Dear Johannians
The task laid out before me is simply to define what it means to be a true Johannian. Amidst 127 years of legacy, the definition of our identity, our way of being, has wavered and altered, and I seek to propose to you three constants of what it means to be a true Johannian:
A true Johannian is perseverant. The history of this school is rooted in adversity. From the struggles of establishing our institution amidst war and a demanding government, the bricks laid, the calluses formed, and the meetings attended, all to establish the school we live in, are a mark of a perseverant attitude present in every one of us.
A true Johannian is precise. Looking at all our school has become, both within the physical buildings and the soul that clouds our school, we are a school of specificity. A school that cares for the little things, an insistence that many small changes create a lasting impact. Last Sunday, while going for a walk, I found myself encompassed by the history our buildings told and all the niche things about our College. I took a walk down Long Walk (needless to say, it was a long walk). I saw names inscribed in benches and on bricks; quotes in Latin that I could hardly understand, but knew had formed an identity within St John’s that affects us to this day. Fr Nash and Fr Hill have always intrigued me. Fr Nash said that he didn’t care about having a complete building, as long as every stone was laid with care. Fr Hill shared Fr Nash’s sentiment in saying that the buildings of our school ought to represent the ideals and values of our school. As I stand on Burger Field, looking at the beauty in craftsmanship and precision within the stone fortress, I see that precision in every one of us. It was evident in the way our voices filled the Chapel atmosphere this past Tuesday, etching a feeling into our hearts, an accomplishment of the dream we had set ourselves to achieve.
A true Johannian is a culmination of stories and a writer in their own right. Earlier in the year, I displayed a profound intrigue in stories, sharing that they are what capture the moments in our lives. As we approach Gaudy Day, we are specifically reminded of the intersection between our past and our present circumstances. The tie we put on, the badge on our blazer, is a symbol that has been formed through many generations, altered and refined, and remains ever-changing. I thought I would reflect this sentiment through delving into what the Heads of School before me have said and believed. Ross Rovelli (Head of School 2024) said, “For every shout and for every cheer, we’ve stood as one year after year.” Lorne Hallendorf (Head of School 2008) expressed that “no one would marvel at the institution if it wasn’t for the boys,” while Sazi Bongwe (Head of School 2021) stated that, “Each and every one of us has the pen in our hands and we are writing that story, we are making that leap of faith.” All of these statements work cohesively to forge an identity that marks itself in being a strong and interesting blend of our diverse heritage and a recognition of unity. I like to think of us as a school where “full circle” moments are always achieved. This is evident in Mr Libera (Head of School 1985) being back here even 30 years after he was Head of School, or Mr Barrow’s (Head of School 2018) stint in the English Department, in which he left an indelible mark on all those he interacted with.
Many years from now, I hope to believe that we will be able to return to this school and see a version of ourselves that has been imprinted into the fabric of this College. In order for you to ignite the light that is within you, you need to remember that that light has shone for many years before you. That light has dimmed, illuminated, but it will never stop existing. That light is you, Old Johannian or King Gintshaka aka Ginter Shakantu (UIV Hodgson). Remember that, as you seek to ignite it, an entire army backs you, lifting you and providing you with a network of support that is incomprehensible. Gaudy Day represents that: the mere understanding that within our individuality lies a common heart, a heart that defies time and physics in its dominant and unending presence. That light bleeds blue. That light says: I know I am, I am sure I am, I am College even after death.
I am wishing us all a reminiscent, nostalgic, and fun-filled Gaudy Day!
Yours sincerely,
Siza Gule
Head of School