PBHSOB ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Dear Old Boy

Cherry Schroder, beloved wife of Bill and mother of Tracey, Glenn and Bradley and adored mother-in-law and grandmother, passed away peacefully on 14 August 2017.

A service to celebrate her life was held in the Abernethy Hall at Pretoria Boys High School, on Tuesday, 22 August 2017.

Below is a selection of tributes which were conveyed on the day.

This tribute is delivered on behalf of the Boys High community, but please forgive me if I have based much of it on my own memories of Cherry.

Mr Schroder in his time as our headmaster, frequently referred to his beloved Cherry as the “mother of the nation” and in considering this tribute, that seemed wholly appropriate as she was a motherly figure to so many in the Boys High extended family of boys, staff, parents and old boys.

Cherry was not one to ever seek the limelight, but rather played her part behind the scenes. In that respect, her most important role was as the quietly supportive wife of the headmaster. She was of course fiercely loyal to him – an important part of a remarkable marriage. This was one of those cases that bears out the old adage that behind every great man is a strong and caring woman. As any headmaster will attest, a vital part of being able to survive the daily challenges and stresses of the job is to have a sounding board; a sympathetic ear; an unfailing ally. In that Bill Schroder was blessed with the ideal partner as Cherry was by his side both literally and figuratively through twenty years spent in this school and indeed beyond that when he took on the role of managing the major fund raising campaign on behalf of the Pretorian Trust.

But there were other jobs that Cherry took on in the service of the school and amongst these was the typing of the manuscript of the history of the school and for several years running the data base of the Old Boys’ Association. When the school celebrated its centenary she was instrumental in having a special Boys High rose cultivated by Ludwig’s roses. Dozens of those striking cultivars are found in our grounds as a reminder of someone who was a very keen gardener in her own right.

One of Cherry’s most striking qualities was to treat all people as if they mattered to her and that they mattered equally. When it came to the boys they could do no wrong. They were all addressed as “my darling” even if many of us, including her devoted husband, must have sometimes thought otherwise of the little darlings that we sometimes saw in a rather different light! In her eyes they were Boys High boys and this was all that mattered.

There were so many ways in which she showed her caring nature, from having all of the new Form One boarders around for an evening, to chatting to boys during sports fixtures and cultural functions, to making sure that prospective head prefect candidates were put at ease before being interviewed . A story that I was reminded of this past week was of Cherry before a House Play assisting some little boy who was playing a female role but who had no accoutrements to lend some authenticity to his appearance. This brought forth the spontaneous response from Cherry of taking off all of the jewellery that she was wearing and draping it on this boy so that he could look the part!

Teaching staff would have experienced the same feeling of joining a family when they arrived here and were treated to Cherry’s hospitality at the Schroder’s home. Social functions after gala nights of school productions or to thank the heads of extra-mural activities were hosted in the Schroder’s home and Cherry was central to the organisation and catering of all these. Marriages and births and times of sadness involving staff would all bring forth greetings, kind words and expressions of sympathy. And then of course there was the annual children’s Christmas party which allowed her to host even the young children of staff.

I know that one of the highlights of Cherry’s time at Boys High was meeting Queen Elizabeth when she visited Pretoria and that admiration for the Queen seems so fitting in that Cherry shared the same seemingly infallible memory when it came to people’s names, faces and individual quirks. To my eternal embarrassment, I once let slip about not being too partial to cous cous and after that there was always a special salad for me when we visited, such was Cherry’s attention to detail and concern to have all of her guests feel welcome.

It may seem very strange that one of my enduring memories of Cherry and one which showed clearly showed what she stood for, was an after-dinner conversation relating to the exchange rate of different country’s currencies. That topic continued on several occasions and it was never resolved because I asserted in a matter of fact way (I suppose as History teachers are wont to do) that this was the way the world’s monetary systems worked and Cherry was firm in her belief that all currencies should be worth the same and that all people should have equal access to money. You cannot argue against that sort of logic based on the notion that quite simply what ultimately counts is that you are human.

If the measure of a life is how many other lives have benefitted by knowing you, then Cherry leaves behind, in this community, a rich legacy of caring. She was possessed of a generosity of spirit that was boundless. Ettienne de Grellet (Quaker Missionary) once wrote: “I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now”. Anyone who knew Cherry would have believed that this was her natural instinct. She truly was someone whose actions spoke more loudly than any words.

So in extending our condolences to the Schroder and Housdon families, we of Boys High wish to thank you for sharing your wife, mother and grandmother with us, and we want you to know how proud we are of that association.

– John Illsley – Second Master, Pretoria Boys High School

Our family was away for a few days, last week, and we were enormously saddened to hear of Cherry’s death. After I’d spoken to Bill, I was enormously humbled by his request to say a few words today, which then led me to being enormously nervous at the thought of sharing the same stage as the other speakers who are both articulate and erudite.

When we were reminiscing about Cherry last week, Clive said what a kind person Cherry was. In his own words, he’d fairly often found himself in Bill’s office because he could be darn naughty but no matter what he’d been up to, Cherry was always so NICE to him. If a naughty 18-year-old could remember that about his Headmaster’s wife, 25 years on, says volumes about how she was regarded by the boys. I remember Bill sending one or two hardened smokers to have their mid-morning fix during break outside his lounge window. They had to remove their ties and blazers and were only allowed there one at a time – no companiable smoke break, this. However, they would always find an ashtray and a box of mints on the window ledge – not courtesy of the Headmaster, I might add! And if the bridge ladies happened to be there, their astonished looks and questions were met with Cherry’s inimitable giggle and no explanation!

Much the same applied to the staff.

Initially, as one didn’t know what to expect of a new Headmaster’s wife, the odd staff member ventured up the hill – I’m sure much of it was out of curiosity, a few may have thought to get into the new Head’s good books via his wife – but no matter the reason, the little trickle became a steady stream. Of course one usually had to get past Kleinbooi who, depending on his mood, could make it quite difficult. He worshipped his Missie. His position as gardener and self-appointed carer of Cherry gave Kleinbooi great status and his vigorous defence of her was because he saw her not as an employer but someone who truly cared for and looked after him and his family. This wasn’t to say that he didn’t scold her, mind, or take her gardening advice – he generally considered himself to be in charge and Cherry bowed to his superior knowledge regarding particularly, her roses – knowledge that she’d imparted to him!

Academic and support staff members would appear for a cup of tea or a glass of wine, for a chat, for a shoulder to cry on, for advice or to have a moan … all in the full knowledge that Cherry remained non-judgemental and their confidences were totally respected. She was like a warm sponge, absorbing information about them and their families, not because she was inquisitive but because she truly cared for people and information seemed to spill out of them in the face of such compassion and affection. She was interested in their families and school activities, be they cultural, sporting or to do with the gardens and grounds, which she loved. She could be found on the sidelines or in the audience of numerous musical and dramatic productions, rugby, hockey, swimming and many other activities. During House Plays she’d help the staff and parents in charge of make-up – I think, frankly, those make-up sessions turned into backstage socials! She knew about, was interested in and acknowledged so many of the school activities. This, combined with an impish sense of humour and a genuine interest, was compelling and they loved her for it.

Children of the koppie staff found their way into her garden in the full knowledge that they’d be welcomed with open arms and the cookie jar was always full. The annual Father Christmas morning was such fun and not only because one saw Chalkie in the guise of Father Christmas. Treats in boxes for the children were provided by Mother Christmas and there was no cut-off age, although, generally, children still had to be attending school! In fact, now and then I had to gently remind staff that they needed to have children (or grandchildren) in order to attend, not that it made a shred of difference to Mackie; he came anyway!

Invitations to the annual “op-skop” were like gold! This end of the year function started as a way to say thank you to the parents who’d helped with food and the like at extra-mural activities. Governors and staff members, who headed up these activities, were soon included. As time went on, I’d receive more and more plaintive wails asking why someone hadn’t been invited; he or she was sure he’d assisted with SOMETHING during the year. The smiling, hospitable and welcoming hostess had everything to do with that – although her cherries wrapped in bacon were a considerable draw card too!

“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo but a friend is someone who’ll take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” I read this saying by Oprah Winfrey and to me it epitomises all that we held dear about Cherry. In fact, she’d have taken the bus every time. Everything Cherry did in the school environment was based on her support of Bill; she, herself, abhorred being the centre of attention and yet she attracted people like a magnet.

To me, personally, she was the most understanding and amazing Boss’s wife. There were times when she made me feel that I, and I alone, was responsible for every good thing that happened in the School. She was a very dear friend to me and to so many of the staff. While Cherry was in hospital, and during this past week, I received many texts and phone calls from various quarters, and the common thread was a personal grief to lose such a special friend and a feeling of great sadness for her family.

Cherry will be inextricably linked to Boys High in the minds of all of the staff despite her desire to take a back seat. A phenomenal, gracious lady, who’d have been horrified by all these accolades, in saying goodbye, we thank you for being you.

– Gail Bloemink – Bill Schroder’s Secretary 1990 – 2009

Cherry Schroder had an enormous heart.
There was space in it for every Boys High boy.
But those of us in the 1997 matric group like to think she had a special place in her heart for us.
She proved it a few weeks ago by insisting, through her tracheal intubation, that Bill leave her side in the ICU to come to our 20 year on reunion dinner.
We were so grateful to have him there.
It was a typical moment – Cherry putting herself aside because she knew that Bill’s presence would mean so much to us and to him.
Whenever Bill happens to do the right thing, you will usually find Cherry made it happen.

So I am honoured that the Schroder family has asked me to write something in memory of our beloved Cherry.
I am sad and sorry not to be able to be there in person today to read this myself, but Peter Dittberner has agreed to do so on behalf of our year.
Because Peter is from School House, I have used short words and simple sentences.

My relationship with Cherry really began after Bill plucked me from obscurity and made me the head of school.
She was there to offer me a chair as my legs buckled beneath me when he told me, at their house on the top of the hill.
And I seem to remember she gave me a beer too, and assured me that I wouldn’t be immediately removed from office if I drank it.

From that moment, Bill and Cherry’s house became a second home for me at the school.
Cherry told me that I could come for supper or a talk at any time.
She knew that I would be lonely and isolated after joining the authority structure of the school.
I took her up on the offer many times.
Her kindness without judgment, her open heart, and her friendship was essential in getting me through that year.
She and Bill opened their home to me and gave me a place of refuge, for which I will be forever grateful.

She also had a wicked sense of humour.
The Schroders had me to dinner with my new girlfriend (who I was trying to impress).
At some point in the dinner I noticed that Cherry was giggling.
They had given the poor young lady a prank glass with a hole in the rim.
Every time she tried to take a sip, liquid went dribbling down her front.
I don’t know whose idea it was, but Cherry was a willing accessory.

She was someone with utterly clear priorities: her family, her pets, her school. She was fiercely loyal.

The last time I saw her was at the opening of the Bill Schroder Media Centre. We sat on a bench in the library and had a long talk.
She was absolutely not interested in telling me how she was or talking about her health.
She wanted to hear about my life, my children, my parents.

I will always remember her wicked laugh;
her utter joy in life;
her ability to love;
her huge generous heart.

Cherry we love you and are going to miss you.

– Nick Ferreira – Head Prefect 1997

10 YEAR ON 2017 – CLASS OF 2007

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)

20 YEAR ON 2017 – CLASS OF 1997

The 1997 matrics’ 20 year-on reunion began when 50 or so gentlemen gathered outside the main school hall on Friday morning. Backs were slapped, bellies were poked, bald heads were rubbed and there was a general frisson of excitement in the air.

We dutifully filed into assembly and sat in the rear gallery of the very impressive school hall.
We were reassured by the fact that though the building had changed, much of the ritual remained the same.

We listened rapt to a proficient piano performance by a Form II boy and absorbed the Headmaster’s wise lessons from Jordan Spieth’s recent win in the Open Championship.

We then percolated through the school grounds and the museum. Every space held a hundred memories, and there was much hilarity as we reminded one another of fences scaled, pranks played and day boys’ lunches stolen.

From there, those who played golf proceeded to the golf course and golfed. Many who do not golf also went to the golf cub and continued socialising.

That evening there was a get together at the Old Boys’ Club where reminiscing and socialising continued. Some were brave enough to bring their families.

On Saturday morning we rose and descended on the sports fixture against KES. There was much talk of the 1997 First Team’s performance against KES, when, after one passage of play, Brooks field was littered with red jerseys flat on their backs needing medical attention. Sadly, this result was not repeated and despite a spirited display, the Jo’burgers were too strong for the candy stripes.

Saturday evening was the stag dinner.

We were entertained by MC Darren Helwick; rendered grateful by Mark Rutherfoord’s grace; inspired by Simon Dingle’s unorthodox toast to South Africa; awed by Lelo Rantloane’s toast to the school. Alastair Constance’s toast to the masters and to absent friends was a model of brevity and wit.

Mr Reeler’s address left us confident that this school is in safe hands under his leadership.

Finally, we heard from Mr Schroder, the Headmaster of 20 years ago, whose effort to be there despite the illness of his beloved Cherry was much appreciated.

From there, it was back to the Old Boys’ Club for nightcaps and hilarity.

Thanks to the organising committee of Peter Dittberner, Warren Van Wyk and Alastair Constance; to Inge Paulsen-Liddle and the Old Boys’ Association, the club manager, Louis Legat, and the caterers for helping us make the weekend a wonderful success.

We were proud that 110 Old Boys returned for the weekend, and will aim to beat that number in 2027.

– Nick Ferreira
Convenor & Head Prefect 1997

A LOOK BACK…

– The Pretorian 1987, Photo: J. Penderis

PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

Tiaan van Rooyen (Form V Arcadia) has been flying different model plane disciplines since the age of 3 and has won many various competitions over the years, he also has his gold rating as an instructor.
He was afforded his SA Colours in 2015 when he won the National Championships and qualified to participate in the 2015 World Championship in Croatia. Tiaan proceeded to win the Precomp Contest, but unfortunately fell short in the Final Fly Offs.

He won the SA National Championships last year again, even beating the Senior team and qualified to participate in the World Championships in Lviv, Ukraine held this year from the 19th-31st July 2017.

Tiaan proceeded to win the F3K Vlaimir Model Cup event of World Cup, Eurotour Contest on the 22nd July, placing himself 7th in the World against Seniors and Juniors, 128 contestants from 33 countries. He won the finals and become the New Junior World Champion of FAI F3K Model Gliders on the 29th July, 2017.

A number of students from the PBHS matric science group had the privilege to participate in the National Science Week programme held at the Tshwane Unitversity of Technology from the 7th to the 8th of August 2017.

Over the course of two days, the pupils were treated to some stimulating lectures delivered by lecturers and post graduate students based on their ongoing research in various scientific fields. These presentations gave the boys a taste of a future in science. The pupils showed passion and dedication with a desire to learn more, and they left with an increased interest in science.

OLD BOYS IN THE NEWS

THE SCHOOL ON THE HILL

This is my last year at Boys High, and I am shocked at how time as flown. Five years really isn’t that long, yet it seems to define a lifetime. Now, my time at Boys High is almost complete. I won’t lie and say that I have embraced the school fully, or that I have always loved it, nor will I say that it wasn’t with some cynicism that I now regret not having lent more support, or become just a little more drawn in.

That is not to say that I haven’t liked attending Boys High, or that I haven’t always thought it a beautiful and fun place. I never completely abandoned any involvement (I write for this paper, don’t I) but never have I attempted to understand what the matrics have to cry about when they leave. Never did I think that I would ever feel like that, that I would ever be so sad to go. It is after all just a school, right?

Now, having been to my last interhouse gala, I have come to the conclusion that the opposite is in fact true. Doubtless by the time you read this I will have attended many more events than the gala and my feelings will have been strengthened. At that gala, which I suppose I have always seen as a duty, I saw the spirit and the absolute magic that was created by the love that people have for this place. I realised that this was my last gala as a schoolboy, and that filled me with regret and sadness but also with joy – a unique joy of knowing that I belong to something more than a mere place, in my case a school; that I am a part of the character which defines it.

As the matrics lined the pool to sing the School song, I realised that Boys High is so much more than a school. Yes it has beautiful buildings a long and detailed tradition, striking grounds and determined, giving people etc,etc. Those are all things which a school needs, but what a school is, what Pretoria Boys High School truly is, is spirit, a spirit so amazing and awe inspiring that it is almost beyond words. It is the passing down of this spirit, the fraternity which it inspires that makes PBHS so much more than a school, and ensures that we will be deeply saddened when we leave, that we will always come back to the School on the Hill. I defy anyone who was at that gala or any subsequent events to call me a lair. Trust me, if you are not in matric, and you have no idea what I am talking about, just wait, you will. It is only then that you will comprehend the fact that you will have to leave a place which you have probably taken for granted, but which has moulded you into who you are. That is scary.

It is therefore with both admiration and sadness, on behalf of the class of 2007, that I salute you, Pretoria Boys High School, and I dedicate this to you:

Pretoria Boys High School

You receive us
When our young minds
Are barely conceived
Into a great vein of life,
Of excitement and wonder
And we, in overwhelming awe
Think, can we be this small?
We tare at your grandeur,
Magnificent,
Touching the sky with
Fingers of sparkling stone.

Within you we learn
About the great and the good,
About love and life
And all lessons concerned
With manhood.
You have an amazing
Spirit of tradition,
Of fraternity
And we come to love you.

Then, quite suddenly,
We are released, floundering
From your hallowed womb
Into the wirld
Filled with what you’ve taught
us
Given us
And shown us.
Brave but scarcely ready,
We enter a new life,
At least with the teary
reassurance
That we will always remember
The School on the Hill.
After all,
It was there we learned to live
It was here we learned to
breathe.

– By Beyers de Vos, Boys Highlights Number 8, May 2007

LETTERS

Dear friends,

The item on Bob Fair brought back wonderful memories, as I was there during his time, (1961-65) although was never taught by him. I thought you might find it interesting to know that the connection with Martin Gibbs Photography was due to the influence of Bob.

My dad (Ron Langley) was at the school from 1922 to 1924. Unfortunately, in 1924 on his 14th birthday he had to leave in order to help support the family. But he and Bob were classmates for a time. When they met up again in about 1939, Bob asked Dad what he was doing, and when he heard that he had joined Martin Gibbs, he said that they should be doing the school photographs instead of Moessler and Heinlich, who were German and war was pending. That started the relationship that the firms has had up to the present date, when I sold to Derrick Knollys, who latee married my late brother’s daughter.

Regards,
Trevor Langley
Port Alfred

SOLOMON HOUSE OLD BOYS

Solomon House is raising funds to upgrade its computer room.

Old Boys who were in Solomon House are being given the opportunity to “buy” a Solomon House Honours Hall Chair and so donate towards this worthy cause.

Please email Mario Maartens at mmaartens@boyshigh.com for more information.

IN MEMORIAM

CHERRY SCHRODER (1944 – 2017)

WILLIAM GEORGE CHEERE (BILL) EMMETT (1949)

KENNETH KUYPER (1947)