This is another short newsletter in another short week, but do please read the following two important announcements.

USE OF CAMPUS FACILITIES
There has been some confusion in recent weeks, so we want to clarify after hours usage for the Bishops community.  Please see below from the Principal:

“Access to Lutgensvale
During the week and on weekend, whenever the gate is locked, those who have purchased a key from Bishops Reception, have access to the fields to walk, play and to walk dogs. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and walkers must clean up after their dogs.

Access to the College campus
Access to the campus is permitted for current pupils at Bishops at all reasonable times. Boarders residing on campus may use the facilities within the times set by their respective Houses. Day boys may come onto campus outside school hours and on weekends, provided this is during the day and the facilities are respected at all times. The following specifics apply:

• There are to be no organised games on Sundays but boys may come onto the campus if they are dressed in Bishops uniform (easily identifiable as a pupil) or in a vehicle carrying a Bishops access sticker. A boy’s parents or siblings may accompany them for the purposes of using the facilities such as the cricket nets.
• The Astroturf is out of bounds to all pupils unless a Bishops hockey coach is present or permission has been granted by a member of staff. The mini Astro may be used without permission or a coach present. The Astroturf is closed to all on Sundays.
• No organised coaching may take place on a Sunday unless specifically approved by the Executive.
• No private coaching may take place on Bishops grounds without the express permission of the Executive.
• The use of the grounds and facilities by ODs is not guaranteed as the facilities are for current pupils, but ODs may request special permission through the Head of Sport.”

KLIKD DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP PROGRAMME
We are delighted to report that we are continuing with our KLIKD Digital Citizenship training programme, beginning with Grades 5-7 this term and later in the year with Grade 4. Klikd have overhauled their curriculum which now includes online and offline learning in the classroom, experiential exercises pitched at both advanced students and those who may not yet be exposed to social media. In an exciting development, Klikd now also has a full module for Grade 7s on understanding the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to Artificial Intelligence!

Klikd are offering a very informative online webinar - “Damn! My Child’s Device!!” https://klikd.co.za/mini-workshop/. This workshop will equip you with the skills to manage your sons’ devices.

Klikd will also be offering more presentations on online gaming, why gaming is so addictive, why your child would rather conquer virtual worlds than engage in real life, and how it leads to those dreaded meltdowns, mood swings, and "just one more minute" battles.  

Please remember to join KLIKD in your Pocket – the weekly bite size chunks of really valuable input regarding current trends in your child’s online world. The Bishops Parents’ WhatsApp group is a broadcast group only and helpful information on topics that range from how to manage devices during playdates and sleepovers to accidental pornography pop-ups on MineCraft to the live Roblox gambling opportunities for children. Most importantly KLIKD always adds four or five conversation starters to have with your children over dinner/in the car/when looking for that brand new perfect hoodie. Please find the QR code below and you will receive the weekly content. Alternatively you can hit the link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FU7ZEkfL9Fa5W2DcEKH8be

GENERAL
I hope you enjoyed the Easter weekend and, depending on work, will have some more rest time over the next week. While I know two public holidays in a week are commercially extremely disruptive, next week counts as the second week of our boys’ March holiday. This year we deliberately made it one week as we knew most, if not all schools, were closing in the first week of May, so it is a catch up of sorts.

Safe  travels to all those who are travelling and may the week off give the boys rest before another eight weeks of school. A reminder that winter uniform (tracksuit over khakis) may be worn from Monday, 5 May

Best wishes

Bramley Movie Night - Grades 3 to 5

Time: 17h30 to 19h30
Venue: Grade 6P Classroom

As part of the Sports Performance and Wellness Programme, we have designed this questionnaire to help us better understand your child's schedule, commitments, and overall well-being. We kindly ask you to answer each question at the following link with your child as accurately as possible.

SPW Schedule Link 2025