Welcome back to Autumn Term. While there will be lots of important things that will take place over this term there is no date more important than the upcoming date on Sunday 8 May which is Mother's Day. So to all of the mums and grandmothers in our community I wish you a Happy Mother's Day. If you agree that this is the most important date in the year then maybe you can let me know why mums are so special by using our Twitter account on @ScotchcollegeWA.

The next couple of weeks are very important for our Senior School boys as they commence their exams. As boys go through the College they learn many skills and one of those is to be able to handle the formal exam process and in turn develop an appreciation of having a regular study pattern. Last week as the Year 12s returned a number of staff commented how well they seem to be prepared and how much time they had put in during their break. I wish all the boys the best as they approach their exams and I know that they are well prepared and will do the best they can.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday we commence PSA Winter Sport. It is always great to witness our boys representing the School with great pride. I look forward to seeing the boys on the sporting field and sharing in their successes. Most importantly I look forward to seeing the sportsmanship they exhibit while playing other schools whether at home or away. Part of the benefit of being a member of the PSA is the comradery between the schools and the competition which taken the right way is a great addition to what makes a PSA school.

I quite often get asked what I think are the most important roles that a Headmaster plays in a school. In my mind there is no doubt that it is the interaction with the students and the focus on community. Equally important is the selection of staff. As I write this newsletter I am actually in Sydney doing some preliminary interviews for the Director of Student and Staff Wellbeing and the new Head of Performing Arts which is essentially a replacement for our Head of Music. Having conducted a lot of interviews over the weekend I am really excited at the level of interest shown in Scotch.

Last week we held a public screening of a film "Most Likely to Succeed". While there were many ideas posed in the film, some not directly transferable into our context, it did raise some very interesting questions about the whole education journey. Over 220 people attended the screening and I am hoping that we can get some feedback. Again, if you use the Twitter handle above it would be great to hear your thoughts and feedback about what makes a great education. On Friday 6 May I have been asked to speak on a panel about "Where is education going to go in WA post the mining boom."

Once again I would like to finish off by wishing all the mums a great day on Sunday. To the boys and the dads I hope that you have something special planned. We all know how much mums bring to our community and in my case while my mother is no longer with us, I do look forward to thinking about her and celebrating what she brought to me as a young man and a young adult. I know that our boys are very fortunate in the love and support they receive from their mothers throughout the year.

Dr A J O'Connell

Headmaster

Helping your Son to Make Decisions About Year 11

Scotch College is in the fortuitous position of being able to provide our students with the opportunity to complete the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme as part of their education in Year 11 and 12.

Both the Diploma Programme and the WACE provide students with a selection of challenging and rigorous courses aimed at preparing students for a range of options beyond life at school. The College will provide two separate evenings to provide parents with information on both options and we encourage our families to attend both events.

IB snapshot

• Globally 2,795 schools offer the Diploma Programme in 143 countries giving it a truly global presence in education
• Engages students in a breadth of study in which the study of languages is mandatory
• Internationally recognised by Universities
• There are currently 57 universities in Australia that recognise the IB, including all universities in Western Australia
• Study the Theory of Knowledge course in which students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we claim to know
• Educators develop curriculum globally and exams are marked internationally
• More about process than content

The College would encourage parents to attend the IB Parent Information Evening on Monday 9 May at 6.30pm in the Dickinson Centre to learn more.

WACE snapshot

• Administered by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority, which is based in Western Australia
• Offers ATAR and General courses that cater for university entrance and vocational pathways
• A well recognised university entry credential
• Opportunity to specialise considerably
• Opportunity to discontinue a subject in Year 12
• Within the WACE framework students can take the VET (Vocational Education and Training) pathway
• Has reasonable currency internationally

The College would encourage parents to attend the WACE Parent Information Evening on Wednesday 18 May at 6.30pm in the Dickinson Centre to learn more.

Mr Peter Allen

Dean of Teaching and Learning

Kindy & Pre-Primary Open Morning - Tuesday 17 May

Little boys are naturally curious. At our Kindy and Pre-Primary Open Morning we'll explain that if you know how boys learn you can fuel their love of learning from day one of school.

Come along at 9am on Tuesday 17 May and discover how 'knowing the boy' benefits your son. Register now.

http://www.scotch.wa.edu.au/preprimary

Scotch College Term Dates 2017

See attached Term Dates 2017.

Staff Movement

Community and Service

Life On The Edge: Round Square Conference

During the first week of the April holidays, Scotch hosted a conference for 12-14 year old students from Round Square schools within the Australasia and East Asia region. The five-day programme involved 186 delegates from schools in China, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore as well as Australia. Based on the theme 'Life On The Edge', delegates followed a programme of activities, shaped by the IDEALS: Internationalism; Democracy; Environmental Awareness; Adventure; Leadership and Service. All delegates stayed on campus in our student residential accommodation.

Senior Scotch boys led groups of around 15 student and adult delegates (Baraza Groups). Each Baraza Group rotated through four days of activities beginning each morning at 6.00am with 'Greet The Day' - an opportunity to try surfing at Leighton Beach or group fitness games with a difference on the Gamble Field.

As part of the programme delegates worked with young professional street artist Hayley Welsh to create a large format painting entitled 'When We Dare to Dream' based on the theme and incorporating symbols representing the IDEALS. (This painting can be seen on the front wall of Mackellar Hall). Delegates also rolled and distributed over 200 'Street Swags' to the homeless at St Patrick's Community Centre in Fremantle and Tranby Day Centre in East Perth. They worked with 'Friends of Lake Claremont' on habitat rehabilitation and learnt to play wheelchair basketball with the Wheelchair Sports Association at Rocky Bay. Internationally renowned kite maker Michael Alveres led Baraza groups through a process of making, illustrating and flying box kites while local drummer Jackson Vickery had groups synchronised playing the djembe.

The Adventure activities took place at 'Moray' where delegates had the opportunity to tackle the High Ropes Course, try orienteering and also plant trees around a shelter on the Bibbulmun Track. An Environment Awareness theme continued in 'Race Through Kings Park' a challenge to find checkpoints within the park.

Guest speakers each evening included: Astronomer, Professor Peter Quinn, Executive Director of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, who presented on 'Finding the Edge' (of space); Akram Azami, refugee, academic and former Young Australian of the Year (2013) together with local refugee students from Balga Senior High School presented - 'Coming in from the Edge'; and Sean Pollard, Esperance surfer who was attacked by two white pointer sharks and subsequently lost both arms presented - 'Surviving the Edge'.

The Scotch College Pipe Band in full regalia entertained delegates, while a Jazz Ensemble, Scotch Youth Voices choir and a dramatic monologue were included the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

The Conference Photograph took place on the beach on the final morning in beautiful weather when all delegates had an opportunity for a swim around the Cottesloe Pylon. It was a wonderful five days of fun and friendship… 'on the edge'!

The conference Facebook page can be found here

Donations of Personal Care Items

Thanks must go to the many families in the Scotch College community who donated personal care items for the homeless. There was a large amount of items donated - all of which was donated to the homeless in Fremantle and central Perth. The people who received these gifts were hugely appreciative and the agency staff that helped distribute the items was impressed by the generosity shown. The personal care items and the Street Swags together made a substantial difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in our city.

Mr Bill Cordner

Director of Community and Service

Music Department

During the recent Round Square Conference three Scotch College ensembles performed featured music items. The Senior String Quartet featured Charlie Thomas on Didgeridoo and the Senior Jazz Ensemble Rhythm section with Nicholas Clarnette (Year 11, Alexander) on Tenor Saxophone all performed with exceptional musicianship during the opening ceremony. For the closing ceremony the Scotch Youth Voices sang a rousing rendition of "The Twist" which was enthusiastically received by the audience with all delegates in the auditorium spontaneously dancing throughout the performance, congratulations to all involved with these performances.

The following day the Scotch Youth Voices toured to Fairbridge Festival and were invited to perform on the main stage at the festival. This is a credit to the level of performance they have achieved under the leadership of their musical director Ms Jennifer Sullivan.

Guest lecturer Mr Michael Griffin's presentation to music students and staff last term made a lasting impression on staff and students. Previous Thistle articles have mentioned information shared during this session including: great practice contains the right balance between quality and quantity; it is important for students to play at a speed where they can avoid mistakes and repetition enables the brain to make strong connections (myelin) and enables us to automate processes.

Michael Griffin referred to repetition as an important practice tool that can be approached in three ways: Blocked repetition is great for beginners (practice three passages in three large blocks) playing a specific practice task until it is mastered. Spaced repetition can be useful for more advanced students (break blocks into many smaller segments, ie. play A for four minutes, B for three, A for three, C for four, B for five, A for three, C for six, A for two minutes etc.) and thus learning with repetition over a longer time period. Variable repetition is great for developing the facility to play passages in any context (playing a chunk of music at different speeds, volumes, with different articulations or rhythms, play it from memory, by ear or play it without the instrument). On our quest to help boys learn what it takes to achieve excellence these approaches to practicing difficult passages will promote myelin and help them to automate the process of playing music.

Important Dates:

Autumn Term

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

Week 4, Thursday 19 May, WAYJO Schools' Concert, Dickinson Centre

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

Week 7, Wednesday 8 June, Junior and Middle School Autumn Concert, 6.00pm Dickinson Centre

Week 9, Wednesday 22 June, John Morrison (Drummer/Band Leader) and Jacki Cooper (Vocals) visiting artists

Week 9, Friday 24 June, Music Department Jazz Night, 7.30pm 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, please contact FOSM@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Mr Tim Simpson

Acting Head of Music

Parenting Ideas

To further support the Scotch community, the College continues to subscribe 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.

To access the Parenting Ideas Magazine visit the following link: http://www.parentingideas.com.au/Parent_Magazine.html

You may also want to take a look at the attached article 'Why Is It Valuable To Make Teens Feel Older?'

Good luck with your parenting!

Ms Shauna Lipscombe

Psychologist

Indonesian Evening Classes at Scotch

Scotch College, in partnership with the Balai Bahasa Indonesia Perth (BBIP), offers evening Indonesian Beginner Level 1 and 2, and Conversation classes. Autumn Term 8-week courses commence on Tuesday 3 May - 21 June 2016 from 6.30-8.30pm and are available to students, staff and parents, as well as members of the wider community.

Beginner Classes (Level 1 and 2) are designed for all ages to develop basic communication skills for the purpose of exchanging personal information and transactions. These classes are ideal for individuals travelling to Indonesia for work or holiday, who wish to understand more about the Indonesian language and culture.

Conversation Classes are designed for intermediate and advanced speakers who wish to develop their oral communication skills via simulated immersion of Indonesian. The aim of each lesson is to expand vocabulary of a topic and conclude with a task such as a role-play, group discussion, debate or interview. Conversation classes are recommended for speakers who are already proficient who wish 'brush up' on their skills, as well as, Year 11 and 12 students who wish to further develop their listening and speaking in preparation for the ATAR and IB examinations.

All lessons are delivered by native speaker instructors from the Balai Bahasa and are held in the Kennedy Block on the Senior Campus. The cost of an eight week course is $191 and includes BBIP membership. Conversation classes are free to all current Scotch College students and staff.

To enrol in any of the Balai Bahasa classes visit: http://www.balaibahasaperth.org, click 'Course', and follow the links to the online registration. For more information about any of the courses please contact Moya McLauchlan on ibumoya@balaibahasaperth.org or Wilfred Liauw on 9383 6854 ext. 854 wliauw@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Mr Wilfred Liauw

Modern Languages Teacher

Insurance Against Injury

Scotch does not provide insurance cover for students on a 24 hour basis. However, we do have accident insurance for all boys whilst they are in the charge and under the control of the College. This includes cover whilst on work experience. The amount of cover is dependent upon the type of injury, generally to a maximum of $1,000.00, with the exception of total and permanent disability. This cover does not include expenses which can be claimed through Medicare and private health insurance or the Medicare Gap and only provides limited cover for dental expenses. Parents are strongly recommended to supplement the School's cover with their own private insurance.

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

The Uniform Shop will be closed for the Boarders' Long Weekend and Public Holiday (ie Friday, 3 June)

I Think Therefore I Am

Why do we go to school? Is it just to learn a set of basic facts, accumulate knowledge or pass a test? Benjamin Bloom wrote, "The purpose of education is to change the thoughts, feelings and actions of students."

As a Junior School we have several key roles in the education of a child. We first must develop the child's ability to read for meaning, communicate effectively in written and oral forms, consolidate their basic number facts and their conceptual understanding in key areas of Mathematics. We must teach them the patterns and anomalies of spelling and the intricacies of sentence structure and story development. We must also aim to teach a child to love to learn, to take risks and to not be afraid to fail.

All of these are very important to a child's enjoyment of school and impacts on their ability to access the wider curriculum and offerings as they progress through a school. However, the most important skill a teacher needs to impart to their students is the ability to think.

In the craft of teaching, the questions we ask greatly contribute to the answers and outcomes we help the children to achieve. Too simple a question will result in too simple an answer. ie. "What is your favourite colour?" A simple recall of a fact or some information may have a place in test taking but it is rarely retained. In a study at a prominent school in the USA, graduating seniors were asked to return to school three months after the final exams to retake the tests. A class average of a B+ became an F grade average after the retake. The information was retained for its purpose, to pass the test, but did not impact in the students long-term skills or knowledge.

We want our students to think. The questions we ask and how we ask the students to answer greatly contributes to the development of their thinking skills. Bloom's Taxonomy identifies the six levels of thinking: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Effective questions in the classroom can ask students to use multiple levels of thinking in a single question. Providing wait time allows the student to consider their answer in a safe environment, asking them to share with a partner ensures the student is accountable for his opinion. ie. "No hands please, think for yourself for 10 seconds and then be prepared to share an answer when asked. What is the difference between a fact and an opinion?"

Asking a closed question will usually result in a simple recall type answer. Research demonstrates that 60 to 70% of questions asked tended to be at the recall level. Asking questions that challenge opinions can result in knowledge and understanding, they can ask the students to apply or analyse what they know and to evaluate their conclusions. It develops true thinking skills.

Mr John Stewart

Head of Junior School

Important Dates to Remember

Primary Years Programme: A concept-driven curriculum

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

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

Form: What is it like?

Function: How does it work?

Causation: Why is it like it is?

Change: How is it changing?

Connection: How is it connected to other things?

Perspective: What are the points of view?

Responsibility: What is our responsibility?

Reflection: How do we know?

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

Mr Warwick Norman

Junior School Dean of Teaching & Learning

Art News

The Year 2 boys have been working towards celebrating 2016 being " Chinese Year of the Monkey", designing and making their own monkey cushions. They have drawn cheeky monkeys, created a family of monkeys by potato printing on paper and printed back and front on fabric for cushions. We used a special material called visofix that fuses material to material when it is ironed. The boys were so lucky to have the support of some parents and grandparents to help them print and sew the cushions together. Then they stuffed them with wadding, stitched the gap closed and finished embellishing them with ribbons, buttons, feathers, fluff etc. It has been a challenging, long term project but the results are definitely worthwhile. Thanks to the parent helpers for their support during this project and to the boys for helping themselves, taking risks and working collaboratively. Cheeky monkeys!!!

Ms Karen Sabitay

PYP Visual Arts

Helping your children respond to bullying

It is natural for families to feel upset and want to protect their children if they are being bullied. However, children can be distressed when families react with anger. These same strategies apply if your child is being cyber bullied.

Family responses found to be helpful include:

• Encouraging your children to discuss the situation
• Being aware of your own responses and reacting in a calm, helpful and supportive manner
• Believing your children - it is important that your children feel confident talking to you about problems
• Telling your children that bullying is wrong and reminding them that they have the right to feel safe and happy
  • Making sure your children know how to get help and support at school
  • Helping your children to make friends (having at least one good friend has been shown to reduce the likelihood and impact of bullying)
    • Talking to your children's teacher


• Asking your children what they would like you to do

Mr Warwick Norman

Friendly Schools and Families Coordinator

French News

Bonjour every one and welcome back from "les vacances". I hope that you enjoyed your time away. The Year 1s have been learning about the weather and are now becoming very proficient at explaining if it is a hot or cold day. They have been completing group activities with lots of weather vocabulary. One of their favourites is to match the correct phrase to the weather flash card. As you can see in the photo, there are many different pictures of weather and the boys need to figure out which description goes with which picture. Another activity they have played in class is to pass around three items as we count to 10. When the counting stops, whoever has the item in their hands has to tell the group the special weather phrase associated with it. Whether it is "il fait froid" for the scarf, "il fait chaud" for the hat or "il fait beau" for the ball. We've all been working hard at pronunciation for these lovely French weather words. If your son is in Year 1, why not ask him to tell you what kind of weather we're having today? Au revoir.

Madame Vinton

French Specialist

Physical Education News

The onset of Autumn Term sees the Physical Education department switch to our winter codes, as the boys look to cement their fundamental movement skills learnt in Summer Term through gymnastics into their winter pursuits. The Year 4 boys will be focusing on hockey as they prepare for their Year 4 Hockey Carnival at Christ Church in Week 3. The Year 3 and 5 boys will be focusing on soccer skills and the application of these to game situations. All the boys in Years PP - 5 will begin their training for the much anticipated Inter-House Cross Country Carnival which will take place on Wednesday 18 May on the school grounds. We encourage all boys to begin training for this event and look forward to seeing as many parents as we can on the day supporting their sons.

Mr Scott Whiston

Head of Junior School Physical Education

Junior School Resource Centre

On the final day of Summer Term the Junior School were privileged to host indigenous author Boori (Monty) Pryor. Boori engaged the year 4 and 5 boys with his oral storytelling, demonstrating to the boys the power of exaggeration and how through storytelling you can exaggerate an everyday life event and turn it into an entertaining story. All that is required is imagination, adjectives and adverbs! He based the presentation on his novel My Girragundji.

Boori finished the presentation with a didgeridoo performance. Boori is an accomplished musician and has performed Welcome to Country for both Pope John Paul II at the Beautification of Mary McKillop and Wurundjeri Welcome to Michael Jackson in Melbourne.

More photos of the event can be found on Scotch Gallery https://gallery.plcscotch.wa.edu.au by searching Boori Pryor.

Mrs Kathryn Salt

Junior School Teacher-Librarian

3S News

What an amazing first term we've had in 3S. We began the year with a quality start where we explored the many attributes of the PYP before diving straight into our first unit of inquiry. We learnt a lot about personal identity as well as influences each generation has on the next. We noted key events that helped to shape our lives, completed fingerprint poems and investigated genes - we even extracted DNA from strawberries! We also undertook case studies of fictional characters, which we later turned into narratives. In our second unit, we examined basic human rights and made comparisons between classrooms and bedrooms from around the world. This was a very confronting experience and next term we look forward to learning about equal opportunity and writing persuasive texts based on our newly attained knowledge. Where possible, the maths topics we explored reinforced what we learnt in our units. We spent a great deal of time learning about place value, including rearranging numbers, investigating number patterns and using number lines. We also created an all about me poster that contained numbers in our lives. Some of the other maths topics we explored included time and data. This year, 3S was introduced to the STEM program where we worked together to build, create and conduct science experiments. Some of the stand out lessons included building space landers, catapults, bridges and exploding pop rockets! We were also fortunate enough to work with Miss Hooper and Mr Norman on our upcoming Mother's Day assembly. We can't say too much about this as we'd like to keep it a surprise.

Mrs Larree Springall

Year 3 Teacher

Head of Middle School

Outdoor Education becomes a focus for Year 6 and 8 boys this term with Surfing commencing this week for Year 6 and the week-long Moray adventures for Year 8 dotted over the next 8 weeks.

It is easy to see the different activities each year group is involved in each year. However what lies behind these activities is a continuum of development, in particular the development of skills, knowledge and confidence in open water settings. Rafting, surfing, sailing, canoeing, white water rafting and then the options of Margaret River surfing, Ningaloo Reef Sea Kayaking and Karijini Gorge walking in Year 10, all form a progression in the development of open water skill, safety, survival and enjoyment from Years 5 to 10. This is the major focus of our Outdoor Education Programme along with the personal and self-management development that is part and parcel of each expedition.

The Outdoor Education Programme is run by our Outdoor Ed staff however each Middle School Homeroom teacher accompanies their class on their expedition, either to Lancelin in Year 6, or to Moray in Year 7 & 8. The opportunity to see and engage with their students in these outdoor settings has proven to be invaluable and for most the highlight of their year. A reoccurring theme in feedback from staff has been the importance of a good sleeping bag and sufficient pairs of warm socks!

This week's photos are from the 2016 Youth Round Square Conference hosted at Scotch College during the last school holidays. 180 students, representing 23 schools from across Australia, Japan, China, Singapore and Malaysia attended and had a sensational time. Over the course of the week students engaged in activities that expanded and explored the concepts of Internationalism, Democracy, Environment Adventure, Leadership and Service. The Youth Round Square Conference is an annual conference to which we hope to send six Year 8 students each year. Next year's conference will be held in Victoria.

MacKellar Hall mural painted by participants at RSQ2016

RSQ2016 group photo, after the pylon swim at sunrise at Cottesloe Beach.

Our first Assembly of this term is this Friday 6 May and due to Senior School examinations will be held in the Memorial Hall from 11:30am. 7.1K will be performing an item and we hope to see you there.

Mr Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

HBF Run for a Reason

Our Community Service group is in the process of putting together a team in the 4km event in the HBF Run For a Reason on Sunday 22 May. If you or your son or anyone from your family wishes to join us our team is:

Scotch Middle School Password: middleschool

Entry is online and will cost students $15 if they are under an HBF membership. For students in Year 8 this run can contribute 1 hour toward your community service hours.

The 4km event starts at 8:45am, from the corner of Hay and William Street in the city. The finish is at Gloucester Park. Students are asked to make their own way there and back. We will pick up all participants packs on Friday 20 May and distribute them at school.

Mr Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

Creativity Is Intelligence Having Fun

For many students in the Middle School, Summer Term was an opportunity to experience a dedicated Drama class for the first time. Risk taking is encouraged, and both new and old students have steadily developed confidence in their performance abilities. The creative process is essential to our subject, and students have thrived at the opportunity to write, rehearse and perform their own work to an audience of their peers.

Many students were lucky enough to star in the Year 6/7 production of, Treasure Island. Thank you to Ms Sarah Combes for directing the outstanding production. The fast-paced and lively performance delivered each production night highlighted the confidence, creativity and energy of the cast. Students were able to develop a variety of theatrical skills, which produced believable characters and a focused stage presence. The positive energy and commitment from the boys ensured that the 2016 production of Treasure Island was a rewarding experience for all involved and a great success.

Our first musical in over 10 years, The Addams Family, will be performed in the Dickinson Centre in June. Tickets will be available through the Scotch website in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing you there!

Mrs Emma Cooper

Middle School Drama Teacher

Musical Moments in Middle School

In the Easter holidays musicians in Years 6, 7 & 8 participated in the Middle School Music tour. Members of the Scotch Youth Voices, the Scotch Rocks Band and the Middle School Chamber musicians were involved in a series of rehearsals and performances over a two day period under the baton of Ms Jennifer Sullivan. For many of the boys this was their first music tour and their first performance in a professional music setting. The boys performed some well-known folk tunes, 1960's dance hits and songs that had an important message to convey. The focus of this tour was to encourage boys to be innovative (try something new), improve their musical skills and explore their creative potential.

The initial performance of the tour was held in the Dickinson Centre for the finale of the Round Square Conference held in April. The boys performed a short set and were watched by an enthralled audience, who couldn't resist dancing in their seats to the boys' rendition of Chubby Checker's hit 'Let's Twist Again.'

The following day the boys performed at the Fairbridge Festival with special guest and festival patron Mr Andrew Winton. This festival is a critically acclaimed event and a major feature of the WA cultural calendar with many well-known national and international acts making it a part of their touring schedule. The boys were very pleased to share the stage with Andrew, who has had a long association with the Scotch Youth Voices. After their set was over the boys had the opportunity to explore the festival and experience the diverse range of sounds and sights that the festival has to offer.

Ms Jennifer Sullivan

Middle School Music Teacher

Excellence Awards

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Declan Cook (7.6T) and Joseph Crowley (7.8H) who represented Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club at the State Surf Life Saving Championships. They received a Gold medal in the Surf Team Race, with Declan achieving the Silver medal in the Individual Team Race and Joseph winning a Gold medal in both the 1km Beach Race and Beach Relay. Joseph was also elected as next year's Club Captain by his peers.

Congratulations to the following boys who represented North Cottesloe SLC at the State Surf Lifesaving Championships:

2^nd place Beach Relay Jaxon Hayden, Zaide Moxham, Ben Clarke, Sam Wake

1^st place 1km beach run Jaxon Hayden

1^st place Beach Sprint Zaide Moxham

3^rd place Beach Sprint Jaxon Hayden

2^nd place All Age Relay Zaide Moxham & Xavier Dry

2^nd place March Past Jaxon Hayden, Zaide Moxham, Ben Clarke, Sam Wake, Xavier Dry

Jaxon Hayden and Zaide Moxham also shared the North Cottesloe SLSC U13 Champion as well as the overall Junior Club Champion.

Congratulations to Tony Ghiselli (7.6T) who became the WA State U12 800m champion in March.

Congratulations to Declan Cook (7.6T) who was awarded the U13 School Aged Swimming Champion medal.

Congratulations to Bailey Wright (8.8M) who was awarded the U14 School Aged Swimming Champion medal.

Congratulations to Campbell McAullay (8.5A) who competed at the recent National Water Polo Championships on the Gold Coast. Campbell's team representing City Beach Water Polo Club won the Under 14 National Club's Title.

Important Dates in Middle School Autumn Term

From the Head of Senior School

A feature of the first week back at school has been the stories and experiences boys have shared from their holiday break. Some of these experiences included a languages tour to Indonesia, a Rugby and Football to Melbourne and Hockey tour to New Zealand. There were also a large number of boys involved in the Round Square conference hosted by Scotch College over the first week of the holiday break. The Pipe Band marched in the city's ANZAC Parade and drew high praise from onlookers and Lewis Orr (Year 9, Ferguson) gave an inspiring speech at Camp Gallipoli.

The holiday period also saw Scotch College retain the state sailing title when our 'Maroon' team won the best of five final, three nil against Christ Church Grammar School. From the 29 teams competing in this year's State Championship, the three Scotch teams placed first, third and thirteenth - An outstanding achievement across the full squad. The Maroon team has now qualified for the National Sailing Championship to be held in Adelaide in July this year. All tours planned for next year have been included in this newsletter to assist families considering tour opportunities for 2017.

With the commencement of Autumn Term our Year 12s start their last semester of classes at Scotch College. Year 11 commence their first full two week exam period and Year 10 begin the process of selecting courses and subjects for their last two years. Year 9 boys, although only one term into the Senior School, are two terms away from starting Year 10. The year will continue to pass quickly and I urge all boys and their families to seize every opportunity.

At last week's assembly I shared a quote by Mark Twain - "I have been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened". I shared this quote to highlight to the boys that we can worry about things that are yet to, and may not, happen. With the upcoming Year 11 and 12 examinations, the boys will have nothing to worry about if they have done the work in preparing for the exams and get a good night's sleep before each exam.

The remaining Senior School Assemblies for Autumn Term will be held in Weeks 4, 5, 9 and 10 due to Year 11 and 12 examinations (Weeks 2 and 3), mid-term break in Week 6 and the Senior School Musical production (Weeks 7 and 8).

The commencement of a new term is an ideal time for boys to reflect on the past term, set new goals, both in and out of the classroom, and start with renewed determination. I wish all boys well for the term ahead and look forward to watching the boys continue to develop, achieve and be rewarded for their efforts.

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School

Boys' Achievements

Joshua Quartermaine (Year 10, Alexander) finished fourth overall in his age group at the Australian Wakeboarding Nationals 2016.

Sports Captains

French Exchange Opportunities

Scotch College has a new relationship with the European and International School in Angers, France, who have sent us two student applications for a Year 11/12 French exchange in December 2016. Please contact Mr Rugg if interested. The school's website is http://www.sainteagnes49.fr.

Mr Jonathan Rugg

Curriculum Leader Modern Languages

Year 10 Parent Information Evenings

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

Careers Information

Careers Expos

The first Careers Expo for 2016 will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on 12-15 May from 10.00am - 4.00pm each day. For more information www.careers-expo.com.au.

The annual Scotch College Combined Schools Careers Expo will be held in the Dickinson Centre on Wednesday 15 June 2016 from 5.00 -7.00pm. Students in Year 10, 11 and 12 are invited to attend this Expo that will have representatives from all Western Australian universities and TAFEs Colleges, Eastern States universities and many other private providers.

Gap Year Information

Lattitude Global Volunteering will be conducting an information evening at Scotch College in the BRC on Thursday 12 May, 2016 from 6.30-7.30pm. Students who are considering a Gap Year in 2017/18 and parents are invited to attend this informative evening to discover more about gap year opportunities.

University Information

UWA Medicine & Dentistry

• School Leaver Pathway to the MD Information Evening will be held on Wednesday 11 May 2016 at 6:30pm in the Social Sciences Lecture Theatre, UWA
• Graduate Pathway to the MD Information Evening will be held on Wednesday 25 May 2016 at 6:00pm in the Social Sciences Lecture Theatre, UWA.

UWA Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Information Evenings

Upcoming UWA 'Information Evenings' will provide high school students with course and prerequisite advice, information on career paths and guidance on the different areas of study within Engineering, Computing and Mathematics.

There will be students on-hand to answer any questions about university life or being a member of one of the faculties exciting student clubs.

Attendees will be given a folder of course information and a special gift!

Engineering Information Evenings

• Monday 16 May, Time: 6.30pm-7.30pm, Venue: Engineering Lecture Theatre 2
• Tuesday 28 June, Time: 6.30pm-7.30pm, Venue: Engineering Lecture Theatre 1
• Thursday 28 July, Time: 6.30pm-7.30pm, Venue: Engineering Lecture Theatre 1

To book into a session please see our webpage: http://www.ecm.uwa.edu.au/community/engineering-info-evenings

Computing Information Evenings

Tuesday 31 May, Time: 6.30pm-7.30pm, Venue: Engineering Lecture Theatre 2

To book into a session please see our webpage: http://www.ecm.uwa.edu.au/community/computing-information-evenings

Mathematics Information Evenings:

Thursday 2 June, Time: 6.30pm-7.30pm, Venue: Engineering Lecture Theatre 1

To book into a session please see our webpage: http://www.ecm.uwa.edu.au/community/mathematics-information-evenings

Curtin University: Pharmacy Information Evening

Tuesday 3 May, 6.00pm - 8.00pm at Curtin University

At this information evening prospective students can gain a unique insight into Curtin's accredited courses and the many rewarding career paths they can lead to. Register now: http://news.curtin.edu.au/events/pharmacy-information-evening/

Curtin University Engineering Information Evening

Thursday 5 May 2016 6.00pm to 7.30pm

Engineering Pavilion - Building 215

Curtin University

Kent Street, Bentley, WA

This evening will showcase the modern, innovative facilities at the Bentley campus to give you a taste of what you will experience when you choose to study engineering at Curtin! The tours provide you with an overview of Curtin's engineering program, information on their award-winning engineering foundation year, the engineering majors offered, scholarship opportunities and more. Parents are also welcome to attend. Please note: Due to Health and Safety reasons, attendees must wear closed-in shoes to be able to participate in the tour of the facilities.

Notre Dame University

Early Offer Programme applications are now open for 2017.

The University of Notre Dame Australia's Early Offer Programme acknowledges and rewards the achievements of outstanding Year 12 students by providing an offer prior to the WACE examinations. They say this allows them to face their final examinations with reduced stress and added confidence.

Applications must be submitted by Friday 29 July 2016. Applications can be submitted by hand to the Admissions Office at 21 High Street, Fremantle, or posted to:

Admissions Office

The University of Notre Dame Australia

PO Box 1225

Fremantle WA 6959

Offers are made by the end of September. Candidates who are not successful in the Early Offer Programme will automatically be considered for the November and January offers, so do not need to submit another application form.

If applicants have any queries regarding the Early Offer Programme, please contact the Admissions Office on 08 9433 0537 or email admissions@nd.edu.au or go to http://www.nd.edu.au/nav-future-students/early-offer-program for more information.

Applications close 29 July 2016.

ECU: Year 10 Parent Information Evening and Pizza Night

Wednesday 25 May, 6.00pm at ECU Mount Lawley Campus

Year 10 students and their parents are invited to this informal information night at ECU to learn about course and career options available and what choices should be made in Years 11 and 12.

Register online: http://www.ecu.edu.au/future-students/events

Edith Cowan University

Thursday 5 May , 6.00pm at ECU Joondalup Campus

Whether you are an ATAR or Non-ATAR student, ECU offers pathway options for the courses you wish to study. We will explain what these pathway options to ECU are and outline the variety of courses we offer - all whilst you enjoy the free pizza and refreshments on us!

You can register your attendance to this event by visiting our Future Student Events page.

The building and room number will be emailed to you, along with a registration confirmation a few days before the event.

Med Entry

5 July and 6 July at University of Western Australia

Med Entry holds courses to assist students in their preparation for the UMAT Test. Students must pass UMAT in order to gain entry into a medical degree. For more information visit: http://www.medentry.edu.au/

TAFE Institute Re-organisation

From 11 April 2016, the current 11 TAFE colleges and their 70 campus locations will be managed by a new network of five colleges:

• North Metropolitan TAFE
• South Metropolitan TAFE
• Central Regional TAFE
• North Regional TAFE
• South Regional TAFE

For all future students enquires and to find out more, visit: http://tafechoices.com/

Defence Jobs Australia: Aviation Work Experience

3, 9, 16 and 23 June at RAAF Base Pearce, Bullsbrook, WA

Participants will experience what a career in Aviation is like within the Air Force. Activities may include; observing unit flying training; desk operations; air traffic control; physical training; ground defence and more. There are eight positions available, with applications closing on 27 May at 5.00pm.

Find out more by searching Work Experience jobs in WA on the following website: https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/cp/

Student Flights: Gap Year Options

Students Flights have a webpage dedicated to those interested in taking a gap year to travel. Gap Years are an opportunity to work, teach, volunteer or learn in another language.

Discover the options and deals by visiting the website: http://www.studentflights.com.au/gap-year

Mr Peter Frusher

Careers Adviser

Senior School Important Dates

Parents Association

Welcome to the start of a new Term at Scotch.

Save the dates

The Scotch Parents Association in conjunction with the Scotch Auxiliary manages a number of Parent functions throughout the year. These Year Group functions are annual events and a great opportunity to meet other parents in your boy's year group(s)

Planning is well under way for these upcoming events:

Thursday 9 June - Year 8 Parent Evening - The School Gallery

Friday 10 June - Year 12 Parent Evening - Boulevard Hotel

The parents Association also organises a mid year function for all parents across the whole school to come together to celebrate making it to half way ..!! This is held on the last day of Term 2.

Thursday 30 June - PA Mid Year Evening - The School Gallery

Regards

Ian Knobel

President, Parents Association

Pipe Band Parents Support Group

Well done to our full Pipe Band on representing us so professionally, yet again, at the ANZAC march. Smiles and pride shone through the rain!

Scottish Banquet

Please join us for what will be a fabulous evening, as we are entertained and indulged. We look forward to fun, friendship and merriment.

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

Yvette Henderson

PBPSG President

Scotch Auxiliary

Welcome back to Autumn Term!

Upcoming Events

Junior School Mothers' Day Afternoon Tea - Friday 6 May *Free event

Year 11 Dance - Saturday 21 May

For more details on these events and to book or 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 8 Parent Evening - Thursday 9 June 6.00-8.00pm *Combined function with Parents' Association

Details will follow soon.

Next Meeting:

Monday 9 May, Gooch Pavilion.

Guest Speaker - Richard Foster, Head of Sport.

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

Scotch Soccer Support Group

The Soccer Support Group welcomes all players and their families to the 2016 Scotch Soccer season. The group is looking for year group representatives from Years 7 to 12. Please contact Megan Jefferies soccer@scotch.wa.edu.au or 0424450262.

PLC Old Collegians' Art Exhibition

Tickets are now available to the Opening Night Cocktail Party on Friday 13 May, being held in the foyer of the new Senior School from 6.00pm - 9.00pm. The popular annual PLC OCA Art Exhibition showcases a variety of art styles and genres by established and emerging artists from the broader PLC community.

Tickets for opening night are available on Trybooking (https://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=192957) for the early bird price of $40 or at the door for $45.

The OCA Art Exhibition continues throughout the weekend of 14 and 15 May from 10.00am - 4.00pm with entry by gold coin donation. A café will be selling refreshments and an artist in residence will be available both days.

Any enquiries please contact exhibition coordinator Sally Martin artexhibition@plc.wa.edu.au.

WES Talks - Professor Donna Cross

Tuesday 3 May, 7.00am to 8.30am

Wesley College

WWW - What's Working Well to build the social and emotional learning of children online and offline?

Professor Donna Cross has an international profile in school health promotion intervention research and is a renowned campaigner for the well-being of children and young people. In 2012, she was WA Australian of the Year and was made an Ambassador for Children and Young People by the WA Commissioner for Children and Young People. She joined the Telethon Kids Institute following 11 years as the Founding Head of the Child Health Promotion Research Centre at Edith Cowan University. During a WES Talk breakfast lecture, Professor Donna Cross will address parents about the online behaviours of children and how they and the wider community can protect and enhance their children's digital lives, and social and emotional learning both on and off line.

Suitable for: Parents and guardians of students of all ages.

Tickets $15 including a light continental breakfast on arrival. Book tickets here.