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Interview with Gilbert Pooley – 2001
Gilbert came to St David’s in standard 6 and stayed until he wrote his matric in standard 10.
This was the time when Paul Edey was headmaster. Paul had a real presence and influence in
the school and Gilbert was a big fan of his, he was a traditional, charismatic leader and put his
stamp on the school. He built a personal relationship with the boys and still taught History, his
passion was clearly teaching and education and he was an inspiring teacher. He had a way of
making a boy feel as if he were the centre of attention. Both positively and negatively he used
this technique in the classroom turning every lesson it into an engaging performance. The
school was still relatively small in 2001 with a matric group of 75 boys.
During Gilbert’s tenure the school underwent a massive transformation with the new
Champagnat hall, the high school pavilion (before this was built the boys had to change for
sport’s practice on the side of the field) and library.
On his first day he recalls lining up on the basketball courts (currently the amphitheatre) in front
of Paul Edey and head boy, Adriano Iorio, who was wearing his honours blazer, Gilbert was so
struck by Adriano in his techno-coloured formal attire that he was unsure whether Adriano was a
radical, teacher or well awarded pupil But there was no doubt that this young man in his odd
uniform was an adult, and one’s time at St David’s would change one from being the little boy
entering standard 6 (grade 8) into a man.
Gilbert played hockey and cricket and valued the enforced culture of all boys participating,
which was healthy and assisted in the development of many personal relationships.
Gilbert participated in drama performing in one-act plays as well as the school’s annual
productions. He was also very involved in debating, public speaking and chess, as the school
grew it became more competitive in those areas. He really enjoyed the cultural aspect although
it was perceived as a sideline to sport and, nerdy. There was still no high school choir or Music
department. He feels that many of those cultural activities formed him even though today he
works in business; it gave him self-confidence and the ability to present himself in a positive
light. He is very grateful for that and proud that it has developed within the school and believes
that it is a huge differentiator in later life.
The staff who made a special contribution to the cultural aspects of the school during his period
were Mr Foulds, Mrs Cameron and Ms Voorendyck (then Ms Vroom).
Opportunities to meet girls in the school environment rarely presented themselves. One such
opportunity was the first dramatic collaboration with neighbouring girls’ school Brecia House
(“The Boyfriend” in 2000 and “As You Like It” in 2001). This started the trend towards more
accessible and popular school plays, which continues today.
As at many boys’ schools he recalls the desire to meet girls was matched only by rampant
homophobia. The fact that several of his contemporaries later “came out of the closet” once they
had matriculated from St David’s is not missed.
Reverend Bruce, more than most teachers, characterised his time at St David’s, Gilbert was a
member of Bishops and the Rev was appointed his class tutor. Rev had a different philosophy
and approach. Gilbert, as all boys from his era, recalls being scolded by Rev for inappropriate
use of the word “sorry”. He brought a brand of pastoral care which was firm but comical and his
departure from the school to New Zealand was a loss.
Gilbert’s mother Bonny was involved in the tuck shop, hockey and many parent committees and
events. She was close to stalwarts such as matron, Mary Ryan, Mary von Guilleaume and
Father Michael. She taught Religious Education briefly, preparing boys for their confirmation, as
well as helping with MOBS.
There was another not so positive aspect of St David’s life at the time - the influence of a group
of boys in the 2000 matric group. They were seen as a little “Mafia”. They caused plenty of
internal trouble and had an unfortunate effect on the school’s reputation. Their little rule of terror
bred an unhealthy rivalry with other boys’ schools during this period.
Gilbert participated in the co-workers which was run by Rev Bruce and joined in the collections
for the old age home, planted a park in Soweto and was involved in civies days raising money.
This set a trend in Gilbert’s life of getting involved with social development. Whilst he was at
UCT he volunteered for SHAWCO and currently, together with Andrew Levy he runs “Umuzi
Photo Club” a youth development organisation which focuses on using the creative arts to
engage young people and to raise awareness with a goal of effecting positive change in
communities such as Diepsloot, Alexandra and Hillbrow. Umuzi pairs the young people and
media professionals with the aim of creating active compelling media for change. They will be
hosting an exhibition in Braamfontein from 29 March 2012 entitled “I am an Activist” focusing on
three communities and their problems.
Gilbert feels that the war cry reflects the sentiment of Marist Inanda –
Matrics : Kalamazumba
School: WA WA
M: Kalamazumba
S: CHA CHA
M: SEMISAKA WAKA WA
S: SEMISAKA WAKA WA
M: CHA WA
All: M.A.R.I.S.T. MARIST INANDA!
Gilbert left St David’s to study at UCT, and completed 4 years Business Science, he then went
to Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland where he completed his Masters in Economics. He joined the
Boston Consulting Group in London as a management consultant which included working for
some SA clients. He was instrumental in opening a BCG office in Johannesburg in 2011 but he
left BCG in 2011 and is now running his own company offering strategy consulting to clients in
resources (mining, oil and gas).
He sees a positive change in expectations at the school; in his time he felt less pressure to
strive for excellence and in academics, which now appears to be more important. There is more
of a performance culture at the school today.
In 2003 Gilbert had the opportunity while holidaying with his family in Rome. Gilbert had the
opportunity to attend the canonization of Marcellin Champagnat, it gave him a sense of the
international presence of Marist schools. He reflects that there appears to be no opportunities
for greater inter-action between Marist schools in South Africa.
JE February 2012