The OD Committee notes the recent resignation of Crispin Sonn. We wish to thank him for his years of service devoted to the School.

The School has had a magnificent year commemorating 175 years and celebrating many landmarks and glowing achievements. We look forward to a period of stability within the School and Council and welcome the involvement of ODs who have put themselves forward to serve on the Council.

The OD Union plays a vital role in the Bishops Community. We are a support structure to it, and guardians of its ethos, but it is not the place of the ODU to unduly interfere in the running of the School. We hope that in the new year we can all work together constructively.

We ask that all ODs continue to show their support for our tremendous School.

Below is the statement that was released by the College earlier today:

Dear members of the Bishops Community

It is with deep regret that the Diocesan College Council has accepted the resignation with immediate effect of our Chair of Council, Mr Crispin Sonn.

Crispin took over this role at an important time in our school and has led Council over the past two years through many challenging times with empathy, strategic skill, dedication and great wisdom. As Chair through our 175th year, he can look back on a job well done, this year in particular. Crispin held oversight over some remarkable achievements including the Ubuntu Learning Centre, a new Rowing Centre, the consecration of the Brooke Chapel and dedication of the three special stained-glass windows, the writing of the updated history of the school along with the many sporting and cultural festivals and activities. The academic programme was stronger than ever with Bishops achieving the number one position in the NSC academic results in 2023 in the Western Cape as well as running concurrently the new A Level programme which will have its first set of results this year. All of this and still coming in with a break-even budget, the lowest yet levels of bad debt and solid reserves that reflects the very strong financial position of the school – managed by the school but with his oversight and ultimate accountability.

The role of Chair of Council is not an easy one, with many functions to fulfil and many meetings and public events to attend. Crispin has done so with dignity and aplomb and we recognise and acknowledge the important role he has played in support of the school. His approachable nature and ability and willingness to engage with a wide range of people has helped resolve many a challenge along the way and we are very grateful to him for all he has done for our school.

We will miss his firm yet fair approach to a myriad of issues and the manner in which he has made people feel heard and valued. We wish him and his family well and thank him for the supportive role he has played over the past two years. 

Council would like to reiterate the core values of Bishops being humility, integrity and respect. The Council encourages open dialogue, transparency and differing opinions in a respectful and constructive manner and encourages the community to unite behind these values and the shared vision of the school. 

The Council subsequently resolved to elect Dr Chris Haw, an existing member of Council as interim Chairperson. Chris has 18 years of experience in business leadership and has served on the Council for eight years. He will ensure the ongoing work of Council is sustained and oversee the tasks at hand, including appointment of new Council members as soon as possible.