Scotch College

Developing the whole person

The development of the whole person is an important part of the life and development of the true Scotch boy.

Words: GUY MASON • HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Since the end of October, I have fielded a few phone calls and emails from friends congratulating me on the new church I had apparently begun down in the Docklands. It would seem that Anglican minister ‘Guy Mason’ has started a church in a local pub that has attracted quite a bit of attention from the media, and even more so by a large congregation of new worshippers.

‘No, not me’, was my usual response, but being a good Anglican, I cannot help but feel that the other Guy Mason has stumbled onto something different here. In stepping out in faith, we see him demonstrating an attitude and willingness to try something different, and that with God’s help, success in this new ministry is already evident.

For the boys of the Junior School, we hope that this type of attitude, combined with faith in both God and themselves, can be developed and fostered – looking outside the square, stepping out in faith with the confidence and willingness to have a go at something new. This, in fact, has been the focus for the Junior School throughout 2007, using the theme ‘Attitude is Everything’ to underpin all of what has been presented.

While a reflection of 2007 will provide numerous highlights and too many to even attempt to mention here, recent social service activities stand out for me: seeing boys focused on raising money and, importantly, an awareness of those more needy than themselves.

A number of junior boys participated in the 40 Hour Famine, raising more than $7,000 for World Vision; and more recently, several hundred bandanas were sold (and worn proudly) on behalf of the ‘Canteen’ organisation, with more than $500 raised to support children with cancer. Kids helping kids – how cool!

This attitude of looking outside has always been and always will be a major factor in a Junior School boy’s education. I continue to be extremely proud of the levels of support and commitment towards helping others, as demonstrated by the boys of the Junior School once again this year.

As 2007 closes another year in each boys’ education, it is hoped that the breadth of programs on offer in our busy Junior School focus on more than just the academic, and highlight social responsibility, community awareness and the development of the spiritual being. While academia remains our number one priority, the development of the whole person is an important part of the life and development of the true Scotch boy.