Scotch College

School Captain's Column April 2000

'Just another year or the beginning of a new resolve?'

The celebration of the new millennium really started several years ago and climaxed on 31st December 1999. The fervour and enormity of these celebrations typified the immense emphasis that society had placed on the supposedly magic number 2000. Unfortunately the stark reality is that 2000 is exactly that, merely a number. Nothing dramatic occurred or changed, the world's network of computers is still intact, and technology took no gigantic leaps in the space of those few seconds. Although 2000 is simply a number denoting just another year, there is something majestic about that number, suggesting that something must be done to make it memorable and unique.

Scotch College will not change because of the millennium, but the students have the capacity to make it change for the millennium. Scotch is constantly evolving and welcoming the differing character of individuals within the school. In fact, the most pleasing aspect of life at Scotch College in the recent era has been the breadth of different characters that have been developing. Interestingly, the school is changing to offer activities to develop individuals, yet it is these individuals who will leave the greatest mark on the school.

The major role of the school captain could be described as twofold. The first goal is to be a friend and adviser to the senior students, especially the leadership team headed by the prefects. The second is to be a guide to the younger and less experienced students in how to get the most out of Scotch College. The most important and understated milestone for younger students at Scotch to achieve is to find a program of activities that best suits their own individual needs, or even their own niche within the school system. This not only ensures that the maximal enjoyment and benefits of the school-based activities will be realised, but it also contributes to the range of characters which can make the school so much more successful.

As many students near the end of their time at Scotch, they will begin to cherish the most seemingly insignificant memories. Although the sporting feats and the musical harmonies and the academic breakthroughs are often initially seen as most important, it is the multitude of different characters making up a canvas of such unique scope which will be remembered and treasured the most.

I had the opportunity of speaking to the school on the subject of individualism earlier in the year, and the result could not have been more pleasing. Several students commented on their own goals and ambitions and a handful even had questions to ask, but all wanted to find the areas that best suited their own strengths and desires. This is the attitude which breeds success and this is the attitude that Scotch College is encouraging.

Tom Cade