‘My Return to Peninsula Grammar School’ - Tess Chapman (Class of 2003)

In 1998, I first stepped into The Peninsula School as afresh-faced Year 7 student. The school had only introduced girls four years earlier, marking an exciting chapter in its history.

During my time at school, I embraced every opportunity that came my way, from participating in school productions like Chicago, Sweeney Todd, and Dave’s Party, to early morning swim sessions with Ken McGavin, playing Saturday netball, attending snow trips, and joining camps at Glenmaggie.

These experiences left me with wonderful memories, lasting friendships, and invaluable opportunities.

As I entered my final year, I was unsure about what lay ahead. I hadn’t given much thought to life beyond the school gates. Academics weren’t my strong suit, and I felt disheartened by my final results. My dream was to become a teacher, but I knew my scores wouldn’t get me there.

During the summer of 2003/04, I felt lost and confused about my future. Believing that further study might be the key to eventually pursuing teaching, I enrolled at Ballarat University in 2004 to study Arts/Business. I moved three hours away from home to live on campus, surrounded by strangers. Despite my efforts to fit into university life, I felt unhappy, directionless, and depressed.

For the next 18 months, I worked long hours in hospitality. I excelled at it, and for the first time, I felt confident in my abilities. Still yearning to teach, I took on an AFL traineeship at Derinya Primary School, immersing myself in the Year 6 program. But when I applied as a mature-age student for a teaching degree, I was rejected due to my previous academic record at Ballarat. At that point, I gave up hope of attending university or becoming a teacher.

I decided to focus on hospitality, a field I loved for its constant challenges and dynamic nature. I joined Peter Rowland Catering as an Events Manager, where I planned weddings, managed corporate suites at major events like the Grand Prix and Spring Racing Carnival, and worked as a site manager on the commercial side. I cherished this period of my life—meeting incredible people, creating lasting memories, and learning more about myself through hard work.

Yet, I still longed for a fulfilling career. That’s when I discovered media. I started in sales at ARN (Australian Radio Network) and instantly felt at home, much like I did at Peninsula. Media offered everything I loved about hospitality, but on a larger scale. The industry was vast, constantly evolving, and filled with endless possibilities. Over the years, I gained experience in sales, content creation, marketing, communication, and media strategy. Media challenged me, shaped me, created lifelong friendships, gave me the opportunity to travel, attend extraordinary events, and work on campaigns I deeply cared about. It truly gave me some of the best years of my life.

Media also led me to my partner, James. With two kids in tow, we eventually made our way back to the Mornington Peninsula, 18 years after I first left.

Returning to Peninsula Grammar felt like coming home. The familiar walls, which hold my deepest secrets, the swimming pool that continues to nurture young swimmers, and the productions that still echo through the Ansett Hall—all bring back fond memories while offering the promise of new ones.

I’m excited to be here, and I look forward to contributing to the bright future of this school.

Tess Chapman – Peninsula Grammar Publication and Events Coordinator

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