From the Headmaster | April 2023

A sombre tone cast a shadow over the start of the academic year with the sudden passing of Year 9 MacDermott House student Thomas Worrall followed by the tragic death of father of three SPSC boys, Simon Chipperfield in a light plane crash in the Philippines. The opportunity to celebrate Thomas’ life in Memorial Hall was indeed a privilege and the voluntary attendance of over 550 students was deeply respectful. The soul of SPSC was on show throughout this service and it was humbling to witness our students illustrate that even the most difficult moments in life can be shared, embraced and celebrated with deep respect and integrity.

As part of the School's core value of service our students are provided opportunities to engage in service learning opportunities. With a focus on providing authentic and relational activities that promote personal growth and benefit the needs of the wider community, the School has piloted an after-school Respite Program this term.

Children living with a disability attended the Program and were supported by our senior students (their buddies), volunteer parents and staff at the School in a safe, warm and friendly environment that met their needs. Meanwhile, parents of the children were provided a well-deserved afternoon of respite.

The pilot was a wonderful success with positive feedback received from the families, students and parents involved. Through supporting their buddy our students developed valuable critical thinking skills and empathy and all involved found the experience both rewarding and humbling.

To support the ongoing delivery of the Respite Program, students in Years 10 to 12 have been engaged to develop an online business that will feed into our Social Enterprise Fund. Students will take advantage of the preloved fashion boom by establishing a digital platform to sell second-hand items of clothing donated by our community. If you are interested in mentoring this group in the start-up phase, please let me know.

Across summer sporting fixtures it has been pleasing to witness the athletic development and growth of students across all sports. It has been the team effort, undertaken with a dedicated commitment to achieving high standards, that is most worthy of acknowledgement. As has been the willingness of students and staff to make sacrifices to achieve their goals. These dedicated efforts have been on show throughout this week’s Intercollegiate program; a wonderful tradition of engagement in sport that strengthens the sense of shared community between our two schools.

Our CEO-in-Residence Program, launched in 2022, continues to attract dynamic industry leaders who give of their time to bridge the gap for our students between the taught curriculum, industry and the wider world. On Thursday we welcomed old scholar and former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia Dr Guy Debelle (SHT 1983) to participate in the Program. Across a range of forums Guy shared his valuable life experience, encouraging students to learn how to express their point of view, to speak up and engage in dialogue. A budding DJ when first working for Treasury, Guy spoke of the challenge in making decisions when surrounded by uncertainty. In his Deputy Governor RBA role, he would often be forced to make decisions without first witnessing the impact of previous decisions. A passionate advocate for climate change action, Guy highlighted the necessity of implementing monetary policy that will benefit the planet.

Earlier in the term, old scholar Hugh Dawson (S&A 2015) participated in the Program and spoke candidly with students about his journey through agriculture, his experience with mental fitness and the importance of self-awareness. His Muster address was particularly inspirational and demonstrated his commitment to a lifelong journey of learning.

Generous contributions from our old scholar community also enable the ongoing success of our Careers Evening, now it is 23rd year. This important evening is an integral part of the SPSC Careers Program. Held in Week 8 of Term 1, presenters from our old scholar and parent community represented over 30 industries. The evening provided a valuable opportunity for our Years 10 and 11 students to engage in the ongoing decision-making process regarding their futures. I echo Dr Debelle’s remark that ‘very few students really know what they really want to do for a career when they graduate’ and remind students that opportunities come to those who are actively engaging in meaningful activities.

If you have not yet joined SPOC Connect, I encourage you to do so. An investment by SPSC to support our old scholar community, SPOC Connect is our online community hub designed to engage and connect our community of over 11,000 old scholars living across the globe. The platform enables old scholars to connect via peer year, geographical location and interest groups, catch up on the latest old scholar events and browse the gallery of photo albums.

I look forward to engaging with our old scholar community at our ANZAC Memorial Service on Wednesday 26 April. Join us from 10.25am as the List of the Fallen is read by our School Captains and Prefects, before Father Theo will lead us in a service that includes a special performance of a composition by old scholar The Hon W.A.N. (Andrew) Wells, AO QC (W&A 1937) from the dust and conflict of Tobruk in 1941. Click here to register your interest to attend.

Tim Browning, Headmaster