Six boys tested positive at the Prep this week and two at the Pre-Prep. We closed one Grade 7 class for this week and today we are closing a Grade R class for next week. We have had two teachers quarantining at the Prep as well as in the Pre-Prep. Another Prep teacher is still isolating. Fortunately we have been able to bring in substitute teachers in most cases. Please be cautious about sending your son back to school too soon after being ill.

As you know, we cancelled all inter-school sports fixtures this week as well as delayed the return to full contact rugby practices. In addition, the school took a decision to close the squash courts and stopping squash practices and matches until further notice. At this stage hockey and rugby fixtures are planned for next week but we will have to make a decision on Monday about whether these will go ahead or not. Absentee numbers, our boys’ readiness and general safety will inform our decision. We are concerned that many of our boys are taking part in club fixtures at the moment. Even though official regulations do allow this, we do not believe it is advisable until Cape Town is out of the peak.

Amazingly the boys present at school continue to take everything in their stride, playing exuberantly and going off to their sports practices despite inter-school fixtures not being a permanent part of school life yet. And although our absentee numbers have been high this past week, most boys have been online for their lessons.

So all extra-murals continue with the exception of squash and choir. We have been able to continue with all the ensembles, moving to larger venues and with the boys spread out. Choir, with large numbers, is just not possible to resume at present. We miss the singing enormously but have to stay with very small vocal groups for now.

Most of the Bishops staff have been vaccinated and we continue to encourage the members of the broader Bishops community to vaccinate.

Enjoy your weekend and, as always, stay safe.