PBHSOB ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
Dear Old Boy
Wesley Koekemoer matriculated from Pretoria Boys High School in 2005. Thereafter, he achieved a Bachelors in Education and two honours degrees in Educational Management and Mathematics. Wesley is currently the Headmaster of Kammaland Primary School.
Kammaland Primary School was originally started as a Pre-Primary school in the heart of Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal in 1963. As the first Afrikaans pre-primary school in KwaZulu-Natal, it served as a school for most of the children from their well-known children’s home in Greytown. This has continued to be the case over the years and eventually the decision was made to begin extending the school into a fully-fledged Primary School. As an ISASA school, they are a private school which is currently welcoming its inaugural set of Grade 5’s to the school in 2020, building towards a Grade 7 group in 2022.
“Kammaland is a school with potential – My vision for the school is first to maintain the good quality education that is happening and to seek to grow the schools resources. I would like to also see us become a top educational institution within our sphere of influence, but this will take time. Kammaland Primary School has a bright future in front of it, and I am only too happy to be given the chance to lead it.” Wesley says. When asking Wesley to reminisce on Masters who had had an immense impact on his life, he recalled Mr Paul Anthony, Mr Paul Sommerville and Mrs Joanna Holiday. “These individuals have had so many young men pass through their respective spheres of influence over the years, and I was lucky enough to be counted amongst them.”
“Mr Anthony was the Housemaster at Rissik between 2001 and 2004. Obviously he has been more recognised for his contributions to the rugby and physical education of Pretoria Boys High School, he was also an enigmatic leader at the boarding house. He was a person who worked hard to get to know each one of us and he strove to create a safe haven for all the boys under his tutelage. Something that stood out for me is how he was so naturally gifted with the gift of the gab, always seeming so unprepared but ready to deliver an awe-inspiring address at any occasion at, any moment.
It was from this man that I learnt how to be prepared for any moment, a gift that is often understated in the field of education. Teachers, much like many other professions, often need to make split-second decisions, which can either help or hinder your progress with the students under your care. I often think back to how Mr Anthony might have handled a situation, smile and then try and apply that to the decisions that lie before me.
Mr Sommerville is a character who has edged his name into the lore of Pretoria Boys High School. Needing no introduction, he had the unfortunate task of trying to teach me Mathematics for four out the five years that I was at the school. I owe a large debt of gratitude to Mr Sommerville, as it was because of him that I eventually became a Maths teacher. His passion and knowledge of the subject have never been in question, but it was the way that he sought to guide me as my mentor through my trying teenage years that sticks in my mind. He took me under his wing from Form I and has continued to be a major influence in my life ever since. Mr Sommerville taught me some of the ideals of Boys High, but he also showed me the value of compassion.
The last teacher whom I would like to mention is Mrs Joanna Holiday. I will certainly not be remembered by Ma’am for my prowess in Mathematics during my Form IV year, but it was I who was in awe of her and how she commanded a room. She has an innate ability to lead, which has undoubtedly contributed in her appointment as a Deputy Headmaster at our beloved school, but the way she leads is something that I have always admired. A powerful woman who has mastered her subject of choice, Mrs Holliday was still compassionate enough with us as her students. She taught me that you can still be in charge and care for those who have been placed in your care. She continues to be a strong mentor to me today as a teacher and leader I wish to model myself around.” Wesley was in Rissik House and still fondly recalls the touch rugby played on Friday afternoons with his dorm mates.
“There are so many moments that I hold close to my heart, that I consider myself privileged to have been educated at Pretoria Boys High.”
Pretoria Boys High School will forever hold a special place in Wesley’ s heart. “Towards the end of my Matric year, I approached the then headmaster, Mr Bill Schroder, to discuss any options that were available in education. I wanted to find about teaching bursaries and how one would go about even applying for one. I will never know what he saw in me, but he granted me an opportunity to study education through the University of Pretoria through a sponsorship from the school. This school saw in me, a self-confessed average Boys High boy, some potential that even I had not realised at the time and they were willing to take a chance on me.
I am forever indebted to Mr Bill Schroder and Pretoria Boys High School for giving me a push in the right direction and for believing in me, for now I can stand here, 10 years later as a Headmaster of my school.
This is what makes our School a special place, when even those who might not have shone, for whatever reason, can also rise to become leaders in their own right. I owe a large chunk of my success to the seeds that were planted back in these formative years.”
Read More:
Primary school welcomes new principal
Kammaland Primary School
NEW ASSOCIATION WEBSITE
The PBHSOB Association is delighted to announce the launch of our new website earlier this month! Please go and take a look: https://pbhsob.com/
SUMMER SPORTS DAY 2020
Summer Sports’ Day will take place on Saturday 18 January 2020 at Pretoria Boys’ High School.
The following sporting activities will be on offer:
Basketball
Climbing
Cricket
Cross Country
Squash
Soccer
Tennis
Table Tennis
Water Polo
Fencing
The following cultural activities will be on offer:
Bridge
Chess
Debating
Fantasy War Games
Photography
Sketching
We look forward to see a great turnout of Old Boys supporting each other and the school!
In order to secure your place at Summer Sports’ Day 2020, we encourage you to please book online. If you have any queries regarding bookings, please email info@pbhsob.com or for more information, please contact the following persons:
| SPORT | NAME | CONTACT |
| Water Polo | Ferdi Louw | flouw@boyshigh.com |
| Squash | Craig Stephens | cstephens@boyshigh.com |
| Climbing | Ella Van Zyl | evanzyl@boyshigh.com |
| Cross Country | Lincoln Keeton | LKeeton@boyshigh.com |
| Basketball | Rob Fourie | rfourie@boyshigh.com |
| Tennis | Gerald Stoffberg | gerald.stoffberg.pbhs@gmail.com |
| Table Tennis | Chan Dowra | CDowra@boyshigh.com |
| Fencing | Nick Zambara | nzambara@boyshigh.com |
| Soccer | Peter Franken | pfranken@boyshigh.com |
| Cricket | info@pbhsob.com | |
| Debating | Lamorna Georgiades | lgeorgiades@boyshigh.com |
| Chess | Lerine Kriel | lkriel@boyshigh.com |
| Bridge | Chris Davies | cdavies@boyshigh.com |
| Sketching | Debbie Cloete | dcloete@boyshigh.com |
| Photography | Joni Jones | jjones@boyshigh.com |
| Fantasy War Games | Nivesh Kowlaser | nkowlaser@boyshigh.com |
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Greetings to all Old Boys
2019 has been a very special milestone for the Old Boys’ Association as it is 100 years since being founded by Albert Meester in 1919 after a reunion attended by about sixty Old Boys at that time. Our present membership is in excess of 10 000 Old Boys and ours is one of the largest alumni organizations in South Africa. This is without doubt a wonderful testimony to the fact that Old Boys of our School throughout the world are proud of the School and wish to retain that special bond with Pretoria Boys’ High for the rest of their lives.
It has been a privilege for my wife and I to have met and renewed acquaintance with so many Old Boys at the reunions and other functions which we attended during the year. And now as 2019 hastens to a close I wish you all and your families happiness and joy over the Festive Season and may the year ahead be filled with good health and peace.
With regards,
TONY WILKES
REMEMBRANCE DAY 2019
Observations on the Pretoria Boys High School Remembrance Day Service on Monday, 11th November, 2019.
The early morning was overcast. “The threatening clouds have passed away” came to mind the quote from Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado as I watched from the shaded seat of the thoughtfully provided sheltering tents, the quiet and respectful gathering of the boys on the lawn in front of the School. The low buzz of muted conversation ended abruptly in total silence. A remarkable show of discipline and a suitable striking contrast to the steady clang of the bells as they chimed their way through the quarter hours to end on the eleventh hour and herald the solemn commencement of the Memorial Proceedings with the choir in the foyer softly singing “O Valiant Hearts”
Stephan Kruger the Head Prefect, presented the Bible reading and André le Roux, Deputy Head Boy, the Prayer. Even the frailest stood to sing the School Hymn, “O God our help in ages past”. Immaculate in his resplendent brilliant white Naval uniform, Captain Andrew Shouma delivered an equally brilliant account of aspects of life as a submáriner and the torpedo sinking and flouting of the Geneva Convention, of a South African ship carrying hundreds of Prisoners of War. All standing, the Headmaster read through the Rolls of Honour. The Last Post, Two Minutes Silence and Reveille were followed by the piping of a lament as the wreaths were laid.
The service ended with the Benediction and a rendering of the National Anthem. Reminiscing, I missed the parading of a supremely co-ordinated, polished squadron of Schoolboy Cadets, the lowering and hoisting of the National and School Flags and the Feather Bonnets of a prize winning Pipe Band. Then, somebody may have fainted and there would not be time enough for the tea in the Memorial Quad! I was able to tell the Head Prefect that badges were inverted as a sign of mourning, a tradition more easily sustained.
– Trebot Barry (1956)
SCHOOL FRIENDS
Have you ever been guilty of looking at others your own age and thinking, “surely I can’t look that old?” Well… You’ll love this one!
I was sitting in the waiting room for my first appointment with a new dentist. I noticed his DDS diploma, which bore his full name.
Suddenly, I remembered a boy with the same name had been in my high school class some 40-odd years ago.
Could he be the same boy way back then? Upon seeing him, however, I quickly discarded any such thought.
This balding grey-haired man was way too old to have been my classmate. Hmmm, …OR Could he???
After he examined my teeth, I asked him if he had attended the same high school.
“Yes. Yes, I did. I’m an Old Boy,” he gleamed with pride.
“When did you graduate?” I asked.
He answered, “In 1959. Why do you ask?”
“You were in my class!” I exclaimed.
He looked at me closely. Then, that ugly, old, wrinkled man asked:
“What did you teach?”
– Clive Buss (1969)
OLD BOYS IN THE NEWS
Algorithm, biology linked
Computer sciences’ best deep-learning algorithm is based on simple biology, according to Michael Levitt (1964), the 2013 Nobel Prize in chemistry.
Marais, Morris magic helps Giants go top
Cape Town – Brilliant late hitting by Marco Marais and Chris Morris (2006) provided a thrilling Mzansi Super League (MSL) finish as the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants came from behind to snatch a fine five-wicket win over the Cape Town Blitz in their top-of-the-table clash in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.
MBDA CALLS FOR PUBLIC VIEWS ON LEAP OF FAITH ARTWORK
Four years after Port Elizabeth artist Duncan Stewart (1989) submitted his Leap of Faith public art project, the Mandela Bay Development Agency has asked the public to give their views on the artwork.
Stewart’s awe-inspiring artwork for the Baakens Street traffic circle and the unfinished freeway right above it was a design concept of massive concrete hands in the traffic circle below, “catching” a group of children as they backflip, jump and leap for joy off the unfinished freeway.
The MBDA said in a Facebook post on Wednesday that; “the Leap of Faith public art project was submitted to the MBDA by Duncan Stewart Fine Art as part of a competition in 2015.”
“The concept behind the sculpture is to communicate (in a profound way) both the courage required to leap, by faith, into the future, and also the confidence that the city can provide a strong, stable foundation necessary for others to succeed!
“This piece places value on creativity, children, courage, community and collaboration. We love the piece and would like to get your views on the idea.”
traffic circle and the unfinished freeway above it
MBDA spokesperson Luvuyo Bangazi said the agency wanted the public’s view on the matter as it usually did with most of its projects.
‘We want to know what people think, in line with everything else that we do, we want the public’s opinion on this artwork,” Bangazi said.
BY ANNELISA SWANA – 13 November 2019 (Source)
OLD BOY X’S
The Pretoria Boys High Old Boys took part in the annual Old Boys 10s tournament at Pirates Rugby Club. The event is hosted to raise funds for the Education Endowment Fund. Our Springbok Captain, Siya Kolisi, got some of his opportunities through a similar fund set up by Grey High. That just shows how these types of funds can assist the underprivileged.
The Old Boys had a fantastic tournament, only losing their opening game but still managing to still make and win their final (much like the Springboks did in the world cup). The games went as follows:
PBHSOB vs ODU Barbarians – L 14 – 17
PBHSOB vs KES W 21 – 7
PBHSOB vs Stirling W 7 – 0
PBHSOB vs Jeppe (Plate Semi Final) – W 17 – 12
PBHSOB vs Stirling (Plate Final) – W 28 – 0
Well done to all the Old Boys who took part.
A special word of thanks to the organizer, Marcel Malherbe who year in, year out gets all the old boys from around the country to participate in this special fixture. He will surely be missed as he moves on to his next life chapter.
We look forward to the next one and hopefully we can exchange the Plate for a Cup!
Regards,
-Stephen Eagle (2008)
AERO CLUB OF SA GOLD WINGS AWARD TO JOHN ILLSLEY
At an Aero Club of SA awards ceremony held at Rand Airport on Saturday 16th November 2019, the Second Master of PBHS was awarded a Golden Wings certificate for significant contribution to recreational flying in SA over ten years. Because of a school commitment he we was unable to attend the ceremony and the award was received by his wife, Thea, who was flown to the ceremony by George Tonking (class of 1993) the first chairman of the PBHS Aeronautical Society.
The abridged citation for the award:
Special Recognition Certificate: Gold Wings Award
John Illsley formed the Pretoria Boys High School Aeronautical Society more than 25 years ago. John has ensured that young men have been given hands-on meaningful experiences in many facets of aviation including military commercial, historic and recreational aspects. This has promoted an interest in aviation among many appropriate young men who have subsequently pursued careers in these varied fields. He has been an Aero Club Member for longer than ten years and has made major contributions to aviation in South Africa as an historian, aircraft restorer and builder as well as through his encouragement of young men to become interested and involved in aviation by founding the Pretoria Boys High Aeronautical Society.
CLASS OF 1979 – 40 YEAR ON REUNION
The 40th Reunion of the Matric Class of 1979 took place on the grounds of Pretoria Boys High School on November 1 & 2, 2019.
It was meticulously planned and organised by the Old Boys Royden Tustin, Guido Gioia and Peter (Chalky) Harrower.
The reunion started Friday morning at 9 o’clock when the Old Boys and their wives/partners were asked to assemble in front of Solomon house. Approximately 70 Old Boys came to this occasion and happily greeted each other on the lawn. For some of them the faces seemed unfamiliar as most hadn’t seen each other in 40 years.
They were warmly welcomed by the Headmaster Mr. Tony Reeler, who thanked the attending Old Boys for joining the reunion and explained the agenda for the rest of the morning. The group then took a stroll around the school grounds while Mr. Reeler gave some historical information about the school and explained the alterations that had been performed to the buildings and grounds in the recent years. It was quite amazing to see the progress that the school has made.
At 11 o’clock the group had coffee, tea and biscuits in The Bill Schroder Centre where they were met and welcomed by a few long-standing teachers, namely Mr. Eddie Penzhorn, Mr. Rob McCrindle, Mr. Werner Obermeyer, Mr. Pierre Schnetler and Mr. Chalky Sommerville (Frau Ferreira and Mr. Bill Schroder arrived a bit later for the lunch). It was also very nice to see that Mr. Tony Wilkes, long time Secretary of PBHS and Honorary Life President of the Old Boys Association, had no intention of missing this reunion and arrived with his wife, Phyllis. Such a pleasure having past teachers and significant figures joining us!
At 12 o’clock the Old Boys were invited into the Assembly Hall, where they had the honour of sitting in the gallery. Mr. Reeler addressed the attendees in the usual way and gave an update to the school on activities of the previous week. Then the school song was sung! Thereafter Mr. Reeler had the pleasure of handing over to Old Boy Desmond Simpson who gave a most captivating and humorous speech about “Choices”.
Desmond did a great job explaining what kind of choices the pupils would have to expect and what decisions they would have to make during their time at school and beyond. After this speech the fantastic PBHS Big Band played three songs and the hymn “Praise my Soul the King of Heaven” was sung. Then the scripture was read by Old Boy Mike Batley and the school prayer was recited by Mr. Reeler, leading to the song “40 Years on” which was sung by all causing a few smiles and emotional smirks amongst the attendees.
After Assembly the group of Old Boys and their partners walked down “Suicide Lane” to the dining area to have lunch. Here they were addressed by the Master of Ceremonies, Royden Tustin, who expressed his great pleasure that so many Old Boys had arrived for this occasion from all over the world and explained the agenda and procedure of events for the rest of the afternoon.
On the agenda were two Old Boys who were asked to speak about their experiences as pupils at Boys High. The first was Bernd Stuenkel who told his personal story of how he arrived at Boys High from Germany to spend four awesome years at this school. Bernd also reminded the attendees of their school friend Joss Muller who unfortunately passed away in 1998 and at the same time warmly welcomed his wife Beth and daughter Monique who also attended this reunion in great anticipation. It was a special pleasure and honour for the group of Old Boys to welcome them.
The second speaker was Old Boy Michael van der Linden who described his time and experiences as a boarder in Rissik House, which to the surprise of mainly the day boys, were not all as positive as one would imagine. However, these experiences developed an immense sense of comradeship amongst the boarders and which was very heart-warming to hear.
After lunch and the speeches, the first day was officially over and most of the Old Boys later met at the Italian Club in Groenkloof for drinks and pizza. This was a great opportunity for further conversations, jokes and laughter amongst old friends. The next morning most of the Old Boys met at the PHSOB Club to watch the finals of the Rugby World Cup between England and South Africa. The buzz and excitement at the Club was amazing. After South Africa had finally won, the party continued for a few more hours …understandably so!
Later that day the Old Boys met back at the school for the Saturday dinner. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was animated Old Boy, Robbie Gunn. The evening started in a solemn way by Old Boy Henry Matthews saying grace and Grant Gifford (Toast to Absent Friends) reading the names and reminding the group of their 14 friends who have since passed away.
From here the Headmaster Mr. Tony Reeler took his place at the speaker’s desk to address the attendees with some very interesting background information about the finances and general lay of the land of Boys High, back then and today.
The next speaker was Old Boy Deon Fourie (Toast to South Africa), who gave an extremely positive view of the business opportunities in South Africa today and going forward. Old Boy Ray Carlse (Toast to PBHS) then told a few amusing stories about his days at Boys High and reminded the group of the great time they had at school.
A splendid evening came to an inevitable end with the Old Boys singing “40 Years on” with utter conviction and lump in the throat sentiment. Old Boy Greg Lloyd then gave a fantastic rendition on his bagpipes, playing a medley of well-known songs. Both were a great pleasure to hear and brought a few tears to some eyes.
It was a wonderful and very memorable weekend with old friends and the group of 1979 would like to express its sincere thanks and appreciation to Royden Tustin, Guido Gioia and Chalky Harrower for organising the event, to the Headmaster Mr. Tony Reeler for hosting and addressing the group (and, very importantly, for participating so willingly), to the School and PBHSOB Association (especially Inge Paulsen-Liddle) for making it all happen and last, but not least, to the staff of the kitchen for preparing a lovely lunch and dinner and serving the drinks. Thank you all!
Until we meet again in 10 years time!
Bernd Stuenkel
Form 5C (1979)
LETTERS
Dear Inge,
Hallo again from Israel and to say how much I enjoy reading all the news about the School that I left in 1945 but in all these years the School has NEVER left me! Much of my ‘spare time’ has been devoted to sport. I played rugby at school [not so well] and after leaving school [a bit better] and then refereeing in what was then Eastern Transvaal-Springs, etc. In Israel I started with badminton, becoming founder-chairman of the Israel Badminton Association. I managed the National Team in many tournaments and on two occasions against teams from South Africa. On one occasion I introduced myself as manager of the Israel team which prompted a reply from the opposing team: Oh yes, with a South African accent! On another occasion at a youth tournament in Wales I was asked to say a few words in Afrikaans to welcome the South African team! I lived quite a bit of my life in the platteland so I was tweetalig.
My last school rugby match was played on my birthday, August 25th, 1945. It was also the last game of the season and against St. John’s. Somehow I managed to get the team notice from the notice board-it was still there the day after the game. I am attaching a copy hoping it is clear enough. I still have the notice in my rugby scrapbook.
Time has not dimmed so many wonderful memories of School. It was a rare privilege to have been to Boys High and to be at Rissik House with Mr. Pollock as House Master was something special and to have Mr. Pollock as English Master for Matric was “extra special”. He also taught us the importance of using a dictionary which I do to this day in spite of having a computer.
With Best Wishes, Beste Wense from Jeff Geffen [Rissik House 1941-1945], ASHDOD, Israel
Have a Nice Day–Every Day–Jeff
A corner of my study with School badge and rugby badges-school badge and rugby scroll, Standerton rugby club, Berea Rovers, Durban and my Referees badge–ancient history!
Hi Guys,
The sad passing of Dieter Vogel (class of ’66) brings back fond memories of forming our band, Dieter and the Raves, in Walter Battiss’ classroom in 1962. Dieter had the Cliff Richard look and singing ability, and we put in our 10,000 hours in order to perfect the Cliff and the Shadows sound. The Raves featured my brother Ernest on lead guitar, me on rhythm and keyboards, Rodney Sack on bass and Ivan Binun on drums.
We subsequently played at Walter’s farewell in 1964 and at numerous parties, sessions, the Boys’ High and Girls’ High matric dances. Dieter also played the lead in the school production of The Mikado.
I took Dieter and his wife Miranda along to see Cliff and the Shadows at the Dome a few years back and a fabulous night was had by all. Here I am with Sir Cliff.
– Robert Schroder (1965)
IN MEMORIAM
EDMUND JOHN KROHN (1951)
Dear Old Boys,
I am writing to inform you of the passing of my dear husband Edmund John Krohn, who was (I think) at your school from 1947-1951. He was always very proud of his PBHS heritage, and followed alumni keenly over the years wherever he heard about them, from scholastic achievements to rugby teams etc.
He was well known for his singing ability (e.g. Mabel etc., in Gilbert & Sullivan productions). He was related to the Retiefs, and Hasells, also PBHS boys. He was a keen pupil of Walter Battiss, and one of his best friends was Claude Beguin. (Switzerland). Tim Hill, Andy McQueen and the Gerard and Deon van Noord were friends.
He lived from 23.9.34 to 3.9.19 when he died from a sudden stroke, after 8 hours in hospital. A wonderful and loving man, very kind, witty, erudite (especially with his limericks) and great fun. He leaves behind his wife Judy, and his 3 daughters from his first marriage – Karen, Tracy, Belinda, and their husbands Mike, Justin and Richard, 7 grandchildren as well as stepchildren Meg (& Gary) and Richard (& Chantelle).
He lived the past 34 years in Somerset West after years in Elgin in the fruit industry (He did a B.Sc. Agric. at Stellenbosch, and M Hort. Sc at UCLA in the early 60’s). His two sisters, Jenifer and Ann predeceased him. A life well lived. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be forever missed. With good wishes,
Yours sincerely,
Judith (Judy) Krohn
JAN DANIEL (JANNIE) SMITH (1955)
Dear Old Boys
With sadness we report the passing of our uncle Jan Daniel Smith on the 6th September 2019.Jan completed his matric in 1955 at the age of 16.
He qualified as a medical doctor University of Pretoria at the age of 22 in 1961. He did his housemanship at McCord Mission Hospital in Natal. After a stint at Addington Hospital he was accepted into an anaesthesiology residency at Peter Bent Bingham Hospital Boston and received his degree from Harvard.
After further specialization in Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonology in Pittsburgh he returned to South Africa and started Internal Medicine which was completed in Pittsburgh in 1971.
From there he spent time in clinical Departments of Pulmonology, Anesthesia and Internal medicine in Iowa, San Antonio, Nebraska and Iowa before returning to Pittsburgh in 1988.
He was appointed Chief of Anaesthesiology at UPMC Presbyterian a position he held until 1996 a major organ transplant center.
In this time he studied further end was awarded a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from the Royal College of Physicians (DTM&H) He then moved to UPMC Beaver Valley Hospital (Pittsburgh)as Medical Director and Chief Anaesthesiologist.
He was instrumental during his failed retirement in setting up a major transplant and surgical center in Palermo Sicily and later served as Assistant Medical Director at Beacon Hospital in Dublin.
He returned to UPMC Pittsburgh as the Vice Chair for Clinical Operations and Professor of Anaesthesiology,Internal Medicine and Critical Care Medicine in 2002. A lecture hall is named after him.
Further achievements include appointment as Extraordinary Professor of Medicine at the University of Pretoria and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians.
He did voluntary work in Sub-Saharan Africa and research on vaccines for HIV and Malaria.
Jan was an avid traveler
circumnavigating the world thrice on cruise ships.
He always made time to visit his family in South Africa especially if a trip to
the Kruger Park was possible.
He was a Ham Radio enthusiast contacting many South Africans with ‘ hallo dis Jan van Texas’ which was invariably replied by a pause and then ‘ haai Jan wat maak jy in Texas!’
Jan was a marvelous mentor to us and to many other medical students and trainee doctors.
Jan is survived by our aunt Jeanette (Nettie) nee Niemeyer, children Rob, Andy and Anita and nine grandchildren and his brother Sid.
Kind regards
Mike Wilson (1979)
Graeme Wilson (1987)
OLD BOY REQUESTS
The PBHSOB Association Office often gets various requests from Old Boys, which are now displayed on the AlumNet portal.
Simply email the Association for an application form. Once vetted, it will be placed on AlumNet for a period of one month – allowing fellow Old Boys to reach out, contact you directly and assist you if need be.
Kindly note, this service is only available for PBHSOB Association Life Members.
Visit our AlumNet portal for more information >>
Dear Sir/Ma’am
I want to know if there is any way I can put a request out to the PBHSOB’ s Association as I am looking for a position in a Mechanical Engineering company for 2020 and I want to know if I can do this via the Old Boys Association.
I completed my Matric at PBHS in 2016.
I am currently completing a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and I require a 2 year learnership/apprenticeship position to complete my diploma.
I am a serious minded person, who is able to work independently and can grasp instructions and concepts quickly. I am hard working and willing to do any tasks assigned to me. I have good problem solving abilities and can think out of the box.
The Hippocampus Team: help us share our story
Glen John Thatcher, 15 Nov 2019
Dear Old Boys Association,
I hope this email finds you well.
I would like to begin with an introduction. My name is Glen Thatcher and I matriculated from the school on the hill in 2016 after 5 years in School House.
With me is Alex Menu (School House 2013 – and he was actually my Form II dorm prefect).
I would like to share something with our Old Boys community because I believe that what I am about to tell you speaks directly to the heart of what our beloved school takes pride in and holds very close to our hearts, making good men.
The two of us are part of a team of guys from the medical campus of Stellenbosch University that will be undertaking an extraordinary feat with the aim of raising awareness and combating extraordinary challenges that face our fellow students, our country and our youth.