Dear Parents and Guardians

I hope the examinations have been going well for your son(s). Now that they are in the middle of the process, I repeat my oft-mentioned call for finishing well. As tempting as it may be to cruise until the end with depleted energy levels, true glory lies from completing tasks with the same energy and enthusiasm with which they were begun. As parents, please have this conversation with your son, as my mother did with me: “Antony, it is not the beginning of the task but the continuation of the same until it be thoroughly finished that yieldeth the true glory”. Words I remember from the time I was in Prep school and while my mother may have been quoting Francis Drake, she did have a slightly archaic manner of speaking!

Eisteddfod looms and many of our boys have already been heavily involved in prelims, planning and rehearsals. There is a wonderful energy in this time, and I urge parents to read the information that comes from Mr Mitchell about the programme. We have a challenge this year, as was shared with you, that the CTICC changed our booking, bringing it one day earlier. We are thus forced to have the Interhouse singing on the Tuesday night instead of Wednesday. This means starting the three Eisteddfod days on Sunday.

We are aware that Sunday is Father's Day and so we have planned to start later in the day with a voluntary Father's Day Chapel service to allow families to honour their fathers at an early breakfast before coming to College. We will end in the early evening, which would allow for a family dinner together. In between, there is a wonderful opportunity for families to be together, enjoying the various items of entertainment on offer. We also have a special free raffle with a stunning prize for all fathers in attendance! Please help us make this a truly special celebration of the arts.

Youth Day

This Tuesday, we will be remembering the sacrifices of our youth as we mark Youth Day, a day of remembrance that came from the events in Soweto on 16 June 1976 when over 500 children were killed by the police during a peaceful protest. This awful event in our countries’ history serves as a stark reminder to us on so many levels. Firstly, that protest is a legitimate way of expressing concern and that opinions matter, even differing ones. Secondly, that we need to respect each other’s opinions and engage in meaningful dialogue. Thirdly, that violence can never be a solution to difference.

Our world is, sadly, filled with examples of violence and death, usually of the innocent, in the name of nationalism, power, religion, egos, politics and so many other factors. Sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters killed in the name of a cause or because they opposed injustice – unnecessary lives lost. We remember our youth this day because so often the youth lead times of protest. Young people who are forming their own ideas of the world, what is good, fair and just and what is not. Young people who have little to lose – or so we think until tragedy strikes as it did 50 years ago in our country.

So, on Tuesday we honour the memory of these boys and girls and so many like them that stood up, that showed courage and who, in doing so, paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The first half of our winter season draws to a close after a tough term, with our home fixture against Rondebosch. This is a special occasion for both schools and we encourage parents to support our soccer, hockey and rugby teams as they take on our friends from across the way.

I wish you well for the last few weeks of term as we finish strongly in anticipation of a well-deserved break.

Kind regards

Antony Reeler
Principal

But everyone does it….

In 2019 I watched a Springbok vs All Black rugby test in New Zealand where one incident caused me concern. The All Blacks were awarded a penalty within fairly easy range. The goalkicker, Beauden Barrett, stepped up to take the kick and indicated to the referee that he was going to go for poles. What happened next, as the referee turned his back to deal with another player and the touch judges were moving behind the poles, was that Barrett moved the ball about three metres closer to the poles – in front of where the kick should have been taken and making the kick far easier. The referees and touch judges did not notice this, fourth officials didn’t have the intervening powers they have today and the kick went over – from an easier place.

While I was not impressed with what I saw, what happened afterwards concerned me much more. This deliberate breaking of a rule was commented upon by the coach when it became public knowledge what had happened and it was on social media. In his own words: “Is it right? Probably not but they all do it.”

You see, my worry is if we allow the breaking of a small rule and then justify the actions of the player by saying that everyone does it, we set a very poor example. This was sport played at the highest level and the behaviour of the players should be an example to all. How many schoolboys are now going to nudge the ball forward because they have seen their hero do it and the coach shrug it off on the grounds that others do the same thing? I don’t think this is right at all. At the very least, the coach should have condemned his player for what was a breach of sporting ethics and the very rules of the game.

If we lived according to the “but everyone else does it” rule, we may as well forget about obeying traffic lights or the speed limit because “everyone does it!”. We may as well plagiarise in our assignments, cheat on tests and do anything we really like – because “everyone else does it”

What utter nonsense! In the first place I am deeply offended to be classified along with “everyone”. In the second – it is simply not true. Everyone does not do it.
We have “integrity” as one of our core values.

“Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn't blow in the wind or change with the weather. It is your inner image of yourself, and if you look in there and see a man who won't cheat, then you know he never will.” John D MacDonald

While I was disappointed with the actions of the goalkicker, the comments of the coach upset me more. The kicker did something in the heat of battle and made a decision, that was a bad decision, but it was done in the moment. This, no doubt, is something he regretted – particularly as the whole rugby world saw what he did. The coach made his comments after time had passed and I simply cannot accept what he said.

We all make mistakes. In fact it is our right to make mistakes. Those mistakes can cost us dearly – even if just in reputation. The All Black coach was one of the finest coaches in the world and I have no doubt he is a good person. He was loyal to his players that was clear. But he made a mistake when he used that tired, old and unacceptable excuse I hear so often – “everyone does it so why can’t we?”

"Wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it. Right is right, even if no one is doing it" Saint Augustine

Music

The month of May has been an extremely busy time for the Music School, and we are delighted to share the following results:

On Wednesday, 13 May, the choir took part in the prestigious Tygerberg Eisteddfod. This is regarded as one of the most competitive eisteddfods in the Western Cape. The choir delivered an outstanding performance and achieved an average of 92%. Following this, the choir entered the ATKV-Applous National Choir Competition. On Thursday, 21 May, the choir travelled to Durbanville for the preliminary round and was awarded a Gold certificate, the highest accolade at this stage. The choir is now awaiting confirmation of whether it has progressed to the finals in both competitions.

On Saturday, 16 May, our Wind, Jazz and Brass Bands participated in the Windworx Festival held at Durbanville High School. This included individual performances with written feedback, as well as participation in a massed band, which was an exceptional experience. The adjudicators’ comments were very positive. Our Wind and Brass Bands received High Honours, while the Jazz Band was awarded a Diploma.

On Friday, 22 May, our Grade 11 band, Prattle, competed in the Herschel Battle of the Bands. Participating schools included Westerford, Herschel, Springfield, SACS, Parklands College and Rustenburg Girls’ High. Our boys performed superbly and secured first place. This marks the third consecutive year that a Bishops band has won this competition.

Bish Bosch

We welcome Rondebosch Boys’ High for our home leg of the fixture this weekend, and we encourage strong live support for the boys.

For family and friends who are unable to attend, we will be streaming the 1st XI soccer match, all games on the Astro on Friday, and all matches on the Piley on Saturday.

We will stream directly via the Bishops You Tube channel.

Hockey:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amZp68wv9zw

Soccer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8J8NI8iT50

Rugby:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rndBAQJbaUc

Cricket

Bishops was delighted to receive the news that nine of its cricketers have been named in the Western Province U16 and U19 Winter Squads. Training sessions will commence at the beginning of Term 3 in preparation for the final selection of the Western Province U16 and U19 teams, who will represent the province at inter-provincial tournaments in December.

Congratulations to Aadam van Graan, Bulela Klaas, Ibraheem Taliep and Liyema Mkumbuzi on their selection to the U16 Winter Squad, and to Alex Vintcent, Litha Mbiko, Michael Kruiskamp, Thaafier Japtha and Waco Bassick on their selection to the U19 Winter Squad.

Unfortunately, Alex Vintcent has had to withdraw due to injury.

The Bishops Community proudly congratulates 1st XI Vice-Captain, Michael Kruiskamp, on his selection to the South African U19 cricket team.

The team will travel to England at the end of June to compete against the hosts in a series comprising three One Day Internationals and two Test matches.

This prestigious honour further crowns an exceptional year for Michael, following his participation in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup earlier this year in January and February.

We wish Michael and the Junior Proteas every success and a thoroughly enjoyable tour.

Blues Bash

We are proud to be hosting the annual Blues Bash, where the boys take part in various sporting activities against St Cyprian’s in order to raise funds for the MENStruation Foundation.

We have created a fun community event for everyone to enjoy. There will be carnival-style activities, a small market, food stands, live music and more. Please join us for an enjoyable afternoon in support of a very worthwhile cause.

Tickets are available for all family members and supporters on the Karri app.

Clothing Drive - Small Act. Big Impact.

One of our students has driven an initiative that we encourage everyone to support. In the week leading up to the Eisteddfod, we will be running a clothing drive in support of the VUSA children.

Our VUSA Clothing Drive is happening 17–23 June (Eisteddfod week)

Donate: Jackets, jerseys, shoes, blankets, tees, scarves, beanies and sports kit (kids + adults)
Drop-off at Bishops:
College:
Sandown Road entrance
Ogilvie drop off point

Please drop off any gently worn clothing at the designated drop-off points and help support this special initiative.

VUSA Gala Dinner

On Thursday, 21 May, VUSA hosted its Gala Dinner, More Than a Game, at MOYO Kirstenbosch, raising an incredible R370,000 in support of our Early Childhood Development programmes.

At the heart of the evening was a powerful fireside conversation hosted by Tank Lanning, which challenged guests to think more deeply about access, opportunity, and the sacrifices many young people and families make simply to access quality education and opportunity in South Africa. It was an honest and moving conversation that left a lasting impression on many in the room.

A sincere thank you to our title sponsor, Anchor Capital, to all the generous donors of auction and raffle prizes, and to every guest who attended and supported the evening. Thank you to the incredible Bishops Prep Marimbas for welcoming guests so beautifully, to Roger Eskinazi for his wonderful performance, and to DJ extraordinaire Luke Jacobs, auctioneer Stef Olivier, and our MC Wandile Nzuza for helping create such a memorable atmosphere.

Finally, thank you to Deidre Weich, Kim Steven, Daniela Wakeford and Tarah Snyders for creating such a warm and beautiful event at MOYO.

Please click to view the photo gallery and event video.