to everybody.

We open this year with great results of a 77,7% pass rate. Alt-hough this has dropped signifi-cantly compared to other years, the quality of passes has in-creased . We have 47 learners qualifying for bachelor passes, 57 diplomas and 9 higher certificate

passes.

This year sees us with a huge

enrolment of 1200 learners.

Parents are reminded to attend all meetings and regularly check their children’s homework books

and report cards.

Wishing everyone a happy Easter

break.

Richard Varha

High School

Term 1, March

2016

Volume 5, Issue 1

Academics 2

Staff News 4

In Memoriam 5

Matric Results 6

RCL 7

Choir/ Sports 9

Exam Timetable 10

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Dates to Diarise

25 Mar 2016 - School

Closes

5 Apr 2016 - School Re-

opens (Term 2 begins)

22-24 Apr 2016 - Sifunda

Kunye Writing Camp

16 May 2016 - Examina-

tions Begin

24 June 2016 - School

Closes (Term 2 Ends)

S. Mqalo

Mr S.J. Adonis

Acting Principal: Mr S.J. Adonis Deputy Principal : Mrs K Mgijima

E-mail: richardvarha@gmail.com website: www.richardvarhahighschool.com Telephone: +27(0) 40 656 3750

Acting Principal - Mr Adonis

The following were the top 15 achievers for each Grade for the first term:

Top 15

RICHARD VARHA HIGH SCHOOL Page 2

Grade 12

1. Siyathola Radoni (12C)

2. Sisanda Xaba (12A)

3. Xabiso Mzabane (12C)

4. Mandlenkosi Monyane (12D)

5. Zandisiwe Bevu (12A)

6. Luthando Zanekani (12D)

7. Kamvelihle Dlomo (12C)

8. Bongo Mbalula (12D)

9. Patience Ngwenya (12C)

10. Lutho Mbalula (12C)

11. Thandiwe Ngwenya (12C)

12. Sesethu Yamile (12D)

13. Sinomtha Chibi (12C)

14. Masonwabe Sicolo (12D)

15. Liselihle Booysen (12C)

Academics

Grade 11

1. Siyamthanda Kalawe (11A)

2. Mihlali Blekiwe (11E)

3. Smurts Beja (11A)

4. Solomzi Gladile (11E)

5. Simbonile Nomlose (11D)

6. Athenkosi Kanana (11D)

7. Uzigcine Pono (11A)

8. Thembelihle Stefane (11B)

9. Thembinkosi Ntoni (11B)

10. Anesipho Tyelo (11D)

11. Cynthia Ngwenya (11D)

12. Ayanda Mfenqe(11E)

13. Luyolo Gqezengele (11C)

14. Avuma Peter (11C)

15. Siyavuya Buzani (11C)

Grade 10

1. Onela Nokele (10A)

2. Anathi Booi (10D)

3. Sisonke Peter (10C)

4. Sihle Jara (10D)

5. Sinentlahla Tokota (10D)

6. Litha SIgabi (10D)

7. Mihlali Mhlabeni (10D)

8. Nkosiphendule Vuso (10D)

9. Siphamandla Cibi (10D)

10. Phathuxolo Sakwe (10D)

11. Simisa Gwayishe (10D)

12. Lupumlo Noyila (10D)

13. Sambeso Loli (10C)

14. Lutho Ntetha (10C)

15. Anoxolo Mshumpela (10D)

Grade 9

1. Unam Qomiyana (9C)

2. Simamkele Mayoli (9B)

3. Africa Mbalula (9B)

4. Khanya Bevu (9C)

5. Lilitha Cakwebe (9B)

6. Esethu Danster (9A)

7. Avile Jacobs (9A)

8. Zukhanye Daniso (9B)

9. Lerato Mokhatla (9E)

10. Simamkele Nakani (9B)

11. Uthando Madikane (9E)

12. Alizwa One (9C)

13. Lathitha Madolo (9B)

14. Siziphiwe Mvoto (9B)

15. Hlela Dyasi (9B)

Grade 8

1. Qhayiya Jezile (8E)

2. Asemahle Tyobeka (8D)

3. Akhona Mankayi (8E)

4. Athethile Paul (8D)

5. Sinalo Booi (8E)

6. Sibongile Ncube (8A)

7. Asiphesona Ndadana (8C)

8. Nakhane Mnyaka (8A)

9. Alomzi Fass (8E)

10. Liyabona Ntshudu (8A)

11. Zukhanye Solani (8A)

12. Ayandiswa Bevu (8A)

13. Zikhona Mankayi (8E)

14. Liyema Tandwa (8E)

15. Khanyolwethu Dyantyi (8D)

The following learners were awarded subject awards for each of their respective subjects:

Subject Awards

RICHARD VARHA HIGH SCHOOL Page 3

Academics

Grade 12 Grade 11 Grade 10

IsiXhosa Home Language 1st Jijingubo Olwethu Kalawe Siyamthanda Nokele Onela

2nd Radoni Siyothola Matiwane Nolipha Peter Sisonke

Badu Avuyisiwe English First Additional

Language 1st Xaba Sisanda Kalawe Siyamthanda Nokele Onela

2nd Bevu Zandisiwe Ngqawana Asive Tanale Someleze

Ngwenya Cecilia

Life Orientation 1st Ngwenya Thandiwe Hobe Asiphe Jali Indiphile

2nd Ngwenya Patience

Xaba Sisanda

Duka Someleze Mahe Alutha

Mathematics 1st Bevu Zandisiwe Kalawe Siyamthanda Nokele Onela

2nd Monyane Mandlenkosi Pono Uzigcine Peter Sisonke

Mathematical Literacy 1st Witbooi Camagu Vessel Siphosethu Ntsaluba Sinovuyo

2nd Madolo Aviwe Ntoni Thembinkosi Mbinambina Ayabonga

Physical Sciences 1st Monyane Mandlenkosi Gladile Solomzi Nokele ONela

2nd Bongoza Siwaphiwe Blekiwe Mihlali Jara Sihle

Agricultural Sciences 1st Dakuse Yamkela Moyo Kenoni Gladile Sakhumzi

2nd Mbelekane Nangamso Hobe Asiphe Quma Ovayo

Life Sciences 1st Daweti Luyolo Kalawe Siyamthanda Gladile Sakhumzi

2nd Dyonase Siyabonga Mpumlwana Siziphiwe Quma Ovayo

Accounting 1st Mzabane Xabiso Kalawe Siyamthanda Peter Sisonke

2nd Radoni Siyothola Pono Uzigcine Nokele Onela

Business Studies 1st Dlomo Kamvelihle Mtana Evenia Peter Sisonke

2nd Mnyaka Zenande Ngwenya Cynthia Loli Sambeso

Economics 1st Nonjewu Zolani Ngwenya Cynthia Loli Sambeso

2nd Booysen Liselihle Mtana Evenia Peter Sisonke

Geography 1st Qubungu Songezo Beja Smurts

2nd Nohayi Mziwozuko Gladile Solomzi

History 1st Dyantyi Esethu Mbinambina Ayabonga

2nd Ntoni Thembinkosi Yeko Ayabonga

Tourism 1st Sana Nathiswa Stefane Thembelihle Vuma Sinesihle

2nd Stali Sanelisiwe Gqezengele Luyolo Datini Esihle

Engineering Graphics &

Design 1st Vuthula Thabiso Gladile Solomzi Xayiya Mbulelo

2nd Zanekani Luthando Mfenqe Ayanda Cibi Siphamandla

Electrical Technology 1st Magwa Anathi Mbango Luyolo Gwayishe Simisa

2nd Nkantini Mandilakhe

Witbooi Anele

Blekiwe Mihlali Matholengwe Sive

Mechanical Technology 1st Monyane Mandlenkosi Bonani Valentine Booi Anathi

2nd Yamile Sesethu Tonono Lindokuhle Vuso Nkosiphendule

Sigabi Litha

Mhlabeni Mihlali

Technical Mathematics 1st Isaiah Thando

2nd Cibi Siphamandla

1st Tokota Sinentlahla Technical Sciences

2nd Booi Anathi

The Richard Varha family bid farewell to our principal, Mr Sinuka, who leaves Richard Varha after 9 years of service to serve the Department of Education as a Circuit Manager (EDO). Mr Sinuka was known by all to be a dedicated and staunch disciplinarian. His passion and commitment to the school cannot be measured. His devotion in every aspect of the school was invaluable. He won the hearts and minds of everybody in and outside the classroom. He was always approachable, a keen listener and a provider of good advice and assistance. His biggest milestone was the bringing in of the new Technical

wing in 2012.

Mr Sinuka is indeed the definition of a true legend. He will be missed by all.

Uhambe kakuhle, Dlamini.

Farewell, Mr Sinuka

RICHARD VARHA HIGH SCHOOL Page 4

Staff News

Miss Nombombo will teach IsiXhosa and Creative Arts

New Staff

Richard Varha has received 3 new teachers who join our staff as from March.

Mr Ngwekazi will teach Life Sciences and Agricultural Sciences

Miss Toto will teach Life Orientation and English

Richard Varha also bid farewell to Mr Plaatjies. Mr Plaatjies was the teacher for Agricul-tural Sciences and was also known as the cricket fanatic and coach. Mr Plaatjies leaves Richard Varha after 7 years of service to take up an HOD post at Kei Road Combined

School.

Mr PLaatjies will be missed by Richard Varha. We wish him well for his future.

RICHARD VARHA HIGH SCHOOL Page 5

In Memoriam

On 9 February 2016 Richard Varha was saddened by the news of the loss of the secretary of the School Governing Body (SGB), Miss Zanele Ndala. Miss Ndala assumed office in March 2015 but in her 9 months of service at Richard Varha she has worked hard in the implementation of a plethora of programmes. Her hard work, dedication, resilience and commitment to

the learners and the school will forever be remembered.

Our sincerest condolences go to the Ndala family and the Richard Varha

family at large.

May her soul Rest in Peace.

RICHARD VARHA HIGH SCHOOL

Page 6

Subject Distintions were re-

ceived by:

Badi Xola (Life Orientation)

Bobi Bongiwe (Life Orientation)

Bodla Sinoxolo (Mathematics, Life

Orientation)

Bushula Anita (Life Orientation)

Dike Asemahle (Life Orientation)

Dlabantu Msimelelo (Life Orienta-

tion)

Goduka Ziyatandwa (Accounting)

Gxobole Saziso (Life Orientation)

Hani Sinazo (Life Orientation)

Hlamvana Sivenathi (Life Orienta-

tion)

Matric Results 2015

2015 Matric Results were released on 6 January 2016. We attained a 77.7% pass rate. We

attained 47 bachelors, 52 diploma passes and 9 higher certificate passes.

Phelokazi Nguqu attained 7 distinctions and was awarded by the Eastern Cape Department of Education as the top performing learner in the King William’s Town district and also one of the top performing learners in the province. Phelokazi has been offered a scholarship by the

University of Cape Town to study Medicine.

Simnikiwe Mbanga attained 4 distinctions and was offered a part-scholarship to study Science

and Applied Mathematics at the University of Cape Town.

Kente Sesona (Life Orientation)

Mabi Phiwokuhle (Life Orientation)

Mabusela Wendy (IsiXhosa)

Madonono Sinomtha (IsiXhosa, Life Orienta-

tion)

Mafani Philasande (Life Orientation)

Manika Malizole (Life Orientation)

Mbango Lubabalo (Life Orientation)

Mkalipi Nontuthuzelo (Life Orientation)

Mnxeba Asinakho (Life Orientation)

Molata Itumeleng (IsiXhosa, Life Orientation,

Tourism)

Ngqolowa Sbongile (Life Orientation)

Ngqongqwana Sibabalwe (IsiXhosa)

Telekiso Masimbonge (Life Orientation)

Walase Wendy (Life Orientation)

Yam Asemahle (IsiXhosa, Life Orientation)

Rana Aphelele (Mathematics, Life Orienta-

tion)

Mbanga Simnikiwe (Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Orientation, Mechanical

Technology)

Nguqu Phelokazi (IsiXhosa, English, Mathe-

matics, Life Orientation, Agricultural Sci-

ences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences)

Bekwa, Aphiwe

Bobi, Bongiwe

Bodla, Sinoxolo

Bomvana, Mihlali

Busakwe, Aphelele

Bushula, Nonceba Anita

Cutu, Aphelele

Dike, Asemahle

Dlabantu, Msimelelo

Gelebe, Siyolise

Goduka, Ziyathandwa

Gxobole, Saziso

Hani, Sinazo

Higa, Anele

Horne, Nomakhaya

Kente, Sesona

Khumalo, Nonceba

Klaas, Sinomvuyisi

Klaas, Zingaphi

Leve, Sifiso

Mabi, Phiwokuhle

Mabusela, Wendy

Madonono, Sinomtha

Mafani, Lusanda

Makalima, Siyabonga

Makana, Ayathandwa

Mandlana, Qhamani

Manika, Malizole

Maqhagi, Zola

Mbanga, Simnikiwe

Mbango, Lubabalo

Mkalipi, Nontuthuzelo

Mnxeba, Asinako

Molata, Itumeleng

Moyo, Nesta

Nana, Sonwabo

Ngqolowa, Sibongile

Nguqu, Phelokazi

Qila, Magcinandile

Rana, Aphelele

Sofaya, Siphelele

Sokupe , Phumlani

Telekiso, Masimbonge

Vazi, Lusanda

Walase, Wendy

Yam, Asemahle

The following learners attained Bachelors passes:

RICHARD VARHA HIGH SCHOOL Page 7

Valentine’s Day

On 12 February 2016, the RCL organised a Valentine’s Day Bash for fundraising purposes. The event was a huge

success and all learners took part, looking very gorgeous in their red and white outfits.

Representative Council of Learners (RCL)

The RCL is a body of students that represents the learners’ needs. The RCL for 2016 was elected as follows:

President: Luthando Zanekani (12D)

Deputy President: Sihle Gcilitshana (12A)

Secretary : Sisanda Mbanguta (11D)

Deputy Secretary: Cinga Khumalo (12C)

Treasurer: Lethu Mtshazi

Education Committee: Sakhumzi Gladile (10A)

Arts and Culture Committee: Sonwabiso Vara (8C)

Health and Wellness Committee: Alizwa One (9C)

Fundraising: Zukhanye Mtotoyi (10D)

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 Page 8

On Tuesday 1 March 2016, 23 learners from Grade 10-12 wrote the De Beers English Olympiad. The theme of the Olympiad was “A journey into darkness: Exploring the darker side of Human

Nature/ The Darkness in Man’s Heart”

We still await the results of this Olympi-ad as the scripts are marked in Graham-

stown.

English Olympiad

On 9 March 2016, Richard Varha learners wrote the South African Mathematics Foundation Olympiad. The tests were very tough and 2 learners: Mihlali Blekiwe (Grade 11E) and Xabiso Mzabane (Grade 12C) managed to make it through to the second round. The second round tests will be written on 11 May 2016.

South African Mathematics

Olympiad

30 Learners wrote the National Science Olympiad which took place on 3 March 2016. 15 learners wrote the Physical Sci-ence paper and 15 wrote the Life Sciences/ Biology paper. We eagerly await the results.

National Science Olympiad

Olympiads

Columba Leadership Training

On 31 January to 6 February 2016, some of our Grade 10 learners were taken to Addo accompanied by Mr Adonis, Miss Majola and Miss Tola to a behavioural change retreat to instil a sense of grit, purpose and determination in these learners. These leaders would then return and try and instil the same change in the entire school body and the community at large. These leaders are said to have inner greatness and confidence to transform their own lives and the lives of those around

them.

Sports

RICHARD VARHA HIGH SCHOOL Page 9

On 12 March 2016Richard Varha soccer and ladies’ soccer teams participated in the Sifunda Kunye sports tourna-ment which took place in De Vos Malan fields, King William’s Town. We played against Xolani, St Matthews and

Toise. Richard Varha ended up winning both soccer and ladies’ soccer.

Sifunda Kunye Sports Tournament

Under the directorship of Miss Ngoma and Mr Mqalo the school choir continues to practice for the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod which will begin in April 2016. The choir has entered the Afrikaans, Vernacular and

Western sections.

Choir

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1

June Examination TImetable

Page 10

www.richardvarhahighschool.com