FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

into their new fancy home, which came with its benefits and was highly appreciated by the boys. The extremely long waiting list to join this fine House is a true representation of what the boys have created and pride themselves on: dress, manners and showmanship. The challenge of carrying the ethos of Tatham from our old home to our new one was met head-on by all the boys, from the prefect team to the E Blockers as soon as they arrived. The E Block year had a rough start but their relationships with one another slowly started to develop through the efforts of the prefects and general House comradery. There were some top-quality sportsmen, such as Jarred Cole and Cameron McCleary, who played both U14A rugby and cricket. And there was evidence of leadership quality, with Harry Steyn and Luke were all E Blockers who looked up to our Cops and the matric group, waiting for our chance to occupy the cop shop. To say that this year came and went faster than expected would be an understatement, but the boys were still able to achieve some memorable feats. Basti Hofmeyr represented the school in both first team cricket and hockey. West Mitchell-Innes also played First XI cricket and hockey, further earning selection for KZN hockey. Ayden McDavid led the school choir, with Brett Hill supporting as deputy choir leader. Robert Combrink made his mark in First XV rugby, while Liam van Aardt contributed to the second team football. Oliver Mostert demonstrated his skill as a member of first team tennis. As I prepare to leave East and, by extension, Michaelhouse, I cannot be anything less than grateful for the time I have spent here. Michaelhouse is a special place with only 600 boys fortunate enough to be here at any given time. I am grateful to be one of them. Reflecting on this point has meant that I have spent time thinking about the essence of a man of East or a man of Michaelhouse. I was drawn to the words of Ben Parham, Baines class of 1997, which are emblazoned on the fountain just outside the Makan Centre. However, I felt it was time for an East boy to give his take on expressing this timeless adage. I think it is something like this: A true Michaelhouse boy will never look down on another, even when he is stumbling and falling, for when you lift me up, I will lift you too, and together, we will rise. SALVETE: Samuel Bennett, Jack Cambell, Maddon Elliot, Matthew Grant, Evan McMurray, James Moodley, Lindokuhle Nene, Kwandokuhle Ngidi, Kingsley Oldreive, Mholi Phili, Adam Roberts, Kivar Royappen, Andonis Salamousas, Layton Spence, Lwandile-Junior Zondani VALETE: Ayden McDavid, Samuel Bates, Onalerona Lefakane, Robert Combrink, Christopher Skinner, Brett Hill, Liam van Aardt, Oliver Mostert, Luke Kaufmann, West Mitchell-Innes, Sebastian Hofmeyr, Matthew Solms

U16 elite player development programme in the Western Cape. Ross Furgeson contributed to the second team water polo, and Oliver Vickery was a key player in the U16A rugby side. Harry Witherspoon showcased his musical talents in the jazz band, and Victor North demonstrated his all-round athletic ability in the U16A cricket and rugby teams. Our B Blockers, or Bulldogs as they are affectionately known, faced increasing responsibility in their academic lives and in the House. A mounting load of schoolwork and exams was accompanied by the responsibility of running a leadership portfolio in the House, which could have been enough to overwhelm any candidate. However, these boys showed a great deal of maturity and unity in facing the year’s challenges. I was continually impressed by how the boys did not let the allure of prefectship and status ruin a bond that is the closest of any group in the school. I am also immensely proud that Dominic Sesink-Clee was chosen as Second Prefect of the school for 2025, continuing what has become quite the East tradition – Dom is the fourth consecutive Second Prefect to come out of East. I wish him, Nicholas Baker, as Deputy Head of House, and the rest of the Bulldogs nothing but the best for their final year at Michaelhouse. The boys achieved remarkable success in their respective disciplines. Dominic Sesink Clee represented the school in first team rugby and first team sevens. Michael Pitt was a member of the first golf team, and Ethan Muir, Jean-Luc Rey and Harry Vickery excelled as members of the First XI cricket side. Jason Brufau played first team football and was selected for the KZN U19A football side. Noah Bates earned his place in the first team sevens, and Reily Elliot demonstrated his prowess in first team water polo. William Gilson stood out as a member of the First XI hockey side and further distinguished himself by representing South Africa at polo. The A Block year, although compromising 20% of one’s time at Michaelhouse, feels like a fraction of that. The added stress of final exams and the thought of life without Michaelhouse can take its toll. However, I can say without a doubt that this was my most memorable year at the school. Five years ago, we

TATHAM

Written by Benjamin English

Housemaster: Mr Righardt Kotze Assistant Housemaster: Mr Grant Ball House Tutors: Mr Graeme Lucas-Bull, Mr Sinethemba Mabaleka, Mr Hayden Hankinson, Miss Aimee Nell E Block Tutor: Mrs Peta Roberts Interns: Mr Sinethemba Mabaleka, Mr Hayden Hankinson Head Of House: Benjamin English House Prefects: Cameron Strudwick, Tristan Roques, Matthew Nel, Anelechi Obasi, Tomas Baguley Bonsma he “handcrafted” and “uniqueness” shine brightly throughout Tatham in the boys’ spirit and passion for their House. 2024 was the year the Tatham boys moved

T

178