Housemaster News

Hi All

This week has been as busy as ever with the boys completing their last exams. A huge sigh of relief could be heard at 3-30 on Wednesday after the last exam. Not so for the teachers who now face piles of exam scripts and the demanding task of writing meaningful reports for each boy they teach. Eisteddfod singing, drama, movement practices have begun and the big derby fixture against our neighbours Rondebosch start in earnest with the hockey this afternoon and culminate with the 1st XV match at 11-15 tomorrow. Sounds busy!

The boys are expected to stay in tonight as is customary for boarders where all boarders get together on the stands and sing their hearts out! It is such a glorious tradition and one which I love to quietly spy on. On a chill winter’s evening as the mist descends on the Piley Rees Field, to hear the boarders chants resonating around the campus is stirring back-hair raising stuff. This is the best of boarding.

Next week’s arrangements are important as it is a long weekend and the boys may leave after singing practice on Wednesday afternoon. They will also be expected back on the Sunday afternoon-times to be announced. Please ask your boys to make sure they get their details organised well in advance of this. I will be on duty and will certainly be doing some outings etc. with the boys who are staying in.

I am concerned with a lot of the long hair that has crept in or on over the exam period and your son’s must have their hair cut before next week if it is too long. Please support us in this if your sons are returning home this weekend. Do not listen to them if they tell you they do not need to have it cut so close to the holidays. They still have two weeks of term left! Let’s not be soft on this issue.

Just to remind you. The Eisteddfod singing takes place on Wednesday 22nd and we officially break up after the singing. You are invited and encouraged to attend the singing if you live close by and your sons may leave after the event. If you would like us to keep your son’s for the night, it is not a problem. We will look after them as usual despite the term having ended until they depart. I know some boys only travel the next afternoon and evening; we will not throw them out, promise, and I am so glad they are participating in the singing and not leaving early! Next year, I will not allow long distance boys to leave early as many are doing this year. There really is not need. On a normal term ending it is more understandable!

I will send out more details regarding the singing arrangements etc. next week. We have a lot of boys who have made finals this year so things are looking good, relatively speaking.

Tomorrow is a huge day at the school and if you are coming along to watch the games please take care and do not leave valuables etc. in your cars as last year at both Rondebosch and Bishops we had a few cars broken into.

Warren is on duty this weekend so please contact him if you are in need.

Take care and have a lovely weekend.