Potch Old Boys

05/10/2026

As ROB RICH ( Granton 1961-65) is visiting from New Zealand FRIENDS of COLLEGE ( POTCH Old Boys/Old Girls, Convent/ Central) has arranged a get together for Saturday 17th October at FAT GINGER ( formerly known as The KEG) so that ROB can reconnect with old friends. He would also love to meet others who attended the schools in Potch over all the years. FAT GINGER is situated just off Linksfield offramp in Linksfield Road opposite SAHETI school behind the former Woolworths/ Apple Tree) Arrive anytime after 11am - All those with connections to Potch Boys High, Girls High, Convent and Central are invited to attend - your spouses, friends, teachers (current and past) are most welcome to join us in celebrating ROB RICH’’s visit, You only pay for what you eat, your refreshments as well. All our functions to date have been memorable ones, - looking forward to you joining us. God bless. BASIL KLETZ Milton 1961- 65.

05/10/2026

27/09/2026

Potch Boys High’s Hope Memorial Swimming Pool/ bath was officially opened on 27th October 1962 by the then Chairman of the Governing Body Mr Ivor Knowles- Williams who unveiled the plaque. Those who excelled in swimming and diving that year were Ian Shaw, Barry and Bruce Munro, Gary Watson, G Gibbs, R Wes, Dexter White, Mike van Vollenhoven, Raymond Miller, Neil Cawood, K Patterson. Grantonite Dave Eadie was the first to test the waters of the new pool when it was being filled by dropping his ruler, then jumping in to fetch it. Great memories Dave - Basil K From Dave Eadie —My claim to fame is that I was the first one into the pool when it was first filling up. Er we’re all gathered around watching the deep end(diving area) fill up. When it was in my option deep enough to jump in, I dropped my ruler in and jumped in to rescue it. I realized that there was risk of a hacking, but took the risk.
That night Ma Klinghardt served me a steak , fried egg and chips. There was no punishment and I was “clapped up”.

23/09/2026

Can we join in the fun? Who still has photographs from their matric dance?

22/09/2026

Renewing and Rebuilding Our Old Boys Society

Please check your inbox.

Below is the message just sent out to all Old Boys that are on the mail database. If you did not receive an email, please visit www.potcholdboys.co.za and register or update your details.

If you have any questions, concerns, suggestions or ideas about the renewal of POBS, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the Renewal Steering Group. The group email is [email protected].

Kind regards

The Potch Boys High Old Boys Society Renewal Steering Group

21/09/2026

The reopening of the pool was one of principal, Liané van der Merwe's main goals since starting in the position in 2022. Now with help from the Old Moois, the pool is functional again.

20/09/2026

11/09/2026

Frank Canova thank you for sharing the history of Polar Bear Swim with us. Boys High lost the services of an experienced Deputy Principal, a visionary, an outstanding educator when you decided to leave at the end of 1994. (Basil Kletz). —-Frank’s response to my article follows)—- The first Polar Bear swim took place in 1988, the last year that Mr Ackermann was the Headmaster. In fact, one of the last things he did, was to sign the certificates that were awarded. Those certificates were designed by Mrs Joan King. Each was numbered and the names of the recipients was entered into a register. If a boy swam for 5years he was awarded a cerficate with gold stars.
Prior to 1988, the pool was allowed to stagnant during winter. I used to take care of the pool with a group of boys, and in 1988,it was decided to keep the pool pristine during the winter months. It was then decided to use the pool in mid winter, on the day of the winter solstice, to start the Polar Bear swim.
The swim was never intended for staff for or anybody else, and certainly not as an initiation for new staff. Mr Ackermann would not have been in favor of this, and he certainly did not swim. Mr Blake was, I think the first adult to swim. I do not recall any other staff member, in my time, at College swimming. Mrs Cole and Mrs Blake were the first ladies to swim. Subsequent to 1994, I do not know, who may take part in the swim, but in my time it was for the boys. - Frank the day will always belong to the boys, but newly appointed staff members participating is a great idea. (Very few do). Of course It’s not about us old boys. (Basil K)

07/09/2026

Potch Boys High’s HOPE SWIMMING POOL ( initially opened in early 1962) has finally been refurbished and filled thanks to funds donated by Stuart Lewis, his wife Cheryl, Matthew Francis (1986-90), his wife Bronwyn and Gavin van der Merwe. (Granton 1975-77). We old boys thank you for your generosity in enabling the facility to once again become available to College. Last weeks POLAR BEAR SWIM was the perfect example of why the pool is important to the schoolboys. The atmosphere at poolside was electrifying (visualize a tree filled with chirping birds)- so much excitement, so much fun under the watchful eye of 3 paramedics strategically placed should anyone experience difficulties. Sadly there were learners who watched the activities, from the side, frightened of entering the water, never having been taught the basics of swimming nor water safety. Some history -The Polar Bear Club certificate is awarded to boys who have negotiated ( walking/ swimming) 4 lengths ( 100 metres) of the swimming pool over 4 years, receive a special gold certificate the fifth time they go the distance. The innovation is the brainchild of FRANK CANOVA housemaster of Milton at the time -the event takes place around mid winter - (was first held on 21st June 1991). My interest in this - rugby star old boy Ian Grant received two tickets to watch SA RUGBY Barbarians ( which he had previously captained) against the England touring team late June 2012 at Potch’s Olen Park. Invited me to go along so I contacted the school to find out what activities were taking place that day- happened to be the Polar Bear Swim. School happy that I swam, old boys hadn’t up till then- poolside that day was memorable, so much so that I have returned year after year only missing out in 2019 -(Tony Dias’ late wife’s Memorial service held that day) - immediately following the swim in 2019 the pool was emptied. After a 7 year break I wasn’t so sure that a near 79 year old body could handle the ice cold water of a recently filled pool— especially as this body now runs solely on pacemaker - maybe not smart but decided to take a chance -not about the 8 Polar Bear swims now completed ( I am not a numbers person) but about the atmosphere/ vibe poolside. unforgettable. This time walked/ swam 8 lengths, the last 4 lengths alongside our Headmistress Mrs Liane van der Merwe who was doing it for the first time ( new members of staff are asked to consider participating in the Polar Bear Swim.) Liane felt it was important as Principal to take on the challenge. Her determination in going the distance in the freezing cold water showed unbelievable character as it’s not for the faint hearted, showed that anything is possible if you put your mind to it- thank you Gavin, Stuart, Matthew, Cheryl and Bronwyn, your contribution is huge - hopefully we can motivate Frank Canova to be present next year, some old boys as well. God bless -BASIL KLETZ. Milton 1961-65