A Message from the Headmaster: End of Term Newsletter – December 2025
Dear Parents / Guardians
HEADMASTER’S MESSAGE – A YEAR WE CAN BE PROUD OF
As 2025 comes to an end I believe the school can look back on a successful year. Once again it has been extremely busy and I am reminded of what someone said to me many years ago about PBHS being the school that never sleeps. With the size of school that we are and the number of activities that we offer, PBHS really is a busy place.
In amongst the business of our school, one of the measures of success I take from the year, is the manner in which our matrics leave each year. Unlike a number of other schools whether it be around the so called 40 Days, their last few days of the year or during their final exams, our matrics each year leave with dignity and pride. There is never a case of behaving badly, disrespecting the school and other than in the odd case, their appearance remains as it should. We also do not need to have our matrics wear casual school uniform during their matric exams due to their appearance being poor and the boys not wanting to abide by the normal school standards. The fact that our matrics are prepared to finish well and finish as Boys High Boys always makes me proud and is a clear indication of the manner in which the boys acknowledge the pride they take in our school. This behaviour and attitude says so much more than any results can and is in my mind, an extremely important measure of our success.
Talking about measuring success. There was a recent ranking that was posted where PBHS was supposedly ranked 5th in the country in overall sport. Exactly how one determines these rankings will always be a point of debate. I do not believe these sports rankings are at all healthy for school sport and more importantly, for education but whether we like it or not, they have become a considered aspect of the school sporting landscape. Having said this, PBHS has made a huge effort over the past three years to improve its sport across the board and all those involved need to be congratulated. Not because we will ever allow the school’s sports results to define us as a school but because it is important to be competitive. In the nature of an all-boys school, the most important aspect of being competitive is that it has many positive spin offs amongst the boys and these should never be underestimated. Being competitive on the sport front means that the boys walk taller, they look smarter, they feel prouder and it allows them to a greater extent, to take ownership of their school. When boys take ownership of their school so many things fall into place.
What struck me most, however, about this particular ranking was not where we lay in terms of the sport ranking but rather in how we compare to other schools on the list, in terms of our overall offering. PBHS Mission Statement indicates that it is, “The Mission of the School is to pursue and maintain excellence in all spheres of school life, academic, athletic and cultural, within the South African community”. While it has been wonderful to see the improvement in the school’s sport over the past few years, if one was to take the schools 2024 academic results into account as well as the schools cultural offering, I honestly believe there are very few schools who compare to Boys High. Many will compete with us but very few compare.
Boys High’s matric results last year were outstanding. The school had a 89% Bachelor Pass rate, we have a higher percentage of boys taking Mathematics and Physical Science than any school I am aware of, our Information Technology results are excellent, our Music results are outstanding, and we have excellent Future Studies Mathematics and Physical Science Programmes with the largest number of boys in the country taking these subjects (of which both programmes are run within the schools normal academic timetable – something very few schools offer). Coupled with the schools outstanding and extensive Music Programme which in my opinion is world class, the fact that we are the South African pipe band champions this year, and with the extremely wide offering of cultural clubs and societies, is what sets PBHS apart.
Considering all of the above I believe 2025 has been a wonderfully successful year for the school and I thank each of you who have played a role.
Having said this, I wish you all a well-deserved rest. I wish all our staff, parents and boys a safe and merry festive season. For those who are celebrating Christmas, may this be a joyous and special time. May the time spent together with family and friends prove to be the inspiration and motivation required for the year ahead. I look forward to seeing you all in the new year as we welcome the new Form I’s to the school and as we look to build on the success of 2025.
Kind regards
GJ HASSENKAMP
HEADMASTER
FAREWELLS
Mrs Sewelana
After 33 years of devoted service, Pretoria Boys High School bids farewell to Mrs Sewelana, an exceptional laboratory assistant in the Life Sciences and Physical Sciences departments.
Since joining the school in 1992, Mrs Sewelana has been a cornerstone of the department, supporting generations of boys and staff with her diligence and warmth.
Mrs Sewelana served under Mr Schroder, Mr Reeler and myself, observing the school transform as new facilities emerged and teaching methods advanced. She has worked with numerous heads of department, a long list of teachers, and laboratory technicians. As a laboratory assistant, she diligently set up experiments, preparing equipment and materials for dissections in Life Sciences and reactions in Physical Sciences, ensuring practical’s ran smoothly for teachers and boys. Mrs Sewelana’s unassuming nature and warm smile have at all times made the laboratories a welcoming space.
Mrs Sewelana was more than a laboratory assistant. She mentored boys through their experiments, uplifted colleagues with her support, and remained a steady force through decades of change. We extended our deepest gratitude for her remarkable service of 33 years. As she enters retirement, we wished her joy, rest, and fulfilment in this new chapter.
Mr Stoffberg
Mr Stoffberg, the school’s Tennis Pro., started working at Pretoria Boys in the middle of 1997. He began on a temporary basis and was then appointed as the full-time tennis coach in 1998. During Mr Stoffberg’s time at Pretoria Boys, five of the boys he coached went on to become Davis Cup players. These old boys and professional tennis players still speak very highly of their high school tennis coach. Twenty two Old boys coached by Mr Stoffberg have gone on to play College tennis in the United States, the last being a player in 2020. Between 2003 – 2005, the Pretoria Boys 1st tennis team were ranked the No 1 tennis school team in South Africa. During these years, the Pretoria Boys 1st tennis team, won the Wayne Ferreira Tournament, Grey College Tournament and The Kearsney College Tournament on a number of occasions.
The U15A team won the National U15 championships in 2013 and his U15A teams won the Menlopark U15 tournament, five years in a row. As Mr Stoffberg’s time comes to an end at Pretoria Boys, so does an era. The lasting impression he has left on tennis at the school is immense. The boys he has interacted with loved their time with Mr Stoffberg, not just being coached by him, but just as importantly the role model and mentor he has been. We thanked him for his 28 years of loyal and dedicated service to the school.
Mrs Singh
Mrs Singh started at Pretoria Boys High in January 2004. She joined the school form Newcastle in Kwa Zulu Natal. Her experience as a senior English teacher and as a matric external marker added depth to the English Department. In the classroom, Mrs Singh conveys her knowledge of the subject matter in her English classes across different levels of understanding, and has been most competent in assisting both the weaker and top pupils to reach their full potential. She has always been reliable and can be depended on to complete all tasks assigned to her in a professional and most competent way. Her quiet, gentle yet strong nature has been appreciated by the English Department
Extramurally, Mrs Singh has assisted with extra English lessons, as a timekeeper for athletics and was always willing to step in and assist with public speaking competitions when English Department staff were needed.
We know that as Mrs Singh finally takes retirement after twenty-one years of teaching at Pretoria Boys High and after 40 years of being in the teaching profession she looks forward to enjoying time with her family, and especially her grandchildren.
We thanked her for her twenty-one years of service and wished her all the best in her retirement.
Mr Loots
Mr Loots joined the Music department as the school organist in the year 2000 in a part-time capacity and then from 2004 to 2007, worked as a full-time teacher. Life then took a turn and, after working in Bloemfontein for 4 years, he was lured back to the Boys High Music Department in January 2012.
In all his years as school organist, his skills have been evident almost daily. All the usual events in the school hall were dominated by his accomplished and professional organ expertise. As a result, Monday and Friday Assemblies, Commencement Ceremonies, Final Assemblies, Valedictions, Remembrance Day Ceremonies, Old Boys Reunion Assemblies, and many other occasions all became memorably more grand and dignified.
From 2012 to the present day, Mr Loots’ academic work as part of the Music Department included the teaching of Music History to the senior boys and Music Theory to the junior boys. He also provided piano accompaniment for some of the Form II music pupils. In 2004 Mr Loots introduced a Brass Ensemble to the Friday assemblies. This addition to his organ accompaniment of the school hymns and the school song has greatly enhanced the standard of music and encouraged the singing of hymns during assemblies.
In 2013 Mr Loots started two Ensembles in the Music Department namely the Salon Boys and the Boere Orkes and The Salon Boys repertoire included arrangements of folk music from Italy and France and the Boere Orkes displayed distinctive arrangements of South African folk music.
Mr Loots is passionate about wildlife. As MIC of the Wildlife Society since 2004, he has created many opportunities and made provision for many Boys High boys to experience the wonderful richness of wildlife in this part of southern Africa. As part of the Wildlife Society Mr Loots was also responsible for the introduction of the spotted eagle owls on to the school property.
Mr. Loots has been a valuable and integral part of Pretoria Boys High and in particular the Music Department for a total of 22 years and will be retiring at the end of the year. We heartily thanked him for the years of loyalty and service to both the Music Department and the greater School.
Mrs Prinsloo
Ms Prinsloo joined the Pretoria Boys High Staff in 2018 and in her time here, she has become a valued and dedicated member of the Afrikaans Department. As a teacher, her subject knowledge is excellent, she is always well prepared and has the ability to teach in an engaging way.
During her time at Pretoria Boys High, Ms Prinsloo contributed to various areas of school life. She was a committed tutor of Town House and more recently, Armstrong House. Ms Prinsloo has been involved with Afrikaans Redenaars, ATKV Redenaars and she was a swimming official. Using her journalism knowledge, for a number of years she also played an important role as part of the editorial team of the Boys Highlights. Ms Prinsloo’s greatest passion outside the classroom has always been hockey where she has coached the U14B side since arriving at Pretoria Boys High.
Ms. Prinsloo has made the decision to relocate to KwaZulu Natal and will take up a post at Maritzburg College. We acknowledged her for her 8 years of loyal service to the school and look forward to seeing her next to the hockey field at Maritzburg College. We thanked Mrs Prinsloo and wished her well.
Mr Pieterse
Mr Pieterse began his formal employment at Pretoria Boys High School in May 2021. His association with the school however dates back to 2018 where he would help his wife Mrs Pieterse at various functions at the school. Mr Pieterse was part of the Estate Department in various capacities most notably as Maintenance Inspector.
A friendly and popular figure Mr Pieterse has worked tirelessly in the service of Boys High. Mr Pieterse has accepted an encouraging work opportunity and we wish him all the success going forward. We wished Mr Pieterse all the best and thanked him for his service.
Mrs Skippers
Mrs Skippers joined the school at the start of 2023 as the schools clinical psychologist. Her knowledge and expertise leaves the psychology department in a better place than before, where she has contributed to improving our systems and referral networks.
Mrs Skippers has contributed meaningfully to develop how we can support our boys, but most importantly, she has directly impacted the lives of many of our boys in the work that she has done in the three years she has been here.
We wish her well as she continues in her private practice as she resigns from the school so as to be in a position to spend more time with her family and we thank you for her valuable contribution to the school.
NEW APPOINTMENTS
Name Subject/Position Previous School
Catherine Daniels English WHPS
Erica Dannhauser Afrikaans Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool
Gizelle Gouws CAT/IT Hoërskool Dinamika
Keziah Gunter Art Fixed Term at PBHS
Hayley Lace Maths Reddam House College
Ballito
Mmangaliso Maphinda English Currently a student teacher at
PBHS
Andrew Ridley Life Science KES
Morne van der Westhuizen Music St Mary’s DSG/UP/PBHS
Sherina Naicker Clinical Psychologist Private Practice
Saidi Moruane Director of Tennis
Helena Cilliers Afrikaans (in place of Mrs Acres maternity leave)
STAFF NEWS
We congratulated Mrs Brett on her marriage and she is now Mrs Stapelberg, Mrs Tapfuma on the birth of her baby girl, Otshepegile and to Mrs Acres on the birth of her baby boy, William.
START OF TERM 1 2026
Wednesday 14 January 2026 Week 1 Day 3
GENERAL INFORMATION
SCHOOL FEES FOR 2026
At the budget meeting, the following fees were approved for 2026:
Tuition Fees R82 300 per annum (Form I & II)
R78 900 per annum (Form III & IV)
R80 350 per annum (Form V, includes book deposit)
Boarding Fee R98 200 per annum (additional)
Please note that all fees are payable IN ADVANCE with an option of paying monthly from 01 January to 01 October, in ten equal payments. If you choose to pay monthly, then the minimum payment must be made each month by debit order only. The school relies on a steady income for running costs and cannot allow parents to only settle accounts in October. An early settlement discount of 3% on tuition fees and boarding fees may be deducted if these fees are paid in full BEFORE 31 January 2026.
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2026
Term Dates
Term 1 14 January – 27 March
Term 2 08 April – 26 June
Off Week: 27 April – 1 May – Please note that winter sports fixtures will take place on Saturday, 25 April but not on Saturday, 2 May.
Exams will be written on Monday, 15 June.
Term 3 20 July – 23 September
Term 4 5 October– 9 December
PBHS DETAILED YEARLY CALENDAR
Please click on the link below to access the calendar for 2026.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qKnfJU4ApFrQNapin-iODKwfgKC44wueeWbtVzqusY4/edit?usp=sharing
START OF TERM 1 ARRANGEMENTS
All boys return to school on Wednesday 14 January 2026, Week 1 Day 3.
07:30 School Assembly for Forms II – V.
Form I Roll Call at the front of the main school building
08:15 Tutor Period: Issuing of timetables
08:45 Period 2 (Day 3)
14:15 School ends
CAR ACCESS DISCS – Please be advised that the access discs will be handed out on the first day of next term during the boy’s tutor period. Only TWO discs will be provided. Should you have more than one car, please keep them in such a way that they can be moved between cars. No extra discs will be provided.
125 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
2026 – A HISTORICAL MILESTONE FOR PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL
The schools is looking forward to an exciting and very busy year. Please see an outline of the events for the year below. Please follow the various social media posts where further information will be shared during the year.
School Events
- Thursday 15 January House Assembly Issuing of 125 Year Anniversary Ties
- Friday 15 January Friday Assembly School launch of 125 Anniversary
celebrations – Mr John Smit
- Saturday 24 January VIP launch Community launch of 125
Anniversary celebrations – Justice Edwin Cameron
- 4-6 June Founders Day and Old Boys Reunion Weekend
- 24-27 August APBS Conference August
Sports Festivals
- Basketball: 8-10 January 2026
- Water Polo: 13-15 February 2026
- Nomads Hockey: 28-30 March 2026
- Easter Rugby Festival: 4-6 April 2026
- Soccer: 15-17 July 2026
- Cricket: 24-27 September 2026
Cultural Events
- Café Concert: 22-24 March 2026
- School Production: 19-22 May 2026 -Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour
Dream Coat
- SA Championship Pipe
Band Gathering: 20 June 2026
- Son et Lumière: 24 July 2026
- Four Schools Concert: 20-22 September 2026
- Art & Photography Exhibition: TBC
Old Boys Reunion Weekend: 4–6 June 2026
- Old Boys Gala Concert: 4 June 2026
- Friday Assembly: 5 June 2026
- Reunion Dinners (10–60 Years On): 5 June 2026
- Rugby & Hockey vs Jeppe (Home): 6 June 2026
- 125th Anniversary Old Boys Dinner: 6 June 2026
Commemorative Collectibles
To mark the anniversary, PBHS will release exclusive memorabilia:
- A 125-Year Commemorative Book, chronicling the school’s rich history.
- Visions of Boyhood, a pictorial celebration of school life through the decades.
- Limited-edition red and white wines.
- An Abigail Alice print, capturing the iconic architecture of the school.
- Special edition merchandise offered by the Parents Association.
- Each boy will be given a special edition 125 anniversary tie and PT t-shirt.
INNOVATION CENTRE
Pretoria Boys High School has embarked on a bold journey to secure the future of education by investing in transformative projects. Each initiative is designed to enhance, advance and future-proof the school’s proud legacy.
At the heart of this vision is the Innovation Centre which after the years building project, the school will be opening to the boys in January. This is a pioneering space that will become the engine room for the next generation of South African thinkers, coders, engineers and entrepreneurs.
This state-of-the-art complex will empower boys with real-world, hands-on experience in robotics, programming and digital learning. More than just a building, the Innovation Centre is where curiosity becomes capability and where tradition meets transformation. It is about access to future-ready skills, introduced early. It is about enabling young men to become inventors, problem solvers and leaders in an increasingly complex world. It is about building a space that reflects the values Pretoria Boys High School has upheld for 125 years: integrity and excellence.
The facility will accommodate up to 160 pupils across five advanced learning spaces, including:
Two flexible Computer Labs (2 x 30 pupils)
A dedicated Coding and Robotics lab (30 pupils)
A terraced Auditorium with seating for over 100 pupils
Dedicated Engineering Graphic and Design (EGD) Labs (4 x 30 pupils
Should you wish to “fly” through this Innovation Centre, please click on this link:
PBHS Innovation Centre Fly Through
SPORT AND EXTRAMURAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR 2026
The school will begin the school year with the full extramural programme in place. All extramural arrangements will be communicated at the start of next year. Please see the calendar link for the sport fixture dates.
The first sports fixture for the year will be the Old Boys Summer Sports Day on Saturday 18 January 2025. For more details, please click on the link below: https://pbhsoba.alumnet.co.za/Event/summer-sports-day-2026
USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES DURING THE HOLIDAYS
The school’s sports facilities are available for use by current school boys during the school holiday. In order to access the grounds, boys will have to produce a valid student card and be dressed in PT kit. The swimming pools are out of bounds and may not be used. The squash courts are available for use and the security guards have the key to unlock them. Any other facilities that are locked may not be used.
STATIONERY SHOP
The stationery shop will be run from the Rugby PA hut on Oehley Field.
- Open weekdays from 08:30 to 14:30 until Saturday, 13 December 2025.
- Open on weekdays and Saturdays from 5 January 2026 until the end of January.
- During the term, the shop will be open from 08:30 to 14:30, Mondays to Thursdays
- Contact Ms Nicola Wicks (082 468 6678) for any stationery-related queries
The school has contracted Rockercen Stationery for the supply of stationery and compulsory workbooks, dictionaries, and approved school bags. The 2026 stationery requirement lists for all Forms and the Rockercen Stationery Order Forms can be downloaded from the D6 Communicator, under “Resources”.
CLOTHING SHOP
Clothing shop will operate via appointments only. Bookings can be made via the MyScola App for the following dates: Monday 5th January 2026 to Saturday 24th January 2026
Monday – Thursday : 07:15 – 12:45 and 13:45 – 15:15
Friday : 07:15 – 12:45 and 13:45 – 15:15
Saturday : 08:00 – 12:00
During the term, the clothing shop is open as follows:
Monday and Wednesday : 07:15 – 12:45 and 13:45 – 15:15
Friday : 07:15 – 12:45 and 13:45 – 15:00
Closed: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Parents should please encourage your sons to make their own purchases during break times or before and after school.
APPEARANCE AND HAIR
When your son returns to school in the new term, please ensure their uniform is correct and their appearance is in line with the school rules. Please take note of the regulations that pertain to a boy’s hair style as per the school’s Code of Conduct (see the two points below). These rules will be strictly enforced as from the start of term. Boys whose appearance is non-conforming will be sent home on the first day of term until such time that they meet with the school’s requirements. Boys whose appearance is not up to standard, will not be allowed to represent the school at extramural activities. The Hair Committee will make the final decision in this regard.
- Hair must be cut to an acceptable and uniform length and must always be neat and clean. There should not be a significant difference in length of the hair on the sides and the top of the head. Fringes must be above the eyebrow. Hairstyles must be formal by nature.
- No hair products such as gel and/or dyes are permitted and no unusual styles will be permitted. Boys may not perm or straighten their hair.
SOCIAL OUTREACH
In Term 4, our outreach efforts centred on preparing and distributing Santa’s gift bags to bring joy to those in need. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Boys High community, we received 30 physical donations and an overwhelming R23,000 in monetary contributions. This enabled us to assemble and donate 110 Santa’s gift bags – a number that far exceeded our expectations in such a short term. The unwavering support from parents, boys, and staff continues to inspire us, and this year’s response has been particularly heart-warming. We extend our deepest gratitude to every member of our school family for their kindness and generosity, and we wish you all a truly blessed and joyful festive season.
PREFECTS 2026
Head Prefect – Ruan Leonard
Deputy Head Prefect – Tyron Smit
Jesse Abache, Wycliffe Alusala, Joshua Bouwer, Liam Brooker, Kanin Campouroglou, Alejandro De Freitas, Matthew de Kock, Chad Donkin, Mihireteab Fekadu, Michael Fourie, Tim Gordon, Tristin Heinz, Brian Jansen Van Rensburg, Jaydon Knott-Craig, Ayabonga Mabuza, Ofentse Matlebjane, Lefa Monama, Michael Monni, Sashin Moodley, Tiwa Mpepele, Lanchan Muzame, Obi Pilusa, Andrew Potgieter, Motheo Ramatsui, Greg Rogers, Louis Schurmann, Michael Scott, Benjamin Southwood, Chaz Van der Merwe, Bongai Vuyeqaba, Yitbarek Wondafrash
BOYS ACHIEVEMENTS
Academic Colours Awards based on Form V 2025 SBA Results
Honours JP Du Plessis
Full Colours Jenson Breetzke, Rheece Holman, Heinke Meijer, Luka Jovanovic, Varun Kurup, De Wet Pieterse, Ralph Schoeman, Rikard van Hoven,
Reuben van Nieuwenhuizen (re-awards); Shaunhao Feng, Eric Fidos
Adam van Heerden (new awards)
Half Colours Benjamin Crewe-Brown, Imraan de Gama, Daniel de Villiers, Abdul Ebrahim, Manqoba Khumalo, Jason Lee, Lethabo Matsho, Hrehaan Rajnund, Oliver Smythe, Pieter Steyn, Stefan van der Merwe, Edward van Greunen
Cultural Colours
Ballroom Dancing
Merit
Half colours Joshua Botha, Ryan Donaldson, Eduardo Ferreira, Emmanuel Gibberd. Dylan Maphike, David Minter, De Wet Pieterse, Roche Pio, Stefan Schlenther, Arno Schutte, Oliver Smythe
Boys Highlights
Service
Half Colours Heinke Meijer (New Award)
Chess
Merit
Half Colours Thato Seroadi (New Award)
Photographic Society
Merit
Half Colours Rea Mpemnyama (re-award), Philip Yenga (new award)
Full Colours Arno Schutte, Connor Fletcher (re-awards)
Music
Honours Stefan Fourie
Full Colours Philip Anspach, Owen de Jager, Chad Donkin, Matthew Kirk-Coughlan, Ruan Oosthuizen, Michael Scott, Micah Strydom, CJ van der Merwe, Pieter Vorster
Half Colours Andrio de Vries, Rodrigo Lobo Tabora, Kabang Makola, George Pretorius, Ralf Schoeman, Ziya Skele, Tyler Stanton, Liam Verster
Choir Colours
Full Colours Ziyanda Skele, Tumelo Molefe, Ethan MacPherson
Half Colours Lehlabile Mokobaki, Rodrigo Lobo Tabora, Moremi, Nkoane
CULTURE
Music
The fourth term was an extremely short one, but we still had some good results. Our boys did their annual Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exams early in the term and as usual we had some very good results.
The results are as follow:
Seven boys passed Grade 7 and nine boys passed Grade 8 examinations – truly a noteworthy accomplishment if one considers that all of these boys were in Form II – Form IV and that several of them achieved distinctions.
Our choir ended their year with the annual Choir Gala concert, which was certainly a highlight of their year. Ziyanda Skele (Solomon Form IV) was appointed as the new chairman of the choir for 2026. At the end of October Micah Strydom (Matheson Form III) was a finalist in the National Atterbury Piano Competition. In November Stefan Fourie (Armstrong Form III) performed as soloist with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to saying farewell to Mr Loots we also had to say goodbye to our part-time guitar teacher, Mr Gerrit Roos. We will certainly miss them both!
Photographic Society
The following awards were made at the Photographic Society exhibition:
Annual Wildlife photography competition: Wildlife portraiture Category
First Place- Cian East
Annual Wildlife photography competition: Wildlife and their environment Category
First Place- Luke Burrow
Photo Journalist award – this award is given to the photographer who best conveys a narrative with the use of photography – Matthew Kirk Coughlan.
Still Life Award – this award is given to the photographer who best captures the essence of still lives – Stephan Jonker.
Sport Photography Award – this award is given to the photographer who best captures the action and movement of a variety of sports – Noah da Costa.
Most Versatile Photographer – this award is given to the photographer who has produced quality photographs across several categories: Arno Schutte and Connor Fletcher
Most Dedicated Photographer(s) – this award is given to the photographer(s) who has the dedicated the most time to the service of the society: Khosi Mmutle, Raul Fugareu, Stephan Jonker
Most Improved Photographer – this award is given to the photographer who has improved the quality of their photographs the most over the year – Cameron Abel
Most Creative Photographer – This award is given to the photographer who has consistently produced the most creative and well-interpreted responses to the society’s challenges: Cameron Abel and Ryan Opper
The Common Man – This award is given to the photographer who has demonstrated overall consistency, involvement, reliability, and passion for the craft – Benjamin Southwood.
Andrio de Vries (Form III Arcadia) entered into a national photography competition hosted by Bird Life South Africa and won first place in the youth category. His photograph will Feature in African Birdlife magazine and form part of the 2026 Bird Life South Africa Calendar.
Chess
On Saturday, 19th October, the Inaugural PBHS Closed Chess Championship was held in the Abernethy Hall. The results were as follows:
U14 – Gold – Ryan Simpson
U16 – Gold – Ryder Selibowitz
U18 – Gold – Eric Fidos
Special thanks to Mrs Kriel and Mrs Van Vollenhoven for all of their efforts in making the day a success.
Readerslink Competition
A number of boys represented PBHS at a Readerslink competition held at Garsfontein Hoerskool. Our boys competed against five Afrikaans school and the results were as follows:
Open Category – The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Winners – Owami Jacobs and Tsinat Kassahun
Senior English Category – My Life with the Walter Boys
Second Place – Jeremie Mouyeke and Nyasha Chapwanya
Junior English Category – The Last Dragon on Mars
Second Place – Jonathan Sharp and Simhle Ndzobole
Junior Afrikaans Category – Ek sal vir jou veg
Second Place – Benjan Steenekamp and William le Roux
Senior Afrikaans Category – Samboksalf en ‘n draaktraan
Winners – Ben Tucker and Andreas Botes
Ballroom Dancing
On Friday, 17th October, the school hosted the annual Ballroom Showcase in the Abernethy Hall. A fantastic and sizeable audience was entertained by our boys, along with girls in the society. We were taken back in time through classical and rock and roll items, with a distinctive ‘maritime’ theme. The boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves and a memorable evening was had.
Special mention must go Miss Jooste, Mrs Acres and in particular, Mrs Botha for their dedication to the society.
Upcoming Dates in early 2026
17 January 2026 – Annual Old Boys Sport & Cultural day
20 January 2026 – Form I Commencement Ceremony including Clubs & Society displays.
Sports Colours
Athletics
Honours Lehumo Leso 100m, Leema Maruma 200m, Daniel Strachan 400m
Full Colours Bradley Chikane 1500m (re-award), Tsheetso Lekgadimane 800m, Kwena Mojapelo 100m & 200m (new awards)
Half Colours Brennan Naidu 3000m (re–award); Veer Bedesi 100m & 200m, Madimetja Mabutla 400m & Relay, Lunathi Nyama 3000m,
Jesse Strachan 100m & Relay, Olitilwe Phahla 100m (new awards)
School Records
Tsile Seemela, Kwena Mojapelo, Madimetja Mabutla, Daniel Strachan, Senior Swedish Relay, 1:57.52
Siyanda Dladla, U16 Long Jump, 7.16m
Logan De Jager, U14 Shot Put, 16.10m
Tsebo Aphane, U14 300m Hurdles, 41.91
Jonathan Gauld, Senior 1000m, 2:32.94
Tsheetso Lekgadimane, Senior 600m, 1:24.10
Kwena Mojapelo, Junior 60m, 7.00
Cross Country
Full Colours Jonathan Gauld, Melvin Mashishi
Half Colours Bokgoni Mampuru, Blessing Mothloioa, Reitu Nkwane, Bradley Chikane, Brennan Naidu, Andreas Van Rensburg
Team Award Ciano Titus
Street Mile
Junior Senior
- Lunathi Nyama 1. Bradley Chikane
- Lethabo Joao 2. Blessing Mothloioa
- Sebastian Steenekamp 3. Tsheetso Lekgadimane
Headmaster’s Prestige
Junior Senior
- Lethabo Joao 1. Melvin Mashishi
- Sebastian Steenekamp 2. Brennan Naidu
- Paco Ribeiro 3. Bradley Chikane
Cricket
Team award Joseph Van Dijk (re–award); Tinashe Mbingo, Pieter Steyn (new awards)
Soccer
Full colours Neemaad Smith (re–award); Charl Hofmeyr, Thando Madonsela, Boikanyo Motitswe, Kgolagano Sesoko (New Awards)
Half Colours Bradley Angu, Lehumo Leso, Diago Sequeira, Alwande Peza, Thabe Kabu, Reitumetse Nkwane
Team Award James Damalis, Mogau Maepa, Zano Mthethwa, Ben Oosthuis
Soccer Service
Half Colours Tshepo Sekoala
Soccer Awards
Two of the soccer awards are named after Gian-Piero Signorelli, the 2017 soccer captain – the year soccer started at PBHS.
The Gian–Piero Signorelli award for the player of the season: Neemaad Smith
The Gian–Piero Signorelli award for sportsmanship and service to the 1st team: Thando Madonsela.
The most improved player of the year: Evan Bester
Tennis
Half Colours Roche Pio (re-award)
Team Award Daniel De Villiers, Khanyisa Goba, Luka Jovanovic, Stefan Schlenther, Ryan Spedding, Arno Schutte
Provincial Selection
Cross Country
Gauteng North Colours
U19 Jonathan Gauld, Bokgoni Mampuru
U17 Melvin Mashishi
U16 Bradley Chikane, Brennan Naidu
U15 Lunathi Nyama
U14 Sebastian Steenekamp
Water Polo
Northern Tigers U19A Liam Joao–Palm, James King, Oliver Oberholzer
Northerns Tigers U16A Noah De Costa, Liam Freeman, Luke Josephs, Marc Vermandele
Northern Tigers U16B Connor Bayne, Zizwezonke Sibiya, Tyler Stanton, Alex Stedall, Noah Strydom, Bokang Tladi, Izak Van Der Linde
Northern Tigers U15A Zachary Alton, Excel Azuatalam, Mark Lindeboom, Harrison Oberholzer, Matthew Reis, Benjan Steenekamp
Northerns Tigers U15B Shaun Nono–Longang, Ryan Opper, Michiel Smit, Gio Arcangeli
Northerns Tigers U14A Matthew King, William King, Alexander Scott, Ryan Simpson, Ashton Smith
Northerns Tigers U14B Daniel Botha, Harry Davis, Ethan Modena, Rocco Stapelberg
Cricket
Titans U19 Provincial Timothy Gordon
Titans U16 Provincial Justin Basdeo
Titans U15 Regional Dylan Kruger, Mbuyelo Ngomana, Tshepang Baloyi
Basketball
Tshwane U15 district
team Gior Gantana, Marcell Human, Naude Stevens
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
SA Maths Olympiad – Our school was awarded the certificate for the Top Performing Quintile 5 School in Gauteng and Daniel Bester was the top performing pupil in Gauteng.
