From the Headmaster

Welcome back to Term 2. It was wonderful to welcome old scholars to join with staff and students for a moving Anzac Memorial Service on the first day of term. I commend students on their conduct – their time and place was impeccable. It was a special occasion for our community as we remembered all who gave of their lives for our freedom. Whilst it may be difficult to contemplate the loss experienced in our community a century ago, the number of flags and crosses, inscribed with names of old scholars who gave of their lives defending our nation, may have assisted in understanding the quantum of that grief.

By choosing to be a part of SPSC, we are choosing to be a part of something far greater than ourselves. This should have been felt throughout the service as stories of old scholar’s bravery and sacrifice were shared by student representatives and our choir performed a moving piece Close Now Thine Eyes composed by old scholar Andrew Wells AO QC (W&A 1937) from the trenches Tobruk.

A SPSC journey is about others. It is about how we can make a contribution to society that makes a difference to everyone. This theme was evident across Community Day on Saturday – everyone was on hand to help, everyone had a job. The strength of our pastoral system was evident and I congratulate our Heads of House and student leaders for their considerable efforts in creating a day of good company, good friendships and good camaraderie.

It has been a busy and engaging start to the term in the Junior School. Our Year 2 students commenced their Outdoor Education Pushing the Boundaries Program by pitching their tent in the Junior School Hall for a night away from home – a significant milestone, for both students and families. Our Year 5 students, four years into the program, have been challenged with a four-day, three-night venture at Finniss this week. These sequential camping experiences allow students to set a foundation in outdoor learning and year by year, grow in confidence and develop skills to thrive in a wilderness setting.

Wednesday’s Luminary Lunch saw students from SPSC and a number of partner girls schools enjoy lunch with an author/illustrator whilst engaging in rich conversations about writing and illustrating books. In the Art Room, our Years 3 to 6 students have commenced their Artist in Residence Program with Zinia King.

In Week 7 of this term, the iconic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar will be performed in collaboration with students from Walford Anglican School of Girls. Nine months of hard work and passion has been poured into this production and is essential viewing for every student in the Senior School. Musicals may not resonate with everyone, but it is important for students to develop a sense of appreciation of a range of arts and activities by giving themselves an experience. I know that the hair exemptions I have issued to cast members will be brought to life throughout the performance and look forward to critiquing the show with students around the yard in the days following. Book your tickets here.

We were treated to an impressive performance by our Big Band in yesterday’s Muster as they put the finishing touches on their Generations in Jazz performance. After months of rehearsals, seven ensembles will attend the competition to be held in Mt Gambier this weekend. Good luck to the 72 musicians who are competing, and a special mention of our Big Band 1 who are one of eight ensembles (from the 130 Big Bands) competing in Division 1 of this national competition.

Across the holidays it was wonderful to see the resumption of international and interstate tours and the reconnection of our Hackney bubble to the wider world. Our Soccer players completed a successful 17-day tour of the United Kingdom, our Open Basketball squad travelled to Shore School, our Hockey Team competed successfully in the Melbourne Grammar International Schools Cup and our Football Team contested Melbourne Grammar in a 114-year-old tradition – a great example of healthy intercollegiate rivalry.

Congratulations to the following students who have recently/or will soon represent South Australia at National Championships:

Athletics – click here to read article

• Ethan Allison (Year 10)
• Orlando Grantham (Year 7)
• Jonathan Harris (Year 12)
• Lawson Jones (Year 10)
• Stephen Lacroix-Sneyd (Year 10)
• Andrew Maenda (Year 11)
• Gman Paye (Year 11)
• Sandro Purugganan (Year 10)

Badminton

• Declan Ee (Under 19)
• Bal Ghiltora (Under 17 & Under 15)
• Eric Liu (Under15)
• Ipul Pabbathi (Under 15)

Rugby

• Thomas Browning (Under 18)
• Noah Robertson (Under 18)

Swimming

• Alden Au (Year 9)
• Isaac Au (Year 12)
• Max Hewitt (Year 9)
• Jack Bell (Year 10)
• Lachlan Bell (Year 12)

Good luck for the commencement of winter sport this weekend. I look forward to seeing you on the sidelines throughout the season.

Tim Browning
Headmaster