PBHSOB ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Dear Old Boy

THANK YOU AND FAREWELL TO MR REELER

One of the many regrettable consequences for our school of the Covid-19 pandemic is that we are not able to host any farewell assemblies or functions that will allow us to bid farewell to our headmaster, Mr Tony Reeler. We will, probably early in 2021, be arranging some suitable if belated farewell functions. Sadly, in the interim we are having to limit our taking leave of Mr Reeler to very low-key events, including an opportunity for our Form V group in this past week, as they will obviously not be here next year. Therefore, allow me to take this opportunity to thank and bid farewell to Tony and Rose Reeler on behalf of the boys, staff and parents of Boys High.

Tony Reeler became headmaster exactly ten years ago. The decade of his headmastership has seen our school take great strides in the development of facilities and in creating an educational environment that has encouraged inclusivity, the importance of individuality and the value of creativity. Running the largest boys school in South Africa is in itself a massive undertaking which requires a very able management style. But the complexity of the school goes way beyond a simple question of scale or budget, to all the many facets of our activities within the “Boys High experience”. Boys High prides itself in offering a holistic education and it is in the maintenance of this balance, often under major pressure from various quarters, that has been one of the hallmarks of Mr Reeler’s tenure.

Maintaining another balance, that of a retention of the core values and important traditions while at the same time remaining relevant and modern, is another area in which he has been successful. The diversity of cultures and religions has been acknowledged and the annual events at the school have come to better represent present-day South Africa. Tony must rank among the best informed educationalists in South Africa in terms of his awareness of educational trends. This has undoubtedly benefitted the school in its adopted policies.

One of Tony’s major concerns has been to shape a school where all boys have a safe and inclusive environment within which to achieve their full potential. Successfully pursuing this in the diverse Boys High community has been a hallmark of his leadership. Most recently the challenge has been in ensuring the provision of online education and the return of our first pupils during the current Covid-19 crisis.

Our physical infrastructure has also benefitted from several initiatives. Among the major projects completed during the past decade have been the construction of the new hall, library and music centre and the provision of a number of catering facilities for different sports. The restoration of the old music room is still under way.

Anyone attending a Friday school assembly or one of the major functions where Tony spoke, would have been impressed by his oratory. Boys attending assemblies have been privileged to have heard him deliver, without fail, thought-provoking and inspiring messages. These also showed him to be someone who was very attuned to the issues facing modern boys and their interest in the use of current technology.

I am sure that you will join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks for Tony’s ten years of service to our school and also in wishing him all of the very best as he embarks on the next leg of his educational journey as Headmaster of Bishops Diocesan College. We also wish to thank Mrs Rose Reeler for the part she has played, not only in support of the Headmaster, but also within the school community. As you leave for Cape Town we wish you to know that you both leave a school that you have helped nurture.

By the same token, we would like to believe that these years at Boys High have helped enrich your life in both a professional and a personal sense. You take with you our sincere thanks for your contribution and best wishes for the future. It goes without saying that your leaving is a loss, but in the broader scheme of things you are not lost to education and in present-day South Africa that is most important. We will miss you but we also know that another school will benefit from all the qualities you have brought to bear at Boys High. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future for a more formal farewell.

John Illsley
Second Master
on behalf of the staff, boys and parents of PBHS

Dear Mr Reeler

Our sincere thanks and well-wishes for the next phase of your journey

Headmasters’ farewells are few and far between but they provide us with an opportunity to reflect and reminisce on some of the defining periods in our School’ s history.

When one thinks of a school it is natural to think of the facilities, and it was not long after you took up your post that it became evident you were here to make your mark. Amongst other things, the front of the School had a facelift, new handmade doors were put in at the entrances to both bell towers and new paving around the fishpond was done. Undoubtedly though, the two biggest achievements were the new school hall and the new media and music centre. These facilities, developed and completed under your leadership, have cemented the School’ s position as a world-class institution for many, many years to come. Without fail, reunion groups young and old praise the beauty of the School on each and every visit.

When one thinks of Boys High, however, one doesn’ t focus only on the fields and buildings. As has been said for many years, what makes our School great is its boys and its staff. Under your leadership, our boys have continued to flourish as they have learnt and continue to learn the valuable lessons and virtues which not only stand them in good stead for life beyond Roper Street, but which ultimately define them as Boys High boys. Our boys continue to excel in all spheres of life, and you have placed a great emphasis on building up that incredibly important, yet often overlooked, fourth pillar; spirit. Your Friday assemblies were always incredibly inspiring and continued to have messages for both the boys and staff which resonated with them. We, as an Old Boys community, have been incredibly privileged to share in some of these special addresses online over the past few months.

Throughout your tenure you have always been a strong supporter of the Old Boys and have made every effort to attend Old Boy functions around the country. We continue to believe that the Old Boys have a very important role to play in defining the School, and you have continued to be the bridge that connected us. For this we are truly grateful. Your wisdom and input at Association board meetings has been invaluable and will be sorely missed.

We, the Old Boys community of Pretoria Boys High School, would like to thank you, Sir, for leading the School we all love with humility, loyalty and integrity. We are truly grateful to you and your family for the mark you have left on this School, and we wish you well with your new appointment as you take up the headmastership of another great South African school. We trust that it will live up to your exciting new expectations.

We look forward to welcoming you back to visit us at dinners and other events in the future, and especially to the first fixture against Bishops!

The Old Boys of Pretoria Boys High School 

Tony Reeler, being the keen golfer that he is, was chatting to me one day, not long after he was appointed Headmaster, and said that he just loved the stone bridge at St Andrew’s in Scotland. He said he would love to have a bridge just like that over Loch Armstrong, which at the time had a very dodgy, wooden bridge. We never spoke about it again. Then about seven or eight years ago on a visit to Kruger, I stopped at the golf club to take a look as it was opened to the public, previously it was for the sole use of the park’s staff. In front of the club house is a lovely dam with hippos, crocodiles and all that one would expect to see at a waterhole in Kruger. At one of the inlets to the dam there standing in all its glory was a stone bridge, I immediately thought of St Andrew’s and the Headmaster, so I took a picture. Sometime later I showed Tony the picture, needless to say he loved it and said he wanted a bridge like that over Loch Armstrong before he leaves Boys High.

The rest is history, a stone bridge straddles the one corner of the Loch and one can now calmly cross over without the possibility of some dodgy bridge caving in as you step onto it.

Geoff Meyer
(1978) Hon. Secretary, PBHSOB Association

It truly was an honour to work alongside Mr Reeler during my year as Headboy. He makes an effort to take an interest in the boys’ lives, and in a school as big as ours, that is truly admirable! One of the standout qualities I think he possesses, is that rare gift of making people want to listen to him when he makes a speech or gives a message in assembly.

I will forever be grateful for the lessons I learned through working with him. He has helped shape me into the man I am today.

On behalf of the Class of 2016, I wish him well as he moves down to Bishops.

Matthew Glover
2016 Headboy

Mr Reeler played a massive role in the growth of my character during my time at Boys High, especially in matric. He always had a calm nature about him and you could always crack a joke with him. When times were tough, he was always approachable and gave great advice and support. His example was beneficial to many boys and will continue to have a positive impact on many pupils in the future. He will be missed dearly.

Kind regards
Justin Cross
2019 Headboy

It might have not been a long stint working together, but it was certainly a memorable one. Being the group that welcomed Mr Reeler into the school in July 2010, we were certainly anxious and excited but never truly got to see his work at play. I was personally lucky enough to work beneath him for 3 years after school and I can only thank him for the immense lessons he has taught me in life by being a Servant Leader as well as a caring, fair and unprejudicial “Boss” – whether you were a Form 1, From 5, student coach, groundsman, cleaner, teacher or second headmaster, you were part of the team and treated as such.

On behalf of the Matric Class of 2010, we would like to Thank You for the immense time and effort you have put into the school over the past 10 years as well as wish you all the very best with the new journey that lies ahead of you. We know you will thrive and continue to make a big impact on the education system in our country. May our paths cross again.

Matthew Currie
2010 Headboy

Dear Mr Reeler

As your tenure at the school comes to a close, I cannot believe that it has been almost 8 years since I last sat in your office as an 18 year old boy, with far too much to say. I often, and fondly, think back to my school days, in particular my matric year, and the role you played in so many of them. Whether it was an assembly address that really spoke to me, a debate in your office, or even a cheeky chirp on the corridor, you always knew what to say and how to say it. Thank you for showing me the importance of earning someone’s respect instead of instilling it, and always allowing me the freedom to make my own decisions. I wish you well on your new adventure. I hope it is all that you want it to be, and more, and you achieve the goals you have set for yourself and your new school. I look forward to sharing a glass of wine with you during a Cape visit. My regards to Mrs Reeler and the rest of your family on their new adventure too.

All the best,

Connor Henry
2013 Headboy

Mr Reeler – A man who earned respect, not demanded it. A true example of servant leadership, a role model to all. His only weakness was his choice of football side to support (Ipswich Town).

The best of luck going further sir, you will be missed.

Geordie Collaros
2017 Headboy

What struck me about Mr Reeler was his unwavering desire to embed his own beliefs, philosophies and leadership into the school – to start new traditions and update old ones that he felt did not resonate with a modern outlook on life and schooling. I was also struck by how quickly he became a Boys High “boy”. The school soon became his home, and his passion for it manifested in ways both big and small – the care he showed for the students and teachers, the effort he put into his Friday assembly teachings, and the high standard he expected from the school and its boys, to name but a few. The Tuesday morning Head and Deputy Head Prefect sessions remain a highlight of my matric year, and I would like to thank Mr Reeler for mentoring me as a leader during this time. I wish him all the best for the future.

Rob Beckwith
2011 Headboy

Hearing about the school in the meetings was always a highlight for me. Mr Reeler’s passion for the boys and the school showed during his feedback. He challenged the norm and was not scared to do things his own way.

Good luck on your new journey in the Cape, you will be missed in the dark corners of the Old Boys club on a Wednesday night.

Kyriacos Floudiotis 
2009 Headboy & PBHSOB Association Director

TONY REELER – FAREWELL ADDRESS

Click here or on the image above to view the Farewell Address by Mr Reeler

THE SCHOOL PRAYER

O Lord, God of Truth, Whom to know is everlasting life,
and to serve is perfect freedom,
Grant that we may draw near to Thee in thought,
word and deed.

Inspire us with the love of Thy creatures and Thy laws,
that in all humility and teachableness,
with patience and understanding, by honest and earnest labour,
we may seek after knowledge as a blessing
that cometh from Thee.

Whether it may be our part to teach or learn, to rule or obey,
make us feel Thy presence in our several duties,
filling us with reverence for the beauty and wonder of Thy universe,
and pouring on us a spirit of justice, gentleness, and mutual goodwill.

Thus by Thy grace, may we so use this house of learning,
that we may prepare our powers of body, mind and spirit,
to advance the good of man and the Glory of God.

Amen.

OLD BOYS IN THE NEWS

UNORTHODOX

Usually just before I swot or do homework, I stand on my head for a few minutes. This is very relaxing and also improves one’s concentration. When I feel low or miserable, I go and stand on my head and usually forget all my troubles. My schoolwork has improved since I started this discovery, and I am very pleased.

Anon – Form 2 C, The Pretorian 1960

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 order your mask today!

COLOURS CRITERIA MERIT

Online Learning

Boys will be awarded half colours, full colours or honours for merit for online learning.

HALF COLOURS – Minimum of 8 points
FULL COLOURS – Minimum of 12 points
HONOURS – Minimum of 15 points

Get dressed only for your Zoom meeting – 1 point
Use internet problems as an excuse for not doing work – 3 points
Click “Mark as Done” without even seeing the work – 3 points
Do a quiz in one tab with the memo open in the other – 4 points
Leave your teacher on read – 6 points

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

IN MEMORIAM

DION VAN NOORT (1952)

Greetings PBHS,

It is with much regret that I inform that my best friend Dion van Noort passed away in Muizenberg on 23th of May 2020. He was 84 years old. We sat next to one another in class from standard 6 days until our matriculation in 1952. Both in Arcadia House. Dion had a fantastic brain, did his undergraduate work at Stellenbosch University, and went onto receive his doctorate from UCLA in California USA in 1964 majoring in the bio-chemistry specifically in the agricultural field. He is survived by 4 sons and his elder brother Gerrie also a PBHS Old Boy. We maintained a close friendship for all the years, and I will miss him dearly. Kind regards from

Alan Cook (Matric 1952)

GRAHAM (FLOSS) VAN ZYL (1969)

Graham (Floss) van Zyl (1951-5-23 – 2020-5-24)

Floss passed away unexpectedly in Nelspruit, the day after his 69th birthday after having recently been diagnosed with adrenal cancer.
He was a prefect, played first team cricket and was first team rugby captain in 1969. Condolences go out, at this sad and difficult time, to his wife Colleen, sons Nick and John and to brother Brian and all other PBHS schoolmates and friends.

– Owen Frisby

CORNELIS HILDEBRAND (KERNEELS) DERKSEN (1960)

DEREK (JACK) TODD (1966)