Scotch College

School Captain's Column April 2001

School Captain's Column

Not long ago the world was being bombarded with millennium paraphernalia. We gathered together canned food and water supplies, bracing ourselves for the self-detonation of computers everywhere. Just a year later our fascination with numbers continues, only this time the Scotch community has been singled out.

Our students are wearing different ties, our newsletters have a unique letterhead, functions are taking place every week, and torches are being lit. As Bill Lawry would say, 'It's all happening'.

The reason: our school is one hundred and fifty years old. A fine achievement, when you consider the length of time since European colonisation of Australia. Many a Scotch boy has been moulded by this school, but do they still make them like they used to?

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to speak to the assembly at the prefects' installation, where I posed the question, 'do you fit the Scotch mould'?

The tradition and pride of the school, which places emphasis on prestige sports, leaders, and academic results, can often be mistaken for arrogance and elitism.

Scotch is a school that must beware of moulding its students in this manner, and the students themselves must make a conscious effort to uphold the true values of the school.

I described these values as respect, honesty and co-operation; values that I'm sure James Forbes had in mind when the school was first established. I urged the school not to be easily categorised by the stereotypical Scotch mould, but to have pride in the school, as well as in themselves and their individual characters.

Last year, Tom Cade described the millennium as an opportunity to begin a new resolve. This year, as we again celebrate the changing of numbers, I believe it is a time to reflect on the success and learn from the mistakes, as we endeavour to create our own person with equal respect for ourselves and those around us.

Brendan Ferguson