Serving and evolving for 125 years

Serving and evolving for 125 years

Chair of Council Mr Mark Paganin

As you read this edition of Clan, the College is well into recognising and celebrating its 125th anniversary which will culminate in an all of Scotch community event on Saturday 3 December on campus.

I believe it is timely to devote a focus of this report to reflect on what it means for our institution to be part of the fabric of the Western Australian educational landscape on the same campus for such a long period of time.

OSCs collectively number over 16,500. The experience each OSC has had during their formative years whilst at the College has resulted in a broad contribution to the communities in which they have chosen to live both within Australia and around the globe. The OSCs are the connection that binds the College and will continue to do so in the future. They continue to make a tangible contribution to the College in so many ways which benefits the current students. It is truly a sense of belonging for life. On behalf of the Council, we salute our OSCs, the foundation of our history.

The challenge for any institution, educational or otherwise, that has been in existence for this period of time is to continue to evolve and remain relevant to its purpose. I can assure you that the Council, Executive and staff are aligned on these objectives whilst always remaining true to our values and the traditions of the College. We, as a Council, are aware that we serve Scotch for a moment in time. We are proud custodians in the role we undertake however, the real leadership and work is undertaken by our Headmaster, Dr Alec O’Connell, and his staff who are on campus guiding the boys daily and developing and preparing them for life.

Whilst we remain proud of the history of Scotch College as well as where it is today, we are committed to striving to deliver and enhance a valuable educational experience for the boys. Every key decision of the Council is tested against – ‘Is this in the best interests of the boys?’

As we approach the end of the year, we are looking forward to the completion and opening of the redevelopment of the iconic Boatshed. The Scotch community has certainly enjoyed the refurbished Gooch Pavilion which has been utilised for many different purposes during the course of the year be that for extracurricular activities, sports days, pipe band, parent, staff and student functions. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing but, it has proven to be most functional.

To my fellow Council members, thank you for your continued energy, connection, and availability to the College. This is even more impressive given all of you are leaders in your own field and have full commitments in your family and working lives.

To the Class of 2022, our Year 12s. All the very best, may you enjoy your last year at Scotch College and celebrate that with your family and friends.