THEME for this week is Commitment.
One of the key differences between the boys of Maritzburg College and the boys of many other high schools around here is that large numbers of boys are very committed, not just to the activities that you choose to engage in, but also to each other and, hopefully, to your school.
To be “committed” means that you give of your all in the pursuit of your chosen goal. You are motivated and focused, and you strive to be better tomorrow than you were today. Here at Maritzburg College, large numbers of you are committed across a wide range of interactions – from your devotion to your academics, to being the best that you can be on the sports-field, on the stage and elsewhere.
When I use the word “commitment” at Maritzburg College, it refers also to your commitment and loyalty to your friendships, your commitment to living out our Core Values, and your general loyalty to our school. One of my favourite sayings was uttered about 100 years ago, and reminds us that (I quote) “The world continues to offer glittering prizes to those who have stout hearts and sharp swords.” In short, the underlying message is that if you work hard, are determined, and believe in yourself, you will probably prevail, in whatever you aim to accomplish.
In short, you need to be committed to everything that you do.
Every Saturday, one can witness fully-committed young sportsmen from Maritzburg College shooting hoops, making tackles or running laps. The codes of behaviour you learn on the sports-fields of this school – whether it is to win graciously and lose gracefully, to operate under pressure, to show grit when you’re down but not yet out, to do your best, or to strive for the benefit of your team – are all valuable lessons that we, your teachers and parents, all hope you will be take with you into adult life.
None of these lessons is more important than the need to be committed – but not just this afternoon at sports practice. Also, in doing your homework, being attentive and inquisitive in class, in your conduct on the corridors and in the Quads, in your attitude towards your fellow Collegians, and your appreciation and gratitude for the opportunities that you have been given by your parents and sponsors. Unfortunately, a number of you do fall short. You drift along here at College, despite all the opportunities that are right in front of you. You do the minimum, you cut corners and you idle by.
My challenge to you today is to do some honest self-assessment – of your commitment, not just to Maritzburg College, but, far more importantly, to doing your very best in all that you do and to fulfilling your potential.
We can all do better, gentlemen. It’s just that some of us need to do a LOT better.
The importance of greeting
Gentlemen, the greeting by Maritzburg College boys of all adults, at all times, is imperative. You will stand up smartly and greet every adult who comes your way, whether you are sitting at the Coffee Box, chilling in your Quads, or working in a classroom. You will immediately stand up, you will be quiet, you will take your hands out your pockets, and you will firmly and confidently look them in the eye and say, “Good morning, sir” (or ma’am, as the case may be).
If you pass teachers or other adults in the corridors, you will greet every adult whom you pass in a clear and confident voice.
At this school we play and work hard, we strive to be our best, we are committed, but we show good manners and good grace at all times. I want to see an immediate improvement, please.
Pro Aris et Focis
Matthew M Marwick (Acting Headmaster)