Our Philosophy
St. Peter’s is charting a new course as it heads to its centenary year in 2036. We will always be a school with an abiding love of tradition and a fearless embrace of progress. Our new strategic direction is focused on the St. Peter’s Seven-Year Student Journey and is driven by the following guiding principles:
We are a Visionary School
We are a holistic school where opportunities flourish and abound – both in and out of the classroom. The notion of being holistic helped to establish St. Peter’s as a visionary school in 1936. We remain committed to being visionary in activating the mind, body and spirit of our young people through the environment and education we offer.
We are an Anglican School
Being an Anglican school means so much more than being values-based. We are inclusive, inviting people of other faiths, or none, to join our community and ensuring the stories of others are welcomed, heard, explored and respected. We teach our students to appreciate other perspectives, to think critically, and to hold conflicting views in tension.
We are a Boarding School
There is a beating heart here on campus twenty-four-seven; over four hundred people call St. Peter’s home. We place great value on pastoral care and on the wellbeing of every individual in our school community. Overall, we recognise the great rewards that reside in the boarding routine, and the lifelong friendships that are formed in a boarding setting.
We are a 7 to 13 School
St. Peter’s stands strongly as ‘one school’ from Year 7 to Year 13 – one student body, one team of staff, one community. Since 1936, St. Peter’s has believed in the capacity and potential of young people. We are committed to light a pathway for our students that is appropriately continuous and progressive across all year levels.
We are a Co-educational School
We are truly co-educational from Years 7 to 13. Girls joined St. Peter’s in 1987 and both boys and girls have flourished side by side ever since. Our coeducational environment develops a respect and reciprocity in our young people that is vital preparation for life and relationships beyond their school years.
We are a World School
We embrace students and staff from all nations and cultures. We deliver a world-renowned educational pathway in the form of the International Baccalaureate as well as NCEA. We recognise that more and more of our students will enter an international market to pursue their dreams, and, in preparation, we will support them to lift their sights and broaden their horizons.
Values
Respect
At St. Peter’s, respect is a cornerstone of our community, underpinning all interactions and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. We emphasise the importance of recognising and valuing the inherent worth and diverse perspectives of every individual.
Through our curriculum and daily practices, students learn to treat others with kindness, consideration, and empathy. This commitment to respect cultivates positive relationships, encourages open dialogue, and creates a safe space where everyone feels valued and heard.
Our dedication to respect prepares students to contribute thoughtfully and compassionately to the wider world.
Engagement
At St. Peter’s, engagement is at the heart of our educational philosophy, inspiring students to become active, enthusiastic participants in their learning journey. We create a dynamic and holistic learning environment where curiosity is encouraged, and students are motivated to explore their interests deeply.
By offering a diverse array of academic, co-curricular, and community-based activities, we ensure that every student finds their passion and develops a lifelong love of learning. Our commitment to fostering engagement helps students build critical thinking skills, creativity, and a sense of responsibility, preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Aspiration
At St. Peter’s, we believe that aspiration is the cornerstone of success and personal growth. We foster an environment where every student is encouraged to dream big, set ambitious goals, and strive for excellence in all endeavours.
Our dedicated educators provide the support and guidance needed to help students realise their potential and transform their aspirations into achievements. Through a rich curriculum, diverse co-curricular activities, and a strong community ethos, we inspire students to reach beyond their limits and embrace the journey of lifelong learning.
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Leadership
At St. Peter’s, we believe that leadership starts with leading oneself, fostering self-awareness, responsibility, and a commitment to personal excellence. We cultivate these qualities in our students, empowering them to guide and inspire others through collaboration, empathy, and effective communication.
Our service opportunities and leadership pathways equip students with the skills to spearhead initiatives, manage resources, and drive positive change within their communities and beyond. By nurturing these abilities, we prepare our students to become confident, capable leaders who can navigate challenges and make impactful contributions to society.
VISIONARY
SINCE 1936
