06 April 2023
Aligning with the School’s core value of service, an array of service-learning opportunities are embedded in our curriculum. With a focus on providing authentic and relational activities that promote personal growth and benefit the needs of the wider community, the School has piloted an after-school Respite Program this term.
Children living with a disability attended the Program and were supported by our senior students (their buddies), volunteer parents and staff at the School in a safe, warm and friendly environment that meets their needs. Meanwhile, parents of the children were provided a well-deserved afternoon of respite.
The pilot was a wonderful success with positive feedback received from the families, students and parents involved. Through supporting their buddy our students developed valuable critical thinking skills and empathy and all involved found the experience both rewarding and humbling.
To support the ongoing delivery of the Respite Program, students in Years 10 to 12 have been engaged to develop an online business that will feed into our Social Enterprise Fund. Students will take advantage of the preloved fashion boom by establishing a digital platform to sell second-hand items of clothing donated by our community. To help the students develop this social enterprise, I am interested to learn what you do with your son’s clothing once he has outgrown it. Please let me know by filling in this short survey.
It was a tremendous privilege and absolute joy to attend the Voices of St Peter’s College concert on Tuesday evening. In yet another example of the power of an all-boys education, we witnessed the creative flair of our young men on show as part of the combined Junior School and Senior School choirs. Their final item, Close Now thine Eyes, performed with the Orchestra, was really special. The item was composed by old scholar Andrew Wells AO QC (W&A 1937) from the dust and conflict of Tobruk in 1941. Andrew sent the piece back to Australia in the hope it would be performed at the School’s carol service in 1941. Not only was it performed, but the entire service was broadcast live via short wave radio, to the forces stationed in the Middle East.
Andrew never heard the historic performance, fearing that whoever he asked to take his signals post for a few hours, might be shelled. Eighty-two years later, our students had the privilege of performing his song, for just the second time, in the presence of the Wells family. There have been a number of sombre moments this year; moments when the School’s soul has been on display. And this example of intergenerational connection, right back to 1941, was a special, beautiful experience for all involved. Congratulations and thank you to Mr Turner, our music staff and musicians for such an extraordinary evening.
We are fortunate for the generous contribution of our old scholar community across a range of programs including our Careers Evening and CEO-in-Residence Program. Last Thursday we welcomed former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia Dr Guy Debelle (SHT 1983) to participate in the CEO-in-Residence Program. Across a range of forums Guy shared his valuable life experience, encouraging students to learn how to express their point of view, to speak up and engage in dialogue. Our Careers Evening, now in its 23 year, remains an integral part of the SPSC Careers Program and I thank the presenters and exhibitors from our old scholar and parent community who represented over 30 industries.
Last week’s Intercol and the National Rowing Championships in Perth brought an end to a successful summer sports season. I commend all students on the sportsmanship, respect and integrity with which they engaged in the long-standing sporting tradition of Intercol. The athletic development of individuals across all sports continues to impress along with the team effort and dedicated commitment to pushing each other to achieve high standards. This culture of high performance is evident in our Rowing Program and I congratulate our crews for their outstanding performances on the national stage including winning bronze in the Schoolboy VIII, silver in the composite U19 Men’s VIII and bronze in the U19 Men’s coxless IV.
Congratulations to Alexander Koh (Year 11) who has been selected from hundreds of debaters for the 2023 South Australian Schools’ State Debating Squad. This impressive achievement speaks to Alex’s well-developed communication and critical thinking skills that will be on show when he competes in the National Debating Championships in Melbourne in May.
It is wonderful to see the resumption of international tours and the reconnection of our Hackney bubble to the wider world. Touring provides a wonderful learning experience away from the classroom which builds self-confidence, strengthens team camaraderie and lifts the horizon of each student to benchmark their practice against our international partners. We wish our Soccer players well as tomorrow they embark on a 17-day tour of the United Kingdom.
It has been a busy and successful term and I thank all staff across SPSC for their efforts in creating an exceptional community of learning which enables students to flourish. With the school holidays upon us, I look forward to boys returning for Term 2 in their winter uniform, with well-tied ties. For tips on how to tie a double Windsor I encourage students to watch tutorial 2 on the Customs and Practices page on Keystone.
I wish you and your family a happy Easter and a safe and relaxing break.
Tim Browning
Headmaster