From the Headmaster

As we reach the end of a busy term, I have been reflecting on all that our students and staff have achieved. From the impressively smooth 12 transitions of 120 Years 1 and 2 students in their annual concert, to seeing our Year 3 boys set off on camp, to witnessing our Year 12 musicians perform for the final time at the Cabaret Concert, what shines through most clearly is the growth we witness along the way. Growth in confidence, in character and in learning – growth that reinforces the mission of the School and reminds us why we do what we do.

On Monday, we were privileged to welcome Nedd Brockmann as our Rex J Lipman Fellow. A larrikin and a character, but above all an authentic and generous man. Nedd connected deeply with our boys from Years 3 to 12, as well as with the broader community in his public lecture. His message was clear: pursue what you love, embrace discomfort, stay consistent with the small daily habits that build success, and always find ways to give back. These lessons reinforced a truth I often share with our students – that they are far more capable than they realise.

This sense of capability and belonging was on display at our Athletics Carnivals. Both the Senior School Athletics Carnival and the Junior Years 3 to 6 Sports Day were outstanding celebrations of participation, effort and community. What makes these events special is that every boy is needed, and when a young person feels needed, they feel secure enough to try, to persist and even to fail. I thank our staff for ensuring that each boy felt that sense of belonging and contribution.

Our Track & Field Team excelled at the Achilles Cup, winning the Under 13 and Under 16 age groups and securing the overall title for the 52nd time in 53 carnivals. This success is the result of collective effort and marks another proud chapter in our Athletics history.

The power of these events extends beyond our students. In a world that often draws us inward, building community remains one of the great challenges of our time. When we intentionally create opportunities for connection, the results are powerful. Events such as the High Tea, Cabaret Concert, and Sports Days bring together students, staff, families and volunteers, building a shared sense of belonging. My sincere thanks to the Mission Guild, Friends of Music, and Junior and Senior School Friends of Saints Committees, along with all volunteers, for their tireless work in strengthening these bonds across our community.

As Patron of the Mission Guild, I was delighted to see this year’s High Tea raise $40,000 in support of Anglicare SA and St John’s Youth Services. This work reflects the School’s values of truth, respect and service, and mirrors the service learning undertaken by our students through initiatives such as our Buddy Up program. The recent launch of Mission Inc. Coffee extends this commitment to service. More than just a coffee van, it is a student-led initiative that will provide leadership, teamwork and service opportunities while supporting the Buddy Up Respite Program through sustainable fundraising. You can learn more here.

Alongside these community endeavours, we have celebrated individual achievement. I acknowledge the contribution of graduating student Tian Wang, whose creativity and technical prowess behind the camera have helped shape the way we experience sport and community events, while also building the culture of the Blue Army. I also congratulate Daniel Teng (Year 11) and Lucas Wang (Year 12) on their outstanding achievements in the Australian Science Olympiads. Both have placed in the top 24 nationally and will attend Summer Schools at the Australian National University in preparation for possible selection to represent Australia at the International Olympiads in 2026.

Tonight, our Years 11 and 12 students, along with their guests, will celebrate the Blue & White, an event steeped in tradition since 1907.  Attending a school formal is a rite of passage, marking an important milestone in the journey of adolescence and symbolising the transition into adulthood. Every event, every moment is part of a larger curated journey that prepares our boys and young men for life beyond these walls and fields. Education is, after all, a lifelong pursuit, and what we experience here is only just the beginning.

As the term concludes, I thank you for your partnership in another rich and rewarding chapter. I wish you a restful holiday with your family and look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday 14 October for the start of Term 4.

Tim Browning
Headmaster