Upper School
Upper School
Mr Tim Rayner – Head of Upper School
MR TIM RAYNER HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL
Generation Z strives to make a difference
ABOVE: BOYS RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR WOMEN FUND FOR SYRIA.
Our boys are increasingly aware of their role as citizens in today’ s society. Part of that role is an awareness of the need to serve others for the betterment of society.
Supporting, helping and respecting others fosters social justice, and this year our boys have been very busy in ensuring they stamp their mark on society in a positive way. The Walk for Women during Term 1 was reflective of how much our boys are now connected to worldwide issues, and how, through links with peers at other schools, it is possible to make a difference.
Fifteen schools and 680 boys and girls participated in a sponsored walk around the Tan, with the proceeds of $ 8000 going to the UN Women Fund for Syria. We expect even more Scotch boys to be involved in this annual event next year.
Within school, our Year 12 boys are supporting Berry Street as their nominated charity through events such as a casual clothes day, barbecues, Friday trivia quiz, Run Melbourne and House auctions. Berry Street is also a nominated APS charity for this year. The choice of Berry Street is commendable, and as mentioned by a Year 12 boy in an Assembly address, when compared to some others, our boys are fortunate to have a roof over their heads and food on the table.
As part of our extracurricular activities, the Services Program for Year 11, usually delivered
on Thursdays after school, is being reviewed to ensure service learning and community development are the central pillars of our boys’ experiences. At the core of this change will be an immersion experience, giving more boys the opportunity to work in communities, whether overseas, interstate or within Victoria.
As a trial this year, eight boys visited Ballarat Special School for a week and worked with the boys and girls, learning much about disability and the lives of children who can, but shouldn’ t, face social exclusion. The effects of such an immersion were profound, not just for the boys. An accompanying Scotch staff member said it was one of the most valuable school trips he had ever participated in, and all parties felt the trial was worth continuing next year.
A group of boys visited Cambodia, where they worked, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, on helping to build accommodation for local people.
Again, such experiences have a significant influence on all involved. Similar immersions will take place at the end of Term 3 in 2018, allowing boys to participate in training and building skills, including gaining qualifications like first aid, and in some cases fundraising. Drama teacher Michael Waugh has been instrumental in establishing this exciting and uplifting program.
Looking further, Scotch College, in collaboration with World Vision, has now linked
with the Zambian community of Chipapa. Through fundraising and fostering ties, it is hoped we will be able to make a real difference to the lives of that community. Our goals include improving access to education and health, as well as making clean water readily available.
Fundraising has already commenced, but importantly there will also be trips to Chipapa where our boys will meet the locals and engage in a community development project. Following our successful support of Chitulika, we very much hope our engagement with Chipapa promotes empowerment and assists this small community.
Other charitable activities continue to run throughout the Upper School. Fundraisers for Treasure Chest, the Lighthouse Foundation and White Ribbon Day have all occurred this year, often due to the enthusiasm and drive of boys and staff alike.
I feel sure boys who are increasingly aware of their social obligations will continue to suggest ways of supporting others and making a difference in our society. It is heartening to know that Generation Z wants to make a difference in the world. www. scotch. vic. edu. au Great Scot 19