Dear Parents and Guardians

Our Grade 12 boys have started their Mock Matric examinations, and we wish them well for this, their last school exam! May all their hard work pay off as they prepare for the last stretch.

Also a moment for “lasts” is this weekend’s Bish Bosch derby. We held a special assembly today to wish the Grades 8 – 11 boys well and I sent my good wishes to the Matric Heads of Houses to convey to their Grade 12s in their house. It would be special for our school if we filled the stands with Bishops supporters and I encourage parents to come along and support our boys.

Next week sees our Grade 11s at job shadow and Leadership Camp, and the cycle of school life begins again! We will be announcing the Head of School, Deputy Heads and Heads of Houses at a special assembly, the last school assembly for our Grade 12s, in the last week of term.

The parent-school partnership

Much has been written recently about the relationship between a school and its parent community. While I do not want to express an opinion on the issues that have been raised in the press, I do want to emphasise how vital the relationship is. Always, at the centre of everything, must be the boys and they need us to present a united front when it comes to expected behaviour and appearance of our boys, amongst other things.

Two conversations I recall clearly in this regard, one from a parent and one from a colleague. The parent said to me that he found it very strange that a boy could be dropped off at school or at the boarding house by their parents with unacceptable uniform or a non-conforming hairstyle. He was adamant that this was the role of the parent to enforce and the school to support.

In a similar vein, my colleague said to me once that the College should not have the responsibility of teaching our boys manners. That comes from home and is reinforced at school.

I urge parents again to unite with us in support of our boys by doing these two simple things – appearance and manners. We will support you, but we need to work together for the sake of our boys.

I must add that I have been so impressed with our boys recently in terms of their manners and greeting which has been sincere and frequent, as well as their support of the school at fixtures and events – often in pouring rain! I told them as much and how proud I was of them and the positive impression they have made on me and many others.

Special notice from the BSU

We are aware that some students sometimes try to obtain ADHD medications, such as Ritalin or Concerta, to help them study for their exams. From the school’s side, we are concerned that not only is this illegal (since these are Schedule 6 medications), but they also come with potential health risks and possible legal consequences. The health risks can include: increased heart rate/blood pressure, sleep and appetite disturbance, anxiety, mood changes, and a small risk of more serious cardiovascular or psychiatric events in vulnerable people. Misuse is also associated with higher risk of later substance-use problems in some studies. We encourage you to talk openly with your child about keeping their medication secure, and if you are concerned that they are either taking medication without a prescription or are being pressured to share their pills with others, speak to the BSU so that we can support you.

Final thoughts

As I said, the cycle of school continues and I ask parents to have a conversation with their sons about their expectations, goals and dreams for their next stage at school. Our Grade 8s will no longer be the youngest at College and can play a vital, supportive role for the incoming Grade 8s. Our Grade 9s will enter the year where they can do their own subject choice and will be starting to look ahead at life after school. And they have the Epic and exchange to look forward to at the end of next year! Our Grade 10s will move into the senior ranks of the school, with most playing in the Open division in their chosen sport, many looking to try to make a special team. Our Grade 11s will step up to lead our College, with all that entails and, while the Grade 12 year passes in a flash, they effectively start their final year of “school” in the fourth term when we bid farewell to our Grade 12s. These are wonderful times and it is so rewarding as a teacher to see the growth and development in our boys.

Kind regards

Antony Reeler
Principal

Assembly message: Two are better than one

Today’s message comes from the verses read by Luke from the book of Ecclesiastes and speaks of the power of unity, standing up for each other, standing next to each other, showing up for each other in times of need. We chose this theme for this assembly in advance of your last winter sporting fixture and one that is special in the eyes of many. We chose this to try to give you encouragement, strength and resolve as you face the challenges you will encounter.

“Two are better than one…” is the opening verse, speaking of how we rely on each other for our success. This has so many other forms, including the concept of “ubuntu” which references our common humanity. And there are so many times when we are called upon to act together, this weekend being one but also should you encounter unacceptable behaviour like bullying, having someone by your side is comforting and strength-giving.

This verse is often read in the ceremony of marriage as it talks of the partnership of two people being stronger that their individuality.

But, we will not always have the luxury of a partner, a teammate to help us. We may find ourselves alone – the last man standing on defence or the only one around when challenges arise. And for that situation, I turn to the words of Edward Hale who said “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.”

Hale’s words, even if not remembered perfectly, encourage us to have faith in ourselves, to believe that we can make a difference and to look past the excuses and negativity that often accompanies adversity, digging deep inside to find the strength to act alone.

And so today, while our message is largely in advance of the weekend activities and we hope you have drawn some inspiration from them, it also talks to life in general. There will be times when you are with someone and being together is greater than the sum of each part. Whether it is 15 or 11 individuals in the game, coming together as one, is far better than each playing on their own.

Yet, within that situation, even though you are together, there will be times when you have to step up on your own and that is when Hale’s words should inspire you – “I cannot do everything, but I can do something…”

I wish you well for the weekend but more than that. I wish you to take these ideas with you as you journey through life, seeking strength in partnerships but also being prepared to step forward when on your own.

Good luck to you all.

Debating

Our Senior Debating Team: Hamaad Badroodien, Ben Honigwachs and Cruz Sun, were recently crowned winners of the National Debating League 2025!

After defeating 133 schools through 14 rounds, they won the semi-final on the motion “That countries should be allowed to claim territory in Antarctica” and the final on “That the state should not rebuild public infrastructure destroyed by protestors.”

A huge thank you goes out to all our senior debaters, including Noah Macnab, Oliver Frankel and Shankara Moodley, for their dedication throughout the year. Well done gents!

Music

Congratulations to Yazeed Lalkhen and Liam Chester!

Both talented clarinettists and students of Andrea Rutter made it to the final round of the prestigious Johan Vos Music Competition at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre.
Yazeed competed in the junior category and Liam in the senior category, and both delivered stunning performances that earned them 3rd place in their respective divisions!

We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and musical excellence.

Ensemble Ties

We are proud to announce and congratulate the following boys who have received their Ensemble Ties. Your dedication, talent, and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed. Well done!

Lukas Drimie
Matthew Couves

Well done to Joseph Bolus who received his half colours.

Bish Bosch Derby Weekend!

We welcome our Bishops community to stand united in support of our boys as they take on their final winter sport matches of the season. The 206-year-old Bish Bosch rivalry holds deep meaning, and this weekend is a celebration of that legacy.

Matches on the main field will be streamed live on SuperSport Schools, but we encourage everyone to show up, stand together, and cheer our teams on in person.

Let’s make it a memorable and spirited Bish Bosch weekend!

Click on the links to view the progarmmes:

https://communication.bishops.org.za/college/sport/BishopsRugbyProgramme.html
https://communication.bishops.org.za/college/sport/BishopsHockeyProgramme.html

Hockey

Highlights and congratulations

Earlier this term, the annual Interhouse Hockey Competition took place. Unfortunately, the Junior Interhouse had to be postponed due to weather, but we look forward to seeing which house will lift the trophy later this term.

As for the Senior Interhouse, every team brought their best, showcasing skill, teamwork, and great sportsmanship.
Final Standings:

• 1st – White
• 2nd – Gray
• 3rd – Mallett
• 4th – Founders

 Congratulations to White House on their well-deserved win!

Top Schools Hockey Tournament – Women’s Day Weekend

Our 14A and 16A hockey teams represented Bishops at the prestigious Top Schools Hockey Tournament in Paarl, facing off against the best schools from across the country.

• The 16A team showed resilience and determination, even when things didn’t go as planned.
• The 14A team delivered an outstanding performance, battling through the pool stages and playoffs to reach the final. In a thrilling match against Paul Roos, they drew 1–1 and narrowly missed gold in a sudden death shootout, proudly bringing home the silver medal!

A huge congratulations to both teams for their growth, spirit, and sportsmanship — and a special mention must be made to the 14A team for their incredible achievement!

Service to Hockey Umpiring

We also acknowledge and congratulate the following boys for their dedication and service to hockey umpiring. They were awarded their Service Ties:

• Noah Macnab
• Matthew Griffin
• Massimiliano Hunt
• Zeno Benolich
• Luca Pouroullis
• Michael Jamzes

Thank you for your commitment to the game and for upholding the values of Bishops Hockey.

Tennis

Congratulations to all the boys who took part in the recent tennis tour to Sun City! Bishops proudly sent two teams to this special event, and our players represented the school with excellence and spirit.

The A side placed 3rd in their pool
The B side placed 6th in their pool

We are incredibly proud of their sportsmanship and performance. Here’s to a summer of growing tennis at Bishops.

Rowing

Join us at our Bishops Robertson Rowing Camp: Monday, 6 to Wednesday, 8 October - everyone is welcome!
An immersive three-day experience designed for boys considering taking up the sport. The camp blends technical skill-building with fun, team-based activities in a beautiful setting.

We look forward to welcoming you and your sons into the Bishops Rowing community. Email chale@bishops.org.za to register.

Water polo

We are incredibly proud to announce that Timothy Young (Grade 11S) represented South Africa at the U20 Men’s Water Polo World Championships held in Zagreb, Croatia.

At just 17 years old, Timothy became the youngest player ever to be selected for the South African U20 team—a truly remarkable achievement that highlights his exceptional talent, commitment, and perseverance.

In recognition of this outstanding accomplishment, Timothy has been awarded our Bishops highest sporting honour, a Distinction Tie.

Fencing

Congratulations to our 2025/2026 fencing leaders! Alex Horrell takes the reins as Captain, with Brent Cowden by his side as Vice-Captain. Here's to a season of strength, strategy, and sportsmanship!

Well done to Ogilvie for winning the Interhouse Cup.

VUSA 24-Hour Cycle Challenge – 6 and 7 September

Now in its fifth year, the Cycle Challenge brings the Bishops community together for 24 hours of cycling, entertainment, and fundraising for the VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy in Langa. Teams take turns on stationary bikes under the marquee at Piley Rees, while family and friends enjoy food stalls, music, and activities.

We haven’t had many College boys sign up yet. We know it’s a busy time with Bish Bosch, but we would love to see strong College involvement in keeping this tradition alive. The event was started during Covid by the 1st XV as a way to give back, and it would be wonderful to see it continue.

There is no cost to register a bike; we simply ask that each team shares their BackaBuddy link. Every participant also stands a chance to win a Chisel HT Specialised bike from Freewheel Cycology valued at R28,000, along with other great prizes.

If you don’t want to ride, please still come along. We will be screening the Springbok vs All Black match, and there will be a kids’ zone, a pop-up bar, live music, and a magic show.

Choose a team or sign up here

You are invited to join us at the ODU for a talk on the topic of Cybersecurity. Learn what it takes to protect your online presence, today. The leading strategic intelligence, digital risk & reputation expert, Jessica Shelver will share some scary scenarios and valuable tips.

The Mitre, Wednesday 3rd Sept at 5:30pm. 
Register at https://www.odunion.com/events/view/cybersecurity