Scotch College

Getting off to a good start as a boarder

Put yourself in the position of a 12-year old boy about to enter the boarding house of a big school like Scotch - a school that may have more boys than the population of his own country town.

Even for boys entering the boarding house in Years 9 and 10, starting as a boarder could be quite a daunting experience for any boy.

But the good news is that there are plenty of ways new boarders are made to feel welcome and at home on the Hill.

In 2003 there are 47 new boarders at Scotch, 10 of whom are in Year 7. The remainder are mostly Year 9s, and there is one Year 12 weekly boarder. Most new boarders come from country Victoria or southern New South Wales, and there are a significant number of overseas boys.

Towards the end of last year the new boys had the opportunity to meet their Head of House and Matron, and had a tour of their new home, checking out their dormitory, study and recreational facilities. Arriving the day before first term started, one of the first people the younger new boys met were their peer support companions. These mentors are volunteers from Year 11, each appointed to be a friend and adviser to a young new boy. During the holidays, each mentor sent an introductory letter to 'his' new boy.

The new boys renewed acquaintances with the Head of House and Matron and met some of the senior boys, including the House Captain and Vice Captain. While unpacking they met with their new roommates for the first time. At lunch the boys were introduced to Dr and Mrs Donaldson, and the Dean of Boarding Mr Galbraith and Mrs Galbraith and the overseas boys and their parents were able to say hello to Mr Sam a'Beckett, our Overseas Student Liaison Officer.

In the first full week of term, Mr David Brown and Mr Geoff Wemyss began their maths tutorials on Monday and Tuesday nights and Mr Lachie Fairbairn, Manager of Technology Support, began his regular Thursday night visit to the Hill to ensure all the computing facilities were working satisfactorily. School Archivist Mr Dick Briggs spoke about the school's history, and then took the Year 7s down to the archives for a look at some interesting 'historical stuff'.

The first weekend of term was orientation weekend - Hawthorn on Saturday and the city on Sunday, including the sights, shops, sports venues and public transport.

The following weekend was Scotch at Cowes weekend, where the boys participated in a dazzling array of water and land-based sports, and other traditional Scotch-at-Cowes fun. Camaraderie abounded and new friendships were formed.

The first weekend in March was set aside as a 'closed weekend' for boarders. It was 'Wedderburn Cup' weekend, a sports competition involving the three boarding houses in a variety of sports, ranging from water polo and cricket to billycart racing and gumboot tossing. It is all good fun, and again helps build team spirit and friendships.

That 12-year-old new boy hesitantly making his way into the Scotch boarding house soon finds that he is not alone. A range of events, peer and staff support and the traditional Hill friendships all help him to feel at home and among friends as he settles into Scotch boarding life.

David Ashton