View photos of the evening on Flickr
Tuesday 24 November 24: The annual Littlewood House year-end – Christmas Dinner & Prize Giving, and a final farewell to the Matric boarders of 2024. Read more about the evening using the tabs below.
Guest speaker, Deputy Headmaster, Mr Larry Moser, spoke powerfully of the role of Littlewood as the backbone of the School, upholders of the Wynberg values, and the family of boarders at the heart of the Wynberg Schools:
Every time you pass through your arch, may you remember the impact you have on the lives of others.
1. The Steven Trophy to the best all-round Grade 8: Aaron Spagnoletti
Cricket, Golf, Rugby, Afrikaans Society, excellent academic results
2. Littlewood Floating Trophy to the boarder showing the greatest all-round contribution: Francis de Klerk
An exemplary all-rounder who has made meaningful contributions across all pillars of school life. He represented the school with dedication, playing second-team water polo and third-team hockey, while maintaining a strong academic record. Beyond sports, he has demonstrated his commitment to service through active involvement in school drives and played a key role in this year’s school play, displaying his versatility and enthusiasm. His ability to excel in diverse areas highlights his dedication, well-rounded character, and positive influence within the school community.
3. Littlewood Achievement Award to the boarder with the most significant achievement: Beni Hansen
Beni was selected for the WP Khaya Majola side at the end of 2023. During the week, he scored a century against the Titans and thanks to consistently scoring in every game, he was awarded the MVP prize at the week. His performances also lead him to be selected for the SA Schools side and furthermore, he was selected as captain of the side.
His performances at the Khaya Majola Week also lead to him being selected as captain of the Western Cape side at Cubs week, leading his side to the final against the Titans.
4. Superintendent’s Cup to the boarder who is an example in every way: Daniel Okocha
Daniel is an exceptional young man who excels in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. A true all-rounder, he approaches everything with dedication, kindness, and hard work. Whether in the classroom, on the rugby field, or on the athletics track, he consistently strives for excellence, gracefully balancing his studies with a wide range of commitments and always giving his best effort.
Beyond his personal achievements, this pupil is deeply committed to helping others and positively impacting his community. From participating in service drives and the Eisteddfod to being an active member of the Afrikaans and Umunyano Societies, he demonstrates leadership, cultural appreciation, and a spirit of service. Polite, respectful, and always willing to lend a hand, he inspires those around him with his tireless work ethic, positive attitude, and well-rounded character.
5. Academic of the year to the boarder who has achieved outstanding academics grades: Joshua Gulla
Joshua is an outstanding student who has consistently demonstrated academic excellence throughout his school career. Achieving second place academically in Grade 9, he has consistently ranked among the top 15 students in his grade, showcasing his dedication, discipline, and strong work ethic. Joshua’s commitment to his studies and pursuit of excellence makes him a role model for his peers and a testament to the value of perseverance and hard work.
6. Victor Ludorum to the boarder who has displayed leadership and participated at the highest level and the most house points: Beni Hansen
With all his accomplishments and contributions highlighted earlier, including his participation in high-level sports and his exceptional leadership skills both within and beyond the school environment, this prize winner played a significant role in helping Littlewood earn numerous house points, both individually and as part of a team.
Good evening, and welcome to our Littlewood Hostel Christmas dinner. It is a privilege to stand before you this evening as we come together to celebrate the end of another remarkable year. 2024 has been a year filled with challenges, growth, and above all, achievements. Tonight, we take this opportunity to reflect on the year that was and to celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of everyone in this room.
To our Grade 12s, the Matrics of 2024
Tonight marks a significant milestone as you conclude your journey at Littlewood. Over the years, you have grown into remarkable young men, embodying the spirit and values of this hostel. We are immensely proud of your achievements, leadership, and the way you have guided your peers, especially through the challenges that came our way. While the path was not without its bumps and bruises, you navigated it with determination and resolve. As Nelson Mandela wisely said, “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” The resilience you have cultivated here will serve you well as you step into the future.
A special mention goes to our head prefect, Ziggy Reimer, whose leadership and unwavering commitment have set a high standard for others to follow. Ziggy, along with the Matrics, has left an indelible mark on Littlewood, inspiring a sense of unity and pride among all. To the Matrics, we will miss your energy and presence, but the legacy you leave behind will continue to motivate those who follow in your footsteps. Carry forward the friendships, lessons, and values that have shaped you, and remember Winston Churchill’s words: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” We believe you will move forward with courage and determination into the bright futures that await.
Tonight, as we say farewell to our outgoing Matrics, it is also an exciting moment to welcome the new Grade 12s, the leaders of 2025. Francis de Klerk as the Head Prefect with his leadership team already shows great promise, and I have no doubt they will rise to the occasion with the same passion and commitment as those before them. Good luck for 2025.
This year has been filled with many proud moments for Littlewood Hostel. Academically, many of you have excelled beyond expectations, achieving outstanding results, and improving term by term. Your perseverance in the classroom has not gone unnoticed, and your commitment to your studies is something to be admired.
On the sports field, we have witnessed incredible victories and unforgettable performances, whether on the rugby field, in the swimming pool, or in athletics (and winning multiple Inter-House Friedlander Shield events this year). Each of you has shown what it means to push through, even when the odds are against you. You have demonstrated not only skill but heart, and that is the true essence of sportsmanship and the backbone of this school and Littlewood.
Culturally, our hostel has also shone brightly, with magnificent contributions to music and drama. The highlight was surely winning the Inter-House Singing competition or watching Francis and Beni performing in the School play, Grease. You’ve shown that Littlewood is not only a place of academic and athletic excellence but also a hub of creativity and expression.
To our wonderful staff, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your dedication, mentorship, and support have been instrumental in the growth and success of every student here. Littlewood thrives because of your hard work and unwavering commitment to these young men. To the kitchen staff for preparing each meal – thank you for tolerating us early in the morning and again late into the night.
As we look to 2025, I encourage each of you to continue to embrace challenges with determination and never give up, no matter how tough the journey becomes. Remember that you are part of a community that supports one another, and together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Finally, as we enter this festive season, let’s reflect on the friendships we’ve formed, the lessons we’ve learned, and the memories we’ve made. May this Christmas be a time of joy, gratitude, and renewal. I wish you all a peaceful holiday and a prosperous new year.
To the Matrics, farewell and good luck! The doors of Littlewood will always be open to you, and you will forever be part of this family, from next year there won’t be a bed here for you but you are more than welcome to visit and share some memories. Please accept a final gift from us.
Thank you, and Merry Christmas!
The Arc de Triomphe, is one of the most famous monuments in Paris, France, standing at the western end of the Champs-Elysees. It was initially meant to be a gateway for returning soldiers to pass through on their way back into Paris, and the monument symbolised the entrance to the city. However, the city has grown around it and it now stands at the central point of a star of 12 radiating avenues. The Arc de Triomphe honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces – 660 names, including 558 generals. Also inscribed, on the shorter sides of the four supporting columns, are the names of the major French victories in the Napoleonic Wars.
When soldiers passed through the arch on their return home after victory in war, it was a symbolic act of changing from a soldier to a family man again. They were putting aside their warlike character and putting on the family man persona, returning to civilisation and community life.
The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned in 1806, after the victory at Austerlitz by Emperor Napoleon at the peak of his fortunes. During the Bourbon Restoration construction was halted, and it would not be completed until the reign of Louis Phillipe I, between 1833 and 1836, The final cost was reported at about 10,000,000 francs (equivalent to an estimated €80 million in 2024).
On 15 December 1840, Napoleon’s remains were brought back to France from St Helena and passed under the Arc on their way to the Emperor’s final resting place at Les Invalides. Another famous French man, Victor Hugo, also had his body displayed under the Arc on the night of 22 May 1885 before it was buried in the Pantheon.
At the conclusion of the First World War – the Great War – the body of an unknown French soldier was buried under the Arch. The soldier was unrecognisable as a result of his injuries suffered in the war and became symbolic of all the “nameless” soldiers who gave up their lives for the freedom of others. Interred on Armistice Day 1920, an eternal flame burns in memory of the dead who were never identified (now in both world wars). A ceremony is held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every 11 November.
Following its construction, the Arc de Triomphe became the rallying point of French troops parading after successful military campaigns and for the annual Bastille Day military parade. Famous victory marches around or under the Arc have included the Germans in 1871, the French in 1919, the Germans in 1940, and the French and their Allies in 1944 and 1945.
However, after the interment of the Unknown Soldier, all military parades (including the aforementioned post-1919) have avoided marching through the actual arch. The route taken is up to the arch and then around its side, out of respect for the tomb and its symbolism. Both Hitler in 1940 and, later, Charles de Gaulle observed this custom.
On 12 July 1998, when France won the FIFA World Cup for the first time after defeating Brazil 3-0 at the Stade de France, images of the players including double goal scorer Zinedadine Zidane and their names along with celebratory messages were projected onto the arch.
Littlewood and Wynberg
I see many similarities between Wynberg and Littlewood, and France and the Arc. In many ways, Littlewood is the entrance to Wynberg for those who live too far away for Wynberg to be their home. When it was designed, Littlewood was right next to the school buildings, but the school has grown and moved to other premises. Littlewood is now the central point of a Wynberg Campus and is central to the Wynberg spirit. It is true to say that Littlewood boys interact with more people from the other Wynberg campuses than any ordinary Wynberg boy. Littlewood has become the central point of the Wynberg schools.
For many years Littlewood was known as the backbone of the school. Just like Napoleon’s army was the backbone of France’s resistance to the old monarchies and symbolised the might of the country, so Littlewood represents the might of Wynberg. You are the young men who set the standard of what Wynberg is all about. The Wynberg uniform is more than a uniform to you – you live Wynberg. When I see Littlewood men going down to the Village I am always impressed with how smart they look – men who are proud to be wearing the Wynberg uniform, just as Napoleon’s men were proud to be part of his army.
You Littlewood men embody the Spirit of Wynberg. You are the competitive group who supports so valiantly every Friday night and Saturday morning. You are the ones who should be winning the Friedlander Shield. When you leave the hostel in the morning you go out to show other Wynberg boys what being part of Wynberg is all about. You embody the value system that we want all Wynberg boys to have. You are the Role Models for the rest of the school. Imagine how impressive it would be if they saw you allowing juniors in the line ahead of you; if they saw you clearing up your eating area at break after having eaten lunch; if they saw you picking up litter as you walk; if they saw you scolding a boy with his hands in his pockets; if they saw you embody the fierce competitiveness of Supera Moras in the classroom.
However, as with the triumphal return through the Arch, when you return to Littlewood, it is time to remember that you are at heart a family man, and Littlewood is your family. You need to put aside your warlike spirit and take up your role of supporting each other as part of a large family.
Finally, you are the Unknown Soldier. Many of you will not go down in History as having accomplished anything spectacular, but you will be one of those unknown men who always did their best to build the family. Your fellow Littlewood men will remember, in years to come, the impact you had on their lives. You may think you are unimportant, but many people will be better off because of you, if you live out the true spirit of Supera Moras, showing the world the values of a Wynberg man, and helping others to live up to the values and brand of Wynberg.
Every time you pass through your arch, may you remember the impact you have on the lives of others.
