The 2025 Chronicle

VISUAL ART

The year concluded with the Matric Exhibition opening gala on 16 October. Local botanical artist Kelly Higgs was the guest speaker and offered valuable insight into her artistic process. The exhibition, centred on the A Block examination theme Secrets and Surprises , displayed work of an exceptional cali bre. The Visual Art class of 2025 included: Jonathan Boesak, Matthew Carolan, Kyle du Plessis, Jacques le Vieux, Khethelo Mazibuko, Andreas Papadopoulos, Tristan Ratsey, Jordan Rice, Gregor von Mayer and Henry Walters. The atmosphere at both openings was beautifully enriched by performances from the Music School’s leading pianists. In addition to formal exhibitions, several pop-up displays brought creativity directly into school life. E Block parents were introduced to a lively collection of papier mâché monsters during the E Block open day subject presentation in March. D and B Block open days featured outdoor exhibitions in the Main Quad – despite spirited winds – and entries for the House Chal lenge 2025 were displayed in the Schlesinger Theatre Foyer on the final day of the Lent quarter. This year also saw a renewed emphasis on printmaking. Along side our continued commitment to drawing as a foundational discipline, C and B Block boys were introduced to a range of printmaking techniques. B Block explored monoprinting and gel-plate work before progressing to linocut self-portraits, while C Block experimented with delicate dry-point processes. Our new printing press has certainly proved its worth. Extramurally, the Art School remained a hub of activity. Al though the welding and forging workshop was quieter this year as it underwent health-and-safety upgrades, many boys continued to pursue personal artistic projects in the studios. Ethan Perry generously mentored non-subject art students in drawing while producing technically accomplished por traits of his own. Riley van Schoor devoted many hours to refining his soft-pastel technique, and Henry Walters spent a number of Sundays completing the oil painting of peonies he had begun in 2024 for the Wedgewood Emporium. Later in the year, we were delighted to open the Art School to adults for Thursday afternoon drawing lessons – an initiative we hope to develop further. In summary, 2025 has been a year characterised by creativity, collaboration and artistic growth. We look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.

Head of Department: Mrs Jenni Clinton-Parker Staff: Mrs Lieschen Harrison, Mr Elton Mlotshwa

AWARDS Colours: Henry Walters Other awards: Andreas Papadopoulos, Jacques le Vieux, Henry Walters The year 2025 has been a vibrant and re warding one for the Art School. We have been intentional about taking art beyond the walls of the department, welcoming non-subject art students and staff into our creative spaces and encouraging the wider community to experience the joy of making. The renewed rhythm of cultural life that returned in 2024 con tinued with momentum this year, with Michaelhouse artists ex hibiting both on and off campus. Several boys had work select ed for the Art@Kearsney exhibition in March: Henry (Speedy) Walters (A Block), Andreas Papadopoulos (A Block), Harry Witherspoon (B Block), Connor Wilson (C Block), Trezeguet Hawkins (C Block), Max Johnson (D Block), Curtis Matshela (D Block) and Samuel Bennet (D Block). In addition, two of our four 2024 A Block Visual Art boys – Jonathan Baber and Mu hammed Suileman – together with Henry Walters, exhibited in the Tatham Art Gallery’s Schreiner Gallery between May and July as part of the KZN Midlands 2024 Matric Exhibition . The Schlesinger Theatre Foyer Gallery enjoyed a full and varied exhibition calendar. The year opened with a showcase of 2024 A Block pupils’ work, followed later in the quarter by an exhi bition of pieces by Old Boys and current seniors. The annual Treverton-Michaelhouse B and C Block Exhibition opened on Thursday 4 September and ran until Monday 13 October. Guest speaker Leigh Goddard of Clay Café delivered an engaging ad dress on the value of creativity and the courage to “just create, despite” – a message that resonated strongly, particularly with the adults in attendance. Exhibiting for Michaelhouse were: B Block: Caleb Banfield, Dimo Papadopoulos, Riley van Schoor and Harry Witherspoon C Block: Ethan Perry, Sikhonathi Gama, Boikanyo Magara and Ethan Perry

DRAMATIC ARTS

to date – academically, artistically and culturally.

Head of Department: Mrs Asha Royappen Staff: Mr William le Cordeur

The class of 2024 had raised the bar spectacularly, produc ing 16 As out of 18 matric pupils, with the lowest mark still sitting at an impressive 78%. These results reflected not only the boys’ work ethic but also the intellectual and emotional maturity that Drama uniquely cultivates.

MICHAELHOUSE DRAMA 2025: A YEAR OF EXCELLENCE, COURAGE AND CREATIVE POWER

The Drama Department at Michaelhouse enjoyed one of its most accomplished years

From classroom theory exploring social justice and historical

62