Great excitement prevailed today for Staff at Bishops as they met for the first time in the New Common Room at Bishops (Monday 12 August 2024)!

Eighty-four years ago, on 18 July 1940 the two Staff Common Rooms came into use for the first time.  The one above was known as the Upper Common Room (UCR); the one beneath, the Lower Common Room (LCR).

Thousands of ODs will recall having their lessons in the classrooms in the Matric Block as part of the construction of buildings tied together by the colonnade.  

The architects of the Matric Block were Percy Walgate & Elsworth, the same ones who designed the War Memorial Chapel in 1926.

The original block had six classrooms, two staff rooms, a library and two staff rooms - the UCR & LCR - as well as two day Housemasters' (House Directors') studies.

The block completed the symmetery of the Chapel flanked by the Science Block and the Matrick Block, joined by said colonnade.

Today, 84 years and 25 days later, the College staff experienced this historic moment when for the first time as a staff, Tony Reeler the 15th Principal, addressed Staff at the weekly Staff Briefing, in this beautiful space. 

Mr Reeler explained that as a Staff Room it was also to be used and celbrated for other use/s.  He wished all well for using and enjoying this space.  

The Deputy Mrs Michelle van Schalkwyk explained that a special function would be held to thank ALL staff involved in the project which included teaching and service staff.

She also mentioned more about the building and the Staff Room would be shared with staff for its construction and use of special materials.

The photographs below capture this rare historical moment, as well as the unveiling of the Ubuntu Learning Centre memorial plaque at the occasion of the building's opening and blessing by His Grace Dr Thabo Cecil Makgoba, Visitor to the school & the 12th Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, on Friday 19 July, on a cold Cape winter's evening.

(Photo Credits: Bishops Archives).