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FRIDAY 12 June 2020
Dear Parents

FAREWELL GUY PEARSON

It is difficult to add anything new or significant to what was said and portrayed in Guy’s Remote Farewell on Wednesday. As sad as it was that we could not say our farewells in person, the Remote Farewell did provide an opportunity for so many to participate, particularly boys from Pre-Prep, Prep and College, and for so many to watch.

On behalf of the Prep and Pre-Prep I want to say how much we have appreciated Guy’s calm, strong leadership in both the high and low moments, his humility, his support for our many projects, his care for the boys and his warm, generous nature.

I have been privileged to work closely with him and have enjoyed our collegiality and friendship, his openness to different ideas and his constant support.

Guy and Maree: may Guy soon return to full health; best wishes to you both as you settle in St Francis Bay; may the next chapter in your lives be fulfilling, happy and restful.

Go well. God speed.

NEW TERM

Some information for now – more to follow in the week before school.

Grades 3 and 7 continue as per the last fortnight.

Phased return:
Grade 4 – Tuesday, 7 July
Grade 5 – Wednesday, 8 July
Grade 6 – Thursday, 9 July

Please note:
- Grade 5s will be housed in the boarding house.
- Each grade will have its own separate school entrance, exit and screening stations.
- All venues will be laid out to allow for social distancing.
- Detailed safety and hygiene protocols will be sent out before school re-opens.
- Grade 3s will continue to be taught at school in half classes on alternate days. In order to assist you we will offer supervision for your son on non-teaching days at school from 08h15-14h00, if you so wish. After-care is also available every day by arrangement.

TIMETABLE

From the start of next term we will follow the normal school timetable (with a few small alterations) i.e. we will move away from this term’s Learning Sessions.

LEARNING SUPPORT

Teachers will hold after-school support sessions from 14h15-15h00 during the week and boys will be asked to attend these sessions where they need to catch up on assignments or incomplete work, for further teaching input of skills and concepts or where they need support in the transition process.

THANK YOU

Firstly, thank you for your positive support this term in very trying and demanding times. Thank you too for your support for VUSA. Their work continues and more information on how we can assist is contained below.

I want to particularly thank our staff for all they have done this term. After one quick day of training on 17 March they had to move into a completely remote world, re-designing their teaching and learning approach, implementing this in as engaging and creative a way as possible. And through it all keeping contact with their boys.

I think they have done an outstanding job and am so grateful for how they rose to the occasion, often in very difficult circumstances. This crisis has again indicated what a superb team I am privileged to work with.

These are not “normal” holidays but a necessary break and chance to re-group. We hope to see as many of our boys back as possible. Boys need school. We have learnt a great deal with the return of two grades this last fortnight and will be ready to manage the increased volume.

I have also been impressed with our boys – with their resilience and positive spirit. Many have developed increased independence and self-sufficiency. But I know for young people these are also frustrating times with many losses. Hopefully they will grow through this experience and, as with all of us, learn to appreciate what we often take for granted in our lives.

Stay safe.

God Bless.

Kind regards

GREG BROWN
HEADMASTER

DIARY Dates
Tuesday 7 July 2020 Grades 3, 4 and 7 start

Wednesday 8 July 2020 Grade 5 starts

Thursday 9 July 2020 Grade 6 starts

TAKE Note
Grade 7 Tour

Although the tour has been postponed until the end of the year, we are concerned that we will not be able to offer the original tour as planned. Hence we have not put any Tour instalment on the 3rd Term account. We still hope to give them a special experience and will settle costs and any necessary refunds in the 4th term once we can finalise definite plans.
NEWS
VUSA
The VUSA team continues to support their learners with the feeding and academic programmes. We are blown away by the support from the Bishops community and if you have been involved in donating meals or funds we urge you to read the impact of this support in the Covid-19 Report. Whilst everyone has been affected by Covid, the effects in poorer communities have been severe. Should you wish to support VUSA, they will be hosting a virtual family quiz night during the holidays. Please get the family together and join them for a fun night and great prizes. Please don’t forget, if you’ve cleared out cupboards during lockdown and have winter clothes or household goods that need a good home, please feel free to drop these at College or Prep receptions. Please click here HERE to find out more.
Social Distancing at School
Our grade 3s and 7s adapted well to a new way of life at school. More pictures available on our Facebook page.
Farewell Dave 'O Halloran
The boys will know our stooge from Ireland who arrived a year ago. He has been a wonderful addition to our staff and the boys have really enjoyed him. In lockdown, he was a great help in the VUSA soup kitchen. He has managed to secure a seat on an EU repatriation flight tomorrow so we wish him well and safe travels.
    BISHOPS PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Fir Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700
Phone:+27 (21) 659 7222 | Fax: +27 (21) 659 7227