DEVELOPMENT
TRANSFORMING BOARDING FACILITIES ON THE HILL
BOARDING WORKS TO COMMENCE IN DECEMBER
THE PROPOSED NEW BOARDING CENTRE ON THE HILL
Boarding has been integral to a Scotch education from the first day it opened its doors as the Melbourne Academy in 1851 .
As Principal Tom Batty notes : ‘ For over 167 years , boys have put paid to the tyranny of distance and journeyed from rural properties , regional towns and international cities to access a Scotch education and make the School a home away from home . In so doing , fresh opportunities have been grasped and lifelong friendships struck for boys and parents .’
Throughout its history , Scotch has been enriched by the presence of boarders and their families . Generations of boys who would otherwise have been unable to attend the School have embraced the Scotch experience , made their mark and contributed much to the School ’ s story . In so doing , they have kept Scotch ’ s name and voice alive throughout rural and regional Australia .
Today the Scotch name has a global reach . Boarding brings people together , demands care and adaptability , and nurtures the tenets that underpin the very best traditions of liberal independent schooling . Boys share in each other ’ s joys , successes and disappointments . They learn to appreciate each other ’ s strengths and foibles , as they establish values and aspirations for a life beyond school .
Scotch boarding is characterised by enduring friendships and the opportunities and challenges implicit in life away from family . Principal Tom Batty explains : ‘ The intimacy inherent in life on the Hill establishes the primacy of relationships that are the mark of good schooling , helping teachers focus on each boy and the person he could become . Perhaps most importantly , in the traditions of our foundation , by
treading on each other ’ s toes and celebrating each other ’ s talents and quirks , Scotch boarders come to respect the inherent dignity of each person . It is with such convictions that the School has committed to this next phase of development for Scotch boarding .’
The Boarding Project will transform boarding facilities on the Hill for boys , staff and boarding families . Improved accommodation for boys and staff associated with McMeckan and School Houses , and a new Boarding Centre will significantly enrich the lives of all who all the Hill home .
Greater opportunity for boys to gather and collide will seed the interactions that form the basis of both learning and communal living , as conversations and engagements struck during the day are pursued into evenings and across weekends , and lifelong friendships forged .
The Boarding Project will commence in December of this year , and is hoped to be complete in readiness for the 2023 school year . This project demonstrates the School ’ s commitment to boarding ’ s place at the heart of a Scotch education .
A fundraising target of $ 7.5M has been established for this project , and thanks to the generosity of our community , I report that $ 3.6M in commitments has been secured at the time of writing .
To learn more about the Boarding Project , and how you can help bring it to fruition , contact Director of Development Tim Shearer + 61 418 107541 or tim . shearer @ scotch . vic . edu . au .
62 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021