Scotch College

From the Principal September 2000

'Celebrating the Vision'

As 2001 approaches, Scotch College is preparing to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of our Foundation in 1851. A great deal of planning, under the Chairmanship of Bruce Lithgow, has been done and a memorable year is assured. The theme for the year is Celebrating the Vision, and there is much to celebrate:

The vision of James Forbes in establishing a school that became the Scotch College we know today.

The vision of generations of members of Council, leading Scotch from Spring Street to East Melbourne then to Hawthorn, and developing our magnificent Hawthorn campus.

The vision of generations of teachers who have developed the potential of tens of thousands of students.

The vision of today's Scotch Family - Council, Staff, Old Scotch Collegians, Foundation, Parents and Boys - providing top quality education, preparing boys for their futures.

An exciting program of very special events has been planned. Details are in the accompanying brochure and deserve detailed scrutiny.

Three major functions will appeal to the entire Scotch family. The first, on 16 February is a torch relay and walkathon, starting in Spring Street and culminating at a whole school ceremony at the Main Oval. We expect a huge audience at a very special Foundation Day Concert, on 31 August at the National Tennis Centre. Family Day, on 13 October, will involve Junior and Senior School students and families in an extra-special day of activities and sports.

The Old Scotch Collegians Dinner, on 6 October, will be another extraordinary occasion and the very exciting 'Dinner on the Main' on 24 March, will be unforgettable for all who attend.

These are only a few of the events for our special year and we are indebted to everyone who has contributed so much to the detailed planning.

While looking back with gratitude and appreciation, Scotch maintains a vigorous forward looking outlook. Our business is the preparation of young men for their futures, so development of programs and facilities remains a high priority.

This outlook is demonstrated by the decision to install a major upgrade to our central computer system, to establish a fast intranet and internet service, accessible to all students and staff from home or in school. This will mark another huge stride forward in our provision of high quality technical enhancement of the school's educational provisions.

Another important development is the response to requests from some families to introduce 'weekly boarding' where boys reside in boarding during the week but return to their families at weekends. It is appropriate that the advantages of boarding, including supervised study, access to school facilities and contact with residential teaching staff, all within a comfortable and friendly environment, become available to a wider group of Scotch students.

The special events planned for 2001 will enhance these innovative developments, ensuring a remarkable year in prospect for Scotch.

F G Donaldson