Dear Parents
FAREWELL
As we come to the end of this year, we say farewell to a number of boys as well as staff.
Xolani Mathyeke leaves us, as you know, to take up a Deputy Head position at Steyn City in Gauteng. He has been with us for five years in a Grade 5 teaching role, cricket and rugby coach and Head of Soccer for the last two years.
Also leaving for a promotion post at WPPS as Head of Junior Prep is Laurelle Fry, who has been at Bishops for thirteen years in both Grade 2 and 3, TiC of Athletics at the Prep and this year, Assistant House Director of Van der Bijl. Many boys have been through her classes and will testify to the difference she has made in the school.
We thank both Xolani and Laurelle for their contribution to the life of Bishops and wish them well in their new roles at their respective schools.
At the Pre-Prep, Sharlene Groom ends her term as Head of the Pre-Prep and a member of the Prep Executive for the last eight years. As one of my Deputies, she has been a great support to me and had a wonderful vision for the Pre-Prep, continually re-thinking facilities, grades, methodology and even a move to flexible seating which has come right through to Grade 4. I will always remember her for taking all the fences down between Pre-Prep and the fields, much to our concern. But she had said no-one will run away and no-one did. After thirty-six years of teaching, Sharlene is taking early retirement to spend more time with her grandchildren and pursue her many other interests. We thank her for all she has done and wish her well as she moves into a new stage of her life.
We also say farewell to Richard Goedhals, who has substituted in Grade 4 for the last two terms. Richard is a Bishops stalwart having taught here for many years and it is always wonderful to have him back with us. Our Grade 3 intern, Shameemah Allie, qualifies this year and we wish her well in her future career.
We say farewell to our Grade 7s as they move on and to any other boys leaving in other grades. May God hold them in the palm of His hand.
CAROLS
If you attended one of our Tuesday night’s Carol Services, you will have appreciated the beautiful simplicity of the Service with narration, music and prayers. Choir, vocal soloists, trumpeters, violinists and cellists all took our music to another level, inspiring us and, with the narrators, reminding us of the essence of Christmas and what the message of hope can mean for us all.
REPORTS
Grade 3 to 7 Academic Reports will be released to your son’s profile on MyBishopsLife on Monday, 11 December 2023.
To view a breakdown of your son’s second semester marks (Grades 4 to 7 only), please select the Academic menu in MyBishopsLife and choose Marks from the drop-down provided. Please click on each listed subject name to view a detailed breakdown of your son’s marks for July to December.
Should you experience any login issues, please email portal@bishops.org.za This inbox will be monitored daily until lunchtime on Wednesday, 13th December 2023.
THANK YOU
Thank you to you all for your support this year; your son’s education this year would not be the same without this. Thank you for your attendance at so many events, concerts, sports fixtures etc not to mention the assistance with transport – this is so essential at Prep level where your presence shows your boy how important education is. Thank you for making Bishops your school of choice.
This is the last newsletter of the term, so best wishes to you all for a happy holiday, safe travels if travelling and some relaxing time with family and friends.
May Christmas be a Blessed time and may we return in the new year positive and full of hope.
Best wishes
Kind regards
GREG BROWN
HEADMASTER |
