Cheers to 125 Years!

2022 was a year of celebration for Scotch College – 125 years since our school was founded and the 75th year since the Pipe Band was formed.

As with all significant milestones, it is important we come together to celebrate.

The 125th Anniversary Cocktail Party certainly gave the Scotch community an opportunity to celebrate in style as 650 guests gathered on the Senior School oval to celebrate this historic milestone.

Guests arrived to the warm welcome of a traditional smoking ceremony and a red carpet flanked by historic images of the College, past students, Headmasters and events that have marked the College’s journey from 1897 through to the present day.

Guests were welcomed with a South Beach aperitivo cocktail on arrival and the sounds of school ensembles, Figgy Tuna and 76 Shenton.

A cultural dance by Indigenous Student Programme Coordinator, Micheal Spratt and his family members, sand painting and Welcome to Country connected the guests to the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which our College campuses stand, the Whadjuk Noongar people and Wilman Noongar people.

Headmaster, Dr Alec O’Connell and Chair of Council, Mark Paganin spoke about the significance of this milestone anniversary and how the College’s rich and diverse history and cultures brings us together as a community.

Thanks to our event sponsors, guests enjoyed local wines from Franklin Estate and Wise Winery and local craft beer from Gage Roads whilst our amazing catering team from Chartwells provided a delicious array of food. Thanks also to our Scotch Parents Community Choir, Scotch College Pipe Band A Team, the Scotch Jazz Big Band, and the Gallus Ceildih Band who provided endless entertainment throughout the night. To have so much home-grown talent within our student, staff and parent community made the evening even more special.

The highlight of the night was no doubt the finale as guests were treated to a Scotch College first; a combined performance of Bagpipes (played by Pipe Major Alex Pigneguy), the Didgeridoo (played by Micheal Spratt) and our Parents Community Choir. It created a unique musical medley and together with the projection of historic archival photos onto the Dickinson Centre and fireworks, this was a celebration to be remembered for a long time. So, cheers to 125 years!

Rachael Venn Event Coordinator