It is with pride that we announce that Chris Brits, Class of 2007, has been appointed as Senior Prefect of Michaelhouse for 2012. This is a wonderful achievement and we send our congratulations to Chris and his family.
David Brill (class of 2006) Senior Prefect 2011 and Chris Brits (class of 2007) Senior Prefect 2012
Chris Brits with Guy Pearson, Headmaster of Michaelhouse
Chris will follow on from Headboy, David Brill, Cordwalles Class of 2006 making this two in a row which is wonderful in itself, but it is particularly special that this appointment comes in our Cordwalles Centenary Year, thus enhancing the close links between Cordwalles and Michaelhouse. Cordwalles was started in 1912 as a direct response to the need of Michaelhouse to secure its future and the school opened its gates in February 1912 and we are delighted that this relationship is as strong a Century later as it was back then.We look forward to welcoming Chris back to school in his capacity as Senior Prefect during the course of the year and in particular with the rest of his classmates of the Class of 2007 for their Matric Reunion in October 2012.
Congratulations Chris!
Class of 2006 Matric Reunion Sunday 9th October 2011
On a very warm evening , Cordwalles welcomed back to school it’s Class of 2006. 44 boys out of a class of 49 returned with their parents for this very special evening in the school’s calendar and were greeted at the new Andrew Rattray Pre-Primary which was opened after they had left for High School. To those boys who were unable to attend, please know you were sorely missed.
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The Headmaster, Simon Weaver, together with current and past members of staff, welcomed boys and parents and everyone mingled for drinks and a spot of reminiscing before Simon Weaver gave a presentation on the plans for next year’s Centenary Celebrations.
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Afterwards, everyone wandered through school and up to the Pennington Pavilion where dinner was served.Sadly, neither Mark Whitelaw (now Headmaster at WHPS Pretoria) nor Franzl Bause (Deputy Headmaster of Woodridge, Port Elizabeth) were able to attend the evening and sent their apologies along with their remembrances of the Class of 2006. These were read out to those gathered by Simon Weaver and Lance Veenstra (Deputy Headmaster, Sport). Needless to say, Mr. Bause’s contained many statistics which had everyone laughing as the list was endless. Mark Whitelaw recalled the contribution of the parent body of 2006 as well as the sporting and academic prowess of this special group. As the boy who delivered the Grade 7 Leaver’s Speech, David Brill replied on behalf of the boys and said that it was clear from the turnout, just what a special place Cordwalles holds in the hearts of the boys.
Glenn Jones (now Headmaster of Clifton Durban Prep) had planned to be at the event but unfortunately at the last minute was unable to come but sent his best wishes to everyone present.
This year has been particularly special in that it has produced the Headboys of Michaelhouse and Grace College and the Deputy Head boy of Hilton College. David Brill, Michaelhouse, Mark Weston, Grace College and Marc Train at Hilton College. The Staff are rightly proud of these achievements as well as those of all the boys across the academic and sporting spheres.
Parents and boys continued to catch up with one another over dinner and everyone left with the feeling that the reconnections had been made. Charlotte Usher (Oldboys Club) expressed the wish that everyone keep in touch through the office and update their details in the coming months so that they can receive the Cordies Chronicle and details of next year’s Centenary Celebrations.
To the boys of the Class of 2006, we wish you all the success and best of luck in your forthcoming Matric Finals and the culmination of your school years. All the best in your future endeavours and do stay in touch.
See photo gallery. Mark Whitlelaw and Franzl Bause’s speeches are also available
Cape Town Function – La Bri Wine Estate, Franschhoek
On Sunday 11th September old boys, wives, past staff and current staff came together to reminisce and enjoy a day of good company in the beautiful surroundings of La Bri, Franschhoek and to taste the delicious wines of the Estate.
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According to the Franschhoek Museum, the original grant of La Bri is the oldest Huguenot-allocated farm in the Franschhoek Valley. It was the first of nine farms granted to members of the main group of Huguenots who sought sanctuary in the Cape in 1688.
The name ‘La Bri’ is probably derived from the French for ‘the refuge’, a perfect name for this property, as it is safely nestled in the imposing amphitheatre of the Franschhoek valley.
Although originally granted to Jacob de Villiers, his son, Jacques, settled on the farm in 1694. He became a very successful farmer and later bought Boschendal from his brother Abraham’s estate. In 1712, Jacques received title of La Bri, and, over time, the farm was split into three, with homesteads built on two of them. In 1744, after several owners had come and gone, Pieter Eduard Haumann bought the farm that is today, La Bri.
Now in the ownership of Cordwalles Old Boy, Robin Hamilton (Class of ’50) Cordwalles old boys came together for drinks in the cellar (insert picture) and they spanned years from 1948 to 2004. Charlotte Usher, secretary of the Old Boys’ Club welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming along and said she thought that drinks all round were probably very necessary after the way the Springboks had taken everyone to the wire in their match against Wales only an hour or two earlier! Seated amongst the wooden wine barrels, Simon Weaver, headmaster and himself an old boy (Class of ’75) gave a presentation on where Cordwalles has come from, recent developments and where it is hoped the school will be positioned in the coming years. He outlined the plans for the upcoming Centenary Celebrations and it is rewarding to see that so many Old Boys plan to be with us in June 2012 to mark this landmark year. We will all only ever celebrate one Cordwalles Centenary.
Graham Evans, Chairman of the Board spoke on behalf of the Board, past parents and as part of the Centenary Committee after which everyone mingled for drinks and a delicious lunch in amongst the barrels.
The grounds proved the perfect back drop for photographs (see the gallery) and the last people left La Bri at 7.30p.m.!! It must have been a great day and to those of you who could not make the event this time, we look forward to seeing you at school in 2012 and at future events in Cape Town.
