Welcome back to a new term. While it has been a few years since we first implemented the three week mid-year break, it has been interesting that on our return to school this week a number of staff and families commented on the value of this time. It was especially appreciated given the nature of our last term break and the unusual context within which we are operating. I sincerely hope families had time to regroup and share in each other’s company.

PSA Sports

As you may realise, being part of the PSA is a major commitment and something all of the schools and colleges take very seriously.

I am pleased to report that as a result of the collaboration between the PSA schools, we are able to continue this term with a regular set of fixtures, albeit in a revised format and timeline. It was fantastic to see so many spectators at the weekend’s fixtures versus Christ Church Grammar School and congratulations to all students on their involvement in our sports programme.

Year 12 Students

Over the final three weeks of last term I held my annual Year 12 lunches in House groups. The feedback from our boys is invaluable and assists us in improving the services and strategies we endorse for the coming years.

Much has been written this year about Year 12 and what may or may not happen with regards to university placements and work. Each year, this term marks the most important one for our Year 12s. It is our job to support our Senior boys as they work towards finishing their educational journey at Scotch. I ask that wherever possible you support our boys in your thoughts, prayers and deeds.

Our Community

In his book The Art of Belonging, Hugh Mackay provides us with a reminder of the importance of communities:

"We are, by nature, social creatures who congregate; it's in our cultural DNA. We are not good at surviving in isolation. We rely on communities to support and sustain us, and if those communities are to survive and prosper, we must engage with them and nurture them. That's the beautiful symmetry of human society; we need communities and they need us."

While 2020 has meant that a number of regular and much cherished events have had to be cancelled or deferred, we very much appreciate the understanding and support from our community as we have navigated this year thus far. Our major goal is to return to full assemblies as soon as practicable. Our priority is to try and ensure that our Year 12s and their families are a key focus as in many cases this may be the last year of their involvement in such events. We will keep everyone updated on any changes as we continue to navigate our way through this year.

Speaking of major events in 2020, we are looking forward with great anticipation to the College’s production, We will Rock You. Congratulations to our performing arts staff, students and their families who have never wavered from the challenge of getting this production up and going through some very challenging times.

Regional Tour

I am also looking forward to my upcoming visit this term to some of our rural communities with the Head of Boarding. This provides us with a great opportunity to experience first-hand what is happening in some of the towns and farms from which our boarding students come.

In closing, I urge us all to continue to interact with caution and care and continue to encourage the maintenance and focus on the basic health and hygiene procedures. It is clear from what has occurred in other states just how vigilant we have to remain as we are a long way from being COVID-19 free.

I look forward to an exciting term in all three sub schools and boarding, and the opportunity to meet with many of you and share the vibrancy of our own community through the numerous activities this term will deliver.

Have a great fortnight and stay safe.

Dr Alec O'Connell
Headmaster