There are some people who bring a certain energy with them the moment they walk into a room. For three decades, Mr Andrew Peachey has brought that energy to the life of William Clarke College. From his earliest days in 1995, he has invested himself wholeheartedly in every classroom, rehearsal and performance, encouraging students to step forward, take risks and discover what they are capable of becoming.

When Mr Peachey first arrived, he was a new teacher at a young school, still surrounded by paddocks and market gardens, with around 700 students in Years 7-12. From the outset, he found himself part of a close-knit community shaped by supportive and encouraging leadership. This environment helped lay the foundations for the teacher and leader he would become.

Those early years proved formative. He speaks with deep gratitude for the guidance and opportunities provided by the College’s Founding Head, Mr Philip Bryson, and the Director of Music, Mrs Robin Carter, both of whom played a significant role in shaping his development as an educator. It was a setting that encouraged professional growth, welcomed new ideas and affirmed his calling to Music education.

Over the past 30 years, the College itself has undergone remarkable change, and Mr Peachey’s journey has unfolded alongside it. “The College is constantly evolving, reflecting the big changes in Kellyville and surrounding areas,” he explained. “We are no longer a small, new school in an almost rural area, but have developed into a large, established school in one of the biggest developments in Sydney.”

His own role has shifted and expanded in response. From classroom teacher to Acting Director of Music in 2001 and Director of Music in 2002, his leadership has grown in both scope and influence. Along the way, he has navigated new challenges, including the expansion to K-12 and later P-12, the introduction of instrumental programs in the Primary School, and significant curriculum changes such as the introduction of Xplore courses. “I don’t feel as if I have taught in one school for 30 years,” he reflected, “as the College has changed dramatically over that time.”

Many of his most vivid memories are tied to performance. From the very beginning, music at the College has been something shared, bold, communal and expressive. One of his earliest experiences was the 1995 production of Godspell, staged at The King’s School Theatre, where he served as Assistant Musical Director and played keyboard in the band. “The size of the set (a two-storey shopping centre with a functioning lift) was well beyond anything that I had seen in a school show before,” he mused.

Major productions have remained a defining feature of his time at the College. They have drawn students and staff together in powerful ways, modelling perseverance, creative trust and a sense of collective achievement. “Music is something you share,” Mr Peachey said. “Watching as everyone brings their unique gifts and ideas to a show, producing something bigger and better than what one person could imagine, demonstrates the value of a team working together with a common goal.”

Alongside performance, composition and arrangement have always sat at the heart of his work. Creating original music with students and bringing it to life has been a source of deep joy throughout his career. One particularly meaningful moment came in 2004, when he composed and performed a trio for clarinet, horn and piano with Rowena [Watts] and Megan [Wright] for their HSC Extension ensemble performances. More recently, Urinetown in 2022 held special significance as the first Major Production following COVID-19, and as an opportunity to watch a former student, Mr Jonno Morrison, conduct his first show while Mr Peachey played the piano score.

Beyond individual moments, this dedicated teacher has helped nurture a rich and enduring tradition of student composition across the College. “I am proud that we have a strong culture of musical composition at the College with students creating their own music in a wide range of styles,” he stated. “To see many students developing their compositional skills and continuing beyond the College is a great thrill.”

As a member of the Head of Faculty team, his influence has extended well beyond Music. He values the opportunity to engage in broader conversations about learning, drawing on insights from across subject areas to better support students as individuals. His leadership has consistently reflected a desire to help young people grow not only as musicians, but as confident, resilient and thoughtful learners.

At the centre of his teaching and leadership is a deeply held Christian faith. “We are all made in God’s image and are loved by Him,” he said. “We are also imperfect and rely on God’s grace. This should dictate the way that we treat each other.” In the Music classroom, this is lived out through respect, encouragement and a genuine valuing of all students’ interests and passions. By celebrating every student’s unique musical voice, Mr Peachey has fostered learning spaces marked by trust, care and belonging.

Across three decades, he has also witnessed profound shifts in education, particularly in the rapid growth of technology, and navigating this changing landscape has required both discernment and adaptability. “The ability for staff and students to create high-quality musical scores and recordings, access music from around the world in an instant and collaborate on projects has opened up new possibilities,” he noted. “It has also brought many challenges as there is always a new platform or app to learn. It is easy to get caught up in the technology and lose focus on what we are trying to teach.”

When asked what he loves most about teaching, his response is immediate and heartfelt. “I love seeing students achieve something that they didn’t think that they could do… Watching as they develop their sense of self-worth and understand the benefits of taking risks and persevering when it gets difficult is a wonderful experience.”

Reflecting on 30 years of service, gratitude runs through every word. “I am thankful for many things… the opportunity to have a job where I get to make and share music, to work in a supportive Christian environment, and to watch as students mature, growing in confidence and character over their time at the College.”

Mr Peachey’s impact is extraordinary. It is heard in the music created and shared, seen in the confidence of students who dared to try, and felt in a culture of generosity and purpose that continues to flourish. His legacy is enduring, his verve and creativity contagious, and his profound belief in students unmistakable. We are deeply grateful for every note, every rehearsal, every performance, and every life shaped through his teaching and leadership.

By Catherine Sanchez, Publications Officer