Please share your thoughts and stories on how you are dealing with the country wide lockdown with the OD Union at [email protected]

28 August

Dear Jeremy

Today marks the birthday of a true Bishops icon, John Brett Gardener. Bishops Archivist and Historian in Residence, Dr Paul Murray has written a piece for John who he calls, "A Peerless South African Educational Statesman".

Picture a memorable schoolteacher; one who has shaped you indelibly or guided you gently. It may be one moment or a whole montage of memories. For many ODs a picture that will come to mind, either in sharp focus or as a faded glow, is one of John Gardener;

Gray House - 1947,
Senior Prefect - 1948,
Member of Staff - 1962-70; 1975-92,
Principal - 1988-1992,
Formerly Bishops Council member,
Currently Vice President of the OD Union.

Today, Friday 28th August 2020 John Brett Gardener turns 90; or 90 not out, as he prefers to describe it, never short of a sporting analogy. When I close my eyes and picture Mr Gardener, it is of a person who will seek to leave you with a whole lot to think about, while all the time he has kept you engaged and you depart feeling inspired. How can I ever forget the sermon he preached in 1992, his final year as Principal, from the pulpit of the War Memorial Chapel, on the topic of what Heaven looks like?

I would encourage you to do the same – look for the twinkle in the eye as he shares a favourite anecdote, listen for that slight clearing of the throat before he delivers a verdict, remember countless small acts of spoken and unspoken kindness. The ODU would be happy to invite any such recollections of JBG – still the only OD Principal of Bishops and in many important senses, the school’s foremost formal and folk historian.

Full Article

Kind Regards,

The OD Office

OD Updates

Initiation of Change Management Program

A change management programme has been initiated to review the operating model of the ODU, implement changes, and enable the realisation of the 2020 ODU Strategy.

Congratulations and Good luck to Chris Savage

Chris has been shortlisted as a finalist for Industry Leader of the year in 2020 Mumbrella awards. The Savage Company provides businesses with action plans during a time crisis.

Tribute to John Charlton (1954G)

Alan Ramsay (1960F) writes a few words for John.

Office News

Due to the Mitre currently being used as the screening facility for the College, the OD Office landline is not in use. As such, you will be able to contact the ODU on the mobile number below between the specified hours.

078 2942 544 | Mon - Thurs from 8 - 2pm | Fridays - 8 -1pm

O[email protected] is still the preferred form of communication.

Milestone birthdays this month

We would like to congratulate the following who will be celebrating their 80th birthday during the month of August; David Dicey (1958W) on the 3rd, Anthony Bowles (1957F) on the 8th, Leonard Thomas (1957S) on the 9th, Henry Von Moltke (1958G) on the 18th, John Brock (1957O) on the 21st and John Bewsey (1957F) on the 28th. John Gardener (1947G) is celebrating his 90th today, 28th.

ODs Around The World

UK Newsletter

The latest news from the UK branch of the ODU and a taste of what's to come for the rest of 2020

August - UK Newsletter

Past UK Newsletters

School News

13 Peaks Challenge for The Rhino Orphanage

On 21 September, a group of Bishops boys will attempt to finish the 13 Peaks Challenge within 48hrs to raise funds for The Rhino Orphanage. Kane Reilly (2010K) was one of the first to set the record

Culture Unlocked | Staff Concert and The Bishops Harpsichord

Concerts and interviews with students, ODs and staff have all be made since COVID-19 to raise morale. The content is then shared via the School's Youtube Channel, in a series titled Culture Unlocked.

What Would Have Been: The 2020 TripleCrown

School Sport Live looks back at what the year's 2020 derbies would've meant for so many students, as well as a virtual craven week.SSL was founded by OD, Andrew Verster Cohen (1994S).

Deaths and Obituaries

Nic Challis (1973) | 1955 - 2020

Nic passed away on 25 August in Johannesburg. An obituary will follow in due course. We send sincere condolences to his wife, Wendy, family and friends.

Upcoming Events

Due to the government’s declaration of a country wide lockdown, all events have been postponed indefinitely.

While attending Diocesan College we are always told of the massive network we have entered into. In order for this network to be valuable, active engagement is integral. Thousands of ODs have registered on our online platform.

Join Today!

Get in Touch

To contact the OD Union:

Telephone: 021 659 18020

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.odunion.com/

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