The 2025 Chronicle

CHRONICLE THE 2025

Michaelhouse, an Anglican school in the Diocese of Natal, was founded in 1896 and is a South African boarding school, with an international reputation, for senior boys. Situated on a secure estate in the beautiful Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, the school has a fully residential staff which facilitates a high level of pastoral care and interaction with the pupils. The distinctive architecture of interlinked quadrangles inspires a sense of belonging amongst the 642 boys. VALUES To live our lives according to the Christian values of integrity, humility, compassion and courage in service to our community and country. MISSION To provide a dynamic and progressive education for boys that respects individual needs and embraces diversity and change in pursuit of academic, sporting and cultural excellence, while providing social and leadership skills and nurturing spiritual growth. VISION “Our aim is to make not accountants, not clerks, not clergymen, but men; men of understanding, thought and culture.”

Canon James Cameron Todd, Founder of Michaelhouse (Speech Day 1897)

CONTENTS Message from the Rector 02 Leadership and Staff 04 Prize-Giving 17 Speech Day 23 St Michael Awards 40 Spiritual 47 Academic Reports 56 Cultural Programme 95 Clubs and Societies 112 Environment and Community 126 Sport 141 Michaelhouse Life 185 House Reports 190 Old Boys 213 Class of 2025 237

MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR

2025 has been a year of significant en deavour and achievement for our boys, and also a year in which important architectural developments at the school have impacted signifi cantly on the lives of our community. The most important project to be completed was the widening of the existing Chapel, thanks to the generosity of the Inglis, Bruins, Jonsson, Sacco and Ralfe families (and a family which preferred to remain anonymous), so that the whole school of 640 boys along with all the teaching, administrative and oper ational staff could worship together at the same time. This was critical to the soul of the school. The beginning of the third term, therefore, saw the re-dedica tion of the beautiful Chapel by our Bishop, Nkosinathi Ndwan de, with light streaming into it and the roof raised by the boys’ robust singing of “Stars of the Morning”. Great credit was rightly given to Nick Grice who has done so much as our architect over three decades to enhance the beauty of the school through his subtle appreciation of the lines, angles and light in our build ings. His last project before retirement was to re-imagine and remodel his own old House, Farfield, which was reopened in the fourth quarter with the roof raised in a different way to that in the Chapel above the A Block area, bathrooms and shower ing facilities integrated into the body of the House and a new terrace facing the St Michael Quad. The classrooms attached to Farfield housing the Mathematics Department were equally splendidly redesigned and appointed, creating an atmosphere more than conducive to learning. Looking back to the matriculation results made available in the first quarter of 2025, it was pleasing that the A Block of 2024 achieved a 100% bachelor’s degree pass rate, enabling every boy to go on to university and, indeed, an average of 2.6 As per boy. It was notable that the First Rugby XV achieved 3.34 As per boy, a factor underlining the age-old epithet mens sana in corpore sano . It was also satisfying that, as a school which is selective but does not select on academic criteria, there was an improvement of 2.14% on average by each boy across all subjects from the C Block to the A Block.

The dux, Patrick Lambert, achieved eight distinctions, and Luke Kaufmann, sixth on our Order of Merit, won a place at Peter house College, Cambridge, to read history and politics. Between 20% and 25% of our boys annually go directly after school to university in the UK, with the most popular universities being Exeter, Edinburgh, Durham and St Andrew’s. A smaller number go to Ivy League universities such as Princeton, UPenn and Co lumbia in the US directly from school. Artificial intelligence, which had been knocking on the door of our consciousness, became a more significant factor in 2025 and teachers started to assimilate it into the methodology. By the second quarter 94% of boys were using AI to enhance their academic experience, but 74% recorded at least one instance of AI providing false or incorrect information. Doubtless, the lat ter will reduce in time. Eighty percent of Michaelhouse teach ers believe that AI will enhance the learning experience in their subject. While the threat of plagiarism is significant, skilfully used AI can enhance critical thinking. Our Head of Sport, Mr Ryan Ravenscroft, himself an Olympian and a previous captain of the South African hockey team, in jected much energy into the school partly by initiating an online meeting with parents at the beginning of each season in each major sport. We can also say with confidence that all boys par ticipated in sport in 2025, and most schools struggled to field as many teams as we did in each sport, a great tribute to the organisation of the teacher-coaches and the enthusiasm of the boys. The High Performance Centre is used from early in the morning until the evening and has been instrumental in seeing the advance of our success. Our teams enjoyed considerable success across all sports, with the First Hockey XI being one of our flagship teams over the winter season. The year finished strongly, too, especially for cricket and water polo. A major musical production, Jesus Christ Superstar , was a fea ture of the third quarter and some Old Boys wrote in to declare it the best production they had ever seen at Michaelhouse. The Chapel Choir, involving exactly 10% of the entire school, and the Chamber Choir won gold medals at regional level, and the Jazz Band did so at national level. Music is strong at Michaelhouse and this speaks to the multifaceted nature of the education re

EDITORS: Murray Witherspoon, Nicola Kidgell, Dermott White FORMAL PHOTOGRAPH ADMINISTRATOR: Lauren Thompson DESIGN & LAYOUT: Shanice Cassim PRINTERS: Burble Printers COVER: Andrew Martens CONTACT: Private Bag X1, Balgowan, KwaZulu-Natal, 3275, South Africa

(+27) 33 234 1000 info@michaelhouse.org www.michaelhouse.org facebook.com/michaelhouse.org @michaelhouse1896 youtube.com/@michaelhouse1896

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ceived by our boys. Societies such as the Debating Society and Toastmasters are flourishing and are important in the overall development of our boys and their preparation for life. The Transformation and Diversity Advisory Committee contin ues to meet regularly, and the boys consider how to bridge gaps – real or perceived – and offer thoughtful advice to our Execu tive Committee. Once again, Michaelhouse was listed by two publications as being among the top schools in the world. Spears and Carfax Education both acknowledged the international standing of Michaelhouse, whereas Steer, an organization which seeks to monitor and support mental health in UK schools and organi zations such as the Chelsea Football Club, awarded our school the epithet of Champion School of the Year. Sadly, at the end of the year, we bade farewell on retirement to Mrs Glynis Owen, a mathematics teacher of the highest or der, to Mrs Mary McMichael, a much-respected English teach er whose appreciation of the nuance of the English language

made her exceptional in the classroom, and to Mr Brendan Gittins, whose powerful impact as Deputy Rector: Pupils was a significant factor in guiding the boys to successful outcomes over the course of the year. Brendan moves on to be the head master of Jeppe High School for Boys where he will, no doubt, be very successful. The Rector-elect, Mr Bart Wielenga, was able to join us in Durban, the Midlands and in Johannesburg over a few days in September to meet parents and Old Boys preparatory to his arrival in July 2026. In the meantime, Mrs Win de Wet is ready to act as Rector for the first six months of 2026, and I have little doubt that she will do so with aplomb. As I take leave of Michaelhouse after seven years, my sincere thanks go to all the parents, Old Boys, friends of the school and members of the Board who have supported me over those years. Brigitte and I will be forever honoured to have played a role in steering this wonderful school and my warmest good wishes go to all who care for Michaelhouse and who under stand its unique qualities and nature.

Scan the QR code for Mr

A tribute to Antony and Brigitte Clark for an exceptional term of office which has been profoundly positive for Michaelhouse. This song written by Gareth Dry was performed by the boys in a moving farewell Chapel service as well as a gala dinner that followed, and paid tribute to a significant man and job very well done.

Antony Clark’s tribute.

LEADERSHIP AND STAFF

Michaelhouse was founded in 1896 and is an internationally renowned South African boarding school for senior boys. The school is governed by a board made up of significant South Africans. At the heart of the school’s academic, pastoral, spiritual and cultural endeavours is a fully resident academic staff complement whose daily role is to nurture, guide and encourage our boys.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2025 Back Row: Mr Bongani Phakathi, Mr Peter Hayward-Butt, Mr Njabulo Mthembu, Mr Simon Camerer, Mr Richard Bates (President Old Boys’ Club), Mr Jerome Wilson, Mr Deon Dhlomo, Ms Joni Warburton, Mr Ross Elliot and Canon Delysia Timm Front Row (seated): Mr Jason McCormick, Mr Ray Mkhulisi (President-Elect Old Boys’ Club), Mr Antony Clark (Rector), Mr Andrew Schaefer (Board Chairman), Dr Zuko Kubukelo (Board Vice-Chairman) and Mr Sean Lumley

GOVERNORS Mr R Bates (President Elect: Old Boys’ Club) Mr S Camerer Mr M Collins Mr D Dhlomo Mr R Elliot Mr P Hayward-Butt Dr Z Kubukeli (Deputy-Chairman) Mr S Lumley (President: Old Boys’ Club) Mr J McCormick

Mr R Mkhulisi Mr N Mthembu Mr P Nel Mr B Phakathi Mr A Schaefer (Chairman) Canon D Timm Mr J Wilson Mr A Clark (Rector)

Mr G Bruins Mr N Sowazi

TRUSTEES Mr S Jonsson Dr Z Kubukeli Mr P Hayward-Butt Mr A Hewat (Trusts’ Chairman) Mr A Schaefer Mr P Nel Ms J Warburton (Finance Director)

ASSOCIATE GOVERNORS Mr A Hewat

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MICHAELHOUSE STAFF

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Antony Clark, MA HDE: Rector (31/12/2025) Win de Wet, BA HDE: Economics, Deputy Rector: Academic Brendan Gittins, BCom Acc, BCom (Hons) Finance PGCE: Economics, Accounting, Deputy Rector: Pupils (31/12/2025) Revd Chris Meyer, BCom LLB, Post Graduate Diploma in Theology: Chaplain, Divinity Sibusiso Ncamani, BEd, Geography, Deputy Rector: Pastoral Joni Warburton, BCom (Hons), CA(SA): Financial Director PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE Brigitte Brown, BA (Div), Dip HRM: Functions & Events Manager Dr Carika de Swardt, D Phil Mus, M Mus (Ed): Head of Culture, Head of Subject Music, Tutor-McCormick Medicine, Tutor-Pascoe, MIC-Rugby Marius Henn, BA (Hons): Operations Manager (31/01/2025) Tim Jarvis, BA Ed (Hons), BA Psych (Hons): Life Orientation, School Counsellor, Senior Master: Pastoral Karin Moffat, BSc (Hons) HDE: Mathematics, FS Mathematics, Senior Housemaster, Housemaster-McCormick Lynne Moore, BA HDE, BEd (Hons), HRM Dip: Human Resources Manager Ryan Ravenscoft, Diploma: HDE: Sport, Tutor-Founders (wef 22/04/2025) Mitchell Reed, Management of International Health and Safety: Operations Manager (wef 17/03/2025) Ryan Strudwick, BAgric Mgt, PGCE: Senior Master: Sport, Tutor-Founders (31/03/2025) Akhona Sikhakhane, BSocSci Psych (Hons): Community Partnerships Trust Manager Tanith von Mayer, BA, PGCE: Senior Academic, (wef 01/01/2025) Murray Witherspoon, MA: Head: Admissions & Marketing, Associate Director of the Old Boys’ Club James Fleming, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy: Head of Sports

ACADEMIC STAFF Lisa Abbott, BEd: Mathematics, Tutor-East (wef 01/01/2025)

Dominic Gruijters, BSc (Hons): HoD Information Technology, ICT, Assistant Housemaster-McCormick Lieschen Harrison, PGCE, BA (FA): Visual Arts, English, Tutor-McCormick, MIC-Cross-Country Matthew Higginson, BSc (Hons), HDE: Physical Science, FS Physics, Housemaster- Baines, MIC-Squash Claire Hornby, BA, HDE: English, Tutor-Farfield (part-time) Edward Jeffrey, BEd: Physical Science, Housemaster-Mackenzie Vincent Jordaan, BA, PGCE, Geography, Tutor-East (wef 01/01/2025) Lucy Ivins, BA (Hons), PGCE, History, Life Orientation, Divinity (part-time) Righardt Kotze, BSc (Hons), PGCE: Life Sciences, Life Orientation, Housemaster-Tatham Leigh Kotze, BA Psych, MPhil, PGCE: HoD Life Orientation, English, History, Tutor-Ralfe William Koopman, LLB, PGCE, BA(Hons), BA: History, Tutor-Ralfe William le Cordeur, MA: Dramatic Arts, Theatre Director (part-time) Graeme Lucas-Bull, BCom, PGCE: Mathematics, Tutor-Tatham Dale Lynch, BA, PGCE: HoD Geography, Tutor-East Cheron McConnell, BSc (Hons), HDE: Housemaster-West, MIC-Water Polo Mary McMichael, BA, HDE: English, Tutor-Pascoe (31/12/2025) Evan Mickleburgh, BEd: HoD EGD, Tutor-Pascoe Paula Meyer, BSc, HDE: Mathematics (part-time) (wef 01/01/2025) Karin Moffat, BSc (Hons), HDE: Mathematics, FS Mathematics, Housemaster-McCormick, Senior Housemaster Xolisile Mzinyane, BEd (Hons): HoD Life Sciences, Tutor-Baines Justin McDougall, MSc, PGCE: Geography, Assistant

Grant Ball, B.Journ (Hons), PGCE: HOD: English, Intern Co-ordinator, Assistant Housemaster-Tatham Conrad Bubb; BEd (Hons), HDE: Subject Head of Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics, Tutor-McCormick Rebecca Bubb, BEd, Educational Psychology (Hons): Learning Support Co-ordinator (part-time) Sally Cahill, B.Journ (Hons), PGCE: English, FS English, Tutor-East, MIC- Debating & Public Speaking Programme Jeremy Cahill, PGCE: Part-time teacher, Life science, Outdoor, and Coach Katherine Cass, MA (Neuropsychology and Education), MA (Sp Pathology), BA (Sp & H Th): Head of Learning Support, English, Life Orientation, Tutor-Farfield Khalipha Cele, BSS (Hons), PGCE: Geography, Tutor-East, MIC-Cricket (30/06/2025) Jenni Clinton-Parker, BA Psych (Hons), BA Fine Art (Ed): HoD Visual Arts, Life Orientation, Counselling, Tutor-Founders Marcel Cornelius, BEd: Afrikaans, Assistant Housemaster-Mackenzie Jed Coventry, BA Psych (Hons): HoD Media Centre, Media Studies, Tutor- Baines Ian Crawford, BEd: ICT, CAT, Housemaster-West Dr Carika de Swardt, D Phil Mus, M Mus (Ed): Head of Culture, Head of Subject Music, Tutor-McCormick Paul de Wet, BSc, HDE, BEd (Hons), PGCE: Mathematics, FS Mathematics (part-time) Gareth Dry, BA Drama (Hons), PGCE, Post Graduate Certificate Advanced Teaching, Teachers Licentiate Voice & Choir: Head of Music, Tutor-Ralfe (wef 01/04/2024) Amanda Emmott, BSc (Hons), PGCE: HOD: Mathematics, FS Mathematics, Tutor-West Christopher Felix, BEd: HoD Accounting,

HoD isiZulu, Tutor-Farfield Mxolisi Ncane, BSc, PGCE: Mathematics, Tutor-Farfield (wef 01/01/2025)

Assistant Housemaster-Baines Emsoné Fourie, BEd: Afrikaans, Tutor-Founders (31/03/2025)

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SCHOOL PREFECTS 2025 From left to right: James (Brunton) Bigalke, Takudzwa Ngorima, Rhys Barry, Oliver Bruyns, William Ridl, Lerotholi Seeiso (Senior Prefect), Dominic Sesink Clee (Second Prefect), Keagan Elliott, Lwandle Nzama, Koketso Bopape, Oliver Davis

Steven Ngwenya, BEd: Mathematics, Tutor-McCormick Aimee Nell, BEd (Hons): IT, CAT, Tutor-Tatham Nkanyiso Ngcobo, BSc, PGCE, BEd (Hons): Physical Science, Housemaster-Pascoe, MIC-Golf Jean-Pierre Olivier, BEd: Afrikaans, Assistant Housemaster-Pascoe Glynnis Owen, BSc (Hons), HDE: Mathematics (part-time) (31/12/2025) David Pachonick, BA, Geography (part-time), Tutor-Founders Martine Planteau de Maroussem, BA, PGD, HDE: HoD French Bradon Peel; PGCE, Part-time Teacher Life Science Garth Quaite, BEd (Hons): EGD, Assistant Housemaster-Founders Peta Roberts, BA, PGCE: English, FS English, Tutor-Tatham, MIC-Boys’ Service

Doug Rodger, BA(FA), PGCE: English, Housemaster-Farfield Asha Royappen, BA, PGCE: HoD Dramatic Arts, Tutor-Baines Lwando Saunders, BCom (Hons): Economics, Tutor-Ralfe Michael Sevenoaks, BBusSci PGCE: Economics, Tutor-West, MIC-Tennis Linda Shezi, BA, PGCE: isiZulu, Housemaster-East Clint Sliedrecht, MSc, PGCE: HoD Physical Science, FS Physics, Tutor-Mackenzie, MIC-Basketball Paul Snyman, BSc, HDE: Life Sciences, Housemaster-Ralfe Peter Stevens, BA, HDE: Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy (part-time) Wayne Sudding, BEd (Hons), Afrikaans, Tutor, Founders (wef 01/07/2025) Jason Syce, Diploma, PGCE: Economics, Tutor-Mackenzie

Chris van der Berg, MA, HDE: HoD Afrikaans, Tutor-Baines Brandon Venter, BEd: HoD History, Assistant Housemaster-East Herman Visagie, MA Residential Education, BA (Hons), PGCE: English, Housemaster-Founders Ilne Visagie, BA, PGCE: Afrikaans (part-time) Grant von Mayer, BSc, PGCE: Physical Science, Tutor-Farfield, MIC-Hockey Riette White, BCom, PGCE: HoD Economics, Tutor-West Simphiwe Xulu, PGCE: IT, CAT, Assistant Housemaster-Ralfe (20/05/2024) Sanele Zikhali, BEd: isiZulu, Assistant Housemaster-Farfield, MIC-Soccer

INTERN STAFF Joshua August, Tutor-Ralfe (wef 01/01/205) (31/12/2025)

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ACADEMIC STAFF 2025 Fifth Row: Brandon Venter, Michael Sevenoaks, James Kiln, Linda Shezi, Conrad Bubb, JP Olivier, Graeme Lucas-Bull, Justin McDougall, Thabani Mchunu, Ryan Strudwick, Clinton Sliedrecht, Mxolisi Ncane, Jed Coventry, Dominic Gruijters, Lwandiswa Zuma. Fourth Row: Grant Ball, Paul Snyman, Grant von Mayer, Ross Dubazana, William Hodgkinson, Amanda Emmott, Claire Hornby, Herman Visagie, Lucy Ivins, Sanele Zikhali, James Fleming, Khalipha Cele, Dale Lynch, Cheron McConnell, Nicholas Bérichon, Ian Crawford, Harry Reggie Davidson, Xavier Saunderson. Third Row: Garth Quaite, Hayden Hankinson, Simphiwe Xulu, Jenni Clinton-Parker, Ilne Visagie, Marcel Cornelius, Lydon-Lee Gruijters, Bruere Venter, Joshua August, Luyanda Zondi, Jeremy Cahill, Thokozani Ngcobo, Vuyo Mkhize, Sigqibo Benjamin Siyaya, Mthunzi Mdunge, Lunga Nkosi, Riette White, Katherine Cass, Eldene Bruiners, Brandon Peel, Dominic Leslie. Second Row: Evan Mickleburgh, William Koopman, Doug Rodger, Asha Royappen, Lwando Saunders, Jason Syce, Martine de Maroussem, Aimee Nell, Lisa Abbott, Xolisile Mzinyane, Gareth Dry, Christopher Felix, Steven Ngwenya, Sally Cahill, Glynnis Owen, Chris van der Berg, Peta Roberts, Lieschen Harrison, Rebecca Bubb, Che Charles, Matthew Higginson, William le Cordeur. Front Row (seated): Nkanyiso Ngcobo, Paul de Wet, Tanith von Mayer, Ed Jeffrey, Righardt Kotze, Karin Moffat, Sibusiso Ncamani, Win de Wet, Antony Clark, Joni Warburton, Brendan Gittins, Chris Meyer, Tim Jarvis, Lynne Moore, Murray Witherspoon, Mary McMichael, Carika de Swardt

Joshua Allderman, Tutor- Mackenzie (wef 01/01/2025) Che Charles, Tutor-Farfield (wef 01/01/2025) Reggie Davidson, Tutor-West (wef 01/01/2025) Lydon-Lee Gruitjers, Tutor-Mackenzie (wef 01/01/2025) William Hodgkinson, Tutor- East (wef 01/01/2025) Sizwe Khoza, Tutor-Ralfe (wef 01/01/2025) Benjamin Siyaya, Tutor-McCormick (wef 01/01/2025)

Kelton Thunder, Tutor Pascoe (wef 01/01/2025) Nkanyiso Zuma, Tutor-East (wef 01/01/2025) (31/12/2025) Hayden Hankinson, Tutor-Tatham Zethembiso Jali, Tutor-East James Kiln, Tutor-Baines Dominic Leslie, Tutor-Pascoe Thabani Mchunu, Tutor-Baines Thokozani Ngcobo, Tutor-Farfield Xavier Saunderson, Tutor-McCormick Bruere Venter, Tutor-Founders

Luyanda Zondi, Tutor-Pascoe (31/12/2025) Lwandiswa Zuma, Tutor-Founders (30/09/2025) SPORTS Ryan Strudwick, BAgric Mgt, PGCE: Senior Master: Sport, Tutor-Founders (31/03/2025) Ryan Ravenscoft, Diploma: HDE: Sport, Tutor-Founders (wef 22/04/2025) James Fleming, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy: Head of Sports Medicine, Tutor-Pascoe, MIC-Rugby

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Bronwyn Cramer, BCompt, PG Dip (Accounting) (CTA): Financial Manager (30/06/2025) Keegan Evans, BCom Accounting, AGA(SA): Financial Manager (wef 01/07/2025) Jacques Ehlers, BCom: Financial Assistant Larisha Govender, Management Accountant Gwyneth Benson, Creditors’ Controller Sethabile Cele, LLB Attorney (SA): Debtors’ Controller Pushpa Ramharack, Financial Administrator Ronel van der Berg, Cashbook Administrator COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS TRUST Akhona Sikhakhane, BSocSci Psych (Hons): Community Partnerships Trust Manager Ayanda Ntombela, ND Tourism: Community Partnerships Trust Administrator Nqobile Zuma, Programme Co-ordinator (wef 13/10/2025) DEVELOPMENT OFFICE Frances Fleming Bolttler, BSc: Head of Development HUMAN RESOURCES Lynne Moore, BA, HDE, BEd Educational Psychology (Hons), HRM Dip: Human Resources Manager Londiwe Hearthstones, ND HRM: HR Generalist IT Van Wyk Oosthuysen, B Arch: Head of Digital Simon Dottridge, BCom: Senior Network Technician Mbuyiseni Mkhabela, IT and Audio-Visual Specialist Shalani Govender, IT Administrator Joseph Mkhize, Cultural Technician (wef 01/01/2025) ADMISSIONS & MARKETING Murray Witherspoon, MA: Head of Admissions & Marketing

Nicky Kidgell, BCom (Hons): Senior Marketer Shanice Cassim, Creative Designer Catherine Maitin-Casalis, Marketing Co-ordinator Sian McDowell, Admissions Administrator MEDIA CENTRE Jed Coventry, BA Psych (Hons): HoD Media Centre, Media Studies, Tutor-Mackenzie Melissa Ross, Librarian Keren Shunmoogum, Bookroom and Photocopy Administrator OLD BOYS’ CLUB Ron Rutland, BCom: Old Boys’ Club Director Murray Witherspoon, MA: Head: Admissions & Marketing, Associate Director of the Old Boys’ Club Aphiwe Mthalane, Old Boys’ Club Friendraiser SANATORIUM Sr Yvette McDonald, BTech OHN, Dip Nursing, (Gen Psych Comm) & Midwifery: Senior Sanatorium Sister Sr Umme-Haani Arbee, General Nursing (Dip): Sanatorium Sister Sr Mbali Miya, General Nursing (Dip): Night Sanatorium Sister (31/12/2025) Jenay Ngcobo, Sanatorium Accounts Administrator Sr Sanelisiwe Ntuli, Bachelor of Nursing Science (Hons): Sanatorium Sister TRADE INN Jacqui Snyman, Senior Trade Inn Assistant Dannica Baillie, Trade Inn Assistant (wef 01/05/2025) Tyrone Hearthstones, Trade Inn Assistant Elize Watt-Pringle, Trade Inn Assistant (31/01/2025) OPERATIONS Marius Henn, BA (Hons): Operations Manager (31/01/2025) Katherine Clark, Old Boys’ Club Administrator (wef 18/08/2025)

Nick Bérichon, BA, PGCE: Head Hockey Coach, Tutor-Founders (wef 01/01/2024) Prosper (Ross) Dubazana, BSport Science (Hons): Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Tutor-Pascoe Mfundo Gumede, BTech Sport & Exercise Technology: Strength & Conditioning Coach (31/12/2024) Mthunzi Mdunge, Strength & Conditioning Intern, Tutor-West Stuart Roberts, BCom: MIC Canoeing (part-time) ADMINISTRATIVE & ACADEMIC SUPPORT STAFF Carol Baillie, Housemother-McCormick and Ralfe Raymond Duma, Physical Sciences Lab Technician Kelly Jacquire, BSocSci: Pastoral Administrator (30/06/2025) Angela Jonsson, Executive Assistant to the Rector Wendy Kelly, Academic Administrator Alison Klue, Housemother-Farfield and Pascoe (wef 01/01/2025) Sibusiso Elton Mlotshwa, Arts and Humanities Technician Sarah Bien, Housemother-East and Founders (wef 01/01/2025) Sylvia Masenya, Receptionist, Personal Assistant to Financial Director (01/01/2025) Minenhle Mtshali, Data Administrator Zanele Ndlovu, Life Sciences Lab Assistant Rebotile Ngwenya, Housemother-Baines and Mackenzie Nolwazi Shezi, Housemother-West and Tatham Lauren Thompson, Co-curricular Administrator Nikki Veenstra, Administrator to the Rector and Board of Governors Melissa Verwey, Pastoral Administrator (wef 01/11/2025) Lawanda Zondi, Music School and Theatre Administrator (part-time) FINANCE Joni Warburton, BCom (Hons), CA(SA): Financial Director

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SECURITY Caroline Higginson, Security Analyst (part-time) Mduduzi Khanyile, Security Supervisor (Ballid) TRANSPORT Denver Kalika, (Dip) Fleet Mgmt, (AdvDip) Bus Mgmt, (Hons) Bus Mgmt: Transport Manager Nirvana Naicker, Transport Admin Co-ordinator Jack Ndlela, Transport Driver Co-ordinator Robert Duma, Driver Nkosinomusa Mahlaba, Driver

Mitchell Reed, Management of International Health and Safety, Operations Manager (wef 17/03/2025) Bongi Tshapa, Health, Safety & Environment Officer CATERING – FEEDEM CATERERS Nonsikelelo Bhengu, Shift Catering Manager Wesly Grobbelaar, Executive Chef Carly Kok, Functions Manager- (25/04/2025) Beryl Mbotho, Functions Manager (wef 15/05/2025) Khanya Mkhize, Shift Catering Manager Gina Mitchell-Innes, Project Manager Bonang Motloung, Store Manager Jackson Ngcobo, Sous Chef ESTATES & GARDENS Graeme Nothard, NDip Horticulture: Estate & Nature Reserve Manager

Meshack Khumalo, Estate Supervisor Amanda Jarvis, Gardens Manager

FUNCTIONS & EVENTS Brigitte Brown, BA (Div), Dip HRM: Functions & Events Manager Bongi Tshapa, Functions & Events Assistant DOMESTIC SERVICES Happy Nzima, Domestic Services Manager Samuel Zuma, Laundry Supervisor Candy Sithole, Domestic Services Administrator MAINTENANCE Donovan Nel, Maintenance Manager Kyle Slinger, Assistant Maintenance Manager & Electrician Bradley Chetty, Maintenance & Building Inspector

Cornelius Sithole, Driver Thula Sikakane, Driver Victor Thwala, Driver Steven Zuma, Driver

We are proud to have been included [in the Spear's Schools Index] so consistently, an accolade which speaks of the sustained and collective commitment of our entire community to excellence in all its forms. Rector's eNews

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TRIBUTES TO STAFF LEAVING

TRIBUTE TO ANTONY CLARK

school and that the chapel is central to all we do here at Michaelhouse. It is therefore most fitting that we pay tribute to him today in our incomparably beauti ful chapel, recently enlarged to be able to accommodate us all. While we will be focusing on Antony’s con tribution to Michaelhouse this afternoon, it would be remiss not to mention his leadership at four other schools preced ing his arrival here. As a young man Ant ony took the reins of St Joseph’s Marist College in Cape Town before returning to lead his old school, St Andrew’s Col lege. After seven years in this role Ant ony spent an extended and highly suc cessful period in England, leading first Gresham’s and then Malvern College. When Antony leaves Michaelhouse he will have been a principal for a stagger ing 34 years. Antony, as a community we feel significantly blessed that you chose to include Michaelhouse in your lifetime of service to education. Of course, we be lieve you saved the best for last. Antony arrived at Michaelhouse in April 2019 and went straight into a lengthy ad missions meeting despite the fact that he had only recently alighted from an aero plane. Although the plane may have land ed gently on the runway, Antony’s first few weeks at Michaelhouse were anything but that. He had to negotiate a labour strike and a serious disciplinary issue within days of arriving in Balgowan. He took these in his stride and it became immediately

evident that we were being led by a man with significant experience and wisdom. While Antony’s leadership has been firm and decisive, it has also been collabora tive. As an exco we have met every sin gle morning to ensure we can all make our contributions and that everyone’s input is carefully considered. Although I was not part of the exco at the time, I understand that Antony hosted two on line meetings each day to navigate the troubled waters of the Covid pandemic. We are proud of how we thrived in those difficult times, and much credit must be given to Antony for this. A spirit of selflessness and service has been the hallmark of Antony’s leader ship here. While he has held each of us to high standards of conduct and con tribution, he himself has always gone above and beyond these. He has done so with distinction, but also with significant humility. We have seen Antony put the school’s needs ahead of his own each time. It has never been about Antony but always about Michaelhouse. Nowhere has Antony’s servant heart been more evident than in the annual induction of school prefects where, each year, Antony has washed the feet of a few boys here at the altar, role-modelling the service ethic he has been so successful in inspiring in others, boys and staff alike. Antony is a stickler for the small things – arriving on time, being properly turned

It is a pleasure and an enormous privilege to pay tribute to our retiring Rec tor on behalf of the Michaelhouse staff team.

Retiring Rector. RR. I will come back to that in due course. We want to use this opportunity not only to honour Antony for leading us with dis tinction but also to thank him for his ser vice to our special school. Antony has been a lay minister in our chapel and has been a significant sup port to our chaplain, Chris Meyer. At ev ery opportunity Antony has emphasised that we are unashamedly a Christian

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out. He knows that developing sound habits in the small things is a big step towards success with bigger things. Ant ony has helped our boys understand the importance of having “a sense of oc casion”, and our assemblies are distin guished occasions where the place and its people are appropriately respected. Antony himself has significant gravitas, aided only in small part by his furry hood from Cambridge University. Antony has a great sense of responsibility. He knows the benefits of thorough preparation and he leaves nothing to chance. He has been intentional in instilling these traits in his colleagues and the boys. Antony’s family have not only been a strong source of support to Antony, but Brigitte and Kath have also contribut ed much to our community. Antony and Brigitte have hosted us graciously in the Rectory, which is as homely as it is stately. On the many occasions we have enjoyed there, they have insisted on per sonally serving each and every one of us. One of Antony’s many contributions to Mi chaelhouse has been the formation of the Snell Society, where our top academics are given the opportunity to research a topic of their choosing, present it and defend their position. This gives them excellent experi ence for an application interview for many of the world’s leading universities. Brigitte is, herself, a leading academic, and the boys needed to get their facts straight and be on their toes to counter her questions and challenges. Brigitte has served as an academic lawyer in a number of leading universities locally and in the UK. She has, arguably, sacrificed some of her own ca reer aspirations in support of Antony pur suing his. Thank you, Brigitte. Kath has contributed significantly in a va riety of roles, big and small. She helped co-ordinate and host our very successful intern recruitment process and, more re cently, has helped with administration in the Old Boys’ Club. Like Antony, both Brigitte and Kath have invested significantly in our community and we will all miss them. Like Antony, they too have come to love this place which they have called home for the past seven years. It is wonderful that Andrew and Emily can be with us today in order that they too can bear witness to Antony’s contribu tion. Although it is a shame that Francie and Nico cannot be with us, it is exciting that a grandchild is on the way to further enrich Antony’s and Brigitte’s retirement.

Mary McMichael’s departure from Mi chaelhouse marks the end of an era, sig nifying the loss of an immense presence within the Michaelhouse community and, specifically, the English Department. If we could choose, we would keep her; however, we bid her and Richard farewell with gratitude and a deep appreciation for their remarkable years of dedicated teaching at Michaelhouse. Mary served as Head of the English De partment from 2008 to 2016, leading the team with strength of character and formidable presence. A fun fact: during her time at Michaelhouse, she worked under five other heads of department and outlasted six Rectors. As an English teacher she champions the fundamental principle that grammar still matters, and she takes it personally when boys in her class use the apostrophe incorrectly or misunderstand a misrelated participle. Her reputation as an outstanding teacher is well-earned, seen in the countless ma trics being armed with necessary tools, such as “simile strategies” and “meta phor musings”. She is a true “legend of the classroom”, often bringing complex poetry and prose to life, quoting Othello and Macbeth and appreciating the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy and Finuala Dowling. Although iSAMS and Moodle and Teams frustrate her, she has navigated change, from the era of overhead projectors to the modern age of smartboards and AI, successfully. In the early computer days, Pete Dennyson said that she was gracious with those who were less tech nologically gifted, and she is a lot more computer-capable than she has ever giv en herself credit. Her teaching influence spans generations – she has taught 23 Michaelhouse mat ric classes and mentored many E Block boys during their first year. She is an out standing homeroom teacher, described as fair, considered, and full of care. Stu dents consistently note her exception al ability to connect on their level while maintaining authority, often enhanced by her hallmark dry wit and sarcastic sense of humour. Richard Snowden is in awe of her formidable presence and said that a simple look could silence a ram bunctious student. However, these looks were always tempered by her generous heart and kindness. Mary is much more than a classroom teacher – her service is layered. She coached the successful third hockey team, her coaching philosophy being pragmatically precise: “It’s a simple

I mentioned RR for “retiring Rector” at the start. RR is also, of course, Rolls Royce. Antony, you are our Rolls Royce. You personify class, reliability, perfor mance and timelessness. To a man, woman and boy we feel very blessed to have been the beneficiaries of your leadership and service. We wish you everything of the best for your retirement. We hope that it will be both purposeful and restful. We hope that you will find the time to visit us oc casionally and we hope too that you will take the time to reflect, with enormous pride, on your contribution, not only to Michaelhouse, but to education at large. Thank you. Go well and God bless. Address by Win de Wet

MARY MCMICHAEL

I imagine this midnight moment’s forest:

Something else is alive Beside the clock’s loneliness And this blank page where my fingers move.

Ted Hughes was a master poet. The im agery; the movement; the mood. Simply sublime. Mary loves his poetry. Perhaps it is because she, herself, is a poet; or, perhaps, it is that she is a lover of words. “Words. Words. Words.” – Hamlet’s re sponse to Polonius when asked: “What do you read, my lord?” Mary, by the way, dislikes Hamlet – intensely. For reasons we may never fully understand, she has waged a quiet but consistent campaign against the poor Dane. Although, if I’d been forced to endure years of teenage boys dramatically quoting “to be or not to be”, I too might have turned on him.

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LINDIWE JOYCE NXUMALO

game – stop, pass, score.” Furthermore, she coached junior squash and led the prestigious Toastmasters Society. Her photographs of the Balgowan valley cap ture the mood of the Midlands and reflect her love of nature and of the outdoors. Mary’s legacy is not just with the thou sands of students she has taught, but also with the many teachers she has men tored and guided. Jonathan Smith com pared her to the great literary figures she loves: she has a Shakespearean love for poetry; she is a Dickens of great stories; she keeps a satirical wit that would make Austen proud; her ability to identify the realism of life is Plath-like; and yet she is always tempered with an Angelou capac ity for hope. Pete Huntley wrote that her subject knowledge and willingness to help any scholar or colleague with a challeng ing English conundrum were hallmarks of her approach to teaching. The most apt, perhaps, were the words of Pete Denny son borrowed from Alan Paton: “There was a brightness about her.” As she retires, after decades of unwaver ing service, we recognise that Mary has given Michaelhouse more than time; she has given it soul. She has given those whom she taught more than words; she has given them meaning. We wish Mary and Richard all the best in their well-deserved retirement. The window is starless still; the clock ticks, The page is printed. Written by Tanith von Mayer

From there she moved on to clean offic es, showing dedication and commitment in every role that she took on. In 2004, Bongi transitioned to Baines, where she has worked faithfully ever since. Over the years Bongi has become more than just a colleague. Her warm personal ity, infectious laughter and endless jokes brought joy to all those around her. Her presence truly lit up the workplace. Bon gi will be dearly missed by everyone. We thank her for her years of service, her hard work and the positive energy she brought into every space she entered. Wishing you all the best, Bongi – your Michaelhouse family will always remember you. Written by Happy Nzima

Reflecting on my five years so far as a San Sis ter, each morning walk ing through the Sanatorium doors felt like coming home.

FLORIAN XOLANI NDLOVU

Xolani joined the Michael house staff in 2002, dedi cating 23 years of incred

I say thank you to every single person who made this place special, especially Sis Joyce, as I fondly call her. From her infectious laughter during tea breaks to her random jokes lightening up tough days, Sis Joyce brought joy to my work days. Lindiwe Joyce Nxumalo started her em ployment at Michaelhouse on 1 Decem ber 1988 under Rector John Pluke. She worked with sisters Collen and McGee under the then San manager, Sister Bal limore. As the years went by, more San sisters came on board, including Sister Joann McMillan, the late Sister Lauren Richmond and Sister Avis Coxon. In to tal, Joyce has worked under six Rectors: Pluke, Forde, Pearson, Theron, Fleis chack and Clark. Saying goodbye to a co-worker brings mixed emotions. These professional relationships often grow into meaning ful friendships through shared experi ences, challenges and victories. Sis Joyce was always there for us, playing a role much bigger than keeping the San neat and tidy. She became a mother, shielding us from unpleasant interac tions with outsiders. She often remind ed us that she had decades of experi ence working in the San, and if anyone dared make us cry, or took advantage, she wholeheartedly intervened (much to our delight). Her relationship with the boys was ob served to be firm, yet incredibly caring. She always advocated for them when they came out of San times, or want

ible service to the school.

BONGIWE MSIMANGO

He started his career in the gardens de partment, working closely with Heather Cook for two years. He then joined the Estates team where he worked in the grounds division. The grounds team are responsible for the preparation and marking of all rugby, soccer and crick et fields as well as the measuring and marking out of the athletics track. Xolani led and guided this team incredibly well over the years. We are going to miss his experience and calm nature, but we are really confident about the skills and work ethic he has instilled in his team. We would like to thank Xolani for all the incredible contributions he has made to the school. Xolani, we wish you all the very best for your retirement. Enjoy the rest – you deserve it. Written by Graeme Nothard

Bongi began her journey with Michaelhouse in the year 2000, starting her

work at the Rector’s garden.

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ed their laptops in secret. The boys re spected her immensely and loved being looked after by Sis Joyce. We achieved great things together. She pushed us to our limits, but we pulled through as a team. We supported each other through late nights and demand ing rugby season weekends. I learned a lot from her and have grown profession ally because of Joyce’s calm and reas suring voice when I felt overwhelmed. Despite her busy work she always took time to check on how my family and son were doing. She was there when I lost my dad, and was an important source of comfort at a time when I needed tender ness the most. She will be greatly missed by all of us at the San and the Michaelhouse commu nity at large. We wish her a happy and restful retirement as she spends time with her children and grandkids. May God continue to keep and bless you, Sis Joyce. We love you endlessly. Written by Sane Ntuli

ality. It will be very strange not to see his braided, bearded and beaded figure around campus. We wish Ishmael all the best for his retirement and the best of luck as he completes his sangoma training. Written by Graeme Nothard Although tributes are traditionally re served for staff who have served at Mi chaelhouse for ten years or more, we felt it only fitting to also include this beautifully written tribute to Glynnis by Paul de Wet, as well as to Ryan 'Strud ders' by his good friend and colleague, James Fleming.

when we were able to make a part-time role available to her from the start of 2022. Soon after she started I asked her if I could sit in on a lesson or two in order to see what I could learn. Glynnis made it abundantly clear she would not be comfortable with that. Of course this made me more intrigued than ever. Was she casting spells, perhaps? I decided not to feel too bad after I learned that Antony’s request to sit in on a class had also been politely declined. In spite of this early setback I believe I have come to understand at least some of Glynnis’s superpowers, and it is only right that I share them with you. On Friday morning I attended the Clifton Nottingham Road prize-giving with Win. In his headmaster’s address, former Mi chaelhouse Rector Paul Fleischack com mented how much he had been inspired by the primary school environment, and that if he had his time over he would in sist that all high school teachers spent at least some time in a primary school. Glynnis started her career in a primary school and I believe this has given her an advantage as a high school teacher. Af ter four years she was seconded to teach at DHS, where she soon became head of department. The recently deceased Dud ley Forde served as headmaster of DHS during this time and he and Glynnis were lifelong friends. When Dudley left DHS after just a couple of years to become Rector of Michaelhouse, Glynnis would have followed him here. However, he wisely counselled her against this, know ing that it would not have been the best place for her as a single woman at that time. Glynnis’s admiration for Dudley meant that Michaelhouse would remain on her bucket list throughout her career. Glynnis, we are pleased you realised your dream of teaching here. While Glynnis was at DHS she taught the fathers of boys she ended up teaching at Michaelhouse, notably Bruce Hughes, father of Jack Hughes and Max Oliva, fa ther of Max Oliva. After ten years at DHS, Glynnis moved to St Mary’s for 10 years where she was, almost single-handedly, in charge of boarding while still contributing as an exceptional teacher of Maths. From there, Glynnis taught part-time at Ke arsney for 13 years, contributing sig nificantly to their outstanding Maths results in that era. Glynnis stays in touch with so many of

GLYNNIS OWEN

While 42 is the answer to the “ultimate question” of life, the universe and ev

erything in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy , it is also the num ber of years for which Glynnis has taught Mathematics.

ISHMAEL ZUMA

Ishmael joined Michael house in 2006, which was the first of 19 wonderful

years of service to the school.

Glynnis, it is a great pleasure to pay tribute to you today, to honour your contribution to Mathematics education and to thank you for your service to our special school. Glynnis saw us advertising a Maths post in 2021 and emailed me to en quire whether we would consider her in a part-time role. I was already aware of Glynnis’s reputation as a teacher with an enviable record. By way of example, in her final year at Kearsney College, a staggering 27 out of 30 boys in Glynnis’s second set achieved distinctions with an average of 89%. I was intrigued as to the secrets behind Glynnis’s success and I was pleased

He started his Michaelhouse career in the Estates Department, where he worked as a brush cutter for 14 years. Ishmael then joined our refuse and re cycling team. He was first assistant to Joseph before taking over the driving of the tractor himself. Ishmael has been very patient with our old Ford 5000 Tractor for the last few years, and he is sorry he won’t be around in 2026 to drive the replacement. We are going to miss his hard work and dedication, as well as his joyful person

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her former pupils, generations of boys and girls. This is testament to the en dearing and enduring relationships she forged with them during their school days, but also to the positive influence she had on them, way beyond the walls of the Maths classroom. Throughout her career Glynnis took great interest in each student individually, and this interest extended well beyond their mastery of Maths. She always found the time to come and watch the boys play sport here, and I don’t think she missed a single meeting of the Snell Society. This despite the fact that the meetings take place on Sunday evenings, entailing a significant drive at night on a poor road. Soon after Brendan started here I had a chat to him and I said I felt a key in gredient of success for teachers and Housemasters was to demonstrate high levels of care. While he agreed with me, he said he knew of no better way of doing this than of providing the boys with firm boundaries in which to operate. There is no doubt that Brendan has demonstrated the success of this ap proach in his time here. While, it is not part of my mandate today, I wish to take this opportunity to add my thanks to you, Brendan, for all you have done to transform the culture of Michaelhouse for the better. In many ways, Glynnis shares Brendan’s approach to demonstrating care. I wish to read, verbatim, a report from a teach er who was fortunate enough to sit in on one of Glynnis’s lessons. This is from Herman Visagie: “I had always known of Glynnis, but it was only when Win paired us for a cross-de partment class observation that I really got to know her. She came to observe my D Block English class. Choosing a D Block class was my first mistake. “After 15 years of teaching without any brutally honest feedback, that day changed everything. Glynnis took her role seriously – not for my comfort but for the boys’ benefit. She told me that my boys should enter through one door and stand to be greeted; I should stop checking my watch because it makes them think I don’t want to be there; and I should establish a stronger presence in the middle of the classroom. Basic advice – delivered firmly but with so much care – that I implemented imme diately. The basics.

“A week later I had the privilege of ob serving her Maths lesson. I was blown away. The boys entered with purpose, greeted her and got straight to work. Her bespoke standing desk was perfectly po sitioned so she could see every boy while writing on her iPad, which projected on the board behind her – meaning she nev er had to turn her back. Her confidence, clarity and mastery were remarkable. The boys hung on every word. She even handed out chocolates afterwards. Luke Macduff, however, assured me that that had never happened before. “I left her classroom feeling as inspired as I had felt the day I walked into my very first classroom. Since then I’ve come to respect not only the outstanding profes sional that Glynnis is but the profound impact she has had on so many of our boys. I often hear Founders boys say, ‘I’ll be fine in Maths – I’m in Mrs Owen’s class.’ “It’s a pity that in South Africa we don’t officially recognise expert teachers the way they do in the States, because that is exactly what she is. “Thank you, Glynnis, for your friendship, your wisdom and your inspiration. I’m so sorry I can’t be there today, but I wish you every joy in this next chapter.” Mathematics is a rigorous subject and Glynnis insists on rigour. I realised that, in an effort to make the subject accessi ble and enjoyable, I had become a little lax in some areas. Since Glynnis’s arrival I have tightened up on these things so, like Herman, I too have become a better teacher through working with Glynnis. I am sure this is true for many of us. In summary, I don’t think Glynnis is casting spells. She is simply setting firm expectations of behaviour, attitude and effort for each and every boy. She is also championing each boy’s cause, clearly communicating her unshakeable belief that each one can do better. She inspires boys to work harder, following which they themselves start to believe they can do better. From there it is a vir tuous spiral upwards. At a personal level I have really appreci ated Glynnis’s friendship and her interest in and support for SIMI, the maths pro gramme I run with my sister, Ruth. When ever we have visitors, oftentimes existing or potential funders to SIMI revision ses sions, Glynnis and Peter kindly help host them, even to the extent of putting on lunch in their home afterwards. This has

been greatly appreciated as I am simply too busy on the day to do justice to this important undertaking. Peter has been a tremendous source of support to Glynnis, accompanying her to countless events. Peter even assisted by helping coach a Michaelhouse hockey side for a season. Glynnis, please convey our thanks to Peter for his investment, directly and indirectly, in our school. I know that Glynnis is not done with Maths teaching and I know that she will contin ue to teach for many more years, either in a school or by giving extra lessons. Glynnis, we wish you all the best with this and with your retirement. We hope that this will be long, purposeful, rewarding and restful. Thank you for your service to our special school. Address by Paul de Wet

RYAN STRUDWICK

Ryan joined Michael house as the Senior Mas ter of Sport in 2018 after

a coaching stint at the Sharks and Maritzburg College before that.

He is a talented and competitive all round sportsman who played profes sional rugby for the Sharks and London Irish, whom he captained to the Pow ergen Trophy at Twickenham in 2002. Ryan succeeded in driving the passion and participation culture of sport at Mi chaelhouse, which played a significant role in raising the bar of our performanc es. He assisted in coaching the First XV in 2018 and 2019 before shifting his focus to the pipeline, where he coached the U16As with much success while re maining a constant support across the school’s rugby sides. Ryan’s passion and interest in people

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