Scotch College

Looking forward, looking back President’s Column

As we head toward the festive season, Summer Prom Concerts and final assemblies close a successful 2008.

So many people have contributed to this success. Barb Hurley and Gary Goldsmith have had a tremendous year as Vice- Presidents of the SPA, contributing great energy, innovation and wise support. I wish them well for their time in 2009. Hugh Wilson has Scotch Parents’ Association Treasurer on his list of activities and we are indebted to him for his continuous support of our Clubs and Auxiliaries. The School support staff comprising Ian Gelling, Sara Cuming, Kate Paterson and Nada Ross work closely with our groups to make things happen. The activities at Scotch are very much about their work.

There are many other parents who are retiring at the end of this year from the SPA, Auxiliaries and class representation. They have created events, raised friends and organised support for the School. Many seem to pop-up again in different roles as younger children progress through the School.

I know they have great pride in their achievements and my congratulations go to them. I once tried to understand the structure of the Schools’ teaching staff and how their many responsibilities were organised. It resulted in a diagram of interconnecting lines everywhere! There is an extraordinary commitment to excellence and developing all students that is no better seen as boys prepare for their VCE. It is a time to thank Principal, Mr I Tom Batty and his team; the people who clearly regard their role as more than a job by giving so much of themselves.

On a personal note, it is Wendy’s and my last year with a boy at the School. Looking back ten years allows me to relive attending my son’s trombone lessons in a portable classroom. It is hard to believe, since he and his peers perform in the James Forbes Academy today. Thank you to those who could look forward and for the generosity of those who were prepared to ‘pay it forward’.

Peter Dawson
PRESIDENT SCOTCH PARENTS' ASSOCIATION

Good luck to your family for the Christmas break. Enjoy your sons’ futures and their achievements, and thank you for the wonderful friends we have made through the Scotch Parents’ Association.

Torch and ÔEventsÕ Newsletter Dates 2009

Edition No.		Deadline 3.00 pm	Mail Out
1.		Wednesday 28 January	Thursday 12 February 12
2.		Wednesday 25 February	Thursday 12 March 11
	Events Newsletter	* Wednesday 18 March	Thursday 2 April 10
3.		Wednesday 22 April	Thursday 7 May 9
4.		Wednesday 20 May	Thursday 4 June 8
	Events Newsletter	* Wednesday10 June	Thursday 25 June 7
5.		Wednesday 15 July	Thursday 30 July 11
6.		Wednesday12 August	Thursday 27 August 10
	Events Newsletter	* Wednesday 9 September	Thursday 8 October 9
7.		Wednesday 14 October	Thursday 29 October 8
8.		Wednesday 11 November	Thursday 26 November 7

*These special editions of the Torch Newsletter only contain a brief summary of School, Club and Auxiliary events.