January 2016 , and was a valuable member of the Maintenance team .
Working part time during those initial years with the Maintenance team included many labouring jobs . Alex gained a solid knowledge of the School and its operations during this time , helping him transition into an easy fit with the Property / Maintenance Department when he became full time . Alex ’ s friendly disposition and warm nature resonated with many staff members throughout the School . He was always ready and able to lend a hand at the drop of a hat and most importantly , with a smile .
Alex picked up many skills during his employment with the Maintenance team . Many of the varied tasks of the general hands were the unusual – including the requests for looking after and removing from the campus stray dogs , possums and birds .
There was never a dull moment in the Maintenance Department with Alex , and he always managed to keep the team in good spirits . Alex is a genuine person and was always ready to help out . These great qualities will hold him in good stead during his future career .
Greg McMahon
LEON SEREMELIS
Leon Seremelis started at Scotch in 2001 as Business Analyst / Data Base Administrator in Information and Communication Technology ( ICT ). For almost 20 years Leon has been instrumental in procuring , reviewing , developing , integrating and supporting systems that assist in the education of our boys and the administration of the School .
Leon has an amazing capacity to understand the complexities , needs and expectations of the School , and to translate this understanding into improved ICT systems , processes and procedures . Without Leon ’ s involvement , Student Information Systems , Learning Management Systems , Administration Systems , Risk Management / Incident Reporting Systems and the School ’ s website would not have been procured , developed or implemented , and the integration of in-house systems with
external systems would not have been as effective and well defined .
Outside of Scotch , Leon is an accomplished soccer player and runner , and enjoys returning home to Greece whenever he and his family have an opportunity . We thank Leon for his significant contribution to the provision of ICT Services to the Scotch community . Geoff Brown
PATTY WALLACE- SMITH
After seven years working in the Development Office , Patty Wallace-Smith retired at the end of 2020 . Patty ’ s contribution was profound ; from arranging fundraising breakfasts to keeping Scotch ’ s generous donors in touch with the School and with each other , and to assisting with the creation of the new fundraising website .
All of this was done from a position of care and with Patty ’ s unique style and flair . We wish Patty and Andrew all the best for their future endeavours , which will no doubt include a number of grandparenting duties , travel and shopping , of course ! The School , and the Foundation , thank Patty for her invaluable contribution to Scotch and look forward to welcoming her and Andrew back to School and Foundation events .
Tim Shearer
Dylan Coleman announced his departure from Scotch late in 2020 , after the December 2020 edition of Great Scot had been published . This farewell was written by Durga Kamte .
DYLAN COLEMAN
Dylan Coleman joined Scotch full-time at the start of 2005 . Dylan has left an indelible mark in classrooms , workshops , on the sporting field , and in strong connections with communities in Australia and overseas .
Dylan has devoted his talents to nurturing skills and appreciation of product design , photography and painting in his students at all year levels He was Head of Department for three years , playing a key role in plans for the layout of the Spencer Centre for Design and Technology .
Dylan ’ s greatest love is teaching . Giving generously of his time and knowledge to benefit boys ’ outcomes , it is no surprise that 11 of his students were shortlisted in 2017 for the coveted Top Design Awards . He greatly enjoyed his role as tutor in Selby Smith and as a form teacher .
As Head of the Year 9 Outdoor Leadership Program , Dylan took boys camping around the state , and he also played a key role as Head of Scouts . He participated in six 24 Hour Hikes and led four trips to Nepal , and the Habitat for Humanity community program in Cambodia . Dylan ’ s devotion to rugby as coach and coordinator inspired boys at all year levels .
A talented sculptor in his own right , Dylan ’ s work has been showcased in art exhibitions at the School .
* By-lines have been included for farewells written by colleagues of non-teaching staff .
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 57