From the Housemaster's Desk

Mr Scheepers

Housemaster: Ellis House

SEPTEMBER 2008

Dear Ellis House Parents,

Life’s up and downs provide windows of opportunity to determine your values and goals.  Think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to build the life you want. – Marsha Sinetar

This term was again filled with plenty of opportunities for all the boys of Ellis House.  When I look at all their achievements, I am very pleased to report that the majority of these boys have used, and are using, the opportunities on offer at this great institution.  I am sure you will agree with me that there are a vast number of activities on offer throughout the different spheres of school-life and that the biggest sin is not making the most of these opportunities.

However, why I really like the above-mentioned quote, is because it also implies that opportunities are synonymous with choices. When one, therefore, makes these choices, one might experience ups and downs.  When this occurs, one’s character is revealed and opportunities will be provided to demonstrate one’s values.   Goals are also paramount to opportunities.  With the final examinations fast approaching, especially for the matrics of the School, it is very important for them to re-establish their academic goals and to use every opportunity available during the remainder of the year to hone their skills for this very important time in their lives.

Speaking about the matrics of Ellis House, I have been very impressed with their contribution and example this year.  They have set an excellent example through difficult times and have done this consistently well throughout the year.  They will not realize the impact they have had on the boys of the House but I am sure that, when they return in the future as Old Boys, they will see the products of their legacy.  I am sure that next year’s seniors could not have asked for a better example of what a matric body should be like and that Bryce and his team have set very high standards.

We have been busy with the Form 4’s this past week with their leadership development programme and I am very excited about working with this group next year.  They seem to be a very capable group of boys and I am sure they will develop into fine leaders in the nearby future. 

In terms of House matters, I would like to say something about dinner leaves.  This seems to have become, in general terms throughout all the Houses of the School, somewhat of a grey area.  The original intention is for this type of leave to only occur when there is a special family occasion.  I, however, do believe that this has been eroded during the past couple of years and that local boys are, therefore, advantaged seeing that their parents are more accessible to the School.  This now creates all kinds of problems for boys who are not that lucky to have their parents within close proximity of the School.  Can I, therefore, please ask you to co-operate in this regard and to only request a dinner leave when it is absolutely necessary.  I do, having a family of my own, have empathy with parents who would like to see their sons more regularly but I do believe that it is only fair to also consider those boys whose parents are not nearby. The wonderful Hilton estate is always at your disposal and I would encourage parents to make more use of this fantastic facility.  I would like to see my relationship with parents as a partnership and it is, therefore, imperative that parents understand where I am coming from and, also for me, to understand your special needs and circumstances.

A reminder to those parents who would still like to order the 2008 Ellis House wine to contact me before the end of September so that this matter can be finalized.

I trust you will all have a short, but, nevertheless, enjoyable holiday with your sons and that you will take the time to spend quality time with them.  A reminder to the matric parents about the Leavers’ Dinner scheduled for Saturday, 1 November 2008 at the Fleur-de-Lys club.  Please RSVP to Keshni by the start of the final term.

Kind regards

Deon Scheepers

HOUSEMASTER: ELLIS HOUSE