School administration is not usually covered in school histories. It is not clear why not – is it that schools do not keep records of the people who keep the apparatus of the school in good order, or is there some snobbish notion that really it is only the teachers who constitute the ‘real’ school? 

In this section of the history, the names and positions of those who supervised, arranged, or were accountable to others for the operation of the areas they were responsible for, have been included – to recognise them and to pay tribute to all of the staff who managed and enabled the structures of the school other than the teaching. In 1999, the list of names published under Administration included 16, in 2023, there were more than 38. This is not to say that those 16 did the work of 38, but it does show a greater sensitivity to acknowledging those who carried responsibility. And of course, the school is a more complex and interrelated set of systems now, which needs more people at key points to ensure the smooth functioning of those systems. What is certainly arguable, is that more money was being directed at the functioning of the administration and the remuneration of those who comprised it.

Principal’s Office

In 1999 Wendy van Heerden was the Principal’s Secretary, and she stayed there until she retired in 2017. Her position was now Principal’s Personal Assistant. She was replaced by Caroline Berry, who was herself followed by Shelley Windell in 2021.

When the Development Office lapsed following Jessica Setterberg’s resignation, the Principal’s Office took on the functions of carried by the Development office. The two PAs in the Development Office were transferred to the Principal. Yolanda Raman became the Principal’s assistant, and Rosemary Wilke took on marketing under the Principal’s direction.

In 2013, Yolanda Raman was appointed to be Vernon Woods’ PA when he was moved from being Headmaster to Senior Deputy Headmaster. Rosemary was renamed Marketing Assistant, and then in 2014, Marketing and Events Manager in her own right. Yolanda became the secretary to the Deputy Heads. In 2020, Rosemary left the school, and her place was filled by Sharlene Lawrence.

Felicity Clemence was the Admissions Officer in the Principal’s office in 1999, and after a long career at Bishops she retired and was replaced by Dawn Hutton in 2024.

Senior Vice-principal/Deputy Principal/Vice-principals/Deputy Headmaster’s Office

In 2002, Sandy Saner was appointed as PA to the Vice-principals. She remained in this position until she retired in 2014. Yolanda Raman was appointed to be Vernon Woods’ PA in 2013. Sandy’s position was filled by Verna Leverzencie. Verna left this position to work in the IT department for a year before replacing Liz King as BSU Administrator in 2018. Yolanda Raman became PA to the Deputy Heads when Bronwyn Gabriels (who been appointed the year before as Accounts Administrator) was appointed as PA to be shared by the Business Manager and the Deputy Principal in 2017.

Prep Headmaster’s Office

In 1999, Midge Hilton Green’s secretary was Liz Hopkins, and Ursula Gregorowski was the School Secretary. When Liz Hopkins left in 2006, she was replaced by Cathy Taylor, and in turn when Cathy emigrated, her place was filled by Alison Cunnold. Following Ursula Gregorowski, Anne Smythe held the position of Prep School secretary from 2008. After she left at the end of 2016, Kashiefa Kerven became School Secretary before moving to the Music Department. Her role as School Secretary was taken by Renate Swartz. Sharon Johnson became the Prep Marketing Co-ordinator. Kashiefa moved to the position of Prep Music Administrator in 2023 and was replaced by Renate Swartz.

At the Pre-Prep, Nicky van Zyl took on the role of Pre-prep secretary from 2005 until 2016, followed in 2019 by Babalwa Manyela.

Bursar, Business Manager and Operations (Maintenance, Security, Buildings, Projects)

The extent of the Bursar’s portfolio seemed to blossom during the past twenty-five years. In 1999, the Bursar was responsible to the Principal for Grounds, Buildings, Maintenance, Salaries, Cleaning, Operations and Functions. Trevor Wenham was the Bursar, and he was assisted by Gwen Broekman who managed the salaries of staff; an assistant, Christine John; and a typist, Leilah Kadamen. Noel Greeff was the Buildings and Estate Manager. Kathryn White and Nicky van Zyl were receptionists. In 2002, the role of Bursar was done away with: Trevor Wenham became Operations Manager, and Wally Felder was appointed Building and Estate Manager, Noel Greeff moved across to Security following the departure of Eric Birrell. There was an Operations Manager secretary, Mrs F Palframan, who was followed in 2002 by Mrs L Visser. In 2006, Greeff resigned in the third term, and left to take up the position of Estate Manager at Springfield. Felder left and went to Bridge House outside Franschhoek. Johan van Zyl was appointed Estate Manager and his wife Cathy the Events Manager. The school contracted cleaning to BERCO Cleaning services, and Caroline Pekeur was appointed Cleaning Supervisor with Hayley Philander as Assistant. 

Trevor Wenham retired at the end of 2006, and Johan van Zyl became the Operations Manager, and Bill Bulgen was brought in as Estate Manager. Sean Heuvel was promoted to Workshop Co-ordinator. Anthony October took over as Estate Manager at the Prep. He retired at the end of 2009, and Stalint Galant took over that position.

Johan van Zyl left Bishops at the end of the first term of 2007, and Brad Strauss, the Accounting teacher and past Housemaster of Ogilvie, moved across into Admin and became the Operations Manager, with Bill Bulgen staying on as Estate Manager. Haley Philander took over the position of Events Co-ordinator from Cathy van Zyl, and Carol Witbooi was appointed as Assistant Cleaning Supervisor. Bonnie Padiachy was promoted to the position of Functions Coordinator, responsible for all aspects of internal and external functions at Bishops.

Frank Hill died suddenly in September 2010. Frank had been Buildings and Estate Manager at Bishops from 1984 to 1996, but he had continued after retiring to come to Bishops to look after the fields and especially the cricket pitches. Bishops cricket pitches were famous throughout South Africa.

These people stayed in office until 2012, after which there was a big shake-up. Brad Strauss resigned, and Bill Bulgen took over Operations as well as retaining the Buildings Manager position. Grounds and Functions was filled by the appointment of Donovan Murray and Sebastian Stemmett took on Transport and Security. Sean Heuvel was appointed College Maintenance Supervisor, and Stalint Galant continued as the Prep Estate Supervisor. In May 2013, Sean King joined the staff as Business Manager; Bill Bulgen retired on health grounds, and Jonathan Holtmann was appointed to fill the role of Buildings Manager.

In 2014, the role of Development and Funding, which had been taken over by the Principal’s office after the Development Office lapsed, was picked up by Brian Robertson, appointed as Development and Funding Director. Bronwyn Gabriel was appointed as Accounts Administrator reporting to Sean King and indirectly to Mukesh Govan.

The following year, Stalint Galant left the Prep, and Jerome Wolfaardt became the Prep Estate Supervisor. 

In 2017, Sean Heuvel moved from College Maintenance Supervisor to Projects Co-ordinator, and Wesley Cupido took over the portfolio of College Maintenance. Sebastian Stemmett added the functions of the Risk Manager to his other responsibilities with Transport and with Security. In 2019, Jody October took over the Projects Co-ordinator role.

Finance Manager

In 1999 Elizabeth Redlinghuys was the Financial Manager, and when she left at the end of 2001, Mukesh Govan was appointed, and he remained in the position till he retired at the end of July 2024. He was replaced by Mariam Naidoo on 1 July 2024.

In 1999 Gwen Broekman was the Bursar’s secretary and Payroll clerk, handling the salaries of all staff. When Gwen left in 2001, Kathyn White was appointed as HR Secretary, and she took over this role.

Bookkeeper

In 1999 Debbie Morton was the bookkeeper, and she stayed in this position until she retired at the end of 2012. Her place was taken by Cathy Howard, who remains there. In 2024, an assistant, Thaniya Meyer was appointed.

In 1999, Charmaine Noble dealt with both Creditors and Debtors. In 2003, a new position was set up so that Creditors and Debtors could be separated. Marlene Dirk was appointed to this new post. She left the position in 2007 and Natalie Petersen moved from Receptionist to fill this position. She is still there, assisted by Nthabiseng Tholoane. Charmaine Noble left in 2012, and Tania Gombard took her place.

Human Resources

In 1999 L Vermaak held the position of HR Manager in a part time role. When she stepped down in 2001, Kathryn White was promoted from Receptionist to HR Secretary, and she took over the Payroll clerk position from Gwen Broekman. In 2003, Di Murray was appointed HR Manager and she is still in this position. Kathryn married and resigned to join her husband in Somerset West. Her position was filled by Mandy Spreeth. In 2011, Mandy resigned to go with her husband to start a venture in Port Alfred. She was replaced by Wendy Arendse, who decided to leave after a year. Mandy Spreeth had returned to Cape Town as their venture had not worked out, and she was re-appointed to the position. Sadly, she died very suddenly in 2017, and her place was filled by Cara Joubert, who is still in this position.

Development Office

Arising from the discussions following the 2010 conference, and in attempt to develop more of a business capacity, Phillip Wheeler was appointed as General Manager. This arrangement only lasted a year, and then in 2005 another arrangement was put in place with the creation of the Development Office and the appointment of Jessica Setterberg as its Director. The purpose of the Development Office was to drive an on-going funding campaign, replacing the former model where fundraising was always directed towards a particular project, such as the 125 Appeal. Also in the Office was Melvin Wallis-Brown as Marketing Manager, and Linda Dinan as Communications Co-ordinator. Her role was to combine all the various databases that existed in the school and the OD Union into a single database. In 2008, two assistants were appointed; Yolanda Raman as general assistant, and Rosemary Wilkie as Marketing Assistant.

In 2009, Jessica Setterberg resigned, and the Development Office lapsed. Grant Nupen in the new redefined role as Principal took over the Development Office functions. The two assistants went to the Principal’s Office and Linda Dinan, now called the Information Manager, went to the IT Dept. In 2016, she went down to Prep as HOD IT, and Lael Rothenberg took over as Information Manager.

In 2013, the redesigned structure of the Principal’s Office was abandoned, and Brian Robertson was appointed Development and Funding Director, and he would be working with the Bishops Trust. He resigned from the position after one year. The Trust was largely dormant as a fundraiser until 2016 when Andrew Selby revitalized its operations in the form of the 175 Appeal. In 2018, Nikki Matthews was appointed Trust Secretary.

Front Office

There were usually two assistants in the front office. In 1999, Kathryn White and Nicky van Zyl were receptionists, and in 2001, after Kathryn became HR Secretary, Natalie Petersen was appointed as receptionist, and Lizzie Merrington was an office assistant. Eleanor Hendricks replaced Natalie in 2007 and is still in place. Mouche Scheepers was appointed as Admin Office assistant in 2009 and she resigned in 2012, to be replaced by the returning Lizzie Merrington.

House Mothers

These posts were set up following the 2010 conference as a means to providing a more homely atmosphere in the boarding house. The Fouders House mothers were Ferrida Sukku, Sue Gibson and now Lorraine Chateau. School House mothers were Nicky Bedford, Illsa Laubser, Linda Koegenberg, and now Denise Frank. In White House, the House mothers were Kathy Dimbleby, and now Angela Fordham. The Prep Housemothers were Jocelyn Winhall and Erica Leppan. Prep Boarding stopped in 2018.

San Sister

Sister Joyce Francis was in office in 1999 and she retired in 2007, replaced by Sister Joan Baker. In 2009 Cynthia Wiese replaced Sister Baker, but only stayed for a year. She was replaced by Sr Zandy Bryant (who was also teaching isiXhosa at the College), with Lesly Cox appointed as San Administrator. In 2012, Sr Sharon Hicken took over until 2022. In 2023 Sr Carryn Boden took over and revitalised the Bishops Sanatorium, and her assistant is Anita Groenewald.

Catering

Before 1999, catering was run in-house under the control of Mary Lavender and her assistant, Elly Nield. Each boarding house had its own kitchen as did the Frank Reid Pavilion, where the staff and the dayboys had their lunches. When Mary left, Elly took over until she left Bishops and started her own café in Noordhoek in June 2005. The in-house catering continued until catering was outsourced to Royal Sechaba, who at some point became Royal Mnandi. The contract was then taken over by Origin, which lasted a good number of years until Origin was bought out by Feedem, who are the current caterers.

In 2008, the decision was taken to go over to centralized catering. White House kitchen was selected to be the site of operations. Food was prepared and cooked there, and then was dispatched to the other boarding houses, and to the staff and dayboy lunches in the Frank Reid pavilion. Modified Golf carts were used to transport the cooked food. A new contract was signed with Royal Sechaba, and some staff were incorporated into RS, and others took retirement packages. 

Bishops Support Unit administration

The BSU was formed in 2004, following the decision by the Pastoral Action Group. Apart from the two Counsellors, Jason Bantjes and James Fraser, the BSU secretary/receptionist was Liz King. The Unit was expanded by the introduction of Psychology Masters students employed as interns on a year-long basis – usually two a year. Liz King retired in 2017, and her place was filled by Verna Leverzencie. When Verna left in 2021, her place was filled by Joanne Gabriels for ten months, and then Nicole Lewis took on the position permanently.

Information Technology administration

While the IT department was initially run by academic staff, a number of admin posts were created through the year. In 2000, Anthony Fortuin was appointed Network Manager. He retired in 2017.

A Laptop Help-Desk was set up, but the technician who manned it was funded as part of the laptop purchasing arrangements. Wayne May was in this role for a number of years, and he was replaced by Pierre Lancellas, who is still the current laptop technician.

The position of Communications Co-ordinator in the Development Office was filled by Linda Dinan until she moved across to the IT Department, before moving to the Prep as Prep HOD of IT. Justin Richter was taken on an IT Technician, until a new post of assistant Technical Manager was created and he filled it. When Linda Dinan moved to the Prep in 2017, Lael Rothenburg became the Information Manager. Eric Ras was appointed in 2014 as the Visual Communications & Multimedia Support Technician.

In 2019, Ziyaad Fataar was appointed full-time as Technical Manager. (He had held this position de facto in a part-time capacity.) In 2015 Alex Riley was appointed as the ICT Technician, and in 2021 Joshua Rossouw joined as an IT Technician.

The following units in the school were very stable, with few changes of personnel.

Printroom Co-ordinator

In 2000 Keith Michaels took over from John Lightfoot (Physical Science teacher), and he operated the print machines. He was followed in 2002 by Joanne Segars, in 2009 by Kim Carlson, and in 2016 by Bonnie Padiachy.

Science and Biology Lab Assistants

Yvonne Bulgen worked in the Science labs from 1999 up till 2018, when Bulelani Sidawu succeeded her. In the Biology Lab, Henry Absolom retired in 2001, and was replace by Cheryl de Villiers who is still in that position.

Bookroom

The Bookroom provides stationery and other requirements which are charged to the boys’ accounts, but the major benefit it provides is to prepare bundles of all the textbooks and other needs for the boys at the start of each year. Distribution happens on the first day of the year, which means that work can start straight away. The Bookroom personnel over the years have been Heather Bromfield, Rose Hyslop, and Joy Smith.

Music Department Assistant

The music department depends on a large number of part-time music teachers (up at 50 at times), and co-ordination and communication with these teachers and the boys taking lessons is a huge daily task. Sheila Roff was the unflappable manager of this from 1999 till 2016. The position was then occupied by Iona Beukes until 2022, with Jos Taylor in the role from 2023 in a caretaking role. The Prep Music Department also has administrators to carry out the same role – first Melody Green who was followed by Kashiefa Kerven.