Dear Parents
The cancellation of inter-school contact sports fixtures came as a great disappointment this week, but not a complete surprise. The boys were very disappointed – just hours before hockey matches and two days before the first rugby match since 2019. As were their very passionate coaches. However, we are speaking to them about dealing with disappointment and what we are still very fortunate to enjoy at Bishops. Our boys will bounce back, continuing to develop resilience, and we will continue with sports activities and will be as creative as possible in the experiences we provide.
On Tuesday Tony Reeler and I were invited by the Prep PA to a parents’ forum to talk about Bishops’ transformation journey and current processes. I think it was a very good evening with frank discussions in groups and feedback to the whole. It was a good conversation and a chance to increase understanding. I want to thank the PA for their planning and organisation: they are very committed to this process. It will be offered again on Tuesday evening (25 May at 19h00), this time online. So if you could not attend the physical meeting, please book a place online HERE.
I realised on Tuesday that I had not informed you about the formation of the Bishops Pride group so I include a section of the Principal’s newsletter of two weeks ago:
“One of the points raised in last year’s matric protest was the need for there to be a safe space for minority groups. We have been involved in discussions for a while now about the establishment of a structure that can meet some of the need in this regard and the input from boys, staff and others has been extensive over some time. At assembly this morning I announced the establishment of Bishops Pride. The manifesto of the group is as follows:
Bishops aims to be a school that inspires individuals, and which enables everyone to open their minds and hearts and embrace diversity in our community. The Bishops Pride Group follows these aims by creating spaces and conversations that inspire individuals to have the freedom to express their full, authentic, queer identities. Our mission is to build a space, a culture, and a community at Bishops for
everyone. This would be achieved on two levels: Firstly, through offering education opportunities for all members of our community to help Bishops become a space of belonging, and, secondly, through cultivating a support structure and resources for all queer members of our community. Ultimately, we exist so that everyone, including queer people, can exist proudly, honestly, and authentically at Bishops.
Bishops Pride has my full support as we strive to make our College a place where all feel they belong. I thank our boys for their efforts in the creation of this group and wish them well for their journey. This is indeed an opportunity for our College to show our commitment to the ideals and values of our school as an inclusive community.“
Please stay safe and be careful.
Kind regards
GREG BROWN
HEADMASTER
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