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News > Top Stories > From the Chairman | June 2026

From the Chairman | June 2026

Old Scholars Fleurieu Lunch 2026
Old Scholars Fleurieu Lunch 2026

As we reach the midpoint of the year, I find myself reflecting on the important role our Association plays in fostering lifelong connections between old scholars and St Peter’s College.

In the fast-paced world in which we live, it is easy to become focused on the demands of the present and lose sight of our origins. Yet our school years are among the most formative of our lives, shaped not only by the experiences we shared, but also by the friendships, mentors and community that helped define who we are today.

These enduring connections are at the heart of our Association and remain as important now as ever.

It is events like the Fleurieu Lunch, which I recently attended, that highlight the strength of lifelong friendships and the value of bringing old scholars together to reconnect.

I thank the School and Headmaster Tim Browning for hosting the recent old scholar chapter events in Shanghai, Singapore, London and New York, further strengthening our global connections amongst old scholars. This series also included interstate events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and regional events in the Southeast and Mid North.


Photo: 2026 Singapore Chapter Dinner


Photo: 2026 Sydney Chapter Gathering 

One event that perfectly captures the spirit of our Association is the St Peter’s Old Collegians Annual Dinner, a cherished tradition that has brought old scholars together since 1864. I warmly invite you to join us in Adelaide on Friday, 31 July for this year's celebration.

There is something special about gathering with those who shared your school years. Whether it has been months or decades since you last caught up, the Annual Dinner provides a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with classmates, reminisce about old times, share a few laughs and strengthen the friendships that continue long after leaving Saints.

This year, we are delighted to welcome former School Captain, current School Governor and leading tech executive David Rohrsheim (YNG 1999) as our guest speaker. David will reflect on his journey since leaving Saints, his time in Silicon Valley and bringing Uber home to Australia, and the evolving role technology will play in shaping the future of business and society.

I encourage you to gather a group of classmates and make an evening of it. Better still, bring along your father, brother, son or another member of your Saints family and share in a tradition that spans generations of old scholars.

Tickets are on sale now here. Tables of up to 10 are available to book, and we of course invite individual bookings. 

On a final note, as a community it is important to support and celebrate the achievements of our fellow old scholars. Please join me in congratulating the following old scholars on their recent achievements:

  • Oliver Francou (DAC 2024) on being selected by the West Coast Eagles with pick 3 in the recent AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
  • Bryce Hammond (MAC 2024) on his selection in the 2026 Australian Burras U21 Squad.
  • Fox Obst (SHT 2018) on making his Australian debut at the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin.
  • Aidan Murphy (FRR 2020) on running 19.88s in the historic 200m final the 2026 Australian Athletics Championships.
  • Johnny Turner (WDK 2024) on being awarded the prestigious James Morrison Jazz Scholarship for Alto Saxophone.
  • Luis Vollmer (MAC 2022) on being awarded the inaugural Helpmann Academy Award for Outstanding Pianist.

We are also proud to celebrate three old scholars and a former School Governor who have been recognised in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.

  • Mr Luke A Thomson (HWK 1983) AM – for significant service to primary and secondary education, and to independent schools.
  • Dr Christopher J Verco OAM RFD (DAC 1965) – for service to medicine as an obstetrician.
  • Prof Emeritus Michael D Young AO (W&A 1969) – for distinguished service to tertiary education and educational leadership.
  • Mr James W McDowell AO – for distinguished service to public administration, the defence capability industry, science and technology and education governance.

Whether through friendship, professional achievement, service to the community or shared experiences, it is the strength of our old scholar network that continues to enrich the lives of so many, and I look forward to connecting with many of you throughout the year ahead.

Warm regards


Oliver Sheahan (HWK 2007)
Chairman

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E: spoc@stpeters.sa.edu.au

St Peters, Adelaide,
South Australia 5069, Australia

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