PARKTOWN BOYS HIGH

Parktown Boys High played a vital part in my formative years.

I always excelled academically and was consistently in the top 3 in my class. In matric I obtained 3 Distinctions in Science, Maths and Geography

I was awarded the Rotary Cup for “Service before Self” in 1961
In later years I was embarrassed to boast about this, which conflicts with my Libertarian principles of non-altruism. But it sounds good. Actually, as Helen will tell you, I was far more altruistic than I cared to admit. I partly justified this by claiming it made me personally feel good.

As Cadet Battalion Commander, I remember bellowing an order to the entire battalion which they were unable to fulfil because they were standing at ease. Quick as a flash, I issued the command “as you were” and made out it was intentional. I don’t think that impressed the Transvaal Scottish representatives.
As House Cadet Commander, I remember coordinating with the other company commanders to box in the master in charge of cadets, Tubby Aspoas.

Mr Yates was the headmaster. I only got cuts once from him. In those days there was no problem with corporal punishment, except of course for the unfortunate victim.

He was succeeded by Mr Cameron, the history master.

Frik Marais was a science master and was in charge of the first XV rugby team. One day, he stormed into the prefect’s room and ripped down the pinups. By modern standards, these were innocuous, but enough to offend his sensitivities.

Frank Sugden was our geography master. A minority of pupils chose geography over history. To this day, we are still proud to say we were from the geography class. We once removed Mr Sugden’s desk and chair before he arrived and replaced them with a matchbox. He took it in his stride. He was the master in charge of Athletics

Clev Klevansky was my Latin teacher up to Standard 4. His teaching method relied heavily on learning by rote.
He grew up in Arcadia, the Jewish orphanage and lived there all his life caring for the children. Wolf Hillman, my Granny Jacobson’s brother, was one of the founders of Arcadia. He was very short and called me “Little Levin” although I towered over him. He spattered saliva when talking. Once the class came armed with umbrellas as protection. He was always delighted when my mother visited the school. He ytold us about the importance of brushing teeth and if we didn’t have toothpastewe should rinse with water. He handled the Under 13 team. His motto was “Good Ball be Careful, Bad Ball get your Runs”.

Edgar Esprey was our English teacher in Standard 3. He loved poetry and encouraged us to appreciate it. He suppressed laughter by stuffing his handkerchief in his mouth. He was in charge of the Under 14 cricket team.

Elliot Wolf taught us English and matric Latin. He liked my latin pun based on the name of the book “The Egg and I”. There was a particular text where the whole class shouted out at the mention of “Lupus”. He went on to be Headmaster at a Jewish school.

Mr Smeets was the swimming instructor. He coached me to do shotput and allowed me to practice rather than swim. I was a good swimmer but didn’t like the cold water and the overpowering chlorine smell.

Elaine Blaine taught English to us in Standard 4. She was very attractive and excited us by leaning exposing a bit of her breasts. What a little thing to remember all these years. She decorated the hall for the School Dance and when I gave my speech, I made a feeble joke about “how lovely she, err I mean the hall looked”.

• • Miss Blaine. Lovely
  • Mr Staude. Proselytising Science Master
  • Budgie Newcomb. Science. Missing digit.
  • Mr Pringle. Shellshocked. False teeth.
  • Art Teacher
  • Mr Solomon. From Saxonwold as maths teacher. Ineffective. Playtime. Feather pens.
  • Tubby Aspoas. Peppermint. Coins when back turned. Fetched books from cupboard without taking eyes off class. Drive-by shouting “Tubby”
  • Mr Niven. Music Master. Riff Song. Marbles.