supporting and challenging him , such that he can confidently meet the lumps and bumps in the road along with the knowledge that he is not alone .
Unlike Billy ’ s movie experience , newcomers to Scotch experience a variety of different planned sessions to help with integration before their first day ; from workshops designed to paint a colourful picture of school readiness to orientation ice-breaker games to help sow new seeds of friendship . A bespoke program of events is rolled out each year to help every new boy , and his family , create JAN DIMMICK stronger ( LEFT ties ) AND to ANNE the school NEIL .
One of the highlights of my day is welcoming the boys in the morning as they arrive at the school gate . While perhaps only brief , this simple daily ritual fosters an immediate connection and creates a positive start to the school day . A friendly greeting , the sharing of a smile , or listening to an anecdote , these interactions all develop that instant sense of belonging , of being a ‘ Scotchie .’ Welcoming each other becomes contagious , and is something that every Scotch boy soon does inherently as part of his routine .
Research into best practice in boys ’ education reveals that they will show higher levels of learning engagement and motivation when they feel they have a genuine connection / relationship with their teachers and each other . Each micro moment of connection builds to the macro understanding of one another .
When teaching the Prep classes in week four , I asked the boys to reflect on moments that they have enjoyed since starting at their new school . A common thread was that of enjoying moments with each other . ( See the photos .)
When a new Scotchie walks through the doors on his first day , he knows where to go , he has already begun to form some friendships , he recognises teachers , teachers know him , and he knows that there are a number of support processes to help him develop a sense of belonging .
The negotiation of where he is dropped in relation to the front gate is another matter …
Since starting as a Prep boy at Scotch College I have enjoyed ...
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