Dear Abernethy Parents (#17),

Notes

👉 Marks will be available on SASPAC from 10:00 tomorrow (How to use SASPAC: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D8xcA2HkcFOHJYxqKjx8NgJ_iOd4VvCi/view). Boys will have the opportunity to review their papers at the start of next term, and final reports and comments will be issued on the 24th of July.

👉 Thank you for your votes, the Abernethy Community Braai start directly after the 1st Rugby match on Oehley Far on Saturday the 8th of August. (Votes: Saturday - 74, Friday - 33).

Message

Your sons were given a 26-Day Holliday Challenge (above) to form new habits that will make them happier, healthier, and more interesting people. I encourage you to support (or join!) your son in this challenge.

Calendar

👉 8 August - Abernethy Community Braai

👉 14 August - IH Athletics until 18:00: Compulsory attendance for all boys. 

Thank you for your continued support of my team and me, it is a privilege to work with you to create a generation of men who will be a force for good in this country.

I hope that you are able to enjoy some quality time with your son over the next three weeks.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#16),

Notes

👉 Exam Timetable Integrity: Please double-check the exam timetable with your son. Session times vary across the five-week period, and we want to ensure zero missed papers due to misread schedules.

👉 Grooming and Shaving: Rules regarding hair and shaving remain fully active until the final day of the examination period.

👉 Campus Discipline: Boys not registered for supervised study must arrive just before and leave campus immediately after their exams or official school sports practices. 

Lionheart

Congratulations to Antonio and Michael (Form III) for demonstrating exceptional communication and leadership by reaching the finals of the public speaking competition 🙌

Message

Today's address laid out the structural blueprint for maintaining focus and physical endurance across a grueling five-week exam block. We discussed the necessity of planning structured "cheat days" or scheduled downtime to prevent cognitive burnout. I challenged the boys to anchor their daily routines around non-negotiable health baselines: a strict eight-hour sleep schedule to consolidate memory, a low-GI breakfast like oats to fuel mental performance, and 30 minutes of daily high-heart-rate exercise to manage stress.

True study is defined by output, not hours spent staring at pages. If your son cannot show you a physical stack of written notes and summaries he has generated, he has not studied. I encourage you to check his workspace—ensure it is completely free of digital distractions and that his phone is kept in another room entirely. Let's help them push past minimum benchmarks and strive for their maximum capability over the coming weeks.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#15),

Notes

👉 Supervised Study: I advise against this, because there are too many distractions and boys should work independently at home. Please respond to the following link either way:

https://forms.gle/PVGhQe64BMWqW1rq7

👉 Blood Donation next week: I urge boys (16+) who did not receive the measles vaccine last week to make a difference.

👉 Joseph Production: The final performances are tonight and tomorrow at 19:00. Boys can attend for free in their school uniform.

Apple Initiative: A sincere thank you to the parents who continue to send apples every week without prompting. This long-standing initiative remains a great benefit to the boys.

Lionheart
Connor (Form 5) for stepping far out of his comfort zone to join the school production. Seeing him on stage, performing with a French accent, was a testament to the growth that happens when a boy tries something completely new.

Message
Today's focus was on the trap of online gambling. South Africans spent R1.5 trillion on online gambling last year, fueled by marketing that tells people they deserve luxury through luck rather than labor. I discussed how these systems are designed to create lifelong customers by offering sign-up bonuses and wins that mask a mathematical certainty of loss. A man's future is built on hard work and discipline, not on a retirement plan based on luck. I urge you to continue this discussion with your son.

Kind regards,
Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#14),

Notes

👉 Joseph Production: The school play is on 13, 14 and 15 May. Boys can watch for free from the gallery if they attend in their school uniform.

Lionheart
Today we celebrated the Abernethy Table Tennis team for winning the Inter-House Table Tennis tournament 🙌

Message
Today's focus was on Potential and Opportunity. We discussed how potential is not a static resource; it decreases every time we let an opportunity pass us by. I challenged the boys to realize that they rarely "decide" to fail at a goal; they simply miss the moment to step up. I encourage you to discuss the opportunities that your son has that he is not currently taking advantage of.

To all the mother-figures: Happy Mother's Day on Sunday - thank you for the many silent sacrifices you make for our boys 🙏

Kind regards,
Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#13),

*Notes*

👉 The changeover period to winter uniform is between 4 and 18 May.

👉 The only acceptable trousers are regular fit - tapered, slim fit, or other styles are not permitted.

👉 Study Break: Next week is a dedicated study break for the boys.

*Lionheart*

Liam (Form 2) for placing 9th in South Africa at the U17 National Squash Championships. This is an exceptional achievement, especially considering he only turned 15 last weekend.

*Message*

Today I explained how boys can set themselves up for success in their studying:

✍️ Ensure you have all the necessary books, notes and memos before starting

✍️ Create a quiet environment that is free from distractions

✍️ Leave your phone in another room (not on silent in your pocket)

✍️ Plan each day around when you study best, each session should be 45 minutes long with a 15 minute (active) break between sessions

✍️ Watching videos, attending extra lessons or private tutoring, and reading (and highlighting) is not studying; *writing is the most effective form of studying* .

You can monitor the amount of studying that your son is doing by asking to see the amount of writing that he has done each day.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#12),

Notes

👉 Maritzburg Exchange: There is no formal school tomorrow. If you want your son to come to school tomorrow, please email me.

👉 ALLXS Cards: These cards will cease to work at the end of April. Please ensure any remaining funds are used or removed before then.

👉 Valuables: Please remind your sons to hand all valuables to their coaches before matches; this is safer than leaving them in their kit bags.

Lionheart

Mrs. Nel (Form II Tutor) for completing the Two Oceans Marathon. She is a powerful example to the boys of maintaining personal discipline and excellence while managing personal and professional responsibilities.

Message

The focus today was on the "Minimum Requirements Trap." In 2025, South African universities received 4 million applications for just 60,000 spots; this means that a "Bachelor Pass" must be seen as permission to apply, not guarantee of acceptance. I have challenged the boys to shift their focus from the minimum requirements to their maximum potential. 

We shared a planning document with the boys in tutor period yesterday and explained that they should be managing their lives to allocate 7 hours per week to dedicated exam preparation; I encourage you to discuss this with your son and ask to see the planning that he has done. 

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#11),

Notes
👉 Please complete the report reply slip to confirm you have seen your son's report (if not done already): https://forms.gle/VZnqxeuhYe8pQRyY8
👉 Please remember that only regular fit grey trousers are allowed with the formal school uniform.

Lionheart
Georgios (Form 5) for completing two HYROX fitness races; we celebrate him pushing his limits and pursuing excellence in a unique, high-intensity discipline outside of school.

Academic Achievers
Congratulations to our top performers for Term 1:

Form 5: Chad, Stefan, Liam.

Form 4: Ifee, Henry, Andre.

Form 3: Daniel, Kyle, Antonio.

Form 2: PJ, Ngcebo, Khumo.

Form 1: Otlotleng, Finn, Janko, Daniel and Siddartha.

Top Form: Form 1 (71.1% average).

Message
Today I discussed the documentary Inside the Manosphere on Netflix , which explores the danger of influencers who promote toxic views or performative masculinity purely for followers and financial gain. I challenged the boys to understand that a good man is defined by his integrity, not his follower count or material wealth. As iron sharpens iron, we are shaped by the people we follow online and the friends we choose in person. I encourage you to watch this documentary (if you are able) or discuss this culture with your son.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#10),

Notes

👉 Reports: Issued tomorrow to the boys at 12:15 tomorrow. Boys who are not at school tomorrow will receive their reports on Wednesday the 8th of April. Please complete the report reply slip once you have seen your son's report: https://forms.gle/VZnqxeuhYe8pQRyY8

👉 Holiday Sports Festivals: Boys attending must be in full school uniform; all standard appearance rules (hair and shaving) apply.

👉 Please remember that only regular fit grey trousers are allowed with the formal school uniform.

Lionheart

The award goes to Katlego (Form 2): despite a painful rugby injury on Saturday that required a hospital visit, he remained exceptionally polite to every medic and staff member he encountered. His ability to maintain his manners and "Game Face" under physical duress is a testament to his character.

Message

My message today was based on the four types of runners I saw in IH Cross Country last week:

💭 Avoiders prioritize protecting their ego over growth. By using excuses to dodge challenges, they ensure their ability is never tested—preventing failure but also stalling all progress.

💭 Unprepared Sprinters start with high energy but lack sustained discipline. Without a foundation of consistent habits, their momentum fades as soon as the initial excitement ends and real work begins.

💭 Last-Minute Crammers try to replace months of steady effort with an exhausting final push. Like sprinting the end of a race they didn't run, the effort is visible but ineffective without long-term preparation.

💭 Prepared Performers understand that success is preparation meeting performance. Grounded in daily habits, they face challenges with confidence, knowing they have already committed the effort required to succeed.

Ask your son which runner he was last week, and how that approach has affected other aspects of his life this term?

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#9),

Notes

👉 19 March - IH Cross Country

👉 Regular fit trousers only to be worn with Formal Uniform (no slim/skinny fits)

👉 Running shoes only to be worn with PT Kit or Tracksuit (no lifestyle shoes like Nike Air Force 1s)

Lionheart

The award is presented to Henry (Form 4); he demonstrated exceptional leadership by standing up for a peer on a class WhatsApp group, effectively stopping a group bullying incident. This quiet moral courage is the standard we strive for in Abernethy.

Message

We discussed the Sunday Battle Plan using the Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand analogy. Research-backed time management shows that success requires us to prioritize our biggest goals on Sunday evening so that smaller distractions do not fill our week first. I encourage you to discuss weekly scheduling with your son and show him how you prioritise and manage your time.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#8),

Notes
👉 19 March - IH Cross Country

Lionheart
The award is presented to Mrs. van Jaarsveldt. She is the epitome of a dedicated tutor, planning events weeks in advance, tracking every boy's involvement, and ensuring every student feels cared for through personalized birthday messages and Valentine's gifts. She is a true leader within the house.

Message
Research from the Dunedin Study proves that self-control is a more accurate predictor of success than IQ or social status. Maturity requires the rational prefrontal cortex to override the impulsive limbic system.

The Five-Second Gap, is a practical tool I discussed with the boys today: pausing for five seconds before reacting allows the rational brain to take the lead. A simple guiding question for them is: What do I wish I had done yesterday?

Kind regards,
Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#7),

Notes
👉 Support: Final summer basketball support this Saturday. This is the last chance for Forms I, II, and III to meet their 6-event requirement for the term.

👉 6 March - Tutor Group Afternoon

Lionheart

Our Lionheart Award this week goes to Finn, a Form I boy. While many others walked past a staff member struggling with heavy boxes, Finn was the only one to step forward, take the load, and carry it to its destination. When offered a reward, he simply said, "No ma'am, I was just doing what is right." This internal drive to act without expectation of reward is the standard of excellence we want for every boy in Abernethy.

Message

Today I spoke to the boys about the essential foundation of leadership: leading oneself. We often focus on the public acts of leadership, but true character is built on the private disciplines of health, organization, and personal responsibility. I challenged the boys to see their daily habits—from their sleep to the fuel they put in their bodies—as the first step in proving they are capable of leading others.

I encourage you to discuss these small "acts of what is right" with your son this weekend and ask him how he is leading himself.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#6), 

Notes

👉 There will be Water Polo support at 12:45 this Saturday

👉 6 March - Tutor Group Afternoon

Message

I discussed the transition from being observers who complain to being men of action - I challenged the boys to realize that character is defined by those who step forward when others remain silent. It is easy to notice when things go wrong, but it takes true grit to be the person who provides a solution.

To celebrate this spirit, we have revived the Lionheart (Man of the Week) Award. This week it was awarded to Jeremiah, a Form II boy, who noticed a peer in his tutor group struggling with organization and, instead of just talking about it, he took it upon himself to bring the boy a diary to help him manage his responsibilities. This practical act of kindness and leadership is exactly what we strive for in Abernethy House.

I encourage you to discuss this with your son and see where he can act to improve something in your community.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#5),

Notes

👉 Please continue support our Outreach Initiatives for Stationery, Bottle Caps and Bread Tags

👉 Please bring your son to support the 1st Water Polo Team at 10:30 on Saturday morning

👉 6 March - Tutor Group Afternoon

Message

Today I spoke to the boys about a story I encountered while reading Moby Dick. It describes a man who lost his family, his home, and his business because he unknowingly let a thief (alcoholism) into his house. I warned the boys that for many of them, the thief is already in their pocket in the form of their smartphone.

We discussed how easy access to pornography and gambling can hijack the brain's reward system and damage their future and relationships. I also highlighted the risks of catfishing and blackmail on platforms like Instagram, where algorithms often treat young men as products to be sold to predatory interests.

I have given the boys three specific challenges to help them regain control over their digital lives:

👉 Delete the Instagram app and access the platform only through a mobile web browser to reduce intrusive notifications and data tracking.

👉 Change their WhatsApp screen name to their actual name to ensure their online behavior aligns with their real-world identity and accountability.

👉 Update WhatsApp privacy settings to invite-only so they cannot be added to groups without their explicit permission, and remove themselves from any groups where they do not know or trust the other members.

I encourage you to follow up on these points with your son tonight. Protecting their digital well-being is essential for their development and the reputations they are building.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#4),

Notes

👉 Learn to Swim - all boys are encouraged to learn to swim as a valuable life skill; ask your son to go see Mrs Bolduc, if you would like your him to be water safe.

👉 The (updated) Term 1 Extra Lesson Schedule is attached

Message

Our social outreach focus this term is a stationery drive. I encourage you to use this weekend to clear out drawers or pick up a few items with your son to send in on Monday.

While financial contributions are not always possible, giving back is a skill every person can learn. It is a vital way for them to acknowledge their privilege and understand that they always have something to offer others, whether through physical donations or acts of service.

I invite you to lead by example. By assisting the PA or getting involved with the governing body, your involvement shows our boys that gratitude is an active choice. By demonstrating this commitment yourself, you help your son learn that giving back is a fundamental responsibility.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#3),

Notes

👉 The inter house gala tomorrow evening is a compulsory event for all boys. There will be an Abernethy Braai (food and drink provided) from 16:00 until the start of the gala at 18:00. The gala will conclude by 21:00.

👉 Learn to Swim - all boys are encouraged to learn to swim as a valuable life skill; ask your son to go see Mrs Bolduc, if you would like your him to be water safe 

👉 If your son is absent , please email his tutor

👉 If your son requires an early departure , please complete the following link: https://forms.gle/TdbrBXjx48tJZdPs7

👉 Please support the Jacaranda Flood Relief Drive for non-perishable food 

Message

I spoke to the boys about how they carry themselves and the importance of self-respect. I encouraged them to stand up straight, look people in the eye and take the time to connect genuinely when shaking hands. By taking themselves seriously and walking with purpose they can expect others to do the same. 

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#2),

Request

We want our boys to engage with the school and each other beyond the academic programme. With this in mind, I ask that you do not collect your son before 15:00 ; he can use the time after to school to attend an extra lesson, join a house run or spend some time with friends or in the media centre.

Notes

👉 The inter house gala next Friday evening is a compulsory event for all boys. There will be an Abernethy Braai from 16:00 (he should attend a cultural activity until 16:00) until the start of the gala; food will be provided for the boys.

👉 If your son is absent, please email his tutor

👉 If your son requires an early departure, please complete the following link: https://forms.gle/TdbrBXjx48tJZdPs7

👉 Please use email for all formal school communication 

Message

We will be trialling Gratitude Journaling for the well-researched mental health benefits that it offers. Here is a video that explains what it is: https://youtu.be/WPPPFqsECz0?si=i2iFiDU70aME_WtX. I encourage you to join your son in this exercise, or engage with him about the things he finds to be grateful for on a daily basis.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#1),

Happy new year and all the best for 2026! I hope that you have had a good break and were able to enjoy some quality time with your son.

Our goal in Abernethy is to produce independent young men who will be a force for good in this world. To this end, we would appreciate your assistance in the following three areas:

1. Ensure that your son has a page-a-day diary by Wednesday; these will be used on a daily basis to teach boys crucial organisational skills.

2. Ask your son for information, because all necessary information is shared with the boys (usually in person and digitally). This is done to teach them to manage their own lives; if they do not know, ask them to find out.

3. Ensure that your son gets between 8 and 10 hours of uninterrupted (quality) sleep per night; here are four simple steps to start with:

- Set your son's bedtime based on his daily waking time. For example, if your son needs to wake up at 05:30 every morning then his bedtime should be between 19:30 and 21:30. This bedtime must remain constant to establish a healthy sleeping pattern.

- Your son should sleep in a cool (not warm) and dark room.

- Your son should have no screen-time in the 30 minutes before going to bed.

- Your son should not have a cell phone (or any other device) in his bedroom between bedtime and waking time. The main reason for this is to limit distractions and scrolling that delays or interrupts sleep, but this has the added benefit of restricting unmonitored access to pornography and various other anti-social behaviours.

I look forward to working with you to ensure that our boys become good men.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#25),

Notes

👉 We are having a Swim and Braai directly after assembly on the 11th of November; your son must RSVP today (link shared with him) if he would like us to cater for him; please encourage him to join community activities like this one.

Message

Have a look at this exam routine outline and discuss it with your son (it was also shared with him) to see how he is implementing it and how you can support him.

Thank you for your generous contributions to the Christmas Box initiative - your son learns from your example!

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#24),

Notes

👉 next week is an important week where the syllabus will be completed and exam advice will be given, please ensure that your son is in class from Monday to Friday

👉 early departure: https://forms.gle/1QEJfRxLvKa1varc6

Message

We emphasize Outreach to teach two critical life skills: Gratitude and Holistic Giving.

👉 Gratitude: Exposure to diverse circumstances helps boys recognize and appreciate their privileges. This is fundamental to developing empathy.

👉  Giving: We teach that giving is not just about money, but about time, effort, and care. We offer opportunities for financial support (Christmas boxes), physical action (Swimathon, blood donation), and the valuable contribution of time through the Outreach Society (trips to orphanages, retirement homes).

The lesson is simple: Every boy has something of value to give. Thank you for helping us raise young men who are both aware and actively involved in their community.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#23),

We tried vertical tutor groups this term to build relationships between boys of different ages in the hope that the older boys would benefit from the responsibility of having a younger brother who looks up to them, and the younger boys would benefit from experience and maturity of an older brother. We learnt from this experience and I hope that a foundation for these relationships has been laid, but we will return to registration in horizontal groups and use tutor periods to further these relationships.

With this in mind, please remember:

👉 please complete the following form for an early departure: https://forms.gle/1QEJfRxLvKa1varc6

👉 please email your son's tutor when he is absent

Have a lovely weekend.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#22),

Notes

👉 Early departures: https://forms.gle/TdbrBXjx48tJZdPs7

👉 Thank you for the bags of apples that we continue to receive - the boys really appreciate this initiative

Message 

As a part of our theme of self-leadership we discussed self-awareness, which involves understanding your own strengths, weaknesses, values, and emotions. By being self-aware, you can recognize what drives you and what might hold you back. Here is a video explaining how to improve self-awareness (and some other useful advice): https://youtu.be/orQKfIXMiA8?si=F4RK7RZdEdfT--oq

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#21),

Notes

👉 please help us teach the boys to read their messages (and respond immediately) and use a diary; please ask to see your son's diary on a weekly basis to get an idea of how organised he is.

Message

I encouraged each boy to see himself as a leader who can do what is right and help others with kindness. A leadership title does not give permission to lead, but rather acknowledgement that one does lead.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#20),

Notes

👉 Please note that your son may not come to school just to write an assessment and then leave: only the sanatorium can send a boy home for illness.

👉 The boys in their vertical groups (ask him about his brother) will be collecting items for dignity bags for rape victims, the following items are required: handbag, face cloth, shampoo, body lotion, toothbrush, hair clips, comb, small toothpaste, deodorant, tissues, soap, lip balm, notebook, bottle of water, sweets.

Message

I encouraged boys to align what they say about themselves with how they act. Please discuss with your son what he believes about himself and how this aligns with his current actions.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#19),

Notes:

👉 Please use this link for Early departures: https://forms.gle/TdbrBXjx48tJZdPs7

👉 Important (compulsory) dates: 16 Aug (08:00 - 13:00) - IH Athletics, 29 Aug - Abernethy Afternoon.

👉 If you have an old pair of size 3 or 4 soccer boots that you are willing donate, please send them to me for one of our boys.

Message

We are making an effort to teach our boys how to communicate well and keep their commitments; please assist us by emphasising the importance of reading the information that is shared with them, responding immediately and then keeping their commitments.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#18),

Notes:

👉 Important (compulsory) dates: 5 Aug - Parent-Teacher, 9 Aug - Affies, 16 Aug - IH Athletics, 29 Aug - Abernethy Afternoon.

👉 Term 2 Report Reply: https://forms.zohopublic.com/pretoriaboyshighschool1/form/ReportReplySlip/formperma/47Ee4JXL2mAv_cmWlq7mAF817gA_NA4mGt7ejWpsuQ0

👉 Vaping Study - please grant permission for your son to complete this important survey through the University of Pretoria: https://forms.zohopublic.com/jorrboys1/form/ParentalConsentFormPredictorsoftobaccoandecigarret/formperma/6L11kFD9OuAkz9zSgF6rrJ4TvGWxdtO5b1r0zjTybwA

Message

We will be trialling vertical tutor groups (four boys from every form) in Abernethy House for the month of August. We believe that boys will benefit from the big/little brother relationships formed with boys of different ages.

Kind regards,

Craig

Dear Abernethy Parents (#17),

Notes

👉 Early departures: https://forms.gle/TdbrBXjx48tJZdPs7

👉 Important (compulsory) dates: 29 Jul - T2 Reports, 5 Aug - Parent-Teacher, 9 Aug - Affies, 16 Aug - IH Athletics, 29 Aug - Abernethy Afternoon.

👉 Boys High Subs & Announcements Channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb699Y8JkK7J7PxFP01t

Message 

I discussed the importance of academic striving and urged them celebrate each other's academic milestones and improvements; this will foster a culture where effort in learning is highly valued. Boys must learn to apply themselves diligently to all subjects, understanding that learning to persevere through challenging tasks is a vital life skill. 

Kind regards,

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents (#16),

Notes

👉 You will be able to view your son's exam marks on SASPAC later today. Papers will be returned and discussed at the start of next term; please address concerns to specific teachers via email. Contact academic@boyshigh.com about SASPAC-related issues.

👉 School starts on Tuesday the 22nd of July; please ensure that your son is dressed and groomed appropriately.

👉 Important (compulsory) dates for next term: 9 Aug - Affies, 16 Aug - IH Athletics, 29 Aug - Abernethy Afternoon.

👉 You are welcome to join the Boys High Subs & Announcements Channel on WhatsApp to see the info that is shared with the boys on a daily basis: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb699Y8JkK7J7PxFP01t

Message 

Your son's results reflect his academic effort over the past six months, not only in the day(s) before an exam. I urge you to hold your son accountable for the results that he has produced.

Thank you for working with us to help raise independent young men. I hope that you will have an opportunity to enjoy some quality time with your son over the holiday.

Kind regards,

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents (#15),

Notes

👉 All exams start at 7:30 on Friday and there will be a Founders Day Assembly at 10:30; no early departures will be allowed. 

👉 Please email a doctor's note to svanwyk@boyshigh.com, if your son is absent for an examination.

👉 All boys are expected to come support either the 1st Hockey or 1st Rugby Team on Saturday.

👉 There is an Abernethy Braai being held directly after assembly on Friday to celebrate being half-way through the exams; all boys were invited and those who RSVP'd will be catered for.

Message - If they aren't writing, they aren't learning.

Is your son producing piles of study notes? 

Kind regards,

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents (#14),

Notes

👉 No boys are allowed on the courts or fields between 08:00 and 13:00 unless for official school practice; please do not leave your son unsupervised on campus.

👉 Boys who are signed up for Supervised Study (not recommended) must be at school from 08:00 to 13:00 every day.

👉 Compulsory Attendance: 7 June - Jeppe at Home, 9 August - Affies away, 16 August - IH Athletics, 29 August - Abernethy Afternoon

1% Improvement - Message shared with the boys in House Assembly this morning.

✍ If you aren't writing you aren't learning.

✍ Sleep to succeed - plan your days around 8 hours of sleep every night.

✍ Focus on understanding - prepare study notes by writing all content in your own words.

✍ Learn from failure during practice to achieve success.

Discuss, monitor and motivate your son's exam preparation with him over the next four weeks; start by asking him what his goals are.

Kind regards, 

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents (#13),

We are trialling our newsletter on WhatsApp in response to the survey sent out last week.

Notes

👉 Please contribute to the Outreach Initiative for blankets and warm clothing

👉 Early departures: https://forms.gle/TdbrBXjx48tJZdPs7

👉 We are starting a reflection programme with the boys; encourage your son to participate.

👉 Compulsory Attendance: 7 June - Jeppe at Home, 9 August - Affies away, 16 August - IH Athletics, 29 August - Abernethy Afternoon

Focus

The exams are 10 days away and your son should be dedicating time on a daily basis to exam preparation. Effective studying is done by writing (not reading nor highlighting) and without a phone present. You can monitor his progress by asking to see the notes that he is producing.

Kind regards, 

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents,

I hope this email finds you well.

Please help us improve the effectiveness of our communication by completing this short anonymous survey: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsg5i1VQDgMySVuTDPujGfDz-yYAZpy3MF1GlcZAsxB4KPEA/viewform?usp=header

Notes

• Blood Donations: SANBS will be in the hall from 08:00 until 14:00 on Wednesday the 14th if May; I hope to see every boy who is able to donate there to save a life and I encourage you to come in and set an example to your son, if you are able.

• Please email me, if you want your son to attend school tomorrow (9 May).

• Kindly complete the supervised study response, if you have not done so already: Form One, Form Two, Form Three, Form Four, Form Five.

Message: What you do today determines who you are tomorrow.

Here is a summary of what we are constantly talking to the boys about:

• Health is wealth: Exercise, eat and sleep well.

• Act, don't react: Use a diary to plan ahead and address issues before they become problems.

• Connect and reflect: Put your phone away, look people in the eye, and consider the world and your place in it. 

• Read to lead: Reading expands your horizons, improves your language, and makes you a more interesting person.

• Success is giving your best in preparation and performance, anything less is failure.

Kind regards,

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• The formal uniform must be worn with regular fit trousers, kindly ensure that your son does not wear skinny, slim nor tapered fit trousers.

• Kindly use the following link to request an early departure: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckPTTVWGV5Yoj44ITwFcidqxqUPKIK3fFdHMScZDM1gLQU4g/viewform?usp=header 

Important Dates - Compulsory Attendance

• 7 June - Founders Weekend: Winter Sport against Jeppe at Home

• 9 August - Winter Sport against Affies away

• 16 August - IH Athletics

• 29 August - Abernethy Afternoon

Dear Abernethy Parents,

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• The formal uniform must be worn with regular fit trousers, kindly ensure that your son does not wear skinny, slim nor tapered fit trousers.

• We are trialing a new system for early departures; kindly use the following link (it will be shared on WhatsApp as well) the next time your son needs an early departure:
  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckPTTVWGV5Yoj44ITwFcidqxqUPKIK3fFdHMScZDM1gLQU4g/viewform?usp=header 

Message - Next week is not a break.

The mid year examinations are four weeks away; kindly ensure that your son uses his time next week to prepare.

A leading expert in social media law, Emma Sadleir, addressed the boys on Tuesday; here is a summary that I shared with the boys:

Good evening men, some notes from the discussion with Emma Sadleir today:

👉 You are considered to be the author of anything you post, share or like.

👉 Leave any groups where you do not know the members and cannot control the content that is posted.

👉 Asking for intimate pictures (or other content) is solicitation.

👉 Sharing intimate content (your own or someone else') of under 18s is distribution of child pornography; keeping it on your phone is possession.

👉 Beware of any contacts you have not met - video call is the best way to ensure authenticity.

👉 Saying it was a "joke" is not a legal defence for bullying, hate speech or solicitation. 

👉 Visit https://www.thedigitallawco.com/ for more information and support.

Please review your groups, chats and gallery (stickers included) immediately to ensure that you're safe 

I urge you to visit her website and discuss these issues with your son.

Kind regards,

Craig Stephens

Kindly complete the supervised study response, if you have not done so already:

• Form One: https://forms.gle/a6AYnEGYQ69sg5NR6

• Form Two: https://forms.gle/XCm2c8QMA4T48yWj6

• Form Three: https://forms.gle/znzRNQN8EepehG748

• Form Four: https://forms.gle/FTa6wtjrJh1cXGhW9

• Form Five: https://forms.gle/zg9RP2JK9vCY5jzM6

Important Dates - Compulsory Attendance

• 7 June - Founders Weekend: Winter Sport against Jeppe at Home

• 9 August - Winter Sport against Affies away

• 16 August - IH Athletics

• 29 August - Abernethy Afternoon

Dear Abernethy Parents,

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• Please find the Term 2 Assessment Schedule and June Examination timetable attached.

Message - Beware the barrenness of a busy life. - Socrates.

Our obsession with being busy comes at the expense of our ability to enjoy life. It is important to be engaged, but we must make time to slow down and reflect on our daily experiences if we hope to learn from them and experience life fully.

I am sure that you are aware of the tragic passing of one of the Form V boys at the end of last term; I hope that you had an opportunity to reflect on this with your son.

Kind regards,

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents,

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• Registration starts at 7:30 tomorrow and the boys will be issued their reports around 12:15 tomorrow afternoon. Uncollected reports will be left at reception and reports will also be available on the SASPAC App.

  • Complete the Report Reply Slip by clicking the following link: https://forms.zohopublic.com/pretoriaboyshighschool1/form/ReportReplySlip/formperma/47Ee4JXL2mAv_cmWlq7mAF817gA_NA4mGt7ejWpsuQ0

  • If you have concerns, contact the teacher directly to set up a meeting for the Parent Teacher Consultations on the 10th of April. All staff email addresses: https://boyshigh.com/leadership/

• You were sent an email explaining how to access SASPAC online; please contact academic@boyshigh.com, with any SASPAC-related queries.

Message - We have no excuse.

We have access to information on the process, habits and lifestyle of the world's best in every sphere of life. If boys want to know how the world's best footballers, leaders, investors and (even) influencers achieved their success, they can find information on their eating, sleeping, training and lifestyle habits. I encouraged the boys to do some research and compare the habits of those people who our boys dream of emulating and learn from them. 

As parents, we are fortunate to have access to research on parenting and raising children and I hope that we can use this to help our children become the best versions of themselves. With that in mind, here are a number of the research-backed habits we can implement in our houses to promote the growth and wellbeing of our children:

1. Eating regular meals together around a table without any screens present. This promotes better communication, more meaningful relationships and healthier eating habits.

2. Maintaining consistent daily routines for eating, sleeping and exercise. Routines help children regulate their emotions and behaviours better.

3. No access to a cell phone (or any other screen) from 30 minutes before bed until morning. This promotes sleep, improves mental health and removes risk of antisocial online behaviours.

4. Promoting a love of learning and language through reading. This starts by reading to your child, then reading with them and then reading in front of them so that they model their behaviour on yours.

5. Encourage independence from a young age: do not do something for them that they could do themself. This gives them the confidence to be themselves and take control of their lives.

I hope that you enjoy the time with your son at home.

Kind regards,

Craig Stephens

Important Dates - Compulsory Attendance

• 28 March - IH Water Polo, Basketball, Table Tennis and RCL Easter Market

• 7 June - Founders Weekend: Winter Sport against Jeppe at Home

• 9 August - Winter Sport against Affies away

• 16 August - IH Athletics

• 29 August - Abernethy Afternoon

Dear Abernethy Parents,

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• Your son was given a data update form today; kindly check the details, make changes where necessary, sign and return the form on Monday.

• Late arrivals: the policy has been changed (attached) - kindly ensure that your son arrives with ample time to get to registration before 7:30 every day.

• Stationery drive: thank you for the generous contributions, please send any final contributions in on Monday.

• Inter House Athletics is on Saturday the 16th of August and it is a compulsory event for all boys; please ensure that your son is available on that weekend, the following weekend is an open weekend on the school calendar.

Message - Your son is watching you.

I addressed the importance eye contact in connecting with people in house assembly yesterday. A number of incidents in the past week reminded me how much of our children's behaviour is modelled on our own: how do we treat those less fortunate than us - do we great them with a smile (if we cannot assist them) or roll up the window and ignore them? How do we speak about people, specifically people who we see as different? Our children notice how we act far more than how we tell them to act. 

I hope that you make time to connect with your family (without devices) over the weekend.

Kind regards,

Craig Stephens

Important Dates - Compulsory Attendance

• 28 March - IH Water Polo, Basketball, Table Tennis and RCL Easter Market

• 7 June - Founders Weekend: Winter Sport against Jeppe at Home

• 9 August - Winter Sport against Affies away

• 16 August - IH Athletics

• 29 August - Abernethy Afternoon

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

There are an increasing number of studies linking regular family meals (around a table and without any devices) to various emotional and physical health benefits, better academic performance, and decreased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviours such as substance abuse, unhealthy eating habits, and mental health struggles like anxiety and depression.

Message: Lifestyle Audit

I was pleased to see so many of our boys (and staff) giving their best in the race this morning. Our aim is to address the lifestyle underlying poor performance (over 30 minutes) over the next twelve months to affect positive change in our boys' lives. I encourage you to discuss your son's result today with him to see if their is room for improvement; the goal is not to have a house of elite athletes, but rather a house of physically capable and emotionally healthy teenage boys.

Notes

• Please teach your son to give by contributing to the Outreach Initiative for stationery this term.

Kind regards 

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

I am very proud to say that Abernethy donated the most units of blood at yesterday's Blood Drive; we all have so much and I hope to see more boys giving selflessly next term.

Message - The Beauty of Inter House Cross Country     

I love inter house Cross Country for two reasons:

1. It is a challenge that very few people enjoy - the way that boys approach this event says a great deal about how they face challenges in life.

2. It is the only inter house event where every boy matters and so it is the perfect test of house character, especially because:

   • the boys who come in last for each house have a far greater effect on the overall result than those who come in first, and

   • boys who do not participate get placed behind the last person who does (they are assigned last place +1).

Watch your son over the coming week: is he going to embrace the challenge and give his best, or is he going to look for a reason not to compete? I urge you not to let your son avoid this challenge; running 4 km should be no challenge at all for a healthy teenage boy.

Notes

• IH Cross Country is next Thursday - 27 February.

• Please teach your son to give by contributing to the Outreach Initiative for stationery this term.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens  

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Message - Use the time you have now to save time later

The time between 7:30 and 14:15 should be dedicated to academic work. The most successful boys learn to maximise their use of the resources they have, thereby freeing up time to be used differently or more productively after school. I have noticed this week how many boys require constant supervision and reminders to stay on task. I encourage you to discuss this with your son and monitor his ability to work independently to complete a task.

Notes

• There will be a tutor afternoon on Friday the 14th of March; please ensure that your son is available to enjoy the afternoon with his group.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Message - Change your son's life

Teenagers should not have a smartphone in their bedroom at night. Phones decrease sleep quality and quantity, provide easy access to pornography, and open the door to other harmful behaviours like cyber bullying and sexting.

I urge you to take your son's phone from him (half an hour) before he goes to bed; this will improve his: 

• academic performance through better memory consolidation and improved focus in class; 

• mental health by limiting access to the low-level anxiety caused by scrolling through an endless stream of "perfect" lives; 

• relationship with (and respect for) women by limiting exposure to unrealistic expectations of women and sexual relationships. 

Notes

• Thank you for your continued support in our collection of bottle caps; we delivered 29 large dog food bags filled with caps to the Sweethearts Foundation yesterday: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFt8zKxNYT9/

• Please teach your son to give by contributing to the Outreach Initiative for stationery this term.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• Learn to Swim - swimming is a life skill that every boy should have. If your son cannot swim or lacks confidence I urge you to sign him up for our learn to swim program by completing the attached form and sending it to abolduc@boyshigh.com; lessons are on Tuesdays and Fridays.

• Extra lessons - please encourage your sons to attend the school's extra lessons (according to the attached schedules) which are offered by professional teachers with experience in how the syllabus is presented and assessed.

• Support - all Form I to III boys are expected to support at least five events on the attached list; boys will be informed via the Abernethy Men WhatsApp group which prefect they must meet after the event to be marked present. 

• We would like to keep a bag of apples in the front of each registration venue for boys who do not have breakfast; please contact me if you are willing to assist with this initiative.

Message - Your online persona should reflect who you are

I addressed the boys on a number of problems that have become common in the age of social media - I spoke about authorship, permanence, context, and child pornography. I encourage you to discuss this with your son and ask him what lessons he learnt and what changes he will be making to his social media (specifically WhatsApp) activity and settings.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Important dates - Compulsory attendance for boys

• 19 February - Blood Donations

• 27 February (08:00) - IH Cross Country

Reminders

·   Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

·   Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

·   Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

·   Boys High Parent WhatsApp Groups:

§ Form I

§ Form II

§ Form III

§ Form IV

§ Form V

·   Abernethy Parent WhatsApp Groups:

§ Form I

§ Form II

§ Form III

§ Form IV

§ Form V

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well. 

Notes

• All boys are expected to meet on Shalang at 17:00 tomorrow in their house kit (Form Is in PT kit) for the IH Gala

• I have attached the assessment schedule for Term 1

I urge you to let your son do his own admin: make him responsible for contacting teachers, finding information and organising his activities. He must be given the opportunity to try, fail and learn in order to become an independent young man.

Message

We introduced the new Form Is to the house this morning and I spoke about the importance of the older-brother relationships that we want our seniors to form with the juniors. I encourage you to discuss mentorship with your son and ask him about the example that he is setting and what he is doing to be an older brother to the younger boys.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Boys High Parent WhatsApp Groups:

  • Form I

  • Form II

  • Form III

  • Form IV

  • Form V

• Abernethy Parent WhatsApp Groups:

  • Form I

  • Form II

  • Form III

  • Form IV

  • Form V

Dear Abernethy Parents

Happy new year and all the best for 2025!

I have included my usual notes at the bottom of this email and in the attached booklet that will be given to the boys; please read through these as a reminder of how we do things in Abernethy.

Notes

• All new boys must gather on the lawn in front of the main building tomorrow morning at 7:30 and all returning boys must go to the hall for assembly.

• Kindly ensure that your son's hairstyle aligns with the school's Code of Conduct, specifically that there may be no steps or significant differences in length between the hair on the side and top of their head.

Message - Our actions define us, not our potential.

Here is an outline for our initial focus this year:

• Success is giving your best in preparation and performance; failure is giving anything less than your best.

• 50% is a pass - this standard aligns better with international norms and will guarantee that every Abernethy boy is able to select the subjects of his choice and have the option of attending a university 

• Every boy must be engaged in a sporting and a cultural activity throughout the year. The extramural programme is a what sets Boys High apart by producing well-rounded men.

I encourage you to discuss these points with your son and hear what he has planned for the year ahead.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Important dates - Compulsory attendance for boys

• 24 January (17:00 - 20:30) - IH Gala

• 27 February (08:00) - IH Cross Country

Reminders

• We encourage you to let your son attempt to resolve his own issues before taking matters into your own hands; if he is unable to resolve an issue or you are unable to find the relevant information on the D6 communicator, please contact your son's tutor via email (the tutor will escalate it to me, if necessary):

  • Form I Tutor: Mrs Nel <bnel@boyshigh.com>

  • Form II Tutor: Mrs Thompson <tthompson@boyshigh.com>

  • Form III Tutor: Ms Erasmus <derasmus@boyshigh.com>

  • Form IV Tutor: Mr Kowlaser <nkowlaser@boyshigh.com>

  • Form V Tutor: Mr Venter <jventer@boyshigh.com>

  • Form V Tutor: Mr Kowlaser <nkowlaser@boyshigh.com>

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return

• Kindly join the relevant WhatsApp groups; the links are in the attached docuyment and please remember to contact us via email with any queries you may have.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Any reports that were not collected this morning will be available in reception between 7:00 and 15:30 on Monday to Thursday next week and then again from the 8th of January. If you would like someone else to collect your son's report, kindly inform reception@boyshigh.com of this arrangement via email. The 2025 access stickers are in these envelopes; please keep these as we will not issue more in January. 

We bid farewell Form Vs and their parents: thank you for your support of Abernethy House over the past five year and we wish you all the very best for the next exciting phase of life.

Thank you for trusting us with your sons - we appreciate the support that we receive from our parents as we work toward the common goal of producing good men. Thank you for all the lovely gifts and kind messages of support that you have given to my staff and me - we really do appreciate the sentiment. 

I wish you all a blessed festive season and hope that you are able to enjoy this special time with your family.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• Boys may not be unsupervised on the property between 7:30 and 13:00; kindly ensure that your son is either dropped off and picked up within 15 minutes of his exam time, or he is in supervised study. 

• Please assist us in ensuring that your son is properly groomed (hair and shaving) before every exam until the last day.

• There is a Remembrance Day Assembly on Monday, please remember that:

  • all exams start at 7:30

  • no early departures will be allowed

  • assembly will end around 12:00

I encourage you to check in with your son after the first week:

• How is he feeling?

• Has he established a healthy study routine?

• Has he been studying by writing? 

• Have you seen the notes that he has been making?

Kind regards

Craig Stephens 

Reminders:

• I do not recommend supervised study, because the venues are crowded, there is limited staff presence, and boys can work more effectively with fewer distractions at home. However, if your son will be doing supervised study, please ensure that he is there from 08:00 until 13:00 every day and that you contact Ms Nel (jnell@boyshigh.com), if your son cannot attend.  

• If your son misses and exam, kindly email the doctor's note to Mrs van Wyk (svanwyk@boyshigh.com) as soon as possible.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Thank you for the overwhelming support of the Christmas Box and Dignity Bag initiative - please send any final contributions in on Monday.

Exams

• Please keep track of your son to ensure that he arrives on time and properly groomed (clean-shaven and appropriate hairstyle) for every examination.

• If your son misses and exam, kindly email the doctor's note to Mrs van Wyk (svanwyk@boyshigh.com) as soon as possible.

• I do not recommend supervised study, because the venues are crowded, there is limited staff presence, and boys can work more effectively with fewer distractions at home. However, if your son will be doing supervised study, please ensure that he is there from 08:00 until 13:00 every day and that you contact Ms Nel (jnell@boyshigh.com), if your son cannot attend.  

• Your son should (and you can help him):

  • be writing constantly; boys cannot study without writing and so he should be writing and rewriting notes on a daily basis. (If you are worried about your son's academic performance, then I encourage you to ask to see these notes on a daily basis as evidence of his effort.)

  • be studying on his own, in a quiet space that is free from distractions.

  • not have his cellphone with him while he is studying; any important notes must be printed.

  • be eating well, sleeping enough (at least 8 hours per night) and doing some physical exercise for the duration of the exam period.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Kindly complete the Supervised Study link for the upcoming examinations, if you have not done so already:

• Form 1: https://forms.gle/jFhjamyVzBs3jLqQA 

• Form 2: https://forms.gle/YC4bcZsWKeFzgJLb6 

• Form 3: https://forms.gle/s6bA7XJoN6NQCPZcA 

• Form 4: https://forms.gle/2AhrASQtkVuS1Hcy5 

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well. We are very proud of the 37 Abernethy men (more than any other house) who donated blood yesterday - each of these men have changed the lives of three people in desperate need!

Notes

• Thank you for the contributions towards Christmas Boxes and Dignity Bags - next week is the last week to send these in.

• Here is a link (only accessible with your son's @boyshigh.org.za email address) to all Boys High past papers: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pitASmQXMzO2h3EIKzOXZoHpeQJYKe83?usp=sharing

• Kindly complete the Supervised Study link for the upcoming examinations, if you have not done so already:

  • Form 1: https://forms.gle/jFhjamyVzBs3jLqQA 

  • Form 2: https://forms.gle/YC4bcZsWKeFzgJLb6 

  • Form 3: https://forms.gle/s6bA7XJoN6NQCPZcA 

  • Form 4: https://forms.gle/2AhrASQtkVuS1Hcy5 

Message

Your son should be dedicating at least one hour per day to exam preparation; this does not include daily homework and tasks. Studying or preparing for exams can only be done by writing - reading and highlighting are not effective study techniques. Your son should have set definite goals for these exams. Kindly discuss this with your son and ask to see his goals and the study notes that he is working on.

Best wishes to our matrics (and their parents) for the NSC exam period, which start on Monday!

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Message - The world is bigger than my reality

I encouraged the boys to look beyond their social groups and daily struggles to see that the human experience is not the same as "my experience". We are trying to raise good men are those who are considerate of others and more sensitive to the needs of others.

Notes

• The boys should be making time to prepare for the upcoming exams on a daily basis.

• The Social Outreach initiative this term is for Christmas Boxes and Dignity Bags; please see the attached picture for more information on how to support.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

In preparing for house assembly I was reminded of a video that went viral ten years ago - I will be sharing this with the boys in the next week and hope that you have an opportunity to watch it.

Reminders

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Early departures: kindly email me <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• The Social Outreach initiative this term is for Christmas Boxes and Dignity Bags; please see the attached picture for more information on how to support.

• The Form I to IV November Exam timetable is attached.

Message - You are here to learn

The year-end examinations carry the majority of the weight in the year mark and this gives the boys an opportunity to lay a firm foundation for their academic future and rectify any results that are currently below their ability. I encouraged the boys to do three things in preparation:

1. Start today - allocate at least half an hour today to revising some concepts that will be examined. 

2. Study by writing - read through the material and write down everything you do remember or understand; repeat this process.

3. Listen to your teachers - listen to the teachers for the next four weeks: they are giving important information about the exams and make use of the free extra lessons being offered by the school

Please discuss these points with your son and ensure that he starts today.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Early departures: kindly email me <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

You will be able to view your son's term 3 results on the SASPAC app from 15:00 this afternoon. If you have trouble with SASPAC, please contact Mrs Chapman (academic@boyshigh.com) before 12 today or at the start of next term. 

Message - What do you have to show for the 11 weeks of term 3?

I encouraged the boys to reflect on the past eleven weeks, specifically how they spent their time. Many boys used this time to focus on their studies and boost their performance. Other boys dedicated themselves to a craft or discipline and grew. Other boys got out of their comfort zone, tried something new and emerged as better, more interesting men. I encourage you to discuss this term with your son and see what he has to show for this time.

I hope that you enjoy the time with your son at home.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• The outreach initiative for canned food ends on Monday - I asked every boy to contribute one more can to this worthy cause. Thank you for the generous donations that we have received already.

• All boys are to wear formal uniform to school tomorrow for the 50 Year On Reunion Assembly and all boys are to be in summer uniform from Monday onwards.

Message - Effective Communication

A part of effective communication is learning how to manage requests and information on multiple platforms. We try to keep communication as efficient as possible and want our boys to learn to read and respond immediately to any requests that they receive. Kindly address this with your son and explain the importance responding timeously to important messages and requests.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• The 1st Soccer Team is playing at 12:45 on Saturday - all boys are encouraged to support this match.

• The SNIA is presenting a workshop that aims to address the changing societal gender norms for men at 14:30 tomorrow afternoon in the Reeler Room; kindly encourage your son to attend.

Message - Good men should help others be better

I believe that the men of Abernethy House are more independent, better at dealing with their own problems, make better decisions on a daily basis when it comes to their own health and wellbeing, and are more generous and considerate of others. I know that this is true for most of our boys and so I challenged them today to start looking outwards to help others make better decisions, manage their lives better and be more considerate of those around them. There are still too many boys making poor decisions and we need good men play a more active role in the schooling environment.

I encourage you to discuss this with your son: is he making good decisions on a daily basis and, if so, what is he doing to help those around him do the same? Is he making poor decisions and, if so, who is he surrounding himself with and what path does he see himself following?

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Message - Honour

The Abernethy Afternoon last week went very well - it was great to see the boys having fun and enjoying community. There were a number of boys who did not arrive, despite being informed timeously and reminded regularly of this event since the start of the term. This failure to honour a commitment is a reflection on their character and speaks to the type of man they want to be - we are trying to raise men who organise their lives so that they always keep their commitments.  What is more, these boys missed a golden opportunity to try something new and build relationships within their community. I encourage you to discuss this event with your son and help him see the value in honouring commitments, getting out of his comfort zone and strengthening relationships with his peers.

We are pleased to see so many boys eating the fruit that parents are providing for the registration venues; I encourage you to discuss your son's fruit intake with him.

Notes

• Please continue to support the drive for non-perishable food items

Kind regards

Craig Stephens 

Reminders

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Early departures: kindly email me <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well. 

Thank you for the generous response to our initiative to provide food to boys who do not bring food to school; the response has been very positive within the tutor groups! 

Message

I shared a number of experiences that I have had in my life and encouraged the boys to seek discomfort as a way to grow and become a more interesting person. I encourage you to discuss your son's habits with him: what is the doing and reading that make him stand out from the crowd?

Notes

• The Abernethy Afternoon will start directly after school tomorrow and end at 17:00

• The Social Outreach initiative for this term is a drive for  food items - please continue to support this initiative

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Early departures: kindly email me <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• The Abernethy House afternoon will be from 14:30 to 17:00 next Friday (16 August) - all boys are expected to attend.

• The Social Outreach initiative for this term is a drive for non-perishable food items - please teach your son charity by contributing towards this initiative. Thank you for the generous donations we have already received.

Message

We continue to focus on boys finding their own intrinsic motivation by asking the question "What kind of man do I want to be?". I related this to the way that the boys treat the women in their lives and encouraged them to acknowledge and celebrate these women more often. 

I hope that you enjoy the long weekend and have a special women's day.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Early departures: kindly email me <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Message - Fuel for Success

We are becoming increasingly more concerned over the number of boys who do not eat breakfast and do not bring enough food to sustain them through the academic day and their extra-mural activities. Kindly ensure that your son eats a full breakfast before coming to school and packs enough food for a snack at first break and a meal at second break that will get him through his afternoon's activities. Some of our tutors have been bringing bags of apples in for the boys who do not bring food to school and we would like to expand this programme, since there is clearly a need. Please contact me if you would like to assist.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Notes

• Friday 16 August - Abernethy Afternoon for all boys from 14:30 - 17:00

• The Social Outreach initiative for this term is a drive for non-perishable food items - please teach your son charity by contributing towards this initiative.

• Ensure that your son makes use of the extra lessons offered by the school (schedules attached) before you pay for private tutoring.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Early departures: kindly email me <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• The Social Outreach initiative for this term is a drive for non-perishable food items - please teach your son charity by contributing towards this initiative.

• Ensure that your son makes use of the extra lessons offered by the school (schedules attached) before you pay for private tutoring.

Message - Your actions today determine who you will be tomorrow

There are a number of boys who involved themselves fully, gave their best in all endeavours and excelled in the examinations (see a copy of one of these boy's tutor comment sheets). These boys sucked the marrow out of life and learnt valuable lessons about time management, hard work and discipline. There is another group of boys who did not get involved, seldom put their hands up to help and support the house or school and performed very poorly in the examinations. I explained to the boys that their daily decisions open and close doors to their future that they cannot perceive until it may be too late. The only way to discover hidden potential is to try new things (dancing, javelin, debating, etc.) and learn how to apply oneself to anything. I encourage you to discuss your son's future with him and ask him how his daily actions are contributing to the type of man he hopes to be.

The tutor and housemaster comments sheets will be handed to your son during registration tomorrow; kindly complete this form to confirm that you have received it.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• Saturday 27 July - Compulsory support for all boys against Affies

• Friday 16 August - Abernethy Afternoon for all boys from 14:30 - 17:00

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Early departures: kindly email me <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

It was a pleasure to see parents at the Parent Teacher Consultations on Tuesday - we appreciate being able to work together to help our boys.

Notes

• Saturday 27 July - Compulsory support for all boys against Affies

• Friday 16 August - Abernethy Afternoon for all boys from 14:30 - 17:00

• The extra lessons schedules for Term 3 are attached.

The Form IVs gave House Assembly today and I encourage you to read the incredible speech that Luka Jovanovic prepared for the house.

Message - 50% is a pass in a competitive world

The internationally accepted pass mark is 50% - South Africans may pass matric with less, but in the global context they fall short. Many boys believe that they will be professional sportsmen or influencers and therefore do not need a matric certificate, and I hope that they achieve this dream, but there are roughly 25 000 professional footballers in the world (out of 250 million players) and only 12% of full time influencers make a living. I shared this with them to help them understand that a combination of incredible talent, unbelievably hard work and a fair amount of luck are required for success in these "high profile" careers and that school provides an opportunity for them to learn to work hard, especially at tasks that may not interest them. 

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Early departures: kindly email me <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you warm.

The final term 2 reports will be issued at 14:00 today - please click this link to confirm that you have received this report; this link contains important information about the Parent-Teacher Consultations being held next week.

Our focus this term will be on creating an academic and athletic culture within the house. We will start the academic culture by creating opportunities to actively talk about the value of learning and celebrate academic progress. We will create an athletic culture by framing athleticism as the foundation for any physical endeavour - we will encourage boys to do long distance to improve stamina, sprints to improve speed or field events to improve explosive power and coordination. These skills will make them better sportsmen in any of their preferred sports. 

Notes

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Early departures: kindly email me <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

The Form Vs took House Assembly yesterday.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• All boys are expected to support the rugby and hockey fixture against Affies on Saturday the 27th of July.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

The examination results will be released  on the SASPAC App around 14:00 today; please refer to the school newsletter for further information and contact Mrs Chapman (academic@boyshigh.com), if you have trouble with SASPAC. The SASPAC results are the provisional examination results - your son will have an opportunity to go through his scripts at the start of next term and his final report will be published on the 12 of July.

Thank you for your support of my staff and me this term - we enjoy working with you to raise good men. I hope that you will get to enjoy some quality time with your son over the next three weeks.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• It is important that your son attends school tomorrow - teachers will be covering important work for the upcoming examinations.

• If your son is absent for an examination, please send the doctor's note to svanwyk@boyshigh.com.

• It is the school's policy that any boy who is absent due to illness on Friday may not represent the school on Saturday.

I encourage you to discuss the upcoming examinations with your son; include the following in your discussion: what are his goals for these exam, and how will his daily study/rest/exercise and sleep schedule look?

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• Please send any final contributions for the blanket and warm clothing drive to school tomorrow.

• All boys must be in winter uniform from Monday onwards.

• Only grey flannel trousers are to be worn with winter uniform - slim, skinny or tapered fit are not allowed.

Message - Read and Respond Immediately

We make an effort to ensure that our communication with boys (and parents) is always necessary and relevant. We expect our boys to read and respond to messages as they receive them and check the information that has been shared with them before they ask a question. I urge you to address this with your son and teach him how to manage his communication more effectively.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Attendance and involvement: You can use your son's initials (first name and surname) followed by his date of birth to see your son's attendance statistics: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qIQTpVQByGAxhXI13mo7GFBC4KcPE5zxphjkambvt5k/edit#gid=239162492

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• IH Athletics will be from 14:30 - 16:15 on Thursday the 2nd of May and directly after the exams from 10:30 to 14:10 on Friday the 3rd of May; kindly ensure that your son attends in house kit on the 3rd of May.

Theme: Commitment

It is our greatest commitments and responsibilities that give life meaning. Commitment means investing time and effort in a cause, especially when faced with challenges. I encouraged our boys to commit to becoming the best version of themselves: this means they should embrace every opportunity to learn, and every challenge that life throws at them.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Attendance and involvement: You can use your son's initials (first name and surname) followed by his date of birth to see your son's attendance statistics: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qIQTpVQByGAxhXI13mo7GFBC4KcPE5zxphjkambvt5k/edit#gid=239162492 

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• The final reports and tutor comments are being released tomorrow; kindly click this link to confirm that you have received the report.

• The PA would really appreciate your support on Saturday morning; please consider helping at the PA hut for an hour on Saturday morning. The link to sign up was shared on the Boys High WhatsApp groups earlier this week.

• The Social Outreach drive this term is for blankets and warm clothing; please assist us in teaching our boys how to give.

Theme for the Week: Wear your heart on your sleeve

Boys often believe that the way to protect oneself is to hide your feelings, pretend not to care and never to try too hard, because that way they will never be disappointed or embarrassed. I reminded the boys that meaning in life comes from the commitments that we make and that they have to stand for something, if they hope to make a mark and enjoy life to the fullest. This means that they must wear their hearts on their sleeves: be excited by the opportunities that they have, try new things, commit fully and care deeply. 

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Attendance and involvement: You can use your son's initials (first name and surname) followed by his date of birth to see your son's attendance statistics: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qIQTpVQByGAxhXI13mo7GFBC4KcPE5zxphjkambvt5k/edit#gid=239162492 

Important dates for house attendance:

• Thursday 2 and Friday 3 May (until 14:30) - Inter House Athletics

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• The Social Outreach drive this term is for blankets and warm clothing; please assist us in teaching our boys how to give

Message - Show me your friends and I'll show you your future

I explained the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who make us want to be better versions of ourselves. I encouraged the boys to surround themselves with the right people and then learn to self-regulate (manage their behaviour and emotions) by helping each other. I encourage you to ask your son about his friends: are they kind, how are their marks, are they involved and are they positive and excited about life? 

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Attendance and involvement: You can use your son's initials (first name and surname) followed by his date of birth to see your son's attendance statistics: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qIQTpVQByGAxhXI13mo7GFBC4KcPE5zxphjkambvt5k/edit#gid=239162492 

Important dates for house attendance:

• Thursday 2 and Friday 3 May (until 17:00) - Inter House Athletics

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• The Social Outreach drive this term is for blankets and warm clothing; please assist us in teaching our boys how to give

• The Term 2 Assessment Schedule and Examination timetable are attached

Message

I discussed Social Media in House Assembly today and focussed on smartphone notifications: notifications other than phone calls (sounds, vibrations, red dots, etc.) are attempts to capture (and monetise) our attention. There is growing awareness of a link between uncontrolled smartphone usage and a "low-level anxiety" that affects most people, but our youth in particular. This anxiety is caused by the constant exposure to countless people who appear to be better looking and having more fun than they are at present. I challenged the boys to turn off all notifications on their devices to take back control of their attention; I encourage you to ask your son about this address and hear what he took from it.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Attendance and involvement: You can use your son's initials (first name and surname) followed by his date of birth to see your son's attendance statistics: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qIQTpVQByGAxhXI13mo7GFBC4KcPE5zxphjkambvt5k/edit#gid=239162492 

Important dates for house attendance:

• Thursday 2 and Friday 3 May (until 17:00) - Inter House Athletics

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• The Term 1 Provisional Reports were issued to your sons today (all uncollected reports are available at reception).

• Parent-Teacher Consultations are on Tuesday the 9th of April and all staff contact details are available here: https://boyshigh.com/contact-us/.

• School starts on Wednesday the 3rd of April; kindly ensure that your son arrives with an appropriate hairstyle.

• Thank you for your support of my staff and me this term; we are pleased to see our boys growing into independent young men and will continue to empower them to take full responsibility for their lives next term.

I hope that you will have the chance to enjoy some quality time together as a family and rest well in this short break.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Attendance and involvement: You can use your son's initials (first name and surname) followed by his date of birth to see your son's attendance statistics: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qIQTpVQByGAxhXI13mo7GFBC4KcPE5zxphjkambvt5k/edit#gid=239162492

Important dates for house attendance:

• Thursday 2 and Friday 3 May (until 17:00) - Inter House Athletics

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• All teachers will be teaching content that will be examined in June until the end of term; kindly ensure that your son comes to school and finishes this term properly.

• We will be holding the Easter Market alongside IH Basketball, Water Polo and Table Tennis on Wednesday next week; the day will end at 12:00 when tutors issue your son with his Term 1 report.

Message: Gratitude

Gratitude is the act of being thankful and demonstrating appreciation for acts of kindness, with a willingness to reciprocate. This is shown by making eye contact, offering a handshake, specifically thanking individuals for their assistance, and living in a manner that reflects appreciation for what we possess.

Thank you for your generous contributions towards the Social Outreach Stationery Drive in Term 1.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• All staff contact details are available here: https://boyshigh.com/contact-us/

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

• Attendance and involvement: You can use your son's initials (first name and surname) followed by his date of birth to see your son's attendance statistics: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qIQTpVQByGAxhXI13mo7GFBC4KcPE5zxphjkambvt5k/edit#gid=239162492

Important dates for house attendance:

• Thursday 2 and Friday 3 May (until 17:00) - Inter House Athletics

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Attendance and Involvement

Below is a link to a sheet that shows the number of sport practices, cultural sessions and extra lessons that your son has attended this year. It also shows whether or not he currently has any outstanding school detentions and how many times he has been late for registration this term. You can use your son's initials (first name and surname) followed by his date of birth to find his information.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qIQTpVQByGAxhXI13mo7GFBC4KcPE5zxphjkambvt5k/edit?usp=sharing

Message - Significance

Our juniors and seniors ended 4th in Inter House Cross Country last week, but our juniors (Forms I and II) lost to Solomon House (3rd) a margin so narrow that, had we had one more boy competing, we would have made history by being the first day boy house to beat a boarding house in the IH Cross Country. I tied this to our theme for the week: significance, by highlighting the fact that our involvement, effort or voice often appears insignificant when viewing an entire outcome, but we forget that the outcome is made up of every individual's results. Everything we do (and do not do) is significant, because it shapes our future and impacts on the lives of those around us.

Notes

• The Abernethy Afternoon will be for all boys from 14:30 until 16:30 tomorrow afternoon.

• Please send any final contributions towards the Social Outreach Stationery Drive to school with your son next week; thank you for the contributions that we have already received.

• There has been an increasing number of items going missing on the school property; boys are reminded to make use of the areas that are monitored by cameras to store their belongings and check lost property for any items that do go missing. Thefts or suspected thefts must be reported to me by the boy, after he has been to check lost property.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• All staff contact details are available here: https://boyshigh.com/contact-us/

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

Important dates for house attendance:

• Friday 8 March (until 17:00) - Abernethy House Afternoon

• Thursday 2 and Friday 3 May (until 17:00) - Inter House Athletics

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Message - Nobody likes running

The Inter House Cross Country is the most important inter house event in the calendar to me, because it is the only event that requires the participation of every boy in the house. Very few boys enjoy running, but I am very proud to see most of our boys embrace the challenge and give their best - I see this as a reflection of their attitude towards all challenges in life. I encourage you to discuss your son's performance today with him and see how he approached this event.

Notes

• The school will be making use of Karri for all (non-tuckshop) payments. I have attached two information documents that you can use to set this this and pay for RCL Civvies Day next Wednesday.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• All staff contact details are available here: https://boyshigh.com/contact-us/

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

Important dates for house attendance:

• Friday 8 March (until 17:00) - Abernethy House Afternoon

• Thursday 2 and Friday 3 May (until 17:00) - Inter House Athletics

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Theme of the Week: Striving

I introduced the theme for the week as "Striving" and explained that the focus is on acknowledging imperfections and actively trying to be better. Striving involves dedicated efforts towards self-improvement in all aspects of life, without constantly dwelling on shortcomings or aiming for perfection. I encourage you to discuss this with your son and ask him in what areas he is striving to be better.

Notes

• IH Gala: All Abernethy boys are to meet on Shalang field at 16:45 tomorrow afternoon in their Abernethy shirts, green PT shorts and running shoes. I have attached a letter explaining access to the property.

• I have attached a list of the Google Classroom Codes for 2024; please check that your son has joined all of the relevant classrooms.

• The Inter House Cross Country event takes place on Thursday morning next week; our goal is 100% participation in Abernethy House and every boy finishing under 32 minutes; please ensure that your son does not miss this event.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• All staff contact details are available here: https://boyshigh.com/contact-us/

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

Important dates for house attendance:

• Friday 23 February (18:00) - Inter House Gala

• Thursday 29 February (08:00) - Inter House Cross Country

• Friday 8 March (until 17:00) - Abernethy House Afternoon

• Thursday 2 and Friday 3 May (until 17:00) - Inter House Athletics

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Boys should not have a cellphone with them while they are studying or when they go to bed; I encourage you to enforce this to help your son fully capitalise on the time that he should be studying and sleeping. 

The Form IIIs took house assembly this week.

Theme for the Week: Unstoppable

I spoke about being unstoppable in the face of challenges. I highlighted three common approaches people take when confronted with difficulties: avoiding them, seeking immediate help after a single failure, or persistently trying, learning from failures and continuing until success is achieved. The mantra of those who are unstoppable is encapsulated in the phrase, "I will prevail.". 

I encourage you to discuss the challenges currently facing your son with him and finding out what he is doing to ensure that he prevails.

Notes

• The Inter House Gala will be on Friday the 23rd of February from 18:00. Only cars with the 2024 Boys High sticker and boys in uniform will be allowed onto the property.

• Boys may not come to school to write an assessment and then leave, if they are not well enough to complete the school day then they must not write the assessment.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• All staff contact details are available here: https://boyshigh.com/contact-us/

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

Important dates for house attendance:

• Friday 23 February (18:00) - Inter House Gala 

• Thursday 29 February (08:00) - Inter House Cross Country

• Friday 8 March (until 17:00) - Abernethy House Afternoon

• Thursday 2 and Friday 3 May (until 17:00) - Inter House Athletics

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• I have attached the extra lesson schedule for Term 1; encourage your son to make use of this resource.

• Please continue to support the Social Outreach drive for Stationery; thank you for the contributions we have already received.

• Registration starts strictly at 7:30 every morning. If a boy arrives late for registration five times in a term, he will be issued with a Friday Detention.

• The Inter House Gala will be on Friday the 23rd of February from 18:00. Only cars with the 2024 Boys High sticker and boys in uniform will be allowed onto the property. 

The Form IVs took house assembly this week.

Theme of the Week: Proactive

Being proactive means taking charge of situations rather than reacting to them. This includes early preparations for academic challenges, effective planning of daily schedules, optimising classroom time and communicating needs and changes in advance. It is a mindset focused on control and preparedness in all aspects of life. I encourage you discuss this with your son and help him see where he could be more proactive in his life.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• All staff contact details are available here: https://boyshigh.com/contact-us/

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

Important dates for house attendance:

• Friday 23 February (18:00) - Inter House Gala 

• Thursday 29 February (08:00) - Inter House Cross Country

• Friday 8 March (until 17:00) - Abernethy House Afternoon

• Thursday 2 and Friday 3 March (until 17:00) - Inter House Athletics

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

The Form V group took House Assembly today.

Message - Consistency

Consistency involves behaving or performing consistently across all aspects of life, offering equal effort and attention to both passions and challenges. It means maintaining the same persona in various situations, even when tired or under pressure. Consistency is not resistant to change; rather, it is measured by how one responds to external circumstances and adapts accordingly. I encourage you to discuss consistency with your son and challenge him apply himself consistently across all aspects of life.

Notes

• Thank you for the generous stationery contributions to this term's Social Outreach initiative; please show your son how to be generous by supporting this initiative

• The new date for the Inter House Gala is the 23rd of February from 18:00

• There will be an Abernethy House afternoon on Friday the 8th of March; kindly ensure that your son is available until 17:00

• You are encouraged to attend the Parents' Association AGM - please see the attached picture for details

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• All staff contact details are available here: https://boyshigh.com/contact-us/

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

Important dates for house attendance:

• Thursday 29 February (08:00) - Inter House Cross Country

• Friday 8 March (until 17:00) - Abernethy House Afternoon

• Thursday 2 and Friday 3 May (until 17:00) - Inter House Athletics

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

We welcomed the new boys and announced the Mentor-Mentee partnerships for 2024 in house assembly today.

Message - Grit

Grit is enduring determination to overcome challenges. Grit requires direct confrontation of obstacles and the embrace of failure as a source of feedback and learning. It is characterised by a commitment to growth, while acknowledging that grit is not synonymous with stubbornness or a fixed trait but rather a learned and practised quality. Grit also involves facing hardships with an awareness of emotions rather than denial of them. 

I encourage you to discuss this with your son and ask him which challenges he hopes to overcome with more grit in 2024.

Notes

• We encourage you to join us for the annual inter house gala tomorrow evening from 18:00. This is a compulsory event for all boys; they will meet at 17:00 on Shalang in their house kit

• The boys were issued with their test schedule for the first term; I have attached it to this email

• There are two attachments that explain the food ordering system at the tuckshop

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well. We welcome Ms Diana Erasmus to Abernethy House as our Pastoral Care tutor, Mr Jonty Matthys as the Form III tutor and Mrs Penny Vlag back as the language checker; we are happy to have them in our team and have no doubt that they will add value to our house and our boys.

Message - Better decisions, better habits, better men.

The Abernethy theme, "Better decision, better habits, better men," underscores our commitment to personal growth. We aim to empower boys to make better decisions that will become positive lifestyle habits and ultimately help them become good men. We hope to work with you towards this goal for our boys.

Notes 

• We believe that generosity of spirit is a learned habit. With this in mind, the Social Outreach initiative for this term is a drive for stationery that we give to give to various orphanages and places of safety that the Boys High community supports. I urge you to teach your son the value of giving back by supporting this drive. 

• We encourage you to get involved with the Parents Association to support the school; click this link to register. 

• We hope to see you all at the inter house gala next Friday evening; this is a compulsory event for all boys.

Have a lovely weekend.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return.

WhatsApp Groups

• Abernethy Form I Parents: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E7P9G2YA9eE6WK5MI8LxH0 

• PBHS Info Form 1:https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kitn67kGG5PLnreEYx7XpT

• Abernethy Form II Parents: https://chat.whatsapp.com/G7tpFMqos6J81MRqtWxqlo 

• PBHS Info Form 2: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KWnl4mktFKNHK4Kn7yfvIP 

• Abernethy Form III Parents: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EhPXENnSb72GLWTlkqu3fW 

• PBHS Info Form 3: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FmDaV1tWKdt3a4OsOoCunI 

• Abernethy Form IV Parents: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BdJPFkSBbn15HKUlT3s4Lv 

• PBHS Info Form 4: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E4feGFUHbdJ5CxgTZAAxiJ 

• Abernethy Form V Parents: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DfRQgTl32HpK8sK5dLkCnT 

• PBHS Info Form 5: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqgadsUoqhDJztw1yinCEN

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you and your family well and we wish you and your all a prosperous 2024!

Notes

• School starts on Wednesday the 17th of January at 7:30 with assembly for Forms II to IV in the hall and Form Is are to meet in front of the school. 

• Registration for all new boys is on Monday the 15th of January from 14:30 until 16:00 - please bring the most recent report from the previous school. All boys are to wear summer uniform: khaki shirt and shorts, Boys High tie, knee-length socks and polished brown grasshoppers

• Appearance: Kindly ensure that your son is clean-shaven and has an appropriate hairstyle at all times when he is in school uniform. Hairstyles are to be formal and there should be no large differences in length between the hair on the side and the top of their heads.

• We encourage you to let your son attempt to resolve his own issues before taking matters into your own hands; if he is unable to resolve an issue or you are unable to find the relevant information on the D6 communicator, please contact your son's tutor via email (the tutor will escalate it to me, if necessary):

  • Form I Tutor: Mrs Thompson <tthompson@boyshigh.com>

  • Form II Tutor: Mrs Bouwer <sBouwer@boyshigh.com>

  • Form III Tutor: Mr Matthys <jmatthys@boyshigh.com>

  • Form IV Tutor: Mr Venter <jventer@boyshigh.com>

  • Form V Tutor: Mr Kowlaser <nkowlaser@boyshigh.com>

• Kindly start the subject of each email to the school with your son's name and surname.

• Early departures: kindly email me well in advance <cstephens@boyshigh.com> if your son requires an early departure for an appointment that you were unable to book outside of school hours.

• Absenteeism: kindly email your son's tutor, if he is absent so that they can issue him with an absentee note upon his return

• Kindly join the relevant WhatsApp groups; the links are at the end of this email and please remember to contact us via email with any queries you may have.

• Kindly diarise the following dates, as they are some of the compulsory attendance events for the boys this year:

  • Friday 26 January (17:00 - 20:00) - Inter House Gala

  • Thursday 29 February (08:00) - Inter House Cross Country

  • Thursday 2 and Friday 3 May (until 17:00) - Inter House Athletics

Message

Our goal in Abernethy House is to raise healthy and independent young men. I encourage you to ask your son what his hopes for 2024 (and beyond) are and how he plans to turn these hopes into action; once we know what his plans are then we are able to support and guide him on his path. As part of our focus on wellness (both physical and emotional), we would appreciate your support in ensuring that every boy is involved in a sporting and a cultural activity at all times, as this speaks to our belief that healthy (and involved) bodies house healthy minds.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Follow us on Instagram.

WhatsApp Groups

• Abernethy Form I Parents: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E7P9G2YA9eE6WK5MI8LxH0

• PBHS Info Form 1: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kitn67kGG5PLnreEYx7Xp

• Abernethy Form II Parents: https://chat.whatsapp.com/G7tpFMqos6J81MRqtWxqlo

• PBHS Info Form 2: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KWnl4mktFKNHK4Kn7yfvIP

• Abernethy Form III Parents: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EhPXENnSb72GLWTlkqu3fW

• PBHS Info Form 3: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FmDaV1tWKdt3a4OsOoCunI 

• Abernethy Form IV Parents: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BdJPFkSBbn15HKUlT3s4Lv

• PBHS Info Form 4: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E4feGFUHbdJ5CxgTZAAxiJ 

• Abernethy Form V Parents: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DfRQgTl32HpK8sK5dLkCnT

• PBHS Info Form 5: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqgadsUoqhDJztw1yinCEN 

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Arrangements for year-end report collections tomorrow:

• Reports can be collected from the front of the main school building between 8:30 and 9:30

• Boys may wear casual clothes

• Parents may collect their son's report

• If you wish to collect someone else's report, then you must bring a note from that person stating that you have permission to collect it (or the parents must email the housemaster stating who will be collecting the report)

• All uncollected reports will be left at reception and can be collected in the course of next week

Thank you for your support of my team and me this year - we appreciate being able to work with you to raise independent young men.

I hope that you will enjoy quality time and good rest with your family over the festive season.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Dear Parents 

I hope this email finds you well.

We bid farewell to Mrs Vlag after 22 years of loyal service to Abernethy House in House Assembly yesterday and we thanked Mr Agriao for the outstanding job that he has done as the Form II tutor since Ms Gouws left in August - he will also be leaving us at the end of this year.

Notes

• There may be no early departures on the 10th or 29th of November, on account of the special assemblies on these day - please plan accordingly

The end-of-year examinations start on Monday and we would appreciate your assistance in the following matters:

• Check your son's timetable with him (take note of the changes on the 10th and 29th of November) leave timeously to ensure that he arrives early for every examination

• Ensure that your son is clean-shaven, neatly dressed and has an appropriate hairstyle for the duration of the exam period

• Help your son to remain physically healthy by eating well, sleeping enough and doing some exercise every day 

• If your son is absent for an examination, email the doctor's note to svanwyk@boyshigh.com

• If your son has signed up for supervised study, then please ensure that he attends every day and do not allow him to make exceptions

• If your son is not signed up for supervised study, kindly ensure that he is at school just before his exam begins and collected when it ends; he should not be left unsupervised on the property 

Thank you in advance for your support and have a lovely weekend.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens 

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well. 

We were addressed by an old boy, Thabang Khatide, in house assembly today - thank you to Mr Orr for arranging this. 

We are very proud of the following two Abernethy Men who earned the following special awards at the Valediction Ceremony on Monday night:

• Takura Kufakunesu (2023 Head of House): Malcolm Armstrong Renaissance Man Award - this award is made annually to a pupil whose talents have earned them recognition in all three spheres of school life: academic, sporting and cultural, and who possesses a human compassion that will ensure that his talents are directed outwards towards service.

• Joel Donkin: Gertrud Theiler Award - this award is made annually to an all-rounder who has shown the most diligence in their contributions to the life of the school.

As mentioned last week, we do our best to update you update your son's progress at school; please do not hesitate to contact us, if there is something that has happened at school or at home that you are concerned about or would like us to be aware of.

Notes

• Here is a link to past exam papers: https://pretoriaboyshigh-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/kbotha_boyshigh_com/EsptAs6GznlPuZdJoiLpm0IBSu1QgV13PLznbOHgZkKWiw?e=gG0fWo (your son must use his Boys High email address to access this folder)

• The Social Outreach initiative this term is for Christmas gifts for the children in the orphanages that Boys High supports; I encourage you to demonstrate the importance of outreach to your sons by contributing to this worthwhile initiative. Please see the attached list of items required for each gift.

We wish the Form V Class of 2023 (and their parents) all the very best for the NSC Examinations!

Kind regards

Craig Stephens 

Reminders

• If your son is absent, email your son's tutor to let them know.

• If your son requires an early departure, email me.

• Email addresses for all staff are available here: https://boyshigh.com/contact-us/.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

We bid farewell to the Class of 2023 at their Final House Assembly on Tuesday - we wish them all the best for the upcoming NSC Examinations.

The Social Outreach initiative this term is for Christmas gifts for the children in the orphanages that Boys High supports; I encourage you to demonstrate the importance of outreach to your sons by contributing to this worthwhile initiative. Please see the attached list of items required for each gift.

We do our best to keep you updated on what is happening in your son's life at school and in Abernethy House; this is done to include you and give you a chance to engage with your sons about their life at school - thank you for the positive way in which you receive the information we share. 

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• If your son is absent, email your son's tutor to let them know.

• If your son requires an early departure, email me.

• Email addresses for all staff are available here.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

I have attached a copy of the November Exam Timetable for Forms I to IV; please discuss the upcoming examinations with your son and help him plan for success.

Message - Drive

Your drive is your inner (intrinsic) determination to become something.

Drive is:

• intrinsic - it comes from desire within and is not affected by what others say or do.

• sacrificing your time and energy now for something that you desire later.

• working towards a goal, not a reward.

Drive is not:

• aimed at recognition, but rather improvement.

• easily extinguished by what others say or do.

• to get something you want, it is to get something you must have.

I would encourage you to discuss this with your son to find what drives him and how you can support him in this pursuit.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Reminders

• If your son is absent, email your son's tutor to let them know.

• If your son requires an early departure, email me.

• Email addresses for all staff are available here.

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Thank you for your generous contributions towards the Term 3 Social Outreach Initiative.

Notes

• Tomorrow will start at 7:30 and boys will be issued with their Term 3 Reports just after 12:00. All uncollected reports will be left at reception.

The fourth term will start on Tuesday the 10th of October; kindly ensure that your son arrives at school with an appropriate hairstyle and an understanding of the importance and proximity of the end-of-year exams.

I hope that you will be able to enjoy some quality time with your sons over the holiday.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• We are making an effort to improve our boys communication skills, particularly in responding to questions or polls on WhatsApp and via email. Kindly discuss this with your sons and emphasise the importance of responding to questions (about fixtures, events, etc.) immediately. 

• The school will be doing Bok Friday tomorrow; this is essentially a civvies day with South Africa-themed shirts.

• We voted for the 2024 Abernethy House Prefects this week; I would encourage you to ask your son who he voted for and why, as this will give you an indication of how he sees leadership and what he values in his peers.

• Tomorrow is the last day to bring canned or non-perishable food items for this term's outreach initiative. 

Message - Maturity

Your maturity is defined by how you choose to respond to all aspects of life.

Maturity is:

• knowing that discomfort is not death; discomfort is feedback that should promote growth or force change.

• communicating well by responding honestly, clearly and timeously both verbally and digitally. 

• planning effectively to ensure that you keep your commitments and take others into account in your planning.

• knowing what matters to you and being able to say no to your friends when you do not agree with them and shrug off comments from people who do not matter to you. 

Maturity is not:

• something that comes naturally with age: being allowed to vote and drive does not make you mature, taking these responsibilities seriously does.

• being able to do what adults do: drinking, vaping and having sex do not make you mature, being able to do them responsibly does.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

Notes

• We are making a final push for the canned food initiative; please send a can of food to school with your son tomorrow morning; this will help us reach our goal of 200 cans from Abernethy House.

• The uniform change-over period ends tomorrow; kindly ensure that your son wears summer uniform to school from Monday onwards.

• We would like to avoid disagreements over hairstyles and and would appreciate your support; the code of conduct states: "There should not be a significant difference in length of the hair on the sides
  and the top of the head.". Please help your son to get this right and feel free to discuss the hair policy with the deputy in charge of the hair committee, Mrs Holliday, if you have any concerns or queries. 

The Form Is took house assembly today.

Message - Accountability

Being accountable means taking ownership of your decisions, actions and their consequences. Accountability is:

• setting your own goals and following through with the necessary actions to achieve them.

• accepting failure as an opportunity to learn and taking action to acknowledge mistakes, apologise and make amends.

Accountability is not:

• blaming your teacher or coach for your results

• blaming your friends for your behaviour

• blaming your upbringing for your shortcomings

Personal accountability is the beginning of maturity and independence.

I would encourage you to discuss this with your son and show him how to be accountable.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well.

The Form IIs took house assembly today.

Message - You get what you give

The house was divided into "Pridelets" (a group consisting of 2 boys from each form) during tutor period yesterday and boys were asked to tell two truths and a lie about themselves. The purpose of this exercise was to give the boys an opportunity to get to know each other. Many of the boys made the most of this opportunity and shared something of themselves and got to know the boys in their house a bit better. Unfortunately, there were also boys who decided not to participate and rather sat on their own or with the same person they see every day. 

I explained to the boys that yesterday's exercise, much like the entire Boys High (and life) experience is very similar: you cannot expect to learn, grow or change if you are not willing to try something new. I encourage you to discuss this with your son and help him get the most out of his life by getting out of his comfort zone.

Notes

• The Abernethy boys will be playing football and touch rugby on Mulvenna from 16:00 to 17:00 tomorrow afternoon; all boys are welcome.

• Thank you for your generous contributions to the canned and non-perishable food drive; please continue to send these donations in.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens  

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well. 

Message - 'tis here we learn to live

I reminded the house that the purpose of their schooling is to prepare them for life: they are here to learn how to learn, overcome obstacles, interact and communicate with a wide variety of people and care for those who are less fortunate than themselves. This all comes down to their attitude towards everything that the school (and life) offers - if they approach with a willingness to learn and grow then that is what they will get out. I encourage you to discuss this with your son and see what he is currently getting out of his schooling.

The Form IIIs took house assembly today.

Notes

• The Dignity Bag* drive ends tomorrow - please contribute to this wonderful initiative, if you have not done so already. Thank you for the many contributions that we have already received.

• The uniform change-over period starts on Monday the 28th of August: boys will be allowed to wear summer or winter uniform until Friday the 8th of September, thereafter summer uniform will be compulsory.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

* Dignity Bags for Victims of Rape (required: handbag, face cloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, bottle of water, shampoo, hair clips, deodorant, lip balm, sweets, body lotion, comb, small pack of tissues and a small notebook) 

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well. Thank you for your generous contributions toward the Canned Food and Dignity Bag initiatives - we appreciate your support and the active role you are playing in teaching your son to care for those less fortunate than himself.

Notes

• Join the Abernethy Community for the RCL Fun Run/Walk at 7:15 on Saturday morning - entries cost R60 and all proceeds go to charity.

• Boys may not come in just to complete an assessment and then leave directly after - this is a school policy.

The Form IVs took house assembly today.

Message - Your marks reflect your attitude, not your intelligence.

Society often gives the incorrect impression that success or failure at school directly correlates with success or failure in life. I explained to the boys that one of the most important lessons that they can learn while at school is how to apply themselves to get a job done. This is easy to do when the pursuit interests us or the rewards are obvious, but there are often times in life when something needs to be done - whether we like it or not. I challenged our boys to approach their studies as a job that needs to be done, because this will teach them how to apply themselves to any future pursuits.

I hope to see you at the RCL Fun Walk on Saturday.

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well. 

The Form Vs took house assembly today; we welcomed Mr Marcelo Agriao to Abernethy House, he is replacing Ms Gouws as the Form II Tutor.

Message - Charity is learnt, not taught

A part of our goal in raising independent young men is showing them how to appreciate the privileges they have and be aware of those who are less privileged than them. We cannot tell our boys that they must care for others and appreciate what they have, we can only show them through our actions. With this in mind, there are a number of outreach initiatives and we would appreciate your support in showing our boys how to give. These are the current initiatives:

• • Canned and Non-Perishable Food Drive for shelters and orphanages in and around Pretoria

  • Dignity Bags for Victims of Rape (required: handbag, face cloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, bottle of water, shampoo, hair clips, deodorant, lip balm, sweets, body lotion, comb, small pack of tissues and a small notebook) 

  • Blood Donations - 16 August (for boys and parents over 16 years old and 50 kg; click this link to sign up)

  • Bone Marrow Donor - 16 August (this is to be added to the registry - Bone Marrow matches are very rare and donations are not painful)

  • Bottle Caps and Bread Tags for Wheelchairs

Notes

• Inter House Athletics starts at 8:30 on Saturday morning and ends at 14:30. This is a compulsory event for all boys - please ensure that your son is present and dressed appropriately (house shirt and green PT shorts with lace-up running shoes). I have attached the schedule and our team list; I encourage you to come support our boys.

• We encourage your whole family to join the RCL Fun Walk on Saturday the 19th of August

• Kindly email your son's tutor when your son is absent and email me if your son requires an early departure

• Please note that it is school policy not to allow boys to come in to write an assessment and then leave

Kind regards

Craig Stephens

Please join the Abernethy Parent WhatsApp Group that is relevant to you:
Form I: https://chat.whatsapp.com/G7tpFMqos6J81MRqtWxqlo
Form II: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EhPXENnSb72GLWTlkqu3fW
Form III: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BdJPFkSBbn15HKUlT3s4Lv
Form IV: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DfRQgTl32HpK8sK5dLkCnT
Form V: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IDfInBrZSmDIYna1kuITkD 

Dear Abernethy Parents

I hope this email finds you well. 

The Form Is took house assembly today. We also bid farewell to Ms Anneri Gouws, our Form II Tutor, as she heads to Bahrain for a very exciting opportunity and we wish her all the best for this adventure.

Message

I spoke to the boys about the discipline system and explained that this is mostly necessary when boys are unable to acknowledge their mistakes, because if they cannot admit to making a mistake then they will be unable to rectify their behaviour in future. It is therefore necessary to impose some sanction to create an association between their behaviour and a negative outcome. I expressed my frustration with the boys when their first response is "I didn't do it / It wasn't me" or to offer some excuse, because this shows an unwillingness to accept the consequences for their actions. 

I challenged the boys to practice full accountability for their actions by responding with "I am sorry Ma'am/Sir, I was in the wrong and it will not happen again." and mean it. I encourage you to discuss this with your son and pay attention to his response when he is required to accept the consequences for his actions. 

Notes

• The Term 2 Reports will be issued at the end of the day; kindly complete this link to confirm that you have received the report and tutor comments

• Inter House Athletics is on the 11th of 12th of August - please keep this weekend open so that your son can be there for Abernethy House

• The RCL Fun Walk/Run is on Saturday the 19th of August - we would like to have the whole Abernethy support this event and would love to have you there

• Kindly find the Term 3 Extra Lesson Schedule attached; these lessons are compulsory for boys who scored below 50% in Term 2 and I would recommend these lessons before resorting to private tutoring

Have a lovely weekend.