As part of their orientation and initiation into the school, all 'formies' (Grade 8/Form I) receive a coloured button to wear on their blazer which indicates their 'formie' status as well as what house they belong to for the duration of their Form I year. At the end of their second week of school, all formies are assigned a Matric 'Old Pot' who will help and guide that formie through their first few months at the school. The Old Pot/New Pot braai is held in the first term. Harmful 'initiation' is banned throughout the school. However, there have been numerous incidents at the school which have been widely publicized. Cadets Parktown Boys' High School is one of the few schools in South Africa that still continues with the tradition of Cadets and Cadet practice every week that involves many push ups and exercise for younger grades. Memorial parade Parktown conducts a Memorial Parade and Service on the Sunday nearest 11 November (Remembrance Day) every year for Old Parktonians and South Africans in general who have died in various conflicts around the world. It is compulsory for all Form Is and IVs to attend. Third Cricket/Hockey v Teachers Matches Every year a hockey and cricket matches are held between the staff and Third teams. Old Parktonians The Parktonian Foundation, Surgite House, the Parktown Waterpolo Club, a Facebook page, the annual Surgite publications and the Old Parktonian Sports Club, all aim to foster the Old Parktonian Community. Old Boys' Day Every year in the first term Old Boys are invited to play against current school First Teams in a variety of sports. The day culminates in rugby and hockey games between the Old Boys and the recently announced First teams. Notable alumni Past Matriculants of the school have gone on to be leaders in all fields of South African life, from leaders in commerce, Members of Parliament, renowned academics, Springboks rugby players, other internationally renowned sportsmen, musicians and artists. Some of these include: Sir Henry Benson, President of the ICAEW, Member of the House of Lords Ian Davidson, Member of Parliament and Chief Whip of the Democratic Alliance, John Varty wildlife conservationist and filmmaker Wayne Ferreira, international tennis player and Olympic silver medalist, Eric Sturgess, international tennis player who reached the finals of three Grand Slam singles tournaments and won six Grand Slam doubles tournaments, Joseph Wolpe, psychologist and psychology theorist, Byron