Over the last few weeks many of our Year 11 boys have been involved in the application and interview process for the PC Anderson and WR Dickinson scholarships. While involving only Senior School students, the process and the ensuing one on one interviews with shortlisted applicants provided me further affirmation as to the personal qualities of our boys and the aspirations they hold for the future.
The Year 11s are not far away from completing their journey at Scotch and I think that parents and students from all of our sub-schools can benefit from some of the shared learnings that came out of the scholarship application process. Some of these learnings are well worth discussing with your son (s) as they give a sense of personal growth and while the scholarships were not about leadership alone there are elements of aspirational leadership that have come through in the boys' applications.
Having read approximately 60 letters and the respective applications, I am even more convinced that we are very fortunate to be surrounded by such talented and committed young men. It is hard to condense such an in-depth and lengthy application process, however many of the insights emanated from the boys' covering letters.
I am sure that many of the observations made by the boys are the result of their upbringing and their interaction with staff, friends and community groups. What is also interesting is the fact that many of the boys made reference to our previous school leaders and the themes that have been central to the leadership portfolios over the last few years. This shows that they take note of their peers in leadership positions. The boys' letters also included statements and reflections that show just how open and honest our boys are when it comes to sharing their thoughts, hopes and dreams.
Some of the reflections, statements and comments were:
Values are visible in every Scotch boy
Reach out and go further
Make your mark
Exceed expectations
Role modelling
Opportunities
Pursuit of excellence
Aspirational leadership
Motivation, creativity, dedication, passion, ethical commitment, accountability, endeavour, inspiration
Lead by example
Real leadership often goes unnoticed
Action, belonging, commitment
Personal best, striving for excellence, driven
Making the most of failure or difficulties
Determined work ethic
Advancing the human race for common good
Well rounded
Growing personally
Leadership is about integration
More than just wearing a badge or carrying a title
Pushing oneself out of your comfort zone
Lead by example and being active not passive
Giving back
Dealing with difference
Knowing who you are
A culture of having a go
Unlocking ones true potential
Further to the above there were a couple of direct quotes worth sharing that provide great insight into both the challenges and the benefits of leading.
"I believe good leaders give a sense of direction to others through ideas, words and actions. Being a leader requires speaking out about what is right and committing yourself to the cause, rather than just doing what may be popular."
Referring to Roger Bannister's record breaking run in 1954 that lasted only 46 days one student said, "His excellence broke new ground and showed others what could be achieved. He opened a new realm of possibility."
While we all know that we must ensure that our boys are prepared academically, socially and spiritually to enter the wider world, in essence we simply want to graduate fine young men who have the passion, courage and know how to make a difference in the world of today and tomorrow. The recent scholarship process, coupled with what our boys do day in day out, provides me with great solace that our boys are on the right track; this is not to say that occasionally we need to reorientate some onto the tracks. This is part of our role as educational leaders in a modern school. My congratulations go to every boy who had the courage to go through the scholarship process.
It is also very important that we acknowledge our two successful applications. The winner of the PC Anderson Scholarship is Mac Hanlin (Year 11, Stuart House) and the WR Dickinson Scholarship is Joshua Bennett (Year 11,Brisbane House). Thanks must also go to all of the staff that supported the boys through helping them with letters, references or interviews. I know how much this was appreciated by all of the applicants. In closing, I would like to particularly acknowledge Dr McEwan, Mr Burt, Mrs Quinn and Mr Hindle who conducted first round interviews and Mr Michael Silbert, President of the Old Scotch Collegians (OSC) and Mrs Julie Dickinson, wife of former Headmaster Mr Bill Dickinson who did the final shortlist interviews with me.
We are now entering our Athletics season and already our boys from each sub school have been preparing for their House, JPSSA and PSA interschool carnivals. If you can find the time I strongly encourage you to get to the House carnivals and if you have an older boy the interschool carnivals are also a great spectacle.
This week marks a significant change of staffing. Mr Tibbet, who has been a loyal and committed member of Executive and a respected economics teacher at Scotch, has retired to Victoria and finished at Scotch last Friday. This week Mr Peter Allen (OSC) commences his role as our new Director of Teaching and Learning. On behalf of everyone I wish both of these staff all the very best as they enter different stages of their career path.
Boarding at Scotch is an integral part of who we are and this week I will be travelling to the Dowerin field day to meet past, current and prospective families. If you know of anyone in the area please encourage them to call in to the field day and visit us at our stand. I will be there from about 10.30 on Wednesday and will be accompanied by our recently appointed Director of Residential Life, Mr Marcus Wilkinson who commences officially in January 2015. Mrs Frietag will be there on Wednesday and Thursday.
I have been asked to speak at two universities over the coming fortnight. One session will be to address graduate students and the expectations that I have of future employees. The second address involves a guest lecture at UWA on the challenges of leadership in the modern school environment. Speaking of UWA, this week our high achievers breakfast for Year 12s is being held at the University Club. The Dean of the UWA Business School, Professor Phil Dolan, will address the students. These breakfasts reward students who have continued to maintain a high academic standing in year 12 both within the WACE and Diploma programmes.
I would like to finish by thanking everyone who put in so much effort last week to celebrate book week. I am sure the staff enjoyed the opportunity to promote the crucial role of reading in the educational journey of our boys no matter what their level of schooling.
I look forward to what will no doubt be another busy fortnight at the College.
Dr Alec O'Connell
Headmaster
