Scotch College

Old Scotch Square opens with a bang!

A circle of fireworks around the burning bush sculpture in Old Scotch Square burst into life as former Premier Jeff Kennett (’65) declared the square open on 27 July. The chilly, damp July Tuesday didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the 250 people present to see the landmark square officially launched.

The Old Scotch Square spans the area between the Memorial Hall and the new James Forbes Academy of music, drama and communication. At the centre of the square is a bronze sculpture of the burning bush, a gift to the School from the classes of 2002 and 2003. Old boy Jim Derham (’56) designed and sculpted the bush, and it is the first piece of significant external art on the campus.

Speakers at the launch also included the Principal Dr Donaldson and OSCA President John Craven.

The Principal spoke of the square’s significance to the School. “This square truly recognises the outstanding support of OSCA in general, and its support for the James Forbes Academy in particular,” Dr Donaldson said.

The Scotch College tea towel is uncovered to reveal The Old Scotch Square naming plaque.

The area has been designed to create a link with the past for current students. Plaques recognising the roles of Old Boys in wars since 1863 line the retaining wall to the east of the square. On the other side of this wall, six bronze plaques sculpted by art teacher Mark Mason are displayed, celebrating the School’s 150th year in 2001. These plaques depict the School’s three previous sites and are replicas of the plaques housed at each location, unveiled during the torch relay in February 2001.

Around the burning bush are the pavers, which are available to all former members of the School (students, staff and parents). The pavers are the tangible component of the “Leave your mark” and “Pave the way” programs that OSCA is running to raise funds for student assistance and other OSCA support programs.

John Craven detailed these programs to the well rugged up audience, then Jeff Kennett officially removed the Scotch College tea towel protecting the naming plaque from the elements. As he declared the Old Scotch Square open, the fireworks were set off, and the misting sprays and lights were turned on in unison for the first time.

The Old Scotch Square is destined to become a special feature of the School. It provides a unique link with the past as it looks positively to the future, symbolised by the burning bush’s inconsumable flame.

Tim Shearer

Jim Derham ('56), Gordon Donaldson, Jeff Kennett and John Craven	Jeff Kennett addresses the well rugged up audience