BISHOPS 175

175 years of existence as a school is a significant milestone. In 1849 six boys were enrolled as foundation members, all between the ages of 10 and 15 and all boarding.  Today we are 1 450 boys from the ages of 4 to 18. Our aim in this 175th year is to give thanks for what those who came before us have done, the buildings they have left behind, the ethos that has evolved over the decades, the expectations of achievement and the bold and courageous decisions many have made in instituting change and improvements, not always popular at the time, but progressive and effective when looking back later.

The aim is also to be outward looking, interacting and sharing with others. Mandela Day on 18 July will be a highlight where every boy from Grade N to Grade 12 will spend 175 minutes in some form of service to others. It will be a completely different school day.

Founders Day this year falls on 8 March and the morning will begin with a ceremony for the full school on the astro.  This will be only the third time that this has taken place in the last 17 years as a whole school.

We will also be hosting a number of Festivals with other schools, sport and cultural. In order to involve girls’ schools, the College are hosting a One Act Play Festival in which a number of our neighbouring girls’ schools will participate. Three specific internal celebrations will centre around music and the arts. In October there will be a Dedication Service for the three new stained glass windows in the Brooke Chapel. The creation of these form the only specific 175th year fundraiser.

I will send out a more detailed communication tomorrow regarding both the stained glass windows and the 175 wines, especially bottled by wine farms owned by ODs for the occasion.

LENTEN SERVICE

A number of our grades will be away on camp on Ash Wednesday (14 February). This is an unfortunate clash so we will instead hold a Lenten Service with the Imposition of Ashes on Thursday, 22 February at 11h00. This is a Family Service and I do hope that as many of you as possible will join us.

Brooke House Bring and Braai - Grades 3-7

Time: 17h30 to 20h00
Venue: Prep Pool

Bramley House Picnic - Grades 3-7

Time: 18h00 - 20h00
Venue: Clifton 4th Beach

Van Der Bijl House Picnic - Grades 3-7

Time: 18h00 - 20h00
Venue: Lutgensvale A and B
Bring your blankets, snacks, drinks and games for an evening of laughter and connection

Charlton House Picnic Grades 3-7

Time: 18h00 - 20h00
Venue: Clifton 4th Beach

Prep Sports Day

Time: 15h00 to 19h00
Venue: Lutgensvale

(No other sport on this day)

Valentines Day

There are no athletics practices next week due to College trials.
The House Directors will have a relay practice at Lutgensvale on Wednesday at 07h00 to practise their 4 x 100m relay changeovers. House Directors will notify the boys involved.
Sports Day is on Thursday 8 February in the afternoon.
Boys will be walked down to Lutgensvale after school by their House Directors. The first race will start at 15h00 and the last race at 18h00 followed by the handing out of trophies.
The programme for Sports Day will go out next week with all the track and field event times. All boys will be participating. A Tuck Shop will be available.

Civvies day will take place on Friday 09 February. On this day we will collect dog and cat food, blankets, bowls, brushes and toys for our two chosen charities: Animal Anti-Cruelty League and Stanford Animal Welfare. Boys can drop their items first thing in the morning at the library.

Cricketers of the Week - congratulations to the following boys:
The Hershelle Gibbs award for Catch of the week was awarded to John Weir-Smith for taking a spectacular catch to swing the game in Bishops’ favour.
The Vince van der Bijl award for Bowling Performance of the Week was awarded to Daniel Twycross for taking 6 wickets for 20 runs during a very good spell of bowling.
The Jonathan Bird award for Batting Performance of the Week was awarded to Oli Naylor for scoring 71 runs during a very entertaining knock.