approach , standing them in good stead for repeated challenge , wave after wave .
The aim of constructing an earthquake-proof building is for it to remain standing for years to come . The foundations our 2021 cohort have developed over the past 12 to 18 months , I believe , will stand the test of time and , one hopes , enrich each unique pathway the boys take .
Resilience and independence are developed in the normal run of school life . However , these attributes have been turbocharged this year , as boys have had increased need to organise their own working day and respond to online challenges and tasks set by their teachers . Genuine appreciation of the importance of connection and collaboration is a little more difficult to develop during term time , as the boys spend so much time together and can take such social encounters for granted .
Some of the older boys reflected on their desire for more connection to their friends when working remotely . It was clear that they recognised a missing part of their school experience . As all year levels returned onsite in mid-October it was evident that many boys experienced a moment of realisation , an inner rumbling , which justified the pangs they had experienced during remote learning and reinforced the importance of good relationships .
Geologists can often detect earthquakes of the past by analysing the strata of rock , identifying unusual layers and patterns that have been formed by the seismic shifts . In years to come , if we look back at the layers of influence and learning that built up over the boys ’ time at Scotch , 2021 will be a marble-like stratum : beautiful , strong , unique and developed under immense pressure .
PREP BOYS ON THEIR ‘ 100 DAYS OF PREP ’ CELEBRATION DAY . THEY CAME DRESSED AS ‘ OLD MEN ’.
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 9