OSCA
A CATCH-UP YEAR FOR OSCA
2022 events program includes reunions for groups that missed out in 2020 or 2021
MR ANDREW WILSON (' 78 ) OSCA PRESIDENT
A cardiac arrest * is an emphatic reminder of what ’ s important – and thus began OSCA ’ s year .
Happily , Scott Montgomery (’ 85 ), OSCA ’ s longserving Executive Director , survived , and the tales are not sad to tell . The news travelled at Internet speed along multiple paths , with all manner of Scotch Family and friends showing support and concern . Accommodation for Scott ’ s family was quickly found and the helicopter was met .
As further illustration , Scott was touched to receive a phone call from Bill Morgan (’ 34 ), a man literally twice Scott ’ s age . As Bill relates , ‘ Scott ’ s been a good friend to me ’.
Such is the Cardinal Thread and OSCA ’ s priorities : reasons to connect , ways to connect and opportunities to give back .
The reins of Executive Director were quickly picked up by OSCA ’ s Treasurer , Philip Wright (’ 69 ). OSCA is indebted , as the role is very busy and multifaceted . Some parts of the role were seamlessly picked up by Caroline Taylor and Will Dixon (’ 19 ) – and past Executive Director Tim Shearer (’ 85 ) has contributed significantly . We are grateful to them all .
And we needed them immediately : decadal reunions resumed in earnest on 28 January , and others quickly followed . This is a catch-up year , when OSCA runs its 2022 events program plus reunions for the groups that missed out in 2020 or 2021 .
Surely border closures and lockdowns are behind us : why not plan some holidays or weekends so you can join us at the Perth dinner ( 2 September ) or the Northeast ( 9 October )? Or at the other distant events . Just because we can .
The Old Scotch clubs are also catching up on their anniversaries . Thus far the centenary of the Old Scotch Football Club has been celebrated ( in the MCC Members ’ Dining Room ), and the half-century of the Old Scotch Bowls Club . Both these events have featured a piper from the Old Scotch Pipes and Drums , notably sporting the band ’ s new kilts in OSCA tartan , courtesy OSCA .
Reengaging with face-to-face events revives the joys of encountering : without planning , and beyond what planning enables , we encounter friends and acquaintances , and initiate new friendships , too .
For encounters we keep talking about OSCA House – and 2022 is surely its debut year . If you ’ re invited be sure to accept – but don ’ t wait , pop in anyway .
OSCA PRESIDENT
ANDREW WILSON (’ 78 ), RIGHT , AT THE OSCA 41 YEAR REUNION ON 1 APRIL . HE IS CHATTING WITH ANDREW LLOYD (’ 81 ), MC OF THE EVENT .
And , for encounters and relationships , what greater proponent than Principal Tom Batty ? When Tom departs Scotch in June he will have influenced Old Boys across current , future and past generations .
Current and recent generations have been shaped by Tom ’ s presence directly . Future generations will still experience his influence through the School ’ s structures , both hard ( such the creation of House Rooms around the Keon-Cohen Dining Hall and informal spaces in the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science ) and soft ( his reshaping of the House system and emphasis on safety and relational learning ). Old Boys from past generations have benefited from Tom ’ s heartfelt apologies to individual Old Boys who had been abused while under the School ’ s care .
More generally , a standout opportunity for encounters between Tom and the Old Boys has been OSCA ’ s Annual Dinner . There Tom has regaled humorous tall tales , delivered the customary jibe at the rival schools , and – despite the late hour – snuck in some serious comments about learning and education . Tom ’ s final address to Old Boys will be on 27 May but we hope he continues the long tradition of esteemed past Principals attending many future dinners . Until then , au revoir and well done , Tom !
In closing , a further flagship will be the Gala Dinner of the Melbourne Tartan Festival , on 23 July , which is always fabulous . After a two-year hiatus of major events I look forward to us all being together again , en masse !
* For clarity , in Scott ’ s case the cause is attributed to COVID-19 , not a heart attack .
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 71