As Headmaster I enjoy the privilege of welcoming old scholars back to the School and appreciate how fortunate St Peter’s College is to have such an engaged and passionate old scholar community. Last Saturday we had the pleasure of hosting milestone reunions for the Classes of 1973, 1983, 1993 and 2003. There was a real sense of pride in the old scholars returning to their school; for some it was the first time in 50 years.
I delighted in hearing them recount their experiences of SPSC and they were equally keen to learn about our current programs. In particular, they expressed great interest in our growing social licence and our authentic and relational service learning initiatives that not only promote personal growth in our students, but also benefit the wider community.
I reminded them that St Peter’s College, a perpetual institution, is a school for boys committed to ensuring our community carries strength and love in equal measure; this is our measuring stick of masculinity in our post-modern world. It is now the responsibility of our current students to carry the torch of this School with the same pride and humility of their forebears. And it is their role to leave this School and our wider community in a better place than when they found it.
This morning we gathered in Memorial Hall for our Remembrance Day Service. We took the time to remember those old scholars who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and the freedom we enjoy today. Earlier our Year 11 students placed a poppy in the brass etching adjacent to the Arch of Remembrance. The faces, names and ages of the newly graduated scholars, who were among the first to sacrifice their lives in WWI, can be identified on the brass plaque. Hidden behind their faces is a letter penned from the Western Front to the mother of one of the deceased. As you next pass by, take a moment to read it and acknowledge the sacrifice of those who have come before us. Pro Deo et Patria.
On Monday we commissioned Mr David Nolan as the School’s 10th Deputy Headmaster/Head of Senior School. These ceremonies are an essential way to remind all members of our community of our heritage, values and the role of leadership within St Peter’s College.
It has been a busy fortnight in the Junior School. Last Thursday our Prep to Year 2 students embraced their House spirit at the Junior Primary Sports Day. I thoroughly enjoyed watching all boys actively participate across many events. The Year 3 Strings Concert last Wednesday evening was a wonderful celebration of our young musicians’ learning. Students came together to perform in front of their family and friends and showcase their hard work throughout the year. Our Year 6 Social was a tremendous success with 230 students from SPSC, Walford Anglican School for Girls, Wilderness School, St Peter’s Girls’ School and Seymour College enjoying each other’s company and the entertainment of our Rock Band.
Congratulations to students across the School who excelled in the recent International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). ICAS provides an opportunity for academically able students to shine on a national, and international stage across different academic domains. Their outstanding results are a testament to not only our students’ diligence, but that of their families and teachers.
Our French students also had an opportunity to shine in the prestigious SAFTA/Alliance Française ‘Distribution des Prix’ state competition. Well done to our students from Reception to Year 8 who received awards on the night.
Congratulations to the 37 students who participated across 84 events in the VIVA SA All Schools Games. 12 athletes secured podium finishes and several qualified for the 2023 National Track and Field Championships to be held in Perth later this term.
Well done to Alex Koh (Year 11) and Jack Pillay (Year 10) on their selection in the State Debating Squad. The boys’ selection maintains the School’s longstanding involvement in the program; every year since 2007, at least one member of the seven team state squad has been a SPSC student.
As we reach the halfway point of Term 4, I encourage all students to maintain their energy and enthusiasm around their studies and activities. The next four weeks will be busy, but remember it’s only a short four weeks until a well-deserved break awaits.
Wishing you an enjoyable weekend.
Tim Browning
Headmaster
