Strength of community. The values Scotch shares with rural communities
Sport promotes teamwork, dedication, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging, while highlighting the importance of working together and giving back to the community.
These are values Scotch College shares with rural communities. Head of Middle School Boarding, Kristian Leeson; Clontarf Academy Operations Officer, Bailey Matera; and Admissions Officer, Sophie Kelly, share their experiences playing sport for country clubs and consider the connections between these communities and Scotch College.
Sport at the Heart of Country Towns
Growing up in the wheatbelt community of Goomalling, Kristian Leeson understands how important sport is in country towns.
"In the country, sport sits at the heart of the community. It's where I first learned about the importance of showing up for others, setting goals, and the need to keep refining your skills," he said.
"All those people who give up their time for the benefit of others – they had a big impact on me growing up. It's probably why I've coached so many different teams and sports over the years, both in the city and in the country."
This culture of "pitching in, doing your bit and sticking together" is also nurtured at Scotch—not just in sport, but in service, leadership, outdoor education, and daily boarding life.
"In the Scotch boarding community, boarders always step up to help and get the job done. Like in country towns, the shared experience of living in a tight-knit community creates and strengthens bonds among boarders," Leeson said.
"Boarders learn to be adaptable, resilient and independent in a setting where they're encouraged to contribute. These life skills aren't just important now—they stick with the boys long after they leave."
"Everything we do here is about helping them grow into grounded, capable young men. That's what preparing boys for life really means—giving them the tools, values and experiences to thrive beyond school."
"These values align closely with what you see in rural communities. No one is above the team. You help out because it's the right thing to do."
This culture of "pitching in, doing your bit and sticking together" is also nurtured at Scotch—not just in sport, but in service, leadership, outdoor education, and daily boarding life.
— Kristian Leeson, Head of Middle School Boarding
Building Confident, Capable Men
Bailey Matera, an ex-WAFL player who now plays for Bencubbin Football Club, understands how vital these skills are to rural communities.
"Sport doesn't only help kids develop their game and skillsets, but encourages them to get outside and exercise, while providing an outlet to take their minds off whatever else might be happening," he said.
"Looking after yourself, putting your health first, spending time with others—these things are important. Not just for kids—for adults too."
At Scotch, Bailey says students have endless opportunities to try new sports, with experienced coaches supporting them.
"The skills they learn go far beyond the fields. The dedication required for training and games teaches responsibility, organisation and time management."
But beyond skills, Bailey highlights attitude.
"Scotch students have a winning mentality, meaning playing in the right spirit. Taking the good with the bad.
"It's about showing respect for those around you and knowing that while we can't always be winners, we'll give it everything we've got.
"And it's about being grateful for what we have, recognising the history before us. Playing sport, like attending schools such as Scotch, is a privilege not to be taken for granted."
"This mentality sets Scotch students apart on sporting fields and sets them up for lifelong success."
It's about showing respect for those around you and knowing that while we can't always be winners, we'll give it everything we've got.
— Bailey Matera, Clontarf Academy Operations Officer
The Power of Connection
Sophie Kelly values the health and wellbeing benefits of sport, but what she treasures most are the connections formed through shared goals.
Growing up in Moora and playing hockey in nearby Dandaragan, Sophie returned to the sport after a decade-long break, drawn by the community spirit.
"Dandaragan is a beautiful community, with strong footy, hockey and netball clubs," she said. "The connections are infectious—you just want to be involved."
What makes these communities special, Sophie explains, is how the unique skills and passions each person brings combine.
"Working together, while celebrating individual strengths and perspectives, fosters that strong sense of belonging I value so much."
She sees these values clearly in Scotch's culture.
"Scotch focuses on the 'whole boy,' finding their unique strengths and passions, whether on or off the field.
"It also ensures they leave as respectful citizens of the community and capable young men moving into their next chapter.
"We strive to teach respect—for themselves and for everyone in their community—because if you can do that, you're set for life."
Developing Lifelong Skills and Empathy
This approach equips boys with soft skills such as effective communication, adaptability, sound decision-making and creativity. Sophie explains these are taught in specialised programmes and daily through classroom and boarding house life.
"The College's supportive culture gives boys confidence to speak up and share ideas," she said.
"Importantly, they learn to recognise when they need help and how to ask for it, while becoming empathetic and respectful young men who can also identify that need in others.
"This makes them good members of any community.
"The strong relationships they develop here and beyond mean they will always have supportive communities behind them."
Scotch College shares many core values with rural communities: teamwork, resilience, service, respect, and belonging.
Through sport, boarding life and educational programmes, these values shape boys into grounded, capable young men equipped to thrive beyond school and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
