There was some confusion yesterday about mask wearing at schools after the Department of Health’s announcement that children at schools did not need to wear masks any longer. They have now retracted that statement so the status quo remains: children from the age of six have to wear masks indoors at school. Please be assured that, if there is ever any change regarding Covid regulations that affect us materially as a school, we will communicate this to you as quickly as possible.

SPORTS FIXTURES

It was wonderful to watch the U13A rugby side’s practice match against the VUSA team last Friday and then the hockey matches at Woodlands and Hartleyvale this week. In both sports we are starting the season at the start of the season (something we always took for granted before 2020) with all the anticipation and excitement that goes with it.

I think that what we have missed the most has been the togetherness that fixtures and events allow us to experience, the camaraderie, conversations, getting to know other parents and staff and enjoying our children having fun. Similarly for our boys, participation and the experience of playing the sport without the limitations that Covid regulations imposed. I would hazard a guess that competition was lower on the list.

While we play to win, we would ask you to add to your boy’s experience in a very positive way. In the nature of winter sports it is now that parental actions on the side of the field can become over-zealous and lead to unpleasantness.

In 2020 I often consulted with the Students’ Council about what the boys were really missing and how we could come up with a replacement idea. It was their idea, for instance, to have packed lunches in the 4th term to replace hot lunch. If you remember, we had some fun Saturdays where boys were put in teams and played hockey, soccer and touch rugby. I asked them whether we should have spectators and one piped up, “No, sir, our parents make everything so competitive”. So a good message to all us adults to keep school sport in perspective.

There is a letter from the schools we play against during winter regarding sideline etiquette and positive support for players, coaches and umpires/referees as well as other spectators. This can be found under TAKE Note below.

We look forward to seeing you on the sidelines enjoying this special time in your young boys’ lives.

END OF TERM

Please note that the Prep and Pre-Prep will close on Wednesday, 22 June (in line with the College) and not the Thursday as previously planned. Our last day will be a normal school day but without extra-murals.

Enjoy your weekend.

Kind regards

GREG BROWN
HEADMASTER

Mother's Day

Wishing all the moms in our Bishops community a wonderful day!

For this outreach we will be focussing on Youth Day and World Refugee day, both of which are in June. We will be collecting clothing and would be very grateful if you could start gathering any used clothing in good condition for this collection.