Great Scot April 2019 Great Scot_156_April_2019_Online | Page 3

Editorial
Along with the entire Scotch Family, Great
Scot mourns the death of Michael Robinson
AO, and it is fitting we commemorate in this
edition one of the School’s most inspirational
Old Boys. Michael has undoubtedly joined
the ranks of the great ‘men of influence, men
of weight’ who have provided exceptional
leadership and unstinting service to the School.
A gentleman of utmost integrity, wisdom and
generosity of vision, he provides a shining
example to Scotch boys.
The theme of this edition, ‘the power
of boys’ voices’ is coupled with one of the
strategic aims of Scotch: ‘to deliver an
education, which, for each boy ‘empowers
him to challenge those things which need
challenging and support those which need
supporting in service to the greater good.’
In a world filled with loud, angry voices and
increasingly polarised views, it is of paramount
importance for boys to articulate their own
views in a safe environment, thoughtfully, and
knowing their voices are acknowledged and
respected by their peers and teachers. The art of communication can be, and
is, taught from the Junior School years until
Year 12. Based on Socratic principles of
logos, pathos and ethos, boys practise the
skills of public speaking, debating, media
and communication studies to express
their views with reason, logic and personal
passion. The relational learning environment
established across the School nurtures
honest discussion and respectful debate.
For boys to communicate honestly requires
active, thoughtful listening on the part of their
audience; and boys in Year 7 this year have
formulated a set of behavioural guidelines
for active listening that will be shared with
all year levels.
Boys’ voices translate to meaningful action
as they support causes important to them.
Examples of such causes can be seen in this
edition, with the 24 Hour Hike raising funds
for the Indigenous Scholarship Program, the
marngrook game forming part of the ‘Close
the Gap’ campaign, the Sony camp supporting
children with disabilities, boys’ involvement in
the Walk for Women promoting gender equality,
and Product Design students creating nature
boxes to house possums.
Boys’ voices are heard, too, in harmonious
song at the House Chorals, in music and in
drama. Lusty voices are raised in support of our
boys as they strive for success on the playing
fields and in the water. In Term 1 Scotch won
three premierships – once again winning the
Head of the River, and taking out premierships
in cricket and tennis – under the guidance of
Director of Sport, Stuart Powell.
Michael Robinson’s example of giving back
to the School which provided him with an excellent start in life is echoed in the gifts and
service which Scotch Family members have
presented in various ways to the School.
For example, Gwen Head, the wife of Dr
Alan Kenneth Head AO FRS (‘42), a renowned
scientist, has donated to Scotch a significant
collection of her husband’s certificates and
awards, and she has also made a bequest
to Scotch which will enable a scholarship to
be established in perpetuity. And Graeme
Whitelaw (’52) and Max (‘56) and Fay Errington
were recently welcomed to the Forbes Society,
recognising those who have given at the
highest level of philanthropic support to the
School or to the Scotch College Foundation.
More generally, as Associate Professor
Doug Lording (’64), President of the Foundation,
points out in in this edition, the Foundation is
continuing to support Scotch College in every
way it can, including promoting the Indigenous
Scholarship Program and launching the
General Sir John Monash Scholarship.
Also giving back to their old School are
the nearly 200 Old Boys who contribute
significantly to the success of the School’s
sports and services programs throughout the
year. Their efforts are recognised at an annual
event, where an award is made – the Young Old
Boys’ Coaches and Services Award – which
last year went to Old Scotch Pipes and Drums
member, Angus Jones (’16).
The Scotch Family casts its net wide,
and the affection which so many feel for the
school which set them on the path to a full and
satisfying life provides great motivation to give
back, helping to ensure that the boys of today
and of generations to come will also fully
benefit from an excellent education.
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A MOST SUCCESSFUL SPORTING
SEASON Three premierships and BON APPÉTIT! CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF
THE PIG Another successful Scotch
DURGA KAMTE
EDITOR GREAT SCOT
several close seconds
The Boarders’ Dining Hall transformed
Family Chinese New Year Dinner
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot
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