From the Headmaster

It was wonderful to welcome students and staff back on campus to begin the new term. During the break, the School feels noticeably quiet – even sterile – without the energy, conversation and shared purpose that define our community.

While many students enjoyed time away, the work of the School didn’t stop. We thank the staff who continued to support our programs during the break – whether through operational roles, tours or tournaments.

Our cricketers completed a successful three-week tour of England, playing fixtures against Eton College, the Royal Household at Windsor Castle and Felsted School, among others. Additionally, a group of students and staff embarked on a trip to Germany for a rich and immersive linguistic and cultural experience.

As we start a new term, it’s worth remembering no one here is an island. We don’t attend or participate in this community in isolation – we are all connected. That connection starts with the small things: acknowledging each other in passing, offering a greeting, showing courtesy and attentiveness in every interaction. These simple actions matter, and they build a community in which respect and learning prosper.

A St Peter’s College education is not a transaction. It’s not something you simply “get.” It’s something you participate in – with your peers, your teachers, your mentors – and the quality of that participation depends on the manner you bring to each moment. Let us focus on how we interact: with kindness, respect, attentiveness and pride.

This standard of behaviour doesn’t stop at the gates. When you’re off campus, I expect you to uphold the same level of respect. For example, if you’re on public transport, offer your seat to someone who needs it. These small, selfless acts reflect who you are – and what this School stands for.

To our Senior School students, I asked at the end of last term: will you graduate as a young man or simply as an older boy? In a world filled with noise – constant feeds, distractions, and unfiltered content – wisdom doesn’t come passively. You must actively lift your horizons and seek it. This means reflecting on your actions, being open to feedback (especially from those close to you), and pushing beyond echo chambers that only reinforce what you already believe. As Term 3 begins, ask yourself:

Have I reflected on where I’m at?
What feedback have I received?
What specific actions will I take each day to grow?
This term is a chance to stop being a passenger in your own education. It’s a time to make a plan and actively pursue growth – in knowledge, in maturity, in wisdom.

To our Year 12 students: you only get one chance at this final year. No one else can do the work for you, and this opportunity is already passing. Make the most of it. Celebrate House events. Participate in team activities. Enjoy the camaraderie that surrounds you, while it lasts.

Year 11 students: your time to lead is fast approaching. It’s your turn to consider the legacy you’ll leave and how you’ll shape the School’s direction and culture over the next 12 months.

Year 10 students: you have just returned from the 21 Day Journey. What did it teach you about yourself? Draw on that learning now to shape a positive path forward.

Years 7 to 9 students: you are far too young to understand how capable you are. This is the term to push harder, to cast aside distractions, and to embrace your nerdiness in every field, because we can all be an athlete, we can all be an artist and we can all be an academic, concurrently.

And to our Junior School students, make the most of each day. Be curious, ask big questions, include others and practise kindness. The habits you build now will shape the person – and learner – you become.

On the first day of term, the whole school came together to celebrate three of our Founders: The Very Reverend James Farrell, M.A.P. Alliston and T.G. Jones. Nearly 178 years ago to the day, Rev Farrell stood before the first class of SPSC students – just eleven boys at the time – and told them:

“Make the most of this opportunity. It will be fleeting, and you are very fortunate to be granted the privilege of attending this School.”

Those words still ring true today.

Congratulations to the following students on their recent co-curricular achievements:

Football: George Bass (Year 9) is currently playing in the 15 Years and Under National Championships in Queensland.

Hockey: A strong contingent of seven SPSC representatives participated in the U18 National Hockey Championships in Perth winning silver medals for the first time in 43 years – Lochie Dolphin (Year 11), Andrew Hattingh (Year 11), Angus Sloane (Year 11), Felix Lloyd (Year 12), Ryan Stockhoff (Year 12) and old scholars Rhun Williams (S&A 2024) and Bryce Hammond (MAC 2024).

Ice Hockey: Congratulations to Year 11 Yongen Song who competed in the 18U National Ice Hockey Championships.

I look forward to seeing many parents and guardians at this evening’s CellarFest. Hosted by the St Peter’s Old Collegians, it will be a wonderful opportunity for the broader community to connect while enjoying a showcase of exceptional wines from our old scholar and parent community.

Tim Browning
Headmaster