Dear Parents and Guardians

A warm welcome to you all at the start of the 2025 school year. I would like to welcome all those parents new to the College, in Grade 8 mainly but also in other Grades. I hope your son has settled in to his new environment and is enjoying Bishops!

The first term is always a busy one so please do not be surprised if your son starts to feel overwhelmed as a new boy. He will settle quickly and all will be fine! Grade 12s may also be feeling overwhelmed with their duties as leaders in the school while also navigating their final academic year. This too is normal and they recover quickly from the busyness of the term.

New staff

We welcomed a number of permanent, fulltime new staff to our College:
Mr Jaco Goosen (Director of Music)
Mr Garth Kayster (Music)
Mr Ndumiso Makhatini (English)
Mr Simphiwe Sotyantya (Driver)
Ms Mandisa Ndebele (Music Administrator)
In addition, we welcome the following part-time or fixed-term contract staff:
Mr Snomuzi Mhaleni (Mathematics Intern)
Ms Fatima Parker (BSU Intern)
Ms Kirsty Shuttleworth (BSU Intern)
We hope our new staff settle in well and enjoy their time at Bishops.

Academic

We have reported on both the NSC and the Cambridge results in an email sent to the Bishops community. As the analysis of results is done, feedback to parents will be given. We retained our position as the top school in the country in Economics in the NSC with a remarkable 62% of the 68 boys who wrote this subject getting a distinction. In addition, our Mathematics results with 37 of the 93 candidates getting distinctions, placed us as the top boys school in the country in the NSC. Comparisons in terms of overall performance are difficult now due to the two different cohorts, NSC and Cambridge which is now unique to Bishops in the W Cape. It is safe to say that we are very happy with the overall performance of the Class of ’24.  

We congratulate all our academic achievers in Grades 8 – 11 from 2024 who we acknowledged at our annual prize giving, held today. The names of those who were recognized below..

Click here for prize winners.

Administration

You may have noticed that we have taken a half-term on Monday 24 February this year. We chose to start the second term on a Monday to enable us to give our boys and staff a much-needed break from school activities for two days on Sunday 23 and Monday 24 February. This is a College-only initiative to try to alleviate the stress on our boys during a busy term. Boys are expected to honour their sporting commitments on Saturday 22 February in order to enjoy time off on the next two days. We urge parents to support this and NOT withdraw their sons from sport on that Saturday.

You will also notice that the traditional two-week April school holiday has been split into two one-week breaks, the second week being the week of Freedom Day and Workers Day. This was done to minimize disruption and keep us in line with other schools against whom we play sport.

Again, I urge parents to ensure their son attends school during published school terms and not make requests for time off school unless absolutely urgent and necessary.

Events at school

We have had a number of school events already, from worship services to sports festivals and the term is well under way. Part of our early activity was hosting over 300 parents in our open day, Experience Bishops. This was a very successful event and my compliments to all who made it possible, our wonderful Grade 11 and 12 Public Relations boys in particular!

Sport

Our summer season has started well and my compliments to our boys who have represented their school so well, not just in terms of performance but also in the manner in which they have approached the games. Attendance at the recent day-night Bish Bosch was good and the cheerleading and support most encouraging.

While most of our results are shared on social media platforms or on our intranet, I do wish to highlight the efforts of the 1st XI Cricket team who did us proud by winning the regional phase of the CSA T20 competition. Playing schools from the Western Cape, including SWD and Boland, Bishops came out on top in a clinical performance in the final against Paarl Boys High and now go on to represent the Western Cape in the National phase later in the term up in Gauteng. Well done to our 1st XI and coaches on this outstanding achievement and we wish them all the very best for the last phase.

Final thoughts

I usually write to parents every fortnight but missed last week due to personal illness. I am glad to report that I am back to full health and ready to tackle the year ahead!

I also share my assembly addresses with parents for their interest and attach, in this case, the address I gave at the opening Friday assembly which spoke of the consequences of actions. I hope you enjoy the read!

Kind regards

Antony Reeler
Principal

Between action and reaction

“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

Viktor Frankl, Austrian psychiatrist, author of Man’s Search for Meaning

I have heard this in a slightly different form “Between ACTION and REACTION lies consequence” which is easier to remember.

As young men on our developmental journey, one of our most special qualities is willingness to try things, to take risks. Spontaneity  - a wonderful quality of doing the unexpected, taking a chance, trying something new. We are good at that as young men.

So what are the dangers of spontaneity? What can go wrong?

There is risk in just about everything we do, whether it is crossing the road or trying a new sport or activity. And our teenage boy brains are wired for risk-taking. But with risky activity comes consequence – generally unintended. If something goes wrong when we try a risky activity and we reflect on what went wrong, usually we acknowledge that if we had thought it through better, the outcome would have been different.

So many times we look back on incidents and wish we could have them over again, do them differently. But life is not like a computer game that can be reset and we can try again. Our actions in life have consequences, good and bad, that most often cannot be undone.

So what can we do to try to prevent unwanted bad consequence? To mitigate risk?

Frankl’s words give us some pause for thought when he talks about the space between stimulus and response. The paraphrased version talks about the brief moment of time between action and reaction.

That brief moment of time can be milliseconds, it can be a few hours or days and weeks even. But it is time. And with time, we have a better chance of a positive outcome in many cases.

I am not one to make rushed decisions unless absolutely necessary. My staff know that I mull on issues for hours, days even, as I wrestle with all possible outcomes and strive to find the best one.

When you are faced with a situation, no matter how tempting it may be to respond immediately, try to put time between the action you experience and your reaction to that experience. Walk away if necessary. Step back and give yourself time to think.

I can almost guarantee you that the outcome will be a better one – particularly for you. There are times when you have to react immediately – you are about to cross a road and a car jumps a red robot. You have no option but to react immediately. But there are more times when careful, considered thought would be far, far better. A boy insults you either face to face on via text. Instead of immediately responding, often in anger or emotion, wait. Put time between action and reaction and you will find a far better solution to the issue you have faced.

Balance the innate risk and spontaneity of youth that is often so special with careful thought and consideration over time and the outcome for you and probably all involved will be far, far better.

Between action and reaction lies consequence...

Academic Ties

Congratulations to the following boys for their academic achievements based on the 2024 November Exams.

Grade 9 Ties:

Matthew Bennett
Harry Ford
Nikkiran Govender
Alexander Horrell
Nikolas Lowther

Grade 9 Jerseys:

Sean Bailes
Alexander Horrell

Grade 10 Tie:

James de Waal

Grade 10 Jersey:

Daniel Bursey

Grade 11 Ties:

Liam Chester
Adam Diggle
Oliver Frankel
William Heath
Rayan Kader
 Pablo Slaven (Cambridge)
 Katlego Setai (Cambridge)

Grade 11 Jerseys:

Jack Buckham
Massimiliano Hunt
Matthew Maurel
Zavier Petersen
David Tripe
Reece Van Wyk

House Awards:

Most improved Founders Grade 9
Best Grade/House Mallett Grade 11
Best Academic House Ogilvie

New Boy Heritage Test

The 2025 winner of the Frank Reid Shield for the New Boy Heritage Test is Kidd House

Water Polo

Bishops recently participated in the annual St Andrews Water Polo Tournament in Makhanda, securing a commendable bronze medal. The team showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament.

Pool Stages: Bishops dominated the pool stages, winning all their matches with an impressive tally of 59 goals for and only 25 against. Their victories included:

• Clifton: 12-6
• St Stithians: 10-8
• St Andrews: 13-7
• SACS: 12-3
• Westville: 13-1

Quarter-Final: In a hard-fought quarter-final match against Hilton, Bishops emerged victorious in a nail-biting penalty shootout, winning 10-9.

Semi-Final: The semi-final proved challenging as Bishops, having already played twice on the same day, faced a well-rested St Johns team. Despite their best efforts, Bishops were defeated 4-6. St Johns' high-energy, tactical game led to uncharacteristic errors from Bishops on both attack and defence.

Bronze Medal Match: Determined to finish strong, Bishops faced a robust Selborne side in the bronze medal match. After weathering an early storm from Selborne, Bishops secured a 9-5 victory, earning them the bronze medal.

The tournament was excellently hosted by St Andrews, providing a most enjoyable and well-run event for all participants, congratulations to the Bishops team for their outstanding performance and sportsmanship!

Rowing

December Boatrace Review

Last December, Bishop's Rowing Club competed in the prestigious Schools Boatrace on the Kowie River. Our 1st 8 team, featuring Grade 11 and Grade 9 students, delivered a brave performance, finishing 9th overall and convincingly beating SACS in a head-to-head final over 5.5km!

This success was made possible through a well-executed race plan, months of training and sacrifices! Congratulations to these Gentlemen.

New Years Regatta

What an incredible showing by Bishops Rowing Club at the New Year's Regatta! A massive congratulations to all the rowers, especially the U14s for securing their first-ever medals and the U15s, U16s, and opens for their remarkable performances. It's inspiring to see the hard work paying off and talent shining through.

Here’s a summary of the notable results for quick reference:
Open Division (JM19):
- Coxless Pair (A): 2nd - Hudson, 3rd - Van Der Watt 
- Single Scull (A): 3rd - Koch 
- Coxed Four (A): 2nd - Hudson, 3rd - Planting 
- Coxless Four (A):1st - Breslin 
 
U16 Division (JM16):
- Coxed Four (A): 1st - Redfern 
- Coxless Four (A): 3rd - Weldon 
- Eight (A): 1st - Redfern 
- Coxless Pair (A): 1st - Carter, 2nd - Traill, 3rd - Weldon 
- Single Scull (A): 1st - Redfern 

U15 Division (JM15):
- Octuple (8x+): 1st - Boltman 
- Single Scull (A): 3rd - Polley 

U14 Division (JM14):
- Quadruple Scull (4x+): 1st - Davidge 
- Double Scull (2x): 3rd - Currie 

The Bishops Rowing Club continues to build a strong legacy with outstanding results across all age groups. Well done to the rowers, coaches, and support team for making this weekend a memorable one!

Cricket

Congratulations to Adnaan Lagadien on his selection to the SA U19 cricket team for the limited-overs and test series against England. Adnaan and his team-mates competed against their counterparts from England in three limited-overs games in Cape Town and Stellenbosch between 17th and 22nd of January 2025 and two test matches in Stellenbosch and Cape Town during the last week of January and first week of February.

Bishops cricketers did themselves and their school proud at holiday-time provincial tournaments in December. Litha Mbiko and Michael Kruiskamp were part of the WP U16 team which finished third in Pretoria. Michael returned a man-of-the-match performance of 10-1-31-5 against Eastern Province.

Kashief Joseph (1st XI captain in 2024); Adnaan Lagadien and Litha Mbiko (drafted into the team at late notice) were part of the WP u19 side which placed first at the Khaya Majola Cricket Week in Cape Town. Waco Bassick, originally selected for the team, had to withdraw on the eve of the tournament due to injury.

The Bishops U15A and 1st XI cricket teams participated in the annual Peninsula Cricket Festival, hosted in Cape Town, during the final week of the school holidays.

The U15As recorded wins against St Stithians; St Charles; Affies; Potch Gim and Pretoria Boys to conclude the festival with five wins from five matches played. Standout individual performances included Ethan Constable's five-wicket haul against St Charles and U15A captain, Ibraheem Taliep's four straight 50+ scores.

Ibraheem concluded the festival with 305 runs at an average of 76.2. The 1st XI registered wins against St Stithians; St Charles; Potch Gim and Pretoria Boys and a solitary loss against Affies. Waco Bassick returned a match analysis of 6-20 v St Charles and Luke De Klerk 5/10 in the T20 v Pretoria Boys. Well done to our cricketers.

The Bishops 2nd XI participated in a local, three-game festival during the final week of the school holidays. The team defeated Rondebosch in the opening game before losing matches to SACS and Wynberg. The undoubted individual highlight was Shafiek Joseph's 103 in a winning cause against Rondebosch.

PR Ties

At the start of the new school year, we take this opportunity to thank the members of last year’s PR Group for the important work which they did when interacting with visitors to the College, when conducting tours of the campus and when assisting at a wide variety of events and functions.

Over the course of their year in Grade 11, the efforts and input of these pupils regularly received glowing reports from those with whom they engaged. Well done to all of them!

Members of the 2024 PR Group are now invited to come forward to receive their PR Group ties in recognition of their significant sacrifice.

Andoni Augoustatos
Zeno Benolich
Jack Buckham
Luke Carter
Gabriel Comitis
Sebastian du Toit
Lukas Drimie
Christopher Du Toit
Viggo du Plessis
Jack Gomes
Matthew Griffin
William Heath
Connor Henriques
Massimiliano Hunt
Benjamin Koenig
Alex Laspatzis
Thomas Le Grange
David Lewis
Noah Macnab
Matthew Maurel
Matthew Owen
Andreas Pouroullis
Luca Pouroullis
Sam Purchase
Pablo Slaven
Daniel van den Heever
John van der Watt
Reece Van Wyk
James Wilkin

10 Club Ties

Congratulations to the following members of the Ten Club on receiving their ties.

Noah Edmunds
Connor Fletcher
Oliver Frankel
Matthew Griffin
David Lewis
Noah Macnab
Daniel van den Heever
John van der Watt
Matthew Walker
Grant Weich

Interact Ties

The following boys are to be congratulated on their Interact ties, awarded based on hours of service and number of events attended:

Matthew Owen
Hayden Smith
Michael Whitelaw
Sam Crookes
Deen Fortune

MIT

Recently Matthew Griffin (Kidd Grade 12) was fortunate enough to attend a Quantum Mechanics and Engineering Seminar in Johannesburg which was hosted by St. John’s College, ISASA and a handful of undergraduates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The program consisted of various talks and lectures on several topics within engineering fields including Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Computers and their Algorithms, Quantum vs Classical Computing, Nuclear and Particle Physics as well as talks about engineering in general. The week ended off with group presentations where his group gave a talk about “How Quantum Computers use Grover’s Algorithm to Break Encryption Codes”. Well done Matthew!

Meet The Leaders

We wish all our new boys an incredible journey with us at the College, and welcome back the rest of the Bishops Boys and wish them all a successful and happy year ahead, as well as all our new and old parents.

Please click on the link and meet our 2025 Leadership team, Head Boy: Luke Carter, Deputies: Daniel von der Heyden and Noah Macnab. We wish them well and have no doubt they will do an excellent job leading our boys this year.

Meet The 2025 Leadership Team

Bishops 175 Wines

Last year Bishops launched 4 wines as part of our 175 celebration. As of now, we still have limited stock of two of them available for sale.

De Grendel Wines produced a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc (R110 per bottle) which is a beautifully balanced wine, perfect for warm summer days.

Bruce Jack Wines produced an award-winning Mitre Blend (R115 per bottle) which is an excellent accompaniment for any meal.

We are grateful to both Sir De Villiers Graaff (De Grendel) and Bruce Jack, both ODs and Bishops parents, for producing these wonderful wines for us.

Please click on this link to find out more and purchase these wines.

Sports Performance and Wellness Testing

Sports Performance and Wellness (SPW) testing is a comprehensive evaluation designed to assess the physical fitness levels of Bishops students in Grades 8, 9, and 10. Scheduled twice a year, at the onset of Term 1 (January) and the conclusion of Term 3 (August), this testing battery encompasses various metrics crucial to overall health and wellness, as well as athletic development and performance.

Who participates in the SPW Testing?
Grade 8, 9 and 10s.
When does the SPW Testing occur?
Start of Term 1 (January) and end of Term 3 (August).
Purpose of SPW Testing:

Grade 10 Bishops EPIC Preparation: Prepare students for the Grade 10 Bishops EPIC.
Promote Physical Well-being: Encourage boys to take an active interest in their physical health and foster a healthy lifestyle.

Progress Tracking: Enable students to monitor their physical fitness progression from Grade 8 to Grade 10.

What is it that we are testing?

Biometrics: Height, Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Waist Circumference.
Flexibility: Sit & Reach.
Strength: Grip Strength, Chin-ups & 1-minute Push-up Test.
Power: Broad Jump & Medicine Ball Chest Push.
Speed: 40m Sprint.
Agility: Illinois Agility Test.
Aerobic Endurance: Beep Test.

Utilization of Results:

Each boy is sent their SPW testing Results, as well as the history of all their previous results.

Results are sent to sports coaches to aid with player selection.
The analysis involves identifying weaknesses within the grade and individual students, classifying boys into specific groups based on testing results.

In essence, SPW Testing not only serves as a tool for evaluating fitness but also as a catalyst for fostering physical well-being, optimizing athletic performance, and nurturing a culture of holistic health among our students.

The OD Dinner 2025

Join us for the much-anticipated OD Dinner 2025 on 5 March at Kelvin Grove. With an inspiring talk by guest speaker Oscar Chalupsky, a world champion sportsman and cancer warrior, this event promises to be an unforgettable evening. Hosted by the charismatic Brandon de Kock, tickets are selling fast at R850 per person, so don’t miss out! Book now and be part of this memorable occasion.

Secure Your Tickets Now! https://www.quicket.co.za/events/298463-od-dinner-2025/#/ -  Book tickets for OD Dinner 2025

ODC Elections 2025

The OD Union is looking for passionate individuals to join the committee for the 2025-2026 term. Nominate yourself or a fellow OD and help shape the future of the Union. Nominations close on 14 February, with online voting available and results announced on 5 March. Take part in this important opportunity—click the link to submit your nomination and make a difference!

Nominate Today! Click here to nominate

ODU AGM 2025

Make sure to attend the ODU Annual General Meeting on 4 March at 17:00, held at The Woodlands Pavilion and online for those who can't be there in person. This is your chance to stay informed and engaged with the ODU community. Mark your calendar and join us to stay up to date with the latest developments.

Save the Date! https://www.odunion.com/event/foundersweek2025

Take action today and be part of these exciting ODU events!