JUNIOR SCHOOL
BOOKS AND LETTERS FOR TIWI COLLEGE
SUITCASES FULL OF GIFTS FOR OUR PARTNER SCHOOL
During Term 4 2023 , Scotch ’ s Year 6 boys participated in a drive to collect books and stationery for students of Tiwi College , with which Scotch has an affiliation . The boys were inspired by a visit from author Tristan Bancks , who has a charity supporting children overseas with books . For the first Peer Support session of the term , School Captain Dion Whitfield came to the Junior School , and spoke about his experiences at Tiwi College , introducing the idea of seeking some donations and writing letters to the Tiwi College students . I reached out to Mr Greg Hollis , the Tiwi College Principal , and together we decided it would be wonderful to collect items which could be donated at their school prizegiving and used throughout the community .
During the following Peer Support sessions , the Year 6 boys all wrote letters to the Tiwi students about their favourite things to do , the summer holidays , and why they chose to donate the items they did . The Junior School community gave generously and we were able to fill many suitcases with gifts .
Mr Hollis visited us in December and was humbled by the thoughtfulness and generosity of the Scotch community . It was a wonderful example of boys making a difference to the students of our partner school in the Tiwi Islands .
AMY ROGERS – HEAD OF LIBRARY ( JUNIOR SCHOOL )
HABITS AND VALUES DEVELOPED AT SCOTCH LINGER WELL BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
As I wait outside the Head of Junior School ’ s office , the familiar grip of nerves tightens around me , reminiscent both of my days as a Principal Artist with Opera Australia , and indeed , my days as a student waiting in a similar spot after a misdeed . My awareness of the sensation is just irritatingly insightful enough to take some focus away from the task at hand , though it fails to offer any solace into the challenges of my present situation : interviewing for a teaching position at my alma mater .
Fast forward four months and here I am , fully re-immersed in the Scotch community , teaching my Year 5 class and reconnecting with the teachers I knew . As I observe my students ' unwavering dedication and commitment through all their endeavours , it triggers a reflection on the invaluable lessons I gleaned from my time as a student at Scotch .
Foremost among these lessons was the notion that limitations exist only in theory and can be overcome with unwavering selfbelief and dedication . In Year 12 , I vividly remember wrestling with doubts about whether an Indian could realistically pursue a career as an opera singer , only to find solace in the encouragement of my teachers , who urged me to dismantle any barriers to this goal with hard work and perseverance . This mindset propelled me through hundreds of performances with Opera Australia , each one a testament to the power of persistence .
Now , as I witness the same dedication and belief in my students , I ' m struck by how these lessons continue to shape my teaching approach . It becomes evident that the habits and
values instilled in me at Scotch have served me well beyond the classroom , guiding me through the twists and turns of my professional journey , which I can now pay forward to a new generation of Scotch boys .
Reflecting on the nerves that gripped me before my job interview , I realise they stemmed from an innate understanding that returning to Scotch as a teacher would be a pivotal moment in my career . The depth of my investment in this opportunity to reconnect with Scotch as a teacher reflects the profound impact the Cardinal Thread continues to have , weaving its way through so many aspects of my life . SHOUMENDU GANGULY-SCHORNIKOW (’ 06 )
SHOUMENDU GANGULY-SCHORNIKOW WITH HIS YEAR 5 CLASS
26 Great Scot Issue 171 – Edition 1 2024