Although at present Scotch finds itself in very good shape , as the Chairman , Mr Sloan has attested to , we must as a school continue to evolve in a rapidly-changing environment . Indeed , Mr Sloan has said : ‘ There is a balance to be struck at this time , which respects the critical importance of our Scotch traditions , but can find an appropriate context for them as we adapt .’
It is my great pleasure to welcome Dr Marsh to Scotch College on behalf of all boys and those in the Scotch community . I speak for us all in wishing Dr Marsh and his family every success as he takes up this important role . Dr Marsh joining Scotch as only its 10th Principal in 171 years marks the beginning of a new chapter in Scotch ’ s history , and together we will write the first few lines in this chapter .
In closing , can I say that I am truly excited for the year ahead ; I look forward to watching you , the students , pursue your passions and make the most of the wonderful opportunities Scotch presents .
Whether it is on the sporting field , academically , in the cadets , on the stage , in the music school or in the plethora of experiences and opportunities Scotch offers , I hope you will have a crack , work hard , have some fun , invest in your friends and the people you are grateful for , and challenge each other to be better .
Ask yourself this : not what difference can I make , but what difference will I make to my school that will be of benefit to all in the Scotch Family and in the wider community ? My answer to that thought would be : ‘ service to others is a gift to one ’ s self ’. I know that those who remain grounded in the values of being humble , kind and respectful will find true fulfilment in all that they do and find great joy in serving others .
DION WHITFIELD – SCHOOL CAPTAIN
A KALEIDOSCOPE OF OPPORTUNITIES IN EACH SCOTCH JOURNEY
Welcome back to what I am sure will be an exciting and memorable 2023 . I would like to welcome this year ’ s School Captain , Dion Whitfield , but especially welcome the new Year 7s and any other new boys to the Scotch Family . Scotch may appear overwhelming to you at the moment , but I assure you that you will find Scotch to be a welcoming , supportive school and you will happily find your place in this close-knit community .
During the holidays I sat in a plane for 20 hours coming back from six weeks ’ exchange in Germany , and so I naturally binged some Netflix to pass the time . I came across this new Netflix series , Kaleidoscope .
It ’ s a show with no episode numbers , where the episodes can be watched in any order creating a unique storyline for everyone . As there ’ s no order , everyone finishes the show with a different opinion of the characters and events . This was the part that caught my attention . With thousands of episode combinations , no two people would have the same experience watching the show . I thought to myself , if a person ’ s experience and resulting views could vary so much from watching just eight episodes of a show , then how much is our outlook on life shaped by the daily choices that we all make in our lifetime ? So I began to think about my eight years at Scotch and how my journey has shaped me .
Drama , bagpipes , running and debating are just part of the story that has enriched my school experience . It is not just the activities ; even the multitude of little interactions with teachers and peers in different activities around the school over time has shaped me .
But this is just my journey . That ’ s the great thing about Scotch . Each of you will find something that ignites a passion or intrigues you , creating a unique Scotch journey and turning you into Scotch boys with important ideas and opinions .
Netflix says that ‘ every Kaleidoscope order is the right Kaleidoscope order ’ and the same applies here at Scotch . There is no one type of Scotch boy or one type of Scotch journey . As cliched as it may sound , each of you will forge your own path , creating your own memories and beliefs . Our school is a kaleidoscope , with 2000 boys viewing and experiencing the school from their own special perspectives .
Though we all take different paths at Scotch , we are far from alone in our journeys . Whether it ’ s rowing , running , jumping , singing or studying – we do it together . We are a strong community of boys and teachers , who will support you on whatever path you take .
Last week my exchange student from Germany asked me what Scotch was like . I could have talked about the size of the school , the amazing grounds or its history , but I told him I think it ’ s the camaraderie that makes Scotch what it is .
Though we all take part in different activities at school , everyone feels a sense of pride being a Scotchie . I showed him some photos of the Red Army . Looking at hundreds of students from all year levels , all dressed in the same uniform , cheering their peers on from the sideline is emblematic of Scotch ’ s unity and the Scotch spirit . And this support extends further than the sporting field to all activities from orchestra , to chess , to debating .
I hope the Year 7s and others who are new to the school will feel this constant support , and feel comfortable trying that new instrument , that new sport , that new subject , or stepping out onto the stage to perform in drama or music . Whatever the case , I urge you to try something new and take every opportunity that arises . From these opportunities you will each form a different perspective of Scotch and the world .
So I encourage you to immerse yourself in discussions within Scotch and the wider community . From challenging ideas and questioning current systems , your unique experience and opinions will help shape the future of Scotch and the broader community . Dion , the Prefects and I are always here to help and listen to your ideas .
Let ’ s have a great 2023 together , and just like binging on Kaleidoscope , let ’ s all tune in to our next episode and make the most of what Scotch has to offer !
TOMMY KLUCKOW – SCHOOL VICE-CAPTAIN
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 31