This week marks the commencement of the final exams for our Year 12s who finished just a few short weeks ago. At this time of the year I believe it is important to reinforce what we are trying to achieve at Scotch through the teaching and learning programmes and our balanced co-curricular offerings.

Unfortunately, for the next couple of months, what really counts regarding the provision of a sound education will once again be engulfed and more than likely sidelined by the public's annual fetish about ATARs. Even worse is the use of an ATAR as an indicator of whether a boy is successful and whether or not his school has actually delivered a meaningful education. It is way too simplistic and wrong to define success by a rank. Years of education, including hard work by the students and their teachers, coupled with the support of their families in delivering vicarious experiences over many years and across numerous environments simply deserves better!

What I have believed for years and what a recent study from Durham University has reaffirmed, is that what really counts is the quality of the teacher and the teaching that occurs each and every day. This includes a teacher's ability to form meaningful relationships with their students, through passion for their teaching area coupled with a high level of knowledge about the content matter and the pedagogy that will best impart this knowledge to their students. In essence two key factors are critical:

• Content knowledge. Teachers with strong knowledge and understanding of their subject make a greater impact on students' learning. It is also important for teachers to understand how students think about content and be able to identify common misconceptions on a topic.
• Quality of instruction. This includes effective questioning and the use of assessment by teachers. Specific practices, like reviewing previous learning, providing model responses for students, giving adequate time for practice to embed skills securely and progressively introducing new learning (scaffolding) are also found to improve attainment.

This is why it is critical that we continue to rejuvenate our teaching staff and continue to attract large numbers of applicants who want to teach at Scotch. Just recently we had over 100 applications for 3 Junior School positions. Such pools will allow us to ensure that to be appointed to a teaching position at Scotch will require applicants to show they are not just good teachers, but exceptional. Furthermore, our programmes and processes must facilitate our staff to embark on a personal journey of continual improvement as part of their ongoing professional journey.

These are the principles we will apply each and every day and year at Scotch. In doing so our goal is to ensure that each boy achieves their own personal excellence, not one measured by others via a rank.

The core competences and philosophy above also applies to everything we do in our co-curricular programmes and activities across Years 1 to 12.

Examples of this were apparent just this week where we experienced outstanding success in two Senior School inter-school academic competitions in the areas of Philosophy and Mathematics. These have been written up elsewhere in the Thistle. However, the successful outcomes are a direct result of the staff who led these activities and the quality of the instruction which underpins them.

I would like to conclude my newsletter by thanking and acknowledging one of our Year 2 students, Declan Riordan. As a result of his grandfather suffering from Motor Neuron Disease he suggested that the Junior School do the ice bucket challenge. I am sure Mr Stewart will have a more detailed story about this in his newsletter. However, this one action by Declan, resulted in a great Friday afternoon which exemplified our school spirit and the desire to support each other.

You can't measure this through an ATAR!

Have a great fortnight

Dr A J O'Connell

Headmaster

Google it

In 2014, this seems to be a perfectly acceptable verb. In fact, many of our students, staff and parents use this phrase every day. What is the population of China? Google it. What is the largest mammal on Earth? Google it. Should I buy a new iPhone? Google it. The Oxford Dictionary has included the word 'Google' in its publications since 2006.

In an age where we have the internet permanently connected to our hands, it seems there is no question that we cannot answer in a nanosecond. At Scotch College we have a great range of tools that allow our students to be connected globally.

Yet, as teachers, while this has put the power of the world's information at our students' fingertips it is also worthwhile to stop and ask a question that perhaps the amazing Google machine cannot answer. To whom did we ask our questions before we asked Google or efore Google: B.G? To answer this question, I asked Google. I received 212 million responses which brought up a range of answers to this question!

The reality for students in the 21st century is that our sources of information have changed. At first, this does seem fantastic, however, I encourage our students to consider what they are losing by finding the answer to everything on Google. Googling is easier than thinking, the work is done for you. The truth is, all you are provided with, is an answer. What is missing is how you came to that answer, the thinking. Thinking skills are what separate humans - it is what has allowed us to develop into the most complex organism on the planet. The thought that Google is giving you the advantage, the edge, the information, is in fact a fallacy everybody has the ability to Google. So, it is what you do with the information that you find, that is more important. It is your ability to select information that is relevant and this requires you to analyse, to think and to problem solve. All of which, Google cannot teach you to do.

Sitting with the IB Diploma students as they were introduced to the Extended Essay, it became very clear to the boys that they were about to embark on a level of research that Google would be only one of the ways that they would come to the final result. The benefit of the IB programme at Scotch College is the academic and personal rigour and challenging students to excel in their studies and in their personal growth.

So as we continue to the end of 2014 and beyond, keep Googling yet when doing so, think about how the answer got there and that if your question can be answered so easily by so many people, think - are you really asking the right questions?

Mr Peter Allen
Director of Teaching and Learning

Launching of the electronic version of Raven

You may have noticed the new Raven icon on the Scotch homepage. The first archived edition of the Scotch College creative writing magazine Raven appeared in 1992, and the last hardcopy edition was published in 2006. The magazine's intention was to celebrate original creative work by Scotch College boys and this is what the new resurrected version, in an electronic form, hopes to do too. The aim is that each term there will be one or two editions. Included in each edition will be a collection of meritous writing - fiction and, hopefully, also some non-fiction writing. Works of visual art will also be part of this creative endeavour and the Visual Arts Department will be on the lookout for deserving artwork.

Junior, Middle and Senior School students are invited to send good creative writing (with a maximum word limit of around 1,000 words) to jjweeda@scotch.wa.edu.au. It will be edited and then there's a good chance that it will be uploaded to Raven. All entries go in the running for the various Reporter prizes.

Community and Service

Year 10 'Mimates' Activity

One of the Year 10 service activities is 'Mimates' (Migrant Mates) involving visits each Friday afternoon by Scotch boys to the Intensive English Unit of Balga Senior High School. This unit within the school provides english language instruction to recently arrived migrant and refugee students. The visits are primarily about friendship and the students involved, spend time together in activities to increase language use and have fun. Occasionally, the Balga students visit Scotch to attend classes and tour the school. The photograph below shows the last group to visit at the end of last term.

The Year 10 'Mimates' activity and the Year 5 partnership with North Balga Primary School, also involving visits, serve to enrich personal contacts for students in all schools and work towards greater understanding of background issues.

Round Square Exchanges

A start has been made in creating the links between Scotch College and other Round Square schools globally to enable short-term reciprocal exchanges to take place. One Scotch Year 10 boy has already gone to Cornwall Hill School in South Africa and another to Birklehof School in Germany. This week, we will be welcoming two boys from the Inter-Community School in Zurich, Switzerland. Other exchanges are being arranged to Peru, USA, Demnark and India. While this is a small start, it is an exciting one for the College and promises to be a significant way to promote Internationalism and to further diversify the student population on our campuses.

Round Square Staff Opportunity

Senior School staff member David Kyle has been selected to become a Deputy Leader of a Round Square International Service expedition to Nicaragua in Central America. He was successful in applying for the position - advertised throughout all Round Square schools globally. His trip, which is fully funded by Round Square, will take place in December. David will have responsibility for managing a group of students from all over the world as they complete a service project building walkways with a community living in the rainforest. This will be a wonderful experience for David and no doubt he will come back with a better understanding of the Round Square organisation and the opportunities our membership will provide for Scotch boys.

Year 9 Mandarin Club

Currently there are two Round Square schools in China with more schools wanting to join. Year 10 boys in 2016 will be able to apply for exchange to one of these schools. Scotch is also in the process of negotiating a reciprocal visit in July next year for current Year 9 students to Middle School No 5 in Qingdao, Shandong Province.

While the possibility of visiting China may well provide incentive, all current Year 9 boys have an opportunity to learn Mandarin. The Mandarin Club runs at Tuesday lunchtime and a teacher supplied by The Confucius institute of UWA provided language instruction. Boys of any ability level from beginner to advanced are welcome to attend. Please see Mr Siekierka or Mr Rugg if interested.

Scotch Boys Volunteering

Periodically opportunities for volunteering are advertised through the Thistle, Daily Notices or assemblies. In the past these have included: assisting Rocky Bay run its 'Walk With Me' fundraiser; manning the stalls and fun run course at Swanbourne Primary School; and running the silent and floor auction at the 'Rafiki Ball' to raise money to enable surgical teams to visit Tanzania. Boys are called upon occasionally to help fill sea containers with donated goods, work with ARAFMI and to assist with Disabled Surfers events.

Volunteering activities such as these require boys to give up their own time to serve and the boys that respond are clearly putting others before self. All boys are encouraged to look out for the appeals for volunteers and to answer the call. While it is sometimes difficult to find the time, the partner agencies we work with are extremely grateful for help from Scotch boys.

Matipwili Project Movie Fundraiser

On Thursday, 13 November, there will be a showing of the movie 'Hector and the Search for Happiness' at the Windsor Cinema. This is to raise money to continue the work of building a Trade Training Centre for the village of Matipwili in Tanzania. While the project has been granted $30,000 from the Australian Government through DFAT, much more is needed to complete the facility. Our partnership with Matipwili village goes back 10 years and since the first visit in 2004, Scotch and PLC together have been improving teaching and learning facilities for the whole community. We are assisting to build the Trade Training Centre at the request of the village - to be able to offer trade skills to students and adults not able to access secondary education.

Your support though your attendance on November 13 would be greatly appreciated. Tickets can be purchased through Trybooking: http://www.trybooking.com/FYMG.

Mr W Cordner

Director of Community and Service

Fundraising - Cambodia Community and Service Tour

Scotch College Senior School students participating in the 2014 Cambodia Community and Service Tour will be selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts to raise funds for our project in Soun Sah Village. We plan to provide and install flagpoles (a government requirement), outside tables and seating, as well as play equipment for the primary school. There are two options: a dozen original glazed doughnuts for $21.00 and a dozen classic assorted doughnuts for $25.00. The assorted pack includes: 6 original glazed, 2 chocolate iced, 2 chocolate iced with sprinkles, and 2 strawberry iced. Students may place orders this week - Week 4: Monday 3 to Friday 7 November, while any parents or community members who would like to place separate orders can contact Kate Gooding by email (KGooding@scotch.wa.edu.au). Orders and payment must be received by Friday 7, 3.00pm. The doughnuts will be distributed in the Foyer of the Memo Hall after school on Monday 24 November.

Music Department

"Music cleanses the understanding; inspires it, and lifts it into a realm which it would not reach if it were left to itself." - Henry Ward Beecher

The Spring Term has begun with a rush of new ensembles, new music and the usual Assembly commitments. The new Studio Orchestra played well in the Senior Assembly of Week 2 following on from the efforts of the Senior Concert Band that performed in first week. Orientation Days for the Middle School and Junior School were informative and a great way to meet new boys and parents.

Instrumental Music 2015:

During the next two weeks emails will be sent to a variety of family groups advising of the enrolment procedure for learning a musical instrument in 2015. Please note that for existing Scotch families, a new enrolment process will be in place - an online system that utilizes Parent Connect logins. For new Scotch families without a Parent Connect login, one universal form that covers all year levels will be made available.

The 2015 Music Handbook is available on the Scotch College website by following Our School / The Arts / Music, or by clicking this link: Music Handbook 2015.

Upcoming events include:

Thursday, 6 November, Guitar Soiree, 4.00pm, Middle School Music Room

Friday, 21 November, Piano Soiree, 4.00pm, Middle School Music Room

Many 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, 9 February 2015.

At the recent FOSM AGM the outgoing committee members were thanked for their work during the year with recognition given to Mr Bruce McCowan President, Ms Janine Goyder Vice-President, Jan Usher Secretary and Yvette Henderson Treasurer. A warm welcome was given to Mr Bruce McCowan and Ms Janine Goyder who were returned to their positions for a second year together with Ms Peta Scott-Morey Secretary and Mr Julian Mills as Treasurer. The Music Staff and boys look forward to the continued support provided by FOSM as we move into 2015.

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.

Scotch Sport Information

All sport related information can be found on the Scotch Homepage: home.scotch.wa.edu.au

If there are enquiries related to Scotch Sport they should be directed to sport@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Uniform Shop

Holiday Opening Times

There will be appointment-only opening days for new boys during the holidays. Please contact the uniform shop for details (uniform@scotch.wa.edu.au).

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

Summer Holiday Opening Hours (9.00am - 12.00pm and 1.00pm - 4.00pm)

• Wednesday 28 January
• Thursday 29 January
• Friday 30 January
• Saturday 31 January
• Monday 2 February

Normal trading hours resume on Tuesday, 3 February 2015:

Tuesdays 8.00am - 5.00pm

Thursdays 7.30am - 11.30am

Fridays 7.30am - 11.30am

Secondhand Exchange

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

Year 12 Blazers

Year 12 blazers are available for sale. Because of the unknown nature of the overall size of Year 12 boys and to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you come in for sizing as soon as possible.

Absentee Notification

Parents are reminded to inform the respective sub-school of any student absence as soon as possible on the following contact numbers. If the line is busy please leave a recorded message with the details.

Junior School: 9383 6874

Middle School: 9383 6957

Senior School Absentee Line: 9383 6928

Buckets of Compassion

Which qualities would you want in your child? As parents we hope that we will teach them well and they will become good people. At Scotch College we use the learner profile and the IB attitudes to guide the type of students we hope to develop.

Late last term Declan Riordan and his parents came to see me with a proposal. Declan's grandfather suffers from Motor Neuron Disease. The effects of the disease have made it so that he can no longer be the vibrant, active grandfather Declan has always known. Declan played for me a short iMovie he had made about his love for his grandfather and about what he wanted us to do.

Click here to see Declan's video he has shared with the Junior School.

Declan's presentation was very moving and he passionately asked me to allow a special fund raising event, an Ice Bucket Challenge. He wanted to invite all of the boys in the Junior School to take part and donate the money to the Motor Neuron Disease Association of WA Inc (MNDAWA). So this is what I agreed to do.

The MNDAWA supports people living with MND, their carers and families through their Care Advisory Service, providing relevant equipment and respite along with other vital assistance such as information and education sessions. As a small not for profit organisation, they rely heavily on the support of the community and fundraising events to keep their work going.

Declan and his friend James presented their idea to the school community and also challenged Dr O'Connell and me to take part. The school community responded wonderfully showing their caring and empathetic side. Each boy had to pay $2.00 to take part or they could seek sponsorship for their involvement.

Last Friday 150 boys as well as staff and parents from the Junior School gathered on the steps of Keys House for the challenge. The event began with Dr O'Connell being soaked by Declan using a huge bucket of ice water. Groups of boys we doused with buckets of ice water and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Parents were roped with some taking part in the regular clothes. Staff also got into the spirit of the day and their students enjoyed pouring the ice water over their teacher's heads. The day culminated with my soaking by Declan, his father Dean and Dr O'Connell. The bucket of ice was huge and the experience definitely took my breath away.

Click here to see Mr Stewart's bucketing!

Traits such as being caring, compassionate and empathetic stand out at an event such as the Ice Bucket Challenge. As a community we joined together to do a very special thing. As well as learning about the impact of MND on sufferers and their families, the boys showed they care and were willing to take action to make a difference. The boys have made us all proud, especially Declan.

The boys have once again achieved beyond our wildest dreams. As of Friday morning the Junior School community had raised a whopping $3500.00. This money will go some way towards supporting the work of the MNDAWA.

On Friday 7 November, Mr David Whiteman, the Vice-President of MNDAWA Board, will attend our assembly to give a brief presentation to the boys and accept the funds raised from our Ice Bucket Challenge.

The day was made possible through the hard work of the Riordan family and support from Perth Ice Works who donated all of the ice, Bunnings for assisting with the purchase of the buckets, the Scotch Catering department for supplying equipment and our grounds staff who set up the area. I need to also thank Mrs Katie Kent, my PA, for her tireless work in liaising with all involved to bring about this special event.

So what qualities would you want in your child? I would hope the qualities demonstrated by our boys last week would be some of them.

Mr John Stewart

Head of Junior School

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

How can I make a difference in the world? Action in the PYP

The PYP emphasizes the development of five essential elements: knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action. I have regularly written about different aspects of these over the past two years and will continue to highlight these as they are key components of the teaching and learning at Scotch.

One of the focuses of a PYP is facilitating the development of a mind-set for students to feel empowered to take meaningful action as a result of their learning. This action may be an extension of students' learning (continuing the inquiry outside of school) or it may have a wider social impact and looks different within each age range.

At Scotch Junior School we strive to provide the boys with the opportunity and the power to choose to act; to decide on their actions; and to reflect on these actions in order to make a difference in and to the world.

Action is often not witnessed by the teachers as it frequently happens beyond the classroom. If you have any examples of your son taking action as a direct result of his experiences/learning at school we would love to hear from you.

"Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire strength in others." Plato

Ms Kathy Derrick

Deputy Head of Junior School - Curriculum

What a wonderful world we live in!

After a whirlwind two week European holiday, I reflected on how Art is everywhere! It is in the architecture, galleries, shops, gardens, streets, floors, ceiling, statues, food, lighting and so on. Being a 'visual' person and a 'details' person, I often use photography to help me absorb all of the artwork I am exploring and encountering, whilst travelling to new and different places. It is like I am collecting seeds that later may turn into plants back at school, when opportunities arise in units of inquiry, that remind me of something different experienced during this holiday. It feeds my soul! Many of the boys and parents in our community would no doubt relate strongly with my reflection and may share the same thinking.

It reminds me of what a wonderful world we live in and how creative and resourceful people are. To see original artwork, that I may only have seen previously in photographs, books or through media; is always exciting and rewarding. On this trip a visit to Monet's Garden, a show at the Moulin Rouge, a venture up to Saint Paul de Vence (an old medieval village supporting a myriad of artists at work) to name a few; truly inspire me and in turn will manifest in the art programmes offered to the boys. In the first instance, I was taken with the subdued, magical light and the authenticity of Venice. The Year 2 boys will be exploring why people wear masks and decorating their own Venetian style masks, which could later be displayed in the Performance and Visual Arts Rooms.

Ms Karen Sabitay

PYP Visual Arts

Friendly Schools and Families

How can families help create a supportive school culture?

We can help children to feel safer and happier at school by demonstrating that families and schools work together as partners. The support of families is very important in creating a friendly and supportive school environment.

How can families help create our supportive school culture?

• Get to know our school's behavioural policies that address bullying/cyberbullying and discuss these with your children.
• Maintain regular contact with your children's teacher.
• Try to attend school functions, for example assemblies and/or volunteer at school to demonstrate your support for your children and the school.
• Read the school newsletter and discuss items of interest with your children.
• Model a positive attitude toward school and encourage your children to see the positive aspects of school life.
• If there is a problem with your children at school, try to work together with the school to overcome the problem. This shows a committed partnership between families and the school to work towards positive solutions.

Mr Warwick Norman

Friendly Schools and Families Coordinator

Information Learning Technology

Exhibition Video Conference

VC Schools Presentation - Scotch College - PYP Exhibition

Last week, as part of our commitment to the Independent Schools & Broadband Technology programme, six of our Year 5 boys visited the Senior School library to use our video conference equipment to share their Exhibition Journey. Will Hudson, Heath Muller, Zavier McGillivray, Matthew Kerfoot, Sebastian Reynolds and Richard Walton, along with Ms Derrick, Mr Norman and Mr Whiston, made up the panel of students and teachers.

The boys had the opportunity to present one part of the inquiry cycle as well as answer questions from the audience. The teachers were also quizzed on important parts of the exhibition journey. The boys answered the unscripted questions very well and represented the school admirably. The conference was recorded and can now be accessed by other authorized schools that could not make the live video conference. We look forward to using more video conferencing in the Junior School to enhance the authentic interactive learning experiences for the boys.

Mrs Amanda Ritchie

ILT Coach

French News

Bonjour! The Year 2 class has begun making links to the How we express ourselves unit of inquiry in the French classroom. We will specifically look at the celebration of Canada Day and Australia Day in order to compare and contrast the two holidays. We will also be inquiring into the celebrations of two different French speaking countries around the world. The boys will get to learn about the celebration of the Carnaval de Québec in Canada and l'Épiphanie in France.

Madame Edwards

French Specialist

Junior School Resource Centre

Hello from the Junior School Library. We are getting very close to the opening of the new combined Junior School and Middle School Library. As such we are working very hard to order new resources from your old favourites (Far Away Tree) to new classic releases (Wonder) and everything in between. We are also continuing to add to the Overdrive collection and hopefully all students now have access to both the audio and typed collections found within Overdrive. Should your son not have access please visit the library or One Degree for swift service. The quote for this fortnight comes from our esteemed spiritual leader 'Marilyn Horn' who was recently quoted as saying, "I thought Dewey was Donald Duck's nephew". Now although this might be true, it was during a major presentation to the International Library Federation on the Dewey Decimal System.

Mr Warwick Norman

Junior School Teacher Librarian

Excellence Awards

The following awards will be announced at Assembly on Friday 7 November:

Year 1

Richard Gamble

James Heggart

Lucas Marley

Alexander Fine

Xavier Vanden-Driesen

Orlando Capobianco

Jetlen Egerton-Warburton

Soichiro Kato

Caelan Casey

Jarrod Hutchison

Callum Shaw

Year 2

Callum Loughnane

James Winch

Will Howie

Tom Harris

Declan Riordan

David Walton

Year 3

Harry Smith

Ross Whittome

Levi Lawson

Nathaniel Mooney

Chase Fenton

Kyle de Bruin

Xander Dore

Nic Langsford

Jack Cook

Elijah Pretorius

William Fairweather

Hugo Poll

Year 4

Thomas Macknay

Lewis Gresham

Ben Breden

Rory King

Luca Muir Anderson

A Night at the Movies

My congratulations to 7M students; Jonah Benbow, Joshua Walsh and Kobey Rafferty on the success of their charity fundraiser Movie Night last Saturday. Whilst all over , from eating to packing up in three hours, it is important to recognise the time and coordination effort these three boys have put in over the last six months to deliver the event they did. Proceeds from the evening go to Variety WA the Children's Charity where the money will be put towards purchasing iPads that contain a "help" application for families living in domestic violence shelters. It was a great evening, the boys raised a terrific amount of money and everyone had a good time. What I was most impressed with however, was the sustained commitment these boys displayed to their idea and how they stuck with it overcoming setbacks and problem solving their way to achieve a great end result.

A special thank you to Torre Butchers, Swanbourne IGA, Coles and Corporate Theatre Productions WA for their eager responses and generous contributions to the evening. Thank you to the parents who helped on the evening and encouraged these boys behind the scenes to follow this through.

Mr Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

7T Explores Perth Zoo

During Spring Term in iLearn the Year 7 students have been learning about ecosystems, biodiversity and the classification of animals. On Monday 27 October, 7T and 7L were fortunate enough to spend the day at Perth Zoo. The boys participated in a collaborative learning activity led by the experienced education staff at the zoo. After the informative and idea-generating talk the boys were split into groups and went on a fact-finding educational adventure throughout the different areas of the zoo. The groups explored the African Savannah, the Asian Rainforests, the Nocturnal House, the Reptile Enclosure and a favourite of mine, the Australian Outback. The zoo staff were very impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of the students and commented that some boys may have a future working at the zoo. I would like to express special thanks to Mrs Hilary Davies, Mrs Lesley Banfield, Ms Anna McWhirter, and Mr Ian Buchhorn joining us on the day and volunteering their valuable time. They all reflected on what an eye-opening and educational experience the boys had on this excursion.

Mr Peter Tresise

Teacher 7T

Important Dates in Middle School Spring Term

Class Lists 2015

Following two very successful Orientation Days many families both current and new to the College are thinking about next year. Once we receive the Orientation Day testing information we will begin working on developing our class lists for 2015. We will post out to families a copy of their son's 2015 class list at the end of the term. Balanced classes are a vital feature of Middle School. We use the following criteria to create these classes:

• An even distribution of 'old' boys across the classes
• An even distribution of new boys across the classes
• An even distribution of French and Indonesian language students across the classes
• An even distribution of academic ability across the classes.
• A strategic distribution of boys requiring self-management or learning support
• We also endeavour to make sure each old boy has at least one close friend in his class as indicated on his social survey we collect in Spring term.

Class lists are developed without specific teachers in mind. Parent requests for specific teachers are not a part of the class list development process for Middle School.

UnitingCare West Christmas Appeal

Each year Middle School participates in the UnitingCare West Christmas Appeal. Boys are asked to start bringing in any non-perishable food items (that don't expire before February 2015) or new toys (for Christmas presents for both boys and girls). Boys can bring their donations to their classroom. Thank you in advance for your support.

Mr Peter Tresise

Middle School Community Service Coordinator

Excellence Awards

Headmaster's Commendations

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Will Steinberg 6O and Lewis Orr 7G who have each been awarded the ICAS English Medal for their respective year group.

Good Luck to Nick Turich 7M who is participating at the International Ice Hockey Tournament in South Australia next week.

Congratulations to Darcy Owen 7W and Lucas Ferri 7W who were both selected to play in the WA State U13 Hockey side. They competed at the National Championships held in South Australia during the July holidays. Both boys played extremely well at the tournament and displayed true sportsmanship. They competed well against many of the other States, losing narrowly in some games and winning others. Overall their team placed 6^th.

Year 6 Lancelin Surfing Expedition

In Weeks 3 and 4 of Spring Term the Year 6 classes travel to Lancelin for a Surfing Expedition, which is part of their Outdoor Education Programme. During their time on programme students build on their understanding of beach safety and surf awareness while developing their confidence in a marine environment. They take part in two surfing lessons, a campout in tents and gain a real insight into the history surrounding Lancelin and characteristics of the area and surrounding ecosystems. Below are photos from the 6GB expedition:

Last Saturday, 1 November marked 100 years since the first ships set sail from Albany carrying Australian and New Zealand troops to the First World War. The journey for many of these young men began with a train trip from Blackboy Hill training camp to Fremantle where they boarded ships and sailed to Albany to form the fleet that would take them to war. Sadly, for many of our young soldiers this would be the last train journey they would experience and the last time they would see their family and friends.

P. C. Anderson (Headmaster, 1904 - 1945) felt the deaths of Old Scotch boys deeply and would take his class of boys down to the railway line each time the train passed Scotch College carrying more troops to war.

The troop trains began to run from Blackboy to Fremantle past the school. Away up the line would sound a faint cock-a-doodle-doo, cock-a-doodle-doo and the shrieking of whistles. From the class which the Boss [P.C. Anderson] was teaching would come a roar of moving feet, the signal for the whole school to go. Down the banks we would tear to line the rails, and cheer our Anzacs-to-be as they passed on to the great adventure.

Anon. 'The Best School of All: Some Reminiscences', Reporter, 1923 p. 12.

It was with much pride that I watched as more than 200 Senior School boys lined the fence along the train line last Friday morning to wave and applaud as a heritage train passed by slowly to commemorate the centenary of this journey.

The reenactment came on the same day our School Captain, Oliver Heath (Year 12, Cameron) spoke of the 2015 theme Men of Honour. Oliver urged all boys in the Senior School to demonstrate the qualities that define masculinity in this modern age, namely, respect, compassion and empathy. His speech inspired all boys to continue to strive for these masculine ideals.

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School

Boys' Achievements

James Naylor-Pratt (Year 11, Anderson) represented Western Australia at the Australian weightlifting championships in Launceston. James was selected to compete in the under 15 and under 17 age divisions. He went on to win a gold medal in the under 15s 77kg division with best lifts of a 70kg snatch and a 90kg clean and jerk for a 160kg total. His lifts were also good enough to win him a bronze medal in the under 17s.

Aidan Read(Year 11, St Andrews) returned from his international debut in the Formula Masters in a race meet in Shanghai last weekend. Aidan was invited to join the leading Eurasia Motorsport Team following impressive testing and time trials in the Philippines earlier in the year. In the second race of the day against experienced drivers he broke into the top 10 places and was 1.5 seconds off the pole sitter following qualifying. At 15 years of age and in his debut race meet, he quickly caught the attention of a lot of people up and down pit lane. Aidan is planning to compete in the full season of the Formula masters next year so it is with much interest that we watch his progress over the coming year.

Vaughan Chin (Year 12, Ferguson)'s poem "Virtually Alive", Tom Lavery (Year 12, St Andrews)'s poem "Rules of Time" and Hamish de la Hunty (Year 12, Shearer)'s poem "A Gift" were selected for publication in the annual West Australian High School Poetry anthology Primo Lux. Be sure to read these poems in the current edition or the forthcoming one of Raven.

James Simpson (Year 12[2014], Anderson) won a prize for his short story "Halfway Home" in the Year 10-12 Prose section of The Grove Literature Prize. This story will be in the Spring edition of Raven.

Australian Mathematics Competition

The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) was held during Week 2 of Winter Term. This year we had 639 students from Years 6 to 12 complete the 75 minute paper which tested their mathematical problem solving skills. 2014 was another successful year for Scotch College and of the students receiving high commendations, there were 167 Proficiency winners, 194 Credit winners, 86 Distinction winners, 12 High Distinction winners and one Prize.

High Distinctions are awarded to students achieving in the top 2% of the state which is an outstanding achievement. Congratulations to the following boys who were awarded High Distinctions:

James Jenour (Year 7)

Thomas Hodge (Year 7)

Alistair Watters (Year 7)

Jack Taylor (Year 7)

Prentice Shepherd (Year 9, Ross)

Kartik Khanna (Year 10, Shearer)

Yuelin Shen (Year 10, Brisbane)

Angus MacLeod (Year 11, Shearer)

Denver Quantrill (Year 11, Shearer)

Alexander Cain (Year 12, Shearer)

Vaughan Chin (Year 12, Ferguson)

Harrison Gardiner (Year 12, Keys)

A Prize is awarded to students achieving in the top 0.3% in the state. Congratulations to William Steinberg (Year 6) for achieving a Prize which will be presented to him at the AMC award ceremony later this year.

Congratulations to these boys and all that participated in the competition.

WA Junior Mathematics Olympiad

Over 450 of the State's best Year 7, 8 and 9 students gathered at UWA on Saturday, 1 November, to participate in the WA Junior Mathematics Olympiad. Nearly every school in the state was represented (Public, Catholic and Independent schools, from Bunbury to Geraldton) to compete for top academic honours.

Scotch sent 3 teams of four to participate:

Year 9 Scotch Team 1: Andrew Singh (Anderson), Raghav Khanna (Shearer), Kartik Khanna (Shearer), Yuelin Shen (Brisbane)

Year 9 Scotch Team 2: Luke Henderson (Ferguson), Toby O'Keeffe (Stuart), Timothy Utama (Ross), Lewis Weeda (Shearer)

Year 8 Scotch Team 3: Prentice Shepherd (Ross), Lewis Martin (Anderson), Alexander Comstock (Cameron), Harry Penrose (Stuart).

The competition consisted of a 100 minute individual round plus a 45 minute team round.

In front of a large crowd including the dignitaries Prof. Cheryl Praeger, The Honourable Dr Elizabeth Constable, Prof. Phill Schulz and many of the learned Mathematics community, Yuelin Shen (Year 9, Brisbane) was awarded 1^st Prize, achieving the best individual score out of all students present.

Kartik Khanna (Year 9, Shearer) was also awarded an individual merit prize for his outstanding individual achievement.

Scotch Team 1 was the second best Year 9 team present, tying with Hale School Team 1.

Scotch Team 1 was placed 4th overall.

The official prizes Scotch received:

1st Prize: The School of Mathematics and Statistics UWA Award for Mathematical Excellence - Yuelin Shen

Equal 6th Prize: WA Mathematical Olympiads Committee Award - Individual Merit Prize - Kartik Khanna

Equal 4th Prize: Murdoch University Award for Excellence Team Award - Scotch College Team 1 Andrew Singh, Raghav Khanna, Kartik Khanna, Yuelin Shen

Congratulations to these boys and to all boys involved in the Mathematics Enrichment programme. The large number of extra hours all boys have put into the enrichment programme has helped push our top students to this level.

Mr Raymond Hill

Curriculum Leader - Mathematics

Certificates of Excellence Semester 2

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Career Information

January Preparation and Revision

ATarget will be conducting preparation and revision programs at Christ Church Grammar School, Hale School and All Saints College in January 2015. These will include study skills, essay writing, subject revision and introduction and familiarisation with their new 2015 subjects. Go to www.atarget.com.au for further details and registration forms or phone 9486 1377.

University Information

Notre Dame University

Notre Dame University is still accepting applications for Semester 1, 2015. Applications can be made directly to the university and do not incur an application or late fee. Please contact the Prospective Students Office on 9433 0533 to make an appointment for a campus tour, to receive course and application advice or to be sent an application pack. Application forms are also available from Mr Frusher at Scotch.

Notre Dame also offers alternative entry programmes to undergraduate studies at Notre Dame. These courses are available to students who did not reach the minimum entrance score for university in their ATAR and also to students who completed Year 12 but did not undertake ATAR subjects.

Foundation Year

A one-year bridging course that builds the confidence and skills required to successfully undertake university study.

Notre Dame Tertiary Enabling Programme

A full-time, thirteen week (one semester) alternative entry programme that is available each semester. For further information contact Notre Dame University.

Curtin University

Curtin University is offering a UniReady Enabling Programme in 2015. This course is designed for students who wish to enter Humanities or Business degrees at Curtin and did not get the required ATAR or did not do WACE examinations. The programme is one semester full time or two semesters part time and is also available online. Applications for Semester One are now open and can be accessed via the Curtin website.

SAE (Sound Audio Engineering) Perth Campus Open Day, November 15 2014, 10:00am - 1:00pm

Where: Level 1, 3-5 Bennett Street, East Perth WA

Discover your creative potential at SAE Perth Open Day.

During the day, absorb everything SAE has to offer with tours of our renowned campus and facilities, course presentations and studio demonstrations, student showcases, live music and much more. Chat with our staff and lecturers one-on-one to have all of your questions answered.

Thinking about a career in Animation, Audio, Design, Film or Games? SAE Creative Media Institute turns thinkers into doers. Our Open Day is the place to start.

Ph: 08 62174100

Email: perth@sae.edu

Fremantle Ports Maritime Day

Saturday 8 November 2014 - B Shed - Victoria Quay

Students are invited to learn more about employment, training and educational opportunities available within the maritime industry by attend the Fremantle Ports Maritime Day. Included will be tours of a navy ship, free harbour boat rides, tug boat tours, musical entertainment as well as maritime careers information. The Fremantle Harbour Classic Yacht race will be a major feature this year.

Mr Peter Frusher

Careers Adviser

Philosothon

Last Wednesday night, 29 October, Scotch College, together with 23 other schools, competed in the annual Philosothon; a competition that involves students exploring philosophical and ethical issues in communities of inquiry. Each school was invited to enter one team comprising one student from each year group from Year 8 to Year 11.

The topics covered in this year's Philosothon were:

Could it be that the pursuit of happiness is self defeating?

What are the limits of skepticism?

Does belief in free will make us better people?

Are rich countries morally obliged to provide debt relief?

Following a night of intense discussion from students across all schools, leading academics in Philosophy from universities across Perth awarded Scotch College first place. The results achieved by Scotch College have not been seen before by any school in the competition's history. The team comprised Felix Jones (Year 9, Brisbane), Austin Bantock (Year 10, Ferguson), James Naylor-Pratt (Year 11, Anderson), McCarthy Hanlin (Year 12, Stuart) and Sam Daisley (Year 12, St Andrews - who participated in two of the four communities of inquiry as reserve).

Results:

Scotch College team - First

Best Year 8 philosopher - Felix Jones

Best Year 9 philosopher - Austin Bantock

Best Year 10 philosopher - James Naylor-Pratt

Best Year 11 philosopher, second place - McCarthy Hanlin

Mothers' Auxiliary

Tickets for the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner, being held on 28 November 2014 are now on sale via "Book a Scotch Event" on the college website, please purchase your tickets early to help with planning. Any 2014 Year 11 parents that can help on the night or setup during the day please email soniamwee@gmail.com, and indicate the time you are available.

All Mothers' Auxiliary members please come along to the Gooch Pavilion at 9am on Friday 14 November to assist with preparations for the Valedictory Workshop, your help is appreciated.

Our first meeting in 2015 is our AGM where we elect all new Representatives. If you have put your name forward for roles next year, please come along to the AGM for the election process.

The 2015 Year 12 Ball committee has been busy and tickets will go on sale later in November. We are waiting for posters from the boys, please encourage your Year 12 to produce a poster to be used in advertising the Ball. All posters need to be finished ASAP and sent to clairstanley@iinet.net.au

Clair Stanley

Mothers' Auxiliary President

Parents' Association

PA Biennial Ball

PA Biennial Ball - Save the date: The Parents Association Ball with a "Luxe" theme is scheduled for Saturday 14 March 2015.

Planning for the 2015 Scotch College PA Biennial Ball is well under way.

This is a much anticipated event on the Scotch Parent Social Calendar.

The last Ball "Botanica" was held in 2013 and sold out in a number of minutes.

This year we propose to increase the number of tables (and the opportunity for parents to attend) and the venue will be a large marquee set up on the playing field adjacent to the Dining Room. Tickets will be sold via "Book a Scotch College Event" early in 2015 and we will keep you updated via the Thistle.

Whilst our hard working Committee continues to plan, design, budget and organise the logistics for such a large event, we will need the help of our Scotch Parent groups to make it all happen.

Parent Volunteers

Our volunteer coordinators will be seeking your support in a number of roles leading up to the Saturday night. We will require assistance in table set-up and place setting, interior/exterior decorations, bar set-up and pack-up and clean-up post event.

We need both mums and dads - as we will have a variety of light and heavy jobs to complete.

Peta Scott-Morey and Gordon Stewart will be managing these tasks and developing a database of helpers - Peta can be contacted by email - tcpl@scott-morey.net

Parent Supporters

We are working very hard to keep our costs below budget and we continue to explore ways to save where we can.One opportunity is to seek support from wine and beer companies to supply discounted drinks for the night.Our Support coordinators have approached a number of potential suppliers and we also offer this opportunity to members of the School Community.

We are also looking for support to print our dinner menu's and for flower decorations on the tables. Peta Grant and Gordon Stewart will be managing this. If you would like to offer support for the Ball, Peta would be very pleased to discuss opportunities with you.

She can be contacted by email - petajg@bigpond.net.au

Ian Knobel

Scotch PA Ball Sub-Committee Chair

AGM - New Office Bearers for 2015

The Parents' Association it is delighted to welcome Gary Pyne as the new President for 2015. Gary, who has sons in Years 7 and 12 was elected President at the PA's 45th annual AGM on 28 October. Joining Gary as new office bearers are Ian Knobel and Susan Kennerly, who will be the two Vice Presidents of the PA. James Smith will continue as Treasurer and Sharon Burvill will remain Secretary. The PA would like to thank past President Michelle Barrow for all of her hard work, as well as former Vice Presidents David Sones and Gordon Stewart. The AGM was well attended, with informative addresses provided by the Headmaster, Dr Alec O'Connell, and Chairman of Council, Digby Stretch, who was accompanied by his wife Nikki. We are also very happy to welcome seven new committee members on board! The PA would also like to thank Brian O'Donnell, David Sones, Oye Akindele Obe, Raymond Weeda and Gordon Shearer, who are all retiring from the PA Committee and who have helped organise many successful PA functions in recent years such as the PA Ball, Welcome BBQ Sundowner, Fathers' Forums, formal dinners and cocktail parties.

Sharon Burvill

Secretary

Parents' Association

UWA Summer Music Academy

In partnership with St George's College, The University of Western Australia's School of Music are promoting their intensive music camp being held from 8 - 12 December 2014. Flyer attached for your information or visit the website www.music.uwa.edu.au.

Methodist Ladies College Summer Market

The Parents of MLC are holding their annual Summer Market on Saturday, November 15 from 11.00am - 4.00pm. With more than 50 stalls there will be a wide variety of merchandise, food, drink and entertainment. A $15 multi-use pass will allow access to rock climbing, bungee trampolining and an inflatable obstacle course.

For more information go to: mlcsummermarket.org

and for the Multi-use Amusement Pass: www.trybooking.com/GEWL

Behaviour Tonics

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

1-2-3 Magic and Emotion Coaching Parent Course

Thurs 13, 20 and 27 Nov (2 to 12yrs) 7.00 to 9.30pm

Thurs 20 and 27 Nov and 4 Dec (2 to 12yrs) 9.45am to 12 noon.

Mon 1, Wed 3 and Wed 10 Dec, 7.00 to 9.30pm.

Engaging Adolescents (11 to 16yo)

12 and 19 Nov, 6.45 to 9.30pm

The following are available as 'In House' courses.

Parenting Information Session (Including 10 take home tips)

This 2 hour seminar is designed to improve your knowledge and confidence as a parent.

Bullying - Don't Just Stand There

Protective Behaviours

Private Consultations Available

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