Scotch Reports Issue 174 (April 2019)

TORRENS PARK CAMPUS
Class of 2018 Results
Torrens Park Campus is riding high on
the back of the Class of 2018 results and
a successful start to our centenary year.
However, it is not just a set of results or
series of events that indicate we are in
good form. At Scotch we know investing in
people and programs creates a distinctive
learning journey. The power of the
relationships we share in that journey is
realised in the outstanding success of the
many narratives we weave, nurture and
grow with our students, staff and parents.
The success of our graduating students
last year was not just in the recognition of
the high achievers. There are many untold
stories of adversity faced by individuals
and their families. Some of our most
successful had faced barriers to learning
and opportunity that many of us could not
imagine or empathise with, whilst others
found themselves overwhelmed with the
journey at times. Despite their challenges,
I know each of those students found
themselves in a caring and supportive
environment where expert coaches and
teachers led them to a place where they
could graduate knowing success, and
excited for what may come next.
The success of the Global Service Learning
trip to Laos saw participation from our Year
12 students almost double in the second
year (even though it is during their summer
break!). A three-week experience where
Old Collegians experience first-hand the
hardships and challenges for other people
in another region. We partner with Rustic
Pathways because of the sound philosophy
they have around engaging deeply with
local communities year-round, employing
local staff and purchasing all materials
in the country to ensure this is not just a
tourist jaunt. Shannon Davey has taken on
this program for another year and we look
forward to its continued growth.
This year I am excited for many of the
centenary events we have in place. The
sculpture has proven to be an inspiring
symbol of who we are. I have never seen
students interact with a work of art in such
a way – they love touching it, snapchatting
it and being around it because of what
it stands for – their bright futures. The
unveiling and Commencement Service
was an opportunity to develop the theme
of Flourish which demonstrated the
strength of our culture as members of
community, Old Collegians, leaders of the
Uniting Church and students. Throughout
2019 we are looking back, celebrating
the present and anticipating the future.
One of the key opportunities to fulfil that
ideal is the launch of the Reconciliation
Action Plan in May. This project has seen
the collaboration of students, staff and
community. The team has crystallised
how we will develop our recognition
and commitment to ensuring that our
connections with aboriginal people, and
in particular the Kaurna, are a hallmark
foundation for the next century.
I chose these narratives from our Torrens
Park Campus story for this edition because
they reflect our College motto, Scientia,
Humanitas, Religio. In more contemporary
terms, we place immense value on the
pursuit of Knowledge, the nurturing
of Humanity, and the importance of
understanding the Spiritual as essential in
shaping the lives of amazing young people.
DALE BENNETT
Deputy Principal & Head of Torrens
Park Campus
Feature The Class of 2018 Scotch90 Club
14