Great Scot May 2020 Great Scot 159_MAY 2020_ONLINE_V3 | Page 52

BOARDING
LEFT TO RIGHT: TOM
CAINE (CAPTAIN
OF THE HILL), SAM
SMEDLEY (ARTHUR
ROBINSON HOUSE
CAPTAIN), BRENDAN
LEE (MCMECKAN
HOUSE CAPTAIN),
FLETCHER
JOHNSTONE
(SCHOOL HOUSE
CAPTAIN)
THE HILL’S WELCOMING, INCLUSIVE
AND ACTIVE ENVIRONMENT
Our Year 12 boys play an instrumental role in running a
successful boarding house – as well as completing duties and
assisting with house competitions, they set the tone and establish
the culture within each House.
The vertical structure of the Houses, where boys from Years 7
to 12 live in the one House, requires senior boys to provide guidance
and support for the younger boys. This year we are indeed fortunate
to have a wonderful group of young leaders on the Hill. Coming from
diverse backgrounds, they bring their own leadership styles to their
respective roles. With the support of boarding staff, this year they have
quickly settled into their positions and are implementing a number
of initiatives for the benefit of boys, the most important of which is
the positive and inclusive tone they are setting for all on the Hill.
Several Old Scotch Collegians have returned to the Hill as
Resident Tutors. Having a common bond with existing students,
such as sporting interests, and being closer in age to the boys than
most of the staff, they are playing a vital role in helping boarders
to adapt to living away from home. These younger staff members
add to the staffing mix of each House and help provide a natural,
homely environment.
The Hill staff in general have a wide range of interests and
experience, so whether it’s sport, fishing, Lego building or karate,
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Great Scot Issue 159 – April 2020
there is opportunity for boys to share common interests and develop
positive relationships with those responsible for their care. Staff are
often found discussing their particular passion with boys over lunch,
after prep or in the evenings before bed times, building common
bonds and contributing to the unique fabric that makes the Hill
a welcoming, inclusive and active environment in which boys
can thrive.
TIM BYRNES – DEAN OF BOARDING