Not that I need reminding about the diversity and volume of activities occurring at any given time at Scotch, however, both of these elements were well and truly reinforced over the last fortnight.

Last week we held our final Year 12 Rewards Breakfast where our guest speaker, Dr Michael Winlo (OSC '97), spoke about his journey while at Scotch and since graduating. When I asked him about what he most remembered, his answer was the level of opportunities provided to students. In essence, he said he graduated from Scotch having participated in so many activities that when some of these were re-presented to him at University, he could easily discern which ones to pursue further and which ones he would remove from his ‘must do more of’ list. His academic journey was also important in that it gave him a platform from which to launch a very successful career. Most importantly he reinforced to the boys that it is simply not possible to determine everything you will do in life based on where you land as a Year 12 graduate.

At the other end of the spectrum, on Wednesday last week, I was invited to spend the morning with our Pre-Primary class as they celebrated their 100th day at school.  Their teacher Mrs Cumming wisely gave me an activity that even I could not mess up – making fairy bread. It is so refreshing and inspiring to witness these young boys’ enthusiasm and complete innocence regarding what may lay ahead for them as part of life’s journey. I can’t even envisage what they may do or experience. Our goal, however, remains the same for our current boys as when we first enrolled boys in 1897, that is, to provide each boy with a contemporary education which in turn will expose them to a series of experiences that will shape and prepare them for life after school.

Finally, over the last fortnight at the three sub-school assemblies, we have experienced NAIDOC week, combined Scotch & PLC Symphony Orchestra, heard stories about life as a boarder and completing the Bibbulmun Track to become an end-to-ender, experienced an array of service and fundraising initiatives, and listened to many musical and dramatic items. In essence, our assemblies offer a series of amazing displays of the things our boys can avail themselves of throughout their journey at Scotch. Don’t forget that parents also have the opportunity to get involved in myriad activities.

In essence, the concept of the more one gets involved the more one receives, applies to anyone involved in our community: student, staff, parents and our OSCs.

Have a great fortnight,

Dr Alec O'Connell
Headmaster