From Scripture
‘A wise son listens to his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.’ – Proverbs 13.1
‘ May my son walk after You, God, and fear You and keep Your commandments and obey Your voice. May he serve You and hold fast to You. May my son be strong and courageous and not fear or be in dread, for it is You, Lord, our God, who goes with him.’ – Deuteronomy 13:3
A prayer
Heavenly Father, we ask that you will guide and help us to value and appreciate the relationship that we have with our fathers at all times and to treat him with respect. Amen
THEME: RELATIONSHIPS: FATHER-SON
A few weeks ago we focussed on the them of relationships; today I will focus further on this as we look at the Father – Son relationship this weekend. There is a Father and Son breakfast on Saturday morning in the Victoria Hall, and we invite you and your father [and if you do not have a father, a grandfather, uncle, older brother or significant male role model] to join us. Thereafter they are welcome to join us down on the fields to support tall our boys in the fixtures against our old foe DHS.
“From boyhood to manhood, my father’s guidance lights my path, teaching me the true value of our bond.”
“Growing up together, learning from each other, forever bonded as father and son.”
Why is this relationship so important at this time in your good man journey ?
Sadly many children do not have close relationships with their fathers. Recent research conducted by Human Sciences Council reports that over 60% of children do not reside with their biological father and only 20% see their biological father twice a week.
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reveal further disparities regarding the percentage of children aged 0-17 years living with their biological father:
- 31% of black children
- 51% of coloured children
- 86% of Indian children
- 80% of white children
Research indicates that the emotional, mental and even physical development can be significantly influenced by their relationship or lack thereof with their father.
CRITICAL INFLUENCE OF A FATHER
Studies highlight the significant influence that a supportive and involved father has on the holistic development of a child.
EMOTIONALLY BALANCED ADULTS
The US Department of Health and Human Services reported the following: ‘Boys benefitting from a strong paternal presence typically achieve higher grades and outperform their peers on assessment tests relative to their age level.‘
SOCIABILITY, CONFIDENCE and RESILIENCE
Research from Imperial College in London noted that “infants with more involved fathers develop better problem-solving skills , demonstrating increased resilience when faced with challenges.’
BEHAVIOURAL ISSUES and ACADEMIC STRUGGLES
The National Fatherhood Initiative reported that “children living in father-absent homes are four times more likely to be poor and more likely to drop out of school.‘
RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES AND TEACHING TRUST
A study by the University of British Columbia reported that “children with absent fathers tend to enter relationships earlier and are more likely to have children out of wedlock or get divorced.“
GROWING CONCERN
Father absence is a growing concern in South Africa and the need for others to fill that role has increased significantly – there is a dire need for suitable male role models.
Therefore it is of critical importance that you work very hard from your side to have the best possible relationship with your father. If you do not have your father in your life then seek for a suitable male role model to guide you on your good man journey to adulthood.
GOSPEL CHOIR
The Gospel choir performed two outstanding items.
SPORT
It was an extremely full cultural and sporting exchange with Pretoria |Boys High over the weekend with excellent performance across the codes. Full details are here.
CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
Congratulations to the following boys have all recently excelled in their various activities.
C Robinson 1st place Public Speaking vs PBHS
A Mhlanzi Best speaker Debating
CD Ender 1st place Art Competition
EM Mitweu 2nd place Art Competition
L Dlamini 3rd place Art Competition
DG Martin Selected to represent South Africa for BMX in Zimbabwe
MC van Heerden Selected to represent the SA Slalom Team
Our Head Prefect. C Robinson gave his winning speech on Dealing with Failure.
I wish you all a very successful and enjoyable week.
Pro Aris et Focis
Dr C J Luman
Headmaster