Dear Parents

As the final term of the year begins, the Pre-Prep is filled with the energy and enthusiasm (and Carnival fever). While the holidays offered an opportunity for rest and time with family, Term 4 brings with it many exciting opportunities for learning, growth, achievement and celebration. 
This term is often one of the busiest in the school calendar, but it is also one of the most rewarding. It provides an opportunity for our boys to finish the year with determination and integrity, to embrace new challenges and to contribute positively to the life of the school. We look forward to sharing many memorable moments together in the weeks ahead. 

Celebrating Our Teachers on World Teachers’ Day on 5 October 
As we begin the term, it is fitting that we pause to acknowledge the remarkable contribution of our teachers. Every day, they invest their knowledge, energy, patience and care in helping our boys grow academically, socially and emotionally. 
Teachers play a vital role in shaping lives, often through countless acts that go unseen beyond the classroom. Their commitment extends far beyond lessons, encompassing mentorship, encouragement, coaching and pastoral care. In our assembly on Wednesday, the boys and I thanked all our staff members for the passion and dedication they bring to Bishops and for the meaningful impact they have on our boys each day. The boys shared heartwarming stories of why they are grateful for their teachers. 

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 and loved ones at this time. 

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. We trust that families will enjoy reading about the many achievements, stories and milestones that continue to strengthen the Bishops community. 

Important Dates for Term 4 
As this promises to be a busy and exciting term, we encourage families to make note of the important dates listed below and to keep them readily available for reference throughout the coming weeks. 

Term 4 always reminds us of the strength of our school community and the many people who contribute to making our school such a special place. A special thank you to all our parents for their contributions towards the carnival. The boys are so looking forward to it.  
We wish every family a happy term and look forward to sharing its many highlights together. 

Warm regards, 

TARYN BAIN
HEAD: PRE-PREP

Time: 15h00 to 21h00
Venue: Rossall Field (Prep School)

Sunday 11 October

Sharad Navratri

Time: Sunday 11th to Tuesday 20th October
Wishing our Hindu families strength, joy, and prosperity this Navratri

Monday 12 October

Summer Uniform

Boys to wear their summer uniform.

Friday 16 October - Green class
Newlands Forest

Thursday 22 October: Red class
Newlands Forest

Friday 23 October: Blue class
Newslands Forest

Monday 26 October - Blue class
Curro Castle outing

Tuesday 27 October: Green class
Curro Castle outing

Wednesday 28 October: Red class
Curro Castle outing

Support Staff civvies day

Please see infomation below.

Grade 1 & 2 Annual Music Concert: Memorial Theatre @ 18h00

We invite you to join our Grade 1 and 2 boys for the annual music concert. The concert is free and seating is unreserved.

Grade N & R Nativity: Prep Fields @ 17h00

Please save the date.

Friday 20 November

Extramurals ends

Thursday 26 November

Pre-Prep Carols at 18h00

Information will be sent out in due course.

Friday 27 November

Grade 1 Trading Day

Information will be sent out in due course

Blessing of the Ties at 11h00 in the Memorial Chapel

Grade 2 Dads and Sons Campout
Information will be sent out in due course.

Monday 30 November

Grade 1 Kirstenbosch

Monday 30 December

Grade 3 2027 Induction - for all current Grade 2 parents

Time: 18h30

Venue: Jagger Hall Prep School and Grade 3 classrooms

End of Term 4 2026

https://forms.gle/ySgAZBYHu1qHRSt27

Our Second-Hand Uniform Shop continues to be a fantastic resource for our school community, supporting both sustainability and affordability.

The shop is situated at the Prep Campus, behind reception, and is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 7:15 to 8:30am.

The Second Hand Shop at Pre-Prep will be at the Pre-Prep next Wednesday, 14 October, from 7:30 to 8:30am.

It’s almost the end of the year and to show our appreciation to the amazing support staff at the Pre-Prep, we are asking parents to participate in a collection of either cash or dry goods. 

On Friday 30 October, boys are able to wear civvies to school provided that they either bring a cash donation or dry goods which will all be used to create “thank you” hampers for the 3 wonderful ladies who work at the Pre-Prep and our wonderful security guards and gardner.

More information will follow via the class reps on WhatsApp groups. 

NB: If any parents would like to be involved in helping us sort and pack the hampers, please email Mrs Carrie Shepherd: carriehouba@gmail.com

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

There’s so much fun in store, and we can’t wait to welcome our Bishops families. A huge thank you to all the parents who have been working behind the scenes to create such fantastic games and stalls. Look out for awesome raffles, magicians and more.
We’ll also have a wonderful line up of entertainment and of food and drinks available throughout the afternoon and evening, so there’s no need to bring a picnic.
A few important reminders before you arrive: 

• A pre-purchased ticket is required for entry. Webtickets will scan your ticket from your phone, or you may bring a printed copy.
• The Carnival is a cashless event. Payments can be made via SnapScan or credit/debit card.

Past Prep boy, Sahil Khalfey, has invited Prep boys to join in their Big Ideas project, Bricks for Paws
For the eco-brick competition, we ask that:

• Each eco-brick is made using a 2-litre plastic bottle.
• Each completed eco-brick should weigh at least 500 grams.
• Boys must write their name, surname and class clearly on the bottle using a permanent marker.
• Completed eco-bricks should be left in their classrooms.
• Our Bricks for Paws team will collect and record the eco-bricks every Friday so that we can keep track of each boy’s total.

There will also be prizes for the boys who collect the most eco-bricks. First place will receive a R1000 V&A Waterfront voucher, and the top five boys will each receive Coke and donuts.
The eco-bricks will contribute towards our goal of using plastic waste to help create an animal shelter.