Dear Parents
One of the best ways to learn about leadership is to look at leaders you know and admire. Archbishop Desmond Tutu epitomises what we would like our young men to become; young men who show empathy and forgiveness and practise these important skills in their daily lives. We are proudly and actively dedicating this week, and next, to celebrating the life of Archbishop Desmond Tutu in all forms of school activity and school life.
Mr. Brown launched the celebration on Wednesday with a thought-provoking assembly. He spoke to the boys about the Bishop’s life and the type of leader he was; courageous, hard working, loving, bold and forgiving, to name just a few of his outstanding qualities. Thando Biko and Alexander Horrell, two of our Grade 7s, presented two of Tutu’s well-known quotes and explained the meaning of them to the boys. We also observed a minute silence for peace.
The school has been a hive of activity since this launch as we celebrate his life and legacy through art, classroom discussions, readings, research and outreach. Interestingly, one Tutu quote that has consistently inspired us all here on campus is the following,
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
We have started collecting items for the following organisations:
Grade 3 and 4 are collecting strips or boxes of marshmallow eggs for the students of St Paul’s Primary in Bo Kaap. Grade 5 to 7 are collecting tinned meats, such as tuna, as well as rice and pasta items for Zonnebloem Foster Home, Sinothando Children’s Home and Zanokhanyo Children’s Home, in Khayelitsha.
The boys have been dropping off a great array of donations so far and may continue to drop off in the library for one more week until the deadline on Wednesday 23rd March. We can’t wait to visit and connect with these organisations when we drop off the collections.
OTHER
Term 1 has been an incredibly busy one for teachers, boys and parents. The relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions allowed our school to reintroduce most, if not all, of the activities that normally take place in a busy school like Bishops. It has been wonderful watching the boys participate enthusiastically in our extra-mural programme and have healthy competition against our neighbouring schools in a variety of activities. Allow me to remind you about some of the fantastic activities we have managed to have this term: House activities, class visits, new parent functions, sporting fixtures, Sports Day, Quadrangular Athletics and swimming, Pentangular Athletics, A,B and C League galas class camps, water polo and tennis tours, music concerts, Chapel services, Founders Day and a Bishops Community event to name but a few. We look forward to connecting next week in teacher meetings to discuss your son’s academic performance before the well-deserved holidays.
Having parents on the campus supporting again has been a highlight for all. Our boys really value your support in the classroom and on the side of the sports field. The teachers and coaches have thoroughly enjoyed this connection which is so important as we guide and educate them for the future.
The Bishops Community Event held on Friday 11th March was a spectacular event enjoyed by all. Many thanks to all the organisers, sponsors, parents and boys who contributed to the success of it.
The first four weeks of Term 2 are four-day weeks as a result of the consecutive long weekends. These four-day weeks are very disruptive to our academic and extra-mural programme, so we ask you to please not request additional days off around these weekends.
Next week, in an email to parents, we will inform you of the activities and programme for the exciting first week of Term 2.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and commitment to Bishops.
Kind regards
CHRIS GROOM
DEPUTY HEADMASTER |
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