On this National Day of Reflection, our School Trust Board wanted to take a moment to once again acknowledge the lasting impact that historical abuse of former students by former staff has had on the lives of those alumni survivors.

The current Board continues to offer our heartfelt apology to those alumni who endured abuses while learning and boarding at St. Peter’s all those years ago.

This time last year, the Government issued a formal apology to survivors of institutional abuse across New Zealand. This apology was a significant milestone, recognising the harm endured by so many and acknowledging the failings of institutions - including schools such as ours.  The Government also reinforced in its apology last year the importance of listening to and learning from the voices of survivors.

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The St. Peter's School Trust Board were deeply moved by this historical moment and continue to stand in solidarity with all those who were affected by historical abuses.

We continue to remain committed to charting a course of accountability, support, and genuine care for all alumni survivors.  The re-opening of the financial component of our redress programme in September is just one way we are demonstrating this ongoing commitment.  And our Listening Service remains open for those who want to access counselling and support.

To those alumni survivors who have shared their abuse experiences with us over these past few years, we thank you for speaking to us with such honesty.  It is through your sharing and our listening that we learn.  And with this knowledge, we give you our commitment that our school will always prioritise the creation of safer environments that protect the wellbeing of our current students as well as future generations who will learn and board at St. Peter’s. 

With respect,

John Macaskill-Smith

Chairperson of the Board

St. Peter’s, Cambridge

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