In this newsletter, I wanted to share two recent experiences that both centre on the importance of respect: the Year 9 Coeducational Day and my recent Muster speech. One focused on learning and practising respectful relationships in a collaborative setting, the other on how we carry those values into our everyday actions and interactions.
Learning how to function in and contribute to a healthy working environment is a critical aspect of every young person’s life. Coeducational days between single-sex schools aim to develop an understanding of what constitutes a healthy relationship and continue building mutual respect.
It is important to ensure that students have meaningful opportunities to learn and practice respectful relationships in varied contexts. With this in mind, and in collaboration with the English and Science faculties, we developed a refreshed format for a Healthy Relationships Day, which was trialled during Week 3 to build on and enhance the outcomes of previous programs.
Some of the Year 9 students were fortunate to participate in this day, run in partnership with Wilderness School. While the focus on healthy relationships remained, students also engaged in Science and Drama activities, giving them the chance to collaborate in a shared classroom environment. This allowed the students to extend and put into practice lessons learnt from previous Healthy Relationships Days.
In Science, the groups explored Universal Constant Motion, designing a practical experiment and completing the write-up as a team. For the Drama component, students were challenged to create a short film around the theme of ‘Who Stole It?’. After storyboarding their ideas, they had access to the school grounds to bring their stories to life on camera.
The day encouraged students to think creatively, communicate clearly and work respectfully with one another, laying strong foundations not just for future coeducational programs, but for life beyond the classroom.
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Excerpt from my muster speech on Tuesday 5 August, relating to respect and moral strength.
“Last Thursday, during my commute, one of your students was seated opposite me and gave up his seat to a lady who boarded the bus outside Memorial Hospital; most people around said to him how impressed they were with his generosity and how unusual it is to see this behaviour displayed by school students.”
“It was the act of generosity, camaraderie and good spirit of St Peter’s College young men and Staff that ensured that my son’s cricket game could go ahead last Friday. The manner in which the Boarding House boys volunteered to play for the opposition with no verbal complaints or negative body language, the helpfulness in solving problems as to locate the toilets, and the goodwill in which they lead the success of the night to ensure a fair game played in fine spirits.”
As you can see from these two excerpts I have just read, the way we conduct ourselves in society stands out. While there were numerous positive examples of students’ actions, I read those two out because of how ‘normal’ they seem. At St Peter’s College that sort of behaviour is the basic expectation. Our job is to continue to reinforce these expectations and set the example when we are outside these grounds.
We are living in a precarious time right now, marked by widespread division and outward displays of hatred and vitriol, the likes of which we have not seen for decades. This has been amplified by a digital world where the content you consume constantly pushes you to choose a side. Extremist voices thrive in this space because they offer easy answers. They give you someone to blame, and in doing so, make you feel powerful. Figures such as Andrew Tate and Charlie Kirk, speak directly to young men, preying on insecurity and presenting a warped version of masculinity. They tell you that strength comes from dominance, and that vulnerability is weakness. But what they get wrong is this: having insecurities does not make you inadequate, it means you’re a normal person, having a human experience. And just as natural is the effort to work on these insecurities and have the courage to grow into a better version of yourself each day. If you are not actively doing that, you end up going through the motions.
When you refuse to take ownership of your life, and instead cling to blame or bitterness, the only person hurting is yourself. True strength doesn’t demand attention. It is revealed by the way you carry yourself, and the way you treat and interact with those around you.
Part of that strength is speaking up when it matters, not just when it affects you. You cannot afford to be a bystander. In a world desperate for more empathy and love, we need young men who are thoughtful, courageous, and willing to stand up for their values. This week and every following week, I encourage you to challenge yourself. Take the time to learn about a topic or perspective you have never explored before. Ask better questions. You might find it resonates more deeply than you expect.
Aadi Mittal
School Captain
