MIDDLE SCHOOL
MS KATRINA STALKER HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
ENSURING A SMOOTH TRANSITION FOR OUR YEAR 7s
YEAR 7 BOYS ENJOYED SAILING
DURING THEIR SCOTCH-AT-COWES
TRANSITION CAMP
Welcome is a simple word , but it carries a lot of weight . It is a word that has the power to create a sense of belonging and acceptance . Whenever we hear the word ' welcome ', we feel appreciated and valued . It is a gesture that makes us feel wanted and included in a group or a community .
At the start of this school year we welcomed both our new Principal , Dr Scott Marsh , and the new cohort of Year 7 – the Class of 2028 – to our Scotch College community . This is an exciting time for them , as they embark on a new chapter in their education journey . Our team is committed to ensuring that they have a smooth transition and are supported in every way .
Dr Marsh welcomed all the new boys and parents at the annual Welcome Service , with Lachlan Downs and Imeth Herath of Year 7 speaking about what they would like to achieve this year . We again had lovely weather for the Scotch Parents ’ Association Picnic for the Year 7 families . Both events are vital in welcoming the Year 7s and their parents to the Scotch Senior School family , since the challenges of entering high school are many .
Our young new attendees must try to become familiar with the layout and resources available to them , meet new people and make new friends , join new sporting teams and clubs , and perhaps participate in extracurricular activities that have caught their interest . The whole process can be overwhelming , especially since they are also presented with the challenge of maintaining their organisation skills and learning to manage their time wisely , juggling both sport and homework .
The structure of our Middle School is set up to help the Year 7s prioritise their commitments and find a healthy balance between school work and other activities . Forefront in this structure is the role of the Form Teachers , who guide their charges over Years 7
and 8 . It is the Form Teacher who welcomes the Year 7 boys with support from the Year 10 Peer Leaders and Year 11 Club leaders .
The most effective way to provide our boys with a sense of belonging to the school is attending the Year 7 camp at Cowes . The students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of outdoor activities , including sailing , boogie boarding and snorkelling . Not only does this trip provide students with the opportunity to learn new skills , challenge themselves , and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding environment , but it also gives the boys an opportunity to get to know their classmates and teachers .
In addition to the water-based activities , the students enjoy other activities , such as mini-golf , to provide a fun and enjoyable way for them to bond with each other and build friendships . This year ’ s Year 7 transition camp at Cowes was a fun and memorable experience for the students , with plenty of opportunities for adventure and learning .
We also welcomed back our Year 8 boys to the Scotch community in February . While some of the boys are still finding their feet , most are consolidating the skills and knowledge they gained last year and are ready and keen to broaden their minds .
The Big Ideas lecture series started this year by introducing the Year 8 boys to the history of the Suffragettes , and asking them how they knew when to challenge the status quo . The purpose of the lecture series is to develop the boys ’ critical thinking , so they can better navigate complex issues and make more informed choices .
It is an exciting time for the school , welcoming the 10th Principal , Dr Marsh and welcoming the new Year 7s , and looking to the future .
22 Great Scot Issue 168 – May 2023