Principal 

This is not the back-to-school message that I had hoped to begin 2026 with. Further to the information that was shared with Senior School parents on Tuesday, we start the year in the shadow of the tremendous and inexplicable loss of Alex Hill, one of our brightest and most-loved students, who died on Tuesday morning. The thoughts and condolences of all at College are with Alex’s family. 

Supports for students have been in place across this week, including counselling provision, religious support, and reflective spaces. The greatest strength and support for students has been that which they continue to provide to one another. We continue to monitor students affected by Alex’s death, but if you feel that your child or one of their friends would benefit from speaking to someone, please contact either their Head of House or Kristen Waldron at the College, and we can facilitate this. 

While the visible signs may fade in the coming week as students return to the normal schedule of classes, the support will remain. We will also communicate further information to parents and students when it is known, which may include the details of a funeral. 

Despite the events of this week, we will proceed with the annual College Parents’ Welcome Drinks tonight, Friday 6 February, at 6:00 pm on the Tower Lawns. At their heart, schools are communities of people trying to give our youngest members the best possible start to their lives. While the tenor of the night will feel different this year, it remains an important event to allow new parents to meet others in the College community; you are all very welcome, and I hope to see you there. 

Thank you for your support of our students, and of the College, as we begin to process the passing and mark the life of our classmate, student, and friend.