One of Mr Batty ’ s greatest attributes is his ability to communicate and connect with a range of people – with students , staff and parents – to all of which he gives full attention and leaves his audience feeling engaged and valued .
My Grandad came to watch me play my first cricket game at the beginning of Year 7 . He sat alone on his camp chair tucked against the hedges on the far side of the McKendrick Oval . After chatting to the parents under the pavilion , Mr Batty made the effort to walk the perimeter of the oval to introduce himself to Grandad , and proceeded to spend the next half-hour discussing the intricacies of estuary fishing and gas fridge mechanics . This talks to Mr Batty ’ s character and displays the care which he has always had for the School and its broader community – making everyone feel a part of the Scotch family .
CHARLIE SCHILLING – CLASS OF 2018
I first became friends with Mr Batty in Year 8 – after mentioning that I was a fanatic for a rather unpopular English soccer team , Aston Villa . The following season , Aston Villa got relegated to the
Championship , where Villa would face off against Mr Batty ’ s team , Brentford . From that day , a friendly rivalry was formed . Unfortunately for me , Brentford seemed to be Aston Villa ’ s kryptonite . Despite being one of the best teams in the league , Villa could not seem to beat Brentford . ( To this day I have yet to celebrate an Aston Villa victory over the Bees .)
In pure Mr Batty style , he made sure to make it known to not only myself , but to everyone he could , that Brentford had beaten Aston Villa . I recall being singled out at Mem Hall in front of the whole School , and likewise remember Mr Batty knocking on the door of my English class – stopping the whole class , just to celebrate Brentford ’ s success over Villa .
This friendly rivalry , which has continued long since graduating , encompasses why Mr Batty was so influential in not only my school life , but in the lives of many Scotchies . He makes students feel valued and will find a way to make you feel unique and special . Despite his busy schedule , he makes time for
everyone – no one is more important than anyone else .
JOSH ALLEN – CLASS OF 2019
I first met Mr Batty down at the banks of the Yarra River in 2013 . My first impressions of him were that he was a joyful and sincere man who was always up for a laugh . I knew I would be in good hands when I would be starting at the School a year later .
During my time at Scotch , I was always amazed that no matter what , Mr Batty made the effort to attend school events . Regardless if it was Year 7 football , a concert or a play , he was there watching and supporting the boys . When I was a member of the 1st VIII in 2017 , Mr Batty was there , cheering us on to victory at the Henley Royal Regatta . It was special to share the moment with him and it is something that I will never forget .
I have great respect for him and how he has led the School throughout his 14 years as headmaster . He has left an indelible mark on the Scotch community and one I ’ m sure everyone will miss . I will certainly miss his thought-provoking , closing
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