FEATURES
TOM BATTY ’ S FINAL ASSEMBLY :
THE BATON IS PASSED
On 22 June , students gathered for a very special event in the life of the School : the final Assembly of Scotch College ’ s ninth Principal , Tom Batty .
After our pipers led and escorted Tom and Lee Batty into the Memorial Hall , the College Anthem was sung followed by the School Chaplain , Doug Campbell , leading the congregation into the Prayer of Thanksgiving .
Tom then delivered his farewell address to the boys , with an emphasis on reminding them that it is their School and for them to make the most of the opportunities offered . Students made some presentations , with Sam Price ( Year 6 ) speaking on behalf of the Junior School and offering two Preps books to Tom and flowers to Lee . School Vice Captain Leon Fei then addressed the Assembly on behalf of the Senior School and offered a book to Tom as Euan Maclean ( Year 12 ) offered more flowers to Lee .
The torch , depicted on the School ’ s coat of arms , represents many values including learning , enlightenment and renewal . The Centenary Torch , originally used in the School ’ s centenary relay in 1951 , has passed through the hands of generations of boys and staff . The flame is a symbol of the eternal Scotch spirit that resides in all those who depart ; it is like a baton changing hands between the generations . It represents change but it also symbolises the values instilled at Scotch and hopefully retained forever by the departing boy or teacher .
Tom first held this torch at his installation in the Chapel on 14 July 2008 . Fourteen years later , Dion Whitfield ( Year 12 ) lit the torch and passed it to Tom Batty , who held it for a final time , before it was passed on to James Gregory ( Year 6 ) and extinguished to await the arrival of the tenth Principal , Dr Scott Marsh .
To conclude , everyone sang Loch Lomond before our Chaplain gave a final Prayer of Farewell and Benediction . After a few final remarks , Tom Batty left the Memorial Hall echoing with the sound of The Clash ’ s London Calling , played from his own device , a final reminder of his personal touch and perhaps a happy reminder of future endeavours and possible encounters in the Northern Hemisphere .
12 Great Scot