Opening of the Middle School

Last week we celebrated the opening of our new Middle School building. Such moments are very rare and I would like to thank everyone involved in making stage one so successful. I would especially like to acknowledge our Chair of Council, Mr Richard Goyder AO, who officially opened the building. At the end of this year Richard will be stepping down as our Chair of Council. His oversight and governance of Council throughout the planning and implementation phase of the project has been invaluable. At the completion of stage two there will be an official opening for the whole College to celebrate and acknowledge everyone involved in the bringing both stages to a successful conclusion. We envisage this will take place sometime after July 2014.

Earlier this year the College applied to become part of the Round Square group of schools. The application process included a written submission as to how we fitted the ideals of the association. As a result of a successful first stage application, a panel consisting of two Round Square Heads from overseas and within Australia then visited us. I am very pleased to inform the community that last week we received formal notification that our application was successful.

The Round Square organisation comprises a group of more than 100 schools around the world that share a common belief in the importance of internationalism, democracy, environmental education, outdoor education, student leadership and service (IDEALS). Round Square is an exceptionally good fit for our school. The reason for applying for membership was that the six pillars of the round square association provide an umbrella framework for all of the co-curricular and other non-subject specific activities that Scotch does so well.

The benefits of joining Round Square for Scotch include:

• Membership of an international organisation that values investment in experiential structures built around the curriculum
• Illuminating the structural cross-beams which already give strength to our brand of schooling - such as Outdoor Education, Leadership and Service
• Gaining immediate access to a network of compatible schools overseas for student exchanges
• Opportunities for boys in Middle and Senior Schools to attend international conferences on issues related to internationalism, democracy, environmental education, outdoor education, student leadership and service
• Expansion of opportunities for students to join overseas service projects - as individuals
• Opportunities for staff to become overseas service Project Leaders
• Creation of an International Alumni for networking beyond school for our students
• Opportunities for Scotch to influence other member schools and take a leadership role in initiatives
• Opportunities for Scotch as a Round Square member to lever the resources of the organisation on behalf of our partner schools in India, Cambodia, Tanzania and Indonesia
• Adding to the professional international links already established which further consolidates our standing as an International School
• Strengthens the position of Scotch with regard to a partnership with a new school (also Round Square) in China - due to open in 2014

While this is only the start of our Round Square journey, in years to come all students from Years 1-12 will benefit from our involvement in this worldwide association.

Some of our Year 12s are still involved in examinations so I ask you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We look forward to celebrating in their achievements.

Dr A J O'Connell

Headmaster

Our College campuses received a timely upgrade thanks to the generous assistance of the Parents Association who had the foresight to see the need for well identifiable waste stations around the school. These products are made of recycled plastic hence reducing their footprint. While are aesthetically pleasing they serve a very specific purpose: reducing Scotch College's waste footprint. Unsurprisingly with anything new, there are a few teething issues with the bins needing to be used effectively. With the right information and proper education every one in our community can make the right choices. Boys need to put any recyclable product (such as empty plastic bottles, milk cartons, cardboard, paper or aluminium cans) into the yellow bins. All other general waste (such as food, glad wrap and metallic or flimsy plastic packaging) should go in the red bin. The same concept has been introduced in the library. The attached pictures illustrate this in more detail. A little common sense is needed to make this work and every student's contribution in respecting our campus is not only appreciated, but very much expected of a Scotch boy.

Wellbeing

As a School Psychologist I am reminded daily of the vital role parents play in a boy's journey through adolescence. Parents often feel irrelevant, obsolete even… yet they retain significant influence on their son's academic, social and emotional development. Good parenting, as with the 'terrible twos', is as important as ever.

Once, long ago, when I was having a rough time and talked it over on a walk with my Dad, I thanked him afterwards for his wise counsel. Which bemused him; as he said "the only sound that came from me was 'Mmm'". But such is the power of listening that even sympathetic noises made a palpable difference. The art of listening is not in itching for him to stop so you can tell him what to do, but in helping him find the tranquillity that comes with unburdening himself.

When waters are troubled, as they often are at this stage in the life cycle, the beacon on the horizon is always to do what you can, as a parent, to stay connected. To keep communicating and showing you care. It is also important to know when and how to get help, if you are worried.

School holidays that offer a time to recharge, reconnect and relax as a family can also throw up challenges. Should you have concerns about your son's wellbeing over the holidays, information on the attachment may assist. Meanwhile there are few better ways of showing your care this Christmas than by just listening.

Shauna Lipscombe

School Psychologist, Senior School

We've Moved

The external website (www.scotch.wa.edu.au) is the public face of our College; as such it is one of our major marketing arms through which to share our stories and give prospective families a sense of who we are and for what we stand.

For current parents home.scotch.wa.edu.au is the place where you will continue to access most of what you require. This can also be entered via the 'Current Parent' tab on the new external site.

So please note that the following items have now been moved to home.scotch

• Sports Fixtures
• Sports Results
• Canteen Menu's
• Calendar
• Term Dates

Parenting Ideas

The College would like to support parents in the parenting role. Parent-Teen Connection courses are run twice a year and speakers are invited to address parents on topics relevant to them such as building men of good character and building resilience.

To further support the Scotch Community, the College has subscribed to Parentingideas. Parentingideas is a leading provider of parenting education resources to Australian Schools. Scotch parents can access parenting advice on a wide range of topics and themes such as;

• Life skills for children
• Kids, school and learning
• Social challenges and
• Children and behaviour.

We encourage parents to have a look at this exciting resource. Parents can log in to this page: https://ishare.scotch.wa.edu.au/groups/parentingideas/ which is held on the Scotch network.

Absentee Notification

Parents are reminded to inform the respective sub-school of any student absence as soon as possible on the following contact numbers.

Junior School: 9383 6874

Middle School: 9383 6957

Senior School Absentee Line: 9383 6928

COMMUNITY AND SERVICE

Scotch Community Collections

Sweaters for Syria: The response to the appeal for donations of jumpers and other warm items for Syria was very strong in the limited time provided. A large quantity of winter wollies was collected and now heads off as part of a larger Salvation Army appeal. Over a million refugees are facing a bitterly cold winter. Your contribution will help alleviate the suffering for some.

Homeless Connect Day: The generosity continued last week with donations for the City of Perth and Volunteering WA Homeless Connect Day appeal. Scotch boys and girls from PLC combined to work on setting up facilities the day before the event. The clothing provided by our community was well received, along with some 50 Street Swags made in a partnership between Scotch College and Bandyup Women's Prison. Some 700 homeless adults and children attended the event to access the services, food and clothing provided.

Operation Santa: The UnitingCare West 'Operation Santa ' appeal is under way. Scotch College supports this appeal each year with donations going to needy families and individuals. Donations of non-perishable food and new toys can now be brought in: to House Heads in the Senior School; or Receptions in Middle and Junior Schools.

Philippines Disaster: The emergency in the Philippines has prompted a number of relief agencies to create specific web sites to make donating easier. The Australian Red Cross ; UNICEF ; Save The Children ; and Oxfam all have tax deductible credit card or Paypal payment arrangements. The boys have been asked to provide a gold coin donation for a collection currently under way. Gold coins can be deposited at collection points nominated in all three sub-schools.

Matipwili Project Update

Many in our community visited the 'Biskuti for Matipwili' stall at the recent Cottesloe Hullabaloo on Napoleon Street. Over $1200 was raised towards building a Trade Training Centre in Matipwili village, Tanzania. The plans for the facility can be viewed here. Further support for this project can be provided through purchasing Peel Estate Wine or unique Scotch Christmas Cards. Members of both Scotch and PLC communities are invited to form tables at the Matipwili Rafiki Quiz Night to be held in the Dickinson Centre on Friday November 22.

Tim's Ride

The bicycle ride to mark the tragic death of Tim Anderson (OSC '02) attracted good support from senior boys and staff. Boys rode and officiated in this event to focus attention on the need for motorists to look out for cyclists and to raise money for a youth scholarship fund.

Mr W Cordner

Music Department

Since the last Thistle edition was published, the Scotch College musicians have been extremely busy. Senior boys performed in a Jazz Combo for the Cottesloe Street Festival " Hullabaloo "

and again outside the new Middle School building prior to the official opening. Junior and Middle School boys performed in their End of Year Concert in the Memorial Hall, String players performed at a String Soiree and the Combined Middle School Ensemble comprising singers, string players, guitars, keyboard and percussion performance magnificently at the ceremonial opening of the new Middle School building. All boys worked very hard to rise to their various performance opportunities and everyone can be very proud of their efforts.

The 2014 Music Handbook has been created and it can also be accessed via the Music Department online wiki. As current enrolments do not carry over into 2014, I strongly encourage all boys who are considering instrumental lessons at Scotch College next year, to complete the appropriate enrolment form by the end of November and submit to Music Administration via email music@scotch.wa.edu.au

https://ishare.scotch.wa.edu.au/groups/thevmdthevirtualmusicdepartment

Upcoming events are below with a special mention of the rehearsal schedule recently emailed in preparation for the three Presentation Assemblies and Speech Nights.

Upcoming events include:

Keyboard Soiree 22 November

Strings Soiree 25 November

Finally, if you are interested in supporting the work of the boys and teachers involved in Music at Scotch College, I encourage you to say hello to the Friends of Scotch Music support group via email FOSM@scotch.wa.edu.au This parent group meets once or twice a term to organize the supper and front of house areas in preparation for concerts. A very important group of parents who have supported music at Scotch for many years.

Uniform Shop

Year 7 Boys

Your son will have most of the uniform required for Year 8, but he will need a few extra items for next year. To avoid having to queue in the Uniform Shop at this busy time of year, we encourage you to make an appointment. Please email uniform@scotch.wa.edu.au or phone 9383-6838 to set up a suitable time during Spring Term. Appointments for current Y7s moving to the Senior School will only be taken for this term. Appointments are not available in January 2014 for boys who are already at the school.

Secondhand Exchange

The Uniform Shop accepts all current items of uniform for resale. All items should be clean. Blazers must be dry cleaned and in good condition. A frayed cuff, worn elbows, very old crests, rips and tears on blazers make them unacceptable for resale. Items will be purchased from you outright as long as they are in good condition and the shop is not overstocked. Bathers, hats, socks and restricted sportswear are not accepted for resale, but will be donated to charity if handed in.

Year 12 Blazers

Year 12 blazers are available for sale. Because of the unknown nature of the overall size of Year 12 boys and to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you come in for sizing ASAP. It is advisable for a parent or guardian to accompany the boy when purchasing.

Holiday Opening Times

During the holidays there will be days available for kitting out new boys on an appointment only basis. Please email the uniform shop for details (huntih@scotch.wa.edu.au).

The Uniform Shop opening hours for the general school community during the holidays are as follows:

9am - 12pm and 1pm - 4pm on the following days:

• 29 January 2014, Wednesday
• 30 January 2014, Thursday
• 31 January 2014, Friday
• 1 February 2014, Saturday
• 3 February 2014, Monday

Normal trading hours resume on Tuesday, 4 February 2014:

Tuesdays 8 am - 5 pm

Thursdays 7.30 am - 11.30 am

Fridays 7.30 am - 11.30 am

Head of Junior School

The Principle of Giving

Recent events in the Philippines and the NSW bushfires remind us of how fortunate we truly are. Living in Australia we are immune to many of the challenges that people in other countries face. The typhoon that hit the Philippines left incredible devastation in its wake. Hundreds of thousands of people are homeless and in desperate need of help. The international community has responded and assistance is being provided from around the globe including Australia.

Our boys have responded as well. They are writing Christmas cards to the children of the Philippines. A small gesture, but nonetheless, one that shows that the boys of Scotch College are thinking about these children and the challenging situation they face and that they are in our prayers

The IB defines a person of principle as one who "acts with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. One who takes responsibility for their actions and their consequences." (IBO)

Over the course of the school year our boys have repeatedly demonstrated that they have this quality. On many occasions I have been approached to approve a special day to raise funds for a worthy cause. Through their PYP Exhibition, the boys of Year 5 considered and developed may different actions they could take to support worthy causes and to make a difference. Friday's Crazy Hair day to mention just one.

Our boys genuinely care for one another and we work with them to develop their empathy for those less fortunate than us. Again they have not let us down in this regard. With the holiday season fast approaching the need to help others increases. The College is taking part in Operation Santa through Uniting Care West that will brighten the Christmas for needy children and families. The canned goods and non-perishable items drive asks for donations that will go to families in need. The Christmas gift shoebox drive asks the boys to put together a shoebox that contains small items for children such coloured pencils or markers, a small colouring book or coloured paper; underwear and socks; soap, toothbrushes, hairbrush or comb; and toys, games or books with no small or missing parts/pages. These gifts will be given to disadvantaged children.

Every small gesture makes a difference and the opportunity to give and to show our principle natures should not be missed. I encourage all families to support these two worthy causes.

John Stewart

Head of Junior School

Important Dates to Remember

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Approaches to Learning

The International Baccalaureate's (IBs) major objectives are "to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect", and "to encourage students to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners".

To align with these goals, the PYP supports student-centred and constructivist learning approaches supporting "whole-child" development. Throughout the year, teachers in the Junior School have spent many hours collaboratively planning inquiry based learning engagements that have enabled the boys to solve real problems by asking questions, analysing problems, conducting investigations, gathering and analysing data, making interpretations, creating explanations, and drawing conclusions.

Inquiry processes address many learning skills that are embedded into our teaching and learning programme. These skills are referred to as approaches to learning (formally known as transdisciplinary skills) and include skills such as thinking, research, social, self-management, and communication skills. These skills are explicitly taught and assessed.

Kathy Derrick

Deputy Head of Junior School - Curriculum

5D News

The New Middle School

On Monday 21st October, the Year Five boys of 2013 participated in the Middle School Orientation Day. The boys are lucky enough to move into a brand new building next year and Rory Bruce has given his perspective:

When I first saw the new building I was quite excited about what might be inside and any new facilities that I didn't know about. Then, I went inside and thought that it was a wonderful place because it was spacious and the air conditioning was refreshing. Finally, we went into the new classrooms which were very nice because of the electrical doors and windows and because you could open up the middle to make 2 classes for a joint lesson. Unfortunately, the indoor Ping-Pong tables will have to be moved outside. Also, I think that the teachers will be very happy about having a staff room, spacious offices and not very much noise so that they can work well in them.

Rory Bruce, 5D

Jae Dornan

Year 5 Teacher

Art News

Community Service Through Art

Just up the hill from the JS Art Studio a large, bright yellow Good Samaritan Collection Bin has been dropped off. The Year Two students are busily preparing to decorate and paint this bin, which will later be moved somewhere on the school site for the public to access and use. It is a fantastic opportunity for these students to engage authentically in community-based events and show action through their learning.

In art class the boys have been drawing wildflowers, and these drawings have been enlarged using the photocopier, cut out and traced onto the bin. The designs are to be painted in the style of artist Lucy Cousins. She characteristically uses strong black outlines, simple bright coloured shapes, and lots of repetition in pattern and detail.

Over the next few weeks, everyone will be able to watch as the artwork develops and see the dynamic results. This creative artwork will contribute to the Community & Service Programme running here at Scotch College from Year One to Twelve.

Karen Sabitay

PYP Visual Arts

Performing Arts News

Exploring Celebrations

The boys in Year Two have been studying how communities share their beliefs and values through celebrations as part of their current unit of inquiry, 'How We Express Ourselves'. To support this inquiry, in Performing Arts the boys compared two different celebrations: Christmas and Diwali. The boys discovered that Diwali, or Deepavali, is the Hindu Festival of Lights and it is just as important for Hindus as Christmas is for Christians. They investigated these two celebrations through comparing decorations, symbols, customs, food, clothing, dancing, music, and stories. The boys also had a lot of fun learning and performing a traditional Indian dance whilst revising the four elements of dance.

Phebe Samson

Performing Arts Teacher

Friendly Schools and Families

Working with the school

Many young people report they do not tell an adult when they are experiencing cyber-bullying because they
are afraid of how adults will respond. They report that their parents often over-react and try to take control of the situation. Young people need adults to help them to deal with the problem for themselves by acting as facilitators, listening non-judgmentally, and providing support and advice when asked. Ask your child which, if any, strategies he has already tried, what other people have tried, if those strategies were helpful, and what they would try next time.

It is important to also let the school know about the bullying situation. However, before approaching the school, ask your child how he would like to talk about this issue with the school and discuss what outcome he wants as a result of involving the school. Consider:

• Phoning the school and asking who is best placed to help your child

• Making a time to talk with this person at school


• Explaining what you know about the situation


• Describing strategies your child has tried to date

• Asking for a plan of action that can be implemented at the school and at home

• Consider setting a date and time for a follow-up meeting


• Discussing with your child what happened and what the agreed strategies are

Warwick Norman

Friendly Schools and Families Coordinator

French News

Celebrate!

Bonjour! The Year Two class are continuing to making links to the "How we express ourselves" unit of inquiry. In French class, we will specifically look at the celebrations of Canada
Day and Australia Day in order to compare and contrast the two holidays. The students will also be investigating some celebrations in two different French speaking countries; Carnaval de Québec in Canada, and l'Épiphanie in France.

Madame Edwards

French Specialist

Physical Education News

The end of the year is almost upon us. All the boys from Years One to Five have been working extremely hard in Health and Physical Education. As the boys have worked well and have managed to get through all of their final assessments for the year, we as a class will chose fun ball games to play in class, and enjoy the last few weeks together. All of the boys should be really proud of how hard they have worked to finish their assessments.

The Year Five JPSSA boys continue to represent Scotch to the best of their ability. As they have done the entire year, they approach the programme in an upbeat and enthusiastic manner.

Jason Caniglia

Head of Junior School Physical Education

Junior School Resource Centre

Hello from the Library. If you visit the Junior School or Middle School library today you may be lucky enough to bump into the newest member of the team. Her name is Kendra Mewett and she loves to read, when not climbing the cliffs of our beloved coastline. When visiting the library next please say hello to Kendra and help her to feel welcomed as the newest member to the Scotch community.

We have several new displays in the library now. There are the top ten picks for the Years 3, 4 and 5 students as voted by the boys (Years 1 and 2 to appear soon). There is the collection of 'It Came from the Bottom Shelf', which is based on The Creature from the Black Lagoon story and books that are lost on the bottom shelf. In the Browse Room we have included our 'New Books' collection that is updated weekly. Finally you will find wall press buttons that help to unlock the secrets of the library displayed around the library walls (they need to be seen to be believed).

Below I have placed some good reads for your boys (and you) to enjoy. These are new books to the collection and may be just the tonic to calm the nerves, ease the minds and allow for a little escape time. Enjoy!

Years 1 & 2:

Hey Jack series by Sally Rippin

The Wind in the Willows graphic novel by Kenneth Grahame

Lego Hero Factory series by Catherine Saunders

Space Scout by H Badger

Tom Gates series by L Pichon

Years 3 to 5:

I am Number 4 by Pittacus Lore

The Nightmare Academy by Dean Lorey

George and the Big Bang by Lucy and Steven Hawking

The Magnificent 12 series by Michael Grant

Max Rumble Footy collection by Michael Wagner

Warwick Norman

Junior School Teacher Librarian

Spelling Bee

On Wednesday 6 November the following boys competed in the Perth College Interschool Spelling Bee:

Year 4:

Milan Narula

Xavier Dry

Year 5:

Ronan Cameron

Ryan Benney

These boys devoted many hours in preparing for this event and are to be commended for their efforts.

In a very tough competition we are pleased to congratulate all boys. Special mention goes to Ronan Cameron who was declared joint Year 5 Spelling Bee Champion in a very eventful final round.

Excellence Awards

The following awards will be announced at Assembly on Friday 22 November:

Year 1

Cameron Boyd

Logan Gresham

James Hollier

William Howie

Ethan Kerr

Nathan Liu

Lewis Muller

Beau Povey

Antonio Ramirez

Isaac Smith

Year 2

Jack Cook

Year 3

Benjamin Allen

Alex Bateman

Luca Datodi

Hugh Fellows-Smith (two awards)

Lachlan Marley

Riley Monaghan

Sean Palmer

Ethan Saffy

Thomas Simich

Seamus Walton

Year 4

Milan Narula

Year 5

Canyon Mannikko

Special Events in Middle School

There are significant career milestones in the lives of people and in organisations, and the official opening of the new Middle School Building and Underpass last week was one of those moments in the life of our College. In a ceremony with pipes, musicians, speeches and blessings the new building was officially declared open. It is an impressive building with the features to complement and support learning to a new level. The challenge put to us by the Chair of the College Council is that it is now up to us, the students, parents and teachers to make the most if it and do great things.

Speaking of great things, two weeks ago Middle School was awarded $250.00 in a prize for our Community Service work relating to our Dunalley Primary School Bushfire Appeal. That $250.00 has since been broken into $25.00 portions and given to each class with the question: "What do you want to do with this?" Not surprisingly the students are trying to turn their $25.00 into $50.00 or $100.00 and have come up with impressive ideas already to achieve this in the four weeks that remain. I look forward to highlighting the creativity, compassion, collaboration and entrepreneurial skill of our boys with this little endeavour at Speech Night.

Ryan Hodgetts (7PG) and Patrick Devereux (6C) accept the$250.00 prize on behalf of Scotch College Middle School from the Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC.

Speech Night is the final event of our academic year. It will be held on Thursday 5 December in the Dickinson Centre. The focus of the Middle School Speech Night is on the transition of the Year 7 cohort from Middle to Senior School. The evening commences at 6.30pm and concludes at 8pm. All boys will be asked to arrive earlier, gather in their class groups in Middle School and then proceed into the Dickinson Centre with their teachers. All Year 7 boys will be on the stage, where they will present the farewell song and form up behind the banners of their new Senior School Houses before marching out under the direction of the Pipes. Year 6 boys involved in the Scotch Youth Voices, the Middle School Guitars and Middle School Strings will also be on stage during the evening. Winter Uniform is required. It is a simple yet special evening and I look forward to your company.

Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

Important Dates in Middle School Spring Term

Middle School Sport Update

As we draw nearer to the end of another year of great successes in the sporting arena within the Middle School, I would like to extend my thanks to all the boys for the commitments they have made along the way in achieving their personal bests. In addition the parent support has been terrific to watch and without your efforts there is no possible way the boys could forge the memories they have made. Finally I would like to thank the staff and coaching body who have been tremendous in creating an environment that has fostered success and I am very grateful for their assistance.

All sport will cease at the end of Week 7. The boys have now made their selections for next year.

The annual MS Staff v Student Cricket Match will take place on Tuesday 3 December at 3:30pm.

Triathlon Success

On Thursday 7 and Friday 8 November the Middle School triathletes took to Champion Lakes to test their skills. Thursday saw all the individual athletes compete in the 200m swim, 10km ride and 2km run. Former Middle School student Riley Walker (8, She) came a credible 3rd, whilst Joshua Quartermaine placed 17th. Friday's event the Team races were held at the same venue. In total Scotch College fielded seven teams and dominated the race. A fierce maroon battle shaped the morning race of 200m swimming, 6km of riding and finally 2km sprint running. This culminated in the team consisting of Cooper Lindsay (7T), Jack Knobel (7L) and Jack Cooley (7L) winning the event in an astonishing 22:09 and the team of Rupert Currie (6O), Joshua Quartermaine (7T) and Luca Fry (6C) placing 2^nd only 45 seconds later. Our accumulated times from the teams placed us 10 minutes in front of the next school and Scotch College defended their 2012 title as Champion School for 2013. Congratulations to all competitors for a sensational performance.

Lawrence Felgate

Middle School Sport

Surfs Up in 6GB

Spring Term kicked off with an excited buzz for 6GB who were the first class to embark on their surfing camp to Lancelin. For three days and two nights the boys were able to escape the confines of desks and chairs and replace the tapping of computer keyboards with the glorious sounds of the wind and the sea. After a quick brush up on the surfing rules and some important techniques, the boys finally hit the waves. The vibe was certainly one of comradeship and fun as everyone supported each other in their attempts to emulate Aussie champions like Mick Fanning and Taj Burrows.

While we clearly have a way to go, the confidence and enthusiasm was a sight to behold and second to none. Constructing tents, washing dishes and looking out for themselves may have been a steep learning curve for some, but the amazing Outdoor Education staff were always on standby to provide any important lessons for those not versed in domestic duties! Other activities such as orienteering, fishing, making milo on a trangia and beachcombing kept the boys engaged and maintained the positive atmosphere of the entire camp. Deeper friendships and connections, new skills and experiences, fresh air and sunshine were the culmination of a fabulous camp and a whole host of happy new memories.

Mrs Robyn Bose & Mrs Andrea Goodison

Teachers 6GB

Student Achievement

Two of our Year 6 boys Lewis Orr (6M) and Lachie Wilson (6O) recently competed at the Inter School Spelling Bee held at Perth College. Lachie Wilson finished in 4^th place and Lewis Orr, the carry over champion from 2012, retained his title as Champion Speller. Congratulations to both boys.

Excellence Awards

Linking the Past with the Present

Over the past two weeks the Senior School has come together to mark two important occasions. The first was the Remembrance Day service where the names of Old Boys and teaching staff that gave the extreme sacrifice in World War I were read. While this list of names is read each year at the School's Remembrance Day service, for P.C. Anderson (Headmaster 1904 - 1945) the task of reading the names of Old Scotch boys and staff lost at war was, sadly, performed all too regularly at school assemblies. It was the Headmaster's role to announce the deaths of old-boys as news came back from the war. As the Headmaster during two World Wars, the lists of names became longer as time went by with each name being felt deeply by P.C. Anderson, none more so than the death of his own son, C.D. Anderson. At our recent Senior School assembly we reflected on the loss of our old boys and staff and imagined the assembly where P.C. Anderson stood before the School and announced the death of his own son, amongst the other old-boys who had been killed.

Boys and visitors to the School are encouraged to take time to stop and read the names of those listed on the honour board hanging in the front reception of Collegians' House and those old-boys killed at war whose names appear on the boards displayed in the foyer of the Memorial Hall.

In the week of Remembrance Day, it was fitting that the second whole school event, Founders' Day Assembly, was conducted on the Memorial Field and welcomed back Old Scotch Collegians. Founders' Day was conceived in the first year of operation of the Memorial Hall (1958) as a way of linking the past with the present. To witness the old boys return to march and perform with the College Pipe Band highlighted the importance of tradition and community that exists at Scotch. As I watched our current boys marching in their Houses to the sounds of pipes and drums, it was not difficult to imagine the same scene 55 years ago at the inaugural Founders' Day assembly.

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School

Boys Achievements

The Year group indicated alongside the boy's name may be misleading because some events were before the academic year changed in October.

Congratulations to Jonty Bean (Year 12 Leaver, Cameron) for winning the Years 10-12 Prose Fiction Category of the Towns of Cottesloe and Mosman Park and Shire of Peppermint Grove Literature Prize. He was awarded his prize at an evening ceremony where significant parts of his writing were read aloud.

Academic Achievements

Semester Two - Certificates of Excellence

YEAR 11

Academic Colours - Year 11 2013

STUDENT COUNCIL

Head of Student Council: Julian Sanders (Anderson)

Vice-President: Harrison Langsford (Alexander)

Secretary: Lewis Buchanan (Anderson)

Treasurer: Max Zamin (St Andrews)

Members:

Brisbane: Fraser Murray

Cameron: Stuart Holt

Ferguson: Hans Taylor

Keys: Rob Steadman

Ross: Mitchell McTavish

Shearer: Robert Bartlett

Stuart: Kyle Newman

Western Australian Mathematics Olympiad

Some of our talented Year 8 and 9 Mathematics students competed in the Western Australian Junior Mathematics Olympiad on Saturday 2 November. Scotch selected two teams of four students to compete in the prestigious event. UWA hosted students from all schools around the state making for an exciting and stimulating environment. Students competed in two highly challenging rounds, consisting of individual and team components. Our boys represented the school extremely well and should be commended on their efforts.

The boys who participated were:

Team 1 : Luke Henderson (Year 8, Ferguson), Kartik Khanna (Year 8, Shearer), Raghav Khanna (Year 8 Shearer), Andrew Singh (Year 8, Anderson)

Team 2 : Harrison Banfield (Year 9 Cameron), Matthew Khowira (Year 9, Ferguson), James Naylor-Pratt (Year 9, Anderson), Drummond Orr (Year 9, Ferguson)

Enrichment Stage by the Australia Mathematics Trust

A group of our brightest young mathematicians from Year 8, 9 and 10 were involved in the Enrichment Stage of the Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians this year. The Enrichment Stage is an invitation only programme run at Scotch before school, where students are extended in problem solving using material created by the Australian Mathematics Trust. Students are asked to complete a number of questions over the period of the programme which are submitted for marking. Whilst all boys who completed the programme are to be congratulated, three Year 9 boys stood out as exhibiting outstanding achievement. Luke Henderson (Year 9, Ferguson) achieved a Distinction for his fine efforts. Raghav Khanna (Year 9, Shearer) and Kartik Khanna (Year 9, Shearer), both achieved High Distinctions placing them in the top 10% of Enrichment Stage participants throughout Australia, which is a phenomenal achievement.

Personal Project

The Year 10 students have made a very successful start to their Personal Projects. The students have attended two meetings with their supervisor and submitted their Application Forms. There are some very exciting, challenging and unique goals being set by this year group.

There is one more conference this term. The meeting times are currently posted on the Personal Project notice board outside the BRC. This meeting is crucial as supervisors will advise the students on how to begin planning and researching in order to achieve their goals. This is an integral part of the Personal Project - the process the students follow will enable them to move towards a successful outcome.

It is important to remember that all planning, research, design and communication must be recorded in the Project Journal. Boys are strongly advised to begin working on their product over the summer holidays.

Information about the Personal Project can be accessed via the online guidebook on the Scotch College Student Home Page of the website. If you have any additional queries please don't hesitate to contact the Personal Project Leader, Loreen Kerrigan LMKerrigan@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Library Information

As we come to the end of the calendar year the libraries across the College are beginning to stock-take the resources that have been used by the boys. Although during this time some lending will start to be restricted, boys can still access the eBook collection at any time.

Lending Policy

I would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone about the lending policy we have in the Middle School and Senior School Libraries. Of particular importance is the short-term loan of laptop chargers. Each library has a limited supply of laptop chargers that are day-loan only. At the moment the Senior Library has a number of chargers outstanding that have been with individual students for in excess of 10 days. Students who need to borrow a charger during class time are now unable to do so. This represents a serious issue for the Library as those boys in breach of the loan period are disrupting the education of others. Boys who continue to be in breach of the loan period will be restricted to only utilizing these items within the library so we can facilitate the effective use of these resources for the entire community.

Tutoring in the Library

A reminder that the library is open from 7:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday with a slight change of 7:30am - 4:00pm on Friday. Many parents have asked about tutoring in the libraries across the College and so I remind everyone that the only time the library offers a tutoring service is in the lead up to the exams for Year 11 and 12 students.

Seeking help - Library@Scotch

Finally I would like to remind parents and students that you can seek assistance at any time from the library team by emailing library@scotch.wa.edu.au. By using this service we are able to provide you with a vast array of information and services. I highly encourage parents to use this service to aid their son if they are having issues finding resources for assignments. We are here to help and ready to do so.

Mr Brad Tyrrell

Head of Library

FRENCH BOOK BUY BACK

Now that the Open Market book sale has passed, Scotch French department would like to offer the opportunity of a text book buy-back to pupils who have ceased to study French. Please contact Mr Rugg (JRRUGG@SCOTCH.WA.EDU.AU) if you have copies of Encore Tricolore 1 2 3 in excellent condition which we could buy back from you.

Careers Information

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Please note the link below to any information regarding the Future Print project.

In short there is a possibility of apprenticeships in January in the printing industry and interested students are to register at the following link. http://futureprint.org.au/contact/

Once registered contact will be made with the student late November.

Students who may have any questions can contact John Scott on the numbers below.

Project Advisor

Phone: 07 3356 0022

Mobile: 0434 746 312

Email: jscott@futureprint.org.au

Website: www.futureprint.org.au

Notice from the ADF

Trades in the ADF - Wednesday 27 November 2013 at 6.30pm

A good way to start a trade career is in the Australian Defence Force. With the huge range of different trade careers available, it's a sure bet there will be one for you. You'll start off on a great wage while you train to become an expert in your chosen field, receiving nationally recognised qualifications. You'll get great travel opportunities and be working with some of the most technically advanced hardware in the world. Some of the awesome benefits include competitive salary packages, guaranteed job security, free healthcare and subsidised accommodation. Plus, with physical activity included in a typical days work, you'll find plenty of time to kick a ball around with your new mates. Find out more at the next information session.

Please rsvp to cptwa@dfr.com.au

ADFA Education Award

Applications are now open for students who wish to apply for an Australian Defence Force Academy Education Award. Contact Defence Force Recruiting Centre on 13 19 01 or visit www.defencejobs.gov.au/adfa. These awards are for Year 11 students who have just commenced Year 12. Applying for these awards does not obligate you to join the ADFA.

Notice from companies offering revision programmes

January Preparation & Revision Programmes

ATarget will be conducting preparation and revision programs at Christ Church Grammar School, Hale School and Willetton Senior High School in January 2014. These will include study skills, essay writing and subject revision. Go to www.atarget.com.au for further details and registration forms or ring 9486 1377.

ISC Learning Group will be conducting Junior and Senior Study skills courses at Scotch in January 2014 - see attached flyer for details.

Notice from universities offering preparation programmes

Curtin University

Curtin University is offering a UniReady Enabling Programme in 2014. This course is designed for students who wish to enter Humanities or Business degrees at Curtin and did not get the required ATAR or did not do WACE examinations. The programme is one semester full time or two semesters part time and is also available online. Applications for Semester 1 are now open and can be accessed via the Curtin website.

Notre Dame University (NDU) is offering a Tertiary Enabling Programme (TEP) which is an alternative entry programme to undergraduate studies at Notre Dame. This course is available to students who did not reach the minimum entrance score for university in their TEE and also to students who completed Year 12 but did not undertake TEE subjects. For further information contact Notre Dame University.

University Application Information

Notre Dame University Application for 2014

Notre Dame University is still accepting applications for Semester 1, 2012. Applications can be made directly to the university and do not incur an application or late fee. Please contact the Prospective Students Office on 9433 0533 to make an appointment for a campus tour, to receive course and application advice or to be sent an application pack.

Mr Peter Frusher

FOPAS

COFFEE MORNING

We will be holding our annual coffee morning to say "thank you" to everyone who has given so much time this year, and to say a fond farewell to our year 12 parents.

We do hope you can join us for a relaxed coffee, the details are

THURSDAY 21 November

Bookcafe Swanbourne

8.30 onward, straight after drop off

FOPAS PLANNING FOR 2014

Getting involved with FOPAS at Scotch is a lot of fun and immensely rewarding, and we are currently looking for people who are interested in forming a small committee for2014. You can email for more information, or we would love to see you at our coffee morning.

Pipe Band

Christmas Fare

The annual Christmas Fare Order Form is available on-line via Flexischools from Wednesday 6 November. Besides some of the traditional offerings like smoked salmon, Christmas treats, a selection of glassware and Scotch aprons, tea towels and rugs there are some exciting new items on offer including 100% pure new wool bow ties and scarves made in Scotland in the unofficial Scotch College tartan as worn by the Pipe Band. To view what is available please download the flyer here.

2014 Scottish Banquet

The 2014 Scottish Banquet will be held on Friday 2 May at the end of the first week of Autumn term next year. The organising committee are planning to take the event to the Dickinson Centre for the first time so that many more people in the Scotch Community can partake in this unique and fabulous night and experience. Tickets won't go on sale until Summer term next year but put the date in your diary now - it is not to be missed!

Remembrance Day

I was honoured to attend the Scotch College Remembrance Day Service last week, where I welcomed our OSC military dignitary Brigadier Duncan Warren AM RFD (Retd.) a previous Commander of 13^th Brigade and Vietnam veteran.

Duncan gave a particularly poignant speech to the whole of school of his personal experience of mateship in conflict, the loss he felt on losing his mates as well as the significance of Old Scotch Collegians who gave the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts during the Great War and since.

The point of the speech was not lost on the school boys in attendance who hung on every word; we spoke of "remembering" as the names of Old Scotch Collegians and Masters alike that had fallen during the Great War, were read out, there were 475 Old Scotch Collegians enlisted for service, 104 were commissioned officers and 34 were decorated for bravery, 74 students and 4 masters gave the ultimate sacrifice to their country and never returned.

Of particular pathos during the service was the retelling of the moment at a past assembly of boys where PC Anderson, named his own son as one of the fallen, the message delivered to our school community was not lost.

I was particularly impressed by the participation of the boys in this service. It is one of only two events each year where the whole school comes together - from Year 1 to the new Year 12's and all Staff. Boys representing various sections of the school read the names of fallen OSC's from the Great War, and the piper played whilst the flag is lowered to half-mast and again when it is raised.

The boys have been working with their teachers to understand the significance of Remembrance Day, and were encouraged to take notice of the honour boards around the school, and to try to imagine the real Old Boys whose names appear in that faded gold lettering.

We were also very pleased to host a number of OSC's at this moving ceremony. Please know that you and your families are most welcome to attend these services in future.

"Lest we forget"

Positive Psychology and Wellbeing in Children

A presentation to parents outlining a new approach to child development to help children feel good and function well.

Sacred Heart College are hosting Associate Professor Lea Waters (PhD) on new approaches to child development. See here for more information.

UWA Research Project

UWA is currently conducting a Healthway funded project looking at the health and social benefits (or lack thereof) of movement-based video games such as Nintendo Wii, Xbox Kinect and Sony Playstation Move. Over 70% of 10-15 year old Western Australians play these type of games regularly and in some cases, these consoles are being promoted as an alternative form of physical activity. Attached is a request for 10-15 year olds to participate in the project. (link)

Arbistank and the Fassnahs

Arbistank and the Fassnahs is a musical play for children that is being offered in three shows at the Subiaco Arts Centre in early December.

For more information please see the attached flyer.

Tickets available from Ticketec.