OPPOSITE PAGE : INTERIOR OF THE
KEON-COHEN DINING HALL . THIS PAGE : TOP : EXTERIOR OF THE SIR ZELMAN COWEN CENTRE FOR SCIENCE . CENTRE : THE EARTH
MODEL IN THE SCIENCE CENTRE ' S ATRIUM . BOTTOM : HEAD OF LAWSON HOUSE MICHAEL WAUGH IN CONSULTATION WITH SENIOR BOYS .
This experience of the ‘ Batty era ’ compels and motivates Council to ensure that we allow a process to unfold which can yield similar outcomes over the next decade and beyond . Clearly a new Principal needs to be given time to fully appreciate and understand the environment before determining new themes and directions , but Council has a major part to play in this process .
As I have previously remarked in this magazine Council is very grateful to a wide cross-section of our community who contributed to the ‘ stakeholder ’ consultation process , leading into our recent Principal appointment . Clearly though the benefits derived from those consultations are not limited to the Principal appointment , but will undoubtedly feed into themes that will define and shape the next decade and beyond . To that end , Council has already formed a number of working groups that are looking closely at key themes from the consultations .
Council has in its mind an ambition to unveil a fully integrated strategy to underpin the next era as early as possible in 2023 . Having said that I would hasten to reassure the community that the School will continue its development path in the meantime and not lose momentum . Projects such as the redevelopment of our boarding precinct will continue in 2022 while the future path is defined . On the academic front our teaching staff will hopefully return in 2022 to a largely normalised environment following a much needed break , after another very challenging year .
As Chairman of Council I have been greatly supported by my Council colleagues over the last 12 months in a demanding period for all concerned . One very familiar face in our community , Doug Lording , is leaving Council but will continue in his post as President of the Foundation . Doug is a member of a rare cohort having served on the OSCA Council , with two years as President in 2016 and ’ 17 . Doug has been President of the Foundation since 2017 , taking over from Michael Robinson , and to complete the trifecta , has served on Council for the last six years . I am sure I speak for all in thanking Doug for his tireless ongoing service to Scotch .
Our community is fortunate that Doug ’ s replacement on Council , Peter Findlay , has hit the ground running having previously served on Council from 2014 to ' 19 . At the present time continuity of Council membership is highly desirable as we transition to a new Principal and contemplate a new era in the life of our beloved School .
My best wishes to all in the Scotch community for a merry and safe Christmas and a rewarding 2022 .
Great Scot 3