Docco's Diary: Some Memories of 1994

In his 1994 Speech Day address, Headmaster Mr RL Burchnall talked about the importance of relationships. He said “The importance of relationships is something that is fundamental to society, fundamental to what schools are engaged in, and fundamental to our activities at Saints. Much of what we do whether it is through outdoor education at Finniss or through the Houses, through involvement in a team or an orchestra, through participation in Mission activities or in services of worship, is designed to promote the skills of living and working together in a group and to foster satisfactory and satisfying relationships. Schools are engaged in many other tasks as well, but none more important than this”. Surely this is equally true in 2024?

He also talked about the rapid development of technology and the way it will cause a significant change in the way people learn and in the way people teach. How right he was! Technology has immeasurably changed our lives in the thirty years since the 1994 cohort left Saints.

He said: “The success of any year depends very much on the leadership that is provided by the boys themselves. This year's student leaders have set a fine example to others and contributed much to the positive tone of the school. In Andrew Rohrsheim and Mark Williams the school has had an excellent Captain and Vice-Captain who have worked well together as a team, have gone about their business with quiet authority and have earned the respect of their peers”.

He went on to say “1994 has been another year in which the talents and efforts of our young men have been seen to wonderful effect in many different areas”.

There were many examples of this:

Andrew Gormly was selected as Captain of the State Debating Team and was chosen to represent Australia in the World Debating Championships.

Rodney Polkinghorne represented Australia in the Physics Olympiad in Beijing.

Stuart Masson was the first boy from Saints to represent Australia in Rowing while still at school when he competed at the World Junior Rowing Championships in Germany.

The results in the 1994 SSABSA examinations were outstanding. The top student in the State was Darryl Leong, who gained six Certificates of Merit. Raymond Ali, Tim Magarey and Alan Anderson all achieved Certificates of Merit in their five subjects. Larry Leong, Ben Allgrove, Basile Alexander, Alkis Psaltis all achieved four Certificates of Merit.

Daryl Leong also won the Young Exhibition for the best Scholar of the Year.

It was an outstanding year for sport.

We won the Achilles Cup for the twenty-fourth year in a row.

Our Cross-Country Running Team won the State Championship.

We won the Intercollegiate Tennis 11 matches to 1 (our fifth win in six years).
Our Rowing VIII won the Head of the River Regatta.

In cricket we reached the final of the SA Schools limited over competition and defeated PAC by six wickets in the Intercollegiate match after struggling at 6 for 77 before an outstanding innings of 153 not out by Nathan Adcock. Nathan Adcock and Toby Porter were selected in the State Under 17 Cricket Team.

Keys awards were made to Andrew Gormly, Toby Kennett, Stuart Masson and Mark Williams.

Mr Burchnall concluded his 1994 Speech Day Report with the following comments:

“As you walked to the Hall today I expect that most of you would have noticed how lovely the School is looking with roses in bloom and the jacarandas in flower. The immaculate state of the grounds is just one indicator of the pride in doing a job well that permeates all facets of the school's operation.”

If 1994 leavers are planning to return for their thirty year reunion, they will see that the School has never looked more beautiful than it does in 2024.

If 1994 leavers have not been to the School in recent years, they will see an amazing 1997 Science, Art and Technology building into which the Florey Building was absorbed, a 2003 Sports Centre to the South of the Main Oval and a 2021-2022 redevelopment of the Big Quad, all of which will impress them.

Mr Burchnall also said in his 1994 Report: “What characterises the staff at Saints is a pride in their work and a love for the School”. Surely this has been one of the main reasons that our School has been exceptional for 177 years?

The Class of 1994 are warmly invited to attend their 30 Year Milestone Reunion on Saturday 2 November at St Peter's College. Please click here to learn more.

Researched and written by David Docwra
David Docwra retired from St Peter’s College in December 2015 after 37 years’ service and is fondly remembered by many as a dedicated teacher, a committed coach of squash, cricket and soccer, and most especially as a passionate Head of Hawkes House for 21 years. David remains connected to St Peter’s College and regularly provides historical articles for the St Peter’s Old Collegians’ newsletters. In 2023 David was made an Honorary Member of the St Peter’s Old Collegians’ Association.