REPORTS

HEADMASTER

HEN YOU HAVE A CRISIS like COVID-19, you go back to basics. At Scotch College, we’re very fortunate that our ‘basics’ – or foundations – are incredibly strong. I am speaking of course, about our community. If you have a strong, supportive community, you do not need to create hasty crisis management and wellbeing strategies. You are blessed with a natural fallback. W community has seen us through one of the most substantial challenges that the world has met in recent decades. It was remarkable to witness the support and empathy offered up by so many in our community. From parents reaching out to us, offering their help and faith that we knew what we were doing. One mum said to me, “I didn’t agree with it all, but I liked that you knew where you stood”. COVID-19 reminded us that it is trust and respect that makes a community. educators that make up our teaching staff. Scotch has provided 1:1 devices for many years now, and we have spent more than a decade developing digital learning. As the pandemic hit, we combined our strengths and intellectual property – digital infrastructure, quality teaching and courses – and delivered online learning through Microsoft Teams. Thank you to all our staff who worked diligently to meet the challenges and unexpected boons of online learning.

This is not to say that our community In Summer Term as COVID-19 arose, Throughout this period, our students did not struggle during the COVID-19 we prepared to move to online learning. were fantastic. They demonstrated great crisis, or that it will not continue to face We looked to our teachers and the resilience and the adaptability that pandemic-related difficulties in future. digital infrastructure that was already defines their generation. Overall, they

Comprising students, families, Old Scotch Collegians and staff, our in place. We benefited greatly from the resourceful, innovative and experienced maintained a solid work ethic, although I know for a fact that they enjoyed the

four-period day. With classes finishing at 1pm, students were able to set up study groups or get in touch with their teachers during the following individual study time. As for their IT knowledge, I cannot fault it.

COVID-19 redefined the importance of many things in life. Some things that we thought were sacred cows, that we could not possibly do without, were postponed or cancelled. In a time like this, postponing is not always possible, and after the lockdown period, it was clear that it would be impossible to reschedule all our missed events. As a school, I do not believe that we missed out in 2020. Our student leaders continuously impressed me with their maturity and understanding of how lucky we have been as a school and a city. Yes, we were challenged and had to rapidly adapt, but we did not have to face the enormity of the rest of Australia and the world.

For some staff, the pandemic brought forward their retirement plans as we realised as a nation that there is far more to life than work. Much like we prioritised events, staff prioritised their own lives. One-hundred-and-fiftyone years of experience retired at the end of 2020. To the staff that moved on from the workforce – David Clifford, Paul Davidson, Peter Frusher, David Jones, Deb Lee, Wayne Ramsay and Dawn Scaife – I thank you for your great commitment and contribution to our College.

In Spring Term, we welcomed our new Head of Junior School, Maria Hodges. Hailing from a business background, Maria has been a respected educational leader for many years and joined us from Wesley College, where she held the equivalent role. Since arriving, Maria has brought her signature brand of energy and drive to our Junior School. In November, Maria and her team launched Bush School Saturday – a free day of nature play, which saw more than 200 families from Scotch and the wider community flock to our Playing Fields.

As Headmaster I also farewelled two integral members of my Executive, Richard Ledger, our Head of Middle School and Indigenous Student Programme Coordinator. Richard has been a stalwart at the College since 2009. He has held numerous roles including Acting Head of Senior School and Acting Headmaster. Richard resigned from Scotch to support his wife, Sue Ledger, in her new role as Dean of Education at the University of Newcastle. Our Director of Financial Services Paul Davidson also ended his 16-year tenure in 2020, retiring to spend more time with his family. Paul’s steady hand on the College’s financial and business direction has been invaluable. While we will miss him greatly, we are very pleased to welcome Ian Anthony as our new Chief Financial Officer. Thank you to Paul and Richard, and I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavours.

This year has seen the progression of massive capital works. In Winter Term, we opened our new Mathematics and Commerce Building. This dynamic structure features a striking lecture theatre, interactive individual and group workspaces and the new Year 12 common room and incorporates learning elements into the architecture itself. Binary code stretches down one hallway, commerce-focused networks play on smart TVs, circle theorems rest in carpets and braille can be read across outdoor benches.

Headmaster Dr Alec O’Connell and Head of Senior School Peter Burt at Friday Marching, photograph: Claire Pelliccia

Pipe Major David Stülpner (Year 12) and Headmaster Dr Alec O’Connell visiting Dallas Hamilton (OSC 1933) on his 104th birthday, with his wife Barbara, just 24 hours before COVID-19 restrictions prevented aged-care visits; On the road to visit Boarding families near Bindi Bindi; Dressed up for the Book Week Parade

Right: Eric Zhu (Year 2) holding his letter from Headmaster Dr Alec O’Connell Below: Headmaster Dr Alec O’Connell and Yu Loh celebrating 100 days of Pre-Primary

In October, the refurbishment of the Gooch Pavilion began. Built in 1954, the Gooch is one of four significant heritage buildings on our campus. Thanks to the much-needed renovations, generations to come will be able to make their own memories of the iconic pavilion, which is notably the backdrop for our annual March Out graduation ceremony. In 2021, we will look to our community to support this substantial endeavour. I would love for you to reach out to our Office of Advancement and Philanthropy if you are interested in contributing to this vital project and furthering Scotch’s traditions for the years to come. Additionally, you may consider joining our Alexander Society, comprising a number of our community who have left a bequest to the College.

The oldest building on campus Collegians House also received an overhaul in 2020. The grand entrance for our College is now home to Admissions and Marketing, alongside the Headmaster’s Office and Reception, with our Finance team moving just across the road into Campbell House. As the entry point to Scotch for all our families, it felt fitting that Admissions in particular now resides here.

This year has been one to reflect on what is worth holding onto as a community. To see our students writing to OSCs in their 80s and 90s when they were at their most isolated and vulnerable, and the joy that this brought to both parties, reminds us what makes Scotch a great community to be a part of. Similarly, our weekly Assemblies are a constant reminder of all the great things that we do, and a chance to celebrate with students and staff, giving out awards and speaking to families.

Fridays remain one of my favourite days of the week, from watching Year 7s and 8s playing PSA sport in the afternoon to handing out my weekly Headmaster’s Commendations. Every week, students from Kindergarten to Year 12 come by my office to receive their commendation. Nominated by staff, these are students who have done something special or achieved personal success. They get a lolly and certificate, and we have a chat. This is a great opportunity for me to touch base with students across the school, see how they are going and what they enjoy most about Scotch.

To everyone in our community, 2020 has surely been a challenge, but it has also been a great year and to everyone who formed a part of it, I thank you. Just like the year that was, you will not be forgotten.

LOOKING BACK ON 2020… All Saints’ Day, celebrated on Sunday 1 November, provides an opportunity to reminisce; to remember those who have contributed to who we are. We are reminded of their love, compassion, courage and sacrifice, and thinking of them awakens these feelings in our inner spirit, feelings which we can bring to the challenge of COVID-19. In the spirit of reminiscing, what will we remember when we look back on 2020?

The College responded swiftly and decisively as the reality of COVID-19 hit home. Two weeks of teaching via Scotch College Online Teaching was followed by the April break. With ANZAC Day services cancelled, many Scotch boys kept the dawn vigil on their driveways, playing the trumpet or bagpipes. Accompanying Pipe Major David Stülpner and other pipers to three aged-care facilities was a moving experience; I was overwhelmed by the joy their playing brought to residents. Cars stopped, crowds gathered, people applauded from their balconies.

The Autumn Term began with another week of online lessons and then – BAM! – we were back at school, sans Chapels, Assemblies and Sport. Developments were swift, and the responsiveness of the school leadership instilled confidence and enabled our community to feel truly supported. The excitement on the sporting fields, with the commencement of contact sessions, was tangible. The delight at seeing the exuberance of our boys running around our ovals with their mates was unforgettable. And then, jubilation! The commencement of the Winter Public Schools Association Sport season, albeit shortened, was announced. It has been a unique year for the Class of 2020. Once the ramifications of COVID-19 became apparent, uncertainty about what was coming and how long it would last hit home. Stunned, initially, by what they would be missing (Cross Country, Head of the River, Inter-House Athletics Carnival, Jazz Night), they tapped into their collective creativity and earned our admiration for responding with compassion, hope and agency at addressing the things they could control. Fortunately, things changed far quicker than we imagined and myriad public student performances materialised. Student rock bands played at the Rosemount Hotel, there were numerous performances at Assemblies, Senior Art was displayed in the Stairwell Gallery, Media and Filmmaking were showcased through the Director’s Final Cut Media Night and the magnificent musical We Will Rock You, with playwright Ben Elton in attendance. These events reminded us that with the many restrictions around public performances globally, we are blessed to be in Western Australia.

Despite the social distancing required, the year of COVID-19 has brought us closer together. As we supported each other, a positive feeling enveloped our campus and the wider Scotch community. Our staff showed great resilience and continued doing what they do best, enabling the boys to pursue their educational journeys.

With second and third waves breaking out around the world, we may not be out of the woods. We will continue to do the right thing and take individual responsibility for our actions. The pandemic has given us the rare opportunity to reset our priorities collectively. At this time, we celebrate the Scotch community and all communities that we belong to, acknowledging the contribution of so many who have and who continue to enrich our lives.

All Saints’ Day reminds us that “we are surrounded by a large crowd of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) and the Book of Remembrance in the Cathedral of St Paul, Los Angeles, speaks about our connection with the saints who have gone before us, and with each other, now:

In the rising of the sun and in its going down, we remember them. In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them. In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer, we remember them. In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we remember them. In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember them. When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them. When we have joys we yearn to share, we remember them. So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are part of us we remember them.

CHAIR OF COUNCIL

HAT A YEAR! It was certainly not business as usual. In late 2019, the Council met with key stakeholders to identify priorities and develop a strategy for W thankfully the new Mathematics and Commerce Building had been completed and we celebrated its official opening in September. I am pleased that students and staff have taken to the building’s harmonious surroundings, which has become a vibrant hub. The Council, with the future. With the sudden emergence the financial support of the Foundation, of COVID-19 in March 2020, priorities identified two iconic projects in need of changed immediately. We focused on refurbishment and restoration namely, the health and safety of the students the Gooch Pavilion, which is scheduled and staff on campus, and the potential to be completed next winter, and the economic impact on the College, should uniquely located Boat Shed. the contagion be prolonged. The Council made significant

We were fortunate in Western Australia appointments this year, none more that students were able to return to than the well-deserved renewal of campus much sooner than anticipated. our Headmaster, Dr Alec O’Connell’s

On behalf of the Council, I would like third term until the end of 2024. Dr to recognise the extraordinary efforts of O’Connell is nationally recognised as our staff in delivering the Scotch online a leader in education and we are very learning programme and the return to a pleased that he will continue to lead safe environment on campus. Scotch College into the future. I would

The 2020 pandemic will certainly go down in the annals of the rich history of Scotch College. We have learned, and continue to learn, a lot from the disruption, which the Council will incorporate into a revised strategic plan. Four years ago, in recognition of the deteriorating Western Australian economy and its consequent impact on Scotch families, the Council resolved to keep annual school fee increases to a nominal amount. In 2020, in response to the predicted off-campus learning period, we identified the value of the co-curricular offerings that would not be delivered and, despite the early return to campus, provided an 18.75 per cent rebate on the fees for Autumn Term. Whilst the Council decided to halt all capital and building plans in March, also like to recognise his wife, Janny for her continuing support of Alec and the College. Other appointments included the new Head of Junior School Maria Hodges and Chief Financial Officer Ian Anthony. Ian steps into our Director of Finance and Corporate Services Paul Davidson’s role, following his retirement after an outstanding 16 years of service. Welcome, Maria and Ian and all the very best to Paul and his wife Trish. We also saw changes at the Council level. Professor David Gibson returned to the United States. David made a significant contribution from his position as Director of Future Learnings at Curtin University. The Council welcomed Roy Kelley at the start of 2020. Roy was the Headmaster of Melbourne Grammar until the end of 2019 and has been invaluable to the Council. I am delighted to announce that Martina Crowley, a Scotch parent, will bring her financial acumen to Council in 2021 as a new member. I would like to thank my fellow Council members who were called upon overand-above normal duties during the pandemic. To Scotch families, your sons are a credit to you for the engaging manner in which they returned to campus. There is no substitute for the benefits that flow from the interaction between the boys and staff and the enjoyment of pursuing educational and co-curricular activities whilst maintaining a safe environment. All the very best for a restful break and we will see everyone back on deck next year.

CHAIR OF FOUNDATION

MOST OF US would not be able to recall a more challenging year than 2020. Even though Perth has had minimal impact from the global pandemic compared to the rest of the world, there have been moments when we, as individuals, students, parents or business people have had to determine how to respond to unprecedented circumstances. It has been no different for the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Is the Foundation sufficiently robust to ride out a storm?

Due to the many years of good work and sound advice from the Foundation Investment Committee, Director of Finance and Corporate Services Paul Davidson and his team, and Shadforth, the Foundation has indeed proved robust and is set up to remain so. Is the Foundation doing what it was created to do?

The Foundation remains the safe custodian of any funds received, with the strategic, long-term support of the College at its centre. We have also taken time this year to reflect on our operations, in conjunction with the newly formed Office of Advancement and Philanthropy under Director of Advancement and Philanthropy Kate Quinn, to ensure the best deployment of relevant skills and resources.

Students outside the Mathematics and Commerce Building, photograph: Silvertone Photography What has the Foundation done to support the College in 2020?

• Committed up to $4 million in long-term funding to enable the commencement of heritage refurbishment and upgrades to the

Gooch Pavilion and Boat Shed

• Continued the principal repayment holiday on a $5.5 million loan for the completed Middle School buildings

• Recommitted to the provision of

Foundation scholarships up to an equivalent of two new bursaries per annum for up to six years

• Made a significant contribution to funding the Office of Advancement and Philanthropy

• Applied funds from the Brinsden and

Ackland Bequests to support staff development and leadership

• Refused to let Director of Finance and Corporate Services Paul Davidson retire until December, so we had the full use of his skills for the year. Enjoy retirement Paul! How can you help?

As Headmaster Alec O’Connell often says, Scotch would not exist if not for the generous gift from Jane Alexander that acquired the land on which the school sits. If you have the interest and resources, please contact Director of Advancement and Philanthropy Kate Quinn to discuss how you can create a legacy for future generations, knowing that the Foundation will be a safe custodian to manage and grow those funds for the strategic support of the College.

Speaking of legacies, it is with sadness that we learned about the passing of Sandy MacKellar in October. Sandy was a past Chair of Foundation and one of its most strident supporters. It is people like Sandy, who not only have bold ideas but bring them to reality, who enable the Foundation to be what it is. Our thanks go to him and our condolences to his family.

Finally, I must say that having been part of the Scotch College community in this most extraordinary year, I commend the College on the way it has managed 2020 and reiterate that you are all part of this community for life.

DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

THERE IS NO DOUBT that In short, 99.4 per cent of our boys 2020 dished up surprises that studying the Western Australian challenged our community in Certificate of Education graduated ways we simply did not expect. compared to a state average of 91.3 per The concept of online learning cent. With record numbers, 100 per was normalised overnight as cent of our International Baccalaureate we prepared for long periods Diploma Programme cohort met the of isolation, anticipating the impact graduation requirements, compared to of COVID-19. Year 12 students were a global average of 70 per cent. We had asked to continue learning as per a combined median ATAR of 88.00, normal, whilst preparing for their compared to a state median ATAR of final examinations which were looking 81.85. Our highest ATAR was 99.95, doubtful to proceed. Meanwhile, achieved by two students, and 45 per universities declared students could cent of our cohort obtained a 90+ ATAR. apply for 2021 courses using their Year We are delighted with these results, 11 results, removing the last extrinsic especially considering the uncertainty motivation for many of our Year 12s this cohort faced. to study. By July, many students had secured a university place, which left teachers wondering what outcome these distractions might bring.

These challenges presented a huge cultural test, and I am delighted to say, our young men have been nothing short of impressive, meeting our high expectations every step of the way.

Not only did the 2020 leavers continue to strive for their personal best, but they also worked together to ensure they moved forward as a collective, ignoring distractions and remaining focused on the final goal. Our students confirmed that striving for their personal best is an intrinsic motivation that is woven into our school culture, and these young men are well prepared for the challenges that life will throw at them.

Scotch explicitly teaches boys to tackle their learning independently by utilising high-quality support. Even as the goal posts changed in 2020, this approach to teaching has left them in good stead and it is my great pleasure to share their outstanding achievements. Celebrating their Success

IB Diploma Dux William Steinberg

WACE ATAR Dux Casey Lawrence

WACE VET Dux Isaac Norman

IBDP Achievements 2020

After a decade of offering the IBDP, our 2020 results demonstrate our experience in delivering this world-class programme. The excellent preparation that boys receive in their younger years helps ensure their success in this rigorous programme that rewards diligence, critical thinking, sustained effort and attention to detail. Seven out of 38 students (18 per cent) received a score of 40 or above, equating to an ATAR of 99.00 or above, once bonuses for studying a rigorous level of Mathematics and a Language were included. Both William Steinberg and Sam Wake achieved a converted ATAR of 99.95. The median score was an impressive 34 points out of a possible 45, compared to the global average of 28.5. This is a remarkable achievement that equates to a median ATAR of 95.40.

William Steinberg earned a perfect score of 45 points, a result only achieved by 0.2 per cent of IBDP students globally. He is one of 430 students, out of the 190,000 IBDP students in 2020, to achieve this extraordinary feat, and the second student to do so at Scotch College. William has recently been accepted into Cambridge University to study Mathematics. Other notable achievements include Sam Wake who earned 44 points, Arun Tibballs and Matthew Steinepreis on 43 points, and Ronan Cameron also secured 42 points, alongside Charlie Radici. Sam received a UWA Fogarty Scholarship, whilst Charlie has accepted a place at Oxford University to read English Language and Literature. The University of Western Australia requires 40+ points for a direct pathway into the Bachelor of Philosophy and I am pleased to report the following students achieved this benchmark: Ronan Cameron, Patrick Latchem, Charlie Radici, William Steinberg, Mathew Steinepreis, Arun Tibballs and Sam Wake.

Additionally, 39 per cent of IBDP students achieved an A grade in Theory of Knowledge, compared to the global statistic of 5.2 per cent. Twenty-eight out of the 33 subjects studied produced grade averages above the global average, and 18 of the 38 students received a subject merit award in at least one subject by earning the highest grade possible.

WACE Achievements 2020

Scotch College had 130 Year 12 students sitting four or more ATAR examinations with 79 per cent gaining direct entry into at least one university. We had 34 students complete their Certificate IV in Business, meeting the requirement to enter university through our Alternative Academic Pathway, bringing the total of university-bound students to 91 per cent. In 2020, our WACE ATAR students earned a median ATAR of 85.35.

Casey Lawrence, Daniel Wiese and James Devereux were our highest performing WACE students and achieved an ATAR of 99+, placing them in the top one per cent of students who were eligible to sit ATAR examinations in Western Australia. Samuel Wolf was awarded the General Exhibition (ATSI), as the highest performing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student in the state, whilst also earning a Certificate of Excellence in Mathematics Applications.

Patrick Eastough earned a Certificate of Excellence in English, Christopher Michael in Physical Education Studies and Giancarlo Kian in Mathematics Application. Additionally, we were recognised in the following courses who had the highest performing students:

• Accounting and Finance • Mathematics Applications • Mathematics Methods • Modern History • Physics

Combining this Success

Our combined WACE results and converted IBDP cohort results give us a median ATAR of 88.00 with 92.4 per cent of students eligible to study at university.

Scholarships 2021

We would also like to congratulate the 2021 scholarship winners and wish them well in their academic studies over the coming year.

based on TISC Conversion Table 2020*

Combined Top ATAR 99.95

Graduation Rate League Table Rank Scotch’s position when IB converted scores are included 17th

Combined Median ATAR of all students who sat examinations (168 students) 88.00

of eligible full-time students received an ATAR or a Certificate IV equivalent Benchmarks Scotch’s position when IB converted scores are included

99+ 6% (10 students) 95+ 25% (42 students) 90+ 44% (74 students) 80+ 75% (126 students)

*University Admission 2020: Information for students sitting the Diploma of the International Baccalaureate

J A Gooch Scholarship Jack Mayo

G G Gooch Scholarship Joshua Thomas

Academic Entrance Scholarships Archer Allison Adam Ingram Campbell Grieves Axel Gamble Jacob Hernan

P C Anderson Scholarship William Marshall

W R Dickinson Scholarship Yan (Terry) Zhou

Even amidst a year of social isolation and an inability to travel interstate, we have still managed to produce an impressive list of academic achievements. Some of the highlights include:

William Steinberg

William was one of six students who competed in the Australian team for the inaugural International Mathematical Olympiad. The team placed 8th out of 136 countries, with William awarded a gold medal. This is the third time he has represented Australia, winning one Silver and two Gold. William is widely considered to be the second most successful Australian to have ever competed in this competition. University Courses

• William Steinberg – third year Mathematics units (UWA)

Online Courses • Daniel Kerfoot – Introduction to

Philosophy (University of Edinburgh)

• Harry Ellis and Caelan Browne – Stories of Infection (Stanford

University)

Outstanding Achievements

• Jim Allan, Oliver Barrett, Tom

Westcott, Terry Zhou, William

Steinberg and Daniel Wiese won first place at the North Metropolitan

‘Have Sum Fun’ Mathematics

Competition. • Daniel Wiese and William Steinberg won prizes in the Australian

Mathematics Competition. • Sam Wolf and Taye Barlow were

Highly Commended in the 2020

Tim Winton Awards.

• Heath Muller and Benjamin

Scott won the British Parliamentary

Debating League Trophy, both making the state debating team.

Benjamin went on to earn a position on the national team.

• Daniel Cooper placed equal first in the state for the Geography Olympiad. • Sam Wake and Lachlan Norcott won the State UN Youth Evatt

Speaking Competition.

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT AND STAFF WELLBEING

OUR GOAL FOR WELLBEING at Scotch College is ‘Everyone at their best, as often as possible’. This year has presented us with another opportunity to apply this goal, albeit in different circumstances. We have been fortunate here in WA that schools have been relatively unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although, our boarders have had more to deal with than most and I am grateful for the special resilience within that community. Many of us hope that the experience of 2020 will change how we approach life, valuing face-to-face, in-person connections far more. As we went into isolation, I emailed a list of ‘Wellbeing Tips in Challenging Times’. These tips were really reminders of what we should be doing every day anyway; actions which we should practise in good times, so that we are better able to utilise them when things get tough. Stoicism

Even before the difficulties of the year became apparent, we had begun digging into the writings of this ancient branch of Greek philosophy, which has much in common with Buddhism. Far from it being a call to put up with suffering, Stoicism is an exhortation to make the most of life, to appreciate how good life is and to realise that, in every situation, there is good and bad. At the core of Stoicism is the notion that the only thing that is truly ours to control is how we respond to circumstances. One of life’s greatest skills is to be able to distinguish between what we can control and what is beyond our control.

Highlights of 2020

For me, one of the things I have enjoyed most this year has been the opportunity to spend more time in Boarding, especially the Year 7 and 8 House. I was also fortunate to celebrate the completion of the Bibbulmun Track with the Year 12s and their families. I have emphasised to the Middle School boarders that they have a special part to play in life at Scotch as they bring rich and diverse backgrounds with them, which benefit us all.

The Year 2 and 12 Get Togethers remain a highlight of each term. They are an opportunity for our older students to remember simpler joys and escape the pressure of expectation for an hour or so. For our younger boys, it is a chance to play with their big buddies, and to aspire to something.

We have continued to expand the exposure boys have to mindfulness. In Junior School, we ran weekly yoga sessions for boys in Pre-Kindergarten to Year 3 during Autumn Term; and for the Year 4s and 5s in Winter Term. In Middle School during Winter Term, we ran a Yogi-in-Residence Week and in Senior School, we continued to offer our weekly Brain Reset sessions for Years 11 and 12.

Year 12s Angus Johnston and Max Jones with Year 2s Mason Lee and Jeter Lee; James Rex (Year 12) reading with Year 2s Samuel Hodder and Toby Gliddon; Year 2 and 12 Breakfast; Max Bailey (Year 12) with Jack Young (Year 2)

This year’s R U OK Week had the theme, ‘There’s more to say after R U OK?’. The message was about noticing when things are not right and following up or digging deeper if things do not seem okay. This year’s song was a re-working of The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights, which the Year 12s enthusiastically embraced.

In Senior School, Men’s Health Week was run by the Year 11s with the theme, ‘The New Normal’. The students looked at what had changed during isolation and lockdown, considering things people had stopped or started doing and how their wellbeing had been impacted.

Finally, the new Student Council helped to organise and run the inaugural GRIT Week, which dared boys to confront their fear of failure.

A wise person I know used the following metaphor to describe what we are trying to do with Wellbeing: “It is like we are working with very fine-grained sandpaper on a very large wooden table. If we stick at it, it will be beautiful. It’s just a matter of time, elbow grease and a supply of sandpaper.”

Our progress may be slow, with many obstacles to overcome, but in the end, an understanding of wellbeing is the most important thing we can provide for young people. Perhaps this is the lesson to be drawn from 2020.

AT THE END OF 2019, the Year 12 leadership group, along with the cohort, decided on a theme for 2020: Embrace the Tradition, Forge a Legacy. We wanted to respect our school’s rich traditions and be passionate about involving ourselves in the unique aspects of the Scotch College journey. We planned to embrace traditions and build on them to leave a lasting impact for future generations. This did not mean reinventing the wheel but, rather, leaving a legacy and having a positive impact on a micro-scale, such as through acts of kindness and our relationships with others.

Once again, Scotch College demonstrated its commitment to raising funds and awareness for the World’s Greatest Shave. Although we could not hold the event at school due to COVID-19, the boys were able to meet in small groups and undertake the event at home, raising $33,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation. The College also took part in the Big Freeze, a fundraiser for FightMND, with the boys purchasing FightMND beanies in support of the motor neurone disease charity.

Scotch College had a dominant year throughout a variety of Public Schools Association sports. In Summer, we were undefeated in Water Polo, claiming the Dickinson Shield outright. In the PSA Inter-School Swimming Carnival, we placed third, the highest ranking in several years. This was thanks to the increasingly positive swimming culture at Scotch and it was great to see so many boys coming down to training! During Winter, Scotch won the Brother Redmond Cup for Rugby and the Alcock Cup for Football, while the Cross Country team placed a commendable second in the competition. Despite the shortened Athletics season and with minimal time for training, we won the PSA Inter-School Athletics Carnival for the third year in a row.

There can be no doubt about the talent that Scotch has in the arts and this was on display through the school production, We Will Rock You. The task of singing Queen songs for two hours across five performances is not something most people would consider easy, however, the Drama department, with help from Presbyterian Ladies’ College, delivered several incredible performances. We also saw many music showcases throughout the year and the quality of these events is a testament to the time and effort dedicated. As the year comes to a close, I am sure all of us have reflected on the events of 2020. Despite having detrimental impacts across the world, the COVID-19 pandemic taught us to appreciate things that we would normally have taken for granted. Living in Perth, we are without a doubt some of the luckiest people in the world and have not been affected as much as others. It reminded us to be grateful for the simple things in life, like being able to see our mates every day.

On behalf of the Year 12 cohort, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the staff who have helped us throughout our journey. All their work in giving us an outstanding education, as well as teaching us about what makes a man, is greatly appreciated. Our biggest thanks to our parents, who have worked hard and given us the opportunity to attend this incredible school. The best way that we can show our thanks is to seize every opportunity thrown at us and immerse ourselves in everything life has to offer.

Year 12 Cohort

SEVENTH ROW: Charlie Radici, Jake Walker, Bailey Cumming, Ryan Benney, Samuel Tan, Matthew Warne, Hamish Brown, Connor McLean, Jaxon Hayden, Samuel Meecham, Ben Clarke, Liam Gollan, Sebastian Wright, Flynn Le Cornu, Finn Lumsden Lowe, Daniel Wiese, Fraser Webb, Daniel O'Meara, Joshua De Wet, Alexander Wolf, Max Pethick, Ashley Edgar, Raphael Skinner, Jesse Coughlan, Timothy Fleay EIGHTH ROW: Lachlan Pyne, Arun Tibballs, Max Galvin, Will Reeves, Riley Waters, Angus Johnston, Jake Faulkner, William Graham, Tom Graham, George Graham, Toby Humphris, Lachlan Simpson, Rory Bruce, Lachie Raffan, Quin Arundel, Reuben Westerman, Ricardo Holder, Baden Ralls, Lee Youngman, Archie Frazer, David Winton, Ethan Waller, Max Bailey, Sam Wolf, Daniel Falkiner ABSENT: Sebastian Cunningham, Tom Keamy, Thomas Kinnaird, Charles Maxwell, Jeremiah Muir, Luke O'Loughlin, Gil Palmer, Anthony Samaha, Aidan Sweeney, Lachy Thorne, James Watson

FOURTH ROW: Ned Cusack, Charles Carew-Reid, Cooper van Rooyen, Jusaal Singh, Camden LeFevre, Ben Hough, Max Shervington, James Crawford, Jonus Williams, Gethan Davies, Josh Kuper, Lachlan Norcott, Benjamin Cooper, Nikolas Gajdatsy, Mathew Crook, William Mackinnon, Mitchell McVicars, Jordan Clark, Lachlan Hyndes, Toby Dew, Enyeto Ingrilli, Digby Cleland, Eden Messina, Marcus Young, Bailey Monaghan, George Lewin FIFTH ROW: Arad Rad, Jasper Japp, Kevin Laidlaw, Chris Zyweck, Max Anderson, Aydin Hutchison, Kieran Waddingham, Adam Barwood, Zedd Garbellini, Thomas Delroy, Alex Osborne, John Simpson, Darby Cuming, Hugh Plowman, Max Steens, Toby Knox Lyttle, Alex Chew, Dylan Stein, Campbell McAullay, Jake Scott-Hill, Cooper Young, Jack Hayward, Darius Opie, Nicholas Gower, Cameron Taylor, Joshua Thomson SIXTH ROW: Hamish Gooch, Ivan Munoz Morillo, Kobie Abrahams, Will Gordon, Lachlan Stephen, Oliver Stipanicev, Hayden Coombes, Archie Hoddinott, Jonathan Read, Angus Walsh, Chey Colling, Sam Hector, Max Jones, Santino Febbo, Julian Kyriakou, Matthew Zsolt, Casey Lawrence, Ethan Riseley, Noah Brown, Cooper Anderson, Christoff De Wet, Ronan Cameron, Josh Keatch, Harry Jackson, Angus Page, Riley Flecker, Robbie Macgregor

FRONT ROW: Taj Clarke, Fletcher Gardner, Ethan Lamb, Will Partridge, Orson Ambrose, Isaac Norman, Ryan Bourke, Mr Mark Gale (Phys Ed Teacher | Year Coordinator – Years 11 and 12), Mr Peter Burt (Head of Senior School), Ronald Fellows-Smith, Charlie Bevan, Dr Alec O'Connell (Headmaster), Gianni Kain, Max Jones, Patrick Eastough, Miss Shirin Reyhani (Dean of Teaching and Learning – Senior School), Mr Gareth Williams (Deputy Head of Senior School), David Stülpner, Hayden Browne, Matt Sofield, Izhar Ahmadi, Alex Van Wyk, Hugh Cameron, Joe Watkins, Aden Stocks SECOND ROW: Connor Dinas, Beau Staines, Nicolas Monger Molowny, Binqiao Ren, Damian Haynes, Bailey Wright, William Johnson, Craig Souey, Rhys Williams, Theo Smith, Matt Steinepreis, Xander Aakermann, Dylan Huntly, Sam Wake, Jacob Schonell, Stuart Stirling, James Rex, Hugo Barich, Matthew Hayers, Max Freedman, Nicholas Verryn, Isaac Mecham, Sam White, William Van Uffelen, Christopher Michael, Patrick Latchem THIRD ROW: Lachlan Stephenson, James Waddell, Grayson Downes, David Chan, Daniel Messina, Tyrelle Manado, Adam Darley, James Devereux, William Brown, Pranayan Mahendranathan, Burke Carrington, Liam Howgate, Benjamin Sharrin, Andrew Walton, Jett Braddock, Zaide Moxham, Tim Valmadre, Jack Radford, Mawson Barr-Willans, Sean Rimmer, Alexander Kirwood, Campbell More, Taj Piwowarski, Aidan Matthews, Jamie Johnstone, Jack Beazley, William Steinberg

This year, the Service Council and I continued developing the Service programme by implementing new initiatives, strengthening old ones, and emphasising ‘proactive service’.

THE SERVICE COUNCIL, comprising the 10 House Vice-Captains for Service, Reverend Gary and me, combined our ideas with feedback and suggestions from students and teachers, to deliver Service activities that addressed genuine needs and engaged students to strengthen their understanding and appreciation for service.

In 2020, we saw the introduction of The Big Freeze, a charity event run by FightMND to support the battle against motor neurone disease. This cause is especially significant to Scotch as our late Headmaster WR Dickinson sadly passed away due to motor neurone disease in 2006. For the event, boys wore FightMND beanies (a staple of The Big Freeze), enjoyed a sausage sizzle and live music, and a ran dunk tank for enacting revenge on teachers. The Big Freeze also marked the first event to fully utilise the BBQ facilities in front of the new Mathematics and Commerce Building. The Service Council also ran unique activities to aid specific charities. These activities included volunteering at the City Beach Fire Swim and organising a free dress day around the theme of ‘Not All Heroes Wear Capes’. We wanted to acknowledge the heroic actions of the firefighters during this year’s bushfires. Furthermore, we organised a food drive to help the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, providing much-needed meals for the most vulnerable in society.

The annual World’s Greatest Shave, in support of the Leukaemia Foundation, was slightly different this year. Due to social distancing requirements, the Year 12s took it upon themselves to shave their heads at home. This creative solution allowed Scotch’s commitment to the shave to continue.

This year also saw the continuation of long-term Service partnerships with the Maddington Lunches programme, Disabled Surfing, All Abilities Cricket, Boardies Day and the UnitingCare West Christmas Appeal.

Year 12s Charlie Bevan, Max Jones, Patrick Eastough and Ronald Fellows-Smith, photograph: Claire Pelliccia

School leaders at March Out 2020, photograph: Derren Hall

IT HAS BEEN AN HONOUR to serve as the Vice-Captain of School (Operations) at the proud ‘College on the hill’ throughout 2020. Scotch College continues to honour its rich history with great respect and an unwavering commitment to traditions, even though the school environment continues to evolve. One such example is the 10 House system, created by WR Dickinson in 1972. Each House holds its own character, its own values and its own traditions.

In my role, I had the pleasure of organising and overseeing the Staff Trophy competition, a contest which provides an opportunity for boys to prove their House pride by competing in a variety of events. These events vary from Chess to Basketball, Water Polo to Indoor Soccer. Some of the boys’ best memories come from their involvement in the Staff Trophy competition. This year, I worked with 10 enthusiastic House representatives to run a competition focused on maximising both participation and organisation. By introducing rules surrounding uniforms, as well as representation from all year groups, we were able to create an enjoyable contest that rewarded Houses, not just on talent and ability, but on dedication and teamwork. Thank you to the House leaders, staff and operations team who assisted with these events. Alexander House was the winner for 2020, a credit to their depth, as they consistently had large numbers at events, as well as Year 12 members assisting whenever possible. Congratulations Alexander House.

Another aspect of my role involved keeping a close eye on the sporting teams which represented Scotch, ensuring that both individual and team successes from every level were appreciated at Friday’s Assemblies. Scotch’s proud sporting tradition, as a founding member of the Public Schools Association in 1905, is something, I believe, the boys should not take for granted. Any time they donned the Scotch badge to go to battle against another school, I encouraged them to strive for their personal best and represent the school with good sportsmanship.

I am grateful for the opportunity I have held in my role this year, at a school as unique and special as Scotch College. Good luck to Jarvis Banfield, ViceCaptain of School (Operations) for 2021, and all the incoming leaders of the school.

HEAD OF STUDENT COUNCIL

IT HAS BEEN a challenging yet rewarding year for the Student Council of 20 19/20. The way Council Members overcame the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic is a credit to their grit and determination.

The Student Council started our first term with a continuation of traditions. Live Music Mondays allowed the Senior School boys to add an energetic and enthusiastic atmosphere to lunchtime. We had a tremendous display of talent on these Mondays, with several Senior School boys taking the opportunity to show some amazing musical skills.

To pay tribute to the top oval, which was then soon to be excavated for the new Mathematics and Commerce Building, the Student Council held a golf-chipping tournament for all students. The day was a major success, and I want to thank all Council Members who assisted with the event. Our final event for 2019 was the Santa Hat Marching. As everyone donned their Santa hat on the final Friday Marching of Spring Term, the festive spirit was evident throughout the College. It was a terrific way to end the term and added another dimension to Marching. The spectators thoroughly enjoyed the event as the College began to wind down the year.

With the knowledge that Semester 1 examinations would consume much of Autumn Term, the Council was keen to hit the ground running. The free dress day, held to raise money for barbecue covers for the new building, was a great success. During the schoolwide table tennis tournament, the boys demonstrated their competitive spirit, and the competition provided a great platform for older boys to connect with the younger year groups and staff. On reflection, it is impressive to see how much the Student Council has grown throughout the year. I believe the group has been successful in continuing to create an enjoyable environment for everyone around the school whilst also providing a voice for the students.

As the year rounds out, the Student Council is continuing to help the Scotch College Archives team record the lifechanging COVID-19 experience from the perspective of students. I would like to thank Mr David Jones for his support of the Council, as well as the Council Members. The endless work these boys have done behind-the-scenes is tremendous. I wish the 2021 Student Council the very best. I am sure they will continue to lead the College in a positive direction.

Student Council

FRONT ROW: Lachlan Hyndes, Alex Chew, Max Jones, Max Shervington, Arad Rad BACK ROW: Darby Cuming, Matthew Warne, William Reeves, Lee Youngman, Fraser Webb ABSENT: James Rex, Mr David Jones (Teacher)