Rector’s eNews 14: 6 May 2026

Our recent derby day against Hilton College was a fantastic display of what schoolboy sport should be: tough competition combined with genuine friendship and camaraderie. Many of the games were incredibly close, decided only in the final moments. What impressed me most, however, was the respect the boys showed afterwards. While it’s easy to get caught up in the heat of the “battle,” these moments remind us that our boys are far more than just athletes, they are young men with a wide range of interests and talents that go well beyond the sports field.

At Michaelhouse, we believe in the value of the all-rounder. We want our boys to be more than just one-dimensional. We aim to raise young men who are spiritually grounded, focused on their academics, and involved in the arts, whether that is music, drama, or debating. We value integrity and a sense of honour, but we also value a good sense of humour. Everything we do is built on our core values of integrity, humility, courage, compassion, and service.

We feel that focusing too narrowly on one area limits a boy’s future. By encouraging our boys to explore academics, the arts, and sports in equal measure, we give them the best chance to find their true calling. Often, a boy discovers a passion here at school, something “beyond the boundary ropes”, that ends up becoming his career or lifelong hobby.

While some schools might focus primarily on producing professional athletes or Springboks, sport is not our only way of measuring success. We are certainly proud when our boys reach the top of their game, and we enjoy being competitive in the sports leagues, but those rankings don’t define who we are.

A truly educated person has many different strengths. Sporting talent is just one part of a much bigger picture. Our goal is to develop the “whole man”, someone who is prepared not just for a match, but for a meaningful life after school.

We look forward to our return matches against Hilton on 20 June, which will mark the end of our winter season. Thank you to all the parents, past parents, and Old Boys who came out to support us this weekend. Your presence continues to foster that invaluable spirit of community and shared purpose.

Click here to read the Rector’s eNews.