Scotch College

From the Principal April 2003

From the Principal

The start of any school year is a time marked by enthusiasm, optimism and energy for boys, staff and parents.

It can also be tinged with elements of anxiety and uncertainty for those new to the school or facing the substantial challenges associated with VCE preparation and assessment.

New boarding students face the adjustment to living arrangements that are very different from those at home.

The optimism of this year's senior students is fuelled by the excellence of the results gained in the Victorian Certificate of Education by the Class of 2002. The quality of these results, seen year by year, should not be taken for granted. They emerge from the professional efforts of committed teachers, guiding and assisting the boys who, of course, carry the ultimate responsibility and also deserve credit for the calibre of their ENTER scores. It is very pleasing to see virtually every student gaining entry to a tertiary course, where we hope each will continue his academic progress.

Scotch's program is enormously complex, yet it swings into action with impressive efficiency. Across all age groups, boys new to the school are made to feel welcome, by other boys as well as by teachers. The Year 7 camp program at Scotch-at-Cowes soon has boys new to Senior School developing friendships and strong relationships with their teams of teachers. The Peer Support program, where Year 11 boys get to know and assist those in Year 7, also helps with the familiarisation process. The buddy system in Junior School has Year 5 and 6 boys assisting their school mates in Prep and Years 1 and 2 and an innovative program involves around 50 boys from Year 9 with Year 3 and 4 boys in Junior School. These inter-actions enable younger boys quickly to feel they belong with older fellow students in their school, and the wonderful scope of Scotch as a Prep to Year 12 school is demonstrated and enjoyed across the board.

As boys embark on the year's program, of studies, sports, services, music, drama and other co-curricular activities, the huge commitment made by Scotch to its students is unmistakable. The program has evolved over the school's history and can rightly be claimed to have demonstrated its effectiveness for generations of Scotch boys. The impact of the program on the teaching staff and our parents is substantial and reflects their understanding of and commitment to the school's goals.

Scotch's programs have been designed to enable the school to achieve the aim, stated in the Memorandum and Articles of Association, to 'encourage each student to achieve to the highest standard of which he is capable in all his activities…' The scope of this aim is quite breathtaking. It recognises each student, reminding us that 1,836 individual boys attend Scotch. It refers to the 'standard of which he is capable' recognising the range of abilities among our student body resulting from our non-selective intake policy. It also speaks of 'all his activities' which are so wide ranging and which seek such a wide array of outcomes. The 'full development of the personality and sense of responsibility of each student' is also an aim of Scotch.

So, as 2003 is well and truly under way, the facilities, programs and people of Scotch are fully taken up with achieving this important and challenging aim for each Scotch boy.

It is always exciting and satisfying to see so many boys take advantage of the opportunities at Scotch. Encouraged by their teachers, and by the traditions of success of those who preceded them, the boys of 2003 can look ahead with determination, commitment and optimism. The rest of us within the Scotch Family, even in our sadness brought about by the tragic accidental death of Peter Earle, observe and support with our 'keen but loving eye' and with justifiable expectations of continuing progress and success.

Dr F.G. Donaldson AM

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A letter of thanks to the Scotch Family

15th February 2003

Stan, Hayden and I wish to express our gratitude for all the kindness, support and love extended to our family when our son Philippe was so tragically and suddenly taken from us.

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit of the whole Scotch College community and in particular the years nine and eleven parents of 2002. You were there for us at our time of greatest need and we were deeply moved, particularly as so many of you we do not know personally.

You all should feel very proud of your sons and daughters, as we have had the most beautiful messages of support from them.

We feel very privileged to be part of not just a great school but also the Scotch family that has embraced us with so much love at this time of grief.

We now are trying hard to move forward - so join us in our treasured memories of our darling Philippe. Take comfort from them and join us as we try not to dwell on what might have been.

Sincerely

Mary Gyles