Scotch College

From the Principal

Time never stands still

Time never stands still, particularly in a school focused on assisting the growth and development of students. The progress of that task is reinforced at certain moments, such as the recent Year 12 Presentation night, where 231 students were acknowledged and celebrated as they concluded classes and prepared for final examinations.

As each boy crossed the platform it was impossible not to reflect on the enormous development over his years at Scotch, particularly those who started in 1991! The huge variety of experiences, ensured that each boy retained his individuality and a glance the Annual Report demonstrated outstanding achievements across an impressive range of studies and activities. Ample evidence was apparent that these boys, the class of 2003, were well prepared for the challenges ahead. One boy wrote: 'On the eve of my Year 12 exams I feel I am ready to leave the school with fond memories and venture into the rest of my life'.

We are grateful for the leadership provided each year, by Year 12 students, who set the tone for the rest of the school. Scotch provides realistic leadership opportunities for boys, not solely in Year 12. An example of effective student leadership was displayed at the Tattoo when 364 boys, in the Cadet Unit and the two bands, put on a magnificent floodlit spectacle. No adults were present on the main Oval, and the impressive marching display resulted from practice led by Year 11 Cadets.

Increasingly we re-discover that our young people have an enormous capacity to contribute across the wide spectrum of Scotch activities. While mindful of the potential dangers of a boy being stretched beyond his capacity, there is an equally unfortunate risk of constraining development by limiting involvement. One example of the capacity of our young people is Perelberg Award Winner, James Barton, who has excelled academically throughout his Scotch career, is a remarkably talented sportsman (Captain of Athletics and Vice-Captain of Cricket and Football) and has been a leading musician in the Show Band and Symphonic wind. As Vice Captain of Scotch in 2003 his down-to-earth approach and his willingness to help out others were widely acknowledged.

The school finally farewelled Year 12 boys at this year's Torch Ceremony, when the flaming torch, symbolising Scotch Spirit, passed from each leaving boy to another, while the school songs resounded in the Memorial Hall. This year was notably poignant with the involvement of six retiring staff members, Mrs Holdaway and Messrs Paul, Christie, Baillieu, Parkin and Hurst who have given 167 years of combined service to this school. They richly deserved the prolonged acclaim given by everyone present.

At the ceremony's conclusion the flame was extinguished by two of the youngest Senior School students, who will rekindle the torch at next year's ceremony, demonstrating the continuity of the vitality of Scotch College.

A few days after our farewell to Year 12 the school resonated with a remarkable event as we welcomed twenty seven Old Scotch veterans of the Vietnam Conflict. The Vietnam Reflection Day resulted from an initiative by Mrs Holdaway which led to the identification of over 60 veterans amongst our old boys. Details of the day are found elsewhere in Great Scot. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognise and thank these men, to widen our knowledge of this conflict and express our appreciation of their particularly demanding service to Australia.

Almost concurrently a couple of cocktail parties welcomed to Scotch the parents of boys who will be joining the school next year. That is the nature of a school - 230 boys leave at the end of one year, hopefully well prepared for the next stage of their lives, and a few weeks later about 230 new boys arrive to start their Scotch experience. The constant renewal, generation by generation, provides irresistible stimulation for all who are privileged to be a part of this great school.

Dr F.G. Donaldson AM,

Principal