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A History of Generosity and Impact

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Celebrating 50 Years of the Prince Alfred College Foundation

In 1974, a group of visionary Old Collegians and Parents came together with a shared purpose to ‘preserve, develop and maintain the standards and facilities of the College’ into the future. The first of its kind among independent schools in South Australia, the Prince Alfred College Foundation ignited a journey of generosity and impact that has now spanned more than five decades.

Over the past 50 years, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in supporting the College and its community, shaping the educational landscape, enriching the lives of countless students, and fostering a spirit of excellence that extends far beyond the school gates.

Through scholarships, building development, support for academic programs and other endeavours, the Foundation has not only provided a solid financial footing for the College, but has also created opportunities for generations of boys. Today, the Foundation Scholarship Fund enables around 100 boys to attend Princes each year, bringing excellence and diversity to our community.

The impact of the Foundation extends far beyond financial contributions. By fostering a culture of philanthropy, compassion, and service, the Foundation has instilled values that go beyond the classroom, preparing students not just for academic success but also for a life of purpose and contribution.

The Foundation has fostered connections and collegiality across the wider College community. An enviable program of events, including banquet auctions, gala balls, business lunches, lotteries and other community events, has provided opportunities for supporters to come together, share in the camaraderie and make their mark on the future of our great College.

As we reflect on the Foundation's remarkable 50-year journey, it has indeed achieved its original intent of being, in the words of former Headmaster Geoffrey Bean in the 1974 Chronicle, "a vital supporting organisation for the College Council and [for successive Headmasters in their] endeavours to see that Princes can go from strength to strength".

In achieving this, we acknowledge the vision and generosity of our community, the steadfast leadership and dedication of successive Foundation Boards, and the vital collaboration that exists between the Foundation, the College Council, PAOCA Management Committee, community groups, and, of course, our dedicated College staff. For this, we are truly grateful.

The timeline below illustrates some of the key events in the Foundation’s history. This remarkable and inspiring legacy of generosity and impact will ensure that the Foundation endures for generations to come.

1974

The Prince Alfred College Foundation was established

The Constitution of the Prince Alfred College Foundation was adopted in September 1974 and the Foundation established. W. Geoffrey Gerard, Chairman of the Foundation Establishment Committee, observed at the time: “Independent schools depend to a very high degree on the support of their communities and if we believe in this system of education, we must support our College. This, the Foundation is pledged to do.”

1977

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Scotts Creek

The Foundation completed its first major project – the development of the Scotts Creek Field Centre, near Morgan on the Murray River, following the purchase of 150 acres of land in 1976.

1978

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New classroom teaching unit

The Foundation’s second major project – the building of a new double classroom teaching unit in the Preparatory School – was completed in time for the start of the school year. These classrooms very soon became even more vital than anticipated when a fire in the main Preparatory building dramatically reduced facilities.

1980

Sports Centre

The Sports Centre – a modern sporting complex, including squash courts and a well-appointed sports hall – was completed with support from the Foundation, together with generous gifts from Mrs H. Habich and Miss D.E. Habich.

1981

Boarding House Annexe

The Boarding House Annexe (Bayly Wing) was completed in time for the beginning of the school year.

1983

133 B Bg 73 Painting roof new Art Centre

Art Technology Centre

The old school gym was redeveloped to create an Art Technology Centre – a true home for art and design, as well as facilities to support metalwork, automotive theory and practice, and increased opportunity for woodwork.

1984

133 Bg 84 New Science Labs from Capper St

Foundation Development Appeal

The Foundation Development Appeal raised over $1 million towards two new science laboratories (the Ray Smith Laboratories), an upgrade of secondary school classrooms, the construction of two artificial grass courts in the Preparatory School, a new classroom and a school archives.

1987

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Back Oval redevelopment

The Back Oval was redeveloped, with the installation of synthetic grass courts and hockey pitch.

1989

Inaugural Foundation Banquet Auction

The inaugural Foundation Banquet Auction was held at the Hilton International Hotel, the first of many successful fundraising events.

1992

Waterhouse Wing Restoration Appeal

A fire ravaged the Colton wing of the Main Building, highlighting the urgency of its planned restoration. The Waterhouse Wing Restoration Appeal saw pledges to the value of nearly $1.5 million over five years. The first phase involved the refurbishment of the Old Assembly Room to create the Prince Philip Theatre.

1996

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Clipsal Innovation Centre

The Clipsal Innovation Centre, made possible with the generous support of the Gerard family and the PAC Foundation, was opened on 6 August 1996. It offered world-class technology/science educational facilities that were previously accessible at university level only. Cad Cam computer design systems were a feature of the centre, enabling advanced activities for students in the areas of robotics, electronics, pneumatics, science and environmental studies.

1997

Pledged Giving Program

A Pledged Giving program was introduced which focussed on the redesign and development of the Prep School. Other projects include renovating seating and kitchen facilities in the Assembly Hall, upgrading of classrooms and learning areas in the Centenary Wing, upgrading of facilities in the Main Building Central Tower, developing specialised learning and House areas in the Colton Wing and developing new dining and convention facilities.

2000

Main Building refurbishment

The PAC Foundation assisted with the refurbishment of the central tower of the Main Building, reopening the front foyer to its original grandeur with the staircase leading again to the top floor and the incorporation of lift access.

2003

Arrowcrest Science Centre

The Arrowcrest Science Centre was officially opened thanks to generous donations by the Gwinnett family and other members of the College community. The new laboratories incorporated the very latest technology, offering the leading edge in facilities to inspire future generations of Princes’ scientists.

2003

'Ningana'

The new Preparatory School Library, ‘Ningana’ (‘a place to sit and reflect’), was formally opened by Dr John Keeves, the first captain of the Preparatory School (1936).

2004

T.G. Waterhouse Society

The T.G. Waterhouse Society was established to recognise men and women who had included the College in their Wills.

2006

Colton Wing restoration

The restoration of the Colton Wing, which included the James Edgar Langley Music Centre, the Colton Room, a new archives and staff training areas, was completed after 15 years of effort.

2007

'Wambana'

‘Wambana’, a purpose-built outdoor education centre, was built at Point Turton on the Yorke Peninsula, and an Extended Stay Program introduced for Year 9 students, adding significant value to the education program.

2007

Frederic Chapple Library

The Frederic Chapple Library was opened in the Secondary School, replacing the library constructed in 1976.

2007

Norman Mitchell Building

The Norman Mitchell Building, comprising seven new classrooms and an additional computing facility/laboratory, was opened in the Preparatory School.

2008

Foundation Scholarship Fund

The Foundation Scholarship Fund was established. Today, around 100 boys per annum benefit from the incredible vision and generosity of our scholarship founders and supporters.

2008

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John Dunning Building

The John Dunning building, a new sports centre for the Preparatory School, was opened by Mrs Beverley Haig, daughter of John A. Dunning, the sixth Headmaster of the school.

2009

Early Learning Centre

The Prince Alfred College Early Learning Centre was opened with the support of a generous gift from the estate of Miss Vivienne Langley – a new and expanded facility that replaced Little Princes Kindergarten (1999).

2013

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RED Centre

The RED Centre was a milestone in the history of Princes. Supported by all sections of the Princes’ community through the Prince Alfred College Foundation, the facility provided a focus for sports, innovation education and School gatherings.

2019

Boarding House

The celebration of Princes’ Sesquicentenary coincided with the opening of a new purpose-built boarding facility in June of the same year – a reminder of the School’s strong relationship with the rural community.

2022

Professor J.P. Keeves Library

The Professor John P. Keeves Secondary School Library and adjoining classrooms were opened, creating additional learning areas and paving the way for a new era in learning space design at Prince Alfred College.

2023

Park 9

Opened in April, with generous community support and grant funding, the new Park 9 Pavilion replaced the aging club building at Park 9 Tidlangga, providing a magnificent new community facility that our Old Scholars’ Football and Cricket Clubs can be proud to call home.

2024

New College Masterplan

A new College Masterplan will pave the way for an exciting program of campus renewal over the next decade and beyond.