Dear Parents and Guardians

This has been one of the most special weeks in the history of Bishops as we celebrated 100 years of the War Memorial Chapel. This iconic building represents so much to our boys and our community, often appreciated more by the boys in later life as a place of quiet reflection and a way to start the day.

Preparations for this occasion have been over a year in the making. We are eternally grateful to the Visitor to Bishops, His Grace Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, who agreed early on to preside over the Eucharist and bless the statue of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. My grateful thanks to him, the team of clergy and our College Chaplain who made the Eucharist possible.

For the occasion, we had an anthem commissioned, performed so beautifully by our choir under the expert hand of Mr Jaco Goosen. We have taken the liberty to tell the story of this anthem in this newsletter, as it appeared in the magnificent booklet created by our Marketing Manager, Sharlene Lawrence, for the moment. Please click here to view the booklet.

The Tutu statue project was almost 4 years in the making, and its story can also be read in this newsletter. It is a moving and special tribute to a great man who meant so much to so many in our country and our world. I wish to single out Mr Joc Wrensch who was the co-ordinator of the project, along with the special team who are acknowledged in the programme, along with the background story.

I do wish to acknowledge an OD of great humility and service to Bishops, Mr Niall Brown (1973G) who fully funded the project. His kindness has meant that we have created a tribute to a remarkable man on the very grounds where he was elected as Archbishop.

It was wonderful to see so many friends of the school who accepted our invitation to join us for this occasion and for whom the Chapel has great significance. We regret that due to space constraints we were not able to make the event open to all, but urge those who could not attend to come and see the art that has been created for our community to enjoy for generations to come.

Opening of new facilities

It was with great excitement that we officially opened our world-class water polo facility with speeches thanking the professional team and Council in particular for funding this essential project. The pool was blessed by the College Chaplain and Head of School for 2026 took great pleasure in throwing a water polo ball into the goal to symbolise the beginning of a new chapter in Bishops Water Polo. The event was rounded off in style with a fine victory over Rondebosch by our incoming First Team!

The refurbished Old Gym has not been officially opened but has been open for use in record time. I was at great pains to point out to the boys that this facility is for the use of all our boys – it is not sport-specific. Again, my thanks to Council for funding this project and to the team that put it all together so quickly.

Staff news

We are still in the process of searching for a Deputy Head: Sport which has proven to be challenging. We will continue this process next year and thank Mr Graeme Klerck who has agreed to act as Deputy Head for at least the first term. Mr Wrensch is on leave in the first term and Mr Jean Nolte will be acting Deputy Head: Pastoral during this time. We congratulate both on their acting appointments and wish them well for this time.

Close of school 2026

A reminder to parents that school closes as we did last year with a compulsory Carol Service on the evening of Tuesday 1 December. Parents and guardians are invited to attend as well as we prepare for Christmas.

For security reasons, the Day and Boarding Houses will be locked with no access to boys from Friday 4 December. This is to ensure that deep cleaning is possible and then to avoid any incidents that have sometime occurred in the past with vandalism.

Assembly message

Last week I spoke to the boys about popular culture and school culture and the conflict many teenagers have when making decisions. I have copied it below for your reading.

Kind regards

Antony Reeler
Principal

Popular culture and the “Bishops Way”

What makes us special, what makes us different? What is the Bishops way?

You are inundated with messages everywhere you go – radio, tv, internet, advertising, sports slogans – all these telling you something and you absorb this, consciously or unconsciously. This is called “popular culture”.

At school, you are also inundated with messages, telling you what the Bishops way is – this is “school culture”.

The problem is that these two cultures are often opposite, leaving you in the middle, having to make a decision.

For example:

So, you get one message from one source and one from another and you sit in the middle, having to decide what is right. It is interesting though, that research is showing that world class schools share a culture that is often counter to popular culture. They don’t go with the flow, swim with the tide, fall for modern pressures to conform. They have their own “way”

At Bishops, we believe and promote all those things I mentioned that are counter to popular culture and we do it unashamedly – we do it because we are different and that difference makes us Bishops. Difference not in how we conform to social norms but how we set our own standards, values and culture.

There is something special about being unique. Having a culture that is driven by our values makes us unique. Having boys who call each other out when they fail to uphold the culture – not to get them into trouble but to remind them of the Bishops Way.

So, be prepared every now and then to be confused at times with popular culture and the Bishops Way.

And why do we do this?

We choose to do this because it makes us different, it makes us special and unique, and we do it because it is hard....

South African Team Maths Competition

Bishops was well represented at the 2026 South African Team Maths Competition, with seven boys participating.

The Western Province 1 teams won first place in both the Senior and Junior divisions. Congratulations to Jeremy Liddle and Tommy Winfield, who were members of the winning Senior team, and to Alexi Charalambous, James Venn, and Joshua Fried, who were members of the winning Junior team, with Joshua serving as captain.

The Western Province 2 Junior team also performed exceptionally well, finishing in second place. Congratulations to Lorenzo Chen and Kristian Pennell on this achievement.

South African Mathematics Olympiad
Congratulations to Joshua Fried, who achieve
d 8th place nationally in the Junior Section of the South African Mathematics Olympiad.

Bishops was also the second-best performing school overall in the Olympiad.

Music Awards

Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod Diplomas

The following students received a Diploma (90-100%) at the recent Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod:

• Milo Bonadei
• Sebastian Miller

ABRSM Distinctions

Congratulations to the following students who achieved distinctions in their recent ABRSM Practical and/or Theory Examinations:

• Xander Chu – Grade 1 Cello
• Samuel Yazdanpanahi – Grade 3 Saxophone
• Jake Reed – Grade 4 Singing
• Thomas McCollum – Grade 5 Clarinet
• John Nolte – Grade 5 Cello
• Lorenzo Chen – Grade 5 Theory
• Finn Coetzer – Grade 5 Theory
• Jan-Harm Coffee – Grade 5 Theory
• Jack White – Grade 5 Theory
• Andre Kuys – Grade 4 Saxophone and Grade 5 Theory
• Kuhle Cossie – Grade 4 Harp and Grade 5 Theory
• Chris de Wet – Grade 6 Flute, Grade 5 Singing and Grade 5 Theory
• Evan West – Grade 7 Piano and Grade 5 Theory
• Iqsaan Salie Mark – Grade 8 Violin
• Edward Wild – Grade 8 Violin
• Travis Turner – Grade 8 Piano, Grade 8 Singing and Grade 8 Tenor Saxophone

Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod Medal Awards

The following students received medals at the recent Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod Prize Giving:

• Kuhle Cossie – Two Silver Medals for Best Grade 8 String Player and Best Solo String Performance
• Chris de Wet – Three Silver Medals for Best Senior Woodwind Duet, Best Grade 8 Woodwind Performer and Best Grade 8 Voice Performer (Boys Category)
• Yazeed Lalkhen – Silver Medal for Best Senior Woodwind Duet
• Joshua Dembaremba – Silver Medal for Best Grade 9 Voice Performer (Boys Category)
• Zi'dan Hendrickse – Silver Medal for Best Grade 10 Voice Performer (Boys Category)
• Evan West – Silver Medal for Best Grade 9 Woodwind Performer and Gold Medal as Overall Winner of the Senior Woodwind Section
• Travis Turner – Three Silver Medals for Best Senior Piano Performance of a Sonata, Best Musical Theatre Performance (Grades 10-11), and Best Grade 11 Voice Performer (Boys Category). He also received two Gold Medals for Best Senior Piano Performer and Overall Senior Voice Performer.

Travis was additionally awarded the Most Versatile Performer Trophy. This marks the first time in the history of the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod that this trophy has been awarded to a musician.

Ensemble Ties

• Daniel Cable
• Nikkiran Govender

Half Colours for Music

• Joel George (in absentia)

Full Colours for Music

• Enoch Chan
• Iqsaan Salie Mark
• Edward Wild

Distinction Tie for Music

• Travis Turner

Water Polo

The Bishops 1st Water Polo Team travelled to Johannesburg for the prestigious St Stithians Invitational Stayers Water Polo Tournament, producing several outstanding performances against some of South Africa's leading schoolboy sides.

Bishops were unbeaten during the pool stages, topping Group B with victories over Michaelhouse (11-6), Pretoria Boys' High (20-3), St Benedict's (12-8) and Reddam House Constantia (8-6).

In the quarter-final against hosts St Stithians, Bishops drew 6-6 in regulation time after a fiercely contested encounter. Despite creating a late opportunity to win, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. Outstanding goalkeeping from Thomas Jenman helped Bishops level the shootout before St Stithians eventually prevailed in sudden death penalties.

The team responded impressively, defeating Affies to secure a place in the 5th-place playoff. There they faced a strong Kearsney College side and, after a closely fought contest, produced a dominant final quarter to secure a deserved 9-7 victory and fifth place overall.

Although disappointed not to challenge for the title after remaining unbeaten in regulation time throughout the tournament, the squad demonstrated tremendous resilience, depth and character. Their response to the narrow quarter-final defeat highlighted the maturity and spirit within the group and reinforced the considerable potential of this Bishops side.

Special congratulations to Harry Ford (Centre Forward) and Thomas Jenman (Goalkeeper), who were both selected for the Tournament Team.

Cricket Awards

Congratulations to the following cricketers on outstanding bowling performances, including five-wicket hauls and a hat-trick:

• Litha Maham – 5/9 in 6 overs for the 3rd XI against Bridge House
• Zayaan Saloojee – 6/51 in 15.4 overs for the U15A team against St Albans
• Thaafier Japtha – 6/29 in 7 overs for the 1st XI against Graeme College
• Tom Pearce – 5/12 in 6 overs for the U15A team against Parel Vallei
• Blake Douglas – 4/8 in 3 overs, including a hat-trick, for the U14D team against SACS MPW

It was Bishops pleasure to host visiting Whitgift School under lights on the Frank Reid on a beautiful spring evening yesterday.

The match was made even more memorable by the Morgan brothers, Harry and Max, who claimed four wickets apiece. It was also a historic occasion for captain Thaafier Japtha, who played his 119th match for the Bishops 1st XI, surpassing Kashief Joseph to become the most-capped 1st XI cricketer in the College’s long and illustrious history.

Congratulations, Thaafier, on an outstanding milestone!

Rowing: Head of the Charles Regatta, Boston

Welcome home to our Bishops rowing crews, who have returned from the 61st Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, one of the world's most prestigious rowing events.
During a 12-day tour, the boys represented both Bishops and South Africa with distinction, competing against top school and club crews from around the world. Beyond their performances on the water, they were exceptional ambassadors for the College.

The crews achieved excellent results:

• Youth Eight: 52nd place, improving by 18 places from Bishops' previous appearance
• Under-17 Four: 25th place
• Youth Double: 52nd place

The opportunity to train and compete from Harvard University alongside some of the world's leading rowing programmes will undoubtedly inspire the boys and strengthen the club for years to come.

On Friday, 23 October, Bishops Rowing competed at the Western Cape Championships at Zeekoevlei and achieved an outstanding seventeen podium finishes, including seven gold medals, seven silver medals and three bronze medals.

The Under 16 crews won five of their six events: the Pair, Quad, Coxless Four, Coxed Four and Eight. They also secured second place in both the Pair and Single Scull.

The Under 15 crews won three of their four events: the Eight, Single Scull and Quad. They also placed second in the Single Scull and third in the Double Scull.

The Under 19 crews finished second in the Coxed Four, Coxless Four and
Eight, and achieved both second and third place in the Pair.

Well done to all our rowers on these excellent results.

Inter-House Golf Champs 2026

A blustery afternoon at King David Mowbray Golf Club provided a challenging test for competitors in the Bishops Inter-House Golf Competition and Individual Championships on Sunday, 25 October.

Kidd House claimed the overall trophy, finishing six strokes clear of the field. Founders House secured second place, with White House rounding out the podium in third.

Individual Awards

• Individual Champion: Arman Patel (Birt House)
• Runner-Up: Jamie Fleck (Founders House)
• Rookie of the Year: Matthew Arkcoll (Kidd House)

Congratulations to all the golfers for competing in difficult conditions and representing
their Houses with pride.

Interhouse Table Tennis

On Wednesday, 14 October, Mallett House hosted the annual Interhouse Table Tennis Tournament. It was a fun-filled evening featuring some of the finest table tennis players from across the houses.

A new format was introduced this year. Each of the eight houses entered four players who competed individually in a 32-player knockout tournament, earning points for their house with every victory. Several higher-ranked players were eliminated in the opening rounds, resulting in a number of exciting upsets.

In the first semi-final, Arman Patel defeated Sahil Khalfey of Kidd House in straight sets. The second semi-final was a tense encounter between Charles Traill of Kidd House and Jack Stam of White House, with Jack edging through to set up a final against Arman.

In the final, Arman won in straight sets to claim the title. Congratulations to him on an outstanding achievement and for helping to organise the event.

Individual Champion: Arman Patel

House Competition Results
The House Cup is determined by the cumulative points earned by each house throughout the competition.

1. Birt House
2. White House
3. Kidd House

Having also won in 2024, Birt House once again claimed the Interhouse Table Tennis title.

We look forward to another successful tournament next year, in what remains one of the most popular sports at Bishops.

Fencing

The FWP III competition took place on Saturday, 24 October.

Brent Cowden competed in his first competition and performed well in the poule rounds. Olothando Kobus won silver in the U20 Foil competition, while Alex Horrell earned bronze in the U20 Épée event after navigating a particularly challenging poule.

Congratulations to all our fencers on their achievements.

All-Rounder's Tie

Congratulations to Nikkiran Govender and Daniel Cable on achieving their All-Rounder's Ties.

Science

Last week, our Science Department welcomed 80 students from nine local schools to Bishops for the annual Mole Day Competition.

From chemical calculations and identifying chemicals (some by taste!) to recognising unusual glassware and solving a CSI-style crime, the evening was filled with scientific discovery, chatter and laughter.

Congratulations to our Bishops team, Hamaad Badroodien, Arman Patel, Kaleb Pillay and Christopher Reid, who were crowned Mole Day Champions, narrowly beating one of the SACS teams!

A special thank you to the Democritus Society for 3D-printing a mole for every student, as well as a stand for the competition’s new floating trophy.

A fantastic evening showcasing the fun, creativity and excitement of science!

Coronation DigiBus Launch

Some milestones mark a moment. Others shape the years ahead.

Our new Coronation DigiBus is a powerful example of what long-term investment in education can achieve. We are deeply grateful to Coronation SA for their unwavering support, commitment, and belief in the potential of the young people we serve. Their partnership has extended far beyond financial investment, representing years of trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for creating meaningful opportunities for children in Langa.

Thanks to Coronation's continued commitment, VUSA is able to reach more children, strengthen our programmes, and provide access to the digital skills and educational resources that will help shape brighter futures for years to come. We thank them for walking this journey with us and for investing so meaningfully in the next generation.

Click here to view

Grade 9 Big Ideas Project: Pitches for Peace Initiative

As part of the Grade 9 Big Ideas Initiative, Frank van der Walt, Joseph Allardice and Matthew Fox are preparing to build a durable, eco-friendly five-a-side soccer pitch at Welcome Primary School in Athlone in partnership with Pitches for Peace.

More than just a playing field, the pitch will provide young people with a safe space to play sport, develop their skills and create a lasting positive impact on both the school and the broader community.

To maximise the project's impact, the team is seeking support from the Bishops community through donations of specific building materials and safety equipment.

Items Needed

Safety Equipment

• Work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Dust masks or respirators
• Reflective vests

Paints and Finishes

• Black spray paint (Montana Gold preferred)
• Bright exterior paint for stencils (Montana Gold preferred, including neon colours)

Building and Installation Materials

• Artificial grass adhesive
• Building or screed sand
• Cement (50kg bags)

Every contribution, regardless of size, will help bring this project to life and make a meaningful impact within the Cape Town community.

For further information, to arrange a drop-off, or to assist with supplying any of these items, please contact:

frank.vanderwalt@bishops.org.za

Thank you for your support.

Joseph Allardice, Frank van der Walt and Matthew Fox

Grade 9 Big Ideas Project Team

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.