Principals Newsletter: 17 May -
Sport at Bishops
Our sports programme is very important to us as part of the balanced education of our boys. We encourage our boys to strive for excellence in every area of which they take part, sport included. And they rise to that challenge time and time again. I am so proud of them for giving their all.
There are times though, when things don’t work as well as we hoped and there is a danger of letting this affect us negatively. I refer specifically to rugby, where we have struggled with results these past few weeks.
At the beginning of last year, when we realised we needed to devote more attention to the rugby programme, we introduced a new coaching strategy, “This is Bishops”, where we set out a programme of coaching, headed up by a team of advisors and appointing specialist coaches in key areas. We made it clear at the time that this, coupled with an improved recruitment strategy, was a long-term project that wasn’t going to “fix” Bishops rugby overnight but was going to have long term influence.
I have been saddened and sometimes angered by some of the comments made on social media that criticize our boys, our coaches and our school. The school and the Executive are fully supportive of the rugby programme, securing a wonderful sponsorship deal with our partners 10X, that has helped fund this improved coaching structure. This included paying attention to the Prep schools that provide us with most boys to develop skills and talents at an earlier age. We will overcome, that I am sure, but it will take time and we need the support of all members of our community as we go along this journey.
The rugby programme is an important part of our total offering, but then so are other sports, our cultural programme and the academic side of school life. And I could go on and on, citing areas of excellence that some seem to ignore. We are developing young men to go out into our world as Good Men, men who have reinvented modern masculinity and who are contributors to society as good citizens of our country and our world. We need to show them that we believe in them, we support them. We need to show them that a balanced approach, keeping perspectives in place, will be their best chance for success.
Our rugby boys turn up week after week, trying their hardest to do their best. Our coaches pour their energies and passions into what they do. Let us support them while always retaining the bigger picture of what Bishops stand for – holistic, excellent education in the development of Good Men.
Support of the Boys and the School :
The school has made significant efforts to boost the support from the boys and the general Bishops community during weekend sports events, and this was evident from the increased number of spectators at the Wynberg home games.
Appreciation is extended to those who have come out to show their support, and continued attendance is encouraged to motivate our sportsmen to perform their best.
Last week, the boys were given a straightforward message: to support each other regardless of the results or outcomes.
It’s less about the results and more about demonstrating to the public the honour of being part of the Bishops' community and the pride in supporting your schoolmates through all circumstances.