RITES OF PASSAGE REINFORCING MEMBERSHIP OF THE SCOTCH FAMILY
It is also important to recognise that it is not just the new boys who engage in orientation and transition . We have wonderful opportunities for current students to reflect on their maturation and connection to the school through internal rites of passage .
Our Year 2 boys look forward to the Tie Ceremony in Term 4 . This ceremony has evolved over the years . The primary purpose is to celebrate the Year 2 boys ’ transition from Junior Primary into Upper Primary . For the boys this means changes where they play at lunchtime and recess and to the uniform they wear , as well as changes to the challenges they have in their learning .
The Tie Ceremony seeks to celebrate all Year 2s for their journey to that point and award them their first Scotch tie . At this point I take a moment to reflect on the Scotch concept of the Cardinal Thread and help the boys recognise the symbolic significance of the ties and the cloth from which they are cut .
Another wonderful rite of passage celebrated in Term 4 is that of our Year 6 boys ’ transition to Senior School . This is most tangibly recognised at their Valedictory Dinner and their recognition at the end of year Speech Night .
The dinner creates a moment for the boys to reflect with their families on the many amazing things they have achieved during their time at school . Speech Night seeks to give the school an opportunity to thank the Year 6 cohort for their contribution and for the Senior School to welcome them . The Vice Principal – Head of Senior School attends Speech Night and speaks directly to the boys in a formal welcome to their next chapter .
As mentioned , there will be many micro-moments that will positively influence each boy . Whether they are flagship ceremonies or simply small interactions with others , each will collectively contribute to the whole .
Each boy will have his own experience and will have the opportunity to celebrate his efforts . Each rite of passage he experiences takes him one step closer to the next challenge , but also further reinforces his foundation as a Scotchie , a member of the Scotch Family and someone strongly connected to the Cardinal Thread .
It is through authentic connection to something greater than oneself that we recognise the value we bring and thus our true worth . www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 23