04 April 2025
As we approach the final week of Term 1 during the season of Lent, the School will celebrate Holy Week, the most significant week in the Christian calendar. With Easter falling during the holidays, our Senior School students and staff will take part in Chapel Services reflecting on Jesus’ final days, his crucifixion on Good Friday, and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Junior School students will attend an Easter service, and our Year 3 students will participate in the Last Supper Play.
Holy Week offers us a moment to pause and reflect on the deeper messages of faith, hope and renewal. Regardless of individual beliefs, the themes expressed through daily prayers, liturgy, and homilies from our chaplaincy team encourage us all to consider our place in and contribution to our community through the lens of Pro Deo et Patria.
As the term draws to a close, we take a moment to celebrate the outstanding co-curricular achievements of our students. Congratulations to all students, staff and support teams whose dedication and hard work have led to successes across sports and the arts. Your commitment to excellence is inspiring.
Leading into the Intercol competition, I reminded students that competitive sport demands physicality, discipline and a relentless drive to win. When you step into the arena, you play hard – blocking your opponent, standing your ground, never stepping back – all within the rules of the game. But playing hard does not mean losing control. The challenge is to develop a competitive persona that is fierce yet disciplined, ensuring that integrity and respect remain at the forefront.
True sportsmanship lies in knowing when to switch this persona on and off. If you knock an opponent down, be the first to offer a hand to help them up. Disciplined physicality and respect are not mutually exclusive – they define the best competitors. As one transitions from adolescence to adulthood, mastering this balance is essential. Losing control – on or off the field – risks everything.
The Intercol competition was excellent, showcasing not only skill but also sportsmanship. While most students maintained physical and mental discipline, some let emotions take over – an important learning moment. The Water Polo Intercol was a wonderful example of resilience and respect. Despite trailing for most of the game, our team fought back to secure a last-minute victory. Their celebrations were grounded and dignified. They did not seek the spotlight but instead honoured their opponents with restraint and humility.
To all our students – whether competing or supporting from the sidelines – you represented our community with pride. Well done.
Congratulations to our crews who competed in the Australian Rowing Championships in Tasmania last week. A special mention of Year 9 students Hugh Hall-Craggs and Harrison McClurg (cox), who won a bronze medal in the Under 17 Men’s Coxed Quadruple Scull as part of a composite crew. Congratulations also to Oscar Wurm who represented South Australia in the Interstate Lightweight Men’s Coxless Four. It was wonderful to see such strong alumni participation in the Nationals.
In the realm of public speaking, we congratulate Jack Pillay (Year 12), who has been selected as Second Speaker and Reply – and appointed Team Captain – for the South Australian Debating Team competing at the upcoming National Competition.
Good luck to the following students who will compete in the Athletics Australia National Championships in Perth next week: Lincoln Meng, Andrei Chemutov, Shreyus Arramraj, Hugo Browne, Lawson Jones and Sandro Purugganan.
I look forward to seeing many of you at this evening’s Alfresco Concert and tomorrow’s Community Day – both wonderful opportunities to bring a busy and successful Term 1 to a close.
Tim Browning
Headmaster
