Great Scot May 2020 Great Scot 159_MAY 2020_ONLINE_V3 | Page 41

Interview:
TONY HENNESSY
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I went to school at Xavier College, where
I studied Latin, Ancient Greek and French. I
was greatly influenced by a very fine teacher,
Mr David Murphy, who taught me all three
subjects. He was an outstanding scholar and
a dedicated teacher who always encouraged
students in a positive way, and this helped us
to gain a love of languages and the classics.
At which schools have you taught Latin
prior to arriving at Scotch, and were you
involved in any extracurricular activities?
I began my teaching career at Xavier,
where I taught Latin and Greek for 15 years,
as well as English and Drama. I also directed
many drama productions, mainly the plays
of Shakespeare, but also Oedipus the King,
Twelve Angry Men and Gentle Memories.
I also taught Latin at PLC and Melbourne
Grammar School.
Was Latin taught at Scotch from its
foundation through to the present day?
There was a period of more than 20
years when Latin was not offered as a
subject. Most fortunately, Mr Batty reinstated
Latin in 2013 and the subject is thriving in
its renaissance. The number of students
choosing to study it has grown remarkably.
What do students like about Latin?
I think the structure of the subject
appeals to them, and of course it is one
of the main languages from which English
is derived. Students are also inspired by
the fact that after just two and a half years
of studying Latin they have the ability to
translate the original Latin works of Julius
Caesar, Horace, Virgil and other classical
authors; something that will stay with them
for the rest of their lives. Many Latin students
Latin Teacher
also study Ancient History, and the two
subjects complement each other perfectly.
What interests do you have away from
school?
I enjoy reading, especially historical
novels. I am a keen Geelong Football Club
supporter, and I also enjoy cricket and
tennis.
What are your favourite places at
Scotch?
I have to say the Latin classroom
is certainly one of them. I also like the
Quadrangle with its beautiful weeping elm
tree surrounded by lawns and flower beds.
I enjoy being by the foursquare courts
where students play so energetically – it is a
wonderful Scotch College institution.
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot
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