THE SCOTCH FAMILY MAGAZINE ISSUE 164 DECEMBER 2021
THE CLASS OF 2021
THE EMBODIMENT OF 170 YEARS OF SCOTCH
CONTENTS 1 EDITOR
38 DRAMA
2 CHAIRMAN
43 MUSIC
4 PRINCIPAL
46 SPORT
6 CHAPLAIN
50 BOARDING
8 JUNIOR SCHOOL
58 FOUNDATION
14 MIDDLE SCHOOL
63 OSCA
15 UPPER SCHOOL
75 WHAT THEY’RE DOING NOW
16 FEATURES
78 SCHOOL HISTORY
24 SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS
81 OBITUARIES
2 DEFINING AND SHAPING SCOTCH First steps in a new Scotch era
16 PERSISTENT, STRONG AND STOIC Farewelling our resilient Year 12 cohort
THE SCOTCH FAMILY MAGAZINE ISSUE 164 DECEMBER 2021
is the official publication of Scotch College, Melbourne. Publisher Scotch College 1 Morrison Street, Hawthorn 3122 Victoria, Australia Phone: (03) 9810 4321 Email: greatscot@scotch.vic.edu.au www.scotch.vic.edu.au ABN 86 852 826 445 Print Post Approved PP100008172
View Old Scotch Collegians' Association news and updates at: www.oscanet.com.au Like us on Facebook Scotch College and OSCA
Editorial contributors Durga Kamte, David Ashton, Paul Mishura, Scott Montgomery, Tim Shearer. Editor Durga Kamte (03) 9810 4420 email: durga.kamte@scotch.vic.edu.au
24 170 YEARS OF BELONGING Finding a place for each Scotch boy
Assistant Editor David Ashton (03) 9810 4489 email: david.ashton@scotch.vic.edu.au Art Direction and Production Lisa Sheard (03) 9810 4443 email: lisa.sheard@scotch.vic.edu.au Photography David Irvin@Group Portraits (cover photo), Gavin Blue Photography, James Grant, Marcel Aucar, Scotch College students, staff, parents and community.
COVER, MAIN PICTURE: SCOTCH’S CLASS OF 2021. BOTTOM PICTURE, BACK COVER: BOYS ON MONASH DRIVE AT SCOTCH
28 PIPES AND DRUMS AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE Performing in a remarkable setting
EDITORIAL
As I pen this final editorial for the year, the sunshine pours into my study, the garden is abuzz with twittery creatures and ablaze with colour. Ah, the joys of summer! All the more welcome, as we come to the end of a year of COVIDimposed restrictions. Although lockdown lifted only a few weeks before the Year 12s were officially farewelled, it has been heartwarming to hear their laughter and banter echoing through the corridors from classrooms and playing fields. The Class of 2021 has endured challenges, with almost two years of disrupted learning and limited opportunities to partake in sporting competitions, drama and musical performances, and a variety of other events that usually mark the School calendar. Despite the disappointments, the boys have come through with admirable good humour and the ‘can do’ attitude so reflective of generations of Scotchies. In embodying the best of 170 years of Scotch spirit, this year group has left a legacy for future generations, upholding values the School holds dear: determination
to make the most of the opportunities they have been given; resolve to achieve their academic potential; and a steadfast commitment to fostering a positive and more inclusive school environment. ‘Parting is such sweet sorrow’ is possibly the most overused quote from the Bard, but there is truth in the words, as attested by the emotional, heartfelt speeches of School Captain and Vice Captain. As they await their results, and plan their future paths, we wish them success and every happiness. As the School adapts to a more conventional ‘normal’ there is much to celebrate, as can be seen in these pages. At different year levels, boys have achieved success in chess, debating and music. While performances and exhibitions before a live audience were impossible, with characteristic brio, staff and boys moved online to share their efforts. Pipes and Drums had opportunity to showcase their talent at Government House in recent weeks, and in this edition, Director of Sport Stuart Powell speaks of the joy he felt at the excitement and enthusiasm of the boys as they resumed practice after the lockdowns and then were able to compete as the summer sport programs began. In this issue, Stuart also notes individual sports achievements in football and water polo. With endings are new beginnings, and we farewell and thank our Year 12 leavers, and we also farewell and thank retiring and departing staff, while we simultaneously look forward to welcoming new staff, new boys and new student leaders for 2022. On the subject of beginnings, an Old Boy from the Class of 1947 speaks
gratefully in this edition of the excellent start in life Scotch granted him. In gratitude for his Scotch education, facilitated by a government scholarship and aided by a school supplement, the Old Boy has made a substantial donation to the Scotch Foundation. A scholarship in his name will be established to enable a boy who would otherwise not be able to attend the School to enjoy a Scotch education. The Old Scotch Collegians’ Association is also looking to a new beginning in 2022, as it re-establishes its COVID-interrupted program of reunions. Since OSCA’s earliest days more than a century ago, the association has organised countless functions which have enabled Old Boys to keep the flame of friendship burning long after schooldays are over. The calendar of OSCA events for 2022 is set, and hopes are high. OSCA is also glad that the strength of its alumni continues to shine, with Old Boys coming up with their own ways of keeping connected, whether it’s a catch-up over coffee, a jog together along Gardiners Creek, or a lunch attended by more than 50 Old Boys from the Classes of 1963 and’64, which was the initiative of just one Old Boy from the Class of ’64.
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BOUNCING BACK AFTER LOCKDOWNS Scotch’s musicians look optimistically to 2022
BOARDING PROJECT BEGINS Transforming Scotch’s boarding facilities
GETTING OSCA THINGS DONE Stronger connections in and beyond the OSCA community
DURGA KAMTE EDITOR GREAT SCOT
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 1
CHAIRMAN
MR ALEX SLOAN ('71) SCHOOL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN
DEFINING AND SHAPING THE NEXT ERA IN THE LIFE OF SCOTCH COLLEGE The appointment of a new Principal is no doubt a major milestone in the life of any school. Having said that, Scotch Council sees such an appointment as only the first major step in a process to define and shape the next era in our College’s extraordinary life. To understand what I mean by defining and shaping it is useful to look at the ‘Batty era’, over what will have been 14 years by mid 2022, to be able to appreciate the concept. In my view the ‘Batty era’ is highlighted by two major themes. Firstly using Tom’s words, the focus on ‘conversations of learning’ and secondly a focus on pastoral care. Perhaps the most telling recognition of these themes is reflected in much of the building design and construction during Tom’s tenure. The design of the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science and the Keon-Cohen Dining Hall strongly 2 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
reflect the ‘conversations of learning’ theme. The increased opportunity for boys and their teachers to gather together informally and share an interchange cannot be underestimated in its impact. We are all much more acutely aware today of how vital it is in a boy’s education to have a strong teacher relationship in order to elevate educational outcomes. One of the major foundations in Tom’s approach to pastoral care has been the institution of a 12 House system, which has allowed boys from Years 9-12 to remain under the nurturing guidance of a single Head of House. In more recent times each of those Houses has been given a new home surrounding the new dining hall. This is another great example of integration of an educational theme with building design and construction at Scotch.
OPPOSITE PAGE: INTERIOR OF THE KEON-COHEN DINING HALL. THIS PAGE: TOP: EXTERIOR OF THE SIR ZELMAN COWEN CENTRE FOR SCIENCE. CENTRE: THE EARTH MODEL IN THE SCIENCE CENTRE'S ATRIUM. BOTTOM: HEAD OF LAWSON HOUSE MICHAEL WAUGH IN CONSULTATION WITH SENIOR BOYS.
This experience of the ‘Batty era’ compels and motivates Council to ensure that we allow a process to unfold which can yield similar outcomes over the next decade and beyond. Clearly a new Principal needs to be given time to fully appreciate and understand the environment before determining new themes and directions, but Council has a major part to play in this process. As I have previously remarked in this magazine Council is very grateful to a wide cross-section of our community who contributed to the ‘stakeholder’ consultation process, leading into our recent Principal appointment. Clearly though the benefits derived from those consultations are not limited to the Principal appointment, but will undoubtedly feed into themes that will define and shape the next decade and beyond. To that end, Council has already formed a number of working groups that are looking closely at key themes from the consultations. Council has in its mind an ambition to unveil a fully integrated strategy to underpin the next era as early as possible in 2023. Having said that I would hasten to reassure the community that the School will continue its development path in the meantime and not lose momentum. Projects such as the redevelopment of our boarding precinct will continue in 2022 while the future path is defined. On the academic front our teaching staff will hopefully return in 2022 to a largely normalised environment following a much needed break, after another very challenging year. As Chairman of Council I have been greatly supported by my Council colleagues over the last 12 months in a demanding period for all concerned. One very familiar face in our community, Doug Lording, is leaving Council but will continue in his post as President of the Foundation. Doug is a member of a rare cohort having served on the OSCA Council, with two years as President in 2016 and ’17. Doug has been President of the Foundation since 2017, taking over from Michael Robinson, and to complete the trifecta, has served on Council for the last six years. I am sure I speak for all in thanking Doug for his tireless ongoing service to Scotch. Our community is fortunate that Doug’s replacement on Council, Peter Findlay, has hit the ground running having previously served on Council from 2014 to '19. At the present time continuity of Council membership is highly desirable as we transition to a new Principal and contemplate a new era in the life of our beloved School. My best wishes to all in the Scotch community for a merry and safe Christmas and a rewarding 2022. Great Scot 3
PRINCIPAL
MR TOM BATTY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
EQUIPPING FOR THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF THE TIMES The first time I went to see Brentford play was as a five year old. My dad bought me cola pips and told me that as a young lad he would cycle the 17 miles to the ground and leave his bike with the many others in the front yards of the terraced houses on New Road for a penny. I think we lost to Aldershot. The first time I took the boys from my Eton boarding house to Griffin Park, Brentford were flying high in the third tier of English football. We were superb and beat Brighton 4-0. In the bus on the way back, I told the boys it was always like this and that Brentford were my gift to them. The next time we went it was a midweek lower tier cup match. It was damp and cold and the game went to extra time in front of a sparse crowd of about 1200. We lost. As I type, having beaten Arsenal, West Ham and Wolves and drawn with Liverpool to make a stunning start to our first ever season in the Premier League, Brentford are starting a worrying slide with three defeats in a row. Things don’t always work out as we expect. Times of change and uncertainty do, however, remind of the constants in our lives, not least our desire to come together in celebration of each other’s talents and our need for participation in causes bigger than ourselves. They also bring to the fore the principles that underpin communities and stand the tests of adversity and time.
4 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
Such constants and values came together in uplifting manner with the return to Saturday cricket, tennis, table tennis, rowing and volleyball training beneath beautiful late October skies, and subsequent first school assembly since the long lockout. For 170 years, generations of young men have left Scotch to serve and further the prosperity of their communities. Whilst the values have remained constant, their manifestation has been unique to each graduating Scotchie and to the changing times and prevailing circumstance. Often, the shift of sand has been so gradual to be barely noticeable. At other times, those reaching the end of their school years have been thrust into turbulence and conflict, and required to find the fortitude to meet the sternest of challenge. The walls of the Memorial Hall bear remembrance to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and our lasting gratitude for a freedom earned at such cost. As I noted to the Year 12s at their Presentation Afternoon, choosing liberty and people, over fear, control and regulation, and service over personal gain, requires courage; deep personal courage; courage beyond ourselves; courage beyond our families and beyond our generation; courage to believe in the fortitude and imaginations of those yet to come. Such courage is precious and flows from our Christian faith and western democratic tradition.
In addition to the impact of the COVID pandemic, the Class of 2021 are members of the first generation that has grown up only knowing communication of information through smart technology. From the onset of cave paintings to the viral presence of big data via the written word, printing press, telephone, radio and television, computers, the internet, wifi and social media, we have seen how significant changes to the way we communicate and are influenced bring social upheaval. The Class of 2021 represents a generation born into time when old wrongs are being readily exposed and discussed and, with ticking clock, the conversation on necessary climate intervention for their future reaches point of decision. Much has been invested and much is expected. Amidst the restrictions and regulations, the values upon which their School was founded have shone through to, in turn, equip them to meet the challenges of their times. Their Movie on the Main sold 200 tickets and raised over $4000 to provide more than 400 books to remote Indigenous communities across Australia. Under their watch, over $50,000 was raised through the 24 Hour Hike for Bo Children’s Hospital in Sierra Leone that has purchased a minibus and two motor bikes for immunisation outreach. Their Charity Week saw close to $5500 raised for Beyond Blue and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. They led our first marking of Denim Day, raising money for the You Matter charity that assists families fleeing domestic violence. Trivia nights and a fun run with the students of MLC and Lauriston raised monies in support of cystic fibrosis research; and with strong voice, they led fitting recognition of the International Day against Homophobia. Amidst the graduating class are an Australian chess champion, a member of the Australian debating team and two members of the Australian Mathematical Olympiad team. There are winners of state and national prizes in debating, biology, natural history, physics, chemistry, mathematics, German poetry recital, visual communications and design, music and the Parliament Prize. Most importantly, there is a generation of Scotchies who, in the spirit of those who have gone before, expect to use their gifts to challenge that which needs challenging and support those in need of supporting. Over the years, in conversations with teachers of English, I have often mused that their subject is different to most because, grammar and linguistics aside, its discipline is ‘us’. That it is by the intimate discussion of our ambitions, fears, loves, strengths, failings and hopes that we form the basis for what
is important, and that it is this that provides each generation template for the navigation of its times. In her moving poem of remembrance, Last Post, Carol Ann Duffy reflects on the lives of servicemen in World War 1 and on the aching desire of poets to tell their tales backwards, away from the point of conflict to times when all possible future paths seemed open. Duffy’s rewinding of the tape takes us from the moment of scything shrapnel back through the kissing of photographs from home in the trenches, coffee and warm French bread in the village square, to the moment a young soldier ponders his several million possible future lives crammed with deeply ordinary human desires: ‘love, work, children, talent, English beer, good food.’ As with their predecessors, the members of the Class of 2021 step into the excitement of the unknown to do their bit. There are many possible paths. At some point, possibly at a reunion gathering, they will cast their minds back to days of greater innocence and the things that bind them together. As they do so, they might take inspiration from the life of holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku, who died in October having survived the horrors of Buchenwald, Auschwitz, death marches and the murder of his parents in a death camp, to start a new life with his family in Australia in 1950. Mr Jaku called himself 'the happiest man on Earth' and often expressed that ‘Life is what you want it to be, life is in your hands’.
‘ Life is what you want it to be, life is in your hands.’ EDDIE JAKU
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 5
CHAPLAIN
THE DANGER OF BEING STUCK IN THE PRESENT REV DOUG CAMPBELL SCHOOL CHAPLAIN
GEORGE SANTAYANA: ‘THOSE WHO CANNOT REMEMBER THE PAST ARE CONDEMNED TO REPEAT IT.’ We are living in interesting times where the past seems less like a different country and more like an altogether alternative universe. Sadly, it appears that many more people today deny the importance and relevance of history. Others want to rewrite it for their own political or ideological agendas. The sins and faults of the great historical figures lead to their modern day cancellation while offending statues are toppled in an attempt to reflect the values of the present. While it is important to critically reflect on our history, the danger of unthinking revisionism is that the past, warts and all, is eradicated in an attempt to create an acceptable paradise on earth. In this anti-historical age, history, probably more than any other area of research, is vitally important, as it provides individuals and societies with a framework to understand the past, the present, and the future. At our innermost being, we are all historical beings. We exist in particular places and times. Moreover, we are profoundly shaped by the world into which we are born, which is in itself a product of time and history. While our shared biology with a first century Roman citizen binds us together in our humanity, the way a 21st century Australian thinks will naturally differ. The question remains – why are we different to our forefathers? The answer is in large part the historical processes that have led to the making of modern Australia, and that have moulded the thinking of all Australians. We are all historical beings. However, we may, following the attitude of Henry Ford, simply dismiss history as ‘more or less bunk’ and resort to living only in the present and being interested in just what we do today. Or, perhaps more seriously, we may go further and dismiss out of hand all those who have come before us and consider only our own age. Those who adopt this particular attitude believe that the way they think about the world is the way the world must be thought about. Those who look down on the past and the people of history are unwittingly blinded by their own hubris and oblivious to the fact that they and their opinions
6 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
will soon be scrutinised and deconstructed by the next ‘enlightened’ generation. In short, having torn down the past, the achievements and the progress they extol will in turn be sneered at and dismissed out of hand. If this is the future, we will be left with nations of empty stone plinths. The lack of a historical perspective severely limits our formation as individuals and as a society. While the ahistorical may still note what is transpiring in the world around them in the present, their approach will not help in evaluating what is actually transpiring in the present. We all need this longer perspective that sees beyond ourselves and our situations in order to truly understand and make sense of our world and its events, and our place in it. To understand why these historical figures thought the way they did and why they acted in a particular way – their shared human experience – will help us live wisely in our own time. In 2021, Scotch has acknowledged our 170th year as a school. That is a long and distinguished past. The portraits of our founder, the Rev James Forbes, and our Principals look down on the students of today. The names of past students adorn the walls of Memorial Hall and the Lithgow Building, acknowledging their achievements and their ultimate sacrifice, which helped mould Australia and its story. Yet history is not simply the preserve of the classroom or the Archives, nor is it limited to the buildings and its adornments. History is more than a subject but should be a lifelong pursuit: a quest that offers those who embark on this road of discovery a deeper wisdom about our ancestors and about ourselves. With this perspective we will be less prone to dismiss those who have gone before us and be less quick to elevate ourselves or our ideologies. It will open our eyes to appreciate the culture which has moulded not only society, or our School, but also us as individuals. At Scotch we are a Christian school that stands in a tradition that goes back even further than 1851. It stands in the Presbyterian tradition of Scotland that believed passionately in the importance of education.
The Kirk was influenced by the theology of the Reformers, and in particular John Calvin. However, this Reformation acknowledged its deeper historical roots going back beyond the great medieval scholars to the work of the Augustine and the Patristic and Apostolic Fathers. These historical roots are deep, long lasting and satisfying. However, the foundation of this movement and thus of this school is Jesus Christ. While the temptation to put Jesus Christ aside and focus solely on the values and virtues he espoused always exists, we maintain as paramount the importance of the historical Jesus – his life, teaching and sacrificial death. To throw Jesus out with the bathwater would eventually lead to a bland, powerless and Christless Christianity that offers the world no hope and provides no challenge. Whether in society, education or even the Church, we are privileged to stand on the shoulders of the giants of the past. These giants of history were as flawed as we are, yet it is imperative that we acknowledge our roots and refuse the pressure to cut ourselves off from the past, and be destined to be stuck eternally in the present with no solace from the past and no reason to build for the future.
SAVE THE DATE
SCOTCH FAMILY EASTER BREAKFAST, 2022 Date: Time: Place:
Friday 1 April 2022 6.45am for 7.00am Boykett Room, Cardinal Pavilion
Alan is the immediate past President of ISCAST, a group of Christians interested in the interaction between science and religion. He has lectured in science and faith at Ridley College and the Bible Guest speaker at the 2022 Scotch Family Easter College of Victoria. Breakfast will be Associate Professor Alan Gijsbers, Alan has received the Royal Australian and New a specialist physician in Addiction Medicine, and Zealand College of Psychiatry, Victorian Chapter’s an Honorary Clinical Associate Professor with the 2020 Meritorious Award, granted to non-psychiatrists Department of Medicine at the Royal Melbourne who have contributed to the mental health of the Hospital, University of Melbourne. Victorian community, Alan was the first Medical Director of the Addiction Alan was the first National President of Medicine Service at the RMH, and Medical Director HealthServe Australia, an organisation of health of the Substance Withdrawal Unit at the Melbourne professionals who seek to provide health and Clinic, Richmond. He is a Foundation Fellow in development overseas in the name and spirit of the Chapter of Addiction Medicine of the Royal Christ. Alan has published extensively in neuroscience Australasian College of Physicians and theology. We look forward to welcoming Alan to speak at the 2022 Easter Breakfast.
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 7
JUNIOR SCHOOL
MR TOM SAVILL HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
FLEXIBLE FOUNDATIONS: HOW TO SURVIVE A SEISMIC SHIFT FOUNDATIONS OUR 2021 COHORT DEVELOPED WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME
JUNIOR SCHOOL BOYS IN 1960
8 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
At 9.52am on Wednesday 22 September, Melbourne experienced an earthquake of the magnitude 5.9. Tremors were felt across the state of Victoria resulting in buildings being evacuated and, in some cases, damaged. Thankfully, the impact of the shaking was minimal, but the feelings among those who experienced it were certainly memorable. The term ‘seismic shift’ is used regularly when describing change. On 22 September the term may have been used literally; however for those at school in 2021 the term would have resonated in a more metaphorical manner. While the tectonic plates of the earth’s crust rubbed up against each other to move the ground on which we stood, the foundations of learning were also changing, and moving to create new experiences and outcomes for many students. Our Junior School Scotchies have weathered tremors and aftershocks that have altered the way they work and learn in 2021. Junior schools help children create firm foundations from which the rest of their lives develop. In Scotch’s 170 years of history there have been periods of societal change that have influenced the way in which primary-aged children have developed the base on which their learning stands. There are many stories of Scotch alumni positively influencing society after experiencing trying circumstances, having developed academic potency and a firm moral compass during their time at this wonderful institution. The legacy continues in the cohort of 2021. When constructing buildings in earthquake-prone areas, architects must use modern materials and design to ensure they do not collapse. One of the key means by which architects help ride the waves of a quake is to create ‘flexible foundations’ which sit above the earth and use pads made of rubber, steel and lead to absorb the waves. Students who have worked through 2021 have experienced a similar evolution of design. The flexible foundations they have built have been constructed of resilience, independence and a new-found appreciation of the importance of connection and collaboration. Much like rubber dampers, these personal attributes have helped students remain nimble and agile in their
approach, standing them in good stead for repeated challenge, wave after wave. The aim of constructing an earthquake-proof building is for it to remain standing for years to come. The foundations our 2021 cohort have developed over the past 12 to 18 months, I believe, will stand the test of time and, one hopes, enrich each unique pathway the boys take. Resilience and independence are developed in the normal run of school life. However, these attributes have been turbocharged this year, as boys have had increased need to organise their own working day and respond to online challenges and tasks set by their teachers. Genuine appreciation of the importance of connection and collaboration is a little more difficult to develop during term time, as the boys spend so much time together and can take such social encounters for granted.
Some of the older boys reflected on their desire for more connection to their friends when working remotely. It was clear that they recognised a missing part of their school experience. As all year levels returned onsite in mid-October it was evident that many boys experienced a moment of realisation, an inner rumbling, which justified the pangs they had experienced during remote learning and reinforced the importance of good relationships. Geologists can often detect earthquakes of the past by analysing the strata of rock, identifying unusual layers and patterns that have been formed by the seismic shifts. In years to come, if we look back at the layers of influence and learning that built up over the boys’ time at Scotch, 2021 will be a marble-like stratum: beautiful, strong, unique and developed under immense pressure.
PREP BOYS ON THEIR ‘100 DAYS OF PREP’ CELEBRATION DAY. THEY CAME DRESSED AS ‘OLD MEN’.
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 9
JUNIOR SCHOOL 1. FROM LEFT, NATHAN NAI, MATTHEW CHEN, JOEL HENG AND ROHAN CALI. 2. WILLIAM WOOD. 3. LACHLAN WANG AND HARVEY HAINTZ. 4.AARYAN BERERA AND JACK DARLEY. 5. ALEXANDER ANG AND SASH YUVARAJ. 6. ETHAN BATES AND JAMIN HO.
1.
‘WE ARE EXTREMELY THANKFUL FOR YEAR 6 BOYS REFLECT ON THEIR JUNIOR BEING SCOTCHIES’ SCHOOL JOURNEY With Scotch’s Year 6 boys about to take a few short but significant steps down the Hill from the Junior School to begin their Senior School careers, the moment is appropriate to ask some of these boys for their impressions of their time in the Junior School, and what it has meant to them. All but one have been in the Junior School since Prep, so after seven years already as Scotch Collegians, these boys proudly consider themselves to be ‘the Class of 2021 – Junior edition’. Here are their responses.
2. 3.
Through the years of being at Scotch College Junior School we have learnt about the traditions and fun activities this amazing School has to offer to all year levels. From school camps to APS Sport, from spelling tests to Maths Olympiads, we have both enjoyed every second of being at Scotch. The community of Scotch College must be one of the best communities anyone can come across. I know that all boys are proud to wear their uniform and try their hardest competing for Scotch. Never has a teacher doubted our capability to do excellent work, and never has a Scotch peer put anyone down. The teachers are always there to support and motivate us, and try to help no matter what. Peers and friends are always there to comfort and support anyone who is going through a rough period. We all have fun together, laugh together, play together, learn together, and most importantly, we are all together. LACHLAN WANG and HARVEY HAINTZ
Our seven years at Scotch College have taught us an enormous number of teachings. These last two years have presented a
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gargantuan challenge, but we have learnt to be more resilient and work more independently throughout online learning. During our time in the Scotch College Junior School, we have thoroughly enjoyed the academics, the House sports as well as the atmosphere around the School. We have embodied the spirit and culture of a Scotchie. We are very grateful to the teachers, Principal and students who have always encouraged and supported us during our time at the Junior School. We are extremely thankful for being Scotchies, and will pass it down for future generations.
4.
AARYAN BERERA and JACK DARLEY
After 170 years of Scotch, the Year 6 class of 2021 was the embodiment of improvement throughout the years. Despite the challenges of living through the world’s longest lockdown, we came out the other side, unscathed and ready for 2022. As Scotch boys, we have had many learning opportunities to develop chivalry, kindness, leadership, discipline, resilience and diligence into our lives. Through Junior School, we learned many valuable things. We know that Senior School will nurture and reinforce these values even more. We look forward to spending our teenage years within this wonderful School. I hope this junior class of 2021 will always have these values. NATHAN NAI and MATTHEW CHEN
Scotch College was founded in 1851 and is coming up on its 170th anniversary. I’ve been here for seven years and I’ve learnt so much in that time. I’ve made many friends here and I owe so much to the School, and I’m so lucky that my parents decided to send me here. Recently, coronavirus has turned our lives upside down and we have had to go to school online from home, using Zoom. Lockdown hasn’t been great, but I think there have been many important things it has taught us. We have learnt about resilience, organisation, tolerance and being kind. We learned about ourselves and about people close to us. I think it’s important to not just survive lockdown, but to take the things it’s taught us and move forward with more strength.
5. 6.
WILLIAM WOOD
2021 has been a hard year for everyone. Things have changed and lockdown has been tough, and Scotch boys have had to work hard to adapt to it. During lockdown there have been bad things, but there have also been plenty of fantastic things like spending more time with the family and getting to know our immediate family much better, and having lovely hot lunches. Also, Year 6 boys have had to become much more responsible, very independent, and definitely more organised during lockdown, which is very good preparation for Year 7. The Year 6 boys are now much more prepared for the Senior School because of lockdown so, all in all, lockdown has helped the Year 6 boys in 2021. ALEXANDER ANG and SASH YUVARAJ
As part of Scotch’s Class of 2021 on its 170th anniversary, we feel very honoured and happy that we can reflect on our seven years at Scotch. Both of us have been here since we were in Prep in 2015, and have had Scotch’s wonderful community to help us and other people develop and mature. We have enjoyed the commitment that our teachers have shown to us, to help everyone learn and grow. JAMIN HO and ETHAN BATES
Scotch is renowned for its musical achievements and annual concerts. Since its founding in 1851, Scotch has always placed great emphasis on music. The School’s music building, the James Forbes Academy, the 21st century Scotch Music School, was opened in 2005. This building was made in honour of Scotch’s founder, James Forbes. Scotch has also earned a high-ranked reputation in sporting events. Sport brings joy to families by allowing them to watch the events. In light of these recent events, COVID-19 has prevented us from having sporting events such as Family Day. However, before this chain of events, Scotch’s Years 5 to 12 participated in APS, an inter-school sporting event. ROHAN CALI and JOEL HENG www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 11
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Interview:
ALEX SMITH Year 5 Teacher Alex Smith, who has been a member of the Junior School staff since 2019, grew up in England. Until his Scotch appointment, Alex was teaching at Old Orchard Primary School in Blackburn. He has quickly and efficiently established himself as an excellent classroom practitioner, who displays care and compassion for all his students, while striving to create an engaging and inclusive Year 5 classroom. A keen sportsperson who enjoys cricket and hockey as both coach and player, Alex understands the value of being part of strong and cohesive teams. He has quietly and efficiently added value to the Junior School House system via his appointment as Head of Bradshaw House in 2021, as a member of the Growth of Scotch Boys working party, and as an active member of the Junior School Common Room Association. Each morning Alex can be found outside among the boys, bowling, fielding, catching and umpiring during the highly popular Junior School Huff ‘n’ Puff Program. He has made a positive impact on daily life in the
12 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
Junior School in the relatively short time that he has been a member of teaching staff. DEAN GREGORY Many years from now, when you are no longer teaching, what is one of the Scotch memories you will reflect on to warm your heart? The ability of each and every individual student to amaze you on any given day. Scotch students embrace all facets of education in a particularly meaningful way, adapting as they go. What is the best advice you have ever received? ‘It does not matter how slowly you go, as long you do not stop’ – not advice as such, but a quote that has stuck and resonated with me. Whether it be in the classroom, in the concert hall or on the sporting fields, it is a mantra I try to convey to my students. What story will your colleagues tell about you at your farewell speech when you retire?
I would hope that no matter who, what or where I was teaching I was able to bring fun to it. The best learning, in my opinion, happens when students are having fun along the way. What advice would give our Year 6 students as they transition from Junior to Senior School at Scotch? Meet and surround yourself with as many new people as possible, by being a source of welcoming and kindness. You never know who you’ll meet who might just become that lifelong friend. During your time at Scotch so far, what is your favourite corner of the School, and why? As a member of the Junior School, I cannot go past the Junior School Oval on any given morning. The hustle and bustle of boys eager to start their day with action: running, kicking, throwing or chatting, all in a wonderful form of perfectly organised chaos!
YEAR 2 MINI-SPORTS DAY
Great Scot 13
MIDDLE SCHOOL
MS KATRINA STALKER HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
CANVAS PAINTING BY YEAR 7 STUDENTS FOR DONATION TO A LOCAL RSL
COMING TOGETHER WITH JOY AND RELIEF There was a justified sense of relief as the boys returned to school in Term 4, along with an appreciation of the need to bring them back together as a community after the challenging times they had experienced during the lockdowns. The loss of routine, structure, friendship, opportunity and freedom has affected students in a variety of ways, different from the effect these phenomena have on adults. Preparation for our return included developing lessons for the Middle School which promoted emotional wellbeing, resilience and recovery around the themes of self-efficacy, hope, gratitude and connectedness. Soon after the boys’ return, we conducted some fun sporting games to enable them to reconnect in an environment outside the classroom. Boys at Year 7 and Year 8 levels engaged in the games with great enthusiasm and exhibited good sportsmanship. Time was spent each week on the four themes during the forms’ Pastoral Care Programs. The boys posted on a Padlet their stories about togetherness – how they were supported and how they supported others during the lockdowns. They looked at ways of turning negative self-talk into positive self-talk, and the importance of this skill in overcoming feelings of helplessness and uncertainty. Each form devised ways to take care of others. It gave the boys a voice and showed them that their actions could make a difference. Form 8JE created a wonderful picture to donate to a local RSL club for Remembrance Day. In the spirit of connecting with the environment, the boys embraced Sustainability Day on 27 October. The Man Cave workshops, which promote healthy and respectful relationships, were rescheduled from July until the return of Year 7 in October. Each form spent a day with a facilitator, providing the boys with a number of opportunities, including: realising that their daily challenges were widely shared, particularly during recovery from an extended lockdown; building trust and mutual responsibility within the form group, to help develop their emotional toolkit
14 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
RE-ESTABLISHING THE NURTURING MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY
to deal with life’s challenges; and developing the interpersonal skills that help them foster key relationships. It was important for the boys to reengage in class with their teachers. This included re-establishing the boys’ skills for learning in a school environment and rebuilding their confidence as learners, while reviewing and developing what they had learnt during remote learning. During remote learning we had run a competition for ‘acts of kindness’. Henry Catford (Year 7) won this inaugural competition for his kindness towards his great-aunt during lockdown. On Remembrance Day, 11 November, as in past years Year 7 boys placed crosses and Magen Davids in the Quadrangle lawns for the Old Boys and staff members currently known to have died as a result of World War I or World War II. Lachlan Gumley and Edward Maxwell (both of Year 7) laid the crosses which represented their relatives who had died as a result of war. Many Middle School boys have thrived in various competitions held over the last few months. Witter Onggara and Alexander Artemov (both of Year 8), Joshua Deng, Jerry Xia and William Cheah (all of Year 7) have been invited to the Australian Mathematical Olympiad Committee School of Excellence. These students will be trained to contest a place in the team that represents Australia in the International Mathematics Olympiad. In addition, Yup Meng Quek and Tommy Chu (both of Year 8) have been invited to the analogous Olympiad training program for Informatics. Our mathematicians also achieved very well in the Mathematical Association of Victoria Maths Games Day, achieving first and second places. Witter Onggara (Year 8) was awarded a ‘Swannie’ in the Debaters’ Association of Victoria debating, Hawthorn region for 2021 (at Year 9 level). This is quite an amazing achievement for a Year 8 student. Watching the boys’ joy at returning to school and re-engaging with their studies and their friends made the finish of the school year most rewarding.
UPPER SCHOOL
MR TIM RAYNER HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL
THE CLASS OF 2021: PERSEVERANCE AND POSITIVITY REMARKABLE RESILIENCE IN A YEAR OF MANY CHALLENGES Last year, The Oxford English Dictionary stepped away from tradition. This was not something such an esteemed intellectual body had done before, nor was it expected. It was a relatively small action, which will have gone unnoticed by the majority of the Englishspeaking world, but it spoke volumes for the times we find ourselves in. Instead of announcing one Word of the Year, the lexicographers at Oxford announced several. Why? Well, in the words of Casper Grathwohl, the President of Oxford Dictionaries: ‘I've never witnessed a year in language like the one we've just had. The Oxford team was identifying hundreds of significant new words and usages as the year unfolded …’ From the word ‘lockdown’ to the Black Lives Matter movement, 2020 was clearly a momentous year, bearing in mind language reflects society. At the end of that year, many thought 2021 would be less volatile, but in reality, it was not to be. The resilience shown this year by the Class of 2021 has been remarkable. The cloud of uncertainty has hovered above their heads all year and online learning became the norm, not the exception. Having experienced an uncertain 2020, the boys started the year with optimism, and while we again entered a world of lockdowns and online learning, SACs were sat and portfolios completed. Attendance during online classes has been exceptionally high. The students knew they had to be there, that their teachers were waiting, and that learning was to be done. Digging deep, boys focused on their studies and worked collaboratively with their teachers, despite the hurdles that faced so many. Our School Captain, Nik Tsourvakas, and our Vice Captain, Alex Meggitt, have led from the front with the able assistance of our Prefects, in true Scotch spirit. Working closely with Mr David Brown, our Dean of Students, they have maintained a positive outlook and have been behind many of this year’s initiatives and fund raising. Movie on the Main did provide an opportunity to get together for a good cause, and Charity Week again saw boys camped out for the night
to raise money, so despite restrictions good work did occur. An incomplete Winter Sports season perhaps epitomises the year. So many of our boys just want to play with their mates in their final year of school and it was a great pity that this was cut short several weeks before the final round. Equally, cancelled concerts and performances also meant that boys were unable to experience the same rights of passage as their predecessors. And yet, they continued to be optimistic in looking forward to the possibility that the next event could take place. Restrictions have meant the school year could not be the same as that which many Scotchies had experienced in the past. There have had to be compromises and changes, but we are all stronger for that. Presentation Night became Presentation Afternoon, without an audience of parents. Year 12 Chapel was held online, and while the boys were unable to sit in the Littlejohn Chapel itself, they were able to listen to our Scottish Presbyterian Chaplain give a blessing and sermon, for their final time of the year. The Torch Ceremony was live streamed to boys viewing at home, while Year 12 boys passed the torch, as their predecessors had done for decades before, received their school gift and prizes from our Principal – for some the end of a 13-year journey, starting at the Junior School. Our Valedictory Dinner was finally secured, after numerous reincarnations, and the Class of 2021 will now be sent off in fine style come December. Not only did staff work tirelessly at maintaining such events, but OSCA and parents stepped in and lent their shoulder to the wheel. The Class of 2021 will be remembered for their perseverance and positivity. At such times of adversity, the glass can be seen as either half full or half empty – so many of our boys stayed positive and this helped enormously in carrying them forward. As I write this today, when many boys have just attended their first VCE examination, English, their journey at Scotch is nearly complete. Parents and staff are rightly proud of their achievements.
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 15
FEATURES
PRESENTATION AFTERNOON As was the case in 2020, COVID-19 restrictions resulted in the presentation ceremony being held as an afternoon event, staged in Memorial Hall at 4pm on 18 October, attended by just the Year 12 boys, some senior teachers, the Chaplain and the Chairman of the School Council, Mr Alex Sloan. The event was broadcast live on YouTube to enable staff and parents to tune in.
Introduced by their Head of House, each Year 12 boy received a Bible and book of poetry from the Principal. Prize winners and boys awarded Triple Colours received their prizes. There were speeches by the Chairman of the School Council, the Principal, Mr Tom Batty and the School Captain, Nick Tsourvakas. This is edited version of the School Captain’s address.
THE CLASS OF 2021: PERSISTENT, STRONG AND STOIC It goes without saying that this year and last year have been difficult. However, as Mr Batty has put it to me, ‘it is during the testing times that our true colours are shown’, and undoubtedly the Class of 2021 members were persistent, strong and stoic. Famous Old Boy Sir John Monash implored his peers to ‘adopt as your fundamental creed that you will equip yourself for life, not solely for your own benefit but for the benefit of the whole community’. The way in which the Class of 2021 has adapted to the challenges they faced has not only benefited themselves, but it has also allowed our staff and teachers to experience a more seamless year teaching us. I would like to think that this has extended beyond the walls (or computer screens) of Scotch, and that we have helped the wider community – I am certainly proud of what we have raised through our fundraising efforts, whether to help those with mental health challenges, cystic fibrosis, literacy in Indigenous communities, or providing transportation for medical treatment in Sierra Leone. Indeed, this adversity has also been an opportunity. The way the Class of 2021 carried themselves was testament to their character, but more importantly, I would argue, it has taught them a lot about the world. We have learned to overcome and learn from the hardships we face – hardships that will certainly arise in the future. It has taught us to accept the uncontrollable, and instead of despairing, to simply do the best with what is within our power. In addition, during periods when we were not able to see our friends and family as frequently, it has taught us the value of healthy relationships. 16 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
Part of my role as School Captain, and a part I thoroughly enjoy, is getting to meet and converse with the many Old Boys of the School, and they almost always have a story about their time at Scotch. There is one common thread to every story – they speak of the friends, teachers or coaches that they were surrounded by, and not necessarily the subject or activity itself. There will of course be things that we miss at Scotch. It might be the Saturday morning sports, the chanting in the Green Grandstand or the chicken strip rolls at the tuckshop. However, what we will miss most and remember best, will be the people we got to experience it with. In light of this I would like to thank some members of the Scotch Family who have made our experiences at Scotch so positive. Firstly, Mr Batty: thank you for your advice and assistance throughout this year. Every time I leave your office, I have something new and interesting to ponder. Thank you also for your unwavering support of myself, as well as the Year 12 cohort – the confidence and faith you have in the boys is truly empowering. To Mr McLaren, Mr Rayner, Mr Miller, Ms Stalker, Mr Prior and Mr Glover: thank you for your leadership throughout our time at the School, and for always being role models who we can look to for guidance. To Mr Brown: you have always been there to guide and encourage me, and I will always look up to you as an inspirational mentor. To our teachers, thank you for all your hard work during these challenging times. It has no doubt been difficult, yet you have stood by us and supported us every step of the way.
To Mr Sloan and the School Council, to Mr Montgomery and OSCA, to Mr Shearer and the Foundation, to the Grounds staff and those in the Accounts office, and many other members of Scotch's non-teaching staff: thank you for all the work and time you put in to continuously improving this School. To our families: thank you for supporting us throughout these years – we seriously could not have done it without you. To Alex Meggitt: thank you for always staying staunchly by my side and for being a great Vice Captain; but more importantly thank you for being someone I admire and will always appreciate as a friend. Finally, to the Class of 2021: thank you for embracing me with open arms. I have truly loved spending this year with you and I am incredibly lucky to have met you all. Congratulations on a great six years, and enjoy your last couple of days at school. I have seen how well prepared you all are, so I have no doubt that you will succeed in your exams. Life will most definitely be harder without all these wonderful people by our side every day, and a new set of challenges awaits us in our post-school lives. What vocation do we want to pursue? Do we want to move out of home? With whom will we forge relationships, and what do we want these relationships to look like? These are all questions that will soon require answers, and there is a vast world beyond Morrison Street where we will eventually find our individual solutions. With the support, care, and friendships we take with us as we leave this School, I am certain that our futures will be fulfilling, founded on the morals and values that Scotch has instilled in us.
NIK TSOURVAKAS (LEFT) AND ALEX MEGGITT
Great Scot 17
FEATURES
20 Great Scot
HUGO’S KINDNESS, CARE AND GENEROSITY TO THE FORE Hugo Boreham (’20) takes the 2021 Perelberg Award
HUGO BOREHAM DELIVERING BOXES FOR CHARITY
The Perelberg Award has been presented annually since 1993, and is a most significant Scotch honour. It is granted in each alternate year to a current Year 12 student, or to one who left in the previous year, or to an Old Scotch Collegian. This year the Perelberg Award is presented to a current student or to one who left in the previous year. The key criterion is that the recipient has shown ‘exemplary Scotch Spirit’. The award honours the memory of Ashley Perelberg from the Class of 1992, who tragically died of a heart attack at the age of 18 in his first year of university study. Ashley exemplified Scotch Spirit
throughout his full and enthusiastic involvement while a student at Scotch. Ashley’s family presented a silver sculpture depicting the penguin parade at Phillip Island, which was inspired by Ashley’s devotion to the annual Scotch-atCowes summer camps on Phillip Island. The sculpture is a perpetual memorial to Ashley and is on permanent display in the Library. The annual winner of the Perelberg Award receives a silver replica of this sculpture. In considering this year’s nominations, it became apparent that there was a particular young man who would be a most deserving recipient of the Perelberg Award. This boy had, both during his time at Scotch and in the year subsequent to leaving Scotch, acted in ways that had influenced for the greater good, without thought of reward or recognition, and had put the needs and interests of others before his own. This year’s recipients of the Perelberg award is Hugo Boreham. Hugo is a member of the Class of ’20, having commenced Year 7 in 2015. During his time at Scotch, Hugo won prizes for General Excellence in Years 7 and 8, and for Studies and Games in Years 9 and 10. In his final year, Hugo was a Prefect, Vice Captain of Monash and Vice Captain of Cricket. Along the way, Hugo was also involved in music as a member of the choir and a number of bands. Even in Year 7, Hugo’s kindness, care and generosity were very evident, and over the years he has been unwavering in his desire to help others in any way he can. In Year 10, Hugo travelled to the Tiwi Islands as a member of the Indigenous
Partnership Program, a trip he still deems to be the best week of his life. Hugo was already looking beyond the gates of Morrison Street. Hugo’s willingness to support others was very much to the fore with his production of ‘Chomper's Champions’ during the 2020 lockdown. This podcast, which required an enormous time commitment from Hugo, involved Hugo interviewing staff and students. These interviews not only provided great entertainment, but connected boys back into the Scotch world and provided a common topic for boys to chat about during the week. Hugo was also a key driver in last year’s ‘Not Weak to Speak’ campaign, the aim of which was to provide the boys with information about, and support for, mental health issues. Since leaving school, Hugo has become heavily involved with the Young Old Boys, being a member of the committee and giving freely of his time within the ‘Beyond the Gates’ program. Continuing the thread of wanting to help others, Hugo volunteers his time as a football and cricket coach at the respective Richmond clubs. As can be seen from this resume, Hugo has, over his time at Scotch and since leaving Scotch, sought to make a difference through his endeavours and actions, supporting those things that need supporting and challenging those things that need challenging. Hugo fully exemplifies Scotch spirit, and is indeed a worthy recipient of this year’s Perelberg Award.
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 19
FEATURES
2021 YEAR 12 TORCH CEREMONY
A 2091-DAY JOURNEY ENDS, EMOTIONALLY, IN A NEAR-EMPTY HALL The 2021 Year 12 Torch Ceremony, so significant for all who participate in it, was again a closed event in Memorial Hall, attended only by the Year 12 boys and teaching staff, and live streamed to the rest of the boys at home. Year 12 boys passed the torch in a near-empty hall, and received their school gift and prizes from the Principal, at the end of what had been for some a 13-year Scotch journey. This is an edited version of School Vice Captain Alex Meggitt’s address at the Torch Ceremony. On Thursday 28 January 2016 – 2091 days ago – the Class of 2021 entered our Year 7 form rooms for the initial time on the Main Oval side of the Quadrangle. After a sleepless night and a wet, drizzly morning, most of us would for the first time meet our cohort. As our days at Scotch turned into weeks, then months, then years, we managed to form the friendships that we
20 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
have now, with other boys joining us to create the Year 12 that we recognise today. From this first day with Mr Glover in the now non-existent Science Lecture Theatre discussing the need not to be sheep, to this current day where we will soon leave Scotch for the last time as students and for the first time as Old Boys, this journey has been an incredible one. Obviously, the past two years have had their fair share of disappointments. Passing through an empty Memorial Hall is not the normal way for a year group to conclude their time together. For all the resilience that the Class of 2021 demonstrated, the impacts of the lockdowns were harsh. It was not the Scotch experience that we had come to love during our time on campus. So, to the younger years watching today, I’m sorry that we cannot welcome you back when you return to face-to-face learning later this week and early next year, but I implore you to return Scotch to its usual
self. Next year, half of all students will not know what an uninterrupted year looks like, so I urge senior boys to lead the way. Fill the Green Grandstand for cricket and the Cordner-Eggleston Cup, travel to the banks of Nagambie, bellow out Lord of the Dance in this Memorial Hall, and perform to the spectacular standard that Scotch music and drama is known for. That being said, however, the Torch Ceremony is ultimately a celebration of the Class of 2021’s time at Scotch; a moment to reflect on the past six years before looking to the future. In doing so, I would like to thank all those who made this amazing ride possible. Notably, I would like to pass on a huge thank you to our teachers. Your commitment to push every boy to get the most out of himself was truly revealed in the past two years. As lockdowns endured and our cameras happened to turn off as we struggled, all of you continued to be there for us, day after day, eager to maintain
a standard of education that is the envy of others, as well as displaying a genuine compassion for our wellbeing. Thank you. Yet I would like to reserve my deepest praise for my fellow members of Year 12. All of you, in some way, have contributed to making the past six years full of pleasurable experiences and long-lasting memories. All of you, in the extreme diversity present in the Class of 2021, have impacted the path that each of us have taken. While the interesting moments I’ve had in School House, the times I’ve spent in the 2nd XI cricket team or in Pipes and Drums may only be shared by a handful of others, I know that all of us have our own unique tales and memories to reflect on. For these invaluable experiences, I would like to thank all of you – the Class of 2021 – for gifting each other visions of boyhood to be recalled long after we leave 1 Morrison Street. So, as each of you soon crosses the stage, passing a torch to one of your peers, for our final time in Memorial Hall, remember this moment. Our paths will soon diverge, as each of us charts our own course beyond Scotch. Despite this, as we move into different degrees, professions, countries and continents, remember our shared bonds and ties as Scotch Collegians. While we may no longer don the cardinal, gold and blue, we remain united in our cherished memories – memories that I have been blessed to share with you all. Next time we gather as a year level, I hope to see you all there and happily recall these glorious days at Scotch. All the very best in your exams and future thereafter.
Great Scot 21
FEATURES
On Remembrance Day, Thursday 11 November, Scotch remembered Old Boys and staff members who died in or as a result of World Wars I and II. Year 7 boys placed crosses and three Magen Davids for the 223 Old Boys and five staff members currently known to have died as a result of World War I; and 378 crosses for the 377 Old Boys and one staff member currently known to have died as a result of World War II. Upper School boys attended the Assembly, and it was livestreamed from Memorial Hall to Middle School boys. During the Assembly, School Principal, Tom Batty, spoke of the significance of Armistice Day, 11 November, now known as Remembrance Day. The Principal read the Ode to the Fallen, Max Kelly (Year 11) played The Last Post, Jacob Hooke (Year 11) read from John Chapter 15, and School Chaplain, the Rev Doug Campbell delivered the homily and prayer. Lachlan McMurtrie (Year 11) read accounts from World War I, and Rupert Simmons (Year 11) read In Flanders Fields. After the benediction, solo piper Zach Hutchings (Year 11) played the Lament in the Quadrangle. Two Year 7 boys placed crosses in honour of relatives who died as a result of war – Lachlan Gumley and Edward Maxwell. Lachlan’s great-great-uncle, James William (called Jim) Park (SC 1919-26) fought in World War II, and was killed in action in New Guinea in 1943. He was survived by his wife, Marjorie, and a young daughter. Park had been an excellent footballer, playing 128 games for Carlton in the VFL from 1932-40, mainly on the back line. He was a member of Carlton’s 1938 premiership team, and also represented Victoria in 1938. Edward’s great-great-great-uncle was David Keith (called Keith) McIlwraith (SC 1910-12). Edward takes up the story: ‘David McIlwraith was a Scotch boy in 1912 and is my great-great-great-uncle. He was a keen sportsman. David was killed at the landing in Gallipoli on Anzac Day, 25 April 1915, at the age of 22. His name is recorded in the honour roll in the Memorial Hall. ‘The family story was that he had made his way to cover off the beach and was well placed in a slight dugout, but came out to assist [his fellow soldier] Clarence O’Brien, who was hit and in open terrain. He got Clarence back into the hole and was just about to get himself back down when he was shot and killed. ‘Clarence visited the McIlwraith family on special occasions, such as Christmas, after the war. He was really like a member of the family.’
REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY, 2021
TOP LEFT: EDWARD MAXWELL PLACES A CROSS HONOURING HIS GREAT-GREAT-GREAT-UNCLE, DAVID KEITH MCILWRAITH (SC 1910-12) LEFT: LACHLAN GUMLEY PLACES A CROSS HONOURING HIS GREATGREAT-UNCLE, JAMES WILLIAM PARK (SC 1919-26) BOTTOM RIGHT: SCHOOL CAPTAIN NIK TSOURVAKAS AND VICE CAPTAIN ED MEGGITT IN THE QUADRANGLE
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OCTOBER 20
21
THE SCOTCH BISCUIT – A DUNK INTO WELLBEING The Scotch Biscuit is a staff newsletter produced twice each term, compiled by the Staff Wellbeing Committee. Just as parents need to put on their own oxygen mask first on an aeroplane before they put on their children’s masks, the Staff Wellbeing Committee recognises that in order to be the best they can be for the boys, staff first have to look after their own wellbeing. The Scotch Biscuit initiative aims to give staff expert advice and tips to promote wellbeing, as well as providing a bit of fun and relaxation. Delivered to all staff via email, The Scotch Biscuit is a prompt to staff to put the kettle on, their feet up, and make some time for themselves in a busy day. Staff contributions to our first two editions of the Biscuit have included Italian biscuit recipes from the Languages Department, streaming, podcasts and book reviews from the Centre for Learning, and tips about tried and true ways of supporting wellbeing from both teaching and non-teaching staff. The first two editions of The Scotch Biscuit have been very well received, and we hope to bring staff many more dunks of The Scotch Biscuit in years to come! LARA SILKOFF – STAFF WELLBEING COMMITTEE MEMBER and EDITOR, THE SCOTCH BISCUIT
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GROWTH OF SCOTCH BOYS
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BELONG IN A SCHOOL?
170 YEARS OF BELONGING AT SCOTCH COLLEGE Through 170 years of educating boys, Scotch College has exercised its enormous potential for leading social comment on issues affecting boys and boys’ education. The premise of our Christian faith and the foundational teaching and learning principle: The inherent dignity and value of each individual remains central to our work with the boys. Maximising the inherent strengths of a boy’s schooling experience has always been a rigorous pursuit. Through our academic care, pastoral care and targeted programs, opportunities have been created to build a school which sits at the heart of its community; a place of belonging. What, then, does it mean to belong in a school? What is the difference between just ‘fitting in’ and feeling as if you truly belong and you can be yourself? A sense of belonging is important for all, but for boys, never has the need to belong been so crucial. The world in which Scotch exists today is vastly different to that of 170 years ago. Today, our boys face pressures from many angles – in particular social media and popular culture. Finding their place in this world can be challenging, and at Scotch we strive to create a place where boys can explore who they are without the distraction of such pressures.
24 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
In addition to these pressures, our boys are confronted by the call to dismantle many of the social constructs that society has come to accept as the norm. In this regard, it is important to remember that a boy’s school journey is not just about perfect scores, winning every race or playing the purest music, but also (and perhaps more importantly) it is about walking with our boys as they enter adulthood as world citizens who are committed to generosity, justice, equity and compassion. If we are to ‘grow’ boys in our School who aspire to these qualities, then it is imperative that we challenge all in our community to have ‘uncomfortable conversations’ in comfortable spaces about differences, social inequity and building the skills and habits of empathy. While this task may seem daunting, when we as a school community of students, staff and parents work together, we can nurture our boys to find the confidence to truly be themselves, and so to truly belong. Recent student-led initiatives give voice to this notion of truly belonging. The Gay Straight Alliance is one such initiative that provides a place for boys to find supportive spaces to foster belonging. An article on the opposite page examines the value of such programs. Similarly, Junior School staff have started conversations about gender. In the
Senior School, the Middle School team has developed a Growth of Scotch Boys Working Party to build on our pastoral care program, and to support staff in delivering programs that build the skills boys need to understand themselves, others and the world around them. As 2021 draws to a close, it is essential to remind ourselves of the significance of the past 170 years, in which each generation of Scotch students has benefited from the foresight of those who have gone before them. Indeed, our School was founded on the hope that ‘its future generations [will be] better than the present’, and as such, requires the community to continue to reflect on what it means to belong at Scotch College. To this end, the legacy of our founder James Forbes continues to resonate today, ensuring that each boy finds his place at Scotch, and through this sense of belonging has the confidence to become the man he truly wants to be, equipped to make a difference in the world beyond the Monash Gates. TREMAINE PAVLOVSKI – COORDINATOR, GROWTH OF SCOTCH BOYS, JUNIOR SCHOOL MELANIE PIVA – COORDINATOR, GROWTH OF SCOTCH BOYS, SENIOR SCHOOL
GSA: A STUDENT-LED INITIATIVE TO FOSTER INCLUSIVITY The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) is one of a number of recent student-led initiatives at Scotch, with the aim of creating a safe, inclusive environment within the School so that all boys feel valued and respected. Boys and members of staff were asked to respond to the question ‘What does the GSA mean to me?’ Here is a selection of responses. Often, it is in the last five minutes of a counselling session that a boy will say to me, ‘I’m not straight’. Many boys are worried about how their friends and families will react to finding out that they may not identify as heterosexual. Some have heard homophobic language and views being expressed, and are concerned they will be bullied or rejected. Many wish they were not same-sex attracted. Statistically, it is well established that about 10 per cent of Australian young people experience same-sex attraction. Nonetheless, often boys tell me that they think they might be the only gay, queer, or bisexual boy in their form, House or year level. Of all the conflicting feelings they are having, sometimes the feeling of being different and alone is the hardest. To me, that is why the GSA is so important. Boys who identify as gay, queer or bi are about five times more likely to succumb to mental illness or suicide than boys who are straight. The dire statistic is dramatically reduced for boys who are in schools and family environments where they feel supported and accepted. When I tell boys who are same-sex attracted about the GSA, I see the look understanding that they are not alone, and that they are supported, cross their faces. To me, the GSA is an integral part of how Scotch College accepts, nurtures and supports all boys in a safe, respectful environment. LARA SILKOFF, SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
As is the case increasingly at Scotch, boys are looking to speak out about their convictions and vocalise their thoughts rather than waiting for a member of staff to lead the way, and the GSA is testament to the power of such an approach. It is a student-led initiative, supported by staff, recognising the importance of supporting everyone at Scotch who exists across the broad spectrum of sexual identity. That is its charm – it is not just aimed at supporting students who identify as LGBTIQA+, but encourages
the whole Scotch community to act as allies and stand in solidarity against homophobia, prejudice and fear. JOSH MCNEILL – HEAD OF FIELD HOUSE
In the years I have been at Scotch, I am heartened to see boys take the lead on what they view, rightly, as concerns relating to their safety and wellbeing. In my early years, I was saddened to note the number of boys who identified as gay, but did not come out to their peers for fear of being bullied or ostracised. Outside of school, I am cognisant of the harm caused to so many in the LGBTIQA+ community stemming from discriminatory attitudes and disrespectful language. That student-directed initiatives in recent years to actively combat homophobic attitudes in the School have now led to a formalised active involvement through the GSA is a natural, desirable consequence. Our School is committed to respecting the inherent dignity of our students – whatever their race, religion, colour, cultural and social values – and this initiative is another step to provide an inclusive environment to support all our boys, whatever their sexual or gender identity. DURGA KAMTE – ENGLISH TEACHER
What it means for me is being able to support those in the School who are discriminated for their sexuality, giving them confidence in who they are and preventing a climate where boys are unable to be themselves. THOMAS LAW – YEAR 12
I feel that I now have a place to express not only my sexuality but my past experiences. For me the GSA is practical: it allows the School to consult with representatives of the queer community on queer issues. It supports queer students and allows them to express any grievances they may hold with their environment. But it also represents a greater shift towards an open and accepting Scotch. It represents a shift towards a Scotch College in which one’s sexuality doesn’t diminish one’s school experience. LUKE O’BRIEN – YEAR 12
Great Scot 25
NEWS
ENRICHMENT SERIES ENHANCES BOYS’ SKILLS IN HISTORICAL RESEARCH
HOW HISTORIANS THINK The History Research Group – a joint initiative of Extension Studies and the History Department – is an enrichment series focusing on historical research, how historians think, and presentation of new technology that enhances the Scotch boys’ capacity to discover, critically assess, and respond to primary and secondary sources. Boys from Years 7-10 are invited, or have expressed express interest in, the initiative. The series brings in people of significant expertise such as Dr Jo Clyne from the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria, Dr Mark Johnston, Scotch’s Head of History, Mr Paul Mishura, Scotch’s Archivist, Professor Peter Stanley from the Australian National University, and includes sessions with the State Library and Immigration Museum. There is no defined task, other than the boys enjoying something they are passionate
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about with experts in that area. It sets boys up with the skills to further their reading and research in their area of interest. Below, Angus Paterson of Year 7 looks at the history of Russian language teaching at Scotch: When we step into the Language and Culture Centre today, we hear the usual greetings of Guten Tag, Ni hao and Buongiorno, or learn about the French Revolution, Julius Caesar or Suharto, but for a long time in Scotch’s history there was another option: Russian. It all started with [former teachers] Wally Butler and Alan Shugg. Scotch boys for 32 years had the ability to learn all about the culture, the people and of course the language. Alan Shugg stayed on to become the Head of Languages, and credited one of his major achievements as making boys
HEAD OF HISTORY, DR MARK JOHNSTON, WITH MEMBERS OF THE HISTORY RESEARCH GROUP
study a language prior to Year 8 (back then a European language) in Year 7 and adding an Asian one in Year 8. Even though many saw Russian as hard, with a new alphabet and vocabulary, many took it on as an opportunity to broaden their horizons and pick up a skill for life. Because of the Cold War between the USSR and the USA, many thought that Russian would be a great asset for the future. After Mr Shugg retired in 1999, Russian was no longer a language-learning option, instead switching to the languages we still have today. A lot has changed since the height of the Cold War, but many former students of Russian still hold high esteem for the language. ANGUS PATERSON – YEAR 7
LEFT TO RIGHT: ROBERT BARBER, EUAN MACLEAN, JOSHUA QIN, MAX FAN
ONLINE DEBATING SUCCESS
SCOTCH TAKES THE POINTS IN A NATIONAL ONLINE COMPETITION
Scotch has participated in all divisions of the National Online Debating Competition, which draws teams from throughout numerous regional and urban-based schools. It has been conducted via videoconference every few weeks since July. The National Online Debating Competition is unique from other competitions, offering the opportunity to compete against schools from a diverse range of backgrounds, unlike the comparatively homogeneous Melbourne competition. Scotch won National Online Debating’s senior division, with a team consisting of
Max Fan (Year 12), Joshua Qin (Year 10), Euan Maclean and Robert Barber (both Year 11). The team succeeded in what is often a high-class competition, beating the likes of Canberra Girls’ Grammar, Saint Luke’s Bundaberg, and Armidale’s O’Connor Catholic College. Topics ranged from voter ID laws and a federal anti-corruption commission to the best way to remove dictators from office, providing a challenging, yet rewarding experience for all those involved. Victory was, however, somewhat bittersweet, being the last debate in the illustrious career of Max Fan at Scotch. Captain of Debating this year, and Captain of
both the Victorian and Australian teams, Max has been a formidable mentor, coach, and friend to all the members of this team and the broader debating community. Ms Michele Linossier, Teacher-in-Charge of Scotch’s Extension Studies program, and organiser of this debating competition (who is also leaving Scotch at the end of the year), will also be a sad loss to the Scotch community, with 20 years of commitment to bettering the lives of boys, past and present. Max’s and Ms Linossier’s devotion to Scotch debating will be sorely missed by all ROBERT BARBER and EUAN MACLEAN – YEAR 11
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 27
NEWS
SCOTCH PIPES AND DRUMS PERFORM AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE
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A PUBLIC PERFORMANCE IN A REMARKABLE SETTING THESE PAGES: THE BANDS ON PARADE AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE. INSET: TED BAILLIEU AO, FORMER VICTORIAN STATE PREMIER AND CURRENT CHIEFTAIN OF PIPE BANDS VICTORIA
RIGHT: PIPE MAJOR NICHOLAS BUCKLEY (YEAR 12) PERFORMS WITH THE COMBINED SCOTCH, HAILEYBURY AND PLC MINI-BAND
The Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Linda Dessau AC and Mr Anthony Howard AM QC kindly invited Pipe Bands Victoria to host a concert at Government House on 19 November. This concert was one of the first public events in Victoria as the state reopened, and participants were thrilled to have an opportunity to play together as we emerged from such a challenging period. Expressions of interest were invited from bands, and the event received a tremendous response, with over 300 members keen to participate and the concert tickets selling out rapidly. Scotch’s Pipes and Drums, Hawthorn Pipe Band, City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band, Haileybury Pipes and Drums, Presbyterian Ladies’ College Pipes and Drums, 5th/6th Royal Victoria Regiment Pipes and Drums, and a solo piper representing the Victoria Police Pipe Band performed on the evening. On arrival, the Scotch players were met by Old Scotch Collegian, Jack Fowles (‘09), Aide to the Governor, who also helped organise the sensational photos featured here. To begin the show, Scotch, Haileybury, and PLC students combined to form a mini-band of 12 students to perform at the Fountain Lawn steps as guests arrived. The Governor welcomed the guests and performers, and spoke of the tradition of opening up Government House for public music performances, and her wish for this to be the first of many more pipes and drums performances at the House. Ted Baillieu AO, former Victorian State Premier and current Chieftain of Pipe Bands Victoria, also spoke of his love of pipe band music and the spectacular backdrop that Government House provided for an outdoor concert such as this. After such an extended period devoid of competitions, concerts or performances, the boys of Scotch Pipes and Drums were delighted and thankful for the opportunity to perform to the public in such a remarkable setting. MARK SAUL – HEAD OF PIPES AND DRUMS GAVIN BLUE – PHOTOGRAPHY www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 29
NEWS
MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED HELPING SCOTCH BOYS TO ACHIEVE IMPRESSIVE COMPETITION RESULTS
The Scotch College Mathematical Society (SCMS), founded this year, is a student-run society that meets on Friday lunchtimes to promote the enjoyment and understanding of mathematics among the student body. The society is led by a committee of four outstanding young mathematicians: Andres Buritica Monroy, Jason Chi (both of Year 12), Zian Shang (Year 10) and William Cheah (Year 7). Remarkably, this committee comprises half of the six member delegation that was chosen to represent Australia in the 2021 International Mathematical Olympiad. Initially the SCMS sessions took place on campus, in person, but when government restrictions prevented this from happening the boys employed their considerable technical skill to deliver the sessions remotely. In practice, this involved running a Zoom session with one student sharing his
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Overleaf screen. Overleaf is a browser-based engine for the mathematical typesetting system, Latex. It allows people to remotely collaborate on projects involving significant mathematical content, and typeset them to publication standard. In these sessions the students would discuss a range of topics at a higher level of sophistication than is typically seen in the school curriculum, while typesetting their work in real time in Latex for all to see. On one occasion, the students worked through a past Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad paper as a group, while typesetting their solutions in real time. It is difficult to overestimate the skill this requires, from both mathematical and technical perspectives. This exercise assisted the younger students in appreciating how to tackle Olympiad problems of increasing difficulty.
The result of these efforts is seen in Scotch’s incredibly impressive performance on a range of mathematics competitions this year. For example, Scotch students alone achieved approximately 20 per cent of the prizes in the 2021 Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad. In addition, a delegation of Scotch students took out first prize in the School Maths Olympics, organised by the University of Melbourne. Based on this performance they were invited back to compete against the university students in the University Maths Olympics. Remarkably, they also took out first prize in this event. DR GARETH AINSWORTH – HEAD OF MATHEMATICS
SCOTCH PERFORMS CREDITABLY IN GOETHE POETRY COMPETITION Scotch was well represented at all year levels Senior Scotch students were placegetters at all year levels of the Goethe Poetry Competition, run by the University of Melbourne for Years 10-12. The boys’ task was to choose a poem from a list of long and challenging German classics, and then to recite the poem over Zoom before judges. The competition was open to secondary school students from all over Victoria.
In Year 10, Christopher O’Connell was awarded third place, as was Prithvi Ramesh Etta at Year 11 level. In Year 12 we took out both first and second prizes: Wilson Cheng was awarded second place, and in first place was Charlie Lines-Perrier for his amazing rendition of Goethe’s Prometheus. All boys are to be congratulated on their efforts. In addition to the placegetters, the
following boys also competed, ensuring that Scotch was as always well represented: Year 10: Thomas Kluckow, Ashwin Appu, Nathan Meng Year 11: Edward Manderson, Robert Barber, Max Kaiser Year 12: Ethan Coleman, Charles Heyburn BELOW, FROM LEFT: ETHAN COLEMAN, CHARLES HEYBURN, CHARLIE LINES-PERRIER AND WILSON CHENG
EXCELLENT RESULTS IN GERMAN POETRY COMPETITION Success in competition finals Once again Scotch boys from Years 4-9 achieved great success in the finals of the Association of German Teachers of Victoria’s German poetry competition. The boys were required to learn a poem and recite it, this year over Zoom, in front of judges. These boys achieved a placing at our regional final, which was hosted by PLC: Grade 4: first, Zachary Rallis; second, John Livitsanos; third Aaron Bandara Grade 5: first, Noah Stamoulis; second, Rahul Appu; third, Adam Chehata
Grade 6: first, Aaryan Berera; second, Jamin Ho; third Rohan Cali Year 7: first, Ethan Wong; third, Brendan Teoh Year 9: first, Geoff Liu; third, Samiyar Samiee All students who finished first and second from Years 5-9 then advanced to the state final, where we also achieved very strong results. Noah Stamoulis finished fifth in the state for Grade 5, Aaryan Berera was third in
Grade 6; and in Year 9, Geoff Liu finished second. Congratulations to all boys for representing Scotch so well, and to their German teachers, including Frau Cornelia in the Junior School. WARREN PRATT – SENIOR SUBJECT TEACHER, GERMAN
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 31
NEWS
TWO VIRTUAL EXHIBITIONS FEATURE THE STUDENTS’ WORK
FINAL ARTWORKS FOR VCE FOLIOS ON DISPLAY
1. 2.
This year’s graduating students of Studio Arts and Visual Communication and Design have worked incredibly hard and produced outstanding final artworks for their VCE folios. We have created two virtual exhibitions, for you to view their artworks. The Studio Arts Graduate Show features 41 finished artworks in various mediums including painting, screenprints, photography, video art and animation. The Visual Communication and Design Graduate Show includes 22 finished design artworks including presentation boards, models, digital renders and posters. We are very proud of the quality of the students’ work, and invite you to view the exhibitions and see the works for yourself. You can find the exhibitions by searching for Ken Field Gallery on the Scotch website, or simply use the QR code on page 33 to go to the gallery, then follow the links to the exhibitions. Enjoy! YUDHA SCHOLES – HEAD OF ART 3.
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THE FOLLOWING IMAGES ARE ARTWORKS BY: 1. JONTY COHEN 2. TOM CRONIN 3. MATTHEEW HEATHCOTE-SMITH 4. WILLIAM TADGELL 5. THEODORE DRYDEN 6. TIGE RYAN 7. CHARLIE WILSON 8. JOSH PHILLIP 9. SAM HUYBERS 10. ALEX BRASSINGTON
5. LEFT: THIS QR CODE PROVIDES DIRECT ACCESS TO THE KEN FIELD VIRTUAL GALLERY OF ART.
4. 6.
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Great Scot 33
NEWS
CLASSICAL MYTHS FROM THE 21st CENTURY
IMAGE OF ASSEMBLY OF 20 GODS
Great creativity by Year 9 Latin students In Year 9 Latin the students encounter aspects of Classical history, society and mythology. They are fascinated by the wonderful Greek and Roman legends involving gods and heroes. I asked my students to write Classical myths of their own, and they did so with excellent stories of great imagination, and beautifully written. Here is one of them. TONY HENNESSY, LATIN TEACHER The story of Diocles ‘You are to notify King Peleus of our current military situation. We Athenians need the help of his son, Achilles. Do you understand?’ thundered King Theseus. ‘C…certainly, my King,’ Diocles timidly replied. ‘To Thessaly and back. M…my horse and I make the greatest messengers; I can assure you.’ King Theseus nodded in approval, as he dismissed Diocles from the grand room. Diocles was a short and slender man. Though callow, he remained modest about his achievements, for he had served as the king’s messenger for five years. He had a passive yet determined face that was constantly alert, and he worked – loyal to his king – with great proficiency. Diocles gathered his equipment and proudly ambled to Rhaebus – his horse.
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Rhaebus had a lustrous black coat, darker than night itself. He stood stronger than Hercules, with a formidable muscularity; imposing to anyone who saw him. Diocles mounted Rhaebus, and they set off away from Athens, riding further away, until their figures dissolved into the distant horizon. Now, Diocles had always wanted to venture out as far as Thessaly. The serenity of the natural world along his journey gave him a unique sense of freedom. But there was another reason. Mount Olympus was on the way to Thessaly. Contrary to the normalised societal beliefs about the Gods, Diocles was sceptical. He couldn’t blindly accept all the divine rumours about the Gods, spread across his country. At least not without evidence, for he was a dialectic thinker. All his life, he had been told about the supreme power of the deities and how they dwelled on Mount Olympus, yet not once had he seen real proof of their existence. This seemed like his chance to settle his beliefs; by doing what no man had dared to do. By climbing Mount Olympus. Two days had passed since Diocles and Rhaebus left Athens. Supported by Rhaebus’ zest and Diocles’ determination, they powered on with minimal breaks. They were riding up the Aegean coastline, as
Diocles was enjoying the cool sea spray and solitude. Suddenly, from behind the fog, Mount Olympus emerged. Diocles’ eyes widened as he commanded Rhaebus to a halt. He had never seen such a striking landform. If the Gods existed, this would certainly be where they would live, he thought. He sat there and absorbed the view for a few seconds. In an instant, heavy grey clouds formed, drowning all sunlight. Mount Olympus grew dark and foreboding, as an ear-splitting lightning bolt slashed the sky. Rhaebus neighed in fear and Diocles impulsively drew his head back. Could this be a sign from Zeus, the god of thunder? Diocles pondered this thought before dismissing it. He would not let a simple coincidence sway him from his motive. He was going to climb the mountain and that was final. Due to his skill as a messenger, Diocles was far ahead of schedule – he wasn’t required to deliver the message for another few days. This gave him time to do what he had wanted. He commanded Rhaebus to continue, but turned him slightly off-track from Thessaly, and towards the foot of Mount Olympus. Now upon arriving at the mountain’s base, Diocles didn’t waste a moment. He hopped off Rhaebus, took a rope out of his
bag and secured Rhaebus to a nearby tree. ‘I won’t be long, my friend,’ he uttered, as he petted his horse and ran towards Mount Olympus, not knowing that this would be a lie. The foot of the mountain had a gradual slope. Diocles jogged upwards with ease – the soft earth melting with each step. However, after ascending the mountain for two hours, there was a problem. A vertical cliff stood directly in his path. He could walk back and find another path, but that would mean he would lose all the ground he had already covered. Diocles looked downwards to the faint, distant image of Rhaebus standing under the tree. He knew he had come too far to simply turn back. He mustered all his courage and examined the cliff. It was tall – at least 50 metres and it had geometric bricks of rock that protruded throughout the whole face, speckled with emerald moss. Diocles grasped a rock-edge, raised himself up and found a foothold. Youthful alacrity sustained him as he repeated this motion on higher rocks, until he had eventually nearly reached the top of the vertical rock face. It was then that the anomalous weather struck once again – this time at a furious magnitude and more ill-timed. The skies grew menacing, as thunder blared so loud, it sounded as if the fabric of heaven was being torn apart. Diocles trembled in fear as he clung onto the rocks like a child to his mother. The weather was not over. Three violent lightning bolts struck so close to Diocles his clothes were blackened. Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity for Diocles, the weather cleared up. He began to consider whether this truly was a warning from Zeus. But again, he disregarded it. He would not let a suspicion make him turn back – at least not after the progress he had made. He slowed his paranoid breaths as he adjusted his grip on the rock face. He continued his ascent. The rest of the mountain – while physically draining – was manageable for Diocles. There were moments where his sandals slipped against the loose rocks of Olympus, however his diligence ensured he was in no more danger of harm. Finally, after six hours of climbing, he was within metres of the peak. Diocles stopped and took some deep breaths to slow his heart rate; the air was
considerably thinner and cooler at the top of the mountain, making breathing more strenuous. He pivoted to face where he had climbed, and it dawned on him. His whole surrounding was white. He could see the earth he stood on, and the few remaining metres of his climb, but everything else – the whole sky, white. Never had Diocles seen such a pure tone of white – so bright he felt a cold sting in his eyes. He had been too engrossed in achieving the ascent, he hadn’t bothered to observe around him. Thoughts sprinted through his head: Was he in heaven? Was this the Gods' domain? Was it all true? Was this a big mistake? For the third time however, he made the blunder of ignoring his instinct. He concluded that he was simply in a dense mass of clouds. Diocles turned back to face the summit, and slowly continued his ascent – his powerful strides turning to an ambivalent trudge. He took his final step as his foot landed on the first bit of flat earth in a long time. He had successfully climbed Mount Olympus and he was still alive. The summit of the mountain was flat but had large, jagged stones that protruded from the ground, like the teeth of a beast. The corners of Diocles’ mouth formed an exhausted smile. He grew vain as he realised the truth: he was alone on the summit of Mount Olympus. There was no one else up there, let alone the Gods. ‘I knew it! The Gods truly never existed!’ Diocles proudly exclaimed to himself. Accomplished, he lay down on a large rock that abstractly sat on the summit, before something caught his eye. In the bright white sky above him, there was a faint electric-blue flicker. This flicker grew brighter and larger, until Diocles could see that this flicker belonged to a large, slowly descending lightning bolt, grasped in the powerful hand of Zeus. Zeus continued to descend from the white skies, until – with a menacing thud, he landed on the summit, the whole mountain shaking at his power. He was colossal; twice as tall and muscular as anyone Diocles had ever seen. He wore a white robe and had piercing gemstone eyes. ‘You dare enter the domain of the Gods?’ roared his tumultuous voice. Diocles – now terrified – sat in shock and stared at the god, before impulsively
turning and fleeing from the mountain, but Zeus wouldn’t let him get away. He blocked Diocles’ path with a mighty throw of his bolt. ‘And you try to flee from me? You take me for a nymph? I have been watching you since you laid your eyes on this sacred mountain. I gave you three warnings, yet you did not turn b...’ ‘I’m sorry. Please spare me!’ Diocles interrupted – his voice was muffled under his sheer fright. ‘I did not believe in your supreme existence. A…a…and I thought I was correct, as I didn’t see your kingdom on the summit.’ ‘We dwell above the summit. Above this white cloud.’ Zeus’ rage slightly elevated. ‘However none of this information will be of use, as you shall never see the face of the earth again.’ With that, Zeus planted his bolt into the ground as Diocles dropped to the terrain. His eyes slowly shut, as he took his last glimpse of Earth. Unconscious from the impact, Diocles’ drowsy eyes finally opened. It could have been hours, or days or even months – he wasn’t sure. His surroundings were unfamiliar. They were darkling and uncomfortably sultry, contrasting the bright mountain peak he was on before. He lazily stood up and observed his surroundings, before realising the mistake he had made. ‘Zeus has sent us a new one, I see,’ hissed the sinister voice of Hades. ‘Welcome to the Underworld’. He sat in a throne encrusted with spectral skulls. Black specks floated down to the ash-laden grounds, from fires burning in the distant and faint screams of agony filled the dark atmosphere. ‘Zeus has told me of your disturbances. You are to climb a scorching cliff, every day, forever; tenfold the height and suffering as the one you endured earlier.’ ‘Wait!’ Diocles begged, but with a vile chuckle, Hades snapped his fingers. The realm twisted before Diocles. He now faced a cliff. It was dark as death and had sharp rocks that jutted out. He clung onto one – his hand burning from its immense heat – and began to climb. A tear rolled from his eye, as he realised he would suffer here for eternity. MARCUS PETER – YEAR 9
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 35
STAFF IN PROFILE Geography, which is another area of great passion. I am also Head of Snowsports. We have an incredible snowsports community whom I love, and being in the mountains is truly special. For many years I was part of the Cadet Unit, running the boating platoon; I was TIC of Touch Football, and as a family we had six years on ‘the Hill’, all of which was great fun. What do you like most about your work at Scotch? Connecting with the boys is why we show up every day. Finding a way to challenge thinking, impart a truth, provide encouragement, or simply to banter about the latest F1 race before starting class, is such a joy. And I really love the dynamic nature of how we do that – from the classroom to the mountains, rivers to the ovals, there is never a week that is the same. How do you make your own space in the busy school week? First, I find that I have to be very intentional about this otherwise it never happens. Every morning I walk my dog through the nearby parkland, and that is time away from my phone and the distractions of life for me to reflect, pray and imagine. On days that I miss out I feel ‘off balance’. I found this discipline to be even more important throughout the lockdown period. How have you coped with the challenges of lockdown? Staying away from the noise of media and social media were the biggest things. I sought to read more and aimed to read a book a week, alternating fiction and non-fiction. I didn’t quite get there every week, but it was great to have the goal! I also became intentional
Interview: CAMERON CUTCHIE Head of Christian Education Please tell us about your experiences before you started at Scotch. It’s been 16 years since I came to Scotch and over 20 years since I started teaching. I’m amazed at how quickly that time passes! I went straight to university from Melbourne High and funded my way by working night shift in a petrol station across the road from a pub. This provided a range of very interesting experiences as the (mostly) drunk patrons came to my store after being kicked out of the pub! This also funded one of my great loves, which is to travel, and I was fortunate enough to be able to backpack solo through parts of Africa, Europe and the Americas. On my return I spent some time as a sound engineer for live gigs, before realising it was time to get a real job as a teacher. I spent time teaching Geography and Psychology in country Victoria before heading off again to London to teach and travel for a year. On returning home, I studied full time for a Masters of Education Leadership before starting at Scotch. What are your different roles at Scotch? My main role at Scotch is as the Head of Christian Education, which encompasses the Year 9 Retreat Program. I still teach some
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about looking for ways to support and encourage others. I really believe, and experienced first hand, that we thrive so much more when we stop focusing on ourselves. It’s not always easy to do when we’re struggling, but definitely worth it. What advice do you have for Scotch boys as they encounter life beyond the boundaries of Morrison Street? Who you are will always be more important than what you do. It precedes you, accompanies you, and follows you. Focus on that and you will be truly successful in all you do.
What are your roles at the School? I am pleased to wear many hats! It keeps my job interesting as every single day is different and brings about unique challenges to solve, particularly on the capital works and building renovation front. A few of the primary operational tasks expected with any facilities role are cleaning contract implementation, contractor management, equipment asset audits and oversight of building-related essential services. However, other roles include executing the annual capital works program, school-wide furniture procurement, external facilities and campsites oversight, and project managing an array of classroom or space renovation projects. One of my favourite end products is the recently completed Junior School Harbig Library – it’s such a fun, bright and welcoming space. Another couple of unique undertakings involve coordinating the School’s vast architectural building documentation archives, being a trained Chief Warden and self-titling myself as the front man for the school’s ‘War on Waste’!
Interview: ELLIOT GREEN Facilities Manager What was your background before coming to Scotch? Immediately after high school I dipped my toes in a Psychology and Marketing degree, although I naively didn’t anticipate the strong statistical foundation of the former half of the course – resulting in pausing my studies for a couple of gap years. Continuing my hobby as a basketball referee I also ramped up my casual employment in the hospitality industry, securing a full-time position as a barman and barista. To this day, whenever I find myself in front of a coffee machine I love testing to determine whether I ‘still have it’ to Melbourne coffee standards – proud to say, I still do! After travelling and broadening my horizons on and off for a couple of years, I returned to marketing, completing a Bachelor of Business. While undertaking this course at Swinburne University in Hawthorn, a one day per week role popped up in Scotch’s Maintenance Department, helping on the administration front desk. I jumped at the opportunity to put my business studies in action. The role quickly evolved into more days, combining the front desk coordination work with some ‘on the tools’ general hand and trade assistance mixed in for good measure. Exposure to the development of the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science sparked a keen interest in the built environment and facility management sectors, leading me to undertake further study and complete a Diploma of Building and Construction – and as they say; ‘the rest is history’!
What effect has the pandemic had on your job at Scotch? Although the pandemic made my role pretty chaotic with the rapid evolution of government introduced rules and guidelines that seemed to change if not day by day, but morning to afternoon, I consider myself pretty lucky, as my role required an onsite presence for the majority of the pandemic. The beginning of the pandemic focused on education, consultation, prevention, disinfectant cleaning and personal protective equipment such as face masks. As the community returned to school, emphasis turned to density quotas and ventilation, including physical works to ensure natural ventilation is maintained at all times, installation of CO2 monitors, and upgrading of building maintenance software. Fingers crossed 2022 is more predictable! What experiences at Scotch have had the biggest impact on you? The biggest impact is the continual opportunity to be exposed to large-scale construction projects – the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science, the Spencer Centre for Design and Technology, Isabella Lawson Lodge, the Mess Hall at Healesville, the Keon-Cohen Dining Hall, the English Department in the Lithgow Building, the Tolson Centre project and now the Boarding precinct projects – I am thoroughly enjoying embracing the dynamic journey. Another impact that I must mention is the confidence instilled in me by both Bill Sciarretta and Greg McMahon – I am incredibly appreciative of the guidance received from these leaders within their respective fields. Of course, there are plenty of other colleagues and now friends who have left significant impressions on my time at Scotch so far, however these two deserve special mention for the impact they have had on my career. What is your favourite corner of the Scotch grounds, and why? The Boarding House gardens! It’s easy to believe you are wandering around the Royal Botanical Gardens up there, particularly the ‘roundabout’ area and ‘corner row’ with the beautiful roses, freshly mowed lawn and rotating seasonal flowering garden beds. My late Grandma, or ‘Nanna’ as we called her, was always pottering around her beloved garden at home and she obviously had a strong influence in harvesting my soft spot and appreciation for well-maintained gardens. The team on the Hill does a fantastic job.
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 37
DRAMA
LORD OF THE FLIES SUCCESSFULLY PERFORMED, ON CAMERA
MAKING SOMETHING PRETTY WILD Acting in Lord of the Flies has been an incredible experience, albeit a long one. I have loved working with my friends over the past eight months to make something pretty wild. Everyone was impacted by the last wave of COVID, which saw us in lockdown the week before we were due to open, and no one could have predicted we would be in lockdown for such an extended period of time. Somehow, Ms Christensen and Miss Cavoli managed to keep rehearsals going through all it all, keeping us entertained and engaged. Every week we would have a Zoom meeting, and that was probably the only thing keeping me from forgetting my lines
40 Great Scot Issue 162 – April 2021 38
altogether. I remember Ms Christensen saying ‘We are not taking down that set until a show has been performed’, and she kept her word. Getting back into in-person rehearsals was really great; seeing everyone in person was lovely, and the blocking came back so much faster than I expected it to. I particularly enjoyed the chaos scenes, where you could scream and shout like a pack of savages and it would fit perfectly in character. It was a great way to release some of the stress of the whole lockdown experience. Lord of the Flies has been a refreshing change from all the other plays I have been in. The cast really bonded, spending more
time than usual together, and it has created some really wonderful memories. The whole mood was dark and sinister but on top of all of that, it was insanely fun. I am so glad that we managed to perform it, even if only in front of a couple of cameras. We can’t wait to share it with the College community, and hope you all grab some snacks and enjoy an evening viewing, as we look forward to welcoming audiences back into the Geoffrey McComas Theatre in 2022 for an exciting year of theatre! JAMES TALBOT – YEAR 9
Great Scot 39 41
DRAMA
INSPIRATION FOR SCOTCH’S YOUNG ASPIRING ACTORS
EXAMINACTION – THEO SKATE AND CHENUL TISSERA
YEAR 7 DRAMA STUDENTS – LEARNING AND DEVELOPING EXAMINACTION – HENRY CATFORD
40 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
In 2021 Scotch employed a series of artists-in-residence to work with our Year 7 Drama students. Early in the year Erica, an Indigenous elder, explored Indigenous storytelling. She spent an hour talking to the boys and sharing stories with them. They then took these stories and chose one to dramatise. In the following weeks, Alya Manzart, a physical theatre teacher, workshopped some movement with the boys so that they could physicalise as well as verbalise the stories. In the second half of the year the boys continued their involvement in drama, and auditioned for the Year 7 play, ExaminAction. ExaminAction was rehearsed virtually and performed for recording in Term 4 by a group of Scotch Year 7 boys. Written and directed by OSCA alumni Charlie Veitch and Rex Cameron (both of the Class of 2019), ExaminAction is a comedic exploration of genre and exam pressure faced by students. The play focuses on a group of stereotypical students forced to work together on a group project to pass English, entering the stories being studied and encountering a range of kooky characters from these plot lines. Over several months the cast undertook the challenging rehearsal process, continued virtually during lockdown, aiming to create believable but comic characters, and produce an enjoyable
THIS IMAGE AND PAGE 40, BOTTOM LEFT: YEAR 7 DREAMTIME WORKSHOP
EXAMINACTION – FRASER MAIDEN
EXAMINACTION – LACHLAN SHAW
might be carrying lots and have to move slowly. We did forward and backward rolls to get around the stage easier, too. Finally, we put all this together with the mentors – Charlie LinesPerrier and Henry Wilcox (both of Year 12), Miller Artz, Jacob Hooke, Edward Manderson, Max Orloff and Rupert Simmons (all of Year 11), and Felix Catford and Ned Cox (both of Year 9). We started by thinking of how the stories that Erica told us could be dramatised, using some of the movement qualities that we learned from Alya. The mentors were all good at acting, and they used games to teach us about acting and how to join the Indigenous stories with movement. Our group prepared the story of Marawee. The story was about two children, one now and one in the past, and how culture is the same throughout time, even if some of the things around us change. Thank you, Erica, Alya and the mentors, because it was a really fun experience to learn all these stories, to learn movement, and to put them all together to make a really special piece of drama. HENRY CATFORD – YEAR 7
EXAMINACTION – TOWARDS A WHOLE NEW GENERATION OF DRAMA
performance. The project was coordinated by Mr Michael Waugh and also created performance opportunities and workshops for boys in Terms 1 and 2, allowing them to explore both physical and Indigenous storytelling style and traditions. Below, two Year 7 boys – Henry Catford and Charlie Cutinelli – give their impressions of the projects.
ERICA TOOK US TO THE DREAMTIME We were a group of around 20 Year 7 boys keen to be part of the Year 7 Drama program, and Erica was an Aboriginal Elder and radio broadcaster (from 3KND). She had lots of children’s stories to tell us about Indigenous culture and country. It was really special to be told these stories by someone who has had them passed down to her, generation after generation. Then, Alya Manzart (Chunky Moves dancer and Victorian College of the Arts dance teacher) taught us how to move. Alya is a dancer and a specialist in physical theatre. He taught us how to make our bodies go onto three different levels – high, medium and low – because some characters are elegant and tall, while others slink around low. He also taught us how to move at different speeds, because some characters move quickly, but others
In Term 3 and 4 Drama, we have had an amazing opportunity to be involved on the Zoom stage and on the normal stage in the James Forbes Academy. We first met Charlie Veitch and Rex Cameron, two young Old Boys from the Class of 2019, introducing us to a whole new generation of drama. We were partnered with the Year 11 mentors, giving us tips and tricks for our upcoming audition. ExaminAction is a play written by Charlie Veitch and Rex Cameron, who are both studying theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts. The play is about a group of friends challenged with puzzles and games to complete their virtual reality English test. Charlie and Rex helped and challenged us as they directed us throughout the play, showing us positions around the stage, ways to project our words cohesively, and how to maintain relevance on stage. Due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, we had to change the direction of our play. Rehearsing online was a challenge, however we all participated and put in hours of work. The script was modified and was changed into a play we showcased via Zoom. In conclusion, Term 3 and 4 Drama was a huge success. We all have learnt so much and developed as aspiring actors, thanks to the great work of our directors and Mr Waugh, who has been very helpful. CHARLIE CUTINELLI – YEAR 7
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 41
DRAMA
EXCELLING IN PERFORMING ARTS – DRAMA AND THEATRE JAMES BRADDY (’20) PERFORMING HIS VCE SOLO
SCOTCH’S YEAR 11 VCE DRAMA STUDENTS PERFORM FOR THE VCAA In August this year the VCE Year 11 drama students were invited to present their solo performances as part of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority assessor standardisation process. The solos were prepared almost entirely while the students were in remote learning. We thank the boys and their teacher, Mr Michael Waugh, for preparing the students for this task, and for providing an opportunity to produce a full-length solo in Year 11 that mocks their real task for Units 3 and 4. We proudly look forward to seeing what this courageous bunch of talented boys can produce in 2022.
CHARLIE LINES-PERRIER (YEAR 12) – VCE THEATRE STUDIES 2021
SCOTCH’S JAMES BRADDY (CLASS OF 2020) PERFORMED AT TOP CLASS 2021 The VCE Drama solo assessment requires students to research, write and present a seven-minute solo based on a given solo structure. James chose the character of The Boxer, based on the history of tent boxing in Australia. James was one of four students from the VCE Drama class of 2020 to obtain top marks for their VCE Drama solo, and to be invited to audition for Top Class. James fully embraced this opportunity and was successful, being awarded a place in one of the Top Class concerts of 2021. In March 2021, James presented his VCE Drama solo performance to a full house audience at the Arts Centre, Melbourne. He also went on to record his work for future VCE drama students. Huge congratulations to James.
THE INAUGURAL VCE THEATRE STUDIES CLASS OF 2021 In 2021 a small cohort of theatre students made up the inaugural VCE Theatre Studies class at Scotch. With a keen appetite for theatre and a wealth of experience on the Geoffrey McComas Theatre stage, the boys fully embraced this course. Semester 1 saw them use design and performance work in the play Arturo Ui as part of their VCE Outcome, and Semester 2 involved the boys developing a monologue for their final examination while in lockdown. Spurred on by the news that they could attend school to rehearse for assessment tasks, they worked exceptionally hard to refine and polish their monologue performance task, which was viewed by parents on Zoom in early October, and then for assessment on 18 October. We wish the boys every success in this examination, and have fingers crossed that we may see some of them perform in Top Class 2022. HAYLEY SANDPEARL – HEAD OF DRAMA
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MUSIC
MORALE IS MAINTAINED AND OPTIMISM FLOURISHES IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY
WINTER CONCERT SOLOISTS: GEOFF LIU (YEAR 9), LACHLAN CHEN (YEAR 11), LEON FEI (YEAR 11)
COVID CONCERTS AND CASUALTIES Following a year of cancelled concerts and the challenges of virtual performances, competitions and recitals, it was a relief to be able to perform again at the very end of 2020, albeit just to a camera. With heavy restrictions on wind, brass and singing, the annual Summer Prom and Carol Service were combined, using a string orchestra with
minimal wind. Elgar’s Serenade for Strings was followed by readings and traditional carols sung by the voice staff, accompanied by the orchestra. Term 1 saw a glimpse of normality, aside from lockdown three in February. We were allowed a restricted and socially-distanced audience for the first concert of the Autumn
Season, and our Pipes and Drums was one of only six bands chosen to play in the Anzac Day parade. Two Pipe Bands also competed for the first time in more than 12 months, winning all sections that they entered. Chamber music continued to flourish. A trio comprising Samuel Zong ('20 – piano), Leon Fei (Year 11 – violin) and Derek Phillips
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 43
MUSIC
MUSIC LEADERS 2021 – LEFT TO RIGHT: LEON FEI (YEAR 11), BEN GARSON (YEAR 12), DEREK PHILLIPS (YEAR 12), ADAM PAI (YEAR 12 – CAPTAIN OF MUSIC), GORDON NGAN (YEAR 12), THOMAS LAW (YEAR 12), KAEDEN KABO (YEAR 10). (ABSENT: RICHARD LIU (YEAR 12))
(Year 12 – horn) won the Victorian region of Musica Viva’s Strike a Chord competition in late 2020, and performed at a special concert as part of the Bendigo Festival in February 2021. In this year’s Musica Viva Strike a Chord competition, our Two Pianos Junior Ensemble (Brendan Teoh, Christian Heng (both Year 7), Joel Heng and Damien Tey (both Year 6)) won the junior division, and our senior string quartet – the James Campbell Quartet (Leon Fei (Year 11), Lachlan Chen (Year 11), Neil Wang (Year 9) and Justin Sheng (Year 12)), coached by Wilma Smith and Ben Castle, reached the national finals of the competition, winning cash prizes and a Masterclass at the Australian National Academy of Music. This is a national competition for school-aged students, and is the most prestigious competition for chamber music at school level. In other Chamber Music news, Trio con Brio (Edward Song (Year 10 – piano), Geoff Liu (Year 9 – violin), and Duc Luu (Year 9 – cello) was awarded first prize in the under 16 chamber ensemble section of the Ringwood Eisteddfod.
44 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
A special highlight for the year is the Chamber Music Dinner, hosted by the Curator of Chamber Music Studies, Anne Brisk. Sadly, Lockdown 6 meant it had to be cancelled again, along with the Foundation Day Concert. The Symphony Orchestra’s annual Winter Concert was rescheduled due to lockdowns – three times, in fact! At the time of writing we were hoping to perform the program on 7 December (as the Summer Prom Concert). The program includes Danzon No 2 by Marquez, Violin Concerto No 3 by Saint-Saëns, with a different soloist for each movement (Lachlan Chen (Year 11), Geoff Liu (Year 9) and Leon Fei (Year 11) respectively), and Dvorak’s Symphony No 8 in G major. A number of concerts had to be cancelled, including the annual choirs, strings and bands concerts, as well as numerous recitals. The Year 5/6 concert, the first concert under the direction of Emma Macrae, Head of Junior School Music, was recorded and uploaded for the parents. The Junior School Strings Camp got as far as the first day, but had to return before the
boys opened their sleeping bags due to Lockdown 4 (27 May). With respect to individual boys, there are some exceptional achievements worthy of note. In terms of international recognition, Christian Li (Year 8) is quite possibly one of the very best violinists ever to come out of Australia. He is the youngest violinist to win the Yehudi Menuhin Competition in Geneva, and the youngest person to be signed by Decca recordings in London. His debut album of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has just been launched to great acclaim, and debuted at number one in the ARIA Core Classical and Classical/Crossover charts in Australia, for the week beginning 30 August. Christian has been broadcast internationally, and articles in major international music journals speak of him as the next great prodigy – alongside Pinchas Zuckerman, Itzhak Perlman and Menuhin himself. He has performed concertos with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria and others,
COMPOSER CHU WANGHUA WITH PIANIST RICHARD LIU (YEAR 12) PREPARING CHU’S PIANO CONCERTO, CITY BOYS
as well as orchestras overseas. Before COVID, his international schedule of concert performances was taking him all over the world. Violinist Leon Fei (LMusA Dist.) is among the finest instrumentalists of his generation in Australia. In Year 7 he won the National Talent Award run by 3MBS (and the equivalent radio stations throughout Australia – I heard the broadcast from the Ultimo Centre in Sydney). The age limit is 30 for that competition; he won it at 13. He has won numerous other competitions, and has twice been a finalist in the National Youth Concerto Competition. The finals did not take place (last year and this year) due to COVID. Leon recently won the under 18 section of the Long Island International Competition, an exceptional achievement. He has also been a concerto soloist with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. An emerging Junior School star is cellist Jun Gardiner in Year 5. He has won: • first prize in the concerto section and third prize in the open section in the 67th Annual Ringwood Eisteddfod; • the audience prize in season one of the radio 3MBS ‘The Talent’ competition; • first place in the Musical Society of Victoria String Competition (15 years and under); • third place in the Boroondara String Competition (18 years and under); and • first place in category one of the International New Zealand Young Talent Music Competition. He is taking his AMusA cello exam shortly, and he is also an exceptional pianist.
BENDIGO CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL – LEON FEI YEAR 11), SAMUEL ZONG (‘20), DEREK PHILLIPS (YEAR 12)
Achievements in 2020, but not reported, include Geoff Liu (Year 9 – LMusA Dist. – violin) who won the Paul McDermott scholarship – a prestigious violin competition (previously won by Leon Fei, Dion Quach and Tim Yu in days of yore). Edward Song (Year 10) received a distinction for LMusA Oboe, and also has a diploma on piano. Wells Duan (Year 7) – clarinet) was awarded first prize in the 15 years and under, and first prize in the 18 years and under woodwind solo section of the Boroondara Eisteddfod. A number of boys also received their AMusA diplomas: Jia Zhang (Year 12) – oboe (dist.); Victor Jiang (Year 12) – piano; Andrew Wang (Year 11) – cello; and Ryan Zhang (Year 9) – clarinet (dist.). This is a much smaller number than usual, as many diploma exams were cancelled due to the big lockdown last year, and now this year. As we headed to the end of Term 3, we were really hoping to present some concerts in Term 4. At the time of writing, we are optimistic about performing the Junior School concert on 25 November, and we hope to present a picnic concert called Sunday on the Main on 5 December. The percussion concert is scheduled for 6 December, the annual Summer Prom on 7 December and a Christmas Concert (in lieu of the Carol Service) is scheduled for 8 December. It is a great credit to the music staff, the boys and their parents that morale has been maintained as well as it has been, and that boys have kept up their practice, and are maintaining optimism for the future. One other concert is worthy of mention. On 4 December, the Scotch orchestra is
scheduled to share a concert with Pro Musica (the Scotch-affiliated orchestra comprising staff, some advanced students and additional professionals) to celebrate the 80th birthday of Melbourne-based Chinese composer, Chu Wanghua (sometimes known as William Chu). The concert will include three piano concertos; staff pianist Lachlan Redd will perform the world premiere of Chu’s 1989 concerto, Caroline Almonte will perform the Australian premiere of My Motherland, and current student, Richard Liu (Year 12) will perform the Australian premiere of City Boys. Our association with Chu goes back to 2007, and he is being commissioned to write a concerto for piano accordion, to be played by one of our students within the next year or two. I was asked by the editor of The Australian Journal of Music Education (an academic journal) to write about how Scotch managed during the long Lockdown 2 (111 days). I surveyed the Scotch staff to see what ideas had emerged, and I was amazed and delighted by the enthusiasm, creativity, adaptability and commitment that the staff brought to their online teaching. This is so important because it must be remembered, unlike most other subjects, nobody has to play an instrument. The article is published in the most recent edition of The Australian Journal of Music Education. Let us hope that we are moving forward with our choirs, bands and orchestras by the time you are reading this! JOHN FERGUSON - DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 45
SPORT
THE RETURN TO SCHOOL IN TERM 4 PROVIDED BOYS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF SUMMER SPORTS OPPORTUNITIES
SPORTS OPPORTUNITIES EMERGE IN TERM 4 HOPES RISE ANEW AFTER CANCELLATION OF SPRING SPORT The 2021 spring sport program was again impacted by the pandemic, resulting in the eventual cancellation of the athletics, snowsports and water polo seasons. This was the second year running that our boys were unable to participate in these programs, and we were extremely disappointed with the outcome. The School provided online opportunities through weekly athletics Zoom meetings with coaches, and providing access through Scotch Streams to jumps, throws, middle distance and sprints programs. Several guest speakers presented to the group, including Head of High Performance in Athletics Australia, Andrew Faichney (’93) and four-time Olympian 800m runner Jeff Riseley. (See the OSCA section of this edition for an article about Andrew Faichney.) The Athletics Strava group acted as a great mechanism to keep
46 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
boys motivated. Live general conditioning sessions were also offered each afternoon on Zoom for boys to undertake in all sports, along with specific rowing conditioning. At the start of Term 4 our athletes met for the final time. It allowed the presentation of the Don Davenport Award to our Captain of Athletics, Jean-Philippe Soulie, for his outstanding contribution to athletics throughout his time at Scotch. It also provided the opportunity to recognise the achievements of Bart Leeton (Year 7), who has broken three Scotch College records in the 800m and 1500m events. He also broke the Australian record in the under 14 1500m, with a time of 4.11.07 minutes at the Nationals in Sydney in April. It was fitting to have the previous Scotch College record-holder, Australian Commonwealth Games
athlete and 1992 School Captain, Dr Joseph Ischia, present to acknowledge Bart’s achievements. The return to school in Term 4 provided boys with sporting opportunities through regular training and internal games. The excitement and enthusiasm from the boys was clearly evident, with high participation rates. As restrictions eased more physical activity was permitted, and enabled the athletics, badminton, cricket, cycling, diving, futsal, orienteering, rowing, sailing, squash, swimming, table tennis, touch football and volleyball programs to take place. The second half of November allowed for external games in non-official APS competition against Carey Grammar School, Geelong Grammar School, St Kevin’s College and Xavier College. It was also pleasing
to be able to welcome parents and spectators back to support our boys both at outdoor and indoor sports. Interform and House sports competitions also took place, with a range of activities offered. The boys particularly enjoyed European handball, futsal and volleyball, with a strong engagement across all age groups. It also provided a great social interaction for everyone involved, and all were played in excellent spirit. We look forward to 2022 with the hope that athletics, snowsports and water polo seasons in particular take place without interruption. I am sure next year will deliver much needed continuity for us all. I also take this opportunity to wish all our Year 12 school leavers the very best, and thank them for their commitment and involvement in our sports programs over their journey. STUART POWELL – DIRECTOR OF SPORT Great Scot 47
SPORT
ACHIEVEMENTS IN TWO SPORTS SCOTCH BOYS EXCEL IN FOOTBALL AND WATER POLO
MAIN PICTURE: SAM DARCY FLIES FOR A MARK. LEFT: CALEB NANCARROW (LEFT) AND JAGGA SMITH
In the AFL National Football Draft, held in late November, Year 12 boy Sam Darcy was drafted second overall to the Western Bulldogs, under the father-son rule. He will join 2020 number one draft pick, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (Class of 2020) at the club. Sam had an amazing APS season, kicking many goals up forward and playing in the ruck. Standing an impressive 204 centimetres, he possesses excellent mobility and skills. Sam was the winner of the 1st XVIII best and fairest award, and also won the Excellence in Sport Award. Sam was also a strong performer at the Oakleigh Chargers in the NAB League, and for Vic Metro in the national championships. We wish him the very best as he forges his career in the AFL.
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COVID caused the under 15 Secondary Schools Australian Football Carnival to be cancelled this year, but two of our Year 10 boys, Jagga Smith and Caleb Nancarrow, played in an internal game in mid-November. Both boys performed exceptionally, with Jagga accumulating 25-plus possessions and kicking a goal, and Caleb kicking three goals up forward. Jimmy Suttle (Year 10) recently gained selection in the under 18 Victorian water polo team. He will attend the national championships in Brisbane in January 2022. Jimmy has been a member of our 1st Water Polo team since Year 8, and worked tirelessly during the lockdowns.
A JOURNEY WITH MANY LIFE LESSONS NICHOLAS CHAN’S FIVE-YEAR ROUTE TO A DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
NICHOLAS CHAN (SECOND FROM RIGHT) AT THE YEAR 10 OLP BLUFF HIKE, A COMPONENT FOR THE ADVENTURE SECTION OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
During my time at Scotch, I wanted to broaden my horizons and learn the skills of life that are usually taught beyond the classroom. It was evident that the Duke of Edinburgh Award was a perfect opportunity to acquire these life skills that could develop my character into an all-rounded individual. Beginning at bronze in Year 8 and progressing to the silver and gold levels until Year 12, the award has provided a colourful and fulfilling experience that is an indelible foundation of my moral character. In my journey, I immersed myself in a vast range of activities to help achieve my Duke of Edinburgh Award. My paths consisted of tennis and basketball, piano and singing, volunteering positions at St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) and the City of Boroondara’s Camberwell Library, as well as numerous expedition trips. All of these were required to fulfil the four components of the
award across five years: physical recreation, skills, voluntary service, and adventurous journey. I soon found that any participant undertaking the award would develop a sense of integrity and purpose for their work. As much of the award’s progress depended on my self-initiative, it was only natural that I motivated myself to make headway on achieving goals larger than personal success. This often came with honest scrutiny whether I was making my most honest efforts – an essential skill to have when reflecting upon life goals. During this long journey, there were moments where it was no doubt easy to lose sight of the end goal. Balancing a healthy academic record, major sporting commitments outside of school as well as weekly volunteering service certainly posed
a challenge that required motivation to persevere. Despite periods of hardships, in the end this challenge inevitably fostered an appreciation within me for persistence, to transform hard work into passion, respect, and dedication for my award. Overall, the award provided me with a greater sense of community and respect for others. The personalised and flexible nature of the award allowed for my strengths to flourish, but also revealed areas where I needed improvement. In the grand scheme, the Duke of Edinburgh Award was more than just an accolade that I was chasing, but a journey that taught many life lessons along the way. I encourage potential participants who are considering undertaking the award to embrace this wonderful challenge. NICHOLAS CHAN – YEAR 12
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 49
BOARDING
THRIVING WHEN LIFE BECOMES MESSY
The 23rd Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force was raised at Broadmeadows in 1915. The battalion comprised young men, hailing mainly from rural Victoria, who volunteered to join the Allied war campaign in Europe. Among these volunteers was a 19 year old from Swan Hill, who had stayed behind to help with the harvest, when the first call for volunteers went out in 1914. Leslie Garrett Byrnes – my grandfather – was of a similar age to the young men of the Class of 2021. He, like many of his contemporaries, would have held goals and ambitions similar to those shared by our current boys on the Hill. Private Byrnes, beyond all odds – having seen action at Gallipoli, Pozieres and throughout the Somme, and having been torpedoed, wounded and gassed – somehow survived the Great War and returned to Australia to live a full life.
50 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
Each generation captivates the next with stories weaved from the challenges of their time. Be it war, terrorism, natural disaster, pandemic or climate change – we can all point to times in history when we were greatly impacted by events beyond our individual control. The inability to control our destiny is both frustrating, and, at times, overwhelming; it can cause anxiety and add to the stresses of already complex and complicated lives. Having recently read Sir John Monash’s memories, The Australian Victories in France in 1918, I am reminded of how past Scotch boys have been confronted with their generational challenge, and how brilliantly they have responded to such adversity. Over the past two years, Hill staff have observed how the boys under our care have responded to the challenges of their own generation. Perhaps it is due to their already well-developed
INTERIOR SHOTS: SCENES FROM BOARDERS’ VALEDICTORY DINNER. BELOW, LEFT: ALEX CHUNG AND CHARLIE JOHNSTON (BOTH YEAR 12); MIDDLE: JIAMU LI AND JIFAN LIU (BOTH YEAR 9); RIGHT: DEAN OF BOARDING, TIM BYRNES AND PRINCIPAL, TOM BATTY
TENACITY, GOOD HUMOUR AND GRACE SHINE THROUGH
resilience from living in a close-knit residential community. Possibly it is their strength of character, developed through generations of rural living. Maybe it is their thirst for knowledge and adventure as they leave their homes overseas and board planes for Melbourne, many for the first time. No matter the reason, but without failure, the boys of the Class of 2021 have met the challenges of their time with incredible tenacity, good humour and grace. Yes, there have been tears at lost events, missed opportunities and unfulfilled goals. These are to be welcomed. For if we do not lament what is lost, then perhaps it is not worthy in the first place. Despite these hardships, there have also been moments of joy sandwiched among the various restrictions. Who will forget the exploits of Alexander Chung (Year 12), playing AFL on the Main Oval for School House, darting among the opposition to score a cracking
goal? Or James Currie’s (Year 12) spectacular mark? Or Hamish Cameron (Year 12), suited up and in full voice, leading the boys of McMeckan to House glory? At each opportunity, boys have taken full advantage of the windows available. A good friend once said to me, ‘life is messy’. How true this is. This year it has been messier than many of us would have liked. But we have coped. We have, at times, even thrived. To the Year 12 boys on the Hill, who are leaving us for a bigger and brighter world, we thank you for all you have contributed during your time here. And we acknowledge, with pride, the courageous manner with which you have met, not unlike those of past generations, the challenges of your time TIM BYRNES – DEAN OF BOARDING
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STAFF FAREWELLS
STAFF FAREWELLS
2021
FROM LEFT: MICHELE LINOSSIER, KIERAN DEMPSEY, DURGA KAMTE AND GRANT WATSON
FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES TO STAFF WHO HAVE LEFT SCOTCH DURING 2021
STAFF RETIREMENTS STEPHEN RITCHIE
Forty-three years of outstanding and remarkable service to Scotch concluded with Stephen Ritchie’s retirement at the end of Term 2. Stephen was appointed in 1979 as a teacher of Drama and English, and has, with good humour, patience and attention to detail, nurtured a love of theatre in generations of budding thespians and directors. Becoming Head of Drama in 1985, Stephen led and enthused a department
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with an enviable reputation. With care and wisdom, he inspired confidence in his staff and was rewarded through star performances both in the classroom, where many boys have performed as part of the VCE Top Arts Program, and on the boards. A commitment to the dramatic arts which encompassed over 80 productions as director (40 plays and musicals involving both Scotch boys and girls from neighbouring schools), set constructor, make-up artist and stage lighting manager, has inspired dreams, broadened minds and entertained across generations of families. Over the journey, Stephen has been rowing coach, House Tutor, leader of the
Year 10 Central Australia trip, member of the Year 8 Hike Program and Nepal expedition, leader of Habitat for Humanity trips to Fiji, cornerstone of the 24 Hour Hike, Teacherin-Charge of Sea Scouts, and basketball coach. He also spent time as Coordinator of Special Events, where he worked with the Scotch Foundation in planning the opening ceremonies of the Cardinal Pavilion, the Language Centre, and the former Library and Computer Centre. Stephen was appointed Director of Admissions in 2019. Through the uncertainty of COVID-19, Stephen’s attention to detail and capacity to work beyond the range of sight helped maintain a full school company.
GRANT WATSON
The Rev Grant Watson retired at the end of the year after 21 years of significant, exceptional service to our community. Appointed as a teacher of Christian Education, Geography and History in 2000, Grant has, with enthusiasm and great empathy, taught all levels of Christian Education, and Years 7 and 8 Geography and History. In 2005, Grant was appointed as Assistant to the Chaplains, a role which brought his integrity and values directly to boys and staff in Assemblies and Junior and Senior School Chapel services. In his role as Child Protection Officer, a position he held from 2017, Grant led the School to accreditation as a Safe School from the Australian Childhood Foundation, and, in so doing, made the safety of children paramount in all we do. Grant also spent four years on the Hill as Academic Tutor and International Student Coordinator. Grant coached both football and cricket, edited the weekly cricket, football and boarding newsletters, spent 13 years in Sea Scouts, and more recently gave generously of his time and mind to the Indigenous Partnership Program. Over the years, Grant travelled to the Tiwi Islands on three occasions, and assisted with cultural and sporting trips to Vietnam, Egypt, Fiji, the USA and the UK. DURGA KAMTE
After 21 years of outstanding contribution to the School, Durga Kamte retired at the end of the year. First appointed to a position in the Library at the start of 2000, a role she undertook for eight years, and subsequent to that a teaching position in 2009, Durga gave freely of her time, intellect and generous spirit to all fortunate to come under her spell. Blessed with innate curiosity and ability to articulate the moods of our condition, Durga directed her mind to new challenges, set the highest
of standards and enthused boys and staff with her love of learning. Over the years Durga taught Challenge French and English, elective English Language and English Literature, and VCE English and English Language. On embracing the International General Certificate of Secondary Education Global Perspectives Course, Durga set new standards, challenging boys to consider issues at a global and national level and achieving outstanding results, including the top score across the international cohort. Durga committed herself to Scotch life beyond the whiteboards and screens. Five years were spent guiding and encouraging boys of Littlejohn as they navigated their way through the throes of adolescence. For 17 years, Durga assisted boys as part of the Public Speaking Program. Time was meaningfully spent in the Immersion Program, participating in refugee tutoring, Student2Student reading programs, and the Children and Family Program. Durga also assisted in running the annual Sony Camp, which provides respite to carers of young children with significant disabilities. Durga’s passion for, and expertise with, language, was very much evident in her role as Editor of Great Scot, where under her leadership, the School’s premier journal grew in size and quality, and with that, standing. KIERAN DEMPSEY
After almost 21 years of loyal and exceptional service, Kieran Dempsey retired at the end of the year. Since his mid-2000 arrival on Morrison Street, Kieran has been a central presence in our outstanding History Department, teaching History across all year levels, including VCE Australian History and Revolutions. With wit, insight and consistent message, Kieran empowered those in his care to command of subject matter. A commitment to positive meaningful relationships was very much to the fore throughout Kieran’s many pastoral roles: House Tutor in Monash (three years), Littlejohn (six years) and, most recently, Lawson (three years); two years as Head of
Littlejohn, six years as a Year 8 Form Teacher, and one term as Acting Head of Year 8. Kieran’s contribution beyond the classroom has been significant and far-reaching. He coached cricket (10 years), soccer (five years), touch football (10 years) and rugby (15 years). For 17 years Kieran oversaw the Year 10 Activities Cycling Program, and was also involved in self-defence, yoga and fencing. Kieran also assisted in the Sports First Aid Program, and participated in 20 Year 8 camps. MICHELE LINOSSIER
Michele Linossier retired at the end of the year after 20 years’ outstanding service. Appointed in 2002 as Academic Extension Coordinator, Michele has been a defining presence for many boys’ Scotch experience. For seven years, Michele taught the Year 7 Mathematics Support class, offering support and celebrating successes. Time has been spent coaching badminton (17 years), undertaking a trip to Vietnam as part of Habitat for Humanity, and with the Indigenous Partnership Program. This year Michele introduced a highly successful Service Learning Immersion. For 17 years, Michele has played a key role with the Indigenous Program, helping to smooth each boy’s transition into the School. As Academic Extension Coordinator, as well as assisting the Principal with identifying scholarship students, Michele has provided a smorgasbord of opportunities, programs, and activities to open boys’ minds to a world beyond school routines. Boys have achieved great success in national competitions, and have travelled overseas to participate in international debating competitions, Model UN programs, and leadership conferences. Under Michele’s watch, participation and prowess in chess has grown significantly, returning a number of Australian Schools’ Chess championships, most recently in 2020. (The current team will represent Victoria in the National Championships in December.) Those of sharp mind and diverse talents have flocked to Michele, finding the care, fellowship and competition that seeds affirmation and advancement.
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STAFF FAREWELLS STAFF RESIGNATIONS* PAULINE CARDWELL
Appointed to a position in the Science Department at the start of 2017, Pauline Cardwell has, in the ensuing years, taught Units 1-4 VCE Biology, and all levels of Science from Years 7-10. With strong subject knowledge, and the ability to forge strong relationships with the boys in her care, Pauline has been a collegial and supportive member of the Science Department, producing and sharing numerous resources that have enhanced the learning experience of the boys. Pauline has been a caring, well organised and thoughtful tutor and form teacher, spending three years looking after the boys in Morrison, and two years assisting Year 7 boys settle into Senior School. Summers have seen Pauline courtside as coach and Teacher-in-Charge of Thirds tennis, and winters have seen Pauline coach hockey. For each of her five years Pauline has been involved in the Year 10 Activities Program, assisting with yoga. In addition to attending two yoga camps, Pauline also attended a fly fishing camp, and organised and led the highly successful 2018 Science tour to Europe. In her role of Science Ambassador, a position she has held since 2020, Pauline organised many Science extension activities, including the popular ‘Science Friday’ lunchtime activities, all of which have opened boys’ minds to the world of Science and scientific research. Pauline also organised this year’s highly entertaining and thought-provoking Science Oration. MARTA CASSIDY
Coming to Scotch as Head of Science at the start of 2016, Dr Marta Cassidy oversaw the process of bringing the sciences together in the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science, ensuring staff were well placed throughout the building to bond and use the spaces provided for
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preparation, interaction and innovation. Championing the importance and beauty of Science, both within and beyond the Scotch community, Marta was responsible for providing opportunities for boys to participate in extension activities, international conferences, and research in collaboration with leading scientists. Marta ensured the aspirations for the annual Science Oration have been met, bringing leading scientists into the lives and work of the boys. Beyond the laboratory, Marta was an academic tutor in McMeckan House, and assisted with the Year 9 rowing and athletics programs. Marta was also involved in the annual i2 Camp. ALICE COOK
Initially appointed to a temporary position at the start of 2007, with tenure soon forthcoming, Alice Cook taught English across all year levels, Media, History, Geography and Christian Education. Those fortunate to have come under her spell have been motivated by Alice’s belief in creative approaches and student voice, as means to acquire agency and develop an appreciation of the potential for language to engage and influence amid our complexity and diversity. Armed with such intent and formidable intellectual rigour, Alice has brought thoughtfulness and razor-sharp insight to the dissection of authorial purpose. Feedback has been provided with generosity and thoroughness, guiding generations of VCE students to fine results and greater appreciation of themselves and their relationship with others. Alice’s care and commitment to those in her charge were very much in evidence in her role as Year 8 Form Teacher (one year), Year 10 and 11 House Tutor (two years), and most recently Head of Forbes House (10 years) and Head of Monash House (one year). Amid the broad Scotch landscape, Alice’s contribution has been varied and meaningful. For 15 years, Alice coached rugby, and time was also spent coaching tennis (four years) and assisting boys develop their first aid skills and knowledge as part of the Sports First Aid Program (15
years). Alice also attended Year 8 Outdoor Learning Program camps, Year 9 Retreats and numerous Sports First Aid camps. ELLIE DRAYTON
Ellie Drayton was appointed to a Mathematics position at the start of Term 3, 2018, and taught all levels of Mathematics from Year 7 to VCE Mathematical Methods. With warm collegiality and pedagogical knowledge, Ellie produced, and readily shared, resources of the highest standard. In her role as Deputy Head of Mathematics, a position held since the start of 2019, Ellie assisted with the running of the Mathematics Department, ensuring the best possible outcomes for the boys, and, through support, advice and comradeship, for new staff. Ellie’s commitment to the boys in her care was very evident in her role as tutor in Littlejohn House, where she ensured each boy in her tutor group had a positive and enjoyable experience, secure in the knowledge that she would be there with helping hand and encouraging word. Beyond the classroom, Ellie was Teacher-in-Charge of Gymnastics, accompanied boys to the Ballarat Specialist School as part of the Year 11 Immersion Program, and assisted boys with their Mathematics as part of the Centre for Learning Tutoring Program. SCOTT JAMES
Appointed to a Design Technology position at the start of Term 2, 2020, Scott James taught Design Technology and Product Design across Years 7 to 11. Positive relationships with boys were readily formed with those in his charge, and his commitment to assisting them as they navigated the design process was clear. Scott encouraged boys to think creatively as they explored the opportunities of the world of design. At screen, desk and bench, Scott’s thoughtful, considered approach ensured clear direction and support for
boys’ endeavours to bring their ideas to life through the manufacturing process. Scott was a caring and dedicated Tutor within Fleming House, ensuring the boys in his care remained appropriately supported in their learning during times of physical separation. Time was also spent coaching touch rugby and rugby. Scott was involved in the Year 9 Outdoor Expedition Program, assisting with the boys’ development of bushcraft and navigation skills. SIMON GOODING
Appointed to a Science position at the start of 2019, Simon Gooding taught senior Chemistry and Science to all levels. Possessing a deep and thorough knowledge of his subject, and the ability to relate the theoretical to the practical, Simon guided and challenged the boys in his care, no matter their ability level, with attention to detail, patience and a supportive hand. Simon was a coach of tennis, a tutor in Selby Smith, and a valuable member of the Cadet Corps. RYAN JOHNSTONE
Ryan Johnstone came to Scotch on a one-term replacement position in 2004, and was appointed to a fulltime position in the English Department from the start of 2006. Ryan has taught all levels of English and English Literature with passion, meticulous planning and deep subject knowledge. Boys have taken up the challenge, opened their hearts and minds and produced outcomes of the highest order. With Ryan’s appointments as Deputy Head of English in 2009 and Head of English in 2019, the English Department has grown in both stature and reputation. Ryan’s love and understanding of the English language have been to the fore in his involvement in Debating, where, for 12 years, he has overseen the Scotch program. Under his leadership, debating has grown in
popularity, with over 150 boys now involved across age groups and levels of competition. Success has been gained, both individually and collectively. Time has also been spent involved in the Year 10 Activities Program (seven years), coaching basketball (two years), and tutoring in the Centre for Learning (two years). For five years, Ryan was a caring and supportive House Tutor. Ryan’s contribution to Scotch has been significant and enduring. IVAN KEY
Beginning at Scotch in 2010 as Campus Coordinator and Cadet Officer with responsibility for the Cadet Q Store and school vehicles, Ivan Key’s role was soon expanded to include responsibilities as the Safety Officer. In the Cadet Stores, Ivan created a more organised and efficient environment for storing and issuing kit to cadets. As Cadet Officer, he took over the Mountaineering Platoon. For several years, Ivan was Senior Instructor for the Junior Leaders Course, preparing Year 9s to become corporals. He attended numerous cadet bivouacs and camps, providing logistics support and fieldcraft training. As Parade Director for the Tattoo and Retreat Ceremony, Ivan trained and prepared the Cadets over 10 consecutive annual Tattoos (2010 to 2019), and in 2013, he was the driving force behind a Cadet group tour of the UK and Germany. As Safety Officer, Ivan had responsibility for school trips and tours, maintaining compliance and appropriate safety procedures for outdoor activities and ensuring that best practice risk management was followed. Ivan’s role further expanded to incorporate transport and logistics, working closely with many departments to improve Scotch’s trip system and procedures. Staff and boys have undoubtedly benefited from Ivan’s passion for outdoor education, and the safe environment he has helped to develop. Rebecca Imer and Peter Reardon
DAVID KINGSLEY
David Kingsley joined the Grounds team during July 2000 after working at the Prahran Cricket Club, where he was responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the turf cricket pitches. With this skill set, Dave began his journey at Scotch preparing the turf cricket pitches on the Meares Oval, and soon worked his way to the Main Oval, where he regularly produced cricket pitches which were often described by the boys from the 1st XI as ‘the Scotch road’ – hard, flat, and simply a batsman’s paradise! However, it was Dave’s true passion for gardening that really ignited his spark. A position as gardener was soon created, and here Dave truly made his mark over his 21-year tenure. With a strong desire to learn and grow, Dave enthusiastically completed a Diploma in Horticulture at Swinburne University, and willingly used this knowledge in his work on the gardens you see today around the Senior School. Combined with Dave’s artistic flair, incredible work ethic and many years of meticulous preparation, he will leave behind a wonderful legacy for many generations to enjoy as they stroll through Scotch’s picturesque grounds and gardens. He has departed from Scotch to take up an exciting opportunity to further his career in the country. Michael Smith ROSIE LEAVER
After 10 exemplary years, Rosie has left a lasting impression on everyone at Scotch. Initially joining the Library team in 2011, it was in her role as assistant to the Director of Sport and Careers Office where she made her greatest contribution. Rosie’s attention to detail on all tasks, but particularly in the accuracy of the weekly sports fixtures, is noteworthy. She displayed an outstanding work ethic, an ability to multitask, a willingness and desire to learn, but most importantly always
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STAFF FAREWELLS made staff feel welcome with a warm and friendly greeting as they entered the sports and careers area. Rosie also assisted with the Indigenous Program, helping the boys transition to the School and always lending an encouraging word or smile when needed. Her infectious attitude and approach to her role made her one of our most popular and respected staff members, not only within Scotch College, but also the broader APS community. It has been a pleasure to work with Rosie and also to see her develop her career. She leaves Scotch to pursue a law degree and work in the industry. We wish her the best of luck and know that the legal profession will be better for her impact and contribution. Stuart Powell KATE LINDQUIST
First appointed to an English position at the start of 2012, Kate Lindquist taught all levels of English. Generous of mind and time, and conveying the optimism and belief boys crave, Kate approached every aspect of her teaching with infectious enthusiasm and to good effect. Kate inspired boys and cajoled to confer the self-belief that comes from progress. Boys were valued, well taught and appropriately affirmed. Kate’s commitment to the boys in her care was very much evident in her roles as a Year 8 Form Teacher and, for three years, as an Academic Tutor on the Hill, where she forged strong relationships with the boys of Arthur Robinson and School Houses. Away from classroom and boarding house, Kate contributed to the lives of boys as Athletics Coach (two years), Hockey Coach (two years), and Tennis Coach (four years). Kate also accompanied boys to Wilsons Promontory as part of the Year 9 Outdoor Expedition and assisted with ski trips to Mt Hotham. For the past three years, Kate was Editor of the Collegian, ensuring it maintained its reputation as a flagship school publication. Her eye for detail and dexterity in matching image, text, mood and theme, have had boys, staff and parents page turning
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in anticipation, whilst ensuring each comprehensive, accurate chronicle captured the colour and vibrancy of its generation. JAMIE MARTIN
Joining the English department for the start of 2017, Jamie Martin taught English to boys in Years 9 to 12 and Literature to boys in Years 11 and 12. All interactions have been premised on a strong work ethic and a passion for, and deep knowledge of, his subject. Beyond the classroom, Jamie has been a sensitive and committed tutor in Morrison for each of his five years, assisting boys navigating the throes of adolescence. Time has also been spent in the Year 9 Adventurers Program (three years), assisting boys with their English as part of the Centre for Learning Tutoring Program (two years), and honing boys’ agility as part of the Debaters’ Association of Victoria Debating Program (four years). With table tennis bat in hand, Jamie has guided boys to read spin and improve their flicks and pushes. Jamie has brought a love of literature and its founding stories into the lives of Scotch boys and their journeys will be richer, and more complex, for it. CLAIRE MURRAY
Appointed to the School’s Educational Support Unit at the start of Term 3, 2015 Claire Murray worked closely with school psychologists, parents and teachers from all learning departments to develop individualised programs and provide learning support for boys with a range of learning difficulties. In so doing, Claire created and shared learning materials with colleagues to better support the learning of boys. As Year 7 and Year 8 Academic Support Coordinator, Claire worked with boys individually, in small groups and during classes to develop their knowledge, skills, independence and confidence, while also ensuring smooth transition from Year 6
to Year 7. Claire also taught English and English Workshop, created curriculum for the workshop classes and supported boys in the Centre for Learning Study Hall classes. Claire was generous with time and talent, providing support to boys in Years 7-12 accessing the Centre for Learning after school tutoring program, assisting with the running of the Years 7 and 8 Games Club, coaching tennis and attending Years 7 and 8 camps. PAUL REDFERN
Driver/Storeman was Paul Redfern’s role when he started at Scotch in July 2007. Based in the Lithgow Building, Paul quickly made the role his own, demonstrating an unfailing work ethic and commitment to the cause. In 2010, Paul took responsibility for all school vehicles, and took charge of the many bookings for camps and excursions, driving boys and teachers across greater Melbourne and Victoria with dedication and care. Working with a range of outside organisations, Paul was instrumental in improving processes for bookings and invoices, played a critical role in ensuring the School’s compliance with vehicle registrations, and ensured all vehicles were suitable to the needs of the School. Paul worked hard in the Cadet Unit, managing casual drivers and storemen with kind willingness. His social nature and ability to get along with all he worked with are his hallmarks, along with the Demons’ beanie he wore every winter. Paul will be greatly missed for his friendship, collegiality and unfailing loyalty to his role and our School. Ivan Key ALEX SCIARRETTA
Commencing at Scotch in 2008 part time within the Maintenance Department, Alex Sciarretta was appointed on a contract basis in
January 2016, and was a valuable member of the Maintenance team. Working part time during those initial years with the Maintenance team included many labouring jobs. Alex gained a solid knowledge of the School and its operations during this time, helping him transition into an easy fit with the Property/Maintenance Department when he became full time. Alex’s friendly disposition and warm nature resonated with many staff members throughout the School. He was always ready and able to lend a hand at the drop of a hat and most importantly, with a smile. Alex picked up many skills during his employment with the Maintenance team. Many of the varied tasks of the general hands were the unusual – including the requests for looking after and removing from the campus stray dogs, possums and birds. There was never a dull moment in the Maintenance Department with Alex, and he always managed to keep the team in good spirits. Alex is a genuine person and was always ready to help out. These great qualities will hold him in good stead during his future career. Greg McMahon LEON SEREMELIS
Leon Seremelis started at Scotch in 2001 as Business Analyst/Data Base Administrator in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). For almost 20 years Leon has been instrumental in procuring, reviewing, developing, integrating and supporting systems that assist in the education of our boys and the administration of the School. Leon has an amazing capacity to understand the complexities, needs and expectations of the School, and to translate this understanding into improved ICT systems, processes and procedures. Without Leon’s involvement, Student Information Systems, Learning Management Systems, Administration Systems, Risk Management/Incident Reporting Systems and the School’s website would not have been procured, developed or implemented, and the integration of in-house systems with
external systems would not have been as effective and well defined. Outside of Scotch, Leon is an accomplished soccer player and runner, and enjoys returning home to Greece whenever he and his family have an opportunity. We thank Leon for his significant contribution to the provision of ICT Services to the Scotch community. Geoff Brown PATTY WALLACESMITH
After seven years working in the Development Office, Patty Wallace-Smith retired at the end of 2020. Patty’s contribution was profound; from arranging fundraising breakfasts to keeping Scotch’s generous donors in touch with the School and with each other, and to assisting with the creation of the new fundraising website. All of this was done from a position of care and with Patty’s unique style and flair. We wish Patty and Andrew all the best for their future endeavours, which will no doubt include a number of grandparenting duties, travel and shopping, of course! The School, and the Foundation, thank Patty for her invaluable contribution to Scotch and look forward to welcoming her and Andrew back to School and Foundation events.
skills and appreciation of product design, photography and painting in his students at all year levels He was Head of Department for three years, playing a key role in plans for the layout of the Spencer Centre for Design and Technology. Dylan’s greatest love is teaching. Giving generously of his time and knowledge to benefit boys’ outcomes, it is no surprise that 11 of his students were shortlisted in 2017 for the coveted Top Design Awards. He greatly enjoyed his role as tutor in Selby Smith and as a form teacher. As Head of the Year 9 Outdoor Leadership Program, Dylan took boys camping around the state, and he also played a key role as Head of Scouts. He participated in six 24 Hour Hikes and led four trips to Nepal, and the Habitat for Humanity community program in Cambodia. Dylan’s devotion to rugby as coach and coordinator inspired boys at all year levels. A talented sculptor in his own right, Dylan’s work has been showcased in art exhibitions at the School. *By-lines have been included for farewells written by colleagues of non-teaching staff.
Tim Shearer
Dylan Coleman announced his departure from Scotch late in 2020, after the December 2020 edition of Great Scot had been published. This farewell was written by Durga Kamte. DYLAN COLEMAN
Dylan Coleman joined Scotch full-time at the start of 2005. Dylan has left an indelible mark in classrooms, workshops, on the sporting field, and in strong connections with communities in Australia and overseas. Dylan has devoted his talents to nurturing
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FOUNDATION
ASSOC. PROF. DOUG LORDING AM ('64) PRESIDENT OF THE SCOTCH COLLEGE FOUNDATION
REFLECTING ON OUR EXPERIENCES, THEN ONWARDS INTO 2022 MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO, DESPITE COVID’S DOMINATION OF THE AIRWAVES Not surprisingly, Vax has been nominated as the Oxford Dictionary’s word of the year. Milestones have been measured in percentages of over 16 year olds who are double vaxxed, and the 12-16 year olds are now fast catching up. News has remained dominated by COVID statistics, and the main controversies have been around the rights of the non-vaxxed. You could be forgiven for thinking that nothing else was going on in the world. One important anniversary that didn’t go unnoticed was ‘time’s nicked its hundred and seventieth notch’ – Scotch’s 170th birthday, 6 October. Unfortunately the Foundation Day Concert had to be abandoned again,
much to the disappointment of boys, staff, parents and Old Boys. This is such a joyous celebration, showcasing the musical talents of so many at the School, and a reminder of our heritage. However we didn’t let the anniversary pass without appropriate acknowledgement. Director of Development, Tim Shearer (’85) and I sent an email to all our Foundation members and others noting the challenges that the School has dealt with in the past, our resilience, and the fact that we have much to look forward to.
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We also took the opportunity to thank all those whose generosity has made Scotch what it is today. We said: ‘So much at Scotch has been achieved through the generosity of the Scotch Family. The facilities which current boys enjoy, and the majority of scholarships and prizes offered, are largely the result of the generosity of generations who have invested in our boys and their School. ‘In essence, the Scotch of today is largely the result of a longstanding philanthropic commitment by many people. As a past supporter of Scotch College and the Scotch College Foundation, we write to you at this challenging time to thank you sincerely for your part in making Scotch what it is today.’ Since I last wrote, the Foundation has received a bequest from the estate of Keith Pralle (’28). A scholarship has been established in his name, and the balance of the $2.8 million bequest has been added to the Foundation Corpus. Our Corpus is a repository for monies that come directly to the Foundation without a specified purpose, as well as some retained earnings. Half of the annual income of the Corpus is passed on to the School for use at its discretion. Clearly the larger the Corpus grows, the more the School benefits. As contributions to the Corpus are not tax deductible, a bequest is an ideal way of contributing to this important fund. The Alexander Morrison Circle was established in 2003 to recognise all those who have indicated that they are making a bequest to one of the College’s funds. It currently has 163 members. Bequest Manager, Sandra Dick is always happy to talk to anyone considering including Scotch College, or the Scotch College Foundation, in their will, and next year we will resume information luncheons for those interested in learning more. We are now living ‘COVID normal’, and with Christmas and the school holidays before us I sincerely hope there are no further setbacks. On behalf of the Foundation I hope that all of our 1866 Foundation members and all the rest of the Scotch community are able to enjoy being with their families and friends over this time of celebration. Hopefully we can all reflect on our experiences of the last 18 months and carry forward some lessons learnt into 2022.
STRONG RESULTS IN A CHALLENGING YEAR UNWAVERING SUPPORT FROM A GENEROUS COMMUNITY MR TIM SHEARER ('85) DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FUNDRAISING PILLAR TARGET COMMITTED TO DATE BUILDING FUND The Boarding Project $7.5M $3.6M Main Oval Pavilion* $7.5M $2.5M Michael Robinson Centre for Mathematics* $15M $4.5M SCHOLARSHIP FUND Indigenous Scholarships $8M $6.5M Tom Batty Scholarship $800K $330K General Sir John Monash Scholarship $5M $1.4M Michael Robinson Boarding Scholarship $1.5M $1M ARCHIVE MUSEUM FUND $1M FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT FUND $5M COMMITTED BEQUESTS 100
THE NEW BOARDING CENTRE
Despite the obvious challenges, the Scotch College Development Office has managed to have a strong year thanks to the generosity of our community. The Development Office works in five-year fundraising blocks and raises funds across five pillars. The areas of focus for the current fundraising period (2021-25) are outlined above.
$325K $2.9M 8
*PROJECTS TO BE APPROVED BY SCHOOL COUNCIL
PILLAR 1: BUILDING FUND Each of these projects has been identified as strategically important to the School. As you can read elsewhere in this edition of Great Scot, the Boarding Project is due to commence in December of this year. The project will see substantial improvements made to the Year 12 and staff accommodation facilities in both McMeckan and School Houses. It also includes the refurbishment of the existing laundry, which presently resides in the only remaining part of the Glenn Estate, into a new boarding centre – a much-needed space where boys from each house can meet casually or formally, and a space where boarding families can gather when they visit the Hill. Plans are afoot to replace the existing Main Oval pavilion which has served generations of boys well since 1965. In order to build a new purpose-built facility, the School needs to build a Grounds compound to house the Grounds facilities presently residing in the Main Oval pavilion. Pending School Council approval, it is hoped that this project will be delivered within the next two to three years. Once these two projects are complete it is proposed to build the Michael Robinson Centre for Mathematics on the southern side of the Keon-Cohen Dining Hall,
*Architectural plans are subject to change
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FOUNDATION
TOM BATT Y SCHOL ARSHIP Honouring 14 years of outstanding leadership
replacing the original General Science building which was also constructed in the 1960s. It seems buildings of this time have a limited life span of approximately 50 to 60 years, with other buildings on the campus from this era also earmarked to be replaced in time. PILLAR 2: SCHOLARSHIP FUND The Tom Batty Scholarship To honour Tom Batty’s outstanding leadership of Scotch College over the past 14 years, the Scotch College Foundation is establishing the Tom Batty Scholarship. This perpetual scholarship will be awarded to boys with a proficiency in mathematics. The scholarship will also reflect Tom’s passion for and commitment to young people, and will provide a lasting legacy of his educational leadership and achievements. The Foundation is seeking to raise $800,000 to create the Tom Batty Scholarship. Donations can be made through a one-off donation or a five-year pledge at any of the Foundation membership levels. I am delighted to report that, at the time of writing, over $300,000 has been committed to this special scholarship. Donations to the Scotch College Foundation Scholarship Fund are tax deductible. You are encouraged to join with us to celebrate Tom’s commitment to Scotch by making a donation to the Tom Batty Scholarship, as we look to open the doors to Scotch for boys who would otherwise be unable to attend the School. Rioli Family Indigenous Scholarship Sadly our plans to run our third 24-hour giving day in 2021 were thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns and restrictions. The Rioli Family Indigenous Scholarship Giving Day has now been rescheduled to Reconciliation Week in 2022. To honour the Riolis, and to create opportunities for future Indigenous students, Scotch College and the
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Scotch College Foundation are establishing the Rioli Family Indigenous Scholarship. The launch dinner at Leonda by the Yarra will be held on the evening of Wednesday 25 May 2022, when the Scotch Family is encouraged to rally together to raise $2M in a single 24-hour period. The Rioli Family Indigenous Scholarship will endow in perpetuity three full Indigenous scholarships at Scotch. Indigenous advocate Dean Parkin will be guest speaker, and we hope a number of members of the Rioli family will attend as guests of honour. If you are interested in attending the fundraising dinner, please contact Rebecca Mortimer via email at rebecca.mortimer@scotch.vic.edu.au. Otherwise, we look forward to your support next year on Thursday 26 May, when we have just 24 hours to open the doors to Scotch for Indigenous students in perpetuity. All donations made on the day will be tax deductible, and will be quadrupled, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our matched givers who have made so much possible. I again extend thanks to the following families who have generously committed to being matched donors, allowing this important initiative to occur: Will (’85) and Kristine Lempriere Jackie and Mike Haintz John and Katie Hudson John (’94) and Amy Tennent Cecilia Zhao and Fung Lam Ross (’66) and Geraldine McOmish David (’89) and Ann Knights Steven Ji and Carin Li Sam (’92) and Georgie Hunt Matthew Davison (’94) and Rachel Nickless Alex Sloan (’71) and Karen Wood Ian Wright The Shearer Family The Gillespie Family Foundation The Lording Family Foundation The estate of Bob Bulley (’42) The estate of Keith Pralle (’28) The Violet Norma Sanders Trust Cox Architects The Scotch College Foundation The Old Scotch Football Club The Senior School Swap Shop The Scotch College 2021 Community Giving Program If you would like to support this important initiative by joining our pool of matched givers and making a five-year tax deductible pledge at any of the Scotch College Foundation giving levels, or to support any of the other projects outlined in this report, I would love to hear from you.
IAN SUTHERLAND AO (’47) DESCRIBES HIS SCHOOLDAYS AT SCOTCH AS ‘A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE’
ABOVE: IAN SUTHERLAND ('48) AS A SCOTCH BOY. RIGHT: IAN AS A CADET LIEUTENANT IN EARLY 1948. FAR RIGHT: IAN AS AN RAAF OFFICER.
GRATITUDE FOR THE START IN LIFE SCOTCH PROVIDED Ian Sutherland’s Scotch years were from 1942 to the early months of 1948. Having been appointed a Probationer and a Cadet Lieutenant in 1948, Ian left the School in April of that year after being offered the opportunity to begin RAAF cadet training at the Royal Australian Air Force College at Point Cook. From Point Cook Ian went to Sydney University, where he graduated as Bachelor of Science in 1951, then in 1954 as Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering with First Class Honours. He had been commissioned as an RAAF officer in 1952, after completing four years as an RAAF cadet. After his university graduation, Ian embarked on a satisfying 41-year career in the RAAF, which included a number of senior overseas postings and a final
four-year duty as the RAAF’s Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Engineering. In the 1984 Queen’s Birthday honours, Ian received an Officer of the Order of Australia award (AO), for service to the Royal Australian Air Force. Music has figured large in Ian’s life. While at Scotch, Ian’s involvement in music was sparked by Scotch’s inaugural Director of Music, John Bishop. Ian learned the piano, leading to a couple of House Music Concert performances and a continuing interest in keyboard music. While at Point Cook he became the RAAF College organist. Throughout his time at Sydney University, Ian was a resident at the university’s St Paul’s College, and played the organ during St Paul’s College church services. Participation in choirs at Scotch generated a long-term interest in singing,
leading to Ian’s 20-year involvement with what is now the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Ian’s late wife, Mary, also sang with the chorus. Ian firmly believes these wonderful lifetime experiences were all a direct outcome of the start in life that Scotch gave him, for which he is eternally grateful. Ian’s Scotch education was facilitated by a government scholarship, aided by a school supplement. This inspired him to make a donation to the Foundation of $800,000, to endow a perpetual scholarship in his name, to enable boys who would otherwise not be able to attend the School to enjoy a Scotch education. Ian says: ‘I hope others with a similar motivation will share with me the satisfaction of giving boys the opportunity to enjoy the excellent education we had at Scotch.’
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DEVELOPMENT
TRANSFORMING BOARDING FACILITIES ON THE HILL
BOARDING WORKS TO COMMENCE IN DECEMBER
THE PROPOSED NEW BOARDING CENTRE ON THE HILL
Boarding has been integral to a Scotch education from the first day it opened its doors as the Melbourne Academy in 1851. As Principal Tom Batty notes: ‘For over 167 years, boys have put paid to the tyranny of distance and journeyed from rural properties, regional towns and international cities to access a Scotch education and make the School a home away from home. In so doing, fresh opportunities have been grasped and lifelong friendships struck for boys and parents.’ Throughout its history, Scotch has been enriched by the presence of boarders and their families. Generations of boys who would otherwise have been unable to attend the School have embraced the Scotch experience, made their mark and contributed much to the School’s story. In so doing, they have kept Scotch’s name and voice alive throughout rural and regional Australia. Today the Scotch name has a global reach. Boarding brings people together, demands care and adaptability, and nurtures the tenets that underpin the very best traditions of liberal independent schooling. Boys share in each other’s joys, successes and disappointments. They learn to appreciate each other’s strengths and foibles, as they establish values and aspirations for a life beyond school. Scotch boarding is characterised by enduring friendships and the opportunities and challenges implicit in life away from family. Principal Tom Batty explains: ‘The intimacy inherent in life on the Hill establishes the primacy of relationships that are the mark of good schooling, helping teachers focus on each boy and the person he could become. Perhaps most importantly, in the traditions of our foundation, by
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treading on each other’s toes and celebrating each other’s talents and quirks, Scotch boarders come to respect the inherent dignity of each person. It is with such convictions that the School has committed to this next phase of development for Scotch boarding.’ The Boarding Project will transform boarding facilities on the Hill for boys, staff and boarding families. Improved accommodation for boys and staff associated with McMeckan and School Houses, and a new Boarding Centre will significantly enrich the lives of all who all the Hill home. Greater opportunity for boys to gather and collide will seed the interactions that form the basis of both learning and communal living, as conversations and engagements struck during the day are pursued into evenings and across weekends, and lifelong friendships forged. The Boarding Project will commence in December of this year, and is hoped to be complete in readiness for the 2023 school year. This project demonstrates the School’s commitment to boarding’s place at the heart of a Scotch education. A fundraising target of $7.5M has been established for this project, and thanks to the generosity of our community, I report that $3.6M in commitments has been secured at the time of writing. To learn more about the Boarding Project, and how you can help bring it to fruition, contact Director of Development Tim Shearer +61 418 107541 or tim.shearer@scotch.vic.edu.au.
OSCA
GETTING OSCA THINGS DONE BY OSCA’S PEOPLE Strengthening connections within and beyond our community MR ANDREW WILSON ('78) OSCA PRESIDENT
In 2019 OSCA Council adopted a strategy framed around three simple ideas – that OSCA provides reasons to connect, ways to connect and opportunities to give back. This has been reinforced many times, and it articulates what is to get done. Then in 2020 Council described The Cardinal Thread, which is about the intangible and invisible force that draws the Scotch Family together. It’s about the feeling and emotion, or why things get done. This year Council rounded out the ‘what and why’ by describing an Operating Model, which addresses ‘how and who’. In simple terms it says that OSCA things get done by OSCA’s people at large, whomever they may be. All are invited to widen and strengthen connections within and beyond our community. Within that mix the role for OSCA Council is not about being all things to all people, or telling others what to do, but instead about addressing governance, providing direction and guidelines, encouraging and supporting, and saying thank you. The above ideas are not particularly new but it is hoped that putting them into words, and giving them names, will help reinforce the ways in which OSCA operates naturally. For example, they are helping OSCA consider the results of its survey of member views held earlier this year. The survey results emphasised the importance of some themes that are already being addressed, and others that are opportunities. They also brought into focus the Operating Model question of by whom the actions might be taken. Top of the list is support. A huge proportion (40 per cent) of Old Boys would like (or would have liked) support as they transition from school to life afterwards – and 32 per cent would like (or would have liked) support in connecting with other undergraduate Old Boys at the same university. Similar numbers would like (or would have liked) support in changing tertiary course or institution, finding a graduate or non-graduate (e.g., trade apprenticeship) role and/or preparing for employment. The Young Old Boys have significantly increased OSCA’s contributions in these areas, but others are encouraged to chip in.
Significant numbers would like (or would have liked) help in changing or finding new jobs, changing career or vocation, moving a business to a new level and vocation-specific networking, accessing support in relation to mental or physical health, or transitioning to life beyond full-time work or retirement. The scale and dispersed nature of these needs is such that they are best addressed not by a central function, but instead by OSCA’s people at large; keeping an eye out to see what they might reasonably be able to do. Another need is about OSCA improving its communications, and especially about telling more of its stories, such as about Old Boys contributing to (or being successful in) the community. The stories being told through Great Scot are valuable but there are many more stories out there, and mechanisms such as OSCAconnect and LinkedIn are under-used. Old Boys at large are encouraged to share more stories – but there is also a need for OSCA’s central functions to become stronger in this area. If you’d like to contribute then please reach out to OSCA Executive Director Scott Montgomery (’85). A third strong theme was about developing an OSCA club or enterprise that focuses on building the capacity of the community outside the Scotch Family. It fits perfectly with OSCA’s third strategy element, that of providing ways to give back. Harnessing this latent interest will again depend on some potential leaders coming forward. Two other areas of strong interest were expressed: improving OSCA engagement ‘out of Melbourne’, and golf. If you’d like to lead in either of those areas then again please contact Scott, or simply see what you can achieve of your own initiative. The scope of ‘out of Melbourne’ need not be confined to the traditional paradigm of branch events, and it need not be location-centric. In contrast, an OSCA resource that is inescapably centric to Melbourne is OSCA House. Due to the pandemic and its newness it is under-used, and 2022 should be the year to put it to work. It should be alive with Old Boys, of all ages, from dawn to dusk and beyond. This will take some organising, but should become a rich source of connection and of addressing some of the needs articulated above. I look forward to seeing you there!
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OSCA
GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER OSCA’s plans for a big 2022 MR SCOTT MONTGOMERY ('85) OSCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
THE OSCA PODCAST TEAM WITH GUEST JAMES ROOK (‘15) BELOW: JACK MANNING (‘20), SCOTT MONTGOMERY (‘85), JAMES ROOK (‘15), LACHIE STRATHMORE (‘15), WILL DIXON (‘19)
On Wednesday 3 November, much to our delight and relief, we were given the green light to return to OSCA House after the latest lockdown. I must admit it felt very surreal being back in the office. I think we are all relieved that a sense of normality has crept back into our lives, and the days of working at home in tracksuits and active wear are now behind us. As an organisation, OSCA has continued to be positive and to keep our community engaged and connected. But it’s the strength of our alumni that
continues to shine. Examples include catch-ups over coffee to assist a young Old Boy, a Scotch running group seen jogging in the rain along Gardiners Creek, and the informal gatherings held in Perth, Melbourne and Hobart, reported in this edition of Great Scot, that give strength to us all. The latest OSCA podcast with James Rook (’15), and his tales of exploits as coxswain in the Australian Olympic women’s eight at the recent Tokyo Olympics, was just terrific. It’s an inspiring story which is definitely worth a listen: he is a young man who has followed his passions, has overcome setbacks, and is driven and resilient. I am also extremely proud of the crew behind the scenes that allow such productions to take place, and become part of our offerings to our community. The Young Old Boys continue to deliver and are really setting themselves up to build on what they have done
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so far, as they look forward confidently to a big 2022. Lachie Strathmore (‘15) and Mitch Bradley (‘10) have stepped down from their leadership posts, and we can’t thank them enough for their contributions to the YOBs’ Committee. They will continue to assist, but the baton has been handed to Teddy Webster (’17) – President, and Will Dixon (’19) – Vice President. Planning for 2022 has been a key focus; in particular, how we can ‘get the band back together’. Reunions play a big part of this remit, and always have. Since OSCA’s very earliest days in 1913 we have organised countless reunions and functions which have enabled Old Boys to maintain or reignite old friendships from their schooldays. The calendar of events is now set, so please note them in your diary. Go to www.oscanet.com.au/events.
SAY ‘G’DAY’ WITH OSCAconnect BY USING THE DIRECTORY OSCAconnect gives Old Boys direct and simple connectivity We all recognise that the past 18+ months have been particularly tough for many people. Even the hardiest of us may have experienced increased stress and a feeling of loneliness during the prolonged periods of social isolation. And so, looking after our mental health and our mates has never been more important. As we slowly start on our path out of the pandemic, OSCAconnect is providing a practical, simple and effective way for many Old Scotch Collegians to be connected. OSCAconnect is an online community platform, exclusive to Old Boys, designed to facilitate easy and direct communication and connection across the 17,500-strong alumni community.
During the pandemic, several Old Boys have successfully used the OSCAconnect directory to stay connected and reconnect with their peers. By signing up to the free-to-use platform, you can create your own profile and then search for and successfully connect with other Old Boys. Using the directory feature, you can search for Old Boys by name, peer year, current location, university, or current occupation. If you’d like to catch up, say g’day, or share a coffee or a beer with an old school friend, then OSCAconnect puts direct and simple connectivity in your hands.
IPHONE
ANDROID
DOWNLOAD THE OSCACONNECT APP BY SCANNING THE QR CODES:
USING THE DIRECTORY: STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
Login or register for OSCAconnect
Head to the directory
Search for Old Boys, or find Old Boys by peer year, current location, university or current occupation
Get in touch and connect
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OSCA
A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE IN SPORTS ADMINISTRATION ANDREW FAICHNEY (’93) HAS HANDLED KEY ROLES IN ATHLETICS AND CRICKET
ANDREW FAICHNEY ('93)
As reported in the September edition of Great Scot, four Old Scotch Collegian athletes competed in the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games – Josh Booth (’08) Stuart Sim (’11) and James Rook (’15) in rowing, and Denis Genreau in soccer, while senior coach Craig Hilliard (’74) continued an illustrious coaching career in the role of Targeted Athlete Campaign Lead for the Australian Athletics team. Great Scot has since been alerted to the prominent role of another Old Scotch Collegian at the Tokyo Olympics – Andrew Faichney (’93) who was Head of Delegation for the Track and Field Team. Andrew Faichney had an excellent grounding at Scotch for a future role as an elite athlete. He was Captain of Athletics and Vice Captain of the 1st XVIII. Following his graduation from Deakin University as Bachelor of Teaching (secondary) and Bachelor of Human Movement in 1999, Andrew commenced his career in sports administration. His athletics career included both state and national under age titles in high jump, long jump, triple jump and multi-event championships. In 1994 he qualified for the World Junior Championships, however injury prevented him from participating. For some years until his graduation, he continued to compete in A grade for the Old Scotch Athletics Club, and also to play for the Old Scotch Football Club.
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Andrew joined Athletics Australia in 1999 as the National Development Officer (1999-2000), and was involved in the Sydney Olympic Games. He became the coordinator for the Paralympians in 2001, and developed a Paralympian Preparation Program. He has maintained close involvement with these athletes for over 20 years, and has managed Paralympian teams to World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games. In 2002 Andrew attended the Manchester Commonwealth Games as an observer, and the next year he was appointed Planning Coordinator – Track and Field Athletics and Archery for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. From 2003 to 2006 he was Program Organiser and Manager – Track and Field (including marathons, tri-athletics and walks). In 2003 he was also appointed as Program Manager for the International Athletics Grand Prix meeting held in Melbourne. Following the Melbourne Commonwealth Games Andrew travelled to Europe and the UAE, where he was employed with the International Cricket Council in Dubai, as Coordinator of the ICC World Cricket League (2007-2010). On his return to Australia, he worked jointly for Cricket Australia and the International Cricket Council in the role of Development Officer for Asia and the Pacific until 2011. In 2012 Andrew was invited to return to Athletics Australia as Manager of Para-Games and Paralympians. In this capacity he was Team Manager for both World Championships and the 2012 Paralympic Games in London and in Rio de Janeiro, 2016. Andrew always supported the concept of a combined Australian Athletics team. As a result, was appointed Head of Delegation for the Australian Commonwealth Games Team (combined para-athletes with able-bodied athletes) for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Later that year, Andrew was appointed to the Senior Management Team at Athletics Australia as Head of High Performance Systems. This position was reformed as High Performance General Manager in 2020, and in this capacity he assumed responsibility for the Australian Track and Field Athletics Team for Tokyo 2021. He continues in his role as Director for High Performance and oversees the coaching and training of Paralympians as well as able-bodied athletes.
YEARS PEEL AWAY AS OLD BOYS GATHER AT KOOYONG ‘GOOD VENUE, GOOD MEAL AND OUR MATES FROM “YESTERYEAR”’
ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: GEOFF IRVINE (’63), IAN PICKEN (’64), GARRY JENNINGS AO (’63), ADRIAN JONES (’62), DAVID TEMPLE (’63), DOUG LORDING AM (’64), ANDREW JAMIESON (’63), IAN MARCHMENT (’64), ROSS JOHNSTON (’63). DAVID TEMPLE, DOUG LORDING AND ROSS JOHNSTON WERE MEMBERS OF THE PREMIERSHIP-WINNING 1964 1ST XI.
Fifty-three members of the Scotch Classes of 1963 and 1964 gathered at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club for lunch on 26 November, in a reunion organised by Ian Marchment (’64). The reunion was a great success. In true Scotch style, guests were piped in by Keith Heale, appropriately a member of the Class of 1963, then settled down to enjoy a delicious lunch. All participants were invited to provide a one-minute bio of their careers. Some Old Boys exceeded their allotted minute, prompting Ian to remark: ‘Some of them obviously did not pass maths!’ Many recalled their challenges to get into university, and spoke of the twists and turns life had presented to them. Not all paths were academic, but all have had interesting journeys and successful careers. David Temple (’63) commented: ‘I thought the whole day went well, with a good venue, good meal and our mates from
"yesteryear". All in all they are a remarkably diverse and talented group, and as the years go by it is important to stay in touch.’ Dave Kaufman (’63) said: ‘It was a good venue, and it was fascinating to hear the one-minute, and some a lot longer, tales of life after school.’ In his OSCA President’s article in this edition, Andrew Wilson (’78) remarks that ‘the role for OSCA Council is not about being all things to all people, or telling others what to do, but instead about addressing governance, providing direction and guidelines, encouraging and supporting, and saying thank you.’ Ian Marchment’s informal 1963/64 reunion is an excellent example of an event arranged outside OSCA’s auspices, but within the spirit of ‘reasons to connect and ways to connect’ which OSCA holds dear. Ian hopes the 1963/64 reunion will become an annual event.
THREE CAPTAINS TOGETHER – ’35, ’20 AND ’21
Scotch School Captains from 2020 (Will Dixon ’19) and 2021 (Nik Tsourvakas ’20) joined OSCA Executive Director, Scott Montgomery (’85) and the Scotch Foundation’s Bequest Program Manager, Sandra Dick, to visit Scotch’s 1935 School Captain, Bill Morgan, for morning tea on Friday 19 November. It was a privilege to visit Bill, who at 106 is Scotch’s oldest known living Old Boy. Also present was Bill’s son, John (’69). At one point Bill learnt that Nik Tsourvakas has Greek origins, and he found an old Bible written in the Greek language. Nik read, in Greek, several extracts from this century-old Bible, which intrigued Bill and the other guests.
BILL MORGAN (’35), SECOND FROM LEFT, WITH 2020 SCHOOL CAPTAIN WILL DIXON (’19 – LEFT), 2021 SCHOOL CAPTAIN NIK TSOURVAKAS (’20), SECOND FROM RIGHT, AND OSCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SCOTT MONTGOMERY (’85)
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OSCA
'MAKE YOUR REUNION A NIGHT TO REMEMBER' To ensure your reunion night is a great success, planning is essential. Join your 'Reunion Committee' and get involved to assist OSCA in making your reunion the night you want it to be. Together with a few other Old Boys from your year group, this will involve a few hours of your time including: 1. Reaching out to those in your year group to tell them about the reunion and encourage them to attend; 2. Attending yourself, and bring along your friends; 3. Assisting with ‘lost contacts’ – providing us with contact detail for any names you may recognise within your year list; and 4. Assisting the OSCA office in making your reunion the night you want it to be. While we have been unable to connect this year, we have been mindful that there is plenty of catching up to do, and we are excited to release the 2022 calendar of reunions. If your reunion is scheduled to take place in 2022, please take note of the date in your diary, and ‘save the date’. Reunion invitations are sent six weeks prior to your event.
If you are interested in assisting the Reunion Committee, please contact Caroline Taylor, OSCA Events and Communications Coordinator, by emailing caroline.taylor@scotch.vic.edu.au.
Footnote: details correct at time of writing. Please confirm final dates for 2022 at www.oscanet.com.au
Reunions 2022 5 Year Reunion Classes of 2015, 2016, 2017 Friday 28 January 20 Year Reunion Classes of 2000, 2001, 2002 Friday 4 February 1 Year Reunion Class of 2021 Tuesday 15 February 10 Year Reunion Classes of 2010, 2011, 2012 Friday 25 February 30 Year Reunion Class of 1992 Friday 18 March 40 Year Reunion Class of 1980 Friday 25 March 40 Year Reunion Class of 1981 Friday 1 April 40 Year Reunion Class of 1982 Friday 19 August 60 Year Reunion Class of 1960, 1961, 1962 Friday 18 November 50 Year Reunion Classes of 1970, 1971, 1972 Friday 25 November
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Hobart SCOTCH FAMILY BRANCH 30 October 2021 Josef Chromy Wines Relbia, Tasmania The Tasmanian clan met at Josef Chromy Wines, near Launceston. This venue was chosen in an attempt to bring OSCA clans in the whole state of Tasmania together in a mutually acceptable central location. Unfortunately COVID restrictions prevented our normal visitors from interstate from visiting Tasmania, so it was a small get-together: but we all resolved that we would meet again – same time, same place, next year. The move to Launceston was unanimously approved! Joseph Chromy Wines offered superb food and wine, overlooking the vines. Our group photo was taken outside the restaurant.
LEFT TO RIGHT: ANDREW SCOTT (‘81), MADELINE SCOTT (FORMER STAFF), DAVID DYSON (‘60), PRUE REDDISH, JOHN (’49) AND SUSAN HOGAN, MARIA REED, BRIAN REDDISH (‘65), JOHN REED (‘65).
Perth SCOTCH FAMILY BRANCH 11 November 2021 The Albion Hotel Cottesloe, Western Australia The OSCA Perth Branch gathered at the Albion Hotel in Cottesloe on 11 November, with 16 Old Boys attending (whose leaving years ranged from 1953 to 2002), along with five wives and partners. The 1975 leavers cohort scooped the pool, with three attendees – Mike Richards, Lachie McCaw and Peter Walton. A decorative touch was provided with a 1940s blazer, two 1960s school caps and some 1970s attire, including blazer, ties, sports jumper, cricket cap and athletics singlet. (It was uncertain whether the singlet was ever washed after last use.) Memorial Hall also featured, with a print of an early etching, viewed from the area which later became the Lower Ovals, by John Shirlow, an art teacher at Scotch from 1926-36; and there was an artist’s proof of a 1980s painting by Bob Wade (’49).
THE PERTH BRANCH FUNCTION AT THE ALBION HOTEL IN COTTESLOE ATTRACTED 21 SCOTCH FAMILY MEMBERS
The atmosphere became even more lively as the evening wore on, and promises were made on departure to do it all again sometime soon. Suffice to say, a good time was had by all.
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OSCA Soccer
SOCCER CLUB LOOKS TO BUILD ON A SUCCESSFUL 2021 SEASON THE CLUB’S EXCITING EXPANSION PLANS The 2021 season, despite being impacted by lockdowns and being cut short due to COVID-19, was one of many successes for the Old Scotch Soccer Club. The club hopes to build on the successes to ensure an even better season in 2022. The Seniors started the season in the State League 2 South-East division very strongly with 11 wins in a row, and finished the season on top of the ladder with an impressive average of 2.4 goals scored per game. What makes this result even more impressive is that, by the end of the season, the Seniors had played the teams that finished second, third, and fourth on the ladder, twice each. A highlight of the season was the Seniors’ performance against the famous Melbourne Knights in the FFA Cup, which also happened to be the debut Seniors game for Jett Beale (Scotch’s 2020 Captain of Soccer). The consistently strong performance of the Seniors this season shows great promise for next year. Despite being one of the youngest teams, the Reserves similarly had a successful season, finishing in second place with a
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ABOVE: OLD SCOTCH SOCCER CLUB SENIORS AT THE SEASON OPENER AGAINST COLLINGWOOD CITY SOCCER CLUB. TOP: OLD SCOTCH SOCCER CLUB SENIORS IN ACTION AGAINST THE MELBOURNE KNIGHTS IN THE FOOTBALL FEDERATION AUSTRALIA CUP.
commendable goal difference of 26. A highlight of the season was the team’s 9-1 drubbing of Berwick City. Luke Clifford (Scotch’s 2020 Vice Captain of Soccer) played in the Reserves and trained with the Seniors. Three of our four Sunday teams (the Thirds, Blues, and Cardinals) played in the Metropolitan League, which is the top Sunday league in Victoria. The teams each finished in the top six, with the Cardinals in third place, the Blues fifth, and the Thirds sixth. Each team had an impressive average of nearly 2.5 goals per game, which is not an easy feat in a league that involves older players who played at very high levels in their youth. Our fourth Sunday team, the Golds, finished its season in Metropolitan League 5 in ninth place. Finally, our junior teams (girls’ under 13s, boys’ under 11s, and boys’ under 9s) each had a great season with strong squad numbers and lots of enthusiasm and passion from the players and families. Our junior girls’ team finished its season in ninth place. Subject to COVID-19, pre-season for 2022 will commence in midJanuary 2022 at Scotch. The Old Scotch Soccer Club encourages Old Boys to join the club, and is delighted to announce that, in 2022, the Old Scotch Collegians’ Association will subsidise 50 per cent of the club membership fee for Old Boys of any age who are in their first year of playing at the club. We are also excited to announce that the club is expanding and is hoping to launch an inaugural women’s team in 2022. The club is currently seeking expressions of interest for players, sponsors, and volunteers. Please email committee@ossc.com.au for the answers to any queries, including in relation to pre-season, joining the club, and the women’s team. JASON CHOI (’07) – OLD SCOTCH SOCCER CLUB
BACK ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT): JOHN LLOYD (’81), BEN LLOYD (’18), RYAN HIGGINS, BILL KELSALL, JONTY LUPSON (’18), JOHN SCURRY, PRAMOD REYNOLD. FRONT ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT): LACHIE FRASER-SMITH (’85), CHRIS MCKENNA, DAVID POLMEAR (’80), PAUL LUND, VINOD RICHARDS
Cricket
EARLY SUCCESS FOR OLD SCOTCH CRICKET CLUB Season finally starts for the young and the experienced
With the season finally underway, at the time of writing Old Scotch Cricket Club had already made its mark on the competition, with two strong wins to the 1st XI and the newly launched 3rd XI. The enthusiasm of young blood has helped the 1st XI gain bonus points in both the first two games, with Cameron Hemp (’19) making 65 not out against MCC and Harrison Goad (’13) and William Bonwick (’16) tearing Old Trinity apart with three wickets for 19 and five for six, respectively. Sam Dawborn (’15) has also added strength to the top order. The 2nd XI, although strong on paper and experience, have yet to hit their straps, having played two of the stronger sides, but will undoubtedly make their presence felt as the season progresses. Charlie Schilling (’18) and Tom Edney (’15) have led the way with the bat. The 3rd XI has brought great enthusiasm and wisdom to the club, along with father-
son combinations, John (’81) and Ben Lloyd (’18), Lachie (’85) and Will Fraser-Smith (’18) and Gary (’88), Nick (’20) and Joel Bennett (Year 11). The 3rd XI is captained masterly by Paul ‘Reg’ Lund and managed by David Polmear (’80) and John Lloyd. David Polmear’s 75 not out and three for nine in the first game of the season against Old Caulfield/NCG and 68 by Santush Gunawardene (’16) against MHOB have been the stand-out performances so far. We wish to sincerely thank our sponsors the Elgin Inn, AANDI Lawyers, Pinnacle Road and OSCA, all who have helped to maintain the club’s strength during challenging times. Weekly updates of team performances, fixtures and social memberships are available on www.oldscotchcc.com.au or through our regular e-newsletters. Surround yourself in the excitement! MARK GRIFFITHS (’80) – PRESIDENT, OLD SCOTCH CRICKET CLUB
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OSCA
Old Scotch Football Club Centenary Dinner 4 MA RC H 20 22
In 2021 the Old Sco Venue:
Date:
Time:
Dress:
Tickets:
tch Football Club celebrates its cen tenary. Please join your Old Scotch Foo us with tball Club friends for this special occ asion. MCC Dining Room, MCG, Melbourne Friday 4 March 2022
6.30pm for 7.00pm Business Suit
$175.00 Ticket and Centena ry Book: $225.00 Book online: https://w ww.trybooking.com /BSXCC or directly with San dra Dick: 0418 323 904 or sandra.dick@scotch .vic.edu.au
Please note: Your ticket payment will be fully refunded shou the function be canc ld elled due to COVID 19 restrictions MAJOR CORPORATE
PARTNERS
COMMUNITY PARTN
ERS
Football
FOOTBALL CLUB’S CENTENARY YEAR ENDS ON AN ONLINE HIGH Centenary dinner to be held in club’s 101st year 72 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
The centenary year that nearly wasn’t ended on an online high, with the live streaming of the club’s best and fairest awards on Friday 15 October. Sincere thanks are extended to Steve Blenheim and Ian Bonnitcha for putting the show together. Thanks also to Andrew Jelbart (’11), Henry Dick (’09) and Lucy Morley, our expert MCs. In case you missed it, the 2021 award winners are listed below: Perpetual Trophy – Bryan Gibbs Distinguished Service Award: John Bell (’60), Bruce Brown (’60) and Geoff McCracken (’65) for their production of the club’s centenary history: The Old Scotch Football Club – Fighting for the Cardinal, Gold and Blue. Perpetual Trophy – Bill Pearson Highest Club Goalkicker Award: Alex Theodosi Men’s 1st XVIII Perpetual Trophy – McGregor 1st Best and Fairest Award: Brodie Easton
2nd Best and Fairest: Aidan Franetic (’13) 3rd Best and Fairest: Andrew Jelbart (’11) Coaches’ Award: Lachlan Byrne-Jones (’15) Perpetual Trophy – Ian McKinley Wilson Encouragement Award: Zac Oliver Perpetual Trophy – Manson Russel Most Sacrificial Acts Award: Tom Blenheim (’17) Perpetual Trophy – Ewen Davidson Team Player Of The Year Award: Brodie Easton Men’s 2nd XVIII 1st Best and Fairest: Charlie Schilling (’17) 2nd Best and Fairest: Henry Dick (’09) 3rd Best and Fairest: Tom Lindholm (’15) Coaches’ Award: Charlie Jackson Women’s 1st XVIII (Stars) 1st Best and Fairest: Jordan Mifsud 2nd Best and Fairest: Lily Goss 3rd Best and Fairest: Mia Caffry Coaches’ Award: Emily Fraser-Smith Best Finals Player Award: Ella Scriberras Women’s 2nd XVIII (Sharks) 1st Best and Fairest: Emily Joyce Equal 2nd Best and Fairest: Olivia Arundel and Brooklyn Giacometti Coaches’ Award: Adelaide Wang Best Finals Player Award: Melanie Edwards Men’s 3rd XVIII Equal 1st Best and Fairest: James Broderick and Charlie Dixon (’12) Equal 3rd Best and Fairest: Dylan Clark and Steve Fillippou Coaches’ Award: Tom Holding (’11) Men’s Under 23 1st Best and Fairest: Fred Osborn (’17) 2nd Best and Fairest: Angus Manson (’17) 3rd Best and Fairest: Matt Cheah (’17) Coaches’ Award: Alex Lake Under 19 Premier Perpetual Trophy – 1st Best and Fairest: Angus Halse (’19) 2nd Best and Fairest: Hugo Boreham (’20) 3rd Best and Fairest: Jack McCorkell (’20) Coaches’ Award: Angus Jones (’20) Gus Taylor Most Promising Player Award: Rob Symons Under 19 (2) Perpetual Trophy – 1st Best and Fairest: Justin Baumgarten (’19) 2nd Best and Fairest: Griffin Schultz (’20) Equal 3rd Best and Fairest: Jack Beilby (’19) and Rye Spark
Bushwalking Coaches’ Award: George Kotsonis Player milestones 150 Games: Mitch Bradley (’10), Alex Van Ryn (’09) 100 Games: Will Hewson (’11), Josh Gordon (’13) With the prevailing COVID-19 conditions the club has made the decision to (again) postpone the OSFC Centenary Dinner. In a sign of the bizarre times in which we live, the OSFC Centenary Dinner will now be held in its 101st year, on Friday 4 March 2022 in the Members’ Dining Room at the MCG. The club has made this decision factoring in the vaccination rate-aligned road map out of lockdown, the prevailing uncertainty around events and number of attendees, and our intention to give this event every chance of being the wonderful success that it deserves to be. I am delighted to announce that past player David Temple (’63) will be the dinner’s master of ceremonies. Other features of the night include: the announcement of a major new club award; the announcement of the club’s Team of its Century; and the presentation of three new Life Memberships. We plan to ensure that plenty of time is made available for past players to catch up with their former teammates, and a special ‘post-match’ celebrations venue has been booked. We apologise for any inconvenience that this postponement may cause, and all existing bookings will be automatically pushed forward to the new date. The club will, of course, issue full refunds to those who have previously booked for the dinner and can no longer attend on the new date. If you are interested in attending and are yet to book for this special event, please do so by following the link below: https://www.trybooking.com/BSXCC We are still looking for past players to put their hands up to coordinate a table for the dinner. If you are happy to help rally the troops, OSFC Events Manager Sandra Dick would love to hear from you: Sandra Dick: sandra.dick@scotch.vic.edu.au; 0418 323 904.
A CLIFFTOP VISTA OF BUSHRANGERS BAY
BUSHWALKERS AT BUSHRANGERS BAY FIRST WALK SINCE LOCKDOWNS WAS AN ENJOYABLE 11KM STROLL Blue skies and light winds greeted 15 Old Scotch Bushwalking Club members on the morning of Sunday 7 November as – at last, after the latest lockdowns – we were free to walk again. Gathering at a car park on Boneo Road to walk the Cape Schanck leg of the Two Bays Walking Track on the Mornington Peninsula, we were pleased to welcome Anne Hewett, a new member, and Libby and Alex Marshall (’65) who have rejoined the club after a few years’ absence. The beginning of the walk was a good foot track along the slopes high above the west bank of Main Creek, passing through stands of coastal banksias. The track contoured along, and there were good views of basalt cliffs around Bushrangers Bay. Here we made a side trip, descending to the beach area for morning tea. After the detour we continued walking west along the clifftop, at first to nearby Burrabong Creek, which we crossed on a footbridge. High points gave broad views of the coastal cliffs. Nearer Cape Schanck lighthouse there is an excellent lookout with wonderful views of Bushrangers Bay and Cape Schanck. Further on at another lookout area we had our lunch break. We then retraced our walk back, omitting the beach side trip. A highlight was the sighting of three echidnas along the way. It was a most enjoyable 11km walk, with a few ups and downs and some flights of steps, but it wasn’t too difficult – ideal for our first walk since July. PAM MCLEOD – OLD SCOTCH BUSHWALKING CLUB
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 73
OSCA Chaplain
TRANSPORTS OF DELIGHT IN LOCKDOWN #6
(WITH APOLOGIES TO LUKE SLATTERY) LEFT: 1650 MAP OF ST PAUL'S TRAVELS
Early in our first lockdown, as the first hints of a massive impact on travel were emerging and borders closed around the world, Luke Slattery wrote an insightful article about travel. He described travel writing as the ‘taproot’ of literature. Now I have always been a fan of travel. Before I was 10 years old I had travelled halfway round the world three times. In my early teens I was greatly taken with the travels of St Paul. I detailed a poster-sized map of his three missionary journeys, and his final voyage, to Rome, all painstakingly copied from the back of my Bible. When as a callow youth I travelled again to the northern hemisphere I had acquired the rudiments of a technical education, but nothing of the classics. My ongoing study of engineering did nothing to address this deficit. By this time, travel, at my parents’ expense, was of great interest to me – an education in itself, and a metaphor for life. There were many benefits, challenges and pleasures. But the taproot of literature?
74 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
The Bible is itself a document of travel; Genesis to Revelation is a journey from a garden to a garden city. Abraham, father of the faithful, was a pilgrim. Travel is a metaphor for life. Christians have seen and explored this idea. Think Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress or Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. I have revisited the literary movement in Luke-Acts many times over the years, not least in the teaching of Texts and Traditions at Scotch. Archaeological inscriptions, such as the Priene Calendar Inscription (Berlin Museum) describe the ‘good news’ (euangelion) of the Roman Emperor Augustus as the Saviour, rescuing the world from ‘the evils of war and chaos’ (Marianne Bonz). The Gospels use a similar vocabulary. Mark also writes about ‘good news’ (euangelion). Luke tells of the birth of a Saviour. Luke makes it clear by his imperial references (in chapters 2 and 3) that the Emperor had a challenger; the signs are that a different kind of Saviour is born. The terms used of
Augustus, says Luke, more properly belong to ‘another king, one called Jesus’ (Acts 17:7). On Sundays through liveable Melbourne’s sixth COVID lockdown, I have had the pleasure of guiding my congregation by livestreamed services, in the steps of St Paul in Acts. It was a kind of surrogate journeying, even as we continued constrained in life’s real journey, sadly, at times losing travelling companions. This time, journeying through Acts I have taken onboard fresh insights from some gleaned knowledge of the classics. I am indebted to the writings of Tom Wright, Marianne Bonz and Michael Kochenash. To these readers of the classics it is clear there are elements within Luke’s two volumes which evoke Virgil’s epic. Bonz, of Harvard University writes: ‘It is no exaggeration to say that Virgil’s Aeneid became the definitive literary embodiment of the gospel of Rome … The promise of ancient Troy reaches its fulfilment in the creation of the Roman people, just as, in Luke’s narrative, the promise of ancient Israel reaches its fulfilment in the establishment and growth of the Christian church.’ The Luke-Acts combo gives every appearance of being modelled on Virgil’s popular founding narrative of Rome. In the face of Virgil’s popular new ‘gospel of Rome’, Luke-Acts presents the Good News of how Israel’s God became king. Bonz again: ‘At the centre of Luke’s theological reflections is the conviction that the divine solution for human salvation involves not just the death of the beloved son but also the rebirth of the people of God.’ ‘Travel writing is not some kind of branch of literature, it’s the very taproot’ says Luke Slattery. I think he may be right! As we tap into the divine solution for human salvation we discover a whole new world of personal journeying. Even in lockdown, it is liberating. GRAHAM BRADBEER – OSCA CHAPLAIN
WHAT THEY'RE DOING NOW – compiled by David Ashton ('65)
LEFT TO RIGHT: JOHN CATHCART (’48); DAVID KELLY (’54), IAN MORRISON (’55) AND JIM DERHAM (’56); BLAIR CURRIE (’57) AS A SCHOOLBOY
1940s FATHER JOHN CATHCART (’48) resigned
at the age of 90, against protest, from the leadership of an international humanitarian and missionary organisation. His final job prior to retirement was to install a water ducting and distribution system in the Philippines province of Mindoro Orientale for the rainforest Mang Yang people, in cooperation with General Johnny Macanas of the Philippines Army. At 90 John started ranching and farming in the wild Piney Woods of East Texas, near the Texan town of Atlanta on the borders of Arkansas and Louisiana. East Texas does not fit the Texas stereotype of desert, cactus, cowboys and tumbleweeds – it is heavily watered and forested. On the ranch, John is accompanied by a grandson in his mid-twenties who helps with the work. Ranching is just one of John’s wide range of interests. ‘I write books of a theological, historic, and cultural nature, and I score regional and rural music, courtesy of my professionally-trained Scottish father,’ he told Great Scot. ‘I am going to develop a vineyard, cultivate Mason bees, and raise prize cattle,’ he said. ‘I will always be indebted to Scotch College for the way the School transformed my life.’
1950s DAVID (‘NED’) KELLY (’54), IAN (‘NIPPER’) MORRISON (’55) and JIM DERHAM (’56) got
together in November at ‘Toonwilloo’, Jim’s farm at Winchelsea. (See photo above.) DR BLAIR CURRIE (’57) graduated in Medicine and Psychiatry at the University
of Melbourne, and in tropical medicine at Liverpool University in England. Blair has had a most interesting working life, predominantly in mental health. He initially spent a year in South Africa and a year in the army in Papua New Guinea. For the next 20 years he was with the Victorian Mental Health Authority at Ararat Mental Hospital, in J Ward (originally the Ararat County Gaol) and then at Pentridge Prison. For approximately another 20 years Blair worked in a mental hospital on the prairie in Alberta, Canada. He is now semi-retired, but is still a part-time member of the Mental Health Tribunal. Blair and his late wife Bernice settled at Forrest in the Otways. Blair and Bernice had five children, with two sons BLAIR ('88) and JOHN ('89) having attended Scotch; a grandson WILL ('20) also attended the School. After leaving Scotch, GEOFF SMITH (’58) studied accountancy and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1963, after which he was employed by large city firms for some years, and eventually went into partnership in a suburban accountancy firm, where he worked for several decades before retiring in 2016. Over the years he has done honorary work as treasurer or auditor for various community organisations. Geoff has always been keen on sport, and he has played cricket, football, tennis and golf. He still plays and enjoys golf. He also loves camping in the bush and travelling in the outback, often with family members.
1960s Philosopher Professor PETER SINGER AC (’63) has been awarded the 2021
Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture, of US$1 million. The Berggruen Institute, located in Los Angeles, awards the prize annually to individuals in recognition of ‘major achievements in advancing ideas that shape the world’. Peter, who is Ira W DeCamp Professor of Bioethics in the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University, told National Public Radio in the USA: ‘Half of the prize will go to people in extreme poverty, and a third of it is going to help reduce the suffering of factory-farmed animals. And [the rest] will go to other causes. Global poverty and reducing the suffering of animals are things I've worked on pretty much my whole adult life, and I continue to think that they are important objectives.’ In a report in The Age, Peter said he didn’t consider keeping the prize money, though he did first consult his wife, Renata. ‘She was supportive, so, once I was clear about that, I didn’t have any doubts,’ he told the paper. After university, JOHN STEWART (’68) worked for 13 years in the tyre industry and after that for 24 years for a machine tool company, retiring at 61, as he says, ‘to do what I want to do’. John and his wife Margaret have been married for 47 years, and have four daughters and four grandsons. They live at East Kew. John told Great Scot: ‘I spend my time with grandparenting, family home maintenance, helping out at the kindergarten, time at the beach house and travelling. I am known as “Mr Fixit”’.
1970s Having completed a degree in Veterinary
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 75
OSCA
LEFT TO RIGHT: GEOFF SMITH (’58); JOHN STEWART (’68); DONALD WARD (’79); EAMONN BEAMISH (’79); BILL BORRIE (’80)
Science at the University of Melbourne in 1985, DONALD WARD ('79) first worked in Clifton Hill. After living in various places he settled in Clifton Hill about 13 years ago. He worked in Melbourne for a few years, including time at the Lost Dogs' Home, and then moved to Scotland and lived just outside Edinburgh, in Dunfermline. ‘I enjoyed Scottish life for seven years,’ he told Great Scot, ‘but then decided to return to the beaches and food of Victoria. I was lucky enough to continue working in Scotland during their summertime for 15 years after my return to Melbourne.’ Donald now works in a small veterinary practice in bayside Melbourne, and spends his weekends in Anglesea. In partnership with his wife, Julie, EAMONN BEAMISH (’79) owns and operates Alliance Owners Corporation Management, located in Glen Iris. Eamonn and Julie have been married for 33 years, and have three children: two boys and a girl. Outside of work and family life, soccer, and in particular the Old Scotch Soccer Club, play an important part in Eamonn’s life. He has taken on many roles with the club, including as a player and later as a coach. Eamonn is currently Senior Coach of the club. He is a former coach of the 1st XI Soccer team at Scotch, a role he performed for six years. Before joining the Old Scotch Soccer Club, Eamonn played for South Melbourne in the State League, and he was also selected in the Victorian under 19 soccer team. Although always preferring an active role as a player, coach and administrator, Eamonn does enjoy following the fortunes of Chelsea Football Club in the English Premier League.
76 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
1980s After nearly 25 years teaching in the College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana USA, where he was a professor, BILL BORRIE (’80) is now with the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at Deakin University in Burwood. While in the US, Bill was a long-time director of Clearwater Credit Union, a mutual savings bank with assets of around half a billion dollars. He was also a well-known broadcaster with the local affiliate of National Public Radio, an American non-profit media organisation. Back now in Melbourne, Bill says it’s great to be able to rediscover the local parks and bushland reserves (as well as more regularly catching up with old school buddies). Just prior to leaving the US, he travelled to Scotland, where a coast-tocoast walk included crossing the ancestral lands of his forebears in the Tay River valley. NICK HARPER’S (’89) working life has covered the full spectrum. He first worked in sales at Cadbury Schweppes for eight years, then ran his own wholesale/retail business for 11 years, and he now works for a medium-size firm, Martin & Pleasance, as Chief Operating Officer. Nick and Katlin, his wife of 23 years, have a daughter, Olivia, and a son, Jonny, who is in Year 10 at Scotch. Nick enjoys camping and four-wheel driving with the children and friends. In 2017 he completed a Simpson Desert trip with two classmates from 1989, TOM ANGLISS and ANTHONY WARNER. Nick and his family holiday at Lorne every summer where they are involved with the surf club. Nick told Great Scot: ‘Besides running a marathon each year (very slowly),
I’m also back into rowing with PETER FINDLAY (’89), PETER MILLINGTON (’88), JUSTIN NEGRI (’84) and NICK INGLIS (’90) at Yarra Yarra Rowing club. Although not as fit as in our younger days, we still enjoy pulling an oar and having a beer afterwards.’
1990s Associate Professors JAMES MCMAHON (’92), STEVEN TONG (’92), SAM HUME (’93) and DOUG JOHNSON (’90) are all infectious diseases physicians working in Melbourne. Having all graduated within a few years of each other, they remain close colleagues and have been busy with the COVID-19 response over the last two years, with patient care, clinical research and infection control. After leaving Scotch, Professor ANDREW METZ (’94) undertook medical training in Melbourne and Sydney before moving to Cambridge University Hospital in the UK, where he became Head of Endoscopy and a Consultant Physician. Six years ago, he returned to Australia to take up the same role at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. He is also Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, and practises as a gastroenterologist at Epworth Hospital, Richmond. Last year, Professor Metz was appointed the inaugural Director of the Jreissati Family Pancreatic Centre, a clinical, advocacy and research centre aimed at early diagnosis and improved quality of life and outcomes for those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Despite the lockdown this year, the centre has raised over $3 million, and has commenced over 20 investigator-led clinical trials. Andrew enjoys surfing at Anglesea, and travelling overseas with his wife Felicity,
LEFT TO RIGHT: NICK HARPER (’89); ANDREW METZ (’94); ROBIN TSUI (’99 ); VORAPONG VADHANASINDHU (’04); DAVID JONSON (’07)
although not the flights themselves, given that the couple has four young children. After Scotch, ROBIN TSUI (’99) studied at Melbourne University before taking a year off to work at an Australian bank as part of a one-year internship program. After graduating he began a graduate program with one of the big four accounting firms before moving back to Hong Kong where his parents are based. Robin is currently a commodity strategist at a US-based asset management firm. He enjoys getting together with friends in Hong Kong, and he has taken on a few adventurous hobbies such as snowboarding, wake surfing and scuba diving. He told Great Scot: ‘Prior to the pandemic I made occasional trips back to Melbourne, and I do miss the weather, the coffees, the phos (Vietnamese noodles) and the meat pies.’ Robin is hoping Hong Kong will ease travel restrictions soon and looks forward to getting back to the mountains in 2022.
2000s VORAPONG VADHANASINDHU (’04)
joined Thailand’s Foreign Ministry in 2014, and has been posted to the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kunming, China, since 2018. In Kunming he is in charge of the Consular Section, with responsibilities including protection of and assistance for Thai nationals in the area, as well as passports, visas, civil registrations and legalisation, and he also serves as the Consulate’s Head of Chancery. Earlier he was the Political and Economic Consul, and then Cultural and Education Consul. Prior to his posting abroad, Vorapong worked on issues including disarmament,
the Sustainable Development Goals, and in the American and South Pacific Department as Executive Assistant to the DirectorGeneral. Before embarking on his diplomatic career, he completed a UN internship in Bangkok, and spent a year each at Thailand’s National Security Council and National Economic and Social Development Council, two of the government’s key policymaking agencies. Vorapong has enjoyed serving and representing his country internationally, especially in China at this significant time. He has also found consular work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic an invaluable learning experience. The last 18 months have been very eventful for DAVID JONSON (’07). Most significantly, David and his partner, Ka Mun, have become engaged and have settled in Preston with their cat, Milo. David is a human resources adviser in the Victorian Public Service after starting his career as a generalist graduate. He has also had some once-in-a-lifetime experiences as a Lieutenant in the Australian Army Reserve, including Troop Command on Exercise Talisman Sabre and serving on Operations Bushfire and COVID-19 Assist as a Logistics Officer. David’s favourite subjects from Scotch are still with him. ‘I have started learning German and Chinese again, and hope to use them on travel soon,’ he told Great Scot. ‘I remain a compulsive reader of history, which Dr Mark Johnston inspired me to study at Melbourne and Georgetown Universities’. David says there is only one negative aspect to his life: ‘the disappointment of supporting Carlton on winter days at the MCG’.
2010s After finishing at Scotch, NICK WOOD (’12) studied Architecture at Deakin, achieving a Master of Architecture in 2019. During this time, he worked at a warehouse in St Albans for a few years and then at an architecture firm for four years. He now works at an engineering firm, also doing some freelance architecture work. Nick lives at Alphington near the river, which suits his interest in nature. He loves hiking: ‘The best places I’ve hiked have been Sweden and hiking solo across the Lofoten Islands in Norway back in 2016,’ Nick told Great Scot. ‘Since then I have been to many areas closer to home, and found a passion for hiking in the winter snow. I also enjoy woodworking: I’ve made several pieces of furniture and I’ve done some wood carving more recently to entertain myself in lockdown. I love cricket and I’ve played at Croydon Cricket Club since 2012.’ HENRY HINGE (’15), in partnership with 2015 classmate JOSH RICHARDS started a clothing business, TOM BARETT, which has seen significant revenue growth over the past 18 months. ‘We sell all our garments online at tom-barett.com, which range from t-shirts, hoodies and crewnecks to accessories,’ Henry told Great Scot. ‘We originally used manufacturers from all over the globe, including from Canada, Portugal and China, but we now source our products from the UK, engaging a company that focuses strongly on sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing.’ There’s more information about sustainable manufacturing on TOM BARETT’s sustainability page, under ‘About’. www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 77
ARCHIVES
MR PAUL MISHURA SCHOOL ARCHIVIST
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78 Great Scot
SCOTCH IN THE SNOW – PIONEERS, TRAGEDY AND TRIUMPH
SCOTCHIES AND THE SNOW ARE INEXTRICABLY LINKED IN VICTORIA
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The 1920s saw rapidly developing interest in skiing in Victoria. The Ski Club of Victoria was founded at a meeting on 2 June 1924: a founding member was said by his obituary to be William Charles Knight (born 21.8.1883, SC 1900-03, died 23.10.1952), a dentist, who had also joined the RACV in 1904 – its second year. Scotch was one of the first schools to introduce holiday tours and camps. A 1925 trip by 30 boys with Alan Douglas ‘Stonk’ Ross (born 8.3.1901, staff 1922-60, died 29.3.1960) stayed in the Hotel Kosciuszko for a week-long introduction to the snow. Stonk led a January 1926 trip to Kosciusko, which saw summer snow, and Scotchies returned there that winter. That group included Arthur Bruce Wenzel (born 11.8.1911, SC 1926-29, died 22.11.1982), the future Chairman of Ski Lifts Mount Buller, and the ‘father’ of the Victorian Interschool Snowsports. While 46 boys travelled to Mount Kosciuszko in August 1927, 20 went with Stonk Ross to Mount Feathertop, with their provisions brought in by packhorse. When the horses became bogged in the snow, the boys tramped their provisions the remainder of the way to the hut. This group included Thomas Hunter Griffith (born 14.2.1911. SC 1925-27, died 5.2.1986), who got lost in heavy snow covering rugged country. A search party set out to find him, but, after sleeping overnight in a hollow log, he followed the creek and found his way back. Another member, Ivor Kingsley Whittaker (born 14.8.1910, SC 1924-28, died 12.9.1941) was a top early Australian skier. Killed in Egypt in World War II, he left money in his will that was used to build the Ivor Whittaker Memorial Lodge on Mount Buller, which opened in 1950. Scotch’s first of numerous Mount Buffalo trips was in 1929. It catered for more social boys, who wore their Scotch blazers at dinner, no doubt because girls from a notable Melbourne school were there. Hardcore Scotch skiers would walk six miles (10km) to Mount St Bernard, and the same distance again to Mount Hotham. In 1934 and 1935 Charles Garnett Blamey ‘Noso’ Boyes (born 20.8.1901, staff 1929-65, died 14.4.1967) led trips to Mount Kosciuszko, the first of many ski trips he would lead. In Term 2, 1936, he called the meeting that founded the Scotch College Ski Club, and became its inaugural President. On 25 September 1957 the club was reformed to include the Scotch Family, and subsequently became the Koomerang Ski Club.
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1. PETER BRUCE WENZEL, PRE-1964 WINTER OLYMPICS TRIALS AT CABRAMURRA, NSW. 2. SNOWBOARDERS WITH COACH, CAM BOLTON – 2014. 3. PERCY EDWARD HULL, BEING RESCUED ON STRETCHER – 1936. 4. SCOTCHIES LEAVING FOR THE MT KOSCIUSKO ALPINE SKIING CARNIVAL – 1927. 5. IVOR KINGSLEY WHITTAKER - WORLD WAR II PORTRAIT. 6. PERCY EDWARD HULL. 7. RODNEY CLAUDE BRETHERTON, IN 1937. 8. JOHN BRUCE HILTON-WOOD. 9. SCOTCHIES RETURNING FROM SKIING FOR LUNCH – FROM DECEMBER 1927 SCOTCH COLLEGIAN
9.
In 1937 Percy Edward ‘Mick’ Hull (born 4.10.1909, SC 1918-26, died 26.3.1995) was awarded a silver medal for gallantry by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia. On 5 August 1936, with other experienced skiers – Cleve Cole and Howard Michell – he set off from Hotham on a trek across the Bogong High Plains, over Mount Bogong for Tawonga. Terrible conditions, injuries, days in a snow cave, getting lost, and diminishing food saw them stagger to the Summit Cairn on 12 August. Two days later, they had no food. On 16 August a rescue party was led back to them by Howard. Mick lost several toes to frostbite, and Cleve died in hospital on 19 August. Mick helped build Cleve Cole Memorial Hut. He was a significant contributor to the development of Mount Hotham, especially through the Alpine Club of Victoria. On his 80th birthday he led a ski tour down Mount Bogong. During the 1937 polio epidemic, boys from specific suburbs were not permitted to attend school. Rodney Claude Bretherton (born 7.3.1919, SC 1934-37, died 22.2.2002) took advantage of this by going to Mount Buffalo for six weeks, and won the Mount Buffalo Open Championship. On 2 August 1943, three experienced skiers – Edward Neave ‘Ted’ Welch (born 28.5.1920, SC 1936-37, died 2.8.1943), Georgina Gadsden (sister and daughter of Old Boys) and John McRae left Bivouac Hut on Mount Bogong to climb (on skis) the steep 1.5 miles (2.4km) to Summit Hut. Other skiers at Bivouac Hut abandoned attempts later that day and the next to follow them, due to heavy snow and strong winds. On the third day, 80 yards (73m) from Summit Hut, three bodies were found in the snow. Summit Hut could not be found, buried under the snow. They had not dug holes for shelter, and an empty rum bottle and near-empty brandy flask (then standard emergency provisions) probably sealed their fate. By contrast, when Matthew Gray (SC 1988-94), Charles Millis (SC 1982-94), Tristian Douglas (SC 1986-94) and Jonathan Knight (SC 1984-95) were lost overnight at the 1990 Mount Buller Ski Camp, they survived by following modern safety instructions given before the camp. They dug a snow cave, huddling together for warmth, with the older boys taking the outside position to protect the younger ones, and, the following morning, all walked to safety. Mount Buller’s development was in large part due to John Bruce Hilton-Wood (born 15.11.1925, SC 1940-41, died 15.5.2016). An
engineer and a skilled skier, he helped construct Buller’s first tow rope in 1949. He started a business, towing skiers on a Tucker Sno-Cat, and, in 1953, built Buller’s second ski lift. John’s company, Bull Run Enterprises, became Blue Lifts, and built many early lifts. Its competitor, Orange Lifts, was chaired by David Hamilton Hume (born 14.10.1923, SC 1930-40, died 7.9.2019). John introduced snow grooming in 1963, and in 1965 opened the French Ski School. He introduced snow guns to Buller in 1985, and that year took over Orange Lifts to create Buller Ski Lifts. On the Scotch Ski Club’s 1956 Mount Buller trip it encountered some Melbourne Grammar School (MGS) boys, and races were arranged, with Scotch winning. The Scotch racers were David Bruce Wenzel (born 19.2.1941, SC 1946-58, died 8.10.2015), Allen Broad (SC 1949-57), Simon Leonard McInnes Brown (born 6.10.1942, SC 1954-60, died 9.10.2017), Norman Peter James Trace (born 31.1.1939, SC 1951-56, died 10.2.2010) and Ian Hay McGregor Lonie (born 31.10.1940, SC 1948-58, died 16.2.2016). Brown and Wenzel competed for Australia at the 1964 Winter Olympic Games. Scotch won in 1957, and, in 1958, won the new Bruce Wenzel Unofficial Inter-School Challenge Trophy. The trophy became ‘official’ from 1959, but what has become the Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championships dates itself from 1958. Now with almost 6500 entries per year across nine disciplines, it is believed to be the world’s largest inter-disciplinary snowsports event. After a lengthy period of MGS domination, Scotch has had recent wins, on the strength of its superior snowboarders. Robin James Peter (born 3 February 1934, SC 1945-50, died 17 July 1989) was President of the Akla Ski Club and the Ski Club of Victoria. A member of the Mount Buller Voluntary Ski Rescue Service and the Mount Buller Ski Patrol, he played a vital role in establishing the Alpine Resorts Commission. Mount Buller named Robin’s Run in his memory. Scotch’s most successful skier is Andrew Warburton Swan MBE (SC 1967-73). Competing as a deaf skier at the (then) Handicapped Olympics in 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1987 he won six gold medals, three silver and two bronze. Undoubtedly many more Scotch boys are yet to add their contributions to snowsports in Victoria and around the world. May they all be triumphant contributions.
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 79 81
ARCHIVES
The 25 oldest known Old Scotch Collegians of all time * There are four living Old Boy centenarians who rank in this list. The four names are in italics, below.
As at 1 December 2021
SURNAME
GIVEN NAMES
DATE OF BIRTH
SC YEARS
YRS
MNTHS DAYS
1. Morgan
William*
23 Oct 1915
DATE OF DEATH
1923 - 1935
106
1
9
2. Stuckey
Francis Campbell
14 Apr 1906
22 Aug 2011
1918 - 1924
105
4
8
3. Chandler
Alfred William Herbert
1 Jun 1905
1 Sep 2010
1918 - 1922
105
3
0
4. Atkins
Arthur Henry Chesterman
5 Aug 1917
1929 - 1935
104
3
27
5. Howden
William Balleny
14 Mar 1906
2 Jul 2009
1920 - 1923
103
3
18
6. Oxley
Harold Knights
22 Nov 1916
8 Mar 2020
1926 - 1933
103
3
15
7. Parker
John Morton
24 Jul 1918
4 Nov 2021
1935 - 1936
103
9
8
8. Durston
Raymond George
26 Jul 1899
19 May 2002
1913 - 1917
102
9
23
9. Hewitt
Cyrus Lenox Simson
7 May 1917
28 Feb 2020
1926 - 1933
102
9
21
10. Lyne
John Alexander
23 Oct 1909
20 May 2012
1924 - 1928
102
6
27
11. Taweel
Victor George
16 Jun 1912
18 Oct 2014
1924 - 1929
102
4
2
12. Pitt
Joshua John
31 May 1919
13 Aug 2021
1927 - 1934
102
2
13
13. Purton
Herbert Culvenor
21 Nov 1917
26 Dec 2019
1935 - 1935
102
1
5
14. Baker
Frederick Harry Uther
16 Sep 1900
25 Sep 2002
1907 - 1917
102
0
9
15. Duncan
William Alan
10 Nov 1910
13 Oct 2012
1922 - 1926
101
11
3
16. McLeod
Donald Hamilton
19 Aug 1915
25 Jun 2017
1930 - 1932
101
10
6
17. Glasser
Daniel (Neil)
28 Sep 1918
24 Jul 2020
1930 - 1932
101
9
26
18. Geer
Charles Keith
4 Feb 1915
6 Oct 2016
1929 - 1932
101
8
2
19. Black
Alan George
23 Dec 1916
12 Aug 2018
1931 - 1932
101
7
20
20. Riddle
Malcolm Robertson
18 Dec 1919
4 Aug 2021
1935 - 1937
101
7
17
21. Ponsford
Robert Leslie
12 Dec 1894
23 Jul 1996
1911 - 1912
101
7
11
22. Marshall
Alexander
18 Sep 1919
24 Mar 2021
1933 - 1937
101
6
6
23. Taft
Ronald
3 Jun 1920
1929 - 1936
101
5
28
24. Robinson
Harold George
8 Sep 1907
1922 - 1922
100
11
8
25. Dumbrell
Kenneth George
17 Jan 1921
1936 - 1937
100
10
14
16 Aug 2008
The 25 oldest known living Old Boys
(as at 2 December 2021)
1.
Rev. William Morgan, b. 23 October 1915. Captain 1935. Aged 106
14. Ross Franklin Smith, b. 24 July 1923
2.
Arthur Henry Chesterman Atkins DFC, b. 5 August 1917. Aged 104
15. Bruce Acland Miles, b. 2 August 1923
3. Ronald Taft, b. 3 June 1920. Aged 101
16. William Grano, b. 2 October 1923
4.
17. Maurice Smith, b. 15 November 1923
Kenneth George Dumbrell, b. 17 January 1921. Aged 100
5. Graham James Carrick, b. 5 March 1921. Aged 100
18. Robert Wilbur Wishart, b. 7 May 1924
6. Peter Richard Thodey, b. 17 June 1921. Aged 100
19. Rodney Rutherford Taylor, b. 7 June 1924
7.
Edward McLaren Holmes, b. 9 November 1921. Aged 100
8. Donald Graham McDonald, b. 23 November 1921. Aged 100
20. Alan Reid Milne, b. 15 July 1924 21. Dr Trevor Percival Telfer, b. 7 August 1924
9. Robert Dennis Greenslade, b. 5 December 1921. Aged 100
22. Edward Graeme Marshall, b. 2 September 1924
10. Geoffrey Martin Dalton, b. 18 December 1921
23. Bruce William May, b. 4 September 1924
11. Geoffrey Arthur Tingate, b. 30 October 1922
24. Dr Clarence John Kendall Pawsey, b. 7 September 1924
12. Warwick Laslett Exton, b. 20 November 1922
25. Dr Max Adderley Griffith, b. 30 September 1924
13. William Simpson Brake, b. 12 May 1923
The youngest boy is Christian Tuan Thanh Lu, born 22 February 2016
80 Great Scot
OBITUARIES Deaths of Old Boys or former staff members of which Scotch is aware are listed here. Obituaries for the names in italics below appear on the following pages of this edition.
INDEX BASTOW, Timothy John Montague (’55). Born 27 May 1938, SC 195056, died 24 October 2021 BILLS, Clifford Walter (’55). Born 3 May 1938, SC 1943-55, died 4 November 2021 BOLGER, Geoffrey Keith (’49). Born 28 July 1931, SC 1946-49, died 13 September 2021 BURNSIDE, Malcolm Ian (’80). Born 9 February 1963, SC 1975-80, died 12 August 2021 at Forster, NSW CHATAWAY, James Drinkwater (’44). Born 17.3.1926, SC 1937-42, died 10 November 2021 in South Australia COOK, Geoffrey Graham (’46). Born 3 July 1929, SC 1935-45, died 28 November 2021 COOKE, Benjamin David (’45). Born 25 November 1927, SC 1942-45, died 29 October 2021 CUTHBERTSON, Alan Morton (’46). Born 23 October 1929, SC 1937-47, died 2 November 2021 DAVIDSON AM KStJ, Frederick Redmond (School Council 2011-12). Born 14 November 1936, died 10 November 2021 EKBERG, Cameron Paul (’88). Born 13 August 1970, SC 1983-85, died 11 September 2021 ENGLISH, John Rollo (’40). Born 23 January 1924, SC 1939-40, died 3 July 2021 at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, Qld GORDON, George Stanley (’39). Born 27 January 1923, SC 1938-40, died 19 November 2021 GRAHAM, Kelvin Bruce (’65). Born 30 September 1947, SC 1962-65, died 20 August 2021 GRAY, David Ian (’51). Born 26 February 1935, SC 1945-51, died 4 October 2021 GUSS, Herschel Leon. Staff 201820. Born 1 February 1954, died 28 September 2021 HALPIN, Julie Keitha. Staff 1980-89.
Born 26 November 1953, died 30 September 2021 HAMLEY, Alan Tregear (’56). Born 15 October 1939, SC 1953-57, died 26 August 2021 HODGSON, Bruce Thomas (’50). Born 8 August 1932, SC 1942-49, died 30 September 2021 HYDE, Valerie Elizabeth. Staff 1985-2012. Born 16 May 1943, died 4 November 2021 JEEVES, Kenneth Ellis (’44). Born 15 December 1926, SC 1940-44, died 30 October 2021 JEFFREYS, Peter Maxwell (’42). Born 9 May 1925, SC 1940-41, died 16 November 2021 KEIPERT, Dr James Ashton (’39). Born 31 December 1922, SC 1937-39, died 8 October 2021 KENNEDY, Dr Donald Edward (’45). Born 28 June 1928, SC 1942-46, died 23 October 2021 LOCKWOOD, Nicholas James (’14). Born 13 October 1996, SC 2002-13, died 7 November 2021 MACINTYRE AO, Professor Stuart Forbes (’64). Born 21 April 1947, SC 1959-64 (School Council 19992004), died 22 November 2021 MACKENZIE OBE RFD, George Pearce (’48). Born 13 May 1931, SC 1945-49, died 8 November 2021 McDONALD, Andrew Hamilton (’81). Born 27 November 1963, SC 1976-81, died 21 September 2021 McDONALD, John Thomas (’58). Born 2 December 1940, SC 195556, died 23 December 2020 MELVILLE SB StJ, Dr Hugh James (’41). Born 28 June 1924, SC 1936-42, died 23 October 2021 MUIR, Dr Robert Peter (’75). Born 17 June 1958, SC 1972-75, died 12 July 2021 at Caloundra, Qld MURDOCH, Alexander Stuart (’58). Born 31 January 1941, SC 1951-57, died 12 October 2021
NILSSON, Oliver James (’46). Born 10 September 1929, SC 1941-46, died 11 November 2021 NOONAN OAM, Trevor Humphrey (’56). Born 18 December 1938, SC 1951-55, died 12 April 2021 PARK, Robert Edward Glover (’48). Born 11 April 1931, SC 1945-47, died 24 November 2021 PARKER, John Morton (’36). Born 24 July 1918, SC 1935-36, died 4 November 2021 PHILLIPS, Peter Malcolm (’57). Born 24 October 1938, SC 1950-53, died 15 September 2021 RICHARDSON, Dr Donald John (’42). Born 6 August 1925, SC 1936-42, died 4 September 2021 ROSEBY, Dr Charles Maurice (’47). Born 30 September 1930, SC 1938-48, died 4 April 2021 ROBINSON, Ian Russell (’57). Born 15 October 1940, SC 1952-57, died 21 May 2021 ROGERS, John William (’71). Born 27 February 1954, SC 1962-71, died 6 March 2019 RUDOV, Monty (’52). Born 1 March 1935, SC 1943-53, died 27 September 2021 STRAHAN, David Campbell (’61). Born 16 April 1943, SC 1955-60, died 29 November 2021 SUTTON, Barry Matson (’46). Born 29 March 1929, SC 1939-42, died 10 November 2021 SWANN, Timothy David (’91). Born 17 January 1974, SC 1980-87, died 20 November 2021 THARRATT, Alfred Edward (’48). Born 30 May 1930, SC 1942-47, died 17 September 2021 TROOD, Kenneth David (’40). Born 13 May 1924, SC 1939-41, died 1 October 2021 TSINDOS, George Russell (’01). Born 29 December 1983, SC 1996-2001, died 8 August 2021
TURNER, Brett Donald (’83). Born 29 May 1965, SC 1976-82, died 14 June 2021. WARD, Susan Joan. Staff 19962015. Born 27 August 1942, died 14 October 2021 WILSON, Maxwell Alfred (’49). Born 16 November 1931, SC 1944-48, died 19 November 2021 WOOD, John Gordon Mackinnon (’64). Born 12 March 1946, SC 1951-65, died 26 October 2021 at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Qld YUNGHANNS, David James (’60). Born 8 December 1941, SC 1955-59, died 20 October 2021.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The Archives needs more volunteers to join its busy volunteer team, which includes Old Boys of various eras, wives, and grandmothers. Volunteers with some computer literacy are urgently required. All volunteers must accept Scotch policies and complete a Working with Children Check. The Archives are open from Monday to Friday and volunteers’ hours are flexible. Please contact Paul Mishura on 9810 4470 or email: paul.mishura@scotch.vic.edu.au for more information.
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 81 83
OBITUARIES The following obituaries have been written by families or friends, except the obituary for Julie Keitha Halpin, which was BURNSIDE, Malcolm Ian (’80) Malcolm’s wife, Margaret, wrote: Malcolm Ian Burnside was born at Kew on 9 February 1963, the son of Alan Thomas Magill Burnside (born 12.3.1926, SC 193742, died 22.10.1999). Malcolm attended Scotch from 1975 to 1980. He was a member of Monash House, until boarding in Arthur Robinson House from 1979 to 1980 as a member of Littlejohn House. Malcolm was a 1980 Arthur Robinson and Littlejohn House Prefect. He was Captain of the 1980 1st Hockey team. Also at Scotch were his brother Stuart (SC 1971-76), and his twin brother, Peter Andrew Burnside (born 9.2.1963, SC 1975-80, died 19.1.2019). While studying Construction Management at RMIT, Malcolm met Margaret Lewandowski. They married on 5 March 1995 at Rippon Lea Estate, Elsternwick. In search of new opportunities, they travelled though South-East Asia. When in Singapore, Malcolm identified the need for an advanced formwork system for high-rise construction. In 1990, Stairmaster Formwork was incorporated in Singapore. Malcolm spent the next five years living and working in Singapore. The business manufactured and supplied projects across South-East Asia. Their sons, Alexander and Marcus Burnside, were born in 1997 and 1999 respectively, and attended Brighton Grammar School. The business was sold in 2006, and the family packed up and travelled around Europe for a year. In 2007, a new company was set up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), to which the family relocated. Its projects were in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kazakhstan. Malcolm lived and worked in Dubai for nine years, and frequently travelled throughout the UAE and Asia. Retiring to Australia in 2016, Malcolm acquired a wagyu beef cattle farm in Molyullah, Victoria. In 2020 he moved to
82 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
his beachside house in Forster, New South Wales. Malcolm developed and patented an innovative new formwork design during 2021. On 12 August 2021 he died at home at Forster. Malcolm was charismatic, kind, and generous: an adventurer and entrepreneur who lived life to the fullest. His motto was ‘Life is what you make it’. He will be greatly missed. GRAHAM, Kelvin Bruce (Bruce) (’65) Bruce’s brother, Ian (’59), wrote: Kelvin Bruce Graham was born at Tongala on 30 September 1947, the son of Old Boy Kenneth Clarence Graham (born 2.3.1908, SC 1924-27, died 28.8.1997). After attending Tongala Consolidated School, Bruce boarded at Scotch from 1962 to 1965 in School House as a member of Littlejohn House. Also at Scotch were his brothers Kenneth Peter Graham (born 28.2.1941, SC 1954-56, died 18.2.2018) and Ian (SC 1956-60), and uncles Ross McLean Graham (born 18.8.1906, SC 1923, died 20.12.1991) and Murray Kelvin Graham (born 1.1.1912, SC 1927-28, died 14.7.1999). All were boarders. Bruce played in the 1963 and 1964 1st XVIIIs, and captained the 1964 1st Tennis team. Due to a near-fatal road accident in Tongala during the 1964 Christmas holidays, his Scotch sporting career was abruptly halted. Named as Captain of the 1965 1st Tennis team and 1st XVIII, he was unable to play in either team, with David Mason (SC 1962-66) the Vice Captain and Acting Captain of the Tennis team, and Rod Gillies (SC 1961-65) the Playing Captain of the 1st XVIII. A member of the School, House and Chapel choirs, Bruce was also an NCO in the Cadets’ Assault Pioneers. The 1965 Captain of Littlejohn House and Vice Captain of School House, Bruce was also
a 1965 School Probationer, upgraded that year to a School Prefect. Bruce worked for five years at stockbroker JB Were, and briefly at a London stockbroking firm. In Melbourne he spent 10 years in airline TAA’s finance department, then joined agricultural company AWB. Bruce spent six years at stockbroker Potter Warburg in several sales roles, before retiring in 2005. On 19 April 1973 he married June Mays at Scotch. They had three children: Andrew, Brooke and Fiona. Tragically, June died of cancer on 3 September 1988. Bruce married Mrs Muriel Jean (nee Moore) Jarrett at Olinda on 26 February 1994. In 2006 they moved to Mount Martha, where Bruce was active in the local community, particularly with the Mount Martha Probus Club. After several years of illness, Bruce died on 20 August 2021 at the Peninsula Private Hospital, Frankston, surrounded by his loving family. HALPIN, Julie Keitha (Staff 1980-89) Much of this obituary, written by Scotch Archivist, Paul Mishura, is based on a letter Julie wrote in 2017, with comments by Stephen Kong (’68 – current staff) and Doug Galbraith (staff 1977-2013) When Julie Halpin was born on 26 November 1953 a link to Scotch was created, as the doctor attending her birth, Dr Wilfred Ewart Macmillan, was the father of her future boss, Donald Robertson Thomson Macmillan (born 5.11.1928, staff 1959-87, died 19.11.2004). They all hailed from Mildura. She did not know why, but she applied for the job of Matron of School House. She was interviewed by Don and his wife Gwen, followed by Principal Philip Anthony Vere Roff (born 13.9.1938, Principal 1975-82, died 27.4.2017). Julie was unable to wear most perfumes, but when a male friend dabbed some aftershave on Julie as a joke, it became her ‘perfume’. Only later Julie and Philip Roff realised they were both wearing the same ‘scent’, and it was joked that that was how she got the job. When asked why she should get the job in preference to an experienced married woman with children, Julie said she worked with Guides and Scouts, and in live theatre with young
written by the Scotch Archivist, Paul Mishura. people. She enjoyed teaching youngsters useful life skills. Julie shocked many by wearing trousers, but as Don and Philip noted, she was ‘in loco parentis’ to her boys, most of whose mothers typically wore trousers. She quickly realised the importance of a matron always being on duty – to sew on a name tag, have a cup of tea, or provide a shoulder on which to cry. She loved enthusiastically supporting Scotch at the Head of the River, and when asked (more than once) if she had a boy in the crew, Julie would answer, ‘In this crew I have two, as well as the cox!’ Julie always had a kind word and freshly baked treat to provide comfort and support, along with storytelling and reading, especially to new boarders. She provided great assistance to Don Macmillan and Doug Galbraith in running School House. She was a cheerful presence in the evenings and helped comfort many homesick young lads. Julie’s experience was well used in such events as the Boarders’ Revue. She died on 30 September 2021, and will be well remembered by her boys. HAMLEY, Alan Tregear (’56) Alan’s friend, John Matthews, (’57) wrote: Alan was born at Brighton on 15 October 1939, and left Hampton High School to attend Scotch on a Junior Entrance Scholarship from 1953 to 1957. Entering in Remove A with John, Alan (nicknamed ‘Hammer’) was a member of Monash House, for which he competed in House rowing, tennis and music. Scotch recognised Alan as an excellent pianist and organist. He played the pipe organ under the direction of Norman James Kaye (born 17.1.1927, staff 1951-58, died 29.5.2007) and continued his piano lessons under Claude Ernest Monteath (born 26.5.1896, staff 1948-57, died 2.11.1972). Alan eventually played at morning assembly and at services in the Chapel. As a Scotch
Scout in the Senior Patrol, he competed in the winning 1956 Hoadley Hide patrol. Alan had a bit of the daredevil in him, and he once came to school in bandages as a result of a misfire when making explosives for firecracker night. Alan once also found himself on the wrong side of Principal Richard Selby Smith, and received the cane for some unappreciated graffiti. Alan became a civil engineer and spent his entire career at the Country Roads Board, which became VicRoads. On 11 May 1968 Alan married Anita Susan de Rood at Scots Presbyterian Church, Marriage Road, East Brighton. Their marriage lasted until her premature death on 19 July 1997 aged 53. Alan’s interests were mainly in music and concerts, as well as motor racing, in which he had a notable association with the early career of Peter Brock, who (along with John) was a groomsman at Alan’s wedding. Alan’s best man was Tony Higginson (SC 1954-57). Alan had a large theatre organ at his Templestowe home, and he loved nothing more than to have a rollicking singalong with guests after dinner. Alan’s final years were spent in declining health. In 2020 he moved into aged care at Estia Health in Glen Waverley, where he died on 26 August 2021. He had no children, and is survived by his younger brother Geoff. MACKENZIE OBE RFD, George Pearce (’48) George’s son, Angus (’83) wrote: George was born at 24 Leicester Street, West Preston, on 13 May 1931, the son of Alister John Beveridge and Mary (nee McKinley) Mackenzie. He left Coburg High School to attend Scotch from 1945 to 1949 as a member of Morrison House. George became a King’s Scout in 1945, and rowed in the 1949 2nd VIII. He studied Law at Melbourne and Monash Universities, graduating LLB and LLM respectively.
George practised as a solicitor from 1958, including at his own suburban practice. On 2 May 1959 George married Lorraine Joyce Webb at Scotch. Their daughter Fiona was born in 1960, followed by John (born 6.3.1962, died 1.10.2012) and Angus (SC 1973-83). Continuing in legal practice, George became involved in local politics. He was a City of Kew councillor (1963-72) and Mayor (1966). George served in the Army Reserve (1962-86), reaching the rank of Colonel. From 1970 to 1971 he served in South Vietnam as the Australian Forces’ Senior Military Lawyer. In 1971 George became an Official Visitor at the Willsmere Hospital and Children’s Cottages, Kew, and he was Chairman of the Panel until 1988. On New Year’s Day, 1976, George was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for ‘outstanding community service’. Retiring from legal practice, George became Chairman of the Town Planning Appeals Tribunal (1980-81) and Deputy Chief of the Planning Appeals Board (1981-88). Other public service included the Patriotic Funds Council (member, 1973-99, Chairman 1996-99), the RACV Council (1983-89) and, from 2001, Life Governor of the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne (Trustee 1978-2000). He was a patron of the National Servicemen’s Association (2000-11). George and Lorraine divided their later years between their homes in Melbourne and on the Mornington Peninsula, enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends, listening to classical music, and reading. George volunteered in the Scotch Archives until 2021, with his research greatly improving the knowledge of Scotch’s World War I and II servicemen. After a full and rewarding life, George died peacefully on 8 November 2021 at Cabrini Hospital, Malvern. He is survived by Lorraine, two children, and four grandchildren.
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 83
OBITUARIES
MELVILLE SB StJ, Dr Hugh James (’41) Hugh’s son, Rob (’71), wrote: Hugh James Melville was born at North Carlton on 28 June 1924, the son of Dr Alexander Hugh (born 5.7.1889, SC 1903-07, died 14.8.1957) and Helen Templeton (nee Cormack) Melville. Hugh attended Scotch from 1936 to 1942. His Scotch relatives included his brother, John Frederick Melville (born 24.1.1918, SC 1930-33, died 11.8.2009), sons Rob (SC 1966-71) and Peter (SC 1971-76), nephews John Roy Melville (born 31.12.1946, SC 1960-65, died 18.2.1988) and Allan (SC 1967-74); and grandsons Andrew (SC 200005), Timothy (SC 2002-07) and Cameron Melville (SC 2008-13); and Hugh Wilson (SC 1999-2004). Playing in the 1941 and 1942 premiership 1st XIs (1942 Vice Captain), Hugh also played in the 1st XVIII (1940-42), and was Vice Captain of the 1942 premiership team. He was a Scotch Collegian editorial team member, and a senior Cadet Lieutenant. Hugh was Morrison House Captain (1941-42), a 1941 Probationer and Prefect, and 1942 School Vice Captain. In 1942 Hugh joined the army, then, in 1944, the AIF, as a gunner with the 2nd 12th Australian Field Regiment, 9th Division, serving in Borneo and New Guinea. Hugh graduated in medicine at Melbourne University in 1951, and, on 20 November 1951, married Judith Bartlett at Scotch. After two years’ residency at the Alfred Hospital, Hugh commenced general practice at Swan Hill in 1954. Hugh and Judith raised four children, worked hard, and enjoyed country life until returning to Melbourne in 1967. Hugh practised in Malvern until retiring in 1987. Hugh was involved in many Old Scotch activities, including being President of the East Melbourne Glen Chapter. He was passionate about the Old Scotch Football Club, first as a player, and then following his
84 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021
sons, son-in-law, and four grandsons. He was honorary medical officer for many years. President of the 2nd 12th Field Regiment Association for many years, Hugh edited its Take Post magazine. He was a staunch Anzac Day marcher. A dedicated medical Legacy Advocate, both in Swan Hill and in retirement, Hugh assisted many war widows. Hugh loved having time at his Waratah Bay holiday house with family and friends. He enjoyed travelling, golf at Commonwealth Golf Club, tennis, woodwork, and watercolour painting. A devoted and committed family man, Hugh quietly achieved so much in his life. He died at Faversham House, Canterbury, on 23 October 2021. He is survived by Judith, his sons, and daughters Catherine and Diana. MUIR, Dr Robert Peter (’75) Bob’s wife, Robin, wrote: Robert Peter Muir was born at East Melbourne on 17 June 1958. Known as Bob, he attended Mooroopna State School and Shepparton High School before attending Scotch from 1972 to 1975 as a boarder in McMeckan House (of which he was a 1975 Prefect), and as a member of Littlejohn House. Bob played in the 1975 3rd XI and 1st XV. He tutored in mathematics, and formed lifetime friendships. Studying Dentistry at Melbourne University as a Janet Clarke Hall resident, Bob continued playing rugby. He graduated in 1982, excelling in surgery and endodontics. Bob practised in Melbourne and rural Victoria until moving in 1988 to practise at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. He returned to Scotch to marry Robin Ann McDade on 6 May 1989. Building a home in Buderim, life for the next 20 years centred around family and work. Bob and Robin enjoyed travelling to remote parts of Australia and beyond, including a week in Amalfi with Scotch
friends. Bob’s busy practice serviced locals and tourists for more than three decades. Colleagues considered Bob a fine practitioner and mentor. He attended local Australian Dental Association meetings, and volunteered after-hours care. Bob pursued every interest – even qualifying as a Microsoft engineer to fully understand its application. A boat owner from his teens, fishing was Bob’s recreation: add camping and kayaking into the mix, and he was in his element. Active in the Sunshine Coast Game Fishing Club, Bob served for several years as Secretary/Treasurer and was club champion in individual and crewed tournaments. He was a member of the Mooloolaba Coast Guard. Bob enjoyed annual gatherings with Scotch friends in northern Australia for chartered boating and fishing. Evenings were spent over a meal of the day’s catch, a glass of wine, and talking into the night. Commencing treatment for an advanced and rare cancer in March 2020, Bob’s great friends travelled from Victoria – some undertaking quarantine – to support him. Bob died at Dove Palliative Care in Caloundra, Queensland, on 12 July 2021, with Robin and daughters Ellen and Imogen by his side. His ashes were scattered at sea. NOONAN OAM, Trevor Humphrey (’56) Trevor’s granddaughter, Lily Noonan, wrote: Trevor was born at the Blackburn Hospital, Blackburn, on 18 December 1938, the son of Edwin William Noonan (born 1.10.1903, SC 1916-18, died 28.11.1952) and Eleanor Cecilia Louisa (nee Raisbeck) Noonan. Trevor attended Scotch College from 1951 to 1955. Relations at Scotch included his cousins Michael Redfern Noonan (born 29.11.1934, SC 1947-50, died 17.3.2002), David John Noonan (born 25.7.1935, SC 1947-52, died 6.9.1991) and James Noonan (SC 1954-59), uncles Hubert Jack
Noonan (born 12.2.1905, SC 1916-19, died 8.5.1985) and Albert Jeffery Noonan (born 26.10.1908, SC 1921-23, died 25.11.1968) and son Andrew (SC 1980-83). In 1959 Trevor graduated from Dookie Agricultural College (of which he was Vice Captain) with a Diploma of Agriculture. At Shepparton on 14 May 1960, Trevor married his life partner, Clare Erryl (Erryl) Gerrard. In 1972 they purchased, then operated, a successful family business, Noonan’s Showcase Jewellers, in Cobram. In 1996 it was taken over by their son Andrew and daughter-in-law Catherine, who continue to run it. Trevor served as a member, and then President, of the Cobram Shire Council (1973-83). In 1994 he was appointed by the Victorian State Government as the Commissioner to the Moira Shire. A passionate member of his community, Trevor was an active member of the Rotary Club of Cobram from 1985 until his death. In 1990 and 2016 he was the Cobram and Moira Shire’s (respectively) ‘Citizen of the Year’ for his community contributions. Perhaps one of Trevor’s proudest achievements was the founding of Cobram’s first private school, Christ the King Anglican College, (now Cobram Anglican Grammar). Trevor was its founding Chairman, serving the school from 2000 until his retirement in 2019. In June 2018 Trevor received the Order of Australia medal for his dedication and services to the community. Trevor died on 12 April 2021 at the Cobram District Hospital after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Erryl, children Andrew and Michelle, daughterin-law Catherine, son-in-law Steve, and grandchildren James, Lily, Rebecca, Thomas and Matthew. Trevor was greatly loved by his family and community, and is missed just as much.
ROBINSON, Ian Russell (’57) Ian’s son, David (’85), wrote: Ian was born at Melbourne on 15 October 1940. He attended Trinity Grammar School (1947-51) and then Scotch from 1952 to 1957 as a member of Gardiner (later Gilray) House. Ian was involved with Scouts, and played tennis, for which he was known as an accomplished player. Also at Scotch were his brother David (SC 1952-63), sons James (SC 1975-83), David (SC 1975-85) and Michael (SC 1977-88), nephews Andrew (SC 1990-95) and Stuart Robinson (SC 1992-97), and great-nephew Ben Robinson (Year 7). Ian graduated from Pharmacy College in 1962 and purchased his first pharmacy in 1964. In conjunction with his brother, he owned I.R. & D.M. Robinson pharmacies in Glen Waverley and Tooronga Village in East Hawthorn. He produced his own compounds for cough syrup, and for Robinson’s Nappy Cream. On 30 January 1965 Ian married Jillian Marjory (Jill) Bryant. In addition to their sons they had a daughter, Anna, who attended St Catherine’s School. Ian was an avid golfer playing at both Commonwealth and Royal Melbourne Golf Clubs. He was a keen supporter of the Hawthorn Football Club, being a member for over 75 years, and he enjoyed taking his family to the footy. His big passion was horse racing, and he was thrilled to be made a life member of the VRC for having over 50 years of membership, and also for horse ownership. He loved a punt, and always put on a quadrella each Saturday. Joke-telling was one of Ian’s greatest skills. He had the ability to turn the bad jokes into great ones, and would leave people cringing or laughing. He led by example and instilled in his children terrific family values, work ethics and a strong empathy. Ian taught his children how to kick the footy, and play
cricket and tennis, and also household skills such as chopping wood and splitting kindling. Ian and Jill enjoyed foreign travel, but mostly spent a lot of time between Noosa and their house in Lorne. After a long illness, Ian died on 21 May 2021 at Cabrini Hospital, Malvern. ROGERS, John William (’71) John’s brother, David (’80), wrote: John was born at St Andrew’s Hospital, East Melbourne, on 27 February 1954, the first son of David William and Janette Leslie (nee Christian) Rogers. He attended Scotch from 1962 to 1971 as a member of Gilray House, of which he was a 1971 Prefect. Also at Scotch were John’s brothers James (SC 1967-78) and David (SC 1972-80), Christian and Thomson cousins, and his uncle Kenneth Leslie Christian (born 16.5.1923, SC 1935-38, died 3.3.2013). John’s sister is Mandy Yencken. Also known by peers as Roy, John was a gifted sportsman who played in the 1970 and 1971 1st XIs under coach and teacher John Gould Miles (born 5.3.1930, staff 1954-76, died 29.12.2010). John played in the premiership 1970 and 1971 1st XVIIIs alongside the great John Hendrie (SC 1968-71), whom John often recounted kicking a goal from the centre square of the Main Oval. John enjoyed sporting, dramatic and musical activities at Scotch. Of his performance in the 1971 play The Boyfriend, Satura wrote that John ‘really stole the show’. A popular boy at Scotch, this was officially recognised in 1970 when John was crowned ‘Mr Scotch College’. A Satura article quoted John saying, ‘I’m sure that never again, in my life, will I achieve a title such as this one’. His prize was a smorgasbord at the tuckshop, delivered by the famous Mrs
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OBITUARIES
Agnes Margaret Luckie (born 20.11.1910, staff 1958-74, died 12.7.2006). Among other things, she gave John a pastie and sausage roll with sauce, two jam donuts, two chocolate eclairs, two pints of chocolate milk, a buttered scroll, and – finally – a heart-shaped sponge cake. John briefly studied Law at Monash, but he instead became a puppeteer who travelled the world with the puppet group ‘Handspan’, working in the style of the black theatre of Prague. John was an avid supporter of the Melbourne Football Club. John died of lung disease on 6 March 2019 in Melbourne, and is survived by his partner, Anne Unger, and his two sons, William and Max Rogers. William followed John into the theatre, and Max works in the trades. RUDOV, Monty (’52) Monty’s niece, Deb Rudov, wrote: Monty was born on 1 March 1935 at Albury, New South Wales, the son of Abraham (Jack) and Esther Rachel (nee Gotowizna) Rudov, who arrived in Australia from Poland in 1926. He attended Glamorgan (now Geelong Grammar School) from 1941 to 1942, and then Scotch from 1943 to 1953. He was a member of the 1952 and 1953 Tennis teams. Also at Scotch was his brother David (born 20.4.1928, SC 1942-45, died 12.11.2011). For two years, Monty studied Medicine at Melbourne University, but he decided instead to go into the family businesses. Schumacher Shoes was an iconic shop in Collins Street, opened in 1959. Monty and David ran it from 1972, supplying beautiful imported shoes to a clientele ranging from brides to drag queens. Monty loved going into the city and working with his staff, until closing Schumacher Shoes in 2018. Monty and David were in all their businesses together, including manufacturing and selling women’s fashions
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as Rowville Fashions, originally in Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, and later in Flinders Lane in the city. Other businesses included Verity Fashions, ACB Bond fabric bonding, Daly Rudov stainless steel etching and Acno rye grass extract. The brothers had a close bond, with a strong trust and affection for one another. In his youth, Monty was a great partygoer. He played a high level of tennis well into middle-age, having been Victorian Schoolboy Champion, and loved betting on the horses. He was a man of few words, and like so many of that generation, did not easily talk about his own personal thoughts. His children said he always listened to them and attended to their needs, providing valuable advice, and he adored his daughter, Simone, and son Adrian, as well as his grandchildren, Isabella and Harrison. For about 20 years, Monty lived with his partner, Brona, whom he met in the 1960s. They shared many happy times with family and friends. Brona cared for Monty in the most supportive and attentive way until his death from lymphoma at Japara Aged Care, Windsor on 27 September 2021. TSINDOS, George Russell (’01) George’s mother, Susan, wrote: George was born at East Melbourne on 29 December 1983, the son of Gary and Susan Tsindos. He attended Peninsula Grammar School and then Scotch from 1996 to 2001, boarding in Arthur Robinson House, and was a member of Littlejohn House. George played in the premiership 2001 1st XV, and swam in the winning 2000 and 2001 Swimming teams. He was a Scotch at Cowes Admiral. George followed his great-grandfather, Geoffrey Robert Panter Russell (born 26.5.1892, SC 1907-08, died 19.4.1946; co-founded Repco), and his great-greatuncle, George Benson Russell (born 18.8.1893, SC 1908-11, died 15.3.1986). His
great-grandfather, George Tsindos, thought we named George after him, and George Russell thought the same. It did not matter because he was his own person. George tried so hard at everything he attempted. Even as a young boy he had an amazing understanding of right and wrong, of good and bad. He was a loyal friend to all he met. His relationships with friends from Peninsula Grammar and Scotch will be forever remembered. George spent several years in the family nursery after completing a Bachelor of Horticulture at Melbourne University. He then received a Diploma of International Trade from RMIT. George spent time at Sadleirs transport and then TIG Freight while doing a Certificate 4 in Business Management. He then formed his own landscaping business, GRT Gardens. On 3 March 2012 George married Dr Kate Bridgman at the Peninsula Country Golf Club, Frankston, and they had a son, Jack. As a family it was one in, all in, and that was that. He tried hard to carry that on. As a Toorak College rowing coach he insisted on it. It did not matter what George started on, he would do his utmost for the best outcome. His motto was: ‘good better best, never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is the best’. George died on 8 August 2021 at the Austin Hospital, Heidelberg. We will never know why he was taken so early. We all miss George terribly and will love him forever: Mum, Dad, Laura and Alice.
APPLY EARLY FOR PLACES AT SCOTCH DEMAND FOR PLACES AT SCOTCH IS VERY HIGH AND MEMBERS OF THE SCOTCH FAMILY ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEIR SON'S BIRTH.
The application fee is $100. Application forms can be downloaded from the Scotch College website, along with further information relating to the School’s admissions process, at: https://www. scotch.vic.edu.au/ admissions.aspx www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot 89
FOUNDATION
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P H I LA N T H R O P Y
BEQUESTS
Generations of Scotch boys have benefited from the generosity of men and women who, over the years, have bequeathed gifts to the School or to the Scotch College Foundation. These gifts have had a profound impact on the lives of Scotch boys, through scholarship opportunities, by developing teaching and learning facilities, and by supporting staff and the School’s programs. A gift in a Will can be a way of saying thank you, honouring a loved and respected relative, recognising a valued member of staff or friend, investing in the future, or providing a Scotch education for those who otherwise cannot afford it. From Scotch’s earliest days in the heady atmosphere of the gold rush of the 1850s, its leaders have had the foresight and wisdom to plot the best course to stimulate boys’ minds and bodies. Strong traditions breed values of integrity, compassion and service, while educational research delivers an innovative curriculum promoting curiosity and self-worth. Embracing the inherent value of each person, boys ponder how the world came to be as it is, and how it might be made to evolve for the greater good. We are fortunate to have extensive grounds, exceptional facilities and staff members of real commitment who, in building relationships of trust and intimacy, create the space for our boys to question, initiate and lead. A bequest to Scotch is an investment in the School’s future, and an effective means to ensure the School will continue to offer a distinctive education that prepares boys for the challenges of their generation. I strongly encourage you to consider making a bequest to Scotch and look forward to welcoming you as a member of the Alexander Morrison Circle.
The School’s Scottish heritage is reflected in many aspects of Scotch’s life, from its Christian faith, its belief in a broadly-based liberal curriculum in the arts, sciences and humanities, and in a culture forged in the tradition of Scottish egalitarianism. Scotch College is a product of the Enlightenment which swept through Scotland in the 18th Century. Our founder, the Reverend James Forbes, campaigned strongly for a system of public education to be established in the colony of Victoria. He worked tirelessly to establish Scotch College, which opened its doors on 6 October 1851. Forbes was passionate about the importance of education to the future of Australia, and espoused the notion that each generation should be better than the one before. Scotch has always sought to live up to Forbes’ belief in the necessity for a broad, general and scientific education based on Christian principles. The Scotch College of today is a modern and dynamic Australian school, inspired by the values of our founder, and based firmly on the crucial role we believe education plays in empowering young people to take control of their lives. The Scotch College Foundation is committed to perpetuating this vision, ensuring Scotch will be everything it can be for each boy. The buildings and facilities, and the site itself, from which generations of boys have enjoyed and benefited, are almost entirely the direct result of the generosity of Scotch families and Old Boys who have gone before. Philanthropy has also opened the gates to a Scotch education for many boys who would not otherwise be able to attend the School. SANDRA DICK BEQUEST PROGRAM MANAGER
I T BATTY PRINCIPAL
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T H E I R W I L L … T H E I R I M PAC T
JOHN MITCHELL BELL AIR
COLIN HENRY KEON - COHEN CMG OBE
Born 22 May 1909, SC 1920-27, died 27 May 2001. John was
Born 23 March 1907, SC 1916-25, died 16 January 1982.
the son of Old Boy John Berry Bellair (SC 1897-1900).
John was a 1926 Prefect and 1927 School Captain. He was an agricultural scientist, expert horseman, steeplechaser, drover, farmer, grazier, shire councillor, sailor, Francophile, mountain climber and writer. John served in the AIF (1939-45) in the Greek and New Guinea campaigns, becoming a captain, and personal assistant to Lieutenant-General Sir Leslie Morshead. John left the major part of his estate to the Scotch College Foundation to establish the John Bellair Scholarship Fund. The bequest totalled $1.6M in 2001 and had grown to over $3.5M by 2021. Since its establishment, over 50 boys have been awarded scholarships from this fund who would not otherwise have been able to attend Scotch.
Colin was a member of the 1921 Athletics team, and the 1924 and 1925 1st XI. He was a 1924 Probationer, 1925 Vice Captain of Monash House, and a 1925 Prefect. A solicitor, he served in the RAF (1941-42) and RAAF (1942-45). Colin’s post-war passion was helping ex-servicemen, culminating in being an RSL national Vice President (1974-79) and Victorian RSL President (1975-79). He had an enduring interest in Scotch and the Old Scotch Collegians’ Association. Colin left his entire estate of over $450,000 to the Scotch College Foundation Endowment Fund (Corpus), income from which is paid to the School annually for its general purposes. This bequest is the major contribution to the Endowment Fund (Corpus) which had grown to $19M by 2021. The original Senior School gym, which is now the Keon-Cohen Dining Hall, is named in his honour.
B E Q U E S T S O F E V E R Y S I Z E H AV E H E L P E D S H A P E S C O T C H .
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MABEL MCBE TH (BE TH) BRE WSTER A ND JOHN DAVID (DAVID) POWELL
WALTER JOHN PATON Born 29 November 1914, SC 1926-32, died 28 May 2015.
Beth (died 8 January 2015) was the long-term partner of David (born 25 August 1928, SC 1935-45, died 29 July 2007).
David’s father, Harry Fowler Powell, was a permanently incapacitated World War I soldier who died when David was 16. David was eternally grateful to the RSL, and to Scotch, for their generosity in enabling him to attend Scotch. Beth left a third of her estate (over $1.1M) to establish the Beth Brewster Boarding Scholarship, and a Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science laboratory in David’s memory. Both were members of the Alexander Morrison Circle.
LIONEL RICHARD VIVIAN SPENCER Born 25 April 1896, SC 1908-15, died 12 March 1988.
Lionel was a member of the Athletics team (1911-13 and 1915), the premiership 1913 1st XVIII and the 1914 and 1915 1st XVIIIs. Lionel was an AIF gunner (1917-18) and a second lieutenant in the AFC (1918-20). He took over Spencer Motors and brought the Volkswagen to Australia. Over $8M has been received from his estate to support the Scotch College Building Fund, including the Spencer Centre for Design and Technology, which was opened in February 2018 and named in Lionel’s honour.
Walter was a music teacher who joined the army in 1941. He served in New Guinea from 1943, joining the AIF (1944-46). Walter was a group 1 instrument mechanic. He returned to Australia in 1944, spending the remainder of the war in Brisbane, and was demobilised as a lance corporal. Walter worked as a salesman and a newsagent. A canny investor, he bequeathed his large estate to numerous charities, with the Scotch College Foundation receiving over $6M to establish the Walter J Paton Music Scholarship.
WILLIAM SLOAN TING ATE Born 10 July 1937, SC 1951-55, died 20 February 2016.
William was a 1955 Probationer and 1st VIII member. A member of Scotch’s notable Sloan rowing family, Bill became active in OSCA activities as a player, supporter, Secretary and Vice President of the Old Scotch Football Club. Bill was involved in the Old Scotch Athletics Club, the Bushwalking Club, the Lodge, Koomerang, the Cardinal Club and the Heritage Club. Until the end he remained a passionate and practical supporter of Scotch, and of OSCA, of which he was 1990 President. He left $5000 in his Will to the Scotch College Foundation Endowment Fund (Corpus).
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S O M U C H AT S C O T C H H A S B E E N ACHIEVED THROUGH THE GENEROSITY O F T H E S C O T C H F A M I LY .
ALEXANDER MORRISON
You can choose to make a gift now, in your Will, or to do both. You can direct your gift according to your wishes. Depending on the impact you wish to make, you can support Scotch through a gift in your Will to:
❖ The Scotch College Foundation Scholarship Fund (for Academic, Music, Boarding or Indigenous Scholarships), allowing boys who otherwise would not be able to attend Scotch to do so. ❖ The Scotch College Foundation Scholarship Fund, to establish an individually named separate perpetual scholarship fund. ❖ The Scotch College Building Fund (for building purposes) ❖ The Scotch College Archive/Museum Fund (protecting, preserving and displaying Scotch’s rich history) ❖ The Scotch College Foundation Endowment Fund (Corpus) (a gift in perpetuity) ❖ Scotch College for general purposes, and your gift will be directed to the area most in need. THE ALE X A NDER MORRISON CIRCLE The Alexander Morrison Circle (AMC) provides a means for Scotch to thank and honour those who have provided for future generations through a gift in their Will.
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The AMC was inaugurated in 2003 and is named in honour of Alexander Morrison, who was Principal from 1857 to 1903 (the School’s second Principal). Morrison was instrumental in building Scotch into the leading educational institution it is today. Each bequest, no matter what its size, contributes to the School’s future. Members maintain a close connection with Scotch through AMC functions and other special events, and have opportunity to develop relationships with Scotch alumni, staff and friends. While we encourage all bequest donors to become members of the AMC, we also welcome and respect bequests made anonymously. ‘By including Scotch in your Will, you help to ensure that future generations of boys will continue to acquire an enduring love of learning, and benefit from a life-changing educational experience, where each boy is presented with the opportunity for success.’ BILL SIDES (’63)
To ensure your gift has the impact you intend, you are most welcome to discuss your wishes and plans in confidence with our Bequest Program Manager. Family comes first: when planning your estate we recommend you first discuss your intentions with your family, and also seek independent legal and financial advice. The Scotch College Foundation is already the trustee of more than 30 individually named separate perpetual trust funds for scholarship purposes. The Foundation’s Board comprises people with wide-ranging expertise and experience who carefully and conservatively manage all of its endowed funds, to maximise their return on a long-term basis. The board also has the benefit of external expert advice. This is performed without cost to the Foundation’s endowed funds. Commercial entities often charge significant fees for their services which reduces the impact of your gift.
E V E R Y G I F T O F E V E R Y S I Z E W I L L H AV E A L A S T I N G I M P A C T O N T H E S C H O O L A N D A L L W H O A R E F O R T U N AT E E N O U G H TO WEAR THE CARDINAL, GOLD AND BLUE.
YOUR WILL … YOUR WORDING
S U G G E S T E D WO R D I N G S GIF TING A SPECIFIC ITEM
I F YO U A R E T H I N K I N G O F I N C L U D I N G SCOTCH COLLEGE, OR THE SCOTCH C O L L E G E F O U N DAT I O N, I N YO U R W I L L , T H A N K YO U. We recommend that you seek independent financial and legal advice when writing your Will or adding a Codicil to your Will. You can choose to assist Scotch College, or the Scotch College Foundation, by using any of the suggested wordings. You may like to discuss your wishes with the Scotch College Bequest Program Manager, Sandra Dick, especially if you would like to tailor your gift to a particular purpose. From the School’s perspective, the less encumbered the gift, the easier it is to execute. All communications will be treated in the strictest confidence. If you have already made a Will and would like to include a bequest to Scotch College, or to the Scotch College Foundation, you can do so by executing a Codicil, which amends your existing Will without the need to draw up a new one.
You may choose to give a specific item of property such as land or shares. Some choose to leave a cash amount in their Will. To maintain the value of your cash gift over time, we suggest you link it to CPI: I give free of all duties [insert specific gift] to Scotch College, Melbourne (ABN: 86 852 826 445) for its: General Purposes Building Fund Archive/Museum Fund I declare that the receipt of the Director of Development or other authorised officer of the College shall be sufficient discharge to my Executor/s. I give free of all duties [insert specific gift] to the Scotch College Foundation (ABN: 42 672 231 245) for its: Scholarship Fund Indigenous Scholarship Fund Endowment Fund (Corpus) I declare that the receipt of the Director of Development or other authorised officer of the College shall be sufficient discharge to my Executor/s.
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“ T H E R E C A N B E N O G R E AT E R G I F T T H A N T H E G I F T O F E D U C AT I O N . ”
GIF TING THE RESIDUE OF YOUR ESTATE
GIF TING ALL OR A PERCENTAGE OF THE RESIDUE OF YOUR ESTATE
A residuary bequest generally refers to what remains of your estate once you have provided for your family and friends (and any creditors):
You may choose to give all or a specific percentage of your entire estate:
I give free of all duties the residue of all my estate, both real and personal, to Scotch College, Melbourne (ABN: 86 852 826 445) for its: General Purposes Building Fund Archive/Museum Fund I declare that the receipt of the Director of Development or other authorised officer of the College shall be sufficient discharge to my Executor/s. I give free of all duties the remains of all my estate, both real and personal, to the Scotch College Foundation (ABN: 42 672 231 245) for its: Scholarship Fund Indigenous Scholarship Fund Endowment Fund (Corpus) I declare that the receipt of the Director of Development or other authorised officer of the College shall be sufficient discharge to my Executor/s.
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I give free of all duties ___% / all of the residuary of my estate, both real and personal, to Scotch College, Melbourne (ABN: 86 852 826 445) for its: General Purposes Building Fund Archive/Museum Fund I declare that the receipt of the Director of Development or other authorised officer of the College shall be sufficient discharge to my Executor/s. I give free of all duties ___% / all of the residuary of my estate, both real and personal, to the Scotch College Foundation (ABN: 42 672 231 245) for its: Scholarship Fund Indigenous Scholarship Fund Endowment Fund (Corpus) I declare that the receipt of the Director of Development or other authorised officer of the College shall be sufficient discharge to my Executor/s. If you would like to give a specific asset which could have capital gains tax benefits, we suggest you contact our Bequest Program Manager, Sandra Dick.
F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
My bequest is not likely to be large; is it worthwhile to give? Yes, it is absolutely worthwhile. Over time, and with sound management to retain and grow the capital, funds invested distribute many times their initial capital value to assist the School and Scotch boys. Even modest gifts can have a substantial impact in assisting boys with financial need. It is your commitment to securing our future that counts. I would love to give a scholarship now and see it benefiting students in my lifetime, but will only have sufficient funds for the capital required through my Will – are there any options? Yes, some donors would love to start a scholarship program in their lifetime and can do so by committing to fund the fees on an annual basis, and then provide the capital sum for a perpetual scholarship via a gift in their Will. Is there a minimum bequest for establishing a perpetual scholarship? Yes, in general the minimum donation required to establish a named Academic/Music/Boarding/Indigenous Scholarship in perpetuity is $800,000. Smaller amounts are welcome and can be directed to the Scotch College Foundation Scholarship Fund. I am not sure whether to leave a specific amount or a percentage of my Will. Given the significant change in the value of money over time, and to save you revising your Will regularly, a gift as a percentage of your Will maintains the real value of what you intend to give to Scotch and to other beneficiaries. I am thinking about leaving my bequest with a separate external entity to manage and distribute annual amounts – would this save Scotch some work and hassle? The Foundation has the benefit of expert advice to carefully and conservatively manage all of its endowed
funds, to maximise their return on a long-term basis. An important part of the Foundation’s role is to provide advice and oversight on funds which have been entrusted to Scotch, and ensure they are used as the donor intended. The board also has the benefit of external expert advice. This is performed without cost to the Foundation’s endowed funds. Commercial entities often charge significant fees for their services, which reduces the impact of your gift. We recommend that you seek independent financial and legal advice when writing your Will or adding a Codicil to your Will.
THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF SCOTCH IS DEPENDENT ON THE GENEROSITY OF ALL OF U S T O D AY Thank you for considering a gift in your Will to Scotch College or to the Scotch College Foundation. Each bequest of any size matters; even modest gifts can have an amazing and lasting impact on the lives of our boys. ‘Scotch’s story is their story; the contributions they have made in their fields of endeavour, the impact they have made within and across their communities, and the difference they have made to those around them. The future success of Scotch is dependent on the generosity of all of us today.’ ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DOUG LORDING AM (’64), SCOTCH COLLEGE FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
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FRONT ROW: ALEX MEGGITT, NIK TSOURVAKAS. MIDDLE: ADAM PAI, WILL EDNEY, BEN GARSON. BACK: ALEXANDER TAYLOR, HUGH KNIGHTS
SCOTCH / FOUNDATION / OSCA EVENTS 2022
Great Scot Obituaries The Great Scot obituaries column is a significant section of the magazine, recording the dates of birth, death and (where applicable) the Scotch attendance years of all current and past students, staff, School Council members, and others who have made a significant contribution to Scotch College, the Old Scotch Collegians’ Association or to the wider community. THE SCHOOL’S POLICIES FOR GREAT SCOT OBITUARIES ARE: • The names, Scotch attendance years (where applicable) and dates of birth and death of current and past students, staff, and School Council members will be listed in the Great Scot obituaries column. • Family members or friends are invited to submit obituaries for editing by the Archivist and the Great Scot editorial team. All edited obituaries will be sent to originators for approval, to help ensure that obituaries are an accurate, relevant and interesting record of Scotch Family members’ lives. • Only spouses for whom full marriage details (full maiden name and exact date and place of marriage) are supplied will be included. • Reference will be made to multi-generational Scotch connections (e.g., son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather). • Special tributes recognising Scotch Family members who have made an outstanding contribution to Scotch College, the Old Scotch Collegians’ Association, or to the wider community will be initiated by the Great Scot editorial team. In these tributes, the School will seek to include material, including reflections, quotes and photographs, from family or friends, and from other sources. • Scotch College takes no responsibility for the accuracy of information supplied by family members or friends, other than information which can be confirmed by Scotch College records. • Obituaries are limited to 350 words, with the exception of those for very noteworthy people as determined at the discretion of the Great Scot editorial committee. • Photographs of Old Boys should ideally be from their time at Scotch, and should be sent as TIF files with a resolution of 300 dpi for photographs 6 inches x 4 inches, or 600 dpi for a smaller photograph. Alternatively, original photos can be donated, delivered or mailed to the Archivist for scanning (and return, if not donated to the School). Enquiries are welcome about Great Scot obituaries. Please contact the Great Scot Editor, Mrs Durga Kamte, on 9810 4302, or durga.kamte@scotch.vic.edu.au. Tributes and photographs should be emailed to the School Archivist, Mr Paul Mishura: paul.mishura@scotch.vic.edu.au, or mailed to Great Scot Obituaries, Scotch College, 1 Morrison Street, Hawthorn 3122.
SCOTCH COLLEGE EVENTS Head of the River
26 March
APS Swimming and Diving Finals
30 March
Cadet Tattoo
3 June
Cordner- Eggleston Cup
12 August
Science Oration
18 August
Foundation Day Concert
30 August
Family Day
10 September
APS Athletics Finals
15 October
Class of 2022 Valedictory Dinner
20 October
FOUNDATION EVENTS EMG Cocktail Party
17 February
Sydney Foundation Luncheon
25 March
EMG Easter Chapel Service
5 April
Boarding Fundraising Dinner
26 April
Foundation AGM and President’s Dinner
12 May
Rioli Family Indigenous Scholarship Dinner
25 May
Rioli Family Indigenous Scholarship Giving Day
26 May
EMG Winter Luncheon
15 June
Foundation Australian Art Show
1-4 September
EMG Christmas Lunch
16 December
OSCA EVENTS OSMaD Richard Beveridge Concert
26 Feb
OSFC Centenary Dinner- MCG
6 March
Don Macmillan Head of the River Cocktails
16 March
OSCA Annual Dinner
27 May
90th Birthday of School Rugby
28 May
OSFC v Old Melburnians - at Scotch Main Oval
25 June
Cordner - Eggleston Cup Lunch
12 August
OSCA/OWCA Golf Day
28 October
OSCA AGM & Presidents’ Dinner
16 November
OSMaD Musical Opening Night
9 December
SCOTCH FAMILY BRANCH EVENTS Sydney
24 March
Darwin
Early April
Adelaide
31 May
Bendigo
5 August
Canberra
25 August
Perth
2 September
North East/Rutherglen
9 October
Bellarine
6 November
OSCA REUNIONS 5 Year Reunion - Classes of 2015, 16, 17
Friday 28 January
20 Year Reunion - Classes of 2000, 01, 02
Friday 4 February
1 Year Reunion - Class of 2021
Tuesday 15 February
10 Year Reunion - Classes of 2010, 11, 12
Friday 25 February
30 Year Reunion - Class of 1992
Friday 18 March
40 Year Reunion - Class of 1980
Friday 25 March
40 Year Reunion - Class of 1981
Friday 1 April
40 Year Reunion - Class of 1982
Friday 19 August
60 Year Reunion - Classes of 1960, 61, 62
Friday 18 November
50 Year Reunion - Classes of 1970, 71, 72
Friday 25 November