Acting Deputy Principal

More Than the Scoreboard: Building Young Men of Character

Welcome back to Term 4. I hope all our families have enjoyed a restful holiday break. As we begin the final term of the year, we look forward to the opportunities ahead to learn, grow and celebrate the achievements of our students.

The recent AFL and NRL Grand Finals offered a timely reminder of the qualities that underpin success: perseverance, teamwork, resilience and a willingness to keep working towards a shared goal. While these premierships are decided on the scoreboard, the lessons extend well beyond the final result. Success is also found in how we respond to setbacks, support our teammates and conduct ourselves when things do not go our way. These lessons are particularly relevant to the education of our SPC boys. We want our young men to strive for excellence in their learning while understanding that strength is also demonstrated through humility, empathy and respect. That message feels particularly fitting as we begin Term 4 with the installation of our new College scoreboard which is now complete. It is a wonderful addition to our sporting facilities and one that our boys and broader College community will enjoy for years to come. More importantly, it provides a fitting reminder that while we naturally celebrate results and achievements, the true measure of success extends well beyond the numbers displayed on a scoreboard.

The message of character also resonates with important findings from the NSW Government's Office for Youth, published late last term on 17 September. Its statewide consultation highlighted the pressures facing young people, including the impact of cost-of-living challenges, and their desire to feel safe, healthy, connected and optimistic about the future. It is an important reminder that educating our young men involves more than academic achievement. It is about developing resilient, empathetic and responsible young men who build positive relationships, navigate challenges and make a meaningful contribution to their communities - and we do that through the broad and rich offerings through co-curricular activities and alongside identity and service. The combination of this prepares them adequately for when they leave us and go onto contribute greatly to the wider community. If you’d like to explore more of the findings, you can read the NSW Government Office for Youth’s report, “Space to speak”, available through the NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People 2027-2030.

As educators and families, we share the responsibility of helping our boys recognise that success is measured not only by what they achieve, but also by who they become. I often reference the “small things”- the everyday moments that matter such as persevering when things are difficult, including someone who feels left out, acknowledging one own’s mistake or showing kindness when it is needed most. So, as we embark on Term 4, I encourage you to discuss with your sons to approach the weeks ahead with building young men of character - that is to ultimately engage with empathy and purpose, embrace challenges and take pride in their contributions made to our College community. 

Have a wonderful term ahead.

Alexandros Sinadinos

Acting Deputy Principal