FOUNDATION
MR MIKE SIM (' 78 ) PRESIDENT OF THE SCOTCH COLLEGE FOUNDATION
MAIN OVAL PAVILION IS THE NEXT BUILDING DEVELOPMENT AT SCOTCH
ABOVE : BACK VIEW
OF MAIN OVAL PAVILION
* ARCHITECTURAL RENDERS SUBJECT
TO CHANGE .
** THIS PROJECT IS YET TO BE APPROVED BY
SCHOOL COUNCIL .
Created in 1973 , the Scotch College Foundation was the first of its kind for independent schools in Australia . One only has to look around the campus today to see the legacy of its work to date . From the recently departed Physics and Chemistry building , opened in 1976 , to the Errington Retreat , which will be opened in early 2024 for our boarding community , the impact of the generosity of our community is there for all to see .
Perhaps less identifiable , but no less important , is the Foundation ’ s sponsorship of much of the school ’ s scholarship program since 1973 . More than 500 boys have attended Scotch through the philanthropic commitment of the Scotch Family .
On 29 November at the Foundation ’ s 50th Birthday Party at Scotch , former Principal Dr Gordon Donaldson AM launched the 50th anniversary history of the Foundation , a book painstakingly prepared by staff members Paul Mishura and David Ashton (’ 65 ), and including written contributions from former staff members Bruce Brown (’ 60 ) and Alan Watkinson . This 300-page book paints a vivid picture of the Foundation and its first 50-year achievements . From biographies of the Foundation Presidents and Executive Directors , to interviews with generous donors and scholarship recipients , this visually spectacular account is a must read for all with a keen interest in Scotch .
Scotch College Foundation members will be provided with a complimentary copy , in recognition of their generosity , and copies of the book are available for purchase from the Foundation Office for $ 50 ( including GST ).
On the same night we revealed conceptual plans for a much-needed replacement pavilion for the Main Oval . The current pavilion , opened in 1965 , has functionally served Scotch boys well since that date , but by today ’ s standards , it is not fit for purpose . In keeping with our past record of only constructing buildings with a genuine need , the next building development at Scotch will be a state-of-the-art pavilion with the following proposed inclusions :
• Home and away team changeroom facilities for both the Main Oval and the Melville Oval , with associated Scotch support rooms and spaces that
will see our boys be proud to pull on their cardinal guernsey or cricket creams .
• An upper floor with a large social room offering sweeping views across the Main Oval to the Memorial Hall , James Forbes Academy and the Littlejohn Memorial Chapel , and with covered seating in front of it and above the cricket sightscreens . Think MCC Members ’ Pavilion here .
• Four indoor cricket nets , which can be turned into a multipurpose area running out onto the Melville Oval .
The official name of the new Main Oval pavilion was also announced by Chair of Council Alex Sloan (’ 71 ).
It needs to be noted that this project is yet to be approved by School Council and final design work is still being completed . Planning permissions are also required . The school also needs to create a new Grounds Team facility prior to the commencement of construction on the Main Oval Pavilion , with works here planned to begin later in 2024 .
The generosity of our community will again be central to the school ’ s ability to deliver important projects like this . I look forward to our community ’ s continued support as we strive to make Scotch everything it can be for each boy fortunate enough to attend it . I am confident that we can face the next stages of the school ’ s development with a strong sense of achievement and optimism , in the belief that the Foundation ’ s best years are ahead of it .
With 2023 coming to an end , I would like to thank the Foundation Office for all that they do . They encourage the Scotch Family to get on board to deliver the school ’ s dreams , whether it be our building developments or the various scholarships that we are endeavouring to endow , to ensure that Scotch remains a diverse school in so many ways . Tim Shearer has done an amazing job , while also providing oversight of our 50th anniversary celebrations . Where Thy Towers Thou Proudly Rearest is a wonderful and warm summary of the first 50 years of the Foundation .
I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a happy Christmas and New Year , as we look forward to the Foundation ’ s second half-century , starting in 2024 .
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 73