From the Headmaster: July 2022 Update

With the resumption of international travel, I recently attended the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Annual Conference at St Mark’s School of Texas. It was wonderful to once again gather and network with educators from around the globe to champion boys’ education. The theme of the conference ‘The Path to Manhood’, was explored through thought-provoking keynote speakers and workshops across pedagogy and practice, many of which focused on character development and positive masculinity. Post conference it was beneficial to review and reflect on the strategies SPSC is implementing to chart a course that will prepare our young men to assume leadership and responsibility in a competitive and ever-changing world.

Whilst in the US I was fortunate to attend Chapter Dinners in New York and Los Angeles. Both dinners attracted a diverse group of old scholars, all with a keen interest in the School and its direction. I extend a sincere thank you to LA Convenors, Alastair Boucaut (DAC 2006) and Nick Tjia (DAC 2006) and New York Convenor Doug Elix AM (DAC 1966) for organising these gatherings and to old scholars and their partners for attending.

In campus news, our Maintenance, Grounds and Property Service departments are on the move to their new facilities located on the old Sanitarium site on Hackney Road. Purchased by the School in May 2016, the site covers some 8300 sqm with over 3300 sqm of building floor area. Extensive maintenance and upgrade works have been undertaken to re-purpose the buildings and site to support a range of school related activities. The works have included an upgrade to the stormwater system serving the precinct, installation of a new main fire hydrant system, installation of IT systems, removal of asbestos roof sections, provision of new and upgrades to existing ablutions amenities including accessible facilities, bitumen car parks accommodating 40 car parks, landscape upgrades and an upgrade to administration offices.

The completed facilities will provide:

• Buildings and trades workshop

• Maintenance service centre and property services staff office and administration areas

• Grounds offices/administration/workshop/storage and amenity areas

• Refurbished generic and open plan administrative areas with shared amenity spaces

• Secure on-site storage

The site will also provide improved vehicle parking facilities for weekend sport with external access to bathroom facilities.

With the existing Maintenance, Grounds and Property Services buildings now vacated, plans for a new integrated learning facility overlooking the Wilson and Farr ovals on the large site from the rear of Da Costa Dining Hall towards Pembroke Street, will be further explored.