The 2025 Chronicle

So, to the matrics, this year’s men of Michaelhouse. This is the year at this school for which we are most responsible, and the one that we are remembered by. The Class of 2025, what have we achieved as a grade? This is a difficult question to answer, and it cannot be answered on the spot. It needs time; it needs to be well thought out. I can talk about individuals’ legacies for days, with William Gilson and his A Block seniors leading a strong hockey team, or Ethan Muir doing damage with the bat on Roy Gaythorne, or Louis Ayo leading another strong Com petition Marimba Band. Some people will say, “If we beat Hil ton at rugby, hockey and spelling, then that A Block has been successful.” But leading a successful school and a successful matric year is difficult to quantify. We do not have a big win over Hilton at home to show for our legacy. The legacies we will leave as a grade, instead, seem small. But I believe they are crucial. We are the class that navigated big change, having only wit nessed our first rugby team play on Meadows twice during our final season. Days before our last home derby, the first-team match moved from Meadows to Baileys. The manner in which the Michaelhouse community and first-team boys responded played a pivotal role in the school’s success on that day. We faced a different challenge at the away fixture, which the war cry committee managed admirably. We got to spell at half-time, something I believe has never been done before and will, pos sibly, never be done again. Another impact we have had is the manner in which we men tored the E Blockers during their first weeks at Michaelhouse and beyond. Our determination stands out as we rehearsed “Stars of the Morning” numerous times before we were sat isfied. We are the matric group that really has bridged the gap across the school and has created a healthy environment of strong relationships across all Blocks. Sithsaba knows a lot about creating strong relationships in every Block, I am sure. And finally, we are the matric group for the second year running where not one boy has been expelled. Touch wood. These things may not all be recorded, but they matter. As said by Maya An gelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I am extremely grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey this year and throughout the years. I will forever trea sure the endless laughs generated at Toastmasters, war-cry committee shenanigans, the atmosphere of Christian Fellow ship, and the cherished and long chats I’ve had with my two cacks, Nate and Cameron. One of my favourite moments was hearing my new title: “The Prince of Lesotho, the King of Mi chaelhouse,” by Mr Syce. What higher praise is there for the Senior Prefect? I’d like to extend my thanks to all the teaching and coaching staff. Thank you for your selflessness and eagerness to im prove all your pupils. You are the reason for our successes and significance. I cannot forget about Mr Jeffrey. As I’ve gotten to know him better over the years, he was possibly terrified back in E Block when watching us do the cack run. He has had to navigate pro ducing two head boys twice in a row, and deciding on the next best option twice in a row as well. I’m sorry, Rhys. All credit to you, sir. Your strong character and mentorship have guided me throughout the years. Now to Mr Ncamani and Mr Gittins, famously known as Gittins

the Kittens. He is nothing like a kitten. Thank you for always keeping us in check and for having a significant impact on the school. Mr Ncamani, thank you for always having your door open and sharing good memories over the years. I was proud to serve as your captain in the U15 soccer season. Thank you, sir. Mr Gittins – Jeppe, here we come! We will miss your pres ence and scary demeanour, but you have steered this school in a positive direction. It would be impossible to talk about Michaelhouse in such a light without speaking about Mr Clark. The real king of Michael house. We arrived under your helm, sir, and now we’re leaving with you. We’ve witnessed Mr Clark sing at a two-school con cert, we’ve also had the great privilege of dancing with him to his favourite song, “Sweet Caroline”, at the matric dance. All memories for the history books. Sir, we have learnt from watch ing you: being hands-on is important in any successful busi ness; it’s important to be dressed correctly for all occasions; and how to conduct serious and highly respected assemblies. I will always remember your famous words at the end, “Please stand,” and then watching you gracefully exiting the building. Although I’m sure there will be other occasions when we can thank you, Mr Clark, for your contribution to the school, I would like to take the opportunity to do so now. You balance the com mands of the Board, the desires of parents, the requests of teachers, the feelings of Old Boys and the emotions of current boys in order to determine what is best for the school and its future. You have tackled this complex task without hesitation and with clear success. We thank you, sir. To Dom, despite missing a few meetings with the Rector, your work ethic has been an inspiration to me, as well as to count less others. Thank you for your kindness and support – you have personified the Michaelhouse values. To the school pre fects, the Masole (soldiers in Sotho) – you men have given your all for Michaelhouse and you have set and enforced a high standard for the boys. I have enjoyed working with each one of you and I wish you all the best. Then finally to my mom and dad, and my sisters in their ab sence. I would be nowhere without you; you have been a pillar of strength and have shown me immense compassion and sup port. To give everybody background, my parents only started attending sports fixtures in my A Block year, including the Hil ton-Michaelhouse derbies. Having your support this year has meant the world to me. To my mom, who is here today, having not even told you I was going for an interview for Senior Prefect, you were the one I called in tears after getting this. I will forev er be thankful for the sacrifices that you and dad have made. From Maseru Prep to Clifton Notties at the age of 8 to this great and mighty school. You can’t make it up. To the A Blockers, thank you for an incredible five years of my life. We’ve had our share of good memories here and also a good share of complaints. You will all be missed, and good luck to you all in the future. We will say our goodbyes when the time comes, but in true Michaelhouse fashion I just want to say, “Thanks, okes.” And to the boys, those who remain a part of this school next year, remember: “Live red-white and die red-white.” Continue to carry the values of Michaelhouse – of courage, compassion, integrity, humility and service – in everything you do. The spirit of Michaelhouse is your greatest weapon. Do not be afraid to use it. Thank you, Michaelhouse.

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