Scotch College

The leadership baton changes hands

Ken Wheat

Term 4 began at Scotch College with everyone in the Upper School ‘hitting the ground running’ bringing to mind the image of the cartoon character whose feet are churning so fast, they become a blur.

For Year 12s it was a brief return to the classroom for fine-tuning the year’s work in class and trial examinations before the last celebratory week, which included the inaugural Valedictory Dinner, Presentation Night and the final Torch Assembly. Then the most senior students set to work preparing for the onslaught of the VCE examinations, the period of waiting and expectancy for their results in mid December and ultimately receiving offers of tertiary places. With fondness and high hopes for their future, Scotch College bids farewell to the Class of 2004.

Now Year 11 students begin assuming the mantle of leadership in the School. Many and varied leadership positions exist. Prefects and School Officers, captains of sports and houses and leaders of activities such music, drama, debating, the Collegian and Satura to name but a few of the roles appointed through a complex and thorough process of selection. Every role for which Scotch College students apply has a real expectation of selfless service to the school in general and everyone associated with the school. Leadership is not about self-aggrandisement; it is about giving, serving and putting the good of others before one’s own concerns. All Year 12s must be leaders at Scotch College, whether appointed to an official position or not. An example must be set for younger students who will inevitably look up to all of the Class of 2005 as school leaders. Irrespective of how well or how poorly, they set an example for their juniors.

Preparation for the leadership roles available in Year 12 is made in Year 11. The current Year 10s have recently been offered an opportunity to apply for a variety of positions available through the Social Welfare Program at Scotch College. Peer Support Leaders assist in the orientation of the Year 7s; Scotch Ambassadors assist in the orientation of the other new students to the school in Years 8 to 11, and Games Coordinators supervise games rooms during lunchtime for the Years 7 and 8 students. Beyond these roles there are many other ways that next year’s Year 11s can display their willingness to serve and lead.

There is a limited number of official leadership positions available each year at Scotch College, just as there is in the wider community. And there is a greater concentration of talented young men from whom to select at Scotch College. Therefore, there are always students who are disappointed not to be selected for the limited number of official leadership positions. However, there are many opportunities to serve and lead others. All students in their final years at Scotch College are encouraged to seek and take advantage of every opportunity in 2005 and beyond.