Community and Service
Building a Culture of Service Learning
One of the many benefits to the College and the boys of Round Square membership is the sharing of ideas and resources. There is a significant synergy that comes from the collaboration between schools within the organisation.
Wellington College in the UK presented a workshop to staff delegates at the Global Conference in Jordan on 'Developing a Culture of Service Learning'. Delegates were challenged to look at the philosophy behind their own schools service learning programmes. Central to the presentation was the idea of power - and the need for students to avoid serving as the 'powerful', those who are 'powerless'. A key quote from Brisbane activist Lilla Watson struck a chord:
"If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound with mine then let us work together. "
Following a discussion of what was meant by 'social justice orientation', reciprocal partnerships and social change philanthropy were identified as critical elements in any long-term programme of service.
The presentation concluded with the understanding that schools - secular or religious - have a responsibility to equip students with the tools to effect lasting changes in society in order to alleviate inequality and injustice. Service learning in schools should be more than having students do good deeds for people; they must also instil in students an understanding of the issues behind the need and empower them to question the systems that might prolong suffering and a lack of opportunity.
At Scotch we have incorporated many of these ideas, against the background of our Christian values. Long has been the goal of graduating boys with the courage to act on behalf of those less fortunate; to remove injustice; to work towards equality and to live with the understanding that liberation is a shared concept.
Round Square Committee
The Scotch College Round Square Committee was formalised this term. Comprising of Year 9 and Year 12 students, the first task of this group will be to serve as the student management group for the forthcoming Round Square Conference, hosted on the Scotch campus in the first week of the April holidays.
Personal Hygiene Items For The Homeless Requested
The service activity for the April Conference will focus on homelessness, with conference participants rolling 'Street Swags', packing comfort items and fresh food at the 'Food Rescue' base and then distributing the packs to the homeless clients of the UnitingCare West, Tranby Day Centre.
We are seeking donations of new items including, toothbrushes and toothpaste, underwear for both sexes, soap, moisturiser, shampoo and other toiletries - in fact… any small item that you feel would be useful or comforting for homeless people of Perth sleeping rough or in temporary accommodation.
Please drop donated items at any of the sub-school receptions.
Year 7/8 Games and Movie Night
The Tanzania Expedition group is holding a Games and Movie Night at Presbyterian Ladies' College (PLC) on Friday, 11 March. The proceeds from this event will be used entirely for the materials needed to complete a Trade Training Centre, commenced by the expedition group of 2014.
Boys from Year 7 and 8 are invited to participate in this great occasion in partnership with Year 7 and 8 girls from PLC. Bookings can be made through the 'Book A Scotch Event' link on the Scotch College web site www.scotch.wa.edu.au . More information can be found here.
Mr Bill Cordner
Director of Community Service
