SHOWING THE BOYS THEY ARE KNOWN , CARED FOR AND VALUED
capacity with 165 boys in residence and there is a wonderful sense of community ; be it at dinner with a happy buzz in the dining hall , or at parent functions , where there is genuine partnership on display .
Under Tom ’ s leadership the School has navigated numerous challenges facing boarding , including responses to the Royal Commission into child abuse , and new legislative and compliance requirements . He navigated the Hill brilliantly through the myriad of challenges thrown our way by the pandemic . We were one of the first boarding schools in Victoria to have boys return after being shut down , operating without regulatory guidance as there was none at the time .
Tom has overseen the creation of new staff rosters and new positions , with House Chaplains and a Hill Psychologist added , providing extra pastoral care for boys and additional support for staff . Staff diversity has increased , with the first female Head of
House appointed under Tom ’ s leadership . An extensive building program continues to improve the physical infrastructure on the Hill . After much debate and many a discussion , we are close to putting to rest the ugly thorn that has been the backblocks of School and McMeckan Houses .
Tom has a genuine love for the Hill and the boys who call this little bit of Scotch home . He leaves Scotch knowing the Hill is in a strong position ; a testament to his hard work and wise leadership . Most importantly , he departs knowing he has shown us how important those little things are .
TIM BYRNES – DEAN OF BOARDING
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 59