Dear Parents

If you have a teenager at home, you have likely come across the word “mid” being used to describe something mediocre, average, or disappointing. It is certainly not a word you want associated with an event you have worked hard to create.

I heard many adjectives used to describe last Saturday’s Carnival, but mid was certainly not one of them. For that, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the PA Executive Committee, the Carnival Committee, and the many parent volunteers who so generously gave of their time, energy, and resources. Thank you for making the day so special for our boys and the wider school community. Events like these are a powerful reminder of the gift of community and the role each of us plays in nurturing it.

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the College Valedictory Service. The Memorial Chapel almost trembled with the rich baritone voices of the Matric boys as they sang together for the final time. It was a beautiful and poignant moment to witness.

Behind them, however, was a sea of cell phones, each capturing the occasion. It prompted me to reflect on the growing debate in the mainstream media regarding the desirability of phone-free policies at live events. Last month, The New York Times published a series of articles exploring how singer Phoebe Bridgers’ decision to ban phones at her concerts altered the experience for her audiences. One article outlined the various methods performers use to discourage recording, from outright prohibition and securing devices in Yondr lockable pouches, to placing stickers over smartphone cameras, or even providing disposable analogue cameras to encourage a different, more intentional form of engagement.

As we enter a season filled with year-end events and celebrations, I encourage us all to think carefully about consent, community, and our responsibility to care for one another, particularly our young people. In moments of excitement and celebration, let us be mindful not to compromise the privacy or rights of others in our eagerness to capture a memory.

Interestingly, our children are often more pragmatic than we are about these matters.

They simply call it cringe.

Kind regards

LESTER LALLA
HEADMASTER

Art Exhibition

Time: Wednesday 21st October 18h30 to 20h00 and Thursday 22nd October 13h30 to 17h00
Venue: Jagger Hall
Please click HERE for the invitation. (Please RSVP by end of day Thursday 15 October).

Every boy will have a piece of art on display

Cricket U11A vs Welsh Touring Side

Time: 13h00

FAL isiXhosa discussion for Grade 6 Parents

Time: 18h30 to 19h00
Venue: Library

Further details to follow

Charlton House Grade 6 Leadership Outing

Time: 17h30 to 19h00
Venue: Padel

Bramley House Grade 6 Leadership Outing

Time: 18h00 to 19h00
Venue: Breakout Escape Rooms

We're always looking for more stock!
If you have any outgrown or unused school uniforms and clothing, we'd love to take them off your hands.
Whether you'd like to sell your items through the shop or simply donate them, you're welcome to drop off a bag at any time with Renate Swartz at reception. Don't worry about sorting through everything or deciding what's suitable for resale — we'll take care of that! Items that can't be sold in the shop will be repurposed or passed on to charities where possible.
Our only request is that all items are washed.
Would you like to lend a hand occasionally?
We'd also love to welcome a few more volunteers to help in 2027 on an ad-hoc basis, whether it's assisting with pop-up sales, sorting stock or occasionally covering a shop opening.
There's absolutely no need to commit to regular shifts — any help, even just an hour here and there, would be greatly appreciated! If you're interested, please contact Magali at magaclaire34@gmail.com.

• Cavendish Voucher: Jaclyn Hamman
• Sports Voucher: Noah Pillay (Grade 4)
• Lego Hamper: Matthew Shepherd (Grade 2)
• Squishy Hamper: Eli Fester (Grade 2)
• Bowling Arcade Voucher: Julian de Freitas (Grade R)
• Total Ninja Voucher: Simon Phiri
• Rush Voucher: Raef Dallas (Grade 2)

Thank you once again to our wonderful Bishops community for helping make this year's Carnival such a memorable occasion!

Back row: Alex Turck (piano), Oliver Grave (piano), Rafferty Mackenzie (piano duet), Mason Miranda (piano duet), Charlie de Wet (cornet), Alfred Roos-Kerby (piano), Samuel Fraser (piano)
Front row: Elijah Fernandez (violin), Otondwa Maboko (violin), William Mitchell (violin), Thomas Swart (piano), George Pedlar (piano), James Scholtz (announcer)