16 June 2023
As we approach the final fortnight of Term 2 there is plenty of activity both inside and out the classroom. In the co-curricular arena I congratulate all involved in the Jesus Christ Superstar musical. It was an outstanding event and a privilege to attend. The incredible cast and crew of SPSC and Walford Anglican School for Girls students, directed by Ms Jacqueline Cook, presented a masterful score that left audiences in awe. The soundscape was incredibly challenging and I am immensely proud of the four performances of such exceptionally high standard. I appreciate that a rock musical, where not a word is spoken word, is not everyone’s cup of tea so it was wonderful to see groups of students attend en masse to broaden their horizons, push themselves outside their natural habitat and support their fellow students.
I thank our School Captains Thomas and Aidan for championing their Spectators Cup initiative. Supporting and taking an interest in our peers whether it be on the sporting field, on the stage or any other endeavour, is truly admirable. Rather than focusing on ourselves, spectating draws us out of ourselves, elevates those around us and reminds us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves.
SPSC does not just deliver educational programs, it is a morally formative institution, in which we teach character whilst also acknowledging that there are others. As part of our Anglican Framework we have permission to question the world view and to be a great school we must do this. A great school is a place where you come to reflect upon society, not merely be a reflection of society. There is a big difference and this is evident when observing spectating behaviour. For some inexplicable reason, witnessing spectating in the wider world often involves insults and expressions of antagonism.
Rather than reflect our society’s spectator behaviour, I remind students that the event is in the arena. As spectators we are not the event, the event is not between the spectators, nor is the event between the spectators and the competitors. The next event at which spectator attendance will be recorded is the 1st XVIII Football match this Saturday at 2.15pm. When spectating let’s be beautiful, ordered and reverent; let’s be strong and lovely and let this be our measure. Rather than be a reflection of society, let’s be Pro Deo et Patria.
It was a pleasure to welcome over 600 grandparents and special friends of our Junior School students to the campus last Friday. Our students delighted in showing their visitors around their learning spaces and introducing them to their teachers and friends. The presence of our grandparents and special friends reminds us of the importance of generational belonging. I thank all grandparents and special friends for providing our boys with a special point of connection that ensures they are known, they are loved and they are forgiven. As parents, we too are grateful for the broad stability the extra generation provides as we navigate the challenges of raising children in today’s society.
As part of our Rex J Lipman Fellows Program we were privileged to last week host Gemma Sisia, Founder and Director of the School of St Jude in Tanzania. Gemma shared her inspirational story of following her dream to build a school for the poorest children of Africa. Twenty years later, the charity funded School of St Jude in Arusha is a showpiece of education in Tanzania. Gemma’s story challenged and inspired our students by highlighting the compounding impact her acts of service have created. The free education the school provides students is transformative for not only the student, but their family, community and beyond.
St Peter’s College remains committed to creating life changing opportunities that enable students, who wouldn’t otherwise be able, to attend our School. This year our Annual Giving Appeal is named in honour of one of our own – the St Peter’s College Foundation Thomas Worrall Scholarship – in memory of Year 9 student Thomas Worrall. With the support of Thomas’ family, this scholarship has been established to create a legacy in his name and will acknowledge both Thomas and the Worrall family’s contribution to our School community. I thank our community for supporting this important endeavour. Your contribution, no matter the size, will have a meaningful impact on future generations.
In the past fortnight we have received exciting news of two students achieving national selection in their chosen sport. At 7.30pm this evening Bailey O’Neil (Year 12) will don the green and gold and compete for Australia in the Soccer Under 17 Asian Cup in Thailand. The Joeys will play three group matches with the aim of reaching the semi-finals and securing a place at this year’s Under 17 World Cup. All the matches can be watched live on 10 Play. Good luck Bailey.
Congratulations Andrew Maenda (Year 11) on being selected in the Australian track and field squad to compete in the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago in August. Andrew is one of 25 athletes in the squad and will compete in the 100m sprint and potentially the mixed 4x100m relay. This selection is all the more impressive given Andrew is only 16 years old and will be competing in the Under 18 age category.
I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.
Tim Browning
Headmaster