The Corridor

First Defeat for the Warriors - by Ayanda Dladla

2011-05-18T23:53:00.001-07:00

The Warriors suffer their first defeat at home to Thomas More in a hard fought battle but have only have themselves to blame after failing to deal with the high ball.

14-10 was the score at the final whistle as Sheppie heads dropped & Thomas More walk away with the win for the second year running. The game started with an early penalty which Thomas More failed to convert but that's all it took for the home team to kick start their offence with Lindo 'Nozoro' Shusha running at the opposition with his usual explosiveness & pace until Sheppie supporters were shocked into silence as Thomas More scored a try against the run of play to make the scores 7-0. As expected the Warriors piled some pressure, it got to them as they started to use some cheat tactics when "Nozoro" was obstructed but the ref was going to have none of that, quickly dishing out a yellow card. Though they were inside the 5 meter line the warriors just kept making mistakes preventing them from the opportunity of scoring a try. The frustration bubbled over as rare scene of ill-discipline from Patrick 'Patty' Sikhosana , bouncing the ball on a Thomas More player's head which was funny but it meant that they were going to finish the half down to 14 men.

The 2^nd half began the same way the as the first did but this time Captain Darren Nyman was at the end of the penalty as he put it between the sticks to make it 7-3 and the boys in maroon were unrelenting with the wave after wave of attack and it proved dividends as Darren Nyman scored & converted Sheppies one & only try. But the smiles soon turned to groans of frustration with Thomas More scoring once again after high ball was allowed to bounced and was picked up by a Thomas More player and dotted to take the scores to 14-10. Despite all the last minute efforts & a red card given to a Thomas More player they just couldn't snatch the victory from the jaws of defeat . 14-10 was how it ended.

The Warriors Journal

2011-05-18T23:51:00.001-07:00

An article written by Ayanda Dladla quite a while back.

Excitement Building After Perfect Start

The Warriors defeated Toti 22-3 by a number on Saturday to give the boys in maroon & blue a jump start to the season ahead.

Mr Werner, who picked up the win in his first season game in charge as head coach, is smiling after their defensive performance made sure Toti didn't touch our tryline.

Quote

From the beginning it was a forwards battle with both teams going hard at the ruck which provoked a couple of 'friendly' words being thrown back and forth. The game was slowed down by a number of penalties being commited by both teams but was sweetened by some magnificent touch kicking from Captain Darren Ny… While the rest of the backline where silent for the first 15 minutes of the game, Lindo 'Rasta' Shusha broke through the defensive line for the games first opportunity before being stopped just short of scoring. But that didn't stop the Warriors onslaught as wave after wave of attack started to produce cracks in Toti's defence and they looked to have scored the games opener but Patrick 'Patty' Sikhosana fumbled the ball over the tryline. Derek 'D-Money' Horlock was on the money as he caught them napping to sneakly touchdown to score before half-time to make it 5-0 and that's how it stayed at half-time. A few worries were raised in the Warriors camp after Marco Shafer had to be subbed with an ankle injury. The pressure continued from the Warriors as the 2^nd half began with Toti struggling to get out of their own 22 and the pressure led to two more tries being scored by Lindo 'Beast' … & Lindo 'Rasta' Shusha and a conversion to make the score 17-0. With Toti behind & the Warriors getting under their skin, things got a little out of control as tempers started flaring leading to a major scruffle breaking out sending the crowds to their feet. Toti actuly managed to score some points from a penalty to make it 17-3 but any hopes of a comeback were put to bed by Tristan () as he pumbled through for the 3^rd try to finish the game at 22-3.

Warrior Of The Week

For his explosive play and bagging a try, The Inaugural Warrior of the Week goes to Lindo 'Rasta' Shusha. #13

Big Fish in a Small Pond - By Hanan Barth (Grade 12)

2011-05-18T23:45:00.001-07:00

To Matrics 2011

When I was a young boy, all I wished for is to finish my schooling as soon as possible, but time wasn't on my side. I had 'so many years' left and those years seemed to drag on and on, but now when I love school the most, right now when I wish I could stay just a bit longer, time battles against me again.

Isn't this the classic story of every grown up. The story of how 'the high school years' where the best years of their lives? There's no way to slow everything down, so the best advice in the world is to seize every moment you have left.

Every day counts, and even though the time will come to say goodbye to the ones you've grown to love, the memories you make will be the strength that keeps you going. Tears are bound to roll down your face. It's hard to let your friends, your family, go, but for every tear you shed, the warmth and love you feel is more than overwhelming and deserving.

As you move on and embrace the challenges of your future, make the right choices, choose the right friends, but most importantly, remain true to yourself. Don't let the world break you and mould you into something you're not when you know that you were never a chameleon to start off with. It's not wrong to have fun and try new things, but are you willing to give up your integrity and your dignity for something that may seem right, but is only a gremlin in disguise?

Make sure that you know where you're going. You need to know your destination before you start the journey. And never forget where you come from, so that if you get lost along the way, you'll always have a safe place to take you in, and rehabilitate your hope. Even if the journey seems endless and torturous, don't lose focus on the goal and never give up.

Lastly, don't limit yourself. The future is literally in your hands now and everybody can see the potential you have. The possibilities of tomorrow are already in your dreams today.

When we were children, we talked like children, we thought like children and reasoned like children. But now we're all grown up, so let's put childish ways aside and find our true place in the world.

And if all else fails, never forget that these three things remain: unlimited faith, a burning hope, and endless love. The greatest of these is love.

Photographer Tip

2009-05-27T01:43:00.001-07:00

Photo tip for all those avid photographers.:WEBSHOTS PHOTO BLOG

Sheppy Action Netball '09

2009-05-22T00:46:00.000-07:00

The season started off with a few changes, Mrs Pousson couldn’t be with our girls, she found our girls a great replacement, Coach Chantelle.

A former provincial player, Coach Chantelle had skills and experience to offer. We are blessed to have her with us.

Our girls played in the Suid-Natal Hoerskool action netball league, with ladies teams, Creston College and Suidies. It was good practice for outdoor netball season for term 2. The highlight of the season was definitely the Suidies game where our girls played like superstars! Unfortunately we lost the game 19-23, but we walked away as winners.

Our season wouldn’t have been as awesome as it was if it weren’t for Mrs. Pousson, Mr Williams A.K.A Mr Bus Driver, Travis Steenekamp ‘Manager’ and Coach Chantelle. Thank-you to everyone who came to support our games.

Pictured Above: Travis Steenekamp & Athule Mbekeni

Team: Singatwa Ngqeleni, Akhona Xoko(C), Athule Mbekeni (VC), Amanda Ndlwana, Phindile Xaba, Cherise Martin, Cody Jumba, Chwayita Bontsa and Zama Memela

Article by Singatwa Ngqeleni

WEIRD TERMITES

2009-05-22T00:32:00.000-07:00

Rotary Youth Exchange

2009-05-22T00:24:00.000-07:00

The Rotary Club is an international organization. Clubs situated all over the world have many projects set up to help the less fortunate. One of their other goals is to encourage the youth to do the same. They do this by providing opportunities for children to travel the world, where they have the ability to develop their skills and qualities even more, any child can participate in this if they qualify. To be an exchange student you must apply to the Rotary Youth Exchange Club. Our local Rotary Club is involved in Rotary Youth Exchange. Almost Every year we have at least one exchange student who dedicates one year of their life to being an ambassador for their country and helping out in our local Rotary Club’s projects. In the process they must attend school regularly where they teach us about their culture whilst we teach them about ours.

Rotary is a great opportunity for anyone who has a dream of travelling the world and experiencing other cultures. It helps you to build leadership qualities and people skills that are immensely valuable in today’s society. Rotary offers a child the opportunity to spread their wings and reach beyond the little box that so many others live in.

This year we are, once again, fortunate to have an exchange student amongst us. He is a vibrant young Brazilian named Luca Toldo and is currently staying with theHoward-Tripp’s, who are his current host family.

Luca does the minimum requirement of seven subjects in our school. His subject choices are: English, Afrikaans, History, Geography, Life Orientation, Science and Math. Mr. Pousson will be thrilled to hear that Luca’s favorite subject is in fact History! No doubt he finds the South African syllabus a lot easier than his Brazilian one where he did the following thirteen subjects: Portuguese, English, History of Arts, Geography, Philosophy, Sociology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, Writing, Physical Education and History. If you are unsure, Luca’s Home Language is Portuguese. He finished School in Brazil before he did his Rotary exchange year, so after his year here in South Africa he will be back in Brazil starting his first year of university after he passes the entrance exams.

Besides the compulsory Physical Education, Luca participates in only one other sport and that is football. Just in case there are some of you who are not too sure about what is meant by ‘football’, it is just another word for soccer. He will be trying out for football/soccer in the third term.

So what made Luca decide to participate in Rotary Youth Exchange? Well, it has always been a dream of his to travel and see the world. His dad heard about Rotary, Luca applied, went through a number of interviews and now here he is! Now would be a good time to point out to all the South Africans who think poorly of our country that Luca chose to come to South Africa.

For those of you who would like to know what advantages Luca has over you by being an exchange student, the answer is that he gets to experience different cultures, understand what life is like out of his country and in these ways he learns more about the world and its people, which is quite an advantage considering that nowadays the world is all about people and if you can’t understand them, you aren’t going to be getting very far in life! In May Luca will be going to Lesotho with the Port Shepstone Rotary Club to donate winter clothes that were sent by Australia.

Of everything in Brazil, Luca misses his family and the Brazilian food the most. “You cannot compare between something you eat all your life to food you do not know” says Luca. When asked if he prefers South Africa to Brazil Luca made this comment, “There is nothing like home”. It might be cliché, but it is so true. All in all how does Luca feel about being an exchange student? Be assured that he is absolutely proud of his achievement.

Article by: Rebecca Classen (Grade 11A)

LOW, LOW, LOW

2009-05-22T00:22:00.000-07:00

Many people go through life feeling sick most of the time. The reason for them being sick isn't a medical reason, but it's actually physiological reason.

Life has a lot of obstacles and turning points that some of us cannot handle, especially for us teenagers, who experience adolescence. But some people go through more than they should at a very young age, which can often lead to a person being at a constant low. This is called depression.

Depression is not good for your health at all. It lowers your lifespan, and can lead to alcohol and substance abuse. Depression is often a result of constant stress which could be caused by various things; exams, friends, parents, or even life and death.

There are many ways to make sure you are relaxed with what's going on in your life. Some of them include writing down all your thoughts and feelings, speaking to relatives or/and counselors about how you are feeling and hanging out with friends and having a good time instead of sitting at home alone.

Depression happens when you bottle up what you feel, so be open honest and don't be afraid to express yourself. Just take each day as it comes; one at a time.

By Hanan Barth (Grade 10)

MXIT

2009-05-21T06:18:00.000-07:00

In the last two years, Mxit has certainly caused quite a stir. The hugely popular cell phone IM (instant messaging) application has attracted more than 3 million users in no time at all. It's estimated that between 9000 and 12000 new users are joining everyday. So what's it all about?

Mxit was created in May 2005 by Mxit Lifestyle CEO, Herman Heunis. The Mxit application uses existing cellular phone technology to enable the user to chat with selected contacts (other Mxit users), for a fraction of the cost. SMS's can cost about 25c whilst messages on Mxit only cost 2c (were Chappies ever this cheap?). It has stunning features as well as its own currency called Moola. Not only does it have chat rooms, but also services such as news, weather and a feature called “Multimix” which allows you to create your own personal chat room with friends.

Although Mxit lifestyle has taken measures to protect minors, parents should also establish some rules and boundaries.

Safety Rules and Tips:

- Parents, take a cue from Mxit and learn to communicate with your kids.

- Remind them not to give out personal information.

- Set boundaries; don't take your child's cell phone, but do use your authority to set certain times for Mxit use.

- If you, parents, are worried, download it yourself and see what goes on.

- Take an interest in your children. Develop a close relationship with them so that there's no need for them to talk to strangers.

by Hanan Barth

Drug Awareness

2009-05-21T05:16:00.000-07:00

Drugs and alcohol are not issues that we should focus on just once a year. The dangers and risks associated with drug and alcohol use are things that we should be aware of all year round, especially as teenagers, as alcohol and drug use is something that some of us like to “experiment” with during high school years.

A survey in 2001 showed that 77% of teenagers reported drinking alcohol and 44% of them said they were drunk. Those numbers are high considering that under age drinking is illegal. People do not realize the hidden dangers such as alcohol poisoning!

Vomiting and passing out are signs of alcohol toxicity.

The risks that are associated with it become even worse when driving is involved. Programs and presentations have helped students to understand that getting behind the wheel after drinking is wrong, but 33% of people still reported getting into a car with a driver who had been under the influence.

It is important to be aware of the harmful effects of alcohol and drug abuse.

Another major issue is smoking. Long term smoking can cause you to lose an estimated 13.2-14.5 years of your life, depending on your gender. Not only can smoking cause lung cancer but also mouth, larynx, throat, esophagus, bladder and kidney cancer as well.

Did you know that drug and alcohol addiction was solved over 50 years ago. The solution was to help people improve their abilities to handle their lives so they no longer needed drugs or alcohol to feel happy.

A coffee addiction is a very serious problem. What makes it so serious is the number of people that suffer from it without realizing it.

So I urge you all to think twice before you are influenced by peer pressure and, if you aren't happy with your life, speak to someone about it.

If you or anybody you know needs help, contact the nearest rehab or help centres.

by Hanan Barth

CARTOONS

2009-05-21T05:08:00.000-07:00

Train Ticket

2009-05-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

3 women and 3 men are travelling by train to the football.

At the station, the 3 men each buy a ticket and watch as the 3 women buy just one ticket.

“How are the 3 of you going to travel on only one ticket?” asks one of the men. “Watch and learn” answers one of the women.

They all board the train. The 3 men take their respective seats but all 3 women cram into a toilet together and close the door.

Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets.

He knocks on the toilet door and says, ticket please. The door opens just a crack and the single arm emerges with a ticket in hand.

The conductor takes it and moves on.

The men see this and agree it was quite a clever idea so, after the game, they decide to do the same thing on the return trip and save some money.

When they get to the station they buy a single ticket for the return trip but, to their astonishment, they see that the 3 women don't buy any tickets at all!

“How are you going to travel without a ticket?” says one perplexed man.

“Watch and learn,” answers the women.

When they board the train, the 3 men cram themselves into a toilet, and the 3 women cram into another toilet just down the way.

Shortly after the train is on its way, one of the women leaves her toilet and walks over to the toilet in which the men are hiding. The woman knocks on their door and says, “Ticket please.”

I'm still trying to figure out why men ever think they are smarter than women!

submitted by Ashwini Ragunathan

Sheppie- Still the best?

2009-05-21T05:03:00.000-07:00

What happened to the Port Shepstone High that was here 5 years ago? We all acknowledge the fact that our school is not the same because of our actions. It is these actions that give off both negative and positive effects for our school.

Many learners feel that the discipline in our school has deteriorated, but this so called deterioration tends to have us (learners) exploit that. Classes are more disruptive and uncontrollable. We could blame our discipline on bad parenting guidance. Some of our parents do put most of their parental responsibilities on the school. But the education system doesn't have the capacity to do all the disciplining. Most of the blame is on us. We choose to be disruptive, rude and not to listen. No matter what our parents have taught us, or not taught us, we have to be mature enough to discipline ourselves.

Our lack of respect and our carelessness outside school can put a strain on our school's reputation. The activities we do as individuals can cost the school's reputation without us realising it. The community could think less highly of our school due to this. Basically it all boils down to basic, simple manners. Such as greeting adults outside school, not fighting in public places and the way we converse with each other.

Our education level is still very strong; our laziness in class will not contribute positively to our school and to ourselves. We are the best in the region but we have to work hard to stay on top and to better ourselves. There's only so much our teachers can do, we are the ultimate deciders. Our sporting skills are excellent and we can be proud of that, but discipline is more important than sport even though sport lifts up our school's name.

Don't you think it's time we all contribute to our school positively? Everything is up to us; nothing the teachers say or do can make us change, unless we choose to. We either build or break our school. We make our school what we want it to be. At the end of the day it's YOURS CHOICE.

By Asathi Peza

Mfundo Nsusha

2009-05-21T04:59:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge

Celebrating Easter

2009-05-21T04:58:00.001-07:00

Click image to enlarge

Autum is here

2009-05-21T04:53:00.001-07:00

By Damien Coetzee

Horrendous Heat-cornfield

2009-05-21T04:47:00.001-07:00

Have You Stolen Kisses?

2009-05-21T04:47:00.000-07:00

The Sexual Offenses Amendment Act was signed late last year and has made it illegal for people under the age of sixteen to kiss or engage in any sexual behaviour in public.

What is the aim of the law? The National coordinator for Childline South Africa released the following statement: The law reinforces the age of consent . “This is important as there are many teenagers (under sixteen) who are exploited by older people, sometimes even prostituted in situations that they cannot escape from.” So the new law aims to prevent sexual exploitation of children by adults.

Can you be arrested for kissing? No, not if the two of you are of similar age. If you are under the age of sixteen, the age between you and your girlfriend or boyfriend should not be greater than two years.

So go ahead and ‘steal’ More kisses!

by Hanan Barth

Back To School

2009-05-21T04:46:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that two weeks ago, this time, you were most probably still sleeping or playing your favorite game on the play station.

Yes folks, I do announce that term two has begun. This means: back to waking up at 6am, no late night movies and major

(Oh yes), major school time! It’s amazing how school time goes by fast when you are enjoying it!

Now it’s back to Maths and English. It’s back to sneakily finishing your Biology homework in registration, it’s back to trying to conjure up ways to be excused from P.E lessons, in other words, it’s back to school!

The clean uniform, the shiny shoes, the new hair do you are set for school. A brand new term! How exciting! As for those, who are still stuck in the holiday rut, best kick-start your brain with a few Sodukus!

For now, all I can say is, good luck and work hard, not too hard!

by Prasanthi Chetty

Mluleki Ncgobo

2009-05-21T04:41:00.000-07:00

Awards Ceremony.

2009-05-21T04:37:00.000-07:00

Sheppie High hosted the Awards Ceremony for Grades 8 – 11 of 2007 on Friday 29th February 2008 acknowledging their academic achievements for 2007. The parents of learners, staff and seniors of the school (Grade 11 & 12) attended the ceremony.

Mr McKillen welcomed all parents saying it was an honour to have them amongst us. He then congratulated all the subject prize winners and told every learner who attended the ceremony that time is precious and should not be wasted because every minute counts and every second wasted is a deduction from plans to Succeed.

Well done to Melissa Sithole (Grade 12) and Phila Ralarala (Grade 11) for winning the Science Trophy for 2007. Nobuhle Dlomo and Sphumelele Sikhosana for winning awards for Zulu and English 2nd language respectively. Congratulations to all prize winners.

by Charity Khumalo

Interview with newly elected RCL

2009-05-21T03:19:00.000-07:00

How does it feel being chosen to represent the RCL on the Governing Body?

Mlungisi: It is a great honour and I am really grateful to the RCL Body for voting for me. From that moment, I knew many doors would open.

Kathleen: Scary at first but with the help of the RCL body as well as my peers the fear soon turned to determination and a willingness to do this hard and important job.

What are your goals and how do you plan on achieving them?

Mlungisi: As Mlungisi, I plan to go as far as I can with this title. As the RCL GB rep we plan on bringing about the change that the school wants to see. We need the whole school to achieve this.

Kathleen: Hopefully to get a better idea of the how the GB works and to change and make our school better with one proposal at a time

Are you up to the challenge that you might face? If yes, how would you go about solving them.

Mlungisi: Yes I am. The best key for communication is the ability to listen. I will adapt to my surroundings without changing my morals and values. So with the help of everyone around me, I will remain the same old Mlue but with a lot of improvement.

Kathleen: Yes. With the help of my partner, Mlungisi and the RCL body we intend to face and solve problems together because there is no “I” in TEAM.

Anything you would like to say to RCL's of 2008?

Mlungisi: Kathleen and I might be captains of this ship, but it is also your ship. Let us steer the school to great places.

Kathleen: I wish them all the best and thank them for their support. I know that this year will bring out our true leaders for the future.

How do you plan about being the best RCL GB Rep.

Mlungisi: By using my surroundings to the best of my ability. “Vision without action is a daydream, action without vision is a nightmare.” With the schools' vision and my action, we will reach greater heights.

Kathleen: All talking and criticizing is not considered leading, so I intend to listen and help in any way I can.

by Charity Khumalo

Get to know: Ms Grantham

2009-05-21T03:15:00.000-07:00

Miss Grantham is a new member of staff who joined this year. We all see her, but I think we haven't met her or taken the time to get to know her. Here are a few facts about Miss Grantham:

She was born in Pietermariztburg on the 11th of July. She is blessed with two beautiful children: Danica, a girl of 18 and Keanu, a boy of 13. She also has four siblings, three brothers and a sister.

Miss Grantham's favourite subject at school was English as she loved the creativity and felt it allowed her to express herself and her opinions.

Her first impressions of Sheppie High were that it was a well organized school, with a very friendly atmosphere. She says the learners are “GRRRrrr8” and that she really is enjoying it here.

Miss Grantham teaches Business Studies and English. If she were to use one word to describe herself as a teacher it would definitely be “Dynamic”.

Before she came to Sheppie High she taught at Carter High School, a school that she felt taught her many valuable lessons about believing in oneself.

Her advice for Sheppie High learners is: Be positive and be brave - it is your greatest weapon and strongest defense. You can achieve anything with these two attributes, so… MOTIVATE YOURSELF.

As we all can see she is a very inspirational teacher.

I truly hope she enjoys her years at Sheppie High.

In Love With Sheppie High

2009-05-21T02:54:00.000-07:00

Port Shepstone High School is considered the South Coasts “treasure”. Education is more valuable than money for everyone knows that education is for life while money lasts as long as the drink. So what truth lies beneath this “Sheppie Romance”? Well we've done a little digging to discover the treasure!

Love is mysterious but the power this school seems to hold over the community is quite intriguing! Of the five candidates that we interviewed, four of them agreed that it was their parent's decision for them to come to our exceptional school. Thando Gcinga had another view, “I don't know: I suppose it's because my friends came here.” Yet that still doesn't explain the strong pull the school has on bringing parents and children in by the hundreds!

Sheppie High is a school that is respected for its high standard of education and its variety of sports. Now that you know why your parents like the school read on to see what your fellow students think.

Tasneem Desai in grade 8 and Caleigh Hepburn in grade 10 both say that drama is their favourite subject. Caleigh also mentions that Mrs. Raymond is her favourite teacher, “because she rocks!”

It seems that the mystique of this school remains unearthed. One thing we can all be certain of is the fact that Port Shepstone High School is a school that has earned deep respect from the community. In the next issue we'll be digging up the past of the school, so all historians, get ready!

PHOTO: Nonkuthalo & Malibongwe showing and giving their support at a boys’ soccer match vs Edenvale at school earlier this year.

by Rebecca Classen

The Fantasticks - Annual School Production

2009-05-21T02:42:00.000-07:00

The Fantasticks is a 1960’s musical with original music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones. The show’s original production off Broadway ran for 17,162 performances, becoming the worlds longest running musical for 42 years. The poetic book and breezy, hummable score, including such familiar songs such as “Try to Remember”, helped make this show so durable. Many productions followed, as well as television and film versions. The Fantasticks has also become a staple high school production, despite a deceptively simple plot line and several politically incorrect themes. It is one of the few musicals to have been made available to other theatres before its original production closed.

It is no wonder that this delightful tale is as popular as it is. It tells an allegorical story loosely based on the play “The Romancers” concerning the young love of a boy and girl-next-door who long for love and adventure. Their parents, to promote the match, have faked a feud and separated them with a wall, for what child can resist the urge to rebel. When the boy and girl have fallen in love, the parents arrange a fake abduction so the boy will appear to rescue the girl and they can all live happily-ever-after. End of Act One. Act Two begins with the disillusionment of “happily-ever-after”, and the boy and girl go off in to the world to find adventure, only to return to their own backyards in the end.

Elements of the play are ultimately drawn from the story of Pyramus and Thisbe, winding through Shakesprear’s “Romeo and Juliet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

Beat the Heat

2009-05-21T02:27:00.000-07:00

By Damien Coetzee

Bully for you

2009-05-21T02:26:00.000-07:00

How do you help a person being bullied, and how do you help a bully change?

To some people, bullying has long been considered a right, a way of life. In reality it is a form of abuse -and it is one of the biggest issues faced by schools worldwide, from pre-schools to high schools.

Bullying is a cruel behaviour that is done purposely and is repeated often. It is caused by one child or by a group and is inflicted on a single person. The victim is normally a weaker individual or the opposite sex.

Bullying can come in three forms:

*Physical bullying -hitting, kicking, damage to property, assault and theft.

*Verbal bullying -teasing, name calling, racist remarks, threats and spreading rumors.(This shows you people, don't believe everything you hear!)

*Relational bullying -purposely leaving the victim out of activities, ignoring their presence, leaving them out of a conversation etc. (This can result in a low self -esteem and lack of confidence.)

There are a number of reasons why kids and teenagers feel the need to bully others. Some of them are: to show off, to have fun, to cover up their lack of confidence, to hide their weaknesses and flaws and much more.

Is your friend a bully? Finding this out can be very upsetting at first, but it's very important you don't abandon them. Don't get angry or disappointed with them. They might not realize that they're bullying other people. They might not realize that their words and actions are having a negative impact on others. Help them and get them the help that they need.

There are three ways to stop a bully:

1. Remove the incentive: A child bullies others because they are getting something out of it- a payoff. The bully wants to upset you, so if you block any reaction by ignoring or agreeing with them, they'll give up because it's not worthwhile anymore.

2. Avoid areas where the bully hangs out or stay away from where the bully normally finds you. Mostly bullying occurs when kids are alone. Hang out with a friend.

3. Keep a diary to record what happened when you were bullied, so if you do ask for help you'll remember the details clearly.

by Jazz

Grade 9 Outdoor Education Cancelled

2009-05-21T02:25:00.000-07:00

by Hanan Barth

Sad faces were worn by many Grade 9’s when sad news that Grade 9 Outdoor Education was cancelled. The cancellation was due to the numbers of Grade 9 learners who had paid and were able to participate in this years Outdoor Education. It is not viable and cost effective to send less than half the grade on the excursion, leaving the remaining Grade 9’s to attend normal school for the duration of the week.

Many Grade 9 learners had already bought the necessary requirements for the excursion, and were upset to find out, just three days before about the cancellation. Mandilakhe Siyongwana of Grade 9A says, “I stay at Hostel and I had to phone my parents to arrange some of the required items for me to go. Now that Outdoor Education is cancelled, what are my parents supposed to do with the things they bought?”

On the other hand, some Grade 9’s were pleased about the decision made, and said it was right of them to cancel Outdoor Education, considering the reason.

The ECL of Sheppie High

2009-05-21T02:23:00.000-07:00

by Prasanthi Chetty

They're dashing, they're smart, they are the cream of the crop. They are Port Shepstone High’s Executive Council of Learners (ECL ).

I recently interviewed four ECLs and asked them what it means to be an ECL.

"To make sacrifices. To take the responsibility upon yourself. To do the right thing, even though the wrong would be easier. To persist until the end. To challenge yourself." says Alistair Jackson.

Tiffani Marais says to be an ECL means, "Loyalty and discipline, always. Making ECL doesn't change who you are at school, it just means you now have the power to help others when they go wrong.”

Deputy head girl, Nobuntu Swartbooi says, "Having the honour to serve the school and to show my leadership skills and also to improve them. It's also

the ability to listen and interact with people in an effective way while

maintaining discipline and not compromising personal values.”

"To me, being an ECL means to take pride in my school and do what ever I have to do, well. ..especially being HALL MONITOR!" Dominic Hicks, reflecting on what it means to be an ECL.

Overall, being an ECL means to be well balanced and mature enough to draw that thin line between right and wrong. It's all about responsibility and having pride in our school. It goes without saying, "Lead by example." Sure enough, Sheppie High's ECLs are doing an excellent job.

Survey on "The Pledge"

2009-05-21T01:31:00.000-07:00

by Hanan Barth

60% said that the pledge has a few good points but will have no effect on the youth. The history of SA has nothing to do with us.

35% said that the pledge is not appropriate and is stupid compared to the American one.

5% said the pledge is good and will help us learn great values and accept our responsibilities.

OPINION:

Anonymous thinks that it is inappropriate for Naledi Pandor to make it compulsory for us to say this pledge. “Why should we believe what they want us to say? It is funny how abortion is legalized at 12, but you can go to jail for kissing in public.

5... 4... 3... 2...1. Port Edward Space Centre....we have liftoff

2009-05-21T01:29:00.000-07:00

During the last 3 weeks, the grade 8’s went on a field trip to the Space Centre.

The learners had a fabulous time and learnt a lot of new facts about space. Many took part by asking interesting questions relating to outer space. We all enjoyed the space centre mainly because the guide was a very interesting and amusing person. Most people found the cake mouth-watering although the guide did not look like a really good baker.

Some of the learners views and opinions about the Space Centre were:

“I had a tremendous experience at the Space Centre and I learned many facts about space!”

“After a while I felt sleepy because the subject was something we have already learnt about, so I just took a nap (luckily it was dark)!”

I would like to go again with my family to show then the wonderful Universe which God has blessed us with.”

The Grade 8’s truly had an out of this world experiene and no doubt that gazing up at the stars searching for Orion would become a hobby!

We would like to thank all the teachers involved and Mr McKillen for allowing us to go to the Space Centre.

by Jyothi Mohan, Richa Singh and Sethu Sundaran (Grade 8)

Attention de-moralised students: “You will take this pledge!”

2009-05-20T04:59:00.000-07:00

by Dhiven Appalraju

“Have you heard about the new pledge thing?” “Yeah, I think it's a waste!” These are the words being echoed throughout the corridors of our school.

For those who are still in darkness (this time I'm not referring to electricity or lack thereof), a new pledge has been proposed for scholars to recite every school morning, regardless of whether they wish to honour it or not.

This was introduced by Education Minister, Naledi Pandor only two weeks ago and has still managed to spark controversy.

For starters, it is too complex for scholars and, although the wording of this pledge may change before implementation, it focuses too much on South Africa's past “The apartheid wound can not heal if fingers are kept on being stuck in it.”, many have commented.

If the pledge has any potential or if it can make a positive difference somehow, the right thing to do would be to promise to abide by it wholeheartedly. “If it is just something that learners recite, it will be a dead duck,” said Naptosa President, Dave Balt.

A recital is something meaningless feels education specialist, Graeme Bloch as he writes, “Reciting an oath in rote fashion goes against all the tenets of outcomes-based education.”

All of the points made should be taken into consideration before blatantly forcing the youth to take this oath. Will the pledge even make a difference?

Perhaps before trying to solve the problem, be it violence, disrespect or a lack of morals, the Education Department should have focused on trying to eliminate the core cause of crime and poverty in society maybe. One could even suggest that if our leading politicians (mainly the allegedly corrupt ones) set good examples for us to follow, a pledge dedicated to preserving values and upholding the rights of the constitution would not be necessary.