10 July 2023
Dear Parents and Guardians,
RE: FROM THE RECTOR’S DESK
While this weekend was supposed to provide some breathing space in our Trinity Term calendar, we had a number of sportsmen and women representing the school in various Festivals. We wished them every success in their endeavours.
There can be little doubt that the focus over the last couple of weeks has been on the mid-year examinations. These are now done, and the results are in circulation. For our public examination classes these results take on increasing significance as they provide an excellent benchmark in terms of preparation for the October/November examination cycle. I urge all our Cambridge candidates to make very good use of their academic time between now and the end of this term; they must ensure that where gaps have been exposed, they make the best use of all the support mechanisms available to them at school. While in some cases syllabi are still to be completed, the revision programme now begins in earnest. With a host of other activities scheduled in the last quarter of term there is the risk of “academic distraction”; it is important that all our Cambridge candidates stay focused and that they maximize the lessons learnt from the recent set of examinations. While on the topic of examinations we hosted over one hundred and thirty Common Assessment candidates (PHB) for the annual CHISZ 2024 D Block Common Assessment. The Girls’ School was equally oversubscribed, which will, over the course of the next ten days, challenge both schools when it comes to offering final places for next year. A good number of candidates also wrote examinations at venues away from the school.
As many of you will be aware, I have been absent from school recently. I am currently in South Africa undergoing several medical tests which I hope will be completed in the next week. It is my sincere hope that I will be back in my office in the not-too-distant future. While away from school I continue to be connected to what is happening on the ground although, sadly, not physically present.
As we enter the last part of the term there are a number of significant events taking shape. We will be formally opening the new Astroturf on the PHG campus on Saturday 15 July. This coincides with the annual Pearl Trophy against Chisipite, as well as the Boys School fixture against St John’s. After a year in the making, the new, water-based astro, adds significantly to our sporting infrastructure. Under the expert guidance of Project Manager, Mr Matt Dove, the school gains a world class hockey facility. The opening will offer the school a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge all those who have contributed to the
construction of this new facility. If you have not had the opportunity of visiting the Astro, I recommend that you make a detour to see what has been accomplished on your next visit to the school.
Hot on the heels of the recent NIAA Speech and Drama Festival, the bi-annual school Musical is in the final throes of being produced. This year we are doing a pre-historic musical comedy with a contemporary twist: Firebringer; pupils and staff have been working tirelessly and we hope that you will join us for an evening of laughs and high-quality performance. Please contact [email protected] to book your for the week of 25 to 28 July 2023.
This year’s Interact ‘Lights Show’ themed, “Peterhouse Has Talent” (3 – 5 July 2023), was a breath of fresh air and well received, particularly for the examination classes that had recently concluded their mocks. A mix of song and dance with a splash of wrestling, WWE style, made for both ‘chill’ and adrenaline pumping entertainment. On the final night, the audience (including about 30 children from Musha we Vana – an orphanage Interact supports and one of the recipients of the funds raised from the Variety Show) were spoiled with a performance by Gemma – a famous Zimbabwean artist; it was indeed
a show to remember! Our thanks to Gemma, Epic Lights, Mr Jera, Mrs Patsanza, and Mrs Mtakwa for their support, and particular thanks to all who performed for sacrificing their time to entertain the pupils: Peterhouse, indeed, has talent!
On 3 and 4 July, an examiner from the UK came out to Peterhouse to conduct London College of Music Examinations (LCME). Of Springvale House’s 12 candidates, 9 attained Distinctions, and 3 attained Merits. Of the 11 candidates Peterhouse Boys entered, 10 attained Distinctions, and 1 a Merit. All 3 of Peterhouse Girls candidates and Mr Milupi Imbula, who took an Associate’s exam (ALCM), attained Distinctions. Undoubtedly, Music thrives and excels at Peterhouse.
Towards the end of the term, the Petrean Society, in support of the future sustainability of the school, will be launching the Peterhouse Crown Foundation. This endowment fund, similar to that of many independent schools internationally, has been designed to secure the future aspirations of the school. It will, in essence, consist of three defining pillars: scholarships, development, and human resource support.
On 27 July, the “Foundation” will be formally launched at a function in Harare. Following the launch, more detail of its aims and aspirations will be made available to Petreans. There can be no doubt that this will be a milestone project and one which will continue to position Peterhouse as one of the leading independent schools in Southern Africa. Alongside this event, we will also be welcoming a good number of Petreans for their Reunion Weekend over 28/29 July. The feedback thus far has been that this looks to be a bumper Petrean weekend, and we look forward to their return to the school.
So, with just under a month of term left, we can reflect upon many notable successes. Equally, there is still much to be done and we need to work hard to ensure that we end the term on a high note. I would like to extend my very sincere thanks to the whole community for the ongoing support we receive, and I do look forward to catching up with you on my return to school.
With warm regards from a cold South Africa,
Jon Trafford
Rector
