The class of ’89 got together over the last weekend in August to celebrate their 30 years on. The weekend started early on Friday morning, on the front lawns of Solomon House, with a morning tea. Although one could noticeably see some physical changes, the boys minds remained sharp and the heckling started early.
Mr Illsley took the party, of around 35 strong, partners included, for a “walk about” in the school grounds. At the steps of School House, Mr John Illsley was sharing a story about the school rose, which seemed to fall on deaf ears, as jabs were had at all the School House boys in the group. The noise level remained at a constant hum as the walk continued in the immaculate kept school grounds, evoking many stories from the past.
Keeping in the theme of reflection, we were very privileged and honoured to have the artist Duncan Stewart in our group and he shared the story behind the “The Whistle” sculpture on Polly Shorts. He created it for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and then donated to the school afterwards. The whistle was made as a symbol of self reflection and how such a small object could control the outcome of “a game”. One could look into this shiny objects and reflect back on the decisions that were made for us as well as those we made, be it good or bad.
A quick tour of the school museum, tea and then Friday Assembly, where Andrew Johnson, Head of School House in ’89, addressed the school. His words were inspirational and on point, reminding us to look after our bodies, stretch, and write a journal, that would help us reflect on how well or badly we dealt with life’s inevitable setbacks. Chris Eva followed up with a thought provoking reading. We were then spoilt with a school boy quartet. Lunch was served at Sommerville Cricket Pavilion where the boys caught up on the last 30 years. The night ended late at PHSOB Club.
On Saturday night we assembled once again at the Sommerville Cricket Pavilion, where our numbers swelled to 50 lads. We were addressed by Duncan Stewart, who made a great and difficult toast to South Africa and Giles Calenborne followed with a toast to the amazing school. It was then the turn of Mr Reeler, the Headmaster, who gave us an update on the school and shared some of his take outs from the Headmaster’s Annual Independent Boys’ Schools conference.
In my view, the weekend was a roaring success with many first-timers, who avoided the previous reunions, commenting on how the day was more about how you were doing as opposed to how well you are doing. Thanks to all that took time out and made the day a success.
Anthony Dyason
CONVENOR
