Where are they now – Peter Bergman (SPC 2001-06)

October 23, 2024

Peter Bergman trekking in Nepal.

The College recently reconnected with Peter Bergman (SPC 2001-06) whose love of the ocean and marine biology has taken him to far-flung places such as Antarctica, Greenland, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bisseau, and the Amazon in Brazil. His best memories of school though were spent at lunchtimes and recess playing downball and laughing a lot with his mates.

Peter on a work trip in Antartica.

Peter, far right, sitting with brothers Dane (SPC 1999-2004), left, and Gene (SPC 2008-13), middle, in Bali.

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

In 2008 I moved to Perth to study Marine Biology at the University of Western Australia.

After graduating I worked for four years as an Environmental Consultant, two of those years in Perth and two years in the UK.

I now work as an Expedition Leader on cruise ships, a not-so-well known career in the Remote Tourism industry.

It’s taken me to far-flung places such as Antarctica, Greenland, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bisseau, and the Amazon in Brazil.

In between contracts these days I spend most of my time in Bali.

Peter chatting with local children while working in Vanuatu.

What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?

I remember the first week of Year 7 quite vividly, being taught the war-cry, learning how to tie a Windsor knot, and running my first ever beep test. Plus making a lot of new friends, who I’m still close with today.

The days leading up to Boat Race were always fun, and the competitive energy between St Pat’s and the other schools.

Winning the Herald Sun Shield in Year 11 was also a highlight. But probably the best moments were spent at lunchtimes and recess playing downball and laughing a lot with mates.

Winning the Herald Sun Shield in 2005 with the 1st XVIIII SPC Football team was a highlight of Peter’s time at school.

Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?

The teacher who had the greatest impact on me was Danny Moore. Danny has a unique way of being able to connect with young men and helping them see their potential within. On reflection, in Mr Moore’s class we were getting lessons about what’s important in life rather than what’s just on the whiteboard. I’m still in touch with Danny these days and continue to seek feedback and guidance from him.

If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?

You don’t realise at the time but some of your best memories and friendships for life are being created then and there at school.

Try to be in the moment and enjoy this time as much as possible – because life gets more serious and less fun after leaving school!