Principal, Term 2 Week 7 2026
Founders’ Day: Honouring Our Past, Shaping Our Future
Founders’ Day is one of the most significant occasions in the life of Pulteney Grammar School. It is a time for our community to pause and reflect on the vision, courage and commitment of those who established the School in 1847, and to celebrate the enduring values that continue to shape Pulteney today.
While our rich history is an important part of who we are, Founders’ Day is about much more than looking back. It is a celebration of connection, belonging and stewardship, recognising that every student, staff member, parent and Old Scholar contributes to the ongoing story of our School.
This year’s Founders’ Day Assembly was particularly special with the introduction of the inaugural Navy Blue Oration, a new tradition established to celebrate leadership, service and the lifelong impact of a Pulteney education through the stories and experiences of distinguished Old Scholars.
The theme of connection and belonging was woven throughout the Assembly. Our network of more than 11,000 Old Scholars across 42 countries serves as a powerful reminder that the bonds formed at Pulteney extend far beyond the school gates. Through mentoring, scholarships, reunions, careers programs and countless acts of generosity, Old Scholars continue to enrich the experience of current students and strengthen the vibrant community for which Pulteney is known.
The Assembly also recognised the remarkable contribution of Old Scholar Peter Richardson (1956), whose lifelong connection to Pulteney exemplifies what it means to be a ‘Navy Blue’. A former School Captain, House Captain and sporting leader, Peter has remained actively involved with the School for decades. Through his generosity and vision, he played a significant role in transforming the former cow paddocks on South Terrace into the Morgan, Atkinson and Vaughton Ovals that continue to benefit generations of students today.
It was fitting that the inaugural Navy Blue Oration was delivered by Lucy Sara (2016), whose journey since graduating from Pulteney reflects the values of leadership, service and excellence that lie at the heart of our School.
As a student, Lucy was recognised as highly conscientious and thoughtful, an accomplished sportsperson, a strong academic performer and a natural leader, evidenced in her being awarded the role of School Captain. Her outstanding contribution to School life culminated in her receiving the Principal’s Prize for Leadership and Influence, with staff describing her as an exceptional young woman who demonstrated genuine care for others and possessed a very bright future.
That prediction has proven remarkably accurate.
Following her graduation, Lucy embarked on a distinguished career with the Royal Australian Navy. She completed officer and leadership training through the Royal Australian Naval College and the Australian Defence Force Academy while undertaking business qualifications and serving as a Logistics Officer. Recently returning to Adelaide, Lucy now supports HMAS Hobart as Deputy Maritime Logistics Officer during its Destroyer Capability Enhancement Program.
Lucy’s story is one of service, courage and commitment to something greater than oneself. Her achievements stand as an inspiring example to our current students of what can be accomplished when talent is combined with character, perseverance and a willingness to lead.
As we gathered to celebrate Founders’ Day, the introduction of the Navy Blue Oration reinforced an important message: the legacy of Pulteney is not defined solely by those who came before us, but by the contributions we each make today and into the future.
Founders’ Day reminds us that we are all custodians of this remarkable School. The responsibility to carry Pulteney forward rests not with one individual, but with every member of our community. Through our actions, our service to others and our commitment to the values that unite us, we honour the legacy of our founders while helping to shape the next chapter of Pulteney’s story.
Greg Atterton
Principal