Over the last couple of weeks we have been reminded about the need to reflect on past events both at the school and wider community level; quite often these events carry sad but poignant reminders. In reflecting we must also ensure that we learn from our past and continue to look to the future in pursuit of growth and improvement.

Remembrance Day is one of the few occasions when we gather as a whole school. We do so to acknowledge those who gave their life in the pursuit of the peace that we all enjoy today. During the First World War Scotch saw many of its students and masters lose their lives. It would be all too easy to forget what this means for our current students. Hence, this is why it is so important that we continue to contextualise the past so that our current students can make sense of the events which took place so long ago. In the hectic world in which we all now operate, even the salient moment where we offer a minutes silence can prove to be a unique learning experience for boys in the modern world who rarely operate in any form of silence.

Last week's Founders Day reminds us of the link to the OSC and the commonality which keeps us bonded on our journey at Scotch. The Founders Day Dinner which served as the vehicle to announce the Scotch cricket team of the century was a tangible example of how the gathered graduates from 1947 to 2012 had so much in common through a love of cricket.

Last Friday at the Junior School assembly I was again reminded about how forward looking our young boys are when it comes to their learning. Year 5D presented an expose of what they had learnt during the term. The breadth and depth of the concepts over a variety of learning areas and the boys' understanding is indeed very encouraging.

This week some of our Senior School boys will be travelling to Yale University to participate in the World Scholars Cup Tournament of Champions. I know they will be challenged and expected to reflect on the future. This trip is offering some of our boys the opportunity to perform on the academic world stage and benchmark themselves against other students and schools from across the globe. On Monday night we are holding an information evening for Year 9 and 10 boys in enrichment, regarding a summer school programme we have been offered at Stanford University in 2015. Again, this programme is geared at preparing our boys not just for the world of work, but for a world where they can and should make a difference.

So let us never underestimate how important our past is to ensuring a healthy future for Scotch. The challenge is to maintain balance by differentiating between becoming captives of the past with the need to keep moving forward and innovate. If you take a simple walk through the new Middle School it will not take long to realise that we have taken a significant step forward in the provision of modern teaching and learning spaces. As Edward De Bono, Six Thinking Hats highlights

"We may have a perfectly adequate way of doing something, but that does not mean there cannot be a better way. So we set out to find an alternative way. This is the basis of any improvement that is not fault correction or problem solving."

I would like to finish this newsletter by thanking the students and staff who assisted in the "Tim's Ride - Safe Cycling" event which took place over the last weekend; in particular Mr Ryan Foster who acted as our co-ordinator for the event. For those of the community who are not aware, Tim Anderson (OSC 2002) was a former student of Scotch and tragically killed three years ago in a road accident while training for the Ride for Youth event. I think it is important to understand that the Tim's Ride event is an attempt to reinforce safe cycling habits. On the day Tim was hit from behind he was observing all of the expected safety strategies; riding in the cycle lane on Curtin Avenue, wearing bright and visible clothing and using lights on the rear and front of his bike. Unfortunately this could not counteract careless driving when he was hit from behind. At the memorial service after the ride we heard that the number of cycling deaths each year is simply not good enough. As a large school we must play a part in imparting the safety message so that other families do not have to face what the Anderson family has dealt with. The loss of a talented young man is a tragic way to highlight cycling and driving safety.

The next few weeks will be very busy for everyone. Most of our leaving Year 12s have completed their exams and for those still to finish we wish you the best of luck; although the way you have been prepared should eliminate the need for luck.

Have a great fortnight

Dr A J O'Connell

Headmaster

End of Year Events

End of Year Events in the Dickinson Centre:

• Junior School Presentation Afternoon on Wednesday 3 December at 2.00pm
• Middle School Speech Night on Thursday 4 December at 6.30pm
• Senior School Speech Night on Friday 5 December at 6.30pm

Parking will be available on the playing fields, entrance from the northern end of Stirling Road.

Information Learning Technology

The parents of boys in the 2015 cohorts of Year 5, Year 7, Year 9 and Year 11 will have received an email notifying them of our new laptop rollouts next week. Boys will need to return their current iPad or laptop device. To complete the rollouts as quickly and simply as possible please ensure your son(s) comes prepared. Your assistance and help would be appreciated.

On the day of the rollout can you help ensure your boy brings his device, the charger and power cord to school, and that his device has been cleaned and ready to hand back. The Middle and Senior School boys must also bring their Time Machine and cable.

If your son has any concerns or difficulties please ask him to visit 1Degree in the BRC for assistance.

Visa Status

If any students have had changes to their Visa status ie Temporary to Permanent or their expiry date has changed, please contact the Admissions Office on 9383 6810 or admissions@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Premier's ANZAC Student Tour 2015

As the nation prepares to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli in 2015, one student has taken a personal connection with the ANZACs to create a remarkable essay.

Bailey Vanderzanden (Year 10, Ferguson) submitted his essay in The Premier's ANZAC Student Tour competition earlier this year. The competition is open annually to students in Years 8-11. The tour is an opportunity for outstanding young ambassadors to represent Western Australia on a history and commemorative study tour overseas.

It was announced that Bailey was successful in being selected for the Premier's ANZAC Student Tour in 2015 to Gallipoli in a ceremony conducted by the Premier and Minister for Education on 10 November. Bailey was one of only thirty-two candidates selected to attend the Student Tour from a pool of over 1000 applicants.

This excerpt demonstrates the powerful connection Bailey has with the ANZAC legend, with both of his Great, Great Grandfathers engaging in combat in World War One.

'My Great, Great Grandfathers' legacy is a quiet one. They received no awards. They don't have their name on the Roll of Honour. They're not mentioned in any museum, nor are their names on the stone obelisk in the middle of the country town they lived in for the rest of their lives. Their legacy was to quietly get on with it. They simply melted back into Western Australian society, married, had children, farmed the land and lived into their 70s. They did not live in anger nor let their experiences in the war prevent them from making a positive contribution to Western Australia. They now both rest in a small country cemetery that overlooks a rolling valley. It is a quiet, peaceful place; well deserved.'

The tour travels to Turkey from 16 - 26 April 2015 with the highlight being attendance at the centenary ANZAC Day dawn service.

Congratulations to Bailey on taking the initiative to enter this competition. I am sure that his Great, Great Grandfathers would be immensely proud of him, as indeed the Scotch College community is proud of his actions.

For more information the tour website link is - http://www.det.wa.edu.au/curriculumsupport/anzac/detcms/portal/

Mr Peter Allen

Director of Teaching and Learning

Community and Service

Homeless Connect

Last week, Year 11 students from both Scotch and PLC undertaking the IB Diploma spent a day assisting Volunteering WA and Perth City Council to build facilities for Homeless Connect Day 2014. This event, taking place in Russell Square Northbridge, is intended to make it easier for the homeless of Perth to access professional services and receive support in many other ways. The students unloaded trucks arriving periodically with donated clothing and food, set up trestle tables and chairs and perform a multitude of other tasks in preparation for the event next day. Year 12 IB Diploma students from both schools assisted to dismantle facilities the following day.

IB Diploma students are required to complete Service as part of the their course and the Homeless Connect Day preparation has become a tradition at the start of Year 11 to help launch the Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) part of their programme.

UnitingCare West Christmas Appeal

The call has gone out for food and toy items for the UnitingCare West Christmas Appeal. This appeal supports an increasing number of individuals and families in need each year at Christmas time. The food and toys distributed go a long way to making Christmas a special time for those in most need in our community. Boys in Senior School can place food or toy items in the box provided in their House Heads office until the end last week of term. Boys in Middle School and Junior Schools can bring their items to their class teachers.

Student Exchanges

A number of exchanges have been organised for boys in Year 10 through the Round Square group of schools. It is still possible for boys currently in Year 10 to register their interest in going on short-term exchange next year. An offer has been received for two Scotch boys to go together to St Stitians School in Johannesburg http://www.stithian.com/ and one boy to go to Brookhouse School in Kenya. http://www.brookhouse.ac.ke/ Boys interested in these exchanges and who have not already completed an Exchange Application Form, should see Mr Cordner for more information.

An offer has also been received from Merchant Taylors' School in London http://www.mtsn.org.uk/ for a Year 11 boy to enter into a reciprocal exchange during holiday periods. This school is one of the oldest in the UK and a visit would undoubtedly provide an interesting experience. Please contact Mr Cordner for more information.

Mr Bill Cordner

Director of Community and Service

Music Department

"Music to me is like breathing - I don't get tired of breathing, I don't get tired of music." - Ray Charles

Instrumental Music 2015:

During the past two weeks emails have been 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 utilises Parent Connect logins. For new Scotch families without a Parent Connect login, an enrolment form that covers different year levels will be made available. For all Instrumental Music enquiries, please contact Music Administrator, Julia Robinson (9383 6841) music@scotch.wa.edu.au

Instrumental Music enrolments should be submitted by Friday, 21 November.

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:

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.

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.

Mr David Coughlan

Head of Music

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.

School Dental Service

The School Dental Service provides free general and preventative dental care for all enrolled students up to Year 11. Swanbourne Dental Therapy Centre is located quite close to Scotch in the grounds of Swanbourne Primary School, Narla Road. Ph: 9384 0855. Except in the case of boarders, parents are responsible for transporting their children to the Centre which operates Monday-Friday and during most school holidays.

The Swanbourne Centre will be closed from 19 December - 26 January inclusive. During that time emergency treatment can be obtained at the Mount Henry Dental Therapy Centre, 43 Mount Henry Road, Como. Ph: 9313 0555. This Centre is open Monday to Friday between 8.15am and 4.30pm, excluding public holidays.

Should emergency dental treatment be required outside these hours please contact the emergency service on 9325 3452, your local dentist, PMH if child aged under 16yrs or the Oral Health Centre of WA on 9346 4400 (eligibility criteria applies).

Giving

As we approach Christmas we are reminded of the gift given to the entire world. The gift of a baby boy who would go on to preach about loving one another and loving God, a baby boy who would change the world. Jesus' message was simple, he asked us to care for one another and give what and how we could.

Our community and boys is a generous one. Over the course of the year we have raised money and equipment for a number of causes. Working with Reverend Wright and her weekly Giving Tree Club, the boys have been involved in initiatives to support a range of charitable organisations. They have acquired sports equipment for children in remote communities, run the Coin Trail to support the work in the Senior School expedition to Tanzania, collected winter woollies for Perth homeless and refugees distribute by United Care West.

The boys have used our free dress days to raise money for the Save the Children Fund and the Guardian Angels programme that provides vaccines and medical assistance to children in Laos and Cambodia. Our most recent event, the Ice Bucket Challenge raised considerable monies to assist the work of MNDAWA.

The boys have decided to take part in two more events before the end of the school year. The next free dress day on Friday 28 November, through the gold coin donations, will raise money for Red Cross in aid of the Ebola crisis in Africa. The boys have been working with Reverend Wright to make teddy bears that will be given as presents to children who will receive very little this Christmas.

On Monday 10 November, Mac Manlin the Senior School Vice Captain, came to speak to the Junior School. He spoke about the people in WA who were not as fortunate as us, those who will go without presents or proper food over the holidays. He asked the boys to consider how these children and their families would feel. Mac encouraged the Junior School community to support the work of Uniting Care West and be involved in Operation Santa.

Operation Santa, through Uniting Care West, will brighten the Christmas for needy children and families. The canned goods and non-perishable items drive asks for donations that will go to families in need. The Christmas gift shoebox drive asks the boys to put together a shoebox that contains small items for children such coloured pencils or markers, a small colouring book or coloured paper; underwear and socks; soap, toothbrushes, hairbrush or comb; and toys, games or books with no small or missing parts/pages. These gifts will be given to disadvantaged children.

On Wednesday 26 November, the day our boys will enjoy their Christmas lunch, we ask that boys bring in their canned goods and Christmas shoeboxes. They will be gathered together with the donations from the rest of the College and given to Uniting Care West to distribute.

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

Mr John Stewart

Head of Junior School

Primary Years Programme: A concept-driven curriculum

Central to the philosophy of the PYP is the principle that purposeful, structured inquiry is a powerful vehicle for learning that promotes meaning and understanding, and challenges students to engage with significant ideas.

A concept-driven curriculum supports inquiry. In the Junior School we actively use the eight key concepts, as set by the PYP framework, to help guide and drive our units of inquiry. These concepts are expressed as open-ended questions and provide the initial momentum and the underlying structure for the exploration of the content of our units.

Form: What is it like?

Function: How does it work?

Causation: Why is it like it is?

Change: How is it changing?

Connection: How is it connected to other things?

Perspective: What are the points of view?

Responsibility: What is our responsibility?

Reflection: How do we know?

By identifying concepts that have relevance within each subject area, and across and beyond the subject areas, the PYP has defined an essential element for supporting its transdisciplinary model of teaching and learning.

Ms Kathy Derrick

Deputy Head of Junior School - Curriculum

5D News

It has been a busy and exciting start to Term 4 for 5D. I have been welcomed warmly into the Scotch community and I'm especially enjoying getting to know the boys in Year 5 more each day. The students of 5D are working hard to prepare for the transition into Middle School next year. The Orientation Day for Middle School was a highlight for many of the boys. They are looking forward to finding out what life in Year 6 holds for them as well as being in a new building filled with great facilities.

Much of our focus this term has related to how natural resources can be used as an energy source. It has been interesting examining what processes occur extracting the raw material and converting it to energy that we can use. The students have started examining the impacts that different forms of energy have on the environment. 'Think globally, act locally' is a motto we have adopted and we are using it to inspire inquiry tasks. The first step that the Year 5s have recently taken was collecting data on a particular type of energy usage at home. We are in the process of analysing this data to find out what action can be taken at home to potentially make a difference with our energy consumption.

It has been great seeing the boys so committed to their chosen JPSSA sports this term. The Scotch teams have had some great success. JPSSA provides a great opportunity for the Year 5 and 6 students to interact outside of the classroom.

With only a few weeks to go, the focus for 5D will be on continuing to strive for excellence, being positive role models for the rest of the Junior School students to follow becoming more independent students in preparation for Middle School.

Ms Sian Angel

Year 5 Teacher

Art Idea: " Where you are, is where you are."

The end of term is always tricky with timing and in the Art Studio I am encouraging boys to try and complete all of their projects with pride. Some may even become lovely Christmas presents if finished. So I have been talking to the boys about

" Self and Time Management."

I heard a great philosophy of, " Where you are, is where you are!" So when the boys are in Math, that's what they should be concentrating on; when they are in Music they should be listening beautifully and engaging in the activity set and when they are at play, all they should be thinking about is playing! I try to practice this philosophy myself and would love it if parents could reiterate this message with your boys at home, so we can all finish the term beautifully. If boys want to come into the Art Studio during lunchtime to complete artwork, I am happy to support any boys with this. However, the main goal is for boys to maximise their use of class time, giving themselves every chance to achieve the best possible results and complete work.

To maximise class time, they need to:

• Remember "Where they are, is where they are!"
• Listen carefully to the instructions, especially at the start of the lesson.
• Minimise talking, unless the activity requires it.
• Focus on themselves and their own artwork.
• Make a conscious effort to create the best possible result they can.
• Take care with equipment and set up properly so they have everything they need.

Ms Karen Sabitay

PYP Visual Arts

Performing Arts News

In Week 4, the boys in Year 3T were treated to a special visit from one of our Middle School Music Teacher, Miss Leah Blankendaal. Miss Blankendaal showcased one of her favourite instrument, the piano accordion that was passed onto her from her grandfather. He brought it to Australia when he travelled from The Netherlands in the 1940's. Some lucky boys were able to have a go at playing the piano accordion. We also had a lot of fun singing some catchy songs and doing a little bit of dancing too. Thank you to Miss Blankendaal for coming to spend some time with us!

Ms Phebe Samson

Performing Arts Teacher

FRIENDLY SCHOOLS PLUS

Understanding discipline

Discipline should encourage children to take responsibility for their own online and offline behaviour.

What happens at school?

Our school has policies that address the behavioural expectations of students. These plans are designed to encourage children to take responsibility for their own actions and develop self-discipline. These policies inform families, teachers and students of what is expected and outlines rewards for positive and consequences for poor behaviour.

What can families do?

By working in conjunction with the school, families can provide their children with consistent expectations and boundaries both at school and at home.

• Set consistent, firm limits and rules. Children like to know where they stand. This includes limits and rules around internet use.
• When family rules are set ask your children to tell you the rules in their own words.
• Be consistent with consequences and rewards.
• Acknowledge positive behaviour.
• Model desired behaviours to your children.
• Supervise your children so you know where they are and what they are doing. This also applies when they are online.

Become familiar with your school's behavioural policies so your children can see that you are actively involved. 
Show lots of love and affection. You are the most important person in your child's life and your time and attention is the most powerful reward you can give them.

Mr Warwick Norman

Friendly Schools and Families Coordinator

iTunes U Course

Our Year 2 teacher, Rebecca Tapscott was chosen to attend an Apple professional development course in Sydney last term to learn about the use of iTunes U in education. iTunes U courses let teachers create and manage their course. Students can experience the course all from the iTunes U app on iPad. From this professional development, Miss Tapscott was required to develop a course to share with educators from all over Australia. On Friday, Miss Tapscott published a course based on the Year 2 unit of inquiry on How the world works - Forces.

The feedback from the Apple reviewer was that the course was "absolutely standout! A fantastic job." The Apple team also commented on the curriculum mapping with the UOIs; they were highly impressed.

The How the world works - Forces iTunes U course can now be accessed and taught by teachers all over Australia. We are thrilled that the Year 2 Boys were able to share their work through their unit of inquiry and the amazing ways they used their iPads to learn about forces.

Ms Amanda Ritchie

ILT Coach

French News

Bonjour, the Year 4 boys have been learning about cities and directions in French. In a team of 2, the students had to use a French map in order to use relevant French sentences that enabled them to give a set of directions. This task required strong thinking skills as the team had to figure out which was the best way to get from point A to point B whilst using only their French vocabulary.

Here is an example of some fantastic work from Henry Capon and Horry Foster in 4D.

Madame Edwards

French Specialist

Junior School Resource Centre

Hello from the Library. As mentioned in the previous newsletter, the Libraries of Scotch College have rolled-out the new Overdrive Digital Library System. For the Years 1 to 4 students, they will need to have their parents log them in under their username and password and they are only to read the juvenile readers. The Year 5 students can log in under their own username and password but will also only be able to access the juvenile readers and audio books.

Two words of advice I would like to pass on to you would be:

1. Have a go at downloading a book with your son this week so that you know how the programme runs and what choices are currently out there.

2. If using an ipad or computer, limit the time spend reading on these as they may have negative heath implications if used for long periods of time.

Ideally I would recommend using paper books for daily reading and digital books less frequently, or for short periods of time. Audio books are great to use in the car or whilst your son is reading his paper book; have the audio book reading along with him so that he can build on his vocabulary and read more challenging text.

To access the collection enter through the I Library tab on the HOME.SCOTCH Home Page, click on the Overdrive icon before following the prompts listed below:

• The first time you download an eBook or audiobook to a device you will be prompted to either enter an existing Adobe ID or to create a new one.
• If you do not already have an Adobe ID there will be a link that takes you to the Adobe website to create one.
• Once the ID is successfully created you can return to Adobe Digital Editions or Overdrive and enter your Adobe ID (email address) and password to authorise the device.

Again any feedback on this new service would be greatly appreciated and can be sent by email to library@scotch.wa.edu.au

Mr Warwick Norman

Junior School Teacher Librarian

Excellence Awards

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

Year 1

John Gordon

Hudson Weir

Orlando Capobianco

Nicholas Lovegrove

Jack Sisson

Sam Holmes

Ross Goring

Kento Fukuoka

Joshua Cook

Oliver Cooper

Tane Croon-Hargrave

Year 3

Marco Ghishelli

Mechki Lucerne-Knight

Hugh Chapman

Eli Pretorius

Jack Carroll

Arnaud McVicker

Rory Keevil

Year 5

Nathaniel Kailis

Joe Harris

Will Gagen

Liam Jermy

Artist in Residence

Last week, with the generous support of the Parents Association, we invited well-known local artist Rowena Keall Walsh to Middle School to run an Artist in Residence programme for our Year 7 boys.

Rowena's brief was to teach boys about colour mixing, the layering of colours, working with mixed perspectives and producing a collaborative art piece by the end of the week. The end result is sensational and I look forward to you seeing the work when it is displayed at Speech Night on Thursday 4 December.

The highlight of the week though was watching the boys grasp the opportunity to work on their project at some depth and over an extended period, and observing not just the new knowledge that they were demonstrating but the quiet enjoyment they were getting by working together, being collaborative and creative. It was a reminder to me just how valuable Art is as a subject, as a practice and as a hobby, in developing problem solving skills, interpersonal skills and a sense of pride and worth.

Our sincere thanks to Rowena Walsh and the Parents Association for the opportunity to run an Artist in Residence programme in Middle School.

Mr Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

Middle School Triathlon Success

Last Thursday and Friday, our budding Middle School Triathletes once again competed at the SSWA School Triathlon Championships. Having completed a trial run on the Saturday beforehand, the boys felt confident heading into the individual event on Thursday. Racing the 200m swim, 12km bike and 2km run, is no easy feat let alone competing against a field of Year 8 athletes. However, some impressive performances by Rupert Currie (8th) and Oscar Grant (9th) place them in contention for selection in the WA team. Other notable performances came from Harry Gilchrist, Benji Steinberg, Jack Jagger and Charlie Castleden who all placed in the top 15.

The team then had to back their individual performances and take on the team event on Friday. Scotch aimed to defend their third title and knew there was a tough level of competition from Hale School and Sorrento Primary School. After a slow swim start by the boys, the teams were well positioned following the ride leg. A battle in the run legs saw the team consisting of Oscar Grant, Rupert Currie and Harry Imison place first, whilst Joshua Kerrich, Jamie Coulson and Luca Fry's team placed second. Our accumulated time from the 18 boys in Division A, was enough for the team to hold their defending School Champion title. This is a wonderful result and many thanks must be extended to the parents who made the trip out to Champion Lakes and supported the boys. Triathlon continues to flourish in Middle School!

Mr Lawrence Felgate

Middle School Triathlon Coach

6GB and the Case of the Missing Bear

This semester in Language A, the boys in 6GB have been sharpening their detective skills in an attempt to solve the crime of the 'missing bear.' On the first day of term, before the students had returned to school, Mrs Bose's beloved Hawthorn football mascot bear, Glenn, was bear napped, leaving behind several pieces of evidence (including a photo of Glenn wearing Dockers gear) and one very distraught teacher. Since then, the boys have been interviewing suspects, ascertaining motives and alibis, and examining evidence and witness statements. Many perspectives concerning the perpetrator have been adopted by the boys, but investigations have been hampered by overzealous Dockers supporters pleased by the bear's disappearance. The boys are now stretching their journalistic muscles and writing newspaper articles reporting on the crime. The concept of bias and balance is high on the agenda, given the passionate nature of football fans. Investigations continue…

Photo left at the scene of the crime

Ms Robyn Bose and Ms Andrea Goodison

6GB Teachers

Headmaster's Commendations

Student Achievements

Correction - Year 6 ICAS English Medal

In the last edition of The Thistle we incorrectly stated the name of the Year 6 ICAS English Medal recipient. Congratulations to Will Reeves 6GB who won the medal.

2014 Australian National Chemistry Quiz

2014 Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO)

Year 6

Year 7

Important Dates in Middle School Spring Term

Excellence Awards

Mr Ramsay's Assemblies

At our last Assembly we thanked Mr Ramsay for his organisation and support for our House Seniors in the running of our Middle School Assemblies for the last 6 years. On the surface the Year 7 House Seniors run the Assembly, however behind the scenes there is extensive coaching and preparing of the boys by Mr Ramsay. Many parents comment on the feel and the atmosphere of Assembly each fortnight and there is wide recognition of the role Assembly has in showcasing who we are and what we stand for in Middle School. We shall miss hearing a selection of Mr Ramsay's favourite tunes as he presents his photo montage each week of boys who have earned special recognition.

From the Head of Senior School

Remembrance Day

Last Tuesday 11 November we celebrated Remembrance Day, as per tradition, with a ceremony involving the whole school. We welcomed Brigadier Phil White (OSC 1972) who addressed the school about the significance of the day and some of the Scotch College connections.

475 boys enlisted by the end of WWI, of which 104 were commissioned, 34 decorated for bravery and 78 boys and four staff members lost their lives. The names of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice were read out by Michael Silbert (President of the OSC), Year 12 leaders and Junior School students. These connections between the College and our OSC remain central to the Scotch College community and were again on display when Michael relayed a story from the previous weekend where he and his son Max (Year 11, Ross House) attended a memorial ceremony at Irwin Barracks which included the blessing of a plaque for a young Old Scotch Collegian, Edward Hawkins (OSC 1907 - 1910), who died aged 20 in Belgium, back in 1917. Unfortunately the School has been unable to locate any of Private Hawkins' remaining family at this stage and Michael and Max represented the College.

The plaque was blessed and, along with seven of his comrades who were also killed in action, Private Hawkins will now have a plaque in King Park to help remember him. This has been an important project for the 109 Signal Squadron, as they make a point of ensuring that no soldier is left off the honour roll. I encourage everyone to look for Private Hawkins' name on this plaque in the future. They also presented Michael and Max with a plaque which will be presented to the School and will be on display with a photo of Private Hawkins.

'They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.'

World War I Memorials

Masters

A.C. McKenzie J.D. Newham A. Cannell Matthew Scouler

Old Boys

Mr Peter Burt

Deputy Head of Senior School

Boys' Achievements

Adam Brenz-Verca (Year 9, Stuart) was recently selected in state squad for sailing after finishing third behind the current national first and second in the 420 class state youth championships held during the holidays.

International Kids Teaching Kids Conference

Five new Year 11 boys, Alex Crump (Shearer), Martin Gallagher (Anderson), Thomas Gooch (Keys), Rory O'Sullivan (Ferguson) and Denver Quantrill (Shearer), presented their interactive topic (Liveability: the application of sustainability principles to town planning and house design) to audiences at the International Kids Teaching Kids conference in Mandurah on 30 October. The conference was opened by Mr Aaron Wood, Kids Teaching Kids co-founder, Melbourne Councillor and Australian Environmentalist of the Year in 2007. Following their session the boys received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attending students and staff, and one corporate sponsor (a large state property developer) who said: "Our guys need to see this"! Over the past term these boys gave up lunch times and many hours preparing their presentation which was an adaptation of the Year 10 cross curricula sustainable urban design unit.

Their presentation had a three-pronged focus. The background set the general scene on the importance of sustainability in the context of a growing population, dwindling resources and climate change. They then narrowed the focus on how town planning is being adapted to reflect that emerging reality. The emphasis then moved more specifically into the area of housing design and how practical strategies enable the implementation of sustainability principles. The boys used interactive activities such as quizzes, group work and memory recall games, in addition to short videos to engage their audience in a meaningful manner. It was an overwhelming success and they should be very proud of their efforts.

Mr Chris Menage

SOSE Teacher/Sustainability Coordinator

Senior School Speech Night

All parents are invited to attend the 118^th Speech Night on Friday 5 December at 6.30pm in the Dickinson Centre. Please be seated by 6.15pm in preparation for a 6.30pm start.

While this event is not compulsory, all boys are welcome to attend.

Uniform Requirements:

Winter uniform for Prize Winners

Winter uniform for Leaving Year 12 boys

Summer uniform for all other boys

Why Does the Diploma Programme Include the Extended Essay?

The Extended Essay is an opportunity for originality and intellectual independence. As students progress through senior school they may have been given the opportunity to develop their own research questions within a topic. In this way, their independence as a reader and critic has developed.

The Extended Essay builds on this foundation; it grows out of the student's own interest in a topic that becomes the focus of their study. They analyse sources with a growing sense of developing critical thinking skills in order to form a solid academic argument. The 4000 words of the Extended Essay enable students to sustain their analysis and interpretation over a greater range of material.

The preparation and writing of the Extended Essay encourages the student to take responsibility, with the support of a supervisor, for their own learning. The whole process fosters personal independent study, time management, and the clear presentation of the results of their research.

In many ways writing an Extended Essay is about doing rather than writing about what others have done.

In summary, the Extended Essay requires students to:

• Undertake an extensive programme of reading and research
• Demonstrate intellectual independence and originality by choosing their own subject of study and define its nature and scope
• Engage in sustained analysis, interpretation and comparison of a substantial body of data and resources
• Present the results of their research in a clearly written, academically argued and accurately referenced form

This process improves subject expertise and is good preparation for further study and research at university level.

For these reasons, the Extended Essay can be seen as a culmination of students schooling. They not only demonstrate the intellectual, research and presentation skills that have been developed throughout their school years, but they also create something which is uniquely their own.

Ms Loreen Kerrigan

Extended Essay Coordinator

Senior School Lockers/Locks

At the end of each calendar year boys are expected to clear out their lockers prior to lockers being locked by the Maintenance Staff during the holidays. It is important that parents are aware of this as many uncleared items are removed and can be returned to the owners the following year only if they have been clearly marked. Some items go into lost property and others are discarded. This causes a considerable amount of extra work for those involved and possibly the loss by boys and parents of some unmarked items. It would be helpful if parents were to ensure their sons had cleared out their lockers and removed the padlocks by the end of term. Boys should retain their school supplied padlocks for use in 2015.

Finishing Time

A final Senior School assembly will be held at 8.30am on Friday 5 December after which the boys return to normal classes. Senior School will finish for the term at 1.00pm. Boys must clear their locker by this time.

Career Information

Year 11 and 12 Course Changes

With the Spring Term nearing conclusion, it is an opportune time for students and parents to start reviewing student progress to date. In some cases students have already made course changes and have settled into their new courses. During Spring Term teachers have had the opportunity to administer several tests and the results of these tests are an indication of possible success or otherwise in chosen courses. If a student is obviously not achieving in a course, it is highly recommended that he arranges to meet with Mr Frusher to discuss the reasons for this and to look at possible solutions eg change of course, change of level (mathematics), attend a study skills course during the holidays. To ensure a smooth start to Summer Term, it is recommended that any changes be made as soon as possible with Mr Frusher who will be available until Tuesday 16 December. Mr Frusher can be contacted via Email: PFrusher@scotch.wa.edu.au or Tel: (08) 9383 6830.

Thailand and Tanzania Summer Medical Placements Opportunities

There are now only a few places left at both Thailand and Tanzania Medical placement programmes that start in January 2015.

Information for senior students who aspire to have medical careers

Medical placement opportunities in Thailand and Tanzania

• Students are collected from the airport and all live in our Gap Medics houses together with 64 other students, all the same age from all over the world.
• Monday-Friday students work in the hospitals from 8.00am to around 2.00pm
• They shadow doctors, dentists, nurses and midwifes in a variety of departments
• The main areas of the hospital that they work in are Obstetrics, Surgery, Paediatrics and General Medicine.
• 3 times per week they have a clinical teaching session where they are all brought together to discuss and interpret what they see on placement
• Weekends are time for travel with other students and our staff
• All food is included
• 24/7 security at all houses
• 3,000 students from across the world each year attend this programme

The cost of a two-week placement is $2,190 (USD), but students can opt to join us for longer if they wish.

For further information go to www.gapmedics.com.au, or call the Head Office team on +44(0)191 230 8080.

University Information

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 1 are now open and can be accessed via the Curtin website.

Notre Dame University

Notre Dame University (NDU) 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. NDU is also offering two different enabling programmes; the Tertiary Enabling Programme (TEP) which is a semester programme offered as an alternative entry to undergraduate studies at Notre Dame for students who did not achieve the required ATAR and the Foundation Year (FY) programme which is designed specifically for students who have not met the required ATAR or who may have experienced educational disadvantage in the form of economic, cultural, social, health or emotional factors. For further information contact Notre Dame University.

Street Smart Handbook

The Street Smart Handbook is another initiative by WA Blue Light that is a practical life guide for 16 and 17 year old school leavers that is designed to help prepare today's youth for life after school. The handbook covers important topics from sexual health and the effects of drug and alcohol abuse to legal rights and applying for a loan. It offers information specific to the school leaver, providing invaluable assistance for those who are considering buying their first car or living away from home. The handbook is also a handy guide for teens that are pondering their future career choices and supplies them with advice on apprenticeships, university and TAFE. It provides teens with straightforward, factual information about issues that they will face.

The information contained in the Street Smarthandbook is written by a collection of topical experts, such as the Australian Drug Foundation, Beyond Blue and Quit, who are working together to address the information needs of teens. Content in the handbook is also localised to reflect the unique laws of each State and Territory in Australia.

To view the online edition of the Street SmartHandbook, please click the below link: http://www.cwaustral.com.au/emag-1410/11213-2199-15863448/index.html

Revision and Preparation Courses January 2015

Notre Dame University is offering the following revision and preparation courses in January 2015

• Chemistry Calculations: designed as a refresher to better prepare students for Chemistry
• English 3A/B: for students studying English 3A/B in 2015
• English Year 11 ATAR: preparation for Year 11 English
• Essential English Skills: gain a better understanding of grammar and punctuation
• Human Biology 3A/B: for students studying Human Bio 3A/B in 2015
• Maths 3A/B: for students studying Maths 3A/B in 2015
• Study Skills: How to study less and achieve more!
• Year 12 Study Skills: How to study less and achieve more from a Year 12 perspective.

Please direct your questions to Rosie Turner who can be reached by phone on: 9433 0950 or email: rosie.turner@nd.edu.au.

Application flyers available from Mr Frusher at Scotch.

Master Mind Australia - Academic Pathways

January Jump-Start Programme

Study Skills - Essay Writing - Subject Revision

For all students from Year 7 - 12

This revision programme aims to prepare students for term 1 (2015) before the academic year begins. The classes will revise those important components from the 2014 syllabus that are vital for success in the new-year. The programme will also preview what students can expect in their courses in 2015.

Courses will be conducted at:

Christ Church Grammar School, Hale School and All Saints' College

Early Bird enrolment discount of 10% before Friday, 20 December, 2014

Dr Robert Hallam at Master Mind Australia on 9486 1377

www.mastermindaustralia.com.au

Academic Task Force

January Head Start programmes will be offered at Churchlands SHS and Rossmoyne SHS from 15 - 28 January 2014. See Mr Frusher for application forms or contact Academic Task Force on 9314 9500 or via email learn@academictaskforce.com.au.

WA Aviation College

Entry is now available to the RFACA Scholarship Competition 2014/2015. Two Scholarships for pilots learning to fly and another two for pilots who'd like to further their careers. Four Scholarships in total are available to the value of $7700 each including GST.

Entry requirements as follows:

Two Scholarships are available for ab initio pilots (Learn to fly Scholarship)

• Simply take a Trial Instructional Flight with The Royal Aero Club between November 1 2014 and March 29 2015
• And write a brief written statement explaining why you wish to learn to fly

To qualify for one of two prizes of $7700 each (inc gst) the entrant must

• be at least 15 years of age on 13/4/2015
• Be able to meet recreational or Private Pilot Licence Medical Standards
• And have had no formal flying training prior to their trial flight

Year 11 Students - World Conference Opportunity

Nominations for IE University's Junior Advisory Board are now open.

Students need to be motivated, open-minded students in their junior year of high school and are opinionated, want their voices heard, and are socially aware and comfortable around those from different cultural backgrounds. Successful applicants will be invited to spend four days in Spain on the IE University campus, from April 20 to 24, to discover the country, take part in workshops, share their experiences in education, compare with those from different curriculums and put forward their ideas in an official presentation for the future of education to the Executive Board at IE University. Flights, travel, food and accommodation will be covered by IE University. Students will need to fill out the application form via our website: jab.ie.edu, include a CV, a transcript, a letter of recommendation and answer a few short questions.

The deadline to submit applications will be January 31st, shortly after which, we will announce the successful applicants. Students will be able to include this experience on their CV's when applying to universities and if students choose to apply to IE University in the future, they will qualify to be awarded an 80% tuition scholarship. Contact jab@ie.edu with any questions you might have.

Students may also like to contact Daniel Bloch who represented Scotch College in 2014 at this conference.

Mr Peter Frusher

Careers Adviser

MOTHERS' AUXILIARY

The Mothers' Auxiliary had their final meeting for 2014, we still have a few major functions coming up.

• The Junior School Christmas Lunch on Wednesday 26 November. This is always an enjoyable lunch for the boys and staff.

• Valedictory Dinner on Friday 28 November in the Dickinson Centre. Thanks to those parents who are volunteering to help setup on the day and the Year 11/12 parents that are helping on the night. If you can find some time on Friday morning or you are a parent that can help on the night, please email soniamwee@gmail.com . We still don't have quite enough to cover yet. Also a big thank you to the year 11/12 boys that have volunteered to be waiters on the night. We do need over 60 boys so if you haven't returned your form yet, please email or hand to Peter Burt ASAP.

• Preparations are well underway for the 2015 Year 12 Ball. Please keep ears open for our wish list for items to borrow to help set up the evening for the boys.

• Next year we will hold our Fashion Parade. If you are interested in joining the committee to organise this event please email me at clairstanley@iinet.net.au

I would like to send a huge thankyou to Sonia Wee who has helped as Secretary for the past two years and has been a reliable and tireless support always, even at 1 o'clock in the morning! I have enjoyed working alongside you and I know we are both looking forward to a quiet year next year.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Year 10 - Coffee Morning at Naked Fig, Swanbourne - Friday 21 November, after assembly.

Save the date - last day of term after school finishes….details to follow

Clair Stanley

President

Mothers' Auxiliary

Parents' Association

Fathers' Forum

On October 30 about 80 parents and boys attended an entertaining and informative presentation by Mr Bill Beament, Managing Director of Northern Star Resources Limited, Australia's second largest listed gold producing company. Bill took the audience through his early days in Esperance, boarding school (not at Scotch), and his studies at the WA School of Mines, while also outlining the challenges and successes of Northern Star during its formative years. Following a busy Q&A session, Dr O'Connell proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Beament for taking the time to visit Scotch for this presentation.

The Parents' Association is pleased to have organised this event, which included a valuable opportunity for fellowship over light refreshments after the event. The PA would like to thank Kate Quinn's development office, Kale Tatum from the Dickinson Centre, and Claire Tuffin from Scotch Catering, for their assistance with this event."

Brian O'Donnell

Artist In Residence for Year 7s
The PA is pleased to announce that funding has been approved for local artist Rowena Walsh and an art assistant to provide tuition for every Year 7 student over one week so they can participate in the painting of one of six large collaborative artworks, entitled "Our place in space and time". These artworks will feature at the Middle School Speech Night and at the Middle School Gallery opening next year. Head of Middle School, Richard Ledger said Year 7 boys were the focus of this programme since they had spent two years of their student lives working in and around the new Middle School building site.

Gary Pyne

President

Parents' Association

FREE Technology Parent Workshop

Technology is a part of life for us all, but it can represent an ever-changing landscape for parents. It is clear that the schoolkids of today, and their parents, are living through an amazing technology revolution.

Join Winthrop Australia for an engaging 2 hour workshop to appreciate how technology aids learning. Learn practical tips on how to take charge + establish clear boundaries for the use of technology in your home. Appreciate the world of social networking and how to teach your kids to be responsible when online.

Learning to be mature and responsible online is no longer the responsibility of the school IT department. It involves whole school communities.

Places are limited!
FREE to families who have ordered technology via WInthrop Australia in 2014!

Please use the Scotch College School Code - 0Scc1

VENUE: Catholic Education Office:
Siena Centre 33 Williamstown Road Doubleview.

DATES: Tues 18th November, Tues 2nd December, Tues 16th December

TIME: 10am sharp to 12 noon

REGISTER HERE