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Duty hours
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HistorySports First Aid commenced as a unit of the St. John Ambulance St. John Ambulance year by year1980This was the year when St. John Ambulance first began as the result of the interest shown in First Aid courses run at Scotch over the last three years. The new division was formed through the effort of Mr. V Smith, after twelve months of planning and negotiation. Although the division was not officially registered during the first term, it was something that no school has ever done before. With 20 cadets enrolled, the division was realizing the challenge of making it function properly. This was made easier under the guidance of Mr. Vaughan Smith, the divisional superintendent at that time. On the 24th of July, the division was officially registered. This meant the division could now attend public duties such as football. Cadets from the Malvern Division were present with their Corps officers and other high-ranking officers from the Brigade. They presented the Scotch division a flag which was blessed by Rev Crow. This marked the official start of St. John Ambulance at Scotch. 1981Led by Mr. Messrs, Mr. V.Smith and Mr. Perry, the division grew to 30 members during this year. The division's presence was not only felt at school sport on Saturday morning and Cadet and Scout camps, but also at places such as VFL football, Kooyong tennis, the Royal Melbourne Show and Moomba. With such a diverse range of duties, the division grew at a rapid rate with more people applying to join than can be let in. The division's success was mainly due to Mr. Smith and Mr. Perry's careful planning and enthusiasm, which led to a well-structured program for all St. John members. On Thursday afternoons in the first term, the division ran a preliminary first aid course of new members, and during the second term, all St. John cadets learnt communication procedures for new radios that were purchased that year. Although the minimum require for each St. John member is to complete 40 hours of first aid duty during the year, most members were keen and would gladly do more than their compulsory 40 hours. 1982With just three years, the Scotch St. John division has grown to its maximum capacity of 35 members. The division began to establish trust and respect of people both from Scotch and other schools. Encouraged by the Priory of Australia (the controlling body of the division), the extra-curricular activities has also become more diverse within the Scotch St. John division. With the help from the Cadets and the Scouts, the St. John members had many opportunities to share knowledge and experiences with the other services. The division was actively involved in providing Cadets and Scouts First Aid knowledge. Other highlight during the year was a visit from the Glenroy Technical School Division, which was the second school-based division in Australia. It gave the Scotch division a chance to compare notes and meet with a division similar to our own. 1982 also marked the end of Divisional Superintendent Smith's service with Scotch College. He was to take up an appointment at Caulfield Grammar School. Mr. Smith was the founder of the Scotch St. John division. Mr. Smith's departure has left the division under the capable and enthusiastic hands of Divisional Officer Perry. 1983This was the year St. John Brigade celebrated its One Hundredth year in Australia, and also the year which St. John has become an increasingly important part of school life. This was seen in the increasing number of lectures, talks and exams that the division was asked to give to various other activities. The division also attended a variety of camps, including three cadet camps, two scout camps, the 24 hour hike, and social services camps to provide their service. Other events which we had attended was Family Day, and The annual cross-country event which was the first time based radio was put into operation. The Division had a variety of activities, these include a tour to the Blood Bank, and to the Russell Street Police Headquarters. Also, at the beginning of this year, a new staff member joined the division. Mr. D. Pryer was an enthusiastic member of the division, participating in all activities, and was actively involved with the organization of the division. 1984With half a decade passed since the beginning of the St. John division at Scotch College, the division maintained its strength of thirty-five members with twelve new recruits. Under the leadership of Mr. Perry, the superintendent, and Mr. Pryer, Divisional Officer, the year was another success. During 1984, four boys attended promotion course at Yarra junction (Simon Treptow, James Carwoli, Philip Purkiss and Danny Sullivan ). These boys were to be the future leaders of the division. Activities during the year included an excursion to the "Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog Center", and visits from lecturers organized by Mr. Perry. 1985There were three new duties that the Scotch division has acquired in the year 1985. Apart from Saturday Sport, Family Day, and school camps for Cadets and Scouts and the 24- hour hikes, the division was fortunate enough to send boys to the Melbourne Military Tattoo, M.L.C and Lauriston school fete, and the Big M marathon. These three new duties provided St. John Cadets not only the much-needed confidence, but also gave them the feeling of satisfaction, which comes from helping other people. Improvements in duty hours in 1985 indicated the cadets were activity involved in public duties than any other year, with 2000 hours. This was a significant increase from 1984 (1200 hours) The major highlight of this year was the performance of the scotch team in the annual first aid competition. This was only the second time the division has entered a team in this competition, and the team was rewarded with a second place. Described by Robert Roseby (Cadet Leader) as 'the most worthwhile service at Scotch', the division enjoyed another year of success.
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