25 Years Young:
The Story of Peter Moyes
Anglican Community School
The Revd Peter Laurence OAM, CEO, AngliSchools
Last month it was a joy to celebrate a significant milestone for Peter Moyes Anglican Community School – its 25th Anniversary.
When the School opened in February 2000, it had just 246 students and one primary school building. At the time, Mindarie was still finding its feet as a sleepy suburb in Perth’s northern beaches. The School was named in honour of Mr Peter Morton Moyes AM OBE, a pioneering educator, Headmaster of Christ Church Grammar School from 1951 to 1981, and a founding figure behind what is now known as AngliSchools.
He believed that every child, regardless of background, should have access to a high-quality Anglican education close to home.
Today, with an enrolment of 1,500 students, the School is a thriving member of its local community. Led by principal Mr Ben Lomas and his dedicated executive team, teachers and support staff, and sitting between St Mark’s and St James’ (both northern coastal AngliSchools), it’s not surprising to see ‘Peter Moyes’ recognised as one of the great places of education in the northern beaches.
Symbols and Stories
The school crest tells its own story. The green waves point to Mindarie’s aboriginal meaning: ‘place of green water’, and the nearby ocean. The grass tree stems speak to Peter Moyes’ namesake, Moses, and the idea of renewal. The open book and the Greek letters Alpha and Omega are a reminder that learning is a lifelong journey, grounded in the holy scriptures.
The School’s five-house system, named after Vincent Lingiari, Fred Hollows, Mary Durack, Betty Cuthbert and Howard Florey, helps support a strong sense of belonging. On any given day, you might find students preparing for a carnival, discussing big ideas in class or gathering for worship in the School’s magnificent chapel. These everyday moments shape who they are becoming.
Two 25th Anniversary Events
Last month, the School held two very special events to mark the anniversary.
On Friday 15 August, the school community came together in worship to celebrate the 25th Anniversary and patronal festival known as ‘Peter Moyes Day’. A time to give thanks to God, and to those who’ve gone before; for all the blessings of the past 25 years. The prayers and deeds of many have underpinned what the School is today – from sandstone buildings, to extensive programs and dedicated people. . . together creating the ‘Peter Moyes’ community.
The next evening (Saturday 16 August), hundreds of people who have been connected with Peter Moyes Anglican Community School - past and present - celebrated through a Gala Dinner held at The Westin in the Perth CBD. It was an evening of nostalgia, reliving stories of the past and saluting the vibrant life of the School today. Former and current Principals joined Chairs of Council, parents and students from the year 2000 to today.
A fitting tribute to 25 years of outstanding Anglican education in Mindarie.
Excellence with Compassion
While each AngliSchool across Western Australia reflects its own Anglican identity and local community, a common thread runs through them: the vision of Peter Moyes and his belief in accessible, values-led, Anglican education. That vision, once an idea on paper, was brought to life in the establishment of AngliSchools and our first school in Hillarys. Today it lives in the rhythms of school life at ‘Peter Moyes’, where they strive to live the School’s motto: ‘Personal excellence with compassion for others.’
Twenty-five wonderful years of schooling excellence in Mindarie is certainly something to celebrate. Happy 25th Anniversary
Peter Moyes Anglican Community School!