19 2019 has, once again, been a successful and rewarding year for the boys of Finningley House. It has been incredibly heartening to witness the easing of divisions between the grades over the last five years and 2019 epitomises the growth of the House in these terms. Five years ago, the challenge was to create an experience for the Finningley boys based on a combination of mutual respect and acceptance; a place where boys would feel supported and elevated, and capable of facing the challenges that this modern world continuously throws at them. This aspect has been a focal point for the leadership of the House and the necessity of providing a secure and stable base for our boys who face challenging circumstances has been at the forefront of all we do. As far as inter-house competition is concerned, Finningley enjoyed a mixed bag of results. Victories were gained on the rugby field and basketball court, as well as in chess. The boys displayed incredible passion and managed to achieve a very credible second place in the inter-house athletics after a particularly slow start to the competition. The juniors coming through look capable and talented and this bodes well for the future of the House. In the inter-house sporting competition, Finningley came storming back into contention after initially propping up the base, achieving a pleasing second place. This was facilitated by excellent results in squash, basketball, soccer and golf. Once again the participation of the Matric boys in organising and running the various activities proved invaluable and I thank each and every one of them. In the cultural sphere the boys battled to convert talent and capability into success. Sadly the inter-house music competition was once again fraught with perplexing scoring, leaving many viewers incredulous as to the results. The boys will need to take cognisance of the specific requirements and the apparent need to sacrifice musical excellence for popular culture if they wish to succeed. The inter-house plays were of a particularly high standard and unfortunately Finningley’s comedic and entertaining fare was not deemed worthy of recognition. With a wealth of talent in these spheres, the House can surely look forward to a successful 2020. I would like to pay homage to the leadership group of 2019. The House was ably led by Carlo Miller, along with his deputies Mpendulo Dlamini, Matt du Toit, Donovan Hurt and Luke Wilson. What becomes more and more apparent is the supportive role these incredible young men play. They manage to balance the mantels of both discipline and control, with empathy and understanding. It is not uncommon for them to spend time late into the night counselling and advising the young men whose well-being they are charged with. The Matric group of 2019 have been great ambassadors for the House. They have been approachable and have taken their roles as mentors to heart. They have created bonds that will be hard to break and I appreciate each and every one of them. The future beckons and I wish them Godspeed. In the words of the great Lewis Carrol, “Where should I go?” - Alice. “That depends on where you want to end up.” - The Cheshire Cat.” Thanks must also go to my assistant Housemaster Jonathan Waldburger, and duty staff, Brett Alborough and Senzo Mtshali, for all they do to ensure that Finningley is the special place that it is. This year we said goodbye to Matt Saville after a number of years as a Finningley duty master. His contribution to the House cannot be underestimated and he has had a marked impact on numerous Finningley boys who have been fortunate enough to have relied on his advice and leadership in the House. Matt will be missed and we wish him all the best in his pursuit of alternative avenues of interest. With Matt’s departure we were able to welcome Senzo Mtshali to the team. I wish Senzo all the best for a successful time in the Finningley family. And so the Grade 12 year of 2020 take to the stage. Throughout their time in the House they have proved to be a tightly-knit group, supportive of each other and passionate about the House. They are principled and determined and I look forward to working with them. Congratulations to Grant Craze, Matthew Murray, William Young and Mandiza Zama on their appointment as Deputy Head prefects for 2020. The House will be ably led by Noah Laurēnz, a young man of integrity, empathy and common-sense. Finningley has also deservedly sent three young men across to Haley to help mould the new Grade 8s into upstanding Kearsney gentlemen. Congratulations to Lefa Motshele, Amnene Mthiyane and Craig Phillips on their appointments as Deputy Head prefects of Haley House. 2020 promises to be a watershed year for Finningley House as we prepare for the centenary. The foundations have been laid, buried deep into the rich soil of Botha’s Hill. The walls have been erected straight and true. Now we await the crowning achievement. It is up to the boys of 2020 to raise the roof and complete the work of those who have gone before. Mr Jonathan Beaumont FINNINGLEY HOUSE Housemaster’s report [The leadership group] manage to balance the mantels of both discipline and control, with empathy and understanding. Finningley House
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