The 2023 Chronicle

something in return to the school – a magnificent building and a high-tech facility. More recently we have been the recipients of padel courts which have ensured Michaelhouse is at the forefront of schools engaging with the fastest growing sport in the world. Again, we thank generous donors and friends of the school who have made this possible. And with the new Tatham now nearing completion, we continue to upgrade our boys’ accommodation, an important commitment which will be continued in developing Pascoe in 2024 and other Houses in years to come. One of the many traditions at Michaelhouse is the Pancake Race on Shrove Tuesday. Initiated by the late Fred Pitout, one of the outstanding chaplains of Michaelhouse and a mentor to many Old Boys, this has been continued under subsequent chaplains, including the Revd Chris Meyer. While this event is, in essence, a fun event, it means that we consider each year the Christian essence of our lives as we enter Lent. It also encapsulates the fun of our interhouse rivalry and underscores the holistic nature of a Michaelhouse education. E Block boys have had backyard adventures this year during which they have gone to the Reserve during the week, learnt to put up a tent on, say, a Thursday night and then come back to the school at daybreak to shower, change and go to lessons. Again, education in its broader form. More recently, as part of reviving the tradition lost through Covid days of boys climbing Inhlosane, the E Block boys summited the mountain as part of their E Block camp and were joined by many prefects. Our attempts to raise awareness of how privileged many of our boys are and the extent to which this contrasts with the situation of so many South Africans has been a feature of our community work under the auspices of our CPT in a number of different schools in our province. Individual boys, such as Enrique Benassi, have also embarked on specific projects, and Paul de Wet, a seasoned Mathematics teacher, has initiated and led a project called Shaya Izibalo Maths Institute, which seeks to upgrade maths learning in our area and, ultimately, in South Africa. This is no small undertaking. On the cultural front, the musical with the unfortunate name of Urinetown was a focal point of the second quarter, starring Bradley de Klerk and GQ Mbuyazi, and our Competition Marimba Band won the top award at a national event in Boksburg. What exuberance! But perhaps the moment which will be most indelibly etched in the minds of our boys was an occasion on a late afternoon in the second half of June: our victory in the last rugby match of the season at Hilton. This followed an earlier triumph on the playing fields of Rugby School in an international sevens competition, and several of us have turf from the school where William Webb Ellis first picked up the ball and ran with it. Let us savour these moments once more – nothing wrong with that! Turning now to the boys who are leaving, may I start by paying tribute to Andrew Woodland, the Senior Prefect, who has led the boys with authority, calm and understanding of the big picture which is the school, and to Murray Baker, the Second Prefect, for his passion for all things Michaelhouse, particularly those in the realm of sport. He and Andrew have served the school with 23

our quads and classrooms and fields. But first we welcome our guest speaker, Mr Andrew Cook, to Michaelhouse. Andrew will be introduced later by Murray Baker, our Second Prefect. So my welcome to you, Andrew, entails briefly reading a poem you wrote when you were a teacher here. To me this demonstrates your love for and understanding of the essence of Michaelhouse and its inner sanctum, the Main Quad. Mostly male domain, the quad squats foursquare In the lap of the school, its neat rectangles and Weighty flagstones rooting it firmly in the earth. It’s not going anywhere. Through its traffic crossroads gowned academic, Bookshod sportsman, hungry schoolboy and aspirant Thespian. The upstand buttress arrows the overarching sky Magnifying masculinity, and eyes Michaelhouse Main Quad

Drawn along geometric lines Amplify the stark imperative: Quit ye like men: be strong.

But the colour doesn’t fit: rosy, red brick Gentles the impression, and the worn edges Of tiles and arches, transfigured by human touch Soften the thrust and drive of perfect symmetry. The fountain’s running water too, and privet’s Rounded topiary makes feminine influence tangible Though few flowers grow.

Site of warcry and schoolboy prank Great moon clock and horror tale Barn owl’s haunt and Jabula sale Round it all lie ancient arms “Who like God?” He will prevail.

For breathed in brick and balustrade In rounded arch and colonnade Live still the shades of those who’ve passed Along these paths and passageways Their quiet spirits here excite for us who wander in and out

A sense of balance, love and light That graces all that’s best in life.

– Andrew Cook

My aim today is to present to you in a target time of 15 minutes a kaleidoscope of images which reflect aspects of the year, and these do not come in any chronological order, but rather as moments or themes which have lifted us out of our ordinary lives. In naming the Dloti Quad we remembered Themba and the loss of a brother to many as well as the profound impact made by his father, Thabo, at Board level. We also were fortunate enough to open the Makan Centre, celebrating a family from humble origins who had worked hard to send boys to Michaelhouse and were now giving

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