Foundation Day - 7th February, 1961.

On the 7th of February, 1961, the Headmaster at the time, Reverend Dudley Barrington Clarke, received a telegram on his desk from Mr Newton that read 'President and Council send you, your staff and pupils their sincere wishes for a successful foundation year. ‘Spectemur agendo' (let us be judged by our acts). For the previous four years and up until this day, Newton, the Chairman of the School Council led a team of dedicated and committed individuals who worked tirelessly in their shared pursuit of a top-quality educational institution for boys on the Mornington Peninsula. The school was built on the sacrifice, loyalty, generosity and time provided by the staff, community, families and supporters of 'The Peninsula Church of England School' as it was known then. We will be forever grateful to those early pioneers for establishing a vision for us, over 60 years ago. Fast forward to today and Peninsula Grammar has become an established and well-known co-educational institution that provides the highest quality education to students and an opportunity for all to realise their potential, whatever their strengths or interests.

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On the 13th of February, Peninsula Grammar celebrated Foundation Day with a house relay, special assembly and morning tea. OPGA welcomed three foundation students, Stephen Brennan, Rod McKillop and Alan Kemp to commence a relay of the house flags, starting on the Harry Macdonald Pavilion and passed to student representatives from each year, concluding at the Ansett Hall. It was moving to hear the history of the school being shared across the campus via a loud speaker and for our representatives to be honoured in such a meaningful way. We were also joined by early years alumni Robert 'Bob' Arthur '66, Graham Brent '67 and Richard Stockdale '65.

The assembly celebrated the incredible results of our recent Class of 2023 high achievers, and scholarships and awards were given to current students in the names of many past staff and students, honouring their legacy and impact on the school during their time at Peninsula. Richard Stockdale was Dux of the school for three years in a row and met the 2023 Dux, Daisy Klein which was a special moment for both alumni members. Richard also donated a school cap to our Archives and one of the books he received at school prize giving, signed by Dudley Clarke. We are most grateful for these contributions.

A morning tea followed in the Harry Macdonald Pavilion where we shared many memories and reflections with other alumni members, past/present board members and sponsors of the school. It was lovely to see Wendy Leaver, Heather Pennell and Richard Starkins in attendance.

Foundation Day 2024 was a wonderful day that honoured our history and celebrated our present whilst looking to the future of our incredible school.

Quod Bonum Tenete.

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