Our five-chapter valedictory celebrations for the Class of 2024 were filled with moments that truly captured the depth of our community’s spirit. It was a privilege to stand alongside students, families, and staff as we honoured their achievements through storytelling, music and ceremony. For those who attended, I hope you felt the genuine affection and deep appreciation conveyed through our Captains’ speeches, the students’ powerful singing and the gratitude expressed to parents and staff.
The education of boys is a deeply emotional journey, and it was special to witness these emotions expressed openly, free from the constraints of societal stereotypes.
To the Class of 2024, I commend you for the dignity and pride with which you have carried yourselves. While this marks the end of your schooling, it is only the beginning of your journey toward flourishing in life. I hope you have felt the weight of expectation every time you walked through the school gates and that you can now start to see the return on the effort you have invested through your participation.
Please remember, your best is yet to come. St Peter’s College is just a small bubble, and beyond these walls and fields lies a diverse and exciting world. Go out into it with kindness and generosity and use every opportunity to grow and contribute to the common good.
I pay tribute to the parents of our graduating student for their co-parenting partnership. Thank you for entrusting us with your sons, for the sacrifices you have made, and for your unwavering belief in their potential.
As part of the valedictory celebrations, I had the honour of presenting the prestigious Keys Award – our highest recognition for outstanding co-curricular achievement. This year’s recipients exemplify excellence through both performance and attitude – congratulations to Bryce Hammond (Hockey), Jett Hasting (Football), Noah Latimer (Cricket), Gman Paye (Athletics) and Johnny Turner (Music). Read more about our Keys Award recipients here: https://www.stpeters.sa.edu.au/news/keys-awards/
I thank and congratulate our outgoing School Captains, James Hattingh and Ryan Fowler, for their exceptional leadership. Their compassion and authenticity have shone through in their leadership and has left a lasting impact on our community. Thank you, James and Ryan, for the outstanding example you have set for our incoming School Captains, Aadi Mittal and Tiger Liu, and Year 11 students who were recently inducted into formal leadership roles.
I remind every student that leadership is not defined by a badge or a title – it’s about who you are and the influence you bring to those around you. Whether or not you hold an official position, you have the power to lead and make a difference within our community. Leadership begins with self-discipline and an understanding of your place within the community. As you continue to grow, opportunities to serve will arise, and it is in those moments – when you are needed most – that you will discover the truth about who you are and how you can contribute meaningfully to others.
On this World Teachers’ Day, I thank our dedicated team of academic and operations staff for their patience, expertise, care and attention. This work we do together – the education of young people – is a deeply human endeavour. Every conversation, every interaction, every relationship, and every ounce of faith we place in our boys and young men allows them to grow, flourish, and shape their personal identity. We saw this come to life beautifully through the authentic emotions and connections expressed during our valedictory celebrations.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Tim Browning
Headmaster
