The Matric boys continued with Trials this week. It is a vital component of the Academic Calendar where the Educators and boys can gauge where they are in preparation for the most important exams at the end of the year.
We have come to the end of the 3rd term sport and will be starting with Cricket, Basketball and Water Polo against Glenwood this weekend. Last weekend the 1st Football XI recorded a hard fought 1–0 win over a very good St Charles team. They played in front of a large crowd and gave them a lot to cheer about. The Golfers beat Glenwood and the Water Polo team lost to Clifton in the Winter League. Our Rugby 7’s team travelled to Pretoria to play in the Eldoraigne Rugby Sevens Tournament. They played against the very best north of the Vaal River. Two of their matches were against the finalists in the Beeld Trophy Competition for the 15 man code, Garsfontein that won the competition and Middleburg who came second. We made it to the semi-finals where we lost to Middleburg. This young team, consisting mainly of U16 players can be proud of what they have accomplished this season.
We have just learned that four of our boys have been selected for the KZN U17 Sevens Rugby Team. This is great news, particularly as we were informed earlier this week that five boys have been selected for the SARU U16 Team!
Statement:
It has been reported in the media that one of our past members of staff has been found guilty of the possession of child pornography. This news came as an absolute shock to all of us here at the school and the broader Durban High School community.
The person concerned resigned two years ago and was then employed as a locum educator at a number of schools in Durban. His involvement at Durban High School was as a director of one of our plays and as an independent Contractor.
In my tenure (since May 2013) as Head Master, I never once suspected him of any inappropriate behaviour towards any learner.
At Durban High School, one of our primary concerns is the safety and welfare of our learners. This incident has led to much introspection and a review of related policies and practices that address the safety of all members of Durban High School. In compliance with legislation, all our employees are screened to check whether their names appear on the National Register for Sex Offenders and the Child Protection Registry. All prospective employees at Durban High School will also be subjected to full criminal checks. Our Counselling Centre within the Student Support Department, together with the assistance of outside professionals, will continue to provide support where required.
Leon Erasmus
14th Head Master
