Great Scot 170, December 2023

THREE ACTIONPACKED DAYS IN THE RAPIDS AT JAMIESON

EXPERIENCING THE THRILLS AND SPILLS OF WHITEWATER KAYAKING

In the last three days of Term 3, a group of 10 Year 10 students and two teachers spent three action-packed days whitewater kayaking at a campsite near Jamieson, 193km north-east of Melbourne.

The first day of camp was on slightly easier waters to what we would see later, to ensure that we all knew the skills we needed for the rapids that would come in the days to follow. Even after a number of capsizes, everyone came out of the day pleased and ready for the days that lay ahead.

Day two brought a much faster-paced day of kayaking. The morning gave us an opportunity to test our skills with a new section of the river, before going back over the section we had done the day before. However, now that we were more practised, we were able to head through the rapids with much more confidence and to gain more joy out of it.

That afternoon, we were brought to a new section of the river that held the most difficult rapids that we would face over the whole camp. This included the aptly-named zigzag, which was shortly followed by the zagzig rapid before we faced the formidable slalom rapid, where a few boys did go under. However, as we headed back to the campsite that evening, the group was all smiles after another thrilling day of kayaking.

The final day of the camp gave us one last chance to enjoy the incredible delight of whitewater kayaking. We were placed back onto the water and were able to try some new tricks on the now familiar rapids. Some boys even chose to go down a few of the rapids facing backwards! It was a great way to finish a truly wonderful camp that I know all of those who went on would say they thoroughly enjoyed.

BLAKE WILSON – YEAR 10

TOP LEFT: TACKLING THE RAPIDS. ABOVE: THE GROUP POSES WITH THEIR KAYAKS. BELOW LEFT: IN WHITE WATER. BELOW RIGHT: IN CONTROL. BOTTOM: KAYAKING

GOLF CAMP 2023 – PART OF THE YEAR 10 OUTDOOR

A GREAT WAY FOR BEGINNERS TO DEVELOP A LOVE OF GOLF

As a beginner to golf, I didn’t know how enjoyable this camp would turn out to be, but from the start I loved it. Even though the bus drive was long, when we arrived in Cobram we had lots of great options for lunch, and the bakeries in Cobram don’t disappoint.

Once we had arrived, we went straight off to our lesson with our instructor, Steffi, who helped us work on all facets of our game on the driving range. This definitely helped when we got onto the course. At the end of the first day we had a bit of free time before dinner, so four of us took the opportunity to check out the mini-golf course and had a blast. Then it was time for dinner at the golf club.

After such a great game of golf, we headed into the golf club for some lunch, which provided us with the energy to play some more holes or head off to the mini-golf.

Some of the other beginners and I headed onto the course for more practice and we ended up playing another nine holes, to wind up another great day of golf. After a strenuous day on the course we needed a good feed, and the pub in Cobram was perfect, with the food better than we expected.

On the second day we started with Steffi helping us with our chipping, to further improve our short game. We beginners appreciated this, as it made us feel more confident for the day ahead. On this day we played 18 holes Ambrose style and I was lucky enough to be in a group with Mr Smithers. He was very helpful and understanding and helped me with my swing. Overall, Mr Smithers made playing 18 holes for the first time enjoyable. With an amazing drive from Mr Smithers and an equally amazing putt from Spencer Rehfisch getting us an eagle, we ended the 18 holes at one under par.

On the final day we had the opportunity to do whatever we wanted, from mini-golf to going back to the course to play as many holes as we had time for. I chose to play four holes with some of the other beginners. As we could choose any format we liked, the six of us chose to play 3 v 3 Ambrose style, which was the perfect way to end a great camp. In the end we drew, but learned a lot and we all had a great time.

Then it was time to head for home, although we all wanted to stay and just play some more. This camp is one for the memories and will go down as the best camp I have ever been on. Mr Smithers and Mr Noble organised the camp well, providing us with plenty of opportunities for golf. It made all the beginners feel welcome and helped us become better golfers. I just wish I could go on it again.

MARCUS BROWNELL – YEAR 10

GOLF CAMP 2023 PARTICIPANTS

SNOWSPORTS BEGINNERS’ SKI CAMP 2023 – A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

It’s quite a magical moment when a student tells you it’s the first time they’ve seen the snow and you are witness to a group of Scotchies making a snowman and throwing snowballs at each other. We shouldn’t take for granted the beauty of such experiences in our students’ journey.

From Friday 18 to Monday 21 August, 50 Years 7 and 8 students, accompanied by five members of staff made their way to Falls Creek, which turned out to be the perfect location for novice skiers, since it offers a multitude of easy slopes to build up the initial confidence required to develop into a comfortable skier. Our boys benefited from lessons on all three mornings before practising their skills on designated slopes for the rest of the day.

Breakfasts and dinners were served at the YMCA Howmans Gap Discovery Camp, where we were lodged for the duration of the stay. Students could also enjoy a playroom with pool tables and board games or unwind in the company of their friends. Fortunately it had freshly snowed the day before we arrived. Falls Creek was a resounding success and a resort we will be looking to return to in the future. Thanks go to the accompanying staff: Ms Stalker, Mrs Rafferty, Mr Wiseman, Mr Evans, Mr Millar and Mr Taylor (Teacher-in-Charge); and a very special thank you also extends to Ms Cuming on the administration front.

CHRISTOPHE TAYLOR – TEACHER-IN-CHARGE, SNOWSPORTS BEGINNERS’ SKI CAMP

THE ADVENTURERS PROGRAM

INDONESIAN MARTIAL ARTS TO ULTIMATE FRISBEE, FENCING AND MORE

The Adventurers Program is a dynamic and exciting service that introduces and further develops interests for Year 9 boys across a diverse array of activities and sports. Boys are encouraged to explore and engage in a wide range of pursuits, as well as forming new friendships through common interests. Adventurers has something for everyone.

This year’s program kicked off in Term 1 with a busy start. Boys were divided into two groups, with group one delving into the fascinating world of Indonesian martial arts, known as Pencak Silat. Meanwhile, group two enthusiastically immersed themselves in the skilful practice of fencing. Thankfully no boys were injured in either sport, with both returning in Term 3 to allow everyone an opportunity to try both activities.

Term 2 of Adventurers saw the introduction of two new activities – ultimate frisbee and yoga. Yoga encouraged and taught boys to improve their flexibility, posture and develop mindfulness practices. In contrast, the fast pace of ultimate frisbee sharpened everyone’s physical dexterity and provided much competition among teams.

In addition to rotating through activities not completed earlier in the year, Term 3 provided an opportunity to prepare for the culmination of our Adventurers Program – the much-anticipated camp. At the end of term, all boys headed to Elliott Lodge in Healesville to participate in activities organised by the Melbourne Adventure Hub.

Central to camp were three main activities – whitewater kayaking at Wonga Park, mountain biking around Silvan Reservoir and caving at Yarra Junction. Amid the rugged wilderness, participants formed lasting bonds while embracing the challenges and natural wonders that made this camp an unforgettable adventure.

Special thanks go to all those who supported the program this year, including Mr Kerins, Mr Stapelberg and Dr Grigorious.

CHARLES JEFFERSON – YEAR 9

SPECTACULAR DIVES AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES

YEAR 10 BOYS’ CAIRNS SCUBA TRIP

As part of the Year 10 Outdoor Activities Program, the annual Scuba Trip to Cairns in September was undertaken and embraced by a hearty band of Year 10 Scotch boys, who had completed all their theory and pool skills development at Scotch, and were on a referral course to complete their Open Water Diving Course.

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) open water diving course requires about 18 hours of theory study and examination, a medical, and underwater skill development – not an easy task and a demanding service.

The boys enjoyed 10 dives off the Great Barrier Reef and completed their Open Water PADI Licence – so they are now licensed to dive anywhere in the world up to 18m. The dives were spectacular and the experience was memorable. Staff accompanying the journey were Mr Riley (Teacher-in-Charge), Mr Jonas and Mr Braidwood.

PETER RILEY – TEACHER-IN-CHARGE, OAP SCUBA TRIP

WHISTLER-BLACKCOMB – A CHALLENGING TWO-MOUNTAIN RESORT

A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR 23 BOYS

Twenty-three boys and four teachers woke up early for a 3am bus ride to Melbourne Airport on Easter Sunday. After the long plane flight to Canada, the boys and teachers enjoyed the endless terrain Whistler-Blackcomb had to offer – a spectacular twomountain resort with a gondolier traversing the mountains.

The boys were divided into small groups and experienced the mountain together, trying new challenges and supporting their friends. At the end of each day, we shared our memories with the other boys and teachers over dinner at various Whistler restaurants

We all faced different challenges on the trip. For some boys, it was their second time on skis, while others tested their bravery

on some of the double black diamond runs. We enjoyed bonding together through ziplining and touring around Vancouver. This included walking along one of the world’s longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridges.

Overall I had a great time, and the rest of the boys would agree that it was an unforgettable experience. I would like to thank Mr Riley, Ms Scarff, Mr Woodlock and Mr Evans for this unique experience, which would not have been possible without their commitment and support.

LUKE BODLE – YEAR 9

THREE DAYS OF PEACE AND QUIET

YOGA CAMP PROVIDED RELAXING TIME AFTER A BUSY TERM

‘I’m grateful for time in nature, and for three days of peace and quiet …’ ‘Thanks to Grada, our yoga instructor, for challenging us with yoga poses and meditation …’ ‘I appreciated learning about mindfulness and reflecting about ourselves’.

These were messages from students in the Gratitude Circle on the final day of the Yoga Camp at Wesburn in the Yarra Ranges during September.

After a term of limbering up on Wednesday afternoons as part of the Year 10 Activities Program, 11 student yogis travelled to the native bushland of the Yarra Ranges to retreat for three days. While the camp was jam-packed with classes offering experiences in many different kinds of yoga and mindfulness, students gratefully said that the camp provided a good relaxation time at the end of the term.

With many professional athletes, including some leading AFL clubs, adding yoga and mindfulness to their training regimes these days, the benefits are evident. Yoga can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina. Many people who practice yoga say that it reduces anxiety and stress, and improves mental clarity.

Yoga is offered as part of the Year 10 Activities Program at Scotch during Terms 1, 2, 3, with a camp at the end of Term 3. Scotch staff on the camp were Dr Brandon Tilley and Bu/ Mrs Melody-Fleur Watterson. The additional external yoga instructors were Connie, Grada, Stev and Julia.

MELODY-FLEUR WATTERSON – SENIOR SUBJECT TEACHER OF INDONESIAN; TEACHER -IN-CHARGE, YOGA

INSTINCTIVE SYNTHESIS –A SHORT PLAY ABOUT YOUTH INCARCERATION

YEAR 11 DRAMA STUDENTS’ SENSITIVE APPROACH TO A COMPLEX ISSUE

During Immersion week at the end of Term 3, boys in the Social Justice Drama group rehearsed and performed their play, Instinctive Synthesis – a short play about youth incarceration – to a small but appreciative audience. We congratulate all of the boys involved for their commitment, empathy and creativity in their approach to this complex issue.

As part of the Immersion Program this year, boys were able to speak with prisoners, judges and advocates about the issues impacting young people in jail. With the support of the ‘Worth a Second Chance’ campaign at Jesuit Social Services and their ‘Just Voices’ program, we were able to develop a short play which bought together the research and powerful stories of those who have been part of the youth justice system in Australia.

The Social Justice Drama students were Year 11 boys Ned Cox, Zain Al-Shamma, Ben Dallalana, Edmund Lai and Henry Heyburn. The Instinctive Synthesis performers were Ned Cox, Zain Al-Shamma, Ben Dallalana, Edmund Lai and Patrick Phillips. Supporting Staff were Ophelia Hopkins, Adam Somes and Jamie Lane.

OPHELIA HOPKINS – DRAMA TEACHER

YOGA ON BLUE TARP ON LAWN.

A SCENE FROM INSTINCTIVE SYNTHESIS

ETHAN FLEMMING’S MUSICAL JOURNEY CONTINUES AFTER SCOTCH

TO THE VATICAN AND BEYOND

As our children complete their schooling journey, it's natural for parents to wonder if their interests and passions will continue to thrive. At Scotch College, the answer to that question is ‘yes’. The school equips its students with not only a solid academic foundation but also an environment that fosters their individual talents and passions, allowing them to flourish long after graduation.

One example of this is the story of my son, Ethan. Ethan’s time at Scotch was defined by his music and drama – from the stage to Pipes and Drums to symphony, jazz and singing. Once he had finished Year 12, I hoped that his love for music and drama would persist. Little did I know how wonderful his musical journey was about to become. Ethan joined the world-renowned Choir of Trinity College. Through this, he has developed as a singer, made lifelong friends and enjoyed five years of incredible musical experiences, including two international tours.

Most recently, the choir embarked on a tour of Europe, a trip that saw them perform in some of the world's most iconic venues. From the grandeur of the Vatican to the historic Westminster Cathedral and the hallowed halls of St John's Chapel, Cambridge, these young musicians left their mark, sharing their talent and passion with audiences around the world.

What makes this story even more special is the connection between Scotch and the Choir of Trinity College. Over the years, Old Scotch Collegians have been an integral part of the choir's legacy. Even more heart-warming is the fact that the Choir Director, Chris Watson – a former member of the Tallis Scholars and Director of Music at St Edmund Hall, Oxford – now also serves as a voice teacher at Scotch.

Our boys leave Scotch with remarkable adventures and lessons under their belt, ready for the next chapter. We, as

ETHAN FLEMMING (‘18), CHRIS WATSON (DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, TRINITY COLLEGE CHOIR) AND CHARLIE LINESPERRIER (‘21) AFTER A VERY HOT DAY OF PERFORMANCES

parents, are fortunate to share in the joy of their achievements and enjoy the ride alongside them (to the Vatican and beyond!), and we couldn't be prouder.

SABINA FLEMMING – LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT, JUNIOR SCHOOL

(Mother of Ethan Flemming (Class of 2018))

CHOIR OF TRINITY COLLEGE PERFORMING AT ST JOHN’S COLLEGE CHAPEL, CAMBRIDGE, JULY 2023

SCENES FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL’S PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM, WHICH ENGAGES SMALL GROUPS OF BOYS FROM WITHIN THE HOUSE SYSTEM TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY

Renowned educational psychologist and co-founder of the ‘Relational Learning for Boys’ framework, Dr Michael Reichert, is a strong proponent of ‘relational learning’. Relational learning has been at the heart of great practice at Scotch for some time, thanks to some exclusive input from Dr Reichert.

While relational learning is multifaceted and complex, there is one key notion that sits above all. The relationships boys have with their teachers (be it class teachers or those senior within their community) have a significant impact on their learning. Boys tend to value the relationship with the person more than the content that is being shared with them.

Within the Junior School there are many day-today opportunities for boys to maintain, reinforce and develop positive relationships. Recently our Year 3 boys welcomed the new cohort of students who will join them in Year 4. The Year 3 teaching team engaged in explicit instruction to help our Year 3s develop techniques and approaches to initiate engagement with new people, and develop structures to assist the creation of a warm welcome. It has to be said that our Year 3 boys did a wonderful job of welcoming the new boys to the Scotch Family.

The Junior School team works hard on the development of relationships. However, this year there have been increased efforts to reap the rewards of the outcomes of this effort, and there is a renewed focus on helping the boys understand that once good relationships are developed, action can occur to help others.

Having read the story Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud, the boys discussed means by which they could ‘fill the buckets’ of others to

help make them happy. This sparked a number of opportunities across the Junior School for the boys to leverage positive relational learning and convert it to relational action (doing).

Our Peer Support Program engages small groups of boys from within the House system to work collaboratively. The special thing about these groups is that they consist of one or two boys from each year level – a vertical group. Each group is led by a Year 6 boy and is given tasks to complete over the year.

In Term 3 the Peer Support groups embarked on a philanthropic endeavour to build relationships within our wider Melbourne community. The teams engaged with the charity ‘Big Group Hug’, and collectively created a campaign to collect coats to give and distribute to children around Melbourne.

It was a delight to see every boy in the Junior School contribute to an impressive outcome that helped connect them to children from a very different place in our city. The relationships that had developed within each Peer Support group helped to ensure each boy was engaged, enabling each Scotch family to become a part of the action.

This term the Peer Support groups are looking ahead at another opportunity to widen our influence and consider support at a national level. There are plans afoot to work with Indigenous communities that have strong ties to Scotch, and for the boys to determine how they can build connection and work to support the communities. Watch this space!

A little closer to home has been the work completed in partnership with Methodist Ladies’ College. Junior School teachers from both schools have connected with one another to develop meaningful learning opportunities for the boys and girls to enjoy together. Over the year there have been several occasions at which boys and girls from the same year level have collaborated to meet certain challenges and communicated to help build new relationships.

Last term, MLC kindly invited our Year 5 boys to their campus for a morning of physical activity, games and team-building exercises. Scotch reciprocated by organising for the Year 6 girls to visit our Healesville campus with the Year 6 boys to engage in Outward Bound style challenges.

At the heart of this interaction is the respectful relationship curriculum which helps guide teachers as they plan each opportunity. The key learning opportunity is for the boys and girls to develop skills in relationship development that lead to positive action.

As we continue to embark on means by which Scotch College Junior School boys can have positive impact outside of the gates of the school, we must remember the power of relational learning and the foundation it helps to provide for each boy.

WORKING TOGETHER TO PRODUCE A BETTER WORLD

‘WORLD

IN CRISIS’ CHALLENGES SCOTCH’S YEAR 5 BOYS

World in Crisis is a simulation game developed by Scotch's Year 5 staff to help teach the Integrated Unit of Environment and Biodiversity. It provides an opportunity for boys to appreciate the challenges that currently face the world, and individual countries, and to attempt, through a collaborative approach, to solve these problems.

In the game, each country, colour coded, is represented at the United Nations. Boys are allocated to a country, and have the opportunity to present problems relating to their country and seek help, if necessary. The United Nations is the forum for problem-solving issues associated with each country, and there is the World Bank, which finances projects.

Students take on roles within this game, which is part of the Year 5 curriculum. As with all games, there are complications, difficulties and problems. Teamwork and collaboration become essential when addressing the many and varied issues that arise during the game.

As future leaders, our students are already beginning to think about world issues. Students will understand how important it is to think of the future, not just the present, to ensure there is a world for future generations in which to live.

Year 5 teachers addressed the boys at the start of the game.

‘To our Year 5 students: you have inherited a world on the brink of chaos and conflict. There is nothing you can do about what has happened in the past.

However, we are hoping that you can make a huge difference in the future. We are very sorry about the state the world is in. Our generation, along with previous ones, has not really looked after or respected our world. However, as future leaders, you can all make a difference and work together to produce a better world.

It is our hope that by collaborating and thinking of the future, we can all live together in harmony, and the problems we are currently facing will one day be solved, making the world a better place for future generations.’

Here are two Year 5 boys’ reflections on World in Crisis:

‘The aim of the World in Crisis game is to help students understand that “the future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created – created first in the mind and will, and created next through activity. The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination." John Schaar (American political theorist)

The World in Crisis game was amazing, because not only did the boys get to improve their problem-solving skills, but were able to collaborate, which is one thing we are all working on. Plus, World in Crisis made us realise what it truly is to be a stakeholder in such crucial decisions.

The problems in World in Crisis aren’t made up; they are real world problems! This game pushed our thinking and research skills through the roof, because the problems aren’t easy to solve.

The game was made more interesting by the fact that all of the nations were different. Purple Nation was the biggest and richest, having the biggest army and being full of minerals. On the other end, Grey was dull, mountainous and poor, struggling to survive. It needs to sell its fish for a profit or the economy will die.

Next came Orange, a warm and tropical place devoted to fishing. Sadly, a lot of their forests were being cut down due to

farmers wanting more agricultural land. Then there was Yellow, a place full of deserts, where just finding enough water to survive was essential. Finally, Green was another alternative, which specialised in solar power and wind turbines, making a very small contribution to its carbon footprint.

I believe this is what everyone should strive for, because we are creating a lot of problems with our planet Earth.’

SEBASTIAN KHAW

‘World in Crisis was very enjoyable. This is because we had the chance to expand our collaborative skills. We did this by solving different scenarios with other people. Also being in the United Nations, we could talk to other prime ministers about what we were going to do on the day for our country. We could also challenge ourselves to solve the variety of scenarios that were given to everybody.

Having a role in the United Nations was challenging for me, and that made me do my best every time. There were five nations in the game: Orange Nation, Green Nation, Purple Nation, Grey Nation and Yellow Nation. There was the United Nations and the World Bank.

In the five game days we had, we were all able to achieve and solve quite a few different scenarios which everyone contributed to. It was fun solving the scenario the first time. When it was not solved at the start, we all learnt from our mistakes and improved.’

KIRAN BIEN

Students soon realise that ‘The scarcest resource is not oil, metals, clean air, water, capital, labour, or technology. It is our willingness to listen to each other and learn from each other and to seek the truth rather than seek to be right.’ Donella Meadows (American environmentalist and educator)

STUDENTS FROM 5L WITH THE WORLD IN CRISIS MODEL

THE KEEN EYE OF AN ACCOMPLISHED ARTIST

Linda English is an accomplished artist who has worked at Scotch College for more than 14 years. During that time, she has assisted boys and staff in the Junior Art Department and, more recently, in the Archives.

Linda’s keen eye for detail is evident in how she prepares materials, frames artwork, stitches costumes and creates props for drama. Her knowledge of art techniques helps boys improve their skills during classes, and many of us are in awe of her illustrations. In her spare time, Linda uses a variety of media to produce masterpieces. She creates inspiring botanical art, portraits and still life using the methods of lino cut, oil painting, graphite and coloured pencil. She is also known for her expertise in textiles and glass etching designs. It is great to see that Linda will hold her second solo exhibition in West Melbourne next January, at the One Star Lounge and Gallery in Victoria Street, from 18 to 21 January.

PRISCILLA WILLIAMS – JUNIOR SCHOOL HEAD OF ART

What is your role at Scotch?

I started at Scotch in 2018 as a Classroom Assistant in Year 2. In 2020 I changed year levels and have since been working with Year Prep.

My role as a Classroom Assistant is varied and can be defined as ‘a bit of anything and everything’. On a daily basis,

I assist staff and students by working with small groups of students, setting up activities, attending to year level administration and resourcing, tending to the emotional needs of students, or anything else, as required. My background in teaching and integration has prepared me well for this multifaceted role.

What ignited your passion to teach?

I have always had a passion for education. For as long as I can remember, being a teacher was all I wanted to do – very clichéd, but true. My original interest was in the pre-school age group. However, secondary schooling work experience placements gave me a taste of both pre-school and primary education

INTERVIEW: NICOLE WEBB

PREP CLASSROOM ASSISTANT

Nicole commenced work at Scotch in 2018, and from that very first day it has been a pleasure working with her. She

is diligent, organised and in tune with students’ needs. Often, I begin asking her for help only to find she has already completed what I was thinking about. Even though Prep is very demanding, she always has a smile on her face. I love working with Nicole.

She always manages to do this with a high level of respect and patience, knowledge and expertise, to provide the very best care and support for the boys with whom she is working. Scotch is fortunate to have Nicole as part of our highly important team.

ALLIE NASH

from a teacher perspective. I was hooked. I eventually decided that primary teaching would provide me with a broader range of educational opportunities.

What personal qualities do you most admire in others?

I admire compassion, empathy and patience: people who can look beyond the obvious ‘black and white’ and understand that life is full of ‘grey’ areas that need exploring.

Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you try to live by?

I don’t really have a mantra or philosophy, but if I had to choose, maybe it would be ‘one good turn deserves another’. I have always been one to volunteer for a good cause, whether it be as a parent helper in the classroom, as a

team manager at my children’s sporting teams, or fundraising for valuable causes.

Is there an interesting fact about you that you are willing to share?

I have had a lifelong passion for books and reading. As such, I completed a degree in Information Management (TeacherLibrarian) following my education degree. I also love jigsaw puzzles … as long as they are not full of sky and grass scenes!

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

I love to watch children learn and grow. I love the joy on their faces as they experience or discover new things – the joy of reading a book or the excitement of overcoming a challenge, no matter how big or small.

MONDAY 7 AUGUST 2023: CELEBRATING 100 DAYS OF PREP - THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF THE EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY

‘WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE’

CHALLENGING CAMPS FOR OUR YEAR 8 BOYS

‘Adventure starts with daring yourself to try something new. It’s about embracing every opportunity and living life to the fullest!’

The author of this quote is unknown, but it sums up what we asked of the Year 8 boys in preparing for the Year 8 camps held towards the end of October. It was challenge by choice, with three different camps to choose from, of various levels of difficulty. The boys embraced the challenges with gusto. The camps were run by three different companies in three different Victorian locations – the Strathbogie Ranges (AusCamp), the Grampians (Adventure Plus), and Toolangi and Castlemaine (Bindaree Outdoor Group).

All camps provided an introduction to outdoor education. Boys cooked for themselves or their group, hiked and camped in two-man tents, abseiled or rock climbed, with some trying a high ropes course. Others canoed and undertook mountain bike riding and an obstacle course.

While some camps offered the opportunity of a bed for a few nights and a shower, others were under canvas each night without facilities, or at least limited facilities, throughout the week. On visiting some of the groups it did feel a little as if I were in a chapter of the book Where the Wild Things Are!

The challenges of the camp were varied. For some it was the 40 foot abseiling, while others had a 20 foot abseil – both didn’t look half as daunting when standing firmly on the ground compared to being perched on the edge, even if you are securely tied on. For others it was scaling the rock wall and the challenge of climbing Mount Rosea, particularly on

those days when the weather became quite warm. For some boys it was a challenge to keep their gear organised, packed and carried from site to site.

Regardless of the personal challenges the boys faced, along with some of the staff, they all did amazingly well to conquer their fears and achieve success. Undoubtedly the boys learned a lot about themselves, and their peers, as they spent time out of their comfort zones in the great outdoors. As Winnie the Pooh said: ‘We didn’t realise we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun’. I am sure all the boys will also think the same, as they look back at this camp.

There have been some notable achievements in the last few months by the boys of Middle School. Daniel Wang (Year 8) received a distinction for his LMusA horn. He is one of the youngest students at Scotch to achieve this level of achievement on the horn.

James Luk (Year 7) represented the North-East Inner Metro at the state finals of the Association of German Teachers of Victoria German Poetry Competition. James performed exceptionally well and came second overall for Year 7 in all of Victoria.

Our da Vinci Decathlon teams did very well in the state competitions, with our Year 7s achieving third overall. The team consisted of William Wang, Aaron Shen, Matthew Dallalana, Jun Gardiner, Yevan Navaratne, Thomas Doan, Alexander Gordon and Kevin Sui.

Our Year 8s came second overall in the Decathlon, the team consisting of Cameron Wong, Matthew Wang, Aaryan Berera, Jayee Zhang, Joshua Wang, Gabriel King, Gary Kong and Hayden Yu. There were some big performances in the junior APS crosscountry event. Henry Curlewis finished first in Year 7, with Joshua Lindeman sixth and Alexander Gordon seventh. Joshua Baker achieved second in Year 8.

MS KATRINA STALKER HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

A LONG TRADITION OF TRAVELLING AND EXPLORING

GOING ‘ON THE ROAD’ TO BROADEN EDUCATION AND WORLD VIEWS

Alan Bennett’s observation that ‘Life is generally something that happens elsewhere’ points towards our innate curiosity regarding other cultures, peoples and places. Away from our homes, other worlds can seem more vibrant and interesting than our own. Moving away from our community, for a while at least, not only may lead to appreciating our home more, but also has the benefit of enhancing our experiences and understanding of others.

Scotch has a long tradition of encouraging its students to travel and explore, perhaps best exemplified through the high number of interstate and overseas OSCA branches affiliated to the school. So, despite recent challenges like the cost of transport and accommodation, every year we encourage and facilitate many of our students to go ‘on the road’ to broaden their education and world views.

Our ties to Tiwi College in the Northern Territory continue to strengthen and are of mutual benefit to both communities. Early in Term 3, Ms Emma Gates and colleagues took 22 Year 9 boys to Tiwi College for a week. This pilot program was aimed at strengthening our ties with our NT sister school, together with providing opportunities for learning about Indigenous culture.

Our students were welcomed to Melville Island with a smoking ceremony, and quickly familiarised themselves with the college, its home rooms and surrounding environment. Fishing was an extremely popular pursuit, as was sitting around the fire at night where boys from both cultures could chat and share experiences. Our Indigenous Partnership Program, led by Ms Emma McCowan, also visited Tiwi College at the end of Term 3 as part of their ongoing connections to Tiwi, thus cementing our ties to the islands even further. In April, a squad of Year 11 and 10 boys took part in a football trip to the Northern Territory with

games being played in Darwin against Haileybury and NT Thunder.

At the end of Term 3, as part of our Year 11 Immersion Program, students travelled to Cairns to work on an environmental program protecting the reef habitat. This involved data collection on coral health, species identification and marine debris removal. A number of students also travelled to the Whitsunday Islands, with one group kayaking and another scuba diving. Closer to home, 20 students spent a week at Ballarat Special School working with students and teachers in the broader community.

Over Easter, our Art and Drama Departments ran a joint trip to New York where 20 students were able to explore the galleries and installations of this creative behemoth, while also sampling productions off and on Broadway. Not to be outdone, in September, over 80 students and staff headed to the USA for a Space Camp affiliated with NASA.

Our school exchange programs offer a longer stay overseas. This year we have sent boys on exchange to schools in Canada (the Crescent School), to Scotland (George Watson’s College) and to England (Dulwich College). We also hosted a student from Michaelhouse School, South Africa. Although the visits overseas were for just three weeks on average, our students found the experience to be extremely valuable with the added bonus of newfound friends, who no doubt will stay in touch for many years to come.

Additionally, our thriving language exchange program enables budding linguists to travel to France, Italy, Indonesia and Germany, to immerse themselves in the language and culture of each region. Attending school in another country, and often living with a host family, students are immersed in another culture, returning home with noticeable improvements in their language skills.

MR TIM RAYNER HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

After being selected for the Australian national team for the 2022 International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) last year, it came as a bit of a disappointment that Australia would not be participating in the 2022 IJSO, which had been hastily relocated from Ukraine (which could not host the competition in person for obvious reasons) to Colombia. In particular, Australia decided against going to Colombia because of safety and security concerns.

However, we were very fortunate earlier this year to learn that Ukraine was willing to host an online alternative to the IJSO, called the International Junior Science Challenge ‘Science Vision’. Like the IJSO, it was a competition for students 15 years or younger, and tested our theoretical and experimental skills in biology, chemistry and physics at about a Year 12 level.

Among the 10 countries represented, the Australian national team was placed first overall with three gold medals and three silver medals – a great result for our team of six members. I was fortunate enough to be one of the three Australian gold medallists.

The great thing about this competition is that it fosters international cooperation and friendship, and gives students around the world the opportunity to extend themselves and explore advanced concepts in science. After undertaking this program, I’m looking forward to taking my next step in the Science Olympiad pathway – one of the Senior Science Olympiads (Biology, Chemistry or Physics).

WITTER ONGGARA – YEAR 10 (GOLD MEDALLIST)

ASIAN PHYSICS OLYMPIAD

I went to Tokyo, Japan in July to attend the Asian Physics Olympiad, where I got to visit historical sites, experience cultural activities such as watoji, a traditional book binding method, listen to Nobel Laureates speak about their experiences and sit for 10 hours of exams. Aside from these experiences, one of the most serendipitous aspects I enjoyed was the verdant beauty and tranquility of the Japanese countryside, just an hour from the busy metropolis of Tokyo.

LIAM CHEN – YEAR 11 (BRONZE MEDALLIST)

In July, our Year 12 team was invited to attend the International Olympiad of Linguistics in Bansko, Bulgaria after qualifying in the Australian Computational Linguistics Olympiad round. We were unsure of what to expect, but the trip was eye-opening, and introduced our team to the vast world of languages, while also providing the opportunity to make many new friends from all over the world. We had a great time learning about linguistics, participating in the competition, and meeting like-minded people.

DANIEL ZOU – YEAR 12

INTERNATIONAL INFORMATICS OLYMPIAD

My experience at the International Olympiad in Informatics was phenomenal. We traversed through the town of Szeged, and visited a fountain that spewed up drinking water heated from underground rocks. But the highlight was talking to the other teams – it was great to see different perspectives and approaches on how other people train and use their time. As we exchanged our souvenirs, we also exchanged our culture.

ARTHUR SUN – YEAR 12

SCOTCH HUMAN RIGHTS DAY SCOTCH INTERSCHOOL

This year is the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and on 4 August, students marked this occasion with Scotch Human Rights Day.

FRIENDLY MOOT: JUNIOR MOOT DAY

year,

For those who are new to the concept, mooting is a simulation of a court of law, which allows students the opportunity to interact with structures of the Australian legal system.

Exercising our right to freedom of expression, we wore casual clothes to school, and were joined by students from Ivanhoe Grammar School and St Leonard’s College for an engaging day of thinking, led by four special guests: Ms Lorraine Finlay – Australian Human Rights Commissioner; Mr Josh Burns, MP – Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights; Dr Jane Tiller – Legal, Ethical and Social Advisor, Public Health Genomics, Monash University; and Prof John Tobin – Francine V McNiff Chair, International Human Rights Law, Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne.

The day began with a panel discussion and then students split off into groups for interactive sessions with each panellist, to dig a little deeper into their areas of expertise. Finally, there was a Q+A session to wrap up an engaging day and inspire the young minds whose turn it will be to solve human rights issues in the coming century.

CONOR SULLIVAN – YEAR 10

Participating in mooting serves as a valuable stepping stone for those considering a future in the legal sector, those preparing for university-level moot competitions, or simply those who are looking for a great opportunity, and an intellectually stimulating challenge.

After months of preparation with our brilliant coach – Joshua Crawley, who has completed a Bachelor of Arts/Laws (Honours) at the Australian Catholic University, and then a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at Leo Cussen Centre for Law –Scotch’s three Junior Moot teams entered the competition, ready for their first taste of real mooting! The day flowed seamlessly, a feature truly owed to the organisational prowess of Mrs Horneman, Extension Studies Coordinator.

When it finally came time to moot, the true value of mooting became apparent. We were able to improve as public speakers, and display the in-depth knowledge of legal systems we had gathered over our time as mooters. However, most of all, it was incredibly enjoyable!

For those searching for an avenue into the ways of law, or looking for an activity that provides an alternative spin on conventional debating, we would highly recommend mooting.

ROHAN CALI, RAYMOND TANG, ATIKSH MEHTA – ALL YEAR 8

This

the first ever dedicated Junior Moot Day was held on 11 September at Scotch. Students from Ivanhoe Grammar School, Camberwell Grammar School, Kingswood College and Northside Christian College gathered to participate in an intense yet enjoyable day of mooting.

ON THESE PAGES ARE EXTRACTS FROM ADDRESSES MADE BY THE SCHOOL CAPTAIN, DION WHITFIELD AND THE VICE CAPTAIN, THOMAS KLUCKOW. DION SPOKE AT THE YEAR 12 PRESENTATION NIGHT ON 12 OCTOBER. THOMAS MADE HIS SPEECH DURING THE VALEDICTORY DINNER ON 11 OCTOBER.

THE GREAT LEGACY OF THE CLASS OF 2023

DION WHITFIELD – SCHOOL CAPTAIN’S ADDRESS

Year 12 Presentation Night, 12 October 2023

Tonight is a very significant celebration: a milestone marking the end of your secondary schooling but also importantly a celebration of your contribution to Scotch College.

I can safely say that whether it be 13 years, six years, four years, or however long you have been in this place and beside these people, the certificate you receive upon completing your VCE is not the most important thing you will take away from Scotch College.

A certificate can sometimes be a bit like a shopping list: it does not do justice to your various achievements, your character, your capabilities and the influence you have had on this school and the others around you.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge and express my deepest gratitude to the other people in the Memorial Hall this evening who have been our unwavering support system throughout this incredible journey: our parents. As per the Vietnamese proverb: when eating fruit, remember, who planted the tree. And we have all certainly enjoyed the fruits of a Scotch education.

But I would also like to think in many ways that the true fruits of a Scotch education are yet to come.

There is much that we have achieved together, and much to be proud of! One of the things that made me most proud this year, and definitely a highlight for many in this room, was the ‘Take the Plunge’ for Tiwi College fundraiser. A lot of hard work from many went into making this such a successful day, which culminated in us raising over $12,000 for Tiwi College.

I was fortunate enough to be up on Tiwi at the end of last term to see first-hand the tangible impact of where that money is going, which is the building of a new Arts Centre up at Tiwi College. Together, these initiatives – whether it’s the Prefect Talks, the ‘Being a Good Scotch Mate’ campaign or the Tiwi College Fundraiser – only build upon the great legacy that the Class of 2023 leaves.

And I say that the Class of 2023 leaves ‘a great legacy’ purposefully! Because it’s very easy to see the impact you have

had around the school grounds. But I would argue this year, by actively looking outward and embracing the spirit of charity and giving, we have not only enriched our own lives, but also made a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need within our community and beyond.

As for me, I want to thank the Class of 2023 for welcoming me back to Scotch this year as your School Captain. It's an honour to be part of this incredible group of individuals. From the very beginning and through my involvement in different parts of the school this year – like with the 1st XVIII or even having conversations with you around the school – you extended a hand of friendship and inclusion, and for that, I'm truly grateful.

I want to as well thank our Principal, Dr Marsh. Your support of all the aforementioned and various initiatives, activities and fundraisers this year is greatly appreciated. You have not just been our Principal, but I think also a great role model, demonstrating the qualities of integrity and someone who is of good character. Some might say you’re pretty funny too! I must say I’ll give you that!

Your commitment to the betterment of our school is already evident to me, and it’s been great to enjoy a close working relationship with you.

Boys – I challenge you to make the most of your opportunities in life. This evening I will quote philosopher, Henry David Thoreau, who once wisely said: 'Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.' Simply put, seize every chance to learn, to grow and to have a positive impact on others as well.

The world is full of opportunities, and it's up to us to recognise them and turn them into stepping stones toward success.

I leave my school proud of the service that I’ve been able to give, confident about the future of this great school, and thankful for everything that a Scotch education has given me. And remember this: ‘The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again’.

I look forward to seeing a lot more of you beyond the Monash Gates!

‘TOGETHER WE SHALL CARRY THE SPIRIT OF SCOTCH FORWARD’

THOMAS KLUCKOW – SCHOOL VICE CAPTAIN’S ADDRESS

Valedictory Dinner, Wednesday 11 October 2023

Six years ago many of us walked through the Monash Gates for the first time, wondering what our time at Scotch had in store for us.

Little did we know that those seemingly ordinary gates would become the gateway to some of the most cherished memories of our lives: the unexpected excitement that came when we saw Hymn 29 in the Memorial Hall; the echo of our Red Army chants; singing Loch Lomond in the Green Grandstand on Friday lunchtimes; sleeping in those ever so comfy chairs in the Geoff McComas Theatre during a presentation; or sitting, freezing in the Littlejohn Chapel.

I know each of our Scotch stories is different but we’ve shared a lot together, which is a pretty special thing. We've spent six years of our lives together in this school, and for some of the Junior School boys, it's been a 13-year journey. So I think there is a bittersweet realisation that this is probably our last time together as a complete cohort.

However, those memories that we have forged together are not ephemeral footprints washed away by the tides of time, but rather eternal constellations in the vast canvas of life that we are all connected by; that will guide us back to the place where it all began.

No matter where our paths may lead or the new friendships we may forge, we will forever be part of the Class of 2023. But tonight this is the last story we build together at school, and so I think it’s fitting to reflect on the legacy we’ve built as a cohort and those that have made it possible.

The role our teachers have had in shaping these experiences and in every facet of our Scotch journey is truly remarkable. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our education. Thank you for your patience and guidance, for believing in us when we doubted ourselves, and for igniting the flames of curiosity within us.

You have not just taught us subjects; you have shown us the path to becoming responsible, compassionate, and informed citizens of the world, helped make our Scotch journey a truly

enjoyable experience, and created memories we will treasure for the rest of our lives.

However, the influence of our teachers, our collective experiences and each of our Scotch journeys doesn’t end here. I read this quote in an early Scotch Collegian: ‘Scotch is not bound in walls; the real Scotch is wherever Scotch Collegians are, in the hearts of her sons’.

In this school we’ve been moulded into thinkers, leaders, musicians, actors or sportsmen. It is within this school we have discovered our strengths, nurtured our talents, and made lifelong connections both with our peers and our teachers. But the essence of Scotch is not confined to the Science building, to the Music School, to the Tucky, the library, or the sports fields. It lives within us boys, in the choices we make, the lives we touch, and the impact we create.

So even as we hang up our Candies for the last time, the cardinal, gold, and blue that we have worn with unwavering pride will forever be ingrained in our hearts. The values instilled in us by our dedicated teachers will endure, the connections we have forged with each other will endure, and the values of our school will endure, serving as guiding principles throughout our lives.

So thank you, Scotch, for helping make us into who we are today, and thank you, teachers, for being such an influence on our lives.

Tonight we write our final story together as the Class of 2023, but together we shall carry the spirit of Scotch forward, ensuring that it thrives not only within these walls but in us boys forever.

And so, boys, as we embark on new endeavours, I do hope that our paths will cross again, so we can rekindle the laughter, camaraderie and memories that have made this journey unforgettable.

FAMILY DAY 2023

GREAT FOOD, GREAT FUN AND PLENTY OF ACTIVITY, AS THE RAIN STAYED AWAY

Despite frequent bouts of rain in the lead-up, and a weather forecast which did not promote great optimism, the clouds cleared, and Family Day proceeded mostly in sunshine. As always, the colour and activity of the House athletics competition on the Main Oval was a wonderful backdrop to a host of auxiliary exhibitions and displays.

With the Open 3000m and the 400m races held as lead-up events preceding lunchtime, Fleming started the day at the top of the leader board. They maintained this position until the early afternoon but were eventually overtaken by Gilray. The top three positions were: first – Gilray (1462 points); second –Fleming (1383), third – Morrison (1291)

In the forms competition, 8HC won the Year 8 event from 8CP and 8LC, and 7BT won the Year 7 event, with 7DT second and 7PR third.

In the Scotch Flyer (a 100m handicap event) Edward Hills (Year 10) finished first, ahead of Blake Wilson (Year 10) and Alex Wilson (Year 12). The Scotch Quarter (400m handicap) was won by Oliver Moore (Year 10) with Conor Sullivan (Year 10) second and Lachlan Gance (Year 10) third.

KEITH OATLEY – HOUSE ACTIVITIES CO-ORDINATOR

THE CLASS OF 2023 WILL BE REMEMBERED AS A GREAT COHORT

TORCH CEREMONY FAREWELLS A

This year’s Torch Ceremony, farewelling the class of 2023, was a particularly joyful affair, celebrating a cohort who will be remembered by all as a wonderful group of students.

The Principal, Dr Scott Marsh began with a vote of thanks for the bucket of KFC left on the Morrison Street roundabout – a testament to the cheeky humour that typified our Year 12s –before acknowledging the many other strengths of the group; kindness, dignity, warmth, diligence and a strong sense of mateship.

School Captain Dion Whitfield and Vice Captain Tommy Kluckow spoke with their characteristic humility and grace to acknowledge their classmates and applaud their efforts across

SCENES FROM THE YEAR 12 FINAL ASSEMBLY, INCLUDING THE TORCH CEREMONY, AND AFTERWARDS IN OLD SCOTCH SQUARE

SUPERB GROUP OF YOUNG MEN

the year, before offering a substantial cheque as thanks to the school – the Year 12 gift.

After the torches were lit by the youngest Year 7s, they were passed to the outgoing teachers before moving between the hands of the outgoing Year 12s. The Year 11s and House Tutors joined in the expressions of joy and melancholy through the singing – this teacher has never heard Loch Lomond sung with such abandon.

As someone lucky enough to have taught a Year 12 class this year, I can safely say that the Class of 2023 will be long remembered as a superb group of young men.

EMMA CAVOLI – EGGLESTON HOUSE FORM TEACHER

VALEDICTORY DINNER 2023

A JOYOUS, COLOURFUL CELEBRATION ON AN EVENTFUL NIGHT

After a lively aperitif in the Centrepiece at Melbourne Park hall during which students, parents, special guests and staff mingled, sharing anecdotes of their last year at the school, current photos of each student of the 2023 cohort juxtaposed with one of their younger selves, greeted everyone as they entered the main room.

Under the intimate and cosy cardinal colours that lit up the room, the traditional festivities took place, notably the majestic entrance of the haggis accompanied by the Scotch College Pipers and followed by the traditional Robert Burns’ Address to a Haggis poem read out by Jack Armstrong (’23).

The sense of excitement in the room was only interrupted by speeches from the School Captain, Dion Whitfield, who congratulated the cohort for their positive mindset, and the Vice Captain, Thomas Kluckow, who mentioned to his peers how ‘the essence of Scotch lives within us boys, in the choices we make, the lives we touch, and the impact we create’.

The Principal, Dr Scott Marsh, called out many students individually by imagining future encounters with them (such as when Dion Whitfield will be Prime Minister of Australia) by recounting specific anecdotes or personality traits, which gave a lovely personal touch to the whole proceedings.

Despite the general elation floating around, the lively rendition of the school songs, Mr Waugh’s performance and the sumptuous food and wine, nothing could quite compete, with the traditional mother and son dance session at the end of a special evening.

Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o' the pudding-race! ADDRESS TO A HAGGIS,

ROBERT BURNS

PRESENTATION NIGHT 2023

A FOCUS ON CHARACTER BUILDING SEES THE

2023 CURRENT COHORT OFF

Despite an evening of torrential rain, there was certainly much comfort and warmth to be found in the Memorial Hall on Thursday 12 October when our Year 12 students assembled with their families, staff, members of the School Council and special guests for the traditional Presentation Night.

The evening started with the audience singing the National Anthem and the Chairman of the School Council, Mr Alex Sloan (’71), welcoming all attendees, with a particular focus on the Wurundjeri land on which Scotch College stands. The Rev Douglas Campbell led the attendees through the Bible reading, the hymn Crown Him with Many Crowns and the Lord’s Prayer.

Dr Scott Marsh gave the Principal’s Report in which he highlighted the many events that took place over the year

involving the Year 12 students, thanking them for their remarkable contributions to the school, notably by raising funds through various charity events.

Then came time for the students to individually take to the stage to receive their school certificates and prizes from the Principal, pausing halfway in order for Dr Marsh to present the Perelberg Award, which went to Lachie Finster (’22) for embodying the true spirit of the school thanks to his positive attitude throughout his schooling. In line with the motto of ‘being a good mate’ that was a strong focus of the Class of 23, Lachlan reminded the boys of the importance of looking out for each other.

After a spirited rendition of the College Anthem, Dion Whitfield shared his School Captain’s report, praising the cohort for their

mindset, thanking the Principal for his guidance and the School Vice Captain, Thomas Kluckow, for his friendship and support. Dion said it had been an honour for him to lead the school.

Mr Alex Sloan then introduced and thanked our guest speaker for his work with the School Council. Dr Peter Collins serves as Principal at the Nous Group, specialising in leadership development, strategic guidance and matters concerning integrity and ethics. He also held leadership roles as the head of the Australian National Centre for Ethical Leadership and as the Director of the Vincent Fairfax Fellowship in Ethics.

Dr Collins spoke vividly about the importance of character formation, through numerous anecdotes that centred around his encounters with Old Scotch Collegians around the world, whose

ethics, he attributed, found their source at Scotch during the boys’ formative years.

Dr Marsh reinforced this notion by reminding the boys that it’s ‘more about who you are rather than what you do’ and brought the evening to a close, after Mr Sloan’s concluding remarks. The College Song was followed by the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, the Right Reverend Ian Hutton, giving his benediction to all assembled.

Night-time had fallen on Scotch when all present exited the Memorial Hall, some leaving for a supper provided by the school, while others making their way home; all with a glow in their hearts, knowing how cherished they have been, and that the Scotch Family will always be there for them.

A BIG SPLASH FOR TIWI

TEACHERS AND BOYS TAKE AN ICY PLUNGE FOR A GREAT CAUSE

Scotch College and Tiwi College have had a strong partnership for decades, with immersion programs helping our boys to experience all that Indigenous culture has to offer. With the aim of strengthening one of our brightest partnerships and raising money for a valuable cause, Scotch’s Charity and Events Prefects (Ronan Ahl, Tommy Kluckow, Mike Winneke, Darcy Cullen and Sam Luo) organised Scotch’s first-ever Ice Plunge for Tiwi.

On Friday 25 August, the Scotch Principal, staff and students braved the icy water in a dunk tank to take the plunge, raising funds in support of Tiwi. The plunge featured appearances from our Principal, Dr Marsh, along with the Head of Upper School, Mr Rayner, and Head of Middle School, Ms Stalker, and highly anticipated staff appearances from Mr Byrnes, Mr Powell, Ms Scott, Ms Gates, Ms Christensen, Rev Assender, Mr Blackmore, Mr Pattinson, Mr Patel, as well as School Captain Dion Whitfield and Captain of Football, Jagga Smith.

The icy dip was a huge success, with the boys coming out in St Andrews Square to cheer on teachers and boys in a beautiful show of community spirit. More than $12,500 was raised to fund the building of an Arts School at Tiwi to preserve Indigenous Culture – a significant sum, making a big splash and an even bigger impact on Tiwi College.

RONAN AHL – YEAR 12

TOP LEFT: DR SCOTT MARSH AS COLONEL SANDERS, PICTURED AFTER HIS PLUNGE WITH YEAR 8 BOYS.

TOP RIGHT; THE CROWD IN ST ANDREW’S SQUARE.

MIDDLE PHOTOS: TAKING THE PLUNGE.

BOTTOM, GROUP PHOTO THE ICE BATH PLUNGERS.

BOTTOM PHOTO: MS EMMA GATES PLUNGING

CAPTIVATING INSIGHTS FROM VOICES OF A GENERATION

Competitors from schools in the Hawthorn area gathered at Swinburne University on Friday 11 August to participate in the Voices of a Generation Competition, hosted by John Pesutto MP, Member for Hawthorn and Leader of the State Opposition.

It was a fantastic opportunity to hear the perspectives of young people on the topic ‘How can people and technology work together to build a path to a better world?’ Speeches encompassing the rise of artificial intelligence, possible solutions to food insecurity, the future of biotechnology and even teleportation captivated us with their unique insights.

Most rewarding, however, was receiving leadership advice from the judging panel of industry leaders, including John Pesutto, the founder of Bakers Delight, Leslie Gillespie OAM, the CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Paul Guerra, the Vice Chancellor of Swinburne University, Professor Pascale Quester, journalist and Head of Communications at Melbourne Airport, Andrew Lund, and the Mayor of Boroondara, Cr Felicity Sinfield.

CHRISTOPHER O’CONNELL – YEAR 12

FRESH MILK FOR THE SCOTCH BOARDERS OF 1859?

Now that’s the type of newspaper advertisement you don’t see every day, but it did appear on page eight of the Melboune Argus on 23 June 1859. The Argus was a Melbourne newspaper which was published from 1848 to 1957. Scotch’s Archivist, Paul Mishura found the advertisement while searching Trove for details of a Scotch boy of the 1850s.

Lansdowne and Grey Streets, East Melbourne. Just four years earlier, in 1855, came the earliest published reference to the school as ‘Scotch College’, in The Argus of 19 September 1855. It had opened on 6 October 1851 as ‘The Melbourne Academy’.

In 1859, Alexander Morrison was Scotch’s Principal – its second Principal after Robert Lawson. Morrison’s tenure as Principal stretched from 1857 to his death in 1903. In September 1859, in faraway Turriff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Scotch’s third Principal, William Still Littlejohn was born. He was to succed Morrison on 1 January 1904.

But back to that 1859 advertisement for a cow. No reference to it appears in Scotch’s records. When and if it was delivered to Scotch at Eastern Hill, what was its purpose, and where would it have been pastured? The Argus advertisement indicated its role was to provide milk, but for whom? The assumption has to be that it was to provide fresh milk for the boarders, because Scotch had welcomed boarders from its very first day, and many of them would have been from the bush, and used to milking cows.

In June 1859, Scotch was less than eight years old, and by now it was located on a two-acre (one hectare) site on the corner of

This intriguing advertisement poses many more questions than it answers!

FROM THE ARGUS, 23 JUNE 1959

TOP LEFT: VOICES OF A GENERATION JUDGES. LEFT TO RIGHT, PAUL GUERRA, CR FELICITY SINFIELD, PROFESSOR PASQUALE QUESTER, LESLEY GILLESPIE OAM, JOHN PESUTTO MP, ANDREW LUND.

SCIENCE ORATION: ‘ROBOTS THAT SEE’ REVELATIONS ON AI AND ITS

TANGIBLE

IMPLICATIONS IN THE REAL WORLD

The 11th annual Science Oration, held at Scotch on 17 August, was delivered by a prominent figure in the field of Computer Science, Professor Ian Reid. He is currently the Head of Computer Science at the University of Adelaide and holds the titles of Fellow of the Australian Academy of Sciences (FAA) and Fellow of Technological Sciences and Engineering (FTSE). With more than two decades of pioneering work in computer-vision research, Professor Reid's credentials made the evening a perfect blend of historical insights and a look into the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

The event commenced with an inspiring presentation by Charlie Wilson, a Year 12 Systems Engineering student. Charlie showcased an autonomous greenhouse he designed, inspired by a trip to Hong Kong to visit his dad, where he discovered that the median household size is 40m 2 . Addressing the challenges faced by individuals living in compact apartments, along with busy lifestyles and a love for gardening, his innovative solution of an autonomous greenhouse emphasised the merger of practical needs along with technological advancement.

Transitioning from Charlie's display of his autonomous greenhouse, Professor Reid's presentation, titled ‘Robots that see’, spanned his early career at the University of Oxford to his current endeavours at the University of Adelaide. He offered a deep dive into computer vision, detailing its evolution and intersection with domains like graphics, machine learning, AI and robotics.

With an emphasis on real-time processing and systems work, he highlighted his unique position in both the computer vision and robotics communities. He was also able to shed light on his instrumental role in bringing computer vision to the forefront of mainstream robotics.

The oration was received with enthusiasm by attendees of all age groups. Through his compelling narrative, Professor Reid enlightened the Scotch community on the intricate nuances of AI and its tangible implications in the real world. The oration stimulated curiosity and sparked many dialogues surrounding AI within the larger Scotch community. The oration seamlessly aligned with the 2023 Science Week theme, ‘Innovations: Powering Future Industries’, placing AI as the central focus.

The Science Oration was a pivotal event that merged academic achievements with technological advancements and community engagement. Such events, which provide a platform for student innovations to be showcased alongside academic contributions, are invaluable. They not only foster a culture of scientific curiosity but also motivate students to engage in active problem-solving for real-world challenges.

KERRIE ARDLEY – HEAD OF SCIENCE

REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY 2023

REMEMBERING OLD BOYS AND STAFF WHO DIED IN WORLD WARS I AND II

Despite possibly a sense of routine, in fact every Remembrance Day here at Scotch remains unique and very special, not only because of the gravitas and significance of the moment, but also because of our desire to share individual stories of those Scotch staff and students who sacrificed their lives in dire times of conflict.

On Friday 10 November, students, staff, Chair of Council Mr Alex Sloan (’71) and our special guest Mr Jim Murrell ('64) - who served in Vietnam in the Royal Australian Infantry Corps and read the Ode to the Fallen - as well as his wife Wendy congregated in the Memorial Hall which, as Dr Scott Marsh reminded us, was purposely erected to commemorate those who gave the ultimate sacrifice during both World Wars and whose names figure along the building’s eastern and western walls.

Christopher Lim and Thomas Johnston (both Year 11) narrated the fascinating life of Robert Alexander Little, whose name features on the list of World War I fallen, below the stained glass windows on the eastern wall. After attending Scotch College between 1907 and 1912, along with his brother James, Alec, as he was more popularly known, was appointed to the Royal Flying Corps and subsequently to the Royal Naval Air Service. Alec enjoyed an illustrious career with many exploits to his name, resulting in the French Government bestowing on him the Croix de Guerre and being awarded the Distinguished Service Order, which later also had a Bar added to it.

Unfortunately, Alec was killed in action at the age of 22. However, his story continues to live on within the Scotch Family and beyond, as testified by this year’s Remembrance Day Assembly.

If you would like to read more about Robert Alexander Little’s life, please follow this link: www.scotch.vic.edu.au/ww1/first/littleRA.htm

ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: OSCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SCOTT MONTGOMERY (’85), REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY SPECIAL GUEST, MR JIM MURRELL ('64) AND SCOTCH’S HEAD OF HISTORY, DR MARK JOHNSTON.

CADET TATTOO IN A NEW VENUE

QUAD PROVIDES A MOVING AND INTIMATE ATMOSPHERE

TOP PHOTO: THE QUADRANGLE IN A NEW LIGHT DURING THE TATTOO ABOVE, RIGHT: CAPTAIN (AAC) DAVID MUSK; BOTTOM LEFT AND RIGHT: JUNIOR SCHOOL AND YEAR 7 DRUMLINE; BOTTOM CENTRE: ALPHA COMPANY WAITING TO MARCH ONTO THE PARADE GROUND

This year the Scotch College Cadet Unit held its traditional Tattoo as an end of year parade on the evening of Tuesday 17 October. It was a fitting conclusion to the cadet training year, and with a change of venue to inside the Quadrangle, it provided a moving and intimate atmosphere as the sun went down and the Quadrangle was lit up under the backdrop of the Memorial Hall.

The parade was reviewed by Lieutenant Colonel Ian Upjohn (’84) CSC KC who spoke about the opportunities which can be found in a program like cadets, and how boys should use it as an opportunity not only to challenge themselves through involvement in a range of activities which cadets offers, but also to give back in the form of leadership.

The ceremonies during the night included contributions from the Junior School and Year 7 Drumline, the Military Band and the Pipes and Drums. The musical talent and the atmosphere which the bands collectively provide is second to none.

The evening included a remembrance service to honour Old Boys who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. During the ceremony three wreaths were laid at the base of the fountain on behalf of the Cadet Unit and Cadets, the school and the Old Boys.

The night ended with the Unit CUO Jeremy Gray and RSM WO1 Joshua Lim handing over command of the unit through a handover ceremony of their sword and pace-stick to the cadets taking on senior unit appointments for 2024. We congratulate and welcome SGT Max Mudge who has been appointed as the Unit CUO for next year, and SGT Fergus Thomson who has been appointed as the Regimental Sergeant Major.

MAJOR (ACC) ALISTAIR DUNN - COMMANDING OFFICER, SCOTCH COLLEGE CADET UNIT

FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES TO ALL STAFF WHO ARE LEAVING SCOTCH IN 2023

STAFF RETIREMENTS

ROB MCLAREN (’73)

Those steeped in boys’ education know that growing boys into good people is a long burn. That it is less about definitions and short-term off-the-shelf programs and more about care. Rob is steeped in boys’ education, and he is steeped in the ways of his school, as boy (third generation), parent (fourth generation), teacher of the great discipline, cricket coach, APS delegate, head of middle school, vice principal, acting principal, colleague and friend.

Forged on the boarding house passageways of The Geelong College, Rob’s calm, patient, relational approach, and capacity and desire to give teenage boys the benefit of the doubt, provided the respect and reciprocity boys crave. It was a joy to walk into Rob’s classroom and feel the relaxed but purposeful atmosphere of boys journeying, individually and as a class, beyond their level of comfort in their learning. It was also always good to pick up a few tips.

In addition to relational capacity, Rob possesses the other necessary condition for the master teacher: he is good at his subject; in fact, very good. And it goes beyond the patterns, established or sought, of numbers. He has a good mind and, one piece of homework aside, a fine memory. Being interested in the world, its stories, peoples, advancements and pastimes, makes him interesting to boys and adults alike. He is great company for all from classroom to common room, via oval boundary, intermission cup of tea, recess duty and Nagambie Lake bank.

Marrying the best of his school to the care of each Scotch boy has been central to Rob’s deep association with the Scotch community, and his hopes and aspirations for its advancement. His was not the desire to reproduce the Scotch of his day, rather

to thoughtfully nurture the best of his day to meet the changing needs for each generation to advance with confidence beyond its line of sight, and for each boy to find his niche and flourish.

Possessing the mathematician’s eye for pattern, confidence to work with uncertainty and stubbornness never to buckle when the going gets tough (lunch at the Montpellier excepted), Rob misses very little amidst the complex dance of human interaction. Listening not just to words but to that which lies behind them, he is master of discerning when to affirm and encourage, when to politely question and when to hold the line.

Head of the Lithgow Foyer Gang of Three, Rob led the detailed analysis that ensured the best realisation of educational initiatives. That the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science, Spencer Centre for Design and Technology, Keon-Cohen Dining Hall and House Rooms and student precinct blend functional need with teaching’s relational premise is consequence of long, often late, hours of sharp, joyful, productive exchange.

Those for whom Scotch is both school and home held special place in Rob’s mind, and the continued advancement of a communal, caring environment for each boy and member of staff on the Hill owes much to his work, restructuring rosters, duties and responsibilities across the boarding houses.

As colleague, educator, friend and principal it was a joy and privilege to work with Rob, as it is to continue the friendship. I remain indebted for his support, insight and commitment to the cause. I learnt much from him and enjoyed the journey.

With sharp, laconic humour and good grace, great humility, patience and wit, keen insight and ready agility, Rob advanced his school for the benefit of those who matter most. From the honing of ideas into practice, through the joys and slings and arrows of school life to his favoured spot at the whiteboard oche, he was a great force for good and an endless source of

support and encouragement for all. The fruits of his mind and labours over the course of his 40-year association with his school are entwined in its fabric.

Rob was clear at all times about the primacy of the boys in all matters in his school, as he was about the importance of humour, particularly that directed at oneself, when shouldering responsibility for the serious work of advancing their cause. Boys miss little – they know and respect those who care. Strains of Waltzing McLaren ringing from the Green Grandstand carried their message: Scotch boys reserve their praise for their most treasured.

I know of none to have done more for that which they love, and wish Rob and Andrea every happiness.

As they say in the East End of my home city, a true gent.

Tom Batty

GEOFF WEMYSS

Geoff Wemyss started his teaching career at Scotch College in 1977. In 1981/82 he taught at Trinity Grammar School but, being a past student and School Captain of Scotch, he returned in 1983 to the school he loves. Apart from a year on exchange at the Belmont Hill School in Boston, Geoff has given 45 years of dedicated and inspiring service to Scotch College.

Geoff relished being in the classroom to share his passion for Mathematics. Regularly he could be found providing additional assistance for boys who might be struggling with a mathematical idea or simply require some reassurance. He also enjoyed working with his colleagues in the Mathematics Department, where he was willing to share his expertise and to discuss teaching ideas for mutual benefit.

Geoff was Coordinator of Year 7 and 8 Mathematics (1985-1990), a role where he ably mentored and provided curriculum

leadership for teachers. He also provided valuable coordination for Specialist Mathematics from 2014 until 2023. He was a highly respected and admired teacher of Mathematics. His knowledge, talent and collegiality will be missed within the Mathematics Department.

Early in his career Geoff spent two years (1978 and 1979) working in Arthur Robinson House as a Resident Tutor. As the director of the Boarders’ Revue from 1978 to 1980, Geoff worked with the boys to put on a show for boarding parents as part of the Family Day weekend.

Geoff is a keen sportsman and has spent many hours coaching cricket and football. He enjoyed the involvement and was always keen to take an active part in the training sessions. He coached the 1st XI cricket team (1987-89) and in other years was Teacher-in-Charge of Cricket and coached the 10As. In football Geoff coached the 3rds, under 15 and for the past six years the 2nd XVIII. H e accompanied teams overseas and interstate to compete against other schools.

The outdoors has always been an interest for Geoff, and he led a Venturer unit from 1977 to 1979 which involved facilitating a variety of outdoor experiences for the boys in his care. He was an officer of the Cadet Unit in 1983 and 1984.

With the introduction of the Adventure Program in 1985, now referred to as the Year 10 Activities Program, Geoff took on the responsibility of running the whitewater kayaking activity and camp. For many years he introduced many boys to the joys of kayaking. He was also a great supporter of the Scotch-at-Cowes summer camps and spent many a summer, often for three weeks, assisting with a number of camps between 1977 and 1996.

The care and interest displayed by Geoff in the many aspects of his school involvement led to him being appointed as Head of Year 10 in 1992, and with a change in school structure he became Head of Field House from 2011-17. In both of these pastoral roles Geoff always looked to guide boys and parents, with the aim of achieving the best outcome for the boys in his care.

Geoff was a tireless and faithful servant of Scotch College, giving many years of hard work and dedication to the task

of educating boys. He will be missed, but certainly deserves a well-earned retirement and the ability to spend more time with his family.

Brian Woolacott

GREG MCMAHON

After 23 years of dedicated service to Scotch College, Greg McMahon indicated in December 2022 that the time was now right for him to ‘down tools’ and move on to the next stage of life.

After arriving at Scotch in 1999, Greg assumed a number of roles in the Maintenance and Grounds team, starting in Grounds in gardening, then bin clearing and progressing to turf management, before joining the Maintenance team. Within a few short years, Greg’s skills and acumen saw him progress to Maintenance Manager, a role he held ever since, and executed with pride and professionalism.

Greg’s building industry background provided him with an ideal knowledge base for the role. He was able to tackle all manner of building maintenance issues as well as the many mechanical and digital systems that operate in buildings across the Hawthorn campus, as well the as Cowes and Healesville campsites.

In addition to managing the Scotch Maintenance team, Greg involved himself in broader aspects of Scotch life. In fact, almost no one wore a high-vis vest better or more often! He was hard to miss at sport on Saturdays, or when controlling car parks around the school on big occasions.

Add to that the countless set-ups for school functions and exam rooms, the logistics for special visits and major events, as well as the after-hours emergencies when he was back at Scotch late at night fixing an unexpected system failure or a fire truck on a false alarm! Of course, one of Greg’s most visible responsibilities was his role as Chief Warden in campus emergencies. At such times of stress, Greg was a level-headed pillar of strength and calm reason. Everyone looked to Greg.

The visible change that greets us at the start of each term, and more so, at the start

of each year, is the result of the countless small and mid-size projects conducted by the School’s Maintenance and Grounds team and trusted contractors. Greg’s hard work in the management and execution of these projects was undeniable, and his team ensured we came to work and learned in a fresh, clean and purposeful environment.

Beyond all of this, Greg was also willingly involved in the School’s co-curricular program for boys, coaching swimming and sea kayaking. Many boys benefited from Greg’s expertise in these sports, and travelled across Australia and internationally with him. Like many of us, the boys who were lucky enough to benefit from his good company came to call him ‘Macca’.

Greg was also of huge support to the Director of Property Services, Bill Sciarretta, during the recent school building program. Greg brought his knowledge and practical insight to the meeting table with architects and designers, chiding unnecessary aesthetics and focusing amended design on the practicalities and sturdiness required for a boys’ school. His knowledge of the needs of our school environment was deep and wide, and there was much his colleagues learned before he departed.

We wish Greg and Anne a very happy retirement as they plan their travels together.

Ross Congleton

WILMA KURVINK

Wilma Kurvink began her tenure as Head of Scotch Senior Library in 2016, determined to provide an exemplary library service, with the needs and interests of the students always paramount. Over the next seven years Wilma enhanced the Centre for Learning aesthetics, coordinated the creation of a new library website and curated new Indigenous Australia literature and philosophy collections.

In 2019 she oversaw The Truth is in the Telling Literature Festival, an event which encouraged students to look past the

façade presented in media outlets and question the source and the veracity of information. When COVID-19 struck, Wilma encouraged the library team to learn new skills from home, resulting in an online ‘Ask a Librarian’ service, the creation of many online subject guides and tutorials, and to the delight of boys and their parents, an online Best Books for Boys evening.

For the 2022 Indigenous Culture Festival Wilma carefully consulted with Indigenous community groups to ensure the festival was run in a culturally sensitive way, and the resulting experience was rich in diversity, connection and warmth.

Wilma’s passion for history was infectious. Students frequently came to the library to proudly display their latest creation, whether it was a medieval castle or an Egyptian tomb. One colleague described Wilma as an ‘enthusiastic, compassionate and able teacher who showed genuine care for her boys, regardless of their ability or level of commitment to the subject. As a librarian, she was knowledgeable and dedicated. She was immensely helpful to teachers, especially those Heads of Department who relied on her’.

Wilma’s immense contribution is encapsulated by yet another grateful colleague with these words: ‘Wilma’s passion for education and fostering curiosity is insatiable. She is truly a lifelong learner and she encourages everyone around her to be the same. From the moment I met Wilma, I knew I had found a mentor and friend and for that, I will always be grateful. She saw me for the educator I could become and always guided me on the path that I need to track to get there.

‘That is the great thing about Wilma –she sees potential and she has the bravery and conviction to see it through. She is this way with her students, her colleagues and her own professional projects. Wilma’s warmth, passion, energy and conviction will be deeply missed at Scotch. But her impact, her diligence and her vision will be with us for many years to come.’

Michele Sweeney

RACHEL BARTOLO

Rachel Bartolo worked tirelessly in Arthur Robinson House for five years as the House Manager. She was dedicated to her role and was an invaluable part of the Arthur Rob team. Rachel always went above and beyond to ensure the success of projects and initiatives so that the Arthur Rob boarders had the best experience possible. Rachel’s work ethic was remarkable, and she brought a wealth of boarding knowledge and experience to the Hill.

Rachel will be most remembered for her culinary wonders. Suppers were a gastronomic delight, with students experiencing many global cuisines. She took delight in individualising each boy’s birthday supper, and was renowned for making the best cheese and ham toasties on the Hill.

A caring and understanding individual, Rachel will be remembered for the support and encouragement she offered to the Arthur Rob boys. She patiently listened to boys, provided valuable advice, and told many stories from her rich and varied career.

Rachel brought a blend of expertise and empathy to our workplace. Her ability to connect with students on a personal level and show genuine concern for their wellbeing made her a valued team player. She created an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect.

We wish her all the best with her next adventure, as well as with spending time with her grandchildren.

Claire Jones

STAFF RESIGNATIONS

DALLYS ASKEW

Dallys joined the Centre for Learning in 2021 and immediately established a rapport with staff and students, through her effervescent and engaging manner and genuine interest in getting to know each boy personally. She

sought ways to help students achieve their potential and to see the bigger picture beyond secondary school.

Dallys worked individually with students and as an additional staff member in classes to support boys who needed extra care. Her willingness to join camps, excursions, unexpected extra supervision and the occasional lunchtime swimming session was much appreciated.

Dallys’ vibrancy, enthusiasm and friendliness as a colleague will be missed, and we wish her every success in her new role.

Janet Herbet

JACKIE COWCHER

In 2016, a freshfaced graduate from the University of Melbourne entered the Scotch gates. Her warmth, wit and serious intellect endeared her to the College immediately, resulting in the formidable Jackie Cowcher influencing so many pockets of Scotch College.

In the classroom, Jackie taught English across all year levels. Noted for her mastery of the subject and structured practice, Jackie coordinated courses at both ends of the Senior School, generating sequential, impactful and innovative learning experiences for Years 7 and 12.

Always pushing the limits of her expertise and knowledge, Jackie built the Philosophy experience for boys at the VCE level, and also ventured into the dark, mysterious waters of English Language with confidence. Whatever the subject area, Jackie’s students always expressed their gratitude for her immense knowledge and capacity to engage and guide even the most hesitant of learners.

In the realm of pastoral care, Jackie maintained her role of form teacher for five years, assisting the youngest of our students in their pivotal transitions from primary years with genuine warmth, organisation and most importantly, fun. For the past two years, Jackie was a member of the Littlejohn team as a House Tutor, providing the more senior boys with

empathy for their challenging life moments and a genuine interest in all that they do.

Beyond the classroom, Jackie’s extracurriculum involvement was unparalleled. Her APS commitments included tennis, hockey and athletics, in addition to the high-stakes environment of Debating. She also completed numerous trips in support of the Outdoor Expeditions and Year 10 Activities Programs, harnessing her yoga, saltwater or even snow legs on international Snowsports Camps.

A commitment to the development of the whole boy, Jackie coordinated the Year 10 Respectful Relationships Program for two years, and presented a number of insightful lectures surrounding sexuality to Year 8 students. In a similar vein, Jackie pushed her students in the Philosophy context to new intellectual heights, attending with them and serving as a Community of Inquiry Facilitator at the Victorian Association for Philosophy in Schools.

Most recently, Jackie assisted James Kearney in the guidance of the English Department as Deputy Head of English. A true leader, Jackie worked tirelessly alongside James. Always calm and confident of finding a solution, Jackie provided support to all colleagues, while simultaneously managing the curriculum and results of multiple year levels with skill and structure.

Jackie is onto her next adventure beyond the Scotch gates – a school on which she built her teaching foundations, but which had the absolute privilege of her influence. Scotch will miss her greatly, but we know she will continue to inspire and elevate students to the very best they can be. Sarah McCleary

BRENDAN FISHER

Appointed to a Science teaching role in 2021 after his notable teaching placement here in 2019, Brendan adeptly instructed both senior Chemistry and various Science disciplines to students of all levels at Scotch. His fervour for Chemistry and Science

undoubtedly ignited a spark in many young men, encouraging them to embrace the wonders of the scientific world.

With a profound mastery of his field, Brendan expertly navigated students through the complexities of the subject. He catered to each student's unique capabilities, offering meticulous guidance, patience, and unwavering support as they unravelled the intricacies of this esteemed discipline.

Outside the confines of the lab, Brendan was an attentive and nurturing Tutor in Littlejohn, establishing robust bonds with the 'men in black' under his tutelage. Additionally, his admiration for the Australian wilderness was shared with many through his involvement with the Environmental Conservation Immersion Group.

We wish Brendan all the best for his future endeavours, returning to his hometown in Tasmania with his wife, Liv.

Kerrie Ardley

ELLIOT

GREEN

Elliot arrived at Scotch in a part-time role in December 2011, helping out on the reception desk in maintenance. This one day developed into more and involved different areas of work in the maintenance team, which was undertaken while he completed a Business Degree at Swinburne.

Elliot’s interest in building and construction increased through his time at Scotch, inspiring him to assume further study to complete a Diploma of Building and Construction. This ultimately led to a further appointment to the role of Facilities Manager, where he managed a number of important contracts, one of which was Campus Cleaning. Throughout, Elliot played an important supporting role to Bill Sciarretta, Director of Property Services.

In recent years Elliot ably managed a number of minor projects at the school, and also became involved in several of the school’s larger building projects. Throughout this time Elliot’s career progression was obvious.

Away from work, Elliot is recognised as one of Australia’s senior basketball

referees, a progression he has made as a junior through his local Eltham Basketball Club. Though Scotch might be losing Elliot’s skill and attention to another school we do expect to be kept informed of his continued progress through updates provided by Annika, Elliot’s partner.

We wish Elliot our best in taking on his new challenge, and express our appreciation for the great work he completed since the day he walked in the door at the Scotch Maintenance office.

Ross Congleton

ALISTAIR HARKNESS (’05)

Alistair commenced at Scotch in 2022, and in the short time he was with us, proved himself to be a teacher of the highest calibre. He made a significant impression across the school, lending his expertise and dedication to teaching a range of subjects within both the Mathematics and Science Departments. His interactions with staff and students alike were characterised by his patient, measured and kind nature. Able to explain concepts with both clarity and precision, he was particularly skilled at listening to students and responding to their questions in the classroom.

We wish him all the best as he embarks on the next stage of his career. Should he ever wish to return to the teaching profession, he would be gladly welcomed back to Scotch.

Dr Gareth Ainsworth

ANNEMAREE JONES

Annemaree came to Scotch in May 2012 as Risk Manager, and was a driving force for improvement and awareness of risk management for the school community. Annemaree was instrumental in the school’s partnership with the Australian Childhood Foundation,

which set Scotch on its pathway to being an accredited Safe School.

Many staff had the benefit of Annemaree’s knowledge and support following an injury, and advice across the broad areas of risk and occupational health and safety in the complex environment of Scotch College. Her advice was valued by many in the community, including the Risk Committee of School Council.

Through the pandemic, Annemaree worked closely with Biosafety International to guide our Property, Maintenance and Risk teams to manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical environment of the school. Closely following government health advice and guidelines, Annemaree assisted in our development of enhanced ventilation standards, ensuring our time back on campus was as safe as possible.

The Property and Maintenance teams benefited from Annemaree’s guidance. We will miss her genuine and caring nature for all staff, and we thank her for providing the sound foundations which underpin the active risk culture across Scotch.

Bill Sciarretta

JAMES KEARNEY

A 30-day teaching experience back in July 2013 revealed James Kearney’s exceptional talent as a teacher and so his appointment to a full-time English teaching role, commencing at the start of 2014, came as no surprise.

In the 10 years that James was with us, he taught across all levels – in English, English Literature and Drama. His sharp intellect, wealth of knowledge and phenomenal level of organisation, soon saw him taking up Year Level Coordinator roles. Indeed, four years in, James was appointed to coordinate Year 12 English, which he ably steered from 2018 and on through the tumult of 2020.

James’ pedagogical approach was meticulously methodical. His true genius lay in his ability to create clear and soundly designed units of learning that accommodated all students – ensuring

accessibility for those requiring support and suitable challenge for those ready for extension. His students appreciated the clarity and precision in the direction and feedback he provided; feedback which fuelled them with confidence in their ability to achieve their goals and reach new heights.

James tirelessly gave so much of himself in many other important areas of the school. As a Form Teacher in 2015 and 2016, James helped boys navigate the excitement and challenges of Year 7. Then, for the past seven years, James continued his commitment to the pastoral care of boys in his Tutor role in Forbes House. As part of Debaters’ Association of Victoria Debating, James put his organisational might behind masterminding room allocations.

Over in the Drama Department, James contributed to numerous school productions whether as Assistant Director, coordinating ticketing and front-of-house or assisting with make-up. He also co-ran the school’s Drama Immersion Program which inspired his award-winning action research project, the findings of which he presented at the 2019 IBSC Conference in Montreal, Canada, and which were published on the IBSC website. He was a Year 10 Outdoor Activities Program coordinator and, rather fittingly, the Teacher-in-Charge of Ninjitsu – the ancient art of being in many places at once!

James’ time as Deputy Head of English (2019-21) and Head of English (from the start of 2022) coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic years, and significant movement within our team in the English Department. Through challenge and change, James was a steady and supportive leader: pragmatic and solution-orientated in his approach and committed to nurturing our strength as a team, our passion for teaching English and our dedication to providing our students with access to meaningful and inspiring learning experiences.

James’ contribution to Scotch and, more specifically, to our English Department was substantial. To work with him was an honour. He will be sorely missed – as a teacher, a colleague, and dear friend – and as he takes on new opportunities and challenges, we wish him all the very best

and thank him for all that he has shared with us.

Emmie-clare Leckie

LEVI KING (’11)

If you ever walked past Levi's classroom when he was in the middle of a lesson, you would have witnessed a unique and engaging learning environment. Observing the attentive faces of his students, it became evident that Levi's passion for English and Media was contagious. He had the remarkable ability to enliven the curriculum and captivate his students' attention by inviting them into a world of deep learning, imbued with passion and creativity.

Levi’s reputation as a much-loved teacher was bolstered by the fact that he had an awful lot of fun with his classes. He relished the opportunity to introduce his students to captivating worlds and thoughtprovoking ideas found within imaginative works. Whether he was exploring the depths of dystopian societies or delving into the mysteries of space and time.

Levi's enthusiasm for exposing students to a variety of genres and text forms ignited a spark of curiosity within them. Wherever possible, he incorporated films, graphic novels, and video games into his lessons to enhance the boys’ media literacy skills.

An enthusiastic lover of story, humour and expression, Levi looked to share that with others. Whether he was trading Simpsons quotes in the staff room, debating the minutiae of Batman lore or exchanging science-fiction novel recommendations, Levi was always celebrating great storytelling and as a friend and colleague, it was a joy to spend time with him.

As a teacher, Levi's unapologetic enthusiasm for interesting storytelling cultivated a sense of belonging and encouraged students to foster their own passions.

Levi's journey at Scotch began as a student as part of the graduating class of 2011. After studying at Monash University, he returned to his alma mater in 2018 as

an English and Media teacher. Beyond the classroom, Levi was an integral part of the Scotch experience. Whether leading cricket teams during summer or football teams in the winter, his dedication to sports and extracurricular activities left an indelible mark on the community.

Throughout his tenure, Levi took on various roles, including Teacher-in-Charge of Year 9 Adventurers, House Tutor, and Academic Tutor on the Hill. In all of his roles, Levi demonstrated his deep-rooted desire to provide the best possible outcomes for the boys in his care.

After much dreaming and planning, Levi has headed over to the United Kingdom to encounter new classrooms, new students and new colleagues. His dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment left an enduring impact on all of us at Scotch and he will be deeply missed, especially by the English Department.

Jackie Cowcher

DR SCARLET LUK

Scarlet joined the Scotch English Department with a Yale PhD in hand, for which she had explored novels that ‘hold a mirror up to the constructedness of all they depict.’ I filched this phrase from her book, because it contains much I admire about Scarlet as a person. Her mirror-like powers of clarity and reflection I can almost take for granted and set aside; her brilliance scintillates a mile out.

What’s even more compelling about Scarlet is the genuine care with which she attends to the abidingly strange, kaleidoscopic wonder of the world: wryly recognising that little in life is ineluctably set in stone, she seems still to see everything, and to meet each of us, from a place of extraordinary interest in what is signature and distinct – in what makes me ‘me’ and what makes you ‘you.’ Her capacity to understand the intricacies, and the simplicity, of the human heart and its

expressions makes her a transformative educator and an uncommonly good friend.

Scarlet’s four years of teaching English and Literature at Scotch could

well coalesce as a celebrated ‘Luk era.’ Her empathic intelligence, warm wit and trenchant teaching endeared her to Scotch students and staff alike. In 2022 she became the face of Scotch on a global scale, stepping in to lead the international student exchange program, newly renascent after a few years locked down.

For her the role was perfect, because she was so well attuned to students’ experience of a world she daily helped them enlarge. (She’s also, somewhat secretly, an expert collector of high-end trekking gear, ready at a moment’s notice to hop a flight, hike a peak or brave a storm, with the hippest wool hat game in teaching.) For Scotch, Scarlet suited the role because of the deep, humane judgment she wielded with consummate competence.

I rarely presume to ‘speak for all of us,’ but feel confident about doing so in wishing for Scarlet the brightest horizons on her new path. May the homing instinct she provided many a Scotchie return her to Morrison Street, herself, for heaps of happy visits back.

Dr Brandon Tilley

SARAH MCCLEARY

To see Sarah at work in the classroom was to experience her meticulous mind, her deep subject knowledge, and her contagious enthusiasm, firsthand. When students entered her classroom, they were met with carefully curated resources, finely-tuned lesson plans and rigorous feedback. But more importantly, they were met with genuine connection, and teaching expertise of the highest order and joy.

The clarity with which students recalled Sarah’s lessons is a mark of her impact. In particular, Sarah’s English Language students will tell you their understanding of language was permanently altered by her lessons. It is no surprise they react this way; what an incredible thing it must be to be taught about the history, mechanics and shifting nature of language by someone so authentically passionate.

To enrich students’ learning, Sarah carefully hunted for real-life language examples. Undoubtedly, students will fondly recall examples from lessons on slang, taboo language and teen speak. But perhaps most memorable would have been the lessons on childhood language acquisition, when Sarah brought in transcripts of her own children, Jack and Grace.

Unsurprisingly, if you travel down to the English Department, you will be sure to encounter a budding linguistic. Increased engagement in linguistics can be attributed to the English Language team, who have worked tirelessly to refine the subject. Sarah’s role in the flourishing of English Language was pivotal; she worked collaboratively with her colleagues, developed curriculum, refined assessment, mentored staff, and encouraged students.

Sarah’s expertise was highly valued in all areas of English, where she contributed to the shaping of numerous courses over the years. Her careful hand and understanding of how boys learn best was visible in every document she worked on. As Acting Deputy Head of English, Sarah assisted James in the running of the department with professionalism and warmth. She was a masterful organiser and displayed an incredible capacity to care deeply for her colleagues.

As a Form Teacher, Sarah’s care, clear expectations, and thoughtful guidance saw her students progress through the Middle School with enhanced confidence and a heightened capacity for critical thinking.

On the Hill, in her boarding roles as an Academic Tutor and Acting Deputy Head of House, Sarah helped boys find a feeling of home. Always finely attuned to the social, emotional, and academic needs of her charges, Sarah was the ideal fit for the boarding environment.

In all areas of her work, Sarah’s kindness, knack for connection, and positivity enhanced the school immeasurably. She naturally built lasting and powerful relationships.

Wherever you were lucky enough to encounter Sarah during her time at Scotch, you would have been better for the experience. In thanking Sarah for all that she contributed to Scotch, we wish her,

Lachlan, Jack and Grace all the best as they make the exciting move to Ballarat.

Jackie Cowcher

MICHELA PELLIZON

Michela joined Scotch in 2016 as a teacher of Italian, after having previously taught Italian at the Academy of Mary Immaculate, Melbourne Grammar School, Santa Maria College and Melbourne University.

Michela immediately became part of the Italian department and the Languages team, demonstrating enthusiasm, positivity and the ability to engage students at all year levels. Her passion for the Italian language was evident in all that she did and this flowed on to her students.

In 2022, Michela took on the leadership position as Head of Languages, a role she took to with dedication. From the onset she demonstrated her unwavering support and assistance to the staff in the languages team. Michela also assisted students and their families in continuing the opportunities available at Scotch through various language competitions and exchanges.

At the end of 2022, Michela took a year of leave during which she was given a remarkable opportunity by CoAsIt, to assist in the promotion of the Italian language by implementing programs which are available to all students of Italian in Victoria. Michela is also part of the COMITES (Committee for Italians Abroad), a group which supports Italians in Australia. These are roles which Michela has greatly enjoyed, albeit missing the Scotch community very much.

In her pursuit to support the Italian Language and culture in Melbourne, with great difficulty Michela made the decision to remain at CoAsIt, and to resign from her position at Scotch.

We thank Michela for her contribution to the Italian and Languages departments at Scotch, and wish her well as she embarks on the next chapter of her career. Vera Bifano

CLAIRE VAN BOXEL

Claire was living in New Zealand when she was hired in late 2013 to teach Latin the following year. By the time the 2014 school year began, she had also been contracted to teach Years 7, 8 and 10 History, and to be a Year 7 Form teacher.

Any reservations we had about this unknown quantity were soon dispelled, as she demonstrated from the outset the qualities that her colleagues see as characteristics: thoroughness, dedication, innovative teaching and compassion towards her students. She proved to be a wonderful teaching colleague, coordinating Years 7, 8 and 11 History with skill and generosity. Her love of ancient history saw her teach it at Years 7, 10 and 12, as well as Year 9 Latin. She also taught Geography at Years 7 and 8. Many students who have excelled at senior history have begun their history studies at Scotch in her care.

‘Care’ is a key word for Claire, as was apparent also in her extracurricular activities. She undertook the Community Connections service for several years and accompanied the first Nepabunna remote community visit as part of the Year 11 Immersion Program. For five years she was a manager of Year 7 and 8 cricket and of various levels of rugby, including (for three years) the 1st XV. She led two rugby tours. Claire’s love of and knowledge of sport, especially Kiwi sport, were sources of endless discussion and banter with colleagues (and boys) over the years.

From 2016 Claire worked in boarding at Scotch. She began as a Residential Tutor in Arthur Robinson House, and in 2019 moved to McMeckan House as Deputy Head. The demands of looking after dozens of teenage boys day and night in their home away from home is of course very different to being a classroom teacher, but Claire not only met those challenges, but loved doing so. She excelled at the everyday practicalities of the job, but was also a deep thinker about how it worked and could be improved. Her Teacher Action Research and Career Development Program project regarding student voice on the Hill led

to her acceptance into the IBSC Action Research Program in 2023.

Little wonder that Claire decided to take her career in boarding school education to a higher level, and to accept the role of Head of Boarding at St Catherine’s School in Toorak. We thank her for all she did for Scotch and wish Claire, her husband Neil and her son Freddie all the best for the future.

Dr Mark Johnston

FOUNDATION DAY CONCERT and old favourites

J S Bach’s oratorios would often shock the congregation with progressive harmonies and unfamiliar musical devices, but he would then provide the ‘relief’ of a chorale, or hymn tune that the congregation could directly relate to, and indeed participate in. This year’s Foundation Day Concert took a similar approach, at least in concept. We enjoyed a celebration of premiere performances, along with some works that have been heard in Hamer Hall at earlier concerts.

Head of Pipes and Drums, Mark Saul, composed a complex work called Diaspora, which featured Sam Knights (Year 12) on whistle – a haunting experience for all, magically performed by the Pipes and Drums.

Ross Irwin, a frequent guest of the department, was commissioned to compose a work for the Show Band called Wolflike. The boys enjoyed working on this piece, under the direction of Ross, at Music Camp. The exceptional performance featured soloists Puluna Vaea (Year 12) on flugelhorn and Thomas Lin (Year 12) on drums, all under the excellent direction of Megan

Philip. The band then continued with the more familiar favourite, Sweet Home Chicago by the Blues Brothers.

Another new creation came from the imagination of one of our percussion staff, Harry Potocnic, who wrote Paradiddle-lido for the Drumline, which delighted the audience. Our special guest composer came from New York. Dr Edward Green is Professor of Composition at the Manhattan School of Music, and he spent a few days with us, working with our composition students as well as students from Monash University.

The Symphony Orchestra performed the Australian premiere of his Overture in G . The boys, and indeed I, greatly enjoyed bringing the work to reality in the presence of the composer, who thought the concert was magnificent! Something a little more familiar, at least in style, was my own arrangement, Three Spirituals, for the school and orchestra, lifted from a more extended work that I wrote for the Foundation Day Concert some years ago.

The first major work of the night was the Piano Concerto in A Minor by Schumann, performed by the Symphony Orchestra

INSERT: SOLOIST WITH THE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. TOP PHOTOS, LEFT TO RIGHT: SCHOOL UNITING IN SONG; CELLOS AND BASSES OF THE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

– A NIGHT OF NEW WORKS

with Captain of Music, Edward Song, as soloist. Edward performed the complex work with maturity and authority, supported by an outstanding technique and musical nuance. The Academy Strings performed works from two centuries, Hoe-Down from Rodeo by Copland and the finale from Serenade for Strings by Tchaikovsky. Ben Castle’s meticulous preparation was truly evident in this masterful performance.

Symphonic Wind, under the effervescent David Musk, performed the Seven Hills Overture by Fannin, and Spirited Away by the Japanese film composer, Joe Hisaishi, in partnership with Yumi Kimura. David Musk also directed the Military Band, who looked resplendent and sounded superb in their performance of Coburg by Michael Haydn and The Patriot by John Williams.

Our choirs, under the exceptional and committed direction of Andrew Hunter, never fail to delight. Lojeski’s arrangement of Take My Hand by Thomas Dorsey, and Down by the Riverside, both accompanied by instrumental combos, provided an uplifting and joyous experience for all, while the Chamber Choir’s

performances of Flight Song by Arnesen and A-Rollin, arranged by Rardin, exuded consummate polish.

Of course, in many respects the main feature of the concert is the school uniting in song. Aside from the school songs, topping the bill for the night were six movements from Carmina Burana by Orff. Jo Blankfield (soprano, from our vocal staff) performed In Trutina beautifully, while the other movements were sung with great gusto by the combined voices of Years 10, 11 and 12.

The orchestra, with a particularly strong percussion section this year, accompanied brilliantly, and the concert ended with a magnificent flourish.

I must extend my thanks to the Hamer Hall staff, and particularly to the stage manager, Majia Putans, along with the Scotch Music staff, my other colleagues, the ensemble musicians, the massed singers and, of course, our parents who give such support and encouragement.

DR JOHN FERGUSON – DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

BOTTOM PHOTOS, LEFT TO RIGHT: COLLEGE CHOIR; MILITARY BAND; BEN CASTLE WITH ACADEMY STRINGS; SHOW BAND; HAMER HALL FOYER; JAZZ COMBO ACCOMPANYING THE CHOIR

PLENTY OF MUSIC DURING TERM 3

MUSIC – FULL OF THE JOYS OF SPRING –AND ALL THAT JAZZ

With the closing chords of the Foundation Day Concert barely receding, the Music School looks towards spring, and regrowth. The Year 12 boys bow out from most of the ensembles, the green shoots of the younger boys rise up to fill the gaps, and embark on some very vigorous training in the Symphony Orchestra and the Symphonic Wind particularly.

However, Term 3 has a great deal of music in it. There are the three concerts for choirs, bands and strings, and there is the Chamber Music Dinner. This features the most advanced

chamber music ensembles playing sophisticated repertoire, while the audience enjoys an excellent meal. It is all timed so that people are not eating while the ensembles are performing. The music was coordinated by Anne Brisk, and the evening was organised by the Music Auxiliary, who work hard every year to make the event one of the jewels in the concert calendar.

Term 4 opened with the annual Jazz Cabaret. This is a popular night – the jazz equivalent to the Chamber Music Dinner. Traditionally there is a guest artist, and this year we were delighted to host Ross Irwin and his band. It was quite special and nostalgic for me – as Ross told the audience, I was his examiner for his AMusA (many years ago); the pianist in the band, the brilliant Monique diMattina, was a former classmate at the Victorian College of the Arts, when we did Master’s together, and the trombonist, Nick Mulder, was in my Show Band at Caulfield Grammar School (last century).

It was a great night. Chris Farrands hosted the event, and directed the Stage Band, while Megan Philip organised the night, and directed our Show Band. Both our bands played to the highest level – it really is their night. Our close harmony vocal ensemble, the Cardinals, lovingly nurtured by Andrew Hunter, performed with great aplomb. Our new principal, Dr Scott Marsh,

clearly loved the night – I could see his fingers itching to get his trumpet out and join in!

The annual Spring Concert took place in October, featuring the intermediate ensembles, with some impressive performances on a large scale. The concert opened with the 90-piece Intermediate Orchestra, under the baton of Anne Brisk (standing in for Adam Merange who is currently undergoing medical treatment), followed by the Henri Touzeau Strings under Ben Castle and Amberley Bremner, the Ted Joyner Band under Megan Philip, and the Intermediate Concert Band and George Dreyfus band under Leon Duncan and Chris Farrands respectively.

The concert also featured the Cambiata Choir, under Sharon Hunter (replacing Jo Blankfield who had COVID), the Morrison Street Big Band under David Musk, and the Callantina Swing Band under Dave Newdick (replacing Daniel Zisin, who also had COVID!).

The concert featured a special guest, Don Immel, trombonist and Head of Brass at the University of Melbourne. He delighted the audience at the concert, playing requests, including Flight of the Bumblebee (as requested by a mischievous Year 9 boy) – an impressive effort on the trombone! He also gave a beautiful performance of Londonderry Air (Danny Boy), accompanied by a brass ensemble comprising staff and students, and conducted by me! It was an enriching visit, as Don gave masterclasses and lessons during his brief residency.

As I write this, there is still music playing all around the music school. We still have a number of recital evenings, some 180 AMEB exams, the Junior School concert, and, of course, the Summer Prom and Carol Service to conclude the year, and what a fine year it has been. For those of you with sons in the music program, thank you for your support this year.

DR JOHN FERGUSON – DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

THIS IMAGE: HORN TRIO RIGHT: YEAR 11 SAXOPHONIST

GIFTED PIANIST AND EDUCATOR IS THE SUBJECT OF A NEW BOOK

ROY SHEPHERD MBE – A TRIBUTE AND A LAUNCH

In the world of pianists, Roy Shepherd MBE (born 7 February 1908, SC 1923, died 20 June 1987) is something of a legend. His biography was launched at the University of Melbourne, Graduate House, on Wednesday 1 November.

Walter Roy Shepherd was born in Geelong in 1908. He attended Scotch in 1923. Shepherd’s early interest was in medicine, but he had an exceptional soprano voice and showed great pianistic talent, so he acceded to his mother's wishes and studied music. He joined the choir of St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne, where the director, Dr A E Floyd mentored him and encouraged him to continue his studies overseas.

In 1925 he won the (Sir William) Clarke Scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music in London. (Other Clarke Scholars included famous Australian conductors Sir Bernard Heinze and Sir William McKie). He remained in London for four years, then had two years of study under Alfred Cortot and Blanche Bascourret de Gueraldi at the École Normale de Musique de Paris. He mingled with the expatriate Australian musical community in Paris, including often performing at Dame Nellie Melba's soirees. After his father's death in 1934, he returned to Australia to perform and teach at the University of Melbourne Conservatorium, later becoming Reader of Music.

In 1936 Shepherd was appointed Director of Music at Geelong College. His tenure was cut short by illness, and this presented the opportunity for George Logie-Smith (later to become Director of Music at Scotch) to be appointed Director in Shepherd's place, on Shepherd's strong recommendation.

Shepherd later became Director of Music at Wesley College and was involved with Scotch's Director of Music,John Bishop at Scotch during the sharing of the two schools in World War II.

In 1951 he was invited back to the École Normale to teach advanced students, being probably the first Australian pianist to be so honoured.

As well as teaching at the University of Melbourne, Roy Shepherd also taught at Scotch from 1974-85, one of his notable students being Ian Munro (’80). The Roy Shepherd Room in the James Forbes Academy is named for him.

The book, called Roy Shepherd, Golden Boy – Gifted Pianist – Master Teacher was commenced by Dr Shirley Trembath with one of her colleagues, Janet Williams. However, Shirley, sadly, became unwell, and Emeritus Professor Martin Comte OAM PhD was invited to continue and complete the book.

The launch was a lovely occasion, and a great many former students were at the event, including a number of Scotch staff and some who had studied with Roy at Scotch. Tributes were paid by Liz Stoyanova, daughter of Shirley Trembath, and Roy’s son Bob, Martin Comte and Ian Munro. Ian performed Chopin beautifully, and, in a fitting acknowledgement to Scotch, current student William Cheah (Year 9) performed Liszt and Scriabin with dazzling virtuosity.

The book is published by Australian Scholarly Publishing. DR JOHN FERGUSON – DIRECTOR OF MUSIC (notes taken from the publication and Wikipedia)

LEFT: TROMBONES OF THE STAGE BAND THIS IMAGE: THE CARDINALS

RIGHT: ROSS IRWIN CONGRATULATES THE DRUM SOLOIST WHO PERFORMED WITH THE ROSS IRWIN BAND

ART AND DRAMA STUDY TOUR TO NEW YORK OPENS BOYS’ HORIZONS

‘AN ABSOLUTE HIGHLIGHT OF MY TIME AT SCOTCH’

Twenty Year 10 to Year 12 students participated in an Art and Drama Study Tour to New York City during the Term 1 holidays. Here are two Year 11 boys’ impressions of this superb tour.

For a large proportion of the trip, we moved as a collective group through New York City, navigating through various galleries, museums, parks, spaces and shows. Immersing ourselves in a deep dive into the collections of New York, I was particularly taken by the level of description and information provided with the various artworks and workshops. This brought a whole new perspective to the artworks we were seeing.

Contemporary artworks that challenged the notion of ‘traditional art’, allowed me to contemplate the conceptual premise of the artists. This was a catalyst for my investigations in art making and exhibiting at school.

A highlight among the galleries was the day we explored the independent commercial galleries of the Downtown and Tribeca area. One artist whose work stood out to me was King Cobra. I was particularly taken by the level of detail, execution and scale of the work. At first glance we see a shark suspended on an industrial frame. Upon further inspection, we notice that the shark is comprised of various textiles, pearls, beading, synthetic

polymers, metal and glass. An incredible amount of detail went into realising the proportions and scale of the great beast.

The trip was jam-packed with viewing art, and contemplating our own ideas and works in our visual diaries. Over the time spent in New York, we visited many of the major galleries, including the Smithsonian Collection of the American Indian, MoMA, the Whitney, Guggenheim, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Art and Design. Further to this, we visited various smaller galleries across SoHo, Tribeca, and the East Village. We were fortunate enough to catch the temporary exhibition of Banksy’s original prints.

During this time, we visited multiple tertiary institutions that gave us a sense of the possibilities of studying art abroad. This highlighted the future pathways for artists and art-based careers across New York and the world.

We would like to thank Ms Sandpearl, Ms Hopkins, and Mr Miller for their organisation of the trip.

HUGH RAYNER

In April I had the privilege of travelling to New York for an Arts and Drama Study Tour. The trip lasted for 10 days, and in those 10 days we managed to see five shows, do six workshops, tour two universities, visit two galleries and explore a massive chunk of New York.

We spent a surprising amount of time just travelling from place to place, giving us the opportunity to take in the sights, try the food and generally enjoy the atmosphere of New York and its surrounding suburbs. A pastime of many boys in our free time was to check out the various thrift stores on the streets and collect as much American clothing as we could get our hands on to bring back home.

A highlight for me was touring the Juilliard School – the famous school of the arts. It was so inspiring walking through the halls, hearing the music, watching the students rehearse and being bumped into their performing arts spaces. It gave me a great understanding of what is required to attend a place like that, and made me reflect on our amazing spaces at Scotch that are so similar in design and size.

As part of the Drama tour we undertook workshops on improvisation, dance, stage combat and audition, all held by

professionals in the film and theatre industry. I found the audition workshop was my favourite, as I was able to show my audition piece to a fresh set of eyes and was given feedback from a casting agent as to how it could be improved for casting calls.

Most evenings, both the Drama and Arts students got to watch a play or musical. We saw The Life of Pi, The Play That Goes Wrong, Camelot, Fat Ham and Sleep No More. My favourite was Sleep No More, an immersive experience based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Instead of sitting in a conventional audience, the play takes place throughout a multi-storey building, with different actors playing out different storylines simultaneously. Every member of the audience puts on a mask, and then they were able to freely roam the building as they saw fit. At the end, everyone had a personal experience different from the person next to them. I loved the way it made me feel a part of the narrative, not just a member of the audience.

I’ll remember the whole experience fondly (maybe except for that one time I was scammed at a food truck). It has given me so many great memories that I’ll never forget. This trip has been an absolute highlight of my time at Scotch, and something I wouldn’t hesitate to do again.

JAMES TALBOT

IMAGES FROM THE ART AND DRAMA STUDY TOUR TO NEW YORK CITY

FAMILY DAY ART DISPLAY – WHICH WAY TO THE SKATEPARK?

A visit to the art display on Family Day this year would have left visitors wondering if they had wandered into a skate park!

A giant display of over 150 skateboards made by Years 7 and 9 students, on a specially-built display resembling a wooden skateboard ramp, was prominent in the display. The fountain in the Lithgow Centre also featured this year as central to the display of Year 7 sculptures. Senior Art and Design final artworks were other highlights, as well as student animations, photography, paintings and much more.

YUDHA SCHOLES – HEAD OF ART

NEW PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING ARTWORK

Each year we have amazingly talented visual artists graduate from Scotch. For many years we have purchased an outstanding artwork from a graduating student with the support of the Ken Field Fund. These artworks are then put on display around the school to enliven the buildings and to inspire other students to achieve the same high standard in their artwork.

For the first time this year we will be naming this acquisition of artworks the Mark Mason Prize for Outstanding Artwork. Mark was a passionate Art teacher at the school from 1996 to 2018 and Head of Art for the last 12 of those years.

Mark added several initiatives to enrich the School’s Art Program, especially Visual Communication and Design classes

and ceramics programs, and was instrumental in encouraging many students to pursue careers in creative areas such as architecture, industrial design, graphic and fine arts.

The inaugural winner of the prize is Summer Xia (Year 12). Summer’s skills in digital painting are mesmerising and his artwork, Terminal Reverie is a tour de force in these rendering techniques. The artwork depicts a train station, the ‘terminal’ of people's sprits, amid the endless grassland and the wavy clouds reflecting the fleeting nature of memories, and the faded stories and whispers of the past. This artwork will adorn the walls of the Lithgow Centre for all to enjoy.

YUDHA SCHOLES – HEAD OF ART

YOB ARTIST’S RETURN: LOUIS HOWCROFT’S ART WORKSHOP

In October we welcomed Young Old Boy Art Tutor Louis Howcroft (’19) back to the Art Rooms at Scotch. Louis has just completed a BA in Fine Arts and introduced a Year 8 class to the work he has been focusing on while studying for his degree. Exploring shapes, textures and colours, the students were encouraged to re-imagine fashion as a spontaneous abstract art form. The resultant collaborative patchwork artwork speaks of youthful energy, fun and intuition, and was a rewarding experience for all involved.

YUDHA SCHOLES – HEAD OF ART

INTERVIEW: SCOTT BUCHANAN

SENIOR SUBJECT TEACHER FOR ECONOMICS TUTOR – GILRAY HOUSE

Let’s start by finding out about your background prior to working at Scotch. Would you mind telling us a bit about yourself?

My roots are in Far North Queensland where my family grew sugar cane, bananas and raised beef cattle. When they moved permanently to a cattle station in the Gulf Country I began my migration south, first to boarding school and then university in Brisbane, where I completed a Bachelor of Economics and Arts.

During these years I was involved in the United Nations Youth Association, which set me on my path as a teacher. In 2010 I moved to Melbourne to join the newly-established Teach for Australia Program, completing my teaching qualifications at Melbourne University and teaching in Melbourne’s western suburbs. I joined the Scotch Family in 2012 and since then have started my own family with three children.

Could you tell us about your role and the activities you have previously taken on, or are currently involved with at Scotch?

I am currently the Senior Subject Teacher for Economics and a new Tutor in Gilray House. This year marked the end of almost a decade in the boarding community for my family. I started in Arthur Robinson House in 2014 and most recently was the Deputy Head of School House.

During my time at Scotch I have coached rugby teams, taking tours to New Zealand, Fiji and Brisbane. I have also been the Teacher-in-Charge of Squash – a game I have come to enjoy. A highlight has been my involvement in Pipes and Drums, accompanying groups to competitions in Sydney, Brisbane and the United Kingdom. I have also taken up any opportunity to head outdoors, joining 24 Hour Hikes, Outdoor Leadership hikes or the Year 7 Cowes camp.

What generally constitutes some of the highlights of your week and keeps on motivating you?

I feel very fortunate to be a teacher of Commerce and Economics. There is rarely a dull day with events locally, nationally and globally providing rich content for discussion and learning. Whether it has been the recent pandemic, evolving technologies such as cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence or changes in markets, students have a great appetite to learn and understand their world.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work was in boarding, where I was able to support boys and their families during their Scotch journey. Supporting boys who joined the Hill in Year 7 as they go through the ups and downs of adolescence then graduate as young men in Year 12 has been a great privilege.

On a personal note, would you mind sharing some of your passions and hobbies?

Whenever possible I find getting out into nature a great way to recharge. With young children this has increasingly been on electric cargo bike trips exploring Melbourne’s incredible cycling trails. Often this is along the tributaries of the Yarra River, but we managed one bike packing weekend to Warburton.

I enjoy cooking and gardening, especially when family and friends are involved. I volunteer as a board member at the local community early years and kindergarten, and greatly value the role this sector plays in our community.

Everyone loves a good story, so are there any particular anecdotes or memories that you could share with us?

As a teacher I am often reminded of the transformative power of education and the potential of each boy. For example, the story of one Year 7 boarder who arrived with English as his second language only to receive a 50 study score in Year 12 English, making him a top student in the state.

Other special memories include witnessing the Pipes and Drums Tour Group perform in Edinburgh Castle, staying in a remote village in the highlands of Fiji, or the billycart relay held during the boarding closed weekends.

INTERVIEW: FLEUR EAMES

LIBRARY TECHNICIAN

Let’s start by finding out about your background prior to working at Scotch. Would you mind telling us a bit about yourself?

After spending many years in various departments of local government, I moved into public libraries and worked across the five library branches of Hobsons Bay City Council as part of the Children’s Library Team. I would develop and deliver programs for the school holidays aimed at school-aged children, and daily storytime sessions for the pre-schoolers.

After I had both of my own children, who are now 23 and 20, I moved to a part-time team leader position.

Could you tell us about your role and the activities you have previously taken on, or are currently involved with at Scotch?

I started at Scotch in 2014 as a Library Technician. As part of the Senior School Library I have been involved in planning many successful events. The annual Best Books for Boys is an event which over 200 keen parents and students attend. When we ran the event in lockdown we had the same numbers. During

lockdown we also ran several staff trivia nights, which were well attended (albeit virtually) by staff across all departments of the school.

The Scotch College Literature Festival is a well-known, weeklong festival that the Senior School Library staff run every two years. I have been lucky enough to be involved in several festivals since I started working at Scotch.

There is a lot of work in the lead-up to the festival and the energy of the week is fantastic. So much time goes into planning – booking just the right keynote speakers and workshop presenters and working them into the timetable so each student has the opportunity to attend is a huge task. The week is always a great success and a true credit to all of the staff around the school who bring it all together.

What generally constitutes some of the highlights of your week and keeps on motivating you?

I really like hearing about what the boys are reading and usually I read the same books, as I enjoy young adult literature. I try to have at least one or two books on the go at all times; we are truly lucky to be spoilt for choice with our collection. A friend I went to school with once told me I was always walking around with a pile of books to read – it seems nothing has changed! Visitors are always impressed with the library, and our collection is wide and varied. Scotch College students are big readers which is wonderful. They are always keen to hear a recommendation from library staff, and we like to hear theirs.

On a personal note, would you mind sharing some of your passions and hobbies?

I attend as much live music and theatre as I can. My children also share my love of music, so they enjoy coming along with me where possible. It’s certainly getting harder these days to go out late on a ‘school night’ so if more bands can play Friday and Saturday nights that would be great!

I also love travelling, and if I can see a show or band while I’m away on holiday, that’s a perfect trip. An absolute highlight was seeing Hamilton on Broadway with my daughter, and being lucky enough to attend Saturday Night Live while in New York City.

Everyone loves a good story, so are there any particular anecdotes or memories that you could share with us?

We were at a Neil Finn show at Hamer Hall a few years ago. Neil asked for people to come up on stage with him and sing, so of course my friend and I did. The next day at work another Scotch colleague told us he was also there – up in the balcony of Hamer Hall – and had turned to his friend proudly and said ‘that’s the girls from the library singing with Neil’. Yes, we were!

SCOTCH ATHLETICS TAKES A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD

The Scotch Athletics Squad enjoyed a season to remember, with its best single performance since last winning the APS premiership in 1978. The team not only finished second overall at the APS Senior Finals, but also won the All Schools Relays event.

Most importantly, we had well over 280 boys represent the squad throughout the spring season, recording excellent times, heights and distances in a multitude of events. This year will be remembered for our program taking another significant step forward with its results.

After finishing third last season and with many returning boys at the open age group, the squad was quietly confident of its ability to perform well. Outnumbering opposition schools at lead-up meets and consistently strong performances on and off the track contributed positively to the optimism of the squad.

This was only reinforced as the boys came together at the All Schools Relays events at Lakeside in late August. The team picked

up nine medals from 13 events, with highlights including winning the under 16 and under 20 4 x 800 metres relays, and both the under 14 and under 16 medley events. Bart Leeton (Year 9) and Henry Curlewis (Year 7) ran impressive legs in the medley to anchor these teams to victory.

Training was typically categorised by large numbers on the Main Oval track and tunes coming from the Green Grandstand, making it a vibrant and busy place to be. We had over 80 boys attend a three-day internal camp during week one of the school holidays.

The team worked tirelessly on their respective skills and fitness, and had guest presenters come and address them on a range of topics. Former Olympian middle distance runner Jeff Riseley was particularly interesting, as he shared his experiences in the sport and worked through the various challenges as an

FIRST PLACE IN ALL SCHOOLS RELAYS, SECOND IN APS FINALS

athlete. The boys also were educated around the topics of nutrition and recovery.

The final holiday meet and lead-up meet at Lakeside saw boys compete for final places in the junior and senior APS teams. With the team selected, our boys performed exceptionally on the Wednesday morning at the junior APS program. Many boys ran personal bests and had top-end placings. The relays highlighted the depth of the junior squad. On the heats day for the senior finals, Scotch qualified for 15 A finals from 21 events. This result placed us in equal third place behind Wesley and Carey, and level with St Kevin’s.

The APS Finals day is a high-level competition, and to be placed in the top three in this event is considered to be an exceptional performance. We had nine first placings, nine second placings and seven third placings. Impressively, after the morning

session Scotch was leading the event and had eventual premiers Wesley nervous.

While we were eventually overrun, the squad enjoyed a brilliant year and showcased great talent and depth. We finished comfortably in second position, ahead of Melbourne Grammar for the first time in 18 years.

Some of the day’s highlights included:

s Bart Leeton breaking the APS record in the under 16 1500m with a time of 4.06.99 in extremely difficult conditions. He also won the 800m event in his age group

s Lachlan Gumley (Year 9) breaking the APS and school record in the under 15 discus with a throw of 46.88 metres

s Llywy Schoenborn (Year 7) winning the under 14 shot put with a throw of 12.32 metres

s Henry Curlewis winning the under 14 800m with a time of 2.18. He also came second in the 1500 metres and was a

member of the second-placed under 14 4 x 400 metres, along with Sacha Demetriou (Year 8), James Gregory and Joshua Lindeman (both Year 7)

s Puluna Vaea (Year 12) winning the open shot put with a throw of 14.11 metres

s EJ Verge (Year 8) winning the under 15 shot put with a throw of 12.92 metres

s The open 4 x 400 metres relay team winning their event in an impressive time of 3.24.15. The team was Harley Robinson, Cooper Stanley, Alex Shears-Jones (all of Year 12) and Zac Phillips (Year 11). This race was probably the highlight of the day, with Captain Alex Shears-Jones wresting back the lead in the final metres of the event

s Sam Allen (Year 10) performing exceptionally with second place in the individual 800 metres, long jump and high jump. He was also a member of the second-placed 4 x 800 metres

relay team, along with Alex Shears-Jones, Rory Vial (Year 11) and Lachlan Gance (Year 12)

Huge thanks go to the boys, coaches and families for their support throughout the season. I am very proud of the great culture that has been developed within this sport, and I’m hopeful we can continue to drive this program forward. While winning the APS Athletics premiership may seem unattainable to many, the are closer than many would believe. I hope the returning boys are able to continue to work hard and close the gap on top place.

I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the Year 12 boys who have finished in our program. Their ongoing commitment to the sport, particularly in their final year of schooling, has been inspiring. We wish them well and commend them for their lasting legacy on athletics at the school.

AWARD WINNERS

The Wickens Award goes to the best performed athlete on APS day in each age group. The Chris Commons Award goes to the best performed field athlete on APS day. The Don Davenport Award goes to a boy who has made an outstanding contribution to Scotch athletics in his time at the school.

UNDER 13

Coaches’ Award Joshua Lindeman (Year 7)

UNDER 14

Coaches’ Award Llywy Schoenborn (Year 7)

Wickens Award Henry Curlewis (Year 7)

UNDER 15

Coaches’ Award Albert Elsom (Year 8)

Wickens Award EJ Verge (Year 8)

UNDER 16

Coaches’ Award Hugo Stubbs (Year 9)

Wickens Award Bart Leeton (Year 9)

UNDER 17

Coaches’ Award Patrick Kroschel (Year 10)

Wickens Award Sam Allen (Year 10)

OPEN

Coaches’ Award Max Searle (Year 12)

Wickens Award Cooper Stanley (Year 12)

Chris Commons Award Lachlan Gumley (Year 9)

Don Davenport Award Alex Shears-Jones (Year 12)

SNOWSPORTS ARE ALIVE AND WELL AT SCOTCH

of Scotch snowsports was very much alive. As a community, there was an excitement to be in the mountains, on course, competing and connecting. As a team we are still feeling the effects of the COVID years, but there is a significant group of enthusiastic boys coming through in Years 7 and 8. Over half of our 65-strong team came from these boys!

Thanks to the Snowsports Auxiliary which sponsors free lessons and equipment rental, the school holidays were filled with on-snow training for our cross country and snowboard competitors. Many of them were first-timers wanting to branch out into a new competitive discipline to support their school. This would prove to be a significant step in strengthening our team results later in the season.

COMPETING: AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT

Often, when visiting the snow, it is tempting to measure success in numbers: how much vertical, how many up-lifts, how many runs completed … But as my good friend, Monsieur Olivier Marquet always likes to remind me, it’s not about any of those things – it’s about how much time you have with friends, it's about being in the mountains, the experience of freedom and carving (literally!) your own path down the mountain.

In 2023, the snow conditions weren’t great, but the atmosphere among friends and family on the mountains as part

Snowsports is made up of three different disciplines and covers nine events. It is one of the only sports where the championship requires depth of talent in every event, discipline and division from Year 7 to Year 12. One of our greatest values is that a boy in Year 7 contributes just as significantly to the championship as a boy in Year 12.

Overall, the Senior School team was a close second to Melbourne Grammar School. We had some very encouraging results overall, which pleasingly included one team in first place, eight teams in second place and eight teams in third place. Scotch also had three state champions – Hugo Broadbent (Year 7 – slopestyle ski), Henry Aberdeen (Year 8 – cross country), and Max Boykett (Year 11 – moguls).

From our 60 teams and 65 competitors, more than 40 per cent qualified through to the nationals event. Unfortunately for all of us, this event was cancelled due to lack of snow and we will have to wait until next year to test our skill against Australia’s best young skiers and boarders.

As a team we would like to acknowledge the hard work of our Head Coach, Harvey Edmanson (’17), current Australian number one GS rider, who was ably supported by Charlie Heyburn (’21). I would also like to thank our Snowsports Winter Sport Program Teacher-in-Charge, Olivier Marquet, and his team of Mr Riley and Mr Woodlock.

Our Winter Sport Program provides valuable on-snow and dryland training preparing boys for the season. The program has supported boys to develop to a level that they most likely would have never been able to reach, had it not been for the opportunities and coaching we have provided as a school. This, in conjunction with support from the Snowsports Auxiliary has enabled us to allow any boy who comes to Scotch to have the opportunity to ski or board.

Snowsports is alive and well in our school, and as the ski gear dries and gets packed away for another year, we are already planning and preparing for 2024. Go Scotch!

CAMERON CUTCHIE – TEACHER-IN-CHARGE, SNOWSPORTS

SCOTCH BOYS MAKE WAVES IN THE SWIMMING WORLD

ABOVE: WINNER OF THE PIER TO PERIGNON SWIM (SORRENTO TO PORTSEA) IN FEBRUARY

LEFT: BRONZE MEDAL WINNER AT THE OPEN AUSTRALIAN SHORT COURSE CHAMPIONSHIPS

1500M FREESTYLE

BELOW: A YEAR 8 BOY PLAYED THE ENTIRE SEASON WITH THE FIRST WATER POLO TEAM

EXCEPTIONAL SWIMMING ACHIEVEMENTS

Scotch students have been making waves in the swimming world, showcasing their extraordinary talents and achieving remarkable milestones. Year 12 boy Harry Hay secured a bronze medal at the Open Australian Short Course Championships in the challenging 1500m freestyle event. Harry's dedication and hard work have paid off, solidifying his position as a rising star in the swimming arena.

Hamish Robson (Year 10), also made a significant mark by winning the Pier to Perignon Swim (Sorrento to Portsea) in February this year. The last Scotch student who achieved this feat, Rob Woodhouse (’82), went on to win a bronze medal at the Los Angeles Olympics just two years after leaving our school (in the same event in which Hamish Robson (Year 10) won a bronze medal, at this year’s Australian Age Championships).

Hamish is not alone in his remarkable aquatic endeavours; fellow Year 10 student Eric He also swam exceptionally well. Eric clinched the gold medal in the 200m butterfly at the Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast in April.

Toby McOmish (‘22), broke a Victorian record in the 50m freestyle while representing Victoria against New Zealand. Toby's achievement in this highly competitive event is a testament to his exceptional skills, honed during his time at Scotch. His time was a very impressive 22.20 seconds.

Last year, in the international swimming scene, past student Guy Farrow (‘82) contributed to a world record-breaking performance in the 4x50m freestyle relay for 200-220 year-olds (i.e., the total age of the team). Guy split a very impressive 24.54 for his club Tattersalls Masters (NSW). Perhaps seeing his 1982 Scotch College 100m breaststroke record broken back in 2018 provided some motivation?

Congratulations to all our swimmers, past and present, for their outstanding achievements. This year’s Scotch Swimming team finished second at the APS Swimming Finals and we eagerly anticipate their future successes in the pool.

In water polo, Scotch's 2023 team secured third place in the APS competition, losing only three matches for the season. Year 12 boys Sam Knights and Matthew Callaghan played crucial roles, showcasing versatility along with an emerging talent in Oscar Jaski of Year 8. Harry Ward's (Year 11) strong defence and confident play as the goalie were crucial for the team. Captain Jimmy Suttle (Year 12), a member of the firsts team since Year 8, consistently showed exceptional strength and talent. Additionally, Jimmy earned a spot in the APS representative squad.

RYAN NOLAN – HEAD OF AQUATICS

MR TIM BYRNES DEAN OF BOARDING

ALWAYS A SCOTCH CONNECTION

THE VASTNESS OF THE SCOTCH REACH IS IMPRESSIVE

One of the many highlights of working in boarding is meeting Scotch families and Old Boys when visiting the regions, or attending overseas boarding functions. No matter where I am, whether it’s the frosty hills of Tasmania, the megacities of Asia or the dusty outback of regional New South Wales, there is always a Scotch connection.

THIS PAGE:

TOP: ERRINGTON RETREAT

PHOTOS TAKEN AT THE 2023

SCOTCH FAMILY

OSCA CENTRAL

VICTORIA BRANCH

DINNER, FRIDAY 4

AUGUST BELOW LEFT:

DUNCAN WALLIS ('84), ANDREW ROFFEY ('84),

GLENN WALKER ('84),

ERROLL HAY ('58),

ARCHIE WALLIS ('17)

Often it is an Old Boy, keen to hear of his school’s progress and willing to part with some stories of his own from his time at Morrison Street. Occasionally it is a proud past parent, sharing his son’s success since leaving Scotch. There has even been the odd former student, regaling me with stories of the time we spent together in economics lessons in room 28 of the Quad. The vastness of the Scotch reach is impressive and the warm welcome we receive is testament to the wonderful spirit of the Scotch Family.

Next year promises to provide more opportunity for touching base, face to face, with our current rural, regional and overseas families, and hopefully catching up with past and future students. Scotch boarding will be conducting a series of visits throughout Victoria,

southern New South Wales and overseas. There is much to celebrate, having completed our extensive renovations to McMeckan and School Houses, the boarders’ dining area and common spaces this year.

Scotch families and alumni in the relevant regions will be invited to join us and hear about Scotch boarding and our recent developments. From 19 to 23 March we will be in Albury, Wangaratta, Echuca and Deniliquin. Later in the year we will be visiting Hamilton, Horsham, Wagga Wagga and Mildura. Overseas families will also be invited to attend a boarding function in Hong Kong.

With our newly-completed renovations, our boarding precinct is unmatched in both facilities and opportunity. The new senior wings have proved very popular with senior boarders, and with the parent retreat and surrounding village green soon to be unveiled, the Hill is now a campus of which we are very proud.

I look forward to meeting many families next year as we travel far and wide continuing the Scotch connection.

BYRNES

TIM

– DEAN OF BOARDING

ABOVE LEFT: TIM BYRNES SPEAKING AT THE OSCA BENDIGO DINNER

ABOVE RIGHT: EXTENSIVE RENOVATIONS TO MC MECKAN AND SCHOOL HOUSES RIGHT: ARCHIE WALLIS ('17) CONNECTING WITH THE REGIONAL BENDIGO AUDIENCE FAR RIGHT: ENJOYING THE NEW BOARDING HOUSE FACILITIES

BELOW RIGHT: BOARDERS' DINING HALL

MR TIM SHEARER ('85) HEAD OF ADVANCEMENT

THE FOUNDATION – HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SEES IT

IN FIVE SECONDS, CHATGPT COMPOSES AN IN-DEPTH ESSAY

Much has been written about the future impact that artificial intelligence (AI) will play in our lives as time progresses. Keen to understand more, and traditionally being a ‘slow adopter’ of new technologies, I set my youngest son the task of writing my end of year Great Scot report using ChatGPT …

Task: Write a 1000-word dissertation on the impact that the Scotch College Melbourne Foundation has had on Scotch College Melbourne and its students. Include reference to those who have shaped the Foundation and discuss some of the Foundation’s major fundraising projects, programs and campaigns. Here are a few extracts from what ChatGPT delivered – in five seconds – and it’s pretty scary… Since its inception, the Scotch College Melbourne Foundation has stood as a beacon of support and enrichment for Scotch College Melbourne and its students. Founded on principles of philanthropy, community, and a commitment to excellence, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of one of Australia's most esteemed institutions.

The Scotch College Melbourne Foundation owes its existence to the vision and dedication of a community of passionate individuals who understood the importance of investing in education. Established in 1973, the Foundation was conceived as a means to secure the future of Scotch College and enhance its offerings. A notable figure in this endeavour was Sir Laurence Muir, a Scotch alumni and philanthropist whose generosity and foresight laid the cornerstone for the Foundation's enduring legacy.

One of the primary ways in which the Foundation has impacted Scotch College is through the provision of scholarships and bursaries. These initiatives have

created opportunities for talented and deserving students who may not have otherwise had access to a Scotch education. By alleviating financial barriers, the Foundation has fostered a diverse and inclusive student body, enriching the learning environment and cultivating a sense of unity among students from various backgrounds.

The Foundation's impact extends beyond financial support for individual students. It has been a driving force behind the expansion and modernisation of Scotch College's facilities. Through strategic fundraising campaigns, the Foundation has facilitated the construction of state-of-the-art classrooms, libraries, teaching and learning facilities, and creative spaces. These new facilities not only provide students with cutting-edge resources but also enhance the overall educational experience, enabling Scotch College to remain at the forefront of educational innovation.

Furthermore, the Foundation's contributions have allowed for the preservation and restoration of historical buildings, ensuring that the school's rich heritage remains a tangible part of the Scotch experience. This harmonious blend of tradition and progress is a testament to the Foundation's commitment to honouring the past while embracing the future.

So what does all this mean for us in the education sector? I suspect there is no easy answer, and the response will vary among people making up the industry. The experience will be both positive and negative for students, staff and parents alike. Like all technologies AI can be used for good – to advance things or to make our life more convenient – or it can be used to ill-effect, by substituting for hard work and stifling individual thinking and creativity. The world will become a pretty boring and homogenised place if everyone only uses AI!

One thing I do know is that AI won’t ever replace the concept of actual learning and understanding; that special moment of magic – or the spark – that occurs between student and teacher when a student finally grasps a concept or process will live on for generations to come. I also hope that it won’t replace the role of school fundraisers – but time will tell!

SIR LAURENCE

(LAURIE) MUIR ('41)

FOUNDATION

MR MIKE SIM ('78) PRESIDENT OF THE SCOTCH COLLEGE FOUNDATION

MAIN OVAL PAVILION IS THE NEXT BUILDING DEVELOPMENT AT SCOTCH

Created in 1973, the Scotch College Foundation was the first of its kind for independent schools in Australia. One only has to look around the campus today to see the legacy of its work to date. From the recently departed Physics and Chemistry building, opened in 1976, to the Errington Retreat, which will be opened in early 2024 for our boarding community, the impact of the generosity of our community is there for all to see.

Perhaps less identifiable, but no less important, is the Foundation’s sponsorship of much of the school’s scholarship program since 1973. More than 500 boys have attended Scotch through the philanthropic commitment of the Scotch Family.

will see our boys be proud to pull on their cardinal guernsey or cricket creams.

• An upper floor with a large social room offering sweeping views across the Main Oval to the Memorial Hall, James Forbes Academy and the Littlejohn Memorial Chapel, and with covered seating in front of it and above the cricket sightscreens. Think MCC Members’ Pavilion here.

• Four indoor cricket nets, which can be turned into a multipurpose area running out onto the Melville Oval.

The official name of the new Main Oval pavilion was also announced by Chair of Council Alex Sloan (’71).

ABOVE: BACK VIEW OF MAIN OVAL PAVILION

*ARCHITECTURAL RENDERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

** THIS PROJECT IS YET TO BE APPROVED BY SCHOOL COUNCIL.

On 29 November at the Foundation’s 50th Birthday Party at Scotch, former Principal Dr Gordon Donaldson AM launched the 50th anniversary history of the Foundation, a book painstakingly prepared by staff members Paul Mishura and David Ashton (’65), and including written contributions from former staff members Bruce Brown (’60) and Alan Watkinson. This 300-page book paints a vivid picture of the Foundation and its first 50-year achievements. From biographies of the Foundation Presidents and Executive Directors, to interviews with generous donors and scholarship recipients, this visually spectacular account is a must read for all with a keen interest in Scotch.

Scotch College Foundation members will be provided with a complimentary copy, in recognition of their generosity, and copies of the book are available for purchase from the Foundation Office for $50 (including GST).

On the same night we revealed conceptual plans for a much-needed replacement pavilion for the Main Oval. The current pavilion, opened in 1965, has functionally served Scotch boys well since that date, but by today’s standards, it is not fit for purpose. In keeping with our past record of only constructing buildings with a genuine need, the next building development at Scotch will be a state-of-the-art pavilion with the following proposed inclusions:

• Home and away team changeroom facilities for both the Main Oval and the Melville Oval, with associated Scotch support rooms and spaces that

It needs to be noted that this project is yet to be approved by School Council and final design work is still being completed. Planning permissions are also required. The school also needs to create a new Grounds Team facility prior to the commencement of construction on the Main Oval Pavilion, with works here planned to begin later in 2024.

The generosity of our community will again be central to the school’s ability to deliver important projects like this. I look forward to our community’s continued support as we strive to make Scotch everything it can be for each boy fortunate enough to attend it. I am confident that we can face the next stages of the school’s development with a strong sense of achievement and optimism, in the belief that the Foundation’s best years are ahead of it.

With 2023 coming to an end, I would like to thank the Foundation Office for all that they do. They encourage the Scotch Family to get on board to deliver the school’s dreams, whether it be our building developments or the various scholarships that we are endeavouring to endow, to ensure that Scotch remains a diverse school in so many ways. Tim Shearer has done an amazing job, while also providing oversight of our 50th anniversary celebrations. Where Thy Towers Thou Proudly Rearest is a wonderful and warm summary of the first 50 years of the Foundation.

I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a happy Christmas and New Year, as we look forward to the Foundation’s second half-century, starting in 2024.

MR TIM SHEARER ('85) HEAD OF ADVANCEMENT

BOARDING PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION … FINALLY!

UPGRADED FACILITIES WILL SERVE THE BOARDING COMMUNITY FOR MANY YEARS

The multifaceted Boarding Project is nearing completion. At the commencement of Term 4, Year 12 McMeckan and School House boarders took occupancy of their new accommodation. The upgraded facilities feature enlarged rooms with separate living and studying quarters for boys, and oncampus accommodation for boarding staff and their families. The facilities have been received positively by the boys and staff, and will serve our boarding community well for many years to come.

The Retreat is nearing completion. The facility includes communal meeting spaces for boys and staff residing on the Hill and a gym specifically for Hill use. It will be officially opened and named at a ceremony early in Term 1, 2024.

Both stages of the Boarding Project works have taken longer than expected due to implications relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we thank boarding families and staff for their patience. School Council Property Committee Chair Mike Sim (’78) is also sincerely thanked for his tireless efforts in seeing these projects through to completion.

In the next stages of works, the roadway that presently divides the Boarders’ Dining Hall and the Retreat will be removed to create a communal village green, and these works should happen over the Christmas break. It is also hoped to reinstall heritage gates on the corner of Glenferrie and Callantina Roads, which will see the Boarding Project completed.

I take this opportunity to thank the many donors who have helped bring this important project to life for their outstanding generosity, and we look forward to welcoming them at the official opening and naming ceremony early in 2024.

TIM SHEARER – HEAD OF ADVANCEMENT

A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS

THE MAIN OVAL PAVILION IS DUE FOR RENEWAL

Over the past decade, the school, with the philanthropic support of its community, has invested heavily in upgraded facilities where there has been a genuine need to do so. The Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science replaced three separate facilities built in the 1960s and 1970s which, having served generations of students and staff well, were well below par by contemporary teaching and learning standards.

The teaching and learning facilities for the rapidly emerging Design and Technology subject were disparate and desperate – disparate across three different facilities and desperate for modernisation, with the important inclusion of design studios to accompany the workshops.

The Keon-Cohen building was transformed into a magnificent new dining facility, finally replacing the old Tuckshop which was out of date in the 1960s – according to Old Boys from that era, anyhow! The school’s 170-year plus history was crammed into old residential houses in Morrison Street with no fire protection or air temperature control. Our history is now secure thanks to the new Tolson Centre. We now turn our attention to the Main Oval pavilion.

The Main Oval pavilion was built in the 1960s and has served generations of Scotch sportsmen well, but it is well and truly due

for renewal, as the photos that accompany this article attest. The old pavilion will be replaced by a new state-of-the-art pavilion, which will include indoor cricket nets, a social room with a capacity of 300, and contemporary change rooms for Scotch and visiting teams which will serve both the Main and Melville Ovals. A new Grounds Compound forms an important part of this next project.

This project will be the school’s first meaningful investment in sporting infrastructure since 1994 when the Cardinal Pavilion was built, and its impact is there for all to see.

The capital campaign to deliver this important project was officially launched at the Foundation’s 50th anniversary function, held in the Quadrangle on Wednesday 29 November. The function was preceded by a Twenty20 match on the Main Oval featuring former Scotch 1st XI Captains. Former Test cricketer – and Scotch’s most recent Test cricketer – Bob Cowper (’57) was present to toss the coin prior to the match commencing at 4.30pm.

If you are interested in supporting the capital campaign to deliver the new Main Oval pavilion, please contact Head of Advancement Tim Shearer (tim.shearer@scotch.vic.edu.au or +61 3 98104301) in the Advancement Office.

THIS IMAGE: FRONT VIEW *ARCHITECTURAL RENDERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

THIS PROJECT IS YET TO BE APPROVED BY SCHOOL COUNCIL.

FOUNDATION

AMC IN THE MUSEUM

50 MEMBERS AND GUESTS MINGLED AND CONVERSED

The Bill and Dianne Sides Museum in the Tolson Centre at Scotch was a great venue for Alexander Morrison Circle (AMC) Drinks on the warm evening of 15 September.

The AMC recognises the generosity of people who have indicated that they will remember Scotch College in a bequest, as part of their charitable intention. Among the guests were Bill (’63) and Dianne Sides, whose generosity enabled the museum to be formed in what had been the space between 2 and 3 Morrison Street.

In all, 50 AMC members and guests assembled in the Museum, to be welcomed by Bequests Program Manager, Sandra Dick, after which Sandra handed over to guest speaker, Scotch Archivist Paul Mishura, who described the development of the Scotch Archives and Museum.

Paul said the original archives and museum, containing Scotch’s irreplaceable heritage items, were first housed in a World War II hut, which was far from fire and vermin proof. The Archives’ first move was from the hut to 2 Morrison Street in 1995, and they were later expanded into 3 Morrison Street.

After significant extensions and renovations the Tolson Centre building was occupied on 1 June 2020, and the Scotch Archives and Museum are now arguably the best facilities of their kind in Victorian schools – and arguably in Australian schools.

Scotch Foundation President, Mike Sim (’78) thanked the AMC members for their long-term commitment to Scotch, pointing out that the developments that have taken place on the campus would not have been possible without the ongoing contributions of the Scotch Family.

Speeches over, guests mingled, conversed, and enjoyed drinks and canapes. This very enjoyable event was well organised by Sandra Dick.

TOP PHOTOS, LEFT TO RIGHT: PROFESSOR NEVILLE YEOMANS AM AND DR MARGOT YEOMANS; ANNE HART-SMITH AND DR JOHN MATHEW (’53); NEIL HART-SMITH (’60).

ABOVE, LEFT: WENDY HILTON-WOOD AND ROS TURNLEY. RIGHT: PHILIP STEEL (’68) AND PETER TURNLEY (’58 ). BELOW, LEFT: MARGARET LONG, SANDRA DICK, SCOTT MONTGOMERY (’85), BRIAN RANDALL (’51). RIGHT: PETER ASHTON (‘66) AND MARGARET MCNAUGHTON.

108 REASONS FOR A JOYOUS CELEBRATION

It’s not often that any of us participate in a 108th birthday party – in fact it could safely be said it was a first for everyone who attended Bill Morgan’s 108th birthday party at Scotch in the Randall Building’s Longmore Room on the morning of 18 October,

Among the guests were four other members of Scotch’s 25 oldest known living Old Boys: Donald Howarth (’40), Maurie Smith (’41), Rex Jenkins (’44) and Douglas Zerbe (’44). Other guests included 98-year-old Gwen Head, wife of Dr Alan Head (’42), Douglas Zerbe’s wife, Patricia (who is a sister of former champion athlete and Victorian Governor, John Landy AC), other family members of the ’25 oldest’, former Scotch teacher David Scott (’43), the Principal, Dr Scott Marsh and Head of the Junior School, Tom Savill.

Four School Captains were there – Bill Morgan (Captain in 1935), Bill Philip AM (1947) and his wife Mary-Lou, David Price (1958) and 2023 School Captain, Dion Whitfield – as well as the 2023 Junior School Captain, Aiden Richards and Vice Captain, Will Batchelor.

Beautiful roses decorating the Longmore Room table at the party came from the gardens around the Chapel.

Welcoming guests, Bequest Program Manager Sandra Dick pointed out that Bill Morgan, as a sprightly 20 year old, had taken David Price’s mother, an MLC girl, to the opening of the Littlejohn Memorial Chapel on 18 October 1936, exactly 87 years ago! Bill was later to be married in the Chapel.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT STANDING, LEFT TO RIGHT: SCHOOL CAPTAIN, MAURIE SMITH (’41), REX JENKINS (’44), DONALD HOWARTH (’40), DR SCOTT MARSH (PRINCIPAL).

SITTING: DOUGLAS ZERBE (’44), BILL MORGAN (’34). JOHN MORGAN (’69) AND HIS FATHER, BILL.

STANDING: ALISON HEAD, MARY-LOU PHILIP; SITTING: PATRICIA ZERBE, BILL MORGAN, GWEN HEAD.

JUNIOR SCHOOL CAPTAIN, BILL MORGAN, JUNIOR SCHOOL VICE CAPTAIN GUESTS PICTURED BEFORE BILL MORGAN CUT HIS BIRTHDAY CAKE

BILL MORGAN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED IN STYLE

Tom Savill recalled Bill’s visit to the Junior School on 5 June, the 100th anniversary of his first day at Scotch in 1923, and the lasting impression the visit has made on the boys.

With the guests having sung Happy birthday, and after Bill effortlessly blew out the three candles on his birthday cake, Bill eloquently thanked the guests for their greetings, and said getting together like this at a place he loves was a wonderful opportunity to renew acquaintances and celebrate friendships.

He said the school had been founded as a place with a Christian heritage, and in an increasingly secular world, he was glad this basis had never changed. He thanked all guests for coming to the party, and cut the cake, to applause from the guests.

With formalities completed guests stayed on, to enjoy some of Bill’s birthday cake, and to consolidate the friendships Bill had spoken about so passionately.

MR STEPHEN WEBSTER ('73)

OSCA PRESIDENT

A STRONG FOCUS ON SUPPORT FOR YOUNG OLD BOYS

OSCA PLANS TO ENCOMPASS MORE CAREER-RELATED SUPPORT AND ACTIVITIES

The world of OSCA has evolved over the past 110 years, through the initiatives and endeavours of Old Boys who pursued interests and passions that provided a connection to the Scotch Family. Many of those initiatives have become OSCA-affiliated clubs and societies that cater to a diverse range of engagements for young and old alike in sports, arts, music and other recreational activities. The rich and diverse array of opportunities offered by OSCA’s clubs and societies encapsulates OSCA’s strategy of reasons and ways to connect and opportunities to give back.

This is one of the many links within the Cardinal Threa d that is strengthened by such activities and participation, well beyond the Monash Gates.

A focus of the OSCA Council over the past few years has been to support Young Old Boys (YOBs) and their transition from school, particularly the Year 13 boys. The YOBs Committee helps this transition by providing resume writing workshops, university coffee catchups, a one-year reunion, a Year 13 parent information webinar, and a series of post-school experience panel sessions known as Beyond the Gates.

OSCA’S BUSINESS NETWORKING BREAKFAST IN AUGUST ATTRACTED 149 ATTENDEES TO ZINC AT FEDERATION SQUARE

The feedback from YOBs and older Old Boys is to shift the emphasis to encompass more career-related support and activities. That is the purpose of a new Careers and Connection initiative – to support members of the Scotch Family in a more coordinated and focused way, by connecting people with industry or professional interests across age groups and gender. These events or networking opportunities are different to the many events OSCA runs through year group reunions and clubs and societies.

Our research through extensive career mapping interviews with YOBs shows that many of our Old Boys are challenged by their transition from school. When they are looking to grow their existing career or to explore a new career direction, they often don’t have folks they can connect with in an informal setting. We are planning to run a series of events to connect Scotch Family members initially in areas such as law, banking and finance, and wealth management where we have volunteer leaders. We hope to grow the range of engagement events.

In addition, we are looking at creating forum discussions around such topics as the future of work, and developing a paper on ‘What Old Boys need to be globally competitive in transitioning from school to a world of work'. We would welcome volunteers to help us host these informal events and discussions in the coming year.

A new event on the OSCA calendar this year was the Business Networking Breakfast, held last August. We were thrilled to welcome 149 attendees to Zinc at Federation Square. Among the attendees were 35 YOBs (from class years 2013 to 2022), 64 Old Boys, 13 Year 11 students, and 19 current parents. The 2024 event will be a general networking event, rather than catering primarily to YOBs. We will encourage greater participation from the broader Scotch Family and will extend invitations to other schools.

A related aspect of this initiative is mentoring. Within OSCAconnect there is a mentoring platform that is easy to set up and enables alumni to generate their own mentoring opportunities using that feature. OSCAconnect data metrics show that more than 60 per cent of over 2500 users are willing to help. The OSCA Council wishes to leverage this underused facility to assist members of the Scotch Family.

Prior to the COVID years, the Clubs and Societies Committee of OSCA met with many of its affiliates to discuss their needs and how the OSCA Council could help them. The overwhelming response was for a continuing pipeline to attract new members. This year the OSCA Council has established a strong connection with the Scotch Parents’ Association (SPA), and one of the initiatives (aided by YOBs) is to link the SPA auxiliaries with related OSCA clubs and societies to provide school leavers with a pathway to help pursue their interests, and for parents to do the same.

STEPPING BACK IN TIME TO CELEBRATE SHARED EXPERIENCES

– THE MAGIC OF SCOTCH REUNIONS

Over the years, thousands of Old Boys have enjoyed rekindling their school memories at OSCAorganised year reunions. Rewarding in a variety of ways, they provide an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and classmates, rekindling relationships that may have faded over the years. These gatherings offer a unique opportunity to reminisce about shared memories, relive the past, and catch up on each other's lives, fostering a sense of nostalgia and camaraderie.

OSCA Councillor Mark Tolson (’73) recently remarked after attending the 50 Year Reunion of his Class of 1973:

‘[The reunions] also serve as a platform for personal growth and self-reflection. They allow you to see how you and your peers have evolved, both personally and professionally since leaving the Monash Gates behind

OSCA REUNIONS 2024

you. This can be inspiring and motivating, as you witness the diverse paths and achievements of your former classmates.’

Moreover, Scotch reunions offer a sense of belonging and community, helping you maintain your Cardinal Thread connection to the place where you grew up. They provide an opportunity to revisit the school and see what's changed, while creating a break from the routine of everyday life. They also offer an opportunity to step back in time and celebrate the shared experiences that shaped your youth.

The 2024 OSCA reunions are ready to be added to the household calendar, and we look forward to seeing you and your classmates at your reunion. If you would like to assist with your reunion, please let the OSCA office know.

MR SCOTT MONTGOMERY ('85) OSCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

WRITING AN ORATORIO – A CHALLENGING, REWARDING ASSIGNMENT

A ‘MASSIVE UNDERTAKING’ FOR SKILLED COMPOSER AND CONDUCTOR NICHOLAS BUC (’99)

Travelling the world to take up a composition assignment in Europe or returning to Australia to conduct the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in live concert performances of The Empire Strikes Back, Nicholas Buc (’99) barely has time to catch his breath before he’s off overseas on another assignment. In a 20-year career, Nick has composed orchestral and choral music, and scores for film and television, as well as conducting many orchestras at home and overseas.

Something new is always coming up for Nick, and one of his recent composition roles at home in Australia was a first for him. It was to write a brand new oratorio called Origins , which tells the creation story by taking a different angle from that which Joseph Haydn took in his magnificent oratorio, The Creation. Origins references the world of science, rather than religion, to tell the story of the world’s creation.

Origins premiered at the Melbourne Recital Centre on 18 July, performed by the 100-voice Heidelberg Choral Society, four soloists and a 60-piece orchestra, conducted by the society’s Artistic Director and Conductor, Peter Bandy. The oratorio has four sections – origin of the universe, origin of life, origin of species and origin of humanity. Origins was twice reviewed on the ABC’s The Science Show, and excerpts from the oratorio were played on air.

In an interview published in Limelight magazine, Nick described the oratorio concept as ‘a massive undertaking’. He said Origins ‘starts from nothing, even before the Big Bang. The first part finishes with what Jenny [Graves, the librettist] calls “the pale blue dot”, which is a very distant glimpse of Earth.

‘As a composer, I had all of these questions: What is the sound of nothing? What’s the sound of the Big Bang? Is it a beautiful experience or a horrific one? So, these are the things I had to work out how to describe.’

In August and September, Nick toured Australia with the Australian rock band, Birds of Tokyo, for the band’s show, Birdsongs. Nick created all the orchestral arrangements and conducted most of the major state symphony orchestras which backed the band during the show.

Back in Melbourne in October, Nick conducted the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in eight performances of The Empire Strikes Back in Concert. This month sees him finishing off the Harry Potter film concert series with performances of Harry Potter and

the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 with both the West Australian and Sydney Symphony Orchestras.

Nick taught composition at Scotch from 2004 to 2014. Working recently on the score for a new Australian feature film called Slant (which stars Sigrid Thornton) brought Nick into an association with a former composition student of his, Albert Salt (’11). Albert is now an excellent independent songwriter and composer in his own right, and he and Nick co-wrote the music for Slant

The movie is set in 1999, where a rogue journalist unearths the sordid secrets of an infamous socialite family for the scoop of a lifetime, while unwittingly dredging up family trauma of this own.

There are other Scotch connections to the movie. Old Boy James Vinson (’10) makes his feature film debut as director, and the writer and lead actor is Michael Nikou (’10), who also co-produced the movie with James. Prior to its nationwide release on 12 October, Slant was successfully promoted during a round-Australia tour.

Amid all of that activity, Nick found time to participate in the Foundation Day Concert at Hamer Hall on 29 August. He was one of the accompanists for the College Choir’s two songs, and was solo accompanist for the two songs performed by the Chamber Choir. Nick said participation in the concert was a last-minute decision, ‘but it was nice to be back, albeit temporarily’.

Nick will make his conducting debut next year with the San Francisco Symphony and Atlanta Symphony in the US, as well as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in the UK.

Next year will also see the world premiere of a new concert experience for children for which Nick has written the music.

Titled Daughter of the Inner Stars, it marries live narration and animation with a unique orchestral score that will be performed by the Sydney Symphony at the Sydney Opera House in August. Featuring a story and direction by James Vinson, and animation by 2009 School Captain, Nathan Su (who now runs his own London-based digital design studio called Inferstudio), it is being produced by Nick’s wife, Melanie Hiluta, making it a thoroughly extended Scotch Family production!

Melbourne film music fans can catch Nick this month with the Melbourne Symphony in The Music of Hans Zimmer on 14, 15 and 16 December, as well as next year in live film performances of The Lion King and Return of the Jedi.

OPPOSITE PAGE: COMPOSER AND CONDUCTOR, NICHOLAS BUC ’99.

THESE PHOTOS: NICHOLAS BUC ACCOMPANYING THE COLLEGE CHOIR AND CHAMBER CHOIR AT THE 2023 FOUNDATION DAY CONCERT.

BENEDICTUS

WHEN OSCA TRAVELS ABROAD WHAT LINKS MIGHT BE SHARED AND CELEBRATED?

The great diversity of the educational enterprise presents many wonderful channels for exploration. But you won’t be surprised if a chaplain looks beyond the sports and games, art, drama and music, beyond even academic excellence, to Deo, who was in at Scotch from the start!

With Christine I’ve been travelling in a tightly defined six-week itinerary to revisit friends and family members; a tiring and deeply emotional journey. Deeply emotional, because we parted from many friends we will not see again on account of age and ill health (theirs or ours, or both!) For instance, Emmi’s family, Christian refugees from Communist East Germany, were tremendously hospitable in the ’60s when Christine studied in Munich. Saying goodbye to Emmi, now 98 years old, was one such moment.

The next day we worshipped in the Munich Frauenkirche. It was a genuinely international service: fabulous organ music, a vibrant Spanish choir, a Ukrainian Orthodox bishop and a Lutheran minister participating in this packed Catholic cathedral. What touched me most was the reading of Jesus’ parable of the workers called to the vineyard at different hours of the day. Each received a denarius at day’s end. It came with a fresh application to the global refugee crisis … I hadn’t expected that!

We spent two nights with Amsterdam friends of 50 years, she a nurse and he a now-retired professor of ophthalmology. What a delight to discuss again their service in Sierra Leone and to share a meal with their daughters. Such amazing competencies! Like Emmi’s family, they had an intentional pause at mealtime, theirs with a contemporary reflection. In the morning we took the Eurostar to London.

Numerous reunions across the south of England brought us eventually to Bristol, my father’s hometown. There we attended a concert by the Bristol Ensemble in the parish church. The 18-piece ensemble played movie themes and it was a delight. How long since you heard Lara’s Theme from Doctor Zhivago? Or Moon River? What caught me by surprise was the Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto, second movement. This is the theme of my mother’s most-loved movie: Brief Encounter by David Lean, starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard.

A parting from very dear friends in North Berwick was perhaps the hardest. Terminal illness and encroaching dementia make

for serious reflection. So too, later, on the Island of Arran. In Edinburgh friends asked if we’d like to attend a concert in the Usher Hall and we readily agreed. It was the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus exulting in Bach’s Mass in B Minor. What a classic. What a treat.

Though composed by Bach, a Lutheran, as a Mass it was sung in Latin. I was grateful for the translated text, and especially moved as they sang the Credo – I believe in the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection to eternal life. How relevant to the global chaos it all seemed. How much we need forgiveness. This performance linked so much of our emotional journey.

The link is the enduring intergenerational and cross-cultural hope that the Christian faith brings. This confidence in Jesus Christ was there from the foundation of Scotch College, and it was the faith and hope that I sought to foster in my 30 years as Chaplain.

It is a narrative which all Scotch Collegians will encounter whether they travel Australia’s back roads or global flight paths. Once chosen it will connect them to the story that began in the life and mission of Jesus. Contrary to the ways of this world, this narrative is not about self-aggrandisement and acquisition of power, territory or status. We struggle with these different, destructive and deadly narratives.

Christmas reminds us that Jesus’ story began in lowliness, and Easter, that it climaxed on a cross; a self-giving in which our salvation is found. There is redemption in the death of Christ. The way of the cross is a difficult choice for global leaders, and also costly for each of us personally. Yet there is the Benedictus –blessing: an experience of personal blessedness as we walk in the steps of Jesus.

At the concert closed, the Usher Hall erupted in acclaim. For their magnificent rendition the orchestra and chorus were enthusiastically acknowledged. Then, in a last movement, the conductor, Richard Egarr, turned, and taking the score from the podium, held it aloft. The hall erupted again. How truly Bach had spoken to ‘humankind’s profoundest questions of faith and purpose’. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini – blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

GRAHAM BRADBEER – OSCA CHAPLAIN

BELOW: THE SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS IN THE USHER HALL, EDINBURGH AT THE CLOSE OF THEIR PERFORMANCE OF BACH’S MASS IN B MINOR

AN INVITATION TO JOIN THE 2024 MELBOURNE TARTAN FESTIVAL

JULY 2024 IS TARTAN FESTIVAL MONTH

It could be said the Melbourne Tartan Festival is one of Melbourne’s best kept secrets, as it is by far the largest festival celebrating everything Scottish in Australia. But outside the Scottish clans and associations directly involved, it is not widely known by the general public.

The Melbourne Tartan Festival has been held over the full month of July for the last six years, and encompasses a large number of events supporting Scottish culture for people of Scottish ancestry and those who wish to participate in Scottish heritage.

The Old Scotch Collegians’ Association is involved in a number of ways, principally through the Victorian Scottish Heritage Cultural Foundation, which promotes and funds the Tartan Festival as part of its charter. OSCA has three representatives as directors of the foundation, one of whom is the Chairman, Hamish Tadgell (’85), and there are three representatives of Melbourne Scots, a society that has promoted Scottish culture in Melbourne since 1919.

The festival encompasses everything Scottish, including pipe band recitals, a solo piping championship and Scottish dancing, including a Ceilidh Dance with the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club and the Victorian Scottish Dancing Members’ Association Commonwealth Championship.

There are also singing and fiddler concerts and jams, Scottish films, walking tours, ancestry and Scottish history and Gaelic

speaking classes and rare and old whisky tasting functions.

Two big events headline the festival. The Melbourne Tartan Day Parade is a truly stirring and colourful spectacle, with 11 pipe bands including our own Old Scotch Pipes and Drums and the Scotch College Pipes and Drums with more than 250 pipers, drummers and dancers in traditional dress marching down Collins Street to stirring tunes. This is followed by massed pipers playing as a large group of Highland dancers perform a mass Highland Fling in the forecourt of the Westin Hotel.

Members of the Scotch Family with Scottish attire are invited to join next year’s march, and experience the thrill of being part of this spectacular parade, led by many dignitaries, including former School Council Chairman, Dr David Kemp AC (’59) and former OSCA President Andrew Wilson (’78).

The second headline event is the formal Tartan Festival Gala Dinner and Concert, held in the Melbourne Town Hall, which includes a welcome reception with drinks in the Town Hall foyer, followed by a gourmet dinner with fine wines, the traditional Haggis ceremony and a night of entertainment.

Many OSCA clubs and societies take tables for his event, and other members of the Scotch Family are also invited to attend this lavish and entertaining evening of fine dining and Scottish entertainment.

Please keep in mind that July 2024 is Tartan Festival month.

EXCITING TIMES FOR OLD SCOTCH PIPES AND DRUMS

The Old Scotch Pipes and Drums (OSPD), along with the rest of the local, interstate and world pipe band scene has returned to a sense of normality over the past 18 months, with a number of significant events taking place. This includes the Australian Pipe Band Championships in Sydney in October 2022 and a full local competition season, culminating in the Victorian Pipe Band Championships in April 2023.

OSPD competes at grade 4A level and has enthusiastically participated in these competitions, with successes including a fourth place at the Australian Championships, first place at the 2022 Daylesford Highland Gathering, and second places at the Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival and the 2023 Victorian Championships. The OSPD drum corps achieved a first place in all competitions, including an equal first at the Victorian Championships.

The band has also continued to perform at community-based events, including the annual Melbourne Anzac Day March, the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life, concerts with the Scotch College Pipe Band and the Legends of Brass, and at the OSCA Annual Dinner, among many others.

This past year has been especially significant for the band, as we unveiled our new OSCA Scotch College Tartan kilts, to universal acclaim!

Pleasingly, the ‘engine room’ of the band’s pipe corps comprises a group of talented and enthusiastic recent school leavers. These players have provided much of the drive behind the band’s recent competition success. This foundation is being complemented by several pipers and drummers from the 2022 Scotch College VCE cohort who have also joined OSPD.

Our band’s lead drummer Ben Jones – former Ballarat Grammar drum tutor and now Master in Charge of the Pipe Band at Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) as well as drum tutor at Scotch – is also providing opportunities for student drummers from PLC and Ballarat Grammar to perform with OSPD.

While these students compete with their own school bands in the lower grades, they also compete with and add value to OSPD in Grade 4A. This gives these exceptionally talented students the opportunity to play a higher standard of music, while also allowing

them to take this experience back to their own school bands. We hope that further opportunities will be provided for PLC students in particular over the coming competition seasons.

The value of this opportunity was reflected earlier this year when PLC student and OSPD member Chloe Lim was presented with the Shane Hume Encouragement Award at the Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival. This award is given annually to a young pipe band drummer who demonstrates great commitment and endeavour towards their musical development. As a key member of the OSPD drum corps and lead drummer with the PLC Pipe Band, Chloe was considered to be a worthy award winner!

OSPD is in the fortunate position of having a strong pipe and drum corps and an excellent committee and supporter base, and we are now looking forward to setting a program for the next period in the band’s development. This includes competing at the Australian Pipe Band Championships in April 2024, as well as working towards travelling to Scotland in August 2024 to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships.

This is a very ambitious undertaking and will present some significant challenges for OSPD – including purchasing new kilts for our growing band, funding new uniform and equipment, developing our musical performance, and raising funds so we can assist the student and younger band members with their individual costs. This is to ensure that all members have every opportunity to participate in these significant competitions.

These are exciting times for OSPD, so please stay tuned for more news over the coming months. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact OSPD President Bruce Webb (’79) on 0411 364 255; or OSPD Pipe Major David Forbes (’79) on 0403 266 145.

DR IAN BELL – SECRETARY, OLD SCOTCH PIPES AND DRUMS

OPPOSITE PAGE, PHOTO 1: OLD SCOTCH PIPES AND DRUMS COMPETING IN GRADE 4A AT THE 2023 VICTORIAN PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS; PHOTO 2: OLD SCOTCH PIPES AND DRUMS AT THE AUSTRALIAN PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS – SYDNEY 2022; PHOTO 3: RECIPIENT OF THE 2023 SHANE HUME ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD; PHOTO 4 : OLD SCOTCH PIPES AND DRUMS AT THE 2023 VICTORIAN PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS. THIS PAGE, PHOTO 5: OLD SCOTCH PIPES AND DRUMS PARTICIPATING AT THE START OF THE HAWTHORN RELAY FOR LIFE. 2.

Bowls

For the first time the Old Scotch Bowls Club held a special season-opening social event at the MCC Glen Street Hawthorn clubrooms to welcome the new bowling season.

It was a great opportunity for the members to get together and renew acquaintances, and to meet the new members who have joined the club since the 2022/23 season ended.

BOWLERS WELCOME A NEW SEASON

The club continues to grow and gain new members, and welcomed three new Scotch Family members at the function: Sam Black, a retired Scotch Maths teacher, David George, a Scotch past parent, and Euan Anderson (’01), from a four-generation Scotch family.

Old Scotch Bowls committee member Reg Davis organised the day, which everyone enjoyed, and he took the opportunity to update the members in his address on future clubhouse and rink upgrades which will be in place for the new season.

The upgrades include major refurbishment of the locker rooms and toilets at the Swinburne Avenue clubhouse, and an electronic security system with members’ swipe cards which is being introduced to both the Swinburne Avenue and Glen Street Hawthorn premises.

The new members who have just joined the club without previous bowling experience have undertaken the free tuition offered by the MCC and Old Scotch Bowls Accredited Coach, Mrs Penny Lindeman. New member Sam Black is now playing for Old Scotch in the APS Competition after just over one month’s tuition –well done, Sam and Penny.

We welcome any Scotch Family members, both male and female, who would like to join the Old Scotch Bowls Club and learn to bowl, while enjoying the friendship and fellowship of other Scotch Family members in a relaxed and friendly environment.

The club plays on 13 Wednesdays during the season starting in September through to April at two MCC Bowls venues in Hawthorn. Two away matches are played against Royal Melbourne Golf Club bowls section and the private West Brighton Club.

If you would like to see the club’s outstanding facilities and learn about bowling for Old Scotch, don’t hesitate to contact me on 0411 253 633 or email david. tennent@bigpond.com.

DAVID TENNENT (’57) – SECRETARY, OLD SCOTCH BOWLS CLUB

CLOCKWISE, FROM BOTTOM PHOTO: TABLES DRESSED IN SCOTCH COLOURS; DAVID TENNENT (’57) WITH TEACUP; JOHN VROLAND (’58) IN ACTION FOR THE BOWLS CLUB;

DAVIS AT THE LECTERN; BOWLS CLUB MEMBER

(’61)

12 SONGS CAN BE ACCESSED DURING A 7KM WALK

LEADER GRAHAM STANLEY (’61) WITH WALKERS ON THE ELWOOD SINGING WALKING TRAIL.

RIGHT: MELBOURNE’S HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS FORMED A DISTANT BACKDROP TO THE ELWOOD SINGING WALKING TRAIL

A MUSICAL WALK WITH A TRIBUTE TO ELWOOD

The Old Scotch Bushwalking Club’s 24 August midweek walk was an unusual one – along the parks, beach and canal of the Elwood Singing Walking Trail, walkers can hear and (if they wish) sing 12 songs connected to Elwood. At each of the 12 points during the 7km journey walkers can click on a QR code and hear one of a choir’s pre-recorded songs.

For example, the walk began at Elwood St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre, where the song embedded in the QR code is We Honour the Land, written by Dr Laura Brearley, which acknowledges the land’s traditional inhabitants.

There is a stop at a sundial beside the Elwood Canal, where the song is Carry On, by Australian celebrity songwriter and musician, Jack O’Hagan, who also wrote Along the Road to Gundagai. He wrote Carry On in 1931, to help raise spirits during the Depression.

After a break for lunch, the first stop was the Elwood Pier. Ten

mosaics, which record part of the history of Elwood, are set into the pier, so what could be better than a rollicking sea shanty to the tune of Round the Cape.

Later the walkers crossed the St Kilda Street Bridge, the oldest reinforced concrete beam bridge in Victoria and possibly Australia. Before Wold War I, Scotch’s greatest Old Boy, Sir John Monash (1881) designed and built six bridges spanning Elster Creek and the Elwood Canal, including the St Kilda Street Bridge in 1905. The bridges feature the earliest developments of reinforced concrete technology in Australia.

The walk finished at the King of Tonga Bar, where the choir sings Elwood Song, a song in two parts – the first is a lilting waltz and the second is written to a Cuban beat. Walkers then headed to the Tickled Pink Café for a well-deserved afternoon tea.

GRAHAM STANLEY (’61) – OLD SCOTCH BUSHWALKING CLUB

The 50 Year History of the Scotch College Foundation

PAINTING A VIVID, 300-PAGE PICTURE OF THE FOUNDATION AND THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF ITS FIRST 50 YEARS, 1973-2022

How to order your book: Scan the QR code to order online. $50.00 (including GST) + $15 delivery

Copies of the book are also available for purchase from the Foundation Office for $50.00 (including GST) rebecca.mortimer@scotch.vic.edu.au

Soccer

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR THE SOCCER CLUB

THE CLUB SHOWS THAT IT BELONGS IN STATE LEAGUE 1

This has been another year of growth and success for the Old Scotch Soccer Club. It was the club’s first year in Victoria’s State League 1, and the club showed that it well and truly belongs in this league.

The club also made very positive steps in the formation of a women’s team in 2024 and saw a record number of players participate in its juniors’ program. The growth that the club continues to experience, on and off the pitch, could not have been achieved without its sponsors and everybody (including OSCA) who supports the club. We gratefully extend thanks to our sponsors and supporters for another wonderful year.

The Seniors and Reserves greatly enjoyed their inaugural season in Victoria’s State League 1, and showed throughout the year that they have the ability and potential to compete at this high level. The Seniors did very well to finish in a respectable seventh place, and the Reserves pushed hard right until the end and finished fourth in their league. Both the Seniors and Reserves are already very excited and motivated to do even better in 2024.

Although the three Sunday teams did not enjoy as much success in their Metropolitan leagues, finishing in eighth, seventh and tenth places, the camaraderie and passion shown by the teams throughout the year must be commended.

The Juniors also had a very good year. It was very exciting to see a record number of juniors playing at the club this year, and the club is hoping to build on this in 2024. The juniors program

provides a fantastic opportunity for the younger members of the community to learn and develop their soccer skills, and grow friendships, in a fun and supportive environment.

The club finished the year on a high note, with the annual Presentation Night being held in the Boykett Room in early October. The Best and Fairest award for the Seniors this year went to its goalkeeper, Gabrielle Alfaro. This was the first time in the club’s history that a goalkeeper had won this award for the Seniors.

For the Reserves, Luke Mitchell won the Best and Fairest. Special mention goes to Tao Wang of the Reserves, who ended the season with 15 goals, which was the second highest in the league. Matt Romeo (’19), Finn Allen (’19), Nick Snopkowksi, and Tom Gardner won the Best and Fairest awards for the Sunday teams.

In 2024, the club plans to field a women’s team in State League 5. The team will be focused around participation and enjoyment, so players of any experience and level are welcome. The club is also launching a second girls’ junior team in 2024. If you are interested in being part of either of these teams, whether as a player, member of the coaching staff or just offering a general helping hand, please reach out to the club at committee@ossc.com.au.

The club is also looking for new sponsors for 2024. Please contact us at committee@ossc.com.au if you would like to sponsor the club or have any queries regarding sponsoring.

JASON CHOI ('07) – OLD SCOTCH SOCCER CLUB

A SCENE FROM THE SOCCER CLUB’S PRESENTATION NIGHT IN THE BOYKETT ROOM IN OCTOBER

PLENTY OF FINALS ACTION FOR FOOTBALL CLUB

MEN’S 1ST XVIII

• McGregor 1st Best and Fairest Award – Aidan Franetic (’13)

• 2nd Best and Fairest – Brodie Easton

• 3rd Best and Fairest – Ben Hays (’14)

• Coaches’ Award – Jack Brown (’18)

• Best Finals Player Award – Hugo Bromell (’21)

• Ian McKinley Wilson Encouragement Award – Mackenzie Allen

Manson Russel Most Sacrificial Acts Award – Tom Blenheim

Ewen Davidson Team Player Of The Year Award – Rhys Galvin

WOMEN’S 1ST XVIII

The Old Scotch Football Club Gala Presentation Night, held on Friday 6 October at Zinc in Federation Square showcased another season that was. Five of our seven teams were finalists, with three going on to be grand finalists (albeit losing) – our men’s 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Sharks) XVIIIs. Importantly both our men’s and women’s 1st XVIIIs had fine seasons. Our men as semi-finalists, had their highest placed finish in Premier grade since 2014, and our women in their first year at Premier level were worthy preliminary finalists.

First year President Will Strange (’07) continued the fine work of his long-term (16 years) predecessor and the school’s Head of Advancement, Tim Shearer (’85) in leading an engaged and diverse board. A key award was presented to Rob Millar (‘75) for his ongoing commitment to our club community profile via sponsorship and building our membership base. Rob was a worthy winner of the Bryan Gibbs Award for outstanding contribution/service to the club.

Longstanding player Ed Furey (’11), who has played more than 170 games with the club, became the second recipient of the John Anderson Award, recognising a player who provides significant on-field service. In his acceptance speech, Ed noted the importance of the women’s program, and their presence being the most noteworthy addition to the club and the evolution of its culture in his time – a sage view indeed.

All award winners are listed in the accompanying table.

ANDREW TOOP – OLD SCOTCH FOOTBALL CLUB

KEY DATES

• 16 January 2024 – pre-season training at Scotch College recommences

• 13 April 2024 – VAFA Round 1

CLUB AWARDS

• Bryan Gibbs Distinguished Service Award (off-field) –Rob Millar (’75)

• John Anderson Medal: Distinguished Service Award (on-field) – Ed Furey (’11)

• Bill Pearson Highest Club Goalkicker Award – Josh Edwards (’17)

1st Best and Fairest Award – Mia Caffry

2nd Best and Fairest – Georgia Fraser-Smith

3rd Best and Fairest – Sophie Angie

Coaches’ Award – Jade Wise

Best Finals Player Award – Katie Hunter-Scott

MEN’S 2ND XVIII

1st Best and Fairest Award – Charlie Schilling (’17)

2nd Best and Fairest – Josh Edwards (’17)

3rd Best and Fairest – Fraser Morrisby (’18)

Coaches’ Award – Will Easton (’17)

Best Finals Player Award – Cooper Lean

WOMEN’S 2ND XVIII

1st Best and Fairest Award – Milla Bornas

• 2nd Best and Fairest – Olivia McCredie

• 3rd Best and Fairest – Anna Boreham

• Coaches’ Award – Stephanie Allen

MEN’S 3RD XVIII

• 1st Best and Fairest Award – James Broderick

• 2nd Best and Fairest – John Stavris (’12)

• 3rd Best and Fairest – James Townsend (’20)

• Coaches’ Award – Panos Rovas (’16)

• Best Finals Player Award – Hamish Bolton (’20)

MEN’S 4TH XVIII (SHARKS)

• 1st Best and Fairest Award – Ryan Higgins

• 2nd Best and Fairest – Josh (Adam) Smith (’18)

• 3rd Best and Fairest – Jensen Tanner (’18)

• Coaches’ Award – Jack Potter (’18)

• Best Finals Player Award – Charlie Loveridge (’18)

MEN’S UNDER 19

• 1st Best and Fairest Award – James Harker (also VAFA Under 19 Best and Fairest, and Captain of the Team of the Year)

• 2nd Best and Fairest – Robbie Beckworth (’21)

• 3rd Best and Fairest – Hugh Byrne-Jones (’21)

• Coaches’ Award – Josh Gale

• Gus Taylor Most Promising Player Award – Will Townsend (’22)

LEFT: PICTURED AT THE FOOTBALL CLUB’S PRESENTATION NIGHT AT ZINC IN OCTOBER. FAR LEFT: JOHN ANDERSON MEDAL WINNER – ED FUREY (’11). LEFT: FIRST YEAR OSFC PRESIDENT, WILL STRANGE (’07) ABOVE: WOMEN’S AWARD WINNERS

SCOTCH FAMILY LONDON DINNER

1 July 2023

The East India Club, St James Square

With the Ashes and Wimbledon top of the bill in London, 40 Scotch Family members got together for a great night at the East India Club in inner London on 1 July. Many of the attendees were travelling from Australia during the Term 2 school holidays. Guests were welcomed by John Jeffreys (’69) and Philip Wright (’69), with the toast to the school given by Matt Clarke (’85). Tim Shearer (’85) provided a school update.

SCOTCH FAMILY NEW YORK DINNER

14 September 2023

Claudette Restaurant, 24 5th Avenue

Twenty-two Old Boys got together at Claudette Restaurant, on 5th Avenue in New York City, on the evening of 14 September for a night of many laughs, reminiscences of school days, and plenty of chat about lives lived offshore. There was a great representation across the years from the Class of 2000 onwards, with old friendships reinforced and new connections formed.

ABOVE LEFT: YOUNG OLD BOYS AT THE NEW YORK DINNER. ABOVE RIGHT: AT THE NEW YORK DINNER, LEFT TO RIGHT: JAMES WATSON ('01), BYRON SAUNDERS ('04), ANDREW EMMETT ('10), OLIVER CRONIN ('02), CARTER DICKINSON ('14), SAM TYMMS ('14)

TOP LEFT: KATHARINA NEUMANN, FERGUS MACLEAN (’15), WILL BUCKLEY (’22), GUY STARKINS (’17). TOP RIGHT: ANDY COHEN (’84), EDWARD MONTGOMERY (’90). ABOVE LEFT:ANDREW GLASS (’90), PHILIP WRIGHT (’69), GEOFF STREETON (’90), CHARLES WIDDIS (’90). ABOVE RIGHT: MICHAEL STILLWELL (’68), MICHAEL HILL (‘73), IAN ARMFIELD, CATRIONA ARMFIELD, FIONA HILL.

SCOTCH FAMILY CENTRAL VICTORIA DINNER

4 August 2023

Gold Mines Hotel, Bendigo

The annual Scotch Family Central Victoria Branch Dinner was held at Bendigo’s historic Gold Mines Hotel. Host Peter Hyett (’80) ensured that everyone had a terrific night, along with Scott Montgomery (‘85), Caroline Taylor (OSCA) and Sandra Dick (Foundation) in attendance. Specially welcomed were guest speaker Tim Byrnes, Scotch’s Dean of Scotch Boarding, the reunion crew of the Class of 1980, and one of Bendigo’s stalwarts, Tom Glazebrook (’43).

TOP LEFT: ARCHIE WALLIS (’17) TOM GLAZEBROOK (’43). TOP RIGHT: BENDIGO CREW. ABOVE LEFT: BOB WELCH ('66), LACHLAN COHEN (‘08), ROGER PERMEZEL (‘66), HUGH COHEN (’78). ABOVE RIGHT: HENRY BUGGE (’01), DARRELL RATHJEN (81), ROBERT BUGGE (’66). BELOW LEFT: TIM BRYNES DEAN OF BOARDING SCOTCH COLLEGE. BELOW MIDDLE: ARCHIE WALLIS ('17). BELOW RIGHT: TIM BYRNES, GLEN WALKER (’84), DUNCAN WALLIS (’83), PETER HYETT (’80),

SCOTCH FAMILY SYDNEY DRINKS

Royal Hotel, Paddington

It’s always a fun night with the Scotch Family in Sydney, with many of them now calling the Harbour City home. Scotch Principal, Dr Scott Marsh, didn’t feel out of place in his former home town, and was welcomed by Tony Murdoch (’85). OSCA Executive Director Scott Montgomery (’85) led a Q & A with the Principal, with insights shared into his initial thoughts and future for Scotch. Special thanks to Chris McArthur (’81) and the locals for rallying the troops for a terrific night.

TOP LEFT: STEPHEN WEBSTER (’73), ANDREW WILSON (’78), SCHOOL PRINCIPAL DR SCOTT MARSH. TOP RIGHT: MARC DUNCAN (’89), TONY MURDOCH (’85), KAZ NAITO (’89), CHARLES JOHNSTONE (’89), IAN STOTT (’85), JAMES WILSON (’85). ABOVE LEFT: TALBOT HENRY (‘93), DEREK STYLES (‘92), TIM HAIGH (‘94), LUKE HUME (‘96) ABOVE RIGHT: CHARLES JOHNSTONE (’89), CHRIS NASH (’88), MARC DUNCAN (’89). BELOW LEFT: HRISHI GORADIA (’16), MICHAEL TANG (’15), LACHIE PIPER (’16), CAMPBELL RICKARD (’18). BELOW RIGHT: NICK SMITH (’06), VICTORIA AND KRISTJAN YOUNG (‘02), TIM AUREL-SMITH (’01), GREGORY LOVELL (‘00).

SCOTCH FAMILY NORTH EAST VICTORIA LUNCH

8 October 2023

All Saints Winery, Wahgunyah

A very special day was held at Nick Brown‘s (’97) All Saints Winery. Convenor Ken Jasper (’55) was inspirational in ensuring that the day ran smoothly. The Hon Jeff Kennett (’65) and wife Felicity were special guests, with Jeff enlightening us all with a few tales from his days in politics. OSCA President Stephen Webster (’78) and Scotch’s Director of Advancement, Tim Shearer (’85) provided updates on the school.

TOP LEFT: EMILY AND DUNCAN CRAWFORD (’97), ALICE AND JUSTIN COLCLOUGH (‘97), ADAM GUERRA (’97), ALISTAIR CLAY (‘97), HAMISH PEAT (’97). ABOVE LEFT: NICK BROWN (‘97), TIM SHEARER (’85), KEN JASPER (‘55), FELICITY KENNETT, ELIZA BROWN. ABOVE RIGHT: LUCY BROWN, JEFF KENNETT (’65), HALEY BROCKHOFF, KIRSTY ROCHFORD. BELOW LEFT: SANDRA DICK, ROSS LYMAN (’97), ELIZA BROWN. BOTTOM RIGHT: TIM SHEARER (’85), STEPHEN WEBSTER (’73), JEFF KENNETT (‘65), KEN JASPER (’55), DOUG LORDING (’63).

SCOTCH FAMILY BELLARINE LUNCH

29 October 2023

Queenscliff Bowling Club

The passing ships through the heads were a minor distraction for 85 plus guests at this year’s very special Bellarine Lunch. Special thanks to Peter Gibbs (’58), Rick Aitchison (’57) and John Christensen (’58) for their continued support in rallying the troops. Guests were engaged with the Address to the Haggis by Rick followed by an address by visiting first-timer, the Principal, Dr Scott Marsh. Scott was very warmly welcomed, and his appearance was much appreciated by all.

TOP LEFT: TONY WENZEL (’55), GUS HAWTHORNE (’53) . TOP RIGHT: THE HAGGIS PARTY. ABOVE UPPER RIGHT: JOHN CHRISTENSEN (‘57), JOHN MONTGOMERY (’59), SANDRA DICK, STEVE LILLEY (’68). ABOVE LEFT: RHONDA MCMURTRIE, ROS TURNLEY, HELEN PETERS, DI HOOPER. ABOVE RIGHT: GEOFF CLOSE (’83), BRYAN KEON-COHEN (‘62), ROB NICKLESS (‘63). BELOW LEFT: NORMA CORNISH, BOB COWPER (’57), DALE COWPER, JOHN CORNISH (‘58). BELOW RIGHT: ANDREW EDGAR (’59), ROBIN MUNRO, DARBY MUNRO (’59), ROBERT ANDERSON (‘59)

SCOTCH FAMILY BUSINESS NETWORKING BREAKFAST

16 August 2023

Zinc at Federation Square

The inaugural OSCA Business Networking Breakfast at Zinc, Fed Square was attended by over 150 members of the Scotch Family from a variety of professional sectors, students undertaking tertiary study, and a group of Year 11 Scotch boys participating in the school’s mentor program.

MC Tristan Foenander (’04) welcomed attendees and led the panel discussion with current parent, Amanda Sellers, and past students James Douglas (’84) and Christian Johnston (’90) as our panellists, sharing their experiences and providing insights into the world of business.

TOP: DR SCOTT MARSH, TWO YEAR 11 BOYS, JAMES DOUGLAS (’84), TEDDY WEBSTER (’17), CHRIS MCARTHUR (’81). ABOVE LEFT: TRISTAN FOENANDER (’04), JAMES DOUGLAS (’84), AMANDA SELLERS, CHRISTIAN JOHNSTON (’90). ABOVE RIGHT: KATRINA ALLEN, ANGUS BODON (’20), TOMMY LIVARDARIS (’21), JORDAN HARATSIS (’21) BELOW LEFT: JAMES COLLIVER (’12), OPHELIA HOPKINS, ADRIENNE MEWITT, NIC BERNARDO (’11). BELOW RIGHT: DANIEL CAROCCIA (’18), TIM GRUNER (’20), TATE MCLEISH (’20), NICK KLUCKOW (’20), SAM PRIOR (’20)

YEAR 12 FATHER AND SON BREAKFAST

16 August 2023

Kooyong Tennis Club

OSCA hosted the Year 12 Father and Son Breakfast at Kooyong Tennis Club, with more than 170 attending. Scott Montgomery (’85) gave an insight into OSCA, and special guest Rohan Sutherland (’85) shared some words of wisdom about his experiences beyond the Monash Gates.

IMAGES ON THIS PAGE: YEAR 12 BOYS AND THEIR FATHERS AT THE FATHER AND SON BREAKFAST.

40 YEAR REUNION

25 August 2023

Keon-Cohen Dining Hall

The Class of 1983 started their 40 year reunion with a mini-tour of the school which featured OSCA House, the Archives Museum, Memorial Hall, and down to the new Keon-Cohen Dining Hall near the old Tuckshop. The stand-up casual format and mingling allowed for plenty of conversations to be had and memories relived. MC Russel Howcroft recalled days gone by, reflected wistfully on those no longer with us, and in his usual style ensured that everyone had a good laugh.

TOP LEFT: RUSSEL HOWCROFT. TOP RIGHT: DUNCAN WALLIS, ROGER PATON, ROHAN SMITH, SCOTT BUCHANAN, MICHAEL LAUNDER, ANGUS MCGEOCH. ABOVE LEFT: SEAN COWAN, IAN PASCOE, EK KOON BOONPITI, SCOTT SHAW. ABOVE RIGHT: IAN CLAYTON, CHRIS WILSON, GREG PATERSON, RICHARD LLOYD. BELOW LEFT: RICHARD BEALE, IAN PASCOE, STUART COGGIN, PETE WOOLLARD, BARRY JOHNSTON. BELOW RIGHT: GLYN BOSISTO, ADAM COSSAR, JAMES ATKINSON, RIC HASLAM.

WHAT THEY'RE DOING NOW – compiled by David Ashton ('65)

1950s

After 59 years as a solicitor, DAVID BEATTIE (’57) finally retired at the ripe old age of 81.

David was a partner of the firm now known as Corrs Chambers Westgarth (CCW) for 25 years and helped set up its Sydney office. Leaving CCW in 1992, David co-founded Clarence Professional Offices (CPO), which was set up to provide a place for solicitors, accountants and other professionals to work independently in an office-friendly environment. CPO now has five separate offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with more than 1000 independent practitioners.

Having lived in Sydney for 45 years, David has come to enjoy the city’s climate and environment, but he says he misses the contact with the many friends he made at school, university and at CCW.

He told Great Scot: ‘My main challenge today is to stay fit and healthy, and for this I have to thank my wife for keeping me on a strict diet, as well as my puppy who forces me out for at least two walks a day.’

BEN HOSKING (’57) is a volunteer tour guide at the MCG, and on 8 September Ben took a classmate of his from 1957, BOB COWPER OAM on a tour of the ground. Ben and Bob played together in the 1957 1st XI at Scotch. Both later played for Melbourne University Cricket Club while they were studying for Commerce degrees.

Bob was a stylish left-handed batsman who went on to play 27 Tests for Australia, making 2061 runs at an average of 46.84. He was also a useful right-arm off-break bowler who took 36 Test wickets at 31.63.

His career highlight was an epic innings of 307 at the MCG in the fifth Test against England in February 1966. His innings (727 minutes) remains the longest in Test history, and the highest Test score ever at the MCG.

Retiring from Test cricket at just 28, Bob has since had a successful career as a stockbroker and merchant banker. In the 2023 King’s Birthday honours, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to cricket.

1960s

MAX EDWARDS (’64) and his wife, Jane, were married in December 1968. After their retirements in 2002, they began to discuss a permanent move to Tasmania. Jane had a Hobart background and the couple had often spent the long holidays there. In their search for a new home they covered most of the island, working from north to south.

Max told Great Scot: ‘Taking every possible road from Huonville, the largest southern town, we discovered five or six very strong candidates. One house we looked at was an absolute ripper. We bought it, improved it in every way we could think of, and are now just finishing our 15th year here.

‘Our home is invisible from the road and is set in the midst of a large garden surrounded by native trees, bushes and flowers of all descriptions. We are 20 minutes from a gorgeous and generally unpopulated beach. As for country walks there are scores of them, perhaps hundreds.

‘Visiting our son, his wife and our three lovely grandchildren, requires a 50-minute flight to Melbourne. For the moment, anyway, life is just great.’

After graduating with a Diploma of Agriculture from Dookie Agriculture College in 1967, an honours degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Melbourne in 1970 and a post-graduate Diploma in Agricultural Economics from the University of New England in 1971, DR LINDSAY TRAPNELL (’64) first worked as a Farm Management Extension Officer with the Victorian Department of Agriculture at Benalla, then he bought a cropping-grazing farm.

Taking sabbatical leave in 1997, Lindsay graduated with a Master’s degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Melbourne. In 2001 he resigned from the Department of Agriculture and started a consulting business. He graduated with a PhD from the University of Melbourne in 2012, and in 2015 he accepted a postdoctoral position at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, where he worked on increasing the productivity of subsistence farmers.

In 2018 Lindsay took up his present position at the Zambian Open University as Head of the Department of Agricultural Sciences. Lindsay has had two marriages, the second of which produced two sons, and he has three grandchildren. His partner is Patricia Lane. Lindsay’s interests include playing the bagpipes in bands at Benalla, Mackay and Pretoria. He also runs 5000 metres with the World Park Run Group.

DR JIM MITCHELL (’64), a former Scotch Archivist who wrote Scotch’s

LEFT TO RIGHT: DAVID BEATTIE ('57); BOB COWPER ('57 - LEFT) AND BEN HOSKING ('57); MAX EDWARDS ('64), DR LINDSAY TRAPNELL ('64)

school history, A Deepening Roar in 2001, has now written another book, Men at War, a history of the Australian 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion. The battalion fought victoriously in the Middle East, but on Java was captured by the Japanese who then used it as a workforce on the Burma Railway. Five of the battalion’s 10 Scotch Collegians died in Japanese hands.

Jim retired 10 years ago after a heart attack, but is making good use of his retirement by writing history. Otherwise he travels overseas when he can and walks every day, although (he says) ever more slowly!

Jim’s book is available from Amazon or in bookshops. For background information: www.2nd2ndpioneerhistory.com.au

1970s

When PAUL STEPHENS (’73) made the decision to move from Melbourne to Ballarat in order to become an articled clerk at a local firm of lawyers, then known as Nevett Coutts and Wilson, he expected his stay in Ballarat to be short – 12 months at the most. But nearly 44 years later he was still with the firm, having progressed upwards, and in and out of partnerships until 2010. In that year the partnerships split amicably, and Paul subsequently became the sole owner, with a number of lawyers and support staff working with him. In September 2023 he retired, having sold the practice a year earlier.

Paul became a pilot more than 30 years ago, and now in retirement he and his wife Vivienne are free to travel by air with groups of friends, mostly to the outback.

Vivienne and Paul have three daughters and seven grandchildren located in various places around Australia, some of whom they also visit by air. As well as travel, in retirement Paul enjoys riding his bike around Ballarat.

Paul told Great Scot that he has happily put his 44-year career at a single firm behind him with no regrets at having sold the practice, as he continues to thrive in retirement.

PETER HAYMAN (’73) developed a love of the sharemarket as a teenager (‘My first share was in the Model Dairy in Burke Road, East Kew’), which after 10 years working in Collins Street eventually took him to New York City with broker Ord Minnett. Arriving wide-eyed in 1987, for what was supposedly a three-year stint, he’s happy to report that he’s still in the US.

He told Great Scot: ‘Having met my Texas wife, Jane, in New York, after seven years we decamped to San Francisco for 12 years, and then to Austin, Texas for the last 17 years, where I still reside. After sadly losing Jane a year ago – to a three-year battle with cancer – I’m looking forward to doing some travel, some volunteering and attending my 50th class reunion in November, which should be great fun. I walked the Portuguese Camino this year which was a great experience.

‘My work career has gone from stockbroking to consulting with small cap companies, and although this is now subsiding, I’m still interested in “keeping my hand in”. While following US sports, I continue my support of the Demons which started in 1964.’

1980s

Following numerous careers since leaving Scotch, including as a stockbroker, a chef and even some time in the tourism sector, GUY BESLEY (’86) is currently working in property management for Nelson Alexander Real Estate in Kew. Guy’s main love is triathlon. He took up triathlon 30 years ago (coming second last in his first race). He told Great Scot: ‘After a short stint of rowing after I left school I gave it up, and as a result, I put on a large amount of weight.’ Losing that weight was the incentive to take up triathlon, and since his first attempt, and second-last place, he has competed successfully in all distances of triathlon (including a 24-hour event), most recently focusing on the super sprint distance.

After a second place in Penrith at the Australian Championships earlier this year, Guy was selected in the Australian triathlon team to compete in Spain in September where he was placed 20th in the world.

As well as triathlon Guy is actively involved in rowing, currently at Hawthorn Rowing Club, mainly as a coxswain, but he occasionally rows and coaches, while also conducting a regular fitness training session for the rowers.

Back in 1986 RUSSELL BREEDEN (’87) was part of the small group of Year 10 students who took part in a two-week geography excursion to Darwin by road. It instilled in Russell a desire to travel those roads one day again. Russell said: ‘Fast forward to today ... I am now living life as a full-time adventurer, travelling Australia with my partner Inga, who I met in 2019.

LEFT TO RIGHT: DR JIM MITCHELL ('64), PAUL ('73) AND VIVIENNE STEPHENS; PETER HAYMAN ('73); GUY BESLEY ('86); RUSSELL BREEDEN ('87) AND INGA

WHAT THEY'RE DOING NOW

‘We set off on our travels in early 2021 with a plan to travel for five months, which was soon extended to creating a future of full-time travel with no end date in sight. We travel in our four-wheel drive, with a rooftop tent and a sense of adventure. Together, we love nothing more than showcasing Australia and inspiring others to travel.’

For more information, Russell and Inga’s social pages can be accessed here: www.livelifenowadventures.com.au.

ANDREW PROBYN (’88), former ABC Political Editor, has joined 9 News where he is working in the Canberra Press Gallery. In a report published in The Age, Andrew said he was ‘delighted to be joining Nine’s powerhouse Parliament House bureau … I look forward to working alongside Charles Croucher and some of Australian journalism’s best’. Andrew has won three Walkley Awards for outstanding contributions to journalism, and has twice been named press gallery journalist of the year.

1990s

After some time as a molecular geneticist during the mid-1990s, since 1998 TOM CORDINER KC (’91) has specialised in all aspects of intellectual property law. Admitted to the bar in 2003, Tom was appointed a senior counsel in 2016. He frequently appears in the Federal Court of Australia in trials and appeals throughout Australia, and periodically the Patents Office and Trade Marks Office. Tom appears for and advises a broad range of clients in a wide range of industries. He has appeared in a number of leading intellectual property cases;

he is often asked to speak at or chair intellectual property seminars, and he mediates intellectual property disputes. Internationally, he is enrolled as a barrister of the High Court of New Zealand.

In 2021, NICK LEITL (’97) and NICK SLADEN (’96) started a funds management business, LSN Capital Partners, a specialist fund focused on investing in ASX smaller companies. Nick and Nick have known each other for more than 30 years, having attended the Scotch Junior School as well as playing football together, both at Scotch (1st XVIII 1996, a premiership team) and at Old Scotch Football Club, where they each played more than 100 games. Nick Sladen’s son, Will, is in Year 8 at Scotch.

OLIVER GRIGSBY (’99) lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two daughters. Oliver attended Scotch in 1992 and 1993 before moving to Queensland. He graduated from Boston College in 2004 with a degree in English and a minor in Film Studies, and settled in Los Angeles to become a writer. He has written for American TV series, including Heroes on NBC, Nikita on the CW network, and 12 Monkeys on cable channel SyFy. Oliver has also written online content for the American TV series In Plain Sight, for video game World Series of Poker, and for webcomic Penny Arcade (a comic published on the internet).

2000s

Congratulations to OLIVER CRONIN (‘02) who has become a Fulbright Scholar. The Fulbright Scholarship is a

highly competitive award, which can be compared with a Rhodes Scholarship. An article about Oliver’s scholarship appeared in the OSCA section of the September edition of Great Scot.

After graduating from Scotch, DR NICHOLAS CHENG (’05) completed his medical training at the University of Melbourne and then specialist eye surgery (ophthalmology) training at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. During that time, he cared for the eye health of patients in Melbourne, Canberra, rural Victoria and NSW. After completing further sub-specialty training in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicholas returned to Australia to start a family. He currently works at multiple public hospitals, helping to train the next generation of eye surgeons and has recently opened his own ophthalmology practice, Inner East Eye Surgeons, located in Epworth Eastern, Box Hill.

He and his wife Tanya have recently welcomed their second child, Zachary, who is enrolled to start at Scotch. Outside of work, he continues to play weekly competitive futsal with a group of his Scotch classmates.

2010s

After leaving Scotch, JONATHAN BUCELLO ('17) began studying Finance and Law at Monash University, and he is currently rounding off these undergraduate degrees while continuing to pursue hobbies related to music, having progressed with Scotch-formed rock band 'The Pedestals', to playing live gigs at

LEFT TO RIGHT: ANDREW PROBYN ('88); NICK SLADEN ('96); NICK LEITL ('97); OLIVER GRIGSBY ('99); NICHOLAS CHENG ('05)

pubs across inner Melbourne. He has also performed on the keyboard as part of a Janis Joplin tribute show at the Melbourne and Adelaide Fringe Festivals, among other gigs.

Jonathan wants to kickstart a career in Intellectual Property Law once he has completed his tertiary studies. He told Great Scot: ‘I also hope to give back to the community in the form of community legal services, having witnessed the shortage of low-cost legal services available during a placement at the Springvale Monash Legal Service Community Legal Centre.’ In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys attending

live music concerts with his partner Annie, or taking their pug Maisie for adventures across Melbourne.

In July, JOEL GARNER (’17) was appointed Indigenous Player Manager at the Richmond Football Club. At the time of writing, Richmond had six Indigenous players on its list. Joel said ‘The role involves looking after the welfare and social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous players. You are there to help the players with anything they may need, from getting them into study to buying football boots.

‘What I hope to achieve is building strong relationships with the players, their families and also the staff,’ Joel said ‘Building trust is a major part of my role and I’m really looking forward to playing a small part in these footballers’ amazing careers, and to help them in any way I can. Also, personal development for me is something I’m keen on – I want to grow my own leadership and organisation skills further.’

Two young people, Will and Abbey, were driving along a street in Melbourne’s east when they happened to notice a cat on a nature strip looking much the worse for wear – it had been hit by a car and left to die. But instead of just driving on, Will

and Abbey took the cat to a vet where the owner could be identified and notified of his cat’s demise.

It turned out that the cat’s name was Dougal and the owner was none other than a venerable Old Scotch Collegian, REV DAVID SMITH (’47). David was touched by this kind act, and asked the vet to pass on his contact details. Out of the blue, Will and Abbey then surprised David by dropping in to express their sympathy and present a gift of flowers.

It was only then David discovered that Will was WILL SUTHERLAND (’17), also an Old Scotch Collegian, and moreover a champion cricketer – an all-rounder who captained the Victorian Sheffield Shield team in the 2022/23 season and who is knocking on the door of international selection.

Ninety-five-year-old David Smith was blown away by this spontaneous act of kindness of a great young couple, and he has not hesitated to speak about it to the many people with whom he keeps in contact.

WEDDING IN THE LITTLEJOHN MEMORIAL CHAPEL

Jackson Evans (’17) and Ruth Ong were married in the Littlejohn Memorial Chapel on Thursday 28 September. Jackson’s brother, Clayton (’19) was Jackson’s best man. Their father is Scotch’s Head of Eggleston House, John Evans, and John’s wife is Lynelle. Ruth’s parents are David and Seh Yeh Wong.

The Littlejohn Memorial Chapel, situated prominently in Scotch’s beautiful grounds, is available at selected times from Monday to Saturday for the celebration of marriages of Old Scotch Collegians, daughters of Old Scotch Collegians, and members of Scotch staff.

Bookings can be made by emailing Christine Cox –christine.cox@scotch.vic.edu.au or by phoning 9810 4444.

LEFT: JONATHAN BUCELLO ('17); JOEL GARNER ('17)

DO YOUR BIT FOR SCOTCH – CHECK YOUR CUPBOARDS, AS NICK BOND DID

SCOTCH FAMILY CUPBOARDS CONTAIN MANY TREASURES THAT THE SCOTCH COLLEGE

ARCHIVES WOULD WELCOME

Several times a year, someone comes into the Archives to donate something truly wonderful. On 20 July 2023 it was Nick Bond (SC 1983-86), donating the 1900 1st XVIII football team premiership photo that originally belonged to his greatgrandfather, Cecil Augustus Salmond ‘Cocky’ Bond (born 21.10.1882, SC 1892-1901, died 14.9.1973).

In most instances, these are the only images we have of these boys, finally putting faces to long-known names. Only six served in World War I or II (or both, as Morris Jacobs did), with all surviving. They became far-flung. Rupert Krause was a gold miner in South Africa. Dr Duncan McRae died in a car crash at Moore, Western Australia. Dr William Matheson served in the British Army in World War I and practised medicine in England. Lindsay ‘Boo’ Anderson, who played footy for Melbourne, lived in South Australia. Dr Bernard Kaufman was a land trader and a medical practitioner in San Fransciso, and the team’s last surviving member, dying on 18 November 1973.

Graham Colclough – like Anderson – played for Melbourne. Willie Marshall became the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria for 1950 and 1951. Five became medical practitioners, including Dr Campbell Duncan – the first of them to die, on New Year’s Eve, 1913, of pneumonia caught from riding his motorcycle in pouring rain to see patients. Many went on the land. James

Thorpe became a tram conductor. Eight sent sons to Scotch. Four had grandsons here. Two had Scotch great-grandsons.

This 1900 photograph was (until now) one of many key photographs that the Archives did not have, making it a very welcome addition to the collection. Nick was doing some cleaning up when he found this Scotch treasure in the garage.

Cecil was a top schoolboy sportsman, also playing in the Scotch footy premierships of 1897, 1898 and 1901 and the unsuccessful team of 1899. He was a member of the premiership cricket teams of 1899, 1900 and 1901.

Unfortunately, none of those other photographs appear to have surived – a great pity, as Scotch does not have any photographs from 1897 at all, one terrible reproduction of the 1898 1st XVIII, a photo of the 1899 crew and no other sports, no image of the 1900 1st XI and no 1901 1st XI or XVIII images, but for a badly damaged newspaper with a photograph of the 1st XI.

In poor condition when it was received, the Archives had the 1900 football premiership photos conserved, scanned, and a digital ‘restoration’ done of the scanned photograph by Ilona Komesaroff of Melbourne Photo Repair. Nick now has a clean digital version of the photograph, and so too could you, if you donate a similar treasure to the Archives.

MR PAUL MISHURA SCHOOL ARCHIVIST

THE 25 OLDEST KNOWN LIVING OLD BOYS

(AS AT 16 NOVEMBER 2023) 1.

1. Rev. William Morgan, b. 23 October 1915. School Captain 1935. Aged 108

2. Geoffrey Arthur Tingate, b. 30 October 1922. Aged 101

3. William Simpson Brake, b. 12 May 1923. 1941 Prefect. Aged 100

4. Bruce Acland Miles, b. 2 August 1923. Aged 100

5. Maurice Smith, b. 15 November 1923. Aged 100

6. Robert Wilbur Wishart, b. 7 May 1924

7. Dr Trevor Percival Telfer, b. 7 August 1924

8. Edward Graeme Marshall, b. 2 September 1924

9. Dr Clarence John Kendall Pawsey, b. 7 September 1924

10. Herbert Neil Kelly, b. 10 November 1924

11. William Geoffrey Wicks, b. 11 November 1924

12 Cornelius Jan Schram, b. 29 November 1924

13. Donald Albert Howarth, b. 26 December 1924

14. Russell Callum Jack, b. 13 January 1925

OBITUARIES

15. Bruce McKenzie Crowl, b. 1 September 1925

16. John Arnold Gundersen, b. 6 December 1925

17. Douglas Roland Zerbe, b. 13 January 1926

18. Stuart Paton Wilson, b. 15 February 1926

19. Adrian Donald Waller, b. 20 March 1926. 1938 Junior School Captain.

20. Dr Arthur George Stephens, b. 23 March 1926.

21. Rex Jenkins, b. 22 April 1926

22. Douglas Skinner Anderson, b. 5 May 1926

23. Thomas Morland Glazebrook AM , b. 7 May 1926

24. Donald John Sutherland, b. 8 May 1926

25. Donald James Little, b. 18 June 1926

The youngest Scotch boy is Avinash Dev Asthana, b. 4 April 2018 – 102 years, 5 months and 12 days younger than the oldest known living Old Boy.

DEATHS OF OLD BOYS OR FORMER STAFF MEMBERS OF WHICH SCOTCH IS AWARE ARE LISTED HERE

INDEX

ALEXANDER, Alastair John (’59). Born 7 September 1940, SC 1945-58, died 18 June 2023

BRUMLEY, Graeme Purves (’50).

Born 6 May 1933, SC 1946-51, died 16 September 2023

BUIST, Dr David Gregor Paterson (’53). Born 18 March 1937, SC 1950-52, died 23 October 2023

CAMPBELL, Euan David (’74).

Born 12 November 1956, SC 1963-75, died 14 November 2023

COCK, David John (’43). Born 16 October 1926, SC 1940-43, died

2 November 2023 in Western Australia

DAVIS, Darrel Thomas (’48). Born 28 March 1931, SC 1945-48, died 25 October 2023

DOBSON, Bruce Leonard (’43).

Born 10 February 1926, SC 193839, died 16 June 2023

DOHERTY, Ian Thomas (’60). Born 29 January 1942, SC 1953-59, died 6 November 2023

DUNPHY, Edward Jackson Bell (’13). Born 17 January 1996, SC 2001-13, died 12 September 2023

EVERITT, Austin Graham (’50).

Born 26 November 1933, SC 1943-49, died 28 September 2023

HARPER, Douglas Graham (’47).

CROW, Russell Norman Murray (’73). Born 3 October 1955, SC 1966-74, died 29 October 2023 University Hospital, Townsville,

Born 21 March 1930, SC 1942-48, died 28 August 2022 at Townsville

Queensland

HENDERSON, William Litchfield (’44). Born 2 January 1927, SC 1935, died 18 March 2023

HOSKING, Stuart Boyd (’88). Born 18 February 1971, SC 1983-86, died 16 January 2023

HUANG, Joshua Yihan (’22). Born

18 August 2004, SC 2017-22, died 13 September 2023

HUMPHREY, Barry Edward (’56).

Born 27 February 1937, SC 1951-54, died 14 October 2023

JAYARAJAH, Rajiv Kishan (’97).

Born 8 January 1980, SC 1993-97, died 9 July 2023

MACKENZIE, Robert Mathieson (’50). Born 11 May 1932, SC 193950, died 6 November 2023

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.

MAY, Bruce William (’42). Born 4 September 1924, SC 1936-40, died 11 September 2023

MANNING, Edward Francis (’46). Born 2 February 1928, SC 1939-44, died 20 October 2023

McADAM, Graham Leslie (’47). Born 8 November 1930, SC 194246, died 26 October 2023

McPHERSON, Ewen Douglas (’61). Born 16 December 1944, SC 1958-61, died 10 September 2023

MOFFATT, Dr Harley Lloyd (’65). Born 2 September 1947, SC 1962-65, died 11 November 2023

MOORE, Bruce Robert (Staff 1958-64). Born 21 September

1931, died 17 November 2023 in the United States of America

ARCHIVES

MOORE, Graeme Paley (’49). Born

26 October 1931, SC 1942-48, died 20 October 2023

MURDOCH, William David (’15).

Born 10 October 1997, SC 2003-15, died 7 November 2023

PHILIP, Ian Russell (’45). Born 20 June 1928, SC 1935-46, died 17 September 2023

PIZZEY, John Elliott (’65). Born 6 September 1947, SC 1957-65, died 26 October 2023

POTTS, Edward Bennie (’52). Born 6 April 1935, SC 1950-52, died 30 June 2022

REID, Michael Willard (’58). Born 21

December 1941, SC 1953-58, died 10 September 2023

RICHARDS, Ronald McPherson (’66). Born 16 November 1948, SC 1963-66, died 27 July 2023

RICHES OAM, John Edward (’47).

Born 25 January 1929, SC 1944-46, died 16 February 2023

SLOANE, Peter Hay (’54). Born 11 January 1938, SC 1947-55, died 10 October 2023 at the Launceston Hospital, Launceston, Tasmania

SMITH, David Raymond (’72). Born 26 June 1955, SC 1967-72, died 11 September 2023

SWAN, Peter Adrian (’72). Born

31 July 1954, SC 1960-72, died 26 September 2023

STEELE, Keith Enoch (’46). Born 23 March 1929, SC 1941-45, died 30 October 2023 at Port Macquarie, New South Wales

STEPHENS, Eric Ross (’46). Born 10 May 1929, SC 1942-43, died 31 August 2023 at St Andrew’s Village, Hughes, Australian Capital Territory

TAFT AM, Professor Ronald (’36). Born 3 June 1920, SC 1929-36, died 21 October 2023

TALLENT, Richard Throsby (’62). Born 12 June 1945, SC 1950-63,

died 29 October 2023

URQUHART OAM, Alistair Buxton (’64). Born 18 January 1947, SC 1957-59, died 16 July 2023.

WRAGGE AM, Harry Stewart (’48). Born 23 November 1929, SC 1943-48, died 31 July 2023

WEBSTER, Alistair Tom (Staff 1986-2003). Born 20 March 1949, died 26 September 2023

WELCH, Peter James (’46). Born 13 December 1929, SC 1938, died 13 October 2023 in New South Wales

THE OBITUARIES APPEARING BELOW HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BY FAMILY MEMBERS OR FRIENDS:

CORRECTION

An obituary for John Edward Riches OAM (’47) was published in the September edition of Great Scot. Unfortunately the photo which accompanied the obituary was incorrect, and did not show John Riches. Great Scot apologises to the Riches family for this error. The obituary is reprinted below, accompanied by the correct photo.

RI CHES OAM, John Edward (’47)

John’s son, James (’93), wrote: John was born on 25 January 1929 at Beechmont private hospital, East Malvern, the son of Arthur Farnham Allan and Ivy Adelaide (nee Dawson) Riches. He attended Lloyd Street Central School and then Scotch from 1944 to 1946 as a member of Gardiner House (now Gilray). Also at Scotch were his brother Alan David Riches (born 9.10.1925, SC 1939-42, died 1.2.1990) and son James (SC 1988-93).

Before graduating from Melbourne Tech (now RMIT) with a Diploma of Interior

Design in 1955, John had several short-term jobs. He then had a 20-year career as a designer in the Public Works Department. By then he had become a Scout leader at 13th Malvern, in which he was active for over 20 years, forging enduring friendships with many Scouts and their parents.

John’s lifelong association with Scouting culminated in him receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the Scouting movement and his voluntary work for 10 other community organisations.

On 15 May 1970 John married Janet Mary Hayes at Ewing Memorial Presbyterian Church, East Malvern. In 1971 they welcomed their first child, Kayt, followed by Fiona and James. A regular tennis player, John was a member of the South Camberwell Tennis Club for well over 40 years, playing into his mid-80s.

Much of John’s life was devoted to helping others. He was particularly interested in supporting underprivileged children in Indonesia, and began sponsoring children through World Vision in the 1960s. He later created the Friends of the Yayasan Iman Foundation with local organiser, Mrs Suprapti, when World Vision completed its projects in Blitar, East Java, and moved on to other projects. More than 150 children benefited from the scheme, with some completing tertiary education.

Following John’s death, Mrs Suprapti wrote that ‘. . . it was truly sad news for us in Blitar. Especially my family and all of the members in Yayasan Iman. As we know, so many children received help for their continuing study by Mr. John. So they have a bright future.’

John died on 16 February 2023 at Villa Maria Aged Care, Ashwood.

ALEXANDER, Alastair John (’59)

Several of Alastair’s friends wrote:

Alastair was born at Brighton on 7 September 1940, the only son of David

Hope Alexander (born 30.1.1907, SC 191925, died 20.8.1966), who was best known at Scotch for being the assistant editor of Scotch’s centenary history, First Hundred Years.

Leaving Hartwell Kindergarten, Alastair entered Scotch on 22 October 1945. His early lifelong friends at Scotch included Frank Stephens (SC 1946-57), Jim Hall (SC 1946-57), Peter Buckley (SC1951-55), John Nairn (SC1943-55) and Richard Nelson

(SC 1948-57). Alastair rowed in the 1958 2nd VIII in 5-seat (colloquially known by rowers as ‘the meat seat’) weighing in at – what was in those days – a hefty 14 stone, nine pounds (93kg). He was Scotch’s heaviest senior rower that year. The crew made the winners’ final, but lost to Geelong College and Geelong Grammar School.

Alastair left Scotch in Form 5 (Year 11) in 1958. He did not shine academically, but this did not impede his business career. His first job was with the Swedish Merchant Navy, during which he travelled the world. In 1962 he was a merchant seaman on the Swedish motor vessel Cirrus , which was caught in a hurricane that did significant damage to Holland, Denmark and West Germany. Having survived that, Alastair did not venture overseas again.

He then joined the National Mutual Life Association and sold life insurance, at which he excelled – to which many of his friends can attest. He was the first agent to sell a $1 million life insurance policy.

A keen sportsman, Alastair excelled at billiards, winning numerous trophies at the Australian Club. His other sporting interests included squash, golf, tennis, skiing and bridge. The apex of Alastair’s sporting achievements was winning a multi-activity competition (run by the Melbourne Cricket Club) for four consecutive years. It involved tennis, squash, billiards, golf and rifle shooting.

Alastair was a lifelong bachelor, but he was surrounded by a wide coterie of friends. He died on 18 June 2023 at the Calvary Bethlehem Hospital, Caulfield South.

JAYARAJAH, Rajiv Kishan (’97)

Raj’s classmate, Andrew Macqueen (’97), wrote: Rajiv, or Raj, as he was best known, was born on 8 January 1980 at Colombo, Sri Lanka, the son of Richard and Kanthi Jayarajah. Raj was the brother of his sisters Sanuki and Samari. Richard ran a successful Sri Lankan

food export business (Larich Foods) and his family moved to Melbourne in 1984. Raj attended Eltham High School before entering Scotch in Year 8 in 1993. His mother is a Librarian at Scotch, which his cousin, Manuk Algama, attended from 1994 to 2006. Raj quickly established himself, making many loyal friends with his outgoing and welcoming personality. Raj was awarded full school colours for Drama and half colours for Winter Tennis. A 1997 Forbes House Prefect, he received colours for House Athletics, Hockey and Volleyball. Raj attended Melbourne University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Applied Commerce.

Commencing in marketing, Raj quickly rose to become Head of Retail Products at Energy Australia and then at Origin Energy. After further success at REA Group, he completed a Graduate Certificate in Organisational Coaching at Swinburne University and then joined Apricot Consulting as Head of Leadership Development. Raj was President of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Southern States and ICF President-Elect of the Board of Directors. He wrote the book How to Grow Tall Poppies to inspire other business leaders.

Raj loved reading, travel, fitness, and entertaining his family and friends with creative gourmet meals. His greatest joy was marrying Emma Louise Mutton at the Melbourne Museum on 29 January 2011, and raising their beautiful son, Ari, who is booked to attend Scotch.

During a family holiday in Bali in June 2023, Raj collapsed suddenly due to a brain bleed. He was medically evacuated to Melbourne, where he died shortly thereafter at the Alfred Hospital, Prahran, on 9 July 2023, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Rajiv was a wonderful young man whose warmth, positivity, generosity and kindness touched the lives of all who knew him. He will be sorely missed and forever loved. May you rest in peace, Raj.

URQUHART OAM, Alistair Buxton (’64)

Alistair’s friend, Neil Baird (’65) wrote: Alistair was born at St Andrew’s Hospital, East Melbourne on 18 January 1947. He joined Miss Goodenough’s Class 5A at Scotch in 1957. From an energetic, ethical and entrepreneurial family, Alastair was, from that first day, very much the person he remained. Bluff, open, honest, interested and thoughtful, he quickly made many lifelong friends.

Among others at Scotch were his brothers Donald John Campbell Urquhart (born 14.9.1943, SC 1955-59, GC 1960-61) and Ian (SC 1955-59, GC 1960-63), and cousins David Urquhart (SC 1958-63) and James Wilson (SC 1978-85).

Leaving Scotch in 1959 as the family moved to Geelong in 1960, the boys attended Geelong College, where Alistair thrived. He rowed, was a champion long-distance runner and played the bagpipes – his key to the world! In 1964, a US election year, his student exchange to Bethesda, Maryland, inspired his interest in politics and his global thinking.

After working on the killing floor of Borthwick’s abattoir for a year, Alistair graduated in Law and Arts from the Australian National University, gaining great leadership experience as Captain of Boats and as founder of the notorious Ironman Competition, and making more good friends. Finding law unappealing, Alistair became a global coal and grain trader. That, effectively, served as his Master of Business Administration.

Alistair married young Sydney barrister Mary Justine Lusby at St Mary’s Catholic Church, North Sydney on 28 November 1987. They lived in Melbourne, where Mary excelled in legal practice, and Alistair founded a finance brokerage.

He reconnected with Scots Kirk, where his piping skills were welcomed, and became increasingly involved in politics. Alistair was founding President of the Australian Small Business Association.

That inspired him to redirect his business to advising companies on government relations. Thus, his renowned Affairs of State was born and remained his focus.

In 1992, Alistair co-founded and, for 30 years, chaired, WISE, organising worthwhile work for disabled people. While WISE grew dramatically, Alistair’s role remained honorary: he received the Order of Australia.

Throughout, he remained the same generous, cheery, honest, ethical and energetic Alistair.

Alistair died at University Hospital, Geelong, on 16 July 2023.

WRAGGE AM, Harry Stewart (’48)

Harry’s friend, Mac Cleland (’48), wrote: Harry Stewart Wragge was born on 23 November 1929 at Avonhurst, Albert Park, the son of Harry Stewart and Lesley (nee Sweatman) Wragge.

He attended Scotch from 1943 to 1948 and was Dux (aeq.) of IVb (now Year 7) in his

GREAT SCOT

first year. Harry’s career in telephony was doubtless inspired by being a Cadet in the Signals section. Among several relatives at Scotch were his great-uncle Thomas George Wragge (born 31.5.1862, SC 1875-76, died 6.6.1954) and the earliest, George Stanley Wragge (first cousin twice removed, born 1857, SC 1865-67, died 9 July 1898).

Harry graduated from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Engineering (1954, First Class honours) and a Master of Engineering Science (1955). He met Shirley Meryl Ogilvie there and they married at Scotch on 29 March 1957. Their daughters are Sue, Jennie and Kate. Shirley died on 3 March 2021.

At the PMG’s Research Labs, Harry specialised in switching and signalling. His work was extremely advanced. He represented Australia in the International Telecommunications Union in Geneva (1969-81), becoming Vice Chair of the World Study Group that produced the initial recommendation for digital switching worldwide. This work provided the technical basis for the network that paved the way for internet services.

Harry assisted the Davidson Inquiry, which reviewed the development of Australian telecommunications. He

OBITUARIES

THE SCHOOL’S POLICIES FOR GREAT SCOT OBITUARIES ARE:

m 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.

m 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.

m Only spouses for whom full marriage details (full maiden name and exact date and place of marriage) are supplied will be included.

m Reference will be made to multi-generational Scotch connections (e.g., son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather).

m 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.

was influential in establishing centres of expertise at five universities and in creating Cooperative Research Centres. Harry was Chief Technical Advisor to the CEO of Telecom, a consultant with Telecom for 13 years after retirement, and Chairman of the boards of two cooperative research centres and of an advanced engineering centre.

President of the Committee of Convocation at Melbourne University, Harry was on the Steering Committee of Monash University’s Business Technology Centre, and on the Swinburne University of Technology’s Council. He chaired the Accreditation Board of the Institution of Engineers, determining whether new engineers were sufficiently qualified.

In 1989, Harry was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to telecommunications technology. He was conferred with an honorary doctorate by Monash University for his wide-ranging achievements.

One of Harry’s main interests, apart from his wonderful telecommunications career, was yachting: he was commodore of the Frankston Yacht Club.

Harry died on 31 July 2023 at Peninsula Private Hospital, Langwarrin.

m 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.

m 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.

m 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 Scotch Archivist, Paul Mishura, on 9810 4470, or paul.mishura@scotch.vic.edu.au.

Tributes and photographs should be emailed to Paul Mishura, or mailed to Great Scot Obituaries, Scotch College, 1 Morrison Street, Hawthorn Vic 3122.

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