At this time of the year the producers of the Academy Awards usually write to request that we change the Year 12 Ball date until after their night of nights so as to not take the gloss off the Oscars. Alas they were again too late with their request.

On Saturday night we hosted our Year 12 Ball with all of its grandeur and elegance. From the red carpet arrival of the boys and their partners, through to the entertainment, beautiful catering and of course the unbelievable ambience of our Dickinson Centre which was transformed into a fire and ice palladium and dance studio; the 2016 Ball was simply a resounding success. I cannot speak more highly of the way the boys represented their College and showed care and respect to their partners throughout the five and a half hour extravaganza. In particular, I would like to thank our School Captain Denver Quantrill and his partner for the Ball Lucy Banks, for being part of our welcoming party and doing such a great job making everyone feel so special.

My sincere thanks goes out to the Ball Committee, every parent helper, and of course our dedicated staff for ensuring our boys had a night that will remain in their memory for years to come. As I said to many of the boys as they departed, see you Monday for a reality check; and here we are back to reality and ready to commence Week 4 of Summer Term.

One of the main issues I believe we face across all years of school is avoiding what we refer to as a culture of distraction, especially as the boys get older and become more and more committed to multiple activities. By now the boys should have all settled back into their pre, during and post school routines. At the most simple level it is critical the boys get the required amount of sleep each night. This needs to be coupled with healthy eating and regular exercise. Also try and ensure that device and screen time does not dominate their recreation space. There are so many opportunities for our boys. Given the availability of activities each day, including inside and outside of school, that we have to ensure that in pursuit of the notion of balance that we do not cross the line and place our boys in an environment that promotes distraction rather than balance. This includes you as the parents who are then left trying to get the boys to a multitude of venues and commitments. Remember it is all right to say no to some things.

In the coming weeks I will be advertising for a Director of Student and Staff Wellbeing. This strategic and senior role will be responsible for ensuring that the College continues to lead in pastoral care and well-being so as to maximise opportunities for students and staff to study and work within a balanced framework. The position will also oversee the types of programmes we offer to families as part of the College's support for educating and raising their sons.

In closing I ask that you put Thursday 10 March in your diary as an opportunity to attend a unique and uplifting evening with Dr Jonathan Welch AM and his Choir of Hard Knocks. We are hosting one of their performances while they tour WA. There is an item that follows in this edition of the Thistle providing full details.

Have a great fortnight.

Dr Alec J O'Connell

Headmaster

Book Review - Creative Schools, Ken Robinson (2015)

As parents whom have great interest in their son's education it is also important to consider wider views on education systems around the globe. I would like to recommend an interesting read on education; Creative Schools by Sir Ken Robinson. It is important to realise that the views presented in this book are for a range of students in a variety of schools in many countries and all schools have individual contexts.

With the release of the 2016 edu-documentary Most Likely to Succeed, Directed by Greg Whiteley determined to shake the educational landscape across the world it is an opportune time to look at where the origins of the film were established.

Many of the messages within this documentary are not new; in fact Sir Ken Robinson's famed TED talk 'Do Schools Kill Creativity?' was produced in 2006 and many of the ideas are reflected within Whiteley's work. Since then Robinson's talk has gone on to become the most viewed TED talk of all time with a whopping 300 million views.

The success of this 20-minute talk resulted in the release of Robinson's fourth book, Creative Schools - Revolutionising Education from the Ground Up. Much of the work within this novel is inspired by the ideas that Robinson presented in his earlier works Finding Your Element. He talks of the fact that education, as a system derived from the industrial revolution, has developed into a system which fails most people as it does not allow them to reach their potential.

Within Creative Schools, Robinson calls to action the politicians who allow the industrial model of mass education to maintain the hierarchy we see in society today. He claims that 'telling schools what to teach, imposing systems of testing to hold them accountable, and levying penalties if they don't make the grade' are causing schools to engage in a standards movement which is killing creativity in schools. The model of mass standardisation through testing, national curriculum and Government initiatives is highly criticised as stifling the ability for school leaders to act without fear of judgment within a league table or OECD indicator such as PISA International Rankings.

A key message within the book is the lack of value that education systems place on the Arts, referring to the subject hierarchy that sees most importance placed on the more traditional subjects to the detriment of others. Robinson's key message can be captured here; 'Opportunities for change exist within every school, even where the emphasis on high stakes testing has become extreme. Schools often do things simply because they've always done them.'

Critics of Robinson often draw on his utopian views of what education could be as pie in the sky ideas, which are unachievable. What he is able to do is to provoke a discourse within education that asks us to question the systems within which we operate and consider if we really are operating a creative school?

What is to like about this release is that unlike his previous works, Creative Schools provides practical ways in which schools can begin looking at change. By focusing on how leaders within schools can free staff of the rigor of externally imposed policy and standards to allow freedom for our teachers to inspire our kids to be creative, he provides a pathway for a positive educational reform.

Mr Peter Allen

Director of Teaching and Learning

Choir of Hard Knocks

A very special event hosted at the College on 10^th March in the Dickinson Centre.

Dr Jonathon Welch AM, Director of the Choir of Hard Knocks, is bringing the choir to WA, as part of the celebrations for their 10^th Anniversary.

Our College hosted Jonathon in 2015 when he spent a day working with boys across the College.

His renowned choir, which was documented on the ABC by Australian Story, is being brought to WA thanks to major support and sponsorship. In our case we are supporting the choir through using our facilities as one of the main performance venues.

Tickets are available now via the College website www.scotch.wa.edu.au and click on 'Book a Scotch Event' icon.

You can find out more about the choir at http://www.choirofhopeandinspiration.com

The choir is a very special group and our support will make a difference in the lives of others less fortunate than ourselves.

Scotch College Open Day, Friday 11 March

The Headmaster, staff and students invite you to the Scotch College Open Day from 8.15am, finishing at 11.00 am.

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

Community and Service

Building a Culture of Service Learning

One of the many benefits to the College and the boys of Round Square membership is the sharing of ideas and resources. There is a significant synergy that comes from the collaboration between schools within the organisation.

Wellington College in the UK presented a workshop to staff delegates at the Global Conference in Jordan on 'Developing a Culture of Service Learning'. Delegates were challenged to look at the philosophy behind their own schools service learning programmes. Central to the presentation was the idea of power - and the need for students to avoid serving as the 'powerful', those who are 'powerless'. A key quote from Brisbane activist Lilla Watson struck a chord:

"If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound with mine then let us work together. "

Following a discussion of what was meant by 'social justice orientation', reciprocal partnerships and social change philanthropy were identified as critical elements in any long-term programme of service.

The presentation concluded with the understanding that schools - secular or religious - have a responsibility to equip students with the tools to effect lasting changes in society in order to alleviate inequality and injustice. Service learning in schools should be more than having students do good deeds for people; they must also instil in students an understanding of the issues behind the need and empower them to question the systems that might prolong suffering and a lack of opportunity.

At Scotch we have incorporated many of these ideas, against the background of our Christian values. Long has been the goal of graduating boys with the courage to act on behalf of those less fortunate; to remove injustice; to work towards equality and to live with the understanding that liberation is a shared concept.

Round Square Committee

The Scotch College Round Square Committee was formalised this term. Comprising of Year 9 and Year 12 students, the first task of this group will be to serve as the student management group for the forthcoming Round Square Conference, hosted on the Scotch campus in the first week of the April holidays.

Personal Hygiene Items For The Homeless Requested

The service activity for the April Conference will focus on homelessness, with conference participants rolling 'Street Swags', packing comfort items and fresh food at the 'Food Rescue' base and then distributing the packs to the homeless clients of the UnitingCare West, Tranby Day Centre.

We are seeking donations of new items including, toothbrushes and toothpaste, underwear for both sexes, soap, moisturiser, shampoo and other toiletries - in fact… any small item that you feel would be useful or comforting for homeless people of Perth sleeping rough or in temporary accommodation.

Please drop donated items at any of the sub-school receptions.

Year 7/8 Games and Movie Night

The Tanzania Expedition group is holding a Games and Movie Night at Presbyterian Ladies' College (PLC) on Friday, 11 March. The proceeds from this event will be used entirely for the materials needed to complete a Trade Training Centre, commenced by the expedition group of 2014.

Boys from Year 7 and 8 are invited to participate in this great occasion in partnership with Year 7 and 8 girls from PLC. Bookings can be made through the 'Book A Scotch Event' link on the Scotch College web site www.scotch.wa.edu.au . More information can be found here.

Mr Bill Cordner

Director of Community Service

Music

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

The Friends of Scotch Music (FOSM) is a group of parents who support the work of boys and staff in the Music Department. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 15 March at 7:00pm with cheese platter and drinks provided. The evening will be held in the Senior School Music Room and FOSM welcome both Middle School parents and parents with boys who are new to Senior School. As the combined Scotch/PLC Symphony Orchestra will also be rehearsing at that time, you will have an opportunity to hear them prepare for their upcoming performances.

Upcoming Performance Dates

Summer Term

Week 7, Tuesday 15 March, FOSM wine and cheese evening, 7.00pm Senior Music Department

Week 7, Friday 18 March, Combined Symphony Orchestra Assembly Performance 7.30am Dickinson Centre

Week 7, Sunday 20 March, PLC Quarry Concert with Combined Ensembles

Autumn Term will provide multiple opportunities for boys to demonstrate their performance abilities with a variety of exciting events and visiting artists planned. Please make a note of these upcoming dates for your dairy:

Autumn Term

Week 2, Monday 2 May, FOSM meeting, 7.00pm Senior Music Department

Week 6, Tuesday 31 May, Vocal Showcase, 6.30pm Dickinson Centre

Week 7, Wednesday 8 June, Junior and Middle School Autumn Concert, 6.00pm Memorial Hall

Week 9, Friday 24 June, Music Department Jazz Night, 7.30pm Dickinson Centre

Week 10, Wednesday 29 June, Con Brio Strings Concert, 6.30pm, Dickinson Centre

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 Tim Simpson, Acting Head of Music, via email TMSimpson@scotch.wa.edu.au or phone 9383 6824.

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 Tim Simpson

Acting Head of Music

Uniform Shop

No appointments required.

Opening Hours

Tuesday	8.00am to 5.00pm
Thursday	7.30am to 11.30am
Friday	7.30am to 11.30am

The Uniform Shop will be closed on Friday, 4 March.

Parenting Ideas

To further support the Scotch community the College continues to subscribed to Parentingideas, 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.

Available in the Parenting Ideas Magazine; visit the following link:

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

Also have a look at the attached article - Fathering Teenagers

Ms Shauna Lipscombe

Psychologist

Head of Junior School

Understanding is Key

A key area for development in the Junior School for 2016 is the development of our boys' higher order thinking skills. We will be following the work of Dr Barrie Bennett and reviewing our teaching methods and techniques, our questioning and the activities and inquiries we plan.

Learning is making meaning. Meaning is making connections. Connections are in concepts. In order to learn something, we must understand its meaning. We make meaning by connecting new ideas to ones we already have. The links or chains with which we connect new ideas or information to ones we already know are their common concepts.

The importance of develop higher order think skills is clear. We need our boys to be able to think beyond simple retention and relaying of information. We currently work to develop thinking skills through the PYP and its approached to learning:

• Acquisition of Knowledge
• Comprehension
• Application
• Analysis
• Synthesis
• Evaluation
• Dialectical Thought
• Metacognition

We will be exploring Bloom's taxonomy and using it to assist us in our work on higher order thinking. Bloom divided learning into three domains of educational activity:

• Cognitive: Mental skills (knowledge)
• Affective: Growth in feelings or emotional area (attitude or self)
• Psychomotor: Manual or physical skills (skills)

The attitudes and skills within the domains are listed in six categories, starting from the simplest thinking behaviour to the most complex.

General belief is that each behaviour needs to be mastered before the next one can take place.

The work we will be undertaking this year and next will assist the boys to think more often at the top levels of the taxonomy. Our goal is to achieve even deeper understanding, retention and transfer of knowledge in a number of different ways.

"Only in some very special cases is comprehension the point of reading--in things like recipes and "reading material." The point of reading is understanding, and comprehension is to understanding as getting wet is to swimming. You must do the one before you can hope to do the other, but you don't do the other simply because you do the one."
Richard Mitchell, The Leaning Tower Of Babel And Other Affronts By The Underground Grammarian

We have implemented a new reading assessment programme this year. The Fountas and Pinnell Reading Assessment System assesses the boys on their higher order comprehension skills. It divided the understanding of texts into three areas: reading within the text; reading beyond the text; and reading about the text. Questions that focus on a boy's understanding of sequencing, characters and story structure are at the within the text domain. At the beyond and about the text level, we are asking the boys to develop and use skills that require them to predict, make connections, synthesise, infer, analyse and critique the text. These higher order comprehension skills are essential for a reader to fully understand a text and to be able to apply what they have read to other situations. It allows the reader to apply their reading across disciplines and to engage in in-depth conversations about a text.

We will be working to further develop these abilities in our boys. We will also share materials parents can use at home when they are reading to and with their sons that will provide additional structure for conversations about what they have read. In upcoming Parent Engagement Workshops, we will demonstrate to parents our approaches for comprehension development and how we can work together to assist our boys to fully understand what they read.

Mr John Stewart

Head of Junior School

Important Dates to Remember

Date	Activity	Venue	Time
25 February	Galadent Mouthguard Fitting
25 February	JPSSA CCGS vs Scotch	Christ Church	12.30-3.00pm
26 February	1G Assembly	MacKellar Hall	2.30-3.00pm
1 March	Yr 1 Excursion	Freshwater Bay Museum	9.30am-12.15pm
1 March	Pre-Primary Morning Tea with Head of Junior School	Dining Hall Annexe	8.30-10.00am
2 March	PEW: Parents new to PYP	Dining Hall Annexe	8.45-10.15am
3 March	JPSSA Inter-School Swimming (selected boys)	HBF Stadium	9.00-1.00pm
4 - 7 March	Mid Term Break

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Collaborative Planning in the Junior School

'We collaborate to make teaching and learning richer'

Time for collaboration is written into our schedules across the Junior School to ensure we align with IB guidelines and to ensure we are designing the best possible learning engagements for the boys; learning that is connected both horizontally across year groups and vertically through the School.

The programme of inquiry has been written with input from all staff. In addition, all staff collaborate on the timing of each unit of inquiry and the mapping of the essential elements (knowledge, skills, attitudes and concepts). Teachers use these documents to drive the curriculum mapping for the year across all subject areas. We use the Australian Curriculum for our subject areas and this year we are implementing the new documents for: The Arts (which includes Visual Art, Drama, Music and Dance), Health and Physical Education, French, and Digital Technology.

"The true strength in our classroom lies in the collaboration of learners, not in the knowledge of one expert". Krissy Venosdale

Just a reminder that an information session for parents new to the Primary Years Programme will be held on Wednesday 2 March from 8:15am to 10:45am.

Mr Warwick Norman

Junior School Dean of Teaching & Learning

Art News

In Art, I want boys to ask questions and be authentic with their inquiries. So when the Year 5 boys started investigating the world of birds, they were encouraged to start adding questions to a board. Kyle de Bruin wondered, "Do all birds have necks?" We learnt that they have varied number of vertebrae, like a parrot only has 9 where a swan has 25. Waterbirds tend to have the longest necks. This information gathering will help the boys when they start to build their sculptures. During this immersion stage, boys are doing lots of drawing to learn about the form of birds. We are focusing on diversity before we make a final selection to develop.

Ms Karen Sabitay

PYP Visual Arts

Performing Arts News

The boys in Year 1 have shown so much enthusiasm towards Performing Arts lessons ­ what a musical bunch they are! Our starting focus has been on beat and rhythm and defining what exactly they are through listening, singing, playing and moving. They have enjoyed the Stop and Go challenge, where they listened out for particular rhythm patterns whilst moving to the beat; working as a team to play a steady beat and rhythm together on the instruments; and there have been lots of giggles as we have sung songs such as I Went Driving In My Car (all the way to Africa!), as well as working out the rhythm patterns of our names using musical notation.

Miss Phebe Samson

Performing Arts Teacher

Friendly Schools and Families

What is Cyber-bullying?

Cyber-bullying is bullying using a mobile phone and/or the Internet, for example, when a person:

• Sends nasty or threatening emails or messages on the Internet or via mobile phone.
  • Sends mean or nasty comments or pictures about others to websites e.g. MySpace, Facebook; MSN or to other students' mobile phones.
  • Deliberately ignores or leaves out others over the Internet.
    • Pretends to be someone else online to hurt them or make them look foolish.

Cyber-bullying can happen through text messages/pictures/video-clips/emails etc being sent to you, but also when these things are sent to others, about you.

Mr Warwick Norman

Friendly Schools and Families Coordinator

French

Bonjour everyone. Well, the boys in Year 4 have begun the year very well, learning about parts of the body. They have applied themselves to learning 8 target words, ranging from 'le pied' (the foot) to 'la tête' (the head). The boys created a wonderful Martian reference page for themselves, which allowed them to create an interesting collection of body parts - two heads and three legs, anyone? They have also embraced a new group activity called 1 à 10, in which the boys sit in a circle and pass around flash cards of the body parts and when I have finished counting to 'dix' everyone must look for the body part I name. Lots of fun! They are becoming very proficient in naming every one of their 8 target words and locating it on their own body. Bravo Year 4!

Madame Vinton

French Specialist

Physical Education News

The year has started wonderfully for the Junior School Physical Education Department. The boys have been participating keenly in their respective swimming activities. These have been in preparation for Inter-House Swimming Carnival for Years 3-5 which took place at HBF Stadium on Wednesday the 17 February. All the boys competed admirably with Bruce House just pipping David House to claim the Inter-House trophy.

JPSSA sport kicked off with fixtures against Wesley on Thursday and the Year 5 boys are looking forward to continuing this programme into the rest of the year. Our Year 1 and 2 boys have hit the ground running this year with Ms Clancy working closely with the Year 2's in the pool and the Year 1 boys have been working on their fundamental movement skills.

Mr Scott Whiston

Head of Junior School Physical Education

Junior School Resource Centre

Over the coming weeks I will be demonstrating to the boys in Years 3-5 the use of the two online encyclopaedias: Encyclopaedia Britannica and World Book, that the College subscribe to and giving the boys the opportunity to practice using their many features. These products are designed to provide information at the correct level for primary students and direct them to websites that are appropriate in both their reading level and content. As with any skills, if the boys can develop good research habits early and use these products as their initial "go to" for research rather than just "googling" for information, it will lay a solid foundation as they move through their educational journey.

All members of the College community can access the Online Encyclopaedias by going to home.scotch/library/junior/school.

Happy Researching!

Mrs Kathryn Salt

Junior School Teacher-Librarian

1G News

"Ole ole, ole ole
Ole ole, ole ole
Year one is hot hot hot
Our learning won't stop stop stop!"

The Year 1G boys have had a wonderful start to their first year at Scotch College.

The boys have settled down quickly into their new routines and have been working very hard. We have begun our first unit of inquiry 'Who we are'. The central idea we have been inquiring into is, 'Relationships can shape the health and well being of an individual'. We have been examining shape, drawing portraits and learning about our families. We had a very exciting day on Thursday 18 February because we went to The Perth Writers Festival where we were inspired by two amazing authors, Lucy Cousins and Sally Rippin. Lucy brought her drawings of Maisy to life and Sally, author of the Hey Jack series, shared her secrets with us on creating quality stories.

Mrs Kristen Gray

Year One Teacher

Respect & Admiration are the Real Winners

Our Middle School Inter-House Swimming Carnival last week made me think: "Why do we do things when we already know the answer?" Before we started the day I was confident our PE staff could let me know who the faster swimmers were, who would do well and the likely line up for the Inter-School swim meet in two weeks' time. The answer to my question was brilliantly illustrated in the 68^th and 82^nd races when two boys dived in and attempted to do something they knew they would struggle with, knowing they would trail far behind the others and be obvious not for their speed or style but for the opposite. These two boys did so because they had bought into our philosophy, our culture of "having a go". They had not been successful in the past but here they were once again taking on the risk of failing. They swam to support their team, and in doing so earned 1 point for their House.

There were some terrific races last Tuesday; there were dozens of proud boys with personal bests and 3 new records set on the day. But judging by the encouragement from the boys in the bays, and the celebration of completion, the highlight of the day was Max Avon-Smith 7.4A and Angus Hume 8.6F completing their 50m freestyle and backstroke events respectively. Here was the answer to my question. The carnival was not just to clarify that we already knew who the good swimmers were. It is to offer the 300 other boys who won't make the Inters team, but boys with the courage to have a go, willingness to be part of a team and the desire to contribute, the chance to do so. There were plenty of boys on Tuesday who swam their hearts out and came last. 1 point does not seem a commensurate reward, but I hope it solidifies in these boys' own minds that when difficult, unpalatable situations present, they know they have the inner strength and fortitude based on experiences like the swimming carnival to confront their challenges.

When it had all been swum and won and winners announced, the most magical moment of the day occurred. Both Max and Angus separately, at the end of the day, came and thanked Mr Felgate and Mr Brinsden for a great carnival. What a wonderful illustration of respect and gratitude. These boys have certainly earned my respect and admiration, though more importantly I feel they have earned the respect and admiration of their peers. So is a swimming carnival just about swimming ability? It isn't is it?

Mr Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

Parent/Teacher Interviews

Parent/Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Week 5A. These 10 minute interviews with a pastoral focus are an opportunity for Homeroom teachers to offer feedback on how your son has commenced the year. It is a chance to highlight organisation, preparation, time keeping, attentiveness, courtesy and the social interaction/status of your son to date and a chance for parents to ask or input information that may be not apparent yet. The meetings are only 10 minutes in duration with many back to back sessions lined up. We ask you to please be punctual and aware of the time. If you would like more time please wait until next term or arrange a separate interview time with your Homeroom teacher.

Bookings are now available online and instructions on how to book have been emailed to parents last week. Please contact the Middle School Reception for further information. Please note that online bookings will close next Thursday 25 February.

Mr Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

Middle School Inter-House Swimming Carnival

The swimming season has got off to a flying start with the annual Inter-House Swimming Carnival held at HBF Stadium last Tuesday. The day saw 1994 and 1997 records being broken by Nicolas Le Page in Butterfly and Backstroke respectively. Boys racing in the heats contributed valuable points to their house placings. Despite the heat, the House finals and novelty events were keenly contested at the end of the day contributing to a real sense of House spirit displayed by the boys. The final results were as follows:

1st: Gordon (2152)

2nd: Andrew (2081)

3rd: David (1882)

4th: Bruce (1795)

5th: Robert (1582)

6th: James (1374)

Year 8: House Champion was awarded to Bailey Wright and runners-up to Hugo Barich.

Year 7: House Champion was awarded to Nicolas Le Page and runners-up to Macsen Friday.

Year 6: House Champion was presented to Seamus Walton and runners-up to James Spadanuda.

Mr Lawrence Felgate

Middle School Sport

Excellence Awards

8.1T	Jack Beazley	For a great start to French Phase 2.
8.1T	Joshua Thomson	For his generous assistance in organising a new computer cable in our classroom!
8.1T	Charlie Radici	For his enthusiasm in raising money for people of Yarloop.
8.2R	Eden Messina	For an excellent start in 8R!
8.2R	David Winton	For excellent Homeroom contributions.
8.2R	Will Partridge	For excellent Homeroom contributions.
8.2R	Zedd Garbellini	For an excellent start in the Homeroom.
8.3O	Burke Carrington	For his focus and dedication in Science and Maths already shown.
8.3O	Digby Cleland	For consistently demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
8.3O	Sam Wake	For consistently demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
8.4C	Mawson Barr-Willans	For settling into Year 8 wonderfully and being a helpful and friendly member of 8C.
8.6F	Ricardo Holder	For his focus and hard work in Mathematics.
8.6F	Nicholas Verryn	For excellent leadership and participation in Drama. A wonderful start to the year!
8.8M	Charles Maxwell	For consistently trying his best and showing leadership skills in Drama. A brilliant start to the year!
7.1K	Joshua Eygelaar	For an impressive start to the year. He has embraced Year 7 with enthusiasm and demonstrated outstanding organisational skills.
7.1K	Jacob Bennett	For an outstanding start to the year at Scotch College. Jacob has managed the class timetable and his new routine with dedication and commitment.
7.1K	Matthew Sarich	For the effort he has applied to organising and managing his journey to school and the class timetable.
7.3B	William Marshall	For making an excellent start at Scotch College Middle School. He shows a strong commitment to his work and treats others with respect and integrity.
7.3B	Jasper Blunt	For the outstanding manner in which he has commenced Year 7. He has made others feel welcome and shown an impressive work ethic.
7.3B	Joshua Galvin	For the positive manner in which he has commenced Year 7. His help to myself and his peers has been invaluable and his attitude towards work is most pleasing.
7.4A	James Deykin	For demonstrating enthusiasm, empathy and respect. What a fantastic start to Year 7!
7.4A	Max De Nardi	For an excellent start to life at Scotch by being an organised, respectful and inquiring student.
7.4A	Henry Townes	For being organised, engaged in discussions and working well in class.
7.5W	Andrew Steel	For listening carefully and doing his personal best.
7.5W	Sam Bennett	For caring for others who needed help.
7.6T	William Hawkins	For his outstanding start at Scotch College due to his excellent manners and caring and friendly nature.
7.6T	Matthew Robson	For showing kindness and thoughtfulness toward new boys.
7.6T	Muddy Sgro	For working so well and creating a fabulous front page of his art book.
7.7G	Jamayden Chong	For a fabulous start to 2016 in English.
7.8H	Alexander Kennedy	For being a caring and principled member of 7H.
7.8H	Hashem El Nadi	For making the most of opportunities at Scotch College.
6.1S	Austin Savundra	For being a proactive and motivated student.
6.1S	Emanuel Radici	For demonstrating a caring and helpful attitude.
6.2C	Alex Russell-Weisz	For being proactive and having a positive attitude towards learning French.
6.2C	Henry Capon	For being enthusiastic about learning French.
6.2C	Tom Simich	For a very positive attitude to his studies.
6.3T	Mitchell Langdon	For being a mature and responsible student! Mitchell has made a smooth transition into Middle School.
6.3T	Luca Da Todi	For his polite attitude and good work in English.
6.4B	Winton Messina	For being proactive and asking questions in French class.
6.4B	Banjo Harold	For being enthusiastic about learning French.
6.4B	Banjo Harold	For demonstrating the IB attitudes of Empathy and Respect on a daily basis.
6.4B	Lachlan Parry	For his positive and committed approach to learning and for showing gratitude for his opportunities.

Important Dates in Middle School Summer Term

Mon 22 Feb	MS Mouthguard Fittings Year 8 Excursion 8.30am - 1.00pm, Kings Park (8R,8C,8F,8M)
Tue 23 Feb	MS Mouthguard Fittings Year 8 Excursion 8.30am - 1.00pm, Kings Park (8T, 8O, 8A, 8B)
Wed 24 Feb	MS Mouthguard Fittings
Thu 25 Feb	Scotch Aux/PA MS Sundowner, 6.00pm - 8.00pm Gooch Pavilion
Fri 26 Feb	MS Assembly, 11.30am Dickinson Centre
Mon 29 Feb	MS Parent/Homeroom Teacher Interviews Commence
Wed 2 Mar	Year 7/8 Incursion - Class Act Theatre
Thu 3 Mar	Year 7/8 Incursion - Class Act Theatre JPSSA Inter-School Swimming Carnival, 9.00am HBF Stadium MS Parent/Homeroom Teacher Interviews Conclude
Fri 4 Mar	Mid-Term Break (no classes)
Mon 7 Mar	Labour Day Public Holiday
Tue 8 Mar	Year 7.1K & 7.2M Moray Expedition Departs
Wed 9 Mar	Year 8 Vaccinations Round 1
Thu 10 Mar	PSA Inter-School Swimming Carnival, 5.30pm HBF Stadium
Fri 11 Mar	Open Day 8.00am - 12.00pm MS Assembly, 11.30am Dickinson Centre Year 7.1K & 7.2M Moray Expedition Returns 12.00pm
Mon 14 Mar	Year 7.7G & 7.8H Moray Expedition Departs
Thu 17 Mar	JPSSA Bring a Family Member Afternoon 1pm Year 7.7G & 7.8H Moray Expedition Returns 3.10pm
Fri 18 Mar	Year 6 Scotch Aux/Parent Assoc Parent Function 7pm Venue TBC
Mon 21 Mar	Year 7.5W & 7.6T Moray Expedition Departs
Wed 23 Mar	Year 7 Scotch Aux/Parent Assoc Parent Function 7pm Venue TBC
Fri 25 Mar	Good Friday
Mon 28 Mar	Easter Monday
Tue 29 Mar	Year 7.3B & 7.4A Moray Expedition Departs
Thu 31 Mar	MS Production "Treasure Island" Opening Night 7pm Foundation Theatre
Fri 1 Apr	Year 7.3B & 7.4A Moray Expedition Returns 12pm MS Production "Treasure Island" Performance 7pm Foundation Theatre
Sat 2 Apr	MS Production "Treasure Island" Matinee 2pm Foundation Theatre
Tue 5 Apr	Year 6 Incursion - Constable Care
Fri 8 Apr	MS Assembly, 11.30am Dickinson Centre Year 7/8 Residential Parent/Homeroom Teacher Interviews 3.30pm - 5.30pm MS Building Summer Term Concludes 3.25pm

From the Head of Senior School

In addition to the busy schedule that forms a normal week at Scotch College, we have witnessed a number of special highlights in the Senior School over the past week that will no doubt remain with the boys for many years to come.

Year 12 Ball

What a spectacular event! The incredible décor, menu and entertainment came together under the leadership of Tania Hollingsworth and a team of tireless workers that formed the Ball Committee. To watch the large contingent of parents working throughout the day on Friday and Saturday highlighted the level of support and effort given by so many parents over a number of months. The generosity of parents in giving their time and their attention to detail was clearly evident on the night, making this year's Year 12 Ball a night the boys and their partners will never forget.

Thank you!

The Year 9 Rottnest Camp

Last week, the boys in Year 9 spent four days on Rottnest Island in a range of outdoor pursuits aimed at building resilience, problem solving, tolerance and learning about local history and outdoor education. The camp is a key component in establishing an inclusive and supportive community in the Senior School. A feature of the camp is the role of the House Head is forming a close working relationship with your son. This relationship will continue and grow throughout his time in the Senior School.

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School

Senior School Important Dates

Date	Event	Location	Time
Week 4B
Monday 22 February	Year 11 Marine General Dive course commences	Off Campus	All day
	Scotch Auxiliary Meeting	Dining Room Annexe	9.00am - 10.00am
Tuesday 23 February	Year 11 ATAR Biology Excursion	Cottesloe Beach	5.30am - 7.00am
	Combined Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal	Dickinson Centre	7.00pm - 9.00pm
Wednesday 24 February	Year 12 Galadent Mouthguard Fittings	Health Centre	As advised
	Year 10 Photography Excursion	Fremantle	8.35am - 3.35pm
	Year 11 Parent Teacher Student Interviews	Dickinson Centre	4.00pm - 7.30pm
Thursday 25 February	Year 11 Marine General Dive course final day	Off Campus	All day
	Year 9 Enrichment Information Evening	Bunning Resource Centre	6.30pm - 7.30pm
Friday 26 February	Senior School Marching and Assembly	Dickinson Centre	8.35am - 9.35am
	Year 10 Cadets First Aid Course		9.00am - 3.30pm
	PSA Sport - CCGS v Scotch College (Please check fixtures on home.scotch)	Away	2.00pm - various
Saturday 27 February	PSA Sport - CCGS v Scotch College (Please check fixtures on home.scotch)	Away	8.30pm - various
	PSA Rowing - Hale Regatta	Champion Lakes	8.30am - noon
	Quads Training	HBF Stadium Outdoor Pool	4.30pm - 6.00pm
Week 5A
Sunday 28 February	Year 12 Bibbulmun Track Expedition departs
Monday 29 February	Year 10 Personal Project Meetings commence	Various	All week
Tuesday 1 March	Years 9 - 11 Galadent Mouthguard Fittings	Health Centre	As advised
	PSA Swimming Quads	HBF Stadium	6.00pm - 9.30pm
Wednesday 2 March	Years 9 - 11 Galadent Mouthguard Fittings	Health Centre	As advised
	Year 9 Parents and House Heads Dinner	Dining Room	7.00pm - 9.30pm
	Combined Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal	Dickinson Centre	7.00pm - 9.00pm
Thursday 3 March	Drama Day
	Pipe Band Parents' Welcome Afternoon Tea	Dining Room Annexe	1.30pm - 3.30pm
Friday 4 March	Mid-Term Break (no classes)
Week 6B
Monday 7 March	Mid-Term Break (no classes)
Tuesday 8 March	Year 11 ATAR Biology Fisheries Excursion	Fisheries WA	8.30am - 2.45pm
	Year 11 PLC Parent Teacher Student Interviews for cross campus classes	PLC	4.00pm - 7.00pm

Boys' Achievements

Connor O'Sullivan (Year 10, Ferguson) is in the U17 Perth Gold Rugby Union Squad to the Nationals in Queensland 8 - 13 March.

Callum Duffy (Year 12, Brisbane) and Justin Kalugin (Year 10, St Andrews) competed at the National Open Water Championships in Queensland last weekend. Callum finished in 28^th position in boys 16 year old event and Justin finished in 12^th position in the boys 14 year old event.

Leadership Positions

	Captain	Vice Captain (Operations)	Vice Captain (Service)	Student Council Representative
Scotch College	Denver Quantrill (Shearer)	Alexander Crump (Shearer)	Fraser Cull (Ferguson)	James Naylor-Pratt (Anderson)
Alexander	Mitchell Atkinson	Andrew Lesslie	Fraser Dudfield	Trenton Matthews
Anderson	Lachlan Mackenzie	Chase Deitner	Liam McKenzie	Jared Ethelston
Brisbane	Joel Barnden	Braden Kerr	Zachary Jones	Campbell Williamson
Cameron	Julien Walker	William Regan	Peter Cooke	William Cusack
Ferguson	Campbell Shaw	James Cameron	Nicholas Gale	Drummond Orr (Secretary)
Keys	Thomas Gooch	Angus Rogers	Christopher Di Russo	Jye Waters
Ross	Hamish Sheridan	Elias Grimes	Declan Stick	Maximillian Silbert
St Andrews	Ben Webster	Matthew Todd	Edward Powley	Lewis Daisley
Shearer	Connor Smith	Hugo Coulson	Harry Burrell	Angus MacLeod (Treasurer)
Stuart	Hamish Anderson	Jonathan Ashby	Charles Mills	James Warne
SKINS				Lachlan Stokes (Keys)
Residential Life	Flynn Taylor (Keys)

Inter-House Swimming

2016 SCOTCH COLLEGE INTER-HOUSE SWIMMING

OFFICIAL RESULTS

POSITION	HOUSE	POINTS
1st	Shearer	649
2nd	Stuart	612
3rd	Ferguson	609
4th	Ross	583
5th	Anderson	582
6th	St Andrews	573
7th	Keys	551
8th	Cameron	507
9th	Brisbane	481
10th	Alexander	463

2016 New Swimming Records

U/17 50 Freestyle Lachlan Vos (Year 11, St Andrews)	Old Record: 26.05 sec New Record: 25.89 sec
U/16 50m Butterfly Alexander Porter-Wilkinson (Year 10, Brisbane)	Old Record: 30.05 sec New Record: 29.15 sec
U/16 50m Freestyle Alexander Porter-Wilkinson (Year 10, Brisbane)	Old Record: 26.77 sec New Record: 26.33 sec
Open 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Shearer House	Old Record: 1.48.95 sec New Record: 1.48.08 sec

The boys in the Shearer House Open relay team were Year 12 boys:

Connor Smith, Hugo Coulson, Alexander Crump, Denver Quantrill

Inter-School Swimming

The Swimming "Quads" will be held on Tuesday, 1 March, commencing at 6.00pm in the indoor pool at HBF Stadium. This competition is between Scotch, Trinity, Christ Church and Wesley. There will be an entry charge for parents who wish to watch the competition. The team will be advised of transport arrangements nearer the time.

The P.S.A. Inter-School Swimming Carnival is on Thursday, 10 March at HBF Stadium, with the first race to commence at 5.15 pm (last race around 8.45 pm).

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

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

Mr Richard Foster

Head of Sport

Senior School Library

The Senior School Library will be closed after school on 8 March due to special events.

Tackling Exam Stress: Year 10-12 Students

Nerves ever get in the way of you enjoying life or doing your best?

Learn techniques to manage the stress in the lead up to exams and to do your best on the day. These are techniques taught at top universities like Harvard and used by successful business people and elite athletes.

In each session you will practise "mindfulness" - quietening your mind and learning to focus. You will learn how to relax quickly.

Places are limited so get in quickly.

The 3-week course will run on Wednesdays after school (3.45pm to 5.00pm)

30 March, 6 April, 27 April

Cost: $30

See Ms FitzGibbon in The Residence or Email: cafitzgibbon@scotch.wa.edu.au

Career Information

Universities

The University of Notre Dame

Parent Information Evening

Parents of students in Year 10, 11 and 12 are invited to attend Notre Dame's Parent Information Evening to discuss subject selection, course information, the transition from high school to university, and how to apply to Notre Dame.

Tuesday 8 March, 6:30pm - 19 Mouat Street, Fremantle

For further information please email us on future@nd.edu.au or call 08 9433 0533.

Medicine Information Session

Sunday 20 March 2016

11.00am presentation, refreshments served beforehand, Tannock Hall of Education (ND4), The University of Notre Dame Australia, Corner of Croke and Cliff Streets, Fremantle.

Parents and students are invited to attend Notre Dame's Medicine Information Session. Information about the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Pre-Medicine Certificate (PMC) will be discussed including the application and selection process, course structure, and important dates and deadlines.

For further information please email us on future@nd.edu.au or call 08 9433 0533.

Melbourne University

The University of Melbourne would like to invite your students to attend our Interstate Information Day for interstate students and their families at our Parkville campus on Monday 11 April, 9:00am - 4:30pm.

The day will focus on aspects of the university that are of greater concern to interstate students such as the application process, scholarships, student services, accommodation options and financial assistance. Participants will have an opportunity to ask current University of Melbourne students who have come from interstate about their experience and how they managed the transition. The program will also include a campus tour followed by a free lunch at one of the residential colleges and finally a college tour.

Your students may want to turn their University of Melbourne experience into a long weekend and take part in one of Melbourne's many sporting or cultural events or simply wander through the laneways taking in the café atmosphere.

Event Details:

Date: Monday 11 April 2016

Location: University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010

Register Now: http://go.unimelb.edu.au/fq2a

Medicine, Dentistry & Podiatric Medicine 2017

Medicine is offered at UWA and Notre Dame as a graduate-entry study option only and dentistry and podiatric medicine is offered as a graduate-entry study at UWA. This means that there is no longer a requirement for students to sit the UMAT (Undergraduate Medical Admission Test) as following the completion of an undergraduate degree, students who are intending to complete postgraduate studies in either medicine, podiatric medicine or dentistry will be required to sit the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admission Test).

However, UWA offers limited assured entry places to highly qualified school-leaving (Year 12) students when they commence at UWA. To secure one of these places, a student must sit the UMAT, attend the structured interview, achieve a 99+ ATAR and complete an undergraduate degree with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.5 (approx. 65%).

Students who are intending to study medicine or dentistry at an interstate university (except University of Melbourne) are still required to sit the UMAT to gain entry into undergraduate medicine or dentistry.

UMAT applications closing date: Friday 3 June 2016

UMAT date: Wednesday 27 July 2016

For more information please see umat@acer.edu.au or contact Mr Frusher at Scotch.

Mr Frusher will be meeting with all interested Year 12 students following the mid-term break.

ADFA Education Award

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Education Award is presented annually to Year 12 students in recognition of leadership potential, and academic and sporting achievements exhibited during Year 11. You need to submit an application prior to 28 February in the year you undertake Year 12. However, you are encouraged to apply in Year 11. Applications open for this year's Year 11 students on 1 May.

http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/education/adfa/howToApply/educationAward.aspx

Australian Defence Force Academy

Applications for the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) 2017 are now open. Applying for ADFA is a competitive process, which can take 12 months or more, therefore it is recommended that students apply in Year 11. Students are able to apply any time after their 16^th birthday, with parental consent. See the application time line below that is recommended for applicants who are in Year 12 now and who will commence ADFA studies and training in January 2017.

June 2015 - March 2016: Submit an application for ADFA by calling 131901 or by visiting www.defencejobs.gov.au.

June 2015 - March 2016: Attend a YOU session in Perth to check eligibility.

January 2016 - May 2016: Attend an Assessment Session in Perth to receive a recommendation to attend an Officer Selection Board.

April 2016 - September 2016: Attend an Officer Selection Board in Canberra and, if successful, receive a job offer (pending completion of Year 12 subjects and university entrance ATAR requirements).

August 2016 - September 2016: Apply through Universities Admissions Centre (UAC - www.uac.edu.au) for entrance to UNSW at ADFA. At the same time, you can also apply to study at another university at your own cost (through TISC if you wish to study in WA), in case you don't receive an ADFA job offer for January 2017.

January 2017: Attend your appointment Ceremony and start your career in the Australian Defence Force as an Army or Air Force Officer Cadet or a Navy Midshipman.

In addition, Year 12 students, are eligible to apply for the ADFA Education Award before the closing date 29 February, 2016.

Want to know more?

Attend an ADFA Information Session at Defence Force Recruiting, Level 7, 66 St Georges Terrace, Perth on Monday 29 February at 6.30pm.

Overseas Exchange 2017

Year 12 students who are considering a GAP Year overseas are encouraged to start thinking about their proposed destinations and to arrange a time to meet with Mr Frusher to discuss the various options available.

Some of the options already advertised are as follows:

Tutors Worldwide handles the recruitment of gap tutors for a good number of schools in the UK. In 2016, despite the continuing recession and changes to visa regulations, they offered 130 gap tutor placements in UK schools to Australian applicants from the age of 17 upwards. Full information regarding the programme offered by Tutors Worldwide can be found at the organisation's website www.tutorsworldwide.org.

Projects Abroad 2016/17

The High School Projects are a jam-packed two week group trip with students from all over Australia, New Zealand and around the globe. Students in Year 10 and 11 (11 and 12 in NZ) - typically aged 16 and 17 - can choose to join the groups individually or with friends.

The volunteer trips will run this summer from December 6 to the 19 and January 3 to the 16 in Cambodia, Fiji, Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Philippines.

The projects are a rich mixture of volunteer work and cultural activities, so you can really get to know the country you're in! The projects allow you to:

• Support disadvantaged children in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Cambodia

• Become part of a traditional village community in Fiji

• Learn to dive and support marine conservation work in Cambodia

• Shadow doctors in medical work experience in Nepal

• Help to reconstruct community buildings and housing devastated by a typhoon in the Philippines

These projects are well supervised, worthwhile and very practical ways to make your summer holidays unforgettable and to travel with a purpose to a developing community a world away!

For more information go to: www.projects-abroad.com.au or email: info@projects-abroad.com.au

Lattitude Global Volunteering - 2017 applications now open!

Applications are now open for students interested in embarking on a volunteering placement in a new culture and community during their gap year in 2017. Lattitude is the original gap year organisation, having supported young Australians on worthwhile and challenging placements for over 40 years.

Placements are available within our region in Asia/Pacific, or further afield in Europe, the Americas and Africa. Exciting additions to the program next year include Japan as a country option, and Medical Assistant placements which will be ideal for those considering a career in a health profession. To help with costs, they have a number of scholarships available to assist with placement fees or flights to certain countries.

The Lattitude website explains all the details and includes an Application Form for students to download. Application deadline for all placement options this year is Friday 17 June 2015. Further information is also available from Mr Frusher at Scotch College.

Rotary Youth Exchange 2017

Applications are now being accepted for Rotary Youth Exchange for 12 months commencing January 2016. School students who are currently 14-16 years of age are invited to apply.

Details of the Exchange Programme are contained in the initial application form downloadable from the website.

The anticipated countries of exchange for 2016 may vary, but typically include: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden and Taiwan.

Application forms are available from your local Rotary Club or may be downloaded from Rotary Youth Exchange website: www.youthexchange.asn.au. Applications close late March 2016.

Host Family Required

Scotch will be hosting a student from France for 4-6 weeks in June this year. The student will be 16 years old and would prefer to be hosted with a Year 11 or 10 Scotch student. This is an ideal opportunity for a Scotch student who is studying French to speak more of the language and to learn more about the French culture.

Please contact Audrey Brown on 0407 242 264 or email riviere.minerals@bigpond.com

Mr Peter Frusher

Careers Adviser

Scotch Auxiliary

We had our first Auxiliary meeting for the year this morning. Thank you to all the parents who were able to attend. Your support is appreciated.

Our Year 12 boys and their partners had a wonderful evening on Saturday at the 'Fire & Ice' Year 12 Ball. Thank you to Tania Hollingsworth, the Ball Committee, the countless team of parents, staff, and our Year 10 waiters who upheld the Scotch tradition of a Ball to be remembered!

Upcoming Events:

Middle School Parent Sundowner - Thursday 25 February 6.00 - 8.00pm, Gooch Pavilion.

Year 9 Parent House Head Dinner - Wednesday 2 March *Combined function with Parents' Association.

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

Save The Date:

Year 6 Parent Evening - Friday 18 March *Combined function with Parents' Association

Year 7 Parent Evening - Wednesday 23 March *Combined function with Parents' Association

Details to follow.

Next Meeting:

Monday 21 March, Gooch Pavilion

Parents please join us from 8.30am. Tea and coffee provided.

Meeting commences at 9.00am.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Carissa Paganin

President

If you would like to receive notifications of our upcoming events, meetings and calls for volunteers please email scotchauxiliary@scotch.wa.edu.au and we will gladly add you to our emailing list.

To keep up to date with all 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.

The Bright Spark Market

For more information on this creative initiative being held at the Christ Church Grammar School Refectory see here.