St Peters Lutheran College visit

Head of College, Mr Tim Kotzur; distinguished guests; teachers, students and supporters of the St Peters Lutheran College family.

I too acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands, and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders.

It is my great pleasure to be able to join you today, in the final term of an academic year like no other.

When school began in January, you may have thought that you had a pretty good idea of how the year would unfold.

However, by March all those plans were fairly comprehensively overturned.

COVID-19 has changed the world in ways which we do not as yet even fully realise.

But while it seems like we are in uncharted waters, it is worth remembering that global upheavals are by no means uncommon.

1939 saw the outbreak of World War II, which posed an immense challenge to the citizens of the time. 

World War II came to an end in 1945. That year is significant to you, because in that same year the Lutheran Church founded St Peters Lutheran College, which has become renowned for academic, cultural and sporting excellence.

I want you to remember that, as you continue to deal with the restrictions brought about by COVID-19.

As World War II came to an end, so too will this pandemic. Although the world will not be exactly the same as it was, great and wonderful things will still happen.

And you will be a part of making those things happen.

To the 33 students who are being installed as Prefects for 2021, I offer you my most hearty congratulations, and I am delighted to shortly present you with your Prefect badges. 

To be selected as a Prefect is an honour and a privilege. It is also a heavy responsibility.

The eyes of your peers will be on you, and to them you will epitomise the values of St Peters.

I know that you understand the importance of the role, and your selection evidences the confidence that the staff and student body have in your ability to excel in the role.

I thank current Prefects for the energy and commitment they brought to their role during this particularly challenging year.

I would also like to wish the entire Year 12 cohort the best of luck for your external exams, which are rapidly approaching, and to wish you every success in your post-school endeavours.

To all the students of St Peters, as your College celebrates its significant 75^th anniversary, I wish you the very best for the rest of the academic year and beyond, and encourage you to live by your motto Plus Ultra – ever higher. Thank you.