From the Captains

The following speech was delivered by School Captain Archie Braithwaite at the School Captains’ Induction on Thursday 29 Janaury.

Good afternoon, Headmaster, official party, staff, special guests, and boys.

Through its culture, expectations, and people, St Peter’s College has played a defining role in shaping who I am. This community has given me more than I can repay, and has taught me the importance of respect, selflessness and responsibility. That is why I applied for School Captain: to give back, to take an interest in others and to contribute to something greater than myself.

Leadership, to me, is a behaviour. It is defined by the impact you have on people, especially when you are not in the room – in how you speak about people, how you treat the person still on the bench, or the person still waiting for their opportunity. That’s where leadership shows up.

I have learned that leadership also shows up in service – in choosing to give your time and energy to others, often without recognition. In doing so, you often find you gain just as much as you give. Some of the most meaningful leadership happens quietly, when you give of yourself and stand alongside others rather than above them.

Most of what I’ve learned about leadership hasn’t come from a title or a role, but from watching the people around me – students, staff, and leaders – every day and noticing that the ones with the greatest influence are often the ones who seek it the least and hold it with responsibility.

This year, I want to lead with consistency, integrity and presence.

Presence means listening with intent, noticing when someone is struggling, and choosing to act. Often, the people who need support the most are the ones least likely to ask for it. It means building real, human connections. Strong communities are not built through words or structures alone. They are built through relationships.

One of my proudest moments at St Peter’s College came during the 2025 Water Polo Intercol as a player. The atmosphere of the game itself was powerful, but what mattered more was what happened afterwards. The Blue Army waited.

We celebrated, but we did it behind closed doors. There was respect before celebration. Humility before noise. In that moment, I realised that leadership is not just about how we perform when things go our way, but how we carry ourselves when they do. That restraint said more about us than the win itself. That moment reflected everything SPSC stands for: unity, discipline and respect. It is the standard I want us to keep setting.

So, what does this mean for the year ahead?

Connection has always been central to what makes St Peter’s College special. It is more than just being in the same place. It is about belonging. When you feel connected, you feel supported, valued and part of something bigger than yourself.

We are often encouraged to focus on our academics, sports, and physical health, but our relationships matter just as much. Especially in an all-boys school, looking out for one another is vital. It is not optional — it is our responsibility. Checking in on a mate, making time for friendships, and being willing to start a conversation can make a real difference. Connection begins with small actions, but it creates strong communities.

What stands out to me most about St Peter’s College is that this connection does not end at the school gates. Whether it is seeing boys together in the wider community or reconnecting with old scholars, it is a reminder that we belong to something far greater than ourselves. That sense of belonging is what makes this place special, and it is something worth protecting and strengthening.

To the younger students and new boys joining us today, you belong here. Your voice matters more than you think.

To the senior boys, we have a responsibility to set the tone, to lead with maturity, and to leave this place better than we found it. Younger boys will take their cues from us — whether we intend them to or not.

Henry and I are excited to begin this year, but more than that, we are humbled and honoured to serve as your School Captains. We are grateful for the trust placed in us, and we promise to fulfil our responsibilities with presence, humility, and care. St Peter’s College is a community we are proud to belong to, something far greater than any one individual. It is going to be an incredible year, and we look forward to continuing to build this community together.

That idea of connection – of not standing alone – is what I hope defines 2026.

As Helen Keller once said:

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.”

Thank you.