At Scotch, our strength lies in the relationships that connect our students, families, staff, Old Boys, and partners. Over the past fortnight, a lot of our work has focused on nurturing these connections and ensuring the College continues to thrive, now and into the future.
So much happens at Scotch each fortnight, that it is good to catch a breath and reflect on some of the underpinning cultural foundations and activities that make a difference to who we are and what we want to become.
Sadly, some of this connection has included moments of sad farewells, demonstrated by the huge attendance of friends, family and members of the Scotch community, who came together to celebrate the life of Jack Avenell at his service on Sunday 17 May at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club. Last Saturday, while boarding a flight from Canberra, I received a text from Digby Stretch (OSC 1979), one of our ex-Council Chair and School Captain, a resident and farmer from Kojonup, to notify me of another tragic accident which took the life of James Heggaton (OSC 2012) a local farmer. We have come to learn that such events are simply part of being a large, connected community and while we share in many highlights, unexpectedly losing some of our community is a part of life’s bigger plan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to both families during this challenging time.
While it can go unnoticed in the day-to-day work of the college, Scotch is also part of a bigger independent education sector. Working together and engaging with colleagues and fellow schools from across education remains a priority, helping ensure Scotch continues to share ideas, learn from others, and contribute positively to conversations that shape young people’s learning and personal wellbeing both at Scotch and within the wider educational community.
Our last two weeks has also seen time dedicated to nurturing relationships with members of our extended Scotch community, including supporters and partners of the College. These conversations are central to sustaining the opportunities that enrich school life and support future generations of students. This was exemplified with our annual Seniors Lunch on 15 May when over 115 OSCs came together to share stories and memories from across the years. To attend this function, one had to have graduated from Scotch at least 50 years ago. It is a major highlight of our annual calendar and another example of how we celebrate the role of our OSCs.
We concluded this fortnight with a meeting of Council, where members carefully considered matters relating to the College’s strategy, operations, and long‑term direction. This work helps ensure Scotch remains well‑governed, values‑led, and focused on what matters most, our students. It is important that our broader community understands that Council is composed of voluntary members committed to forwarding our college, involving many hours of meetings, planning and execution.
What does all the above mean? It highlights that strong connections underpin a thriving school community, partnerships help create opportunity for students, parents and staff, and thoughtful governance supports Scotch’s future.
Thank you for the ongoing support and engagement of our Scotch community. It is this shared commitment, to partnership, stewardship, and connection, that enables our students and our college to flourish.
Have a great fortnight
Dr Alec J O’Connell
Headmaster
