Scotch College

Continuity and change, spiced with the usual ’Scotch Spirit’

Help to others in times of need is a key ingredient of that elusive ’Scotch Spirit’.

Within my heading lies a very vague phrase; a common cliché which is often heard around our school: ‘Scotch Spirit’. This phrase is not something that can be defined, but it is something that we are all aware exists.

Having witnessed two events in particular, I believe that a key ingredient to this spirit is the support that members of our community offer to others in times of need.

At the end of last term, a group of year 12 boys involved themselves in a fundraiser for spinal research. This was a gesture that showed great support for Matt Pierri, a School Prefect who suffered severe spinal damage in a football match last year. Matt played a pivotal role in establishing and leading this group of year 12 students who organised a football kicking competition, which culminated in a final featuring former Essendon champion James Hird.

Over $7,000 was raised for the charity, but what was perhaps more telling was the incredible support that the school threw behind Matt. This was ‘Scotch Spirit’ at its best. Furthermore, Matt’s willingness to raise awareness of spinal research was widely admired among the students and staff, and was undeniably a courageous act.

At the first assembly of term 3, the students welcomed Mr Batty as the ninth Principal of the school. The warm reception that resonated throughout the Memorial Hall was an indication of the support that he and his family can expect to receive from the student body for many years to come. Mr Batty has already forged a popular relationship with the boys, with many particularly impressed by his approachable and enthusiastic personality.

At the same time as there is a change in the leadership of the school, continuity can be seen with the annual Cordner–Eggleston Cup football match. The 150th anniversary of this historic game evoked a lot of excitement among the 1st XVIII who took on a strong Melbourne Grammar outfit at the MCG on 8 August. At the time of writing, Jack Bull was hopeful of leading his side to victory in what promised to be one of the biggest events in this year’s school calendar.

I look forward to seeing the class of ’08 enjoy their last weeks at Scotch. It is nearing the business end of the year, and continued hard work will undoubtedly bring the rewards that all of the year 12s are striving for.

I hope that all Senior School boys can continue to be involved in a wide array of activities so that they can become more familiar with that ‘Scotch Spirit’ that is such an important part of our school’s culture. GS