Welcome to the start of another academic year at St Peter’s College. A special welcome to all new students and families joining our School community for the first time in 2025. It has been wonderful to see our students quickly engage with the routines of school life and embrace the opportunities before them. Likewise, I extend my gratitude to our new staff members, who have brought enthusiasm and a shared commitment to our vision of being an exceptional community of learning.
Continuing an important tradition, we commenced the school year with a Smoking Ceremony, led by Year 9 student Jackson Lochowiak and his sister, Mabel-Jean. This significant event, attended by the whole school, allowed us to acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the land on which St Peter’s College has stood since 1849. The ceremony also reinforced the enduring importance of Kaurna ways of knowing and teaching, which remain integral to their culture today.
On Thursday, we gathered to celebrate and honour the effort, growth, collaboration and talent of the Class of 2024 at our Academic Muster. We recognised 19 students who placed in the top 1% of the nation – an achievement that reflects their dedication, perseverance and commitment to excellence. Congratulations to our Co-Dux of the School, Lewis Gilbert (S&A 2024) and Alexander Koh (HWK 2024), as well as David Taylor (HWD 2024), who was awarded Proxime Accessit.
Beyond their outstanding ATAR results, the Class of 2024 has left an indelible mark on our School, excelling in music, the arts, sport and service. Their holistic approach to education and commitment to personal growth embodies the very essence of being ‘strong and lovely.’ At St Peter’s College, success is a collective effort, shaped by the dedication of teachers, mentors, Heads of House, families and peers. For the middle student to achieve a median ATAR of 92.35 (placing in the top 7% of nation) and for five students to achieve perfect ATARs, is not only a remarkable achievement, but testament to the power of a nurturing and ambitious learning environment.
When speaking with our high achievers, several key themes emerged about what drove their success. Many highlighted the importance of balance, making full use of our co-curricular program to ensure they remained well-rounded and engaged beyond the classroom. Others shared how they surrounded themselves with peers who held them to high expectations – friends who supported and challenged them in their academic and personal goals. They also spoke of the value of our academic support structures, including the Year 12 College and the old scholar mentoring program. Most importantly, they emphasised the power of effort. The SACE system rewards perseverance, and our graduates demonstrated that consistent commitment leads to outstanding outcomes.
As we celebrate the 178th year of our School’s history, we reflect on the legacy of those who have come before us. Last week’s Boat Christening honoured the generosity and dedication of individuals who have contributed to the success of our Rowing program. Rowing remains an integral part of our School’s tradition and educational experience, and the Quick Start program is a testament to the commitment of our broader community. We wish our rowers every success for the second half of the season – embrace the opportunities ahead, knowing you are supported by a community that values and celebrates your efforts.
Leadership at our School is both a privilege and a responsibility, as demonstrated at the commissioning ceremonies for our School Captains and Junior School leaders. Aadi Mittal and Tiger Liu demonstrated significant growth throughout their final year, positioning themselves well for this role. Through the lens of truth, respect and service they built a record of aspiration that perfectly aligned with this position. Their decision to pause their immediate ambitions for a year to serve our community speaks to their character and dedication to servant leadership. At the heart of leadership is connection, and their first challenge will be to engage with their peers – to develop a culture of trust, accountability and shared purpose.
As we embark on the year ahead, I encourage all students to focus their minds on excellence. Imagine what is possible, turn this focus into actions and let those actions develop into habits that in turn shape your character and achievements. Our Class of 2024 have set a fine example and I look forward to our students building upon this legacy.
Finally, I invite all parents and guardians to join us for drinks and canapés as we reconnect and celebrate the new school year next Friday 14 February. Tickets can be purchased here.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Tim Browning
Headmaster
