Welcome Back to the 2014 School Year

Welcome back to the 2014 school year. In particular, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new staff, students and parents. I trust you will experience the many rewards of being part of the Scotch community.

Last week saw a great start to summer term in all sub-schools. Congratulations to all students, parents and staff for the part you played in making week one such a successful start to what should be another busy and productive year. In particular, I would like to make comment on the obvious benefit for senior school students who started their new year level in October last year. This meant that the Year 9s to 12s hit the ground running having already commenced their courses last term. This was a major contributor to the smooth start.

The first week did not pass without some challenge, especially for the Junior and Middle Schools who had to traverse a series of unfinished landscaping and paving. While the summer break always appears to be extensive, the volume of work and the uncertainty of the availability of tradesmen can lead to difficulties in meeting our preferred timelines. I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience. If anyone has any ongoing questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact your respective sub-school office or Head of School.

On Thursday night, Scotch College, in conjunction with WACOSS, hosted a public address on the topic of self-regulation. Self-regulation refers to the ability of a child to deal with stressful situations effectively and being able to return to a baseline of being calm, focused and alert. Central to this work is Dr Stuart Shanker, who joined with his colleague from the Canadian Self-Regulation Initiative (CSRI) Mike McKay, to address a crowd of approximately 500. The topic of self-regulation in children proved to be a big hit. This was exemplified by the number of parents who caught up with me at our rowing regatta to speak to me about the seminar. I will be meeting with Dr Shanker this week and will arrange for as much resource material as possible to be made available through our online site. Once this is available I will notify you. While there were many messages emanating from the evening, I believe the most obvious and salient message is to ensure your son gets at least 9 hours of quality sleep on most nights. Furthermore, diet and exercise are critical to maintaining a balance and ongoing state of well-being.

During the summer, and immediately before the commencement of this year, I posted a couple of addresses on our You Tube channel. Thank you for the positive feedback and requests to utilise this medium more frequently. I have made note of this and will continue to explore the most efficient and effective means of communication. The key is to provide the options from which parents can choose their preferred modes.

Last Friday saw a seminal ceremony in the history of the Scotch College Junior School. We held the commissioning service for the new school leaders and class representatives in the Junior School. It will be interesting to watch this initiative unfold and become part of the tradition of providing leadership opportunities for students.

On Thursday we officially received notice that the Shenton Road crosswalk was being relocated to Claremont Crescent as part of our traffic safety and vehicle reduction strategy. I urge all families to make note that as of this week the underpass is to be the only way to cross Shenton Road in either direction. The Shenton Road cross walk is no longer an officially manned crossing option. Boys using the train must only cross at the approved cross walk on Claremont Crescent. We have facilitated the transfer of Dom as our cross walk attendant which is great for the College and the boys. Dom is very committed to the safety of our boys and understands what we are trying to achieve. If you are in any doubt about the changes to pedestrian access and movement, please do not hesitate to contact your sub-school office. Our main concern is the safety and welfare of every boy.

Once again welcome back and thank you for making the start to this year so smooth and proactive.

Dr A J O'Connell

Headmaster

Information Learning Technology

During the school break the ILT team continued with technology strategies to reinforce and enhance teaching and learning at Scotch.

Many of the boys have received their new MacBook Airs as part of the two-year rotation and boys new to Scotch were excited to receive their laptops. New parents joined us for an orientation where they were introduced to the resources Scotch has made available, including Parent Connect. Several members of the team spent a Saturday afternoon with new boarders and parents introducing them to new laptops and providing them with an orientation session. All involved appreciated these events.

A considerable amount of technology has been installed, replaced or renewed on the Scotch campuses and as per usual, much of it is seamless and will go unnoticed except for the occasional comment that something is faster, better or more convenient.

The SEQTA software suite is now central to the School's daily operations. The Student Connect portal provides all the teaching and learning resources needed in a subject. The Parent Connect portal allows you to stay connected with how your boy is undertaking his studies as well as containing electronic copies of past Academic reports from 2013.

This term the Year 8 boys will join the Year 9 and 10 boys in using eTextbooks in Science, English and the Humanities. In this next year the wider adoption of eBooks is a focus for the school.

Contact Lists 2014

Year Group contact lists will be sent out soon, please advise any contact changes by email to admissions@scotch.wa.edu.au by Friday 14 February.

Year 7 Scholarships 2015

Applications are now open for both Academic and Music Scholarships for entry at Year 7 in 2015. Scholarships are open to both current students and prospective students to Scotch College. The Scholarship examination will be held at the College on Saturday, 10 May 2014. If you currently have a son in Year 6 at Scotch College you are invited to register him via the Scotch College website Scholarship link www.scotch.wa.edu.au.

Mr David Coughlan, Head of Music, will be providing information in relation to Music Scholarship in the Music section of this newsletter. Students wishing to apply for a Music Scholarship for Year 7 are required to register to the Head of Music. Applicants will not be considered unless they have participated in the Music Audition process to be held on Saturday, 10 May 2014. Students wishing to apply for a Music Scholarship are not required to sit the Academic testing. Enquires for Music Scholarship can be emailed to music@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Schoolkids Bonus

The Schoolkids Bonus replaces the old Education Tax Refund and can help lighten the load of back-to-school expenses. To check if you are eligible, contact Centrelink to discuss your personal circumstances or click on the link below

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/families-and-children/benefits-payments/schoolkids-bonus

Student Wellbeing: Sleep and the Media

One of the fastest-moving revolutions in history is taking place in your home, on your son's computer; just consider Facebook, viewed by a staggering 4 billion people yet only six years old. But most parents have no idea what's being sent and received in there. Previous generations would have called it 'living in his own little world' but this little world has become global, with dangers to match its excitement.

A practical parental response, but one of the hardest to achieve, is to get technology out of the bedroom and into shared living space. This helps deprive the cyber world of its kids-only mystique, but my motivation is more mundane: It helps them get enough quality sleep. This will reap manifold rewards when it comes to their development and wellbeing.

Teenagers need between 8-10 hours each night. There's no such thing as a 'sleep bank'; even if a boy had 12 hours sleep last night, he won't get away with 7 hours tonight. Parents need to stick to a routine, making evenings as predictable as possible and enforcing hard and fast rules about digital media in the bedroom.

The intrusion of mobile phones, laptops and iPads means students are getting less shuteye with far-reaching consequences. About half the boys in Year 8 have their own TVs. Most have mobile phones, iPads and laptops. All are quite seductive, chewing up a lot of time, especially sleeping time.

Being young and healthy, sometimes boys can seemingly stay up all night and be fine the next day. But that's an illusion. What you can do is help them see the connection between their sleeping and how they're feeling during the day. How well are they able to focus, not get distracted and take in what's happening in the classroom? All too often, electronic media are to blame when they're off their game.

Shauna Lipscombe

Senior School Psychologist

Parenting Ideas

To further support the Scotch community the College continues to subscribed to Parentingideas, 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. For further information visit the following link:

http://www.parentingideas.com.au/Home

To login as a school member;

User name: scotchperth

Password: 6010

One of the latest articles is entitled - True Grit Helps Kids Succeed.

Also available is the Parenting Ideas Magazine; visit the following link:

www.parentingideas.com.au/Parents/Parenting-Magazine

Music Department

A big welcome to everyone as we begin Music 2014, a year that is full of exciting events and concerts. Rehearsals have already begun with the Scotch College Concert Band meeting on Tuesday for boys in Years 8 and 9, and Wednesday for boys in Years 10, 11 and 12. Both of these groups will join together to perform at the first Senior Assembly of 2014 on Friday morning.

In the first week of school we welcomed John Morrison (James Morrison's brother) to Scotch to work with our senior Big Band musicians, particularly the drummers and rhythm section players, as John is one of Australia's foremost jazz drummers. While John worked with the Big Band rhythm sections his wife Jacki Cooper workshopped the senior vocal students. The experience of working with both these outstanding musician educators has really assisted in our boys' preparations for the upcoming tour to South Australia and the Generations in Jazz event in Mt Gambier.

John Morrison is an Australian Jazz Drummer, Musician and experienced Educator. Voted as one of Australia's best Big Band drummers, his big band "Swing City" was selected to open the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Throughout his career John Morrison and his many groups have headlined every major event and festival in Australia. John's driving swing feel has been heard with many internationally well known artists including James Moody, Scott Hamilton, Richie Cole, Christian McBride, John and Jeff Clayton, Garry Dial, Jimmy Whitherspoon, Eartha Kitt, Bobby Gebert, Don Burrows, George Golla, and Bob Barnard. He leads the Big Band Swing City, who together with James Morrison played the prerecorded fanfare played at the opening of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and more than twelve years later remains a top act.

Jacki Cooper has been a regular feature of the Australian jazz scene since 1990 and now resides in Sydney. Jacki is a regular at jazz festivals around the country and performed with leading international jazz artists around the world

There is a range of exciting musical events organised for the term including the following dates:

Upcoming Dates

10 February, FOSM Meeting

8 March, Symphony By The Lake

14 March, Open Day

21 March, Music Department Quiz Night

30 March, Wednesday, Quarry Performance for Combined Ensembles as guests of PLC

4 April, Thursday, Senior Summer Concert

Friends of Scotch Music (FOSM) a group of parents who enthusiastically support the work of boys and staff in the Music Department is meeting on the following dates throughout the year beginning with the first meeting on Summer Term Week 2, 10th February. All meetings begin at 7.00pm, go for approximately one hour, and are held in the Senior School MUSIC Room with everyone welcome. Please consider becoming involved in the FOSM Parent Support group as an excellent way to support your son and the Music Programme at Scotch College.

Contact Details

The Instrumental Programme is administered by the Senior School Music Department and all queries should be directed to the Music Administrator, Julia Robinson (9383 6841) music@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Alternately, please contact Mr David Coughlan, Head of Music, via email DGCoughlan@scotch.wa.edu.au or phone 9383 6842.

If you wish to become more involved in supporting the Music Department by receiving information about the work of FOSM, please contact FOSM@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Community and Service

India Service Tour

The seventh India Service Tour took place in the first two weeks of the summer break. The impact of this tour on the participants from Scotch and St Mary's was transformational. All have come back with intensely personal stories of encounters with students and staff of orphanages, and schools, including schools in slums for the children of itinerant workers; encounters against a cultural and sensory background unequaled in intensity anywhere in the world.

The impact on the communities assisted was also significant with $28000 in aid distributed to various institutions. For some, the Perth connection is a lifeline and without it facilities would not be built and programmes would not run. Scotch, along with St Mary's in this case, should be cognisant of the importance of the ongoing partnerships we have in India. While remote from our everyday business, the bi-annual tour is important, not only to provide a unique opportunity for our students to serve, but also to undertake serious grassroots development work and give expression to our core values as a Christian college.

Tanzania Connections

The early Autumn Term, Scotch will be hosting some teachers from Tanzania. They are being funded by Rotary Australia and organized through the office of the Honorary Consul for Tanzania, Didier Murcia AM. These teachers will experience best practice in teaching and learning, working alongside out staff in the classrooms. It will be a good opportunity for Scotch College to contribute to teaching training in Tanzania and further strengthen our ties with that country. No doubt there will be plenty of opportunities for our boys at all year levels to learn a little about life in Tanzania from the visitors.

Matipwili Trade Training Centre Launch

The launch of the Matipwili (Tanzania) Trade Training Centre will take place at 6.30pm in the evening of March 20^th in the Dickinson Centre. This joint Scotch-PLC-CEFPI (Council of Educational Planners International) event will feature photographs taken in the village of Matipwili, a performance by a Tanzanian choir and commentary by various invited guests including the Honorary Consul to Tanzania, Didier Murcia AM. There will be an opportunity to assist with fundraising through the purchase of 'building blocks' with mounted photographs and framed photographs. Scotch and PLC senior students will travel to Tanzania in July this year to commence construction of the Centre. All are invited to the Launch.

Fundraising Games and Movie Night.

On 15 March, PLC will host a Games and Movie Night, in support of the Matipwili Project. All boys and girls from Year 7 and 8 will be invited to attend. A global email will be sent soon to parents of students in these year groups, with event details and 'TryBooking' payment advice.

Good Samaritan Bin

The Good Samaritan Industries Bin, creatively decorated with flower motives by our Year 2 students last year, is now available for clothing donations. The bin is located at the entrance to the Dining Hall car park. This bin is only available to the Scotch community and will be emptied regularly by GSI. Please assist the needy through the deposit of good second-hand clothing in this bin.

Round Square

Scotch College is now a Regional Member of Round Square - an international network of schools, all with strong academic programmes and focus on: Internationalism; Democracy; Environment; Action; Leadership and Service (the IDEALS). As we become more involved in the organization this year and beyond, there will be opportunities for boys in Middle and Senior Schools to attend Round Square student conferences and apply for short-term exchanges with students in other Round Square schools. For more information of Round Square visit: http://www.roundsquare.org

Year 10 Service Programme

Year 10 Service Programme will commence this week. Boys will be starting their Rotation 1 activities this Friday afternoon. It is important that boys read the Daily Notices and check their school emails for information on their activity. The activity groups will also be placed on the Community and Service notice board near the BRC.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Sale

Once again Scotch boys will be assisting members of the Ross Memorial Church to cook pancakes for sale to the public in West Perth. Shrove Tuesday this year is on March 4 and pancakes will go on sale in the forecourt of the Ross Memorial Church at the corner of Hay and Colin Streets from 7.00am. Proceeds will go towards UnitingCare West support services.

Disabled Surfing Event

The next Disabled Surfing event will take place this Saturday morning, February 15 at Leighton Beach - Fremantle Surf Club - commencing at 9.00am. Scotch boys have assisted to run DSA events since 2007 and the support from boys, staff and parents over that time has been extraordinary. All boys (particularly in Years 10, 11 and 12) are invited to attend if not involved in PSA sport. Staff members and parents are most welcome to volunteer or just come along to see how it works. More information can found in the letter attached.

Friends of Lake Claremont Year in Review

2013 was a fantastic year for our local FOLC for a number of reasons, not least of which the number of seedlings planted and Mrs Heidi Hardisty receiving the Pride of Australia Award. These are significant milestones which reflect the many individual efforts underpinning the change that has been achieved around the Lake for everyone's enjoyment. The attached newsletter provides more info and photos. Members of the Scotch community are urged to join the Friends in their endeavours.

Mothers Auxillary helps

On that note, the attached letter demonstrates the appreciation for the Mothers Auxillary's efforts last November in the major fundraiser for FOLC. This is an example of how Scotch can be instrumental in lending assistance in this worthwhile initiative.

Waste Authority

Scotch was in the news once more in the attached Waste Authority newsletter (see article on page 6) which discusses the food packaging initiative.

Sustainability

Calling Earth Carers to the Less is More Festival.

Indonesian Evening Classes at Scotch

Scotch College, in partnership with the Balai Bahasa Indonesia Perth (BBIP), offers evening Indonesian Beginner Level 1 and 2, and Conversation classes. Summer Term 8-week courses commence on Tuesday 11 February from 6.30-8.30pm and are available to students, staff and parents, as well as members of the wider community.

Beginner Classes (Level 1 and 2) are designed for all ages to develop basic communication skills for the purpose of exchanging personal information and transactions. These classes are ideal for individuals travelling to Indonesia for work or holiday, who wish to understand more about the Indonesian language and culture.

Conversation Classes are designed for intermediate and advanced speakers who wish to develop their oral communication skills via simulated immersion of Indonesian. The aim of each lesson is to expand vocabulary of a topic and conclude with a task such as a role-play, group discussion, debate, or interview. Conversation classes are recommended for speakers who are already proficient who wish 'brush up' on their skills, as well as, Year 11 and 12 students who wish to further develop their listening and speaking in preparation for the WACE and IB examinations.

All lessons are delivered by native speaker instructors from the Balai Bahasa and are held in the Kennedy Block on the Senior Campus. The cost of an eight week course is $191 and includes BBIP membership. Conversation classes are free to all current Scotch College students.

To enrol in any of the Balai Bahasa classes visit: http://www.balaibahasaperth.org and follow the links to the online registration.

For more information about any of the courses please contact Wilfred Liauw on 9383 6584 or wliauw@scotch.wa.edu.au or Kate Reitzenstein on kreitzenstein@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Summer Uniform

Ties - Summer Term

Boys in Senior School need not wear ties to school except on Friday for Marching and Assemblies.

Braid and School Badge

So that each boy may be identified by his House when ties are not being worn, boys wear appropriately coloured braid on the pocket of summer uniform shirts. Strips of braid in House colours are available from the Uniform Shop. The braid should be stitched along the top edge of the pocket.

Boys in Year l2 may wear a Scotch braid in addition to the House braid. This should be sewn on beneath the House braid in such a way that the colours are in the order from left to right when looking at the pocket: maroon, gold and blue.

Uniform Shop

This is a reminder to parents that appointments with the Uniform Shop are not necessary during term time.

We have introduced new "boyleg" style bathers which can been worn as a sun-smart alternative to the speedos. Boys who represent the school in swimming competitions, however, will be obliged to buy speedos as per competition regulations.

We also have a new school towel. Have a look when next you're in the shop.

Year 12 Blazers are selling fast. Please visit the Uniform Shop as soon as possible if you wish to purchase a blazer and avoid the disappointment of not being able to get the correct size.

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

Tuesday 8.00am to 5.00pm

Thursday 7.30am to 11.30am

Friday 7.30 am to 11.30am

Bunning Resource Centre

As we come into a new calendar year we have been actively reviewing the events of 2013. One of the major investments of 2013 was the digital eBooks offered through OverDrive. This service has seen dramatic growth and this is in no small part due to the financial support of the Parent Association. With the investment of $20,000 we were able to purchase a comprehensive library for our boys and their parents. Below are the statistics of usage across the college for 2013, putting Scotch College in the fast growing uptake of digital eBooks in Australia for secondary schools. It is encouraging to see that the borrowing of eBooks is increasing during holiday periods when they are not being actively promoted.

As always each sub school library is available most readily by emailing library@scotch.wa.edu.au.

New Staff 2014

Senior School:

Junior/Middle School:

New Roles:

New Temporary Appointments:

Summer Term Returning from Leave:

Summer Term on Leave:

Head of Junior School

Old Shoes

Old shoes are comfortable. They have stretched and moulded to fit our feet and usually fit like a nice pair of socks. New shoes however, while looking great, take a bit of getting used to. They may chafe a bit, cause a blister or two but over time they become comfortable. One eventually forgets the breaking in period and the discomfort they felt.

New shoes are like managing change or starting in a new school or a new class. Our boys were all very confortable in their classes and schools last year. They began this term in a new setting and have had to manage the breaking in period. While many of our boys did have new haircuts and new shoes that actually did need some breaking in, they have quickly become comfortable with their new teachers and their expectations.

I have been very impressed with the mutuality our Year 1 friends have shown in their first few week with us. They have separated bravely from their parents and settled in their new school. All of our new boys have made new friends and seem as comfortable here as an old pair of shoes.

2014 will be a year that sees the Junior School implement some significant programmes aimed at raising the attainment of our boys. The Vocabulary, Connectives, Openers and Punctuation Programme (VCOP) will develop the boys' use of these key areas of writing, in a structure that will have significant impact on their skills. Our oral mental mathematics programme will engage the boys in daily oral activities that will consolidate their number skills and assist in developing efficiency when applying these skills to problem solving and other learning/mathematics activities. These two significant programmes will support the learning across the School and reflect best teaching practices that are espoused by the Primary Years Programme.

Over the course of the summer a great deal of work has been done to ready the College for the start of 2014. The work that has been done in the Junior School is greatly appreciated. New Interactive Whiteboards and televisions have been put up in the classrooms and learning spaces. New furniture and display boards have been added to classrooms, and considerable upgrades have been made to the Junior School Playground. I wish to thank all who have been involved in the improvements made to our school over the summer. I also want to thank the teachers and education assistants for their efforts in making the classrooms such wonderful learning spaces.

Like an old pair of shoes, we comfortably move on with our task in 2014. I am looking forward to engaging with parents and the wider community as we face the challenges and successes of 2014.

John Stewart

Head of Junior School

Important Dates to Remember

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

IB PYP Curriculum Framework at Scotch Junior School

Welcome back everyone. It is great to have the boys back at school!

It was encouraging to see such a wonderful turnout at our Meet the Teacher Evening on Wednesday 5 February. A big thank you to all for helping make the evening such a success.

In the Junior School we follow the Australian/Western Australian curriculum with the added value of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). The IB PYP is a curriculum framework which incorporates five essential elements for teaching and learning. These elements are: knowledge, key concepts, approaches to learning/transdisciplinary skills, attitudes, and action. Staff across the Junior School plan collaboratively to include all of these elements in our teaching and learning programme. As a result boys are exposed to a very rich and exciting curriculum, as are the teachers.

An information session for parents new to Scotch Junior School will be held on Wednesday 26 February. More details will be distributed shortly.

Kathy Derrick

Deputy Head of Junior School - Curriculum

1G News

Wonderful Beginning

The Year One boys have started their first year at Scotch College with a 'Splash.' We have had a wonderful time getting changed, getting dressed, tying shoelaces and keeping all of our belongings together. We have had goggles, bathers and towels flying in all directions.

The boys have settled down very quickly with ease into their new routines and have been working very hard. We have begun our first unit of inquiry, 'Who we are'. The central idea we have been inquiring into is 'Relationships can shape the health and well being of an individual'. We have been examining shape, drawing portraits and learning about our families.

The boys have been absolutely delightful and we feel extremely blessed in Year One to be teaching such wonderful boys.

Kristen Gray

Year 1 Teacher

Art News

There are exciting times ahead in the Art Studio this term. A warm welcome back to all the boys, parents, teachers and extended members of the community. In 2014, we are celebrating the Chinese Year of the Horse. The horse is said to be energetic, warm-hearted, intelligent and able, and its spirit encourages people in making efforts to always improve themselves. This is a worthy attribute to strive towards.

As an IB school, we want to develop open-mindedness, cultural awareness and internationally minded students. We also endeavour to learn through the Arts, not simply of the Arts. With this in mind, I am looking forward to taking the Year 5 students to "Sculptures by the Sea," this term to explore teamwork within local and global communities. The Year 2 students will have an amazing opportunity to be involved in a series of clay workshops with internationally acclaimed ceramicist Fleur Schell in Fremantle.

We will enjoy continuing to use and develop our new Art Studio space and I encourage as many parents as possible to get involved with the boys learning in Art.

In 2014 we also celebrate the International Year of the Family, which encourages us to make strong family links with the boys learning here at Scotch. You can do this by attending excursions, sharing your son's artwork, helping during class time to prepare and manage space, one off help like coming in to help sort folders/artwork and sharing some of your own arts knowledge, contacts, resources and skills. I would like to encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to share in your son's learning journey and the life of the school.

Karen Sabitay

PYP Visual Arts

Performing Arts News

Performing Arts lessons have commenced with so much enthusiasm and effort that this term promises to be a very exciting and rewarding one. We have had a fantastic time reconnecting after the Summer and I have been very proud of the way our 'old' boys have supported and encouraged all of our delightful 'new' boys. For the first few weeks of Summer Term, Performing Arts lessons will be held in the Middle School as we wait for our new Junior School Performing Arts room to be completed. The boys and I, however, are very appreciative of our current space in the Middle School and are feeling quite at home. Mr. Ledger might have a hard time getting us to leave!

Dance Club for Year 1 and 2 and Junior School Vocal Ensemble for Year 3, 4 and 5 are due to commence in Week 3. Should you have any questions regarding either of these groups, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Wishing everyone a fabulous start to what is shaping up to be a wonderful Summer Term!

Phebe Samson

Performing Arts Teacher

Information Learning Technology

Year 5 Laptops

Next week will be a very exciting week for the Year 5 boys. Next Friday 14 February boys and parents will attend a session detailing all of the important information about using and looking after their new machines before moving off to receive their new MacBook Air notebooks.

There is much to learn about these machines, both for the students and parents alike. For the students we have the 1Degree staff to assist the teachers and students directly when issues arise. Current parent workshops are advertised on home.scotch - Parent link, with workshops such as "Managing Laptops @ Home - Strategies for Effective Use" and "Introducing you to Apple Mac", to help parents navigate the new device with their sons.

We look forward to updating the community with our progress as the boys become familiar with using their new MacBook Air notebooks to enhance their learning.

Amanda Ritchie

ILT Coach

French News

Bonjour parents et élèves! Welcome back to a new and exciting school year. We aim to link our work in French class, whenever possible, to the units of inquiry of the Primary Years Programme being taught during the term. Some units will also be co-planned with the classroom teachers to allow for a deeper connection with the transdisciplinary theme. In Summer Term, French lessons for classes in years 1 to 4 will focus on making connections the Units of Inquiry studied in class. In year 5, our work will be focused around a Unit of Inquiry specific to the French curriculum. Participation during lesson time is important, as it is the key time for boys to be immersed in the language. Information regarding the vocabulary being taught in class is posted on the Junior School Language B wiki, which can be accessed at: https://ishare.scotch.wa.edu.au/groups/jslanguageb/

Madame Edwards

French Specialist

Physical Education News

Firstly I would like to say a big welcome back to all our parents and boys ready to start off a fun and exciting year in sport.

Swimming lessons will be taking part in Health and Physical Education for the first weeks of Summer Term, and will run up until Tuesday 4 March. With the weather looking nice and warm over the coming weeks the boys will no doubt be looking forward to their swimming lessons.

Our annual Inter-House swimming carnival will take place at Challenge Stadium on Wednesday 19 February starting at 9:00am and finishing at 1:00pm. This carnival involves boys from Years 3 - 5. All boys will be time trialled and assessed with the help of West Coast Swimming Club. From these time trials and assessments the boys will be placed accordingly in the swimming program for the carnival.

Our year 5 and 6 boys will commence their JPSSA program on Thursday 13 February against Wesley here at Scotch. This is exciting for all our boys. We do ask each boy who is competing to always ensure that they not only continually give their best at all times but that they also ensure that they always act within the spirit of fair play and good sportsmanship.

I am looking forward to what is going to be not only an exciting Summer Term but also an exciting year.

Jason Caniglia

Head of Junior School Physical Education

Junior School Resource Centre

Welcome to the Junior School Resource Centre, located in the main hallway near the Administration Office. Mr Warwick Norman, our Teacher Librarian, is on long service leave for the Summer Term and I have returned to take his place for that time. I have enjoyed my first week getting acquainted with the new boys and all the wonderful new resources acquired recently. The old boys have made me feel very welcome and have been a great help in showing me where the best books are.

All classes have a borrowing session each week with a library lesson every fortnight but I would like parents to know that books may be borrowed and returned at any time while the Library is manned. Also, parents are encouraged to borrow as well either digital or print books. The digital books are available through Overdrive, which can be accessed through the Scotch Home Page under iLibrary.

The Junior School Resource Centre is a great place for new parents to meet other parents and help out. No previous experience is required and you can attend on a casual basis. We meet to cover books and complete other library jobs first thing on Thursday mornings. Why not drop off your son and come and join our happy group for a coffee or tea next Thursday? If you are interested please contact me in the Library or just turn up.

If you wish to discus your son's borrowing, I am always happy to make recommendations, as reluctant readers are a special interest of mine.

Kaye Turner

Junior School Teacher Librarian

'Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell and how many times I got up again.'

Nelson Mandela 1918 - 2013

Welcome to the 2014 academic year. We have had an exceptionally smooth start to the year and this is an indication of the quality of the data collected, information sent in by parents and work put in by staff following Orientation Day last October. Thank you all very much. One of the positive outcomes of this is that we have been able to commence our Academic Support programme in Maths and English two weeks earlier than we have in past. This is a good result for boys in every class.

The purpose of the Middle School is summed up in our three word mission statement: Transition, Engagement and Innovation. These are the terms that drive the ethos and culture of Middle School and that set us apart, to some degree, from the other sub-schools.

Middle School is a great place to try something new, to make a mistake and learn from it, to learn about yourself and how you learn, to make connections with subjects, teachers and peers that will support a more effective, efficient and enjoyable journey through Senior School. It is a dynamic time with so many new to the College. The transition from boy to young man commences and academic skills developed to date become the keys to unlocking the next phase of learning. Opportunities grow and so do expectations. It is a unique and challenging time. Negotiating Middle School successfully is a collaborative effort on many fronts. A significant goal of mine is to make sure as parents you know what we are doing, when we are doing it and why, and how you can support us and your son.

I am looking forward to 2014, the Year of the Horse, and a year where Nelson Mandela's quote about not giving up will be a continual reference point.

New Staff in the Middle School

Mrs Sophie Berry joins the Year 6 cohort, coming to us from Floreat Primary School. Mrs Berry has Year 6B and the responsibility of Maths for 6B and 6O.

Ms Emma Payne, Drama, has replaced Mrs Couzic who has gone on Maternity Leave this year. Ms Payne is already holding the reins for this year's Middle School Drama Production 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin' due to hit the stage at the end of this term.

Mrs Tiffany Nalder is our new Middle School Administration Assistant. Mrs Nalder is likely to be the first voice you hear on the phone or the first to respond to a general email inquiry.

In terms of other new faces in Middle School, of our 270 students we have 108 boys new to the College this year, including 4 boys from country areas (Coroow, Mt Barker, Newman and Yerecoin) living in our Boarding House. We also have 54 boys new to the Middle School and the MYP from Junior School. Transition into Scotch College, the Middle Years Programme and the PSA is a significant component of the purpose of our Middle School.

New Building Timeline

The two photos below are views of the final building phase for Middle School taken from our top floor temporary library looking north toward the ovals. At this early stage the builders anticipate this phase being completed in time for semester two.

Parent Information Evenings

Parent Information Evenings will be held this week with Year 6 on Tuesday 11 February and Year 7 on Wednesday 12 February. Both meetings will commence at 6.30pm in MacKellar Hall before progressing at 7.10pm to the classrooms. Parking will be available on the lower ovals for your convenience. The evenings will finish by 8pm. The central purpose of the evening is not to overwhelm you with every piece of information you will need for the year, but more to have you walk away from the classroom with more knowledge about the Middle School programme, a greater connection with your son's homeroom teacher and the confidence he is in good hands. We look forward to seeing you there.

The next Parent Teacher opportunity is scheduled for Week 6 when we run our Parent Conferences that offer feedback on your son's first 5 weeks. The focus will be on the pastoral elements of his start to the year with a particular regard to organisation and timekeeping, engagement with lesson content and his peers, and enthusiasm and attitude in classes.

MS Swimming Carnival

The Middle School Swimming Carnival will once again be held in the Scotch College pool on Tuesday 18 February. The carnival is an all day event with the first race at 9.00am and the final event at 2.40pm. Lunch is scheduled between 12.00pm -12:30pm. Boys arrive at school in their House colour shirts and PE shorts. Thongs or sandals are permitted footwear. For racing boys wear their scotch bathers, goggles, a swim cap is optional. Boys bring a towel, a hat, lunch and extra drinks in their sports bag to the pool. As a minimum every boy will swim 1 individual and 1 team event on the day. Boys are nominating for events through their PE class. I hope you might be able to join us for a part of the program. Please click here to see the program.

Outdoor Education Programme Summer Term

Middle School begins the Outdoor Education Programme very early in the year with Year 6 boys commencing their open water safety and skills me with surfing at Scarborough in Weeks 3 & 4. This programme links to the sailing, rafting and kayaking opportunities boys will have in Years 7,8 and 9. Year 6 finish the year with the Lancelin Surf camp in Autumn term. Year 7 boys have their 4 day expedition to Moray in Weeks 7, 8, 9 this term. Four days out of the classroom in the bush with your mates is eagerly looked forward to by all however it is a continuation of the programme of open water safety and skill development, independence, personal responsibility and self management and the opportunity to develop new friendships. Mr Drew Templar is the Outdoor Education Coordinator for Middle School.

Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

From The Head Of Senior School

A warm welcome to all boys, parents and staff as the new school term commences. I extend a special welcome to all of our new boys and families joining the Senior School this term. No doubt many of the boys new to the Senior School will have stories to tell of their first time marching to assembly to the sound of pipes and drums.

While the summer break provides an opportunity for boys to slow down and rest, it also serves as a time for boys to pursue personal interests and opportunities. In addition to the Scotch College Community Service Tour to India and the Basketball Tour to the US in December, there were sporting camps and training sessions held at School in January as well as a number of boys learning of their selection in State and National teams. Nine boys were selected in Western Australian representative teams and Emerson Carlberg (Year 11 Ross) was selected in the Australian Youth Sailing Team.

The outstanding academic results achieved by the Year 12 cohort of 2013, published over the summer break, reaffirmed Scotch's place as one of the highest achieving schools in Western Australia. With the School's strong record of academic achievement, the opportunities for boys to perform at their best in 2014 will rest on their ability to set high expectations, establish a disciplined and routine study schedule and apply a consistent effort to all that they do. The beginning of the term is a great time to set goals and I urge all boys to take time to think about their efforts and achievements in 2013 before setting new goals for the year ahead.

There is a sense of anticipation and optimism for the year ahead and I look forward to watching the boys "exceed expectations" - the theme set for 2014 by our Year 12 cohort.

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School

2014 Senior Leaders

Captain of School

Lach Pethick, Alexander

Co Vice-Captains

Charlie Grant, Shearer

Riley Aitken, Cameron

Head of Student Council

Julian Sanders, Anderson

Vice-President

Harrison Langsford, Alexander

Secretary

Lewis Buchanan, Anderson

Treasurer

Max Zamin, St Andrews

Members

Fraser Murray, Brisbane

Stuart Holt, Cameron

Hans Taylor, Ferguson

Rob Steadman, Keys

Mitchell McTavish, Ross

Robert Bartlett, Shearer

Kyle Newman, Stuart

Captains of House:

Alexander - Dan Coughlan

Anderson - James Simpson

Brisbane - Daniel Gagiero

Cameron - Nick Steinepreis

Ferguson - Matthew Nixon

Keys - Ollie Pope

Ross - Charlie Benson

St Andrews - James Walsh

Shearer - Reece Grant

Stuart - Jack Varney

OFFICE BEARERS:

BASKETBALL

Captain:

Ryder Ethelston, Anderson

Vice Captains:

Liam Warner, Brisbane

Finn Hombergen, Alexander

CRICKET:

Captain:

Chris Simpson, Stuart

Co-Vice Captains:

Dan Coughlan, Alexander

Tom Gajewski, Alexander

Fraser Gilbert, Keys

ROWING

Captain of Boats

James Locke, Ferguson

Vice Captain of Boats

James Walsh, St Andrews

SURFING

Captain

Joseph Anderson, Ross

SWIMMING

Co-Captains

Charlie Grant, Shearer

Reece Grant, Shearer

Vice Captains

Rob Bartlett, Shearer

Jacob Coulson, Shearer

TENNIS

Captain

Liam Campbel,l Keys

VOLLEYBALL

Captain

Erlend Cross, Shearer

Vice Captain

Jack Patterson, St Andrews

DEBATING

Captain

Julian Sanders, Anderson

Vice Captain

Matthew Nixon, Ferguson

MUSIC

Captain

Patrick Mitchell, Brisbane

Pipe Band Positions 2014

Pipe Major Riley Aitken, Cameron

Pipe Sergeant Harry Wiffen, Anderson

President Reid Arnold, Anderson

Pipe Corporal Lewis Buchanan, Anderson

Pipe Corporal Harry Washington, Keys

Pipe Corporal Reid Arnold, Anderson

Lance Corporal Piper Max Zamin, St Andrews

Lance Corporal Piper Evan Ledger, St Andrews

Lance Corporal Piper Harry Bantock, Ferguson

Drum Major Nick Steinepreis, Cameron

Drum Sergeant (Snare) Erlend Cross, Shearer

Drum Sergeant (Bass) Harry Hoft, Ross

Drum Corporal (Snare) Oliver Pope, Keys

Drum Corporal (Snare) Hayden Dick, Keys

Drum Corporal (Snare) Sean Kilpa, Cameron

Drum Corporal (Bass) Robert Steadman, Keys

Lance Corporal Drummer Kayle Worth, Stuart

Lance Corporal Drummer Alex Weeda, Shearer

Lance Corporal Drummer Tom Holland, Keys

Boys' Achievements

Hamish McKenzie (Year 9, Ross) - selected in WA State U15s cricket team to take part in National Championships in Canberra from 21 - 28 February.

Five Scotch boys have been selected in the two state schoolboys' Under 15 teams to play in the Nationals being played in WA in April.

In the Black team: Ollie Benson (Year 9, Ross ) and Alastair Murray (Year 9, Brisbane).

In the Gold Team: Oliver Harding (Year 9, Keys), Fraser Dudfield (Year 10, Alexander) and Trenton Matthews (Year 10, Alexander).

Emerson Carlberg (Year 11, Ross) competed in the Australian Open and Youth Nationals in the International 420 class held in Sorrento, Victoria. Emerson and his crew won the 420 Open Nationals and were the first Australian Male crew in the Youth Nationals. With these excellent results they have been selected as members of the Australian Youth Sailing Team to represent Australia in the Youth Worlds in Portugal in July, and in addition Emerson will receive a scholarship from the West Australian Institute of Sport for 2014.

During the school holidays in December the 2013 State Athletics Relay Championships were held at the State Athletics Stadium. Callum Jacobsen (Year 9, St Andrews), Jack Manners (Year 9, Stuart) and Max Grant (Year 9, Alexander) were part of the winning 4 x 400M relay team and Callum and Max were also part of the winning 4 x 100M relay at these State Championships.

Connor Henderson (Year 11, Ferguson)

Connor won the City of Nedlands Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Award in the under 25 years age category. The award was presented to him by the Mayor of Nedlands at a Citizenship Ceremony on 22 January. Connor was nominated by The Swanbourne Nedlands Surf Lifesaving Club for his outstanding contribution to the club, especially in the capacity of fundraising. Connor's personal project last year was on the basis of creating a fundraising proposal for the club, involving local Swanbourne businesses. It was highly successful and valuable equipment was purchased for the club as a result.

Nicholas Pierson (Year 9, St Andrews) completed his Surf Rescue Certificate with the North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club.

Mandarin Language And Culture Club

Following the success of the club in Spring term, we are pleased to welcome the Confucius Institute back for Tuesday lunchtime Mandarin Club once again this term. Please email Mr Rugg to express your interest or simply come along and bring your lunch. We will be beginning from scratch so don't be afraid!

(A Mandarin speakers club may also be developed later in the year as we have a growing number of boys who are already fluent…expressions of interest please.)

Jonathan Rugg

Head of languages

Study In China

2014 Easter Camp Programme for WA School Students

Study in China 2014 Easter Camp Programme is a two-week programme in Hangzhou (13 April-26 April 2014). It is jointly organized by the Confucius Institute at UWA and Zhejiang University and sponsored by the Headquarters of Confucius Institute (Hanban). It provides an opportunity for non-Chinese students in WA's secondary schools to visit China and to learn its language and culture.

Application Requirements

The programme is open to students between ages of 14 - 17, who have enrolled at secondary schools in WA. Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Non-Chinese nationality
• Show great interest in Chinese culture and language …

Please contact Mr Rugg, Head of Languages for an application form.

Language Perfect

Congratulations to the final Language Perfect winner for 2013 - Alexander Gajdatsy (Year 10, Alexander) who won an iPod Shuffle.

Language Perfect has been on trial in 2013 and we have had contestants in Indonesian, Spanish, French and even Chinese; answering over 282,000 questions on language vocabulary, across Years 6-12 (Indonesian: 124245, French: 78842, Spanish: 76894, Chinese: 1635 questions answered).

As it has proved its worth we will be including a subscription to this excellent tool to many class lists as mentioned on the Booklist.

Jonathan Rugg

Head of Languages

2014 Secondary Assistance Scheme

Students eligible for the Secondary Assistance Scheme will again be able to apply for this in 2014. Applications forms are available from Mrs Anita Johnson in Accounts Department and close on Friday, 11 April. Further information can be obtained from:

Schools Resourcing and Budgeting Directorate

Department of Education

151 Royal Street

EAST PERTH WA 6004

Tel: 9264 4516

Em: student.allowances@det.wa.edu.au

2014 Student Review Meetings

Parents, please be advised that parent/teacher/student review meetings are planned for the following dates:

Year 8 Tuesday 1 April

Year 9 Tuesday 4 March

Year 10 Monday 26 May

Year 11 Wednesday 19 March

Year 12 Monday 10 March

Boarders Friday 11 April

Full details will be advised closer to the dates.

Parent Information Evening

Parent Information Evenings offer guidance on a number of issues relevant to particular year groups. Please refer to the dates below. Parents are encouraged to attend.

All sessions run from 6.30pm to approximately 8.00pm in the Dickinson Centre. No RSVP is required.

Year 8 Parent Information Night - Tuesday 11 February 2014

Year 9 Parent Information Night - Monday 17 February 2014

Sports Notices On The Website

Parents are reminded that sport notices can be accessed from the Home.Scotch, including details of fixtures, transport arrangements, PSA team results and summaries.

An initial training schedule for all sporting teams is attached and will be posted on the web page. It is subject to minor changes though so please refer to the web page for updates.

Inter-House Swimming Event

This event takes place this week on Wednesday 12 February at Challenge Stadium. The programme is attached. The boys should arrive by 8.35am and the first event starts at 9am. Boys have been preparing for this event in their Houses since the beginning of term. Further information can be obtained from the House Head or Head of Sport. Boys are expected to make their own way to Challenge Stadium. The last event will be at approximately 1 pm. The School will provide transport back to the School for Boarders or any boy who needs to come back to School, however there will be no afternoon classes. If boys wish to come back to School in the afternoon there will be private study provided in the BRC.

The School would welcome parents' presence at the swimming. Please bring hats and sunscreen as it may be a hot day and there is limited shade available.

Sprinting Technique/Fitness Training

During Summer Term Sprinting Technique/Fitness Training is being conducted on the Memorial Oval for all students from Years 6-12 no matter what sport they play. The training is under the guidance of Mr Ryan Pursell and Mr Doney, a teacher at the school, it will provide the opportunity for boys to develop their ability to run faster and with greater endurance. This will enhance their ability to play their chosen sport(s). There will also be an emphasis on the development of the mind in relation to playing sport. Attendance at the training sessions must not interfere with other school sporting commitments students may have.

Mouthguards

It will not be long before the winter sport season is upon us, or at least the commencement of training, and with this in mind it is time to again think of mouthguards. The College strongly recommends that all students wear mouthguards for both training and competition in all contact sports. A custom fitted mouthguard will not only protect teeth but has also been proven to reduce the incidence of oral soft tissue injury, jaw fracture, neck injuries and concussions. Parents are welcome to make private arrangements however for those who prefer, the College is able to offer the following service:

A highly experienced dental prosthetist from Galadent will be attending the school on Wednesday 19 - Thursday 20 February (Years 10, 11 and 12) and again Monday 24 - Tuesday 25 February (Years 8 and 9) to take dental impressions of those students who wish to avail themselves of this offer. The mouthguards will then be made up and distributed to the boys later in the term.

It is essential that both attachments to this newsletter concerning mouthguards are completed in full and returned to the College by Friday 14 February. NO late forms will be accepted. DO NOT include payment details as requested in Step 3 of the order form - merely complete the second attachment "Mouthguard Permission Form" and the cost will be charged directly to your school account.

Overseas Exchange 2015

Year 12 students who are considering a GAP Year overseas are encouraged to start thinking about their proposed destinations and to arrange a time to meet with Mr Frusher to discuss the various options available.

Some of the options already advertised are as follows:

Tutors Worldwide handles the recruitment of gap tutors for a good number of schools in the UK. In 2014, despite the continuing recession and changes to visa regulations, they offered 130 gap tutor placements in UK schools to Australian applicants from the age of 17 upwards. Full information regarding the programme offered by Tutors Worldwide can be found at the organisation's website www.tutorsworldwide.org . Please note that the closing date for applications for placements in 2015 is Thursday 10 April, 2014.

Lions Youth Exchange gives Australian youth the opportunity to live with Lions families overseas during December 2014 - January 2015 school holidays. The programme does not involve tuition or school attendance but is rather a cultural holiday whereby students can immerse themselves in a new culture, enjoy organised sightseeing and practise second language skills. Further information can be found at www.lionsclubs.org.au/ye . Applications close 30 June 2014.

Australian Airforce Cadets

Students aged 13-18 years, can learn to pilot a real aircraft in just 10 days at the Australian Airforce cadets twice-yearly flying training courses. As well, you can learn about aeronautics, radio, meteorology and bushcraft; and take part in survival training, drumming and precision marching. You'll also get leadership training that generates self-reliance, self-discipline, initiative and community-focused skills, equipping you for dynamic citizenship, both in school and throughout the rest of your life.

Officers and instructors are professionally trained in instruction, administration, occupational health and safety, first aid and duty of care. All are current qualified senior first aiders and have current Working With Children checks.

Air Force Cadets enjoy aviation activities in a military environment, develop their interest in aviation, and build lifetime friendships.

For more information, visit www.aafc.org.au.

Wace Help

Academic Task Force

Master Classes (Year 11 - 12): Starting the week beginning 9 February

Power your way to excellence at school and in your exams. Be inspired by expert subject specialist teachers, gain fresh insights into subject concepts and polish your work to achieve maximum marks. These weekly small group classes follow a specific teaching program and are available on various days at our Applecross Centre and Perth Modern School, Subiaco.

WACE Help Weekend Classes: Starting 15 February

Get the help you need each week in these small tutorial groups. Taught by experienced teachers dedicated to improving your academic performance, these small group sessions allow you to ask questions, get individual support and strengthen your understanding. Various times and courses of study available. Saturday classes are available at Rossmoyne SHS and Churchlands SHS, Sunday classes available at Perth Modern School.

Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 Saturday Classes: Starting 15 February

Receive extra support to help achieve success in English and Maths. Experienced teachers will work with you to build your skills and understanding in a small group. Classes available at Rossmoyne SHS and Churchlands SHS, various times available.

Enrol Now: www.academictaskforce.com.au

Email: learn@academictaskforce.com.au

Phone: (08) 9314 9500

Year 11 and 12 Examinations

2014 Examination Dates for Years 11 and 12 are as follows:

Semester One:

Year 11 and 12 WACE: Tuesday 6 May to Thursday 15 May

Semester Two:

Year 11: Tuesday 16 September to Wednesday 24 September

Year 12 WACE Mocks: Saturday 4 October to Monday 13 October

Year 12 IB Mocks: Monday 22 September to Thursday 2 October

Year 12 Written WACE Examinations: Monday 3 November to Friday 28 November

Year 12 Written IB Examinations: Monday 3 November to Friday 21 November

It is essential that all boys are present for these important examinations. Parents who may anticipate difficulties with these arrangements should contact Academic Services 9383 6825 or seniorschool@scotch.wa.edu.au at your earliest convenience.

IB Diploma Core Components

The Core of the IB Diploma Programme consists of three main elements - The Extended Essay, CAS and Theory of Knowledge. While separate areas, coherence in the core is committed to the principle of developing the whole person. The main aims and objectives of the core are to:

• Support the interconnectedness of learning
• Support concurrency of learning
• Support a broader view of the subject areas
• Foster international mindedness by exploring issues of global significance
• Develop self awareness and a sense of identity
• Encourage students to consider the contexts and views of others

The core components of the Diploma Programme are thus intended to provide opportunities for students to think about their own values and actions, to understand their place in the world and to enrich their understanding of their subject areas. This may be achieved by:

• Transferring the critical thinking process developed in TOK to the study of academic disciplines
• Developing service learning opportunities in CAS that will build on a students existing subject knowledge and contribute to the construction of new and deeper knowledge in that subject area
• Exploring a topic or issue of interest through the lenses of the subject areas

The Extended Essay

The graduating Diploma class of 2013 is to be congratulated for their outstanding results in the Extended Essay. Forty-five percent of the group were awarded an A grade for their Extended Essay compared to a global A grade average of twelve percent. The level of achievement the students attained this year is a reflection of their determination, focus and maturity.

The College also congratulates the Diploma teachers for their supervision of students throughout the process. Their expertise in their various fields of knowledge and generosity of time throughout the process contributed to our students' success.

The Extended Essay requires Diploma students to engage in independent, in-depth research on a topic related to one of their areas of study. It provides students with an opportunity to develop independent skills as they face the challenges of designing, conducting and reporting on the findings of their research. The Extended Essay follows a natural inquiry continuum from the Personal Project, however, rather than making a 'product', students are required to generate and investigate an academic research question.

The purpose of the Extended Essay is to enable students to continue to develop a variety of skills including analysis of data and sources, enhancing independent and critical thinking skills and the ability to build a sound, plausible argument informed by clearly documented evidence. Students are then required to present their information in a 4000-word essay that is marked externally by globally located subject specialist academics.

Loreen Kerrigan

Extended Essay Co-coordinator

Year 10 Personal Project

The Year 10 Personal Projects are well and truly underway and there are some very exciting ideas being developed by this particular year group. While the Personal Project is an ongoing process, students should have completed their planning stage and have well developed designs. Many will be fully involved in the creation of their product. It is important for all students to be actively working on their products this term as Autumn term can be quite hectic, particularly around exam time. Students must also document all stages of their process in their Process Journal.

Individual Personal Project conferences are scheduled for weeks 2, 5 and 8 during Summer Term. While every attempt is made to keep conference times consistent, whole school calendar events may necessitate a change in some timings. As always, details of meetings can be found on the Personal Project noticeboard outside the BRC and boys are encouraged to check this board for updates. Students must also check their school email accounts regularly as this is the most efficient way for Supervisors to contact their students.

This term conferences will focus on guiding students through the criteria and drafting the first three sections of their report. The Personal Project team wishes the boys the best of luck this term as their projects really start to take shape.

Loreen Kerrigan

Personal Project Leader

Friday Afternoon Arrangements for Year 10

Year 10 boys have compulsory activities including Community Service, Cadets and Leadership Training on Friday afternoons.

As there is not the usual 20 minute sessions for Chapel or House meetings on Fridays, as on other days of the week, the end of school on Friday is 3.05pm.

Communication Between School and Home

Absences

Please contact the College by phone or email regarding your son's absence early in the morning of the day of his absence. The parents of all boys whose absence is not accounted for in Tutor Period will be contacted. Please assist the School by contacting us if your son will be absent.

Contact details: Student Services on 9383 6928 or seniorschool@scotch.wa.edu.au.

When a boy returns to school following an absence, he should bring with him a note signed by a parent or guardian explaining the reason. This note should be left at the Student Services Office (located directly opposite the main entrance to the Dickinson Centre). Absence notes should be clearly printed and show the boy's name, initials, House and year group.

Leave During the Day or Late Arrival

If a boy needs to leave school during the day for an appointment, he will require a note from a parent explaining the leave. He should present this at the Student Services Office to the Attendance Officer, who will record his departure and return. Boys who are late on more than two occasions in one month without parental approval will be issued with an after school detention.

Cycle Helmets and Registration

Boys must wear and fasten an approved cycle helmet when cycling to and from school. Boys in the Senior School have been told that those who wish to cycle to school must register this fact (even if they have registered in previous years) before school with Mr Burt or their House Head by Friday 14 February. When boys register they must produce their cycle helmet with their name neatly and clearly marked on it and provide the serial number of their bicycle, together with a description of the bicycle, including the colour and the maker's name. Helmets are not to be disfigured with lettering, additional painting or stickers.

Car Drivers and Registration

Boys in Year 12 wishing to drive to school are required to register with Mr Burt. Application forms are to be completed and signed by a parent.

Smartrider Cards

Senior School

Smartrider Cards will be automatically issued to new Senior School boys following Photo Day, Monday, Week 2 in Summer Term.

Important Dates for 2014

Year 12 Ball Saturday 22 February

Open Day Friday 14 March

March Out Friday 17 October

WACE/IB Monday 3 November

Valedictory Dinner Friday 28 November

JS Presentation Afternoon Wednesday 3 December

MS Speech Night Thursday 4 December

SS Speech Night Friday 6 December

Summer Term (10 weeks)

Monday 3 February - Preparation Day (new boys and Year 8 boys)

Summer term: Tuesday 4 February - Friday 11 April

Mid Term Break Friday 28 February - Monday 3 March

Autumn Term (10 weeks)

Tuesday 29 April - Friday 4 July

Mid Term Break Friday 30 May - Monday 2 June

Winter Term (10 weeks)

Tuesday 22 July -

Senior School: Wednesday 24 September

Middle and Junior Schools: Friday 26 September

Mid Term Break: Friday 22 August - Monday 25 August

Spring Term (8 weeks)

Junior School:

Tuesday 14 October - Wednesday 3 December

Middle School:

Tuesday 14 October - Thursday 4 December

Senior School:

Wednesday 15 October - Friday 5 December

Start/End School Days

Senior School:

Monday - Thursday 8.35 am - 3.25 pm

Friday 8.35 am - 3.05 pm

Junior School:

Monday - Friday 8.40 am - 3.15 pm

Middle School:

Monday - Friday 8.35 am - 3.25 pm

FOSM

Friends of Scotch Music (FOSM) is a group of parents who enthusiastically support the work of boys and staff in the Music Department.

Our first meeting for 2014 is tonight Monday 10 February at 7.00pm in the Senior School Music Room.

Please consider becoming involved in FOSM, this is an excellent way to support your son and the Music Programme at Scotch College.

Welcome to 2014.

The Mothers' Auxiliary AGM will be held on Monday 24 February at 9am in the Dining Room Annex. Please join us to help formulate our team for this year. The AGM will be followed immediately by our first meeting for 2014 and a welcoming morning tea.

We have not yet filled the position of Vice-President; if you would like to hear more about this position or any other positions on the committee, please contact me at clairstanley@iinet.net.au

Our first major function for this year is the Year 12 Ball. The 'Year of the Dragon' Ball will be held in the Dickinson Centre on Saturday 22 February. Preparations are in their final stages and I would like to thank our wonderful group of Year 12 parents and boys who have put this event together. This is the last chance to purchase tickets if you havent already done so.

Save the date for the Middle School Drinks on Thursday 27 February, more details will soon be available on our web page https://parentgroups.scotch.wa.edu.au/groups/mothersauxiliary/

Friday 7 March is the Year 8 Headmaster's Morning Tea held in the Dining Room Annex following assembly at 9.40am. All year 8 parents are invited to meet Dr Rob McEwan, new parents and reacquaint with current parents.

Clair Stanley

MA President

As our Summer break becomes a distant memory, and we're well into 2014, which is shaping up into a very full year with the events and initiatives the OSC has planned.

Our first Reunion is the 20 Year Reunion for the Class of 1994 to be held at the College on the 21^st of March, followed shortly by our Sundowner on the 27^th of March, which also heralds the Boat Club Dinner and the Head of the River. When you combine these with the College Cup, Wine Tasting, Founders Day Dinner and Seniors' luncheon, a full calendar is ahead of us.

During 2014 we also plan to host once more our Alumni-Connect function with PLC as well as our Career Focus Breakfasts for the current Year 12 cohort, hosted and presented by Old Scotch Collegians.

We've also critically reviewed the success of our Structured Tuition Mentoring Programme and plan to repeat this in 2014.

One event that we will focus on particularly this year is Founder's Day. We are exploring a number of options to freshen up the format, make it more inclusive and bring together the OSC community for a really memorable evening.

We've worked on improving the OSC's governance and financial arrangements, and changed the meeting format of the OSC Committee with the full committee meeting quarterly. We have formed smaller, dedicated sub-committees to better address the needs of our evolving association. The sub-committees are; Membership, Appeals & Fund Raising; Events and Initiatives and they have been formed to assist the association to become more agile and implement longer term strategies that ultimately support the College.

I hope that many of you will attend the March Sundowner on the 27^th and enjoy some good company with your fellow OSCs.

Remember to look for OSC on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay current, and to enjoy some news and achievements from OSC's around the world.

Michael Silbert

President Old Scotch Collegians

Community Notices

Events at The Clay House

Offering a full range of ceramic classes for children, teens and adults. Please see our Term 1 Course Catalogue on our website www.TheClayHouse.com.au for all the details. To enroll or inquire further email us at: TheClayHouseStudios@gmail.com

Amanda Young Charity Ball

The annual Amanda Young Foundation Charity Ball will be held on Saturday, May 17 2014.

Where: Grand Ballroom Crown Perth commencing at 6:30pm.

Theme: "Havana Nights"

Dress: Spanish/Mexican/Cuban, be inspired by Goucho's, Diego Maradona, Eva Peron and Ricky Martin

Entertainment: Proof and The Diamonds

You will be wined, dined and entertained for a wonderful cause - Fully inclusive tickets $200.00 each or $2000 table of 10. Bookings are available www.amandayoungfoundation.org.au - Please book and pay early for your table, to avoid disappointment.

The Amanda Young Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing deaths as a result of meningococcal disease as well as supporting survivors of the disease. The foundations mission is to increase awareness through education and fundraising events. Proceeds fund medical conferences, research into the disease, survivor assistance and the Annual Young Leaders Summit.

This Ball is consistently voted in the top ten functions on the WA social calendar!

Thank you for your support in advance and we look forward to your company.

Creative Expression for Emotional Well-being

The Perth North Metro Medicare Office is running an eight week programme for 13 - 17 year olds from 12 February - 2 April, 4.30 - 6.30pm in Osborne Park.

This course will provide opportunities for young people to identify and express feelings, encourage positive coping strategies, increase self confidence in managing relationships and provide support.

Contact Natalie Robertson on 9208 9592

Relationships Australia

Relationships Australia is holding several parenting seminars this term.

Parent Teen Connection

We have all gone through adolescence - do we remember? It has always been a challenging, sometimes frustrating period of life's journey. Thankfully, today's parents are usually more inclined to listen. Living with teenagers can be confusing and even worrying, but also rewarding. This course reduces stress and teaches parents to communicate, negotiate and minimise conflict.

Time: 6.30 - 9pm

Dates: Monday 10, 17, 24 February, 10 March, West Leederville

Fathering after Separation

It's important for fathers to distinguish between their parenting role and their relationship break-up. This seminar, held in a male-friendly environment, suggests helpful ways to keep in touch with your child to build skills and to recognise strengths and weaknesses.

Time: 6.30 - 9pm

Date: Monday 28 April, West Leederville

Nuts and Bolts of Being a Dad

A Dad is very important in a child's life. This three week course looks at some of the building blocks a single or partnered Dad can use to develop solid relationships with his children. How to interact, participate and communicate will be discussed.

Time: 6.30 - 9pm

Dates: Thursday 13, 20, 27 March, Fremantle

Dads Raising Teenage Boys

Raising teenage boys can be challenging but there can also be exceptional times of fun and closeness. The Dads Raising Boys workshop is designed to assist fathers and father figures navigate their way through the teen years to help build positive relationships and strong, positive young men for the future.

Time: 6.30 - 9pm

Dates: Thursday 6 February, Fremantle. Wednesday 9 April, West Leederville

Change and Loss - A Man's Way

Men tend to deal with change and loss differently to women but is there such a thing as the 'right' way to navigate the journey through a grief experience? This workshop will look at the many types of losses in a man's life.

Time: 6.30 - 9pm

Date: Thursday 6 March, West Leederville

Kids and Today's Technology

This seminar is for parents of kids between ages 2 and 18 years. Technology is now being used by very young children and most teenagers are proficient users of many aspects of technology. Your knowledge of what's out there, how it's being used and how you manage it in your home will have a direct impact on your kids' learning and safety.

Time: 6.30 - 9pm

Dates: Wednesday 12 Feb, Monday 17 March, Monday 24 March, West Leederville

For more information http://www.wa.relationships.com.au/ or 1300 364 277

Holy Rosary Parish

For Catholic families whose home parish is Holy Rosary Nedlands and wish to present a child to receive a sacrament of initiation this year, please be advised of the following:

Registration is required and takes place in the parish centre either on Saturday 22 February, 11.00am - 12.30pm, or on Wednesday 26 February, 4.00 - 4.30pm.

Enrolment in the relevant catechetical programme is also required and takes place at the same time as registration.

Full details on the parish noticeboards or www.holyrosarynedlands.org.au, hrpnedlands@bigpond.com or phone 08 9386 1870.

Australian Red Cross Blood Service

From 12 January 2014 donors aged 16 and 17 years will be limited to one donation every 12 months. If you would like more information or have any questions please contact Community Relations Officer Mark Bradstreet 08 9421 2891 or call the contact centre 131495. Please see attached Frequently Asked Questions which explain this change in more detail.

The Great Western Sand Storm (GWSS)

Running For Our Wounded Military

The GWSS is a non-profit event - all proceeds to Soldier On, an Australian charity supporting our physically and psychologically wounded Defence Force personnel.

So what's it all about? A whole day of running events - uniquely on soft sand - with eight separate activities to suit any fitness level. The Swanbourne location adds to the distinctly military theme of the GWSS, but the day is aimed at the general public.

Literally thousands of our troops suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, so the GWSS aims to promote good mental health - not only in military personnel but all walks of life. Exercise in an integral part of good mental health.

Students over the age of 10 years old are encouraged to register - a parent or guardian is required to fill in the registration form and pay the registration fee - and we advise the shorter distances for students:

• The Hand Grenade Relay - 1 km x 4 legs - teams of 4, 3 or even 2!
• The Fun Run/Walk - 5 km - but less is fine
• The 10 km Race
• The Sand Storm Circuit - a military style circuit with exercise challenges every 500 m - either over 5 km or 10 km

The course is 2.5 km of pristine North Swanbourne Beach - out-and-back - which means 5 km per loop.

There are longer distances offered although only those older runners with a great deal of running experience are advised to enter:

The Half Marathon

The Marathon

50 km Ultra Marathon

Don't miss out on this rare event! Register at: www.greatwesternsandstorm.com

Keep in touch at: www.facebook.com/greatwesternsandstorm

Watch the video: https://vimeo.com/80877076

Tour To Gallipoli

The 16^th Battalion's Foundation, through the 2/16^th Battalion Association, has organised an 11 day/10 night historical and commemorative tour to Gallipoli to dedicate a plaque to 16 Battalion A.I.F. for the Gallipoli campaign and to undertake an historically orientated tour focussed on battlefields to gain an understanding of the campaign and 16 Battalion A.I.F.

The plaque will be presented to the Mayor of Gallipoli on April 24, whilst the tour commences on 18 April and concludes after ANZAC Day at ANZAC Cove.

Ground content cost of $1650 and airfare approximately $1800.

Further details and bookings can be made on 9446 9856 or email kokoda@arach.net.au.

Mary Goldthorpe

Chair, 16^th Battalion's Foundation

mary.goldthorpe@yahoo.com.au

Mobile: 0409 085 987