I have the privilege of working at The Scots College, Glengarry campus. In Semester 2, I will be the Acting Head of the College’s Glengarry campus. I like to use Principal, Dr Lambert’s, analogy of being ‘a grateful passenger in the bus being driven by the team of fantastic staff’ we have employed here.
The boys are consistently exposed to independent living and leadership during their time at Glengarry. Teenagers are often accused of being lazy or ambivalent, but not at Glengarry – they are busy, engaged and supportive and caring for their peers. We know they will rise to the highest expectations asked of them and show respect, support, and kindness as they build a community.
The boys are very much at the centre and heart of life at Glengarry. We can broaden their minds and build their character by surrounding them with like-minded and motivated peers. All the boys want to have fun, while devoting themselves to study and making the best of their formative years – both in the classroom and outdoors.
Working in an outdoor educational community is a huge responsibility to take on and can be daunting for staff, as we are trusted with the lives of 14 to 15-year-old boys who do not come with a manual! It is a huge team effort, and families are very much part of that team. We reassure parents and carers that their son will be always safe and secure, and this is paramount in all that we do; their son/s have fun, find good friends, eat healthy food, have safe outdoor adventures and learn, lead, and serve responsibly.
Two key factors make Glengarry so successful:
- Relationships are the key to being able to flourish as an educator at Glengarry. Developing positive relationships with students, families, teaching and outdoor educators, cleaners, maintenance, catering, nursing and all the administration support staff that allows the days and weeks to run smoothly and joyfully. Expressing gratitude to and for others is a life skill that all Scots boys learn very early on.
- Respect is the only rule needed in any community. Respect for self, others, all property, belongings, and resources result in a truly unique boarding environment for young men. Support and kindness follow closely, creating a wonderful community.
Ms Tania Lloyd
Acting Head of Glengarry