The Thistle - An E-Newsletter of Scotch College, Perth, Western Australia

Looking Forward and Looking Back

The Romans had a god named Janus who was depicted as a man with two faces. One looked forward and the other one looked back. He was known as the god of gates and doorways, of beginnings and endings. The month of January is named after the Roman god Janus.

The new year and the new school year are naturally a time for looking forward and for looking back. As we reflect on 2017 we see many things for which we can be proud; the success of the boys, the learning they have achieved, how they have grown physically and how they have matured in many ways over the course of the year. We reflect on the many events they have engaged in over the year with pride and with a smile. Looking back, we recall Mud Day, athletic events, art competitions, school performances, how the boys have engaged with one another and how they have demonstrated so many of the wonderful qualities of a Scotch College boy.

As the Roman god Janus does, we can also look forward. As I look forward into 2018, I relish the challenges that lie ahead of us. I look forward to seeing how the boys will grow and mature and how they improve in their skills. I have already been impressed with how they have welcomed our new boys into our school community and made them feel very much at home in only three short days of school.

As we look back on what has happened with fond memories of the years that have passed and we can also look forward with some anxiousness and excitement to what lies ahead of us. There is a little bit of the god Janus in all of us. It is good to look upon past achievements but we can also enjoy looking forward to the new beginnings. 2018 presents many of those for us; the opportunity to meet new friends, to overcome new challenges and to grow and develop more as we journey through our College. I look forward to working with our staff, students and parents of the College over the course of the year, to enjoy the successes I am sure we will experience and relish the achievements I am sure we will accumulate as we go through 2018.

As we turn our heads to the left and look back, just remember the year that has passed and all the friends who have shared it with us. Let's be thankful for all that we have learned and achieved. As we turn our head to the right and look forward to the year that has begun, let's resolve to live each day fully and well. Let us be thankful for new beginnings and not be afraid to make the most of all the opportunities that lie ahead of us.

Mr John Stewart
Head of Junior School