Docco's Diary | St Peter's College in 1986

The Class of 1986 will be invited to return to St Peter’s College for a 40 year milestone reunion on Saturday 7 November, 2026 - an occasion that encourages us to reflect on an excellent year in the life of the School.

1986 was an important year on the world stage. We saw Halley’s Comet. It will next appear in mid-2061! A major event was the Chernobyl power plant disaster in Europe, with a reactor exploding on April 26th, releasing radioactive material across the whole of Europe. 1986 was the year Australia became independent from the British Parliament and courts. The Australia Act 1986 was the final step in Australia's constitutional independence from Britain. This Act and the six similar Acts passed by the state parliaments made all Australian law independent of the British legal system. In May 1986, Paul Keating, The Treasurer, warned that Australia was in danger of becoming a "banana republic" due to a massive current account deficit (reaching 6% of GDP) and mounting foreign debt. Inflation exceeded 9%. Monetary policy was tightened, with high interest rates used to defend the currency, causing domestic demand and private consumption to weaken significantly. Unemployment was around 7.7% in mid-1986.

Despite difficult economic conditions, 1986 was an outstanding year in the life of St Peter’s College. We were proud to be South Australians who helped in the celebration of this State’s sesquicentenary (1836-1986). 

In 1986 our School was still in a state of shock from the Memorial Hall fire on December 2nd 1985 and we had to use the old gymnasium (now Drama Centre) every week for School Musters. The area around Memorial Hall was fenced off as we waited to see what would happen to this historic multi-purpose building that had been built 1921-1929 in honour of approximately 170 old scholars who made the “supreme sacrifice” in World War I 1914-1918.

As Headmaster, Dr AJ Shinkfield, said in his Speech Day address: “The burned out Memorial Hall has hung over our heads like an ugly cloud in 1986. It has stood stark and bare as a constant reminder that plans for its use this year and next were extinguished with the fire and that we would suffer the loss of some traditions associated with the Hall. But despite such causes for gloom, 1986 has been a notably successful year in the life of the School. Its strong and enduring elements seemed to have conspired to overcome the difficulties of 1985”.

It had been hoped that Memorial Hall would be a venue for some of the State’s sesquicentenary celebrations in 1986, but this was not possible. Towards the end of 1986 we were pleased to receive details of the proposed rebuilding of Memorial Hall in 1987.  

The 1986 public examination results were the best that the School had recorded with 92% of the boys gaining the matriculation standard. With high retention rates from Year 8, and close to 100% of subjects being publicly examined, this result was outstanding. These boys were awarded Certificates of Merit for gaining a maximum mark of 20 in a particular subject:

Biology                                 Kirkby, B.P.

Chemistry                             Agars, K.J.

                                             Low, T.M.

                                             Neoh, Y-A.

                                             Wallwork, A.J.

                                             Wicks, A.D.

                                             Wilson, A.C.

Economics                            David, S.P.

                                              Hosking, D.G.K.

                                              Pearman, M.J.

English                                  Craddock, N.E.N.

                                              Griffith, G.J.R.

                                              Joyner, A.P.

                                              Wallwork, A.J.

                                              Wells, J.C.

Medieval History                   Craddock, N.E.N.

                                              Ryan, T.V.R.
                                              

Modern European History     Vlahakis, N.E.

Physics                                  Wicks, A.D.

We also congratulated the following boys who obtained 95 scaled marks or more out of 100:

                                               Low, T.M.             96.0

                                               Neoh, Y-A.           96.0

                                              Griffith, G.J.R.     95.6

                                              Wicks, A.D.          95.4

                                              Wilson, A.C.         95.0

Fourteen other boys gained 90 or more marks.

In 1986 four long-serving teachers retired. These included Mr Dick Potter (35 years’ service: 1952-1986), Mr Fred Dyer (33 years: 1954-1986), Mr David Merchant (32 years: 1955-1986), and Mr Don Hanlon (31 years: 1956-1986). Old scholars may remember being taught by these loyal servants of the School. As we all know, good teaching in a good School can transform the life of a young person.

Images above (L-R): Mr Dick Potter and Mr Fred Dyer

 Images above (L-R): Mr David Merchant and Mr Don Hanlon              

In 1986 we were visited by Dr. Stephen Bragg on 30th April. He was the son of old scholar Sir Lawrence Bragg, the famous physicist who won the Nobel Prize in 1916. He was in Adelaide to participate in the Centenary celebrations of the Physics Department of the University of Adelaide, and we were delighted when he visited the School, which his father had attended from 1901-1906. At the conclusion of his address to the School, he presented a replica of his father’s NOBEL Prize to the Headmaster.

The main thrust of the work of the St. Peter’s College Mission in 1986 was placing of Year 10 boys in community and charitable organizations for a week’s work during their school time. Organizations included Phoenix Society, Service to Youth Council, Christian Rest Home, Meals on Wheels kitchens, Child-Care Centres at St Peter’s, Norwood and Prospect, Hackney Kindergarten, and Regency Park Centre for the Young Disabled. The Founders’ Day Run, one of the major fund-raising efforts conducted by the boys for the Mission, was successful. The boys knew where the money was going and they approved the cause. Mr. Joe Wakim spoke to the School at Muster during the week before the Run about his work among the young people who have the streets of the City as their home. Mr. Wakim coordinates an outreach programme under the auspices of the Service to Youth Council. 75% of the proceeds of the Run were given to the Service to Youth Council to support the street work, and the proceeds from the sponsored run were over $4,500 — over a $1,000 more than in 1985. The Mission Guild, under the leadership of President, Mrs. Anne Marshall, continued to provide valuable support for both the Mission and the School community. They undertook particular support for the St. Luke’s Mission in Whitmore Square, and have donated money towards the furnishing of a new Cottage Home in the Anglican Child-Care Services programme.

The School Concert was a fitting tribute to the retiring Director of Music, Mr DJ Merchant. The musicianship, which was of the highest order, the involvement of Old Scholars and others closely associated with Mr Merchant in music over the years, and the excellent variety of items combined to give a thrilling atmosphere.

The School Play, “The Royal Hunt of the Sun”, was one of the finest ever. Ben Hanisch was outstanding as Pizarro.

The St. Peter’s College Carols, which had been sung in the Memorial Hall from 1934 to 1960 and since then in St. Peter’s Cathedral, reached new heights of brilliance. The Carols joined together boys, staff, parents and the wider community in an experience of musical richness.

Image: The Jubilee Carols Service in St. Peter’s Cathedral in December 1986. The School Choir is in the centre, and the Old Scholars’ Choir is on the left.

The Headmaster thanked and congratulated the Old Scholars Association for completing the Eastern Cloister in the Big Quad.

Three keys awards were given in 1986:

BEN HANISCH: DRAMA

For his brilliant lead part as Pizarro in “The Royal Hunt of the Sun”, the achievement of Ben Hanisch was of the highest distinction. He delineated the part of an aged, cynical and desperate soldier with a maturity and completeness that was amazing for an 18 year old.

MARK HELIER: ATHLETICS

Mark Helier is one of the most talented athletes to attend St. Peter’s College. His outstanding achievements in 1986 have relied not only on his natural abilities but also on determined and sustained hard work to develop his skills.  

JAMIE LLOYD: CRICKET

Jamie Lloyd had a most outstanding year as a batsman of the First XI, scoring over 1,000 runs, including two centuries. He has been admired by the boys in the cricket team for his determined approach, thorough sportsmanship and support for other team members

A Headmaster’s Prize for Special Service was awarded to Michael Southcott (Farrell). The ID Hayward Prize for Service was awarded to John Wells (Wyatt & Allen). The BW Richards Memorial Prize went to Paul Cook (Short).

The finals of the Instrumental Competitions were held in the Big School Room on Friday, July 18th, with Miss Audrey White as adjudicator. These were the prize winners:

                FIRST PRIZE WINNERS

                Andrew Baggio                    (Clarinet)

                Shan Ting Ba U                   (Violin)

                Simon Gill                            (Saxophone)

                Geoffrey Griffith                   (Piano)

                Martin Hamilton                   (Trumpet)

                Henry Heuzenroeder           (Piano)

                Clemens Leske                    (Piano)

                Andrew Sweet                      (Percussion)

                Sean Taylor                          (Treble Recorder)

                Mark Walter                          (Violin)

                Mathew White                       (Voice)

                SECOND PRIZE WINNERS

                Matthew Banks                      (Guitar)

                Mario Dreosti                         (Piano)

                John Glenn                            (Trombone)

                Joel Leong                             (Guitar)

                Dileep Ratnaike                     (Saxophone)

                Thomas Williams                   (Trombone)

                Milton Woods                         (Piano)

On July 29th, a programme featuring music students of the Senior School was given at Pilgrim Church, Flinders Street. This was a most rewarding occasion for both performer and listener. Those who took part were:

                Stephen McDonald           Organ (Old Scholar)

                Yi-An Neoh                        Piano

                Andrew Baggio                  Clarinet

                Ting Ba U                           Violin and Piano

                Geoffrey Griffith                  Piano

                Mathew White                    Treble Voice

                Mark Walter                        Violin

                John Glenn                         Trombone

                James Moxham                  Trombone

                Thomas Williams                Trombone

                Clemens Leske                   Piano

As part of the Centenary Celebrations of Cabra College, a “Concert for Young People” was held at Edmund Wright House on Sunday, June 22nd, when John Glenn (Trombone) and Geoffrey Griffith (Piano) ably represented the school.

There were several clubs and societies which provided opportunities for boys. These included the Air Training Corps, Chess Club, Debating Society, German Society, Scientific Society and Sea Scouts.

The Exploration Society had a busy year. Activities included a Tasmanian Venture, an Innes National Park Venture, a Caving Venture (Naracoorte), a Year 8 and 9 cycle venture and a Year 9 canoe venture.

There was a successful study trip to Germany.

The School Sporting Results were outstanding in 1986. We had in excess of 90 teams representing St. Peter’s College in the inter-school competitions.

In Rowing the First VIII won the Gosse Shield, coming first in the Head-of-the-River Competition and the Advertiser Shield as the State Champion Schoolboy crew. We also won the Blackmore Shield — Intercollegiate Rowing Trophy and the Cornell Shield. The First VIII also visited Hong Kong in May and were successful in winning the International Schoolboys Eights and Fours.

The Lightweight Four won all major events open to them: The Head of the River; State Champion Schoolboy Lightweight IV; The Lance Begg Cup for Schoolboy Open IV; The International Schoolboy IV in Hong Kong.

We retained the Achilles Cup for Athletics which we have held since 1971. These boys represented the State in Athletics:

Mark Helier (DaCosta) (who also achieved three Under 17 records in the Achilles Cup which bettered open records!); Mark Bollen (Young) in the Under 19 Shot Put; Guy Bowden (Hawkes) in the Under 19 Hammer Throw; John Jacka (Wyatt & Allen) in the Under 17 Pole Vault; Yi-An Neoh (DaCosta) in the Under 17 Long Jump. 

The First XI England Cricket tour in May was a success. We defeated Eton College in our first match against them. We played 16 matches. We won five against Dulwich, Eton, Marlborough, Malvern and an Old Scholars Team. We lost two - to Tonbridge and Lancing. Seven matches were drawn and two washed out.

An exciting Intercollegiate match was drawn. At the end we needed eight runs to win with one wicket in hand.   

The First XV Rugby Team won the Inter-school Rugby Championship. These boys represented the State in Rugby:

Under 16 State Rugby: Will Mathews (Da Costa) and Charles Mayo (Farrell); Under 18 State Rugby: Michael Southcott (Farrell), Sam Snow (Woodcock) and Daniel Taylor (Young). Rugby (State Schoolboys): Michael Southcott (Farrell), Simon Pickford (Woodcock) and Daniel Taylor (Young).

The Firsts Water Polo enjoyed a competitive year, and many games were decided by a goal or two in the final quarter. Ronald Cooper (Hawkes), Zachary Kalogeras (Howard), and Paul Stokes (Woodcock) represented the State.

Our Tennis team had a good season but lost the Intercollegiate game 8-4. The Second VI Tennis Team finished first in the Students Premiership for 1985-86 against 14 other teams, of which all except three were first teams. They lost only one match (against a first team) and were undefeated this year.

In Basketball the 1986 team was arguably the most balanced and talented First team the school has produced. We won 19 matches and lost 2. The Team showed excellent sportsmanship and team spirit. Andrew Cole (MacDermott) (Captain) played for the State. Andrew Cole (MacDermott) (Captain), Jeremy Ballenger (Howard), Mark Bollen (Young) and Matthew Slimming (Howard) were Independent Schools Representatives in the match against State Schools.

The First XI Soccer Team had a good season. John Christensen (Young) was chosen to represent Independent Schools in the match against State Schools.

The Hockey team’s season produced 6 wins,1 loss and 4 draws, including a 3-3 game against a talented PAC team.

In Football we won six of the nine programmed rounds of matches, but lost to PAC, Sacred Heart, Rostrevor, Melbourne Grammar and Wesley College. Ben Hanisch (School) represented the Independent Schools in the match against State Schools.

We had a strong Cross Country Team that experienced considerable success.

In Squash, the success of the season was that 35 boys had the enjoyment and experience of playing competitive squash as well as developing their game.

Several other boys represented the State in various sports in 1986. These included: Lacrosse: Andrew Stewart (School); Ice Hockey: Paul Skopal (MacDermott); Swimming: Justin Smith (MacDermott); Jonathon Ker (Hawkes) captained the Under 16 State Polocrosse Team.

It is a measure of the strength of our School that in 1986 we did so well after a horrific Memorial Hall fire near the end of 1985. The academic and sporting results in 1986 were some of the best we have ever had. We adapted well to all the changes we had to make in 1986. The Blue and White Dance had to be held at Thebarton Town Hall. 1986 Speech Day and weekly School Musters had to be held in the Gymnasium (now Drama Centre). Nothing (not even a fire of this magnitude) will ever stand in the way of the Christian Liberal education that will always continue here in any era.

The Foundation was to go on to administer the Memorial Hall Appeal. The appeal was more successful than we could have hoped. The April 1987 issue of Saints was to record: “Since the Foundation's offer was accepted by the School Council to administer the Memorial Hall Appeal, considerable preparation for the launching of the Appeal has been undertaken. The target is $1.5m and at the 28th February 1987, $570,373 had been promised by Advance and Key Gifts donors in cash and gift intentions. This early support indicated a successful Appeal with the continuing support of the School Community. On 30th May 1987, 370 people attended a Memorial Hall Appeal Launching Dinner. The welcoming address by the Foundation President, Mr PB Wells, described the progress of the Memorial Hall Restoration Appeal: “Thanks to income support from the Da Costa Estate, and from Governments, so far, this School has been able to cope financially. In the light of the changing attitude of successive Governments towards the funding of Independent schools, the School Council decided that, there was a need to build up the financial strength of the School in order to maintain the School’s high standards, and at the same time keep fees at a reasonable level. In December 1985 the Foundation had hardly started moving. But, when the fire occurred, its Board immediately made an offer to the Council to administer the appeal for the Council. The Council had decided an appeal was necessary to restore and improve the Hall. The Council approved the plan for restoration and improvement which is underway. This appeal is to fund those improvements”.

The September 1987 issue of Saints went on to record: “The minimum target of $1.5 million had been achieved in the Memorial Hall Appeal. The Appeal's theme "Restoration and Improvement" has been eagerly taken up by all sections of the School Community, and now that the minimum target has been reached, the Appeal is pushing on to exceed this target by a comfortable margin. Money over and above $1.5m may be used for items such as brick paving around the hall, the central pendant light and equipping the kitchen”.

An improved and renovated Memorial Hall was rededicated and reopened on Friday 11th March 1988.

We hope that many of those who left in 1986 will return for their 40-year milestone reunion that will be held on Saturday November 7, 2026. They will enjoy the reunion. They will meet friends they have not seen for a long period of time (in a few cases, 40 years).               

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.