CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 2011

SRC drives Clubs and Societies at SP.

‘It is that time of year again when club members are hyped to be sharing their knowledge with the new Grade 8s and other interested students. Participation in these clubs can be seen as a gateway to skills development and ensure enriching experiences for all. The SRC at SP is proud to be the driving force of an initiative to untap the talents of a receptive student body. Seize the moment. Life is all about grabbing opportunities. And let us live our school motto: “NON MINISTRARI SED MINISTRARE : Not to be served but to serve”. Students are encouraged to join these clubs and make a difference.’ - Kim Smith (2010/2011 SRC Leader)

Students and teachers involved in running the various clubs had the following to say about what their clubs have to offer:

Interact Society                                                                                                                                                    This society, co-ordinated by Mrs Harriet Sampson, Ms Jill Friester and Mrs Y. Isaacs, has as its objective a desire to instill an awareness amongst SP students about the plight of the homeless and struggling in the community; visits to orphanages, old-age homes and informal settlements are envisaged. Projects include clothing and blanket drives. tin-food drives, etc. Activities include running a soup kitchen at The Haven in Wynberg, one-on-one sessions with residents of the hostel of the League of Friends of the Blind in Grassy Park and visits to the Red Cross Childrens’ Hospital. Thanks to the efforts of the teacher co-ordinators, the school received computers from the San Francisco Friendship Force in 2009. Two student members of the Interact Society attended a Rotary Leadership Camp during the September holidays. A highly successful venture was the hosting of a number of orphanages at school one Sunday morning in October 2010. The orphans were treated to games and other fun activities by the members of the Interact Club, and were given party packs and gifts to take back with them.

On 13 October 2010 the outgoing members of the Executive Committee were given a send-off in the form of a supper in the school hall, and the incoming Exco members were welcomed. Honoured guests were members of the Constantia Rotary club - member Mr Jeremy Howard gave the keynote address - as well as Ms F. Nefdt, teacher in charge of the Interact Club of Norman Henshilwood High. Below are some photos taken on the evening.

Amnesty International and History Club                                                                                                                                           Amnesty International is an international human rights organisation that was founded in 1961. Amnesty International (AI) appeals on behalf of victims of human rights violations, usually along the lines of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Amnesty is independent of all governments and political ideologies. Amnesty opposes any imprisonment that violates a person's rights to hold and express his/her convictions freely. It supports the right to be free from discrimination based on ethnic origin. sex, colour, religion and language

Beading Club                                                                                                                                                     Learn the basics of beading. Become an entrepreneur while meeting others with similar interests.

Book Club                                                                                                                                                           Reading and reviewing is an art. Come and join us as we unpack the ideas of authors and movie directors. Projects include inviting local authors and poets, sight-seeing, and of course visiting museums. studios and movie-houses.

Computer and Lan Club                                                                                                                                      We aim to promote multi-player video-gaming and networking and their benefits.

Choir                                                                                                                                                                The SP choir performs at various functions. We are indeed privileged to have Mr Reggie Dreyer - a well-known musician - to put us through our paces.

Christian Fellowship                                                                                                                                           Offers various activities supporting the Christian ethos. The group is run by students. We see the school as a ‘boot camp’ for the world , where young people can develop their gifts, talents and callings to equip them as the leaders of tomorrow. Activities include workshops, motivational talks, learning more about the bible. hikes, camps and much, much more.

Debating Society                                                                                                                                                  In ancient civilizations the art of public speaking, or rhetoric. was one of the most important subjects to be taught at school. This was to prepare young people to take their rightful place in a democracy. Today, too, it is equally important to debate and discuss a wide range of subjects in public. The gift of' the gab is not bestowed on everyone, but it is possible to learn to debate through practice and so, if you are keen to make your voice heard, or you would like to participate in disciplined group or panel discussions, please join our debating society. We plan to broaden our exciting activities to include quiz competitions on an inter-class, inter-grade, and inter-school level. SP students - to debate or not to debate?. Do not wait ! Let your voices be heard.

SP Radio                                                                                                                                                                 Be part of the revival of SP Radio. Our aim is to develop communication skills and nurture talent in broadcasting. Learn the skills of programming, editing, conducting interviews and commentating on events at SP. Students will develop confidence and improve their public speaking skills.

Drilling Club                                                                                                                                                            Learn the art of marching to a beat as you discover the mysteries of your body and teach yourself physical discipline and harmony in motion. Lots of fun as you keep fit in a unique way.

RC Car Club                                                                                                                                                            Ever wondered how it feels to be a rally driver or Formula One ace? Our miniature cars are fuel injected and, yes, we are licensed! Learn the art of modification in an exciting hobby that gets the adrenalin pumping.

Environmental Club                                                                                                                                             To promote an appreciation - - a state of pride in our environment. Increasing our green footprint. Engaging in beach clean-ups + fynbos revival projects. Exciting news is that the Council has granted SP land at Princess Vlei on which to plant and care for our own fynbos garden. Look out for the signboard on the M5! During the third term members were involved in a project under the auspices of the City of Cape Town’s Green Audit Climate Change Programme. They conducted an audit of electricity and water usage at SP, as well as measuring waste accumulation and determining the school’s carbon footprint. There are five other schools involved in the project. Read more here.

90 by 2030 Club                                                                                                                                                      No, we are not a bunch of soothsayers nor Maths boffins! Together with other such clubs around the country, our aim is to make 90% of South African environmentally aware by 2030 and to get them to reduce their carbon footprint in their homes and businesses. Are you reducing your footprint? Learn more!

Catering Club                                                                                                                                                          Be part of a dynamic team as you become savvy with food. Learn the skills of catering, from planning to presentation. Other skills include baking and cooking, finalising menus and decor. Cooking is fun. Come and join us!

Entrepreneurs Club                                                                                                                                             The club aims at fostering the concept of entrepreneurship. Various activities related to promoting business skills such as running a coffee shop at school and manufacturing rings are organized. Students can acquire hands-on experience in running a small business. This club operates under the guidance of Ms Fakier.

First Aid Society                                                                                                                                                'The aims and objectives are to empower all Life Science students with the basic knowledge of' how to administer First Aid in emergencies. A 6 hour basic course will be offered by qualified instructors from Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance commencing this term. For more details see Jessica Edwards, Mr Baker or Ms Smith.

Muslim Students Association (MSA)                                                                                                                      This club offers various activities supporting the Muslim ethos. These activities include workshops and motivational talks.

Photographic Club                                                                                                                                              Photography has gone digital but the basics remain the same. Learn more.

Pool and Snooker Club                                                                                                                                        Our intentions are to petition the SRC to purchase a pool or snooker table. We will then establish a league and organise tournaments.

Rock Club                                                                                                                                                           Have a passion for rock music? Be informed about gigs, concerts and how to play.

Scrabble Club                                                                                                                                                    Learn the art of word-building socially and competitively. We will participate in internal and external leagues this year.

International Youth Academy                                                                                                                                Interact with students from the Shetland Islands, Sweden, Germany, the Czech Republic and Japan on local and global issues. Activities include research , presentations and fund-raisers. And, oh yes, the opportunity to travel.

Hiking Club                                                                                                                                                      Our objectives are instilling an environmental awareness, love for the outdoors, and fostering sound and healthy lifestyles. Hikes will be undertaken in and around the Western Cape.

Hip Hop Society                                                                                                                                                   Learn the art of hip-hop and breakdancing.

Science Club                                                                                                                                                     Join us in space as we plan our next trip to the other galaxies !!! Just joking. Are you serious about science ? Are you inquisitive ? Want to know about atoms or Einstein's theory of relativity, and what's up at the Science Centre?  Promoting scientific thought, expo preparations and excursions are what we are about. See you there !!!

Members of the Club attended Scifest Africa 2011. Schools from all over the country, as well as internationally, attended this annual festival, held in Grahamstown from 4 - 10 May.  The theme this year was “Science across Cultures”. SP entered a team in the robotics tournament, in which teams had to make working robots, making use of components that they were given. The SP team, consisting of Thakier Stegman, Khaleel Ederies and Duane Marinus (picture l-r below with principal Brian Isaacs), performed with distinction, placing 2nd in the final, after a number of qualifying rounds.

Water Club                                                                                                                                                          Our aim is to offer an alternative sport code to SP students and hopefully keep the dream alive of our very own swimrning pool. Our intentions are to become competitive through social swimming. Coaching available from WP swimmers.

Ice Skating Club                                                                                                                                                 Members visit the Grand West Ice-station at the end of each term.

Web Design and Publishing Club                                                                                                                         Learn the skills of web-page designing and assist the school in upgrading its website. Be part of a creative magazine committee.

SP Basketball Academy                                                                                                                                                                         Promoting basketball.

Cross-country Club                                                                                                                                             Enjoy the environment while keeping fit. Be competitive or be a novice. Our fun starts early in the second quarter.

Jazz Band                                                                                                                                                           The SP Jazz Band performs at various school functions. Guided by Dr Kronenberg.

SP Mathletes                                                                                                                                                           Learn more about numbers as we prepare you for the next Maths Olympiad.

Surfing and Skateboarding Club                                                                                                                               We aim to educate rookies about surfing and skateboarding. Come and be part of the action at Surfers’ Corner in Muizenberg.

History Society                                                                                                                                                       Memory is the weapon. Here students will discuss world events of the past and how they affect the present.

Karate/Self-defence Club                                                                                                                                         Let Naseerah Abrahams show you some basic skills in the ancient art of self -defence.

(Updated 2 May 2011)