KEKE RAMAKARANE

LA ROCHELLE GHS and Paarl GHS were the co-hosts of the 20th annual National All Girls’ Schools’ Sport and Cultural Festival, which took place from 1 – 4 May in Paarl. The Festival was attended by 22 girls’ schools from across the country and 1 300 girls, educators, and parents were expected to visit the town.

This year’s All Girls not only embraced a true school spirit, but it also allowed the girls to enjoy the rich scenery of our country.  Hockey matches were played on turfs with a view of the mountain range a few feet away, and culinary workshops were attended in the heart of the Paarl wine lands.

Although the opening night took place at The Language Monument, a site which bears testimony to the origin of Afrikaans, the vast multi-lingual culture of Paarl was undoubtedly felt by every girl.

The sports teams quickly felt the pressure of the festival, when the netball, squash, and hockey teams collectively played a total of fourteen games on the first day.

The St Michael’s All Girls family grew this year, with the inclusion of the vocal ensemble, accompanied by Mrs Natasha Slabbert. The Boland Cuisine participants attended workshops and broadened their palates tasting coastal dishes and unique cuisine.

The artists truly stole the show, with Khanya Monyaki and Katleho Mohapi’s artworks both making it to the Top Five artworks of the festival! Khanya obtained first place and Katleho fifth.

The debating girls argued their way through the festival so well, that they won some of their debates, and were announced the best speakers in other debates.

This All Girls may have been longer than usual, but the end came too soon. The girls did not leave empty-handed though. They took with them memories from their team, laughter from the buses breaking down, tears from losses, but most importantly, the girls came back closer as a school than ever before.