A Celebration of Community
There are certain evenings in the School calendar that remind us why education is about so much more than academics. The Welcome to 2026 event is one of those special occasions, a cherished tradition that invites the School community, including staff, to celebrate the start of each new year. Spoilt with great weather and excellent food, it was the perfect atmosphere for connection and celebration.
Schools are special places, but it is the people within them who truly make them extraordinary. This event offered our new families a genuine glimpse into our community, while returning families had the chance to reconnect and look forward to the opportunities the year ahead holds.
This spirit of partnership extends far beyond a single evening. Our vibrant community groups such as Friends of Rowing, Friends of Arts and Friends of Sport exemplify how our parent community actively enriches their daughters’ experiences. These parent-led groups work tirelessly throughout the year, ensuring our students have access to enhanced opportunities whether they are on the water, performing, or playing sport.
Equally vital are our Year Level Parent Representatives, who serve as essential links between families and the School. Their dedication fosters connection within each year group, helping to build the strong networks that support each other, and their girls throughout their time at Saints Girls. A big welcome to those stepping into this role this year; your contribution is greatly appreciated and will make a real difference to your year level community. It was wonderful to see so many new faces at the first meeting on Monday night.
The power of this community partnership will be on full display at several key events this year. One of the biggest in the rowing calendar, Head of the River, takes place on Saturday 14 March 2026. This year holds special significance as St Peter’s Girls’ School is co-hosting the event alongside three other schools. It is a great opportunity to showcase our community’s strength and hospitality.
We are seeking additional volunteers to help make this day a success, no rowing experience required! Our wonderful Friends of Rowing parent community will be providing plenty of sustenance to keep everyone energised throughout the day. A huge thank you to Marnie Catchpole from Friends of Rowing. Her support in developing our volunteer framework for the event over the holidays is greatly appreciated, and Sophie Ricciuto (Kennion 2024) from our Old Scholar community, has been instrumental in recruiting Old Scholars to volunteer on the day. Even with this support we need more volunteers. If you can spare some time on March 14, please contact me for more information at bmears@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
Looking further ahead, we invite you to save the date for our Whole School Event on Saturday 29 August 2026. This event promises to be another wonderful opportunity for our community to come together. A big thank you to the organising committee working across all sub-schools: Lee, Jerome, Dan, Leah, Rachel, and Jacqui. Their willingness and support exemplify the very best of our community. More details will follow in the coming months, but please save the date.
Whether it is volunteering at Head of River, joining the Whole School Event, or simply being present at School events, every contribution helps strengthen the community.
While we enjoyed the Chapel path for the Welecome Event again this year, in 2027 this event will return to its traditional home on Chiverton Lawns. There is something particularly special about gathering in that familiar space, and with the addition of The Emily Centre linking the lawns to Chiverton House, it will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Welcome to the 132nd year of St Peter’s Girls’ School, and to all the moments that will make it memorable.
Belinda Mears
Director of Marketing, Communications and Advancement
