The Reverend Peter Stockman joined Carey Baptist Grammar School as School Chaplain in 1973, following seven years of ministry at the Hobart Baptist Tabernacle. Over nearly two decades, he played a pivotal role in shaping Carey’s Christian and pastoral life.

He developed a sequential Religious Studies curriculum for Years 8–12 and was the architect of the School’s formal Aims and Objectives. In 1979 he convened the Human Relations Enquiry, which led to the introduction of the Human Relations programme in the Senior School, and in 1984 he presented a major paper on pastoral care at the Carey School Conference. He also contributed at state level as an HSC Old Testament examiner, a member of the Biblical Studies Subject Committee, and a foundation member of the School Policy Committee.

Stockman was instrumental in introducing annual House Services and in establishing the theological structure of major School services. He also initiated the first combined schools service with Strathcona and Kilvington at the Melbourne Town Hall. Beyond his chaplaincy, he immersed himself in School life: assisting with athletics training, coaching cricket and hockey, and participating in the Year 9 camping programme.

In 1983 he was awarded the Staff Travelling Scholarship, which enabled him to study pastoral and educational practices at 23 schools in England.

His influence extended widely through the Baptist Union of Victoria, where he served on the Executive Council, chaired several committees and task forces, and was elected President in 1986–87.

At Carey, Stockman was valued not only for his teaching and pastoral leadership but also as an intellectual presence and moral voice. He consistently reminded the School of its Christian foundations and Baptist heritage, bringing insight, conviction and integrity to all aspects of his work.

Reverend Peter Stockman retired from Carey in 1992, concluding a distinguished chapter in the School’s history.