EDITORIAL
DURGA KAMTE EDITOR GREAT SCOT
After months of relative quiet the returning sounds of wildlife signal the change to longer and warmer days , and as the days grow longer and the wintry winds recede , it is natural to feel a greater sense of hope and optimism .
That the past months fighting the pandemic and consequent lockdown have been challenging is indisputable – for parents , staff , and particularly , for students . Screen fatigue ; the pragmatic difficulties of creating discrete work spaces for siblings and parents in a household ; concern for loved ones physically distanced within Victoria , interstate or overseas ; financial and job security concerns . And these are just a small number of the challenges we all face , every day .
The truism that ‘ crisis brings out the best and worst in humanity ’ is a useful delineator in responses to the current crisis , and it is heartening to celebrate the ‘ best ’ responses from the Scotch
community . The Chairman of Council notes Council ’ s intention to alleviate difficulties for parents , while noting the School ’ s historic commitment to learning . Teachers have shown their commitment to adapting to the technological changes required to engage students , and this goes well beyond delivering curriculum .
Engaging , fun activities are factors in both teachers and students developing relationships , even in the online environment . The Junior School showcases weekly challenges : Lego Master , Junior Master Chef and Friday Funnies . These efforts to bring light and laughter are echoed in the Senior School , with Middle School students challenged through the Strava app negotiating virtual treks . The online Zoom fora for public speaking , drama and debating , while posing undoubted challenges , demonstrate boys ’ familiarity with technology as they quickly navigate camera angles and audio input .
Sport , art and music faced similar challenges as opportunities for student expression of their skills were necessarily limited . However , these departments , too , responded in typical Scotch ‘ can do ’ fashion to provide opportunities for boys in these unprecedented times .
School leaders , both boys and staff , have demonstrated a dedicated , ongoing commitment to maintain a simulacrum of ‘ real ’ schooling . Scotch Streams involves students in weekly conversations with the Principal , Chaplain , School Captain and , on occasion , Old Boys . Tutor groups remain a vital mode , albeit an online mode , of keeping in touch with boys , as too are Form Teacher meetings .
Nostalgia for former iterations of the ‘ normal ’ are evident . Sporting programs , boarding events and cock house competitions have all been required to limit offerings .
Despite the difficulties of the times , there are still good reasons for optimism and celebration . Three major projects have been completed this year at Scotch – the superb Keon-Cohen Dining Hall , an outstanding learning facility in the new English Department , and the Tolson Centre , which deftly brings together OSCA House , the Museum and Archives and the Scotch Shop .
In his article in this edition , Scotch Foundation President , Associate Professor Doug Lording AM (’ 64 ) gives everyone involved in these projects a virtual pat on the back , and sees them as significant achievements to lift the spirits in challenging times .
Old Scotch Collegians ’ Association President , James Douglas (’ 84 ) also sees reasons for spirits to be buoyant . Let ’ s be grateful , he says , that we are all members of such a powerful , caring community . He encourages the Scotch Family to stay connected , including through the channels of OSCAconnect , Instagram , Facebook and informal networks .
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TOP DESIGNS Two Year 12 boys ’ innovative designs exhibited
A SCOTCH MILESTONE Dining hall officially launched – via Zoom
‘ MUCH LOVE TO THE WARRIORS ’ Ned Parnham ’ s sad but inspiring story
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