On Thursday, 21 August, we had the privilege of welcoming back the Highbury Grade 7 Class of 2020 for their 5-Year Reunion. Now in Matric, boys came from Kearsney, Hilton, Thomas More and Westville Boys, to the school that laid their foundation. Faces lit up and excitement grew as the boys were able to reconnect, reminisce, and be officially welcomed into the Highbury Old Boys community.
The afternoon began in the Chapel, where the boys gathered with past teachers including Mr David Burns, Mr Rory Wood and Mrs Lynette Watkinson. Mr Lacock addressed the boys, encouraging them as they prepare for their final exams and the exciting years ahead. Each boy received a Highbury supporters cap along with a personal letter from a current Grade 7 pupil, offering words of encouragement for their final exams. Together, we watched their Grade 7 farewell video, with a few extra photos from their final year that brought smiles, laughter, and a touch of nostalgia.
The boys and teachers then enjoyed a typical school lunch in the Dining Hall before heading out to wander the campus, visit their old classrooms and catch up with each other. The boys couldn’t help but remark on how much smaller everything seemed, reflecting just how much they have grown in the past five years.
The boys shared some of their favourite Highbury memories:
• Games at break time like American football, Stop, and 4-square.
• The excitement of sports and music tours.
• Swimming galas and the thrill of competing against St Charles on the cricket field.
• The tradition of Dads and Lads camping trips.
• Mr Wood’s classes
Next year, the Class of 2020 will spread their wings far and wide. Many will be heading off to Cape Town, Pretoria, and even overseas, pursuing studies in fields as diverse as Actuarial Science, Mechanical Engineering, and more. It is inspiring to see how each boy is charting his own course, equipped with the values and resilience that Highbury instilled.
As these young men prepare for their final school exams, we send them our heartfelt encouragement: work hard, stay focused, and you will reach your dreams.
James Arrier – Never Behind!
