1 June 2019
More than four hundred Old Boys, comprising some seventy different groups of matriculation had filled the Abernethy Hall to capacity. The hubbub of excited re-encounters with friends-of-yore was as great as the din which fifteen hundred boys make before the flash of the yellow lights at every school assembly. We were all back at the Best School in the World and very glad to be there!
Our Master of Ceremonies, James Orr (2009, SOL), rose to the occasion in sparkling spirit, digressing in between the formalities required of his role into nostalgic anecdotes about his years as a Solomon boarder, into colourful reminiscences of mischievous escapades, into rivalling banter with all the former Rissik and School boarders, into well researched historical insights, and into sincere praise, appreciation and dignified respect wherever necessary. He acquitted himself with excellence from seven o’clock until nearly midnight.
The Big Band, trained and conducted by William Bishop (2000, MAT), created an up-beat vibe for the evening in the execution of three brassy, foot-tapping musical items which perfectly suited the mood of the guests and of the occasion.
The Reverend Alan O’Brien (former Geography Master, Senior House Master and affectionately known as “Foxey”) gave us pause for contemplation, appreciation and prayer, prior to the commencement of the excellent three-course dinner and the programme of seven speakers who were to handle the “business” of the evening.
Mr Paul “Chalkie” Sommerville (Former deputy Headmaster, cricketer and mathematician of note) proposed the Toast to Absent Friends, to those of our school community who once played meaningful roles in our land and the school’s development, and who are no longer with us.
Simphiwe Petros (2008, ARM) proposed the Toast to South Africa, in which he urged us to shape our future by focussing on our past mistakes only in order to correct those mistakes, and by inspiring and leading others towards the better future which we envisage for all.
The Chairman of the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys Association, Jason Webber (HOF, 2008 – Head Prefect), emphasised the fact that all the Old Boys play a very important role in the School’s public image, exemplified by the PBHSOB Association having recently donated R 300 000.00 to the school’s bursary fund, and by their having used their social media networks of communication so successfully in organising this evening’s gathering.
He informed us that the Directors of the PBHSOB Association had recently resolved that all teaching and support staff members of the school who have served five full years are henceforth eligible to be granted Honorary Life Membership of the Association and will be welcome to attend all reunions and dinners without discrimination. The first three ladies ever to attend an Old Boys Annual Dinner, and present this evening were: Mrs Joanna Holliday (HOD Advanced Programme Mathematics, Deputy Headmaster); Ms Debbie Cloete (HOD Art, Senior Housemaster); Mrs Marina Petrou (English Teacher).
The guest speaker was Mr Greg Hassenkamp (Solomon 1986 – 1990; Teacher, Senior Housemaster, Deputy Headmaster 1999 – 2013; Headmaster of Hermanus High School since) He thanked the Old Boys for their donation to Hermanus High School of three years’ supply of Old Boys’/girls’ ties and scarves, which enhance their pride in their school.
He then presented to Mr Reeler a lathe-turned lamp-base – the wood of a branch fallen from a Jacaranda Tree in the grounds of Boys High – which had been given to him by Mr Ed Meyer. Its rightful home, he said, is Boys High.
In his address, entitled “The unsuspecting headmaster”, he described his own school career, his typically youthful waywardnesses, and the profoundly beneficial influences which Boys High had upon his own growth and professional development. It was at Boys High that he was “raised as a boy and moulded as a leader.” The School made him the man he is today.
He reminded us that the School’s greatness lies in it focussing on the successes of the common man, rather than on the successes of only the talented individual; it takes in ordinary boys, and turns them into extraordinary men.
The Headmaster, Mr Tony Reeler, brought the evening’s proceedings to a resoundingly positive conclusion, by acknowledging the support of the Old Boys in all of the School’s undertakings, and by the soundness of the school’s successes:
90% of the boys study pure Mathematics
85% of the boys study Physical Sciences. These subjects give the boy’s unrestricted access to tertiary studies.
The School’s financial stability – despite the State’s paltry contribution of only R22.3 million per annum, which covers only 18% of the running costs. 1400 places in Form I have been received for only 250 places in Form I next year.
Emphasis on the value of monastic schools, and on the importance of the sons of Old Boys, and brothers, being admitted to the School, creating continuity and sustaining our ethos and traditions.
The School is sending out into the world well balanced, well-rounded, good young men.
During the course of the evening, items of regalia and memorabilia were on sale, including Mr Schroder’s recently published “A Headmaster’s Story: My Life in Education” – copies of which he most obligingly signed for each purchaser, all proceeds of this evening’s sales going to the Cherry Schroder Memorial Bursary Fund.
It was almost midnight before anyone left the Abernethy Hall. Linger we did, within the hall in which we had revelled in the camaraderie, the brotherhood, the pride, the memories, the friendships, the fun, the relationships… all of which we had shared again, in all the ties that bind us.
Keith Mansfield
MASTER 1997 – 2013
