Dear Parents and Guardians

As the first half of the year comes to a close, I wish to thank all those that have contributed to the life of Bishops. It has certainly been a busy term with winter sport in full swing, mid-year exams taking place and the Eisteddfod which we have experienced these past three days. This is all in addition to the many other activities on offer and I hope your son has made the most of the experiences available to him.

My thanks extend to the staff who made so much of this term possible, both academic and support staff and I hope they have some respite in the next three weeks before the next term starts.

Staff

We bade farewell to Mr Burgert Maree at our final assembly. Mr Maree has contributed greatly to Bishops over almost twelve years and we thank him for his service in the Afrikaans Department, as TIC Athletics and as the driving force behind the Big Ideas programme. His kindness, empathy and ready smile will be sorely missed and we wish him well for his further studies overseas.

Academic Issues

The mid-year examinations are a wonderful opportunity to assess the progress made by your son thus far. I always refer to these exams as teaching exams as they are a good indicator of how he has been doing and what areas need attention in the next half of the year. I ask that parents go over reports with their sons and help him make plans for the next two terms.

The A Level discussion is still ongoing as we assess the financial impact of this proposed initiative. We will be in a position shortly to be able to give clarity on the proposal.  

Extra Murals

The winter sports season has been a busy one, and I thank all those who have supported our boys in their endeavors. The countless hours they and their coaches have put in have been noted and appreciated. While results have been mixed, it is my hope that we have been able to develop a love for the sports our boys play. To me, school sports results are never as important as the lessons learned while playing and the affection the boys gain for the activity. I am always pleased to see how many boys go on to play university or club sport after school, some with great success.

I was very pleased to see four of our young ODs doing so well in rugby and being selected for the SA U20 team.

It would be remiss of me not to mention one moment which stood out for me and for many who witnessed the 1st XI hockey team when they took on Rondebosch. At 3-0 down with eight minutes to go, the game was over – or so many thought. Eight minutes later, the team had come from behind to register a draw 3-3 and I am so proud of them and the attitude they showed in the last part of the game. Significant lessons to be learned about never giving up!

The Eisteddfod has been such a wonderful expression and celebration of the cultural side of school life. So much has gone into making it happen and I cannot thank all those who helped enough. It was simply superb! Special mention must be made of Mr Mark Mitchell who drives the event and his energy, creativity and vision is greatly appreciated. As I said at the singing competition, the Eisteddfod gives opportunity for us to celebrate the arts – the soul of a good school. But it also gives opportunity to those who never thought it possible to sing, act or perform and, in taking a risk, some boys discover a love for something new and a talent they never thought they had. Thank you to all who made this possible and to those who supported this unique initiative. Click here to view the photos.

Last Saturday I was invited to the opening of an art exhibition at the Zeitz Mocca at which the works of 19 young artists were on display. It was wonderful to see a number of our boys’ works and to be able to engage with them in this special exhibition.

Covid 19

It is with great relief, that after over two years, the regulations on mask wearing and gatherings have been changed. Boys are no longer required to wear masks at school! They may still choose to do so if they wish but it is no longer a requirement. The restrictions on gatherings have been different for schools for some time now with leeway given to educational spaces and this change will have little effect on schools except for big public events.
Finally, we can see each other properly again!

Final Thoughts

Our term closed last week with our customary Eucharist and Final Assembly. My thanks to Father Monwabisi and his team for putting together this special moment for us to close the term appropriately.

At the final assembly, which was held the day before Youth Day, I spoke briefly of the significance of the public holiday and how the efforts of the youth of our country played such a vital part in our history. My message is below.

I wish you all a good mid-year holiday and for those who are travelling, I wish you a safe journey and look forward to the new term in three weeks’ time. I shall be attending the annual International Boys Schools Coalition conference in Dallas, Texas and hope to come back with ideas and opportunities for our school in the future.

Kind regards

Antony Reeler
Principal

Youth Day

Zolile Hector Pieterson was a South African schoolboy who was shot and killed at the age of twelve during the Soweto uprising, when the police opened fire on black students protesting the enforcement of teaching in Afrikaans. A news photograph by Sam Nzima of the mortally wounded Pieterson being carried by another Soweto resident while his sister ran next to them was published around the world. The anniversary of his death is designated Youth Day.

There are many countries that celebrate the youth and some have public holidays acknowledging the contribution of youth in challenging injustice. None, perhaps, as significant as in South Africa where young people such as Hector Pietersen made the ultimate sacrifice in fighting oppression. On Youth Day we honour his memory and the memories of the countless others who fought against injustice and oppression.

But in doing so, we also use this time to acknowledge the role that the youth play in our society as the next generation of leaders. We ask you to take on the responsibility of developing yourselves to lead. Of using the opportunities denied to so many for so long and still denied to so many today. As privileged members of the Bishops community you will be in positions one day that can influence. Positions where you can use this influence for the betterment of others and society in general. Never underestimate the importance of the role you can play now and the roles you are preparing for. Use this time to educate yourself broadly and deeply. Learn not only about events but also about how to help others as we battle with poverty, unemployment, education, healthcare and gender-based violence. Never underestimate the influence you can have on a developing society – one small act of kindness. I refer to simple little things you can do such as providing food for the hungry, your labour to those in need, reading stories to young people and spending time with the elderly. Little things that show your appreciation for others as a young person.

I have often used the words of Edward Hale to inspire me when I am overwhelmed and feel I cannot make a real difference, and I use them again today as we celebrate Youth Day and you think about your roles:

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.

Tennis Distinction Tie

Congratulations to Ben MacFarlaine who is awarded his distinction tie for Tennis. He has been selected by the board of Tennis South Africa for the National Schools u19 Team. This is a massive achievement and we look forward to following his success.

Karate Distinction Tie

Zuhayr Mohamood represented South Africa in the recently completed national Karate Championship in Durban. We congratulate Zuhayr on this achievement and award him a Distinction Tie for excellence in Sport. Well done!

Athletics Quadrangular Tie

Congratulations to Chevalier Unite-Penny on receiving his Quadrangular Tie.

Quadrangular Ties are awarded to athletes who compete for Bishops in a minimum of three Quadrangulars, of which two need to be in their senior years. Limitations on restrictions are considered due to no Quadrangular hosted in 2020.

Rowing

Congratulations to the following boys who have acquired Bishops Sports Colours due to being awarded their Western Cape Colours:

Lukas Barnard
Noah Du Randt
Thomas Mason

Culture

Eisteddfod 2022

Thank you to all who made this possible and to those who supported this unique initiative.

Congratulations to Gray House on winning the Overall Owl for Eisteddfod 2022!

Click here to view the photos

Ben Reid playing at Artscape

Congratulations go to Ben Reid who has been accepted into the Youth Jazz Festival - he is the pianist in a jazz band made up of young students who auditioned for the position several weeks ago. He performed at a concert at Artscape on 18 June - an incredible achievement!

Hockey Provincial Representation

The following boys have been selected for Provincial Representation for Western Cape and Boland regions.

Harry Morgan

For Western Province (Cape Town City Metro)

Michael Mafunda
Litha Mbiko
Luc Dicey

Well done and congratulations for these u14 boys, their coaches and team.

Hockey WP Representation

The following boys have been selected to represent Western Province Hockey:
u18D Zac Heyns and James Raubenheimer
u18C Nicholas Bradfield
u16D Bryn Parry
u16C Thomas Ludlam

Congratulations to these boys on their selection. They have done the College hockey fraternity proud.

Cricket

Our 1st XI coach and OD, Eric Lefson, will be leaving his role at the end of the month, to take up a full-time teaching and coaching opportunity at Hamilton Boys' High School in New Zealand. Eric, having also coached the Wynberg Boys' High School 1st XI for a record 828 games, is a legend of Cape Town and South African schoolboy cricket and Bishops has been the fortunate beneficiary of his wisdom, dedication and sheer passion for the game for the past four-and-a-half years initially as 14A coach (2018-2021) and, as of the start of this year, as 1st XI mentor. Bishops is sad to see Eric go but also excited for him as he embarks upon a new adventure on the other side of the world. Thank you for everything that you have done for Bishops' Cricket, Coach Lefson.

Congratulations to 1st XI top-order batsman, Kashief Joseph, on his selection to attend the Cricket South Africa (CSA) u17 Regional Camp, at Boland Park in Paarl, on the 26th and 27th June. We wish him well at the camp!

1st XI Winter Cricket Tour to Kruger and the Lowveld

A 12-member Bishops' 1st XI cricket side will be breaking new ground during the school holidays care of a nine-day, wintertime, tour to the Kruger National Park and the Lowveld.

The team will compete against HS Menlo Park in a two-day game at the unique Skukuza Cricket Oval, in the heart of the Kruger bushveld, on the 10th and 11th July, thereafter, will travel to Mbombela to represent Bishops at the annual Mozzie Week Cricket Festival, hosted by HS Nelspruit. The team is set to face Centurion; Waterkloof; Potch Volkies and HS Menlo Park between the 14th and 17th July 2022. We wish the boys a fun and successful tour!

Water polo News

Congratulations to Jordan De Sousa on his selection to participate at the FINA World Cadet U16 Mens Water polo Championships, Greece, 21st – 27th of August 2022.

Bishops Rowing Club: Provincial Representation

I am pleased to announce that four of our Bishops Rowing Club members have achieved Western Cape Rowing Colours. It has come with sacrifice, dedication and friendship which all 4 can attest to.

U16: Sebastian Cheminias

U19: Lukas Barnard, Noah Du Randt and Thomas Mason.

Captains Announcement for the 2022/2023 Season:

Captain - Didi Marx
Boat Man - Jett Bacher
Head of Communications - Bradley Calow

Simply Blue

Tickets are on sale for the Simply Blue Reunion Concert on Saturday 20 August at the Baxter, proudly brought to you by Sygnia. Enjoy a line-up of current and past Simply Blue members celebrating 21 magical years of music and memories. The ticket price includes a light supper after the show and a cash bar. Get your tickets here.

Visiting Exchange Students

We are hosing 8 exchange students this term and we welcome them to Bishops:
Alex Hutchinson from Culford School in England, Joseph Graves and Ollie Currie from Framlingham College in England.
Khoa Tran and Aidan Tsuaturyan from Episcopal Academy in Pennsylvania, Miles Lasser and Cordell Perne from Kents Hill School in Maine, and Brody Schrepfer from Gilman School in Maryland.

13 Year Tie

It gives us enormous joy watching boys receive their 13-year tie, as they have completed their entire educational journey here with us at Bishops.

VUSA will be partnering with Bishops again on the 13th -14th August to host its second 24 Hour Cycle Challenge.

Please get behind this event and support the Boys and Staff as they take on this gruelling challenge – more information about the event will be circulated next term but please save the dates.  The funds will support the incredible work VUSA is doing in Langa. To see what they have been up to this year, please see their mid-year update by clicking HERE.

The Trustees of the OD Union’s Invest in Our Future Foundation (IIOFF) have announced the newest recipients of the IIOFF Bursaries.  They are Gabriel Dyssell-Hofinger (2021K) and Solomzi Tshiki (2021M) of the Matric Class of 2021.

https://www.odunion.com/news/iioff-news/1234/1234-Two-New-IIOFF-Bursaries-Awarded

To read more about these deserving gentlemen in their own words, CLICK HERE.