NEWS
SCOTCH : ‘ A SPECIAL PLACE AND A SPECIAL FAMILY ’
NEW MEMBERS OF THE SCOTCH FAMILY REFLECT ON THEIR EARLY DAYS AT OUR SCHOOL
Longer established members of our community have reflected on how best we welcome people at our school gates , but Great Scot also wanted to hear directly from those who have just recently joined the Scotch Family .
' The thing that struck me most about my welcome to Scotch was the overwhelming warmth and friendliness that I received from everyone .’ That was the reaction of new teaching staff member Kate Rafferty ( Learning Assistant in the Centre for Learning ) to the greeting she received when she started at Scotch at the beginning of the 2023 school year . As the Head of the Junior School , Tom Savill mentions in his article in this edition , ‘ a sense of belonging is at the heart of our school values .'
Creating that sense of belonging is as important to implement among our new staff as it is to instil in our new boys . A welcoming , supportive atmosphere helps staff and students to immediately feel part of the Scotch Family , and sets them up for a rewarding , fulfilling career at the school .
Here are the reactions of four new staff members and one student to the welcome they received when they took their first steps onto the campus at the start of Term 1 :
As a new member of the Scotch College staff , I ’ ve been thoroughly impressed with the school ’ s welcoming and supportive community . From the early orientation days all the way until today ( and I ’ m sure well into the future ) everyone has been incredibly patient and helpful .
Notably , this support hasn ’ t been temporary – it ’ s been totally consistent . Whether it ’ s my colleagues , administration or students , every single person at Scotch College has gone above
and beyond to make sure that I feel informed and supported .
When I first joined the Scotch Family , I went through what I like to believe is a universal experience of being introduced to what feels like a million different people , their locations , and what they do , only to have it all overflow and escape moments later . The wonderful members of the Scotch Family have been both patient and kind in reminding me of all of the above . Thank you .
HENDRIK OOSTHUIZEN – SENIOR SCHOOL TEACHER ( ENGLISH AND MEDIA )
New beginnings are , by nature , both daunting and exciting . It was with these two emotions bubbling inside me that I walked into Scotch that first morning , and was awed by the majesty of the buildings and the lush surroundings . Three months later and I still feel the same joy as I walk around this incredible place . I am now surrounded , too , by the warmth of every staff member I have met and every smile of greeting on the boys ’ faces .
The thing that struck me most about my welcome to Scotch was the overwhelming warmth and friendliness that I received from everyone . I have found such stability from the staff ; their helpful words have answered every question and their love of this school is infectious . I have been made to feel welcome in classrooms , House Rooms and by teachers and students alike .
The boys are an amazing bunch of individuals who make me laugh every day , and I feel the privilege of being a small part of their journey . Scotch is a special place and a special family that I am now proud to belong to .
KATE RAFFERTY – LEARNING ASSISTANT , CENTRE FOR LEARNING
24 Great Scot