Dear Parents

Building a Culture of Kindness and Respect 
Over the past few weeks, we have noticed a growing culture of what some might call “roasting” — teasing or making jokes at another’s expense — creeping into our school environment. While it may appear harmless or even playful at first, this kind of humour often crosses a line, leaving someone feeling embarrassed, excluded, or hurt. 

At Bishops Pre-Prep, we take great pride in nurturing boys who are not only confident and curious learners, but also kind, respectful and empathetic young people. When “roasting” becomes part of their social interactions, it begins to chip away at these very values that sit at the heart of our school — our Mitre Values of Manners, Integrity, Togetherness, Respect and Empathy. 
For our boys, the line between friendly teasing and unkind words can be very difficult to recognise. What one child finds funny, another may find deeply hurtful. In these early years, boys are still learning how to manage emotions, build friendships, and express themselves appropriately. It is during this stage that they need clear guidance and modelling from both home and school about what kind, respectful communication looks like. 
At school, we continue to have open conversations with the boys about empathy — about thinking before we speak and understanding the impact of our words. We encourage them to use humour to connect, not to divide. We are asking for your support at home in reinforcing these same messages. Talking about what “roasting” means, how it can hurt others, and what real friendship and respect look like in practice will help us work together to shape a culture that uplifts rather than undermines. 

Together, we can ensure that Bishops boys continue to grow in an environment where kindness is not just expected — it is celebrated. 
Happy birthday to Mrs Venter (14 November) and Mrs Van der Westhuizen (17 November). 

Kind regards

TARYN BAIN
HEAD: PRE-PREP

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: Memorial Theatre @ 11:30

Please be seated by 11:20.

Thursday 27 November

Pre-Prep Carols at 18h00

Parents are invited to join us in the Memorial Chapel. It is compulsary for all Grade 1 and 2 boys. They must be dressed in full summer uniform. Doors will open at 17:45 for parents to be seated. More information for the boys will follow.

Blessing of the Ties at 11h00

Parents are invited to join us for tea on the Chapel lawns after the ceremony.

Grade 2 Camp out at 5pm

Parents have been emailed.

Term 4 Ends

Gr N to be collected: 10h30

Grade R to be collected 10h40

Grade 1 to be collected 10h50

Grade 2 to be collected 11h00

Aftercare will close at 13:00.

Reports released

Please click HERE for further information on a Holiday Club offer from (04 and 05) and 15th to 19th December, hosted by Ms Rheeder.

Please click HERE for further information on a Holiday Club offer from 8th till 12th December hosted by Mrs Stuart.

Please click HERE for further information on a Holiday Club offer from 5th till 9th January hosted by Mrs Van Zyl.

Gratitude in Daily Life — Seeing God’s Hand in the Ordinary
“Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank Him because you believe in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

We’ve all had days that don’t go as planned — missed meetings, forgotten homework, or mornings that start badly. On those days, saying “thank you” can feel hard. Yet the Bible reminds us, “Give thanks no matter what happens.” Gratitude isn’t just for the good days — it’s a daily practice that opens our eyes to God’s quiet work, even in the difficult moments.

Gratitude Changes How We See the World
When we practice gratitude, our focus shifts from what’s missing to what’s already there — a sunny Cape Town morning, a kind friend, a patient teacher, a loving family member, a shared laugh. These small moments reveal God’s faithfulness. Gratitude doesn’t deny the hard times — it transforms them, helping us see blessings hidden within challenges.

A Jar Full of Blessings
Imagine your life as a glass jar. Each time you notice a blessing — a smile, a kind word, a sunrise — it’s like dropping a small stone into that jar. Soon it begins to fill. Gratitude fills our hearts the same way, reminding us that God is good not only on the mountain tops but also in the valleys.

A Challenge for the Week

1. Each night, name one thing you’re thankful for — however small.
2. Say “thank you” to someone — a teacher, friend, or staff member who often goes unnoticed.
3. Notice the small things — the warmth of the sun, laughter, kindness, and creation around you.

When we live with gratitude, we begin to see that God is present in every breath, every sunrise, and every act of love.

A Closing Thought
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you” — it’s about how we see. Through thankful eyes, ordinary days become extraordinary. Like a pencil in God’s hand, our lives have purpose. And just as a pencil must be sharpened to make a mark, challenges shape us. Gratitude helps us trust that God is crafting something beautiful in and through us.

This week, may we walk with thankful hearts, letting our gratitude shine through our words and actions — reminding everyone that God is good, always.

It's almost the end of the school year! A perfect time to place an advert in the Bishops Blue Pages - the last one of the year, and usually the best one!

This is a great opportunity for you to advertise holiday destinations, fun family activities, babysitting services, eating out specials, family photo shoots, home decor, table decor, airbnb management, flight specials, gift markets, new bicycles, sports accessories, gymnastic holiday clubs, pet sitting services, healthcare specialists and more ....

Aside from a great marketing opportunity, all proceeds from the advertising are channelled through the various outreach programs supported by the Bishops PA.  With the funds we generate, we are able to support Athwood Primary School, St Paul's Primary School and VUSA with additional stationery and supplies.

If you are interested in advertising and supporting these initiatives, please see HERE for more information and complete your info via this link:
https://form.typeform.com/to/xkW0tnRv

Entries for advertisements close on Monday 17 November.
The eZine will be published on Thursday 20th November.

Hurry as places are limited!

Second-Hand shop

The second-hand shop will be open on:

12 January 9h00 - 11h30
13 January 9h00 - 11h30

The opening times also change for 2026 

Monday 7h15 - 8h30
Thursday 7h15 - 8h30

The Grade Ns are enjoying the warmer weather with plenty of water, sand, and mud play! If you find sand in your son's pockets at home, it's a sign they had a fun day at school. Last week, we explored the theme of Reptiles and were amazed by the facts some of the boys shared. Mrs Gedu occasionally enjoys putting on her own puppet show, and she had many spectators last week! This week, we have been diving into the world of Pirates. The teachers are now called "Captain!" instead of "Mrs." or "Miss". Our boys have nearly perfected the art of teamwork by building houses together, designing amazing structures with construction toys, and playing imaginative games as a team. We are proud of how they have learned to self-regulate and sometimes take themselves to a quiet spot to read a book with a friend when things get too hectic outside. 

Over the past two weeks, our classroom has been alive with excitement as the boys embarked on a ‘Safari adventure’, exploring the wonderful world of wild animals. As part of our theme, we have been learning fascinating facts about animals native to Africa, and the boys have thoroughly enjoyed sharing their own knowledge, often teaching both their teachers and friends a thing or two! The creativity has been flowing with beautiful artworks and imaginative animal scenes inspired by our lessons. Using a variety of materials and techniques, the boys brought their favourite wild animals to life in truly impressive ways. The warmer weather has also added to the fun, with plenty of opportunities for sand and water play outdoors. Our new play kitchen has quickly become a favourite addition to the playground and there has been no shortage of cooking, serving, and imaginative play happening there!

As we approach the end of the term, excitement is building for our upcoming ‘Christmas celebrations’. We look forward to two festive weeks ahead, filled with joy, creativity, and holiday cheer!

​ Busy Weeks in Grade 2

The Grade 2 boys have been hard at work finishing their final assessments for the term and reflecting on their Grade 2 journey so far. They have also been writing about their expectations for Grade 3 — an exciting opportunity to think ahead and imagine what lies ahead next year.
A definite highlight was visiting their Grade 3 buddies and classrooms during a special playdate. The boys loved exploring the Prep Campus and enjoyed a fun tour that gave them a taste of what’s to come.
In between all the learning, they’ve been practising enthusiastically for the upcoming music concert and carol service, as well as enjoying their extra murals and swimming sessions. The last few weeks of term are certainly shaping up to be both busy and full of excitement!