As the curtain comes down on the Lent term, there is much to ponder and reflect upon. The last three weeks of the term have seen a whirlwind of events and activities. Being a week shorter than normal, the classroom has been an intense space, and with Term Orders and reports due there has been an intense academic atmosphere in the school. The number of Rector’s Send Ups and academic Commendations would point to it being a successful term for a good number of pupils. This term’s reports, particularly for examination classes, are important as they will give a very good insight into progress towards the “mock examinations” in June. For this year’s examination cohort, there is a lot to learn from last year’s results.
Beyond the classroom, our athletes have enjoyed considerable success, and our thanks go to all those responsible for our successes, as well as the Estates team, who have oversight of our incredible facilities. With the end of the athletics season, we have made a quick shift to winter term sports, and with it a new school dynamic. We have, already, had a taste of what is to come in the months ahead.
SPEARS 100
The Spear’s Schools Index is now in its seventh year as the definitive guide to the world’s 100 leading private schools. Since its launch in 2020, the Index has become established as a trusted point of reference for parents looking for quality independent schooling. Drawing on the expertise of a wide range of leading educational consultants and industry specialists, the Index identifies institutions that value academic strength alongside the broader cultural, pastoral and reputational qualities increasingly prioritised by families who are privileged to be able to choose from the very best.
For the second year Peterhouse has been included in the Spears 100 rankings. This represents a significant achievement in our history and pays tribute to all those who have, over generations, built the school’s culture and ethos, let alone the developments achievements made in recent years.
You can read more about it here – Spears Index 2026
100 TERMS
Three members of staff at PHG celebrated one hundred terms of teaching at Peterhouse. This accolade is reserved for the very few who have committed a lifetime of teaching at Peterhouse. It was with considerable pleasure that we acknowledged Harriet Nel, Noel Whitcomb and Karen Barrie reaching 100 Terms at a function at the Rock and Crown (PHG Astro) last week. Their journeys, over the years, have been filled with great colour, achievement and recognition. Fitting tributes were made to each of our “centurions”, and the celebration paid tribute to the significant contributions to the Group of Schools.
NIAA
Starting with two days of adjudication at Peterhouse, the NIAA Eisteddfod came to its’ conclusion in Harare last Friday, 27 March. In that process, involving multiple musical performances, individual candidates and groups were put through their paces in an intense and demanding environment.
Congratulations must go to all our candidates and the music staff for their hard work in practice and performance. As a Group, we enjoyed considerable success, which was put on show at the Highlights Concert on Monday, 30 March. This concert, attended by the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs A Gata; the Chief Director Provincial Education Services, Mrs A Ncube; and the District Schools Inspector, Mr F Changa, showed off some of our top NIAA performances. It was a spectacular evening of musical talent and excellence.
FAREWELL - JOHN WHEELER
Arriving at Peterhouse in 2021, as the “new Maintenance Manager”John Wheeler quickly made his impact on the school, bringing with him a broad range of project and fabrication skills. During his tenure at the school, John has overseen a range of projects which include the new pool, the Astroturf, and the construction of new staff houses. His ingenuity and ability to “make a plan” have brought about a better hot water supply to the houses. Managing three campuses is no easy feat, and John has made it his task to ensure that the schools’ fabric is kept in good shape. His legacy will be in the many developments he has overseen in his five-year tenure at Peterhouse. As John moves into “retirement”, there can be little doubt he will continue to put his skills to great use within the Marondera community.
We welcome, in mid – April, Jason Cloete as our Group Maintenance Manager.
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
To add to the success of our musicians, the junior drama production “Around the World in 80 Days” was a bold and colourful production which captured, in every sense, the words of Jules Verne’s epic tale of Phileas Fogg and his incredible world journey. With touches of humour and intrigue the cast took us from France to India and then onto Japan before making the made dash across the United States so as to meet the 80 Day deadline in London. To Mrs Allott and her cast we pay tribute to their creativity, skill and ability in turning the Fieldsend Hall into an amazing and classic journey around the World.
PETREAN SPORTS DAY
Having missed out in 2025, on account of the number of other events celebrating the 70th Anniversary in 2025, the Petrean Sports Day returned to the school over the last weekend of term. Preceded by the Annual Petrean Society AGM in the Megahey Centre, Petreans went on to play a host of sporting fixtures against school teams. The AGM was well attended with a good number of members being present at the school. They were joined by an equal number of out-of-country members online. The meeting was able to pay tribute to Corralee Greeff who will be stepping down as Secretary to the Petrean Society at the end of June. Once again, there were, across a range of disciplines both at the Boys and Girls schools, some very close and competitive games. It was so good to welcome so many Petreans back to the school and to see them and enjoying a great day of connection and camaraderie.
TOURS TO SOUTH AFRICA
As this letter arrives in your inbox, our girls’ and boys’ hockey teams have left for Cape Town and the Belgotex Cape Schools Hockey Festival. They play across a range of venues in Cape Town which has now become annual part of our sporting calendar.
The rugby teams are in the final stages of preparation for their journey to Easter Festivals at Kearsney and Michaelhouse. The 1st XV and U14A’s will be at Kearsney, playing on Thursday (2 April), Saturday (4 April) and Monday (6 April). Our other Junior teams will be playing on Thursday (1 Game) and Saturday (2 Games) at Michaelhouse.
Our Debaters left for Pretoria earlier this week.
The leaves on the trees are turning, and the mornings are starting to become a little fresher. The change brings with it the close of term and a reminder that Winter may not be far off.
I hope that you will all have a wonderful Easter holiday, and if travelling, may all your journeys be safe.