From the Deputy Headmaster/Head of Junior School

It has been a tremendous start to Term 2: with the Year 3 Blessing of the Blazer service, Anzac Memorial Service, a Prep and Reception THRASS Day and House Cross Country Competition, there hasn’t been much time to pause over the last fortnight.

For this reason, I relished arriving at Finniss, the St Peter’s College Outdoor Education site near Lake Alexandrina, on Tuesday night. As the sun set, our Year 5 students were washing up ready for dinner and had stories aplenty to share about the day of fishing, toasting marshmallows, canoeing and exploring the newly renovated bike pump track.

Following dinner, the boys donned their head torches and set out on a night walk, spotting spiders, ants, and sleeping birds along the way: just the right kind of adventure for any 10-year-old on camp! After squeals of delight and suitable amount of fear (of arachnids) I was impressed by the way in which our students were able to shift into a respectful and reverent debrief. I feel privileged to have been able sit with Mr Casey’s class, in silence, with only the light of the moon casting shadows among us. I am grateful for the camp facilitators giving the boys time to share their worries and what they were looking forward to in such a safe space.

We know that guided reflection and debriefing encourage boys to articulate feelings, develop self-awareness and build language for emotions. What I heard shared during 5Cs debrief were incredibly self-aware young men, with confidence to show vulnerability and strength through their contributions.

As the boys settled down in their tents to sleep, and the moon continued to rise, I was reminded that being still, being silent, giving time to reflect might just be good for all of us, not just Junior School boys.

Staffing Update: OSHC Coordinator
This week we have welcomed a new OSHC Coordinator, Liam Thompson.
Liam brings over eight years in child-centred environments. He joins us from Brighton Primary School where he recently held the position of OSHC Director. Please join me in welcoming Liam to our team.

I would also like to thank Scott Duffield who has led the OSHC over the past years with exceptional attention to student wellbeing. We are pleased that Scott remains with us as both an OSHC educator and Education Support Officer, working across the Junior School.

Please remember, I am always open to feedback and suggestions, and encourage you to reach out via email should you wish to meet: jtaylor@stpeters.sa.edu.au

Have a lovely weekend.

Jasmine Taylor 
Deputy Headmaster – Head of Junior School