As the academic years draws to a close it has been wonderful to witness the culmination of 12 months’ hard work in end of year showcase events. These ceremonies, integral to our aspiration to be an exceptional community of learning, celebrate both collective and individual endeavour. They also provide special moments that underscore the carefully constructed, morally formative brotherhood that defines St Peter’s College. Witnessing our 100-piece choir of young men confidently serenade our Year 6 students was but one poignant moment shared by our community.
St Peter’s College operates best through a strong partnership between home and school, and I thank all parents and guardians for your commitment and your trust in partnering and linking arms together as we guide our boys through these formative years.
Our dedicated staff play a pivotal role in this partnership. Each member of the SPSC staff works tirelessly to cultivate an exceptional community of learning which enables students to flourish. To all teachers – thank you for your unwavering determination, passion and commitment to our students.
I acknowledge the contributions and dedication of all staff, particularly those long-standing staff who are leaving St Peter’s College at the end of the year, a number of whom are embarking on well-deserved retirement.
After 21 years at St Peter’s College, Mrs Betty-ann Heim will retire at the end of the school year. Betty-ann’s passion and expertise for the Arts along with her genuine care for all students will be sorely missed. We wish her well in her ongoing voluntary work and service to the wider community. Thank you to Betty-ann for delivering a wonderful Speech Day address.
Rev Ben Bleby joined the School in 2011 as Associate Chaplain. Over the past 12 years has been greatly appreciated for his pastoral care, classroom work and insightful homilies. He initiated the Youth@Saints group, has led the Chaplaincy Intern program and has been instrumental in bringing a more intentional focus to spirituality in the Outdoor Ed program. We thank Ben and wish him well in his Campus Principal role at Temple Christian College in Paralowie.
Throughout her 21-year tenure, Ms Wendy Di Monte has impacted countless students in Reception and Year 1 and more recently across the Junior School in her Diverse Learning Needs role. We thank Wendy for her contribution to the School, and in particular the social community of the Junior School and wish her well in her retirement.
In her role as Deputy Head of Senior School – Operations, Ms Trudi Duggin’s influence has been pivotal in steering the operations of the Senior School for the past seven years. She has also made a significant contribution to the Humanities Faculty. We wish Trudi well in her new role at Pembroke School in 2024.
Mr Jon Gelsthorpe has been a valued member of the Junior School Leadership Team since 2021. In his role as Deputy Head of Junior School – Teaching and Learning, Jon has been instrumental in developing curriculum, supporting colleagues and working with students. We wish Jon all the best in his new role as Deputy Headmaster / Head of Preparatory School at Prince Alfred College.
Over the past 15 years Ms Monica McCauley has been a valued member of the Languages Faculty as Teacher and Coordinator of German. In this role she led three successful tours of Germany and achieved great results. We wish Monica all the best and thank her for her service to the School.
Over the past two years Mr Zac Savage, in his role as Deputy Head of Senior School – Students, has adopted a caring and sensitive approach to pastoral and wellbeing matters whilst ensuring the promotion of strong House systems. We congratulate Zac on his appointment as Head of Senior School at Pulteney Grammar and wish him well as he develops his school leadership at an executive level.
Well done to the following students who have been selected to represent South Australia in Water Polo: 14 and Under George Bass, Henry Estcourt Hughes, Rafael Dreosti, 16 and Under Emerson Cooper, Harvey Bryant, Joshua Maung, Archie Braithwaite, John Lucas and 18 and Under Michael Lazarevich and William Disney.
Best of luck to the athletes competing in the Australian All School Athletics Championships in Perth this weekend and congratulations to Gman Paye for being named as captain of the men’s team.
I wish everyone in the SPSC community a safe and happy Christmas. I hope you enjoy the festive season with loved ones, and I look forward to seeing you all back at school at the end of January.
Tim Browning
Headmaster