MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR
You will be aware that the school has been the subject of a negative press campaign by the Sunday Mail and there have also been some questions asked in the Parliament about the school. The reports are, in general, not true, exaggerated or misinterpretations. The Board decided that a dignified silence was the best answer to this, anticipating that the affair would die down, but it has in fact continued rather longer than expected. I am glad to report, though, that it appears to have had very little effect upon the boys at the school, or on parents and prospective parents who, of course, know what the school is really like. We do realise, however, the need to project a positive image of Peterhouse to the public at large, (and in particular to Members of Parliament), and we will be doing this over the next few months.
This apart, I can report that the school is in excellent spirits. I feel that I have a staff here who are committed and talented, both inside and outside the classroom, and this is so important in a boarding school.
Academically, our A level pass rate of 83.5% was our third best ever, and our O level pass rate of 92% was the best ever. We expect these results to continue to improve.
On the games field we lost rather more rugby games than we normally do, but we still won far more than we lost, and there were many unbeaten junior sides. In addition, we had our normal strong representation in the Zimbabwe Schools' Rugby team. Prospects are good for this season, and at the end of the term Reg Querl will be taking the boys on a tour to Argentina. It is fitting that our squash team should be so good as we will shortly be opening the Petrean Squash Centre. The two new glass-backed courts are a major addition to our facilities, and worthy of the premier squash-playing school in the country. Phil Ward recently returned from South Africa having taken the school squash side down there, who acquitted themselves extremely well, winning five of their matches (including schools such as Michaelhouse, Hilton, Maritzburg College and Kearsney), and only losing two. Both cricketers and athletes had a rain- affected season, but the cricketers did enjoy a week in east London in January, the highlight of the tour being a nine wicket win over Falcon. The athletes came first equal in the Peterhouse Invitation Event at the National Sports Stadium, and last August our soccer players had a successful tour of Natal. All the other sports continue to flourish under the enthusiastic direction of a team of coaches which is second to none of any school in Zimbabwe.
We have just appointed a new Director of Music, and the School Choir is beginning to produce music of a high standard. Combined with the Falcon and Petrean Weekend is the Peterhouse Festival, and on that occasion, you will be able to appreciate that there are many sides to Peterhouse, not just academic and sporting!
At the time of writing, a group of Upper School Historians is touring Egypt and a group of Geographers is touring England. In April of next year, it is hoped that our cricketers will your the UK. Obviously, there are plenty of opportunities for boys to experience life outside the country.
One of the highlights of 1996 was the opening of The Humphrey Gibbs Centre and the Dame Molly Court by Sir Roger Gibbs on Speech Day. Petreans who have not seen the new buildings are encouraged to come and see what a splendid addition to the school they are. We now have an entrance to the main part of the school which is imposing architecturally and is also of great benefit.
M A Bawden 21 May 1997