I would like to commence this newsletter with very simple and heartfelt thanks from me on behalf of the Maslin, Norris families and our College community for the support offered through so many people from both within and outside of the Scotch community. The support was both overwhelming and humbling. All that I now ask is that the families be kept in your thoughts and prayers and that they are given the necessary privacy to deal with their immediate and ongoing needs. The families know that we are here for them whenever they need support and our Senior Chaplain Revd. Lewis will continue to remain in contact as appropriate.

Each year the College Council is required to submit an annual report for tabling at the WA Synod of the Uniting Church. As a College community I feel it is useful to share part of the basis of this report. That is our response to some of the framework of the Uniting Church's National Education Charter.

This Charter offers broad principles and guidelines to members of the Uniting Church in Australia regarding education in Australian society. What we have to understand is that this charter simply provides some overarching principles for education. However, how each school addresses this charter is very much context specific such that the courses offered and the enrolment of students will be based on how well an individual school feels it can cater for the respective student and their family.

There are 8 key guidelines within the charter. While a community may be asked by the Church to respond to particular points, it is usually at the discretion of the College as to the focus of their report. We submitted our 2103/14 report with a focus on points 4, 7 and 8.

Notwithstanding this when we work on strategic plans and consider our polices and priorities the Charter is one of the documents we consider. The College's strategic plan is founded on three central pillars:

1. Teaching and learning (1, 2, 4,5, 6, 7)
2. Spirituality and growth (1, 3, 5, 8); and
3. Community and alliances (1, 7)

In the brackets above is how the national charter guidelines can be aligned to our strategic plan. Each charter item may appear in more than one of our own pillars.

One: A Theology Of Education

This guideline values education as a critical component of people of faith. As we live out our commitment to Jesus Christ, we must continue to grow and learn in our faith, expressed as discipleship within our community. This practice assumes faith in action, where our commitment to Christ is expressed through our commitment to education, and living out what we learn as responsible citizens within the wider community and society.

Education is not a discipline or a practice promoted within the Church solely for its own life. The practice of learning is embodied within the community of faith, both through its commitment to ongoing learning about faith, but also in ongoing learning that allows for responsible participation in society. It is expressed through commitment to the education of the whole person, and nurturing motivation of personal and communal responsibilities through lifelong learning.

Two: .A Commitment To Lifelong Learning

This guideline involves valuing the education process as something integral to each person throughout all of life. Lifelong education is a journey that allows each person to participate fully in society in ways that are life giving and sharing. Lifelong education involves teaching and learning about moral and ethical standards, nurturing the development of the whole person - body, mind and spirit - within the community.

Education is not simply about school. For most people in Australia, education begins within a family and community, and continues throughout life. Learning connects us with one another and with our world; and teaches us to become responsible citizens, locally and globally. Education assumes opportunities for knowledge and learning, encourages enthusiasm for teaching and invites each person to develop their full potential within the community.

Three: A Recognition Of Our Rights And Responsibilities

This guideline reminds us that each of us is created in the image of God and is therefore a person of value. The guideline brings with it a responsibility to respect our world and its inhabitants. Such a responsibility requires us to work for the provision of a just society that promotes integrity, sustainability and liberty for the communities in which we live.

Education equips us to participate in society. It encourages the development of skills in community participation, promoting integrity and critical thinking. Education helps us to value such things as cultural and religious diversity; it enhances our understanding of citizenship, national, local and global identity. It teaches us how to live and belong safely, creatively and responsibly within our local, national and international communities.

Four: Access To Equitable And Quality Education

This guideline seeks to maximise learning opportunities through a commitment to quality teaching and learning experiences for all people, regardless of their age, gender, geography, ability or socio-economic status. Such a commitment is expressed through providing opportunities for individuals and communities to access a variety of quality learning opportunities, allowing the development of their full potential.

Education is a human right and needs to be available to all. Education can be provided in a variety of forms and contexts. It should reflect the diverse backgrounds, cultures and needs of individuals and communities. The practice of equitable and quality education requires a commitment to a variety of learning models and contexts; respects the needs of individual learners, especially those whose ability requires special education provisions; and directs resources to areas of greatest need.

Five: Valuing The Diversity Of Educational Expression

This guideline acknowledges the diversity of ways in which learning can effectively occur. Education is delivered and embodied through a range of models, contexts, styles and forms. Diversity values our traditions and our backgrounds, and influences the learning communities that we seek to be. Our commitment to education is expressed in access to a diversity of educational experiences that nurture the unique gifts of each person.

Education occurs in many ways and embraces many traditions and experiences, including those of the indigenous peoples of Australia, those with special education needs and those from rural and isolated areas of the continent. Education assumes a range of models and approaches for individuals and communities that are different. Education requires the experience of safe places, the opportunities to explore news ways of expressing faith and encourages a sense of belonging and participation within and across communities.

Six: Valuing Teaching And Research

This guideline actively acknowledges and affirms the contribution that the teaching profession and those engaged in educational research contribute to Australian society . It actively recognises the importance of places of learning, and the vital role that teachers play in facilitating learning. Our commitment to education is expressed through valu ing those involved in the discipline of teaching, and in our celebration and affirmation of this gift to our community .

Education is a responsible task that impacts the formation of our society. Those entrusted with the task of teaching and educational research directly affect the integrity of our community. Education includes the need to value and affirm the teaching profession and those who support the ministry of teaching. It entrusts the community with the responsibility to discern and encourage those who offer educational leadership and wisdom.

Seven: The Importance Of Families In Education

This guideline recognises that education is nurtured primarily and informally within the family , broadly understood. Formal education usually occurs beyond the family and includes the building of community, the integration of values, and the responsibilities of civic society. Within the context of diverse educational experience, the family usually provides a context for culture and tradition, as well as being a strong place for encouraging learning. Our commitment to education requires us to value families and family life for lifelong learning.

Education occurs throughout life both formally and informally. Our experience of family and our family's relationship with our community are important ways in which we understand who we are and realise our full potential. Integral to nurturing creative learning environments and responsible communities, a commitment to education recognises the importance of families, in their diversity of expressions, as essential to the active task of learning.

Eight: Provision Of Pastoral Care And Chaplaincy

This guideline expresses the desire of the Uniting Church to participate actively in the pastoral care of students and staff within educational institutions. In our commitment to holistic education, we recognise the importance of spiritual development as part of lifelong learning. Our commitment to education recognises that as an organisation concerned with faith and justice, we are responsible to ensure that pastoral care and chaplaincy in Government and non-Government institutions are generously provided and freely available.

Education involves a commitment to the development of body, mind and spirit of each individual. This needs to be supported in tangible ways. Pastoral care and chaplaincy is highly valued by the church as a way of nurturing and supporting the whole person. In promoting a commitment to education, the Uniting Church pledges itself to con- tributing such ministry to the task of education as part of its tradition of supporting learning communities.

Already this term has been very busy. The NAIDOC celebrations in week 2 were a fantastic example of the importance played by our indigenous students who are such an important part of our student body. Book week is coming up and this week marks the last day of Winter fixtures in JPSSA and PSA. Our boys have represented the College with pride and distinction and I look forward to watching them as we finish of this part of the school's sporting calendar.

Have a great fortnight

Dr Alec O'Connell

Headmaster

Community and Service

Encounters: Personal Stories - of Insight and Inspiration and Challenge

North Balga Primary School Visit

The Year 5 students from Scotch College visited North Balga Primary School as part of their immersion for their PYP Exhibition this term. The Exhibition is taking place under the banner of 'challenges, risks and opportunities may lead to migration'. The multi-cultural nature of the students at North Balga gave the boys real life experiences of what it means to be an immigrant to Australia. The North Balga community put on some fantastic cultural activities for our students. Amongst others this included Russian folk dancing, Burmese Karen singing, The Haka and lots of others. Mrs Tabu shared her heart wrenching story of her journey to Australia. Just one part of this included a three-year long walk from Burundi to Tanzania with her family before she finally arrived in Australia. There were many other moving stories the North Balga community shared with our students who found the experience a very informative and emotional one.

Tranby Day Centre

Year 10 boys who visit the UnitingCare West - Tranby Day Centre undergo a five-week programme on the issue of homelessness in Perth. Staff at the centre, who deal with around 120 homeless clients per day, lead the boys through a series of activities, aimed at highlighting the plight of Perth's homeless and the role played by agencies such as UnitingCare West. As part of the programme, boys listen to clients willing to share their personal stories. Invariably, this is a powerful encounter and boys come away with an altered perception of homelessness. On other visits, boys visit the places in East Perth and Northbridge frequented by homeless and they come to understand the hardship of living on the streets.

Romily House

For a number of years, Scotch boys have been visiting 'Romily House' - a local care facility for residents coping with Paranoid Schizophrenia. Typically, boys play board games with residents and spend time talking to them about their lives. The encounters, whether casual or organized by staff, leave boys with a much deeper understanding of the condition and the difficulties of managing the symptoms. The boys quickly realize that the condition can afflict anyone.

Tanzania

The group of Scotch boys and PLC girls on the Tanzania Expedition encountered many people with inspiring stories. One was Furahini Godlike Mmbakweni, a young man with a huge ambition to change the world for the better. He is a business student and recent graduate of one of the poorest high schools in Dar es Salaam. For the past five years, Furahini has set about connecting this community to the world and along the way establish programme to improve nutrition, recycle products and beautify his local area. His enthusiasm and drive has been recognized through numerous awards national and international awards. He was selected to attend a young leaders conference Washington DC and served as President of the Australia Tanzania Young Ambassador Club for Dar es Salaam. In this role he addressed the visiting group - a truly inspiring encounter!

These encounters are some of the many that come through a service-learning programme where boys are exposed to individuals and groups coping with a variety of challenges. The sometimes-confronting stories deliver strong messages based on life experience. They also help boys to understand the role of service agencies and where they possible can assist as individuals. These encounters an integral part of service programme based on the Scotch College Service Model.

Music Department

"The fact that children can make beautiful music is less significant than the fact that music can make beautiful children"

- C. Lavender

Over the past few weeks the boys and staff of the Music Department has been working hard in preparation for the Senior Recital and Upson Award, Jazz Night, and Performance Festivals. All events were extremely successful and I thank everyone who attended for their support. Over the next few editions of the Thistle I will include some photos from the various events and place them on the screens around the school.

One event of particular note that is to be held this Wednesday in the Dickinson Centre at 6.30pm, is Con Brio. Con Brio is a concert that features the String students through their Senior String Orchestra and smaller chamber groups. This year there is a focus on the senior students of the String Programme. A lovely event that is definitely worth attending, no ticket required.

Each of the events listed above are supported by FOSM. If you would like to join the Friends of Scotch Music (FOSM) - a group of parents who enthusiastically support the work of boys and staff in the Music Department, the process is very straight forward via the FOSM email below. 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. The next FOSM Meeting is to be held Monday, 18 August.

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

Tuesdays: 8.00am - 5.00pm

Thursdays: 7.30am - 11.30am

Fridays: 7.30am - 11.30am

The Uniform Shop will be closed for the Boarders' Long Weekend (ie on Friday, 22 August)

Drama Production

The Years 8 to 10 Production of Two Weeks with the Queen (by Mary Morris) starts on 27 August with nightly performances on 28 and 29 August and a Saturday matinee on 30 August.

The play is an adaptation of Morris Gleitzman's hilarious yet poignant novel. When his brother is suddenly taken seriously ill, Colin is sent from his home in Australia to England to stay with his Uncle Bob and Aunty Iris. At first, Colin is devastated, but then he hits on a plan: who better to help him find a doctor able to make his brother better than the Queen?

Tickets can be purchased through 'Book a Scotch Event' on the School website. Tickets may also be purchased on the night if seats are available. Get in early and reserve your seats for another fabulous production.

Head of Junior School

Its a matter of "I can't do it" or "I can't do it yet?"

Trying to learn or learning through trying: no matter how you approach it, a certain amount of risk taking is involved in the acquisition of new skills or knowledge.

The IBO defines a risk taker as 'someone who approaches uncertainty with forethought and determination. They work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. A risk taker is resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.'

We try, we fail, we try again. Once we master it, we move on to something new. That is the essence of learning. The challenge is essential to the process and assists in consolidating the learning. Learning should not be easy. Our boys should be challenged and engaged. They should find aspects of their learning a struggle and have to endeavor to overcome these struggles to cement their understanding.

I ask you to think back to your earliest memory as a child. I would suggest that for most adults this memory takes place outside and is some kind of a risky behavior. Climbing a tree, jumping for a challenging height or going into the water. For me it is seeing if you could actually slip on a bar of soap like in Bugs Bunny, I learned you could as I fell down the stairs.

The ability to embrace risk in activity, play and learning is key. If a learner approaches a challenge with out a willingness to have a go, the challenge will seem to be insurmountable. They may develop a fixed mindset, a learned helplessness where every step of the learning journey needs to be assisted or guided. A learner with a growth mindset will more regularly approach new experiences with a can do attitude and will be prepared to fail and keep trying.

This difference in how a learner approaches new experiences has a significant impact on the acquisition of basic skills and knowledge. It impacts the enjoyment a learner will have in the process and the rate of development that will follow.

I have never taught or met a child who can't do or learn something new but I have taught many, who just could not do it yet - this small difference is key, try and try again. Our role as teachers and parents is to create an atmosphere where children feel safe to have a go and to not succeed in the first instance. Instilling this confidence to take risks and to celebrate the success that will eventually follow is an essential part of the journey.

Last year I visited the Wingate Children's Center in Durham, England. The center operated in an economically disadvantaged area of the UK and catered to many working-class and single-parent families. They provided an outstanding and inspirational educational experienced for pre-school children as well as greatly assisting and teaching their parents about parenting.

Wingate shares with the families the five essential values they promoted. The values that underpin what they do and values they share with all members of their community are:

• Characteristics of children - children are programmed to play and learn what they will need to learn for life. They need to be active. Physical activity is linked to brain development

• Sense of family and community -
 children seek out other children. They want to be with other children and are fascinated by new things. Curiosity is a very important and they 
immerse themselves in activities. They are hugely joyful and playful .
It is a shared responsibility to educate a child involving parents, professionals and community to have a sense of fun.

• The Journey - is as important as the destination. The value of slowliness. Goals are important but not as important as how we get there, growth mindset = can do, fixed mindset = learned helplessness, a place to explore risk and challenge.

• Risk and challenge - daring and doing risky things, this is not always comfortable for adults. If children do not have the freedom they will have their development inhibited, childhood is a risky business - they need to be able to take risks. The role of adults is to teach child to take risks and to make decisions based on those risks. 


• Love - because love matters. Love of life, playing, friends and animals.

These five essential values resonate greatly with me, they have made me reflect on what we work to achieve here at Scotch, about the relationships we form with the boys and their families. I believe they transfer to our College. We work to provide a safe environment where risk and challenge is embraced. We work to provide support and guidance to our boys but not the answers. Working with parents, we are there to pick up the boys after a fall and assist in them to try again. No-one ever said it would be easy and it shouldn't be.

John Stewart

Head of Junior School

Important Dates to Remember

1P News

What does 100 look like?

The boys in 1P had a wonderful day stepping back in time to celebrate 100 days of school. The boys immersed themselves fully in activities to enhance their understanding of 100 and to celebrate their achievement of being at school for half of the year. Activities such as 100 cup stacking races, 100 chopstick Jenga, 100 dot painting and writing, and 100 things to do before I…'Bucket List' were lots of fun. Dressing as 100 year old men also enhanced the excitement of the day - they all looked terrific!

NAIDOC Week

We were very knowledgeable after being immersed in a week full of amazing activities to celebrate National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee Week. Year 11 and 12 were superstars when they came to our class to talk about their country and their tribes. We were able to hold boomerangs and spears and play didgeridoos. The boys had their face painted as warriors and were told stories from the Dreamtime and shared special stories from their childhood. Thank you boys for the wonderful experience!

Sue Phillips

Year 1 Teacher

Performing Arts News

The boys in Year 2 have continued their learning based on the song Kerfunken Tune Set after performing a Dutch circle dance to the piece with their parents and grandparents during the Student Lead Conferences. The boys discovered the history of the Irish Bronze Age Horn and found that it has similar sounds and playing techniques to that of the didgeridoo. They were able to recognize the A and B melodies of each of the three jigs and reels played in the tune set confirming that each tune is written in binary form. The boys will now begin to choreograph their own circle dances and will have fun negotiating the changes from jig to reel and back again with their new steps!

Phebe Samson

Performing Arts Teacher

Friendly Schools and Families

Talk with your children about bystanders

Bullying involves more than the students who are bullied and those who bully others. Bullying often continues because people who are involved do not talk about it and seek help. This includes people who observe bullying - the bystanders. A bystander is someone who sees the bullying or knows that it is happening to someone else.

Bullying Situation Chart

Contributor Witness Supporter Ringleader

There may be bystanders who are afraid they may be bullied next and this may influence their decision about what they will do if they see bullying happening.

There are different types of bystanders and in this model, they are described as:

Contributors - This group offer support to the person bullying, either by helping the person to bully the other person or by encouraging the person bullying. This group might gather to watch the incident (sometimes from concern for the person being bullied, sometimes to see what will happen, and sometimes for enjoyment).

Supporters - This group dislikes the bullying, is concerned for the person being bullied and actively tries to help the person being bullied.

What can bystanders do?

If students see another student being bullied they should:

• Ask a teacher or support person for help
• Let the person doing the bullying know that what they are doing is bullying
• Refuse to join in with the bullying and walk away
• Support the student who is being bullied
• Support their friends and protect them from bullying (children who are alone are more likely to be the target of bullying, so encourage your children to be aware of children who are left out or on their own in the schoolyard).

Warwick Norman

Friendly Schools and Families Coordinator

French News

Folk tales and legends are an integral part of every society. The characters, places and events they portray are largely drawn from people's way of life and surroundings. Every folk tale and legend, therefore, has its own cultural universe. The Year 4 classes will be watching and analysing a French Canadian legend "La chasse galerie" (The legend of the flying canoe). This will enable the boys to make links to the "How we express ourselves" our Unit of Inquiry. They will get to explore and gain perspective on a different cultural universe.

Madame Edwards

French Specialist

Junior School Resource Centre

Hello from the Library.

As we approach Book Week, I thought I would mention what was planned for the boys leading up to the big day.

Firstly, we have guest authors and illustrators:

James Foley (the Last Viking) to visit the Year 2 and Year 5 classes.

John Heffernan (My Dog Kosovo) to have a Skype interview with the Year 5 boys.

Karen Blaire (Granny Grommet and With Nan) to visit the Year 1 and Year 3 classes.

Steve Cotler (Cheesy Mac) to visit the Years 3, 4 and 5 classes

• 3 Year 5 boys to go to MLC to represent Scotch in the Reader's Challenge
• Special Reading Guests to visit the Year 1 and 2 classes to read a short-listed story
• The Book Week Presentation and the following home activity (based on Shaun Tan's book Rules of Summer) listed below. Please encourage your son to be involved:

Goals:

1. Boys - connect to one Rule of Summer creatively.
2. This could include drawing, painting, 3D model, poetry, using Explain Everything, poster, Book Creator, music, dance or song.
3. All works will be displayed in the JS library - from Week 3 onwards

Year 1G: Never leave a red sock on the line

Year 1P: Never drop your jar

Year 2T: Never leave the back door open overnight

Year 2W: Never Step on a Snail

Year 3C: Never be late for a parade

Year 3T: Never forget a password

Year 4D: Never, never ruin a perfect plan

Year 4M: Never ask for a reason

Year 5D: Always know the way home

Year 5W: Never miss the last day of summer

Warwick Norman

Junior School Teacher Librarian

Excellence Awards

The following awards will be announced at Assembly on Friday 15 August:

Year 1

Richard Gamble

Year 3

Oliver Seitchik

Ryo Hiraiwa

Ryan Shine

Harry Dean

Harry Smith

Dan Kerfoot

Joe Chegwidden

Charles Hood

Year 4

Stewart van Hoek

Joel Stocks

Emanuel Radici

Hugh Fellows-Smith

Henry Cooper

Headmaster's Commendations

The following boys recieved Headmaster's Commendations on Friday 8 August:

Year 1

William Harriman

Year 3

Marshall Grosse

Harry Dean

Rory Keevill

Campbell Houliston

Year 4

Sean Kerr

Pablo Munoz Morrillo

Jason Ilse

Head of Middle School

Thank you for the tremendous support you have given to the start of term. The depth of concern and compassion is a wonderful reminder that as vital as curriculum learning and knowledge is, we are so much more than a process towards an ATAR. Your support with the Student Led Conferences has been genuinely appreciated as well. I hope you have also valued the reflection and the self-directed learning that your son has put in to his first semester's engagement and performance and how he has orientated his focus towards second semester. We find the Student Led Conferences an outstanding vehicle for us to know each boy and his support network at home. We also hope that the MYP has become clearer for you through the explanation of your son's first semester together with the reflection and goal setting for the remainder of the year and beyond. Sporting coaches and commentators frequently refer to the third quarter of a game as the premiership quarter, where games are won and lost. This holds true in Middle School and we are hoping that our boys can have a "premiership creating" term.

Scotch & PLC Quiz Night

Year 6 Wednesday 3 September 6.30pm - 8.30pm in MacKellar Hall

Year 7 Thursday 4 September 6.30pm - 8.30pm in MacKellar Hall

Boys are to organise teams of three and register their interest at Middle School Reception. As hosts at this combined event boys are invited to bring a plate to contribute to a supper during the evening. We thank the Mothers' Auxiliary for their support with this popular event.

Sport

This week marks the end of the JPSSA and PSA fixtures for this year. Following the Winter sport season we commence a short but intense Athletics season culminating in our Middle School Inter-House Athletics Carnival on Thursday 28 August, JPSSA Inter-School Athletics Carnival on Thursday 11 September and PSA Inter-School Athletics Carnival on Friday 12 September. Training opportunities for Year 7 boys in addition to regular training days exist, boys can register their interest for specialist events with Mr Doney, our Athletics Coach.

Baristas, Bakers & Waiters

This event makes its second appearance for the year on Thursday and Friday of this week. Boys put in a great effort making coffees, hot chocolates and muffins for you and we hope that you can come and support their entrepreneurial endeavour from 7.30am - 8.30am at MacKellar Hall.

Book Week

Book Week is in Week 5 and our Year 6 and 7 boys have a series of exciting author visits; in- house authors and others presenting via skype. Book Week is a four day week culminating the Boarders Long Weekend. School will finish at 3.25pm on Thursday 21 August and begin again on Tuesday 26 August.

Year 7 International Immersion Week

Selections for Immersion Week have now closed and students have been allocated to one of the following programmes; French Immersion Week, Indonesian Immersion and Singapore@School. More details about these programmes will be released to the boys after the mid-term break.

Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

New Norcia Campfire

This excursion came from the idea of doing service learning, inside WA in a location boys would not often visit, and combine it with some understanding about spirituality along the way. New Norcia was chosen because of the old monastery and convent where there are only now nine monks now in residence. The Benedictine order of monks and their lifestyle presented an interesting alternative world view for the boys.

Arriving at New Norcia, with everyone settling into their rooms, was followed by lunch, which then allowed the boys to head out to explore the surrounding area of bush and kick a football around on the oval. After the boys had been exploring it was time to head to the monastic quarters, where we all to stared helping out by weeding, de-cobwebbing and sweeping the garden.

Dinner was held at the historic hotel and everyone had a torch or headlamp to guide the way. After a fantastic dinner it was time to head back to the sleeping quarters. We met up with Dom Michael, one of the monks, allowing the boys to ask questions including "Why did you choose this life style?". He replied by saying that this is what made him most happy, and this was what he believed God wanted him to do with his life.

The evening concluded with board games, hot chocolates and marshmallows, rounded out with stories from Rev Wright until heads were really ready to drop.

Up at 6am the next morning to start fire again in the lounge area, followed by breakfast and some basic chores. The boys visited the Aboriginal exhibit, learning about life before and after the monks arrived in New Norcia and how this made a great contrast for the local Nyungar tribe. There was discussions about local foods, belief systems, and skin groups and law along with the stolen generations that were part of the New Norcia history. The boys then constructed Maya-Mayas (bush huts). The boys had almost as much fun deconstructing their bush huts afterwards.

Visits to the art gallery and museum after lunch showed displays of how the monks used to live and some incredible art works which led to wonderful conversations about the various pieces. the boys learnt that one of the most valuable art works had all been stolen but thankfully nearly all of them were recovered shortly afterwards. Old inkwells and desks, treadle organs some very fancy clerical robes all embroidered by hand.

Our last morning, was another early start. After breakfast we headed off to a full sung mass complete with bells and Holy Communion, it was a fascinating experience for the boys this was followed by morning tea with the monks and some of the locals. The boys headed home full of stories, all were very tired but had thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. The boys voted to come again next year and wanted to be first in with their applications.

Reverend Anne Wright

Junior & Middle School Chaplain

Important Dates in Middle School Winter Term

Headmaster's Commendations

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Lewis Orr 7G who has received the following results in a variety of writing competitions this year:

• The Laura Literary Awards (South Queensland) (Junior prose - Highly Commended "Found But Not Sought For") and (Junior poetry - Commended "Good Old Drover Joe")
• Junior Authors Poetry Contest (Global Competition) 4^th Place "The Orchestra"
• Churchill District Writing Competition (Queensland) (Poetry section - 1^st Place "Ares") and (Prose section - 2^nd Place "The Polar Bear")

2014 UNSW Computer Skills Results

Year 6

Year 7

Excellence Awards

Middle School French

Bonjour mes amis!

French continues to be a fun learning experience for Middle School boys. A highlight this year was The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival excursion which took place in Summer Term. All Year 6 French students boarded a bus and headed to SX Cinema in Fremantle to view 'Kirikou', an excellent animated film set in Senegal, West Africa. The boys really enjoyed the movie while learning about French African culture. Year 7 French students can look forward to French Immersion Week at the end of this term. This is a fun packed language-learning week including activities such as a Scotch 'Tour de France' bicycle race, a soccer match, making crepe suzettes and a French treasure hunt. If it is as good as last year's programme the boys are in for a real treat a la francaise!

Vive La France!

Madame Columba Tierney

French Teacher

7G - What makes a place livable?

Did you know that Melbourne was named one of the most livable cities in the world? Did you know that Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, is the fourth lowest ranked city in the world in terms of its livability?

Since Week 7 of last term, the 7G boys have been learning all about the different factors that influence the livability of a place, whether it be a nation, city or rural town. Climate, air quality, access to health care and education can all influence the decision people make about where to live. Sadly, for some there is no choice.

After examining many case studies comparing the best and worst livable cities in the world, the students conducted a research task using the Inquiry Road to assess the importance of good infrastructure. The task culminated in an oral presentation whereby each boy had to convince their peers about the importance of their service or facility in a hypothetical new town.

The standard and quality of the 7G oral presentations has been very impressive.

This is what some of the boys had to say about their Livability Inquiry task:

"A comprehensive, enjoyable and stimulating task, and no doubt my favourite Humanities project this year." Lewis Orr

"Each person's research showcased their service and provided food for thought about our ever changing world." Thomas Hodge

Mrs Pina Giglia

Teacher 7G

Finding your passion changes your life

When reading a list of student achievements at assembly last week, I was struck by the diversity of activities that many of the boys are involved in. In this term alone, boys have achieved at State, National or International level in debating, karate, water polo, javelin, triple jump, weight lifting, sailing, lacrosse, tennis, Westpac Rescue Helicopter service, New York Jazz symposium, World Scholar's Cup, volleyball, hockey and motor racing.

While the level of achievement is remarkable and deserving of high praise for the effort, discipline and skill demonstrated by each boy, equally impressive is the diversity of fields in which the boys have engaged.

Professor Ken Robinson, in his book The Element - How finding your passion changes everything, discusses the importance of finding what it is that you naturally do well and enjoy. We all have distinctive talents and passions but sometimes we do not discover them until later in life. With the wide range of opportunities available at Scotch many of the boys have already found their passion. For example, boys in the Pipe Band aspiring to perform at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo next year, may never have discovered their love of playing and marching in a Pipe Band had they not attended Scotch College.

While some boys may not discover their passion until well after school, others have found theirs by pursuing areas of personal interest that may be different to their friends, for example, Joshua Spadanuda (Year 8, Brisbane) in karate, Oliver Purton (Year 8, Ferguson) in lacrosse, James Naylor-Pratt (Year 10, Anderson) in weight lifting or Aidan Read (Year 10, St Andrews) in motor racing. It takes a degree of confidence and courage to seek opportunities and experiences that are not immediately available to you. It then takes commitment and discipline to see these opportunities turn into successful experiences.

The lessons offered to us from those who have pursued their passion are simple. Be prepared to try new things, don't worry if it is not what your friends are doing, it is your passion not theirs. Having identified your passion, commit to it. A person with motivation or interest who applies effort to their pursuit will enjoy considerable rewards, both intrinsic and extrinsic. In short, be a risk-taker, follow your interest, have a go, be prepared to try and fail, but be sure to persist. As Professor Ken Robinson writes, if you find your passion, you change your life.

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School

Drop-off and Pick-Up Senior School

We have had a request from an Australind Street resident for parents not to pull into resident driveways and use them as drop off points. This same resident has observed cars driving up Australind Street with one set of tyres on the footpath and the other on the road. Parents are reminded to observe the road rules when dropping their sons at school. Once the car park works are completed on Claremont Crescent we will be requesting parents to use the new car park as a drop-off and pick-up point.

Boys' Achievements

Alistair Young (Year 11, Cameron) finished in 5th place in the ISAF Youth World Championships in Tavira, Portugal. Only one person from each country is selected in each type of boat. Alistair then travelled to Poland for the Mens Open Radial World Championship on the Baltic Sea. Alistair finished 13th overall in this competition sailing against sailors on the Olympic circuit.

James Naylor-Pratt (Year 10, Anderson) qualified at the State Championships to represent Western Australia in the under 15 and under 17 Australian Weightlifting Championships in Launceston on 11-12 October 2014.

Callum Jacobsen (Year 9, St Andrews) qualified for the WA State Athletics Team and travelled to Singapore to compete in the 22^nd International Athletics Championships in Singapore. Callum achieved a personal best and placed 2^nd with a Silver medal in Javelin, and placed 3^rd with a Bronze medal in the Triple Jump.

Lachlain Cain (Year 8, Shearer), Lucas Ferri (Year 7) and Darcy Owen (Year 7) have been selected in the State Under 13 Hockey team to play in the National Championships later in the year.

Joshua Spadanuda (Year 8, Brisbane) achieved an individual 4^th and a team bronze in the National Karate Championships held in Perth over the weekend.

Jack Henharen (Year 11, Anderson) has been invited to umpire at the Boys Interstate Under 13 Hockey tournament later this year.

Year 8 Academic Excellence Awards

Athletics Events

Inter-House Athletics - Friday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30 2014

All Senior School boys are expected to attend the Inter-House Athletics on Friday, August 29, from 1.00pm to 3.30pm and on Saturday, August 30, from 8.50am to 1.00pm at the Memorial Ground. The March Past will take place at approximately 12.30pm on Saturday. The Pipe Band Parents Support Group will run a cafe providing hot food on Saturday plus drinks, ice-creams and afternoon tea along with a Cake Stall. If the Carnival is cancelled due to poor weather there will be a notice on the Scotch Homepage.

Athletics Quads-Meet: September 5, 2014

Christ Church Grammar School will host the Quads-Meet Carnival between Scotch, Christ Church, Guildford and Wesley at a venue yet to be confirmed on Friday, September 5.

PSA Inter-School Athletics: September 12, 2014

The PSA Meeting will commence at 9.30am on Friday, September 12, at the new A K Reserve Athletics Stadium in Mt Claremont.

Richard Foster

Athletics Training

A reminder to all potential athletes and their families that Athletics training for the Inters will commence at the completion of the PSA Winter Sporting Season, on Monday 18 August, starting at 3.45pm sharp on the Memorial Oval. This year we have the potential to build on our successes of the last three years and win our fourth consecutive Alcock Shield. To achieve this we need every potential athlete at training as often as possible. Athletics is unique to PSA sport because it has it's own season, providing the opportunity for all boys to be involved. The Athletics team is the largest within the school, embracing boys from Years 7 to 12 where they train together as one, instilling a unique sense of school spirit and mate ship that I feel makes athletics very special. The mental and physical benefits of Athletics transcend into the character and personal development of all those who participate, having a positive impact on all the sports our students play. I strongly encourage all the boys to be involved and play their part in building on the special culture of Scotch College Athletics.

Anthony Doney

Careers Information

Peter Frusher, Careers Adviser

University Information

Year 12 Parents and Students

TISC Applications

All Year 12 students who are applying for university entrance in 2015 have been given the 2015 TISC Guide. This book contains important information about applying to university, enrolments & deferrals, applying to interstate universities and course codes and descriptions and much more for all courses at West Australian universities (except Notre Dame). Mr Frusher has 'walked ' students through this book but if there are any queries then please contact him on 9383 6830 or by email pfrusher@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Please ensure that this book is kept in a safe place until your student is enrolled at a university for 2015. Note that all applications for university entry in 2015 (except Notre Dame) must be made on-line by accessing the TISC website at www.tisc.edu.au and that applications are now open until Tuesday September 30, 2014, after such time a late fee of $130 will apply.

Notre DameUniversity applications are also now open but will require a written application. All Year 12 students will be given the 2015 Admissions Guide for Notre Dame.

Mr Frusher is available for discussion with students and parents about options for 2015. All Year 12 students will also be given an appointment time with Mr Frusher commencing in Week 6 to discuss tertiary options prior to making their application.

At this stage Year 12 students should have received a Prospectus from each of the WA Universities and a Year 12 WACE Information Handbook 2014 (on-line at Schools Curriculum & Standards Authority - www.scsa.wa.edu.au). Following on from the Scotch Careers Expo, students are encouraged to attend university and TAFE Open Days throughout the month of August.

Interstate University Applications

Applications to public interstate universities is done through the respective admission centres in each State as detailed below.

Victorian University Applications (VTAC)

The VTAC Guide 2015 is now available for download on the VTAC website - http://www.vtac.edu.au . The VTAC Guide will be on sale in newsagencies from Friday, 25 July.

Applications for 2015 courses open at 9am on Monday, 4 August.

New South Wales University Applications (UAC)

South Australian University Applications (SATAC)

Queensland Universities (QTAC)

Tasmania University (including Australian Maritime College) (UTAS)

Please note that applications to Bond University are made direct to the university.

Overseas Applications

Applications to overseas universities are completed in a variety of ways with applications for the commencement of university in July/August 2015 needing to be completed by January 2015. For further information please see Mr Frusher at Scotch College.

Principal's Recommendation Early Entry to Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management at Muresk

Applications are now open to get an early offer (December 2014) into the Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management at Muresk under a Principal's recommendation from your school.

It is open to ATAR and non-ATAR students seen as academically talented.

Contact Mr Frusher at Scotch for further information.

UWAY 2015

UWAY is an equity initiative for WACE students whose academic achievements have been adversely affected by certain disadvantages. Students can apply for special entry to an undergraduate degree course at UWA. Please see Mr Frusher for more details.

University of Melbourne Scholarships

A range of scholarships is available to students who are considering applying for further study at Melbourne University in 2014. Please see Mr Frusher for further information or go on-line to: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/ugrad/

Year 10, 11 and 12 Parents and Students

University Open Days

Notre Dame University Sunday 17 August 2014, 10am - 4pm

Murdoch University Sunday 24 August 2014, 10am - 4pm

University of Melbourne Sunday 17 August 2014, 10am-4pm

St Andrew's College, University of Sydney - Scholarships and Bursaries for students for 2015

Scholarships information can be found here: standrewscollege.edu.au/current-students/scholarships-and-prizes/

Bursary Assistance information can be found here: standrewscollege.edu.au/current-students/bursary-assistance/

Our means-tested bursary assistance include packages up to full fee relief, depending on need.

The University of Sydney also offers some great scholarships to undergraduate students: sydney.edu.au/scholarships/

St Andrew's College is committed to creating a vibrant and diverse residential community and welcomes applications from students across all demographics. Whilst the majority of our students attend the University of Sydney, we have several who attend other Sydney universities.

2014 WACE Examination Timetables

These timetables are available on the School Curriculum & Standards Authority website. http://www.scsa.wa.edu.au

All Year 12 students will be issued with personal timetables later this term.

Apprenticeships

August is the month that many companies advertise their apprenticeship opportunities for the following year. Students who are seeking apprenticeships in 2014 are advised to scrutinise the Saturday The West Australian each week and to also seek advice from Mr Frusher.

Mothers' Auxiliary

The Mothers' Auxiliary City Country Lunch was held at New Norcia on Wednesday 6 August, 2014. The weather was spectacular as we enjoyed a very entertaining tour by Chris, one of the Benedictine Monks. We all sat under the chandeliers in the old brick shelter shed and feasted on the local provisions provided by the New Norcia Hotel.

We had fabulous representation from the boarding parents and on behalf of the MA, presented a farewell gift to Marilynn Freitag, our thanks to Deb Banfield and Willy Creek Pearls. Many thanks also once again to Phil Williams and Marilynn for driving the buses. It was an enjoyable day had by all.

MA Room Clean up

Unfortunately we did not get anyone last week for the MA Room clean up. We will reschedule another day soon. If you can come for a couple of hours one day soon please email clairstanley@iinet.net.au

Valedictory Dinner

Preparations for 2014 Valedictory Dinner are underway. I am looking for some Year 10 and Year 11 Parents who can help leading up to the dinner and on the night. I also require the help of a florist. If you are able to join my committee please email clairstanley@iinet.net.au

The Year 12 Parents Lunch after March Out

The organisers are requiring cut garden flowers on Friday 17 October, 2014. Details on where to donate them will be released shortly. The Invitation for this event is currently with the organisers, tickets will be able to be purchased later in the month through the School website.

Committee 2015

We are looking for interested parents to take on major roles in Mothers' Auxiliary for 2015. We will be requiring a President, Vice President and Secretary. Anyone who is interested please contact clairstanley@iinet.net.au as soon as possible as we are about to commence preparations for some major end of year celebrations.

Year 12 Ball 2015

We will be forming a committee for the 2015 Year 12 Ball this month. If you can help can you email clairstanley@iinet.net.au to submit your contributions.

Year 9 Coffee Mornings

Please come along and enjoy a catch up at one or both of the following scheduled coffee morning dates

• Friday August 15 after assembly at the Naked Fig Café, Swanbourne
• Wednesday September 3 After school drop off (from 8.30am) at Deli Chi Chi, 29 Strickland Street, Mount Claremont.

Also please try to keep lunch time on the last day of term free for a catch up prior to assembly - more details to follow.

Please direct queries to Amanda Muir 0407 727 991 and Kerry Clarke 0414 829 316

Clair Stanley

President

Mothers' Auxiliary

Sporting Dinners

Soccer BBQ for Years 7, 8 & 9 - Wednesday 13 August - Gooch Pavilion Any questions contact Megan Jefferies soccer@scotch.wa.edu.au or 0424450262

To book tickets for the following sporting dinners go the Scotch College Website www.scotch.wa.edu.au and 'Book a Scotch College Event' icon

Football Dinner - 6.30pm Wednesday 20 August - Scotch College Dining Room

Welcome Players from Year 7 through to Year 12 together with their Parents.

Purchase your tickets prior to Friday 15 August. Numbers are limited so please book at your earliest convenience

Soccer Dinner -6.45pm Wednesday 21 August - Scotch College Dining Room

A Dinner to celebrate the season, this is open to all Soccer Players in Years 10-12 and their parents. Any questions contact Megan Jefferies soccer@scotch.wa.edu.au or 0424450262

Rugby Dinner- 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start Saturday 30 August - Scotch College Dining Room. The Dinner is to celebrate the achievements of Scotch College Rugby for 2014. All enquiries contact Nicki Grant pngrant@iinet.net.au

Pipe Band Concert

Save the Date - 13th September 2014

Pipe Band Past and Present will perform in concert with Special Guests - this will be a night not to be missed.

Please keep an eye out for further information coming soon.

Craig Bailey

Pipe Band Master

Parents' Association

The annual PA Parent and Son Golf Day will be held on Monday 25 August, 2014 at the Nedlands Golf Club. Tee-off is at 12.30pm for a nine hole, Ambrose competition. Fathers, mothers and sons are all invited to play however numbers are limited. Bookings can be made for teams of two or four or individually. Individuals will be allocated a team. Light refreshments will be served at the end of the afternoon. An invitation will be emailed out separately with details on how to book this event. In the meantime, please direct any enquiries Oye Akindele Obe oye_ao@bigpond.com or parentsassoc@scotch.wa.edu.au

Year 10 Parents - Save the Date - Friday September 19

The Year 10 Parents' event is a Chinese Banquet at the Shun Fung restaurant at the Barrack Street jetty. This date and location has been chosen to align with the opening of the Year 10 Personal Project exhibition and the river cruise that follows it. An invitation will be sent out shortly.

Michelle Barrow

President

Parents' Association

Second Hand Book Sale

UWA, supporting Save the Children Australia, will be holding their annual second hand book sale from 15 - 20 August. (Attach flyer)

Claremont Nedlands Junior Cricket Club

Online registrations open 1 August 2014. Additional information about age groups and competitions can be viewed via the website: www.cncc.org.au.