Scotch College teacher says ‘very core of the school is being shaken’

Parents at Scotch College are claiming victory after the 170-year-old elite school backed down on a timetabling change amid concerns over the principal’s management style and budget decisions.

Scotch College parents are claiming victory with the 170-year-old elite school backing down on plans to dismiss students at 1.50pm instead of 3.30pm on Thursdays next year.

Principal Dr Scott Marsh, who is coming under fire from staff and parents for his management style and budget decisions, has reassured families the new timetable will “continue to offer an 8.30am to 3.30pm provision for students every day of the week”.

“By increasing academic time for core subjects, removing excessive pockets of transition or ‘down time’ between classes and restructuring the flow of the day, our boys will ultimately be better equipped to achieve”.

Previous plans had the boys dismissed at 1.50pm to allow for teacher collaboration and training, raising concerns about staff redundancies and the value of the education at the school which costs $40,000 a year by grade 12.

Dr Marsh said the school would hold parenting information evenings next term and would continue consulting with staff.

A change.org petition started by a parent claimed victory, saying they were pleased the school would “maintain its traditional hours”.

Scotch College principal Dr Scott Marsh. Picture: Supplied

“This outcome is directly attributed to the collective effort of our community, which gathered over 650 signatures in just three days,” the petition organiser said. “I am deeply grateful to each of you for your invaluable support and dedication. Your willingness to defend our school’s tradition has truly made a difference. I want to thank the Principal and the school administration for considering the voices within our community and making a decision that supports the best interests of the students,” he said.

Dr Marsh continues to be a divisive figure at the historic school.

One staff member noted that while Dr Marsh spoke against the school having to pay more than $3m a year in the new state payroll tax from July, he was continuing to spend money on international travel, new campuses and new staff appointments, including two new social media managers.

The spending includes trips to Southeast Asia this week for a Scotch Family Singapore Dinner at the Singapore Cricket Club at a cost of $165 per person.

In March, Dr Marsh and other school leaders travelled to Hong Kong and Shanghai to attend cocktail receptions gala events.

Dr Marsh also announced the purchase of a new campus, Fairhaven, a 175-hectare property in Mallacoota.

Spending and timetabling changes have upset teachers and parents. Picture: Tony Gough

The campus cost $3.7m but will need considerable additional investment before it can be used for outdoor education and camps.

The school also spent funds renovating the principal’s residence on campus, Cattenach House, which is in the boarding precinct, prior to Dr Marsh arriving.

One staff member told the Herald Sun such spending came as the “Common Room Association was told teachers will now be disallowed from leaving early when they have no classes in the afternoon and budget cuts are being imposed on academic departments and rises in fees and discontent over new rushed timetable changes”.

Yet another said the school “school continues to appoint externally, with many current personnel being overlooked for senior positions”.

They said existing staff were described as “too scotch” and overlooked for positions.

“Personnel are leaving in droves because they can’t work with Dr Marsh — the very core of the school is being shaken,” the staff member said.

A change.org petition arguing against the timetable change, started by a parent, David Chu, has now attracted more than 600 signatures.

It’s an unprecedented move at the highly conservative school.

Mr Chu told the Herald Sun he loved the school but the timetable “tweak” was a “big change with little information”.

“We believe Dr Marsh wants the school to be better but there was little transparency or information about this decision or why it would be better for the students,” he said.

Dr Marsh’s plans.

Another parent told the Herald Sun her son, a boarder, was told he could “spend the afternoon at the pool” on Thursdays after lunch.

The school has been contacted for comment.