Scotch College

Good Human Relations Day

We host PLC and Ruyton

On Wednesday, 8 September Scotch was the host to PLC and Ruyton Year 10 girls at the annual Human Relations Day.

The pattern is that 100 Scotch boys go to PLC for a programme of relationship games, information and group discussion sessions.

At the same time 100 girls from PLC and Ruyton attend Scotch for a similar programme.

This year there were some changes to the programme. To introduce our day I wrote a play sketch called, 'Let's Party'. In this sketch two Year 10 boys convince the father of one of them to host a party. Mother is sceptical, having heard bad stories about parties and believing that if there was one, alcohol should not be served. The sketch ends inconclusively, with the boys pressing for alcohol on the grounds that they are now 'grown up' as they turn sixteen. The sketch also addressed questions of racism, sexism, poor parenting and ugly sibling rivalry.

This sketch was followed by a 'Hypothetical' with a panel of ten. Scotch was represented by doctor, parent and Council member Jill Spargo, Mr Steve Kong and Ms Donna del Porto. PLC was represented by Vice-Principal Mrs Caroline Elvins, who taught at Scotch some years ago, and solicitor/parent Geoff Rees ('71). Ruyton was represented by Year 9/10 co-ordinator Mrs Kathy Kyrkou.

We also had Sgt Mark Standish of the Hawthorn Police and three Year 10 students, one from each school. Scotch had Adam Routledge speaking for the Year 10s. In the Hypothetical, the party went ahead on the proviso of light beer only. It gradually got out of hand, with hard alcohol being smuggled in and outsiders being 'invited' by some legitimately attending the party.

The scenarios were addressed in a lively and sensible fashion by the participants. Geoff Rees provided some timely warnings about legal responsibility for any ugly consequences of a party at which alcohol was provided. Sgt Standish recommended advising the police and hiring security.

The 'Life-Be-In-It' games were played in lively fashion and reports were that the discussions were also lively and were productive. Relationships were obviously the strongest theme of the day, with exercises on such ideas as what makes a good relationship (the same qualities that make a good friendship!). Consideration was given to the careful thought needed before relationships become sexual and the primacy of protection if they do.

Mr David Paul, Head of Social Education