Great Scot September 2019 Great Scot 157_September 2019_ONLINE | Page 4

Chairman
Scotch values give direction
in a world of change
HON. DR DAVID KEMP AC
SCHOOL COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN
TOP: MS EMMA
GATES ENGAGES
WITH BOYS IN A
SCIENCE CLASS
2
In a world of startling changes, it is more important
than ever to provide schooling that helps our children
understand and master those changes. It is important
for them personally, for their communities and for
Australia. Scotch College is exceptionally well placed
to provide such schooling, and with the support of the
Scotch community, is working to empower its boys to
embrace the opportunities of this remarkable era.
The changes in our world that schools must adjust
to are too many to list comprehensively, but they
include information technology and social media, and
the pressures on individuals and communities arising
from these media. Simultaneously, governments with
limited information increasingly attempt to micro-
manage change through ever-greater regulation, with
the risk of undermining the ability of citizens – press,
businesses, schools, churches and communities – to
adapt effectively on their own account.
Some of the changes that are occurring are very
positive, especially the growing recognition in our
Great Scot Number 157 – September 2019
liberal culture of the common humanity of every
person on this planet, and the growth of a global
society, that holds out the promise of achieving a more
humane world. Yet within some nations arbitrary
authoritarian governments are once again provoking
civil strife and causing massive humanitarian disasters,
while in democracies there are always those who wish
to force their own opinions on others.
In one way or another, all such changes impinge on
Scotch (and other schools). While increased regulation
by governments adds to costs, and new technologies
such as mobile phones demand appropriate handling,
Scotch as an independent school is able to use its
independence to define for itself the best way to
handle pressures, and take advantage of exceptional
opportunities now arising. The School Council
is determined to restrain the growth in fees while
ensuring that Scotch remains able to attract the best
teachers and support them in their professional task
with leading facilities and exemplary grounds.