22 October 2026
As we begin the final term of the year and welcome our newly appointed student leaders, I want to revisit some of the ideas we have explored together at Muster in recent weeks.
Our School Prayer asks that St Peter’s College might stand for things that are “strong and lovely and of good report”. These words provide a valuable reminder of the qualities we hope our boys will develop, particularly as they grow into young men.
Australian author Steve Biddulph describes a similar idea when he speaks about boys needing both backbone and heart. Backbone is the capacity to stand up, persevere, take responsibility and do difficult things. Heart is the capacity to care, notice others, forgive and show empathy.
American leadership author Stephen Covey expresses this balance as courage and consideration. Courage without consideration can become selfishness, while consideration without courage can mean never standing for anything.
Different language, but essentially the same challenge. Which qualities come naturally to us, and which do we need to develop?
We see this balance in everyday school life. When a mate makes a poor decision, heart means caring about him and backbone means being prepared to tell him. When a younger student is excluded, heart means noticing and backbone means doing something about it.
For our Year 12 students preparing to leave SPSC, these are particularly worthwhile questions. Their development does not end when they walk through the gates for the final time. For our younger boys, there are many more opportunities to practise these qualities through friendships, challenges and everyday decisions.
These reflections were particularly relevant at our recent Prefect Induction, where we welcomed our student leaders for 2027.
Throughout Semester 2, we have also considered the importance of remaining focused under pressure and the concept of stewardship as a model of leadership. Stewardship reminds us that we inherit something established by those before us, have a responsibility to contribute to it and eventually pass it on.
The Gospel reading from Matthew reinforced another important message: “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant.”
It challenges the idea that leadership is about position, status or recognition. Instead, it asks us to consider our willingness to serve others.
To those appointed to leadership positions, congratulations. You have been recognised because others see qualities in you that they trust. But the appointment is not the achievement. It is the beginning of the responsibility.
I also want to acknowledge the many outstanding young men who put themselves forward but were not appointed. The calibre of students willing to serve the School is exceptional, and many will continue to lead without holding a formal position.
Not being appointed does not diminish your capacity to lead, just as being appointed does not automatically increase it.
Our new leaders inherit roles held by generations before them. Their responsibility is to learn from those who have gone before, protect what is good, improve what can be better and eventually hand those roles on in stronger shape than they found them. In doing so, they will need both backbone and heart. The courage to make difficult decisions and uphold standards, alongside the empathy to listen, support others and recognise those who may be struggling.
Ultimately, leadership comes down to the choices we make and our willingness to serve others.
Who can I help? What can I improve? What responsibility can I take?
These questions apply to every boy at St Peter’s College, whether or not he holds a formal position.
You do not need a title to serve and you don’t need a badge to show courage.
Leadership is available to every one of us.
Pro Deo et Patria.
Barnaby Eaton
Deputy Headmaster/Head of Senior School