to be a GOOD MAN

attend, we will do so with honour and respect. When we visit our hosts, we will be gracious and humbled by their hospitality and welcome. Yes, we will be fiercely competitive and determined, but there will be no entitlement –just pure joy in doing the right thing.

Of course, these expectations cut both ways. Rest assured that as a management team, a teaching cohort, cultural facilitators, sports directors and even school governing body, we will hold ourselves accountable to the same standards we set for our boys. We will be diligent in serving your son on all fronts and will do so to the best of our ability.

In educational institutions, it has become apparent that many of the things that were part of our formative years, have become secondary in importance within modern society. These include, good manners, being proud of one’s actions and appearance, a strong work ethic, setting of high expectations and standards, being kind, caring and generous, and of course being respectful not only to women but to all who form part of our wonderful diverse community.

Northwood recognises that the pressure our young people are facing is different and more intense, and with the number of broken families, access to social media, vaping devices and other substances, the laissez-faire approach to rules, and the lack of accountability for breaking them, life is very confusing to the boys.

Given this context, we recognise that as an educational institution, we have a bigger responsibility than ever before to send good men, men of conscience, character and substance into the world. Our school’s focus during the next 24 months will therefore be on what it means to be a good man.

The goal is to send young men into the world who are good brothers, good boyfriends, good sons, good husbands and good fathers. Men who have respect for their appearance, who are hardworking, proud of the quality of work they produce, and are uncompromising in their determination to be successful.

As a school we will not accept mediocre work, and will encourage and support our boys so that they can be exceptional in all they do. Our boys will not fear effort; they will sweat so they can succeed. When Northwood boys travel, people will know who we are, but they will know who we are for the right reasons.

“Please” and “thank you” will be common denominators. We will honour and respect opponents, officials and the blessings we have. Whether we play, perform, compete or

TIMES HAVE CHANGED, PRESSURES ARE GREATER. FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS NORTHWOOD WILL BE FOCUSING ON ENCOURAGING AND SUPPORTING THEIR BOYS TO BE EXCEPTIONAL IN ALL THEY DO – TO GO OUT INTO THE WORLD AS A GOOD MAN FOR MORE INFO 031 563 6501 | www.northwoodschool.co.za

As a school we cannot embark on this journey to excellence in isolation. We need your help and your sons need your help. Work with us. Set high standards for your sons – in behaviour, dress and effort. Do not be afraid to say no, and don’t accept average effort. When they achieve, celebrate with them. When they err, punish them, but also guide, support and forgive them.

The world – and our society – is crying out for good men. Let us make sure we work together so our boys can be recognised as exceptional people of conscience, substance and excellence.

We look forward to holding hands with you in service of our boys.

If you – or your young adult – is either undecided about their career path or desperate to step away from the treadmill of the past decade or so, a gap year is a wonderful opportunity to explore, mature, make a positive impact on others and/or breathe in a safe space where big decisions can land gently rather than be forced. The opportunities both here in South Africa and abroad are endless. Clearly, passport issues may limit choices, and many of the gap year opportunities cost, but that still leaves so many possibilities.

The gap year concept has always been considered a mix of positives and negatives, but realistically, if your son or daughter needs that space and time, giving them that opportunity pays dividends.

A gap year doesn’t need to be a year. It’s a concept, the length of which is largely determined by enrolment in a course the following year. One of the perceived negatives was always the “missed” year of education, the idea you’d be out of the studying groove and be left behind in the gallop for the career finish line. You might not even want to reintegrate into formal education. But that line of thinking is now far less prevalent. There’s a greater concern about mental health, ultimate happiness in a career, and recognition that a year can go a long way in clarifying decisions, cultivating life skills such as financial management and improved organisational skills, developing heightened sensitivity to cultural issues, and cultivating independence and increasing confidence. It’s also possible to learn a foreign language, and discover an entirely new career path.

A gap year is not an aimless “time out” period – it’s planned mindfully.

For some youngsters, a structured yearlong course works well. These can offer a combination of life skills, experiences and, sometimes, qualifications. For others, it’s more about experiencing life out there, travelling and even earning some money. Au pairing, working in international ski resorts or hotels in entertainment or hospitality, or working on yachts,