Issue no. 11

We Are Captains of Our Own Ship

By Bongi Ngoma

On 22 June 2023, Penryn College had its Penryn Council meeting and after the meeting one of the scholars had the privilege of meeting the captains of the ship (Penryn). One of the key members he met was FNB CEO, Mr Jacques Celliers, who offered great advice to building one’s future, with the two main talking points being the importance of a solid foundation and patience.

After discussions about their lives, the pair stumbled across a fundamental aspect: setting a solid foundation. In most cases, people build their lives with unreliable foundations which may consist of friends when they should consist of God and family. No one knows you better than those who were there in your darkest days and those people help steer you out of troubled waters and in doing so, they help you become a better person. A stable foundation determines how high you can build your building; the more stable the foundation, the greater heights you can reach. Nothing has proven to be more fundamental to construction than a solid foundation that will always remain intact regardless of how many storms the building endures. We live in a world where it has become easy to lose yourself in the midst of struggle or joy, but with a solid foundation, you will always be reminded of who you are and what your purpose initially was.

Construction is a field that requires patience and investment and most supreme buildings have taken time to complete, hence do not be discouraged by the idea of ‘falling behind’ when you see the progress of other buildings as we all use different materials and are on different pieces of land. People often say that “we are all on different journeys,” which is true, no one is in a race with anyone else. We must take one step at a time as life is not about reaching ‘destinations’ but rather improving ourselves with every step, because one never stops seeking better achievements. Comparing your journey to others will result in nothing but self-doubt in all you do. Comparison is a thief of joy, enjoy what you have and you will find the happiness you long for in the midst of all that.

The greatest lessons are learned from those who have come before us and the greatest people out there are those who accepted advice and allowed themselves to grow beyond the limits they may have set for themselves. As we look to the end of 2023 and the dawn of 2024 remember that you are the captains of your ships and the masters of your fate. Only one person needs to say yes in our lives and that is ourselves.

On the Field

By Nikita Mathebula

This July holiday, Penryn’s local aspiring sportswoman, Noli got her hard work and training to pay off as she managed to make it into the South African u/18 A team yet again. Following Noli's journey in making the South African team for the second time, she was interviewed by Supersport schools, the podcast show. This show was live on Dstv.

Noli has been exposed to so many new opportunities in making the team, opportunities such as being able to meet new people and make friends all while still developing her skills as a hockey player. Playing side by side with her new teammates she feels a sense of belonging with a mix of passion and love for the sport. To stay motivated Noli focuses on her progress and how she feels when sharing a turf with staff, coaches and teammates that share the same love for the sport as she does.

As of now her biggest achievement is making the South African u/18 A team but even bigger achievements are on the way as she plans to carry on with hockey even after high school.

Fun fact about how Noli actually got into hockey: It was via school sports at Penryn College. She always loved being out on the field doing sport but has always looked forward to the hockey seasons more, she discovered while growing up that she likes the sport more and more.

What really makes hockey exciting for this sportswoman is the amazing skills and drills she and her team are taught by their coaches to eliminate and manipulate the opposition when scoring a goal. Noli further adds, the hockey community being filled with amazing people that support and encourage each other makes hockey exciting.

Noli's work ethic and attitude should serve as an inspiration to us all and show us that we can accomplish our dreams if we really apply ourselves.

A Night to Remember

By Unam Sefani

On the 21st of July Penryn College hosted the 2023 Matric dance at the beautiful Whispering Thorns. Although it was pouring with rain on the night, the Class of 2023 never had a dull moment. The evening was truly one to remember, and we were treated to beautiful suits and dresses, so stunning that even the Queen would be jealous. The theme for the night was ‘fire and ice’, and a fitting one at that seeing that the rain was beating down, but the Matrics continued to “bring the smoke”.

The Class of ’23 were treated to a three course meal as well as some inspired entertainment. The performances included musical items as well as some amazing choreography and vocals.

Some truly inspirational speeches we given by the Head Girl of Penryn College, uThando Danxa, as well as Vincent Khoza and Mpilo Ntandane. This gave me hope of what is to come in the next year.

The evening was truly one to remember as once all the formalities were over, the Matrics danced to their hearts content.

On behalf of Penryn College, we would like to give thanks to Whispering Thorns as their hospitality was to be commended.

Lastly to the Class of 2023, we look forward to see what is to come for all of you in the upcoming years.

Grade 8 Memories

Checkmate

By Khanyisile Mokwena

The history of chess is a captivating journey that spans centuries, cultures, and continents. From its origins as a strategic game of Chaturanga in ancient India, to its evolution into the intricate and globally beloved sport we know today, chess has woven its intricate threads into the fabric of human civilization.

In 2023, chess at Penryn College has become a big thing. Several individuals have risen to the challenge. One of them being Eduard Phillips; his journey with chess began only a year ago and he is already reaching great heights.

Starting from humble beginnings and building up to something meaningful is not an easy task but to some it comes naturally. It took Eduard months to truly grasp the concept and all the rules of said sport.

To be good at a sport, you have to be driven and willing to work hard towards your goals. Everyone is motivated by a different reason, a reason to keep pushing even when tired, for Eduard, it's the opportunity to excel and be the best not only on the field but on the chess board.

Playing at school, against people you see every day can be repetitive, but playing against other schools provides not any a variety of competition but also, a chance to see how other people think, play and strategies.

Congratulations to Eduard Phillips for winning the u/16 Chess tournament.

Trash to Treasure

By Yondela Jezile

In a world where childhood should be a time of innocence and big dreams, millions of children face the harsh reality of poverty and deprivation. However, there is hope in the form of compassionate individuals that are dedicated to empowering these children and brightening their futures. As we may all know, Penreach is a non-profit social impact organization that was established to ensure that educational excellence is not limited to certain people in society but to all, even the ones in disadvantaged communities.

Recently, Penreach held a ‘Trash to Treasure’ workshop. Abigail Dollenberg and a few families were involved in helping the children make toys from using recycled materials, glue and paint. They made new toys for children to play with at Penreach educational centres. Penreach has set up these play centres in small townships and have been asking many facilities to host ‘Trash to Treasure’ workshops to help children make toys and to help families who cannot afford to buy new toys.

The ‘Trash to Treasure’ project is a wonderful initiative that should be taken up more often and should be implemented for Penryn scholars to join. Helping out is not the responsibility of a few individuals, but it is a shared responsibility. By supporting them and providing them with more opportunities we can help them fulfil their dreams. Each small act of kindness can create a huge impact and we can ensure every child can live a life full of joy and possibility.