PBHSOB ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Dear Old Boy

Bradley Stilwell attended PBHS from 1987 to 1991 and was a boarder in Rissik House. Bradley played hockey and rugby, participated in a little swimming and water-polo as well as athletics but admits he didn’t do well at any of them! He was also part of the film club but back then, it was little more than a weekly film viewing that was held in the hall every Friday night.

Bradley played rugby for the ‘Boomspan’ but sadly broke his collar bone at some point and says “that was the end of my stellar rugby career.” He took up hockey after that but didn’t have the temperament for contact sports and he preferred cross country under the coaching of Mr Clayden with the solitude of running on the school grounds.

“I have many happy memories of hostel life. I recall late night war-cry practice in the quad after dinner, during athletic season. We’d all gather in groups according to form and scream out at the top of our lungs arm-in-arm. The purpose was to announce our intention to Solomon and School house on the other side of the main building. They, of course, would already be waiting to ambush us from the shrubs with the fire hose from the main building. Highly illegal but good fun nonetheless! The following evening we’d return the favour by descending upon them on their turf like a feral gang of banshees. We’d all scream ourselves hoarse before bed!

As a boarder, the one thing that has stayed with me my whole life was the sense of space and freedom over weekends.

We had the entire grounds to ourselves and, although it came with a sense of loneliness if we didn’t see our parents that weekend, there was also a strong sense of brotherhood with my friends in the dorm.

Some of those guys I never saw again but they’ll always remain with me to the day I die. It’s poignant and perhaps bittersweet.”

To Bradley, Mr Clayden, his English teacher, was very inspirational to him during his time at PBHS. “I was a shy kid and didn’t do well academically but Mr Clayden left me with a sense and a belief that I could write. I have written stories and screenplays and think of him often. His greatest lesson to me: ‘Write what you know!’”

He also fondly remembers Mr Anthony their PT teacher and Mr Hoggan, who taught him history. “He scared the bejesus out of me! ” He recollects that Eddie Dorey was a “cool guy” and recalls having Mr Collins for Biology – who made class fun!

“Mr Armstrong was an inspiring guy. I have several good memories of him giving inspirational assembly speeches. There were several lady teachers I had serious crushes on but I think I’ll spare them the embarrassment!”

Bradley recalls shaving for the first time in hostel: “It was a communal affair and there were several older boys around. One of them had a go at me for not having anything to shave. Looking back I laugh at it now but back then I was terribly embarrassed. Without missing a beat a guy next to me (I remember who it was but I’ll keep it to myself) jumped to my defence and snapped back at the other fellow sharply, putting him in his place. It was just what I needed. I’ve been shaving happily ever since!

I have many fond memories of little events like that and I don’t think the people involved will ever know who they were or what they did but it taught me a great deal about relating to people, about maturity, and leadership through simple acts of kindness.”

When talking about his career Bradley says:

“In Form IV we were tasked with decorating a dorm for the matric social. I really enjoyed the creative side of that. I designed invitations and had a great time painting and decorating the place. I felt a level of engagement then that I rarely felt with any other school activity.

I think perhaps I would’ve excelled more in this way had I had the courage to try music and the arts more but I was a stubborn kid and thought I knew everything.

That was my time of a creative awakening of sorts. From then on I began a journey into the visual arts including photography, film, animation and art.

I believe PBHS influenced my character more than my career path, which in turn affected my work. It’s something I hope to instil in my son. I believe confidence and good character is the foundation upon which any career will succeed.

I am a digital artist, specifically a digital compositor. This involves the back-end of a film or animation pipeline and is basically the final assembly of a shot. It is definitely a craft and it can take 20 years to become a top compositor.

I still love this part of my work but I have been moving more towards managing and supervising projects and artists. I love animation and seem to have the aptitude for it so I am working towards being a capable animation producer. I hope to produce animated features full time soon.

I also enjoy visual-effects (VFX). This is more in the live-action realm and as a VFX supervisor I will be on-set assisting and supervising any sequences in a film that might require computer generated craft, explosions, gunfire, set extensions or crowd duplication. The best projects are science fiction or fantasy projects or projects that require stuff that hasn’t been invented yet like space craft or fantastical creatures.

I have started a company and I hope to grow into a larger production entity. I love working with young creative minds and collaboration really excites me. I have plans to develop my own content. My true passion is feature films but that is a high risk business so it will take time. On the other hand the digital video revolution is exploding with opportunity so I am also looking at projects in that space. If I can produce great concepts and then sell those on then perhaps my company will do just that. It really is an exciting time to be a digital content producer.”

Bradley says that Boys High left a lasting impression on him, especially as a boarder. Living with friends and forming such strong bonds with guys during such formative years definitively shaped and moulded a large part of who he is today. He goes on to say that PBHS in particular, with its strong traditions, taught him a great deal about manhood and the ways of the world.

“That’s what has stayed with me more than anything else: the numerous times connecting with friends and relating to peers when we were all experiencing life at its most visceral, most vibrant. It’s something that really moulded my character and enriched my life, specifically then and in general since.”

“I made friends there that I still bump into all over the world and with social media what it is today, that network will never die. I think PBHS holds the keys to and age that has faded into memory. I read about the state of education today and indeed the state of the world and I think PBHS has a huge responsibility to pass on the lessons and the truths of that age, now more than ever. Our land needs strong leaders and those leaders must be taught well. PBHS can do that.”

Click here to visit Bradley’s website >>

PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL DONOR WALL

PHASE II FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN THE DONOR WALL

There is a limited opportunity for 2500 donors to be part of this exclusive project.

Four glass panels each measuring 4m wide x 3m tall will be erected in the atrium of the new building. The sand blasted image from a distance would depict the façade of the main Building. On closer inspection one will realise that the actual artwork is in fact the names of the 2500 donors.

A minimum contribution of R 2 500.00 would secure your name on the Wall.

By donating towards Phase II of the building project, you can leave a unique legacy that contributes to the future of South Africa.

The Pretorian Trust is a registered public benefit organisation for tax purposes. Any donations to the Trust will be tax deductible in terms of Section 18A of the income Tax Act. All donors will receive the appropriate tax certificate.

Click here for more information >>

CLASS OF 2006 – 10 YEARS ON 2016

The 10 Year On Reunion for the class of 2006 was held over the weekend of the 26th and 27th August 2016. Hard to fathom the fact that we had been absent from the hallowed halls of Pretoria Boys High School for 10 years. There was much excitement in the build up to the weekend that would see many brothers reunite to reminisce about stories of achievements, mischief and, of course, a smoke on the koppie.

The weekend kicked off on Friday, 26 August 2016, at the Blue Valley Golf Course in Centurion. With the 40 strong old boys who arrived for golf, there was no stretching, no putting practice and no hype in any way or form about golf. The boys chose the route of a cold beer, and thus began the start to a weekend filled with laughs and memories.

Following a couple great rounds of golf, but far more useless ones, the lads made their way to the Pretoria High School Old Boys Club to meet up with the rest of the 2006 boys.

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On Saturday mid-morning a few met once again at the Old Boys Club to collect cars, wallets and their names. There was an attempt to play a bit of soccer and touch rugby, however this ended shortly after in a mutual decision for a cold glass of water, hops, barley and yeast.

At 17:30 on Saturday afternoon, the class of 2006 met at the fish pond in front of the main school building. Mr John Illsley welcomed the group, reminiscent of our Form I days, and proceeded to give us a tour of the newly built school hall and Bill Schroder library. Speaking on behalf of all those who attended this tour, what an absolute pleasure to see our great school moving in leaps and bounds to ensure the boys are schooled in the greatest establishment this country has to offer.

On a beautiful evening, and dressed in our number ones, we made our way down the infamous Suicide Hill to the Central Dining Hall with much excitement for the event to start. Boasting a strong turnout of 150 Old Boys, and honoured with the presence of a few of Masters, the class of 2016 had no doubt that this would be the 10 Year Reunion we had all anticipated.

The success of an event like this depends largely on the Master of Ceremonies, and Kelly Van Niekerk took to this role like a duck to water. Kelly’s quick wit and funny sense of humour ensured that there was no shortage of laughter.

• Master of Cermonies – Kelly Van Niekerk
• Grace – Brad Burrow
• Toast to South Africa – Hlabi Kgothadi
• Toast to Absent Friends – Daniel Brits
• Toast to the Masters – Ian Stewart
• Toast to the School – Tannah Matus
• Headmaster’s Address – Tony Reeler
• Vote of Thanks – Gareth Sanders

We were spoilt on the evening with some very inspiring and very well put together speeches. Hlabi Kgothadi’s Toast to South Africa reinstated the faith we need to have in this wonderful country of ours, his passion for South Africa is second to none.

A big thanks also to Daniel Brits for his toast to those who are, unfortunately, no longer with us today, Ian Stewart for the many funny stories of the Masters and Tannah Matus on his address to the School. We are the product of an amazing establishment and we, the Old Boys, have a job to continue to fly the PBHS flag high.

An event like this is nothing without the boys having been addressed by their fearless leader. A special thank you to Dane Blignaut who made a last minute plan to attend the event and stand up to address those who all look up to him still so honourably to this day.

A night with the boys is priceless, but it makes the occasion that much more special to have the Masters present who had a great impact on our time at PBHS. We would like to convey our greatest appreciation to Mr Illsley, Mr McBride, Mr Smuts, Mr Franken, Mr Obermeyer, Mr Chalky Sommerville, Mr Keeton, Dr Van der Watt, Mr Housden, Mr Phipps, Mr Mansfield (LEGEND) and of course, the boss himself, Mr Schroder.

Mr Reeler, it is no easy task taking over the reins from someone like Mr Schroder. However, there is no doubt that after the wonderful address you gave to us on the night, and the time you took to have a chat with the various bunches of Old Boys, you have instilled in us that you continue to take this wonderful establishment to greater heights. We wish you all the best in your tenure as Headmaster and will continue to feel comfortable knowing that we have you as the leader of Pretoria Boys High School.

A big thank you to Steffani Kruger and her team of staff for the wonderful catering. There was not one stomach that left that dining hall unsatisfied. A HUGE thank you to Inge Paulsen-Liddle for her constant assistance behind the scenes in ensuring that the boys had the best reunion possible. Without you, this event would not have taken place.

The love of his brothers and the love of this great school brought back those from all corners of the country and globe to take part in this special reunion. A special thank you must go to those who went out of their way to ensure that this event was one not to miss.

As we eagerly count down the days to the 20 Year on Reunion, there is one thing we will always remember ‘TIS HERE WE LEARNT TO LIVE.

– Gareth Saunders
Convenor, Class of 2006

THANK YOU AND FAREWELL ABRAHM!

When one looks at the period (1969 – 2016) 47 years, one would be inclined to think of a lifespan; it is not, it is the period of time that Abrahm worked as a member of the grounds staff at Pretoria Boys High.

On his arrival at the school, Abrahm worked under the tutelage of Jonas Mabu, who himself had spent over thirty years as a member of the grounds staff. Jonas was an excellent teacher and Abrahm a very receptive learner.

Abrahm took over from Jonas in 1986. This meant that he had the very onerous job of looking after all the sports fields: Cricket in the 1st and 4th terms, rugby and hockey in the 2nd and 3rd terms and athletics in the 3rd term.

The utensils available to mark the fields left a lot to be desired: an old watering can filled with whitewash, which had to be mixed. This meant hours and hours of hard grind. Fortunately things have improved over the years.

As Master-in-charge of cricket, I had a very close working relationship with Abrahm for more than 25 years. We would meet every Monday morning to plan for the week. Abrahm would throw up his hand saying “Mr Sommerville WHY so many games?” Abrahm never let the school down preparing pitches, year after year, of the highest quality. A man for all seasons whose work ethic was way above what was expected of him. Rolling the wickets at 6:00am and cleaning up at the pavilion at 7:00 in the evening.

Abrahm thought Bill Schroder rather a strange man – “always building, building, building!” A new wicket on Oehley Field, then Mulvenna and finally his own field, Shalang. He would look at me and say “Please, not another one.”

Abrahm took pride in everything he did and was very upset, when, on occasion, a pitch he had prepared, did not turn out as expected.

When my family and I moved on to the school property, the garden was a complete mess with large blocks of concrete lying everywhere. Abrahm used to come in the afternoons after work and do a day’s work in a couple of hours. A real “Pocket Rocket”.

Abrahm is a man of integrity and dedication. We will surely not see a man of his like again at Boys High. He is a good friend and a true “Boys High Man”.

Finally, I would like to wish Abrahm everything of the best as a “Retired Gentleman”.

– Paul Sommerville

‘It will be very strange not to see Mr Shalang on our grounds, particularly on a Saturday as he was always there for the boys. His work ethic and dedication to the school is remarkable and we will miss him enormously. One seldom finds loyalty of this nature in organisations these days and we wish him well for his deserved retirement.’

– Tony Reeler

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I have known Abrahm Shalang for close on 27 years.

He was a senior groundsman when I arrived at Boys High and has continued in that position to the present – a remarkable span of service to the School. Throughout this term he has proved to be one of the most loyal and hard-working members of staff, frequently going well beyond the duties assigned to him. From marking fields and preparing and watering wickets over weekends, to washing up after functions or turning on urns in the early morning for sports events, he was unfailing cheerfully viewing these additional tasks as part of his commitment to and love for the School.

Apart from his work ethic which is an example to us all, Abrahm lived a set of values which he never compromised. Unfailingly courteous, fiercely loyal, scrupulously honest and stoic in adversity, he was a true friend, and a devoted father particularly after losing his wife at an early age. Naming fields and parts of the School after long service and quality teachers was always going to be mired in controversy, but I do not recall a single questioning of the naming of Shalang field in recognition of Abrahm’s exceptional service.

While no one is irreplaceable, Abrahm’s retirement will certainly leave a void and that neat, small figure doing his wide variety of tasks on the fields of Boys High will be greatly missed. My wife and I wish him a long, happy and comfortable retirement, in the knowledge that he can look back on a job, truly well done.

– Bill Schroder

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This year we say goodbye to our long serving grounds man Abrahm Shalang, who has given the School 47 years of service.

Abrahm has worked under four Headmasters at the School, an Estate Manager and two heads of sports.

Abrahm is a Legend at Boys High and follows in the footsteps of the many great past School masters of our School.

One can only imagine how many kilometres he has walked, cutting pitches, and marking hockey and rugby fields and athletics tracks.

He has always shown such pride in his work and will not leave to go home until his work is finished and correct, an example many others could follow.

Abrahm, has during his 47 years, seen many thousands of boys play on his beloved Boys High fields. He has seen 1st Team rugby players going from playing on Brooks to captaining and playing for the Springboks, he has seen 1stTteam cricketers playing on Hofmeyr, to playing for the Proteas’, and Hockey players going from grass to Astro and then performing at international level. He remembers famous games that were played on our fields and even remembers some of our traditional rivals well known sportsmen!!

He is respected and loved by all at the School and although he does not have a tutor class or teach any of the boys he still gets to know them through their sports involvement, his “Hullo Boy” will be missed.

Abrahm, will be retiring to his home in Groblersdal where he will deserve his well-earned rest.

Aby we salute you, your loyalty and love for this Great School is unrivalled and we will miss you. God Bless.

– Michael Housdon

The PBHSOB Association has been given permission by the editor of the Boys Highlights to share this interview with the Old Boys before publication.

THE SHALANG INTERVIEW:
THE MAN WHO LOVED BOYS HIGH SO MUCH HE STAYED FOR 47 YEARS… MR A. SHALANG
by GLEN THATCHER

MR SHALANG, THE PURPOSE OF THIS INTERVIEW IS TO TRY AND SHARE SOME OF YOUR INCREDIBLE MEMORIES WITH THE BOYS OF THIS, OUR BELOVED SCHOOL. I HAVE DONE SOME DIGGING AND HAVE FOUND SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THINGS THAT HAPPENED AND PEOPLE YOU MAY HAVE WORKED CLOSELY WITH AT THE SCHOOL IN YOUR TIME HERE OVER THE LAST 47 YEARS.

i. SIR, I UNDERSTAND THAT IN YOUR TIME HERE YOU HAVE SEEN 4 DIFFERENT HEADMASTERS TAKE THE REIGNS OF THE SCHOOL… WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MEMORIES OF THEM?
Well, Mr Abernethy and Mr Armstrong were the same in how they ran the school but Mr Schroder was special. Mr Schroder always used to ask me how I was enjoying my job and he always said that there are two things that a man needs to have in his life: respect and a love for his job and then he will live a happy life. And I must say that being at Boys High has given me both: I love my job and I have got so much respect for this place now and look my life is happy… you see!

ii. YOU STARTED WORKING AT BOYS HIGH IN 1969, HOW DIFFERENT WERE THE GROUNDS THEN?

The grounds were very different! There weren’t so many buildings here. The tennis courts were clay and there was no hockey astro. There are so many things that I can’t even remember them all.

iii. WHEN YOU STARTED HERE WHAT WERE YOU EMPLOYED AS? AND WHEN DID YOU BECOME SUCH AN EXPERT ON CRICKET FIELDS?
My job was and still is to prepare all of the fields for the boys to play sport and to keep the markings all nice and clear because the coaches always said that the boys are stupid and that they need to be reminded where they have to play inside. I think I became an expert over the years, I mean who wouldn’t be good at it after 47 years.

iv. I BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE NOT ALWAYS LIVED ON THE KOPPIE SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED HERE, WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST ACCOMODATION ON THE PROPERTY?
My first house was a small house that I shared with 2 other men: Jonas and Jan who had the same job as me but Mr Jonas was my boss… so I was like his skiv.

v. JACARANDA DRIVE STARTED AS A SIMPLE DIRT ROAD… HOW DID YOU MAINTAIN IT AND WHEN DID IT GET TARRED?
If I remember properly, I think we tarred that road in 1982/83. We had a big, big water tank and we had to water the road to stop all the dust from making a mess. I was so happy when we tarred it because I hated that dust and it was so much of a job to keep that dust under control.

vi. THE TWO GIANT NORFOLK ISLAND PINES OUTSIDE THE MAIN SCHOOL BUILDING WERE PLANTED BY MR AND MRS MCDONALD IN 1941 WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THEM NOW?
When I got here the 2 trees where I think about 10m tall and they just keep getting bigger and bigger. I love those trees so much because they make the Boys High so much more beautiful.

vii. WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE BOARDING HOUSES AND HOW THEY’VE CHANGED?
They haven’t changed much but the one this is that each house had its own dining hall and kitchen for themselves. But then they changed it and made one big dining hall for all the boys to go eat. Also that soccer field behind School House used to be the Headmaster’s private clay tennis court that we had to water and paint the lines every morning. Then he gave it to School House.

viii. WHEN DID YOU CHANGE THE TENNIS COURTS FROM CLAY TO THE NEW SURFACE?
We put the new surface on the tennis courts in about 1970 because if I remember one of the courts was damaged.

ix. HOW DO YOU SEE THE YOUTH OF TODAY?
Yoh! This new generation keeps talking about all their rights but they never work! They come and tell me, “Oh but Mr Shalang, I have the right to speak” but then they talk too much and are always complaining. In the old days if the boss said “do this” or “do that” you didn’t complain and we had to come and ask for a job and we took what we were given and respected our jobs, but you see now we’ve got a problem today hey because the youth just want to take and then they don’t like what they get given.

x. WHO WAS MR BULLING TO YOU? AND WHO WAS IN CHARGE OF THE GROUNDS?
He was a very good man and he looked after all the ground staff who worked for him. He was also in charge of the grounds and he lived where Mr Vermeulen lives now, next to the SAN.

xi. HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN A FIELD WAS NAMED IN YOUR HONOUR?
You can’t explain the happiness that you feel when something like that happens. It was so funny how they did it you see, I was working on the fields when I got called to the head office – I thought I had done something wrong and that I was in trouble – them the headmaster told me, “Abrahm, you’ve been here for so long and have given me no problems and I wanted to ask you if you wanted a field named after you or money?”. I had to ask my father if I could use the family name and when he gave me permission I went to the headmaster and told him I did want the field. I chose the field because it will last forever but money you can use and then it’s finished. This way I can be with Boys High even when I’m gone.

xii. DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT YOUR FIRST SALARY WAS WHEN YOU STARTED HERE?
When I started here I was given R30.40 per month… and that was a lot at the time!

xiii. WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN?
I have two daughters. Both of them are studying, one at TUT and the other in a College in town. I love my girls very much and I’m so proud of them.

@PtaBoysHigh via Twitter on 30 July 2016:
#PBHSEstate 47 years of service! What a legend Mr Abrahm Shalang. #WeThankYou!
Click to watch

xiv. HOW DID IT FEEL ON THAT SATURDAY WHEN YOU HAD THE CEREMONY AND RECEIVED A CANDIES’ JERSEY
It didn’t feel real! I wasn’t told anything before the time so when Mr Smuts called me I thought there was a problem on Brooks. When I got there, Mr Illsley explained what was happening and then the captain, Cross, gave me the Candies’ jersey and I was so happy and excited because they told me I was the first man to ever get a Candies’ jersey and not be in the team. I look at it and I remember my time here… I will treasure that jersey forever!

xv. HOW WAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MR VAN ZYL AND MR SOMMERVILLE, I’VE HEARD YOU WERE QUITE CLOSE WITH THEM?
They were my best friends. I worked with Mr van Zyl for 27 years and he taught me so much. He was in charge of the hockey at the school. Mr Sommerville and I worked together for 40 years and you could say that I learnt most of what I know about cricket and cricket fields from him. There was one time I had to go home for something and there was athletics that weekend and they asked another grounds man to do all the preparations… let’s just say that they called me back early and I had to fix the entire track in 2 days and no one else was ever asked to do the track again!

xvi. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE STRANGE STORIES OF TEACHERS THAT YOU CAN REMEMBER?
There was this one teacher I remember, Mr Kirsten, and he used to play music very loudly and sometimes even take his class out and have a kind of party on the fields during school. But the strange thing is, is that that music would make the boys work hard in his class and they never misbehaved. The other teachers couldn’t believe it!

xvii. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE STORIES OF THINGS THAT BOYS HAVE DONE THAT YOU’VE SEEN?
There was a boy, Geoff, who was a F1 rugby player. He used to make so much work for me because he used to move things around so I couldn’t find them. Even when you caught him and told him to put it back, he would wait until you were gone and then move it anyway! But eventually I became friend with him and he would come help me sometimes.

xviii. HOW WERE THE FIELDS WATERED BACK IN THE DAY BEFORE THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM WAS PUT IN?
I used to have to water the fields with a long sprinkler pipe and it would take many hours. I was very happy when the irrigation system was put in.

xix. THE FAMOUS “BOYS HIGH PINE TREES” WERE PLANTED IN DECEMBER 1940, WHAT DID THEY LOOK LIKE WHE N YOU FIRST ARRIVED?
Those trees that make so much mess? Those trees grow very slowly and have not changed much since I got here but they always make such a mess.

xx. CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE SPECIAL DAY EACH YEAR WHEN ALL THE CLASSES WOULD GO OUT AND DO SOMETHING FOR THE SCHOOL IN THE GROUNDS WHILE MR BROOKS WAS STILL HERE?
That was one of my favorite days because it’s good for the boys to have a break from school and it meant that we would have some help. Mr Brooks was very smart and he knew how to handle the boys and they liked him too. Everyone would work around the school: some in the Loch, some on the fields and some on the koppie. That was a good day.

xxi. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MEMORABLE THINGS YOU’VE DONE WITH MR GIBBS?
Mr Gibbs? Oh I like that man very much. He is always so nice to everyone and he always works very hard. I have been working with Mr Gibbs since I got here when he was still a hockey coach and would teach me things. It was his idea to water the fields at night when we had a bad drought one time and we kept our fields green while the other schools’ fields were brown. We made a good team.

xxii. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ALL THE CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENTS TO BOYS HIGH?
I think it’s great because Boys High is the best and the improvements keep Boys High on top! Like the hall, I love the hall! People from all over can come and see that Boys High has the best hall. Even the new media centre is the best. What I like is that Boys High never lets its standard down and when something breaks, it gets fixed very quickly. We can all be very thankful to have the things we do. What’s also special is that we are one of the only schools with such nice Old Boys who help us get the new improvements like the hall, media centre and the pavilion. To see Boys High get better makes me very happy.

xxiii. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PASSION?
My job and this school are my biggest passions.

xxiv. WHAT ARE THE BIGEST CHANGES TO THE FIELDS AND WHAT WERE THEY CALLED BEFORE THEY WERE NAMED AFTER PEOPLE?
Brooks: 1st field
Oehley near and far: B and D field
Dorey: C field
Shalang: E field
Abernethy: F field
Mulvenna didn’t exist at that time.

xxv. HOW MANY THOUSANDS OF KILOMETRES OF LINES DO YOU THINK YOU’VE PAINTED OVER THE 47 YEARS OF SERVICE HERE?
YOH! Aowa! I don’t want to think about it because it makes me feel too old! But definitely over 100 000 km.

xxvi. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CUSTOM OR TRADITION AT BOYS HIGH AND WHY?
I love many things like the pipe band, the flag and last post but I love the respect of the boys the most. How the boys stand and greet everyone and wait at doors makes me very proud!

xxvii. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DERBY MATCH?
I love the Affies match! I don’t even care what the result is, it’s still my favourite!

xxviii. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WARCRY SUNG BY THE BOYS?
The submarine one and swing low. I look forward to those on Saturdays.

xxix. IF YOU COULD BRING BACK A TRADITION THAT HAS BEEN LOST WHAT WOULD IT BE
I would love to see the Marching Band come back! I used to love seeing them do their drills and look so fancy. I would love to bring the day we spoke about earlier with Mr Brooks and how everyone went out one day. But one thing I would really bring back would be the train trip to Maritzburg: that was the best sleep of the year I had on that train… I always feel tired after the bus trip but I was never tired after the train trip.

xxx. IF YOU COULD LEAVE A FEW WORDS OF ADVICE TO THE GENERATIONS TO COME, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
I would tell them not to be lazy and to be grateful for any opportunity they get. I would tell them to be happy because you only learn when you are happy and you have to learn your whole life. I want the boys to keep being respectful even after school. My biggest advice would be to work hard because then you can know that you will be happy because nobody will shout at you. And I would tell them to put their phone down and do what must be done at that time – work or talk to the people around you – you can be on your phone in your own time not other peoples’ time.

xxxi. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR RETIREMENT?
I can’t wait to spent time with my family and visit my relatives and to get some rest. I’m excited to be able to go into town and go to hotels and restaurants.

xxxii. YOU HAVE SEEN THE LIKES OF GREAT RUGBY PLAYERS SUCH AS JOHN SMIT AND CHILLIBOY RALEPELE, WHAT FUTURE DO YOU SEE FOR BOYS HIGH RUGBY?
I see a bright future for the Boys High rugby. But I must say that there are two things that must happen: the first being communication – the boys need to communicate more clearly with the coaches and work together more because they must not play for themselves, they must play for each other and for Boys High. The second is that Boys High must start young: we need to train the u/14 and u/15 boys so that they’re strong and then we will have a strong 1st team in 4 years.

xxxiii. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY FROM YOUR 47 YEAR SERVICE HERE?
Not one in by its self but I can say that I am grateful for all the knowledge that my 47 years here has taught me. I know this school inside and out and I understand how to be a good man and be happy in life and that’s all because of the memories from in my time at Boys High.

PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

Jordan Sauer (Form IV Armstrong) was chosen to play tennis for South Africa in the Junior International (U/18’s) World Cup event held in Monte Carlo in Monaco earlier in September. The team comprised of two boys and two girls. The format of the tournament included singles, doubles and mixed doubles. They competed against teams from USA, Japan, Spain, Argentina and France. The team placed third overall and Jordan won all of his singles matches.

We would like to welcome all the 2016 Matrics who have recently become Life Members of the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys’ Association
and wish all the 2016 Matrics well with their final examinations.

OLD BOYS IN THE NEWS

HERMANUS GET TOGETHER

Greg Hassenkamp himself an Old Boy (1990) and previously Deputy headmaster at Boys High, and currently the Principal at Hermanus High School, chatted to us. Our venue at the Burgundy in Hermanus had been appropriately decorated with a beautiful banner of the School badge arranged by David Leppan, which set the scene for our very successful, albeit fairly small get together.

At this first, informal gathering of Old Boys from the Overberg region, Greg told us of his experiences at Pretoria Boys High and went on to explain the challenges of running a large Co-ed school in the current environment. Without the benefits of the long established traditions of Boys High, there are few past students of the Hermanus High School, who have a sense of identity or pride in their old school

His chat to us stimulated greater awareness of the different challenges faced in a relatively small town and community, in creating this pride and loyalty in the school with its subsequent long term benefits for the past students and the school. An interesting discussion ensued, assisted by some excellent wines of the region and tasty snacks supplied by the Burgundy.

Feedback from those who attended was very positive, with a feeling that we should meet more regularly to enjoy the fellowship of like-minded Old Boys in the Overberg region.

Regards,
Ed Meyer

KZN BRANCH LUNCHEON

You are cordially invited and encouraged to attend a PBHSOB lunch at Kearsney College.

Date: Friday 25 November 2016
Time: 13h30
Venue: Kearsney College – Greyhound Club (next to Hockey Astroturf)
Dress: Smart Casual
Cost: R 110.00 pp, with a cash bar.

We wish to make this a memorable occasion with as many Old Boys as possible attending.

For Further information please contact : Peter Kirsten on: 083 978 8787 / email: pkirsten@kearsney.com before Monday 14 November 2016.

IN MEMORIAM

GODFREY AGOCS (1971 – 1976) EX-MASTER

IAN GARTH FITZPATRICK (1966)

Ian attended Boys High from 1962 to 1966, as a boarder in School House. Ian was a man of God, integrity, honour, great courage and a true friend no matter what the circumstance.

He was one of the most committed evangelists of Boys High we have known, the school shaped and honed his life for the better. Ian gave 110% to everything he did, a shining example for all of us.

Ian hung on to life to be an integral part of the recent 50 Year On Reunion, he added significant value to all of us. Ian you fought the good fight and ran the race of life excellently, now rest in peace in heaven.

We will miss you Ian

– Keith Tindale

FRANCOIS COENRAAD THERON (1955)

I am sad to report that Francois died in Cape Town on 5th August 2016, just short of his 79th birthday.

Francois underwent knee surgery which resulted in rendering him a cripple for the past couple of decades, and he was virtually bed-ridden for the last two years of his life.

He was a very talented athlete and shared the Hannan Cup for Victor Ludorum in 1954 with Coenie Groeneveld. In 1955 he broke the School mile record and also won the Cross-country. After matriculating, Francois was awarded an athletics scholarship to Oklahoma University.

Francois held Masters’ degrees from the University of Cape Town and from Cambridge University.

He taught at the University of Cape Town for 16 years, and at the Boston Language College in Cape Town for two years.

He authored several published books, mainly on the teaching of correct English to second or foreign language students, but also a history of the Huguenots and a few novels.

Our sincere condolences go to Rosemary Kehl, Francois’ partner for decades, who lovingly cared for him until his death.

Rest in peace, Francois.
Brian Stewart

JACQUES MALAN (1957)

The convenors of the 1957 Matrics 60th Year On Reunion only learned recently of Jacques death in Australia on Easter Sunday 2014, from his ex- brother-in-law, Ray Dunn. Both were members of the Class of 1957 and remained life-long friends and had family connections with Jacques’s wife, Lyn being Ray’s sister.

Jacques developed early marketing and business experience to earn his pocket money whilst still at school, by selling flowers from his mother’s farm at Derdepoort and products from his own woodworking hobby. These skills would stand him in good stead throughout his life.

Jacques completed his BSC Agric at Tuks, working for Union Carbide in their agricultural division in the citrus field, specialising in micro- irrigation systems, which he studied in Israel and Morroco. In 1972 he moved to Australia, but after only a year there, for personal reasons, returned with his family to SA. His woodworking and entrepreneurial skill saw him start his own custom made furniture manufacturing company, which expanded into a successful shop outfitting business in the Johannesburg area. He imported some state of the art equipment for post forming laminate and his prestige contract for the new Stock Exchange building was a ground breaking development at that time. He sold his company to Murray and Roberts in the early 1980’s, working for them as MD for a year to hand over the business.

In 1983 he returned with his family to Australia, eventually settling in Brisbane, where he joined the agricultural division of ICI, working for them until 2000. He then moved to Moree, NSW, again starting his own successful business ‘Frames and Prints’, which he moved to Tamworth in 2005. He finally retired in 2012 to Yarrowitch, near Walcha, NSW and enjoyed his retirement there with his woodworking hobby and his dog Jessie until his death in April 2014

Thanks to Ray Dunn, Old Boy ex Solomon House and Jacques eldest daughter Liesl in Bendigo, Victoria for this information.

JEFFERY PETER BINDON (1956)

It is with deep sadness that we inform the university community of the passing of Professor Jeff Bindon, who has been a part of this university for the past 47 years, on 15 October 2016.

Jeff Bindon completed his schooling at Pretoria Boys High School before entering the University of Pretoria where he obtained his BScEng. After gaining experience at the South African Railways he decided to study further overseas and entered Imperial College in London where he
completed his Masters in Engineering, and then his PhD in 1970. In the latter research he was amongst the pioneering researchers developing computer code for predicting flow behaviour; a process we now take for granted.