Two weeks ago at our Lenten Service, our Chaplain used the image of a returns policy to illustrate the meaning of Lent – explaining how goods are returned to any shop – with Lent being a conscious return to God.  But a far easier return, without proof of purchase, inspection of goods, signatures or credit cards. Just ourselves. A reminder that God can lead us to live lives of purpose, good intentions and consideration and care for others.

Next week our Muslim families begin the Holy Month of Ramadan. A month of daily fasting, sacrifice and prayer, a time where Muslims, through their sacrifice, are brought closer to the Creator and develop increased empathy for those less fortunate.

Both “seasons” reflect a crucial time in the development of both faiths; Christ’s forty days in the wilderness before Easter, and for Muslims, the revelation of the Quran.

For both faiths, this is a time of self-reflection, a drawing closer to all the good that we can be, a time to change for the better, even asking forgiveness of others whom we have offended or treated badly. I used an assembly to talk to the boys about this. Celebrating the differences in the how, but the commonality of the why and what we are reminded of during this time in terms of what we can be, the best version of ourselves. And this theme runs across all the faiths represented at the school, different observances, but with the same end in mind. A time to turn back to God and reflect on how we live.

As we celebrate our diversity and appreciate the customs and practices of each other, may we also appreciate what we have in common.

MUSIC STAFF
Sadly, we say farewell to Judith Rhodes-Harrison at the end of the term. She has taught piano for 25 years at Bishops. A consummate pianist herself with a particular love of Chopin, she has inspired countless boys over nearly a full generation here. We have watched her over the years accompanying the young, starting out pianists, as well as seen the fruits of her labour in the older boys who go on to flourish.  The Music Department will miss her positivity, warmth and real dedication to develop a love of music in her pupils. We thank her and wish her well in her retirement.

Stuart Scott has decided to take early (relatively speaking) retirement from the end of the second term. He has taught at Bishops for over 30 years!  We will say more about his farewell during the course of next term.

We wish all our Muslim families Ramadan Mubarak.

Founders Day

Please note dress code for boys:

House shirt
Blue shorts
175 cap
Blazer with 175 pin
⁠Predominantly white takkies

Inter-House Gala

Time: 11h00 to 12h55
Venue: Prep Pool
Parents welcome to support

Adjusted Extra-Mural Timetable

Please note that this has changed from what was communicated last week.
New details under TAKE Note

Grade 3 Meet the Teachers

Please see details under TAKE Note

175 Bishops Tennis Festival

Grade 3 Meet the Teachers

Please see details under TAKE Note

175 Bishops Tennis Festival

End of Term 1

Boys to wear No 1s
School closes at 11h30

175 Bishops Tennis Festival

Due to the necessity to accommodate cricket fixtures against Rondebosch, we have made some minor adjustments to our extra-mural timetable for the dates Monday, 11th March to Tuesday, 19th March. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we transition from our Summer/Term 1 activities to the upcoming rugby and hockey season preparation.

Please take careful note of the activities that will be taking place for the remainder of the term:
Monday, 11 March:
14:30 - U10 and 11 cricket matches against Rondebosch – teams, venues and times will be uploaded on our online platforms.
14:30 - Fencing
15:00 - B League gala at Wynberg
14:30 – 15:30 - Art Club

Tuesday, 12 March:
14:30 - U9, 12 and 13 cricket matches against Rondebosch – teams, venues and times will be uploaded on our online platforms.

Wednesday, 13th March: 14:30 to 16:00 Rugby (U10 & U11) and Hockey (U9, U12 & U13)

Thursday, 14th March: 14:30 - 16:00 Rugby (U9, U12 & U13) and Hockey (U10 & U11)

Saturday, 16th March: 08:00 - 10:00 Rugby (U9 - U13)

Monday, 18th March:
14:30 - 16:00 Rugby (U10 & U11)
13:15 - 14:30 Hockey (U9)
14:30 – 16:00 Hockey ( U12 & U13)
14:30 – 16:15 - Fencing

Tuesday, 19th March:
14:30 - 16:00 Rugby (U9, U12 & U13)
14:30 - 16:00 Hockey (U10 & U11)

Apologies for the changes but we kindly ask for your cooperation in adjusting your schedules accordingly to support your child’s participation in these sessions. If you have any questions or concerns about the schedule adjustments or how they might affect your child, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Jamie Southgate (jsouthgate@bishops.org.za)

If you are wanting to keep your children busy and active during the school holidays and/or develop their skills, why not send them on a holiday clinic?

Please click HERE for information on the Study Skills Course

Please click HERE for information on the Hockey Clinic

Please click HERE for information on the Soccer Madness Clinic

Please click HERE for information on the Rugby Ready Games Clinic

Please click HERE for information on the Rugby Madness Clinic

For future reference the details will be placed on MyBishopsLife on the Information Page under Extra-Mural Information - Holiday Workshops and Clinics

This week our boys participated in the Pentangular gala hosted by RBPS. It was a slightly cooler evening, but that did not slow the boys down by any means. It was a fantastic showcase of swimming strength, speed, power and camaraderie among all the schools. Bishops secured an overall result of third place with standout performances coming from our u8, u9, u10 and u11 relay teams as well as our u8, u9, u11 and u12 individual swimmers. Well done, boys!

Stairway to Heaven, also known as the Art Room! The Art Club boys painted the stair risers in a beautiful rainbow of colours adding even more beauty to our wonderful campus.

The Artists of the Week were chosen from Grade 6 this week. They have focussed on drawing self-portraits in pencil. We discussed the importance of animals in our lives and each boy chose an animal to include in their drawings. This is an animal that means something special to them. The following boys expressed their ideas very succinctly:
6B - Alex Breslin, Kuhle Cossie, Oliver Ferrao and William Lunn
6P - Finn Coetzer, Leo Constantinou, Phoenix Jordan and Lukho Kunene
6S - Finn Corelli, Chris de Wet, Sebastian Dupont and Alex Reeves
Please click HERE to view all the artwork.

The Weekly Cricket Awards are as follows: The Hershelle Gibbs Catch of the week went to Caid Arrison for taking an outstanding catch behind the stumps to break an important partnership. The Vince van der Bijl Bowling Performance of the Week went to Luan Bouwer for taking 4 wickets for 20 runs during a disciplined spell of bowling and the
Jonathan Bird Batting Performance of the Week went to Luca Laub for scoring 42 and 58 runs. Both innings were not out; hence Luca scored 100 runs this week without losing his wicket.

The Polo Panda was awarded to the U13B team for their hard work and passion for the game!

The Bramley House Family groups kicked off this week with the Grade 7s welcoming their new Grade 3s to the group and spending time getting to know each other and, of course, handing out some treats.

Our musicians once again did us proud at Music Assembly this week.
Back row: Mrs Cheryl de Havilland (cello), Daniel Hobbs (flute), Jan Harm Coffee (announcer), Uphiwo Lujabe (piano), Mrs Judith Rhodes-Harrison (piano)
Front row: Cruz Campbell (violin), Hunter Weingartz (piano), Alex Breslin (piano), Connor Earp-Jones (piano).