12 August 2017
As the class of 2007 descended onto the hallowed grounds of Pretoria Boys High School for the start of their 10 Year-On Reunion, one thing became abundantly clear, the school had bred a group brothers, all successful in their own right and all carrying the school’s ideals of passion and ambition on their sleeves.
Friday Assembly
No need for smokers to head up to koppie, instead we stood among the non-smokers catching up on ten years. Success stories, families created, hardships overcome as boys who became men waited for their first assembly in ten years.
Some of us expected the proverbial appendage measuring contest, this was not to be as school friends and foes were all encouraged by the growth and wisdom we found in one another.
For the class of 2007, waiting outside the main building, it felt more like a family reunion as our peers embraced each other, shared stories and of course many a chirp.
As we entered the school hall, men found themselves straight back in the school mind-set, checking their ties and tucking in their shirts as they saw the omnipotent presence of Mr McBride.
We were treated to traditions that were not forgotten and were grateful that Boys High boys are still groomed in the same manner as we were ten years ago.
Next was a round golf, or for some swinging a stick and losing balls whilst guzzling beers.
There are a couple of gentlemen who may not remember the events following the Friday assembly. Let me remind you.
Like walking from Pollock campus to koppie, old boys walked the golf course, reminiscing about the memories they shared at Boys High. Many a golf ball lost, scores altered, but no one cared because they were among the men that had carried them through the tough years of form one to the unforgettable memories that proceeded.
I have it on good authority that that most of the borders cheated, this became even more apparent at the ‘fines meeting’.
A huge thank-you must be extended to Johan de Beer for organising an unforgettable day at Pretoria Country Club, we all hope you are graciously welcomed back.
The first meeting at The Old Boys’ Club
After golf, we met up at the Old Boys’ Club for a quiet dinner and single glass of wine, or at least that is what the wives and girlfriends were told.
Friday night at the Old Boys’ Club culminated in a war cry practice, several renditions of ‘I’m a pebble’ and ‘The School Song’ which some men thought they may have forgotten. The School Song is deeply imbedded in our being, after the first bar we all remembered it with vigour and passion.
We all knew that the night had ended when a man, by the nickname danger, had passed out on the roof of a Jeep.
Boys High vs Affies game
After a beverage or two and war cry practice on Friday evening, the class of 2007 were ready for the Boys High v Affies game on Saturday.
The score didn’t reflect the support that we gave the boys on the field, the same support we gave to our peers ten years ago.
With a lot of banter and our synchronised war cries, the loss didn’t feel as such.
Ten Year-On Dinner
At dinner, we took our seats as we were entertained by a plethora of different speeches all from men in our own year. Shaun Landsberg’s toast to the Masters, was a reminder why we didn’t make him head boy… we needed him much more as a banter brother than a custodian of the rules.
There were some fears and preconceived notions that things may have changed since our time at Boys High. However, current headmaster Mr Reeler addressed us on the current state of the School, and immediately showed us that this is indeed not the case.
In an age where academics and sport are evolving at a secondary level, Mr Reeler shared his vision for the school, the progress that the school has made and convinced us that we are still one of the best schools in the world.
These sentiments were echoed by Mr McBride who received a standing ovation along with the original boss himself, Mr Schroder and Boys High legend Mr ‘Chalky’ Sommerville.
It must be noted that Mr Somerville taught us a great deal including that smoking, in fact, does not kill.
The after party
Our reunion weekend ended on a high note that is strictly confidential and cannot be discussed as it implicates far too many men.
But what I can tell you, is that many a laugh was shared as tales were told by a group of incredible young men. All talented and successful in their own right. Each of whom can thank Boys High for the role it played in their teenage years of development.
A special thanks needs to go to Adam ‘Spam’ Rundle for organising an unforgettable reunion, as well as to Inge Paulsen-Liddle, without whom this weekend would have not seen fruition.
The Pretoria Boys High motto; ‘Tis here were learn to live’ as true an adage as you will find.
The ten year-on showed us all that Boys High most definitely taught us how to live and prepared us for life after school.
The class of 2007 extends our deepest sympathises to Mr Schroder and the Schroder family on the untimely passing of Mrs Cherry Schroder.
– Alex Mitchley (2007)
