Dear Sir
At the end of this term Pretoria Boys High School will say farewell to its Headmaster of twenty years, Mr Bill Schroder.
Being a third generation Old Boy, I take pride in keeping up with the School's development and have observed Mr Schroder’s progress with immense pride and admiration. While all the headmasters before have had their own challenges, I believe that Mr Schroder’s tenure was the most challenging given the history of our country. Not only did he successfully guide the School into the new South Africa, he did so while still maintaining both the School’s traditions and academic standards.
Bill Schroder has introduced new traditions that have both supported and strengthened the old ones. One in particular is Last Post. It’s one of those traditions that makes one swell with pride to be an Old Boy. In this modern age of arrogance and anger it is awesome to watch four water polo matches halt in a sudden deathly silence to observe the salute. With their hands over their hearts, and the distinct, ‘Boys High’ at the end, is an incredible sight to witness. And then everything resumes as if it were a natural part of school life! The few times I have observed this ritual I have purposefully observed the boys trying to catch out at least one individual not participating. My surprise!
Then there is always the Old Boy’s debate as to whether Mr Antony Reeler will be able to fill Mr Schroder’s shoes. I think each and every one of Mr Schroder's predecessors has been faced by this daunting task and each and every one has succeeded in their own right, adding more to the School’s rich culture. I trust Mr Reeler understands the enormity of his appointment just as Bill Schroder did twenty years ago.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Mr Schroder for his tireless efforts over the last twenty years. Even in the official diary and as far as the UK he is known as The Boss. This epithet was originally reserved for Mr Desmond Abernethy, and to have this honour bestowed on one is a huge honour and one of which Mr Schroder has proved himself worthy.
Go well Sir and enjoy your retirement. You deserve it.
From Gary Paul, Matric 1973.
At the end of this term Pretoria Boys High School will say farewell to its Headmaster of twenty years, Mr Bill Schroder.
Being a third generation Old Boy, I take pride in keeping up with the School's development and have observed Mr Schroder’s progress with immense pride and admiration. While all the headmasters before have had their own challenges, I believe that Mr Schroder’s tenure was the most challenging given the history of our country. Not only did he successfully guide the School into the new South Africa, he did so while still maintaining both the School’s traditions and academic standards.
Bill Schroder has introduced new traditions that have both supported and strengthened the old ones. One in particular is Last Post. It’s one of those traditions that makes one swell with pride to be an Old Boy. In this modern age of arrogance and anger it is awesome to watch four water polo matches halt in a sudden deathly silence to observe the salute. With their hands over their hearts, and the distinct, ‘Boys High’ at the end, is an incredible sight to witness. And then everything resumes as if it were a natural part of school life! The few times I have observed this ritual I have purposefully observed the boys trying to catch out at least one individual not participating. My surprise!
Then there is always the Old Boy’s debate as to whether Mr Antony Reeler will be able to fill Mr Schroder’s shoes. I think each and every one of Mr Schroder's predecessors has been faced by this daunting task and each and every one has succeeded in their own right, adding more to the School’s rich culture. I trust Mr Reeler understands the enormity of his appointment just as Bill Schroder did twenty years ago.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Mr Schroder for his tireless efforts over the last twenty years. Even in the official diary and as far as the UK he is known as The Boss. This epithet was originally reserved for Mr Desmond Abernethy, and to have this honour bestowed on one is a huge honour and one of which Mr Schroder has proved himself worthy.
Go well Sir and enjoy your retirement. You deserve it.
From Gary Paul, Matric 1973.
Comments