Aim High Start Early
The term has begun well with boys quickly hitting their stride across a range of areas. In the past two weeks we have learned of our graduating boys being selected in a number Schools Curriculum and Standards Authority showcase events for outstanding work in drama, visual arts and media across WA. Details of the boys' work can be found above in this newsletter. With Scotch College listed as one of the highest achieving schools in 14 WACE subjects, staff and 2013 leavers have been busy attending a number of award ceremonies in recognition of outstanding achievement in their respective curriculum areas over recent weeks.
Outside the classroom boys have been selected in state cricket, hockey, athletics, rugby and sailing teams while others have performed in a national choir or been selected to represent Australia in the Youth World Sailing Championships in Portugal in July of this year - an impressive list of achievements in only the first three weeks of the school term.
The breadth of achievement and experience on display at the beginning of this term has highlighted the opportunities available for boys both inside and outside the classroom. One of the common attributes of all boys who have achieved their personal goals has been the setting of high expectations and a persistent effort over an extended period of time. There is no better time for boys to reset their goals than at the beginning of a school term. Boys can occasionally underestimate the importance of goals. If you expect less, you will get less. Some boys have a tendency to overestimate what they can achieve in a short period of time, leaving tasks until tomorrow or next week when they could be done today. Conversely, some boys underestimate what they can achieve over a long period of time. Not realising that great achievements are often based on one task, performed to the best of your ability, at a time. Mark Donaldson, a Victoria Cross recipient describes this as "doing one thing properly, then the next thing properly and staying in the moment." Mark will be visiting Scotch College to share his experiences with boys in the Senior School during March.
Finally, I would like to congratulate and thank the boys for a great start to the year. The annual Inter-House Swimming carnival featured spirited competition and generous support for one another. The Year 8 Camp to Rottnest launched what I anticipate to be a rewarding five years in the Senior School for all Year 8 boys while at the other end of the Senior School journey, our Year 12 boys did themselves and the community proud in their presentation and behaviour at the Year 12 Ball.
It has been a busy and rewarding start to the term. Well done and thank you.
Dr Rob McEwan
Head of Senior School
