A Culture of Giving
Since the School’s foundation in 1847, St Peter’s College has been sustained from generation to generation by selfless and inspiring acts of generosity. This culture of giving is at the heart of the St Peter’s College Foundation, established in 1985 following an outpouring of support by the School community to rebuild Memorial Hall, built in tribute to old scholars and staff who gave of their lives in the Great War, after it was devastated by fire.
Pro Deo et Patria
Today the Foundation exists to foster and grow a culture of philanthropy that supports the current and future priorities of the School through the provision of new and improved educational and learning facilities. Gifts to the St Peter’s College Foundation Scholarship Fund provide opportunities for students for whom a St Peter’s College education would otherwise be out of reach. These opportunities add to the diversity of our student body, enabling students irrespective of cultural or social background to learn from others with different perspectives and life experiences.
Contributing to St Peter’s College grants donors membership of the Foundation once an aggregated level of $5,000 is achieved. Membership provides access to special events and acknowledgments – privileges that reflect our deep appreciation for those who uphold the culture of giving that has shaped and sustains our School.
Impact of Giving
Donations to the St Peter’s College Foundation have assisted in the establishment of scholarships, programs and the delivery of key facility projects across the School including the newly redeveloped Big Quad.
Facilities Projects
Big Quad
The Big Quad redevelopment, completed in 2022, was made possible through generous donor support. The redevelopment reaffirmed the precinct’s importance and relevance as a place of learning in the 21st century by transforming heritage buildings to provide more flexible, modern and diverse learning spaces to match contemporary educational needs.
Memorial Hall
Memorial Hall was extensively damaged by fire on 2 December 1985. With the support of the School community, the renovated and refurbished hall was opened on Friday 11 March 1988 by the Governor of South Australia, Sir Donald Dunstan (DAC 1943) and once again became the focal point of School life.
Pentreath Building
The extensive redevelopment of the Pentreath Building, designed to ensure a seamless transition to Senior School, was opened at the start of 2016. It features innovative spaces in which students can learn, collaborate and play as well as a flexible learning environments tailored specifically to the needs of Years 7 and 8 boys.
Burchnall Sports Centre
The Burchnall Sports Centre, complete with multi-purpose courts, indoor pool, classrooms and strength and conditioning room superseded the century-old outdoor swimming pool and 33-year-old gymnasium as part of the School’s Blueprint for the Future campaign. The centre was opened in April 2003.
Junior School
Building work began on the Junior School Redevelopment in 2008. The redevelopment included new modern learning spaces, new classrooms, an observatory for young astronomers, an information resource centre and state-of-the-art library. The centre was opened in April 2010.
Programs
Rex J Lipman Fellows Program
The legacy of Dr Rex J Lipman AO ED OLH ONM (1922–2015) who generously remembered the School in his Will lives on through the Lipman Fellows Program. This program brings leaders and scholars of international or national distinction to the School to inspire and motivate students, staff and the wider community.
The gift of Maths@Saints
The long-standing Maths@Saints program has transformed the way the School approaches maths and has had a significant impact on both teaching and learning. The result of a generous bequest made anonymously in 2005, this gift has helped cement the School as a leader in maths education through innovation and best practice.
Scholarships
Foundation Scholarships
The St Peter’s College Foundation offers two full scholarships for students not currently enrolled at the School and who can provide evidence of a record of strong academic endeavours, service within their current School or local community and high-level participation in co-curricular activities.
RHC Rischbieth Scholarship
The RHC Rischbieth Scholarship, established in 2000 by Richard and Judy Rischbieth, provides 100% remission of tuition and boarding fees for a student from a regional area, including Kangaroo Island, and who would be unable to attend the School without significant financial support.
Pipe Organ Tuition Scholarships
Through the philanthropic support of a group of donors who are passionate about maintaining and cherishing organ music, St Peter’s College provides unique scholarship opportunities for students to learn on the historic St Peter’s College Chapel pipe organ.
Adelaide Brighton Scholarship
Gifted by Adelaide Brighton, this scholarship for Indigenous students opens up a world of possibilities for personal development and growth of a student who would otherwise not be able to attend St Peter’s College without a scholarship.
Elix Advantage Scholarship
Made possible by Doug Elix AO, the Elix Advantage Scholarship offers 100% remission of tuition fees and fixed charges for a student who possess all-round qualities and who would be unable to attend St Peter’s College without a full scholarship.
Doc Ross Boarding Scholarship
The Doc Ross Boarding Scholarship is for the exclusive benefit of a boarder whose family is in need of financial assistance. The scholarship provides 100% remission of boarding fees for a student for a maximum of five years.
Foundation Membership
Foundation membership is open to all donors with cumulative giving of $5,000 or more. Foundation members enjoy a number of benefits including invitations to special events and opportunities to engage with the wider School community.
Member: $5,000
Fellow: $25,000
Senior Fellow: $50,000
Benefactor: $100,000
Senior Benefactor: $250,000
Vice Patron: $500,000
Patron: $1,000,000
For more information about becoming a Foundation member, please contact the Development Manager for a confidential discussion on +61 8 8404 0528 or email foundation@stpeters.sa.edu.au
Foundation Board
The St Peter’s College Foundation Board brings together the skills, knowledge and expertise of old scholars, current and past parents to help develop and maintain excellence in education, facilities and community service at the School. Working closely with the Development Office, the Foundation Board provides strategic oversight and support of activities that encourage community engagement and philanthropic support.
Board Members
Dr Richard Sawers AM (ATH 1966)
President and Council of Governors Nominee
Don Donlan
Vice President
Timothy Neill (YNG 1983)
Treasurer
Tim Browning
Executive Officer
Julie Cox
Nick Harley (DAC 1999)
Oren Klemich (DAC 1978)
Mellissa Larkin
Guy Roberts (WDK 1979)
Don Sarah AM (DAC 1954)
James Sarah (DAC 1982)
Oliver Sheahan (HWK 2007)
Dr Arabella Wallett
Shelly Yu
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