Scotch College

The change of season brings a change of focusPresident’s Column

The range of activities that are available to Scotch parents are as diverse and engaging as the School itself.

In conversations with various parents I have heard the term ‘Year 13 parent’ referred to. It refers to the many parents who want to continue to be involved with Scotch and its activities after their boys have left the School.

Deborah Chandler, President of the Music Auxiliary, says there are parents who wish to be aware of the many activities and events that the Music Auxiliary is involved in. They would like to participate even though their boys have moved on.

This engagement by past and present parents was evident at the recent Scotch Footy Day where Scotch teams played Xavier Old Boys. A large crowd of past and present parents and students gathered to enjoy this annual event and to renew friendships and that common bond that has been created by their Scotch experience.

The outstanding work done by the Scotch Foundation and the commitment made by so many past and present parents to its activities is evident in the engagement of the Scotch Community.

The Library Auxiliary is another avenue for parental involvement. Jan Goldsmith, President of the Library Auxiliary and her team held their Annual Literary Luncheon in the Cardinal Pavilion at the beginning of June. Rosalie Ham, author of The Dressmaker, spoke about her experiences as an author and provided us with insights into the characters that she created. As well as this very successful event, Jan and her team organise a Literature Circle for parents to meet and discuss a particular book they have read each Term.

Recently she has asked teachers to introduce the discussions at these Circles. Jan says “This has given us a fantastic insight into the teachers’ interests. We know how many languages Malcolm Pacey (Head of German) speaks, what Bradley Wells (Head of English) thinks of The da Vinci Code and what the students found most exciting about the recent Debating Tour to France with Suzette Boyd (Head of Library).”

Deborah Chandler, President of the Music Auxiliary, and her enthusiastic team are engaged in many activities during the year. The Meet the Musos evening held in April is a very successful example. This evening provided an opportunity for the parents to enjoy the musical performances of Music School staff. The support provided by the Music Auxiliary resulted in the Autumn Concert season being an outstanding success. Deborah says that the Chamber Music Dinner held annually in August is not to be missed.

Walking around the School on a recent Saturday enjoying watching soccer, rugby, football, winter tennis, hockey and basketball games, the huge commitment by the parent group was evident. The assistance in managing teams, scoring, providing catering and the many other activities that provides support for our boys sporting activities is outstanding.

A focal point provided by the Cadet Auxiliary is the canteen run by Jo Docker and her team. The friendly faces behind the counter not only offer warm food but are wonderful ambassadors for our School. Many visiting parents comment that the canteen also acts as a very good ‘information booth’ as they find their way around the School on a Saturday morning.

As the Term holiday approaches, I would like to wish all the Scotch Community an enjoyable break and I look forward to a very successful second half of the year.

Pictured, from left to right:Joyce Donaldson, Stephen Grover, Rosalie Ham,Jan Goldsmith and Dr Gordon Donaldson at the recent Library AuxiliaryLiterary Luncheon.

Stephen Grover
President, Scotch Parents’ Association