25 September 2025
As we come to the end of another term, we have so much to be thankful for as a school community. To list everything we do each term would take many more ‘pages’ then I am willing or maybe allowed to take up in the newsletter. A focus on the last fortnight though certainly gives a snapshot of why St Peter’s College is an exceptional community.
Last week we had our biannual Cabaret Concert which was an opportunity for our Year 12 music students to perform for one last time. It was simply mesmerising to see the talent and skill on stage across all areas of our music program. I found myself at one stage thinking that the music we were hearing could easily be a professional band or orchestra. To our Year 12 music students, thank you for your leadership and modelling, you have certainly left the program even stronger, and we are grateful for your contributions.
On Friday we had our annual Athletics Carnival and what an amazing community event it was for our boys. There was a beautiful atmosphere across the day, further enhanced by the increasing number of parents who came to support the event. Thank you particularly to our Friends of Saints for coordinating the BBQ and all those who volunteered to help.
This week has seen the Senior School focus on Blue Week with the theme, ‘Who’s your mate?’. Our captains Aadi and Tiger have been coordinating events across the week including a special assembly on Monday with Nedd Brockmann. Nedd challenged the boys to try and understand they are more capable than they think they might be, and that we should never entertain the idea of pulling the pin when we are deep into something challenging. He also spoke to the boys about what it means to be a mate. That mateship is founded in a strong sense of loyalty, trust and respect and that for him it is important to be a person of your word, and allow emotions to come through and to not judge.
Nedd also spoke of his desire to end homelessness which fits neatly with our core value of service. He was asked why this cause and said that one day when he was running he was confronted by homelessness in Sydney. He started to become curious and ask the question, ‘why is someone in this position?’ Nedd then challenged the boys to make sure they look at what is around them, and not just simply pass things by. And to take time and space to think about what they can do for others. Service is a good thing to do for others and as Nedd said, ‘it has the added impact of making one feel good about themselves’.
Directly after Nedd had presented at Muster we celebrated with a large group of boys their Confirmation. As an Anglican School the sacrament of communion is an important ritual for those wanting to make a commitment to God and further explore their own spiritual journey. It was an absolute joy to share this time with the boys who have made this commitment and underpins our role in supporting our community to explore their own faith and when they are ready, further grow in their Christian discipleship. They have pursued something special, and we look forward to helping them and our wider community continue to grow in love and respect for God and each other.
No doubt intertwined throughout these two weeks has been the continuation of our academic programs. Additionally, there will have been learning tasks and topics coming to an end with significant assessment tasks undertaken. The boys should continue to see these learning opportunities as a time for reflection and consideration of what further learning they need to undertake to master the topic or skills they are developing. As always, Learning Curve on Keystone is an invaluable space to view student progress and can help be a good conversation starter for setting goals for Term 4.
This Friday night will see our Years 11 and 12 boys celebrate the year at the Blue and White: An Evening in Paris. This is such a unique and special evening for the boys and we look forward to celebrating with them.
As we move into the term break we also acknowledge that the annual Sony Camp will take place at St Peter’s College. We will partner with Wilderness School to provide an opportunity for our students to provide respite care for families with children with disability. This is an important event in our Service Program and we are grateful for the leadership of Mr Ed Ruedgier along with all the staff helpers who ensure this event is a significant one for both our students and guests.
Thank you to all our community for the way in which you engage with life in the Senior School at St Peter’s College. In a world where we are being asked to consume more and focus on self, we are grateful that families support and embrace all that is on offer. May the coming term break be a time of relaxation and rest for all. We look forward to celebrating our graduating Year 12 studets at the start of next term and enjoying the celebrations of life at St Peter’s College in Term 4.
Mr David Nolan
Deputy Headmaster / Head of Senior School