Scotch College

Sowing the seeds in the Senior School

Senior School Captain challenges Senior School boys that they reap what they sow.

Every term at Scotch seems to pass by in the blink of an eye, and term 1, 2008 was no exception. As the class of ’07 moved on, so too did many long-serving staff members. This included our Principal of 25 years, Dr Donaldson. With respect to all those who left at the end of last year, both the staff and the student bodies should be commended for the way in which they have embraced change without so much as a glitch in the operation of the School.

In my first address to the School during assembly at the beginning of the year, I adopted a central theme: ‘You get out what you put in’. My challenge to every boy was to be involved, to put in. I asked boys to enjoy themselves as much as possible without compromising any of the values of the School; values such as respect, responsibility and honesty. This School is truly a place to enjoy yourself, if you go about it in the correct manner, and this is where the concept of individualism fit in.

In finding your own activities and making your time here much more enjoyable, you are also contributing to the broad spectrum of character within the School. Involvement brings about a balance between individuality and unity. We are all here to achieve very different goals that are dictated by our separate personalities, but we must cooperate in order to achieve them.

Since those intended words of wisdom, I claim only some credit for the success that was achieved in term 1! The summer sports season brought about many battles in dry, hot conditions where players fought on in the heat. Once again the 1st badminton team won the premiership, highlighting our dominance of this sport in recent years. Also, the Cardinal Club had another impressive season, which culminated in the 1st VIII winning the School’s fifth straight Head of the River. The 1st VIII’s undefeated season also included winning the national under 21 rowing title, held in Sydney. The 24-hour hike was one of many extracurricular activities that brought about tremendous success and involvement.

Finally, it is an aim of the School to make a contribution to the wider community. In recent years this has been evident through activities like the Kapumfi Project. On the final day of term 1, the whole school participated in an event called ‘Earth Hour’. This involved both the Junior School and the Senior School switching off their power for one hour, simulating what life is like for over a billion people around the world without access to power. This certainly raised awareness of the wider community and capped off an eventful term.

There is a sense of anticipation around the School in regard to the arrival of the new Principal, Mr Tom Batty, and his family. The Year 12 student leaders are looking forward to welcoming the Batty family to Scotch, and we aim to lead the student body in a smooth transition on their arrival.

There is also expectation surrounding the winter sports season, as well as the house choral competition. Although term 2 is a 12-week term, the upcoming activities and events will ensure that it is over before we know it. I would like to wish the School community all the best for this second term, and I hope that it can be as successful as the first. GS