The Principal, Term 3 Week 10 2026

The Power of Community | World’s Greatest Shave

There are moments in the life of a school that remind us of the extraordinary things that can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose. Our recent World’s Greatest Shave is one such moment.

I am incredibly proud of our Student Leaders, who led an outstanding fundraising campaign that has raised a staggering $50,609 for the Leukaemia Foundation, the largest amount ever raised by a South Australian school for this important cause.

While the amount raised is remarkable, what makes this achievement so meaningful is what it represents. Every dollar raised will contribute to supporting people and families facing the devastating reality of a blood cancer diagnosis, providing practical support at a time when it is needed most, while also helping to fund research in the pursuit of a cure.

This is a powerful example of what it means to put the needs of others before ourselves.

I often speak with our students and staff about the importance of good character. I challenge our students to act with compassion and empathy, to lead with integrity, and to understand that with privilege comes responsibility. Most importantly, I remind them that they are capable of making an extraordinary difference in the lives of others, both now and long after they have passed through Pulteney’s gates.

Our Student Leaders have demonstrated all of these qualities through this campaign. They have shown initiative, courage, generosity and, importantly, a genuine concern for others. I hope they take great motivation and a strong sense of accomplishment from what they have achieved, knowing that their efforts will make a tangible difference to people they may never meet. What a remarkable legacy to leave our next Forum of Prefects.

There was also a personal commitment attached to their fundraising efforts!

When I was asked, “Mr Atterton, how much do we have to raise for you to shave your head?”, I replied, “How about $45,000?” I thought this might be a stretch target, one that, if they achieved it, would be an extraordinary result and well worth the sacrifice.

Well, a deal is a deal!

This Friday, I will be participating in the World’s Greatest Shave, proudly throwing my support behind our Student Leaders, our Pulteney community and, most importantly, the Leukaemia Foundation as it continues to support people and families affected by blood cancer and pursue life-changing research.

Right now, more than 170,000 Australians are facing the impact of blood cancer, with 17 people losing their lives each day. Behind every one of those numbers is a person, a family and a story.

What our students have achieved reminds us that community is about more than belonging. It is about looking beyond ourselves, recognising when others need our support and having the courage to do something about it.

My heartfelt thanks to every student, staff member, family and Old Scholar who supported this initiative, whether through donating, fundraising, encouraging our students or simply getting behind the cause. Your generosity has demonstrated the extraordinary strength of our Pulteney community.

I could not be prouder to lead a school that has such a heart for others.

And, as for Friday… I suspect our students will be enjoying the moment rather more than I will!

Greg Atterton
Principal