A Sensational Summer Term in Middle School
As we arrive at the end of a fantastically engaging Summer Term and ready ourselves for Autumn Term, and our winter programme, it is worthwhile to reflect on some of the activity and learning over the past ten weeks.
It was an exciting start to term as we welcomed many new boys to Middle School in both Year 6 and Year 7 and watched them come to grips with the traditions and opportunities available at Scotch College. Old boys returned to Middle School from holidays and reconnected with old friends and established new connections. The Middle School was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm.
Looking back on our calendar, we have had a wonderfully eventful term. Every boy had the opportunity to participate in an Outdoor Education Programme. Year 7 boys spent four days in the bush at Moray, sleeping out under the stars, rafting on the river and challenging themselves on the climbing wall and ropes course. Moray also hosted a combined Year 6 and Hougang Singapore School weekend which proved once again to be a highlight of our visiting Singaporean students' time at Scotch. Hougang School will host our Year 7 boys during Week 10 of Winter Term. Year 6 boys participated in a Surfing programme at Scarborough Beach, which will be complimented later in the year when they travel to Lancelin in Spring Term for their Outdoor Education camp.
Swimming was a prominent feature of the term, and on the noticeboard outside Mr Felgate's office is a record of swim times of boys who have achieved personal bests during the season. A number of new boys represented the College for their very first time in the JPSSA and PSA Inter-School swimming carnivals.
Community Service was again enthusiastically supported across the Middle School as we raised money for the Leukaemia Foundation. Central to this was the World's Greatest Shave event, with Jonah Benbow (7M) and Mr Peter Tresise (7T) sponsored to shave their hair for the cause. Raffles, cake stalls, sport competitions and many other activities that the boys organised both inside and outside the school all contributed to the fundraising, and at the time of writing we have raised $4366.00!
Last week the Middle School Drama production "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" hit the stage with three performances given to delighted crowds. Congratulations to all the boys involved, and to Miss Emma Payne and the Drama Department for putting together such a demanding show.
At Open Day this year I listened to Dr McEwan, Head of Senior School, speak to parents and boys visiting on the day. He made a comment; "it's the habits of the boy that become the character of the man". This quote has stuck with me as it resonates strongly what our mission in Middle School is. One of the habits we work very hard at developing in Middle School is the habit of being prepared, of being ready to be in a position to maximise time in class or as opportunities present themselves. As we congratulate the actors in "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" they will be the first to tell us that the key to the success of their production was their rehearsal. The preparation is everything.
During the holidays we have a group of 45 musicians and singers who will perform at the Fairbridge Music Festival on Anzac Day. They have been preparing and rehearsing before school all term, and listening to them practise last Wednesday was mind-blowing. They will be fantastic! As we wish them well for their performance they are also a reminder to us of the value of being prepared, of being organised, of being ready.
I would like to thank all of our Middle School parents of your support this term. For attending the various parent functions, parent meetings, cheering from the sidelines at sport events, working behind the scenes baking, supervising homework and arranging early morning drop offs and late afternoon pick up. Your efforts and time are most appreciated. It has been a valuable and productive term. Enjoy your holiday and Easter break and I look forward to welcoming you back in Autumn Term.
Richard Ledger
Head of Middle School
