Welcome back to the Autumn Term.

Sadly, we commenced this term on a very sad note with the news of the tragic passing of Year 10 student, Jack Avenell. Mere words can never capture the impact this has on everyone. Please continue to keep the Avenell family, Aidee, Chad and Lily, and others who are very close to the family in your thoughts and prayers. May Jack rest in eternal peace. 

Last Saturday we held what has now become a significant ANZAC Day service in our community. The combination of our Scottish heritage and our attention to reverence and detail, ensures that those in attendance will forever remember what they had witnessed. The sense of occasion with even more gravitas considering the role our OSCs played in the various military conflicts throughout history.  

I would sincerely like to thank all the staff and students who were involved in the planning and delivery of the service. It was an incredible service and one of which I was extremely proud as Headmaster and one I now look forward to each year.  

Autumn Term will deliver many academic challenges amongst others for all our boys. As we commence another term, it is important for our boys to settle back into their routines no matter whether they are in Pre-Kindy or Year 12. The same crucial elements apply for all our boys, these are; suitable rest, a proper diet and a balanced programme of physical activity.  

We know that if you get these three things right it will enhance the boys’ wellbeing and performance at school, not to mention a decrease in home-based grumpiness.  

From time to time, as parents, your sons may try and challenge the boundaries of independence. Remember that you are the parent and that you have every right to say no and question what your son is doing and set appropriate boundaries. The key is to keep engaged in conversations with your son whether over dinner, at sport or simply relaxing. Open communication and trust are essential. The partnership between the College and parents is crucial and between us we must try and deliver clear and consistent expectations for all boys.  

Last week, the PSA Winter Sport season commenced. It is the time when I remind everyone of my expectations of the boys and their coaches as to how I want 91¶ÌÊÓƵ to approach all sport, that is, to train hard, compete to the best of one’s ability and to show sportsmanship of the highest order. Remember that we will be judged just as much by how we play as where we finish in terms of the respective score.  

While this will be very busy, the reward for application and hard work will be our annual three-week break in July. When we first introduced this mid-year break, I made it very clear that it geared at giving boys and our staff a wellbeing break. Allowing our Year 12s to balance their heavy workload with a more significant break to recharge and prepare for the run home.  

I wish the players and their coaches the best of luck for the Winter fixtures.  

Have a great fortnight,  

Dr Alec O’Connell
Headmaster

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The word ‘Radiance’ and its synonyms refer to a quality of brightness, light, or warmth, and is also used to describe a glowing, happy, or healthy expression. It can refer to literal light (like the sun) or a figurative expression of joy or beauty. When I think of the word, I picture someone who projects joy and has a natural, engaging presence.

The Friday before last, as we marched down to the Playing Fields, the annual air of anticipation and excitement was evident as our 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Parents worked hard to set up the Year 12 Ball following this year’s theme of Radiance – this night is golden. It will come as no surprise that, yet again, our Ball was a huge success. Every year, the young ladies who attend tell me it is the ball everyone wants to attend.

With the theme ‘Radiance’, the Dickinson Centre was transformed into a completely new space filled with bright colours and radiant light. One could sit back and experience radiance in so many ways, but most importantly, on the faces of the boys and their partners. As they say in the classics, all who attended looked a million dollars; you could even say they radiated heat!

It is without doubt that an event like this would not be possible without volunteers. Every year, parents and students volunteer their time to plan and execute such a significant event, ensuring a memorable evening for the graduating class and their guests.

At 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, we have an incredible history of parent and community participation. All our parent groups aim to engage the community. A wonderful saying sums up 91¶ÌÊÓƵ to a tee:

“Volunteers are not paid – not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”

91¶ÌÊÓƵ is a huge community, and each year we experience so many reasons to celebrate. However, there are also times where families within the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ community face challenging times, such as personal, financial and health issues. For those needing support, do not hesitate to come and meet with me confidentially.  

The words of the Celtic prayer and blessing we use at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ may provide solace and resolve:

“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Have a great fortnight.

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On a very sombre note, before formally welcoming everyone back, Friday’s tragedy in Mosman Park will no doubt have affected many families in our local community. The loss of any young life is a reminder of how precious family and friends are, and of the importance of community, including being able to reach out during times of challenge.

We are always here for families in both the great and challenging times, so please know you can rely on our support. May the Clune family rest in eternal peace.

Welcome back to a new year at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ. It has been a pleasure to welcome 218 new students (including 22 boarders) from 155 new families into our community, meaning that we commence 2026 with 1,610 boys.

While they have already started, we had 11 new Year 10s and 11s commence last October at the beginning of our academic year. A further 16 students are confirmed to start a little later in the school year.

To our new PP–12 boys and to our PK–K Early Learning Centre families, thank you for placing your trust in us. We look forward to supporting your children as they learn, grow, and build upon and discover their untapped potential.

I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all families for their response to our e-rideable decision. While I appreciate it may have caused some frustration and challenges for some students, the decision was made with the safety and welfare of our boys at the centre.

Unmistakable energy.

From the moment students returned last week, the energy across the College was unmistakable. As I often say, without our students and staff, 91¶ÌÊÓƵ is simply a collection of buildings and grounds; it is our people — those who learn, teach, work, volunteer and support us — who bring life to this community.

Speaking of community, over the last two weeks we hosted the Western Force’s two pre-season games against the Queensland Reds and the ACT Brumbies. Both Friday night games created an amazing feeling for our community and for those from outside who came to watch the games at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.

Congratulations to our grounds staff, as I received incredible feedback about the quality of the pitch.

Our year began with tremendous momentum, after a weekend of warm welcomes from our dedicated Boarding staff and the annual 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Parents Welcome Back BBQ, which once again set a positive tone for the term ahead.

Thank you to the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Parents Committee and their volunteers for creating such a vibrant and enjoyable event. It exemplifies the spirit of connection that makes our community exceptional.

Belonging, more than a feeling.

While many ingredients contribute to a great school, most schools share similar foundations. At 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, we aspire to offer something deeper — a genuine and lasting sense of belonging to a community.

Belonging is more than feeling included; it is being known, valued and welcomed. It arises through everyday interactions with teachers, administrative and support staff, fellow parents, Old 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Collegians and the many people who shape our College culture.

Belonging is one of humanity’s most basic needs, and we want every family to feel it here.

As we step into 2026, I hope each of you, new and returning, feels connected, supported and excited about the journey ahead. Do not hesitate to come up and say hello whenever you may see me out and about.

Welcome back, and have a wonderful fortnight.

Dr Alec J O’Connell
Headmaster

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