It has been such a positive start to the new school year. The students have embraced the opportunity to be back in the school grounds, refreshed and ready for what awaits them in 2024.
We have already seen so many activities occur right through the Christmas break into the new year. Our Senior School Renaissance Tour went to England and Italy to be immersed in history, learning and culture. From all accounts it was an excellent tour and thank you to Mr Nick Smith and Mr Nick Browne for their organisation of this experience.
Similarly, the Exploration Society led by Tim Hennekam headed to Japan to enjoy the very popular ski fields and engaged in a range of cultural experiences. The staff spoke highly of the way our students embraced the opportunity.
We have also seen some of our sporting teams participate both in carnivals and camps in preparation for the 2024 seasons. Particular congratulations to the 1st XI Cricket Team who won the Neil Dansie Cricket Festival beating Toowoomba Grammar in the final in Melbourne. Thank you to all involved for the spirit in which you participated and continued to work on developing your skills.
The start of the year has seen us welcome new students across the Senior School and we are grateful for the manner in which the community has embraced the new starters. Several of our parents have commented on how much their son enjoyed the first week of the year. A big part of this has been the staff’s focus on building relationships and ensuring that the boys understand our new Positive Engagement and Support Policy. This policy builds on over ten years of work around positive psychology and wellbeing and is the logical next iteration of our commitment to support the boys in making positive decisions and engaging wholeheartedly with all that is on offer at St Peter’s College.
Just a reminder to families that we have several support systems in place to help each student in their time at St Peter’s College. In the first instance your son’s Mentor Teacher is a good contact point. They see your son every day and will work closely with them throughout the year. If it is related to a specific subject, we ask that you reach out to the teacher. Most inquiries can be solved by either the Mentor or Subject Teacher. In situations where you require further assistance, in Years 7 and 8 the Year Level Coordinators and Years 9 to 12 the Heads of House, are an excellent resource.
Our Senior School Muster this week was an opportunity to celebrate the academic success of the Class of 2023. We are proud of the way these young men went about their learning and the commitment they displayed in their academic study. There are many factors that help contribute to this success and it is wonderful to be able to celebrate their achievements and hopefully inspire our current students to aim high in their learning at St Peter’s College.
We have much to look forward to in 2024 and it is my hope that as a community we embrace every opportunity and every challenge with our values of Truth, Respect and Service very much at the forefront of our actions and in a manner which exemplifies our approach to positive engagement and support.
David Nolan
Deputy Headmaster/Head of Senior School