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Mentoring: a positive influence

A customised mentoring program helps new Scotch boarders adjust to school and boarding life.

WORDS: MR DAVID ASHTON ('65) Photography: Mr Tim Bence

Many new boarders face challenges that their fellow day students do not experience, as they adjust to living away from home for the first time in a new school. For some it also means becoming familiar with the language, climate and lifestyle of a foreign country.

As they take the first steps on this journey, Scotch’s young boarders are by no means alone. Smoothing the way in all aspects of school and boarding life at Scotch is a customised mentoring program run by Hill Activities Officer, Mr Tim Bence, and led by volunteer Year 11 boarders. It is designed to create a positive relationship in young boarders’ lives as they settle in at Scotch, and start to reap the benefits of a world-class education.

Mentoring works both ways. The senior boys participating in the program gain experience managing and understanding themselves and their mentees, as leaders and role models and in developing interpersonal skills – vital assets as they head into Year 12.

For some new students, the experience begins in the September holidays prior to the boarders’ first Scotch year. Boarders living in reasonable proximity to Melbourne are invited to a weekend ‘transition camp’, organised by the Head of Arthur Robinson Boarding House, Chris Braithwaite. A small number of Year 11 boys also attend the camp, giving up part of their term holidays to participate. For the younger boys, it is a valuable preview of what is to come at Scotch.

Tim Bence described it as ‘like an express course’ in boarding. ‘Over the two days students will do everything from sitting in classes to jumping off diving boards. But the most important things they learn are 30 or so names of staff, older students and fellow new boys. When they return in Term 1 they see familiar faces.’

Once they have settled in and the school year is under way, all new boys attend an orientation camp conducted at the Scotch-at-Cowes camp on Phillip Island. New boarders and Year 11 and 12 organisers enjoy a busy but relaxed atmosphere, while making new friends and learning more about boarding house and school life.

Central to the ongoing mentoring program is the ‘buddy’ system linking new boarders with older boys. The senior boys keep an unobtrusive eye on their young charges, helping them and advising them when help or advice is needed.

Regular Wednesday night sessions for junior boys in the school gym after homework provide good opportunities for new boys and mentors to mix. The boys also get together for regular barbecues, where issues can be discussed – or the boys can simply enjoy the food and the company.

Informal weekends away at Scotch’s Gordon Owen Lodge in the crisp, clear air of Mansfield help to cement friendships, build team spirit and develop cross-age leadership skills. A varied outdoor program can include a day of skiing at Mount Buller. Senior students lead this outdoor program and guide the younger boys.

‘The property at Mansfield is always evolving,’ Tim Bence said. ‘Different student groups will bring different skills and interests, so the program is as much directed by the boys as it is by me. For some it is a revitalising break from the routine at school; for others it can be their first time living in the Australian bush.’

Dean of Boarding Mr Doug Galbraith said it was important for young boarders to know that they each have a senior boy to look up to, and to turn to when advice or help is needed. GS

Updated: Monday 24 June 2013