FEATURES
FAREWELL , TOM BATTY
REFLECTIONS ON THE BATTY ERA
FROM STAFF AND BOYS
This edition of Great Scot is the final one of Tom Batty ’ s 14 years as Principal of Scotch College . Some staff , current and retired , and some Young Old Boys were approached to reflect on the Tom Batty era as they saw it . Their reflections appear on these pages .
STAFF AND FORMER STAFF MEMBERS ’ REFLECTIONS
Working closely with Tom Batty during his years as Principal has been a privilege and a pleasure , and has provided opportunity to experience and appreciate first hand his wisdom , his wit and his knowledge of , and commitment to , boys ’ education . His understanding of what makes boys ‘ tick ’ makes him equally comfortable interacting with a boy in Prep just starting his Scotch journey , or a Year 12 boy contemplating life after Scotch .
During his time at Scotch , Tom has improved the educational and other opportunities of the School . Strong in his view that boys learn best when they are known and valued , Tom has encouraged boys to look beyond the gates , to find passions , to ‘ get good at stuff ’, to challenge those things that need challenging and support those things that need supporting . All this has been done while recognising and celebrating the inherent dignity of each individual .
Along the way , structural changes to the School have been made and buildings constructed to enable his vision to be realised . In particular , the removal of Heads of Year and the strengthening of the House system , a change that occurred very early in Tom ’ s tenure , has meant that boys are now better known , better cared for and have a stronger sense of belonging . State-of-the-art buildings , such as the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science , the Keon-Cohen Dining Hall and St Andrew ’ s Square , the new English Department , and other buildings have not only provided a home for staff , but have created spaces and opportunities allowing those collisions among and between staff and boys that are an integral part of the educational process to take place .
Over his time at the helm , Tom has taken the School on a transformative journey , enhancing its reputation both nationally and internationally , making it a
safer , softer , and more intimate place , and providing opportunities and experiences for the boys that will enable them to be global citizens of the 21st century . Tom has , through hard work and commitment to the cause , ‘ done his bit ’ and then some .
ROBERT MCLAREN – VICE PRINCIPAL
Whether it was by wandering the grounds at lunchtime , being close to the action around the tuckshop at recess , in Morrison Street as the school day ended , or at sporting contests on weekends , Tom could be seen in animated conversation with boys . Encouraging challenge , questioning and a consideration of values was often a part of those conversations , as was how well his and their favourite sporting teams had performed the previous weekend . Tom ’ s passion for education put the boys front and centre , and in determining what was most important in any decision-making , it was clear their interests were paramount .
Tom ’ s wish to ensure each boy could find , develop and follow his passions led him to encourage a real knowledge of each boy among those with whom he
20 Great Scot Issue 165 – April 2022