Dear Parents

It is wonderful to hear our campus filled once again with the sounds of busy boys. I trust the break was restful and enriching.

As I reviewed the calendar for the term ahead, I was reminded of just how necessary this spring break was for both boys and staff. The coming eight weeks promise to be busy, rewarding, and memorable.

In Memoriam
Over the holiday, we were saddened to learn of the passing of Grant Nupen, 13th Principal of Bishops Diocesan College (2001 – 2012).

During his tenure, Grant provided strong and thoughtful leadership, helping to shape the school’s strategic vision with a particular emphasis on educational excellence, Christian values and a greater engagement with the wider South African community.

Grant was an exceptional leader, educator, and human being. We owe him a profound debt of gratitude, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

Growing Timber
It is well-known and evidenced that our country faces an ageing teacher population. Researchers from Stellenbosch University’s Research on Socioeconomic Policy Unit predicted in 2022 that half of all public-school teachers will retire within the next decade.  

Part of our public purpose as a school is to train and develop teachers for the wider education sector. It is a responsibility we take seriously and one we believe to be strategically important for the future of education.

I am delighted to share that three of our final year interns have secured appointments for next year. Christopher Webster and Keanu Juluis have been appointed as Foundation Phase teachers at Rondebosch Boys’ Preparatory and SACS Junior School respectively. Milani Lubelwana will join Somerset College as a Language Teacher and Boarding Master.

We share in their pride and excitement and congratulate them on these well-deserved appointments.

OD Magazine
The latest issue of the OD Magazine will be sent home this week. Please keep an eye out for a copy in your son’s bag.

Important Dates for Term 4
As this promises to be a busy term, kindly take note of the important dates below:

• 10 October                        Carnival
• 21 – 22 October                 Art Exhibition
• 3 November                      Pentangular Gala
• 10 November                    Summer Photographs
• 13 November                    Grade 3 Picnic
• 18 November                    Leavers’ Concert
• 20 November                    Relay Sports
• 23 November                    Interhouse Singing
• 27 November                    Championship Gala
• 27 November                    Grade 7 Farewell Service & Dinner
• 1 December                      Grade 3 Celebration
• 2 December                      Carol Service
• 3 December                      Prize Giving

Conclusion
Thank you in advance for your many contributions to our Carnival this Saturday. It promises to be a day of great fun and community building.

Kind regards

LESTER LALLA
HEADMASTER

Sharad Navratri

Time: Sunday 11th to Tuesday 20th October

Wishing our Hindu families strength, joy, and prosperity this Navratri

KAE Prestigious Evening

Time: 19h00
Venue: Jan van Riebeek

Paarl Athletics

Time: 18h00 to 20h00
Venue: Paarl

U13 T20 Festival

Time: Wednesday 21st to Saturday 24th October
Venue: Mpumalanga

Art Exhibition

Time: Wednesday 21st October 18h30 to 20h00 and Thursday 22nd October 13h30 to 17h00
Venue: Jagger Hall
Invitation to follow

Chapel Reflection

Small Beginnings, Growing Faith

Welcome back to Term 4! As we begin the final term of the year, Jesus’ words about faith “like a mustard seed” remind us that small beginnings matter. Boys, parents and staff alike may have things ahead that feel challenging. We can take the next step, trusting that God is with us.

Before the holidays, we reflected on the Fruit of the Spirit. This term gives us fresh opportunities to live it out. A boy persevering with his work, a teacher offering encouragement or a parent listening patiently can each make a difference.

Like a seed, growth takes time and care. May we encourage one another, ask for help when we need it and notice the progress that is sometimes easy to miss. God bless our boys, families and staff as we finish the year together.

Revd Khwezi Bengani

Athletics

Athletics practices are from 16h30 to 17h30 at our Lutgensvale track. These practices are voluntary. Boys are walked down from Aftercare and water polo from 16h00 or boys can meet at Lutgensvale at 16h30.

• Tuesdays: u11
  
• Wednesdays: u9, u12, u13
  
• Thursdays: u10

Athletics Meetings this term:
Wednesday 14 October - Rhenish (u7-u10 Sprints)
Monday 19 October - Paarl (100,200,400,800)
Friday 20 November - Interhouse Relay Sports

Aftercare

A reminder that the Aftercare Hours are as follows:

• Monday to Thursday 14h15 to 17h00
• Friday 12h55 to 16h00

Please note: There is a late collection fee of R55 per 15 minutes or part thereof, billed from time of closing.

We are grateful to be part of a community that supports VUSA and the children we serve in so many ways.

To see some of the impact you helped make possible this term and learn more about VUSA’s work, please read our latest newsletter.

Please click here to view the Event Video 
Video credit: Paul Reichle Productions

The u13A Cricket team participated in the prestigious Cape Schools Cricket Festival from 24 to 26 September hosted by Wynberg Boys Junior School. The team won 3 out of 4 matches, playing excellent cricket, but more importantly created memories and developed friendships both on and off the field with opposition schools. The photo above is of the boys after their match vs Dale Junior.

Artists of the Week: Please click HERE for the results of the Grade 5, 6 and 7 entrants of the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod. Our congratulations go to these boys for their excellent art works that they produced. Please click HERE to view the artwork.