From the Headmaster | December 2025

In November, our community came together for the inaugural Back to Saints celebration – a three-day event honouring our old scholars, our traditions and the enduring spirit of St Peter’s College. It was a wonderful occasion that reminded me of the depth of connection shared across generations and the values that continue to shape our community today.

A highlight of the celebration was welcoming old scholars to join Senior School Muster, giving you the opportunity to experience a part of the soul of the School. Many old scholars are keenly interested in the School’s growing social licence and our relational Service Learning initiatives that promote personal growth in our students while benefiting the wider community. It was therefore timely to share a new video about our Buddy Up respite program – an after-school initiative that supports families in our greater community who have a child with disability.

Buddy Up gives parents a well-deserved break while offering their children a safe, friendly, and engaging environment, and provides our students with authentic opportunities to learn from individuals with unique life experiences. Among those contributing to the success of the program is Gunin Singhal (FLL 2023), an old scholar whose volunteer work is making a meaningful impact. As a supervisor, Gunin brings warmth, energy and an ability to connect with both students and guests. His studies in medicine – particularly his interest in paediatrics – enrich his thoughtful and considered approach. He is not only a valuable support to families but also an important role model for the senior students involved, exemplifying the spirit of service that lies at the heart of the program.

At Muster, I was quite moved watching the video and hearing our students reflect on what stands out most about Buddy Up – how genuine it feels. For three hours each week, they switch off from everything else and focus on being present with their buddy. They come to see how much people can teach you about resilience, humour and simply being yourself. It’s a space that reminds them that kindness isn’t complicated – it’s about taking the time to truly see others. It’s clear that our efforts and endeavours are taking hold, bringing a sense of meaning and purpose that closely aligns with the mission of the School.

I encourage you to take a few moments to watch the video and see the impact of this wonderful program.

In my Muster address I was delighted to acknowledge the presence of old scholars spanning six decades - from Mr Don Pellew of the Class of 1950, who began at the School in 1947, through to the Class of 2005.

I have a keen interest in the history of the School and enjoy reading through old School Magazines. The Headmaster noted in the 1947 edition that “the conveyance of knowledge alone was inadequate – relationships and understanding the art of living together are essential.” He observed that the tragedy of disagreements, both nationally and internationally, often stems from an apathy of individuals who are too lazy to understand others. These words capture an enduring truth: that understanding others is essential to harmony – a philosophy that remains central to a St Peter’s College education today.

In the 1965 Magazine, reflections on the pace of social change and the challenge of navigating new ideas and identities echoed themes that still resonate deeply in today’s world. I also recalled the influence of figures such as Reverend Howell Witt and Bishop Redding, who described “the world as a shop window where some irresponsible fool has swapped around all the price tags.” He urged students not to be deceived by this deception, but to recognise that the real value of life is grounded in virtue. Arguably the most well-known of these virtues is written across the stalls of the dress circle in Memorial Hall: Pro Deo et Patria – For God and Country.

It is heartening to see that the call to virtue, companionship and understanding others continues to resonate today, with our students’ participation in Buddy Up a prime example.

On the Friday evening of the Back to Saints weekend, our community gathered once again in Memorial Hall to celebrate 40 years of the St Peter’s College Foundation and the generosity that continues to shape our School. The evening also marked the launch of the Memorial Hall Fund, dedicated to preserving this cherished space for generations to come.

You can read more here about the Back to Saints event, which included the milestone reunions for the Classes of 1975, 1985, 1995 and 2005 attended by over 200 guests. The inaugural celebration was not only a tribute to our heritage but also reaffirmed our shared purpose – to educate young men to understand the importance of virtue, connection and service. It is our hope that this event will become an annual tradition, one that reflects the strong sense of belonging that continues to unite our community, past and present.

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of hosting Dr Bob Hecker AM (FLL 1941) with the 2026 School Captains for morning tea to celebrate his 100th birthday. Dr Hecker has made a significant contribution to the medical profession and was awarded an AM for his service to the community through a range of service, cultural, social welfare and sporting organisations, and to medicine, particularly in the field of gastroenterology.

As the 178th year of St Peter’s College draws to a close I thank the SPOC Committee and Alumni Engagement Officer Prue Kline for their tireless work in delivering a vibrant old scholar engagement program. Thank you for welcoming our Class of 2025 into your dynamic global network. I am confident that our newest old scholars have graduated as strong and lovely young men, ready to thrive outside the walls of St Peter’s College.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Christmas and a positive and prosperous 2026.

Tim Browning
Headmaster