Scotch College

Experience and Example

Schools like Scotch dare to expect a large return for the time and effort invested in their students, a return that ranges beyond the central matter of academic development. By considering each student as a whole person, other aspects, such as spiritual, physical, aesthetic and cultural also assume importance. Scotch’s enormously broad educational program has developed from its desire to encourage each boy to grow as much as possible in each area of his personality.

This growth of character can arise from many influences. Boys learn a great deal from experience and benefit from involvement in a wide variety of sports, services, activities and performances.

This year’s Tattoo, involving 330 Scotch College Army Cadets and bandsmen, provided a remarkable display by resolute young men who were determined to put on the best possible parade while being thoroughly drenched by incessant rain. Their resolve emerged from an experience that was unplanned – not the Tattoo of course, the excellence of which demonstrated careful planning and detailed practice, but the circumstances. Just after all boys had taken their position on the Oval, they experienced a soaking downpour that lasted the entire parade. How richly each boy deserved the praise offered by Brigadier Appleton, Commanding Officer of Duntroon, for contributing to an occasion that will not quickly be forgotten. The Cadets’ sense of satisfaction should be shared by each member of the enormous crowd of parents, friends, visitors and staff who also endured the unforgettable conditions.

The development of character and values can also be learned from the example of others, and we have had three remarkable Old Scotch Collegian examples in recent weeks. At the Year 12 Presentation Night our guest of honour was Evan Thornley (’82) whose remarkable success in the IT search-engine company ‘Looksmart’ earned him great accolades in the hugely competitive Silicon Valley arena. Relatively recently he has returned to Melbourne where he and his wife are endeavouring to influence Australia towards becoming a more equitable and considerate society. His words challenged us to think beyond our own desires and to find ways to meet the needs of others. Evan Thornley’s example, as a success in a highly competitive business now being devoted to improve the lives of others less fortunate, was particularly impressive.

The visit to Scotch of another Old Boy provided another great example to our students. Kalcott Mataskelekele (’68) was installed as President of the Republic of Vanuatu in August. He had been surprised to be asked, soon after retiring from a legal career, to allow his name to go forward as a Presidential candidate, and was subsequently elected. His address to a School assembly was modest yet full of character, presenting a man who is prepared to serve and is now busily seeking opportunities to promote the welfare of his people. It was a privilege for Scotch to welcome and recognise President Mataskelekele. We share his hope that we will be able to identify means to allow boys from Vanuatu to attend Scotch on a scholarship basis.

Possibly the most striking example of all was created by this year’s Perelberg Award winner, Detective Sergeant Simon Illingworth (’85). As the Year 12 Presentation Night audience heard, Simon’s decision to withstand threats and intimidation in order to confront the corruption he saw within the Victorian Police Service, had serious and enduring consequences for his career and his personal safety and security. As he has said, the values he holds dear, that resulted from the influences of his family and his school, left him with no alternative than to try to confront the evil he observed.

Simon’s story of courage and resolution and his belief that truth must prevail, even if the cost is substantial, impressed us all. He is a truly worthy recipient of the Perelberg Award, which recognises outstanding demonstration of the true Scotch spirit.

As the Class of 2004 prepares to leave us, we can be confident that their character and values have been influenced by these (and other) exemplars and their numerous Scotch experiences. We wish them well and look forward to learning of their progress and contribution to society in the coming years.

Dr F.G. Donaldson AM
Principal