Start of Term 2
Welcome back to all our boys and staff.
To the boys, I trust that you all have managed to have a restful break and had the opportunity to relax and unwind with family and friends. Furthermore, that you and your parents have reflected on your achievements and academic progress for Term 1 and know where your focus needs to be for Term 2. A number of you sacrificed a significant portion of your holiday to attend various festivals around the country and I thank you and the staff for that.
We welcome Rev Moore to open with a start of term dedication
In his address to the boys, Rev Moore reminded everyone that, as Christians, we are on a journey towards Easter. Similarly, Term 2 is a time to focus on the journey ahead and to prepare for change. Be aware of where you are in the journey, and what is required of you. Don’t hide away from difficult situations or put off the things that need to be done. Face every situation on your journey and stand strong, true and resolute, trusting that God will give you the courage and strength to persevere.
From the Bible:
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table.
And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you.
For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22: 14 -20
THEME OF THE WEEK: Honesty with Self
Today our focus is on the core value of HONESTY
I would ask you to be honest with yourself as you review and reflect on your Term 1 progress and as far as your commitment and effort in all aspects of College.
One of our key goals for 2022 is to encourage you to strive towards realising your personal academic potential. This can only happen if you are prepared to seek help and put in the hard work.
Listen carefully to the words of the poem “The Man in the Mirror’ written by a father to his son.
When you get what you want in this struggle for self,
And the world makes you king for a day,
Then go to your mirror and look at yourself,
And see what the man has to say.
For it isn’t your father, your mother, or wife,
Whose judgement of you – you must pass,
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life,
Is the guy’s staring back in the glass.
He is the man you must please – never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear up to the end.
And you have passed your most difficult and dangerous test,
When the man in the glass is your friend.
You can be like another and chisel a plum,
And think you’re a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum,
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world, down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartache and tears,
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
Love
Dad
STAFF TRAINING AND PRESENTATIONS
Next week, all of our teaching staff will be involved in training sessions designed to help them with their mentor classes and the pastoral programme.
In addition, Mr Lamprecht, a well-known speaker and facilitator who is well-versed on the very serious (and topical) matters of grooming and predatory behaviour will be coming to address the school.
We believe that the entire College community would benefit from hearing him speak. Mr Lamprecht will be addressing the staff and boys in the morning of Friday, 22 April, and the parents at 15h00 that afternoon.
More details will follow.
SPORTING HOLIDAY FESTIVALS:
Congratulations on the recent successes in our various holiday sporting festivals. Full details of these events are here.
Well done too on the manner in which boys supported their peers at the SCC exchange a couple of weeks back.
Congratulations also to the cast and crew of ‘By Jeeves’ – many staff believe this was one of the best productions in years.
Furthermore I believe House Music was at another level this year. The adjudicators were blown away with the quality of singing, music and overall effort. Well done to all the boys and staff involved.
ESTATE WORK
A number of building projects were completed over the holidays:
- Extension and renovations to the staffroom and offices
- Extension and renovations to SAN accommodation
- Staff accommodation: Conversion of one bedroom house to two bedroom
- Victoria Hall: repairs completed on the damaged parquet floor
- 4th Form quad, a total revamp creating a large garden, a lovely shaded area with seating a new stair case
Currently underway:
- New First Aid Facility at Goldstones nearing completion with upgrade to existing changerooms imminent
- Water reservoir is to be installed shortly and we are searching for bore hole water
May I ask that we look after and appreciate what we have on this campus and thank our Estates Staff for their efforts please
Week ahead
This weekend we host and play our longtime rivals from Pretoria, PBHS. We haven’t had such an exchange for three years now so this is indeed a special occasion for all to be involved. This is a fixture we look forward to and it is a wonderful opportunity to measure ourselves. Please ensure that you attend all your practices and give 100%.
This commitment is needed for your academics, sporting programme, cultural activities etc.
Make sure you meet all requirements and give your best.
Have a growth mindset, be prepared to learn and change if you have to – have an open mind.
I wish you all a very successful and enjoyable Term 2.
Pro Aris et Focis
CL Luman
Headmaster