‘ TOGETHER WE SHALL CARRY THE SPIRIT OF SCOTCH FORWARD ’
THOMAS KLUCKOW – SCHOOL VICE CAPTAIN ’ S ADDRESS Valedictory Dinner , Wednesday 11 October 2023
Six years ago many of us walked through the Monash Gates for the first time , wondering what our time at Scotch had in store for us .
Little did we know that those seemingly ordinary gates would become the gateway to some of the most cherished memories of our lives : the unexpected excitement that came when we saw Hymn 29 in the Memorial Hall ; the echo of our Red Army chants ; singing Loch Lomond in the Green Grandstand on Friday lunchtimes ; sleeping in those ever so comfy chairs in the Geoff McComas Theatre during a presentation ; or sitting , freezing in the Littlejohn Chapel .
I know each of our Scotch stories is different but we ’ ve shared a lot together , which is a pretty special thing . We ' ve spent six years of our lives together in this school , and for some of the Junior School boys , it ' s been a 13-year journey . So I think there is a bittersweet realisation that this is probably our last time together as a complete cohort .
However , those memories that we have forged together are not ephemeral footprints washed away by the tides of time , but rather eternal constellations in the vast canvas of life that we are all connected by ; that will guide us back to the place where it all began .
No matter where our paths may lead or the new friendships we may forge , we will forever be part of the Class of 2023 . But tonight this is the last story we build together at school , and so I think it ’ s fitting to reflect on the legacy we ’ ve built as a cohort and those that have made it possible .
The role our teachers have had in shaping these experiences and in every facet of our Scotch journey is truly remarkable . Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our education . Thank you for your patience and guidance , for believing in us when we doubted ourselves , and for igniting the flames of curiosity within us .
You have not just taught us subjects ; you have shown us the path to becoming responsible , compassionate , and informed citizens of the world , helped make our Scotch journey a truly
enjoyable experience , and created memories we will treasure for the rest of our lives .
However , the influence of our teachers , our collective experiences and each of our Scotch journeys doesn ’ t end here . I read this quote in an early Scotch Collegian : ‘ Scotch is not bound in walls ; the real Scotch is wherever Scotch Collegians are , in the hearts of her sons ’.
In this school we ’ ve been moulded into thinkers , leaders , musicians , actors or sportsmen . It is within this school we have discovered our strengths , nurtured our talents , and made lifelong connections both with our peers and our teachers . But the essence of Scotch is not confined to the Science building , to the Music School , to the Tucky , the library , or the sports fields . It lives within us boys , in the choices we make , the lives we touch , and the impact we create .
So even as we hang up our Candies for the last time , the cardinal , gold , and blue that we have worn with unwavering pride will forever be ingrained in our hearts . The values instilled in us by our dedicated teachers will endure , the connections we have forged with each other will endure , and the values of our school will endure , serving as guiding principles throughout our lives .
So thank you , Scotch , for helping make us into who we are today , and thank you , teachers , for being such an influence on our lives .
Tonight we write our final story together as the Class of 2023 , but together we shall carry the spirit of Scotch forward , ensuring that it thrives not only within these walls but in us boys forever .
And so , boys , as we embark on new endeavours , I do hope that our paths will cross again , so we can rekindle the laughter , camaraderie and memories that have made this journey unforgettable . www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 33