15 August 2025
The first four weeks of Term 3 have been filled with energy, commitment and a wonderful variety of opportunities for our students. It has been a busy start, with timetables adjusted to accommodate the many activities we believe are valuable in a well-rounded education. I commend all students who have returned this term with renewed focus, applying themselves authentically across academics, co-curricular pursuits and personal growth.
Whether in the gym, on the sporting field, in the debating chamber, rehearsal room, or classroom, it has been inspiring to see so many students challenging themselves to improve. It brings me great joy to see boys having a crack; only comparing themselves with themselves and striving to become a better version. Success is not always immediate, but persistence pays off. For those who feel their hard work is yet to be rewarded, I encourage you to keep going – success will come with time, effort and a willingness to learn from each challenge.
As we near the culmination of the winter sports season, our attention turns to the 154th Winter Intercollegiate fixtures. It is our aspiration that participation is maximised across the full program of eight sports so that every student feels part of our broader community. By encouraging all students to be active spectators as well as participants in the arena, we help them take an interest in others, appreciate their peers’ efforts and build stronger connections. Intercol is an opportunity to live out our shared values – mutual respect, humility in victory and grace in defeat – both on and off the field. We wish all players and teams the very best for a spirited and respectful celebration of school sport.
Over the past fortnight, we have celebrated the arts in all its forms. The SALA Exhibition showcased the creative growth of our students, while the vibrant House performances in Battle of the Bands filled the campus with colour and sound. Arts Day immersed Years 7 to 9 students in exciting new creative experiences, our musicians excelled in the ABODA Music competition and their collaboration with the Adelaide Wind Orchestra, and our jazz ensembles delivered outstanding performances at Gig @ the Gov. These events remind us of the essential role the arts play in fostering creativity, self-expression and innovation, and I thank the staff who continue to inspire and guide our students in these pursuits.
Our commitment to inspiring our community was also reflected in this week’s visit by Stephen McGown, a South African who was held hostage by Al Qaeda for six years. As our Rex J Lipman Fellow, Stephen shared his extraordinary story with students in Years 5 to 12 and with members of the wider community at his public lecture. His message centred on the importance of self-awareness and self-ownership. From escaping execution to his eventual release, his journey of survival, resilience and renewal was a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to endure.
Every now and then in life, we are given fleeting moments to engage with the remarkable – and Stephen’s story of survival is just that. The hour-long queue of students eager to speak with him after his address was testament to how deeply they valued this rare opportunity.
We are grateful for the legacy of old scholar the late Rex J Lipman AO ED OLH ONM (1922 – 2015), whose generosity continues to bring exceptional speakers to our community. We look forward to welcoming Nedd Brockmann as our next fellow on Monday 22 September.
Yesterday, our Junior School ovals, courts and fields were filled with colour during our annual Winter House Games. I commend our students for their outstanding sportsmanship and camaraderie which contributed to a fantastic day of sport.
Finally, congratulations to Ethan Zhang (Year 6) and Phillip Cheng (Year 5) who will make their debut performances with the State Opera in the Australian premiere of The Magic Flute.
I hope you have an enjoyable weekend and I look forward to joining you on the sidelines across our Intercol fixtures.
Tim Browning
Headmaster
