Principal's Reflection - 2025

To our wonderful alumni community,

As I reflect on my first year as Principal of Peninsula Grammar, I find myself filled with gratitude for the warmth of this community, the generosity of spirit among our parents, and the unwavering commitment to our students that defines Peninsula.

From the moment I arrived, I was embraced by a community that is proudly unique - where urban meets rural, where tradition meets innovation, and where connection sits at the heart of everything we do. Peninsula Grammar is not just a school; it is a family - and I have felt incredibly welcomed by staff, students, parents and alumni alike.

One of the real highlights for me this year has been getting to know our students - especially our Year 12s. Early on, I made a commitment to meet with every single Year 12 student for a “listening lunch.” I wanted them to feel seen, heard, and valued as they navigated the change of leadership. Those conversations were so enjoyable and valuable. They reminded me that our students are good people - respectful, confident, curious, full of spirit and proud of their school. They have a strong sense of fun but an equally strong moral compass and I’d like to think that was because of their school’s and their parent’s reinforcement of values.

It has also been wonderful to connect with the many facets of our Peninsula community — from the OPGA and PSPA meetings, to the alumni events, the Old Peninsula football and cricket clubs, and the past student and staff reunions. Through these gatherings, I have come to see the depth of loyalty and affection that our community holds for this school.

A Year of Milestones and Memories

This has been a year rich with highlights - from the Year 12 Wellbeing Retreat and Formal, to Founders’ Assembly and my own Commissioning as Principal. From our PSPA Welcome and Parent Cocktail Evening, OPGA’s Past Staff Reunion and ‘Welcome Leandra’ event, the opening of the SJ Brennan Athletics Track, to our Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations, to our major productions Tuck Everlasting and Finding Nemo Jr., the Jazz Concert, Anzac Day Ceremonies, Brownlow Breakfast, Grand Music Showcase, Cadet Dine-In celebrating 60 years, the Valedictory Service and the Year 12 ‘Welcome to OPGA’ lunch - it has been a year that truly reflects Peninsula’s breadth and vibrancy.

And through it all, OPGA and the PSPA have been constants -present at every milestone, supporting families, welcoming new parents, making sure past students and staff feel welcome, and creating those moments of connection that make Peninsula feel like home.

Celebrating the OPGA

Our Old Peninsula Grammarians' Association continues to play an essential role in the life of our school. Whether through the organisation of events, or the quiet acts of kindness that help alumni feel supported, the OPGA makes a profound difference.

I especially want to thank our OPGA Executive Committee Members–

‍President – David Clarke

Vice President– Darren McLeod

Treasurer – Ian Cockle

Laura Vatousios- Secretary

And also acknowledge our General Committee members -

Jake Langdon

Will Crowder

Tim Waley

Angela Scundi

Matthew Murdoch

Daniel Reaper

The sense of belonging that exists within our alumni community is not accidental - it is built by people who give their time, care, and energy to others.

This year’s OPGA highlights include –

·       Welcoming over 370 alumni back to school or to OPGA events in the 2025 calendar year (to date!)

·       Past Staff Reunion and ‘Welcome Leandra’ event – Over 120 guests

·       Peninsula Milestone Reunion, a multi-generational event with over 60 guests

·       Two new events for 2025, including the LinkedIn session with Alumni Karl Lombardozzi ’04 and a Wellbeing session with speaker Dr Jodi Richardson (also past staff and Hall of Fame inductee)

·       60^thAnniversary of Peninsula Cadets – collecting over 80 alumni reflections and hosting a table of 13 at the Cadet Dine In. Also hosting alumni at the Cadet Parade.

·       Recent launch of Job Board and Alumni Business

·       PGS Community involvement: Golf Classic (sponsored and entered an alumni team), and Brownlow Breakfast (table of 10)

·       Storytelling campaign: Four ‘Spotlight on Alumni’ videos created in 2025 including themes: ‘Honouring Foundation Day’ and ‘Girls at Peninsula - A New Chapter’, plus the stories of some of our esteemed alumni members. Also shared written stories and social media highlights of many of our alumni members with significant engagement

A Year of Progress and Purpose

This has also been a year of strong strategic progress. The launch of our new plan, Moving Forward as One, represents our shared commitment to continuous improvement. The plan was shaped by extensive consultation, surveys, forums and honest conversations with staff, students, parents and alumni.

We first shared it with staff, then students at assemblies, and later with parents at the Principal’s Strategic Evening. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with families appreciating the openness, transparency and sense of shared purpose. I am confident that, together, we are building a school that not only honours its past but embraces the future with energy and optimism.

Looking Ahead‍

As my first year draws to a close, I am deeply thankful for the encouragement of our parents, the professionalism of our staff, the energy of our students, and the generosity of our alumni. Together, we have achieved much, but more importantly, we have strengthened the sense of unity and shared direction that will guide us into 2026.

Our theme Moving Forward as One reflects how this community works - collaboratively, respectfully, and with genuine care for one another.

I want to thank OPGA for your partnership. Your work helps ensure that Peninsula Grammar remains a place where members of our community continue to feel valued and proud to belong.

Together, we are ‘moving forward as one’ and the future, I believe, looks very bright indeed.

Leandra Turner