Scotch College

20 years on

20 years on and still going strong!

(L to R: Sir Archibald Glenn, Michael Robinson, Gordon Donaldson and Bruce Lithgow)

On 4 December 2002 at the invitation of School Council Chairman Michael Robinson, representatives of the Scotch Family gathered in the Cardinal Pavilion to celebrate 20 years' exemplary service by Principal Dr Gordon Donaldson and his wife Joyce.

They enjoyed eloquent and amusing tributes by Stephen Kong (on behalf of the staff) and 2002 School Captain Sam Webb (on behalf of the boys) and a delightful video of "The Donaldson Years" compiled by Lachie Fairbairn.

In making presentations to the guests of honour, Michael Robinson spoke words which summed up the spirit of the night and the esteem in which the Donaldsons are held:

"The last two decades have seen great advances in the development of Scotch. … However, it is not the physical progress, spectacular though it may have been, which is the hallmark of Gordon's achievements. His impact has been the advances of the School's educational offering, the development of an ever expanding co-curricular programme and the recruitment and development of outstanding teaching staff. … That is what has made Scotch the school it is today. He has also had considerable influence in the direction of primary and secondary education in Australia.

Stephen Kong, Dean of Students addresses guests	Gordon Donaldson with Roger Gillespie

"Joyce has played a significant role in the Donaldson partnership. She seems always to have been in attendance at innumerable Scotch activities across the whole range of our program, and her presence has been marked with grace and charm. … She has become a corner stone of the Scotch community. …

"Gordon now is the third longest serving principal, with only those immortals, Alexander Morrison and William Still Littlejohn, having longer periods of stewardship. … For over 100 years former students of this School, inspired by great Headmasters, have had a profound impact on all aspects of Australian life and have provided outstanding leadership in the community.

In many cases, their influence and impact has extended throughout the world.

"I have no doubt that when this school reaches its bicentenary we will look back with equal pride on the outstanding contribution to Australia from boys of the Donaldson era."

Pictured: Joyce and Gordon Donaldson (right) with son-in-law Stuart McLean and daughter Karen

Campbell McComas