Great Scot May 2020 Great Scot 159_MAY 2020_ONLINE_V3 | Page 3

MESSAGE
MR TOM BATTY
SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
COVID-19
THE SCOTCH COLLEGE RESPONSE
Maintaining the rhythms of Scotch life
Along with other Great Scot contributors, I penned my article
back in mid-February when the world was a somewhat different
place. I determined to publish my piece because I feel it important
that we continue, wherever possible, to maintain the rhythms of
Scotch life. I believe this because they have been honed over
time and endorse the familiarity we crave, but also for pragmatic
reason: the times are fluid and the landscape in which I now type
on 26 th March is again likely to be quite different to that in which this
magazine arrives for your viewing.
The School’s initial response to COVID-19 has covered three
main areas: the core operations of the School; the ‘soft’ Scotch
beyond its core operations; and, of course, great thought has been
given to financial matters.
Core operations include: the delivery of the academic curriculum;
the delivery of the co-curriculum; the growth and pastoral care of
the boys, including boarders; the growth and care of the staff; the
care of our grounds and buildings; and ensuring compliance with
regulatory requirements.
The key instruments in this time of remote learning are our
Learning Management System (Canvas), which provides the vehicle
through which teachers and pastoral carers deliver lessons and
engage with boys, and Zoom, through which the meetings of the
School which turn the cogs have continued to function. Amidst
Canvas resides Scotch Streams, devised by School Captain, Will
Dixon, the Prefects and Dean of Students, David Brown, as a means
of maintaining some of the facets of the School that make Scotch
what it is for the boys: ‘Assembly’ style video posts from Principal,
Chaplains and School Captain; a quiz on Scotch lore developed by
Archivist, Paul Mishura; tips on maintaining routines; instructional
videos on how to scan and upload work; forums for online chess,
political discussion, football chat, fitness routines, etc.
The School has also (and this continues) given thought to ways
in which it might return, perhaps, initially, in different form, to a more
normal physical operation of core business, including life on the Hill.
‘Soft’ Scotch matters beyond the core are those which pull tight
and give rich hue to the individual strands of the Scotch tartan.
The formal and informal engagements that breathe life into the
School beyond that which is readily reckoned: our connection and
engagement with our community - the place of Scotch in the lives of
others. Our key instrument here is the developing Keeping Scotch
Connected zone of the website, www.scotch.vic.edu.au/keeping-
scotch-connected.aspx which features information and engagement
across eight sections: Keeping Everyone Safe, Chaplaincy, Our
Community (including OSCA), Health and Wellbeing, Boys, Teaching
and Learning, Boarding and Staff.
Each section has a designated member of staff responsible
for propagating interest and content. The first four sections are in
the public domain, while the last four sit behind the firewall. Some
material will appear in more than one section. The spirit is that of a
parish magazine, or perhaps a weekend magazine. As noted in my
letter to parents, it will evolve with time and we beg your patience!
Scotch is blessed with a remarkable community. It is the source
of our strength, confidence and vitality.
Amidst the current uncertainty, it is such communal attributes
that will rise to see people, families and communities navigate
adversity and reinforce the foundations of the life we cherish. It is
clear we will be stronger together.
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot
1