From the Principal
We Are SPS: A Call to Belong, Excel, and Take Pride in the Badge
Firstly, I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to everyone in our community who has been affected by ex- Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Events like these can have a profound and varied impact on each of us, and it’s important to remember that wellbeing support is available at SPS. We’re committed to supporting one another as a community, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance. Here at St Paul’s School, we are more than just a place of learning, we are a community, a family, and a source of inspiration for one another. This year, we continue to build on our initiative, “We Are SPS,” a movement designed to foster pride, strengthen belonging, and inspire excellence in every student. SPS is more than just an affectionate name; it represents a calling, a reminder that each of us plays a part in shaping our collective identity. One of the greatest ways students can embrace this sense of belonging and pride is through participation in the rich array of extracurricular activities available at our School. Whether it be music, sport, service learning, or club activities, these experiences shape character, build resilience, and create lasting memories. However, while we have a small group of students who are engaged across all these areas, our goal is not to ask them to do more but to encourage the greater student population to take part and experience the benefits of commitment, perseverance, and teamwork. When students take up the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities, they develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom. They learn discipline through rehearsing for a performance, resilience through training for a match, empathy through serving others, and camaraderie through working alongside their peers. These are the qualities that will prepare them for the future, not just as learners but as leaders and changemakers. As a school that competes in the TAS competition, we are required to field teams for each sporting area. In some sports, we are falling short or just managing to scrape through with adequate numbers. As we move forward into the year, I urge students who are not involved, or even those who cannot make training sessions during the week due to other commitments but can attend games, to get involved. Your participation is crucial in ensuring we continue to compete strongly and represent our school with pride. Our senior students embody this spirit when they proudly declare “Take Pride in the Badge” while chanting “We Are SPS.” These words carry meaning beyond tradition; they reflect the values of commitment, excellence, and the unbreakable bonds of our community. To take pride in the badge is to step forward, take opportunities, and represent our school with honour and determination. Throughout the year I hope you notice the immersion and branding of SPS across our campus. I encourage all families to support their children in embracing the full experience of St Paul’s School. Let’s champion their involvement, celebrate their growth, and instill in them the belief that they are part of something bigger than themselves. Because at St Paul’s School—We Are SPS!
John O’Sullivan Williams
Senior Leadership Reflections
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