PRINCIPAL
GROWTH THROUGH CONNECTION
MR TOM BATTY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Before commencing my article , I want to pay tribute to the remarkable service of former Chairman of Council , the Hon Dr David Kemp AC . It is service steeped in wisdom , purpose and love of Scotch , and his influence on his School is meaningful and lasting . Schools are difficult institutions to label : not corporate , political or purely charitable . In essence , they are communities of learning founded on principles and values , and Dr Kemp has been ever generous with his intellect , knowledge and experience . None have learnt more than this Principal . The details of Dr Kemp ’ s association with his School are chronicled elsewhere in this edition . The School is most fortunate to have a person of the calibre of Alex Sloan to take up the role of Chairman . We are again in good hands .
As boys and teachers raised voices in praise in Memorial Hall , parents dusted off pads , instruments and backpacks , and those who call Scotch home joined in excited exchange for a first meal on the Hill , life came back to the School , buoyed on optimism that this would be a year of togetherness rather than separation .
That such intimacy is central to communal life resounded from the ebullient conversations at the Year 7 family picnic and those that have brightened boundaries and courts of Saturday sport . That it is the currency of growth and education was evidenced by the rich diversity of journeys undertaken , as boys stepped forth from Malvern East , Colombo , Bronte , Hunters Hill , Beijing , Wodonga , Hawthorn , Alice Springs , Warrnambool , Thursday Island , St Peters , Kuala Lumpur , Kew and Cairns . All brought stories to share , to open minds to worlds beyond doorsteps , as education began its dance of crafting capacity to see the world through the eyes of others , while unearthing passions and honing mastery .
Our quest for the boys who define the Scotch of 2021 is not to tell them what to think , rather that they should think ; to inculcate habits of critical liberal thought that lead to self-responsibility and service ; to nurture values and cognisance that seed empathy , adaptability and influence .
We have some useful resources to hand : wonderful teachers and staff ready to unearth those passions and polish that mastery ; facilities that give home to disciplines and activities , stimulating collision , conversation and engagement ; and a sense of belonging that affords opportunity , connection and confidence . We are clear in values that respect the inherent dignity of each person and in our curiosity about how the world came to be as it is , and how it might evolve for the betterment of all .
Against such canvas , we must , particularly at the start of a school year , consider what more we can do to make our environment one that is open to , and accepting of , differing views , experiences and frames of reference ; one in which each boy can feel strong and sure in his step , voice and self ; one which gives authority to the vulnerability necessary for originality .
We must question how we might further align with changing opportunities for enterprise , social and economic . We must ask how our values might more forcibly be harnessed in preparing boys for the challenges and opportunities of their generation .
Such matters find direction in our key planning themes of personalisation , diversity , enterprise and sustainability , and take form in key objectives for the year ahead .
We will further consider experiences that nurture the growth of the boys , with particular reference to encounters that emphasise contact with a diverse range of people ; reflection on a moral position ; belief
6 Great Scot Issue 162 – April 2021