ASSEMBLY: A GOOD MAN JOURNEY
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: ‘What is a good, real man ? ‘
From Scripture
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 help us to strive to be good, real men with your guidance and blessing.
Amen
Overview
From the day you commence 2nd form and Borver Week, through to 6th form when you are inducted into the Old Boys Union you are on your Good Man Journey at College. Our aim is to mentor you, along with the support of your parent, so that you hopefully emerge as a ‘good, real man ‘in society.
This week there are a number of events where we focus on this ‘good man journey ‘starting with today. Let us refresh our minds as to what a good man is:
| “Being a good man is something you do, not something you are.”~ Luyvie Asayi |
What is a definition of a good, real 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 – HONESTY and INTEGRITY, that we focus on at College. It is essential that we keep reminding ourselves of our College Credo, our DNA, as we go on about our daily lives at College.
According to Justin Baldoni, actor and key speaker on “Male Enough” , we need to look at not only being a good man but a good human. There is often confusion as to what makes a real man. A bully is not a real man.
International research in schools on what is best for boys in striving to be a good, real man has highlighted the following:
- Essence of Maleness
It is about connection and links to the past that show the pathways to the future. It is about excellence, and striving to be successful in what you do in order to honour those who have gone before. It is about loyalty, hard work, and a sense of belonging. College has a proud 161 years of history and traditions.
- Physicality of boys
Sport is an integral part of the journey to manhood for most boys. Its competitive nature coupled with the sense it can give of being a part of something bigger is what makes it a significant part of that journey and allows boys to experience success and develop a sense of pride in themselves. To build positive relationships and to use high energy levels.” Our house competition adds significantly to this aspect as well.
- Stipulation of clear boundaries
Boys 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 a very important part of College through activities such as Borver Week, Form 2 Tie ceremony, Old Boys’ Induction Ceremony, and the structure within our houses with varied leadership opportunities.
- Good Relationship with Parents
There is a need for mothers to withdraw [not be so involved in boys’ daily lives], and at the same time for fathers to be more involved. Research has proven that from the age of 14 onwards, fathers need to become more present in their son’s lives as they proceed on their journey to manhood and cross the bridge of adolescence.
- Respect
Treat all people with respect no matter what the differences and especially women.
- Suitable male role models
If a boy’s father is not in his life, he will need to seek another suitable male mentor [older brother, uncle, grandfather, teacher, sports coach] to guide him on the path of his journey. He will also need to work on his relationship with his father and/or any other significant male role model. It is interesting that when asked who their hero is, over 95% of boys said their father.
On Wednesday, College hosted Mr Tom Batty, Executive Director, International Boys’ School Coalition, who is here to attend a local South African conference at Hilton College – a number of staff are also attending.
On Friday at 17h30 we have our quarterly ‘Dads n Lads ‘event in the APMH where Mr Craig Carolan [positive psychologist who works in schools] will be our guest speaker. The evening includes various fun activities ending with building a burger. It is hoped that many of you will attend with your dads/significant other male.
“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
INTERHOUSE COMPETITION POINTS UPDATE
Last Monday we had a superb interhouse championship gala with a number of boys excelling Below is the latest points update. The next major event is the inter-house singing and music in the last week of term.
Forder Cup Competition standings
| Calder | 113 | ||
| Nicholson | 112 | ||
| Strachan | 111 | ||
| Pape | 109 | ||
| Fuller | 107 | ||
| Forder | 100 | ||
| Lamond | 99 | ||
| Barns | 94 | ||
| Snow | 92 | ||
| Commons | 74 |
SPORT AWARDS
A number of sport awards and certificates were presented – full details here.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF SPORTS CAPTAINS
It is my pleasure to now announce the four outstanding captains of hockey, rugby, soccer and volleyball for 2024;
Hockey – IG Mosupye
Rugby – P Kubheka
Soccer – LK Matshoge
Volleyball – JK Samuel
I wish you all a very good week.
Pro Aris et Focis
Dr C J Luman
Headmaster