This past week on Thursday James Beswick (BHA in Vineyard House) and I, accompanied by a group of Grade 10 boys, travelled to Paarl to attend the funeral service of Redy van Dyk’s grandmother. Of great significance to me was the fact that Onele Jamjam, a new Grade 10 pupil in Vineyard House who joined the school only a week ago, accompanied us to pay our respect to the family in support of Redy. I felt great pride when I saw the affection of the boys towards Redy and once again realised why boarding is so special to me; it is a place where we shape each other and develop a better understanding of how each individual fits into the bigger scheme of things. It is also a place which constantly reminds us that there are always other people with needs far greater than our own, and that the best that we can do on any given day, is to simply support one another.

On the medical front, Sister Debbie Marinos has been busy with getting boarders to complete a short but insightful medical questionnaire. It highlights possible areas of concern in the medical condition of boarders, whose parents will receive an email from Debbie to address the area of concern.

It is Blitz Week in both boarding houses this week, because of Open Day coming up. This simply means that greater emphasis is placed on neatness in and around the boarding houses and that punishment for untidiness is harsher than usual.

Helderberg junior boys won the final in the Interhouse Indoor Hockey competition last night, and Helderberg won the Spirit Award by one point!

Clarence Oliver
Boarding House Master