At Scotch Oakburn College, our values are far more than words displayed on walls or printed in handbooks , they are the foundation of who we are as a learning community. Each day, our students bring these values to life through their interactions, choices, and contributions. Their actions reflect the character we aim to nurture: young people who are compassionate, courageous, respectful, and committed to making a positive difference.

As a College, we are proud to acknowledge and celebrate the many moments ,big and small, when students demonstrate what it truly means to live our values.

Living Our Values

Our values guide how we learn, how we treat one another, and how we create a culture that supports every student to flourish. These include:

  • Respect – for oneself, others, and our environment
  • Courage – to take risks, try new things, and stand up for what is right
  • Commitment – to learning, personal growth, and contributing to our community
  • Compassion – showing kindness, empathy, and support
  • Responsibility – taking ownership of our actions and choices

These values underpin our approach to wellbeing, learning, leadership, and community engagement.

Recognising Excellence in Character

Throughout the year, our staff regularly identify students who exemplify our values in their daily life at the College. As part of our commitment to recognising and celebrating positive character, we have now introduced Values Badges, awarded to students who demonstrate these attributes in authentic and consistent ways. These badges serve as a visible acknowledgment of the student’s contribution to our culture and act as a meaningful reminder of the importance of living our values eve e given for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Acts of kindness or compassion toward peers
  • Demonstrating resilience and courage in challenging situations
  • Showing leadership within the classroom, House, or cocurricular activities
  • Making responsible choices and supporting a positive culture
  • Showing respect for others during moments of disagreement or difficulty
  • Consistently striving for personal best in learning or behaviour

These recognitions serve not only to affirm the student involved but also to reinforce the behaviours and attitudes we value as a community. When students see that character matters , and that it is noticed , it strengthens a culture where positive behaviour is both modelled and rewarded.

A Community Effort

We know that the development of strong values does not happen in isolation. It is the result of partnership between home and school, consistent modelling by adults, and the daily lived experience of being part of a supportive community.

We are deeply grateful for the ongoing encouragement and reinforcement provided by families. Your conversations at home, your expectations, and the way you model these values in everyday life all play a significant role in shaping the character of our young people.

Looking Ahead

As we continue through the year, we will keep highlighting and celebrating students who demonstrate the College Values in meaningful ways. These acknowledgements remind us all that learning at Scotch Oakburn is not only about academic growth but also about who we are becoming.

Thank you for your partnership in nurturing students who are not only capable learners, but also compassionate, responsible, and courageous young people, ready to contribute positively to the world beyond our gates.

Kylie Wolstencroft
Director of Wellbeing -Penquite