From the Headmaster | December 2023

As the 176th year of St Peter’s College draws to a close it has been wonderful to witness the culmination of 12 months’ hard work in end of year showcase events. These ceremonies, integral to our aspiration to be an exceptional community of learning, celebrate both collective and individual endeavour. They also provide special moments that underscore the carefully constructed, morally formative brotherhood that defines St Peter’s College.

One particularly moving moment was the inspired singing of our Year 12 boys in their final Chapel Service and Communion. The precision and soul with which they sang hymns earned high praise from School Organist Norm Inglis, who has been playing the Chapel organ for over 50 years.

Our vibrant and engaged St Peter's College community was graced by the presence of over 300 old scholars who returned for reunions, lunches, and dinners throughout Term 4. At the 34rd Old Blues Luncheon in October we acknowledged those celebrating their 60 Year Milestone Reunion. In November we had the pleasure of hosting combined milestone reunions for the Classes of 1973, 1983, 1993 and 2003. It was heartening to witness the reconnection and reunion of our old scholar community. There was a genuine sense of pride among those returning to their alma mater after many years; for some, it was the first time in 50 years.

During these reunions, I had the pleasure of touring attendees around the Senior School, enjoying pre-dinner drinks in the Big Quad and a nostalgic dinner in Da Costa Dining Hall. I delighted in hearing stories of our old scholars’ experiences of SPSC and they were equally keen to learn about our current programs. In particular, they expressed great interest in our growing social licence and our authentic and relational service learning initiatives that not only promote personal growth in our students, but also benefit the wider community.

I took the opportunity to remind our old scholars that St Peter’s College, as a perpetual institution, is a school for boys committed to ensuring our community carries strength and love in equal measure; this is our measuring stick of masculinity in our post-modern world. It is now the responsibility of our current students to carry the torch of this School with the same pride and humility as their forebears.

I thank the SPOC Committee and SPOC Events & Administration Manager Bianca Harms for making these reunions and the extensive old scholar event program possible. Thank you for welcoming our Class of 2023 into your vibrant and globally placed network. I am confident that our newest old scholars have graduated as ‘strong and lovely’ young men who are ready to flourish outside the walls of St Peter’s College.

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to join SPOC Connect, our online community hub designed to engage and connect our community of over 11,000 old scholars living across the globe. You’ll find all the details about our 2024 calendar of events on SPOC Connect.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Christmas and a positive and prosperous 2024.

Tim Browning
Headmaster