From the Chairman | March 2024

On behalf of all of scholars I congratulate the following gentlemen on their recent public honours and appointments: Robert Fitridge (HWD 1976) received PSM 2024 Australia Day Honours, Richard Harris (FLL 1981) appointed Lieutenant Governor of South Australia and Will Robinson (SHT 1999) appointed Australia’s High Commissioner to the Independent State of Samoa. Congratulations on these significant achievements.

Image: William Robinson meets with Afioga Le Mamea Tuiletufuga Ropati Mualia, Member of Council of Deputies

Thanks to those members who have responded to the SPOC member survey sent out last month. We have been overwhelmed by the positive response we have received, and look forward to sharing some of the insights from the survey at the forthcoming SPOC Annual General Meeting on Monday, 8 April, to which all Old Scholars are invited to attend.

Like many Old Scholars, I have enjoyed seeing the albums of recent event photos on the SPOC Connect website, including the Class of 2019 five-year reunion and the March Lunch & Muster event. The March Lunch was a truly special occasion for those who attended. It was also a special celebration for six attendees who marked their 70-year reunion. The highlight was attending the Senior School Muster where a roll call took place, and each old scholar stood in turn and faced the students. The applause each Old Scholar received from the students was incredibly moving, and will undoubtedly create long-lasting memories for all involved.

The Saints Community Golf Day, held at Glenelg Golf Club on Friday, 15 March, was very well supported, with 55 participants battling it out on the day. It is wonderful to see this event supported by old scholars, current and past parents, staff and friends of the School. Congratulations to Brad Carr who won the Best Player (with an official handicap) and Alex Bond (YNG 1998) who won the trophy for Best Player (without an official handicap).

Image: Alex Bond (YNG 1998)
Summer Intercol competitions in Tennis, Bowls and Cricket have taken place, with SPOC taking honours in the latter two fixtures.  We thank our volunteers for their hard work and all those who represented SPOC.

The Fleurieu Lunch will again be held at the Flying Fish Café in Port Elliot on Sunday, 5 May.  I am pleased to report that even more Regional Chapter events are returning to our calendar, with the Mid North Chapter event at Pikes Winery proving a resounding success. A special mention to Headmaster Tim Browning, Philip Marshall (SHT 1964) and the SPSC Development Office for hosting that event, and for coordinating the upcoming South East Chapter event. Events are also scheduled for later this year in Perth and London.

Image: Old scholars and their partners at the Mid North Chapter event at Pikes Winery

With the AFL season now well and truly underway, we are thrilled to announce Phil Davis (YNG2008) as guest speaker at the SPOC Business Lunch on Friday, 17 May at The Lion Hotel. Phil was the inaugural Co-Captain of the GWS Giants from 2012 to 2019, and since retiring in August 2023 has built a reputation as one of the most impressive media talents in the game. All Old Scholars and guests are welcome to attend, and are encouraged to book now to avoid missing out.

The SPOC Annual Dinner is also now open for bookings. Gather your mates and join us on Saturday, 27 July at the National Wine Centre, where this year each table will be hosted by an alumni winemaker who will present their table with matched wines for the menu. We have some fantastic winery partners locked in, and it should be a fantastic night. Full details are available on the vent page on SPOC Connect. Follow the link to learn more.

Please share your news or update us by emailing spoc@stpeters.sa.edu.au

Oliver Sheahan (HWK 2007)
Chairman