Scotch College

Scotch Family honours Graham Nowacki

On Saturday 9 May, 413 members of the Scotch Family gathered at the Great Hall to honour the Junior School Headmaster Mr Graham Nowacki.

The President of the Junior School Parents' Association Astrida Cooper and her hard working committee welcomed guests, who were well entertained by the Scotch College Showband, under the baton of Head of Music Mr John Ferguson.

As we were piped to our tables we noticed a delightful display of drawings of Mr Nowacki, done by Grade 6 boys, mounted on boards on either side of the stage. It all went to show that young boys can be most perceptive and have a wonderful fresh approach to life.

The MC for the evening, Campbell McComas, was soon in full flight, as he welcomed Graham, his wife Villa, their daughters Peta and Lee, and especially his mother Jessie.

Cam wryly mentioned that according to his calculations, during the last week, there had been around 5300 boys, Old Boys, parents and members of the Scotch Family participating in or watching a sporting or other Scotch event. That was why we were special.

The entree of char grilled Atlantic salmon and goujons of blue-eye were merely a precursor to the Haggis, which was quickly piped in, addressed by Leigh McGregor and despatched. Some present actually claimed to understand Leigh's rendition of Robbie Burns' Ode, which was written 212 years ago. Maybe it was just the effects of the Atholl Brose!

Pianist Cameron Roberts ('94) currently studying the intriguing combination of medicine and music, played his own outstanding rearrangement of Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm", which was recognised by a voluminous round of applause. As we ate Peter Rowland's oven baked chicken breast stuffed with zucchini, mozzarella and olives, Cameron played a wide variety of soothing dinner music in an outstanding performance.

Immediately after dinner, Campbell McComas introduced a video of one week in the life of the Junior School, prepared by Lachie Fairbairn and Year 11 student Jim Fowles, and narrated by Stewart Faichney. Entitled 'Farewell Mr Nowacki', the video, far from being just a documentary, contained many delightful goodbyes from both boys and staff alike.

In introducing President Astrida Cooper, Cam noted that she was 'in the Army Reserve, which gives her excellent training for backing the four wheel drive bravely into the nuclear war zone of Callantina Road.'

Astrida spoke warmly of Graham's outstanding contribution to education and the changes which he had made. She commented that 'these changes do not happen by accident. Graham has brought them about through mixing his keen interest in educational theory, with the practicalities of everyday teaching'. She then invited Graham and Villa on stage and presented him with the video and unveiled a water colour painting.

The School Principal, Dr Gordon Donaldson, then spoke of his appointment of Mr Nowacki. He recalled that, when Graham arrived at the Junior School, he quickly brought his experience to bear, and within weeks, staff morale had soared, enthusiasm abounded and many areas of the school were receiving the attention they required. Graham had recognised the importance of adapting the school to a changing world, and tackled the technology revolution, with computers being effectively and creatively integrated across the curriculum.

As a gesture of appreciation Dr Donaldson presented Graham with an outboard motor to get him to his favourite fishing spots, with a life jacket for Villa.

We had reached a poignant moment in the evening as we awaited Graham's response and watched the metamorphosis of the legendary AJ 'Dog' Waller, Headmaster of the Junior School 80 years ago. 'Strange name for a Headmaster: No-wacki. That wouldn't have done in my day ..... For any boy who misbehaved it was wacki wacki wacki all day long.'

The moment had arrived and the audience's spontaneous applause of greeting quietly faded to a respectful silence.

Graham spoke with deep feeling paying tribute to those who had given him such loyalty dedication and friendship during his time at Scotch. This, of course, included his family, and past and present staff.

As we all relaxed over the pear, rhubarb and raspberry pudding, served with home made vanilla bean ice cream, we quietly savoured the magnificence of the evening.

Suddenly it was all action again as Campbell called Graham back to the stage with all the Junior School Captains of his era - 1998 Nicholas Spargo, 1997 Richard Janko, 1996 Simon Gamboni, 1995 Jason Bond, 1994 Eamonn Best, 1993 Tom Gunnerson, 1992 Tim Downing, 1991 Jack Clark, 1990 Tim Glass, 1989 Johnny Halliday, 1988 Scott Widmer, 1987 Jonathan Ruddle.

We all sang the College Song with great gusto and realised how fortunate we had been to be part of our great school. We recognised that Graham Nowacki had done all in his power to ensure that Scotch had remained at the forefront of education in this country.

All too soon we were singing 'Auld Lang Syne'. On some occasions, the linking of arms has more significance and meaning, than on others. This had been one of them, and we all had been fortunate to be part of it.