Scotch College

Ron Clarke speaks at AGM

L to R: Roger Gillespie, newly elected Foundation President Michael Stillwell and Immediate Past President, Campbell McComas.

Ron Clarke with the Principal, Gordon Donaldson.

Foundation Annual General Meeting

The Foundation has continued its busy range of activities during the last three months. One of the highlights was the cocktail party, followed by the Annual General Meeting, attended by over sixty members of the Foundation. We were treated to a most engaging and informative address by Ron Clarke whose own philanthropic interests are as significant and remarkable as his sporting record. It was a real pleasure to have Ron and Helen as our guests and gain a further insight into the wider world of philanthropic endeavour. At the AGM, we also welcomed two new members to the Board of Trustees, Don Ravida and Michael Sim, both of whom are current parents.

The Foundation Board

At the Board Meeting in May, the Foundation Board welcomed Mrs Astrida Cooper as Vice-President and its new President Michael Stillwell, following the resignation of outgoing President and Foundation Member extaordinare, Campbell McComas. Campbell, who was the youngest ever Trustee of the Foundation, has served on the Board for 17 years, and became President two years ago following a busy spell as Vice-President. As the driving force behind the successful Capital Campaign for the James Forbes Academy, and indeed, behind the concept of the Performing Arts Centre, Campbell has been absolutely indefatigable in his efforts and enthusiasm. Formal tributes have been made by the Chairman of the School Council, the Principal and the Board of Trustees, but I am sure it will also be the desire of the whole Scotch family to thank Campbell for his incalculable support for the School and wish him well as he pursues other interests, while keeping that 'keen but loving eye' on what we continue to do.

President's Dinner

There will be an opportunity to thank Campbell formally at the Foundation President's Dinner which will be held at Leonda on Tuesday 5 August. Invitations will be sent to all members of the Foundation, and this will be a chance to join us as we celebrate not only Campbell's contributions, but the 30th anniversary of the Foundation itself, and also the launching of the Alexander Morrison Circle, the new Bequest Society of the School. It will be a wonderful night, and all members of the Scotch family are invited to join us for this special occasion. For further enquiries, contact Tania Castles on 9810 4304.

Grandparents Day is time for catching up

Prep Grandparents' Morning

It was a beautiful morning on Friday 30 May for the almost 80 grandparents who came to visit Scotch and their Prep grandsons. This is a highlight for our youngest new boys, and it was lovely to see six Old Boy grandparents rediscovering their old haunts during the visit. After a busy morning of classroom activities with the boys, and some general exploration of the Junior School facilities, the grandparents enjoyed lunch in the Cardinal Pavilion and received a brief overview of the current and future developments around the campus. We look forward to their involvement in the School as their grandsons continue their journey towards Year 12 in 2015!

Enthusiastic Grandparents ready to tour the School.

Visit to Asia

It will come as no surprise to learn that I was unable to complete my planned visit to Asia prior to Easter. The outbreak of SARS and the consequent concerns which faced both our overseas communities and the School itself led to the postponement of the visit. I hope that this visit, which will help to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Foundation, may take place later in the year.

Alan Watkinson
Director of Development