23 “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”– Franklin D. Roosevelt I want to commend the gentlemen of Gillingham House, along with their parents, for how they bought into the vision and goals for 2019; for their commitment, and the exemplary way they conducted themselves. Every boy’s contribution gave the House that extra step forward in striving to be the House that is a cut above the rest. The Grade 12 group of 2019 set the tone as their determination, which was reflected in the various leadership roles they fulfilled–from prefect to a task manager–was exceptional. In the sports arena, this determination, leadership and the phenomenal organisation saw the House victorious overall, winning the following inter-house events: athletics, cricket, cross-country, hockey, soccer, golf and the swimming gala. A well-deserved second place in water polo assisted the House further in extending the lead on the points table. These efforts earned the House the coveted AH Smith Inter-house Sport Trophy. Academically, the boys also outdid themselves and they represented the House with distinction while extending their lead over their counterparts every term and, in doing so, won the highly-prized Parkes Interhouse Trophy for Academics. With winning two of the three pillars of which the Inter-house competition comprises, the House still had their work cut out in the cultural field. Gillingham, unfortunately only managed a second place in both the Inter-house Music and Inter-house Chess competitions, ending in third position overall in the cultural competition. This is an area that will require some special attention and focus in 2020. Fortunately, the boys did enough to secure The Veldman Top House Trophy as overall combined winners of the Inter-house Competition for 2019. Congratulations and welldeserved gentlemen! Being appointed as Housemaster of a House such as Gillingham has been wonderful. I inherited a well-oiled machine with secure structures in place, where every boy knows his place, and where traditions are honoured. Credit goes to Mr Myles Delport for his hard work of the past. Thank you to Mr Dougan Macdonald, our assistant resident Housemaster, for his support and the role that he fulfils in the House. Thanks also go to Mr Neil van Heerden, Mr Mike Simpson and Mr André van Zyl, the duty staff, who all assisted in ensuring the Gillingham values were maintained and encouraging every boy to put their needs second to those of the House. All of you contributed towards me finding my feet as Housemaster; I appreciate your efforts immensely. Mr André van Zyl, after many years of service to various Houses, made the difficult decision to retire as a duty master earlier in the year. The boys of the House and all the duty staff would like to express our gratitude for his service and wish him well for any future ventures. Mr Mike Simpson was appointed in his place at the start of the second term. Mr Simpson departs for New Zealand at the end of 2019, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours. The 2019 leadership body of the House played an integral part in the day-to-day running and the overall success of the House. To Matt Brimacombe and his team, Joshua Barrett, Sean Beith, Oliver Carmody and Connor Nilsen, thank you for your efforts and the drive you have shown, rallying the troops and leading by example. Well done, you leave big shoes to fill. A special mention must also go to Hayden de Kock for receiving Academic Honours Cum Laude, the Colin Silcock Prize and Tim Browne Trophy for Dux of the College. To the Gillingham Class of 2020, may this be a year full of promise and achievement beyond your dreams. We look forward to seeing you taking the House to new heights. We also wish Sam Jiyane and his team of House prefects; Tyson Andrews, Luke Dudley, Jared Uys and Wesley Uys; all the best for 2020. May you lead the House with passion and motivation, staying true to yourselves while striving for excellence. Gillingham House is well-represented in the leadership roles of the College and we congratulate Shem Adjes for his appointment as a prefect in Haley House as well as Aaron Smith for his appointment as Head of School; a first for Gillingham since 2013. If 2019 is any indication of what the boys of the House can achieve and the number of successes that we celebrate, I look forward to the challenges and successes 2020 will bring. I wish all the Gillingham boys and its staff a wonderful holiday and a blessed Christmas and New Year. Mr Antoni e Prinsloo “If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” Steve Jobs GILLINGHAM HOUSE Housemaster’s report Gillingham House
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