The Principal, Term 4 Week 3 2026
Celebrating the Class of 2026: A Farewell to Remember
There are few moments in the life of a school more significant or more poignant than farewelling its Year 12 students. This past week, our Valedictory Service, Valedictory Dinner and farewell celebrations provided an opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate the remarkable young women and men who make up the Class of 2026.
These occasions are about far more than marking the end of formal schooling. They are an opportunity to recognise the friendships formed, the challenges overcome, the achievements celebrated and, most importantly, the growth in character that has taken place along the way. For some of our students, their Pulteney journey began in the Early Learning Centre more than a decade ago. For all, Pulteney has been an important part of their story, helping shape the people they are today and the people they will become.
As a community, we farewell this cohort with enormous pride, gratitude and optimism for all that lies ahead.
A highlight of our Valedictory Dinner was the outstanding address delivered by Pulteney Old Scholar Dr Vinay Athreya (2012). Having completed all 12 years of his schooling at Pulteney, Vinay went on to undertake medical training across South Australia, New South Wales, the United Kingdom and Canada before graduating with Honours from the University of Adelaide Medical School in 2019.
Vinay now practises as a paediatrician in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and is actively involved in teaching medical students and junior doctors. His lifelong passion for children’s development and commitment to helping others made his address particularly meaningful. He spoke with warmth and authenticity, encouraging our students to pursue their aspirations with courage, curiosity and determination. I thank Vinay sincerely for sharing his experiences and demonstrating the enduring connection between Pulteney and its Old Scholars.
The strong relationships between students and staff were also evident throughout the celebrations, with more than 40 staff attending the Valedictory Dinner. This was a wonderful reflection of the genuine connections established over many years and the pride our staff feel in this cohort.
I am immensely proud of the Class of 2026. They have faced challenges with maturity and resilience, looked after one another and led with integrity and humility. Their enthusiasm at House events and Intercollegiate competitions, their gratitude towards teachers and their care for younger students have all contributed to the life of our School.
Their leadership of the recent World’s Greatest Shave campaign, which raised an extraordinary $51,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation, the largest amount ever raised by a school for this cause, deserves particular recognition. This remarkable achievement reflects their generosity, teamwork and willingness to put the needs of others first. It is a powerful example of what community looks like!
Throughout the year, I have spoken with our Year 12 students about legacy, stewardship and the importance of being people of good character. Being Navy Blue is not simply about wearing a Pulteney blazer; it is about demonstrating compassion, treating others with respect, leading with integrity and understanding that privilege brings responsibility.
As they embark on their next chapter, I have encouraged them to remember that our role, alongside that of their parents and families, has been to prepare them for the road, not to prepare the road for them. Life will inevitably present challenges, but these experiences can build resilience and reveal opportunities for growth.
I have also shared a favourite piece of advice: “If you are going to miss the bus, miss it running!” In other words, have the courage to give things a go. Pursue opportunities, embrace challenges and never allow the fear of failure to prevent you from trying. Above all, remain curious, value your relationships and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
To our Year 12 parents and families, thank you for the trust you have placed in Pulteney and for your continued partnership and support. It has been a privilege to share in your children’s educational journey.
When asked to describe their cohort, our Year 12s settled on four words: community, respect, growth and kindness. I believe these capture their contribution to Pulteney beautifully.
As I reflect on the Class of 2026, I am reminded that a school’s success is measured not only by academic results and individual achievements, but also by the character of its students and the contribution they make to the lives of others. This cohort leaves Pulteney with much to be proud of, and I am confident they will continue to embody the values of community, respect, growth and kindness wherever their journeys take them.
To our Year 12 students, thank you for the legacy you leave behind, for the way you have supported one another and for the encouragement and kindness you have shown to me and my family. It has been a privilege to share in your journey. While we are excited to see you embrace the opportunities ahead, we will undoubtedly miss your presence, your energy and the contribution you have made to daily life at Pulteney.
As you step beyond our school gates, remember where you came from, have the courage to pursue what matters to you, and never underestimate the difference you can make through the way you live and treat others. Your time as Pulteney students may have come to an end, but your connection to this community does not.
“Once a Navy Blue, always a Navy Blue.”
Greg Atterton
Principal