PARKTOWN BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER 7/5/2015 MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER I would like to start by stating that I am sincerely humbled by the warm welcome I have received from the great Parktown community, from the boys, the staff, the Old Boys and the parents I have been fortunate to meet so far. Parktown is a great school with a rich history and tradition. I am certainly honoured to have been afforded the opportunity to lead such a prestigious institution. It is my intention, with the support of boys, staff, governing body members and old boys to continue with the good work initiated by my predecessors. I am acutely aware of the importance of Parktown, not only maintaining its position as one of the leading boys’ schools in the country, but striving to be as good as it possibly can be. For schools to maintain their status as leading institutions requires continual attention to detail, regular reflection and constantly seeking methods of ‘raising the bar’. Parktown must aim to be the best it can be in all that it does. At the same time there is no place for intolerance, arrogance or mediocrity. We aim to produce boys who are inquisitive, passionate, tolerant, focused and tough, who know the difference between right and wrong, and who have the courage to stand up for what they believe when they move out into the world, holding on and cherishing these virtues. In order to achieve this requires all of us - boys, staff, parents and old boys - to recognise this common goal and all to pull in the same direction to achieve it. Parktown has had so many achievements over the years, and many fine young men have been educated in this excellent institution. I have been struck by the passion so many old boys have for their school. I was amazed at the number of people I have worked with and spoken to since my appointment who are proud to claim their status as old boys of Parktown. Schools that have a strong support from their old boys are extremely fortunate, as traditions and ethos are passed down through generations. Old Boys also provide reality checks for the current crop of young men and staff. Our Old Boys Foundation, under the watchful eye of Rob Collins and his committee, provide both the guidance and direction for our great school. I thank both Rob and his committee for the time and effort they give to making sure that our school remains at the forefront of boys’ schools in the country. SGB Chair Pieter Van Der Merwe and his Governing Body Committee deal with day –to day issues, and we as a school really appreciate the immense commitment and hard work carried out by this group. I am always humbled by the time spent in dealing with often complicated school issues by these people, who, it should be remembered, themselves have full time occupations. Members of School Governing bodies have enormous responsibility to make sure financial goals are achieved. I would like to thank David Everatt and his committee of the last SGB, particularly Treasurer Imran Vanker, who over the last three years have done an amazing job of consolidating and making the tough decisions which have resulted in Parktown finding itself in a healthy position. 2 I would personally like to thank Mr Rajen Pillay for the excellent job he has done in his tenure as the acting headmaster. This is always a tough job, and I know he was ably supported by both his management team and the staff. For years I have wanted to congratulate the grounds and maintenance staff, and all the non-teaching staff, who make the unique look and feel that can only be Parktown. Arriving with teams from my last school, St John’s, over the last few seasons, the view of the grounds descending from the gate has always taken my breath away. I urge boys and parents particularly when you see our grounds staff to greet them and thank them for their efforts. Even before my tenure began I witnessed the passion our current group of young men have for their school. It is good to see our boys competing against schools such as DHS, Westville, Maritzburg College, Queens College, Kingswood and of course, our local schools. All of the schools I have mentioned are themselves great institutions, and historically most of them are more than 100 years old. I would like to personally assure the Old Boys that Parktown is still the great institution it has always been, and I certainly look forward to serving both the current community and you, the Old Boys. It has been a busy start to the second quarter. Over the last three weeks Parktown has participated in a number of sporting festivals, which included the King Edward VII Easter Tournament, the Jeppe 125th Celebration and a short tour to KZN. Both the rugby and hockey teams have played in exciting encounters, which included games against Westville Boys’ High, Maritzburg College, Queens College, Kingswood College, Hudson Park, St Charles College and Northwood Boys’ High School. The squash team had an impressive tour, convincingly beating both St Charles and Northwood. The chess team also had a good win over St Charles’ College. Parktown is fortunate in that it has the triple threat: I have touched on academics and sport, but Parktown also shines in culture. Under my watch I want to help build culture to the point where all three disciplines balance and shine equally brightly, all growing to make Parktown the boys’ school of choice in Johannesburg. Talking of culture, the recent Senior Public Speaking competition proved to be a closely contested affair, and once again the speeches delivered were of a high standard. Well done to Shaun Pearce who won the overall event, and to Mr de Wilzem who organised the occasion. Thanks also to Mr de Jong, his staff, the directors of the House Plays, and the all those boys who participated. Most of the plays were excellent and of a great creative standard, and well done to Vulcans for their victory. The winter season is upon us, and I wish all the boys best of luck in their games over the next few months. Play hard, play fair and we look forward to both a successful and enjoyable winter sporting programme. It is essential that we remember that our most important task is to perform in the classroom. We must set ourselves realistic academic goals, and do all in our power to achieve them. Prepare well for the exams, - the staff look forward to good results from all the boys. This newsletter is longer than I would normally write, because I wanted to greet you all. Whoever you are in the school community, I have an open door policy and you are most welcome to discuss anything on your mind. Particularly parents and Old Boys, if you see me, please do come up and introduce yourself - I want to meet you. I make this promise, for me my blood already runs black and red. At last I have found home: work with me to be proudly Parktonian. Arise! Derek Bradley Headmaster
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