Scotch College

Anticipation 2008President’s Column

This year, 2008, brings an air of excitement and a collective anticipation amongst a feeling of thanks and respect for what has been. In the final Prize Giving assemblies for 2007, the student body stood in sustained and heart-felt applause for Dr Gordon Donaldson AM. It was a great moment and seemed to focus the feelings of the School community for this leader and educationalist who has been a mentor to students for more than 25 years.

Welcome to 2008.You are charged and revitalised, I hope. Scotch never seems to stand still for long and we are indeed fortunate to have Mr Ian Savage as Acting Principal and Mr Ken Wheat and Mr Stephen Kong as Acting Vice- Principals.We wish them well with their 2008 team of teachers and support staff.

On behalf of the parent body I thank the School Council for its great work in appointing Mr Tom Batty as Principal and look forward to his arrival mid-year. For new parents, there is great anticipation of what the School will be like and how their son will adapt. The challenge for parents is to move from anticipation to involvement.

Come to events, support the boys’ activities and you will enjoy the company and camaraderie of a fine group of people whilst watching your son explore and develop his interests.

A beginning year is exciting and full of hope for all students. Congratulations to School Captain Daniel Wolfe, Vice-Captain Alex Williamson and the Prefects and School Officers they lead.We wish them and all Year 12 students every success as the custodians of School spirit for 2008.

Many groups have toured over summer holidays, completed exchanges or enjoyed Scotch-At-Cowes. I am always amazed at the full life the students have at Scotch, even during the breaks. I look forward to the School reports of their experiences.

What follows in the pages of this and future Torch editions is the work of many parents and staff in organising and creating activities. On behalf of all parents, I thank the Year Level Representatives, Auxiliaries/Clubs and Vice-Presidents Barb Hurley and Gary Goldsmith for giving their time and energy to 2008. Knowing the people involved, we are in for a great year!

I anticipate the ride, welcome you to the year and hope you renew and develop new friendships along the way.

Peter Dawson
PRESIDENT SCOTCH PARENTS' ASSOCIATION