Students held a Service Learning Muster last week to acknowledge National Volunteer Week; a time to recognise the people who give their time, energy and care in service of others. Our SPSC service program focuses on connection, belonging and community.
School Captain Archie Braithwaite said, “At St Peter’s College, service is an important part of who we are. It is not just something we talk about, but something many boys live out through their actions. Whether it is through Buddy Up, Foodbank, Knit for Hamlin, or supporting one of the many other service opportunities across the School, each act of service contributes to something bigger than ourselves.”
Read more on Archie’s Service Learning Journey Here
Ryan Weinert (Year 11) spoke about his experience volunteering with children as part of the Kickstart For Kids & SPSC Camp: “No postcode, background, or hardship should define the ceiling a child can reach. Many of these kids face realities most of us can’t imagine, but spending time with them reminds you that they’re just kids who want to be heard, supported, and valued. Kickstart for Kids does extraordinary work in corners of Adelaide that don’t get enough spotlight, and being a small part of that, for us, has been an immense privilege. I’d strongly encourage every one of you to find something that grounds you and connects you to your community like this. It’s worth every second.”
Henry Lehman (Year 11) spoke about his experience volunteering with Buddy Up. Buddy Up provides respite for families of children with disability. The children spend the afternoon with our students doing activities, playing games, sharing a meal and overall building meaningful relationships. Henry said, “the most impactful takeaway for me is a fundamental shift in my understanding of communication, particularly with those with diverse needs. I used to think being ‘a good communicator’ was just saying the right thing at the right time, but I’ve realised that it’s sometimes more about silence, and being present, patient, and willing to meet someone where they are. This concept has not only impacted the success of my Buddy Up sessions moving forward, but my ability to connect and support people in my wider life.”
We offer are a range of Service Learning opportunities for students in Years 7 to 12 including:
The Smith Family ‘Student2Student’ Reading Program
This program matches SPSC students with younger readers who need help to improve their reading skills. Students commit to a minimum of 2 x 20 minutes reading sessions per week for 18 weeks.
Available to Years 7 to 12 students.
Knitting for Hamlin
In Terms 2 & 3, Miller Library runs a service initiative in support of the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation. For over six decades, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia has been dedicated to transforming maternal health care, ensuring that every woman can live free from childbirth injuries. Each patient at the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia receives a colourful, cozy, hand-knitted blanket as part of their care package. Students knit 20cm squares which are then stitched into a blanket. 12 blankets were donated in 2025.
Available to Years 7 to 12 students.
Learn more about the Knitting for Hamlin Initiative Here
Kickstart for Kids & SPSC Holiday Camp
Every holidays, Kickstart for Kids run ‘Camp Kickstart’ for hundreds of children across the state. The four-day camp focuses on providing a safe and enjoyable environment for vulnerable and disadvantaged children. These children generally don’t look forward to the holidays like their peers do as a result of the hardships they face at home. SPSC are now partnering with Kickstart for Kids to host one of the day’s on school campus. Our students buddy up with the children to show them a fun-filled day.
Available to Years 10 to 12 students.
Sony Camp
In partnership with SONY Foundation and Wilderness School, St Peter’s College host a three day overnight camp for children with disabilities. This annual initiative is dedicated to offering meaningful respite to families of children with disability across South Australia.
Available to Years 10 & 11 students.
Buddy Up
Buddy Up Program supports parents in our wider community who have a child with disability by giving them some time back to themselves. Our guests are supported by our senior students (their buddies), parents and staff at the School in a safe and friendly environment that meets their needs. Together, the buddies spend the afternoon participating in activities including crafts, treasure hunts, reading and games. View Buddy Up Video.
Available to Years 11 & 12 students.
Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC) & SPSC Buddy Program
This program aims to provide an opportunity to build meaningful connections with young people from multicultural and migrant backgrounds and foster a sense of belonging between our communities.
Available to Years 9 to 12 students.
House Service
Each House take part in ongoing, relational service with one or two organisations. Some organisations we partner with include:
· The Forktree Project
· Ronald McDonald House
· Baptistcare Westcare Centre ‘Rough Sleepout’
· Vailima Retirement Village
· Puddle Jumpers
If students or parents would like to find out more about all of the service opportunities at SPSC, please contact: servicelearning@stpeters.sa.edu.au
