We often speak about the numerous opportunities that our boys have as they journey through Scotch College. One very unique offering, available only to our boarders, is to become an 'End to Ender'.  This term refers to anyone who has completed the Bibbulmun Track, lovingly referred to as the Bib Track by staff and boys. Our boarders commence the track in Year 7, however, finishing the journey is not compulsory.

To be classified as an End to Ender you need to have walked the entire length of the Track. Whether you do this in one go, or in stages over many years (a sectional end-to-end) makes no difference. It does not matter if you walk some sections from north to south and others from south to north. The important thing is that you walk every step of the way. Over the years of completing the track, there have been a number of diversions which were in place which had to be observed. This may include closures or re-routing.  Walking the diversions still counted towards our boys attaining their end-to-end status.

In particular, this weekend marked a very special moment in the End to Enders programme at Scotch College. As our boys and staff crossed the line, it commemorated the 150^th Scotch College student to have reached Albany and crossed the finishing line, such an amazing achievement. It also marked the second time a staff member has achieved the feat, with Mr Ledger now joining Mr Bradley as only the second staff to officially become an End to Ender.

Thanks must go out to all of the parents and extended families who came down to Albany to mark this special occasion. There were even some day families who read about the event on social media and came along as they happened to also be in Albany.

Thanks also to all of the staff who either walked the track or came down to support our boys and families. We speak about preparing boys for life. The years our boys have spent walking the track, and the many planned and unplanned experiences which they no doubt encountered, will put them in good stead for what lies ahead after finishing Year 12.

I encourage all boys to take any opportunity that may arise throughout the year. One never knows to where such opportunities may in fact lead. Just like one of our IB learner profiles, it may involve some level of risk taking, but then again nothing ventured – nothing gained.

This Friday, 8 March, marks International Women's Day. The theme for this year is #BalanceforBetter. The celebrated date is one of great significance to the Women's movement. After women gained suffrage in Soviet Russia in 1917, March 8 became a national holiday there. The day was then predominantly celebrated by the socialist movement and communist countries until it was adopted in 1975 by the United Nations. I look forward to expanding on this very important event in an upcoming blog post later this week.

This week is also special week for the College, as we mark the commencement of Lent. As a college founded under a Christian heritage we are celebrating Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent across all Chapels.

Have a great fortnight.