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College - College -General Overview

2015 marked a year that began on an academic high. Having had the best Grade 12 results to date, at the end of 2014, supplementary exams were completed and Pretoria Chinese School boasts having achieved a 100% University Entrance Pass rate – a first for our school and an accolade to the hard work of the teachers and the students. With yet another year of 100% pass rate behind us, 2015 positioned itself as a year where students and teachers alike had to really go the extra mile, with our largest contingency of non –English first language speakers writing matric. Many of this year’s Grade 12’s have been in the country for less than five years, and thus with every extra lesson possible and a Winter school programme – the hope arises that each student can truly maintain their best

and achieve according to their capabilities.

The continuation of the year was filled with further achievement, having students attain top 1% results in IBT’s and having our First Girls’ hockey team win their league. Truly exceptional achievements.

Outreach and Social responsibility fell within the fore this year, offering students an opportunity to exercise their social conscience. Fridays were dedicated to several outreach programmes, and these will continue in years to come, offering students a glimpse into the lives of those in need.A whole school IQAA audit was also undertaken in 2015. Parents, students and teachers all participated, with many of the enlightening responses having been addressed. The school passed with flying colours but a dedication to improvement is the way of the College – so we shall not be sitting on our laurels but looking at new, innovative ways to better the College as a whole.

During the course of the year, Miss Koen re-located and a shuffle occurred in the college with Mr Joubert taking over her classes and Mr Buchalter being employed as an English teacher. Mr Brian van Niekerk, as well as Mr Thinus Bothma also took up new posts for 2016 and a sad farewell was bade to them at the end of the year. We thank them for everything they have given

the school and wish them well on their new adventures.

This year has seen an influx of applications for Grade 8 in 2016. This is indeed heartening news, as the hard work of the staff and dedication that they show is surely paying off. I do believe that the College is a state of growth – where in 2016 – we will continue to look to other schools who are flourishing academically, socially, sporting-wise and culturally. We will need to learn from them, implement new ideas – and from this – within the near future I see the College section of Pretoria Chinese School being a forerunner.

General Overview

Mrs Jacky Saffy

HiGHliGHts | CHarity-HOnG ninG easter treats

As part of the PCS PRIDE project, 24 students in the College (be-tween Grade 8 and 12) visited the Hong Ning Chinese Aged Home on Thursday 2 April 2015. We were greeted by Mr. Timmy Sam, who co-ordinates and runs the home; and we were led down to the main hall upon arrival.

We handed out the Easter Box-es to the residents and staff at the home. The boxes had been decorated and made in the Friday afternoon sessions of PCS PRIDE and then filled with the Easter Eggs collected by the College. In total, 784 eggs were collected and the class who had outstanding participation was 8C – congrat-ulations to Miss Coetzer and her class. 8C got to wear civvies to school on Thursday 16 April as a “thank you” reward.

The reactions from the residents, upon receipt of their boxes, were priceless and the smiles on their faces were contagious. Each of us had a chance to sit and converse

with the residents and we thor-oughly enjoyed the short time we spent there. After taking a group photo, which caused much hilari-ty, we had to make our way back to Pretoria.

During the visit, we also handed out 15 knee blankets that were made out of squares knitted by PCS Junior Primary students and their willing families, as a project during the winter of 2014 and very beautifully sewn together by Mrs. Angela van Zyl.

We thank everyone involved in our first outreach project of the year.

Selycia Curwen and Jenna van Zyl (Grade 11)

Charity-Hong Ning Easter Treats

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College - College -HiGHliGHts | JuniOr City COunCil

Being a part of the Junior City Council is always filled with the perfect balance between hard work and lots of fun and this year was no exception. The Junior City Council is a youth organisation that raises money for charity by hosting events to unite the youth of Pretoria. During 2015, the an-nual golf day, touch rugby day, Mr and Mrs JCC and JCC voice were hosted. All were huge successes and as always, but for the final time, it has been a privilege to represent the Pretoria Chinese School at the Junior City Council and I wish future representatives good luck.

Olivia de Kok (Grade 12)

Junior City CouncilHiGHliGHts | aCademiC awards

Grade 8 – Top achieversNaledi Poopedi: 3rd in Grade2nd place in Afrikaans, Accounting, Life Orientation and Geography3rd place in Technology, Business Studies and Visual ArtAverage: 83.5%

Aliyah Abader: 2nd in Grade1st place in Afrikaans, English, Life Orientation, History, Physical Science, Technology and Life Sciences2nd place in Business Studies3rd place in AccountingAverage 85.7% and awarded full academic colours

Ntsatsi Mabokano: 1st in Grade1st place in: Business Studies, Geography, Visual Arts, Mathematics, and Accounting2nd place in History and Physical Science3rd place in AfrikaansAverage 86.1% and awarded full academic colours

Grade 9 – Top achieversLeandra de Ascensao: 3rd in Grade1st in Life OrientationAverage 76.3%Ntokozo Sibanyoni: 2nd in Grade1st place in Technology2nd place in History, English, Business Studies, Accounting3rd place in Life Sciences and MusicAverage 82.5% and awarded Academic Half Colours

Lethabo Ndumo: 1st in Grade1st place in Accounting, Life Sciences,

Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography, English, Business Studies, Afrikaans2nd place in Technology and Life OrientationAverage 87.1% and awarded Full Academic Colours

Grade 10 – Top achieversDeewha Han: 3rd in Grade1st place in Engineering Graphic Design and Physical Science2nd place in MathematicsAverage 72.53%

Pieter van Burick: 2nd in Grade1st place in Afrikaans, Information Technology3rd place in MathematicsAverage: 77.33%

Mokgatjane Gaffane: 1st in Grade1st place in Business Studies, English and Life SciencesAverage 77.49%

Grade 11 – Top achieversWei Yeng Chan: 3rd in Grade2nd place in Business Studies, Mathematics and Computer Application Technology3rd place in Physical ScienceAverage: 80,78%

Connor Fenton:2nd in Grade3rd place in Mathematics2nd place in Physical Science and Afrikaans1st place in English, Information Technology and Life SciencesAverage 85.64% and awarded Full Academic Colours

Claudia de Kok: 1st in Grade3rd place in English

2nd place in Life Sciences1st place in Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography, Life OrientationAverage 86.52% and awarded Full Academic Colours

Mrs Jacky Saffy

Academic Awards

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College - College -HiGHliGHts | taiwan tOur

How can a three week tour to an unbelievably beautiful island be described in a mere para-graph? Taiwan was not only rich in culture but also filled with interesting food and coated in breath taking scenery. The tour afforded us the opportunity to meet people from Australia, New Zealand, Brunei and Mauritius. While learning about Taiwanese culture, exploring temples and browsing colourful night markets, the South Africans were also filled in on overseas slang. From bubble tea on every corner, to eating live shrimp, this tour has definitely left us with unforgettable memo-ries. “Taiwan, the heart of Asia” is a line that will not be forgotten.

Olivia de Kok (Grade 12)

Taiwan TourHiGHliGHts | taiwan tOur

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College - College -HiGHliGHts | taiwan tOur HiGHliGHts | taiwan tOur

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College - College -HiGHliGHts | taiwan tOur aCtivities | stay awake / Grade 10 entrepreneur’s day

On the 10th of April 2015, the Grade 11s hosted the annual stay awake which was a jam packed night with multiple entertaining activities in which to partake such as the soccer tournament for the football fanatics, karaoke for the adenoidal singers, board games, the LAN and play station tournaments for the tech junkies and the spa treatments and, for those of us (myself included) who had more of an interest in stuffing our faces, there was the food room where all the food fundies came together to indulge in the assorted meals, drinks and snacks offered on the night.

The highlight of the night was at 12pm, when a scary movie was played that left some with chills down their spines and led others to do the exact opposite of what was intended for the night: falling asleep.

All in all, it was a lively night packed with fun, friends and food .I’m sure I speak for everyone who attended when I say it was a truly unforgettable night.

Thabang Leshabane (Grade 11)

As part of the Grade 10 Assessments, the Business Studies’ students are asked to come up with a business idea and compile a Business Plan. They then test this idea by creating the businesses they have conceptualised. The students were divided into teams and got creative. Each year, new and exciting business concepts are explored. This year the following items were on offer: A burger combo, Pizza, Milkshakes/Crushers and Water Balloon Fun.

Stay Awake Grade 10Entrepreneur’s Day

Milkshakes and Crushers to cool down.

Burgers, burgers everywhere!!!

A bit of fun in the sun for the heads and deputies... w

ater balloon fun!

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College - College -aCtivities | Grade 10 entrepreneur’s day

Grade 10Entrepreneur’s Day

A lot of work went into market research and advertising. Some teams came up with ingenious ways to punt their ideas. However, it all came down to the performance on the day itself. Friends were enlisted to assist last minute as the budding entrepreneurs soon realised exactly how much work it is to run a business.

The head boy and head girl were joined by their deputies to perform a bit of community service, by offering themselves as targets for the water balloon stall. All teams made profits and welcomed the idea to try this wonderful venture again one day.

Mrs Simone Olivier

Food, because growing boys are always hungry.

The water balloons proved a very popular stall with many group members receiving and counting money.

exCursiOns | marOpenG / niGHt at tHe museum

Towards the beginning of 2015, the Grade 12 class of 2015 was granted the privilege of visiting Maropeng, the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. The excursion included a tour of the Sterkfontein Caves as well as a detailed explanation of the history of mankind and the evolution of the various hominids prior to the development of Homo Sapiens. The trip was extremely beneficial as it broadened our knowledge on important Grade 12 Life Sciences topics. Thank you very much to the Pretoria Chinese School and to our Life Science’s teacher, Mr Brian van Niekerk, for the educational trip. Olwethu Mthembu (Grade 12)

Life Sciences Outing Term 1

On Friday, 6 March 2015, we departed for the Transvaal Museum of Natural History for our “Night at the Museum”.

Upon our arrival, the guide promptly introduced himself and welcomed us into a small waiting room. After being given a short introduction to the history and rules of the museum, the group (consisting of Grade 11 and 12 students) were led into the magnificent Bird Hall. Within this awe-inspiring room were countless embodiments of our planet’s most fascinating and breathtaking birds. We were also told to acquaint ourselves with this space as it was where we would rest our heads for the night.Insectiods, reptilians and even the jaws of Megalodon lay in wait as we entered Genesis Hall. Perhaps the only thing more surprising than the exhibits, were the facial expressions of the children staring in amazement at the offerings. A good half-hour was spent wandering how such huge beasts roamed our very country a few million years previously.

The Mammal Hall was absolutely phenomenal and the lesson about the evolution of Homo Sapiens and other hominids who called, what we know as, Africa their home was very informative and enlightening. I have never before been so intrigued by something so beautiful in its ‘primitive’.

We were also sent out on a treasure hunt (and had to use the knowledge we had gained thus far to guide us on our quest), had a game-show style quiz and, finally, were treated to a movie in the theatre.

With all of these activities, the only thing that was missing from our ‘Night at the Museum’ was sleep…

Connor Fenton (Grade 11H)

Excursions

Night at the Museum

Maropeng

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College - College -exCursiOns | BOtaniCal Gardens experienCe / a HistOriCal experienCe

Botanical Gardens ExperienceOn 31st of March the Grade 8 and 10 Life Science learners visited the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a team of experts who, throughout the day, led us through the gardens. After being divided into groups we were given the necessary tools to identify and classify different plants. Thereafter, we were put up against each other and each group was challenged to a number of activities across the varying biomes. These included identifying and describing different kinds of vegetation and using that knowledge to determine its inhabitants. We also collected samples and graphically represented the knowledge we had gained.

The day was concluded with a picnic in the central garden. The excursion allowed us to establish relationships which might not have been otherwise and create bonds with our peers while learning about nature, while in nature.

The out-of-class learning experience allowed us to see nature in its element and the lessons that were taught, theoretically, during class come to life in a practical setting. The overall experience was, without a doubt, intriguing and beneficial to us all.

Mokgatjane Gaffane, Bonolo Kolodi & Molebogeng Senoamadi (Grade 10)

A Historical ExperiencePretoria’s Best Site Educating Us About South African History.

I was very fascinated on August 5, 2015, when I visited Freedom Park in Pretoria with the rest of the Grade Nines. I learnt so much about South African history, as well as African history in general. Some of the topics covered were: the Apartheid Regime, the African Diaspora and the different African cultures. At the start of the trip, we saw an “eternal flame” that was lit by Thabo Mbeki himself in 2002. In my eyes, the flame means eternal freedom and passion for all the people living on the African continent. Many great people died for the South Africa of today, and we thank them for their sacrifice.

It was, therefore, an honour to experience their journeys and know that we reap the benefits of what they fought for every single day.

Tshimologo Mmutlana (Grade 9)

CO-CurriCular prOGramme | BasketBall

Basketball

Free throw taken by Ethan Domingo, with Eugene Chen and Gilan van Reenen waiting for a possible rebound.

U16 Basketball team in a strategy session with Coach S’bu.

Mpumelelo Makhaza rising high to catch the rebound.

Gilan van Reenen setting up Katlego Kgogome for a 2 pointer.

Gilan van Reenen attempting a 3 pointer with Joshua Augustyn and Ethan Domingo setting up to win a potential rebound.

Eugene Chen attempting to sink a free throw.

U16 Basketball team in action against Rustenburg

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College - College -CO-CurriCular prOGramme | HOCkey

The college girls’ hockey team won their league and as a reward for their hard work, their name and a number of their choice was printed onto their playing shirts. Well done girls.

Mr Keegan Holmwood

Hockey

Mr Holmwood and Coach, Ms Coetzer handing over the players’ shirts.

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“Team work makes the dream work”-this was the ultimate goal for the 2015 girls hockey season. We did not dream of winning our league but we did have a dream of making hockey fun and; while doing that, show off our fantastic skills by working together with our teammates. We had to work hard on our basics and knowledge about the game. We also had to welcome nine new Grade 8 players and a new coach. Even though it took us all a while to get to know one another, this did not stop us from having success on and off the field. We won all our league games comfortably, and boy, did we have fun.

Our results were as follows:

Hoërskool Tuine vs. PCS: 0-5Cornerstone College vs. PCS: 0-6Hoërskool CR Swart vs. PCS: 1-4Hillview College vs. PCS: 0-10 Curro Roodeplaat vs. PCS: 3-0Crawford College vs. PCS: 3-2

This is indeed an astonishing record! We played the first four schools as part of our league and, after that, went to playoffs to determine wherever we could move up to the next league. This is where the Curro and Crawford matches came in. In other words, we won our hockey league for the first time in 80 years. This is an amazing achievement and will inspire us to do the same next year. Unfortunately, we are not moving up to the next league for 2016 after a very close game with Crawford. Our top scorer for this season was Gabriella Pesquito with a whopping 11 goals. We only had 7 goals scored against us while we scored 27. Each goal was a team effort and the teamwork among the

girls was inspirational. We cannot wait for all the new Grade 7 players who will be joining us next year but we also have to say goodbye to our Grade 12’s, Gaby and Hayley. These two ladies had a hugely positive influence in the team and we will miss them dearly. When asked to share their favourite memory of the season and a final goodbye message, this is what they said:

Hayley: My favourite memory is all the laughs we had at practice while doing fitness. I had fun and a memorable last season of school hockey that I will never forget. Thank you and I will miss you.

CO-CurriCular prOGramme | HOCkey Girls Open team

Hockey Girls Open TeamGaby: I had the privilege of leading the team this season and had an unforgettable time. I am proud to be part of a great team and a great school. Thank you to our lovely coach that supported me in everything- day and night. We are more than just chicks with sticks and I pray that you will have many seasons of success. I will miss you but I promise I will also be next to the field every time you play.

I would like to thank each and every player

who contributed to this successful season. I cannot wait to see you all on the field again next year. I would also like to thank the parents for allowing their daughters to play and participate in this lovely sport. I am looking forward to the next season and believe wholeheartedly that we can, and will, go from strength to strength.

Coach: Miss Anike Coetzer

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College - College -CO-CurriCular prOGramme | Open sOCCer BOys

This year had a bit of a rocky start with pre-season training in the first term and finding our feet in the second term. The boys showed excellent sportsmanship throughout the season despite some opponents displaying the opposite. Our boys were the embodiment of what our school stands for and, as a coach, I could not be more proud of this exceptional group of young men.We received a sponsorship for a kit this season and we would like to give our thanks to Metal Connection for the amazing contribution that they have made. With a new kit on their backs, the boys were very committed and always attended practices.

The Grade 12 boys really took up a leadership role and lead the team with outstanding morals and values which the youngsters in the team will be able to carry through into 2016. I would like to thank our captain, Fabio De Ascensao, who always showed his team mates what real determination looked like, how to play the game with a winning attitude and to never give up.

All in all, I believe that this soccer season has started a winning trend for the Pretoria Chinese School and it has been a privilege to coach these boys.

Mr Len Joubert

Warming up is essential.

Some of the Open Boys Soccer Team sporting their sponsored kits.

Open Soccer BoysCO-CurriCular prOGramme | sOCCer u15 BOys

The U15 Boys Soccer Team had a rocky start to the season with only 11 boys being available to play (a whole team but without any substitutes). In the pre-season friendly game, areas that needed attention were identified in a 1-7 loss to Curro Thatchfield.

With the competitive season starting at the beginning of Term Two, the boys were ready and focused for the games which lay ahead. Training sessions focused on tactics and set-play pieces with strategies being laid out in preparation for each game.

The season’s results were as follows:14 May PCS v Maragon Olympus Won 2 – 118 May Max Stibbe v PCS Lost 2 – 128 May The Glen B v PCS Won 3 – 2

The most exciting game of the season was definitely against The Glen with a late goal securing the win. As a result, the U15 team placed 3rd in their pool and were awarded bronze medals by the league.

The season culminated in a friendly against Mount Cambridge which the boys won convincingly with a 3 – 0 score line.

Every boy in the team trained hard throughout the season and achieved a lovely set of results from some tight games. I congratulate every one of them and wish all of the Grade 9s all the best as they move up to the Open team for 2016.

Bantu Thomas was awarded the Most Improved Player for 2015 and Rungano Munatsi the Best Player Award for all of the goals he scored. None of their achievements or goals would have counted for much if it were not for the outstanding efforts of the entire team, especially those of Josh Augustyn in goals who saved many shots and often made the difference in whether the team won or lost.

I cannot wait for the 2016 season and know that the boys are looking forward to it too.

Miss Kate Hundermark, Coach and Manager

Soccer U15 Boys

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College - College -students wOrk | art Class

Art Worksstudents wOrk | Grade 9l - if i Had tHree wisHes

Grade 9 L - Mrs. L. Louw

If I had three wishes…..

Leandra De Ascensao 1. I wish I had more wishes.

2. I wish I could travel the world for free.

3. I wish I could speak all the languages in the world.

Gabrielle Fortune

1. I wish I had more wishes.

2. Endless amount of money.

3. Endless amount of food.

Matthew Futter 1. I wish I could be a super hero.

2. I wish I had more money to buy cars.

3. I wish for more wishes.

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College - College -students wOrk | Grade 9l - if i Had tHree wisHes

Lebone Simelane Kgengwenyane 1. For the world to be made out of food.

2. To be the President of South Africa.

3. To be able to talk to dead people.

Mpumulelo Makhaza 1. I wish I could play for the NBA.

2. I wish I had any super power I thought of.

3. I wish I had more wishes.

Tshimologo Mmutlana 1. To be smarter than Albert Einstein.

2. To be a body builder.

3. To be a rich business man.

Keamogetswe Mohale 1. I wish I was two again.

2. To eat chocolate without getting fat.

3. To be with grade 9L until matric.

Rungano Munatsi 1. I wish I was the President of Zimbabwe.

2. I wish I had a beautiful wife.

3. I wish I had infinitely more wishes.

Ciara Nel

Absent during photo day.

1. Travel the world for free.

2. Endless supply of money.

3. Unlimited wifi forever.Karabo Nemukongwe 1. To make money.

2. To be rich.

3. To make money.

Ntokozo Sibanyoni 1. To have money.

2. For people to laugh at my dry jokes.

3. I wish I could read all the books in the world.

Bantu Thomas 1. To become successful after school.

2. To have more shoes and clothes.

3. To get married to a beautiful latin wom-an.

students wOrk | Grade 9l - if i Had tHree wisHes

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College - College - matriCs paGe | 40 days

40 Days matriCs paGe | 40 days

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College - College -matriCs paGe | matriC danCe

Matric Dance

matriCs paGe | matriC danCe

Matric Dance... the highlight of 12 years as a scholar. For the Matrics of PCS at least 20 minutes of each period was allocated to discussing anything Matric Dance related. Putting that into a ratio: Matric consisted of roughly a month just speaking about Matric Dance. When the big night finally arrived, I don’t think anyone was really at terms with its reality. It was much too magical. From the lights and photos that hung from the white trees decorating our tables to the fire dancers who lit up the Friday night sky. Nobody could have asked for anything more spectacular. It was definitely worth the 12 year wait!

Olivia de Kok (Grade 12)

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College - College -matriCs paGe | matriC Breakfast

The time had come, on the 16th of October, to formally bid farewell to our Matrics. Some of them had already started writing final exams but were able to take time off from their busy schedules to join their teachers for the 2015 Matric Breakfast. The Grade 11 classes set up the breakfast tables and were exempla-ry waiters. Mrs Olivier wished them well on the path ahead and a continental breakfast was served. It was then the Matrics’ turn to say a few words. One by one they rose, thanked and bid farewell to the people who had assisted them on their journey throughout the year. They also graciously presented each one of their teachers’ with a parting gift. Soon teachers and students realised the finality of it all and it ended in one or two tears escaping and betraying their resolve.

Matric Breakfast

matriCs paGe | valediCtiOn speeCH - Head BOy

Honorable Principal, our admirable Deputy Headmistress, my respected teachers, parents, special guests and distinguished students of this prestigious school, good morning to you all.

It’s overwhelming to be standing in front of you. I am at a pivotal point in my life. The path I will take is unseen yet optimistic and the path I have taken has left a clear trail. When I gather my memories of the past 13 years, I remember my best and my worst, yet these are only a part of the dramatic changes Pretoria Chinese School has undergone since my first day as a student in 2003. This has been my home and I am delighted to be in your midst to address you at

this auspicious assembly.

Throughout the past 13 years I have made wonderful friends, been taught by some incredible teachers and learnt in a profoundly friendly environment. When I started school in Grade 0, I was a timid, frightened little boy. I used to be scared of almost everything. But since then, I have grown up and become more confident, mature and proud. Just as I have grown, PCS has also undergone much change; it puts me in awe when I step back to dwell on it. The memories I recall most fondly include my Grade 7 farewell as well as all the events that occurred during Grade 11 and 12, mainly fundraising for the Matric dance of 2014 as well as our very own Matric dance this year.

It has been a great honour to represent the Pretoria Chinese School as Head Boy this year. So, here I stand. I am not standing here because I am the best student academically, or because I am better than any of you. Truth is, I was molded by my environment and by all of my peers who are sitting here watching me. I couldn’t have accomplished this without all of you. It was all of you who truly made me the person I am today. It was all of you who were

my competition but, at the same time, my backbone. In that way, we are all winners and we will all be successful. I believe that PCS has taught me and guided me for most of my adolescent life. But I have learned far more than just academic skills. Being Head Boy has developed my leadership, time management and negotiation skills, my team working ability and the ability to delegate, while facing numerous challenges. I would like to thank Mr. Gelling for entrusting me with the duty to lead this school as well as the rest of my grade.Just a few days ago I was speaking to my mother and she mentioned that when I was younger I said that I didn’t ever want to leave this school because I loved the uniform. This made me reflect on how fast time has flown. Many of us joined this prestigious place of learning as children who barely knew how to read or write, with Natasha Pillay being here since Grade 0, Olwethu Mthembu since Grade 1, Metse Phiri since Grade 2 and Gabriella Pesquito, our Head Girl, since Grade 3. Here we are now ready to take on the world. Each one of us has a distinct personality, thank you very much to this school for shaping us. Many of us today aspire to join different fields, with Hayley studying Child Psychology, Metse studying Informatics, Olwethu studying

Valediction Speech Head Boy

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College - College -matriCs paGe | valediCtiOn speeCH - Head BOy

BSc in Biochemistry, Gabriella studying BSc in Biological Sciences, Leila studying Finance and Accounting, Jin Won studying Civil Engineering, Daniel studying Mechanical Engineering, Natasha studying BA Law, Olivia studying Multimedia, Shelley studying BCom Accounting and myself studying BCom Supply Chain Management.

We all are grateful for the unconditional love our teachers have showered us and assisted in making us what we are today. On behalf of all the Grade 12’s I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our teachers for treating us as if we were their own children and for being there for us when we needed them. We will always remember and respect you. This great institution of learning, which was truly a home away from home, will always be our second home.

A message to the class of 2015; The glory of God is equally given to everyone, we all have similar brains and the fact that you are here today means that your parents love you and are supporting you unconditionally, and what better way to show gratitude to God than by utilizing the very gifts He gave us

than to pursue knowledge with excellence? And what better way of expressing thanks to our parents than for them to see us excel, succeed and become accomplished young people? Therefore, I say to you, indeed the sky is not your limit but your starting point. Conquer your fears and you will be whatever you want to be. You can be great scientists, even greater than Isaac Newton, Alfred Nobel, Neil Bohr and Albert Einstein. You can be great philosophers, even greater than Plato, Socrates and Aristotle. You can be great inventors, greater than Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Charles Babbage, Rudolf Diesel and Carl Benz. You can be great innovators and even greater than Bill Gates of Microsoft, Steve Jobs of Apple, Sergey Brim and Larry Page of Google. With our final exams just around the corner, let us give it our all for just one more month and, with this being said, I will leave my fellow Matrics with a quote from Jim Rohn; “Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands, but

not you.” It’s now or never; let us pave our own roads to a successful future.

To the juniors of this college, who will someday take our places, strive for excellence. And to the Matrics of 2016, I wish you all the very best and I know you will continue to lead the school to new heights.

Marianne Williamson said: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure, we ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous, actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us and as we let our own shine we will consciously give other people permission to do the same.”

I’d like to end off by saying ‘Floreat Collegium’ which is Latin meaning Let the College continue to flourish, therefore I end by saying to you, Floreat Pretoria Chinese School, let PCS continue to flourish.

Fabio De Ascensao

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“We are born weak, we need strength; helpless, we need aid; foolish, we need reason. All that we lack at birth, all that we need when we come to man’s estate, is the gift of education”.

Good morning Mr Gelling, Mrs Saffy, Teachers, Parents, College and most importantly Matrics of 2015. It is unreal for me to think that in just over a month we will be finished with our schooling career. It feels like just the other day we were all playing on those exact jungle gyms watching the “big people” of our school walk past during break time, fast forward about 10 years

later and we are those “big people”.

Our time here at school is limited. We only really have one chance to make something worthwhile of our time. To live our life in such a way that, when we leave, a part of us lives on. When I look back, I realize that what matters most is not the dates representing when we were born and when we will, ultimately, die but rather the dash between those years, for it speaks of how your time was spent. When I came to PCS, I knew that I was not always going to be the best at every game but that did not mean that I could not leave my mark in everyday life and add meaning to my dash. It just meant that I had to change my focus. I no longer strove to be the best but rather strove toward being a better person, and in doing so, be the best I could be. Not many of us will slay any dragons, cure any disease, be famous sport stars, excellent academics or talented musicians, but we are all called to be kings and queens in our everyday lives

because we have the power to make a decision to be better today than we were yesterday and so add value to our dash. So that, when you have reached this stage in your life, your dash will say: “I was here, and where I was, people were glad that I came around.” Wherever you go and whatever you decide to do with your time here at school continually ask yourself: Will I be proud of what people have to say about how I spent my dash? I know I am.

Matrics, we can take comfort in knowing that we have lived our dashes to the fullest and in doing so, our memory will continue to live on in the hearts of the learners and within the walls of this school. It has been my honour and privilege to have been part of a Matric group as talented and as full of zest as that of the class of 2015. We have spent some good years together, and to be honest, some of the best years of our lives were spent within the walls of The Pretoria Chinese School. We laughed together, we cried together, we shared secrets

Valediction Speech Head Girl

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and even lunch. We shone, but most importantly, we stuck together no matter what. In the good times we were drawn together and, in the hard times, even closer still. We have all grown. We have found in each other, true friendships that will last a lifetime. We have left our mark in this school and in one another’s lives. I often say that what is valuable is not what you have, but who you have in your life. Thank you to each and every one of you for adding value to my years here. Some of us, as sad is it may sound, may never ever cross paths again but, even so, I am thankful that our paths have crossed and that I have been afforded the opportunity to share the best five years of my life with all of you. I’d like to thank all our teachers for being there for us, and for every single thing you’ve done for us over the past years, especially this year, for the good times we’ve had when we were with you, for the confidence you’ve shown in us, for standing by our sides even when we were wrong and, most importantly, for teaching us some of the

most important lessons in life. To Mr Gelling, thank you for your continuous support throughout this year and for taking our school to new heights. A special thank you to Mrs Saffy. She never stops –she is always on the move. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you have done for us this year. Your hard work is greatly appreciated and we wouldn’t have been able to do most things if it weren’t for you. To our register teacher, Mrs Olivier, Thank you for your motherly care and guidance here at school. For guidance not only this year, but also in the past as we walked this journey to the culmination of our schooling career. To the Grade 11s, the soon to be Matrics of 2016, I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but in the end it will be worth it. Cherish every moment because last year, when I was told Matric flies, I didn’t believe it but here I stand now in awe of how quickly it went by.

Lastly, to the Matrics, I wish you well in the pursuit of your dreams and wish to leave you with this:

“Opportunity knocks at the strangest times. It is not the time that matters, but how you answer the door.” So answer it with a smile.

The Pretoria Chinese School has helped us go far higher and further than we could have imagined. Let us go out and give that to the world.

Gabriella Pesquito

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2015 had Dr Karien Henrico a lecturer at the Department of Somatology, Faculty of Health Sciences, at the University of JHB and 2015 top 12 Mrs South Africa address the Grade 12’s on overcoming cir-cumstances to be forerunners in their fields. It was a privilege and humbling experience to follow her remarkable journey and I must say it certainly resonated amongst the Grade 12’s.

The following awards were handed out at this prestigious event:

Hayley Futter Sports scroll for winning Hockey league

Top achiever in Mathematical literacy with 75%.SeongBeen Hong Receives an Exceptional Achievement award from

the IEB for being ranked in top 1% of learners in Grade 11 IeBT Mathematics.

Gabriella Pesquito Sports scroll for winning Hockey league

Top achiever in Afrikaans with 88%.Omphemetse Phiri Top achiever in IT with 70%.Natasha Pillay Merit award for representing PCS at the Junior

City Council.Kaylan Reddy Top achiever in Computer Application Technology

81% and is shared top achiever in Life Orientation with 90%.

Olivia De Kok Merit award: for representing PCS at the Junior City Council.

Top achiever in Music 70%

Top achiever in English 85%

Joint Top achiever in Life Orientation 90%Jiayan Liang Top achiever in Life Sciences 87%

Top achiever in Business Studies 86%

For this achievement as the top Business Stud-ies student Jiayan was also awarded The Boston City Campus and Business College bursary To the value of R8000

Hanseul Kim Accounting 85%

Physical Science 89%

Mathematics 90%

First place in the Grade with an average of 83%

Valediction

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Special Awards:LoyaltyThe loyalty shield is awarded to individuals or an individual who has been a student at The Pretoria Chi-nese School since Grade R. This year’s loyalty award was bestowed upon Natasha Pillay and Fabio de Ascensiao.

FellowshipThe fellowship award denotes an individual who is voted the friend of the College. Someone who builds positive relationships amongst their peer group. This years’ fellowship award as voted by the Grade 12’s went to Kaylan Reddy

Principal’s awardThe Principal’s Award is given to an individual who embodies the Olympic ideals – those of fair play, toler-ance and empathy. 2015’s award went to Fabio de Ascensao

Sports person This award was introduced two years ago and is bestowed upon the student who complies with the vision and mis-sion of the Pretoria Chinese School – that of participation. The student must participate in an array of sports, across the duration of their entire College career. This year’s award goes to a student who participated in netball, hockey, swimming and athletics over the past five years as well as having swum midmar as well as a student who played table tennis, soccer, basketball, athletics and swimming – this year’s award was shared by Olwethu Mthembu and Gabriella Pesquito.

The Orchid Award is awarded to the top 3 students in the College phase, based on their averages. This very presti-gious award went to the following:

In 3rd place: Olivia de Kok with an average of 75%

In 2nd place: Jiayan Liang 76%

In 1st place, with an average of 83% and Dux Scholar for 2015 Hanseul Kim

Grade 12’s then accompanied the rest of the College to the school bell – which was rung for the last time by each Grade 12 student whereafter they then ceremoniously walked through an arch made up of all the College students.

Mrs Jacky Saffy