Where is your son?

Who is he with?

When will he be home?

Paul Dillon, who has been working in the area of drug and alcohol education for the past 25 years, shared these questions, together with a wealth of information on drugs and alcohol, with parents at an evening presentation to help parents guard against potential harm for their adolescent children. Paul also presented to all new Year 11 and 12 students on preventative behaviours and the myths that surround substance use by young people. One of the encouraging statistics was the reduction in alcohol and drug use by young people across Australia. While media networks continue to report on negative cases, the statistics show a decline in related risk-taking behaviour. For example, when a national survey reveals 4% of 16 year olds have used an amphetamine, the same statistic tells us 96% have not - this however, does not feature in the media. The problem with repeated negative stories is that it creates a perception of normality that is one sided and promotes a misleading perception of the true nature of the issue.

Paul Dillon's presentations were just one part of a two-day conference for all boys in the Senior School that included presentations by Dan McGrechan on Men of Respect and Consent in Relationships; Brant Garvey, an Australian leg amputee para-triathlete who had recently represented Australia at the 2016 Rio Paralympics; Jane Genovese on study skills and Natalie Wong from the RAC Education Programme on road safety.

The conferences not only provided valuable learning opportunities related to safety and wellbeing; they also prepared boys for the commencement of the new academic year.

While the incoming Year 10, 11 and 12 boys were thinking about the year ahead, our graduating Year 12 boys were thinking about the year just gone. Our final assembly with the graduating Year 12 boys was very much a celebration of their achievements and contribution to the College. The highlight of the day was easily the March Out in front of the Gooch Pavilion. To watch our Year 12 boys march with pride, the Pipe Band perform and the rest of the School community warmly farewell the Year 12 cohort, made for an emotional occasion felt by many proud parents and staff at Scotch College.

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School