Scotch College

Bumper crowd at fathers and daughters luncheon

In November it was a very well attended 'Fathers and Daughters' Day Luncheon that Mrs. Elizabeth Ward, Principal of PLC, addressed at the Cardinal Pavilion.

Many Fathers accepted the opportunity to bring along their daughters, some of whom were former pupils of PLC, to hear and meet the present Principal. Dr. Gordon Donaldson and his wife Joyce were also present to share the Luncheon with well over one hundred others.

Setting the scene with the challenge created by the Global Village with the opportunities it provides in the development of language, ecological and moral issues. Mrs. Ward reconstructed her experiences in Eastern Europe, putting the revolution in lifestyle in an historical context. Following the suffocation of Liberty and restriction of religious freedoms, together with the corruption of a monolithic system, a protest movement was born which focused upon the spirit of the individual.

Outlining the link that PLC had established with Moscow and Chernobyl, she underlined the future complexities of the Global Village. In a world that has so suddenly become smaller, the challenge is to relate to a broader vision. The extension of contacts and the enormous explosion of knowledge, presents a real awareness of the need to defend and promote freedom, justice and Christian compassion.

PLC, with a fine heritage and presenting a very broad range of education in all aspects of life, can truly say 'girls can do anything'.

Drew Ginn OAM

Newly elected OSCA President, Richard Nelson, was introduced to the December Luncheon and would have been very well pleased with the successful function held at the RACV in the city. There was a record 58 School Leavers in attendance to hear Drew Ginn ('92), a member of the winning 'Oarsome Foursome' crew at the Altanta Olympics. Introduced by outgoing President Rob Logie Smith, Drew firstly emphasised the need for setting goals and the successful and enjoyable outcome in achieving those goals. It was a most instructional and inspirational address as he, a country kid, began boarding at Scotch and learned that to be better at sport and the things he wanted to do, required the setting of a target. Small targets at first and gradually setting a higher line, as he achieved his objectives. His self motivation through the setting of goals led to his vastly improved sporting successes at school. Having completed his objectives, he had much greater confidence in himself, which ultimately has led to his and the team's success at Atlanta.

His reference to the Olympics and the final realisation that to achieve the goals they had set themselves would require an even greater effort by all to gain their prize. The questioning of their own belief in themselves even as late as immediately before the Final race, was very revealing, in so much as the reality led to a calmness and determination and renewed confidence. Their work, their effort, their teamwork and their recognition was all so enormously repaid, as he saw the Australian Flag raised in the centre and to the highest, on the dais.

The seventy new Old Boys present could not but have been inspired by Drew's emphasis on goal setting and the possibilities that can be made by attaining one's objectives through perseverence and determination. Truly a memorable address for all those that were present.

Hugh Taylor

The 1999 OSCA Monthly Luncheons certainly began with a great start in February when Professor Hugh Taylor, Perelberg Winner of 1994, spoke of his experiences in the vast field of Ophthalmology. Outlining his family's background in his chosen field, and their strong identification with the eye heath problems of Aboriginals, his discussion gave a great understanding of the many difficulties faced.

The basic message was that improved services are required to alleviate many of the health problems. Hygiene and understanding of the necessity of continual education are paramount in achieving improvements. The cost of delivery of help and services are perhaps three times that of similar services in the settled areas of Australia. Lack of skilled people to administer to these needs adds to the difficulty of rapid betterment of the situation. Successful programs have been developed and should be assessed for greater implementation.

The normal degenerative effects of age on both body and eyesight are considerably advanced by the lack of basic assistance. Also the cultural changes have led to an huge increase in diabetes in the Indigenous people. Lack of exercise and a substantially different diet have exaggerated the decline in health. Even after 20 years there has been no apparent improvement in the incidence of trachoma.

The audience enjoyed a most lucid and balanced address.