• First , the vast majority of the boys have returned to the Hawthorn campus in 2021 , surrounded by their friends , apart from some in our international cohort with whom we are still actively pursuing a solution .
• Second , our staff , both academic and nonacademic , remained employed throughout all the difficulties .
• Third , as evidenced by the VCE results in 2020 , Scotch ’ s academic results remained very strong despite all the challenges of remote learning .
• Finally , the School has managed to remain in sound financial shape while returning genuine savings to parents , and having provided fees assistance where need existed . Our community is greatly indebted to David Kemp for his eight years at the helm of Council , and for his exemplary leadership through the 2020 crisis . As the Rev . Dr John Wilson , Vice Chairman of Council , has so appropriately expressed it , ‘ David has been a steady hand at the helm ’. Thank you , David .
As we move forward into 2021 , I want to assure the Scotch community that Council will remain focused on continuing to build the School , both educationally and structurally , in a way that is complementary . Developments over the last decade such as the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science , the Spencer Centre for Design and Technology , and the recently completed Keon-Cohen Dining Hall are wonderful examples of developing our buildings and grounds in support of an enhanced educational approach directed to the needs of each boy . In the coming years we must ensure we strike the right balance in our educational and physical development , to continue that approach in a rapidly changing environment .
As in all things , Scotch must be responsive to the challenges our society is confronting , as we grapple
with how to ensure our core value of respect carries through every aspect of life , including the inviolable requirement for consent in relationships . In recent weeks the Principal has laid out how the School has been , and is , addressing this challenge , while also being clear that we must do more . His approach and initiatives have the full support of Council .
On another theme , one of Scotch ’ s great attributes has been the quality of its supporting bodies and their ability to work in a complementary way for the ultimate benefit of the School . The Presbyterian Church of Victoria , the Scotch Foundation , OSCA and the Scotch Parents ’ Association all continue to strive to make Scotch an even better place .
In that vein it is pleasing to record that the current President of OSCA , Andrew Wilson (’ 78 ), has joined the School Council , filling the vacancy created by David Kemp ’ s retirement . Along with membership of Council ’ s Risk Committee , Andrew will provide liaison with the Scotch Parents ’ Association and a greater focus on sustainability .
After 30 years of magnificent service , Brian Bayston OAM (’ 47 ) has stepped down from Council as a nominee from the Presbyterian Church of Victoria , and has been replaced by David Graham (’ 94 ). David comes to Council with significant expertise in transport engineering , planning and design , and his skills have been quickly embraced by Council ’ s Property Committee .
Council thanks Brian for his many years of fine service , and warmly welcomes Andrew and David to its ranks .
As 2021 unfolds we all sincerely hope that the worst effects of COVID-19 are behind us ; but whatever lies ahead I am confident that the substance , character and values of the School we love will shine through .
SOME OF THE PROJECTS COMPLETED DURING HON DR DAVID KEMP ' S SCHOOL COUNCIL CHAIRMANSHIP : SIR ZELMAN COWEN CENTRE FOR SCIENCE , SPENCER CENTRE FOR DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY , KEON-COHEN DINING HALL
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 5