PBHSOB ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

PBHS LOCKDOWN DIARIES
How have our teachers adapted to online teaching?

What we have learnt

• The power of Google Classroom.
• TEAMWORK – Not only teamwork between the boys but also between teachers, boys and parents. We communicate work to parents so that they are aware of what is expected and that they can support by helping us keep them on track.
• How to do a virtual meeting (technical stuff like setting up the meeting, joining a meeting as well as protocol related to such a meeting)
• LESS is MORE…. We realised (not for the first time) that the curriculum is too crowded and that we can teach topics BETTER with LESS.
• Using PowerPoint to its full potential in such a way that material is understandable by the learners
• How to COMMUNICATE CLEARLY. We learned to simplify the instruction as to avoid confusion.
• To make lessons available in different ways so the boys can use the format that suits them best (data wise and in an effort to accommodate different learning styles especially the boys who are auditory learners.)
• Creating interesting and creative lessons that hopefully, will engage boys more and make boys eager to do the work.

Discovering apps which are free to make our own crossword puzzles, quizzes and word search activities.

SEPEDI
HOD – Mrs Bopape

What I can say is that Google Forms has really kept the boys engaged since feedback is easier for them. Also, work review is just a click away.

Besides this, there is also that extrinsic motivation of the “Guardian Invitation” feature.

I use WhatsApp groups for educational as well as casual interactions with each grade. Boys take photos of their work and send to me directly via WhatsApp.

Lastly, I like to let the boys learn at their own pace and encourage them to do tasks by reminding them of deadlines. I ensure there’s no cyber bullying on my WhatsApp groups and let them shine.

FRENCH
HOD – Mrs Coetzee

The Form 1’s were asked to label items in the house with French words so that their families can also learn these words.

The Form 2’s were challenged to bake better crêpes (pancakes) than Mrs Fratini (who sent out a video of her own effort which resulted in the dog eating them!)

The Form 3’s and 4’s had to share a typical day during lockdown (a voice note because many don’t have enough data to do videos) talking about their challenges and successes. The Matrics have just been working hard, they have sent videos talking about an article on the effects of cannabis.

HISTORY
HOD – Mrs Smith We posted quizzes and crossword puzzles for the boys. It didn’t count for marks, but it was a fun way for them to see what they have learnt.

LIFE SCIENCES
HOD – Mrs Muller

The Life Science Department has been using Zoom meetings and lesson video recordings to teach various topics such as nutrition, the human nervous system and even a human brain dissection. We have also simulated all the photosynthesis practicals and gave the Form 1’s a practical task to carry out at home to grow bread mould. It’s the real McCoy! Boys feel like they are in the classroom.

The whole department uses a similar format in presenting lessons. Three lessons per week, which includes a PowerPoint (some are narrated), links to video clips, specific days for zoom meetings with boys who need further explanation, tutorials etc. It has been a challenging time for all of us and we have watched countless tutorials on PowerPoint narration, editing video clips and using pictures in videos as part of Powerpoints.

BUSINESS STUDIES
HOD – Mr Kelly

We have prepared study notes for the boys and bolded key words to make it easier to study.

We have included old NSC exam questions and other GDE questions for each chapter.

We have included interesting YouTube videos, articles and relevant quotes to give the boys insight beyond the syllabus for the last few chapters.

Our Matrics are doing Leadership and Management this week.

We follow up every Monday with a memo for all the homework questions. The memo also advises boys on good practices to follow and common mistakes that lose marks. To assist the boys to learn independently we have also sent all the boys (Form 3, 4 & 5) a YouTube video on effective study techniques.

PHYSICAL SCIENCES
HOD – Mrs Albers

It’s been a huge learning curve for me as I was not very tech-savvy to begin with – now I’m posting tutorial, memos videos etc.

Our department has made videos, quizzes and Powerpoints with audio. I’ve even made the odd recording on my phone!

MATHEMATICS
HOD – Mrs Bouwer

What we as Maths and Maths Lit teachers have learned

• We definitely prefer our boys in front of us (in person).
• It is the every day interaction between the teachers and boys that makes teaching at Boys High so special, and we all really miss that.
• We even miss the boys that frustrate or annoy us!
• Online teaching and prep takes much longer.
• Being organised helps makes things easier for both our colleagues and the boys.
• We’ve learnt how to have online discussions and meetings using Hangouts, Meets, Teams and Zoom.
• We’re becoming proficient in recording video lessons, narrating PowerPoints and using online whiteboard apps such as ShowMe and Explain Everything.
• We’ve learnt how to set up, administer and mark online homework and quizzes to keep track of how boys are doing.
• One of our teachers even learnt how to use WhatsApp for the first time!

We’ve learnt that we need the boys (and that they boys need us too)!

AP MATHEMATICS
HOD – Mrs Holliday

We have learned That online teaching is much harder than in class teaching
That it is easier to motivate clever or hardworking boys
That boys love structure above all
We have learned to trust boys and to let them be on their own.

We have learned new whiteboard applications, how to record videos and post them on YouTube, voice narration to PowerPoint slides, Coding in latex to import equations. Making quizzes….

Some AP boys submitted their marks as 17?/60, so they do still have some humor left in them!

AFRIKAANS
HOD – Mrs Krugel

We learned how to work together and communicate effectively even though we are physically spread out all over the world.

We learned that even though computers can do a lot, human interaction is still most valuable, relationships do matter and that tolerance and kindness are still key to every working relationship that you are facing with.

Those with children at home learned to balance being an online teacher and a teacher at home for your own children, be the cleaner and do the washing, work in the garden and keep everyone at home happy!

Our teachers have WhatsApp groups with their classes where they answer questions, send motivational messages, little videos etc. Some still send them a music video on Fridays as part of “Liedjie Vrydag” (like we used to have at school). Those who do not have WhatsApp groups use e-mail to contact the boys in the same way. Most importantly, I think was to overcome our own fears and insecurities related to the online world and teaching online.

VISUAL ARTS
HOD – Ms Cloete

The boys have been sharing images of their work on WhatsApp and through Google Classroom.

Mrs. Jones has posted some videos on Google Classroom and had a few Teams meetings with her Form 3’s.

I have been in contact with Matrics and Form 4’s via voice calls.. the Art boys have been encouraged to learn independence and the stock standard phrase of “sorry Ma’am, am I allowed to…” is something of the past. They have been, by nature of our current circumstance, given the freedom to create outside of the rules.

ACCOUNTING/EMS
HOD – Mrs De Meillon

Due to it being such a left-brained subject, we all thought that Accounting could not really be taught using visual aids or animations. We were proven wrong. The boys felt that it helped tremendously if we included little animations or pictures to explain things…. This really stretched our left brains and activated our right brain creativity.

When posting/broadcasting a message we talk in the first person e.g. “How are YOU today” instead of “Hi Boys”… It opens up communication and boys feel that the message is aimed specially at them as opposed to the group. They are then more likely to ask questions and respond.

Put together by Miss Jamie-Lee Fisher, Mrs Joanna Holliday and all the PBHS HOD’s

PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL SONG

Click here or on the image above to hear the School Song performed by students of the Brass Department:

Unjoo Kim, Sebastian Rainsford, Lucian Strydom, Barend Steenekamp, James Bahlman, Thato Nako, Kemp van der Watt, Simon Holm, Nic Minnie, Duncan Kingon, Johan Kok, Robert Snedden, Matthew Reagon, Odirile Mokoma, Jarred van der Westhuizen, Graeme de Kock, Cobus Kok, Connor Behrens, Luke Southwood , Evans Maponya, Mr Philip Loots, Mr William Bishop, Mrs Shannon Armer, Mr Richard Kingon.
Edited and compiled by Mr Kingon.

THE SCHOOL SONG 

We are ent’ ring life together,
Free of sorrow and of care,
With a youthful fire and vigour,
Nought can e’ er our hope impair;
Though we know indeed but little
Of the life we have to dare,
‘ Tis here we learn to live

In our labours, on the field of sport,
We’ re learning day by day,
How to play the game of living
In a clean and manly way,
How to live the fullest life and strongly,
Nobly face the fray;
‘ Tis here we learn to live.

When our schooldays past, we’ re face to face
With challenge and with strife,
When we know not what our destiny,
And doubts and fears are rife,
We may face it unafraid,
For we’ ll have learnt to combat life;
‘ Tis here we learn to live.

Music: G Findlay
Text: R Hofmeyr (1940)

PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL REQUEST

Dear Old Boys

In these difficult times remote teaching is the only way to provide quality education to our boys.

Most of our boys are doing really well and have access to WiFi, internet and impressive technology, however there are many that are trying very hard to do all their school work (of often more than 7 subjects) on their cellphones while trying to save data for the most important work. Despite schools being “open” this is on a phased basis with only 20% of the school coming back first. And even then, many will not come to school and still work from home. At this point it looks like the online teaching will continue until the end of the year.

I would like to ask those of you who have extra laptops or tablets (with chargers) to donate them to our boys, especially to the Bursary Boys. You can drop Laptops and Tablets at the school’s reception from Monday 25 May 2020 and I can be contacted on jholliday@boyshigh.com with any queries.

Regards Joanna Holliday
DEPUTY HEADMASTER

POSTPONEMENT OF OLD BOY EVENTS

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON 2020 & 2021 PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL
 OLD BOY REUNIONS 

Due to the current restrictions in place in South Africa (and globally) as a result of COVID-19, it is with regret that all reunions scheduled for 2020 have been postponed until further notice and that there remains uncertainty about the timing of reunions scheduled for 2021 as well. This decision has not been taken lightly and the Association is communicating with the respective convenors on an ongoing basis to ensure that all parties remain informed on any developments in this regard.

We understand that a great deal of excitement and planning has already gone into these events, but the School and the Association are unfortunately unable to commit to any dates until we have more clarity from the South African Government on a number of matters impacting the hosting of large events. We have therefore taken the decision to only start making contingency plans for the upcoming reunions once we have clarity on what will be permitted.

We do not want to dampen anyone’ s enthusiasm for the reunions, but we believe that setting dates and making arrangements that could be changed again could be even more frustrating. We therefore ask for your patience and understanding while the Association and the School work towards feasible solutions for all involved.

JASON WEBBER
PBHSOB ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN

OLD BOYS FACE MASKS

For every two Old Boys face masks sold, one mask will be donated to the school for the 2020 Matrics. Old Boys are also able to make a donation towards the face masks for the matrics. Donations can be made in increments of R50 and there is no limit on the number of “donation tickets” that can be purchased.

The face masks consist of:

• The outer layer (which faces towards other people) is made of a nonwoven or thicker woven fabric that is water repellent.
• The inner layer (which sits against the face) is made from polyster.
• The middle / filter layer is used to enhance the barrier function of the product. Spunbound for this purpose, which is the same material used to construct the Standard Surgical Mask 3ply that doctors use. This layer is sewn into the mask.

Click here to pre-order your mask today!

PBHS DAILY NOTICES

DAILY NOTICES FOR SOMEWHERE BETWEEN MARCH AND JUNE 2020
(I honestly don’t know, I’ve lost track of time)

Photos
All official school photographs for The Pretorian will be substituted with boys’ Instagram profile pictures. Please ensure that yours is appropriate.

Lost Property
There is still an enormous amount of lost property in the laundry.

Vedic Society
Come down to the Vedic Society this Friday in Ms Fratini’s classroom to align your chakras. This week we will discuss how essential oils can combat the Corona Virus.

Online Learning
The teachers would like to praise the boys’ responses to online learning. Please continue pretending to be working when your teachers message you on WhatsApp or when your parents invade your room.

JSE Investment Challenge
Do you want to be a millionaire? We asked Mr Kelly and he said it’s not possible. Any boys who are somehow still turning a profit will be offered a full scholarship to study Business at Yale University. Please see Mrs Holiday at second break if you are eligible.

Bush School
All camp 5 boys are to attend the Zoom meeting with Mr Armstrong. If you have not yet set up your tent in your backyard, please do so before then.

Friday Detention
You can now get a virtual Friday for “cyber misconduct”. Boys will be required to submit video footage to prove that they did nothing for 3 hours.

Quote of the Day
Above all, remember Thursday, which will be before Friday – Extracted from a “deep” English poem.

– Boys Highlights – Special Edition (Issue 34) May 2020

THE PHSOB CLUB UNDER LOCKDOWN

The Club may be under lockdown and unable to generate an income, but we are still busy, and with some of the staff­ staying on the property, we have managed to maintain the grounds, and especially the greens.

PHSOB CLUB – WALL OF HOPE 

A big thank you to the Class of 2010 for coming together and raising funds for a plaque for their year on the Covid-19 Wall of Hope. The challenge is out for all other Reunion Groups to do the same. As a group or individually you can e-mail marketing@phsobclub.com for bank details. The Club’s fund raising initiatives have shown a great response.

Wall of Hope
A brick space can be purchased for R500.00, and a plaque with your name will be put on a brick on the wall between the Club and the Squash Courts in honour of your contribution.

Vouchers
The Club vouchers where you buy a voucher now for R100.00 and after lockdown the voucher is worth R120.00. (t & c apply)

Perimeter Fence
Perimeter Fence Advertising for local businesses in the area.

We don’t know when the Club will be allowed to reopen, but we will make sure that we are ready for that day. Keep safe.

Ben Viljoen
Chairman PHSOB Club 

220 x 440 x 880 x 220

The race is about to begin. The four of us are very nervous. We are told the rules of receiving the baton and in which lanes we are to stand. I am to run the last two hundred and twenty yards, the last sprint. The gun goes off. At the same time a lump forces its way down my throat. All the Houses are about tie after the first two hundred and twenty yards, run by Bernard Allison, and Leon Maré, our four-forty runner gives us a good lead. Errol McCloskey, our eight-eighty runner keeps up the lead by sprinting all the way, and is caught up by a very good runner, Grenville Camps, from School House, right at the end of the eight-eighty.

I am to receive the baton from Errol. What will happen if I drop the baton? I may be disqualified. I am very nervous. My feet feel paralysed and sweat is coming down my face. My hands are sticky with sweat. Here comes Errol round the last bend into the straight. But, no, he is not going into the correct lane. I point out the lane to him and he quickly moves into it. He is coming closer. Twenty yards, fifteen yards, ten yards. My heart is beating fantastically fast. It feels as though my heart will knock a hole through my ribs. All of a sudden, I feel the baton touching my hand. Automatically my hand closes over the baton and before long I am on my way to the post. My legs no longer feel paralysed. The fear has found a way out.

The School House runner, John Goodwin, has received his baton just before me, but I have an inner lane, so we are about equal when we start off. As I come around the bend into the last straight, all I see is Girls’ High. They are out in full force to see our sports. I see the green dresses bobbing up and down in excitement. On rounding the bend I find myself in the lead. I am most surprised at this. I keep telling myself it can’t be true. But it is true. The tape is drawing closer and I find myself filled with enthusiasm. My spikes dig deep into the ground. But alas, I hear someone panting and groaning and the ground trembles as his feet hit the ground. Will he catch up to me or not? I find myself going the fastest my legs can carry me. The tape is very near and I feel the tape curl around my chest as I cross the winning post. The race is over, we have won. Solomon House gets the relay cup. I run into somebody and want to give him the baton. I look up and I find myself in my dad’s arms. He is embracing and congratulating me. The other members of the team are so happy. I have never felt so happy in my life. Members of Solomon House are standing up and throwing their straw hats into the air. As I come off the field there are shouts from all over: “Yea, Solomon,” and “I see you’ve changed up to ‘BP Super’!”

The sports meeting is over until next year. Already three months have passed and the experience is still as fresh in my mind as if it happened only yesterday. It was such an experience for me that I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.

D. A. Friedland – Form 4C, The Pretorian 1960

LETTERS

Dear Inge,

Unbelievable how the world all of a sudden has become so small due to the “Virus”. We are thousands of Km. apart and yet we are all in the same boat-masked and gloved. I have a beautiful park across the road from me and the sea about 400 metres away. The sea is out of bounds and maybe one or two people and a stray cat in the park. I know from the TV and from friends and relatives in South Africa and the U.K. that we are all in this together. I hope and pray for a speedy return to a normal life for ALL!

In this week’s ‘Newsletter’ I was deeply touched to see the photo of the Friday Assembly in 1948 especially with the late Mr Matheson! I downloaded the picture and stored it with my favourites.

This photo took me back to my years at School-1941 to 1945. This picture to me could also have been in 1945!

That’s it! With my Sincere and Best Wishes from Jeff Geffen. (Rissik House ’41 -’45), Ashdod, Israel.

Have a Nice Day–Every Day–Jeff