From the Deputy Headmaster/Head of Junior School

Moving beyond halfway through Term 3, the Junior School continues to be a hive of energy, creativity and connection. The way in which students, staff and parents alike engaged in our Symphony of Stories, Children’s Book Week Celebrations, was outstanding. From homemade costumes and multiple iterations of Derek’s aquariums to cross campus buddy reading it has been a joy to celebrate our School’s strong reading culture. I’d like to extend my gratitude to the Library team for their enthusiasm for all things literary and the planning that went into such a successful week.

Over the last fortnight, we have also enjoyed Intercollegiate fixtures with PAC, hosted the Robotics State Championships, participated in ICAS Competitions, enjoyed a visit from the SAPOL Police Band to name but a few.

Scroll Less September
In 2026 we have made intentional changes to the way in which we use technology across our School. We now keep and charge all student iPads at School for boys in Reception to Year 2, we have disabled messaging capability on Junior School devices, and have been mindful in reducing the amount of screen based homework expected.

We have also promoted Wait Mate, a platform where parents can pledge to wait until they purchase a smartphone for their child. I’m thrilled that across the School, parents are committing to wait which you can see in the table below.

If you haven’t made the pledge and would like to find out more, visit:
https://www.waitmate.org.au/spsc

Further to this, I know it is one thing to delay and reduce screen time for our children, but another thing to model healthy screen use ourselves. I am guilty of looking at my phone as soon as I wake up, or when I could be gardening, exercising, spending time being creative, productive and connected with the people in front of me. For this reason, I’ve made the pledge to reduce my screen time in September. In the same time we want to give our children more time in the ‘real world’, we should also consider giving ourselves a little more room for the people, places and moments that matter most.

Please visit Scroll Less September for more information: https://www.scrolllessseptember.com.au

Thank you to parents for supporting your sons in their incredibly varied pursuits. We love working with your sons and couldn’t do what we do without your support. We look forward to welcoming families in Week 8 to further celebrate the boys’ growth and goals at our 3 Way Conference meetings.

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