Dear Parents and Guardians

As I wrote this newsletter I was only too aware of the date it would be published, 11 September, the date the world changed in 2001. It is hard to believe this was 25 years ago and I still struggle with the awful loss of life that took place. Let us pray that we never see this kind of event again and that our world becomes a place of peace for all her people.

My grateful thanks go to Mr Trevor van Niekerk for acting as Principal for the two weeks I was away and the Bishops management team for standing up so well to absorb what needed to be done. I suppose there is an analogy with a rugby team that loses a player to a yellow card and his teammates have to step up to cover for the temporary setback. Our Executive team is a formidable one and the way they work together when one person is missing or unable to do what they need to do, is simply remarkable. We are truly blessed with the people we have at Bishops.

The operation was a success and I now have a titanium plate with a few screws in my neck, but also have greater mobility and no pain and I am grateful to my surgeon and the medical team who looked after me.

Our Grade 12s are almost finished with their Mock Matric exams and are preparing for what for many is their social event of the year, the annual Matric Dance, which promises to be another magical evening and a fitting farewell social function. I hope this is a truly wonderful evening of fun and good memories.

As the one cohort leaves, so our attention shifts to the incoming leader group, our current Grade 11s, who had a very successful Grade 11 Leadership Camp. We will, very shortly, on Monday 21 September, be announcing the names of those who take up formal leadership positions in the Houses and the College and the cycle of school leadership continues! As each year matriculates and another takes its place, we have the joy of working with developing young men and seeing their growth -  one of the many privileges of teaching.

I came across an article recently on the Association for Supervison and Curriculum Development website written by Sarah McKibben which included this commentary from a study. “…when given the choice between a staircase and an escalator, only two percent of people take the stairs. We are evolutionarily wired to take the path of least resistance—and for a teenager staring bleary-eyed at a blank screen, AI is the ultimate escalator.”

Most of us use AI in our professional and personal lives, whether it be as the default tool, a support process or reluctantly for various reasons. I have a personal viewpoint when it comes to my communication in assemblies and newsletters that I do not use AI at all, preferring that my personality comes across better on the page. If we as adults are challenged by AI and deciding on how best to use it to enhance our own efforts, for a teenage boy this is a really difficult challenge. Finding the path of least resistance is a highly developed skill that many of our boys have!

But while this article was about AI specifically, my greater concern with our young men is the wider “escalator” analogy – in life itself. How many of our boys choose the easy way and how many of our boys have the path smoothed for them by well-meaning adults? When do our boys actually get to struggle with something, to fail safely, struggle again and perhaps fail again before there is any modicum of success?

Surely our greatest role as adults of influence is to prepare our young men for growing independence? Not to chase them away but to prepare them for a struggle that will allow them to lead their own successful lives.

I know as a parent myself, one of the hardest things to do was to watch my children fail – without intervening. We have a natural tendency to protect, to nurture, yet that very desire may be to the detriment of their development.

I share these words, as always, as food for thought. Just as taking the escalator is the easy way and asking Claude to solve a problem or write an essay is quicker than perhaps doing it ourselves, is this what our young men need and what is truly best for them?

Prayer Week

It was a wonderful initiative to have a focused Prayer Week this week and have one of my favourite spaces on our campus, the Brooke Chapel, converted into stations of reflection and prayer. I had a chance to sit quietly in this space and prayer seemed to come so easily! My grateful thanks to our parent prayer group and the College Chaplain for making this happen.

To our Jewish community

We wish our Jewish families well for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, which begins this Friday and ends on Sunday. At the end of the term, they will be observing the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and we wish our boys and their families well for these two times of significance.

Assembly and final thoughts

This week I shared some thoughts about our mortality with the boys and I invite you to read what was said below.

I shall be attending the annual South African Heads of Independent Schools (SAHISA) conference next week and am looking forward to an inspiring event with my colleagues and fellow heads from independent schools around the country.

I wish you all well for the remainder of the term and to our Grade 12s and their parents, I wish success in the Mock Matric examinations and a happy and enjoyable matric dance.

Antony Reeler
Principal

Memento mori

In ancient Roman tradition a servant used to stand behind a victorious general as he paraded through town in triumph after a great victory. As the general basked in the glory of the cheering crowds, the servant would whisper in the general’s ear: “Respice post te! Hominem te esse memento! Memento mori!” These Latin words translated into English mean “Look behind you! Remember that you are but a man! Remember that you will die!” Can you imagine – you have just come home from victory, you are on top of the world, feeling invincible and this person’s job is to tell you that you are just a man, merely a mortal being and that you too will pass from this earth!!

So why do I share this mildly macabre story with you today? Why do I ask you in particular, as young human beings with your lives ahead of you to think about your mortality?

I use the idea of “memento mori” as my message to you today not to cause anxiety about your death but for you to reflect upon your life.

We often take things for granted as we live and we don’t think of death, certainly not much as young people, yet that is the one certainty we know. If we don’t know how long our life will be, my first and obvious point to you is to live life to the full. This does NOT mean to take unnecessary risks that could contribute to an early demise! This does NOT mean ignoring all others, their feelings and needs as you pursue your own. This does NOT mean to take up a selfish existence. It DOES mean to take every chance to learn something new, to get involved, help others and to laugh, love and live with joy and happiness, sharing yourself with others. Avoiding mindless pursuits that achieve very little. You must have time for reflection, meditation and so on but try to live a purpose-driven life that means something.

My second point is to be humble. Be careful in thinking we are special simply because of the accident of our birth, the school we go to, the house our parents own or the car we or they drive or even our achievements. Remember we are mortal and just as the poor man with nothing will die one day with nothing, so will we. Death is a great equalizer so make sure the life you live is a humble one, taking nothing for granted and being grateful for the opportunities you have – big or small. Show that gratitude every day by thanking others for what they give you and acknowledging your many blessings.

Thirdly, we need to appreciate others – people with whom we might be for a short period of time. Grandparents spring to mind here. We need to value them more – their wisdom and lived experiences. Spend some time with them and listen to their stories - on your own. Ask their advice and share your concerns and feelings about the world. You will be amazed how much you can learn and how much they will appreciate what you have done.

These three thoughts – to live life to the fullest, to be humble and, finally, to appreciate others while we are around the three, I want you to take from today. There are many other ways in which this phrase “memento mori” can be interpreted and that is up to you. All I ask is that in utmost humility you are grateful for what you have, you truly live your life, knowing that it can be gone in a literal heartbeat. 

I read these closing words that speak to what the author feels is a life well-lived.

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Music
Ensembles

Congratulations to our music ensembles on their outstanding performances at the Cape Town Eisteddfod on Saturday, 15 August. They represented Bishops with distinction and achieved the following results:

• Guitar Ensemble – Honours (80–84%)
• Wind Band, Brass Band and String Ensemble – Honours++ (87–89%)
• Orchestra, Jazz Band and Senior Marimba Band – Diploma (90%+)

On Saturday, 29 August, the Choir travelled to Stellenbosch to compete in the Tygerberg Eisteddfod Final. We are delighted to announce that they were named the overall winners of the Boys' Choir category, achieving an impressive average score of 92%.
Congratulations to all the musicians, conductors and staff involved in these exceptional achievements.

Music Certificates

A large number of music pupils performed exceptionally well at the recent Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod (KAE). While many certificates will be presented at House assemblies, those who achieved Hoogste Lof (a mark above 90%) are recognised at Assembly.
This year, so many boys achieved Hoogste Lof that certificates will be presented in batches. Today's recipients are the Grade 8 and Grade 9 boys.

Congratulations to:
Benjamin Bradshaw
Ben Davies
Altaf Dawood
Lorenzo Chen
Thomas McCollum
Nirvaan Naidu
Zaeem Omar
Joshua Dembaremba (2 x Hoogste Lof)
Jake Reed (2 x Hoogste Lof)
Phoenix Jordan (2 x Hoogste Lof)
Andre Kuys (2 x Hoogste Lof)
Sam Neethling (3 x Hoogste Lof)
Kuhle Cossie (4 x Hoogste Lof)
Evan West (4 x Hoogste Lof)
Chris de Wet (6 x Hoogste Lof)

Ensemble Ties

Congratulations to the following boys who have qualified for Ensemble Ties:
Joshua Whitehorn
David Traill

Service Ties

Bishops Rugby would also like to thank the following boys for their dedicated service over the past two years operating the scoreboard on the Piley Rees:
AJ Mateyu
Lee Seloka
Uya Sontshaka
George Hooley
Luca Shirtliff

Hockey

Among the season's standout achievements was Callum Anderson's appointment as captain of the SA U17A Hockey Team at the Zimbabwe Youth Tournament, where he led his side to victory and was deservedly named Player of the Tournament.

Another major highlight was the 1st XI's achievement of winning the coveted Triple Crown, a feat not accomplished for a number of years. It was an incredibly special and proud moment for everyone involved with the programme.

The 14A, 16A and 1st XI teams all finished second in their respective Western Province age groups, with the 16A side missing out on the top spot by goal difference alone. As a result of these consistently strong performances across all age groups, Bishops finished second overall in the 2026 Western Province Boys' Hockey League, an outstanding achievement.

The end-of-season dinner celebrated the successes of the 2026 campaign and also honoured Warren Wallace for his many years of dedicated service to Bishops Hockey as he prepares to retire at the end of the year.

While the evening celebrated the collective achievements of the hockey programme, several individual awards were also presented:
14A

• Player of the Year: Josh Carstens

16A

• Player of the Year: Noah Walford

2nd Team

• Most Valuable Player: Issa Sonday

Team of the Year

• 2nd Team

1st Team Awards

• Sportsmanship Award: Harry Morgan
• Most Improved Player of the Year: Troy Stockdale
• Player's Player: Cameron Macbeth
• Most Valuable Player of the Year: Luc Dicey

Congratulations to all our hockey players, coaches and support staff on a fantastic season. Your commitment, sportsmanship and dedication have made 2026 a year to remember for Bishops Hockey.

Cricket  

A significant milestone for Michael Kruiskamp
It is a proud moment for Bishops as 1st XI Vice-Captain and SA U19 all-rounder Michael Kruiskamp makes his professional first-class debut for the Western Province/Cobras men's team.

Michael is currently representing the Cobras in a four-day fixture against the Warriors at Newlands in the opening round of the First-Class Series, marking a special milestone in his cricketing journey and a testament to his hard work, talent and dedication to the game.

Adding to the occasion, Bishops Head Cricket Coach Brad Barnes had the honour of presenting Michael with his Cobras cap during the team's training session ahead of the match.

To earn a first-class debut while still at school is a rare achievement, and Michael joins an elite group of young cricketers who have made the transition to the professional arena while completing their school careers.
Congratulations, Michael. The entire Bishops community is incredibly proud of your achievement and wishes you every success as you embark on this exciting new chapter. We look forward to following your progress in the years ahead.

Golf

The golf season concluded on Monday, 31 August, with the Western Province Schools League Finals, an 18-hole competition held at King David Mowbray Golf Club. Qualification for this prestigious event is reserved for the top-ranked teams from the respective schools' leagues.

The Bishops 1st Team narrowly missed qualification by a single point but nevertheless enjoyed an excellent season, recording victories against our traditional rivals and earning qualification for the SA High Schools Championships earlier in the year.

Our 2nd Team topped the South B League standings and finished the season with a silver medal at the Finals. The 3rd Team placed second in the South C League and secured the bronze medal after defeating Curro Durbanville.
Congratulations to all our golfers on a highly successful season and for representing Bishops with pride.

Soccer

St Andrew's Football Cup

Our U14, U16 and 1st XI football teams competed in the St Andrew's Football Cup in Makhanda against some of the strongest school teams from across the country.

The U14 side completed the tournament undefeated, while the U16 team narrowly missed qualification for the semi-finals after a series of strong performances.

The 1st XI entered the competition as defending champions and successfully retained their title, defeating St John's College in the final.

Congratulations to all players, coaches and managers on an outstanding tournament and for representing Bishops so admirably.

Soccer Hat-Trick Ball Award

Congratulations to Ethan McMurtrie, who scored a hat-trick against Victoria Park High School during the St Andrew's Football Tournament.

In recognition of this outstanding achievement, Ethan is awarded a Hat-Trick Ball Award. Well done, Ethan!

Soccer Interhouse Winners

Our Inter-House Soccer competition produced exciting and highly competitive football, with all Houses battling through the knockout rounds.

In the Junior competition, White House and Gray House progressed to the final. After a competitive encounter, White House emerged victorious and were crowned the 2026 Junior Inter-House Soccer Champions.

The Senior competition was equally competitive, with Founders House and Mallett House earning their places in the final. Founders House came out on top to be crowned the 2026 Senior Inter-House Soccer Champions.

Congratulations to White House and Founders House on their victories and well done to all the boys who participated and represented their Houses with enthusiasm and great spirit.

Fencing Champions

The Fencing Championships and Interhouse Competition took place on 25 August.
The Epee Championship was won by Alex Horrell and the Foil Championship by Ethan Lee Pan.
The Interhouse Final between Mallett and Kidd House was won by Kidd House in a nail-biting finish.
Congratulations to the newly appointed office bearers for 2027:
Captain: Alex Horrell
Vice-Captain: Brent Cowden
Congratulations to all trophy winners and office bearers.

MMA

Huge congratulations to Luca Grünenwald, who took 1st place and claimed the gold medal at the ADCC South African Open in his MMA weight division this past weekend!  

Your dedication, determination and grit have paid off. What an incredible achievement and a proud moment! Well done, Luca!

Bishops Wine

As part of our 175th anniversary celebrations, Bishops launched a special wine project that was originally intended to be a once-off initiative for the milestone year. The response from our community was overwhelmingly positive, and due to its popularity, we have decided to make the Bishops Wine Collection a permanent feature.

We are proud to offer a selection of premium wines in partnership with renowned wine farms and winemakers, including Bruce Jack Wines and De Grendel. Whether for personal enjoyment, gifting, or celebrating special occasions, every purchase supports the Bishops community.

We encourage support of this unique initiative and enjoy a fine selection of wines carrying the Bishops name.

The Bishops Wine Collection is available to purchase online at Wine of the Month - Click here.

School Socks

We are excited to introduce Bishops-branded Versus socks. This fun new initiative gives boys another way to show their Bishops pride and is now available for purchase in the School Shop.