COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
As a leading school in Australia, and one that prides itself on developing an international focus through our status as a World IB School, it is imperative that we continue to lead in the area of community service and social justice at home and abroad. When one looks at the current political leadership (or lack thereof), particularly the debate surrounding refugees and the apparently flawed policy solutions aimed at addressing the refugee issue, it is imperative that we ensure our students are exposed to activities that will open their hearts and minds to what are the issues facing humanity devoid of political alliances. The ultimate goal of providing the boys with such experiences is to foster future leaders that may actually make a difference.
During the recent holidays, in partnership with the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI), Scotch College embarked on a significant educational project in Tanzania. The Humanitarian Opportunities and Partnerships in Education (HOPE) project is just one example of how we can make a measurable difference for those less fortunate than ourselves. Just last week I had the pleasure of visiting Balga Senior High School and North Balga Primary School where our students engage in working with both refugees and indigenous students on a number of initiatives. In speaking to the leadership teams of both schools it is clear they appreciate Scotch's engagement and support through our Community and Service programme. As a fellow educator I could only admire the work of the staff at these schools and the innovative programmes they have introduced in order to address the needs of their students.
Just last Thursday evening I was invited to be part of a small focus group of leaders in aboriginal affairs, education and industry to examine opportunities in aboriginal education in WA. As you may be aware Scotch College has 21 indigenous students on scholarships provided by a number of agencies. The focus of our own indigenous programme is to ensure that the boys are provided with a broad base education which will equip them to go on to make a difference for their people and the wider community.
Our focus on Community and Service from Years 1 - 12 will continue to be a significant differentiator for boys attending Scotch. Our job is not simply to prepare the boys for life but to ensure that they are equipped to make a difference to the world into which they will enter after graduating. Having just listened to some of our Year 12 students deliver their Theory of Knowledge Orals and experienced firsthand what our Year 5s are doing as part of their PYP projects, I am confident our young men can and will make a difference in areas that are crucial for the future of humanity.
Dr Alec O'Connell
Headmaster
