On the weekend we held our second Symphony by the Lake in association with the Perth Symphony Orchestra. The evening proved another great opportunity to bring together so many of the Scotch and local community. It also provided an opportunity for many of our students to perform alongside professional musicians. Furthermore, a number of our boys volunteered to assist with the logistics on the evening and I received numerous comments regarding the important role they played in making the evening run so smoothly. From my point of view the most pleasing part of this was how the boys presented themselves and interacted with the public.

As part of the evening I shared some news which we received on Friday 7^th March. Mr Steve Walsh MBE wrote to formally extend an invitation for the Scotch College Pipe Band to perform at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2015 as part of the massed pipes and drums. This is a significant moment in the history of our College and in particular our Pipe Band programme.

Just last week the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) released a report based on a survey of Australian Principals. The release of this report provides a timely opportunity to contextualize why we have to continually keep underage drinking at the forefront of our well-being programme at Scotch and the importance of discussions about this issue within the family home.

In essence the ANCD report highlights that Principals believe the use of alcohol has a significant and negative impact on the well-being of students' behavior and academic performance. The reality is that underage consumption virtually always takes place away from the school setting. Students who are exposed to unacceptable levels of alcohol, or other drugs, simply underperform and experience difficulties at school.

If you are reading this article as a parent of a Junior or Middle School student you may attempt to rationalise that the issues raised only pertain to parents of Senior School students and underage alcohol consumption is not yet relevant to your situation. If this is the case then I urge you to re-think your position and keep reading. In the blink of an eye you will be the parent of an adolescent who will require your support, guidance, wisdom and direction on many social issues such as alcohol.

What follows is not a moralistic lecture, but a synopsis of a matter that requires constant attention and action. I learnt many years ago not to throw stones in glasshouses. As partners in the educational and personal development journey of your son, we must all try and emanate clear and consistent messages on the things that really do matter when it comes to the welfare of our young men; underage alcohol use is just such an issue.

One of the foremost institutional experts in the USA, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIH) state that

"underage alcohol is a serious public health problem. Alcohol is the most widely used substance abuse among American youth, and drinking by young people poses enormous health and safety risks."

Taking into consideration that the legal drinking age in the USA is 21 years of age compared to 18 years of age in Australia, the following data highlights their concerns:

• By the age of 15 more than 50% of teens have had at least 1 drink;
• By 18 more than 70 precent of teens have had at least a drink;
• In 2009 10.4 million young people between 12-20 reported they had had alcohol beyond just small sips in the past month; and
• While young people may drink less, when they do drink they drink more because young people consume more than 90% of their alcohol via binge drinking.

It is the last point that is of most concern. Given that the context for underage alcohol consumption is predominantly away from the school context, it is important that parents understand the pivotal role they play in educating their son as to the dangers and inappropriateness of underage consumption, especially that of binge drinking.

The NIH highlights that parents play a seminal role in shaping young people's attitudes toward drinking; both positive and negative. This should not be surprising, however, in the busyness of life and in an attempt to maintain sanity as a parent of an adolescent, it may not always be that easy to articulate a strong stance on matters such as underage drinking. This may be especially challenging when your son will try and convince you that you are clearly the worst parent and the only one who holds such a strong position. Do not fall for this three-card trick.

The NIH suggests that parents can assist their child and that parents should look out for some basic warning signs of underage drinking.

What can parents do?

• Frequently speak about the dangers of binge and underage drinking;
• Drinking responsibly if they drink;
• Serve as positive role models in general;
• Not make alcohol available;
• Get to know their children's friends;
• Have regular conversations about life in general;
• Connect with other parents about sending clear messages about the importance of not drinking alcohol at their age;
• Supervise parties to make sure there is no alcohol; and
• Encourage their son to participate in healthy and fun activities that do not involve alcohol.

The last point is why we place so much value on the role of sport and co-curricular programmes in the educational journey at Scotch.

What are some signs that parents and schools can watch for?

• Changes in mood, including anger and irritability;
• Academic and/or behavioural problems at school;
• Rebelliousness;
• A sudden change in friendship circles;
• Low levels of energy;
• Less interest in activities they used to really enjoy and/or a sudden loss in care of appearance;
• Finding alcohol among a boys things and/or missing alcohol kept in the home;
• Smelling alcohol on their breath;
• Problems concentrating and/or remembering;
• Slurred speech; and
• Challenges with physical coordination.

Clearly these are just pointers. Parents should not panic at the first sign of one of these. They are merely as a guide if concerned. It is imperative that you liaise with the school to assess if such behaviour changes have been obvious in other settings. We are here to work with families to ensure that the well-being of all boys is a priority.

What I will say is that if students consume excessive alcohol on weekends, and please understand that any underage alcohol consumption is inappropriate, it will take at least two to three days to fully resume normal activity. As such academic performance can be significantly harmed. Furthermore, the frontal lobe of the adolescent brain is still developing until approximately the age of 21. Put simply, underage drinking and/or any other form of substance use is a well-being hazard; it is also illegal. I have had discussions over many years and heard some alarming statements such as "I give my son a 6 pack so that he will only drink a small amount." Let me say that such thinking is seriously flawed and I will never be convinced otherwise. Apart from the obvious fact that the boy is underage by law, after 6 drinks they will be unable to make a rationale decision not to have more.

Reports such as the one from the ANCD last week, simply highlight that we must remain vigilant to the issue of underage alcohol consumption. A positive fact to remember is that it is still the minority of students who are involved in significant levels of underage drinking. Our job is simply to keep the issue at the forefront for our boys so that they have the information and support to deal with this important matter when they are faced with peer pressure or misleading information aimed at getting them to drink. There are many good resources and research available for parents. One such resource I would recommend is www.darta.net.au.

In 2014 we will be conducting a review of our wellbeing programme. Mr Peter Burt will be chairing a review committee and they will be guided by Prof Donna Cross, Winthrop Professor at The University of Western Australia in 2014 and its affiliate, the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research. Our goal at Scotch is to help parents work through the complexity of raising young men in an ever changing and complex world. Our wellbeing programme will continue to be a mixture of school based education, public seminars and parent workshops. Our overarching goal is to ensure that both students and parents are educated on contemporary issues that impact upon the wellbeing of our students.

I would like to extend my congratulations to our Junior School swimming team who represented our College so well last week at the JPSSA carnival. Likewise our best wishes go out to our swimming squad who will take on the other schools and colleges this week at the PSA carnival. Our participation in such events and our weekly sporting and co-curricular programme reflects the culture of health and well-being that we value so much at Scotch.

Finally, over the weekend, I received an article pertaining to the IB Diploma Programme and its position in the United Kingdom. The article, www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-394399/A-level-blow-Baccalaureate may be of interest given that Scotch is an IB three programme school. Please note that the article does reinforce the importance of offering choice and in the case of the United Kingdom the choice is between their A Levels and the Diploma. At Scotch you make a decision between WACE and the Diploma. However, it also provides an interesting discussion regarding standards. Given that we are yet again facing a change in our upper school graduation requirements and courses in WA for 2016 some of you may find the content assists with your deliberations with the choices that you and your sons will be faced with over the coming years.

Have a great fortnight.

Dr A J O'Connell

Headmaster

SCOTCH COLLEGE OPEN DAY

FRIDAY 14 MARCH

The Headmaster, staff and students invite interested families to the Scotch College Open Day.

Friday 14 March, 2014, from 8.15am, finishing at 11.00 am.

More details can be found on the Scotch website www.scotch.wa.edu.au

Year 7 Scholarships for 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.

Students wishing to apply for a Music Scholarship for Year 7 are required to register to the Head of Music, Mr David Coughlan. 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.

Community and Service

Matipwili (Tanzania) Trade Training Centre Function

Construction for the Matipwili Trade Training Centre will start in July this year. Twenty-six students from Scotch and PLC make the long journey to Tanzania to assist the village community add to the existing teaching and learning facilities provided during previous visits. All parents and students in both Scotch and PLC are invited along to a function to mark the completion of the design process and the start of the construction phase. Your contribution on the night will greatly assist to purchase the materials needed to start the project.

ASSIST US TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN AN AFRICAN VILLAGE

Date: Thursday March 20

Venue: Dickinson Centre

Time: 6.30pm.

For more information please click here.

Year 10 Overseas Exchange Opportunities

Two opportunities for exchange have been received for boys currently in Year 10. While the details of each exchange are still to be clarified, both are for this academic year and would require independent overseas travel to the host schools.

A school in Vienna has a boy who is interested in attending Scotch College. The exchange would involve hosting the visiting student for five weeks at the start of Winter Term with the reciprocal visit to Austria likely to be at the end of our Spring Term. An arrangement would be made for borders to host the visitor on campus.

A school in Christchurch, New Zealand is also keen to set up an exchange for one of their students in Year 10, with the travel taking place during Autumn or Winter term.

For more information and expressions of interest on either of these opportunities, please contact Mr Cordner wjcordner@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Disabled Surfing

The next Disabled Surfers Event will be on Saturday March 15 commencing at 9.00am at Leighton Beach. Boys from Year 9 - 12 are encouraged to attend, if not required for a PSA sport fixture. Boys interested in attending should see Mr Cordner or pick up a letter from Senior School Student Services office.

Pancake Day

Last Tuesday, 19 boys took part in the Shrove Tuesday, pancake sale at Ross Memorial Church in West Perth. They worked hard in shifts throughout the day to raise over $800 for UnitingCare West services for disadvantaged groups in our society. The elderly members of the congregation who assisted were delighted to be once again working along-side the boys. A substantial donation has now been made to UnitingCare West.

Music Department

"Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue." Plato

On Saturday night, the Scotch College playing fields were transformed into a perfect evening of Symphonic music performed by the Perth Symphony Orchestra together with Scotch College musicians. A full review of this event will be published in the next edition of the Thistle. Hopefully you were able to attend this fantastic event. If you have any comments about Symphony by the Lake, I would love to hear from you via email, dgcoughlan@scotch.wa.edu.au

On Friday, 21 March, the Friends of Scotch Music (FOSM) are hosting a Quiz Night for all Musicians in Years 8 - 12. PLC music students are also invited and all music students have received an invitation with consent form information. I encourage all music boys in Years 8 - 12 to submit their form as this helps plan the amazing prizes that will be won on the night.

Friends of Scotch Music (FOSM) is a group of parents who enthusiastically support the work of boys and staff in the Music Department. FOSM meets once or twice each term with all meetings beginning at 7.00pm. Meetings 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.

Other upcoming musical events organized for the term including the following:

Upcoming Dates

14 March, Open Day

21 March, Music Department Quiz Night

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

4 April, Friday, Senior Summer Concert

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.

Uniform Shop

Opening Hours for Winter Uniform Changeover

No appointments are necessary. The Uniform Shop will be open extra hours over and above the normal opening times, as follows.

Summer Term Extra Opening Hours

Wednesday, 2 April - 7.30am to 9.00am

Wednesday, 9 April -7.30am to 9.00am

Holiday Opening Days

9 am to 4 pm (lunch: noon - 1 pm)

Wednesday, 23 April

Thursday, 24 April

Monday, 28 April

Boys need to be in winter uniform on Tuesday, 29 April (start of term).

Respect and Integrity

In school we spend a lot of time talking about the values we want to see demonstrated by our students. We put in place programmes and policies, approaches and events that, we hope, will lead our students to understand and demonstrate the qualities we value. The IB learner profile is a set of qualities we believe will develop a well-rounded person who is internationally minded and committed to learning. Supporting the learner profile are the IB attitudes - a list of qualities we want our students to demonstrate.

Two of these qualities are respect and integrity. The IB defines these as:

Respect: respecting themselves, others and the world around them.

Integrity: being honest and demonstrating a considerable sense of fairness.

The journey to achieving these may take some students their entire time in the IB. Others may still be working on aspects of the profile and attitudes as adults. Being at school each day and seeing our boys at work and play, I am fortunate to see them develop in many ways. They show their respect for themselves through the effort they put into their learning and the way they conduct themselves, proclaiming the type a person they are growing to be. They treat each other fairly, most of the time, whether at play or in the classroom. They approach the opportunities they have been given with enthusiasm and show great respect for their learning environment, their teachers and their classmates.

Developing integrity in young boys is a challenge in many ways, as the drive to win or to be first is strong in many of them. They engage in sport outside and inside school that progressively focuses on winning. Being able to compete, whether structured or unstructured, in a fair manner is key. We work with our boys to instil a love of taking part as well as a love of competition. We hope and expect that they will see the value of fairness in all they do, in their approach to their learning, sport and play. It can be easy to fudge the rules or copy something from sources and not credit it if you do not fully understand the impact on your own integrity and self-respect.

In the Junior School we begin the work of the developing the boy into an adult who will show these important qualities in all aspects of his life. We teach them that breaking rules in a simple playground game is as unfair as cheating in more significant endeavours. This journey is long but witnessing the boys understanding the importance of these qualities, even after a time, is greatly rewarding.

I was fortunate to witness our boys compete with great integrity at the Inter-House Swimming Carnival and the JPSSA Inter-School competition. They supported each other, cheered on the success of their friends and classmates, and demonstrated respect and fairness for themselves and their fellow competitors. These events are but one of the many ways we teach, develop and celebrate the respect and integrity of our boys.

John Stewart

Head of Junior School

Important Dates to Remember

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

What do teachers do on pupil free days?

A number of days each year are set aside for staff to attend school without the boys. Scotch allocates these days for professional development, planning and collaboration. These engagements support and enhance best teaching practices, which is reflective of being an IB World School.

Last Friday 28 February, was one of these days. The Junior School teachers completed a two-hour session with an Apple distinguished educator (iPads/notebooks) and a 30-minute session on mental maths strategies, finalised the collaborative mapping of the curriculum for the year, planned units of inquiry, and reviewed report writing outcomes. We also attended a whole school session on the Privacy Act. A very productive day!

Ongoing professional development keeps us up-to-date on the latest research on how children learn, emerging technology tools for teaching and learning, new curriculum resources, and more. Scotch College is highly committed to ongoing professional development.

Kathy Derrick

Deputy Head of Junior School - Curriculum

2W News

A Great Start

Year 2W have thrown themselves into the new school year and have already participated in so many exciting new things. Swimming lessons have been wonderful for the boys, and have proved to be refreshing on the hot days. Uniform change times are noticeably shorter than last year! I also have fewer items left unclaimed at the end of the day; towels, undies and shoes are all finding their way back to their rightful owners. As a teacher that is a very refreshing thing about swimming.

The boys have visited the Clay House to work on a ceramics project, where they especially enjoyed moulding the clay around their kneecaps; they all returned to school dirty but very pleased with themselves. This week will see a follow up visit to continue their fish models and I am sure that they will return equally as grubby from that excursion. We are all excited to see and share the results with parents and family.

Our first Unit of Inquiry has been a revelation as the boys have explored Who We Are. We have looked at Multiple Intelligences and learned about our strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, similarities and differences. It has been a great way for the boys to get to know themselves and each other better and to understand how it impacts upon their learning. We are all agreed that working to Pop Music is not conducive to a calm environment whilst the classics have proved very popular especially Peter and the Wolf and The Sorcerer's Apprentice. All in all it has been a great start to another busy year at Scotch.

Alison Webster

Year 2 Teacher

Art News

A lot has been happening inside and outside the Art Studio. The Year 2 classes have travelled to The Clay House in North Fremantle to be tutored by Fleur Schell, internationally acclaimed ceramicist. Fleur's approach is very tactile, as per the nature of handling clay. She even had boys shaping the body of their fish form by punching out a slab of clay and draping it over their bent knee. Another boy would then gently pull the form off his knee and place it upside down on the table. Boys were laughing and saying how cold and weird the clay felt. Bit by bit, the slabs and textured surfaces are being joined into a fish form, with some crazy, decorative bits to come… You will just have to wait and see what they look like. Here are a couple of images to allow you to get a glimpse of the process involved.

"Sculpture by the Sea" starts this weekend and runs from March 7 - 24. The Exhibition is celebrating its 10^th year at Cottesloe Beach, having showcased about 531 sculptures and introduced the general public to 316 different artists. So don't miss this fantastic opportunity to explore sculptures created by local, national and international artists with your friends and families. With 2014 being the International Year of the Family, this could be an excellent family get together. Go and have a swim, eat fish and chips or a picnic by the sea, take creative photos, and view the sculptures.

CHALLENGE: Should you wish to accept this mission, take a photo of you and your family exploring the sculptures, print it, and submit it to our own photo exhibition back at school. Prizes will be awarded for best entries as voted by judges and by the school community. I look forward to seeing your submissions.

Karen Sabitay

PYP Visual Arts

Performing Arts News

The Year 4 boys have been exploring how different rhythms can transfer into lyrics, body percussion and movement. They have used simple patterns as inspiration to create dance sequences. The boys have engaged in a range of activities, requiring them to use improvisation skills in order to create a movement sequence on the spot, as well as practicing their time management skills to devise sequences in a set time frame. They have enjoyed working individually, in pairs and in groups. Here are some photos from an activity where the boys worked in pairs to create four-beat movement patterns, with one boy leading and one boy echoing the movements.

Phebe Samson

Performing Arts Teacher

Information Learning Technology

Managing Laptops and iPads @ Home - Strategies for Effective Use

When a mobile technology like a laptop or iPad is brought home, a number of interesting challenges arise, particularly if you have wireless internet access. The effective management of a mobile learning technology in the home is an important discussion to be had.

An important key that can assist you in those discussions is TLC - Try, Learn, Chat.

Try If your child is into it, then give it a try too.

Learn Update your knowledge to build credibility - what is happening? What is possible?

Chat Build trust through regular conversations about learning technologies. Let your child be your teacher, and you can add wisdom by asking deeper questions.

For more information on strategies for effective use of laptops, iPads and other technical devices, you can visit the 1to1 Stop Shop:

https://ishare.scotch.wa.edu.au/groups/11notebookresources/wiki/616a1/Managing_Laptops__Home__Strategies_for_Effective_Use.html

Amanda Ritchie

ILT Coach

Physical Education News

The Junior School in-term swimming program has now drawn to an end. The morning swim club training will continue on Wednesdays and Fridays with the last session being on Friday 28 March.

The JPSSA sport program is well under way now. The boys from Year 5 have been competing hard for Scotch and have been representing the School to the best of their ability. From all reports our boys have been conducting themselves well, showing good sportsmanship and always endeavouring to give their best.

The Year 4 boys have their first JPSSA carnival on Thursday 13 March. This is a cricket carnival and it will be held at Christ Church playing fields in Mount Claremont. All the boys are eagerly awaiting this carnival. Information letters have been sent home about this event.

Jason Caniglia

Head of Junior School Physical Education

Junior School Resource Centre

The summer term is rushing by and the boys are keeping the library staff busy by borrowing resources. It is very exciting to witness their enthusiasm for books, both fiction and non-fiction. If your son struggles to find a book that interests him enough to read it suggest he calls in and has a chat with me. My favourite activity is finding books that might make him respond with interest.

The Library contains many series that appeal to different children. Some of them are:

Mervyn by Leone Perguero

Littler Nose the Hunter by John Grant

Beast Quest by Adam Blade

Astrosaurs Academy by Steve Cole

Spy Dog by Andrew Cope

Ramose by Carole Wilkinson

The Super-Roo of Mungalongaloo by Osmar White

Extreme Adventures by Justin D'Ath

Plot Busters by Clive Gifford

Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo

Mr Majeika by Humphrey Carpenter

Space Scout by H.Badger

Emily Eyefinger by Duncan Ball

Selby, the Talking Dog by Duncan ball

The Paw Thing by Paul Jennings

The Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan

Happy reading!

Kaye Turner

Junior School Teacher Librarian

Excellence Awards

The following awards will be announced at Assembly on Friday 21 March:

Year 3

Joe Chegwidden

Jack Cook

Marco Ghiselli

Hayden Henschel

Charles Hood

Nic Langsford

Noah Lewis

The value of the Parent and School Relationship

Thank you for attending the Parent/Teacher interviews last week. The exchange of information between home and school is extremely valuable as is the relationship building between parent and teacher. Although the Year 7 Moray Expeditions commence from this week, it is now an expectation that boys in both Year 6 and Year 7 know the routines and teacher expectations of them right across the curriculum and to whom or to where to go to seek help for any matter be it health, academic, sporting or pastoral care. Being organised and committed are the catch words for the remainder of this term.

Two fabulous events were held last week that highlight some of the behind the scenes strength of Scotch College. The Middle School Sundowner organised by Simone Sewell and Jemma Hector, our MS Mothers' Auxiliary representatives, was a very pleasant Thursday evening overlooking the playing fields and making connection with new parents. Thank you also to the Parents Association for another impressive Year 7 Parent Dinner that once again welcomes new families into the College and continues to build the vital parent infrastructure that supports so much that we do at the College.

New Norcia Campfire - A Community Service Tour

This year we are offering our first Community Service and Spirituality Tour in Middle School. It is a weekend tour to New Norcia staying two nights at the Benedictine Mission. The tour offers students an opportunity to become involved in a weekend of activity, inquiry and reflection around the mission. Reverend Wright is coordinating this tour and places are strictly limited to 10 students. The tour departs Friday 30 May and returns Sunday 1 June. Students interested in this tour can obtain a more detailed itinerary from Reverend Wright.

Enterprise and Leukaemia

This term we have two members of the Middle School trying to raise awareness and support for their friends who are battling with Leukaemia. To achieve this both Mr Peter Tresise (Teacher 7T) and Jonah Benbow (7M) have agreed to participate in the World's Greatest Shave on Friday 14 March, an activity that raises awareness and funds for Leukaemia research and support in WA . There is a steadily growing barometer outside the 7T classroom inching its way to a goal of $1,000. When we reach the goal the hair comes off!

As expected Middle School boys have once again leapt at the chance to support a cause. Table Tennis and Basketball competitions are planned or underway, icy poles are being sold and raffles are being held. Capitalising on the hot weather over the last few weekends Brandon Stofberg (7M), Ben Howie (7PG) and Will Lodge (7PG), have been working extra hard squeezing lemons, adding the sugar, water and ice to produce lemonade and selling it to appreciative customers in their street or at the beach. It is a brilliant display of initiative, action and consideration for others. It is the type of thinking and action the IB aims to encourage and develop and the type of student we are proud to promote.

Brandon Stofberg, Will Lodge & Ben Howie (L-R)

Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

Important Dates in Middle School Summer Term

Brainy Year 6C

Our brain is an amazing tool that when used well can help us to become the best learners we can be. So how can we use our brains better? And how can we become the best learners we can be? Well this term, our class has been researching various aspects of learning and investigating different ways to make ourselves better learners.

Together we have discovered all the different parts of our brain and their function. We have found that some brain parts are responsible for our long term and short term memories whereas others are responsible for our feelings and emotions.

The highlight of our iLearn unit was when we were given an opportunity to dissect a lamb's brain. This experience reinforced what we have been learning about as we tried to locate all of the brain parts through probing and dissecting. We wish we could do it again!

Michael Campbell

Teacher 6C

Excellence Awards

Headmaster's Commendations

Congratulations to the following students who received a Headmaster's Commendation last week:

With service being one of the three core values at Scotch College, we are all encouraged to make service a part of who we are - something we do daily and without invitation. Daily acts of service can be as simple as giving our time, encouragement, support, knowledge, attention, or perhaps a gift to others. Importantly, when we give, we should not expect a reward.

At last week's assembly I shared with the Senior School a recent example of kindness that encapsulates our core value of service. The Head of Sport at Trinity College, in an email to Mr Foster, Director of Sport Scotch College, described the considerate and thoughtful actions of a group of boys in the 10C tennis team at a recent sport fixture. I am pleased to share with you an extract from this email below.

"Would you please pass on to your 10C tennis boys my appreciation at the way they played against one our boys who has an acquired brain injury. He normally only turns up to support the team but given we had three boys not turn up, he ended up playing. My coach says your boys were really good and understanding of his disability to the point of fetching the balls for him to serve and helping him to have a good morning."

On Saturday, 1 March, a group of Year 12 boarders walked out of the bush and into Albany to complete a 1003 kilometre trek along the full length of the Bibbulmun Track. Waiting to welcome the boys into Albany were members of each boys' family and a small group of staff from Scotch College. The completion of the Bibbulmun track is an impressive achievement. Equally impressive, was the long-term commitment shown by each of the boys to achieve this significant challenge. The journey started as 13 year old boys stepping off into the bush in Kalamunda. Five years later, the boys stepped out of the bush and into Albany as young men. The Bibbulmun track experience is symbolic of the journey the boys have been on throughout their years in the Senior School as they moved from childhood to manhood. No doubt the lessons of persistence, effort and commitment to a long-term goal will serve the boys well as they set challenges for themselves in the future.

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School

Open Day

There will be no Senior School Assembly on Friday 14 March due to Open Day.

Parking will be limited. Parents are reminded to consider neighbours when dropping boys at school.

Senior School boys are asked to wear their ties for Open Day.

Boys Achievements

Mac Hanlin(Year 11, Stuart) competed in the WA Debating League state team trials on February 23, and has been selected to be part of the 12 member squad for the second year in a row. He will now face four weeks training before the final five member team is selected in early April.

Josh Bennett (Year 11,Brisbane) will represent Western Australia at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships to be held in Sydney from 13 - 16 March. Josh has qualified for the U17 800m and 1500m events.

Cameron Green (Year 10, Anderson) has been selected in the Australian U16 Cricket team to tour Sri Lanka in May 2014, Cameron was selected after competing for WA in the recent U15 Schoolboys national carnival in Canberra.

Inter-House Swimming - Champion Boys

U/13 Charlie Castleden (Year 7)

U/14 Alex Porter-Wilkinson (Year 8, Brisbane)

U/15 Christian Kyriakou (Year 9, Stuart)

U/16 Matthew Khowira (Year 10, Ferguson)

U/17 Alex Milligan (Year 11, Brisbane)

Open Jacob Coulson (Year 12, Shearer)

Inter School Swimming Carnival

Thursday, 13 March 2014

5.15pm to 8.45pm: All Seven P.S.A. Schools

The team will be advised of transport arrangements nearer the time.

Tickets for the P.S.A. Inter-School Swimming Carnival

Scotch has limited seating for adult and family spectators. Tickets are $15 each (to be charged to your school account) and are to be picked up and signed for at Reception (tickets will not be posted). Parents who wish to attend can register their names with Reception at the School on 9383 6800. Tickets will be available on a first come first serve basis. We would therefore urge parents to make contact with the School as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing parents and family there to support the team.

Parent Seating Layout

Events

CAS - Creativity, Action, Service

According to several studies, a person learns 80% of what he or she experiences and it is through those real-life experiences that true and lasting attitude changes happen. Pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is not simply about academic learning. It is also about learning from experience and rising to a challenge.

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) is one of the three essential elements in every student's Diploma Programme experience. It involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies. The three strands of CAS, which are often interwoven with particular activities, include: Creativity - requiring boys to explore the arts and other experiences that involve creative thinking; Action - which promotes physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle; Service - an unpaid and voluntary exchange.

It is a universal truth within our community that a Scotch Boy is a busy boy, the effortless way that our students juggle academic, sporting, musical, theatrical, debating commitments, to name but a few, is a testament to their commitment to themselves and their community. The CAS programme exploits the pedagogical importance that such activities have for our students. It ensures that Diploma students in Years 11 and 12 are actively engaged in a variety of creative, sporting and service activities that provide an important counterbalance to the academic pressures of their studies whilst facilitating their personal and interpersonal development.

The purpose of the CAS programme is to enable students to learn through real life situations. It identifies that knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. However, CAS involves much more than just the activity itself. Students are required to plan, observe, and reflect on their activities. All of these elements are crucial in making the experience as valuable as possible. The learning process is meaningfully enhanced when people get in touch with their life experiences.

Annually in November, Year 11 diploma students launch their CAS programmes through participation in the City of Perth's Homeless Connect Day. Students work alongside volunteers to help set up a 'one-stop shop of on-going services to homeless people'. This activity is an introduction to CAS, a launch pad for students to start shaping and planning their personal CAS programme - a programme which should be challenging and enjoyable; a journey of self-discovery. Each individual student has a different starting point and therefore, different goals and needs but for most, CAS encompasses experiences that are profound and life changing.

Kate Webster-Blythe

CAS Coordinator

Parenting: How to Set Boundaries Around Technology

Parents of boys in Years 8 - 12 are invited to a workshop with Jordan Foster from ySafe on Wednesday 26 March in the Dickinson Centre Foyer (7.00pm - 9.00pm).

'The world of social media and technology is fast becoming the centre of young people's universe. Whether they are tweeting, posting on walls, snap chatting, pinning or liking, our kids are often more engaged in their online world than the physical world. It is a tedious and challenging task for parents to stay on top of social media trends while monitoring their child's online behaviour. Even more challenging is managing the behaviour that comes as a result of being too 'wired' to the online world: lack of sleep, mood swings, and lack of participation in family activities. We are offering a workshop for parents to learn more about social media and technology trends, and strategies for behaviour management. Topics covered will include what sites and apps young people are accessing, typical behaviours they are displaying in the outlets, and how to manage them. We will discuss behaviour management strategies around sexting and viewing of sexual content, staying safe online, and setting boundaries around technology.

Jordan Foster is a practising community and family development worker, with a background in psychology, Gen Y, and creator of ySafe Solutions. The combination of her tertiary and professional experience is instrumental in providing education and strategies for parents to address behavioural issues relating to the online world. Jordan draws upon both her professional knowledge and personal experience as a 'wired' Gen Y to provide parents with the inside knowledge on technology and evidence-based strategies for behaviour management.'

Bookings are essential due to limited places. Please email Heidi Locke HDLocke@scotch.wa.edu.au to secure a place.

Parenting Ideas

To further support the Scotch community the College has subscribed to Parentingideas, a leading provider of parenting education resources to Australian schools.

One of their latest articles is entitled- Is your teen sleep deprived.

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

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

Teenagers and Alcohol: How Much Influence do Parents Really Have?

Paul Dillon will present a free parent information evening at the Hazel Day Drama Centre, PLC, on Thursday, 20 March. Please see the attached flyer for more details.

2014 Cambodia Tour - Community Service

Expressions of interest for the 2014 Cambodia Community Service Tour are currently being sought. The tour will involve participating in service work at the primary school in Soun Sah Village, as well as travelling to Phnom Penh (to visit Khmer Rouge era sites) and Siem Reap (to visit ancient cultural sites such as Angkor Wat). The tour will run in the December school holidays and will be open to all current Year 10, 11 and 12 students. If you require more information, please contact Miss Kate Gooding in the English Department on 9383 6715 or kgooding@scotch.wa.edu.au. Please see the form attached for expressions of interest.

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. Flights are at your cost, but the accommodation and everything on site is paid for by the sponsors - the Confucius Institute at UWA.

Places are still available but the deadline is 14 March.

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.

Careers

University Information

University of Notre Dame

The School of Medicine at the University of Notre Dame is holding an information session for prospective students of the 4 year Graduate Entry Medicine (MBBS Degree) at the School of Medicine (ND35) 38 Henry Street, Fremantle from 11.00am - 1.00pm on Sunday 23 March 2014.

For further information 94330533 or future@nd.edu.au.

RSVP: http://www.nd.edu.au/medinfosession

UWA Year 12 Information Sessions

Speak to staff about the range of courses offered, application process and new developments at UWA.

Tue 11 March, 6.00pm, Alexander Lecture Theatre, UWA Arts Building

Wed 12 March, 6.00pm, Alexander Lecture Theatre, UWA Arts Building (repeat session)

http://www.studyat.uwa.edu.au/about/events/year-12-students/yr12-info

Gap Year Opportunities

Tutors Worldwide handles the recruitment of gap tutors for a good number of schools in the UK. In 2013, 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.

Lattitude Global Volunteering - 2015 applications now open!

Applications are now open for students interested in embarking on a volunteering placement in a new culture and community during their gap year in 2015. Lattitude is the original gap year organisation, having supported young Australians on worthwhile and challenging placements for over 40 years. Placements are available within our region in Asia/Pacific, or further afield in Europe, the Americas and Africa. Exciting additions to the program next year include Japan as a country option, and Medical Assistant placements which will be ideal for those considering a career in a health profession. To help with costs, they have a number of scholarships available to assist with placement fees or flights to certain countries. The Lattitude website (www.lattitude.org.au/) explains all the details and includes an Application Form for students to download. Application deadline for all placement options this year is Friday 27 June 2014. Further information is also available from Mr Frusher at Scotch College.

Defence Forces

Careers in the Australian Defence Force Information Session

6.00pm Wednesday 12 March, 2014

Irwin Barracks, Stubbs Terrace, Karrakatta, WA

The Navy, Army and Air Force are recruiting for a range of positions in medicine, engineering, trades, administration and more. So if great pay, travel and professional development opportunities, the chance to work in a focused team environment and a whole lot of adventure sounds like a task you need to accept, then come to the next information session to see where your skills could take you. We will tell you about current opportunities, the lifestyle, the recruitment process and you will have the opportunity to talk to serving military members and ask questions.

ADF Officer Careers Information Session including the Defence University Sponsorship

Monday 17 March 2014 at 6.30pm

Irwin Barracks, Stubbs Terrace, Karrakatta, WA

Find out more about becoming an Officer in the Australia Defence Force and discover what it's like at the Royal Australian Naval College at HMAS CRESWELL, the Royal Military College Duntroon and Officers' Training School East Sale. Did you know that you can become an officer without a degree? Or if you're already studying, you may not be thinking about your career after university just yet, but the Australian Defence Force is. If you have started your Engineering or Health degree at any recognised Australian university, you should apply to become a Defence Sponsored Student. Continuing at your university you will receive a salary of up to $44,348 per year if you're an undergraduate, or if you're a postgraduate student pursuing the graduate medical or dental programme, you'll receive up to $66,048 per year, have your remaining Higher Education Loan Program paid, enjoy subsidised accommodation, free medical and dental, text book allowance and graduate with a rewarding career in the Navy, Army or Air Force. Find out more about becoming an Officer in the Australian Defence Force at this information session.

WACE Revision and Study Skills

Master Mind Australia - Academic Pathways

April Revision Programmes

Study Skills - Essay Writing - Subject Revision for all students in Year 10, 11 & 12 aiming to prepare students for Semester 1 examinations.

Courses will be conducted at Christ Church Grammar School, Hale School and Willetton Senior High School.

Early Bird enrolment discount applies if received before 22 March, 2014.

For further information on these programmes contact Dr Robert Hallam at Master Mind Australia on 9486 1377 www.mastermindaustralia.com.au

ISC Learning Group

April 2014 Holiday Opportunities

LEARN to study more effectively

PREPARE for greater success in exams

LEARN skills to achieve more at College

VENUE - SCOTCH COLLEGE ... 6 Hour Courses

See attachment for more details.

Career Tips

Students looking for part-time work will require two important documents:

• Resume`

There are many web-based sites that will assist in the development of a resume suitable for seeking employment. Simply Google resume` and look for a style that suits you. Another good source is the Career Centre web page http://www.careercentre.dtwd.wa.gov.au/Pages/CareerCentre.aspx. Go to Tools & Resources then Resume Builder. Here you will find an easy to use template that can be filled out and then one of five different formats can be selected.

• Tax File Number (TFN)

A tax file number is required by all employees to prevent too much tax being withheld from their pay. Secondary School students can obtain a TFN application form through their school by contacting the Careers Adviser (Mr Peter Frusher), completing the application form and returning it to the Careers Adviser. This process is much easier than applying directly to the Australian Tax Office.

Parents' Association

Year 8 Parent Dinner Friday 14 March 2014

A reminder to book tickets before Wednesday 12 March via the Scotch College website www.scotch.wa.edu.au clicking on the 'Book a Scotch Event' icon.

Water Polo Dinner

Please 'save the date' for the Annual Water Polo Dinner Thursday 3 April 2014 in the Scotch College Dining Room annexe.

Basketball Dinner

Please 'save the date' for the Annual Basketball Dinner for Years 8 through to 12, Wednesday, 9 April at 6.30pm in the Scotch College Dining Hall. This is a fantastic evening including raffles, silent auctions, awards and presentations.

Rowing

The Annual 'Head of the River Picnic' will be held following the rowing event on Saturday 22 March 2014, at the Scotch College Boat Shed.

Lunches may be ordered by visiting the Scotch website www.scotch.wa.edu.au and clicking on 'Book a Scotch Event'. Please note that boarders will have lunch supplied by the Boarding House. Bookings will close on Wednesday 19 March 2014.

Should you have any queries please email HDLocke@scotch.wa.edu.au Heidi Locke (Mother of Captain of Boats)

Michelle Barrow

President Parents' Association

Mothers' Auxiliary

Further to our last report we wish to thank all the Year 11 and Year 12 parents who put in long hours to make the 2014 Year 12 Ball a fantastic success. We would especially like to thank the 24 Year 10 boys who gave up their Saturday night to work as waiters at the event. We were so proud of the boys working in a mature and well behaved manner they did a wonderful job and are a credit to their parents and the School.

Year 9 Parents coffee morning

Wednesday March 12 at 9 am at the Book café.

Outgoing representative Sarah Birch will introduce the 2014 Year 9 representatives.

Year 12 Parents coffee morning

The first monthly coffee morning for the year will be held on Friday 28 March 2014 at the Swanbourne Book café.
Hope you can make it!

Enquiries: Contact: Lyn Walsh 0407773932

Year 11 Dance Saturday 24 May 2014

Committee is formed and preparations are under way.

The dance is a semi -formal held in Memorial Hall. The boys may bring a guest and tickets will soon be available on the Scotch College website.

Please check the Mothers' Auxiliary page on home.scotch.wa.edu.au for current information and lists of your parent representatives and upcoming events.

Next Mothers' Auxiliary meeting is Monday 7 April in Gooch Pavilion at 9am.

Clair Stanley

Mothers' Auxiliary

President

Behaviour Tonics

Behaviour Tonics are running the following courses at their rooms in Wembley.

1-2-3 Magic and Emotion Coaching Parent Course

17, 19 & 26 March, 7 to 9.30pm (2 to 5 yrs)

31 March, 2 & 7 April, 7 to 9.30pm (2 to 12 yrs)

Growing Your Kids Socially (3 to 7 yo),

Thurs 20 & 27 March, 7 to 9pm.

Protective Behaviours

5 & 12 May, 7 to 9.30pm

Engaging Adolescents (11 to 16yo)

6 & 13 May, 6.45 to 9.30pm

The following are available as 'In House' courses.

Parenting Information Session (Including 10 take home tips) This two hour seminar is designed to improve your knowledge and confidence as a parent.

Bullying - Don't Just Stand There

Private Consultations Available

To enquire/register call 9382 1182 or go to www.behaviourtonics.com.au

Bright Blue Disco

The Police Commissioner's Fund for Sick Kids hosts a number of Bright Blue Discos each year. The Wembley Community Centre will be hosting one of these events on Friday 21 March. Please see attached flyer for more information. The Junior Disco incorporates fun games, and parents are welcome to stay for a coffee and to watch their children. Canteen facilities are provided for both discos.