Qualities for Life

Passion, dedication, perseverance and self-belief, four qualities that featured strongly in the lives and experiences of each of the three guest speakers that visited Scotch College in the past two weeks; Corporal Mark Donaldson VC, John Hughes and Professor Barry Marshall Nobel Prize for Medicine 2005.

In each of these presentations, this group of highly successful men spoke of their personal and professional journeys. Journeys that included overcoming challenges and responding to failure. Their stories were inspiring and importantly their successes easily attributed to their personal qualities. Whether it is Corporal Donaldson's determination and commitment to be the best soldier he can be, John Hughes attention to detail and genuine care for customer service or Professor Marshall's inquisitive mind, our boys will have left each of these presentations with a lesson that will help them carve their own path into the future.

It is no coincidence that high achievers, regardless of the field, share similar attitudes and qualities. It was these same qualities that were clearly on display from all of the boys competing in the Head of the River regatta last Saturday. To watch boys in the 10As, for example, who have been sitting in the middle of the field for much of the season, perform a best of season performance as they closed in on first place approaching the line speaks volumes of the effort and 'never give up' attitude that was a feature throughout the regatta. All boys and coaches in the rowing programme can be justifiably proud of their effort and discipline shown throughout the season. As the results of each race fade, the boys will be left with strong memories of those they shared the season with and the personal qualities that they developed as a unified and committed team.

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School