From the Headmaster

It was a pleasure to welcome our students back to campus last week. The beginning of a new term always brings a renewed sense of purpose and energy, and I feel grateful to be part of this remarkable community and to share in the life of St Peter’s College.

The opening of Term 2 was marked with our annual Anzac Service – a solemn and moving occasion that speaks to the heart of our School’s values. One of the most powerful moments for me was the tolling of the Chapel bell after every tenth name of a fallen old scholar was read. Thirty-seven times the bell rang – each chime a confronting reminder of the lives lost and the scale of sacrifice endured. When Year 12 students were invited forward to place crosses, followed by Year 11 and then Year 10 students, it served as a visual representation of just how many young lives were lost from this very community.

The reverence shown by students as they arrived around the Memorial Hall forecourt was evident. They understood the moment. Their behaviour reflected solemnity, maturity, and above all, respect. This same respect was echoed in the quiet dignity of old scholar Mr Peter Moore (YNG 1980), who attended the service as part of the official party not in full regalia but in a jacket and tie. As a veteran, he chose not to wear his medals – a humble gesture that shifted the focus from himself to those nearly 400 names read aloud. His quiet dignity was a profound expression of humility and respect.

This term, I wish to open a broader conversation about how we relate to one another – how respect is shown not just on ceremonial occasions, but in our daily interactions. Our staff have been asked to reflect on the ways in which we all – students and staff alike – engage with one another. At its core, respect must underpin every relationship within our School. While we may not always get things right, there can be no compromise on the expectation that every member of this community is treated with dignity and care.

Our values – truth, respect, and service – must guide how we speak, act, resolve conflict, and hold each other accountable. These values should be lived, not just displayed. To support this, we have introduced a Community Code of Conduct, developed in consultation with staff, parent support groups and broader community members and endorsed by our Council of Governors.

The Code sets clear expectations for respectful, inclusive and positive behaviour in all school-related settings – on campus, online, at events, and in connection with our sporting and old scholar networks. It applies to every member of our community – students, staff, parents, carers, old scholars and visitors – and provides a framework to ensure everyone feels safe, supported and valued.

I encourage all families to read the Code of Conduct and reflect on the role each of us plays in upholding a culture of respect. Disrespect, in any form and from any person, is never acceptable. When it occurs, it must be addressed promptly and appropriately – whether by a peer or a staff member. Apologies should be personal and sincere, and consequences, when necessary, must be constructive and restorative. Only then can justice be served and forgiveness made possible.

Let us all commit to honouring our values this term – not just in what we say, but in how we interact, listen, and respond to one another. When respect becomes our shared standard, we strengthen every part of our community.

We celebrate the many outstanding student achievements over the past month. Last weekend, more than 100 students and staff travelled to Mt Gambier to take part in the renowned Generations in Jazz Festival, joining over 4,000 students from across the country. Our musicians represented the School with distinction. Big Band 1 once again claimed 1st place in Division 1 and was named Best Rhythm Section in the division for the second consecutive year – an extraordinary accomplishment that cements their place as one of the top school jazz bands in the nation. Big Band 2 also delivered a strong performance, placing 3rd in Division 2.

An impressive eight of 20 coveted Div 1 Superband positions and one Div 2 Superband position were awarded to SPSC students, along with accolades for Future Finalists and Best Vocalist. Congratulations to all students, staff and families involved – these national honours are a testament to the depth and strength of our music program, which currently involves over 650 students. They reflect not only exceptional talent, but also the culture of dedication, high performance and continual improvement nurtured by our musicians and staff over many years.

We also acknowledge the students who represented South Australia at the National Championships during the holidays:

Archery: Spencer Wallace – bronze in the Teams Matchplay event.
Athletics: Lincoln Meng, Andrei Chemutov, Shreyus Arramraj, Hugo Browne, Lawson Jones, Sandro Purugganan.
Rowing: Laurence Anderson and Emerson Cooper – silver in the men’s eight; Hugh Hall-Craggs – silver in the men’s quad.
Water Polo: Leo Dreosti, Harvey Bryant, Josh Maung, Ethan Jaldiani and Nicholas Cleanthous – silver in the U16 division; Hugo Yates – U14 division.

Thank you to all the mothers, grandmothers and special guests who attended this morning’s Mother’s Day Breakfast. I trust that, with a little encouragement, there were some genuine moments of affection and appreciation demonstrated by our boys, who are notoriously non-verbal in this area!

Best wishes to all our mums for Sunday. Thank you for all you do to support, guide and champion your sons.