I would like to start this week's newsletter with three pieces of 'Old Boy' news that I have gathered recently.
Roy Dixon, Head Boy in 1986, is a highly ranked pilot for the Emirates. He has been invited to compete with the top athletes in the world in Hawaii at the 'World Iron Man' Event. This comprises a 2 km swim, a 120 km cycle ride and a 42 km Marathon run. That is quite an achievement and we congratulate him on this. He is also going to use his position to fund-raise for the Keegan Langley Trust.
Terence Odendaal, Head Boy in 2004, has undertaken to do the 'Big Five' in South Africa. This means doing the Duzi Canoe Marathon, the Argus Cycle race, the Comrades Marathon, the Midmar Mile Swim and the Two Oceans Cycle race. So far, he has completed all but the Comrades, which comes up in June. He is also doing this as a charity fundraiser.
James Reid, a Prefect in Hervey House in 2006, and a couple of friends, are undertaking an amazing adventure.
They are canoeing the Zambezi, from source to mouth. They are doing this to raise funds for "Save the Rhino" in Zimbabwe. You can get more information by going to their website. This is a huge undertaking and certainly a worthy cause Their website is : wildlifephotographermagazine.com/rhinoproject.html
Blog: www.wpmagsites.com/rhino/ We wish them all the very best of luck.

The reason for starting the Newsletter in this fashion is to show our parents that the system and grounding our pupils are getting, is sound.

I have had some unhappy Form One boys on their return to the College this term, and one has left because, in his own words, 'he could not cope'. I know that the system requires an awful lot from our new boys, but it is NO MORE than life requires. I will not tolerate abuse of boys, but young people do need to learn basic life skills, such as management of their time, keeping their possessions in order, basic personal hygiene, and respect for those older than themselves.

Education is about getting 'O' and 'A' levels but - it is also about being a person who can cope with life's ups and downs, and care and respect of those around them. These are all vital components of education.

Primary Schools' Rugby Festival
We had a successful tournament once again, with Lilfordia emerging as the winners over Whitestone. Some fine rugby was played by these young men. It was a pleasure having them here and we thank Brendan Dawson, the Coach of Zimbabwe rugby, for presenting the trophy to the winners.

AFRICA DAY:
Please, would all parents note that while we are not 'working' on Africa Day, there are a number of functions planned. The Day starts with a Chapel service dedicated to Africa, followed by a presentation in the Hall on Africa, by the History and Geography Departments. There will then be House singing practices throughout the morning, and our U14 Hockey festival in the afternoon. The House Singing event will take place in the evening. This is always a very good event, keenly contested, and a lot of fun. Parents are welcome to come out to the College for this event, which starts at 6.30 p.m.

SANATORIUM:
With the recent changes having taken place on the medical aid front, please advise/update the school San on the type of medical cover you have for your son. This may save you money in the long run and save the San Sisters the headache of trying to establish whether your child is covered on any type of medical cover in an emergency. A form has been emailed to all parents in this regard.
Presently, we are paying cash at the Doctors' and Physiotherapists' rooms and charging it to your son's account. If you have medical aid cover, we can then establish whether the various Doctors/Physio's and hospitals are accepting your medical cover, and use this facility. Proof of membership will be required and will be kept in your son's file in the San.
May we also take this opportunity to remind all parents who have not already done so, that it is important that the medical questionnaires be completed and sent to the School.

TELONE:
We have just been informed by TelOne that area codes are changing. Please note that as from Saturday 30 May 2009, our Esigodini code will be 0288. There are 31 changes to the area codes, so do get a list from your nearest TelOne office.

FORM ONE 2010:
For those parents who have not yet submitted a copy of their son's birth certificate, please could they do so as soon as possible, before the entrance exams on 4th July.

May all Zimbabwe parents enjoy their long weekend.

R.W. QUERL