The 2023 Chronicle

components. We know we have to up our game so that Michaelhouse will be regarded as one of the benchmarks of independent school outreach, demonstrating best practice in all we do. In this regard, at the conclusion of 2023, the trustees and interested parties (17 in total) held a strategic workshop at which our 10 focus areas were debated. Project champions and performance measures were then attached to each. We will be presenting progress in respect of our strategy at our annual Old Boy gatherings as well as at our parent meetings.

of learning by focusing on improved teaching, better learning outcomes, teacher development and leadership through training and mentorship, as well as fixing infrastructure where it is absolutely essential. MCPT hopes, through the memorandum of understanding with the provincial MEC for Education, to enhance collaboration so that the Education Department will assist with improvements beyond the scope of the MCPT.

Michaelhouse has recently developed a sustainability model (above) of which community and education are essential

Should you wish to contact us about any of the above, please send us an email us at cpt@michaelhouse.org .

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

IT INFRASTRUCTURE After laying the foundation for our wireless network with our fibre installation in the previous year, 2023 saw the upgrading and allocating of multiple access points and switches around the school. This was to make sure that the campus was covered with Wi-Fi, giving access to the online learning platform for boys and staff in all locations and whenever it was required. The accessibility of the internet across the campus has allowed for the connection and communication between pupils, staff and parents to flow seamlessly, thus giving a taste of today’s fast paced, connected wider world. CLASSROOM UPGRADES Music saw the first of the planned upgrades occur with a much- needed revamp of the musical instruments storage room, where lockable cabinets now provide protected places for the musicians to place their musical tools. With a newly appointed head of Geography, the department saw a facelift and classrooms being brought into the modern era, so that these environments of education befit the geologists of the future. SPORTS-RELATED To enhance Meadows even further – following the upgrade to the parking lot last year – an electronic scoreboard was installed. Most of the Michaelhouse community would have seen this in action at home games during the 2023 rugby season. The Indoor Centre’s cricket nets had some areas replaced to keep the facility in pristine condition to allow for training during the rainy Midlands days.

Written by Joni Warburton

E

ntering a multi-year phase of alternate energy as well as the upgrading of boarding houses, 2023 was a great year for campus advancement for the present and future of all

boys, staff and the community at large.

SOLAR AND INVERTER INSTALLATIONS Following the 250kWp rooftop solar panels installed in 2022 on the Indoor Centre, the need for energy security remained high on the priority list, and phase two of the project saw a further 200kWp solar panels being installed on the Junior Dining Hall and Schlesinger Theatre roofs in 2023. Multiple hubs were created in the school where inverters and batteries were strategically installed to allow the school to function with minimal disruption and reliance on generators during load shedding. MAKAN AND MEDIA CENTRE Mr Divesh Makan was present to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the incredible high-tech Makan Centre. The introduction of a Makers Lab with 3D printers, new economic classrooms, open and collaborative workspaces, and the AV set up all bring Michaelhouse boys to the forefront of education and the fourth industrial revolution. TATHAM HOUSE (PROGRESS) As mentioned, the start of the multi-year refurbishment to the boarding houses began with breaking ground for the new Tatham – situated above what used to be a bike shed and then a classroom. Closing the gap between the English block and East, Tatham’s new location was cordoned off, construction began and it was 90% complete by the end of 2023. This major build marks the start of a domino effect for the complete makeover of the Houses – a move to modernized accommodation for the boys at Michaelhouse in the coming years.

An awning was added to the Punchbowl hockey dugout to keep the rain and sun at bay.

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