Normally held as an evening event , in 2020 COVID-19 restrictions forced Presentation Night to become Presentation Afternoon , staged in Memorial Hall at 4pm on 22 October with just the Year 12 boys , some teachers and the Chairman of the School Council , Hon Dr David Kemp AC (’ 59 ) present . The event was broadcast live on YouTube to enable staff and parents to tune in .
All Year 12 boys were introduced by their Heads of House , and each received a Bible and book of poetry from the Principal , while prize winners and boys awarded Triple Colours received their prizes . There were speeches by the Chairman of the School Council , the Principal , Tom Batty and the School Captain , Will Dixon . Here is an edited version of the School Captain ’ s address at Presentation Afternoon .
‘ YOU HAVE EMBRACED THE CHALLENGES OF 2020 HEAD-ON ’
In my first address to the School this year , I spoke about how we did not know what the year would hold . It is fair to say that hindsight is a powerful thing .
This year has not been an easy year for anyone . Nine months ago , there is no way that I would have predicted that I would be standing here this afternoon before an empty Memorial Hall and looking into a camera .
Today we are here to celebrate the many achievements of the Class of 2020 .
In times of uncertainty , we often look to the past . This year , however , looking to the past was hardly an option : there has been no precedent for us to follow . So instead , we have improvised , thought creatively , and even when frustrated , have embraced the situation in which we find ourselves .
As part of my role this year , I get to speak to Old Boys and members of the wider community who often tell me , ‘ You will go down in the history books as the Scotch boys who lived through the pandemic ’. Well in part , yes , they are right – 2020 has been , at times , a challenging journey during which we ’ ve all faced a rollercoaster of emotions : excitement , mixed at times with sadness , frustration and even anger . However , I am of the firm belief that we are not defined by what happens to us , but rather how we respond – what we do .
Yes , the Class of 2020 will be remembered for living through the pandemic , but really , I know the boys will be remembered for so much more than that , and for that , they can all be proud .
As a Year 12 group you have pursued academic excellence despite the circumstances , embracing the Zoom classroom and the strange experience of sitting SACs through a computer screen .
The Scotch 1st VIII rowed an undefeated season , with our 1st Tennis team not far behind . As we moved to the online world , you worked hard to ensure that your peers remained connected and engaged , tuning into the weekly release of Chompers ’ Champions , running online chess tournaments and raising your heart rate in online sporting challenges . Boys in the Music School embraced the virtual world , producing musical masterpieces to share with the Scotch Family .
You considered those in need in our community , collecting over 3000 food items to be distributed across Melbourne , writing letters to those living in aged care homes and raising close to $ 15,000 for charities supporting the bushfires , R U OK ?, Second Bite and 300 Blankets . And you boys stood by our Not Weak to Speak message , showing that as a Year 12 group we need to start having more conversations about our mental health , which I believe has led to meaningful discussion , reflection and change within our School .
Having had the honour of being part of two Year 12 groups , it has struck me that the support you have offered each other this year has been unparalleled , and that your friendships have only been strengthened by this experience which binds us all , creating relationships which will stand strong into the future .
As a group we have shared many years together . But come early December , once the final ‘ pens down ’ has been called , that chapter ends and each of you will take a step towards a new phase of your lives . It will be a phase of greater freedom and independence , but also an exciting time of anticipation for what lies ahead .
Realising that I wasn ’ t sure what advice I could give the Class of 2020 as it leaves
Scotch for the last time , I thought I would call the person I know with the most experience of us all , and the oldest person I know , Rev Bill Morgan (’ 35 ) Scotch ’ s oldest boy , who turned 105 on 23 October .
Bill started by talking to me about the strong foundations on which our School is founded and the values of respect , compassion and community that this School has taught us . He cautioned , however , that there will be times in our lives when these core values are challenged , and that it is up to us to stand firm in being guided by the values and not doubt their truth . He encouraged us to use all the talents that we have to bring good to the world , and he charged me to tell you all to go out and live , not for yourselves , but for the School ’ s motto which binds us all : Deo Patriae Litteris – for God , for country and for learning .
In closing , I want to thank all the Year 12 teachers , who through tireless work and great passion , have continued to help us learn and develop through the world of online classes , even in the times when you have begun speaking without unmuting yourself . To Mr Rayner and Mr McLaren – thank you for your diligent management of the School .
To the Prefect Group , thank you for your incredible efforts this year . You have led from the front , and I am of the firm belief that you have created real and meaningful change within our School . Thank you , Mr Batty , for the way in which you have steered this ship through such a turbulent period , and for the unwavering support you have offered myself and the Year 12 group in our endeavours . Thank you to my own family for their unflagging support .
And finally , to you boys . No face covering or Zoom classroom has been able to curb your spirit , enthusiasm and passion for this school , and for this I thank you . You have embraced the challenges of 2020 head-on , and have emerged from the other side as men of strength and conviction who stand strongly for what you believe in .
As wise Mr Glover once told me , there ’ s no such thing as luck . So , all the best with your exams and life beyond Scotch , remembering that as you leave Morrison Street for the last time , there are always people to look out for you , support you and who are there ready to listen .
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