Dear Parents
This is the last newsletter of the year as next Thursday is Prize-Giving and “break up” day. It is hard to believe that we are at this point again; each year seems to move a little more quickly than the previous one, but that is probably my age!
We say farewell at this time to Lutho Tsotso, our Youth Pastor for the last three years, and thank him for sharing his faith with our boys, talking into their lives and the lives of staff. He will commence his theological studies next year and we wish him well in the next stage of his life journey.
Our 175th year draws to a close and our beautiful 175 symbol will cease to appear on all our correspondence, programmes and so on, with its garland of wheat, the proteas of our province, and the chapel bell above, the chapel being the centre of the school. We have had much to celebrate and be thankful for, much of the celebration being with others outside of the school but part of our broader community, as well as acts of service to others, trying in small ways to meet a number of needs in our society.
The last two weeks have seen so many special events: the Leavers’ Concert and Dinner in the same week for our Grade 7s, the opening of the Rowing Centre and Tuesday night’s Carol Services, all a special gathering of community. Thank you very much for your generous contributions to the retiring collection after the Carol Service.
In the middle of all this, Hunter Emms’ Memorial Service was held in the school chapel, the chapel transformed with hundreds of brightly coloured balloons, filled to capacity with many of the congregants children and the vibrant music of the St Stephen’s worship band. The Bishops community came together in a real expression of love and support, as many Bishops parents and boys had done over the last few years. It was so sad, but also such a celebration of his young life, cut short, but remarkably lived.
As we end the year, I want to thank you all for your support in so many ways throughout the year. My thanks go also to the staff – teaching, administrative, maintenance, catering, cleaning and grounds. All provide a part of what is so important: the boys of the Prep, their growth and development, preparation for College and adult life, a life that will hopefully be lived as good adult men.
May you all enjoy happy holidays and safe travels. May this Christmas season be a time of renewal and regeneration and may we start 2025 ready to be the joy, hope and peace in the world that the Christ child calls us to be.
With every best wish
Kind regards
GREG BROWN
HEADMASTER |
