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THURSDAY 30 July 2026
Dear Parents

Single-sex education in the UK, Australia and parts of the United States is increasingly under scrutiny due to economic and cultural factors. Many social and political commentators point to the challenges and vulnerabilities facing boys as reasons to promote co-educational schooling.

Now, more than ever, the case for boys’ education is both compelling and necessary. Boys need advocates, positive role models, emotional fluency, and adults who believe in their potential.

This does not suggest that boys’ schools represent the pinnacle of education. Rather, it challenges boys’ schools to adopt an orientation and pedagogy that respond meaningfully to the evolving needs and realities of boys today.

At the heart of successful boys’ schools are relationships. They are the foundation upon which learning is built. Boys are more likely to engage and thrive when guided by adults they trust, respect and feel connected to.

When asked what makes a school nurturing, boys most often speak about their teachers and their peers. While some may equate outstanding facilities with a strong school culture, Malcolm Gladwell reminds us that many parents are drawn to institutions that offer “golf courses and Steinway pianos and small classes as evidence that their money is well spent.” I would add that these features are often seen as indicators that a school is a good place for children. While the physical environment, often referred to as the “third teacher”, certainly matters, we know that relationships matter even more.

Through our multifaceted programme, we strive to create an environment where every boy is known, valued and cared for. This commitment is central to who we are, and I warmly welcome your feedback and partnership in helping us achieve it.

Thank you to our families who generously opened their homes to accommodate our visiting schools last week. Your hospitality and support are greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

LESTER LALLA
HEADMASTER
DIARY Dates
Friday 31 July 2026 Charlton House Grade 5 Outing

Time: 18h00 to 20h00
Venue: Freedom Adventure Park, Canal Walk
Monday 3 August 2026 KAE begins
Tuesday 4 August 2026

U9 and 13 A & C Rugby vs Jan van Riebeeck

Time: 14h30
Venue: Lutgensvale

Ensemble Concert

Time: 19h00
Venue: Memorial Chapel

Wednesday 5 August 2026 U11 A & B Rugby vs Jan van Riebeeck

Time: 14h30
Venue: Lutgensvale
Friday 7 August 2026

U13A Hockey Cape Co-ed Tournament

Venue: Durbanville

Normal Extracurricular timetable applies

Saturday 8 August 2026

U13A Hockey Cape Co-ed Tournament

Venue: Durbanville

No Sport except for the above

Sunday 9 August 2026 Public Holiday - Women's Day
Monday 10 August 2026 School Holiday
Tuesday 11 August 2026 Book Week begins

Please see further information under Take Note
Wednesday 12 August 2026 Book Sale

Time: 08h00 to 14h30
Venue: Library
Thursday 13 August 2026 Book Sale

Time: 08h00 to 14h30
Venue: Library
TAKE Note
Rugby Tuck Shop

We are hosting Wynberg Boys' Junior School this Saturday and would once again love to offer our legendary Bishops hospitality.

If you are able to offer just 30 minutes to assist at the Tuck Shop or the Egg and Bacon stand, please click HERE to book your slot.

 

Test Timetable - Grade 4 - 7

Please visit the calendar on the website or on your son's profile on MyBishopsLife to view the Term 3 Test Timetable for Grades 4 to 7.

 

Book Week

We will be celebrating a love of storytelling during Book Week, Tuesday 11th to Friday 14th August.

Civvies Day: Dress as an Idiom Day!
A civvies day to launch Book Week! Get ready to bring your favourite idiom to life! Whether you have a chip on your shoulder, you’re the bee’s knees, or when pigs fly, it’s your chance to turn a well-known saying into a creative costume. Have fun, think outside the box, and we will see if our classmates can each guess the idiom!

Exclusive Books Book Sale
Exclusive Books will be holding a big Book Sale in the Library for the week: Tuesday 11th to Friday 14th August. Brand new, trending as well as popular book series will be available. Prices range from R150 – R300. Boys can purchase in their Library Lesson or at their lunch time. Parents are welcome to visit the sale after school from 14h15 – 15h30. Please note the Book Sale will close at 15h30 each day. Payment can be made via cash or card. We look forward to seeing you!

Invitation from the OD Union

Members of the Bishops community are warmly invited to a special concert by the Mizar Trio, as part of the school's Music Week.

Mizar is a prominent South African contemporary chamber ensemble, known for championing new music and premiering works by South African composers.

Date: Monday, 3 August 2026
Time: 18:30–19:30
Venue: John Peake Music School

There is no charge to attend, but numbers are limited, so please register at https://www.odunion.com/events/view/mizar-concert in advance. Light refreshments will be served after the concert.

To hear the Mizar Trio, please click here.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Orange River Family Adventure

Please click HERE for further information on the Orange River Family Adventure taking place late September. Please contact orange@felix.co.za if you are interested in taking up this wonderful opportunity.
Bishops Hockey Supporters Club

The Bishops Hockey Supporters Club is raffling off an incredible week-long family holiday for 4 to Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa in Mauritius, valued at R165,000.

The prize includes:

✈️ Return international flights for 4
🏝️ 1 week accommodation for 4
🍽️ All-inclusive meals, drinks & selected resort activities
📅 Flexible travel dates and upgrade options available

Only 500 tickets are available at R1,000 per ticket, and there will be 1 lucky winner.
The draw will take place on 14 August at the final home fixture, after the 1st team game.
Don't miss your chance to win an unforgettable family holiday while supporting Bishops Hockey.

🎟️ Get your tickets now: bhsc.co.za/mauritius

T&C’s apply.

Ensemble Concert
Please join us for this very special evening!
NEWS
Mandela Day
As part of our Mandela Day celebrations last Friday, the boys spent their 67 minutes of service making sandwiches and packing them into beautifully decorated paper bags, together with a piece of fruit and a sweet treat. These care packages were donated to Lelieblom Children’s Home and Edenvale Primary School, amongst others, who shared them with members of their communities. A heartfelt thank you to all the parents who generously contributed bread, spreads, fruit, and sweets. Your support and kindness are greatly appreciated!
Hockey News

The U9 Hockey boys had another fantastic afternoon at Hartleyvale playing various matches against Rondebosch, SACS and Western Province Prep School. We enjoyed a lovely, sunny afternoon with lots of enthusiasm, fun and boys showing off the hockey skills they have worked hard to develop. Thanks to all those spectators who came to support us.

Music News

Well done to the following boys who performed at Music Assembly this week:

Back row: George Dearman (piano), Adrien Marsal (piano), Rafferty Mackenzie (piano), Kwamena Sam (piano), Ben Campbell (piano)
Front row: Daniel Twycross (announcer), Joshua Moore (clarinet), Vian Loots (piano), Isa Surve (piano)

Weekly Winners

The Artists of the Week were chosen from Grade 3. Last term, they worked on a very large painting project, learning how to mix their own colours from powder paints. The following students were chosen for their excellent paint mixing skills and their successful composition of a fishing trawler in the harbour: (please click HERE to view all the artwork)
3B Alfred Roos-Kerby, JP van Zyl, Kai Vorster, Oliver Weston
3P Charlie Light, Veer Maistry, Roman Palin, Julian Plastow
3S Spencer Johnston, Samuel Miller, Vir Singh, Chris Smit

Rick the Bear was awarded to the U10A team this week for playing good, courageous rugby.

Well done to all these boys!

    BISHOPS PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Fir Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700
Phone:+27 (21) 659 7222 | Email: info@bishops.org.za