Scotch College

While some things change, some things stay the same

The success of institutions such as Scotch is a direct result of the commitment of the people who serve. Scotch has been blessed in this regard.

Earlier this year, we farewelled Michael Robinson at the conclusion of his more than 25 years’ service to the School, including 11 years as Chairman of Council. His unstinting commitment to the advancement of Scotch during those years was recognised when the Scotch family farewelled Michael and Judith at a dinner in the Cardinal Pavilion, and thanked them for their significant contribution.

Dr Gordon Donaldson, our Principal, has advised his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2007 academic year. Dr Donaldson will have been Principal for 25 years when he steps down. During that time he has overseen the continued development and advancement of education in the broadest curricular sense, as well as ensuring our physical assets have been developed to cater for the changing needs of our students.

We will have many opportunities towards the end of this year to thank Dr Donaldson for his contribution and to recognise the able assistance of Dr Donaldson’s wife, Joyce.

Council has commenced the search for a new Principal. A sub-committee of Council has been formed to oversee this process, which will be assisted by the personnel consultants Cordiner King who have extensive experience in the secondary and tertiary educational field. The search will be worldwide. Advertisements have been placed in the international and Australian press.

Two new members of Council have been appointed: Alex Sloan, an Old Boy and past parent with a family heritage associated with Scotch over many decades; and Mike Happell, an Old Boy who is a practising chartered accountant. We look forward to their contribution to the working of Council.

The tragic death of Nathan Francis, a Year 9 student attending cadet camp, is referred to elsewhere in this edition of Great Scot. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family at this time.

Of the issues that Council is currently addressing, the extension of the tollway is one of the most urgent. A report on current progress is contained in this edition of Great Scot. Members of the Scotch family are urged to bring to the attention of their local members the importance of ensuring that the encroachment on school property should be kept at a minimum and that it is fundamental that appropriate noise abatement protections are put in place.

Council is very supportive of the parent survey which is currently being undertaken. It is important that the School can, through surveys like this, keep Council informed of the issues that are of concern to parents, to enable the School to continue to improve the quality of our service.

Council is also considering the report received from Marts Lundy following their feasibility study, which reviewed aspects of the master plan. The report focused on where Scotch will be during the next decade. It did this by addressing the School’s current educational needs and identifying opportunities to enhance our leadership role in independent school education.