Junior Act is a service society for the Junior (Gr 8 and 9) We strive to make the juniors feel welcome and to have a fun filled year, and at the dame time providing them with the opportunity to serve the school and community.

We have organized various events and activities this year. The two main events were the Junior Prom and Mr and Miss Junior High.
The theme for the Prom was “Retro Romance” and it was a great success. It was a night of glamour, fun, chocolate fountain marshmallows, love bubbles and glow sticks! A truly memorable occasion!

The theme for Mr and Miss Junior High was  “Bollywood”. It was also a big success and managed to swell our funds considerably. Thank you to all the generous sponsors.

We have also raised funds by having cake sales. Books and clothing have been collected and sent to some of the underprivileged Ciskei schools with Rally to Read. The children also really appreciated the sweets that we sent and especially the Tennis balls! We helped out at the Grannies Tea and the Ladies Tea, which was a fundraiser for Ashleigh Botha. We supported the family of Dayna Dorfling, realizing at the same time that our small contribution could never alleviate the great loss they experienced. Contributions are also made to a school Feeding Fund.

The charity we support is the Marinatha Home in Walmer. We use funds we have raided to buy whatever the home needs at the time. This year we managed to buy curtaining and tracks for all the windows in the Home. We donated a Music Player and a DVD player to the home. At Christmas time we bought presents for all the children and hosted a Christmas Party for them. Four of the children were sponsored to attend the Junior Prom, and we sponsored them to attend the show, “My African Dream”.

This year Junioract has done tremendous work and the members showed true Victorian spirit of giving and caring. I am proud to have been President of such a great board. They have worked well and have achieved great goals. Thanks to Dale McCarthy, Cassey Goliath, Mrs. Watson, Mr Theron and Mrs. van Niekerk for their support.

All the best for the future as Junioract merges with Interact!

Liesl Stowman

Temporary emergency measures serving to assist and maintain the victim of sudden illness or injury until more skilful treatment is available.

Feeling faint or looking pale? Who do you call when mommy is not around? First Aid assistance could not only save your life but is the most vital help you could ever receive.

This year has been an enjoyable and interesting one. The majority of the aiders are a bunch of new and keen faces, who have been a pleasant edition to the first aid family. The winter season started with level 1 and 2 training to equip the first aiders with skills that they will need to utilise on the sports field.

One of the memories shared is the first time we needed to put what we had learnt into practice. Anita and Chelsea were the summoned two who, when a rugby player needed assistance, were the first to run in. All the first aiders started cheering for them (proof of how crazy we can get). This endorsed and formed what we call the “Baywatch Babe” style of running  (it’s the style which Anita and Chelsea ran that day, naughty girls!).

The winter sporting season was an eye-opener as we dealt with new experiences and injuries, from nose bleeds to concussions, we dealt with them all. Just like doctors in their white coats, we first aiders of 2009 in our white jackets and were eager to help all that were in need. One of the highlights for us was the first team sports dinner. For most of us it was our first time at this prestigious dinner and in our minds we were thinking “the benefits keep getting bigger and bigger ..”. Another example would be the free cooldrinks at derbys, that are much appreciated and, last but not least, would be the sponsored gazibos from Klinicare, thank you so much for protecting us from the harsh UV rays of the sun, not forgetting the rain!

2009 has definitely been a funfilled experience for all the first aiders. The adrenalin rush that one gets when attending to an injured patient is a feeling that leaves you feeling like a true Victorian. We all joined first aid without ever knowing each other’s names, but we turned out to be a huge family that works closely together.

Lastly, to our mama bear, Mrs Moodley. Ma’am thank you for being our everything for creating a free environment where we can express ourselves openly with happy hearts. Thank you for the patience and support you’ve given us. You have been a real pillar!

Anita Nyangaresi, Sibongile Nobebe and Siviwe Jack

When reminded of the contribution their fund-raising efforts enable us to make to this worthy cause, one of the boys remarked “I’ll never look at a Fizzer in the same way again.” Save a Pet is home to more than 200 rescued animals and does sterling work in rehabilitating them and placing them in new homes. Sadly they get new arrivals faster than homes can be found for them but it is their policy only to euthanase those who are past help.

This year PAW was also asked to assist two ex-Victorians in a 3rd year Public Relations project to raise funds for SAMREC, the South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre. PAW members rose to the challenge and sold raffle tickets in aid of Penguin Conservation, raising more than R1400.

Groups of VP learners have also been to the new SAMREC headquarters at Cape Receife, to learn about their conservation efforts and it is hoped that some of them will volunteer to work there on a regular basis. Our Penguins are seriously endangered, chiefly due to over fishing in our coastal waters and there is a very real possibility that the next generation of South Africans may never see an African Penguin, if we do not take urgent action to save them. SAMREC is a very new conservation facility and there is much equipment of which they are in need.

The items which top their wish list are listed below and if anyone is able to donate any of these items or assist with the purchase of same please phone Jared at 041 5831830 or 0835779525.

SAMREC’s Wish List

2 Stainless Steel Tables
2 Chest Freezers
Fridge
Platform Scale
Hospital Lockable Cabinet
Computer
Centrifuge
Top Loader Washing Machine
2 Cash Registers
Microwave
Display Cabinets
4×4 Response Vehicle
Large Screen TV
Utility Vehicle
Finishing Show Pool
4 Porta-Pools
Shelving

C Martindale

The past year, 2009, has been an extremely busy one for the TAG board; this society is going from strength to strength, and is improving the standard every year. This year TAG has broadened its horizons and we now have ten more board members to share the workload amongst. I must thank the entire board as well as Miss Meyer on all their efforts and hard work, when you look back on all the successes; it has certainly been worth it.

TAG hosted many successful PIZZA DAYS, which were supported extremely well by the teachers and pupils. I will never forget the look on the delivery man’s face when he arrives at VP. TAG has recently been brainstorming new ideas for fundraising and I’m sure they will just as well supported by the school. We are also looking at taking over the production of the Matric Jackets as TAG is fundamentally for the Matrics.

TAG’s biggest fundraiser and a highly anticipated event on the school calendar is MR AND MISS VP, it is never a let down and this year was certainly not an exception. The hall was themed “Moulin Rouge”, and the deco looked absolutely stunning. Congratulations to our winners, DEMI DAVIDS AND ZIGGY MAZOZOYANA, our runners-up, KALEY POWELL AND AYANDA FOLEY as well as Mr and Miss Personality, LIESL STOWMAN AND LUXOLO DAKU.

They were awarded some fabulous prizes and for those we must thank our very generous sponsors. We managed to raise just over R10 000 for the matric gift, thank you to all those who supported.  TAG has indeed had a successful year and we look forward to the years ahead. I wish the new board luck with all their endeavors for the coming years. I hope that TAG board will continue living up to the motto, “by the teenagers, for the teenagers”.

Nicola Hanekom

We are a society that stands against drug and alcohol abuse. Our goal is to raise awareness within Victoria Park High School about the effects of drugs and alcohol. The following are some of our projects:

TADA held a badge campaign, introducing a new STAND badge. The STAND badge indicates that the learner will STAND with TADA against drugs and alcohol. Learners in Victoria Park had the opportunity to order a STAND badge and may wear it to show their support. It was well supported; the proceeds thereof were donated to SANCA.

TADA hosted some of SANCA’s items to raise funds for drug rehabilitation. Amongst some of the items were Gold Ribbons with an attached key to symbolize “the key to a better life,” stickers and tiny nail stickers. The Gold Ribbons were a highlight and many Victorians showed their support by wearing them for our Awareness Week.

TADA also held a drug-free world poster competition amongst learners at our school. The poster competition was funded by SANCA.

TADA once again arranged a guest speaker to address the school. The speaker, Aaron Liddell, not only educated us about everyday drug situations, but also shared some of his personal encounters and speed bumps. drug addicts. As most VP students learn after visiting, these recovering drug addicts are just like you and me. It is so amazing to see the courage and strength they have in overcoming their addictions.

A big thank you to Mr. Hutchinson, the Board, and the school for their support and participation.

What we do:
We, as the TADA board, are here to help anybody within the school who needs advice or help regarding drugs and alcohol.
We go out to visit Shepard’s Field, which is a drug/ alcohol rehabilitation centre and talk to the patients.
SANCA also comes out to train and teaches us about drug related things. We also do team building activities.
TADA arranges guest speakers to address the school.

The TADA board is not qualified to council people but is here to make you aware of these addictions and effects thereof.
I hope the future TADA board will remain active and spread awareness in the Victoria Park High School community.
STAY HIGH ON LIFE!

Michelle de Lange