07 March 2025
At St Peter’s College, we are fortunate to be a values-driven institution that strongly reflects our core principles of truth, respect and service.
Over the past two weeks, we have seen on numerous examples our values being lived out through the actions and behaviours of members of our School community.
The first example was at our International Women’s Day Breakfast. Bringing over 200 boys into Memorial Hall to listen and fully participate in the morning’s discussions was a powerful demonstration of truth. The panel challenged everyone present to examine their own truth about their relationships with others and how each of us contributes to building a more equitable world that offers hope to all, regardless of gender, cultural heritage, or spiritual beliefs. Inspired by the discussion, our students asked insightful questions, seeking ways to help bring greater equity to both our local community and the broader world.
Respect is something that is often earned through actions and behaviours. It is always heartening when the School receives messages from members of the wider community expressing appreciation for our students. Recently, a parent from another school shared the following:
“My son is in Year 10 at another school and has chosen cricket as his extracurricular sport for the past three years. I have never felt as welcomed or as comfortable as I did on Friday night, spectating and cheering on all those playing on Lloyd Oval with my partner and another parent.
It wasn’t just the beauty of the grounds or the incredible historic buildings that made an impression—it was the kindness, respect, and willingness of the St Peter’s boys and the school staff supporting the event. They ensured that the small group of boys from our school felt like true teammates and that the game could go ahead.
It was the generosity, camaraderie, and good spirit of the St Peter’s College young men and staff that made the match possible. Despite a later start than the anticipated 4:00 p.m. twilight kick-off, the game was filled with twists, turns, and a great sense of joy.
As a teacher myself (but just a mum on Friday night), I commend the boys and staff for making the evening so memorable and remarkable for so many reasons.”
This parent took the time to share her experience, and no doubt she has passed this story on to others. Thank you to those involved for showing respect, kindness, and generosity through your actions. It is a reminder of the importance of our value of respect and the impact it can have beyond our walls and fields.
Respect was once again exemplified at last night’s SAAS Cricket Final. After the match, our student supporters went over to the opposition’s area to congratulate a Scotch First XI player who had effectively won the game for his school by scoring 90 runs. The boys were not prompted to do this; they simply wanted to acknowledge what they had witnessed. Watching them do this highlighted to everyone present that we truly live the value of respect at SPSC.
Service, as a value, can take us in many different directions. At its core is the ideal of loving your neighbour – but what does that look like in action?
On Saturday, 22 February, it was a privilege to spend the evening at St Mary Magdalene’s Church in the city with a group of our Year 11 boys, along with volunteer parents and staff.
St Mary Magdalene’s has a history of supporting those in need and provides meals to people experiencing homelessness once a week. What made this evening particularly special was that the boys not only served the food but also came together on Friday afternoon to prepare the meal they would serve.
The impact of this simple act of kindness was evident in the gratitude expressed by those who received the meal. These individuals, who have so little, were given not just food but also fellowship and a generous takeaway pack. The reward for our students’ act of kindness? Well, it was hearing one gentleman say, “that was the best minestrone soup I’ve ever had.”
As a school, we must continue to find ways to support the world beyond our walls and fields. It is incumbent upon each of us to find opportunities to serve others. And what do we gain from it? We get to help people live with dignity; to be fed and most importantly, we offer hope – hope that there is a kind and generous world.
David Nolan
Deputy Headmaster Head of Senior School
