Paarl Boys' High School

Infobox High School
name= Paarl Boys' High School


free_label_1=Headmaster
free_1=Derek A. Swart
free_label_2=Deputy Headmaster
free_2=James Genis
free_label_3=Headboy
free_3=Hugo Biermann
free_label_4=Houses
free_4=Berlin, Zederburg, Villeria, Imhoff, Werda, Monte Bello, Bellevue
motto="Tandem Fit Arbor Surculus"
established=May, 1868
free_label_5=Type
free_5=All Boys State School
colors=Traditional Tricolour: Navy Blue, Light Blue and Silver
location=Paarl,

enrollment=
nicknames=Boishaai, Boys' High, Hoër Jongenskool
conference=
website= http://www.paarlboyshigh.org.za|www.paarlboyshigh.org.za|

Paarl Boys' High School known in Afrikaans as Hoër Jongenskool Paarl (also known as Boishaai, BHS or HJS) is one of the oldest schools in South Africa. Built in 1868 the school's rich history is filled with tradition and pride. The school is situated at the heart of Paarl, a town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The first headmaster of the school was Rev. Gearge Jeffreys, after him followed James Rettie and the esteemed Mr. J Inglis. As of 2007 the headmaster of the school is Mr. Derek Swart.

Early History

The first building to house the school was a granary on Zeederbergplein, the owner of which was mr. D. Beyers (a close friend to the first headmaster, Rev. Jeffreys). The first years of the school were unstable ones, with the school increasing in size every year, larger facilities were required frequently. The grounds on which the school stands today were originally formed part of the farm "Berlyn" owned by mr. P.J Malherbe. A certain mr. Molls purchased the farm and donated the land to the school.In 1901 PJ du Pré Le Roux became headmaster. Du Pré Le Roux was the first headmaster to establish the school as a prestigious institution and remained at the reins for over two decades. Mr. Le Roux also saw the construction of the boarding hostels of Monte Bello (1901), Bellevue (1904), Villeria (1907), Berlin (1908) and Imhoff (1923). The hostels of Berlyn and Villeria were dismantled and were replaced by another hostel, namely Werda.

Academics

Paarl Boys' High has featured in the academic merit list of the Western Cape for ten years running and has been featuring in the top ten for the duration as well, making it one of the top academic schools in the province. The school is bilingual, with classes in English and Afrikaans and has been maintaining a 100% pass rate for over a decade.

Sport

Each year the school takes part in one of the biggest interschools in South Africa against its arch rival, Paarl Gimnasium High School. The main event (the u/19A Rugby match) attracts over 20 000 spectators to the Faure Street Stadium and is broadcast in two languages on three national television networks. The school has produced many Springboks, from legends like Boy Louw, Mannetjies Roux and "Prince of Wings" Carel du Plessis, to more recent players like Corne Krige (former Springbok Captain) and Gurthro Steenkamp. Other sports that are also included in interschools are: Field Hockey, Cricket, Swimming, Squash, Tennis, Chess and even Debating. Golfing professional, David Frost, also matriculated at Paarl Boys' and continues to make a contribution to Golf at the school.

Uniform and Tradition

The school uniform consists of a light blue shirt adorned with the school coat of arms, grey shorts or trousers, a striped blue and white tie, a dark blue blazer striped with light blue and white. Brown shoes over grey socks are worn as well, the socks are edged at the top with the school tricolour. All grade 8's wear silver buttons on their ties, marking their low ranking in the school. Merit colours are only awarded to matrics who have achieved with distinction on the sporting field or in academics. These merit colours differ considerably from the standard uniform, the blazer is solid and deep navy blue in colour, without stripes. The tie is also navy blue and stripeless with the addition of the school crest in silver at the knot. The Blazer also sports a much more flambouyant version of the school logo hoisted above silver laurels. It is compulsory for all grade eights to take part in the weekly 'orientation program' where they are drilled military style during the 'orientation' period in the school cycle. This reminds them of their low status and is used to keep them in order.

School Song

"English"

'Neath the far famed rock of granite gray

Stands a school the best all people say

Boys and youths to train and educate

Model men to rear for Church and State

Or for tendered field, for track and sporting ground

And its name and fame throughout the land resound.

For the school, renowned from Berg to Vaal

Is the Boys' High School of Upper Paarl.

Of all the school throughout the land

Alma Mater thou shalt stand.

Supreme and great far o'er the rest

Highly honoured, glorious and blessed.

"Afrikaans"

Aan die voet van Paarlberg gebou

Staan 'n skool aan sy tradisies trou.

Seuns word hier gelei en ook gebrei

Tot 'n skone toekoms voorberei

Deur op allerlei terreine uit te blink,

Het sy roem en eer oor heel ons land weerklink

En met trots van Suid tot oor die Vaal

Word die HJS se roem herhaal.

Van al die skole, ryk aan faam

Alma Mater bly jou naam

Voortreflik groot deur roemryk werk

Bly verrig tot heil van Staat en Kerk.

References