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FROM THE PRINCIPAL - 10 SEPTEMBER 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians

The term is almost over and with two weeks left before we have a short break, I ask that parents encourage their sons to finish off well. The Grade 12s are one week into their Mock Matric exams and it appears to be going smoothly.

Covid-19

While numbers of infections in the country and the Western Cape are steadily declining, we have experienced a small upsurge in numbers within the College, as shared by Mr Westwood, in his weekly Covid newsletter. We have no idea about how this will all end, indeed when it will end, and we need to learn how to live with Covid as best we can, looking after ourselves but also looking after others. I hope that most of our parents are vaccinated by now and that you have encouraged others to do so too. While there is much debate about vaccinations, the evidence shows that it is the best option available to us at present.

School News

I attended the Grade 11 Leadership Camp this past week, and had the opportunity to talk to our boys about various aspects of leadership, including leadership styles and qualities of good leaders. One of the interesting exercises we did was to look at role models, and the boys had to think of someone who was a role model to them and explain to a partner why they chose that person and what adjectives they would use to describe them.

What was of great interest to me, was the collection of adjectives which included words like “kind”, “compassionate”, “gentle” and “empathetic”. One may make assumptions that boys seek role models who are tough, strong, brave and so on and there were certainly some of these words used, but the vast majority of words spoke to qualities of humanity that showed an understanding of the need for human connection. I made it quite clear that there is nothing wrong with being tough and brave and strong yet also showing kindness, empathy and emotion.

In House news, it is with pleasure that I announce that Mr Kurt Baatjies has been appointed as the Assistant House Director of White House, replacing Mr Steyn. We wish Mr Baatjies well for his new position.

We are in the process of finalizing teaching appointments for 2022 and will keep parents informed when these are completed. We are replacing three teachers who are retiring and one who is returning home to KZN.

Transformation

Our Diversity and Transformation Policy will be shared with the parent community shortly and we invite comment, through the Parent Associations on this proposed policy. It is our intention, after a school-wide consultation process, to adopt the policy and publish it in all three languages of the Western Cape, English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa. Added to this will be an Anti-Racism statement that is currently under review in the Transformation Committee.

While policy development and review is the current focus, we are also intending to review our three libraries in the school with a view of seeing how well we represent the school community in terms of our learning material and resources. Do we, for example, celebrate African and South African authors enough, and do we use this as an opportunity to inspire aspirant authors within our school? If there are any parents who have any ideas or expertise in this area, you are most welcome to contact me.

Final Thoughts

We remind parents that we need to know if you would like your son to miss school for whatever reason. We are very understanding of the difficult conditions that exist under current Covid times and the need for families to connect, often requiring extended time away. However, this can be disrupting for boys and their learning, so we ask that you inform us well in advance of any planned absence so we can help you and your son catch up any work missed. Ideally, he should be at school all the time but we do understand that this is not always possible. The catching up of work missed does remain the responsibility of the boy though, so this must be considered.

Kind regards

Antony Reeler
Principal

ASSEMBLY MESSAGE

For today’s assembly I read a piece of prose that resonates strongly with me. It is a well-known piece, written in 1927 and it speaks to lessons we learn about ourselves and how we connect with others. Simple life-lessons for us all.

Desiderata

GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann

OUR COMMUNITY

Vusa – Driving Change

GlobalGiving is a nonprofit that supports other nonprofits around the world by connecting them to donors and companies, tools and training.

VUSA has applied to become a GlobalGiving partner and has reached the final round of the intense vetting process – an accelerator fundraising campaign which runs from the 13 – 30 September.

To graduate from the Accelerator and become a permanent GlobalGiving partner, VUSA must raise at least $5,000 from 40 unique donors during the campaign.

Amongst other benefits, once accepted as a GlobalGiving partner, donors in the USA and UK will be able to claim tax benefits when donating to VUSA.

Crowdfunding platforms unleash the potential for anyone, anywhere, at any time, to make the world a better place. Whether you can give financially or not we are asking the Bishops community to please share the link and champion this cause over the next few weeks. Whilst the end goal is to become a GlobalGiving partner, the project VUSA is raising funds for is unbelievable – we’ll give you a hint – it involves a bus and 40 laptops –– please look out for the campaign launch on social media and newsletters next week and share to anyone who you think can support this wonderful initiative which supports VUSA’s goals of awakening opportunities for primary school children in the Langa Community.

VUSA rugby teams will be playing Bishops on Saturday. We are looking forward to what promises to be a wonderful morning.

Bishops Rowing - September Camp Invitation!

Bishops Rowing fosters individuals who excel, have elements of grit and determination, proud of who they are and are blessed with close friendships. September camp sets the scene for the entirity of the rowing season, a time to dip the heels in and put in some decent miles in beautiful Robertson.

From the 25th – 29th of September the new U14’s and Opens will have camp and the U15’s and U16’s will leave on 29th and will return on the 2nd of October. Transportation, food and accommodation is included in a set fee.

Feel free to contact Brad Smith bsmith@bishops.org.za the Head Coach on email to find out more details!

The Berg River Row

This past weekend saw the Bishops Rowing community, parents and boys, drive up to Velddrif (the finish) and Doornfontein (the starting point) of a 27km race! Spirits were high and a beautiful farmhouse played host to our club for the Saturday evening – a family home which has seen 9 generations pass through, now a beautiful guest house with 5 star amenities.

When the troops had eaten lunch upon arrival, the boats were then rigged by the waterside, the boys had a fun time in the bus, taking in the flowers in the surrounding fields. A beautiful evening row after boat rigging was brought to an end with a typical West Coast Sunset and the recognisable bellow from Mr Smith caring for his boats.

An evening spent eating, watching the qualifying and a few haircuts and meaningful conversations were aplenty. The parents spent the night together at Veldrift where over 30 enjoyed a dinner and special evening in anticipation for the next day’s activities!

The rain didn’t seem to subside that evening or the next morning, and 27kms is short but long. A paradox where time is elongated but simple. Place the blade and move, over and over. Banter and music mixed with the sound of the blades rotating whilst sitting in the rain. A tough but worthwhile experience, one which builds character, resilience and an appreciation for the well-deserved boerewors roll at the end.

A successful weekend for Bishops Rowing Club!

Thomas Schooling – “I should have trained harder”

Matthew Le Roux – “When I got on the water, I was full of energy and excitement with the crew was tangible! Two-thirds of the way into race the crew started to fluctuate and the morale shifted. A few cranky comments were thrown around, but once we saw that finish line, we all lit up with energy and pushed till we finished. The feeling of accomplishment would be the best I would ever feel knowing that I rowed 27km! This row is something I would do again”

Head Coach – Mr Smith “It was a dog show, the u15s finished against all odds, the open 8 crashed and lost a skeg and the coaches won!"

Fencing

Congratulations to Felix de Bruin and Sebastian Boeddinghaus for being selected as captain and vice-captain of Fencing for 2021/2022. Congratulations too, to Uzuko Mnyombolo for winning the foil club champs and the service cup for 2021.

Love In A Bowl

As part of the Big Ideas programme, Grade 9’s visited Love in a Bowl in Hout Bay about a month ago. The NGO does wonderful work with community farms in Hout Bay, and we bought spinach for the boys to take home. Each boy got a 15% discount coupon for one future purchase and Love in a Bowl would like to extend the once-off offer to all Bishops parents. They have in-season family, and duo packs, picked and ready to be delivered on a weekly basis. They also provide juice packs. Please have a look at their website (https://loveinabowl.co.za/) for more information on the produce, their mission, and stories in the community. Here is also a beautiful video that gives you an overview of the organisation: https://youtu.be/5gcuRrrAaic

To make use of this offer, simply visit https://loveinabowl.co.za/ (you can create an account too if you wish to), select your order, type in the discount coupon code (namely “DIOCESAN”), add your name and surname and delivery address (or choose to pick up in Hout Bay for an even better price). Delivery is R30 anywhere in the suburbs. You can also join the WhatsApp mailing list for updates on the weekly offering, with the following WhatsApp link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CwvwkMeOOwX5sUmmNrJvoa

Junior Lifeguard Achievement

Congratulations to Ryan Voigt who has recently qualified as a Clifton Junior Lifeguard. Well done, Ryan! .

Golf

Bishops golfers win Gold and Silver at the WP Schools league finals!

Our golfers have had a remarkable season with all three teams winning their respective South leagues, securing their place in the WP league finals against the winners of the North leagues. The finals were played over 18 holes on Monday 6 September at King David Mowbray Golf Club.
The A league final was very closely contested ending in a 3 all stalemate against TGSE with Christopher Gutuza, Sebastian Dorward and Reyne de Klerk winning their individual matches. As per the league rules a count-out ensued with TGSE winning by a single hole, resulting in our 1st team receiving the silver medal.

Our 2nd team took home the gold medal beating SAGDB (Atlantis) 4 – 2, and our 3rd team went down narrowly to Durbanville High School’s B team to receive the silver medal.
A massive congratulations to all the Bishops golfers for making history by qualifying for the WP league finals across all divisions. A special mention must go to Christopher Gutuza and Daniel Davidson for their solid leadership throughout the season.

AWARDS AND COLOURS

Congratulations to the boys who have earned their colours.

Golf

Full Colours
Daniel Davidson
Christopher Gutuza

Half Colours
James Boustead
Cole Crawford
Reyne De Klerk
Sebastian Dorward
Jack Lee

Squash

Full Colours
Matthew Reid

Half Colours
Aidan Burns
Armaan Trikam

All Rounders Tie

Congratulation to the 2 boys below on being awarded an All Rounder's Tie.

David Brunt

Chris Hodgson

Service Tie

James Morkel

ODU NEWS

It's just less than a month to go for the long-awaited Bishops Community Week. The week is dedicated to fundraising for the Invest in our Future Foundation, a Citadel and Bishops partnership developed to provide funding for Bishops school leavers from 2022 to pursue a tertiary education as well as for OD start-ups.

The week kicks off from the 5th October and includes a musical soiree in the Memorial Chapel, an art exhibition showcasing talented ODs and students, a fine wine and dining evening and auction, and finally the golf day. Please see the programme details for the week below. We will be sending out individual event details and ticket sales from next week so keep your eyes peeled!

BISHOPS DIOCESAN COLLEGE
Campground Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700
Phone +27 21 659 1000 | Fax: +27 21 659 1013