During Week 9 the School celebrated Holy Week, the most significant week in the Christian calendar. Senior School students and staff engaged in Chapel Services reflecting on the final week of Jesus’ earthly life, leading to his crucifixion on Good Friday and his triumphant resurrection on Easter Sunday. Our Junior School students attended an Easter service and I thank our younger students for their wonderful participation in the Last Supper Play. The messages of Holy Week and the celebration of the resurrection on Easter Sunday remind us of the promises made to us through our faith. Whether we are Christian or not, by reflecting on the challenges and themes communicated through the daily prayers, liturgy and homilies presented by our chaplaincy team in Holy week, we are all challenged to view our place in and contribution to community through the lens of Pro Deo et Patria.
Holy Week was also an opportune time to reflect on the importance of being kind to oneself and one another. This spirit of kindness shone through when our Junior School Chamber Strings ensemble made a special visit to the Royal Adelaide Hospital on Wednesday. Positioned in the foyer, the students entertained patients, visitors and staff with an outstanding performance of contemporary and classical arrangements in what was a beautiful display of service.
With Intercol drawing to a close the summer sports season, Colours and Symbols were awarded in Thursday’s Muster to those who have represented the School at a high standard, in effort, endeavour and integrity. Well done to these students who have strived for and achieved excellence in their chosen sport.
Congratulations to our 2nd XI Cricket Team who defeated CBC to win the SAAS 1st XI Division 2 premiership; an impressive feat given they were competing in a 1st XI competition.
Our Senior School winter sport season kicks off this afternoon with our 1st XVIII Football Team hosting Melbourne Grammar School in a century-old intercollegiate pre-season match. SPSC will be hoping to retain the Richard ‘Dick’ Potter Cup, named in honour of respected teacher, mentor, Housemaster and coach, Richard Potter. Dick was an outstanding sportsman and generously passed on his knowledge and skills to the students he coached in the 1st XVIII Football Team from 1958 to 1967 and the 1st Tennis Team from 1952 to 1977.
Today, our Athletics team won the A1 Division of the SSSSA Track and Field Championships. They defeated Trinity College in second by the slimmest of margins, a mere 0.5 points! Congratulations to the following students who will compete in the Athletics Australia National Championships during the holidays: Andrei Chemutov, Ewan Woodall, Harry Clark, Leo Iannella, Lawson Jones, Oscar Kleinig, Stephen Lacroix-Sneyd, Gman Paye and Sandro Purugganan. Well done and good luck to Johnny Turner who has been selected to represent SA in the Australian Junior Squash Open in Melbourne next week.
I look forward to seeing many of you at our Alfresco Concert this evening. With over 650 registered to attend, guests are going to be treated to a spectacular array of live music as the sun goes down over the Hill Wing lawns. Thank you to our Music Department and also our Friends of Music who have put enormous effort behind the scenes to make this event a treat for all in attendance tonight.
Preparations are also underway for our upcoming Community Day – a day on which we celebrate our shared values, our healthy House rivalry and the wonderful spirit of our School community. The House activities that take place on the day are about participation, leadership and competition. Every boy is needed! I look forward to your company on Saturday 4 May – be sure to register here.
It has been a busy and successful term and I thank all staff across SPSC for their efforts in supporting students and families. To our families, thank you for your support of St Peter’s College. May you enjoy a restful and safe break before returning to school on Tuesday 30 April for Term 2.
Tim Browning
Headmaster