The Principal, Term 4 Week 4 2026
The Rhythm of Pulteney: A School in Motion
Recently, while speaking with a parent, I was asked whether things were beginning to wind down for the year. My response was that, at Pulteney, quite the opposite is true!
While the end of the academic year is approaching, our campus remains wonderfully vibrant, with students immersed in meaningful learning experiences, a calendar of celebratory occasions and preparations for 2027 very much in full swing.
One of the things that makes Pulteney distinctive is its pace, energy and breadth of opportunity. More importantly, it is the experiences we share that create lasting connections, strengthen relationships and shape the identity of our School.
The past week has provided some wonderful examples.
On Friday, our Pulteney Old Scholars Football Club celebrated its 90th Anniversary. Ninety years represents generations of players, countless hours of voluntary service, friendships forged, challenges overcome and memories woven into Pulteney’s history.
The Club and Pulteney Grammar School share more than a name; we share a history, an identity and an opportunity to shape what comes next. As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to recognise the contribution women are making to the game, both across the AFL and within POSFC. The women’s teams have helped sustain the Club, broaden its appeal and enrich its culture. The strongest traditions are not those that resist change, but those that grow stronger by welcoming it. After 90 years, the Club’s greatest achievement is the people it has brought together and the sense of belonging it continues to create.
On Sunday, our youngest learners, from the ELC to Year 2, enjoyed a Christmas picnic in Marshmallow Park, attended by more than 200 parents and children. Face painting, balloon sculptures and a very special visit from Santa, complete with toys and ice blocks, made for a wonderful morning of festive celebration.
Later that afternoon, we welcomed back our 2025 graduates to Allan Wheaton House and Sam Leaker Courtyard to celebrate their first anniversary as Old Scholars. It was lovely to see them reconnect, share stories and reflect on their first year beyond the school gates. Their Pulteney journey continues.
Meanwhile, in Darwin, our Tournament of Minds teams were representing the School at the International Final. We are delighted that our Secondary team received Honours, placing in the top three teams in the STEM discipline across Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Competing against more than 650 students, this is an outstanding achievement and a wonderful recognition of the creative solution they confidently presented.
Our Primary Social Sciences students also represented Pulteney internationally for the first time, demonstrating exceptional teamwork, resilience and enthusiasm. They embraced the challenges of travelling and competing at such a high level, exceeding our expectations throughout the experience.
I extend my sincere thanks to Sarah Roff and Katelyn Baker for preparing the teams and coordinating the trip, and to Elise Kinnear and Robin Wang for their support and care throughout the experience. Their commitment has helped make this opportunity possible.
These experiences capture the many dimensions of Pulteney, the traditions that connect generations, the celebrations that bring families together and the learning opportunities that challenge our students to achieve beyond their expectations.
So, in answer to that parent’s question, no, things are certainly not winding down! There is still much to celebrate, much to learn and much to look forward to as we bring 2026 to a close and turn our attention towards 2027.
It is this energy, diversity of experience and enduring sense of belonging that makes Pulteney such a special place to be part of. We are, and always will be, stronger together.
Greg Atterton
Principal