THEME: “BEING A GOOD MAN’
From Scripture
The importance and value of being a good man.
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity and honesty – Titus 2:7
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. – Timothy 6:11
A Prayer:
Lord, grant us the peace of mind that you are always there for us, to strive to be good men with your guidance and blessing. Amen
This week we resume our focus on the Good Man Journey which will be covered in your mentor classes this week
Being a good man is something you do, not something you are.” – ~ Luyvie Asay
What is a definition of a good man?
On asking boys what their definition of a good man was the following qualities emerged:
Honesty, loyalty, integrity and a good sense of humour stood out above others.
Two of these values are included in our core values that we focus on at College, and it is essential that we keep reminding ourselves of our College Credo, and our DNA as we go on about our daily lives at College.
Today I would like to focus on aspects of being a good man. According to Justin Baldoni, we need to look at not only being a good man but good humans. There is often confusion as to what makes a real man. A bully is not a real man.
Research conducted in a large number of boys’ schools internationally on what is best for boys in striving to be a good man, yielded the following:
Boys’ schools focus on:
- Essence of Maleness
It is about connection, links to the past that show the pathways to the future, and it is about excellence, striving to be successful in what you do in order to honour those who have gone before. It is about loyalty, hard work and sense of belonging. College has a proud 159 years of history and traditions.
- Physicality of boys
Sport is an integral part of the journey to manhood for the vast majority of boys. Its competitive nature coupled with the sense it can give of being a part of something bigger than yourself is what makes it a significant part of that journey, and allows you to experience success and to develop a sense of pride in yourself; to build positive relationships and use your high energy levels. Our house competition adds significantly to this aspect as well.
- Stipulation of clear boundaries
It appears you want and need to know only three things: Who’s in charge, what it is you want me to do, and what will happen if I don’t do it?
- Rites of passage
These are very important and that’s why we have activities such as Borver Week and the structure of the houses vertically with varied leadership opportunities.
- Good Relationship with Parents
a Need for mothers to withdraw (not be so involved in your daily lives)
b Need for fathers to be more involved. Research has proven that from the age of 14 onwards, fathers need to become more present in their sons lives and moms need to back out as you proceed of your journey to manhood and cross the bridge of adolescence
- Respect
Treat all people with respect no matter what the differences and especially women.
- There is a strong need for suitable male role models
If your father is not in your life you will need to seek another suitable male mentor (older brother, uncle , grandfather, teacher, sports coach) to guide you on your path. You also need to work on your relationship with your father and/or any other significant male role model. It is interesting from the research conducted that when asked of boys who their hero is, over 95% of boys said their father.
Final comment: “The first step to be a good man is this: You must deeply feel the burden of the stones someone else carrying.” ― Mehmet Murat ildan
ACADEMICS
National English Olympiad
A number of our boys participated in the 2022 National English Olympiad on the theme: “A Brave New World’.
J Peens [Fuller House] was placed in the Top 50 in the country and has been offered a scholarship to Rhodes University for 2023. He was also received a Gold Award. Congratulations on a superb effort.
Other results:
R Uren [Pape] GOLD AWARD
T Abramia [Prefect] Silver Award
R Duckham [Barns] Silver Award
B Gous [Commons] Silver Award
L Dladla [Commons] Silver Award
M Karrim [Forder] Silver Award
Well done to D Slabbert [Forder House] who attended the Engineering Week at NMU Faculty of Engineering
SPORT RESULTS
A very busy weekend has been held with a large number of activities and success by our boys.
Full results are here.
Recent sporting and cultural awards for some of our boys are here.
FAMILY DAY
Saturday was a wonderful occasion and thank you to Kevin Smith and the team from College Business , Ken Hackland and the Estates Staff, Heather Lawson and Granny Macs, Simon Stickells and Jazz Band, Mrs Brunzlaff and the SAN staff and Kyle Emerson and BE staff for their efforts in what was an outstanding success.
Wishing you all a very good week.
Pro Aris et Focis
CL Luman (Headmaster)