Over the last couple of weeks I was reminded about just how important it is for our boys to experience an opportunity to step up and have the chance to lead. This was particularly relevant in our Senior School for our Year 10 students who were required to take on a number of the leadership tasks in the absence of our Year 11 and 12 students who were sitting their examinations. Congratulations to all of the boys who took on new roles whether it was part of the Concert Band, Pipe Band, marching, leading Houses, assembly and assisting or with any other activity that had to be carried out.

Over the last fortnight I have witnessed or participated in a number of activities across the whole school. Opportunities such as these reinforce the uniqueness each boy brings to our School. Furthermore, it provides me with the chance to see first hand how the passion of our staff can produce such amazing outcomes for our boys. It is very easy to become complacent and just expect great things as commonplace. It is very important that as a community we never take things for granted and understand that there are so many things happening day in and day out to ensure our boys have an eclectic Scotch experience.

While we may have become familar to the presence of our beautiful new Middle School, we have still to officially open the various facilities that make up the whole complex. An opening is now being planned for Tuesday 23 June late afternoon. More details will be made available as the planning gets underway.

By now all of the boys should be well and truly settled back into their routines. It is important for boys that they have structure and meaning built into their days. This ensures that they maximise the time they need to be on task, but more importantly that they maintain a healthy balance that includes suitable downtime and relaxation. Balance is the key ingredient to achieving a positive state of well-being. Remember this applies to the whole family, not just the son(s).

Dr Alec O'Connell

Headmaster

Canteen Volunteers

'The Piping Hot Café - Junior School and Middle School

'The Hub' - Senior School

The Junior School, Middle School and Senior School canteens are looking for parent volunteers!

The volunteer hours are 9.30am until 1pm.

You will experience a friendly team atmosphere and assist our talented Chefs to create innovative cuisine from daily fresh produce.

This is a great opportunity to meet other parents and enjoy a sit down morning tea with a freshly baked muffin, brewed coffee or gourmet tea.

We would appreciate anytime that you may have available throughout the semester. If you would like to volunteer please contact Christine Smith at the Senior School Reception on 9383 6800 for further details.

We thank you and look forward to your assistance.

Community and Service

Round Square

This term the Senior School is hosting two boys from Daly College in India and one boy from Rothesay Netherwood School in Canada. These boys are here as part of the reciprocal exchange that saw three of our boys head overseas for up to six weeks. By the end of Winter Term, 15 Year 10 boys will have exchanged to ten countries: in addition to the two mentioned, Turkey, Denmark, Switzerland, South Africa, Austria, USA, Germany and Peru. Year 8 boys now have an opportunity to exchange with boys from Round Square schools within Australia. Three boys are likely to be heading off to Scotch Oakburn in Launceston Tasmania next term for two weeks, with three boys from Oakburn joining us for the reciprocal visit.

Our membership of Round Square has opened up other opportunities for students and staff. Mr David Kyle has been selected to lead a Round Square International Service project in Cambodia. Five Year 8 boys attended a Junior Round Square conference hosted by Westminster School in Adelaide recently and Year 11 boys have an opportunity of attending a Global Round Square Conference in Singapore in October. Boys who are interested in representing Scotch at this conference should speak to Mr Cordner as soon as possible.

Scotch College will be hosting a Junior Round Square conference in April next year. This is likely to be attended by up to 150 students and staff from schools across Australasia and East Asia. Year 11 boys who attend the Global Conference in Singapore will take on a leadership role in our conference in April 2016.

International Service Tours

At this time of the year, Year 10 and 11 boys and parents are considering options for trips in 2016. We are fortunate at Scotch to be able to offer an exciting array of trips to domestic and international locations. Next year there will be two service trips available. The first is to Tanzania in July in partnership with PLC to continue work on building a Trade Training Centre for Matipwili village. The group will also climb Mt Meru and go on safari to Ngorongoro Crater. The second is to Cambodia in December to undertake more work on the school in Soun Sah village. This group will also spend time in Phnom Penh and in Siem Reap, traveling to the temples of Ankor. These are important projects for our school and the communities we assist in these partnerships have come to rely on our visits to deliver improvements. The boys who go on these service trips, receive a deep cultural experience while undertaking service in a global context. For more information on these trips, please contact Mr Bill Cordner wjcordner@scotch.wa.edu.au

Mr W Cordner

Director of Community and Service

Parenting Ideas

To further support the Scotch community, the College continues to subscribe to Parenting Ideas, a leading provider of parenting education resources to Australian schools. Scotch parents can access parenting advice on a wide range of topics and themes such as;

Life skills for children

Kids, school and learning

Social challenges and

Children and behaviour.

Follow the link to access the Parenting Ideas Magazine.

http://www.parentingideas.com.au/Parent_Magazine.html

Also have a look at the attached article - Do less, not more, for your kids.

Parenting - Growing Good Men

If you are struggling as a family and grappling with teenage boys, clear thinking, honesty and practical advice can seem invaluable.

Celia Lashlie, parenting expert and author, offered this in abundance, particularly to mothers of adolescent boys. Here are some of her gems:

• Don't let your fear poison your relationship with your adolescent son
• Your job is to laugh, relax and enjoy
• Boys learn when the consequences of their behaviour bite them on the bum.

Lashlie advised mothers of adolescent boys to "say it and shut up" and fathers of adolescent boys to "step up". To fathers of adolescent boys: "He didn't come to fulfil your dreams but to find his own. Fathers you need to walk with him".

Lashlie's best seller He'll be ok: Growing Gorgeous Boys into Good Men, is recommended reading.

Ms Shauna Lipscombe

Senior School Psychologist

The Raven

The Summer edition is out - just follow the raven icon on Home.Scotch and enjoy some great creative writing. Congratulations to the following boys who have contributed: Oliver Heath (Year 12, Cameron), Conor Patton (Year 9, Ross), Mark Barwood (Year 12, St Andrews), Henry Edwards (Year 12, Ross), Luke Beeson (Year 9, Stuart), Daniel Abimibola (Year 12, Ferguson), Lewis Orr (Year 8, Robert), Hamish de la Hunty (Year 12, Shearer), Tom Lavery (Year 12, St Andrews), Connor Henderson (Year 12, Ferguson), Vaughan Chin (Year 12, Ferguson) and Allwin Parker (Year 9, Cameron).

Students can send entries to Dr Weeda on jjweeda@scotch.wa.edu.au or to their English teacher.

Dr Jeannette Weeda English Teacher

Music Department

Since the last edition of The Thistle boys have been busy rehearsing for performances at assemblies, upcoming concerts and for senior classroom music students - their performance exams. There is a range of exciting activities planned this term and I encourage everyone to select one or two performances to attend throughout May and June.

The first Scotch College performance this term is a new calendar event for the Music Department - the Vocals Showcase to be held on Tuesday 26 May. This one-hour concert will feature vocal students from Middle School and Senior School performing as soloists and ensemble members presenting a variety of musical styles. A great event to attend. Following this concert is the traditional Junior and Middle School Autumn Concert on Thursday 18 June, immediately followed on the Friday by the Annual Jazz Night! Two fantastic events in one week!

Congratulations to Stuart McCowan (Year 12, Ferguson) who was successful in auditioning for a limited place in a Jazz Workshop and Masterclass course to be held in America at the Brubeck Institute - University of the Pacific in early August. The Brubeck Summer Jazz Colony is a one-week, intensive educational programme in jazz performance for a very limited number of exceptionally talented students. They come from all over the United States and beyond to study with Brubeck Institute faculty, guest artists and master teachers, in combo rehearsals, master classes and private instruction, classes in jazz theory and advanced jazz improvisation, and seminars on the music of Dave Brubeck and other topics. Students have extensive opportunities to visit with the artists and clinicians, participate in numerous jam sessions and perform in concert. A fantastic opportunity for Stuart and we look forward to learning all about his experience when he returns.

Kawai Pianos

Scotch College replaces its Kawai Pianos each year with the assitance of Kawai and Snadens Pianos. As a member of the Scotch College Community you are able to purchase these pianos before they go on sale. To find out further details please click here.

Upcoming Dates - this term provides multiple opportunities for boys to demonstrate their performance abilities with a variety of events planned. Please make a note of these upcoming dates for your dairy:

Week 5, Wednesday 20 May, WAYJO Concert for Schools, Dickinson Centre

Week 6, Tuesday 26 May, Vocal Showcase, 6.30pm Dickinson Centre

Week 6, Thursday 28 May - Monday 1 June, "Big Band Bash" Port Macquarie

Week 7, Friday 5 June, Music Department Quiz Night, 6.00pm (Venue to be confirmed)

Week 8, Monday 8 June, FOSM meeting, 7.00pm Senior Music Department

Week 9, Thursday 18 June, Junior and Middle School Autumn Concert, 6.30pm Dickinson Centre

Week 9, Friday 19 June, Music Department Jazz Night, 7.30pm Dickinson Centre

Supporting the musical activities is Friends of Scotch Music (FOSM) a group of parents who enthusiastically support the work of boys and staff in the Music Department. FOSM meets once or twice each term with all meetings beginning at 7.00pm. Meetings go for approximately one hour, and are held in the Senior School Music Room with everyone welcome. Please consider becoming involved in the FOSM Parent Support group as an excellent way to support your son and the Music Programme at Scotch College.

Contact Details

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

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

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

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

The Uniform Shop will be closed for the Mid-Term Break and Public Holiday (ie Friday, 29 May).

Scotch College Term Dates 2016

Head of Junior School

Creativity

A young boy went to a movie; the movie was entitled "Paper planes", the story of a young boy endeavouring to make a paper airplane that would fly better than all others. His journey would take him to the World Paper Plane Championships in Japan. The story was aimed at inspiring its audience and that is what it did for the young Scotch boy who saw it.

Noah saw the movie and decided he wanted to make some paper planes. His father showed him how to fold and throw the paper planes. As he made those planes and flew them, he was inspired to create some art based on the theme of a paper plane. His mother showed him how to use the photocopier; he copied a few of his designs. He purchased some card to create the frame and began placing his copies and 3D planes into his design. When asked what he liked best about his artwork, Noah said "I liked how I cut out the plane and you can see each version. I like how it is 3D as well." Noah's artwork is currently on display in the Junior School foyer.

I often talk about the development of writing as a process or a journey. It begins when children first start making marks on paper and continues on from there. We work to assist the boys to make small improvements and learn new skills, vocabulary and structures to further develop their ideas. Our VCOP ( vocabulary, connectives, openers and punctuation) programme has greatly assisted the boys to make considerable improvements in their writing. What has impressed me is how their creativity and freedom to use wonderful language is developing.

Year 3T have to explore the wonderful vocabulary they can use in their writing while experimenting with alliteration. Their verses create a beautiful picture of the creatures and environment they are describing. Below are a few examples of the brilliant pieces.

What can inspire us to create? That can be different for each of us. A lighthouse does a very important and specific job,protects ships from the rocks and guides them on their way. For our Year 5 boys a lighthouse inspired them to create magnificent pieces of clay artwork. Led by Ms Sabitay and working with Fleur Schell, the boys have been inspired to make their own version of a lighthouse. Their designs are brilliant and show the creativity that can be inspired and developed in anyone. The Year 5 boys work will be on display soon for parents to see.

The International Baccalaureate Organisation describes creativity as 'Using your imagination to think of original ideas to improve the ways you do things.' Our boys are inspired to create in and out of the classroom. They are inspired to create by the world around them, by each other, by their parents and by their teachers. What they produced from their inspiration is outstanding or …inspirational. It demonstrated the talent, ability and potential of our boys. It shows that they are developing their skills, risk-taking, attitude and freedom to be creative in their work and play.

Mr John Stewart

Head of Junior School

Important Dates to Remember

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.

In 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

Mr Warwick Norman

Junior School Dean of Teaching & Learning

Art News

Bringing Lighthouse Sculptures to Life

As a follow up session to the whole day workshop at the Clay House in North Fremantle, (with Year 5's collaborating with artists Fleur Schell and Danica Wichtermann), the artists came to our workspace here at Scotch College. All the lighthouse sculptures had been fired and gloss-glazed and were ready for the assemblage stage. Here boys could add light circuits, windows, pulleys, railings, doors on hinges, flags etc. using an assortment of mixed media and appropriate glues. For many boys they were handling techniques and tools for the first time. There were plenty of problems to be solved and decisions to be made. Visual references, trial and error, finding alternative solutions, seeking advice and help from adults and experts were all strategies that helped. Boys were encouraged to bring in things they found or collected to add as special features to their lighthouse. I asked them, 'What was their favourite item and where did they find it?' to deepen the learning through reflection. Here are a couple of the responses:

My favourite thing was my hinge for the door, I found it in my front garage where bits and bobs hide. Emmanuel Radici

My favourite thing was the bell that I found on a Lindt bunny. I added it on the base as a bell tower, so ships can hear as well. Andrew Stegena

My favourite thing was two of my bottle caps that had two oars crossing on them. I found them in my bottle top collection. Henry Cooper

Ms Karen Sabitay

PYP Visual Arts

Performing Arts News

Our fabulous students in Year 4 have just commenced an exciting drama-based unit in which we have been enjoying playing a lot of games. Not only are these games really fun, they are also helping us to do things like use movement and voice skills to build the action of drama, as well as using drama skills to communicate with others through mime. We've also found that they are helping us to develop our focus and concentration. Some of our favourite activities so far have been "Pass The Clap" and "Theatre Of The Deaf".

Miss Phebe Samson

Performing Arts Teacher

Friendly Schools and Families

Communicating effectively with your children

It is important to discuss bullying with your children on a regular basis. Regular communication with a person they trust and respect will help them form their own opinions and beliefs about bullying. Your children will also feel more comfortable telling you if they are being bullied.

Consider trying some of these ideas to improve the way you talk with your children about tricky issues.

Sit shoulder to shoulder or walk with your child as you talk

• Talking face to face can be quite confrontational, particularly for boys. Sitting or walking side by side will encourage both you and your child to talk freely.

Use open-ended questions

• It is easy to ask your child if they had a good day or if they would like toast for breakfast; however these questions only require a yes or no answer.

• Try asking questions such as "What did you do today?" or "What would you like for breakfast?" These types of questions encourage discussion between you and your child.

Talk with your children about what to do rather than what not to do

• It is common for us to focus on negative behaviour, such as "don't step in that puddle" or "stop swinging on your chair".
• Try telling your children what you would like them to do rather than what you don't want them to do.
• You can do this by using positive statements such as "please step over the puddle" or "please put the chair legs on the floor".

Mr Warwick Norman

Friendly Schools and Families Coordinator

Information Learning Technology

3D Printing in Year 1

There has been some excitement in the Year 1 classes when two shiny black boxes were installed - 3D Printers have arrived in the Junior School.

Our Year 1 boys have been working on their 'How we express ourselves' unit with the central idea of: 'Stories communicate a message and may evoke emotions'. As part of the unit, boys were looking at the structure of narratives and the development of characters and settings. The boys were given the opportunity to design a 3D character using their Makers Empire app and then they watched their characters come to life via the 3D printers.

Whilst this exciting development was happening at Scotch College, the Year 1 girls at PLC were following a similar process, as they were working on a parallel unit of inquiry.

Last week, once all the 3D characters were printed, the boys then took their characters to PLC to introduce them to the girls' characters. The boys and girls shared their character traits and special powers. The teachers at both schools were amazed at the different 3D characters the students developed. Whilst at PLC, the boys and girls paired up and each pair had to choose a setting or two for their characters. They then developed a story, which they filmed on their iPad. The boys are now writing a story about their character and publishing in an e-book format.

We look forward to sharing other 3D printing adventures that will be happening in the Junior School throughout the year.

Mrs Amanda Ritchie

ILT Coach

French News

Bonjour! The Year 3 boys will be acquiring vocabulary related to food in French in order to make links to the "How we organise ourselves" unit of inquiry. This is a fantastic and fun topic for French. The boys will acquire these new vocabulary skills through varied classroom activities with a focus on the outcome of Listening and Responding and Speaking. We will practice using sentences that we could hear in a restaurant. The students will attempt to ask and answer questions while taking on the role of waiter/client. The boys will also get the opportunity to sample escargots (snails). Who will be brave enough to try them? Photos will be taken and shared in a future newsletter.

Madame Edwards

French Specialist

Physical Education News

The past two weeks have been exciting ones for the boys in the Junior School as they continue to engage with the PE curriculum. The students have been working on their soccer skills in Years 3-5 and the younger years continue to impress with their engagement in the fundamental movement skills aspect of the curriculum. This is an important part of their development and sets the foundations for skill and athletic development later on in life. The Year 4 students had a thoroughly enjoyable soccer carnival with Hale School and Christchurch on Thursday.

Mr Scott Whiston

Head of Junior School Physical Education

Junior School Resource Centre

I would like to introduce myself as the Junior School Teacher-Librarian taking over from Mr Warwick Norman. I am not new to Scotch having been based in the Senior School for the past three and a half years. If you ever have any questions about the library service at Scotch please email me at library@scotch.wa.edu.au.

To start the term each class has shared stories centred around Gallipoli and the ANZACS. Many boys contributed personal accounts to their class on the heroism of great, great-great and great-great-great grandfathers. This generated an interest in our non-fiction collection on the various wars that Australian troops have been involved in and many boys borrowed books from this section of the library. I hope they have shared what they have been reading with you.

Over the coming year I look forward to getting to know your son and promoting a life-long love of reading. I also invite parents to visit and borrow from the library at any time.

I would also like to welcome two new faces to the Junior School library. On staff we have been joined by Emma Murdoch who is working with us three days a week for this term as our esteemed Marilyn Horn takes a well-deserved break for long service, and as a volunteer for book covering (Thursday mornings 8.30am - 10am JM Library) we have gained the services of a Ingrid Hopley. Although there is talk of Russian royalty and connections with New York fashion, Ingrid has asked that I say nothing about her in this article and so will simply say 'welcome to both ladies'.

Mrs Kathryn Salt

Junior School Teacher-Librarian

4R News

Last week the boys in 4R inquired into the minds of their mums in an effort to come up with an exciting Mother's Day assembly item. As a class the boys decided they wanted to apply some fun to the event by coming up with an 'essential agreement' for the ultimate Mother's Day - just like the one every PYP class creates at the start of the year to set the tone for learning and collaboration in their classroom. These agreements let everyone know what the shared norms and expectations are to ensure learning is engaging and fun, and this became our goal for Mother's Day. It was important for us to be risk-takers and reflective by considering the good and bad ideas from previous Mothers Day's along with thinking like our mums. So the brainstorming began with us asking what our mums love, what makes them happy and even what makes them cranky! The boys then categorized their responses and negotiated to pull together an ultimate 'essential agreement' for Mother's Day, which was performed on Friday at the Junior School assembly. The assembly was a big success with the boys throwing themselves into their roles and 'channelling' their mums!

Ms Liza Richardson

Year 4 Teacher

Head of Middle School

Moray Expeditions are in full swing for our Year 8 boys at the moment. Each pair of Year 8 classes, and their Homeroom Teachers will head down to Moray, ride in the canoes, climb on the high ropes course, navigate their way through the bush with just a map and compass and camp out under the stars. They will all come home tired and dirty but their depth of knowledge about each other - including their teachers, the shared experiences and the sense of achievement in doing something difficult are fabulous building blocks to long term collaborative friendships and bonds that extend well beyond their College life. Moray and the Outdoor Education Programme, as much as any curriculum area, contribute to our College motto of Preparing Boys for Life. Once your son has eaten, washed and possibly slept, and has given his version of life on camp, a good question to ask might be "What did you learn about yourself that wasn't clear before you went away?"

At the heart of a Baccalaureate school lies the concept of Service. Our objective in Preparing Boys for Life is to instil in boys the importance of giving back - without being asked to do so. One of the delights this year has been observing the number of last year's Year 12 boys who have returned to the College to act as sport coaches during Summer and Winter sport and who give their hours in the Residence in Senior School. In Middle School this was highlighted at Assembly last week when we featured the Australia's Biggest Morning Tea that ran with boys cooking and catering for parents with money raised going to the Cancer Council. Following the devastating earthquake in Nepal there was a steady stream of boys to my office with ideas to help support the Nepalese children and we have now devoted Week 5 to a Support Nepal campaign where a series of activities for boys to contribute and participate will run all week. The activities are threefold: aiming to highlight Nepal as a country and culture, the role and non-government organisations such as Red Cross and their rapid response to global emergencies and to raise funds toward victims of this disaster.

Arguably the most attention at Assembly was given to Alistair Watters (8.3O) who earlier this year submitted a proposal to the Guinness Book of World Records with a record attempt proposal that has now been accepted. On Thursday 17 September Alistair invites us to attempt to break the world record for the most people in a beep test. No easy feat this, particularly given the target number is anything over 545 participants! The purpose however is Alistair's attempt to raise awareness and funds for the Samuel Morris Foundation (Preventing childhood drowning and supporting non-fatal drowning survivors) and PMH. It is a brilliant and innovative idea and an example of service as a part of our character.

Mr Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

The da Vinci Decathlon

The da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition where students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines including Engineering, Mathematics, Code Breaking, Art and Poetry, Science and English. This year's competition took place at Wesley College on April 1, and 25 schools from around Perth were involved.

This year's Scotch Year 8 team consisted of Jack Adams, Tom Allan, Owen Goodliffe, Thomas Hodge, Lewis Miller, Lewis Orr, Nathan Thomas and Lucas Triglavcanin. The boys gave up many lunch times in preparation for the event, and were consistently enthusiastic and committed to the competition.

On the day of the competition, Lewis Miller was sadly unwell, but Blake Costello is to be commended for his enthusiasm and maturity in taking Lewis' place at the last minute.

The boys worked so well together and remained focused and diligent throughout the event. They were slightly disheartened when their team failed to win any of the top three positions for each event - however they did secure first place for Code Breaking. The boys were not feeling confident as the top ten positions were announced, but were thrilled when their team in fact secured fourth place, out of 25 teams, proving that they were consistent throughout the event.

I was so proud of the boys during their preparation and at the event itself. As well as being bright, talented young men, they proved themselves to be resilient, enthusiastic and committed. The boys should feel very proud of their efforts, as we at the College certainly are.

Ms Andrea Goodison

Middle School Teacher

7H Learning about Liveability

This term in iLearn the boys of 7H are learning about Liveability. Liveability is a description of how easy it is to live somewhere. The students are being guided to understand about what factors make a place liveable, and how we can act responsibly in our local and global communities to sustain the liveability of our community. In 7H students designed their ideal communities that met their own desires, as well as the needs of the wider community. Their plans also revealed what features of a place they value the most. Sport fields, tasty food, proximity to friends and environmentally friendly infrastructure were common themes. This morning Dr Brad Pettitt, the Mayor of Fremantle, spoke to the Year 7 boys explaining how the City of Fremantle works to improve the liveability of Fremantle. From skate parks to more residents living in the centre of Fremantle, many aspects of the Council's work is aimed to make Fremantle a more attractive place to live.

Ms Gabriel Hodgson

7H Teacher

Sensational Science in 8C

Science in 8C started with a bang in Middle School. To quote Ben Olson "When life gives you lemons... you blow them up in Science with Mr. Chamberlain." With an introduction to Chemistry and the periodic table, Hydrogen was first off the rank to explore with our ignition of a hydrogen balloon (thanks to Mr Chamberlain's background in explosives!)

This led onto our investigation for the term, called the Elephant's Toothpaste, and as some boys imagined...

But in fact as the boys discovered this was quite a violent exothermic reaction. By altering the concentrations of reactants the boys in 8C learnt about the effects of increasing concentration and the use of catalysts in Chemistry. Lewis Miller, in his own words, discovered how "Science is the poetry of reality".

This term the boys are learning all about life and the living, with an equally exciting term of biology planned ahead. The science labs have been filled with aquariums and the microscopes are out.

In quoting another boy to finish, summarising this excitement in this inspired quote (or perhaps is it a secret cry for help?) - "Sometimes I need what only science can provide: its absence." Lewis Orr.

Mr Paul Chamberlain

8C Teacher

Headmaster's Commendations

Important Dates in Autumn Term

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Ben Clarke (7.6T), Max Mumme (6.2C) and Josh Woodward (6.3T) who have been selected to represent Western Australia in the U12 State Football (AFL) Team at the School Sports National Championships in Geelong later this year.

Congratulations to Toby Dew (7.7K) who came first in the Open E Grade category of the Stan Gurney VC Memorial Criterium in Midland on Anzac Day.

Congratulations to Charlie Bevan (7.8M) who is off to Lismore to play in the Australian Little League Baseball Championships later this term.

The last edition of The Thistle incorrectly stated that the winning beach relay team at the State Surf Lifesaving Championships was from Cottesloe Surf Club. The following boys in the team represented North Cottesloe Surf Club: Zaide Moxham, Sam Wake, Jaxon Hayden and Ben Clarke.

Excellence Awards

The awards below were presented at the last Middle School Assembly:

With boys in Year 11 WACE and Year 12 IB and WACE courses receiving examination results back over the coming days, a valuable opportunity exists to discuss progress, effort and goals for the coming semester. This is particularly important for boys in Year 12 as they commence their last semester at Scotch College.

Following the recent Year 11 and 12 WACE examinations some teachers have observed a student culture that focuses on the level of achievement. Boys can often be heard saying, "What did I (you) get?" or receiving an examination back and focusing immediately on the result, understandably, however, then not taking time to establish how the grade was determined.

When boys complete examinations or submit assessment tasks it is important that the areas requiring improvement have been addressed. Not only should boys be interested in the grade, they should focus on the comments. The grade measures what they already know, the comment serves to improve learning.

When discussing your son's examination result or an assignment, avoid asking, "What mark did you get?" Rather, discuss elements of the assessment task that your son perceives to have performed well in and ask him to identify areas that may be improved in future efforts. By asking boys to reflect and make judgements about their work, learning is enhanced. The critical reference points for learning is your son's own prior work and the aspirations and goals for future learning, not how he compared to others in the class or cohort. We should be interested not only in evaluating how competent a student may be, but how competent he may become.

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School

Important Dates

Boys' Achievements

Joshua Quartermaine (Year 9, Alexander) competed in Under 14's Nationals Competition in Adelaide. Josh was eliminated at the LCQ (last chance qualifier) by just 4 points. At the WestOZ Wakeboarding Presentation evening 2 May 2015, Josh was the winner of the Riders' Choice Award 2015 and also the Prestigious Cory Peach Award 2015. The Cory Peach Award is awarded to the rider who embodies the sport of wakeboarding at all levels, who rides with commitment and is always challenging themselves to progress. The award is voted by the WA committee with final decision by George and Dianne Peach and is in honour of their son Cory Peach.

It is the first time a rider has been the recipient of both awards in the same year.

Hamish McKenzie (Year 10, Ross) has been selected in the Western Australia State Cricket Team to compete at the National Schools Championships in Darwin, 12-20 June.

Riley Walker (Year 10, Shearer) competed at the Australian Youth Surf Life Saving Championships in Queensland over the April holidays. His team from City of Perth made the Surf Teams Final and the Board Relay Final. He also made the U15 Ironman Final.

Certificates of Excellence - Semester 1, 2015

Year 9

Year 10

2016 Megacity Tour - USA

Expressions of interest for the 2016 Megacity Tour to the United States will be sought during Autumn Term. The tour will be travelling to San Francisco, Washington D.C. and New York and will run during the final week of Summer Term into the April school holidays. Students currently in Years 9, 10, and 11 are invited to attend. Whilst the tour is designed to complement the units of work studied in Years 10-12 Geography, students who do not study Geography are more than welcome to attend. Please contact Mr Hildebrandt for further information, mshildebrandt@scotch.wa.edu.au or 9383 6927. An information evening will be held later in the term.

Mr Matt Hildebrandt

Curriculum Leader - SOSE

WACE Languages - Applications for 2016

SCASA Enrolments for 2016 Year 11 Language courses are now open. Please download the application form from the SCASA website (http://wace1516.scsa.wa.edu.au/languages/) and complete. Submissions are needed from any boy wishing to study French or Indonesian WACE next year (Year 11). Closing date is 1 July.

Application Scenarios for students of different backgrounds are also available on the site. Please contact Mr Peter Frusher or Mr Jonathan Rugg with any questions.

French Exchange Opportunities

Information for parents and students interested in going on exchange to a Francophone country in the senior years. The primary exchange resource comes through the W.A. La Reunion Exchange Programme, which has had many years of success inspiring our students. Applications are available online at www.walrse.org and close for 2016 on 7 August 2015.

Secondly, our new partnership with the Alliance Française has opened a new opportunity in this regard:

The AFX Student Exchange is a family run, not-for-profit organisation which specialises in cultural and student exchange programs between France and Australia for high school students. To apply or find out more go to www.afxstudentexchange.com/australia, or call AFX on 03 0804 8100.

Thirdly, we have links with the NACEL organisation and with Mme Martine Floyd, who both offer our families the chance to host students (in Year 11 and 12) from France (primarily to learn English of course) in June - August. NACEL have also been very successful in arranging hosting in France for some of our students (usually in December/January). Please contact Mr Rugg, Head of Languages, if you would like to host, or NACEL directly on 1300 735732.

Finally, Scotch takes an April tour to France biennially, with one week spent with a host family, and then exploring Paris and the Alps. Please contact Mr Rugg if you would like to be included in the mailing list when the tour is next offered.

Mr Jonathan Rugg

Head of Languages

Targeted Tuition Programme

Exam Tips and Tricks Seminar

In the afternoon of Wednesday 22 April, more than fifty Year 12 WACE and IB students attended a two hour examination revision seminar delivered by a group of high-achieving OSCs including Joseph Steinberg, Christian Stolz, Aidan Archer, Rob Pluske, Riley Aitken and Ralph Thompson with input from Randolph Thompson and guided by Mrs Samantha Scott.

Through a mixture of their anecdotal experiences and correspondence with members of the Scotch College staff, the OSC presenters were able to identify mistakes commonly made by students and propose measures to resolve them. The presenters outlined a number of basic study practices, examination survival tips and methods of coping with stress, before breaking the boys into course specific groups to deliver targeted content. The boys benefitted from small group discussions with presenters who, until recently, were high school students themselves: this led to an informative, yet relaxingly upfront and honest session.

The sessions offered the boys a fresh perspective on their studies and served as a reminder that they are not alone in their academic efforts. In this sense, the sessions also served to foster the close-knit nature of the College's community: academic assistance is available to students both inside and outside the classroom and empathetic voices are always barely a phone call away.

Mrs Samantha Scott

Targeted Tuition Coordinator

Reporter 2014

The Reporter 2014 Committee was comprised of the following Year 12s who contributed generously to the production of our annual school magazine. Their contribution was outstanding.

William Goyder (Ross), Louis Taylor (Ross), Harry Sinclair (Keys), Bailey Banfield (Cameron), Hamish de la Hunty (Shearer), McCarthy Hanlin (Stuart), Jack Henharen (Anderson), Samuel Wilson (Shearer), Philip Singh (Anderson), Unn Areecharoenlert (Keys), Aaron Salter (Ross), Guy Straker (Brisbane), Eamon McKiernan (Stuart), Benjamin Piercey (Keys), Jarrod Pyne (Alexander), Andre Stanley (St Andrews) and Vaughan Chin (Ferguson).

Year 10 Parent Information Evenings

To assist boys in selecting the most suitable course and subject options, the School will be conducting a series of information evenings to address important considerations for both the IB Diploma and WACE courses. In order to make a fully informed decision, it is essential that parents attend both IB Diploma and WACE evenings. As per the email sent to all Year 10 parents, please find important upcoming dates below:

Wednesday 13 May (Week 4) 6.30pm - WACE (including VET) Information Evening (DC)

Monday 18 May (Week 5) 4.00pm-8.00pm - Parent Teacher Student Interviews (DC)

Wednesday 27 May (Week 6) 6.30pm - Subject Selection Information Evening (DC)

Friday 5 June (Week 7) - Subject Selections for Year 11 due

Monday 22 June (Week 10) 6.30pm - INSTEP Information Evening (DC)

Year 11 Dance

The Memorial Hall will be transformed when it becomes the venue for the Year 11 Dance on Saturday, 16 May 2015. A committee of parents and boys have been busy planning an exciting evening's entertainment for the Year 11 boys and partners in the theme of 'Arabian Nights'. Last chance to get tickets, book by 8pm tonight through the Scotch website via the 'Book a Scotch Event' icon.

Meditation Course for Years 10, 11 and 12

Need to Chill Out? Unwind? De-stress?

The College invites senior students to participate in a meditation course. Mindfulness meditation is easy to apply, straight forward, practical and effective in gaining a relaxed body, a focused and calm mind, all within a very short time. It has proven helpful in managing the stress of exams and improving academic performance.

The 4-week course will be run at the School on Wednesdays, 3.45pm to 4.30pm, from 10 June to 24 July. The cost of the course is $40.00 (light afternoon snack provided) and numbers are strictly limited.

To register please contact Cherie FitzGibbon, School Secretary (The Residence), Ph: 9383 6871 or Email: fitzca@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Careers

University Information

Edith Cowan University

Year 10 Parent Information Evening and Pizza Night

When: Wednesday, 27 May, 6.00pm

Where: ECU Mount Lawley Campus

University of Western Australia

UWA 'Engineering Information Evenings' will provide high school students with course and prerequisite advice, information on career paths and guidance on the different areas of engineering they can specialise in. There will also be friendly students on-hand to answer any questions about university life or being a member of one of the faculties exciting student clubs.

Attendees will be given a folder of course information and a special gift from the Faculty.

Engineering Information Evenings will run on the following dates in 2015:

• Tuesday, 19 May, 6:30 -7:30pm, Weatherburn Lecture Theatre, Room G40, Mathematics Building
• Tuesday, 16 June, 6:30 -7:30pm, Monadelphous Integrated Learning Centre, (MILC), Monadelphous Design Studio, Room 1.52, Mathematics Building
• Monday, 27 July, 6:30 - 7:30pm, Weatherburn Lecture Theatre, Room G40, Mathematics Building
• Sunday 9 August - as part of UWA Open Day
• Thursday, 3 September, 6:30 -7:30pm, Weatherburn Lecture Theatre, Room G40, Mathematics Building

To book into a session go to: http://www.ecm.uwa.edu.au/community/engineering-info-evenings

The University of Notre Dame Australia

The University is holding two Course Information Evenings for students and parents which provide an ideal opportunity to speak with academic staff and access the most up-to-date information on your chosen course.

University of Notre Dame Early Offer Programme

Notre Dame's Early Offer Programme is designed to make early offers to Year 12 students who have demonstrated academic excellence and are making a significant contribution to their school, community or church. It also gives secondary schools the opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding contribution made by its students. Offers are made prior to the WACE exams. To identify such students, Notre Dame has a unique admissions process that goes beyond the use of a single ATAR score.

The selection criteria for the Early Offer Programme:

• Students who demonstrate exceptional personal or leadership qualities and are motivated to study;
• Students who are active members of their school, church and/or community; and
• Students who demonstrate a benchmark ATAR of:

93 for Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Physiotherapy; or

90 or above for all other courses.

Offers are made based on Year 11 and Year 12 reports to date. Candidates who are not successful in the Early Offer Programme will automatically be considered for the November or January offers.

Application packs are available from Mr Frusher at Scotch.

Applications for Semester 1, 2016 are due Friday 31 July 2015.

Curtin University

Twilight Tours are for interested prospective students to gain a glimpse of the Curtin campus and facilities after hours. To provide an insight into studying at Curtin our student ambassadors will show attendees some of their favourite spots on campus as well as where they study and take classes. Our prospective student advisers will be on hand to provide advice and answer questions about applying to Curtin.

Wednesday 13 May 2015, 5.30 pm to 7.15 pm

Registrations open from 5.15 pm

Tour commences 5.30 pm and concludes 6.45 pm

Refreshments provided

Angazi Court Precinct (opposite Building 408)

Curtin University

Kent Street, Bentley, WA

Studentbox

Studentbox is an online community for Year 10 to 12 high school students in Western Australian. It is powered by Curtin University and managed by a Community Coordinator. The aim of Studentbox is to help students get through high school and into the university and course that they want. It has loads of useful tools and study resources to help make high school easier, such as:

• Forums
• TISC ATAR calculator help
• Past WACE exams
• Cheat Sheets and Revision Resources
• Study and Exam tips and lots more

University Melbourne Residential Colleges

The residential colleges at the University of Melbourne offer a supportive, social and academically enriching environment for students to thrive whilst they study with us. They also offer a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and other financial support for students who wish to lessen the costs of living in the city of Melbourne.

Students are encouraged to find out as much about the colleges as possible before deciding which to apply for. College receptions are open on business days, and college staff are always happy to speak to students, parents and teachers who drop in to visit. You may get the opportunity to speak with current residents, to get an inside view on college life.

Alternatively, you and your students are welcome to contact individual colleges to set up appointments for tours on weekends or during the school holidays.

Choosing a college is a personal choice for students - a visit to one or many of them can help them better understand the unique way of life offered by each of the residential colleges at Melbourne.

More information

colleges.unimelb.edu.au

mailto:enquiries@colleges.unimelb.edu.au

University of Sydney - St Andrew's Residential College

St Andrew's College offers more than $1 million in scholarships, bursaries and prizes each year. Scholarships providing financial support of $25000per annum, for the duration of each student's undergraduate degree, whilst they live in College are available.

Each year five new students are awarded these merit-based scholarships. Scholarship applications for the 2016 intake close on 30 June 2015.

Detailed information is available at www.standrewscollege.edu.au. Applications for residence in College may be submitted online.

Careers Expo

Perth Convention Exhibition Centre

Thursday 14 May, 9.00am to 3.00pm

Friday 15 May, 9.00am to 3.00pm

Saturday 16 May, 10.00am to 4.00pm

Sunday 17 May, 10.00am to 4.00pm

Entry is free

Become a Pilot Open Day

The Royal Aero Club of WA will be holding an Open Day on Sunday 24 May at 41 Eagle Drive, Jandakot Airport from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

There will be discounted trial flights, learn to fly seminars, industry pilots to meet, aircraft displays and joy flights.

Register on-line at www.becomeapilot.com.au.

Scotch Auxiliary

Thank you to our guest speaker Peter Allen, Director of Teaching and Learning, for joining us at our meeting this morning. It was very informative to hear Peter talk about his role in the School through Years 1-12 and share his knowledge on the ever-changing nature of education and how this is being implemented at Scotch, enhancing our sons learning.

Upcoming events:

Junior School:

Parent Quiz Night - Friday 5 June

Middle School:

Year 7 Parent Evening - Friday 20 May *Scotch Auxiliary combined function with Parents' Association.

Senior School:

Year 11 Dance - 16 May, 2015 Memorial Hall last chance to book prior to 8pm tonight.

For more details on these events and to purchase tickets please visit the Scotch College website www.scotch.wa.edu.au and click on the "Book a Scotch Event" icon.

Play Dates and Coffee Mornings:

Year 1

Afterschool gathering - Thursday, 28 May, Lake Claremont Playground

Year 4

Bike Ride & Picnic, Sunday 17th May, 3pm, Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth

Year 10

Coffee Morning - Wednesday 20 May - Naked Fig, Swanbourne, from 8.30am

Sunday "Session" Drinks - Sunday 24 May - Captain Stirling Hotel, Nedlands, 5.00pm -7.00pm

Year 12

Friday 5 June - Book Café, Swanbourne, from 9.15am

NEXT MEETING:

All parents are welcome.

9AM MONDAY 22 JUNE, GOOCH PAVILION

To keep up to date with our meetings and upcoming events:

Go to https://parentgroups.scotch.wa.edu.au/ - click on SCOTCH AUXILIARY - log in with your Scotch username and password

We look forward to seeing you.

Carissa Paganin

President

Pipe Band Parent Support Group

Scotch College Pipe Band Past and Present Concert

The Scotch College community is warmly invited to attend the second Pipe Band Concert on Saturday May 23 at 6.30pm. It will be a wonderful showcase of pipers, drummers and the band; past and present.

Tickets available from the Scotch website 'Book a Scotch Event'.

To download flyer click here.

Refreshments will be available from 5.30pm and during the interval.

We look forward to seeing you there.

PBPSG Committee

SOFAS - Supporters of Football at Scotch

Save the date - Friday 12 June 2015

The Supporters of Football at Scotch committee invite all parents of Scotch football players to a cocktail evening on 12 June 2015. As well as an opportunity to meet other 'side-line' parents, this is our major fundraising event for the year; there will be silent auctions, a raffle and guest speakers and plenty of great food. An invitation will be sent to parents shortly.

If anyone would like to contribute items for the silent auctions, please contact Genevieve Cleary - genevievecleary@yahoo.com.au

PLC Old Collegians' Association Art Exhibition

Uplifting Australia

An Evening for Parents

Dr Arne Rubenstein is the founder of Uplifting Australia, set up to improve the emotional wellbeing and resilience of children and their families around Australia.

He is presenting an evening for parents:

RNDM Performing Arts Centre, Sacred Heart College

Tuesday, 2 June 2015

7.00pm to 8.30pm

Cost: $10

Dr Rubinstein's presentation will provide clear guidelines regarding what boys and girls need at different ages and provide practical solutions to help them deal with the issues that teens are confronting today, including technology, drugs, alcohol, porn and mental health issues.

Topics Covered

· How parenting needs to change once children become teenagers

· How to help teenagers become motivated and inspired about life

· Latest research around adolescence

· How to help teenagers avoid going off the rails

· The impact of technology

· How parents can help their teenagers develop a healthy personal identity

· The need to create appropriate coming of age rites of passage ceremonies

To book tickets please visit:

http://www,trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=132999

Enquiries: Please contact Mrs Nola Fraser email: fraser@sacredheart.wa.edu.au

Get Your Body Buzzing

St Hilda's is extending an invitation to Scotch families to attend a presentation by dietician, Julie Meek. Learn about food and nutrition for all the family. Follow the link for more information.