Dear Parents and Guardians
It is hard to believe that this newsletter goes out as our Grade 12 boys enjoy their last week of classes after 13 years of school! They head off to write their Mock Matric next week and we wish them the very best of luck for the examinations. We wish our current Grade 11s well for their upcoming leadership camp and as they prepare to take over the various leadership positions in the school.
Our winter sports season closes off with our traditional set of matches against Rondebosch at home. We wish all our sportsmen well for this final game and hope that they enjoy the occasion. The First XV rugby game will be played later than usual, starting at 14:00, due to it being televised live.
My thanks go to all parents who supported the various fund-raising initiatives and calls for help in the past few weeks. We are so grateful to the many people who gave generously towards the various campaigns. We are aware that we have asked a lot of our community and are trying to make sure we do not create “donor fatigue”. We turn down many requests for funding or assistance to try to focus on certain projects and, of course, our own Vusa initiative which is so close to our hearts.
You will be aware that a large tree fell down on the campus following another storm. We have used the services of a tree specialist for a number of years to ensure that our trees are healthy and safe. This included having trees trimmed twice per year to remove parts of their canopies and identifying and removing trees that may be potentially dangerous. This will continue as we try our best to not only have a campus that has atmosphere and beauty through our gardens and trees but also one that is as safe as possible.
Bishops turns 175!
Bishops was founded in 1849 and thus next year, in 2024, we commemorate our 175th anniversary. While this is a milestone in the life of our school, it is really a mid-point between the more significant 150th and 200th celebrations. Our philosophy behind commemorating this anniversary is to use it to celebrate our connections beyond Bishops, to our brother and sister schools, to Vusa, to the OD Union, and to the community at large.
We have a number of exciting events planned for the year, involving all three campuses, highlights of which include inter-schools sporting and cultural festivals, a 175 Anniversary Concert, the launch of an online history of the last 25 years, and a campaign to complete and dedicate the three remaining stained-glass windows in the Brooke Chapel. The Brooke Chapel project is close to our heart and will involve a modest fund-raising campaign. More on that will be communicated at a later date.
A central point of the year sees two important dates in July, when we plan to open our new Resource Centre as well as embark on a school-wide day of service on Mandela Day (18 July), with all boys and staff being involved in 175 minutes of community service (a departure from the usual 67 minutes). A number of other projects are in the pipeline and we will communicate these at the appropriate time.
We have drawn up a Calendar of Events for the year (attached to this newsletter), highlighting most of the important events, although a number of those are yet to have the date finalized.
You will also notice the logo for our 175th Anniversary, which apart from our crest, also includes symbols of significance to the country (wheat wreath and protea) and the school (bell).
We hope to enjoy a wonderful year, commemorating our school’s varied history, while looking forward to Bishops continuing to play an important role in education and the greater community at large over the next 25 years.
Staff News
I am pleased to announce that Mr Joc Wrensch has been appointed as a new Deputy Head at the College. His portfolio will be Pastoral and Discipline and he will be responsible for overseeing the House system and other pastoral structures but also College discipline. Minor disciplinary matters will be dealt with by House Directors and in the various Pillars of Academic, Sport and Culture while more serious matters, requiring a disciplinary meeting or hearing, will be handled by Mr Wrensch and the disciplinary committee. Mr Wallace will focus solely on Sport, working closely with the various Teachers-in-Charge. This will come into effect from the start of 2024.
The Executive, with the approval of Council, created this new structure to be able to focus our attention on the two areas of discipline and sport, building on the efforts of the past and striving to improve what we do. We congratulate Mr Wrensch on his appointment and wish him well for his term of office.
Final Thoughts
As cycles come and go, boys leave our school and new boys arrive, I am reminded of why I chose teaching as a profession. To see the growth and development of young people is a special privilege that teachers get to see every year. While there is still some way to go in the year, this is the “beginning of the end” as I mentioned in my opening paragraph.
Thank you for having faith in us as teachers and as a school to walk alongside your son. He has got it right sometimes and has got it wrong. And so have we. But together we have made our way along the journey that is education.
For those with some years to go, treasure your time here as it passes only too quickly. Encourage your son to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way and he will leave a balanced, well-rounded young man ready to take on the world!
Kind regards
Antony Reeler
Principal
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