OSCA
HOW OSCA ADVANCES THE CONCEPTS OF BEAUTY , GOODNESS AND TRUTH
MR STEPHEN WEBSTER (' 73 ) OSCA PRESIDENT
A STRATEGY OF PROVIDING REASONS AND WAYS TO CONNECT AS WELL AS OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE BACK
ABOVE RIGHT : IT WAS GREAT TO BE THERE WHEN THE OLD SCOTCH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RETURNED TO THE STAGE OF THE IAN ROACH HALL ON 24 MARCH . THIS RE-ENERGISED AND TALENTED GROUP PUT ON
AN AMAZING CONCERT WHICH CAPTIVATED THE
AUDIENCE .
As Old Scotch Collegians , we have directly benefited from an educational foundation that embodies the transcendent ideals of beauty , goodness and truth symbolised by the school ’ s colours of cardinal , gold and blue . OSCA has a unique opportunity to actively advance these noble concepts , through its strategy of providing the Scotch Family with reasons and ways to connect and opportunities to give back . By doing so we strengthen this rich narrative to discern truth , make wise decisions and pursue beauty across all present and future endeavours .
OSCA provides the opportunity to appreciate and create beauty as one of the highest expressions of the human spirit . OSCA promotes and supports the aesthetic souls of the Scotch Family through such activities as the brilliant productions of the Old Scotch Music and Drama Club and the uplifting performances of the Old Scotch Symphony Orchestra and the Concordis choir . Through OSCA ’ s support , Old Boys and members of the Scotch Family can express their talents for the benefit of the community .
Goodness manifests itself through OSCA by providing alumni with the opportunity to give their time , expertise and wisdom in a variety of diverse activities . They can support and participate in the Future Pathways program of the school , to help shape and guide the decisions that students must make about their life beyond the Monash Gates or in the industrybased networking opportunities for alumni .
By joining one of OSCA ’ s many clubs and societies , they can pursue their sporting or other interests with other members of the Scotch Family , and benefit from
the powerful model of ethical conduct , integrity and commitment to the service of those who have gone before . Crucially , OSCA upholds the value of truth through its support of a comprehensive and humane curriculum based on Christian values that prepares students to grapple with complexity , and to think critically and empirically by steadfastly adhering to the facts . OSCA retells the stories of Old Boys who have a quest for truth that pushes the boundaries of knowledge into new frontiers and are exemplars for all .
By actively advancing these aspirations , OSCA reflects the school as a bastion of beauty , goodness and truth that positively impacts students , the rest of the Scotch Family and through them , the wider community . The relationships built through the bonds of shared experience and purpose reverberate across generations and become the profound connections that are the Cardinal Thread . In essence , OSCA and the Scotch Family uphold the highest customs of its traditions while ensuring that Scotch remains a contemporary force for enlightenment .
The true legacy of Scotch extends far beyond the mere conveying of facts or skills . Its greatest impact is the cultivation of human potential towards personal fulfilment and the betterment of the world around us . With beauty providing inspiration , goodness providing compassionate drive and truth providing enlightened direction , OSCA works in perpetuity to support the work of the school to produce successive generations of men with good character who shape the world around them , and in doing so , they honour the past while benefiting the future .
72 Great Scot Issue 171 – Edition 1 2024