06 June 2025
Last week marked National Reconciliation Week – a significant time for reflection and action in our nation’s ongoing journey towards unity and understanding. In thinking about the meaning of this week, I found myself reflecting on recent conversations I’ve had with some of our old scholars – locally, regionally and interstate.
Across these meetings, I was reminded of the range of perspectives that exist across generations, particularly when it comes to matters of reconciliation and recognition of Australia’s First Nations people. It was also timely to consider these conversations considering the recent election, during which reconciliation was, unfortunately, politicised by some candidates.
At a recent gathering, one senior old scholar – a man educated last century, in very different times – asked me, “What’s going on with all these Welcomes to Country? When is all this going to stop? It seems unnecessary.”
I appreciated the chance to respond. I explained that, as a school leader, I attend many events across the country each year – more than most. And in each of those occasions, never once have I felt that a Welcome to Country was welcoming me to Australia. I am an Australian, and the person offering the Welcome is also an Australian. Rather, what I have always felt is a profound gesture of hospitality and respect – a welcome to the local Country: the land, the stories, the customs and the ongoing spiritual connection that First Nations people have to those postcodes.
I shared the comparison to other countries where there is one First Nations identity and one First Nations language connecting all indigenous people. This is not the case across Australia. In Australia, there are more than 700 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language groups, each with its own customs, culture and connection to place. That means that each time we travel across a new region, we have an opportunity to learn more about the local custom, the local connection and what takes place of importance to that culture in that postcode.
No, I don’t believe Welcomes to Country should stop. In fact, they serve as powerful, gracious reminders of the deep histories that surround us – and as the name suggests, they are welcomes. And our world could certainly benefit from more of those.
At St Peter’s College, we are privileged to be educating young people in a time when awareness of these issues is stronger than it has ever been. I hope that all members of our community – students, staff, families and old scholars – feel proud to be part of a school that values and respects the oldest continuing culture on earth.
While these national conversations are important, I’m equally inspired by the everyday ways our students strive for excellence and connection here at school.
The quality of our swimmers was on full display at last Friday’s House Swimming Carnival, with an impressive five records broken. Max Hewitt (Year 11) set three individual records, while Farr House broke both the Under 15 6 x 50m Freestyle and Under 15 Medley Relay records. Congratulations to Da Costa House for winning the Junior House Cup and to Woodcock House for claiming both the Senior House Cup and the overall Champion House Cup.
In Muster, Father Theo shared a reading from the First Letter of John, chapter 1, reminding us to “shine like a light in the world.” What a great sentiment – and one I hope we all live out by bringing joy to others. Joy is exactly what our performers have brought to audiences attending Strictly Ballroom: The Musical, the past two nights.
After 12 months of rehearsals, our combined musical with Walford Anglican School for Girls has been outstanding and a privilege to attend. The incredible cast and crew, directed by Ms Jacqueline Cook, have already delivered two stunning performances that filled audiences with awe and delight. I appreciate that a glittering romance dance musical is not everyone’s cup of tea, so it was wonderful to see groups of students attend en masse to broaden their horizons, push themselves outside their natural habitat and take an interest in their peers. Two shows remain – and if you haven’t yet had the chance to attend, I encourage you to book your tickets and celebrate the hard work and creativity of our students and staff.
These student achievements, whether in the pool, on stage or in the classroom, are made possible not only by talent and dedication but by the support of a generous and visionary community.
That sense of community was evident this week during our Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day. Over 800 guests visited the Junior School, where students took great pride in welcoming them into their learning spaces, sharing their work, and introducing them to their friends and teachers. I had the pleasure of escorting guests on tours that included a special focus on Memorial Hall – a space that holds great significance in our School’s history.
These visits were particularly meaningful as we approach a special milestone: 40 years since the establishment of the St Peter’s College Foundation. Born out of extraordinary generosity following the 1985 fire that destroyed Memorial Hall, the Foundation has become a vital part of our School’s story – enabling transformative change across campus through the renewal of heritage buildings, the creation of inspiring learning environments, the support of scholarships, and the enrichment of every boy’s educational journey.
Since its founding, thousands of donors – old scholars, parents, past parents, and friends – have contributed to this legacy. Their belief in the power of education and community continues to shape the St Peter’s College experience for current and future generations.
As we celebrate this 40-year milestone, we do so with deep gratitude – and with a renewed commitment to fostering a culture of philanthropy that reflects our School’s values and heritage.
Pro Deo et Patria.
To learn more about the Foundation’s 40-year history and legacy of giving, please click here: 40 Years of the Foundation – St Peter’s College.
I wish you an enjoyable long weekend.
Tim Browning
Headmaster