Scotch College

Change calls

The Class of 2009 is aiming to leave a positive mark on ‘history’s page’.

The world is still reeling from changing politics in the US, a changed economy, and a changing climate. In addition, 2009 brings changes to Scotch: it is the first full year for Mr Batty, who in the last six months has already started to spread his influence around the school and grown to be loved by many of us boys. And, it brings new staff and new boys, giving the school new experience and talent.

The events of the last month have shocked and horrified us all. I don’t think anyone saw the disaster coming. In one of the darkest weeks in Australian history, we witnessed the fragility of our lives, how everything we know and love can be wiped out in an instant. But we also learned that we can rely on our neighbours, to give support, to have compassion and to suffer with us. The Scotch community has certainly demonstrated that support, compassion and empathy. To date, the school has raised over $50,000 for the bushfire appeal, in an outstanding show of generosity from the students, staff, parents and Old Boys. As the collection boxes were passed around tutor groups, it was not uncommon to see boys giving $20 or $50.

However, compassion is not something which should require catastrophe to bring it out; instead, it should be ever-present in us, as the few fortunate ones of this world. Ayrton Eldridge (school Vice-Captain), the prefect body and I will work hard to maintain passion and concern for others as key attitudes in the student body. For it is said that the two greatest commands of all are to love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind (passion), and to love your neighbour as yourself (empathy).

Scotch has been named by some as an elitist institution. I don’t think so. And I don’t think the students think so either. We’re not elitist, but fortunate. And change calls us to spread and share our fortune. My appeal to the students at the start of the year was to use the wealth of opportunities and facilities we have been blessed with to help the community and the world, whether literally or by gaining strong education and moving life experiences that lead to influential and positive lives.

While we enjoy our lives of luxury, remember those living with poverty, disease and trauma; we have a lot to live up to and be thankful for, but let it inspire and motivate us to make the most of our fortune. Let’s not waste it.

At the start of the year, the school leaders discussed the meaning of school spirit. We came up with several things which seemed to be unique to Scotch. The first was the way our school spirit lasts: it’s not simple mob mentality, but rather a passion, and a memory of a family, which lasts right into old age. The song ‘Forty Years On’ comes to mind. Also, our rich heritage: pipes and drums, cadets. These groups are major players in the School’s ability to stay fresh in our minds. Now every time I hear the pipes play, I am reminded of this school. To be granted the opportunity to serve as Captain in an environment such as this is one which I treasure, and hope to fulfil to the best of my ability.

We are always passionate at the start of the year. My goal for the year is to keep the flame alight, and to use it to drive us towards another successful year at Scotch, but also one we can remember as being worthwhile, both for our immediate family, and the wider community. Let’s never forget that we are in a position to leave a positive mark on ‘history’s page’.

The student leaders of 2009 are rising to the challenge of a new year. As they spread their fortune to the rest of the School, let the School spread its fortune to the world. Let us together take confidence from ourselves and from each other, and rally to that age-old call. GS