Jeppe High School for Boys Association

Cnr Good Hope Street, Kensington, Telephone: (011) 616 5090 | [email protected]

Newsletter 1/2017

After 10 years as headmaster, Mr Anton Dempsey has announced his intention to retire at the end of the year, to staff and parents. The School is massively indebted to Mr Dempsey, under whose tenure and leadership the school has enjoyed a golden period of sustained success across the board in infrastructure improvement, sporting results, quality of staff and academic progress.

Formal farewells will be held for Mr Dempsey in the 4th term of this year wherein he will be thanked by the various constituencies of the Jeppe family for his contribution to the School. Going forward, we are hopeful that Mr Dempsey will continue to play a role in the Jeppe family within the JBA structures.

Fortunately the school has had a succession plan in place for some time and, in Dale Jackson, has a very capable and experienced senior deputy steeped in Jeppe history who will be able to step into the role of acting headmaster whilst the formal process of identifying and appointing a permanent headmaster takes place.

For those of you that are not familiar with the mission of the JBA, it is “To be the “bridge” between the school and our old boys and patrons communities, building a vibrant and constructive relationship between these communities and the school and within these communities.

With this in mind, I’d like to officially welcome the Class of 2016 to the Old Boys Association. We hope you enjoy reading your first “out-of-school” newsletter.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to update everyone on the progress of our infrastructure projects. The one I’m most excited about is our drive to expand the school’s campus through a program of buying the properties that border the school’s precinct, as well as the development of the land that borders on the Oribi Hostel.

We currently have options on two houses (shaded in the photo below) that border the road above the Watson pavilion and our intention is to purchase these into one of our existing trusts and allow the school to create direct access from these properties into our campus so that they can use the space for teacher accommodation, which is a real need.

These are ambitious projects and if there are any old boys or patrons that are interested in assisting with funding the acquisition of the properties or the refurbishment of them, please make contact with me either by email ([email protected]) or on my cell (0824435922).

Another exciting initiative for 2017 is the introduction of a formal program of bringing old boys back to the school to talk to the current boys and give them some insight into the world that awaits them and strategies to help them cope and be more successful once they graduate from Jeppe. I know we are all leading busy lives but I can assure you that you will get an amazing amount out of interacting with these boys and seeing the high standards at the school. If you’d like to be part of this program please let me know.

Finally, for some time now the JBA has been operated by a small group of dedicated people in a part time and volunteer capacity and my thanks in this regard to Fabio Matteucci, Kevin Robins and Fiona Garcia. However, if we are going to achieve our mission and complete the exciting projects that we have on the table, we need some fresh thinking and new energy on our committee. If you are interested in joining the JBA committee please contact me.

I hope to hear from many of you soon and I’ll try to keep you all up to date on our projects as they progress.

Regards

Rob Katzen (class of 1986)

Old boy’s news

65 Years of Camaraderie – extracts from an email received from Michael Quail (class of 1956)

“A note to let you know that a few of us gathered at the old school recently to celebrate our 60th class reunion.

From the start of serious planning, Ivan Schwartz undertook to organise the catering for lunch. It turned out that Zelda mostly managed the production of a varied and most delicious lunch extending over many courses.

How special to sit around a table and chat to classmates you've known for sixty-five years.

Earlier we met for tea and went on a conducted tour guided by Kevin Robins. The lads were amazed to learn of the developments particularly on the lower campus which have led to Jeppe's status as a much sought after school. In addition Kevin gave us a great deal of other info on our walk. Dale Jackson then addressed us in the Watson Pavilion on matters related to the heartbeat of Jeppe. What a school it has become over 125 years! We also saw the latest production of a video designed to record the development of the school for ordinary boys like us. Jeppe can rightly claim to turn black and white into gold in a most impressive way.

Thanks to Athly Jarvis and Gayle Thompson for being so helpful as well.

What an amazing staff, governing body, old boy community and parent support they have to produce the fine young men that pass through its gates each year.

We left the school as very happy Jeppe Old Boys.

Jeppe Hockey in great shape

The (very) Old Boys, pictured below, after the 4-4 draw against the under 14 team, can claim that the great start to the boys’ high school hockey career is attributable to the skills that the Old Boys passed onto them at the annual old boy vs school hockey day (the U14A squad were unbeaten at the Westville U14 Hockey Festival (31/03 – 03/04 2017) as well as the Nomads Festival hosted by Grey College (08/04 – 10/04 2017). They played 11 games - won 10, drew 1, scored 46 goals and conceded only 3).

In total four Old Boy sides participated. The annual old boy vs school hockey day is a much anticipated fixture on the hockey calendar and hugely instrumental in upholding Jeppe Boys as a leading hockey school in South Africa.

Jeppe Quondam – South Africa’s best

Jeppe Quondam were recently crowned inaugural champions of the CSA Multiply T20 Community Cup, which is the premier T20 competition, encompassing all provinces and featuring non-tertiary clubs. They won a much needed R50 000 cheque for their efforts.

A special congratulations to Gareth Olivier (class of 2010) for being named Player of the Tournament.

The team is coached by Tyrone Peters (class of 1999) and includes 6 Old Boys.

Rowing Dinner and Boat Naming

On Friday 24 March 2017, boys, staff, patrons and parents gathered to celebrate and recognise key performers of a very successful 2016 / 2017 rowing season.

An added feature of this year’s dinner was the Christening of our two new boats, a coxed four and coxless pair. This event highlighted the passion and enthusiasm the Old Boys have for their club and school, as they pitched in together to raise funds to purchase the naming rights to the boats with the objective of recognising two individuals who had played key roles in developing the club in the nineties to set the platform on which the current success was built. The coxed four was named ‘Lamorna’, after Lamorna Cantin, and the coxless pair was named ‘Fritz’, after Fritz Roberg.

Zak Wood (class of 1996) delivered a moving tribute to Lamorna and Fritz who we were privileged to have present on the night.

Another special moment of the evening was Mr Brian Goodall, Jeppe Head Boy of 1963 and first ever rowing captain, presenting the captains for 2017/2018 with their appointment letters.

Congratulations to Captain Karl Kaminski, and his Vice-Captains Jaryd Johnston and Nizaam McBride, and good luck for next season!

Recent visitors to the school

Denzel Hill (class of 2013) addressed the boys during assembly and presented the school with a signed U20 SA Rugby Jersey. Receiving the jersey from Denzel is Janse van der Ryst, the director of sport.

Rasta Rasivhenge (class of 2004) internationally renowned rugby referee addressed the audience at the Jeppe Rugby Celebration Evening.

Wandisile Simelane and Tyrone Green (class of 2016, right of picture) recently visited the school as part of the contingent that addressed the boys during assembly.

Eugene Stolk (class 1997, second from right) was the Guest of Honour at the Academic Prize giving Awards. His motivational speech is sure to motivate the boys in their quest for academic excellence.

Darren Norman (class of 1988) who heads up the Australian Chapter also popped into the school with his family during his trip back to SA.

In addition, another committee member of the Australian chapter, Robin Dobson (class of 1989) popped into the school with his children as well as Alan Carrington (class of 1984) who is Robin’s cousin, pictured here on the Ledwaba Stairs.

Graeme Skeen, devoted Jeppe Old Boy and Managing Director of Dymot Engineering in Spartan, paid a visit to the school to chat to the learners who benefit from the annual donation Dymot Engineering makes to the school to aid disadvantaged learners.

Graeme enjoys catching up with the boys during these visits to the school, discussing their academic and sporting progress, general school and boarding life and any topics the boys wish to raise with him.

This was a particularly special visit as he presented Tebogo Thena, one of the learners who benefit from the Dymot Engineering funding, with the match ball from the 1st XI game against St Albans where Tebogo picked up 5 wickets for 21 runs in 8.3 overs.

The monthly Old Boys breakfast is in full swing in the Watson Pavilion. The breakfast takes place on the first Wednesday of every month. All Old Boys are welcome but please confirm your attendance with Arthur Haden (class of 1957) on 0824546756 or [email protected] in order to facilitate catering arrangements.

Well done to Old Boy, and former Head Boy, Mduduzi Junior Mngomezulu- Mnisi (class of 2009) on qualifying as an attorney.

Mduduzi returned to Jeppe to address the boys at assembly on Tuesday 2 May where he gave a very informative and positive talk.

We would welcome the opportunity to host any other Old Boys who may have an inspirational message to share with the current learners.

Mr Bill. Silburn

We regularly receive enquiries from Old Boys, particularly those who were at Oribi, regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Bill Silburn. Mr. Silburn currently resides in Rose Haven Retirement Village in Sandton.

Mr. Silburn would love to see Old Boy visitors as shown in the photo which was taken when Mr. Jackson (class 1990) and Mr. Jarvis (class 1975) popped in to say Hi.

The JBA is currently embarking on a project to raise funds to expand Oribi in memory or Mr. Silburn. Should you wish to assist in this regard, please contact Rob Katzen.

Obituaries

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of the following Old Boys.

Alex Zeller (1944 – 1948, Oribi): 15 Aug 1931 – 29 Nov 2016 Gus Jullien (1952 – 1956, Roan): 28 Feb 1938 – 2 Dec 2016 Trevor Schroeder (1963 – 1967, Duiker): 16 April 1950 – 6 Jan 2017 Alan Harty (1968 – 1973, Tsessebe): 1 Dec 1954 – 25 Jan 2017 Prof Mario Altini (1963 – 1967, Impala): 19 Sept 1948 – 26 Feb 2017 Neil de Munnik (1963 – 1967, Impala): 14 Dec 1952 – 26 Feb 2017 Kevin Motley (1971 – 1976, Koodoo): 5 July 1958 – 30 March 2017 Michael Forder (1957 – 1959, Oribi): 19 May 1941 – 21 April 2017 Nick Durandt (1978 – 1980): 26 Dec 1963 – 21 April 2017 Julian Burns-Thomson (1987, Impala)

Reunion Weekend - Friday 4th and Saturday 5th August 2017

Due to the success of last year’s Reunion Weekend, we have once again earmarked a weekend on which all reunions will be taking place. While there will be an open function for all Old Boys, the following classes are arranging their own reunions:

Class No of Years Organizer for that year Class of 1957 60 Years Derek Cooper Class of 1967 50 Years Clive Hatch and Kevin Tait Class of 1977 40 Years Rodney Mossner and Ken Richardson Class of 1987 30 Years Gavin Thom Class of 1997 20 Years Matthew Bell Class of 2007 10 Years Byron Tennant and Gavin Robins

All other old boys, not celebrating a specific milestone, are invited to book tables and join a general reunion in the Memorial Hall.

The following activities will take place over the weekend:

Friday 4th August 2017 A school assembly will be held at 13H30 to celebrate the return of the old boys Tours of the school will commence at 14H30 All old boys to gather in the Memorial Hall from 17H30 Speeches will commence at 18H30 Class reunions will move to their respective venues

Saturday 5th August 2017 All old boys are invited to watch the hockey and rugby fixtures vs KES, at KES.

Should you require the organizers e-mail addresses kindly contact Kevin Robins at [email protected]

USA Reunion

To all United States based Old Boys,

Dale Jackson (Headboy 1990), the current senior deputy headmaster at Jeppe will be in the USA at the end of June and is hoping to host a reunion for all interested old boys in New York or, at the very least, to meet up with some of your over a coffee or a beer in order to update you on the many positive developments, upgrades and improvements at the School. Note that depending on numbers, he is happy to travel elsewhere in the US.

Should you be interested in attending a reunion, or wish to meet up individually, please send Dale an email at [email protected] and he will try and make arrangements accordingly. He would be delighted to meet up with as many of you as possible.

Obviously organising such an event whilst based in Johannesburg is difficult and therefore should anyone be prepared to assist in making arrangements related to a reunion please let Dale know (any assistance will be greatly appreciated).

Sister Power

Congratulations to Jeppe High School for Girls and in particular to the principal, Ms. Goncalves on being placed second in the category Excellence in Secondary School Leadership at the 17th Annual National Teaching Awards.

Some School highlights

Marimba Band

This year, for the first time in Jeppe’s history, a Marimba Band has been formed and are seen here practicing in the Payne Hall. Along with the Pipe Band and rejuvenated choir, the Marimba Band adds to the ever expanding cultural offering at Jeppe.

This exciting new activity would not have been possible if not for the generous donation from Prof. Peter Spargo (1954) which was used to acquire the equipment.

For the first time in many years, Jeppe has two representatives in the provisional Junior Springbok World Cup Squad:- Wandisile Simelane (class of 2016, Oribi) and Hacjivah Dayimani (class 2016, Tsessebe)

They can be seen pictured right with the Jeppe Hockey U14 team on tour in Bloemfontein.

In addition, we have had a number of Varsity Cup Representatives: - Denzel Hill (2013, Tsessebe) - Tuks Tyrone Green (2016, Oribi) - Wits Wandisile Simelane (2016, Oribi) - Wits Jethro de Lange (2014, Head Boy, Tsessebe) – Wits

Congratulations to Keagan Das Neves (class of 2015) for representing the Rooibokke under 18 team at the Inter Provincial Rugby week in 2016.

The class of 2021

The 2017 Grade 8 boys at the induction camp where the black and white history and traditions are instilled in them. Great to see the increasing number of old boys that are enrolling their sons at Jeppe.

Academic results continue to improve

Congratulations to Class of 2016. Matric results - 98.4% overall pass rate, 78% Bachelor pass, 98% Tertiary access. Top achievers were Ashwin van Der Merwe & Derick Mathew who achieved 7 Distinctions and Kilolo Muaku, Matthew Gilmer and Andrew Laidley (in picture right) who achieved 6 distinctions.

100 CLUB

The 100 club remains the primary source of income of the JBA. We currently have just under 400 contributors making monthly donations of between R100 and R3000 and totalling R65 000 per month. The 100 Club continues to be a significant support to the school in the areas of infrastructure improvement, staff development and scholarships for underprivileged pupils.

If you would like to contribute to the ongoing success of the school by joining the 100 Club kindly contact Fiona Garcia on [email protected] for South African contributions.

Should you be based in either the United Kingdom or Australia and wish to join the 100 Club there, please make use of the following contact details:

UK Michael Wright (Class of 1986) – [email protected] Australia Darren Normand (Class of 1988) – [email protected].

New online Database

The JBA has now acquired a new database package which will enable Old Boys to register and update their details online (including uploading photos, articles and even videos) as well as providing the following benefits:

 Real time access to all news  Advertise to our alumni  Online access to a calendar of events  Create networks for business opportunities  It helps to simplify arrangements of reunions  It facilitates tracking of your school friends

Please click here/go to https://jeppe.alumnet.co.za to register. Note that if you have entered your e-mail address and it will not allow you to go any further, then the e-mail address on the system is incorrect, kindly e-mail Kevin at [email protected] and he will correct the address on the system.

Blast from the Past

As a new feature, we will be highlighting interesting anecdotes from key years in Jeppe’s history.

100 Years – 1917

 Headmaster – James Payne (1905 – 1917) Capt. JHA Payne passed away on 28 July 1917 of Blackwater Fever while on active service in East Africa.  Head boy – George Giannopoulos (Koodoo)  Robert Catterall (1918, Oribi), (Springbok cricketer) sets new batting record of 206.  10 Head Prefects among hundreds of Jeppe Old Boys and staff serving in the Great War.

50 Years – 1957

 Headmaster - Alan Grant (1943 – 1962)  Head Boy - Clarence Escreet (Duiker)  Pipe Band – Pipe Major was Kenneth MacDonald (Roan)  Rugby vs KES and St Johns - both games were drawn while Jeppe beat Parktown and lost to Pretoria Boys  At the Maccabi Games in 1957 – Jeppe had six old boys who represented South Africa in seven sporting disciplines, winning three gold medals and two silver medals. This included Harold Bromberg (1955, Sable) who won the 100m in a record time of 10.4 secs.  Asian flu epidemic disrupts the school with high levels of absenteeism.

25 Years – 1992

 Headmaster – David Quail (1978 – 1997), Head Boy (1954, Tsessebe)  Head Boy - Nigel Pickford (Duiker)  Pipe Band – Pipe Major was Craig Whitley (Impala).  Rugby vs KES, Parktown, St Johns and Pretoria Boys - Jeppe won all four games.  Jeppe won the Aitken Trophy and were runners-up in the Boden Trophy.  This year was the first time that South Africa were allowed back into the Olympic Games, after being banned from 1960. Jeppe had one representative at the games, Kurt Landsberg (1980, Koodoo) – Rowing. David Shapcott (1986, Oribi) was also selected, but unfortunately was injured.  Cricket – Jeppe lost in the John Waite final to St Stithians.  Jeppe Old Boys first hockey team won the South African Champion of Champions Tournament, beating Natal Technikon 2–1 in the final.

Upcoming events

Jeppe Highland Gathering – 13 May 2017

Reunion weekend – 4th & 5th August. (See details above).

JBA Golf day at Glendower 24 October 2017

For all school events please consult the calendar on the newly renovated school website www.jeppeboys.co.za

Hockey Fixtures for the remainder of 2017

Friday May 12 to Sunday May 14 – Aitken, Boden and Top 8 Tournaments (various venues) Wednesday May 24 – St Alban’s (home) Saturday May 20 – Pretoria Boys’ High (home) Saturday May 27 – Affies (away) Wednesday May 31 St David’s (home) Monday July 24 – SHINS (home) Saturday July 29 – Waterkloof (home) Saturday August 5 – King Edward (away) Saturday August 12 – Parktown (home)

Rugby Fixtures for the remainder of 2017

Saturday May 13 – St Benedict’s (away) Saturday May 20 – Pretoria Boys’ High (home) Saturday May 27 – Affies (away) Saturday July 29 – Waterkloof (home) Saturday August 5– King Edward (away) Saturday August 12 – Parktown (home)

Supporters Kit

A wide range of supporter kit is available from the Esquires School & Sports shop located on the campus. The shop trading hours are 9:00 to 15:00 on weekdays and on home game days from 9:00 to 13:00 or you can contact Miraj on 078 114 3796.

If you can't make it to the school the supporters kit is available online at www.esquires.co.za

Old Boys are reminded to follow us on Twitter (@jeppeboys) and Facebook (Jeppe High School for Boys) for up-to-date information. Full school details are available on our website at www.jeppeboys.co.za