From the Headmaster | September 2024

Over the past six months, I have been privileged to reconnect with old scholars and their partners at chapter events across the regions: the Mid-North, Fleurieu, South-East and Broken Hill, in the cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Perth and overseas in London. Hearing about the diverse and fulfilling lives our alumni are pursuing in all corners of the globe, and witnessing the genuine interest alumni have in the School’s current programs, our growing social licence and our vision, is heartening.

As a school for boys and young men, we have the capacity to counter wider societal norms. With this capacity comes a responsibility to be absolutely intentional in engaging in dialogue around one of the most challenging issues in Australia society – domestic violence. Across our nation violence against women and young girls is, in the main, men’s business, and while we may not have an understanding or experience of domestic violence, collectively, all men can be part of the preventative solution.

As part of our 2024 Rex J Lipman Fellows Program, we welcomed Dave Kramer, a Behavioural Scientist and Violence Prevention Advocate, to speak with our Senior School students. Mr Kramer, facilitated a confronting and engaging session on respectful relationships that powerfully communicated our theme of ‘the strong and the lovely' and the need to present a balance of strength and love in all interactions and communications.

His approach helped our students understand how to navigate complex issues surrounding respect and relationships, encouraging them to be active participants in creating safer, equitable and inclusive environments. By being present for each other, calling out stereotypes and challenging the often-repeated forms of disrespect, we can all contribute to positive change within our peer groups.

Our Year 11 students further explored these topics during Healthy Relationships Day, collaboration with students from Walford Anglican School for Girls, St Peter’s Girls’ School, and Wilderness School. Engaging our young people in these informed and honest discussions is an invaluable opportunity to shape their development.

The process of renewal at SPSC is ongoing. Regardless of how long our history and traditions have been in place, our education and capital programs must continue to evolve. This responsibility is shared by all of us - students, parents, old scholars and governors alike. The recent launch of Project Pitch In, the relaying of the centre wicket block on Main Oval, a task last undertaken in 1978, is once such program and marks a significant moment for the School. Cricket remains a very important component of our educational program and you can read more about Project Pitch In here.

Image: Launch of Project Pitch In - turning the sod on Main Oval

I acknowledge the passing of esteemed old scholar, Dr Robin Warren (MAC 1954). Dr Warren, one of three SPSC old scholars to be awarded a Nobel Prize, received the prestigious honour in 2005 for his discovery of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and its role in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. I was fortunate to correspond with Dr Warren on several occasions, and it was evident that he was not only a brilliant scientist, but a fine human being, driven by a vision for a better world. His significant contributions have greatly benefited humankind and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Thank you to all who attended the SPOC Annual Dinner and to our alumni winemakers for generously providing the wine. I look forward to engaging with many of you at the Canberra Chapter Dinner later this month, at the SPOC Blues Lunch on Wednesday 9 October and at the combined milestone reunion dinners on Saturday 2 November.

Tim Browning
Headmaster