55 Centenary Edition Pembroke House Head of House report What defines a successful year? This is the burning question I asked myself when beginning to write the Pembroke House report for 2021, Kearsney’s centenary year. This year was not the year we all had in mind due to the rollercoaster of highs and lows that challenged this unique year. Yet, with so much uncertainty surrounding this year, aspects of the College stayed true: the passion, heart, and never-give-up attitude of the boys of Pembroke House. Beginning the academic year with two weeks of online schooling caused uncertainty over whether this would be another COVID-19 affected year. With sport being allowed, then rescheduled, to eventually being cancelled and allowed once more, it summarises the chaos that the coronavirus pandemic caused. However, the silver lining through this year’s lows can be found in some normality in the boarding house experience, being back in the classroom block, and finally having a Matric dance. Although Pembroke did not bring home the Top House trophy – placing second again – we prevailed in our academics, winning for the second consecutive year. Pembroke also won the highly anticipated tug-of-war competition for the fifth consecutive year and dominated the public speaking event. The year which sought to divide us brought the House closer together than ever before, creating a Pembroke brotherhood that will last forever. I define that as a successful year, as our success will last a lifetime. Leading Pembroke House for the past year was not a task I could do independently. So I extend special thanks to my prefect body- Kade Arnot, Ben Robertson, Calvin Davis, and Matthew Jacobs- for all their help throughout this year. Pembroke produced a record number of prefects- 11 in total, including five Haley prefects - Bryce van der Merwe, Connor Soulsby, Thoba Buthelezi, Matthew McMurray and Nic van Heerden- as well as the Deputy Head of school, Mhleli (MK) Khuzwayo. The Matrics of 2021 will be remembered for being the Centenary class and the group of boys who seized every opportunity that came their way and showed the true spirit of a Kearsney man. The Matrics inspired the rest of the school never to give up when times get tough, maturely and respectfully, and forged a path for future Matrics to follow. I wish everything of the best for my fellow Matric Pembroke boys, and I thank you all for an unbelievable five years. A special thanks need to be extended to the tireless and flawless efforts of our Housemaster, Mr Green, and deputy masters, Mr Ryan, Mr Morgan, and Mr Robinson. This year was yet another year conquered by the COVID-19 pandemic, and controlling such a large group of boys through disrupted schedules and daily screening both day and night, was not an easy job. You were nevertheless able to balance discipline and enjoyment in the House. Thanks to you, Pembroke experienced yet another fantastic and enjoyable year. I hand over Pembroke to Matthew Smith and the perfect body of 2022, who I have great faith in, and trust that they will raise Pembroke’s flag again. Siyahola Njalo Ryan Wimbush
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