A Message from the Headmaster: End of Term Newsletter – October 2025

Dear Parents / Guardians,

FORM V’S – GOOD BYE, GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU

It is traditional, in this term’s newsletter, to pay tribute to the leaving Form V class and thank them for the role they have played in the school this year. It has, by all accounts, been a successful year and in this, our matric Class of 2025, must be complimented. They have been an extremely positive group who have led well and set a high standard which the rest of the school has followed. I am extremely proud of our matrics and what they have achieved this year and I am sad to see them go. At the same time, it gives me a sense of great excitement and anticipation to see them leave as they look to make their mark on the world outside of school.

The matrics will have one week of school at the start of next term during which they will have their Valediction Ceremony and Final Assembly after which I wish them all the very best for the final examinations, which they will begin writing on 21 October. It is the schools wish that these boys finish well and that the matric exams go ahead without any complications where all our Form V boys will achieve the results they truly deserve.

Very importantly, thank you also to the Form V parents and guardians who have supported us so loyally over the past five years. I trust we have fulfilled the expectations you had of us and that you have seen a positive change in your son. Thank you for all your support.

HEADMASTERS MESSAGE – WHY AN ALL-BOYS SCHOOL?

Earlier this term I had the opportunity, as I do each year, of attending the Association of Public Boys Schools (APBSA) Headmasters Conference which was hosted by Northwood High School in Durban. I always find this a valuable gathering of headmasters from similar schools. We are all public boys schools and to a large extent, we are all facing similar challenges and it is always good to compare notes. Having said this, I more often than not come away from this conference feeling positive. While there is so much that we can and need to do better and while the educational landscape is changing and we need to adapt accordingly, I am also reminded that there is a lot we are getting right. Many of the challenges a number of our brother schools face, we are not having to deal with. The important part here is to make sure we keep it that way which is a reminder never to take anything for granted and to never become complacent.

In being at the conference and discussing issues that relate to our schools, in my times of reflection, I was reminded of why it is that I believe in an all-boys monastic education. An education where things are done in a specific way relating to a specific population. In our case, boys. In thinking about the way we do things at our all boys schools, I was reminded of an article that was recently published in the Sunday Times and Herald newspapers.

It was an article questioning the relevance of monastic schools. The article, in fact, attempted to motivate for the abolishment of monastic schools in South Africa arguing that their relevance has become outdated. From the article, it was interesting to note that monastic schools in the United Kingdom and in fact, around the world, are slowly but surely diminishing. Globally there is less of a desire for monastic schools than there has been in the past. What was of particular interest in the article was that it was written by Prof. Jonathan Jansen. Prof. Jansen is a distinguished professor of education at Stellenbosch University, who himself chose to put both his two children thorough single sex high schools. One of his sons, in fact, attended Pretoria Boys High.

For me, the article was not so much whether single-sex or co-education is ‘better’ but rather the question parents should be asking is, “Which is the right school for my child?” In my mind Prof. Jansen’s opinion to abolish single-sex schools entirely misses the point. In South Africa, boys’ schools continue to achieve outstanding academic results and produce leaders in every sphere of society. For some boys, co-ed settings may well be better. But for many, a well-run boys’ school provides a space to grow, free from certain social pressures, where learning, identity and confidence can take root in different ways.

In defending the cause for monastic schools, there is no longer any debate around the fact that boys and girls learn differently, and research suggests very convincingly, that boys in boys’ schools tend to outperform boys in co-ed schools. Research has also found that pupils at single-sex schools not only have superior academic achievement, but also have higher educational aspirations, more confidence in their abilities, and a more positive attitude to towards their academics. Outcomes of a study in Australia found that “boys in single-sex schools were more likely to be better behaved and to find learning more enjoyable and the curriculum more relevant.” While top academic performers are reasonably evenly spread across genders, there is also credible research in South Africa which indicates undeniably that boys’ schools generally provide a disproportionately high number of top sportsmen in the sports they offer. I am not aware that it has been researched locally but with regards to cultural activities, it would take a brave person to suggest that co-ed schools produce proportionately more or better artists, orators, musicians or the like. Research also shows us that single-sex schools reflect higher levels of pupil participation in leadership roles, sport, arts and extracurricular activities.

Please don’t misunderstand me, this is not an attack on co-ed schools. There are magnificent co-ed schools in our country.

To return to the comment I made earlier: the real issue is not the type of school per se, but rather the school that is best for the pupil. Pupils are not all the same and will thrive in different environments, but I continue to believe that a well-run all boys environment is a healthy and good one.

I believe all boys’ schools are uniquely positioned to understand and respond to the developmental needs of boys. Through tailored character education and structured mentorship, they are able to challenge outdated stereotypes and nurture purpose, empathy and self-discipline. I believe schools like ours have developed strong traditions of mentoring and values-based education designed to build character, emotional intelligence, and respectful relationships. In short, they are designed to build good men. Because we can focus solely on boys, we can tackle the challenges of modern boyhood, peer pressure and masculinity directly and sensitively. I continue to believe the pastoral care and character education offered at our school offers more value than many of the formal educational programmes.

It was Albert Einstein who said, “Education is that which remains, when one has forgotten everything you learnt”. This suggests that a true education goes well beyond simply memorising facts and balancing equations but rather focuses on the lasting skills, principles and values, and ways of thinking that endure long after you have left the classroom. These lessons and what our boys are learning outside of the classroom, I believe, is where the real value lies in an all-boys school education.

So, far from being relics of the past, as Prof. Jansen would like us to believe, after attending the APBSA conference last month, I was reminded that South Africa’s boys’ schools are innovative and dynamic environments taking our single sex pupils well-being seriously. From what I can see, all of our boys schools in South Africa are working hard towards raising good young men for a complex world and I believe our schools are worth protecting, not dismantling. Long may our South African monastic schools last.

GJ HASSENKAMP

HEADMASTER

 

FAREWELL – MRS TARRYN THOMPSON

Mrs Thompson will be departing the school at the end of the term as she looks to spend more time with her family.

Mrs Thompson has been a teacher at Pretoria Boys High School since 2012, although her first connection with the school began in 2008 when she completed her student teaching here. Over the past 14 years, she has made a remarkable contribution to both academic and extracurricular life of the school. As a Life Sciences teacher, she has been a steady and passionate presence in the department, guiding her classes with dedication and care. In 2018 she took on the management role of Form I and II Life Sciences (when it was decided that Natural Sciences should be split into Physical and Life Sciences) and has since overseen the subject with commitment and vision. She served as Acting Head of Department from 2020 to 2021, before being permanently appointed as Head of Department in 2022 until present.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs Thompson played a crucial role in the golf programme starting the beginner golf initiative in 2013 and later serving as MIC of Golf from 2014 to 2017. She was actively involved in tennis, taking practices and league matches and serving as MIC in 2023. She also served as an administrator for Basketball in 2018 and as a keen time-keeper at inter-house swimming galas.

Mrs Thompson has also been a tutor in Abernethy House since 2012.

Mrs Thompson will be remembered for her professionalism, her willingness to step into leadership roles when needed and her wholehearted support and dedication shown to boys, colleagues and friends. We extend our gratitude to her for her years of service and wish her all the very best in the next chapter of her journey.

STAFF NEWS

We congratulated Mr & Mrs Mola on the birth of their baby boy on 10 July 2025, Otshepegile, and Ms Diane Erasmus who was married during July holidays and is now Mrs Van Jaarsveldt.

THIRD TERM REPORTS

All Term 3 results will be published on the Saspac App from 12:00 on Friday, 3^rd October 2025.  There will be no reports printed for Term 3.

The link to access the web-based app is as follows: https://pbhs.saspac.online

START OF TERM 4

Term 4 will start on Monday 13 October with Week 1 Day 1.

TERM 4 ARRANGEMENTS AND END OF YEAR EXAMS

For the Form I – IV boys, the end of year examinations will commence a mere two weeks after we return. The fourth term is an extremely short and busy term. If your son is to achieve the results of which he is truly capable, a well-planned study timetable and disciplined time management will have to be a priority. The composite examination timetable for Forms I – IV can be accessed on the following link: Form I-IV Examination Timetable November 2025.  Personalised timetables per Form will be issued to the boys after the start of Term 4.

The last day of the Final Examinations for Form I-IV boys is Monday 24^th November. Exams will be written in the first session for all Forms, followed by the End of Year Assembly. The school will end at approximately 12:00 pm. Please do not request early departures for your son as the final assembly is an important part of the school year as we will be bidding farewell to long serving staff.

End of year reports will be issued on Friday 5 December from 8:00 – 9:00 am at the front of the school.

Form V Arrangements:

The matrics will start their final NSC Examination a mere one week after the start of the term (2025 NSC Examination Timetable Oct/Nov). Final House Assembly for the matrics will take place on the 14^th October, Valediction Ceremony on the 16^th October and Matric Final Assembly on 17^th October.

In order to assist the matrics with preparation for the NSC Examinations, additional workshops will be offered from the 13^th October – 16^th October. Details of the workshops are as follows: Form V Workshop Schedule .  Registration for these workshops must be done on Google Classroom for the relevant subject.

GENERAL INFORMATION

NOTICE PERIOD

Parents are reminded of the notice period should you wish to withdraw your son from the school. Boarders are required to give three months’ notice and dayboys one month. Should the notice period not be provided, please note that the relevant school and boarding fees will be charged.

FORM V VALEDICTION – 16 OCTOBER 2025

A letter was sent to all the Form V parents, however, you could click on this link for ease of reference: 2025 Valediction Invitation Parents and Boys

BUDGET MEETING 21 OCTOBER 2025

Please click on this link https://boyshigh.com/uploads/AGM_NOTICE_for_2026_Budget.pdf

for information about the budget meeting.

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

GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS DEVELOPMENT

The following grounds and building projects have been completed over the past six months.

1. Building of 2 new catering facilities for the PA, situated at the Hockey astro and the basketball courts (R850,000).
2. Upgrading of the pump station servicing the playing field irrigation system. Complete replacement of pumps & related equipment at the reservoir that holds the groundwater used for irrigation (R400,000).
3. Installation of additional ventilation in the gallery section of the hall. Improvement of fresh air supply and circulation (R250,000).
4. Road resurfacing – Main Drive (Jacaranda to Solomon House) (R250,000).
5. Upgrading of the Boarding House lightning protection. Complete replacement of the earth-strapping of all buildings (R200,000).
6. New netting for the cricket practice nets. Complete replacement (R180,000).
7. New discus practice net. Additional practice facility to assist or athletes in that field (R65,000).
8. Ongoing upgrades to the water supply reticulation. This is an ongoing project to address our ageing infrastructure (R300,000).

Plans for the remainder of the year

1. Building of the new Academic Innovation Centre.
2. PV Solar system for the Boarding Houses (Funding options being explored).
3. Installation of back-up power (generator) for Pollock campus.
4. Reflooring of main building corridor (ground floor).

APPEARANCE AND HAIR

When your son returns to school in the new term, please ensure that 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 hairstyle as per the school’s Code of Conduct (see the points below). These rules will be strictly enforced as from the start of term and will remain in place until all the exams have been written. Boys are not allowed to grow their hair in anticipation of the school holidays.

Boys whose appearance is not up to standard 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.

HOLIDAY SPORTS ACTIVITIES

Water Polo

The 1^st Water Polo team are taking part in the annual SACS Water Polo tournament being held in Cape Town from the 3^rd – 6^th October. This festival is attended by all the top water polo playing schools in South Africa.

Cricket

The 1^st cricket team are taking part in the annual Michaelmas cricket festival, which is being held at Maritzburg College. The festival runs from the 3^rd October – 7^th October.

The 2^nd cricket team are taking part in the Michaelhouse cricket festival running from the 8^th October – 12 October 2025.

The U15A team are taking part in the Sommerville U15 cricket festival being held at Pretoria Boys from 3^rd October – 7^th October 2025.

The U14A cricket team is taking part in the annual Charl van Rooyen cricket festival being hosted by Paarl Boys, from 3^rd October – 7^th October in Paarl.

Basketball

The 1^st basketball team will be taking part in the Westville Stayers Basketball tournament. This tournament takes place at Westville Boys in KZN from the 3^rd October – 6^th October 2025.

Soccer

The 1^st soccer team will be taking part in The Grey College soccer tournament. This tournament takes place in Bloemfontein from 3^rd – 7^th October 2025.

Inter–House Sports Results

Athletics

• 1^st School
• 2^nd Solomon
• 3^rd Rissik
• 4^th Matheson
• 5^th Sunnyside

Rugby Senior                                                          Rugby Junior

• 1^st Solomon                                                       1^st School
• 2^nd Rissik                                                          2^nd Solomon
• 3^rd School                                                          3^rd Matheson
• 4^th Abernethy                                                   4^th Town
• 5^th Armstrong                                                   5^th Armstrong

Hockey Senior                                                        Hockey Junior

• 1^st Armstrong                                                       1^st Hofmeyr
• 2^nd School                                                            2^nd Abernethy
• 3^rd Sunnyside                                                      3^rd Sunnyside
• 4^th Town                                                               4^th School
• 5^th Matheson                                                       5^th Arcadia

SPORT

Colours

Cross Country

• Full Colours              Jonathan Gauld (re-award); Melvin Mashishi (new award)
• Half Colours              Bradley Chikane, Brennan Naidu, Bokgoni Mampuru, Blessing Motlhoioa, Reitumetse Nkwane, Andreas Van Rensburg
• Team Award             Ciano Titus

Fencing

• Full Colours              Kean Brummer
• Half Colours              Jeandré Bouwer (re-award)

Mountain Biking

• Full Colours              Ethan Mitchell, Jonty Strydom
• Half Colours              Daniel Eager, Tristan Vorster

Table Tennis

• Half Colours              Bongai Vuyeqaba

Winter Sports awards 2025

Hockey

The Green floating trophy for sportmanship in hockey was Takalani Mulautzi.

The most improved player of the year: Rorisang Boshomane

The senior hockey player of the year for 2025: Owen Mc Menamin

Rugby

The 2^nd team player of the year: Pieter Lindeboom

The 1^st team top try scorer for the year for 2025: Jeffery Singo

The 1^st team player of the year for 2025: Jeffery Singo

Squash

Gaunt award for the most improved player (greatest improvement in his game during the past year) is Luke Stolle

The Cook award for sportmanship (awarded to the player who epitomises the spirit of the game both on and off the court) is Dean Cilliers

The Stephens award for player of the year (the player who has achieved excellence when representing the school) is Benjamin Southwood

Climbing awards

The Sandy Black trophy (a former staff member who had a huge impact in climbing at Pretoria Boys) is awarded to the most improved climber which is Philip Anspach

The 2^nd award is the Kilonewton trophy for the most promising and strongest climber is Pieter Vorster

The 3^rd award is called the Superbowl trophy which is named after a famous crag at Waterval Boven. This trophy was awarded to the best senior climber and was awarded to Oliver Smythe.

Table Tennis

Most improved player of the year: Calvin van Zyl

The player of the year for 2025: Binyamin Salie.

CULTURAL COLOURS

Pipe Band

• Half Colours              Keystone Anokam, Kabelo Kgofelo, Vuyisile Mashalane, Bugcisa Mayeko, Boikanyo Motlou, Jotham Msibi, Jedd Muzame, James Pilcher, André Roets, Alec Steyn

Public Speaking

• Half Colours              Jordan Davids, Michael Maritz, Ethan Macpherson, Solami Sithole, Tyron Smit, Michael van Staden

Drama – Merit

• Half Colours              George Pretorius (re-award); Oliver Oberholzer, Jandre Smit (new wards)

Sound and Light – Service

• Half Colours              Brennan Chamberlain, Heinrich Schoeman

Chess

• Half Colours              Andrio De Vries

Photographic Society – Merit

• Full Colours              Stephan Jonker (re-award)
• Half Colours              Raul Fugareu, Matthew Kirk-Coughlan, Khosi Mmutle, Benjamin Southwood (re-awards); Cian East (new award)

Debating – Merit

• Full Colours              Jesse Abache, Sechaba Maphatsoe
• Half Colours              Caleb Oosthuizen

First Aid Society – Service

• Full Colours              Michael Bentz

CULTURAL REPORT

Pipe Band

On Saturday, 13 September members of our Pipe Band’s drum corps competed in the South African drumming solos at St Benedict’s College. Our school had that largest number of competitors on the day and achieved some impressive results:

Event wins:

• Jaydon Klassen – 1st (Snare Novice March)
• Luyolo Puwani – 1st (Drum Pad)
• Drum corps – 1st (Juvenile Drum Salute)

We were the only band to present a drum salute on the day, which meant we were awarded first place by default. However, our boys delivered a polished and spirited performance that truly showcased their talent, earning warm and enthusiastic applause from the audience. During the prize-giving ceremony, our drum corps was highlighted as an example to inspire other schools to enter this section in future competitions.

Public Speaking

On Thursday, 25^th of September our Public Speakers competed in the Four Schools Public Speaking Festival hosted by Affies (including PBHS, Affies, Affies Meisies and Girls High). Individual results were as follows:

• Eli Du Plessis won the Grade 10 category
• Solami Sithole achieved 2nd in the Grade 11 category

Photographic Society

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.

Equestrian Sports

Julian Van Greunen (Form III Town) joined this year by his brother James Van Greunen (Form I Town), competed in and represented PBHS, at the SANESA Equestrian Sports Tshwane Qualifiers and Gauteng Finals this year.

Julian and James performed well in the qualifiers, both were subsequently selected for the Tshwane team, and both performed well in the Gauteng Finals held earlier in August. Both boys have been selected to represent PBHS and Gauteng at the upcoming SANESA National competition in late September/October.

Inter House Play Festival

The curtain came down on an incredible House Play Festival — three nights of laughter, surprises, and moments that left us all asking, “what were they thinking?” Every house gave us something to remember, and we thank you all.

Best Male Actor: Eduardo Ferreira as the teacher in “This is a Test” by Abernethy House. Special mentions: Grant Spencer as Sisky in “The Apple” (Solomon) and Vuyo Fani as Simon in “Conned by Death” (Town).

Best Female Actor: De Wet Pieterse as Leonie in “Joined at the Hip” (Rissik).

Special mention: Solami Sithole as Mary in “Higgins, the Highwayman” (Sunnyside).

Special mentions for standout moments:

Andreas Botes for his brilliant comedic timing as Lenny in “Attic Antics” (Armstrong).

Elihle Khumalo for his terrifying laugh as the Thokoloshi in “Santa’s Holiday” (School).

Best Director: Oliver Oberholzer from Sunnyside House.

The overall results were as follows:

5th place: Arcadia (68%)

4th place: Rissik (70%)

3rd place: Solomon (71%)

2nd place: School (73%)

And the champions of the 2025 House Play Festival, with 75%, Sunnyside House.

Chess

The top 3 results of the annual Inter-House Chess tournament were as follows:

• 3^rd – Town (24,5 points)
• 2^nd – Hofmeyr (25,5 points)
• 1^st – Arcadia (33 points)

SOCIAL OUTREACH

As always, we were overwhelmed by the generosity of our boys and Boys High community during the Term 3 Dignity Bag and Food drives. We managed to put together 60 dignity bags and we have enough food for 5 charities. The Social Outreach Society has wanted to get involved with Wollies for quite a while now, and this Term we were able to donate cat and dog food as well.

We cannot express how grateful we are to each and every individual who has contributed this term. None of this would be possible without our boys and our parents. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and wish you a restful holiday!

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR TERM 4

16 October –  Photographic Society Exhibition

17 October –  Ballroom Showcase

BOYS ACHIEVEMENTS

Our warm congratulations go to the following boys:

MTB – Jonty Strydom ended fourth in Gauteng in the Cycle Lab Series and received a certificate and provincial jersey at the prize giving.  He will be representing PBHS and Gauteng at the Nationals in Mpumalanga from 3-5 October 2025.

Hockey – Takalani Mulautzi and Owen McMenamin (U18) received their National colours as well as Liam Brooker (U17).

Rugby – Jeffrey Singo (U18A) and Mbala Ndima (U16 Elite Player Development) received their National colours.