Scotch College

From the Principal September 2002

School funding dilemma challenges the whole Scotch community

I was recently asked to give a brief snapshot of Scotch College, 2002. My instinct was to consider the students of Scotch and the opportunities they have here. 1849 students, including 143 boarders and 442 Junior School boys. 100 summer and 98 winter sports teams. 769 boys receiving individual instrumental music lessons. 5 drama productions and numerous smaller performances. 24 musical concerts or recitals. 21 debating teams. 21 exchange students and 23 overseas from Scotch. 298 Cadets, 200 boys in Social Service, 60 in Sports First Aid, 100 in the two bands, 85 in Scouting. A non-service program with 23 camps each year. 2 overseas and 3 interstate expeditions.

I also considered the academic perspective, detailing today's broader curriculum, the quality teaching in fine facilities with substantial technical support, outstanding VCE results - year by year. Major initiatives, to improve learning and teaching, also deserved mention. In addition, the pastoral care, peer support and leadership programs all contribute to the task of making the experience for boys of all abilities as positive and beneficial as possible.

Of course, Scotch exists for its students.Its whole purpose is their growth and development, a goal that is worthy of every effort the school can make.

Yet this picture is incomplete and does not do justice to Scotch as a community. This concept embraces former and present students and their families and provides strong support that enables the school to pursue its goals and strive for improvements with confidence.

The opening of the first stage of the James Forbes Academy demonstrated the importance of the support of the Scotch Family. Large numbers viewed the magnificent new facility. Most appropriately, thanks were expressed to all who had contributed to the Foundation's campaign, raising the necessary funds to proceed with the project. Many donors were present to observe the fruits of their generosity.

The Old Scotch Collegians have been very busy recently, setting up OSCAnet, an electronic means by which former students can keep connected with each other and the school. Its use as an effective mechanism for mentoring will benefit large numbers of former students.

The Foundation and the OSCA are elements of the Development Office. Recent retirements of long serving stalwarts have led to new appointments who are facing major challenges with enthusiasm. It has been particularly pleasing to observe a growing resolve by both bodies to work together to optimise the benefit for Scotch.

There are very significant challenges ahead, such as the realities of the recently introduced SES (Socio Economic Status) funding for Independent Schools by the Federal Government.

In 2004, when the system is fully operational, Scotch will receive around $550 per student, and will refund it to parents. Some other APS schools will receive $1,400 per student or more, so the playing field for fee setting will become less even. This outcome of the Government policy of examining apparent parental capacity to pay fees creates a substantial challenge for Scotch now and in the future. The tension between seeking to improve quality while trying to keep fees comparatively affordable will be increasingly keenly felt.

That is why our Development Office must flourish. The strength of the Scotch Family and the resolve of OSCA and the Foundation will be tested and, one can confidently expect, will sustain Scotch and allow its further growth and progress.

Dr F.G. Donaldson AM, Principal