Vale: Mr Jeff Chittleborough and Father Bryan Parnell

Jeff Chittleborough worked at the School from 1967 to 1990. He taught mathematics and physics and held positions as Howard Housemaster, Wyatt & Allen Housemaster and later he worked in the Admissions office. R.J Stanley wrote "Jeff is the embodiment of the gentlemanly ideal and a splendid exemplar to all." He will be fondly remembered by former students and staff.

Father Bryan Parnell (MAC 1953) was an old scholar and returned to the School in 1972 as School Chaplain. Bryan taught French and history and coached rugby, but his theatrical guidance of the Debating Society was legendary. He left St Peter’s College in 1976 to become the Parish Priest of Angaston. b

Monday 19 June 2023: The executor of his estate is in the process of organising a wake to celebrate his life and work.
Anyone interested in attending the wake for Father Bryan Parnell should contact Genders and Partners solicitors via email mail@genders.com.au

On behalf of all old scholars, the St Peter's Old Collegians extends our sympathy to family and friends.

***UPDATED Bryan Parnell (MAC 1953)

Some teachers have a profound impact on a student’s life and Bryan Parnell was one such person.

After graduating in 1953, Bryan taught at several colleges in England. In addition to teaching he was a house tutor, producer of school plays, and sports supervisor for rugby, cricket and equestrian activities. He was also trained in Le Cordon Bleu cooking.

Bryan was ordained as a priest on September 27, 1970 at Southwark Cathedral and subsequently preached at several Southwark parishes.

He returned to Saints in 1972 and held several different roles including boarding house tutor, Year 9 Master, teaching French, Divinity and History, coaching rugby and took church services.

Bryan had a very distinctive teaching style. As weekly subject tests were held. Students results would be ranked, and this would determine the students seating position. Those students who achieved high grades could sit at the back of the classroom while the under achieving students were positioned at the front under his watchful eye. It was a very effective way of ensuring that students paid attention.

His teaching style was precise and disciplined but most entertaining. Copious quantities of homework were always given.

Bryan was a modern boarding house tutor. He would drive his Datsun 240Z Sports car with gusto to the great admiration of the boys. Bryan was different to other boarding house staff with an innate ability to converse at the students’ level. Students respected him greatly.

Much to the disappointment of many students, Bryan departed Saints at the end of 1976. The cartoon was drawn at this time and illustrates the strong bonds which he had made with many students and staff.

Following Bryan’s departure from Saints he became the rector at Angaston.  He subsequently became a Navy Chaplin and eventually returned to preach at several Adelaide parishes.

Bryan had many and varied interests included travel cantered on European history, dining at fine restaurants, drinking good wine, horse racing and cooking.

Bryan was devoted to the Christian faith. He led by example and was relatable to many.

He died on the March 23 2023 in Adelaide aged 84 years. His funeral service was a requiem mass. While he may have thought he needed a service to pray for his soul and ask God for mercy and forgiveness, the writer begs to differ.

Andrew Drever (W&A 1980)