Principals Vision

Fide et Literis - Faith and Learning

The Scots' motto of Faith and Learning is central to our School.  It is reflected each day in the quality of our academic programmes, our Pastoral Care programme and through interactions with our students.  It is seen in the consistently outstanding Higher School Certificate results, and in the joy of learning that shines in our Pre-School children.

As a school worshiping together, we encourage each other to develop empathy for the individual and an acceptance of the fullness of human life.  This is further realised through our students' commitment to community service in working with the young, old and the disadvantaged. The Scots School Albury is an extraordinary educational environment.

Reflecting on my first year at the School, I have come to appreciate the unique nature of this community.  Each day I uncover additional facets that I believe contribute to our distinctive character and that strong sense of belonging that pervades our School.  I have seen this extended to new students and their families, as they connect to our community.

We are a School where each student is encouraged to strive and achieve.  At Scots, students are challenged to extend their journey of learning by engaging in a rich and compelling curriculum.  They are taught by staff who demonstrate a boundless passion and commitment to their craft.

Our consistently strong Higher School Certificate performances are indicative of the support and encouragement that our students receive, at whichever stage they choose to join the School.

To ensure that this continues well into the future, The Scots School Albury continually seeks professional development opportunities for our teaching staff, in order to provide the best learning experiences for our students, and to retain our position amongst the finest schools in Australia.

Our School has a proudly regional identity supported by staff, students and parents, who have chosen to live and work in regional centres.  In addition, many of our staff choose to enrol their children at Scots - a strong testament to the value of a Scots' education.

We have a community unlike other schools. The support and nurturing that our students enjoy, along with the diverse opportunities available to them at a local and regional level, encourages a conviction that they can make a positive contribution in the broader world.  Our graduates are well represented in diverse fields of endeavour, with a tenacity and confidence not often evident in students from urban areas.  It is my belief that regional beginnings provide a solid foundation for a confident future.

It is a premise of The Scots School Albury that our students will experience academic, sporting, boarding and social activities in a co-educational learning environment.  I believe this helps to prepare them for challenges evident in an increasingly convoluted, rapid moving adult world.  This model, adopted from Pre-School to Year 12, provokes a family atmosphere where the expectation is that our students will care for all members of our community.

With the entire school located on one campus and with boarders having access to school facilities after hours, we consider the needs many - the journey of learning encompassing 3 year olds to independent young adults.  It is large campus that accommodates a great deal of diversity and supports the development of an independent spirit.

Our School is steeped in history and tradition.  The Scots School Albury was formed from Rosehill, Woodstock and Albury Grammar Schools.  From this foundation we now enjoy a kinship of past Scots students who continue to support the School and remain engaged in its development.  The legacies that our current students enjoy are gifts from the past which support our future growth. We are beneficiaries of a rich and diverse heritage.

However, for me, the most distinguishing feature of our School is not its attractive physical attributes, but our students.  I see individuals of all ages who are happy, welcoming and confident.  They play sport with conviction, enjoy music and cultural pursuits with vigour and live and learn at Scots with a certainty of purpose.  They actively pursue and embrace the 'can do' and 'can achieve' attitudes that are the hallmark of a Scots' student.

Scots students enjoy working with each other, caring for one another, rejoicing together when they succeed and supporting each other when they fail.  But always they learn from what has taken place. Each day I am reminded of the challenges and achievements that working with engaged young minds can bring.  As a teacher, this is reward in itself.

For me, 2008 has been a year of personal growth and learning at The Scots School Albury, and I recognise that this would not be possible without the support of the entire School Community. It is with this support that I look forward to guiding Scots towards an exciting and dynamic future.

Heather Norton Dip Teach, B.Ed, M.Ed Admin, MACE, MACEL