CHAIRMAN
MR ALEX SLOAN (' 71 ) SCHOOL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN
DEFINING AND SHAPING THE NEXT ERA IN THE LIFE OF SCOTCH COLLEGE
The appointment of a new Principal is no doubt a major milestone in the life of any school . Having said that , Scotch Council sees such an appointment as only the first major step in a process to define and shape the next era in our College ’ s extraordinary life .
To understand what I mean by defining and shaping it is useful to look at the ‘ Batty era ’, over what will have been 14 years by mid 2022 , to be able to appreciate the concept . In my view the ‘ Batty era ’ is highlighted by two major themes . Firstly using Tom ’ s words , the focus on ‘ conversations of learning ’ and secondly a focus on pastoral care . Perhaps the most telling recognition of these themes is reflected in much of the building design and construction during Tom ’ s tenure .
The design of the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science and the Keon-Cohen Dining Hall strongly
reflect the ‘ conversations of learning ’ theme . The increased opportunity for boys and their teachers to gather together informally and share an interchange cannot be underestimated in its impact . We are all much more acutely aware today of how vital it is in a boy ’ s education to have a strong teacher relationship in order to elevate educational outcomes .
One of the major foundations in Tom ’ s approach to pastoral care has been the institution of a 12 House system , which has allowed boys from Years 9-12 to remain under the nurturing guidance of a single Head of House . In more recent times each of those Houses has been given a new home surrounding the new dining hall . This is another great example of integration of an educational theme with building design and construction at Scotch .
2 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021