Dear Parents and Guardians,
RE: FROM THE RECTOR’S DESK
The November cycle of Cambridge examinations is now in full swing and, to date, the papers have been consistent with expectation. We are currently somewhere near the half way point with the final papers to be written on 14 November after which the A Block will head off on their excursion in southern Matabeleland. The Vth Form will remain at school as they start work on their A level syllabi. At this juncture, I would to remind you that term ends on Thursday 5 December. There are a number of significant functions in that last week and any early departures will impact on their success.
In my last letter, I wrote of attending the UK Headmasters Conference (HMC) in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Over three days this conference covered a wide range of contemporary educational topics. For those traveling from overseas we had an “extra” day which was a real bonus given the content and interactions this day offered. Howard Blackett, previous Rector of Peterhouse, is now Head of the International Division of HMC and was largely responsible for the organization of International Day. The programme, for this part of the conference focused on a number of important topics headlined by an oversight, by Sir Anthony Seldon, of the role and importance of independent education. Perhaps the real takeaway, from Sir Anthony’s presentation, was that independent education, globally, is facing many similar challenges. Whilst we all might have our own unique difficulties, in a broad sense there a good number of similarities in terms of spaces that independent education is having to navigate. Interestingly, and by way of comparison the Independent Schools Association in New Zealand (52 schools) is smaller than our own ATS. In Africa, 5 schools are currently members of HMC (Kenya 2; South Africa1 and Zimbabwe 2). Following the International Day, the UK members joined the conference. The programme of this part of conference continued to provide some incredibly thought provoking and invaluable material covering a range of topics including; AI in education; school leadership, insights into challenges in independent education in the UK (again not too dissimilar to some of our own), school/home partnerships, social media management and curriculum and assessment development. Some of the highlights included presentations on the connection between “Human and Synthetic Intelligence” by Sivvy Jervis an Innovation Forecaster; the School/Home Partnership by Dr Kate Weston and the DNA of Leadership by Sir Clive Woodward. All in all the conference provided an excellent opportunity to gain a more insightful perspective on educational trends but, equally, to recognize that our concerns in schooling are shared and, schools worldwide, face many similar issues ranging from affordability to regulation.
Linked to my overseas visit was the chance to connect with Petreans. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend two Petrean functions. The first, a function which piggy backed on to one we hosted last term in Zimbabwe brought together Petreans who had been part of our early years (1960’s and 70’s). The first, very kindly hosted by Mr Chris Sladden, at the Charlton Club in London offered an amazing insight in life at Peterhouse in those very early days of our history. The stories were colourful and, in so many ways, help to position how many of our traditions emerged and subsequently evolved. The second function, also in London, saw over seventy Petreans gather for the annual London Dinner. Again, this was a fantastic evening bringing Petreans from the 1960’s together with those that have left more recently (2022). Both these functions, once again, reinforced the ongoing interest and passion Petreans have for the school and with 2025 looming and our 70th anniversary celebration I think we can look forward to a really meaningful and well supported year of celebration.
Whilst on the topic of 2025, a planning committee is hard at work finalizing the programme for 2025. Details, with a programme of events, be circulated shortly. Please diarise some of the main celebratory events which will include a gala dinner in Harare and number of sporting events and functions to be hosted here at school. It is our intention to celebrate as a community and to pay tribute to the generations of Peterhouse families who have, and continue, to support the school.
Closer to home, as we approach the Christmas season we reach out to communities within our own context to share in the celebration of Christmas. To this end Interact, as part of the Rector’s outreach, host a Christmas party (Friday 6 December) for the children of our ancillary staff. Annually, we cater for over 200 children aged between 3 – 12 years. Traditionally, both Peterhouse pupils and parents have been incredibly supportive of this initiative. If you are able, please support this initiative by donating a toy(s); they will go a long way to brightening up the lives of these young children. If possible, please can you wrap the toy with a label that shows appropriate gender and age. Mr Tonderai Nzanga (HoD English) oversees this project.
We are fast approaching the end of the year. Next week sees Speech Day for both PHB and PHG. In a departure from the past, both Speech Days will on the same day (Saturday 26 October). Peterhouse Girls will celebrate this occasion on Saturday morning followed, in the afternoon, by Peterhouse Boys. For our leavers parents please note the PHB Leavers’ Service on Sunday 3 November at 09h00. PHG Leavers’ will mark the end of their Peterhouse journey with a Service and lunch on Friday 1 November. This is an important celebration of their journey through school and all Leavers’ parents are more than welcome at these functions. Similarly, the A Block will, at the conclusion of their exams head off on their expedition. This is part of their school experience which reinforces our expectation that they participate in this outdoor adventure. Towards the end of term, the school will also host a number of music and carol services. Our own Carol Service will be on Sunday 1 December followed by the Marondera Schools’ Music Concert which will take place on Monday 2 December.
I close, on a sadder note, in bidding Mr Tinashe Jera farewell. Mr Jera has been head of Peterhouse Boys music for over five years and in that time the school has seen a significant increase in the scale and quality of our music performances. He has overseen many successes in the NIAA Eisteddfods, the return of international examinations through the London College of Music and a revival of instrumental music tuition. He leaves Peterhouse to pursue his PhD in Music composition in London. We wish him every success in his move to the United Kingdom.
The next two weeks is very much devoted to both internal and external examinations and, as such, sporting and cultural activities will reflect the importance of this academic time.
With warm regards for the upcoming weekend,
Jon Trafford
Rector
