15 August 2025
Over the first few weeks of this term, it has been a privilege to sit with several of our current Year 12 students and talk about their hopes and dreams, as well as what we can continue to improve at St Peter’s College. Several strong themes have emerged from these meetings about what is good and beautiful about our School.
Our students recognise the importance of relationships and connection. They told me that these relationships help them feel valued, safe and known. These conversations have highlighted the critical role our whole school community plays in developing a strong sense of belonging. In a world that promotes individualism, it was a reminder that St Peter’s College stands as a community that challenges the prevailing secular culture and harnesses our Anglican Identity to build connections where every boy is known and loved.
At the start of this term, when the Staff met for our Professional Development Day, we spent time thinking about how we promote and establish this sense of belonging. Staff were challenged to consider how they ensure the boys feel seen, supported, connected and happy at school. As with all relationships, this is ongoing work, and we know the importance of modelling respect and compassion in our School community to help develop young men of good character.
Reflecting on the last two weeks of school, it is easy to see the many ways our boys can build connection within the school. Our annual South Australian Living Art exhibition was a huge success and allowed our talented students and staff to share their creative skills. This was followed by our Arts Day and Battle of the Bands, which gave many boys the opportunity to share their talents with the community. Our Winter sports season is rapidly coming to an end, and a number of our teams have made the SAAS finals. Again, the connections the boys have built throughout the season have helped them to achieve success. We look forward to our Winter Intercol next week.
Another truly memorable moment of the last fortnight was the Symphonic Orchestra working with the Adelaide Wind Orchestra to present a concert. The music was mesmerising, and the experience for the boys in firstly working with these musicians to perform in such a connected manner was astounding. To then be able to pause and listen to the Adelaide Wind Orchestra perform was a truly special moment for all in attendance. It was inspiring for our boys, and you could sense the appreciation they had for being part of such a remarkable moment in time.
As we come to the end of Week 4 and reflecting on all that we have experienced in the last fortnight, I am grateful for the students, staff and community with whom I have the privilege of working with each day. I am grateful that, as an Anglican School, we have a strong moral compass strengthened by our values of truth, respect and service. I am grateful that our School invites everyone to embrace the teachings of Jesus in an inclusive, connected community, as we continue to strive to be an exceptional community of learning.
David Nolan
Deputy Headmaster / Head of Senior School
