A busy term ahead

The best time to start was the beginning of the academic year. The second best time to start is now.

The end of the academic year is fast approaching with only eight weeks to go before all boys in the Senior School move up into their new year levels. For many this period will involve frantic activity and busy schedules as boys work to meet deadlines. For some, these deadlines may become overwhelming. How many times have we heard (or said), "If I just had one more day, one more hour of sleep or one more …"? These comments are made at the end of the time period but the opportunity to have more time exists at the beginning.

As we start the new term, I encourage all boys to make it happen. Now. Start, whatever the task, before you leave school, before the end of the day or before the end of the week. Don't wait until the deadline is looming.

For Year 12 boys, this term is their last of timetabled classes at Scotch College. For many the coming months will mark the end of many years at Scotch and will be filled with mixed feelings. While the next eight weeks will be a period of intense effort and focus in the lead up to final Year 12 examinations, it is important for all Year 12s to savour this time and strike a balance between the achievement of longer-term goals and the enjoyment of every moment.

To highlight the busy term ahead, 21 members of our Pipe Band have just arrived in Edinburgh for the commencement of a month of rehearsals and performances in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo; 28 boys in Years 9 and 10 fly out next Monday to attend a two-week residential school at Stanford University; and wellbeing and NAIDOC activities will be held at lunch time throughout this week. One of the highlights of NAIDOC week will be the inaugural Yira Yarkiny Concert, 6.30pm, Wednesday 5 August in the Dickinson Centre. This concert was the initiative of Yarlalu Thomas (Year 12, Stuart House) and features speakers and performances that celebrate the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Please see the concert flyer in this newsletter for details.

I look forward to seeing parents in the audience and on the sidelines as we watch the boys performing, playing and working in any number of activities and opportunities available this term.

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School