Aberdeen Secondary Matric Results

At first glance, the results from Aberdeen Secondary School look to be disappointing, as the pass rate has dropped from 87.5% in 2010 to only 44% last year. However this needs to be looked at in context, as last year fifty pupils wrote the matric exams, as opposed to only eight the previous year. The teachers are in fact to be congratulated on helping 22 learners, the majority of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds, to achieve a matriculation certificate. Three pupils, Elrice April, Ntombizandile Finnis and Brenden Flippies achieved results of a high enough standard to be able to study for a bachelor’s degree at university, and a further nine qualified for admission to a diploma course.

Ntombizandile Finnis was the top learner in grade twelve, just missing distinctions in isiXhosa and Afrikaans, and this modest young girl has been a high achiever throughout her school career. She confesses to not being particularly organized, but just settling down and working hard throughout the year. She, along with at least three of her former classmates, will be attending South Cape College in Beaufort West next year. Ntombizandile will be studying office administration, a three year course.

When The Advertiser met with several of the learners earlier in the year, it was apparent that many of them seemed unlikely to pass, and perhaps had been “helped” to pass grade eleven, either by the department of education or their teachers. It is understandable that educators feel that children should be given every chance to achieve a matriculation certificate, but it perhaps raises false expectations in a pupil if they are promoted to the next grade despite poor performance throughout the year. Possibly another year in grade eleven would have laid a firmer foundation for the matric year – or in the case of those either not academically inclined or interested, a course at an FET college such as Eastcape Midlands College in Graaff-Reinet or South Cape College in Beaufort West would be more beneficial.

Ntombizandile Finnis, top learner at Aberdeen Secondary

 

A group of matrics wait anxiously for their results

 

Tuinroete Agri Success

The Aberdeen branch of Tuinroute Agri is very proud to have achieved second place in the recent Branch of the Year awards. The company, based in Mossel Bay, has 19 retail stores in the Cape, from Riversdal in the west to Jeffreys Bay in the east, with Aberdeen being the northernmost branch.

The large and well laid out new store on the edge of town opened in May 2010, a far cry from the small and rather cramped premises previously occupied in Porter Street. Originally opened  as a branch of LBK in 1997, the company merged with Tuinroete Agri in July 2008, and the range of products increased dramatically.

Despite the name which gives the impression that the store is only for farmers, many local people have discovered the wonderful range of products for the home. Their own brand bulk baking products sell at prices well below the big supermarkets, there is an extensive range of hardware and plumbing supplies, and even pet food and grooming products are available.

The company places great importance on social responsibility and giving back to the community. To this end, every year an underprivileged learner from Aberdeen Secondary School is sponsored with an amount of R1000 towards the cost of their school clothing and books. The deserving child was nominated by the school as a needy child with a drive to excell , and the company keep a close eye on his progress. They also provide very welcome sponsorships at the annual flock competition in Aberdeen.

The training and constant upgrading of skills is another reason that the Aberdeen branch believes gives them the edge on the other stores. Denzil van Wyk, the floor manager, recently completed NQF levels four and five in retail training, and storeman Michael Witbooi has completed NQF level four. Many of the staff have also attended courses in areas as diverse as irrigation, animal health and first aid.

Denzil van Wyk and Michael Witbooi proudly show off their NQF certificates

 

Staff at Tuinroute Agri

Back - Left to Right:  Francois Jantjies (Cashier), Adri Verwey (Admin), Micheal Witbooi (Storeman), Theunis Holtzhausen (Manager), Andrew O'Conner (Receiving clerk).

Front - Left to Right: Denzil van Wyk (Floor Manager), Jannie de Jaar (Cashier).

 

 

Fashion Show

A small but enthusiastic audience, comprising mostly young people, attended the charity fashion show put on recently showcasing the Max Stoanne range. As well as the fashion models, many of whom looked ready to take the modeling world by storm, several local groups entertained the audience, and there were brisk sales on the refreshments.

One of the most popular items on show was a tshirt emblazoned with the slogan “”Mloza”. According to Max, this is the name given to Aberdeen by the local students when they come home. She used a colourful combination of fabric paints to write the slogan on a plain tshirt, which looked very striking. Another attractive dress was made using material that is more usually used for table cloths, with a large bright pattern.

Designer and organizer Max is waiting for finalization of sales of the garments before she can calculate the amount raised by the show. “I really want to help as many underprivileged children as I can by providing stationery packs for them” said Max. “There are still several outfits available, for males as well as females”. Anyone who is interested in seeing the garments and possibly making a purchase should contact Max on 079 950 4161

The enterprising Max has also donated two outfits of their choice to the Grade 11 boy and girl from Aberdeen Secondary school who achieved the best results academically last year. The lucky recipients will be contacted next week, which will give them and Max plenty of time to work on those dream outfits

Sinovuyo Hlephu models the Mloza tshirt

 

Bongiwe Skosana in an asymmetrical jump suit

 

Iviwe Jacobs in a short print dress

 

Maxlin, the creative mind behind the show and designs

 

 

Samaritan group host Christmas lunch

The Samaritan, a registered non-profit organization based in Cape Town, runs a weekly soup kitchen in Aberdeen, providing a hot nourishing meal for about 60 children, ranging in age from four to fifteen years.

The highlight of the year for the group is the annual Christmas lunch, which is provided to all the children in the scheme. This year marked the third Christmas lunch, and it was held at the United Congregational Church hall. The children enjoyed it tremendously and participated in various activities. They sang  Christmas songs, and there were two girls’ and two boys’ dance groups. One of the boy groups performed the All Black "Haka" even though they are proud South African Rugby supporters!

Each child was given a Christmas packet of sweets and treats to take home.  

Marius Bailey, chairperson of the Samaritan, travelled to Aberdeen for the occasion. “The Samaritan wants to thank our partners, the leadership of United Congregational Church, Lotusville, for availing the church hall to us, and our dear Volunteers who were hard at work during the year to make this programme a big success at Aberdeen” said Bailey. “We also would like to call on any person who wants to invest their time, skills and expertise and to serve as a volunteer in our organisation. We are also involved in sports ministry, adventure /hiking club, skills development, and arts & culture”.

The main funders for these projects are members of the Baileys’ church, Samaritan Gospel Ministries, and Bailey’s wife Lynette and her sister's  Nicolene company, Shosoloza Cleaning Services in Western Cape.

Anyone interested in helping this worthwhile initiative may contact the Aberdeen Community Projects manager Ben Arries on 074 286 6652

Some of the youngsters at The Samaritan Christmas lunch