Headmaster's Reflections

Welcome back from the mid-term break. I trust everyone took advantage to recharge their batteries over what was a magnificent few days to catch some sun or simply hide away in your favourite space or place.

As a College our vision is to develop a learning community with an international standard of excellence including a mission to develop boys of character with a strong self-understanding, a passion for sustained learning and spiritual inquiry who will become valued members of the global community. It is imperative that we engage in relevant strategic global opportunities to ensure we continue to work towards achieving our stated goals and aspirations. In doing so we ensure that our vision and mission are lived each and every day and not simply seen as empty words on a page.

There are two key aspects to our College's teaching and learning programmes; these are our academic and co-curricular focus. We have chosen two key organisations, the International Baccalaureate and Round Square to align with and provide us with global benchmarking.

As a three programme (PYP, MYP and Diploma) International Baccalaureate World School we not only have to meet our Western Australian and Australian Curriculum academic benchmarks, but every three years we are also subject to an in-depth curriculum evaluation visit as part of being a baccalaureate school. This includes visiting assessors from the head office in Singapore, including at least two other assessors from schools across the globe.

Our College has always had a great reputation for an expansive co-curricular programme. When we first looked into the Round Square organisation, it was immediately apparent that becoming a member would provide us with a formalised opportunity to provide global benchmarking for everything else we do outside of the classroom.

We believe that the Round Square's focus on IDEALS, standing for Internationalisation, Democracy, Environment, Activity, Leadership and Service, provides Scotch with a framework for our vast array of activities and programmes offered through our co-curricular programme. Furthermore, participation in Round Square would help us coordinate student exchange opportunities at Scotch. Since gaining Round Square regional status two years ago we have had over 21 students complete exchange programmes with schools from across the globe. Furthermore, one of our staff members has been a Deputy Leader and Leader of two summer service programmes to Nicaragua and Cambodia respectively. These two outcomes alone support our decision to become a Round Square School.

On Sunday April 10 over 150 students aged 12 - 14 years old from fellow Round Square schools across Australia and our region will start arriving for a four day live-in conference hosted by Scotch. Last week I attended the two day regional Round Square meeting in Tokyo where we presented our final update and synopsis for the upcoming conference.

Given we are on the eve of this inaugural event for our College as a member of Round Square, I thought it is fitting to provide the community with some background to the Round Square.

The founder Kurt Hahn

Kurt Hahn was a German educator and a key figure in the development of experiential education. To this day his philosophies have far-reaching international influence that has stood the test of time. Hahn believed that students could only really understand life by experiencing it in many exciting and challenging ways. By testing themselves, students would be able to develop their courage, generosity, imagination, principles and resolution. Ultimately they would develop the skills and abilities to become the guardians and leaders of the future. He also believed that the greatest thing one could learn - and inspire in others - was compassion. Inspired by this principle, the Round Square network of schools share practical opportunities to guide and support students in becoming courageous and compassionate leaders.

Who is Round Square?

Round Square is a not-for-profit membership network, registered as a charity in the UK and governed by a Board under the Presidency of His Majesty King Constantine. Currently there are 150 Round Square member schools worldwide representing a student capacity in the region of 90,000 and a teacher/management workforce of around 7,500. The Round Square Management Team has a worldwide office in Windsor, UK and Regional Support Managers based and working with the network in each of the Round Square regions.

What does Round Square Do?

Round Square schools share a passion for experiential learning. Together Round Square Schools endeavour to ensure that pupils have every opportunity to achieve in ways and to levels beyond their perceived limits. The Round Square also believes that in order to prepare for adult life, young people must be encouraged to discover and embrace the similarities and differences between cultures and nationalities in ways that promote meaningful and lasting understanding, tolerance and respect.

The Round Square approach doesn't focus on what is taught but rather how learning takes place. It recognises that learning is most effective when it is practical, cross-cultural and collaborative, and when it is infused through a broad spectrum of inter, extra and co-curricula activities. In joining the Round Square Network, member schools make a commitment to embedding our shared IDEALS throughout every day learning activities within our College.

Why does Round Square do what it does?

Round Square cares passionately about what happens in the future to our world and to the fascinating variety of cultures and communities it supports. As a combined group of schools we want those communities to thrive and prosper and care about each other in mutual cooperation.

That's quite a challenge. As educators we believe that we have a responsibility to shape the way in which the next generation of business, political and community leaders understand, prepare for, and respond to, this challenge.

How does Round Square try to achieve its goals and aims?

Round Square is a collaboration of like-minded schools.

Supported by an elected Board and an employed staff team, member schools work together to build and benefit from a mutually supportive and respectful network. Each school shares - and benefits from others' - ideas, methods, experience, opportunities, locally, regionally and internationally. Collaborative initiatives include local, regional and international:

• Service Projectsthat connect students directly with communities where their hard work as volunteers can be of real practical benefit;
  • student and teacher visits and exchanges
  • student-led conferences that celebrate cultural diversity; and
  • training and professional development opportunities for teaching staff.

In essence, we believe that our vision and mission at Scotch closely aligns to the work of Round Square. Our membership opens up opportunities to enhance the educational journey of students, staff and families as a result of being part of the Round Square group of schools.

We have only just begun our journey as a Round Square school and there is still much to be done to embed the IDEALS into our College. Should anyone wish to discuss anything pertaining to Round Square please feel free to contact Mr Bill Cordner, our Director of Community and Service. Mr Cordner has Executive responsibility for Round Square at the College and has been integral to how far we have come in such a short time. Should anyone wish to do their own research about Round Square they can do so by visiting www.roundsquare.org.

I would like to congratulate our JPSSA students who have already represented the College at their Inter-School carnival and wish our PSA swimming squad all the very best for their carnival this Thursday 10 March.

In closing, I would like to give the community a final reminder that we are hosting 'The Choir of Hard Knocks' this Thursday at 6.30pm in the DC. The event has already attracted a lot of media interest and I know you will be amazed at this event should you be able to attend. Tickets are still available through our web site.

Have a great fortnight.

Dr Alec O'Connell

Headmaster

Teaching and Learning

Teen Boys and Gaming - an article by Maggie Dent

Following the theme of 'a culture of distraction' which was presented in The Thistle previously, the article which can be found here by Maggie Dent offers some practical strategies to assist in a conversation with your son to ensure a healthy balance is maintained in relation to their technology usage. The ten essential agreements suggested by Dent are:

1. No computer or device in his bedroom - without permission.
2. Be actively engaged in outside of bedroom/home activity that builds emotional and social competence at least twice a week - preferably group activity.
3. Be playing some form of sport/martial arts/surfing at least 3 times a week.
4. Complete normal chores around home.
5. Ensure his school grades are maintained.
6. Be at family meal times and have an agreed bedtime.
7. Have a friend/mate visit or he go visit weekly
8. Be responsible for any excessive data expenses.
9. Not disable the parental controls that are in place.
10. Avoid adult sites and viewing MA15+ or R18+ movies or showing anyone else.

Certainly parents should discuss their concerns with their son and their classroom teacher or house head if they feel the problem is starting to have a detrimental effect on their school life.

Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessments (OLNA)

The OLNA process is now a part of what all students in Western Australia need to complete as part of their WACE graduation requirements, which are stipulated by the Schools Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). Students have to demonstrate that they meet minimum standards in Reading, Writing and Numeracy assessments. In 2015, 93% of our Year 10 cohort met the OLNA requirements by the end of the year. The SCSA indicate that most students through natural maturation will meet the minimum standard required in Year 10 without intervention or specific study plans for the OLNA assessments. The best course of action is for students to continue their education and simply become familiar with the testing format prior to sitting the OLNA.

The school will be providing some preparation sessions for Year 10 students in the lead up to the Year 10 OLNA to ensure students are familiar with the assessments.

In Years 11 and 12, the College will develop individual plans to ensure we are supporting boys who still have not met the minimum standards in Literacy and Numeracy.

The OLNA assessments occur twice each year. Once in March and the second in August/September.

More information on OLNA can be found by clicking here.

Career Voyage - Year 10

Year 10 is a very important year to start making decisions that will influence the future career plans of students. Mr Frusher will soon be commencing a 4-6 week programme with all Year 10 students that will help to guide them in exploring future career options. For the student, knowing where his career is heading makes subject choices and post-school study/training options easier and more rational.

Initially all students will complete an online programme, Career Voyage, that will help students to find jobs that are suitable for them. Based on eighty job factors (including working conditions, health, talents, etc.) the system will generate twenty job suggestions. Students can then explore related job information, add jobs to their Notepad, look at similar jobs, start an action plan and a resume. It will also provide reports including personal profile information, pros and cons of different jobs, and lots of other useful information to stimulate career exploration.

Students will be given the opportunity to explore courses that are offered by universities, TAFEs and various private providers as well as alternative career options.

All of the above activities are designed to lead into subject selection for courses of study in Year 11 which will take place during Autumn Term.

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

Fundraising as Service

At the recent Round Square Schools - Heads and Reps meeting in Tokyo there was discussion about how our schools could add educational value to fundraising through stronger partnerships with agencies, in order that students really understand the causes being supported. At Scotch we have tended to fundraise for causes that are pertinent to sections of our community, such as juvenile diabetes or in support of our overseas service partners and projects. It was recognised at the meeting that, while fundraising is something we all do well, it is important to ensure that the cause is well understood and that students don't just see success in raising money in itself as the service - without truly understanding the reason for the work.

Homelessness in Perth

The Year 10 boys who visit Tranby Day Centre in East Perth are often surprised at the type of people who present as homeless. The clients of Tranby who tell their stories as part of the programme are often far removed from the stereotypical image of a homeless person. Increasingly they are coming from professional backgrounds and often they are women - some with children - as well as teenagers not long out of school. According to the most recent census, Perth has 43 people homeless for every 10,000 of population, more than any other capital city in Australia.

Homelessness will be the focus of the service activity for our 'Life On The Edge' - Round Square Conference in April. During the four days of the conference, delegates will roll 300 Street Swags as well as package personal hygiene items and distribute them through the Tranby and St Patrick's (Fremantle) homeless services.

Your assistance is needed - to provide items that would be useful for someone living rough on the streets. A suggested list of items can be found here. The aim is to collect at least one item from each boy at the College. These can be deposited at the Receptions of respective schools or in the boxes provided by the House service reps in the Senior School.

Year 7/8 Games and Movie Night

Tickets are selling fast for the Games and Movie Night being hosted by PLC in aid of the Matipwili Trade Training Centre being constructed in Tanzania. The group of Scotch and PLC students travelling to Tanzania in July this year will work alongside village workers to complete the project. Tickets can be purchased on-line at 'Book a Scotch Event' More information on the event can be found here.

African Beach Party at Kidogo Gallery, Fremantle

The Tanzania Expedition 2016 group is hosting a function at Kidogo Gallery in Fremantle on Friday, 1 April. Funds from ticket sales will go towards the cost of materials required to complete the Matipwili Trade training Centre. On the beach at Bathers Beach in Fremantle the Kidogo (Swahili for small) Gallery and deck is a superb setting for a night of good food, live music and good company - all for a great cause. Tickets can be purchased through 'Book a Scotch Event' on the Scotch web site. More information can be found here.

Year 10 Round Square Exchanges

There are still opportunities for boys in Year 10 to go on short-term exchange to schools in India, Jordan, South Africa and New Zealand. Boys interested in applying for these 5-6 week exchanges should see Mr Cordner for more details. This week we were informed that Kings Academy Jordan has two boys wanting to come to us, travelling together. This would be a good opportunity for two boys together to take up this offer to spend some time in a superb school in Jordan.

Mr Bill Cordner

Director of Community Service

Traffic Management and Transport Assessment Plan

Dear Parents

Scotch College has advertised a Traffic Management and Transport Assessment Plan which is out for comment to the public at the moment with a closing date of 14 March 2016.

The TMTP can be viewed on the Scotch College web site http://www.scotch.wa.edu.au/view/about/20160215133742 or may be viewed at the following locations:

Scotch College Reception - 76 Shenton Road, Swanbourne

Town of Claremont - Administration Office, 308 Stirling Highway /corner Bay View Terrace

Town of Claremont Library - 327 Stirling Highway /corner Church Lane

All submissions should be in writing and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Town of Claremont at PO Box 54, Claremont, WA 6910.

Mr Paul Davidson

Director of Finance and Corporate Services

Public Transport Safety Advice

The Public Transport Authority of Western Australia have released these safety tips for people using public transport. You may wish to discuss these with your son(s).

Uniform Shop

Buying Uniform Online

Uniforms can be purchased online at the Flexischools website. All orders processed online can be picked up from the Uniform Shop on the following Tuesday afternoon, or can be posted to you. If you are already using Flexischools for canteen orders, you will notice that uniforms are also available for purchase. If you need details on setting up Flexischools access, please email the uniform shop for further information: uniform@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Uniform Shop - Opening Hours for Winter Uniform Changeover

No appointments are necessary. The Uniform Shop will be open extra hours over and above the normal opening times, as follows.

Summer Term Extra Opening Hours

Holiday Opening Days

Town of Claremont - Road Closures

To facilitate events associated with the Art Transforming Claremont Festival the following road closures will occur. We ask that drivers please be patient and seek alternate routes where possible. Detours will be in place.

Stirling Road Underpass

Wednesday 9 March 9.00am to 3.00pm

Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 March

Saturday 26 March to Monday 28 March

Bay View Terrace (from Gugeri Street to Stirling Highway)

Friday 1 April 6.00pm to Sunday 3 April 11.00pm.

Overflow parking for this weekend is available on Claremont Park, access via Bay View Terrace.

Head of Junior School

Higher Order Mathematical Thinking

I recently attended day one of a three-day workshop being run by The Association of Independent Schools of WA (AISWA). The workshops are focusing at assisting school to develop a whole school approach to mental computation.

The leader of the workshop, Dr Paul Swan, is an award-winning author, acclaimed speaker and workshop presenter, and developer of games and materials to support students to learn mathematics. He is an Honorary Life Member of the Mathematical Association of WA and an Honorary Fellow of the Australian College of Educational Leaders (ACEL). He was awarded his PhD for his work identifying the computational choices of upper primary and lower secondary students.

In the Junior School, we have been engaged on this process for a number of years. We have been developing the boys' counting skills, which involves pattern work, multiples and sequencing. We have also been addressing the boys' basic number skills and working to consolidate their understanding of these key facts. We have been targeting efficient mental strategies for solving number and word problems. The work we are currently engaged in will assist us to bring our previous work together and to further develop the boys' mental mathematics skills.

In our session, Dr Swan shared with us the link between reading comprehension and problem solving. In Year 1 and Year 2, we spend a significant amount of time developing the boys' number skills and knowledge. In Year 3 they move to word problems. This then involves more reading comprehension. Issues with comprehension will result in issues with Mathematics. The link between reading comprehension and success in school is even more clear.

In the Junior School, we will continue to work to develop our boys' ability to work mentally in an efficient manner. Key to this is their understanding of the basic facts for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. These total 390 facts. We want our boys to be able to recall these facts in three seconds or less. We are not asking for rote learning, but the development of certain understandings that will ensure they know the concepts and can recall them to solve a question or fact.

There are 390 number facts:

• 100 addition facts from 0 + 0 = 0 through 9 + 9 = 18

• 100 subtraction facts from 0 - 0 = 0 through 18 - 9 = 9

• 100 multiplication facts from 0 x 0 = 0 through 9 x 9 = 81

• 90 division facts from 1÷1=1 through 81÷9=9 (There are only 90 division facts because division by zero is not possible, thus the only divisors are 1, 2, 3, ..., 9.)

This is a lot to remember. We aim to develop the boys' understanding of the commutative property of addition and subtraction (2+5 = 7, 5+2 = 7, 3x4 = 12, 4x3 = 12), the addition and subtraction property of 0, place value through partitioning (125 = 100+20+5), halving and doubling, near doubles, building to 10, counting on from the larger number and more.

As we have developed a boy's understanding of key concepts in mathematics, the task of learning 390 facts will become far less daunting. Of the 100 addition facts, 64 can be solved quickly by counting on from the larger number, 32 are simply the understanding of the commutative property (2+3 = 3+2). The remaining 25 involve near doubles, doubles, building to 10 and bridging 10.

Multiplication is much the same. Moving up from 0 x 0 to 10 x 10, there are 100 facts. The multiplication property of 0 reduces the total to 80. The multiplication property of 1 reduces the total to 64. Once the boys understanding the communicative property (3x4 = 4x3), the facts to learn drop to 32. These include square numbers, multiples of two, five, three and nine.

Similar understandings will reduce the number of facts to learn. Strategies such as factoring, doubling and halving, number lines, related facts, using know facts, distributive property and arrays will assist boys in their consolidating their number skills.

The work we will be engaging in this year will address the key understandings and provide the boys with a range of strategies to apply to more complex number problems. A key area of our work will be to develop strong knowledge of the key basic number facts that impact learning across the subject.

Mr John Stewart

Head of Junior School

Important Dates to Remember

Art News

Serious Fun

Playing by " making a mark" in Art, has been a wonderful way for the Year 1 boys to explore different qualities of media and to express their ideas. To make a mark, by dictionary definition, is to "do something that is very important or meaningful". Creativity involves the whole curriculum and students need to be provided with opportunities to explore and share their thoughts and ideas. Go and view the mini exhibition of artwork by Year 1 students, based on their explorations of dots, colours and lines. The Australian artist John Olsen inspired some of the artworks, by " taking a line on a journey." Boys have learnt to mix colours and to classify them into categories like warm and cool colours. Looking at the focus in the boys' expressions in the photographs shows just how serious play can be!

Ms Karen Sabitay

PYP Visual Arts

Performing Arts News

The boys in Year 5 have been looking at various styles of music and how they 'feel' different in the body. They identified rhythm patterns and beat accents as contributing musical elements to create different feels. Over the past two weeks our focus has been on funk music and we discovered that syncopated rhythm patterns are an important characteristic of this style. After analyzing funk music and noting which instruments performed the groove, interlocking rhythms and horn 'stabs', the boys had a go at re-creating the lyrics of a song called Get Funky. Add in a few funky movements and there you have it - I'm sure even James Brown would have been proud of their performances.

Miss Phebe Samson

Performing Arts Teacher

French News

Bonjour everyone. Can you believe it? We are half way through the term already. Year Three have been working hard at learning their family vocabulary in preparation for creating a family tree in French. They have been playing a game called happy families, in which you trade cards to make a complete family and win the game. Everyone made their own cards to use in class and the games can get rather lively. Our most recent activity was a dress-up game in which presenters introduced us to their 'famille'… we had some funny characters! One of the most popular costumes was the bow tie - great for being 'le grandpère, le père' or even 'l'oncle'. Here are some photos of our fun-loving year 4's getting into the action with 'la famille'. À bientôt.

Madame Vinton

French Specialist

Physical Education News

The sport programme at the Junior School is in full swing as the Year 2, 3, 4 and 5 boys complete their swimming for Term 1 and now move onto their gymnastics programme from next week. The little wonders in Year 1 had an introduction to swimming over the past fortnight and they too will begin their gymnastics programme next week. The gymnastics programme is a core unit of the Junior School, as it cements the fundamental basics that the majority of sports at Scotch entail, and it sets a great foundation for the rest of the years' Physical Education development and lessons. Ms Clancy has been working her magic with our youngest boys in Pre-Primary as they begin their journey of discovery in Physical Education at the College. The JPSSA Programme has started positively and the Year 5 boys are thoroughly enjoying their Thursday afternoon fixtures against rival JPSSA schools.

Mr Scott Whiston

Head of Junior School Physical Education

Junior School Resource Centre

The annual "What does Easter mean to me" competition is upon us!

In the coming weeks boys are being asked to draw on their creativity and produce either an egg, diorama, digital poster or movie on one of the four themes; sacrifice, artistic, fun & pun or new beginnings. Entries will be accepted in the library from 21 - 23 March with the EGGS-PERT judging on the 24 March and prizes being awarded for each year group and category. We are really looking forward to seeing the boys creations.

Mrs Kathryn Salt

Junior School Teacher-Librarian

4C News

The 4C boys have hit the ground running this term. It was hard work climbing the extra stairs but it was worth it when they saw their beautiful classroom. It is fondly known as the 'penthouse suite' in the Junior School due to its spectacular views of the Scotch ovals. As part of the 'Who we are' unit, the boys have researched a body system of their choice and shared their findings with the rest of the class. They enjoyed the science experiments immensely. The boys explored the components of blood through making a delicious jelly and lolly concoction, and learned about the effects of acid on teeth using eggs and vinegar. The boys have been very fortunate to have parent expert speakers come and speak about the body systems, physical fitness and healthy eating. They will be ending this unit with a fabulous assembly item in Week 7. The boys have had a fabulous start to the year and they are very much looking forward to our next unit of inquiry, 'How we organize ourselves.'

Miss Olivia Creagh

Year 4 Teacher

Excellence Awards

Congratulations to these boys for receiving an Excellence Award in Week 4.

Primary Years Programme: Inquiry Learning

As an IB PYP school, we use a guided inquiry approach to learning and teaching. Inquiry-based units of work, referred to as units of inquiry, are the focus for learning. The boys experience what it is like to think and act like scientists, historians, mathematicians etc.

In our inquiry-based classrooms there is increased emphasis on real life situations, decision-making, problem solving, research and action.

Teachers across the Junior School collaboratively plan to ensure the boys are actively:

• Exploring, wondering and questioning
• Experimenting and playing with possibilities
• Researching and seeking information
• Collecting data and reporting findings
• Clarifying existing ideas and reappraising events
• Deepening understanding through the application of a concept or rule
• Making and testing theories
• Making predictions and acting purposefully to see what happens
• Elaborating on solutions to problems.

Mr Warwick Norman

Junior School Dean of Teaching & Learning

Friendly Schools Plus

What can I do if I think my children are being bullied at school?

• Try to talk with your children about what is going on
• Listen to their concerns and believe them
• Be aware of your own response and react in a calm and helpful manner
• Talk with your children's teachers and calmly discuss the situation and some possible strategies
• Encourage your children to ask for help at school if they are being bullied e.g. talk about who they could talk to at school, and how to ask for help. 


What can I do to help my children if they are being cyber bullied?


To prevent and respond to cyber-bullying, a useful acronym to remember is I-CURRB.

• Investigate what your child is doing online.
• Communicate regularly with your children to understand what they enjoy doing online.
• Use family safety software to keep track of what your children are able to access online.
• Research your school and Internet Service Provider's (ISP) policies on cyber-bullying. Online applications, such as IM, will also have their own policies.
• Report cyber-bullying to your child's school. If you have serious concerns for your child's safety, contact your local police.
• Block communications from students who cyber-bully others. Most Instant Messenger (IM) applications, chat rooms and email account providers allow you to block messages from identified people.

Mr Warwick Norman

Friendly Schools and Families Coordinator

Head of Middle School

Last week was a significant milestone in the term. The Parent/Teacher Interviews were an enormously valuable series of conversations for us. It is important for us to stop and reflect individually on each student, determining how they have commenced the year and are positioned now to make the most of the opportunities and the year ahead. Your input into these conversations has been vital and helped us meet one of our most important mission statements and goals of 'Knowing the boy'.

The next 4 weeks will be significant for Year 7 boys who all head off to Moray. A week of rafting, rope work, climbing, bush walking, canoeing, camping and 'self' catering lies ahead and the opportunity for us to know your son a great deal more as well. It is also a great detoxing week away from computers, mobiles and electronic screens. Be aware you son will come back tired and dirty, but he will have some great stories to tell and another level of confidence about who he is, how his mates think and operate, and the ability to self-manage himself that we believe will have positive benefits back in the classroom.

Two weekends ago a small group of boys and dads spent the weekend working on a farm near Waroona that had been burnt out during the summer bush fires. It was a sobering experience to see first-hand the devastation caused by fire and not just to the landscape, but to the families, equipment, stock and wildlife caught up in the fire zone as well. The group spent the two days putting in fence posts, stringing up ring lock fencing and barbed wire and demolishing and collecting up old fence lines. It was intimidating looking at the task that lies ahead for the farmers, the wildlife and the environment to recover from the impact of this fire. It was a sombre, but positive feeling being able to contribute in a small way to the recovery. The gratitude of the three farming families was overwhelming and sincere. It was a reminder that being able to help others gives us such a rewarding feeling. A special vote of thanks must to Deborah Pitter and Chris Edgar for helping us with the initial contacts in the Waroona region and the opportunity to stay at their property over the weekend.

Another opportunity for service work in this region will come up in a few weeks' time. LandCare Australia have invited us to join with them for a weekend of restoration work on the banks of the Harvey River where the fire has burnt the trees and grasses that hold the banks together. More information about this project will be detailed in the Middle School Newsletter.

Mr Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

Bullying Incursion

Last week our Year 7 and Year 8 boys participated in separate incursions that highlighted bullying behaviours in both interpersonal and online settings. The performances were humorous and engaging. The value of the incursions were in the reflections that followed each scene. These drew our boys attention to and engaged them in conversation about the fact that bullying behaviour in many cases in not intended as bullying and we don't realise it is being perceived as bullying until something is said about it and attention drawn to the actions. Bullying can be interpreted from many every day comments that might seem flippant or offhand. Comments that refer to height, weight, ethnicity, accents, physical performance and academic performance can be considered bullying. Good conversation was also had around the causes of bullying behaviour. In some cases the bully is also a victim of bullying, perhaps from outside the school. It may be seen as normalised behaviour in another setting or it may be attention seeking or status seeking behaviour. Threaded throughout both the Year 7 and Year 8 performances was the message: bullying can be stopped, in most cases through conversation. Saying nothing about bullying behaviour allows it to continue. In Middle School we continue to remind students that Homeroom Teachers, Mrs Giglia, Ms Lorimer our Middle School Psychologist, myself, in fact any staff member at the College, whether they are from the Maintenance shed to the Chapel can be approached at any time by a boy who may need help or to start a conversation about bullying. It is a behaviour that can be stopped and prevented.

Mr Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

6B RAPS Super Stars

This week, the 6B boys have been enthusiastically improving their RAPS skills. No, not RAPS of the musical variety, this is RAPS of a literacy variety. By following a prescribed set of steps, the boys are learning to provide full, correctly structured paragraph answers to questions:

R - restate the question

A - answer the question

P - provide proof from the stimulus

S - sum it up with a concluding sentence

The Guided Literacy programme involves the boys being exposed to a stimulus that may be visual, audio or written, then responding to 3 levels of questioning on that stimulus. This week the boys' stimulus was the film clip to Rudimental's song "Free", which instantly grabbed their attention and provided them with a lot of material to write about.

The boys have also been practicing their RAPS during our Reading Circle sessions in the library and I am looking forward to seeing them develop this new skill over the course of the year and through their Middle School journey.

Mrs Sophie Berry

6B Homeroom Teacher

Learning a New Language in 7M

Here at Scotch, we are lucky to study languages. We learn French and Indonesian, and in an increasingly globalised world it is important to be good communicators, and learning multiple languages can help us do that.

In the 7M classroom we are learning a third language - Australian Sign Language or commonly known as, Auslan. Auslan is a visual language using signs to create meaning via the hands, orientation, location, movement and expression. Auslan is primarily used by people who have a loss of hearing or who are profoundly deaf. Did you know that 95% of deaf babies are born to non-deaf families?

7M have been learning some of the basics of Auslan under the guidance of Miss Clare Housley, and so far we have mastered the alphabet and some simple phrases like, 'My name is…' and "How are you?" We will continue to develop our sign language skills through fortnightly lessons and work towards being a more inclusive classroom.

Ms Deborah Mullin

7M Homeroom Teacher

Excellence Awards

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Will Gordon (7.6F) who competed at the State Athletics Championships last weekend. Will came 1^st in the 800m and beat his PB by 0.8 seconds. He also came 4^th in the 400m, only 3 seconds off his PB.

Important Dates in Middle School Summer Term

Willpower

Last Saturday, twelve Year 12 Keys House boys walked into Albany to finish the 1003km journey along the Bibbulmun Track that started in Kalamunda when the boys were in Year 8. Accompanied by Scott Siekierka and Shawn Brogden, the boys stepped into Albany to be welcomed by parents, staff from the boarding house and a sea of purple balloons and streamers. To have walked the full length of the Bibbulmun Track speaks volumes about the boys' resilience, determination and willingness to accept challenge - qualities that will serve the boys well throughout life.

Experiences such as the Bibbulmun Track provide valuable opportunities for the boys to develop a vital quality that is becoming increasingly rare in today's world. This quality is willpower. How much easier would it be to sleep in your own bed rather than on the ground, eat a cooked meal prepared for you and not carry a 20 kilogram bag 70 kilometers through the bush? When boys arrive at the boat shed at 5.30am, dive into the pool at 6.30am or attend any of number of music rehearsals, sport trainings or pipe band rehearsals before school starts each day, they are demonstrating willpower in abundance.

Decades of research show that willpower or self-control is a strong predictor in future health and wealth. In fact, willpower has a greater influence on financial success as an adult than IQ, family wealth or social class (Moffitt, et al., 2011).

In a society where instant gratification dominates - for example, sales slogans urging us to buy now pay later, no deposit interest free, or easy monthly instalments - willpower and restraint suffers.

I congratulate all boys who have accepted challenges this term and are working to overcome them. The boys are developing qualities that will serve them well throughout life.

Finally, I encourage families not planning to attend the PSA Swimming Championship at HBF Stadium this Thursday night, 10 March, consider attending the Choir of Hard Knocks performance in the Dickinson Centre. The Choir of Hard Knocks comprises homeless and disadvantaged singers from across Melbourne. This wonderful initiative became the subject of a five-part television series on the ABC. Jonathon Welch, founder and choral director, went on to create the School of Hard Knocks in 2012 and Social Inclusion Week in 2009. He is an inspiring Australian whose work has been acknowledged with his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia and the winner of the Australian Local Hero Award as part of the Australian of the Year Awards in 2009. Jonathan spent time at Scotch College last year working with boys in the Scotch music and community service programmes before an evening community presentation.

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School

Moffitt, T. E., et al., (2011). A gradient of childhood self-control predicts health, wealth and public safety. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 108 (7). 2693-98.

No Senior School Assembly - 11 March

There will be no Senior School Assembly on Friday 11 March due to Scotch College Open Day.

Parking will be limited. Parents are reminded to consider neighbours when dropping boys at school.

Senior School boys are asked to wear their ties for Open Day.

Important Dates - Summer Term Week 6 and 7

Boys Achievements

William Lodge (Year 9, Cameron) will represent the City Beach Water Polo Club in the National Water Polo Competition in Brisbane 22 - 24 March.

Joshua Quartermaine (Year 10, Alexander) won the WA State Wakeboarding Title for his age group last weekend. Joshua will be competing in the National Titles in Canberra 30 March - 2 April.

Sean Szalek (Year 10, Ross) jumped a new PB of 2.03m and won gold for high jump at the recent WA Athletics State Championship.

Rigby Dowland (Year 11, Ferguson) has been selected in the School Sports WA Pizzey Cup Tennis Team to compete at the National Championships in Albury (NSW) 29 April - 8 May.

Inter-School Swimming

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.

Scotch Language Hub 2016

We are very pleased to announce the addition of two new offerings at the Scotch Language Hub for 2016. Currently we are in partnership with the following organisations to offer adult learning and student support for languages on site, after school hours:

The Balai Bahasa offer Indonesian on Tuesdays to adults and students. (6.00pm - 8.00pm)

The Goethe Institute offer German on Tuesday and Wednesday to adults and students. (6.00pm - 8.00pm)

And now:

123 Soleil, the French School of Perth offer native-speaker classes to students from pre-primary to age 14, on Tuesday and Wednesday (4.00pm - 6.00pm)

And

LanguageOne offer Dutch at a Background Speaker level. (*Currently this is only for Scotch students on Monday and Wednesday 7.30pm -8.30pm)

Contacts:

http://balaibahasaperth.org

http://goethesocietywa.webs.com/adultclasses.htm

http://www.123soleil.com.au/le-primaire-et-secondaire.html

http://languageone.nl/en/languageone-perth/home/

For more information and for adult classes, please contact the providers directly at the website above.

Or:

To connect your Scotch or PLC student to these Organisations please email Jonathan Rugg, Head of Languages at: Jrrugg@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Mr Jonathan Rugg

Curriculum Leader - Modern Languages

Davis Kawooya Presents to the IB Global Politics Class

On Friday 26 February, Mr Kyle's IB Global Politics class were fortunate to welcome guest speaker Davis Kawooya to talk about his role in the political development of Uganda. Davis is currently completing a doctorate at Notre Dame University with the focus of his research being human security in his native country, Uganda. Mr Kawooya provided us with a clear and detailed evaluation of the history and situation in Uganda. He also told us about his involvement with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). Having learnt so much about the United Nations over the past term it was remarkable to have Mr Kawooya speak to us and explain his personal interactions with one of the biggest organisations in the world. He also wanted to explain the relatively unknown conflict in Northern Uganda between the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), lead by Joseph Kony, and the Ugandan military. It was impossible to comprehend the impact that the conflict has had on the people of Uganda. He then talked us through the reason to why conflict was occurring in Uganda and discussed how poorly the post-independence government was being run and the dictatorship-like power of the President, Yoweri Museveni. The class was shocked at the condition the Ugandan Government was in and how, since independence in 1962, the global community had done nothing to provide it with a sustainable government. It was clear to our class how much passion Mr Kawooya has for his homeland and the need to provide a secure and bright future for the children of Uganda. On behalf of the IB Global Politics class I would like to thank Davis Kawooya for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to our class and explain the challenges facing Uganda.

William Coad

Year 11, Cameron

Science Presentation by Jack Hondros

On Wednesday 16 March Jack Hondros will be lecturing in the Science department at 3.40 pm. This lecture will be open to students, staff and parents and is titled "Earth rights, birthrights and local democracy". It will address saving our planet in the face of the resource depletion highlighting the non-sustainability of Man's endeavours.

"We don't do enough talking", says Jack Hondros. We need to talk about fracking, climate change, the degradation of our soil and water and food quality, as well as the wider ramifications of Fukushima and other world upheavals that will likely affect us all. It's time for some civic participation, so come for a session that will get us talking.

Donations on entry will be given to the Fred Hollows appeal.

Mrs Fiona Mochrie

Science Teacher

Cambodia Community and Service Tour 2016

Expressions of interest are now open for the Cambodia Community and Service Tour. Students will spend time teaching English to primary school children, working side by side with subsistence farmers, distributing meals at local hospitals and working to build a fence around Soun Sah Village Primary School.

In addition to the service component of the tour, they have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Khmer people: the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge at the Killing Fields and S21 prison, the majesty of the ancient temples such as Angkor Wat and to discover more about the Buddhist and Hindu religious influences on the country and people.

The tour is open to all students currently in Years 10, 11 and 12. Don't miss out on this great opportunity; numbers are limited! Expressions of interest close at the end of Summer Term - form attached.

Miss Kate Gooding

English Teacher

Career Information

University Information

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.

University of Western Australia

Student/Parent Information Evening

Learn how to make the most of your WACE results and achieve your study and career goals.

For Year 12 students and their parents, applying for university can be a daunting process.

UWA information sessions will provide advice on UWA courses, admission requirements and key dates for 2016. Our Future Students team will be available to answer any questions you may have following the presentation.

Monday 21 March, 6.30pm

Wesfarmers Lecture Theatre, UWA Business School. Register now

ECU Future Student Information Evening

At our Information Evenings, you will have the opportunity to find out more about our courses, admission pathways, scholarships, support network and student accommodation. Plus you will be able to visit, and get a feel for, the campus of your choice.

Tuesday 15 March, 6.00pm @ ECU Mount Lawley Campus

http://www.ecu.edu.au/future-students/course-entry/events

UK Universities and Colleges

UCAS is the organisation that processes all full-time applications to UK universities and colleges. It is there to support you - as well as your son or daughter - through every step of the application process. UCAS sends all applicants a monthly newsletter, full of useful information, reminders, advice and competitions. But did you know you can access information from UCAS too?

You can sign up to monthly parent newsletters quickly and simply online. They're completely FREE and contain timely information and advice about your son or daughter's journey to higher education and what you can do to support them.

For further information about the UCAS process, take a look at the advice for parents on www.ucas.com.

Australian Defence Force Gap Year 2017

On-line applications for the ADF Gap Year programme opens on Friday 4 March 2016.

Students looking to apply for Gap Year need to fall between the ages of 18 and 24 on the following dates:

• Navy - 1 April 2017
• Army - 31 May 2017
• Air Force - 7 April 2017

Students who would like to express interest in this programme can do so via the website www.defencejobs.gov.au or alternatively send through their information to cptwa@dfr.com.au.

Revision Courses

Academic Task Force Year 11 and 12 ATAR Revision Programme

Revision and first semester exam preparation courses in ATAR subjects plus our popular Study Skills and Essay Writing courses. Six hour and ten hour courses available in both the first and second week of the holidays.

See attachments for details.

Career Tips

Students looking for part-time work will require a resume`:

There are many web-based sites that will assist in the development of a resume suitable for seeking employment. Simply Google resume` and look for a style that suits you. Another good source is the Career Centre web page http://www.careercentre.dtwd.wa.gov.au/Pages/CareerCentre.aspx. Go to Tools & Resources then Resume Builder. Here you will find an easy to use template that can be filled out and then one of five different formats can be selected.

Confused about what to do after Year 12?

The UWA website offers descriptions of the many careers available to students. Simply go to www.studyat.uwa.edu.au and find future students - featured careers.

Parents' Association

I can't believe that it is Mid-Term Break already…Summer Term is flying by!!

Upcoming Parent Functions

The Scotch Parents' Association in conjunction with the Scotch Auxiliary is managing a number of parent functions during March. These functions are annual events and a great opportunity to meet other parents in your boys' year group(s).

Friday 18 March - Year 6 Parent Evening - Boulevard Hotel

Wednesday 23 March - Year 7 Parent Evening - Steve's Hotel

Both these events can be booked by clicking on 'Book a Scotch Event' icon on the Scotch website.

The Fathering Project

The Scotch Parents' Association is facilitating the development of an initiative called the Fathering Project, initially for Junior School. PA committee member David Grey introduced the Project at the initial meeting of the 2016 class reps.

The Fathering Project is a WA based organisation that is focused on assisting the father figures in boys' lives to become better dads. This project has been rolled out across a number of (mainly) Primary Schools in Perth. It provides a forum for dads to meet other dads in a social environment and for boys and dads to be involved in social outings together and offers a whole range of resources that can be used to assist fathers. Our aim is for a number of interested fathers across the Junior School to work together to set up a pilot project to be rolled out during the year with the support of Junior School.

Until the next Thistle.

Ian Knobel

President

Scotch Auxiliary

Thank you to all the parents who attended the Middle School Sundowner and to Sarah Lodge and Nathalie Veitch for organising a very enjoyable evening.

The Year 9 House Head Parent Evening was held last Wednesday. It was great to see this event back on the school calendar; a nice opportunity for our parents to meet each other and their son's House Head.

The Year 11 Dance 2016 Committee has been formed. Jo Gale has kindly volunteered to be the Dance coordinator. Any enquiries or offers to help please contact thegales70@bigpond.com.

Upcoming Events:

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

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

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.

Coffee Morning:

Year 12 Coffee Morning - Monday 14 March, Cafe Isthmus, 9 McCabe Street, Mosman Park from 8.30am.

Save the Date:

Year 10 Parent Sundowner - Thursday 31 March, Cottesloe Beach Hotel, from 6.30pm.

Year 12 Mothers Moray Sleepover - Saturday 30 July.

Next Meeting:

Monday 21 March, Gooch Pavilion

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.

Pipe Band Parents Support Group (PBPSG)

All parents of boys playing pipes or drums in Middle School and Senior School are welcome to attend the monthly PBPSG meetings.

Come along and find out the latest Scotch College Pipe Band news and help support the Pipe Band.

Thank you to those who attended our first meeting for 2016. It was pleasing to see a good representation from all years.

The second meeting for 2016:

7.30pm, Thursday 17 March

Senior School Pipe Band Room (near the swimming pool roundabout) for further information please email PBPSG@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Pipe Band Scottish Banquet - Save the Date

The bi-annual event will be held on Saturday 28 May.

Put the date in your dairy for what will be a wonderful, festive and entertaining evening. More details to follow.

Yvette Henderson

PBPSG President

Supporters of Football at Scotch College (SOFAS)

We are having our first committee meeting for the year on Tuesday 15 March 2016 at 6.00pm in classroom 11.203, located next to the entrance of the Senior School gym.

Anyone who has a boy playing AFL football for Scotch and would like to be a year representative or be involved in supporting Scotch football is welcome to attend.

Justin Crump

President SOFAS