From the Head of Middle School

Moray is always a highlight for Scotch boys. Camping out, using a map and compass to navigate their way through the bush, experiencing the adrenalin rush of a high ropes work out or contemplating 200m of bubbling white water as they sit in their canoe waiting their turn to go down the rapids. Boys discover a lot about themselves, and their mates at Moray. They learn they can manage themselves, and that perseverance pays off. Boys also learn new skills and in more recent times they have learnt that they can live device free, at least for a week.

The Australian Bureau of Statistic puts the percentage of West Australians living in an urban setting as 89.4%, slightly higher than the national average of 88.4%. Thirty years ago WA's urban population percentage was 72%. The migration from the bush and rural area into the city has been steady. One consequence is the urban sprawl, spreading further outward pushing open space and bush further out. The chance to go down to the swamp or the remnant bush to 'play' is disappearing, along with the problem- solving opportunities that unstructured play in unstructured settings can offer. Moray is far from unstructured, but it is an extended chunk of time where boys can reconnect with nature, forge new dimensions to their friendships and rely on themselves more than they normally do. Our Year 8 Moray Programme commences next week. As Winter approaches I can only suggest a beanie and an extra jumper will be worth their weight in the backpack.

Middle School Staff offer a supervised Homework Club in the MS/JS Library. It is tremendously helpful for boys who want additional time or help to complete tasks, or for study and revision:

Monday: 7:40am-8:10am and 3:30pm-4:30pm
Wednesday: 7:40am-8:10am and 3:30pm-4:30pm
Thursday: 7:40am-8:10am and 3:30pm-4:30pm

NAPLAN assessments for Year 7 commence next week, and are scheduled as a part of the normal timetable each morning:

Tuesday 9 May: Language Conventions 40 minutes & Writing 45 minutes
Wednesday 10 May: Reading 65 minutes
Thursday 11 May: Numeracy 60 minutes
Friday 12 May: Catch-up Day

Thank you for your attendance at the Supporting Your Son in the MYP session last Friday. Presentation notes are now up on the MS Portal of Parent Connect.

Mr Richard Ledger
Head of Middle School