04 August 2022
Last Friday marked a significant occasion in our School’s history; the redeveloped Big Quad, the heart of academia at St Peter’s College, was officially opened and unveiled in front of students, staff, Council of Governors and distinguished guests. With over 1000 cubic metres of concrete, and more than 130 metric tonnes of structural steel foundations, this much loved and revered area of the School will meet the contemporary educational needs of our current and future students for decades to come.
Fittingly, as the renewed Big Quad precinct was officially commissioned, we acknowledged the 175th Anniversary of the School’s founding. Many contributing individuals were influential in the founding of our School. The familiar names of Woodcock, Hawkes, MacDermott, Farrell, Allen, Wyatt and Short were acknowledged for the role they played in the establishment of the Big Quad site in the first two years of SPSC’s history. It is truly a privilege to be part of this restoration and the ongoing fulfilment of our Founders’ plans and aspirations for education.
On 15 July 1847, William Woodcock and William Wyatt addressed the 11 students and one teacher present when the ‘Church of England Collegiate School of South Australia’ opened in a small red brick school room behind Trinity Church. In their address they highlighted the advantages that the students were offered by the School and the necessity for making the best use of these advantages. Additionally, they reinforced the necessity, by their conduct, to uphold the credit of the School. Some 175 years later, these messages continue to resonate strongly with our students.
In his last act as Chair of the Council of Governors, Mr Joe Thorp officially opened the renewed facilities before The Venerable David Bassett provided a blessing. I take this opportunity to thank Joe for his outstanding leadership and service to St Peter’s College. During his six-year tenure as Chair, the Council of Governors have achieved a number of key financial, educational and cultural milestones whilst developing a modern and appropriate governance framework. Thank you Joe for your unwavering focus on representing the best interests of St Peter’s College.
We have a special evening planned for tomorrow night’s SPSC 175 Gala Ball. With old scholars, current, past and future parents and staff in attendance it will be a wonderful opportunity to mark 175 years of enduring friendships, traditions and achievements. There will be plenty of opportunities to catch up with old colleagues and friends and, for those who have missed dancing, the dance floor awaits! I look forward to seeing you there.
Tim Browning
Headmaster