CHAIRMAN
MR HAMISH TADGELL (' 85 ) SCHOOL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN
UNITING THE JOURNEY : A PATH TO COLLECTIVE GROWTH AND PURPOSE
In today ’ s world , it is easy to become caught up in individual ambitions and personal achievements . The message of ‘ Uniting the Journey ’ seeks to harness the collective strengths of all members of Scotch ’ s family – students , teachers , staff , parents , and alumni – so we can flourish together .
Essential to this is building a sense of belonging . This is perhaps one of the most important , yet commonly overlooked , human needs .
We each belong through our active participation in our school community . We draw on its culture and traditions , so that they pass from one generation to the next . Scotch is founded on Christian virtues and the ideals of the Scottish Enlightenment . We must build on our long and proud history to meet the demands of our changing world by honouring the past and embracing the future . By looking back in order to look forward , grounded in our community , we develop a true sense of belonging and a coherent narrative for our lives .
Sir Winston Churchill observed that , ‘ One of the signs of a great society is the diligence with which it passes culture from one generation to the next . This culture is the embodiment of everything the people of that society hold dear . When one generation no longer esteems its own heritage , and fails to pass the torch to its children , it is saying in essence that the very foundational principles and experiences that make the society what it is are no longer valid .’
I firmly believe that the sure qualities of a great school are reverence for its heritage and traditions while confidently embracing the future . We must aim high in all our endeavours and create a sense of purpose , collective identity , community and belonging . We must embrace these things wholeheartedly , lest they wither , and we stand for nothing .
Scotch ’ s purpose is to enlighten young minds and prepare boys not only for academic success but for life as thoughtful , engaged and responsible citizens .
2 Great Scot Issue 172 – Edition 2 2024