Scotch College

Fifty years on

On 5 November more than eighty '49ners held their 50 year Reunion in the fabulous Boykett Room, following a tour of the School.

Honoured guests were the Principal Dr Gordon Donaldson, Vice Principal Mr Ian Savage and three former teachers, Messrs Alec Lyne and Frank Paton and Dr Bernard Mendel, as well as Leigh McGregor (OSCA Exec Dir) and Peter Crook (Foundation).

John Hopkins carried out MC duties with dash and style, as well as demonstrating mathematical skill in scoring the age of former masters at a combined 3/270. In proposing the toast to the School, Peter Hey welcomed the budding septuagenarians and spoke, alternately movingly and humorously, of life at the School before and after WWII and the personalities of that era, particularly teachers and staff.

Gordon Donaldson responded with his usual eloquence, contrasting the problems confronting today's pupils with those of fifty years ago. He spoke also of the difficulty in imparting the best of earlier traditions (as epitomised by those present!) while, simultaneously encouraging our youth in the directions required by rapidly changing technology. He observed that the great thing which sets the School apart is the people who remain committed to it. Some singing (?) of old School favourites ensued under the dubious direction of Joe Allison.

A most enjoyable evening was had by all, no doubt enhanced by the satisfaction of having 'made it' (well almost) to the year 2000. Faces and shapes had changed but old friends and former school mates were quickly identified and warmly greeted.

An underlying theme of 'the older we get the better we were' was much in evidence.

It is noteworthy that a number of those present had travelled from interstate and even overseas to take part.

Warm thanks to Leigh McGregor and the OSCA staff, for their cheerful contribution to the splendid organisation and smooth functioning of the event.

Werner Stern