Parents' Association

The Scotch sailing programme has been given a big boost with funding approved this month by the PA for the purchase of three Pacer dinghies - which represents the start of Scotch having its own sailing fleet. Scotch Head of Sailing Brad Watson said " the sailing programme at Scotch had grown exponentially, with boys from Years 7 to 12 now being offered sailing training every day of the week." The purchase of the three Pacers will ultimately lead to considerable cost savings for the School, which has been hiring Pacer boats at local yacht clubs. The acquisition will also increase accessibility of sailing to more boys throughout outdoor education and learn to sail programmes.

The PA also approved three other applications at the May 12 meeting. These included:

• The purchase of 24 programmable robots called Spheros for a trial project in maths extension classes in the Junior School classes of Years 1 to 5. The Sphero is the world's first app-enabled robotic ball and fuses programming with maths and science. We hope this trial leads to the School being able to have 100 of these units to provide exciting learning opportunities for the boys.

• Training equipment for football - four weighted tackle bags, four large freestanding rebound nets and four hand held rebound nets. These items will enhance the skills development of football players across Years 7 to 12;

• Funding for a Human Rights, Arts and Film Festival to be held at Scotch on June 28 for Year 12 students.

The next Parents' Association meeting will be held on Wednesday 10 June and Scotch students and parent support groups are invited to forward their requests for funding to Kate Quinn, Director of Marketing and Business Development. The funding is made available through the parent levies of $25/term and is reviewed and/or approved at each PA meeting.

Gary Pyne

President

Parents' Association