theMastheadT H E M A G A Z I N E F O R D G C O L D G I R L S

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When I was 11, I got involved with the KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife Bearded Vulture

Project which tracks and monitors the population of these birds. After raising

over R70 000, I was rewarded by the group naming one of the birds after

me. I then decided that I needed to do something more, something that could include all aspects of nature that I felt

I could help improve or change, so I started Four Elements Conservation

NPC. Four Elements is my way of giving back to the environment through

the conservation and preservation of endangered or mistreated animals. I also want to provide a platform, and advice, for other like-minded people

(especially young people) so that they can have the courage to light their

own fires.

All my conservation work started from a passion that

one of my teachers, Sue Walker, inspired in me. She

introduced me to birding, something I was initially

sceptical of but ended up loving.

Olivia Taylor Gr 9

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Passion is not SOMETHING that can be taught...

We record, with deep sadness, the death of Joan Elliott, wife of our headmaster, on 23 August.Joan was a presence on Old Girls’ Days and at all our school functions and many

Old Girls will remember her and mourn her passing.

Editor: Lynne Neilson • Tel: 031 268 7254 • Email: lneilson@dgc.co.za

OLIVIA TAYLOR

‘DIVE DEEPER, AIM HIGHER, FLY FURTHER’

SUMMITTING MT KILIMANJARO

The Four Elements motto is ‘Dive Deeper, Aim Higher, Fly Further’. I decided to call it Four Elements because of Aristotle’s theory of the elements. He believed that our

world was made up of four elements: water, earth, air and fire. We now know that the world is much more complex than this, but his four elements encapsulate my

dream for the environment: water - to dive deeper, earth - to aim higher, air - to fly further and fire - to pursue this with a burning passion. For each element I have chosen a symbolic animal that is under threat: water for sharks, earth for rhinos,

air for bearded vultures and, lastly, fire for those of us with a burning passion to make a difference - we are threatened by mass indifference. You can see

what I am doing on my websites, www.fourelementsconservation.org and www.beardedvulture.org. I am also active on Facebook and Twitter (@DIVE_AIM_FLY).

As I raise more money I can expand my conservation activities.

In June this year I climbed and summitted Mt Kilimanjaro. This was something I did to raise awareness and funding for Four Elements and other organisations that I feel should reach the top of Africa. They were: The Bearded Vulture Project, The Global White Lion Protection Trust, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and, of course, Four Elements. I literally took them to the summit with me in the form of banners and flags. Kilimanjaro was the hardest challenge I have ever faced and I took so much out of the experience!

Just before I left for Kilimanjaro I was awarded a certificate for being one of the winners of an international competition run by Action for Nature, called Young Eco-Heroes. Every year since 2003, Action For Nature (AFN), a U.S. based non-profit, has recognized young people ages 8-16 who are taking important steps to solve tough environmental problems. Youth from countries around the world send in their stories and explain their work. A panel of judges including experts in environmental science, biology and education determined this year’s winners.

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If you wish to contribute to my work you can donate using the following

details: ABSA Bank, Account Name: Four Elements NPC, Account number: 4079318478, Branch code:

632005, SWIFT: ABSAZAJJ.

Passion is not something that can be taught, but it can be

inspired. Imagine what the world would be like if everyone

could be inspired to be the ‘Fourth Element’?

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My name is Philippa Eady (nee Sprague) and I attended DGC from 1957 – 1967. Those were the good

old days, before air conditioning and carpeted classrooms!

When our daughter, Susan, arrived, I was naturally very keen for her to

attend my old school and the time soon came for us to apply for her admission

to DGC as a scholar and a boarder at College House. Susan wrote her

entrance examination the day after her precious gran, Leslie Sprague, passed

away, but our sadness soon changed to joy and excitement when we were

told that Susan had not only been accepted as a scholar and a boarder,

but had been granted the Old Girls’ Bursary.

The cherry on the top of Susan’s school days, was her appointment as a school

prefect and Head Girl of College House.

Being parents of a DGC pupil from 1988 – 2002 gave my husband and

me the opportunity to maintain contact with the “happenings” at College, and

to witness the constant upgrading of the educational, sporting and boarding facilities. This brought home to us what an amazing school College is, enabling

the countless girls who pass through the corridors to accomplish all sorts of

goals in their lives.

Durban Girls’ College can help make dreams come true.

What a privileged bunch we are!!

Dreams do come

As we look Towards Tomorrow’s Years please consider swelling the Old Girls’ Bursary Fund in the form of a donation or a

bequest to help realise the dreams of more Old Girls’ daughters and other deserving pupils.

BURSARIES

Susan writes:

I still remember the big move into College House as a boarder and the

daunting first day of high school so clearly – not knowing a soul and putting on the bravest face imaginable! Once I was used to the long walk from College

House up to class, and the many long corridors and wooden steps at school

became more familiar, I settled into the DGC way of life quite easily and started

to make friends with the day girls as well. I have so many wonderful memo-ries from my high school years, but my greatest memory and accomplishment by far, was becoming Head Girl of Col-

lege House and a School Prefect for 2002. It was an honour and privilege to serve my school with pride and in

some small but significant way, to have an impact on the younger girls and the

future of the school.

It was reassuring to observe

the same high standards

and many accomplishments

that both past and

present girls have achieved.

TRUE

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BURSARIES

JanetMemorial Bursary

the

After matric, I completed a BSocSci degree in HR & Psychology at UKZN

Pietermaritzburg, and thereafter moved to Johannesburg to start my career. I have

been married to my husband, Iain, for just over one year and am currently working for Liberty Life as a Recruitment and HR

Specialist. I love what I do for a living and thrive on how much there is to continu-ously experience within an HR environ-ment. I have no doubt that the woman

I am today and my career accomplish-ments stem from my time at Durban Girls’

College.

Attending my 10 year school reunion recently, in July 2012, was surreal - the

memories, sounds and smells of long ago were still the same and it is good to know

that many things in today’s modern era don’t change. The same feelings of pride

in the school I attended and love came flooding back again and I thoroughly enjoyed the day with the school, staff

and friends that I hadn’t seen in years. It was reassuring to observe the same high standards and accomplishments of both

past and present girls. I will always be proud to be a Durban Girls’ College Old

Girl! I am so grateful for the Old Girls’ Bursary and that my parents did what

they could to send me to College to follow in my mum’s footsteps. DGC truly is a

world-class school and I look forward to sending my daughters there one day!

The Heather Cross Memorial

Bursary for the daughter

of an Old Girl has been

awarded to Samantha Parle

for 2013. Samantha is the

daughter of Alison Parle

(Furnivall 1986). Samantha

is also the recipient of

the Ken Mackenzie Music

Scholarship and the Frank

Reynolds Scholarship.

Janet Hellman (Tomkin 1968) passed away in Canada and her husband Jona-than and loyal friend Penny Smith motivated many members of Janet’s family

and friends to contribute to a bursary in her name.

The first recipient of the Janet Hellman Memorial Bursary was Siphiwokuhle Mthonti, who came to DGC from a primary school in Ladysmith. Siphi’s parents were delighted at the opportunity afforded their bright and talented daughter. Sadly, Siphi’s father was killed in a car accident during her first year at College, but the love and support of the College family, particularly Jonathan’s through Janet’s memorial bursary, has allowed her to grow and flourish.

A highlight of this year was Jonathan’s visit to DGC to meet Siphi. He is pictured here with her and his sister-in-law, Sally Tomkin (Adams 1970).

Another Old Girl has been honoured by her family and

friends and will be forever part of the tapestry of College.

Hellman

OLD GIRLS’ NEWS

Jessica Price(2003)

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Old Girls’ NewsI matriculated in December 2003,

having spent my entire school life at DGC. My mum and I emigrated

to England in 2004 and I began a BSc(Hons) in Film Production Technology at Staffordshire University. I graduated with a First, placing top in the year. Following University, I was accepted in to the BT Graduate Scheme in London, to work as a consultant in pharmaceuticals and retail banks. After two years with the company, I wasn’t feeling fulfilled and made the decision to attempt a complete volte-face in my career; I applied to be an Officer in the British Army.

My application was successful and I started the Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in September 2010. After an incredibly challenging year, during which I represented the Academy at shooting and polo (unfortunately never against Princes William or Harry!), I commissioned in to the Royal Military

SOME INSPIRATION TO FOLLOW A DIFFERENT CAREER PATH COMES FROM:

Police as a Second Lieutenant. I am now serving as a Platoon Commander in Salisbury.

E-mail: jprice929@gmail.com.

On exercise at Sandhurst.

Jessica and her mother at the Commissioning Parade in

September 2011

Annchen Naudé(Dux 2008)

nnchen is completing her honours year in Fine Arts at Rhodes University. She has been asked to lecture 2nd

year painting students and she runs an art class for children on Friday afternoons. She is also very active

in ROAR- the animal rights movement at Rhodes – as a committee member.

Annchen is making a name for herself in the art world. She won the 2012 KZNSA membership competition

and is currently being exhibited in the ABSA L’atelier exhibition. One of her paintings has been chosen for the Sasol Young Signatures competition final round. She has also exhibited at the Grahamstown Festival since her first

year at Rhodes.

Annchen has featured on the Dean’s List of the Faculty of Humanities during her first three years at Rhodes.

Email: annchennaude@gmail.com Annchen and one of her artworks in progress

A

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OLD GIRLS’ NEWS

After Matric 2002, I went to the University of Florida and got my undergraduate degree, then I came back home to study Honours in

Criminology, Masters in Gender Studies and I am now doing my PhD. I am also lecturing at University of KwaZulu-Natal. I have recently been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and I will be going to the University of California, Los Angeles to continue my PhD there and I am so excited. I will be leaving in July next year 2013.

Email: Mkhize1@ukzn.co.za

Susan Berelowitz(1970)

Zama Mkhize (2002)who celebrates her ten year reunion writes:

Lavanya Naidoo(2003)

Gillian Bradtke(2006)

Susan’s mother Sadie (Orlin 1945) writes from the USA about her

daughter Susan who is the Deputy-Commissioner of Children’s Services for the whole of England:

Sue is doing an amazing job. As you can imagine it keeps her very busy investigating abuses and reporting to ministers. Caring about disadvantaged children has always been a prime concern for her.

She has two sons - Sam a vice principal in a Brighton Elementary School who is married with a darling little boy and Laurie who is a barrister in London. Sue is married to Marcus Page and they live in Brighton.

Lavanya qualified with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of

Surgery (MBBCH) at Wits University and completed her internship at King Edward VIII hospital in Durban. Her sister GRESHTHA (2000) qualified with a Bachelor of Dental Sciences and is practising dentistry in a private practice in Johannesburg.

Lavanya adds that she and her sister would like the people fundamental in making these achievements possible to be aware of their positive influence on their lives.

Email: missln86@gmail.com

Gillian completed her Bachelor of Music (Honours) in

Violin Performance at the Trinity Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London in June this year. She is studying privately with a professor at the Hochschule fur Musik und Theater in Hamburg and is hoping to secure a place in the Masters programme

ContactTo the College 3 Cs of Common Sense, Courtesy and Consideration for othersoldgirls@dgc.co.za

ADD

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Matric Dancethe2012

MATRIC DANCE

The well-known and enchanting story of The Faraway Tree was the backdrop to the gorgeous girls in their beautiful gowns.

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FRENCH TOUR

AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY2012 FRENCH

TOUR

From the moment we landed in Paris, I was enchanted by everything that this fairy-tale city had to offer: from the Parisians’ delicately

designed balconies, decorated with colourful arrays of flowers, to the rich history embedded in every statue and monument.

We were able to experience ancient royalty at the Palace of Versailles, along with the vibrant and bustling metro (where hand-sanitisers became liquid gold). Despite the lack of brown sugar, skim milk, five roses tea and rusks (from which many of us suffered withdrawal symptoms) there was hardly anything that Paris could not offer. Every day was action-packed: from climbing the Eiffel Tower; to soaking in the beautiful artwork at Musee D’Orsay and the Louvre, where we had to edge our way

Disembarking from flight

AF995 meant that thirty

excited schoolgirls and

our three brave teachers

had finally arrived at our

destination. However,

our arrival at Charles De

Gaulle Airport was only

the start of an incredible

journey.

FRENCH TOUR

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through an enormous crowd of “camera-happy” tourists like ourselves to try get a view of the Mona Lisa. We stood in awe looking at the magnificent churches and cathedrals, with their intricate details carved out by master craftsmen; shopped

to our hearts’ content; and - in true tourist style - aimed our cameras at almost anything. I believe that Paris is called “The City of Love”, not because you fall in

love in Paris, but because you fall in love with Paris itself.

Although saying “au revoir” to Paris was heartbreaking for all of us; our sadness was soon forgotten as we began the next chapter of our journey. After spending two fun-filled days experiencing exhilarating rollercoaster rides and meeting our

childhood Disney heroes in Disneyland, we boarded the flight to the final chapter of our journey: Cannes.

Once again, each day was spent soaking in everything from the golden summer sun, to the historic villages of Eze and St Paul de Vince (whilst accomplishing

much shopping along the way, of course). We relaxed on the heavenly beaches, were treated to some of the most decadent ice cream in the world, smelt the

exquisite perfumes of the Fragonard Perfume Factory, and explored the intriguing cities of Cannes and Nice. We were even lucky enough to visit extravagant

Monaco; and we all fantasised about owning a house (or two) there.

Unfortunately, even the best of journeys has to come to an end; but we will always cherish the memories of our enriching French Tour. I am certain that it is not

“adieu” to France for any of us, but rather just an “au revoir” - until we visit again.

TADA ews

CREATIVE

Teenagers Against Daddy’s Aspirations

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Salma Khan Gr 12

The chitter-chatter, alongside the hustle and bustle of

any morning, chimed. Daddy crept into my room, to gently raise his sleeping beauty from her not-so-eternal slumber.

But now it is eight and I’m just a little late. No tea ready and waiting for me, no freshly packed lunch, no hot toast just the perfect colour of brown that I prefer, no ironed clothes, no housemaid to make my bed, or to wash the breakfast dishes. No nothing.

Somehow, freedom felt a little overpriced.

Meet me, Salma Khan – your not-so-average, anything-but-ordinary, South African Indian girl. I can’t cook, I can’t clean and most importantly, I am all alone in the Big Apple. When “Earnest and Old” approached yours truly to offer a fully-paid opportunity of attending business school in New York City, with a guaranteed American job offer, I couldn’t say no. No smart businesswoman would. Dad was a complete anti, Mom rather melodramatic (given her addiction to Indian soap operas). Let’s not forget how every aunty, cousin, cousin’s mother, brother and sister was ever ready to voice their opinions on my life choices. I think like every Indian home, my parents had the inherent desire to lock me up in their cage, let me fly to UKZN where I would study medicine like the vast majority of the Indian minority, and then happily marry some rich man’s son and have three cute little children.

I am sorry to say I never quite bought the “All Indian Dream”. So I packed my bags, and off I went with heartfelt goodbyes, leaving a world of comfort and unappreciated favours.

There are a few things that I have learnt from what my mother failed to mention, like washing powder being necessary to drive a washing machine. Or that two litres of milk curds within five days when living alone. Or that one cloth is insufficient for its multiple uses, like drying dishes, cleaning stains, and my personal favourite – wiping floors. Or that an iron has to be switched on for the creases to actually disappear. Oh yes, my mother never did quite equip me with the intricacies of making a house, a home. Nor did she equip me with the recipes to satisfy my selective and somewhat lavish palate.

They say in New York, you can survive on take-out for months; it’s the truth. I survived a wholesome forty- one days, all delivered straight to my hips, free of charge. But eventually you do grow tired of your polystyrene crockery and miss home food. Naturally, I phoned my mum to ensure my attempts tasted exquisite, like her own.

I sat at my kitchen counter, a copy of the Indian Delights open, a pen and paper in the centre.

“You put some cumin seeds and coriander in some oil and then add your onions and then add chilli powder with some salt,” Mummy said.

I was utterly lost.

What on earth is some? (Is some: a handful, a teaspoon, a tablespoon, a pinch, a whole packet?)

“Just feel it, you’ll know exactly how much to put in!” said my mother, exasperatedly.

So I felt it, and as Nike said, I just did it. Suffice to say I survived on take-out for forty- two days instead.

In all honesty, I don’t blame my Mummy for my lack of culinary skills. I do, however, blame her for having spoilt me the way she did. She never did let on how difficult it was. Amidst all the things my mother failed to mention, she cleverly hid her exhaustion and frustration behind a beautiful smile. What my mother didn’t mention was her hard work and what I never mentioned was my gratitude.

The cardamom tea powder and mint aroma brewing on the

stove engulfed our home in intangible warmth in the way

that only a good cup of home-made Mummy’s tea can do.

Salma’s work was chosen for publication in English Alive 2012.

UNITY ARKCREATIVE

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Maxine Aufrichtig Gr 12

Maxine decided to combine optional two themes “All that Remains” &

“Palimpsest” in her resulting artwork. She was struck by the layering of history in Jerusalem and in particular religious history. Her artwork is a message of reconciliation to all of these differing religions.

She made her own ark (out of her old doll’s cupboard), this ark has been hand painted and antiqued on the outside using crackle glaze. The back of the cupboard was removed and she combined religious symbols to make a stained glass window. This artwork has been placed in front of a window to maximize the light that streams through and highlights the inside of the cupboard.

She asked girls in the school to write their hopes and prayers on pieces of paper and place it into her wall within her ark, mirroring her own experience at the Wailing Wall. These hopes and prayers are mostly wishes for health and happiness highlighting the fact that essentially we all want the same thing despite our racial and cultural differences.

Finally, because this artwork was supposed to resemble a Torah ark it needed curtains. To further enhance the idea of layered religion she made three sets of curtains, each displaying a drawing of a religious leader.

She did the drawing in charcoal on paper and then had the drawings digitally printed on to canvas. The viewer interacts with these curtains pulling them apart and symbolically breaking the power these religious leaders wield. Maxine believes that it is often these leaders who prevent people from accepting each other’s faith.

Clay pomegranates are placed on a glass plate in front of the pomegranate screen acting as a focal point in this piece but also suggest religious offering. Maxine also hand-crafted these items.

In front of the stained glass window she has made a screen of pomegranates out of clay. She says the pomegranates are symbolic of life and good deeds in the Jewish faith. This pomegranate screen is meant to make reference to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem where people place prayers to God on pieces of paper.

One of the DGC Grade 12 art students made quite a

remarkable artwork this year inspired by her trip to

Jerusalem in December 2011.

REUNIONS 2013

INTRODUCING:

Please ensure that we have your correct email and postal addresses. Please send us news for The Masthead, the Old Girls’ eGalleon and the website.

oldgirls@dgc.co.za

This 2012 Masthead has been emailed to Old Girls and a print copy posted to pre-1961 Old Girls’. Should you desire

a printed compy please contact Briget Scorer on oldgirls@dbn.co.za or

031 267 7286

Search on facebook for Durban Girls’ College Old Girls – it will have a picture of the Old Wing building

OLD GIRLS’ UPDATE

Calling the reunion groups of 2003, 1993, 1983, 1973, 1963 and 1953, as well as those who want

to celebrate reunions in between.

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The dates set for next year is 18 JULY FOR COCKTAILS and 19 JULY FOR OLD GIRLS’ DAY 2013.

The cocktail party was introduced this year and was a huge success. Many Old Girls who weren’t celebrating special reunions attended cocktails, as most of those who attend Old Girls’ Day are celebrating milestone reunions.

The programme will be placed on the website and on facebook. Some pictures from this year’s reunions are on the Old Girls’ facebook page and the website.

DON’T MISS YOUR SPECIAL REUNION

Find us on facebookwww.dgc.co.za

Vida took office as chairlady at this year’s reunion day. Vida is pictured here with outgoing chairlady Paula Grobbelaar at the plaque acknowledging the generosity of the Old Girls who made the installation of a new mosaic possible.

We were fortunate to have the talented artist Jane du Rand as the designer.

Seen below is Lynne Neilson with the magnificent mosaic at the entrance to the schoo.l

INTRODUCING....VIDA HERBET (PATERSON 1987)

Briget Scorer (2002) has been appointed as part-time Foundation

Director.

Briget will also handle the Old Girls’ portfolio. Please contact her on

oldgirls@dgc.co.za or 031 268 7286.