THOMAS , Wesley Phillips ( Staff 1957-87 ) Wes ’ daughter , Reitai Minogue , wrote : Wesley Phillips Thomas was born at Bendigo on American Independence Day , 1922 , the son of John Rees and Fanny ( nee Phillips ) Thomas , a Methodist Minister , and a nurse . He attended Melbourne High School ( 1936-39 ) and enlisted in the Army in 1940 . From 1942 to 1947 Wes served in the RAN as a radio operator .
Graduating from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Science and a Diploma of Education , he did scientific research at the Fisheries and Wildlife Department , specialising in Victorian spiders and fish . He had fond memories of his early teaching experience in small rural schools .
Commencing at Scotch in 1957 , from 1960 until retiring in 1987 , Wes was Head of Biology . His contribution to the education of his students was immense . Wes considered a boy ’ s education was as important outside as within the classroom , exemplified by his contribution to a wide range of school activities .
Wes loved debating with his students , conducting brilliant biology classes through his technical mastery of the subject . Assisted by Lorna Evelyn Lord ( see her obituary in this issue ), he ran the Biology Club , which included bird observation , budgerigar breeding and hothouse experiments . Wes established a Biology Hut at Elliott Lodge , and ran a Young Farmers ’ Club , popular with boarders , with experimental plots of land by Gardiners Creek .
He played competition football for many years . His passion for football and athletics
drew him to coaching and umpiring at Scotch . For relaxation , Wes often joined the 1st XV to ‘ let out his inhibitions ’.
An environmentalist with a keen interest in outdoor activities , Wes was Scoutmaster for 15 years , Commandant at Scotch-at-Cowes for seven years , and he helped at Scotch in the Alps . He oversaw the development of many facilities , including improving Elliott Lodge and Scotch-at- Cowes .
Wes had a strong social conscience and was Scoutmaster for the Blind Scouts , providing opportunities not typically given at that time .
An accomplished musician , Wes played the piano ( later a keyboard ) and trumpet throughout his life . In old age he maintained his fitness , followed the Stawell Gift , supported ‘ South Melbourne ’, and painted .
His sons Peter ( SC 1963-74 ) and Phillip Rees Thomas ( born 4 December 1961 , SC 1967-80 , died 6 April 2016 ) attended Scotch .
Wes ‘ Wacky ’ Thomas died peacefully at Liscombe House , St Helena , on 9 May 2020 . He had been Scotch ’ s oldest known living teacher .
APPLY EARLY FOR PLACES AT SCOTCH
DEMAND FOR PLACES AT SCOTCH IS VERY HIGH AND MEMBERS OF THE SCOTCH FAMILY ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEIR SON ' S BIRTH .
Application forms can be downloaded from the Scotch College website , along with further information relating to the School ’ s admissions process , at : https :// www . scotch . vic . edu . au / admissions . aspx
The application fee is $ 100 .