1. education
2. school

Vobis Voice
April 2015
HOGSBACK: OUTDOOR
CLUB
Paul Bosa
Some of this year’s Grade 8’s had a warm
Cambridge welcome with Mr Prentis and
Miss Geach taking them to Hogsback on an
outing they will never forget.
They visited the three marvellous
waterfalls in Hogsback and experienced
some of the best meals they have ever had
after a long exhausting day filled with
hiking.
As they had seen the seniors sing on derby
days the Grade 8’s thought that singing for
food would be an ideal way to express their
hunger and encourage the hotel staff to be a
little faster with serving the food as it
seemed it would take FOREVER.
The moment the food had arrived, there
was the sound of silence as people started
to consume their delicious meal.
After the food stop, they went to Thomas
River, where they girls ended up swimming
in the swimming pool.
As they journeyed back home to East
London, they did not forget the spirit of
Cambridge, singing despite the fact that
they were exhausted from the day’s
exercise.
According to the Grade 8’s the excursion
was enjoyable because they got to know
new people and brought others closer as it
promoted trusting one another.
Editorial
Holidays are in the air meaning no more homework, projects and tests, but a time to rest after a
busy term. There is nothing more exciting than to know that we are heading for the Easter
holidays, and will experience the feeling of being around family and food, but, most importantly,
the reason why we are celebrating Easter Day.
On a lighter note we have April Fool’s Day, a day set aside for pranks and laughter shared amongst
many. Laughing is good for us therefore there is no reason not to enjoy April Fool’s Day.
Wishing everyone a blessed Easter and an enjoyable holiday. Hoping everyone returns refreshed
for a hectic term of assignments, examinations, sport and cultural fixtures.
Your Editor
Nwabisa Qambata
Meet the team and read their wonderful
articles in this edition:
Nwabisa Qambata (Ed.), Bethany
Robinson (Sub-Ed.), Nokubonga
Matomela (Sec.), Kelsey Nebbe (Treas.),
Paul Bosa (Treas.), Kanya Apie, Nikita du
Preez, Sisipho Gayiya, Mbalentle
Gxekwa, Zimi Jikwa, Sinebhongo Ketye,
Lethu Kwinana, Lolwakhe Maqubela,
Simbulele Moko, Natasha Nagel,
Zukhanye Nqabeni, Monique van der
Merwe.
Animal Welfare Society
Lolwakhe Maqubela
The Animal Welfare Society is an informal club in
the school. We assist with major organizations
like Pet Pals and SPCA. We mainly assist by
raising money (by having cake sales) or
supporting the fund-raising event that they host.
Our main aim is to help improve the facilities
and medication of the organizations thus helping
the animals that are there or are found and then
taken there. The society is informal so there are
no regular meetings or forced participation. It is
voluntary work and we encourage people to join
and help us to help the animals. If you want to
join or have questions, please go to Miss
D'Oliveira in Room 38 and she will assist you.
Interact Club
Nwabisa Qambata
“Be the change for change to be”
Helping someone does not require one to
become a doctor or a scientist. By offering your
hand and sharing your love, you show care to
those who need it most.
There is no better way of unleashing your heart
with others than joining the Interact Club. The
Interact Club is all about serving those who are
less fortunate. The Club’s aim is to raise funds to
support our communities, but also the Interact
Club takes part in events, which, in turn, help
others such as the recent event, The CANSA
Walk.
For many years the Interact Club has been living
up to its motto ‘’ Non Vobis’’. So grab this
opportunity to serve others. Please support the
Interact Club.
Meetings are on Mondays and Tuesdays at
second breaks.
Chess Club: The Club for Kings and Queens
Kelsey Nebbe
Chess is the games where players must use logic and
strategy to outsmart the opposition to checkmate!
Cambridge High School’s chess club partakes in chess
tournaments and plays against other schools. The
Chess Club meets in Room 38 on Monday afternoons,
straight after school and usually finishes before three
o’clock. Everyone, whether you are a well-seasoned
chess fundi or a person who wants to learn, is
welcome to come and join.
DEBATING CLUB
Nwabisa Qambata
Let your voice be heard
Think of the great speeches that have changed
history. Martin Luther King, “I have a dream”. Do you
wish to become like them?
Consider joining our very own Cambridge High
Debating Club. By becoming a part of the Debating
Club you are ensured of:
1. Developing communicating skills and public
speaking skills
2. Building up your confidence
3. Having the ability to transform attitudes and
opinions by having your say
The Debating Club is in full operation under Miss
Geach, [teacher-in charge]. The Board members
include: Zizipho Kontyo [President], Liyabona Booi
[Vice-President], Zimkhita Kweza [Secretary] and
Ziphozihle Hlwathi [Treasurer].
Aspirations for the Debating Club are to ensure that
the Juniors together with the Beginners will be welltrained and equippped when debating against other
schools. Since it is the final year for the Board
members, their goal is to work hard by leaving a mark
and let the heartbeat of the Debating Club live on.
Meetings are on Mondays after school in Room 26.
Staff news
Did someone say LONDON?
Here Comes The Bride!
Nikita du Preez
Nokubonga Matomela
As you have all heard, Miss Rhoda will be
leaving Cambridge after five years of teaching
Music and History. A recent interview sheds
some light on why she has chosen to move to
London and also tells us about her experience at
CHS.
1. Why are you moving to London?
I have been offered a job there. I am going to be
a nursery school teacher and worship coordinator.
2. Why did you decide to take up this position?
It is a great opportunity and it involves music,
travelling and children. I love children!
3. When are you leaving?
On the third of April.
4. Are you planning on returning to East
London?
That is the plan, but I will see what happens.
5. Do you think being at Cambridge has
moulded you for the better?
Yes, I have enjoyed my time here. It has been a
time of growth, forming friendships that will last
and getting to know really amazing students.
6. Do you foresee any problems adapting to a
new lifestyle and environment?
I am very family-orientated and so going to
London on my own will be a new challenge and
something I will need to adapt to. Also, the
weather this past Sunday was 2°C!
7. What message would you like to leave us?
To thine own self be true.
It is said that once you have found your other
half that completes you. You feel it inside. You
just know and… Miss Smal has found her other
half!
The news of Miss Smal’s engagement has been
announced; she has known her fiancée for 20
months and now, they are about to tie the knot.
Her fiancée proposed to her while they were
playing a game where the loser had to pay
money to the winner Fortunately for her, she
was losing very badly and her fiancée took pity
on her and he decided to pay up. However, not
with money but with the surprise of a ring!
Miss Smal was happy, shocked, excited and full
of energy when he proposed to her. Believe it
or not, in the past, she used to say that she did
not want to get married, but that was only
because she was afraid that no one was going
to want to propose to her and she used that as
a defence mechanism.
The fun and loving teacher now feels that she is
ready for a lifelong commitment of marriage.
“I’ve never wanted anything less than a
marriage. I am definitely ready for it.” We wish
her and her fiancée the very best for their
preparations and their wedding day!
And remember… your soulmate is out there
too. Do not give up on love!
A BUNDLE OF JOY!
Nokubonga Matomela
At the beginning of this year, we welcomed back Mrs Swart (in the Art
Department) who was away on maternity leave.
The loving Mrs Swart gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Bodhi
Kasson Swart, on the 3rd of November 2014. When the doctor confirmed
her pregnancy, she was filled with shock and excitement. “I cried because I
could not believe it at first,” were her exact words. She is a proud firsttime mother.
However, having a little one is not an easy task and there are many
challenges that come along with it “I literally reheat my tea ten times
before I can even take a sip. Every time I am about to sit down and enjoy a
cup of tea, he cries. By the time, I get to my tea, I have already given up on
it.” Amongst all the challenges she is faced with, sleep deprivation is top of
the list!
As we all know, Mrs Swart is a kind and cheerful teacher full of love, and
we wish her the very best on her journey of motherhood with Bodhi!
Farewell Mr Varaghese and Mrs Abraham
Sinebhongo Ketye
The time has come for us to say goodbye to two long-serving
teachers, Mr Varaghese and Mrs Abraham, as they retire.
Mr Varaghese and Mrs Abraham began teaching at Cambridge
in mid-1999 and together they have spent 31 years at
Cambridge. Mrs Abraham headed the Natural Science
Department and Chess. Mr Varaghese headed up the
Mathematics Department and was the teacher in charge for
the entrance and exit of people on derby days.
They will be remembered for their contribution to the school
and will always be part of the Cambridge family. We wish
them the best for the future as they retire and start a new
stage in their lives.
FAREWELL!
Sport
Astro Update
Paul Bosa
Athletics
Lethu Kwinana
Our Athletics Team represented the school in a number of
events this term producing an outstanding set of results.
On March 13th and 14th six of our athletes participated at
the Eastern Cape High Schools’ Athletics Championships
held at the NMMU track. Our congratulations go to
Siyasanga Somlotha and Hlalumi Mxi.
Siyasanga Somlotha (Boys Under 17) was awarded a gold
medal in the medley relay, silver in the 100m relay and
silver in the 800m race.
Hlalumi Mxi (Girls Under 14) was awarded a silver medal
in the 800m and bronze in the 400m.
We are really proud of their respective achievements and
we look forward to further updates on their progress and
that of the team.
It has been 5 months since the beginning of
the Astro construction and there has been
great progress.
The foundations are to be laid soon and
then the Astro will be completed. Hopefully
this will be before the winter sports fixtures
commence.
Grens Festival
Kanya Apie
On the 13 & 14 March our teams
participated in the Grens festival. Our U14,
U15 and U16 Rugby and Netball were the
teams involved.
RUGBY:
CHS U16A vs Raptors won 38-0
CHS U16A vs Selborne U16A lost 0-29
CHS U15A vs Lilyfontein U15A won 10-7
CHS U15A vs Stutterheim U15A won 46-0
CHS U14A vs Hudson Park U14A lost 0-12
CHS U14A vs Tsholomqa U14A won 61-0
NETBALL
CHS U19A vs Stirling won 24-14
CHS U16A vs Greenpoint U16A drew 10-10
CHS U16A vs Clarendon U16A won 9-6
CHS U16A vs Hudson U16A won 11-3
CHS U16A vs Tsholomqa U16A won 18-2
CHS U16A vs Stutterheim U16A won 18-3
CHS U14A vs Tarkastad 14A won 6-2
CHS U14A vs Stirling U14A lost 2-12
CHS U14A vs Clarendon U14A lost 7-17
CHS U14A vs Queenstown GHS won 6-5
CHS U14A vs Hudson Park u14A lost 4-15
The teams did well and it was a wonderful
way to start our winter season. Good luck.
Karate Kid
Zimi Jikwa
KICK! PUNCH! BLOCK! We have seen karate in
movies and it seems unbelievable. Cambridge
High School has many talented karate learners
and we have our camera rolling for the new
Jackie Chan in town. A Grade 8 boy, Rishalin
Naidoo, has caught our attention this term.
He participated in the JKS National
Championships in Pretoria. He made us proud
and I had the opportunity to interview him.
1. At what age did you start karate?
“I started karate at the age of 8.”
2. What are your future plans with karate?
“I want to become a sensei and to open my
own dojo (club).”
Swimming
Bethany Robinson
The swimmers have been busy this summer, taking
part in a number of galas and swimming events.
3 March: Amakhosi Gala at the Joan Harrison Pool.
Many swimmers took part in this gala, earning
points for us in each event. Cambridge was placed
third among the co-ed schools, but overall, came
fourth.
6 March: Gala in King William’s Town. Only a few
swimmers took part on this particular evening.
Many swam personal best times. In the medley
relay event, the girls came fourth and the boys came
third. In the freestyle relay, both teams came
fourth.
3. How many hours a day do you practise?
“I practise 45 minutes to 60 minutes a day.”
10 March: Hudson Gala. On this particularly cold and
windy afternoon, Cambridge competed against
Hudson as Stirling cancelled at the last moment.
Cambridge came second in this gala.
4. Is your height a weakness or strength when it
comes to karate?
“I am short and fast which makes it my
strength. It is easier to dodge some people.”
14 March: 1000 metre Challenge at the Joan
Harrison Pool. A few people took part in this
challenge, not to compete against other schools, but
to see how fast each person could swim a kilometre.
5. If you were to speak to someone who does
not do karate, what would you say to him to
motivate him to do karate? People like me.
“You will learn discipline and self-defence. It
can make your name grow and it can also
take you places.”
Congratulations to all those who participated in the
above galas. I hope to see everyone back and trying
his or her best next swimming season.
6. Describe in one word what karate means to
you.
“AWESOME!!!”
Our sensei has spoken and I wish to hear more of
him in the future. KEEP IT UP and, to those who
do not do karate, please do it because you never
know these days...
On Campus Fashion Killers
On the 26th of February it was the 1st official
CHS Casual Day and these are some of the
students that rocked with their outfits on the
day. Now don’t feel bad if you weren’t chosen
this time. There’s always a ‘next time’ and who
knows? You just might be here!
kkkkkillereskkKiKi
Qhama Memani
Somila Tshangela
Sinalo Ndamase
These ladies sure do
know the meaning
of being stylish as
they are rocking in
these trendy outfits
and it seems as
though the Bun will
forever be
considered “a killer”
hairstyle not
forgetting the
legendary red
lipstick.
K
Simplicity is the ultimate
form of sophistication and
these guys have that
figured out. Each
individual has his own
style and it looks great!
Well done, gents.
illers
Reeyaz Haripersad, Chase Zimmerman,
Kamva Nyikana, Asher Magajana
Avuyile Morquma, Ayabulela
Mambukhwe, Songo Petse
Sandile Mantantana
Street Style! Looking Proper guys!!
Lisakhanya Damane
Inga Qamba, Sikhanyiso Mdingi, Inga Xintolo, Vuyisani
Aphelele Zixesha, Sanele Mahopa
Diko
Lihle Nyikana. Lisa Jam-Jam
D.I.Y. CORNER
Making
Ripped
Jeans
Sandisiwe Tyumzana, Sisipho Siganagana,
Amanda Dayile, Abongwe Neli
Qhama, Phila Somketa
GET THE LOOK
Sinalo’s Jumpsuit
Phila and Lisakhanya’s
Baseball Top
Inga Qamba’s Dungarees
Lisa’s Dress
Lihle’s Timberlands
- Mr Price R139.99
- Mr Price R139.99
- Mr Price R249.99
- Edgars R450
- Timberlands R1 600
Making ripped jeans is very easy so why not make your
own?
Step 1: Find a pair of clean jeans in your wardrobe.
Step 2: Put your jeans on to mark them... Use a pen.
Step 3: Start distressing by rubbing with sandpaper until the
area looks worn or starts to thin out.
Step 4: Start making holes horizontally using a knife or a pair
of scissors. You can also use tweezers to fray the threads.
Dressing up has no rules!
One must be creative and
daring! Clothing can be
very transformative! In
order to look great you
have to first find your true
self and which style you're
most comfortable in (swag,
class, etc). Once you have
figured that out, then you
can go out there, and try
new things out.
Simbulele Moko
The Prefects’ Social
Lolwakhe Maqubela
The prefects’ social is an annual social that has been held at Lilyfontein for the past 5 years. The school invites
prefects from different schools to come together, ignite new friendships and have fun. The prefects that were
there this year were from Dale College, Gonubie High School, Cambridge High School, West Bank High School,
Clarendon Girls’ High School, Beaconhurst High School and Stutterheim High School.
All the prefects that were present can proudly say that it was a day/night to remember. To begin the day, the
prefects took part in a few ice-breakers to get to know one another and were then divided into teams which
consisted of at least one prefect from each school. They had to do fun, yet challenging obstacles which tested
teamwork skills. Tea was served halfway through the challenges and supper at 18:00.
Then to end off the night, the prefects
were able to consolidate newly formed
friendships by being given free time for
socializing. The saddest moment was
having to say goodbye as it was time
to leave, but it was truly a day to
remember. The prefects would like to
thank Mr Welman and Mr Koekemoer
for accompanying them.
Winter Sport
Zukhanye Nqabeni
As we edge closer to the winter sports season and bid farewell to the summer sports, everyone around the
school cannot wait for the sports fixtures to begin. The First Team Hockey boys and girls have already had a taste
of fixtures at the U18Border Schools’ Day on Saturday, 14th of March.
“Though not the most pleasing results we were hoping to see, the purpose of the day,” says First Team Boys
Hockey coach, Mr Tim Stirk, “was that it was plain to see how the team worked together.” The boys played at
the Kat Leisure Astro at Bunkers Hill and the girls played on the Selborne College Astro.
The results were as follows for the girls:
Against Queenstown Girls High School drew 0-0
Against Hudson Park High School drew 0-0
Against Lilyfontein won 3-0,
Against Clarendon High School lost 3-0.
The boys:
Against Selborne College lost 3-0
Against Hudson Park High School lost 2-1
Against Dale lost 1-0
Against Stirling High School drew 0-0.
Q: What has four
wheels and flies?
A: A dump truck.
Q: What gets
wetter and wetter
the more it dries?
A: A towel.
Q: What has holes
all over it but can
still hold water?
A: A sponge.
Tongue
twisters:
If two witches had
two watches, which
witch would watch
which watch?
If eight great apes
ate eighty-eight
grapes, guess how
many grapes each
great ape ate?
The Science Behind The Dress
Bethany Robinson
I am sure many of you have seen the picture of the dress that supposedly “broke the
Internet”. It has caused many debates about its colour and has confused many people,
but is an illusion that can be explained by... Science!
Here is a picture of the above-mentioned dress:
What colours do you see? Do you see blue and black,
white and gold, or something inbetween?
Do not panic if you are seeing different colours to your friends! This just means that
your brain is different and you interpret the colours slightly differently.
Your brain has three colour receptors to identify what colour you are seeing (namely
red, blue and green receptors). The photograph of the dress was taken in poor light
which resulted in the colour being different to what it actually is. The lighting in which
you are seeing the dress now will also play a role as to what colours you see. The colour
in the photograph is such a complex mixture of red, green and blue that none of the
receptors processing the colour dominates. The colour that we end up seeing is a
combination of responses from the receptors in our eyes which
are interpreted differently by each person’s brain.
Here is a picture of the actual dress:
Now what colours do you see?
Amazing what effect different lightings
have on our brains is it not?
Blood drive and the new blood peer
promoters
Monique van der Merwe
Cambridge High saw its first SANBS visit on the first Monday in
February and many new things were on the go. New donors streamed
in to help save lives and old donors faithfully returned to help people
without even knowing whom they were helping.
Some new Blood Peer Promoters also arrived on the scene this year
and helped the SANBS by ensuring every donor went to the correct
station. The Blood Peer Promoters of this year who attended the
SANBS lecture are Gugu, Nande, Sivuyile, Oko, Lutho and Monique.
The first person of the day to donate was a Grade Ten pupil known as
Senzi who commented, “It was scary at first, but once you get used to
the needle you do not even feel it. It also felt great to know I was
contributing to someone’s future. Besides, we each received a heartshaped stress ball and, most importantly, free food!”
All the blood donations of the day amounted to a total of 56 units. The
target for the next Blood Drive is 65 units. The class to donate the most
blood or to get the highest number of people to donate for them will
win a special prize. NOTE: extra points will be given to the class who
can get their class teacher or another teacher to donate blood.
Scifest 2015 Trip
Kelsey Nebbe
Grades 10, 11 and 12’s travelled to
Grahmstown to attend the Scifest event,
along with some of the Grade 7’s from
Cambridge Primary School. The theme for
this year was Light and the majority of the
shows and lectures centred on this theme, but
there were many other different shows too.
Some of our learners took part in shows and
lectures.
The learners on the two-day trip stayed over
at PJ Olivier School and dined on good food
from a local eatery.
Luckily, there were no accidents or incidents
on the road or during the course of Scifest.
Pineapple Dessert
Mbalentle Gxekwa
Easter
Ingredients:
1. 2 pineapples
2. 1 packet of pineapple jelly
3. 1 medium-sized egg
4. 1 and a half cups of water
Christian Easter tells us who Jesus
is and the reason why we celebrate.
It reminds us of the love of Christ by
Him dying on the Cross for
forgiveness of our sins. It relates life
on earth to our eternal destiny as a
result of Jesus’s resurrection.
What you need:
Pot
Spoon
2 bowls
Kettle
Knife
No coloured eggs
Or bunnies here,
Just deep-felt love
For Christ, so dear.
\
Method:
1. Peel the pineapple then grate it into a bowl
2. Take water and pour into kettle then leave to boil.
3. Take a second bowl and pour the sachet of jelly into the
bowl. Gradually add the boiled water to the jelly and mix
together.
4. Pour the jelly mixture into a pot and add the grated
pineapple to the pot. Mix then together and leave to cook.
5. Place the mixture into a bowl and add the white of the egg in
the mixture and stir.
6. Put the bowl into the fridge and leave the pineapple dessert
to set.
7. Once it is set, take it out the fridge and ENJOY.
No Easter baskets
Full of fluff,
Just Jesus on the Cross
Full of love
Don't miss out on this deep love
He's shown to us
He turns the death of His only son
into the gospel.
that’s deep
that should let you know
that true love is not cheap.
I oppose what false prophets preach
in the street.
By Sisipho Gayiya
For the know-it-all’s
Mrs Moore
Very often we do things or say things just because everyone else is doing them. Have you ever asked yourself why?
Or where does it come from? Check to see if you do know it all!
Why do ships and aircraft use ‘’mayday’’ as their call for help?
This comes from the French word “m’aidez”- meaning “help me” – and is pronounced, approximately, “mayday.”
Why do X’s at the end of a letter signify kisses?
In the Middle Ages, when many people were unable to read or write, documents were often signed using an X.
Kissing the X represented an oath to fulfil obligations specified in the documents. The X and the kiss eventually
become synonymous.
Why do people clink their glasses before drinking a toast?
In earlier times it used to be common for someone to try to kill an enemy by offering him a poisoned drink. To
prove to a guest that a drink was safe, it became customary for a guest to pour a small amount of his drink into the
glass of the host. Both men would drink at the same time. When the guest trusted his host, he would only touch or
clink the host’s glass with his own.
***SEE THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW, AFTER ALL!***
Life after school-Gap years
Monique van der Merwe
Everyone is always in such a rush trying to apply to a university or to get a bursary or praying
for a student loan approval, all while studying for matriculation examinations and tests, but
do weever stop and ask ourselves “Is this my only option?”
One other path you can follow after matric is to take a gap year. Now I know what you are
thinking, “A gap year? Is she mad? We will lose precious time that we could be using to study
for a degree!” A gap year is only a negative idea if you choose to let it be one. The most
important thing to think of is HOW YOU WILL SPEND YOUR GAP YEAR/S...
If you take a year off after school to sit at home and watch television, you will obviously have
a negative situation on your hands.
Here are a few productive ways to spend your gap year/s:
1. You can spend a year travelling around the world with missionary groups. You not only
spread the word of God, but see many different places and people.
2. One can apply to be an au pair overseas in places such as Europe and America. You will
see a part of the world while earning some money. You will not have to worry about
rent and, depending on the family, you get all your meals free too.
3. You can spend your time doing research about different career paths that interest you
and do some job-shadowing. In this way you really get to know what happens in any
job you may be interested in. You will be well-educated and will be able to make the
best decision on what to study the following year.
4. A great way to up your chances of landing a job in the future is to gain work
experience. You can spend your year doing odd jobs of all different kinds, such as
temping at an accounting or law firm, babysitting or working with charities.
There are so many other things you can do after school. Remember to keep your eyes open
for opportunities and, also, university is not for everybody. Something else in life may be
what you are looking for.
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