24 March 2023
Across the summer sporting fixtures it has been pleasing to witness the athletic development and growth of students across all sports. It has been the team effort, undertaken with a dedicated commitment to achieving high standards, that is most worthy of acknowledgement. As is the willingness of students and staff to make sacrifices to achieve their goals. These dedicated efforts came to the fore on Saturday as our 23 Rowing crews competed in the 101st Head of the River regatta. The return of crowds to West Lakes provided a fantastic atmosphere and it was wonderful to see the humility and respect displayed by SPSC students to their fellow competitors. I congratulate all rowers and rowing staff on playing their part in the success of the Boat Club. Well done on a successful season and Head of the River campaign and best wishes to the crews heading to National Championships in Perth next week.
As we continue the Intercollegiate program in the coming week, we’re sure to see some close contests. Our long-standing relationship with our Intercollegiate partner is a shared endeavour defined by the integrity in which the competition is undertaken. I encourage all participants to uphold this value of integrity and sportsmanship as they put in their best effort and keep this once yearly fixture in perspective.
At Friday night’s Alfresco Concert, family and friends were treated to a spectacular array of live music as the sun set over the lawns of the Hill Wing Music Centre. The exceptional performances of 13 ensembles showcased the wide-ranging talent of our outstanding Senior School Music program. The performance of an octet of flautists served as a reminder of the real power of an education in a single sex environment. Every member of our community has a role to play in normalising the right behaviours, pathways and attributes of both learning and relationships.
It was wonderful to be joined by our Junior Primary community and a menagerie of animals for today’s Pet Day. Jacqui from the RSPCA reminded us of the many benefits of pet ownership including teaching the important skills of responsibility and how to care for an animal. We were also fortunate to hear from parent and vet Dr Reeve who answered our boys’ burning questions in relation to their pets.
Inclusiveness, respect and belonging have been keen themes in this weeks’ Harmony Week celebrations across the School. Over 30 languages are spoken in our linguistically diverse school community and Harmony Week has provided a great opportunity for students and staff to celebrate and explore our cultural diversity.
St Peter’s College acknowledges diversity as a fact, inclusion as an action and belonging as the outcome. This Sunday 26 March there will be a special sitting of Parliament to vote on the establishment of Australia’s first Voice to Parliament for First Nations People. I encourage members of our community to witness this moment of history. Click here to view a letter from the Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia, and the Hon Kyam Maher MLC, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs regarding this historic occasion.
Best wishes for a wonderful weekend with your family.
Tim Browning
Headmaster