STAFF FAREWELLS
FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES TO ALL STAFF WHO ARE LEAVING SCOTCH IN 2023
STAFF RETIREMENTS
ROB MCLAREN (’ 73 )
Those steeped in boys ’ education know that growing boys into good people is a long burn . That it is less about definitions and short-term off-the-shelf programs and more about care . Rob is steeped in boys ’ education , and he is steeped in the ways of his school , as boy ( third generation ), parent ( fourth generation ), teacher of the great discipline , cricket coach , APS delegate , head of middle school , vice principal , acting principal , colleague and friend .
Forged on the boarding house passageways of The Geelong College , Rob ’ s calm , patient , relational approach , and capacity and desire to give teenage boys the benefit of the doubt , provided the respect and reciprocity boys crave . It was a joy to walk into Rob ’ s classroom and feel the relaxed but purposeful atmosphere of boys journeying , individually and as a class , beyond their level of comfort in their learning . It was also always good to pick up a few tips .
In addition to relational capacity , Rob possesses the other necessary condition for the master teacher : he is good at his subject ; in fact , very good . And it goes beyond the patterns , established or sought , of numbers . He has a good mind and , one piece of homework aside , a fine memory . Being interested in the world , its stories , peoples , advancements and pastimes , makes him interesting to boys and adults alike . He is great company for all from classroom to common room , via oval boundary , intermission cup of tea , recess duty and Nagambie Lake bank .
Marrying the best of his school to the care of each Scotch boy has been central to Rob ’ s deep association with the Scotch community , and his hopes and aspirations for its advancement . His was not the desire to reproduce the Scotch of his day , rather
to thoughtfully nurture the best of his day to meet the changing needs for each generation to advance with confidence beyond its line of sight , and for each boy to find his niche and flourish .
Possessing the mathematician ’ s eye for pattern , confidence to work with uncertainty and stubbornness never to buckle when the going gets tough ( lunch at the Montpellier excepted ), Rob misses very little amidst the complex dance of human interaction . Listening not just to words but to that which lies behind them , he is master of discerning when to affirm and encourage , when to politely question and when to hold the line .
Head of the Lithgow Foyer Gang of Three , Rob led the detailed analysis that ensured the best realisation of educational initiatives . That the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science , Spencer Centre for Design and Technology , Keon-Cohen Dining Hall and House Rooms and student precinct blend functional need with teaching ’ s relational premise is consequence of long , often late , hours of sharp , joyful , productive exchange .
Those for whom Scotch is both school and home held special place in Rob ’ s mind , and the continued advancement of a communal , caring environment for each boy and member of staff on the Hill owes much to his work , restructuring rosters , duties and responsibilities across the boarding houses .
As colleague , educator , friend and principal it was a joy and privilege to work with Rob , as it is to continue the friendship . I remain indebted for his support , insight and commitment to the cause . I learnt much from him and enjoyed the journey .
With sharp , laconic humour and good grace , great humility , patience and wit , keen insight and ready agility , Rob advanced his school for the benefit of those who matter most . From the honing of ideas into practice , through the joys and slings and arrows of school life to his favoured spot at the whiteboard oche , he was a great force for good and an endless source of support and encouragement for all . The fruits of his mind and labours over the course of his 40-year association with his school are entwined in its fabric .
Rob was clear at all times about the primacy of the boys in all matters in his school , as he was about the importance of humour , particularly that directed at oneself , when shouldering responsibility for the serious work of advancing their cause . Boys miss little – they know and respect those who care . Strains of Waltzing McLaren ringing from the Green Grandstand carried their message : Scotch boys reserve their praise for their most treasured .
I know of none to have done more for that which they love , and wish Rob and Andrea every happiness .
As they say in the East End of my home city , a true gent . Tom Batty
GEOFF WEMYSS Geoff Wemyss started his teaching career at Scotch College in 1977 . In 1981 / 82 he taught at Trinity Grammar School but , being a past student and School Captain of Scotch , he returned in 1983 to the school he loves . Apart from a year on exchange at the Belmont Hill School in Boston , Geoff has given 45 years of dedicated and inspiring service to Scotch College .
Geoff relished being in the classroom to share his passion for Mathematics . Regularly he could be found providing additional assistance for boys who might be struggling with a mathematical idea or simply require some reassurance . He also enjoyed working with his colleagues in the Mathematics Department , where he was willing to share his expertise and to discuss teaching ideas for mutual benefit .
Geoff was Coordinator of Year 7 and 8 Mathematics ( 1985-1990 ), a role where he ably mentored and provided curriculum
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