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FROM THE PRINCIPAL - 10 NOVEMBER 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians

Today we held our annual Remembrance Day service in which we acknowledged those who have died in conflict. While the focus of these events has always been on those who lost their lives in the two World Wars, last year we added a plaque of remembrance for all those who have lost their lives in conflict both globally and in our own country. This was done to make the service more relevant to our boys as we try to get them to reflect on the futility of war and the awful loss of life that accompanies conflict.

The service itself is full of significant moments, starting with the planting of 256 crosses to remember those ODs who lost their lives in the two World Wars. The service includes the reading of Binyon’s poem of remembrance, copied below.

“They shall grow not old as
we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them nor
the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
we will remember them.”                       

(Laurence Binyon)

A lone trumpeter played the Last Post, a traditional farewell for those who have passed that is often played at the end of a day and then the Reveille, again a trumpet piece that, this time, signifies the start of a new dawn. Wreaths and signs of remembrance were laid at the three plaques. I hope this day allows our community to pause for a moment as we reflect on the horror of wars, made even more relevant by recent conflict in our world.

These past few weeks and months have indeed been filled with conflict and much debate has been had in communities and in our school. I have asked boys and staff to respect differing points of view and opinion and to be careful about making judgements and labelling people as a result of the actions of others. I read a blog recently by Julie Lythcott-Haims which I shared with the staff and share with you below. She was writing in a time of personal strife as she was battling with events in the world and the unkind and thoughtless commentary that accompanied many of the discussions.

“Much is wrong, yes, but you are in charge of yourself, and also, you are a warm glowing light in this storm.

So, do your work. And also, bring your joy. Celebrate good things. Keep your spirit high.

Remember that kindness and gratitude are your superpowers, so pour them into every cup you see. It’s not everything, but in moments like this when your amygdala is on fire with fight or flight, offering kindness and gratitude is a surprisingly satisfying alternative.

Humans around you need you to be exquisitely, beautifully human right now.
Go, human. Be.”               
(Julie Lythcott-Haims)

Our boys need to be exposed to world issues and current affairs. They need to have debates and discussions around these issues. They need to ensure they are well-informed and have taken information from a variety of sources covering as many sides of the issue as possible. And then they need to decide for themselves where they stand.

I abhor conflict and the loss of human life. I hope and pray for a world where peace prevails, where dialogue and debate exists that respects another’s point of view without resorting to anger or violence.

As our former President said once:

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”                        
(Nelson Mandela)

I wish our Hindu families a very happy Diwali for this Sunday.

Wishing our Grade 12s and Grade 10s currently writing their year-end exams well and the other Grades as they prepare for theirs. Peace and joy to you all as we approach the end of the year.

Kind regards

Antony Reeler
Principal

SPORT

Regional Enduro Series

Conner Rogers is congratulated on winning the Regional Enduro Series for 2023 at the young age of 14. Well done on this amazing achievement.

Cricket

Well done to our cricketers who are performing extremely well at the start of the summer season. Callum Anderson scored 106* for the U14B team against Heathfield. The following boys took 5 wickets or more in their recent matches: Maximus Sandri 8-1-27-5 for the u15B team against Wynberg; Aditya Gulla 4-1-6-6 for the U14A team against Reddam; Thomas Malan 4-0-19-5 for the 5th X1 against Rondebosch; Waco Bassick 6-0-21-6 for the U15A team against Rondebosch; Fawaaz Davids 10-3-20-5 for the U14A team against Rondebosch; Hersheel Nathoo 4--10-5 for the U15C team against Rondebosch.

Saints Stayers Water Polo Tournament

The 1st team Water Polo side played last weekend at the St Stithians Stayers Tournament where they achieved a credible 7th position. Through the tournament they played 8 matches, losing only to SACS in the pool stages while beating Michaelhouse, Kes and Grey College. This set them up for a quarterfinal vs St Johns where Bishops came back a little bit too late, and ultimately losing 7-8. After which we played our local rivals, Rondebosch who managed to hold on to beat us by a single goal. Playing for 7th position the side managed to win on penalties. Congratulations to Jordan De Sousa (Goalkeeper of the tournament) and Thomas Truter who were both selected onto the tournament team.

Tennis Captain

Congratulations to Carl Van Wyngaarden who has been appointed as Tennis Captain for 2024.

Squash Captain

Congratulations to Nicholas Basson who has been appointed as Squash Captain for 2024.

Swimming

Our swimmers recently took part in the Herschel and SACS galas, well done to our swimmers who achieved some amazing results.

Herschel Gala: Joshua Mettler swam the U/19 50m butterfly and placed 2nd with a time of 00:28.09. Christo Le Roux swam the U/14 50m backstroke and placed 1st with a time of 00:33.04. Aidan Edwards swam the U/14 50m breaststroke, placing 4th with a time of 00:49.10. Luc Bestel placed 1st in both the U/14 50m butterfly and U/14 50m freestyle with a time of 00:28.72 (butterfly) and 00:26.91 (freestyle). A big thank you to these swimmers who availed themselves for the gala and a big congratulations to their excellent achievements!

SACS Gala: U/14 50M Butterfly Luc Bestel 00:28.94, U/16 50M Butterfly  Rhys Haupt 00:29.90 U/14, 50m Backstroke Christo Le Roux 00:33.28, U/16 50M Backstroke Rhys Haupt 00:31.65, U/14 50M Breastroke Rhys Haupt 00:34.90, U/16 50M Breastroke Nicholas Gorman 1:03.09, U/14 50M Freestyle Rhys Haupt 00:27.80, U/16 50M Freestyle Christo Le Roux 00:28.19. Thank you to SACS for a fabulous gala. 

 

GENERAL

Santa Shoebox Project

The Santa Shoebox Project believes that every child deserves a Christmas present - and so do the tutors of Kidd House and Ogilvie House! Each tutor group decides how many boxes they want to pledge - one box is one Christmas present for a child. Each box must be decorated and contain a washcloth and soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, an item of clothing, some educational supplies, sweets and a toy. This year, Kidd and Ogilvie brought the Christmas spirit to children in need by pledging 36 boxes. A big thank you to every Bishops boy and staff member who made this project a reality!

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