appropriate . However , the opportunity afforded boys in single-sex settings to simply focus during the day and just enjoy being a boy , I believe is precious . I would further add , having worked in a range of schools , that the opportunity for the teacher to have the single focus on boys ( and yes , I acknowledge that all boys are different ) is a great benefit of single-sex schooling .
3 . What are some of your greatest strengths / achievements that you will apply in running the college ?
I think my greatest strengths are my ability to build effective teams and my passion for relationships . I love my job because I have the privilege day after day of walking alongside people of all ages and backgrounds and supporting them to flourish . I am generally quite calm so that helps when many things are coming at you all at once and it helps you prioritise . I would say that I am a ‘ big picture ’ thinker and not afraid to take a risk or two . Now in saying this , I am also methodical and collaborative and I do like to involve as many people as possible in my leadership .
4 . How will you ensure that Scotch continues to be a safe , inclusive and culturally diverse environment for all people ?
This will always be an area where we must be vigilant . I have spoken to the boys that as a Christian school , first and foremost our foundation is built on the Bible ’ s reminder to us that we are called to love God and love others . If we genuinely love others , this means we are inclusive and respectful to people from all walks of life . It means that even though we might see the world differently , we still show love and grace to everyone . This can be hard when young people are wrestling with issues of identity and often this manifests as insecurity and wanting to put others down . However , we must continually be watchful and remind everyone in the Scotch Family that first and foremost , all are welcome and all must be shown respect , love and care .
Speaking regularly about this , having constant reminders and education , maintaining high standards and having a language of love and respect is how we continue to strive to ensure that Scotch is a genuinely safe and inclusive place for everyone .
5 . What is the role of private schools in Australia ?
Private schools enable choice for parents . They also save the government billions annually as parents subsidise the cost of the education . I do believe our taxes would essentially double if private schools were closed , given the taxpayer would need to cover the full costs of educating all children . Sadly , this is one area that lacks any decent public debate . Misinformation is constantly fed by the media and those who should know better . Irresponsible reporting and commentary simply undermine any real opportunity to improve access for all children to high quality education .
Given the highly political nature of state funded education , I do like that parents can choose a school that advances a values framework similar to that of the family . Our ‘ secular ’ and therefore supposedly ‘ neutral ’ state education needs more scrutiny .
6 . What are three key mottos or advice for the boys ?
Act with integrity , do your best , don ’ t give up . This is a little mantra I often tell myself and helps me put my head on the pillow each night and sleep well .
FUTURE OF THE SCHOOL
1 . My question is about an article I read in the media in which you spoke about focusing on time for learning impact . When you were the headmaster at William Clarke College , the school restructured
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 7