Scotch College

Launch of 'A Deepening Roar'

The new history of Scotch was launched in fine style by Sir Zelman Cowen on October 10.

The Memorial Hall was an appropriately symbolic setting for the launch of a history that goes right to the heart of the school. Former Principals and Vice-Principals looked down from their portraits in eager anticipation to learn what had been written about them.

We were privileged to have Sir Zelman Cowen, the first of Scotch's three Old Boy Governors-General, to give the book a most prestigious start in life. Sir Zelman introduced 'A Deepening Roar' ('not unfamiliar words', as he said) in this way:

'The task of writing the book was entrusted to a professional historian, Jim Mitchell, who has been given wide scope and the book concentrates on the school's inner life.

It breathes with the experience of the school through the perspective of its pupils, teachers and leaders. It is a formidable task and it cannot be effectively done by merely singing the school's praises. So… it touches on good and bad, triumphs and stumbles, hopes and fears, all woven into a rich story of a vital enterprise, the education of the young.

It has been a massive undertaking and it has been done very well.'

Sir Zelman went on to regale us with the hitherto unknown story of how he came to attend Scotch, his admiration for some of his teachers, and his own escapes from punishment as a student. Somehow one doesn't associate this highly esteemed lawyer and Governor-General with having close brushes with prefectorial authority.

Sir Zelman concluded

Sir Zelman concluded 'I congratulate Dr Mitchell and those who have worked with him on an excellent achievement. They have recorded fully and fairly the history and qualities of a remarkable institution which has served Melbourne and its community well for a century and a half. I have pleasure in declaring 'A Deepening Roar' duly launched, and I wish it success.'

Jim Mitchell responded with typical insight and modesty. Having pointed out that he'd already had his say on the printed page, he thanked those who had helped him, and particularly those for whom recollection of events brought them some discomfort or embarrassment.

Concluding the speeches, Dr Donaldson expressed the School's thanks to Dr Mitchell. He noted with appreciation, that the author had delivered the 'warts and all' history that Scotch was brave enough to commission.

He also noted that 'A Deepening Roar' was an extremely engaging book, always tending to entice the reader on to further chapters.

Guests at the launch had the opportunity to collect pre-ordered copies of the book, and many were seen browsing through it immediately. The author received many congratulations, which hopefully compensated for the threatened writer's cramp from autographing numerous copies.

Three former Chairmen

As well as Sir Zelman and Lady Cowen, the occasion was graced by three former Chairmen of the School Council, Sir Archie Glenn, Bruce Lithgow and Sir James Balderstone, as well as the current Chairman, Michael Robinson, who presided. We were also delighted to have Alec Lyne, one of the most senior former members of staff.

'A Deepening Roar' is now available for sale and would make a wonderful Christmas present for any Old Boy relatives. It's also a great gift for current students who will want a copy on their shelves to go back to from time to time throughout their lives. An order form is included in this edition of Great Scot, and it can be purchased at the Development Office in the Randall Building, at School.

Dr Robin Stewardson