FEATURES
remarks at the end of Memorial Hall Assemblies as well as the famous Batty hugs ! I wish him well in the next chapter in his life .
MARCUS EMMETT – CLASS OF 2019
Thank you , Mr Batty , for my wonderful time at Scotch College . We met every few weeks to discuss concepts for the Collegian , when I was Editor , and I very much appreciated your enthusiasm and commitment to the publication . You always showed great interest in my sporting endeavours as well . I especially remember your visits in the tinny on the Yarra during afternoon training sessions with Mr Woodruff . Your support for our crew was amazing , whether it was on the banks of the Yarra , at Nagambie for the Head of the River , or at the Henley Royal Regatta for our campaign in the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup . Fantastic memories I will forever treasure .
FRASER MISCAMBLE – CLASS OF 2019
At the core of every outstanding school is an outstanding principal . A principal who lights the flame of a school ’ s spirit , and audaciously steers its course towards the unknown . Having sat in Memorial Hall countless times , I ’ m still awestruck by Mr Batty ’ s mesmerising skills as an orator ; his remarkable ability to speak and make others not only listen , but ponder his every word , from world issues to Carol Ann Duffy poems .
For Mr Batty , it wasn ’ t about having all the answers , but rather asking all the right questions . I recall mentoring sessions with Mr Batty where we discussed topics from politics to my future career , and the breadth of experience he shared has shaped many of the decisions that I ’ ve made .
Perhaps most striking about Mr Batty is his genuine nature , with his gracious greetings from his terrace and throughout the grounds , full of warmth , assuring that there was never any distance between him and the students . I wish Mr Batty all the best with his return to the UK , and thank him greatly for all he did for the boys of Scotch College .
RION AHL – CLASS OF 2020
In my first conversation with Mr Batty , he asked me what the square root of 25 was . I answered five , nonchalantly . He responded , ‘ What about negative five ?’ That was the beginning of countless times he stimulated me during my time at Scotch . I was constantly challenged and extended , both in the classroom and in various extracurricular activities . Without Mr Batty ' s encouragement and enthusiasm in promoting learning , I would not have had the opportunity to learn how to play chess , practise debating or start learning how to code , and neither would many other boys .
Mr Batty was also the epitome of support for boys at Scotch . In the sweltering temperatures of the summer sport season , I would see him race down to the oval , eager to cheer on the boys , especially for cricket . I was very involved in music , and needless to say that Mr Batty was at every concert the Music School held , encouraging the boys in performance .
Always happy to give up his time for boys , Mr Batty put the boys and the School first , and this was his most admirable characteristic . His ability to both challenge and support boys will impart a lasting legacy at Scotch .
SAM ZONG – CLASS OF 2020
28 Great Scot Issue 165 – April 2022