19 May 2023
As we celebrate National Boarding Week we acknowledge that boarding has been a cornerstone of St Peter’s College for over 170 years. Our boarders, boarding staff and boarding families are a close-knit community that come from far and wide to form the heart of our School. From seven different countries and regional and remote Australia, the diversity of our vibrant boarding community is one that encourages understanding and tolerance. Our boarders rise above the challenge of residing in a community, different from their own, to forge a path of independence, maturity, and personal growth. Through navigating daily connections, they develop invaluable skills and friendships, many of which last a lifetime.
We do not underestimate the responsibility of caring for our boarding students and acknowledge our wonderful boarding parents for entrusting us with their sons and for being such an integral part of our community, despite many living miles away.
A special mention of our School & Allen students who, in Muster last week, embraced the transformative power of singing together. Inspired by the voices around them, their powerful delivery of ‘When a Knight Won His Spurs’ was outstanding and set a fine example for other Houses to follow.
The incredible vocal and musical talents of our students were on show at the 34th annual Generations in Jazz national competition in Mt Gambier two weeks ago. Our musicians performed exceptionally across their divisions and displayed wonderful SPSC spirit of support as audience members at their peers’ performances. A special mention of the following significant achievements: Big Band 1 third in Division 1, Superband Division 1 Johnny Turner (Year 11) Lead Alto Sax, Will White (Year 12) Trumpet 4, Archie Young (Year 11) Percussion and Superband Division 4 Carbon Li (Year 8) Vibraphone. In what is an outstanding achievement on the national level, Johnny Turner was awarded joint winner of the Future Finalist Award.
Through perserverence our artists have developed character and have learnt the value of teamwork. Through determination, Year 12 student Jacob Foster has learnt of his traditional culture. These learnings inspired his exceptional piece of artwork Family Gathering that was recently awarded the People’s Choice Award in the Adelaide Parklands Association Art competition. Congratulations Jacob on this wonderful achievement.
As National Volunteer Week draws to a close, I acknowledge the generous contribution of our volunteer groups namely the Junior School Friends of Saints, the Senior School Friends of Saints, Friends of Music, Friends of the Chapel and the Mission Guild. These passionate groups of volunteers work tirelessly to organise events aimed at promoting and fostering a sense of community among our parents and families.
In 2023 the St Peter’s College Mission Guild celebrates 100 years of service to the School and the wider community. Each year the Mission Guild raises in excess of $35,000 for Anglican charities through initiatives including a Movie Night, annual High Tea and the excellent Recycled Uniform Shop that provides our School community the opportunity to purchase high quality, well cared for, school uniform items.
I congratulate Year 11 student Archie Young on his nomination for the South Australian Young Volunteer Award. Archie is a wonderful role model who consistently displays the School’s core value of service. He received his nomination in recognition of his contribution to the St Peter’s Cathedral and Puddle Jumpers, an organisation that supports the social development needs of society’s most vulnerable children and young people.
Congratulations to James Lin (Year 10) who has been selected in Ice Skating Australia’s National Squad. James and his partner will be competing at a number of events in the coming months to qualify to represent Australia in pairs figure skating at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in January 2024. Good luck James!
Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the iconic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar that will be performed in Week 7. Nine months of hard work and passion has been poured into this production and is essential viewing for every student in the Senior School. Book your tickets here.
I wish you an enjoyable weekend and look forward to seeing you on the sidelines.
Tim Browning
Headmaster