Rector’s eNews 03: 28 January 2026

At our assembly on Monday, I spoke to the boys about discipline and why it lies at the heart of any successful community. Without a shared understanding of discipline, no team, House or society can function effectively. Equally importantly, discipline underpins self-belief and self-pride which are essential qualities in the formation of character. Pride in Michaelhouse, and pride in oneself, does not grow when we are in an environment where “anything goes”.

Boys will be required, in their Tutor Groups, to sign the Routines, Rules and Regulations (click here to read) document to confirm that they have read and understood it. While this document is wide-ranging, I used the assembly to speak plainly about one of the most serious disciplinary breaches: the use or possession of drugs, including cannabis.

There is understandable confusion in society about cannabis, given its legalisation for adult use in private spaces. However, cannabis and related substances are particularly harmful to adolescents at a critical stage of brain development. For this reason, Michaelhouse treats cannabis in the same category as all drugs.

The message to the boys was deliberately clear and unequivocal: bringing drugs, including cannabis, onto the campus, being found in possession of them, or testing positive, will result in the loss of their place at Michaelhouse. This warning is given in the boys’ best interests, to protect them in moments when a quick decision could place them on a path with serious and irreversible consequences.

While it is impossible to describe every scenario that might lead to such outcomes, experience shows that the most common reasons boys leave Michaelhouse due to ill-discipline relate to cannabis and bullying. I urged the boys to choose the disciplined route: one that does not harm themselves or others, but instead builds character and reflects the Michaelhouse qualities of integrity, humility, courage, compassion and service. These are the values that enable boys to make the most of the remarkable opportunities available to them here.

We have made a very positive start to the year, and I encouraged the boys to build on this momentum by championing what is worthwhile and making a constructive difference to others and to the school.

The week also included a deeply symbolic moment in the life of Michaelhouse: the induction of our new boys in the Chapel. The E Block boys walked up Warriors’ Walk from the school gates, past the statue of St Michael and the Dragon, and into the Chapel, where they responded to the traditional charge given by Rectors over many generations:

“I charge that you may strive by all means in your power to preserve and enhance the good name of the school and be worthy of your membership of it. Will you be faithful to this charge?”

Their response, “I will”, marked their formal admission to Michaelhouse. Each boy received a certificate bearing the Michaelhouse Code, outlining the meaning of integrity, humility, compassion, courage and service, as well as a Bible presented by the Chaplain.

In five years’ time, after their matric examinations, these same boys will walk back down Warriors’ Walk and out through the gates, reversing the journey they made on Friday. Many parents commented on the power of this symbolism, as well as on the strength and conviction with which the boys sang our school song, Stars of the Morning.

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