The concept of remembrance to a community like Scotch is seminal to who we are and for what we stand. Culture and tradition do not result from osmosis; they grow out of years of sharing our stories, celebrating our successes and supporting each other in our losses.

Last Thursday we said farewell to a significant OSC. While it was a sad loss, our Chaplain Rev Lewis conducted a service which celebrated the life of Mr John Hill OSC '50. John had been our School Captain and Pipe Major in 1951, Captain of Alexander House in 1950 and President of the OSC 1978-79. More importantly he was a granddad of three Scotch boys whose own lives had been formed through listening to stories about Scotch. During his funeral service, the stories told and the memories we all shared were about the type of person John was to his family, school and friends; not about his academic or professional milestones, although he had many. The service reinforced all that is great about our College and reinforced the value of having a community for life once leaving Year 12.

Each year we celebrate Remembrance Day which is one of the very few days in the year where we gather as a whole school from Pre-Primary to Year 12. We do so because it is an integral part of sharing the lives of those in our community who paid the ultimate sacrifice, the loss of their own life so that future generations of Scotch boys and their families could experience what it means to live in freedom.

With the pace at which we work and live, our role is to ensure our boys understand that there is a reason that places such as the hallowed ground where the boys continue to play football and cricket, Memorial Oval, was created so that we never forget the staff and students who did not return from the 'Great War'. Memorial Oval was commenced as a result of the Old Boys raising a start-up fund of 948 pounds. This is a similar story to how our College commenced with a donation of 500 pounds in 1896 from Jane Alexander.

It is so easy in our busy lives to forget to stop and remember. Our College history records that in 1932 the memory of the Great War and the reason for establishing the Memorial Oval had faded from the minds of many.

For many of us the loss of life in the pursuit of freedom is sometimes hard to comprehend. 'Dum' Reilly, editor of our Reporter in 1922-23 reflected on 'towards higher ideals'. He considered the need for boys at that time to have heroes to look up to:

'Man as a whole evinces a natural inclination towards higher ideals. This is true of his whole life, but nowhere is the tendency so well marked as in youth… He is filled with noble and chivalrous ideals…with admiration for the intrepidity and courage of his special hero, and desires to emulate his efforts.'

In our College history (p 154), it is recorded that one of the outcomes of the Great War which lasted well into the 1920s for Scotch College was the development of cult worship. The heroism of young men who died in the war was held up as an example to the boys at Scotch. Leith Tucker the editor of the Colleges magazine in 1916-17 had this to say:

'We are proud of the heroic dead who will receive no decorations from an earthly potentate, but who, no doubt, will receive their reward when the last trumpet shall sound, and we shall all stand before the judgement of the throne of God.''

He went on to say:

'...we have also to prove that we will become men, in the true sense of the word, such as they are. Our struggles are only beginning: our trials are just commencing, hardships are unknown to us; but when these things come in earnest, may we be as loyal and as faithful to the old School as the Old Boys are today.'

Our coming together for Remembrance Day each year is one part of sharing our rich and vibrant history. In the words of our College motto 'May God be with us as He was with our forefathers'.

Dr A J O'Connell

Headmaster

Finishing Well

Engaging with boys across the entire P-12 years, offerings of education at Scotch is one of the joys of my role. As we head into the final weeks of the school year we have seen some excellent displays of the potential within all of the boys at Scotch College and I encourage them to maintain the momentum until the end of the year.

PYP Exhibition - preparing to move to the middle

I was fortunate last week to witness the PYP exhibition as part of the culminating experience for our Year 5 boys in the PYP. I was so very impressed by the way these young men articulated the learning that had occurred throughout Junior School. As I sat and looked at the class photos of these boys across their five year experience, I could not help but be drawn to look at the teachers standing at the side of the class. On the day of exhibition, it was the boys front and centre, as it should be, yet as I saw the teachers of these boys and the way which they took such pride in their development, it is easy to recognise that we are very fortunate with the staff we have, supporting our boys.

Whilst the exhibition is the final product of an eight week experience, it was clear when talking to the boys that much more had occurred as part of the process. Looking at boys who had researched the development of robotic arms, 3D printed, and coded without much assistance, it was hard not to be impressed.

Congratulations to the boys, the Year 5 teachers, Mr Wells and Miss Cirillo, the mentors, and the very reliable Mrs Ritchie and Mr Norman, all ably supported by Mr John Stewart; this event keeps improving year on year.

Good luck to the boys as they prepare to move from Junior School to Middle School.

End of the Year in Middle School - keep running to the finish line

Boys in Years 6, 7 and 8 are moving toward a transition of their own, be it moving from Year 6 into Year 7 or Year 7 into Year 8 or even concluding Middle School and moving into Year 9, the message remains the same. I encourage the boys to maximise the opportunities with their current teachers, who have guided them for nearly a year now. They should seek feedback on how to improve and to take this into consideration as they prepare to make the step into the next academic year.

For the parents of Year 8 students, work is well underway to consider how we can support the boys pastorally and academically as they enter into the Senior School. Over the coming weeks we will consider class allocations, academic support, enrichment as well as any further needs each individual has as they prepare to enter the Senior School.

Senior School - Finish exams and starting a new year

Spare a thought for our Year 12s over these weeks in November as they file into the Dickinson Centre for their WACE and IB Diploma Examinations. On speaking to the boys, they report that the papers seem to be fair and reasonable and they are well prepared by their teachers. As each examination passes, it will become easier to focus on what remains of those still to come. Eventually, there will be none, I encourage the boys to savour that moment when they walk out of their final examination and they reach the closure of their academic journey at Scotch College.

For the remaining boys in the Senior School all have now commenced classes in Years 10, 11 and 12 as part of the early change over of academic year. This advantage needs to be maximised by the boys and it is important that they maintain their motivation right until the close of term. Each boy will sit a number of assessments in each subject prior to Christmas. This will allow a point of reflection, to seek feedback from their teachers and even consult further with the academic support services should they be feeling overwhelmed.

Mr Peter Allen
Director of Teaching and Learning

Community and Service

Homeless Connect Day 2016

Last Tuesday, 34 IB Diploma Year 11 students assisted to set up facilities for the 2016 Homeless Connect Day. Russell Square in Northbridge became a village of marquees housing a myriad of service providers along with donated food and clothing for the taking. The Homeless Connect concept has been in Australia for over a decade and most State capitals host an event. For Perth, the Homeless Connect Day enables over 500 homeless and vulnerable people access to services most of us take for granted. Patrons can apply for birth certificates needed to open bank accounts - which in turn are needed for Centrelink payments. Health practitioners including doctors, dentists, podiatrists and massage therapists provide services free of charge, as do hairdressers, beauticians and entertainers.

The Scotch boys helped to set up booths for service providers, sort donated food into categories and arrange new and good second-hand clothing in sizes on racks. The boys worked alongside volunteers employees from the corporate sector and staff from Volunteering WA, the government body overseeing the network of service agencies and volunteer groups in Western Australia.

John Hughes Big Walk

Over last weekend, groups of senior boys volunteers to assist with the setting up and running of the John Hughes Big Walk in aid of the Perth Children's Hospital. Boys worked on Saturday to set out gates and water stations and on the Sunday during the event, manned drinks stations.

The John Hughes Big Walk has raised over $1.9 million since partnering with the PMH Foundation (renamed Perth Children's Hospital Foundation) eight years ago.

Remembrance Day

Last Friday was Remembrance Day and Scotch College once again marked the day with a service on the Chapel lawn and the sale of poppies on behalf of the Returned Services League (RSL). This year 500 poppies were sold to boys, staff and parents in the Middle and Senior schools, raising approximately $700 for the RSL.

Mr W Cordner
Director of Community and Service

Staff and Student Wellbeing

In my first column, I provided a definition of wellbeing, which requires each individual to be able to

• consciously manage emotions
• set and achieve positive goals
• feel and demonstrate compassion towards others
• establish and maintain positive relationships and
• make responsible decisions¹

There is overwhelming evidence to suggest that many young people are struggling to maintain their wellbeing. For anyone interested, there was an interesting article in Time Magazine (7 November 2016), entitled "The Kids Are Not All Right". Whilst it tends to focus on some of the very difficult aspects of mental health, it certainly provides insight into the challenges we face as a society in this regard.

In order to develop and ensure the wellbeing of our students, we must ensure that they understand that it underpins everything they do, and how well they are able to do things - the things they want to do, as well as the things they have to do. It is critical to put in place an overall strategy so that we have a 'big picture' view of what we are trying to achieve, but we must also work on the little, day-to-day things which can be so important to how a person feels about themselves and about being in a particular place. Finally, we must we have a balance between preventative or protective programmes and curative or restorative actions.

Our efforts will, therefore, be multi-dimensional and involve a combination of the following:

• Streamlining our Wellbeing programmes

- To ensure that there is continuity and a building of skills as each student moves through the school

- To equip our students with the skills to allow them to flourish despite setbacks and to allow them to look out for others

- To expand the vocabulary of wellbeing and apply it more widely

• Integrating wellbeing techniques into the classroom

- To improve students' ability to process information and to enhance classroom performance

• Developing more substantial links between Junior, Middle and Senior Schools

- To increase the sense of connection between students, and between students and their school

- To better manage transition points

• Constructing a calendar of wellbeing-related activities

- To reinforce wellbeing outside of the classroom

- To encourage greater connection between people and a deeper connection to the natural world

• Conducting a regular review of the literature and research available regarding wellbeing

- To maintain and improve our programmes

- To tailor what we do to better suit our students

• Exploring ways to improve the look and feel of our campus

- To increase positive sensory engagement in and around the school

- To allow for greater connection to the natural environment

A key pathway to achieving improved wellbeing will be working towards the implementation of the recommendations of the Pastoral Care Review and Echo Research, both of which I mentioned in my last article. A final element in developing wellbeing in our students is for us to work to enhance the wellbeing of our staff. We hope to show staff the benefits of wellbeing and provide them with the skills so that they are better able to ensure their own wellbeing, as well as being role-models and instructors for our students.

[1] Adapted by Donna Cross from CASEL, http://www.casel.org/

Director of Student and Staff Wellbeing
Mr James Hindle

Music Department

A highlight of the past fortnight was the Junior and Middle School End of Year Concert, held in Memorial Hall. It was wonderful to see so many boys on stage performing and well done to all parents for joining in with the final item.

Last Thursday, our Year 8 Music students enjoyed a half-day workshop with Junkadelic, a Perth-based band who perform New Orleans style funk and soul music playing a mixture of traditional brass and electric instruments, with most of the percussion made from "junk". The boys had a wonderful time learning new rhythms and songs whilst playing old drums, containers and tins. The session culminated with the recording of two songs the boys learned on the day. We hope to have these available for all to see and hear in coming weeks.

Congratulations to two music students who have received excellent results recently:

Patrick Carter (Year 12 leaver, Stuart) successfully auditioned for a place at WAAPA to study Classical Voice. Many members of the Scotch community would know Patrick as Uncle Fester from the College's production, The Addams Family

Ethan Lamb (Year 8, Roberts) received a High Distinction for his 3^rd grade AMEB trumpet examination.

In the previous edition of The Thistle, I recognised the outgoing members of the Friends of Scotch Music (FOSM). I would like to acknowledge the new members of the committee:

President - Louise Broun

Vice President - Maria Radici

Treasurer - Fiona Smith-Gander

Secretary - Ali Carlton

Senior School Representative - Kerry Trayler

Middle School Representative - Maria Radici

Friends of Scotch Music offers much needed support to all Music Department events in the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools, so it would be great to see more parents becoming involved with this group.

A reminder to all parents who are currently involved in Instrumental Music tuition, as well as new parents to the College, that enrolments for next year are due Friday 18 November. Any current Scotch families who would like to participate in the Music programme are encouraged to enrol your son via the Music Department website.

Important Dates for Spring Term

Week 6, Tuesday 15 November, Violin Soiree, 4.00pm and 5.30pm MacKellar Hall

Week 6, Wednesday 16 November, Scotch Philharmonic performing at Braemar Lodge Retirement Home.

Week 6, Friday 18 November, Junior School Keyboard Soiree, 5.00pm MacKellar Hall

Week 7, Tuesday 22 November, Violin Soiree, MacKellar Hall

Week 9, Thursday 8 December, Junior School Presentation Day, Dickinson Centre

Groups performing: Junior Strings, guitars, choir.

Week 9, Thursday 8 December, Middle School Speech Night, Dickinson Centre

Groups performing: Scotch Youth Voices, Middle School Concert Band plus selected strings and guitars, Pipes and drums.

Week 9, Friday 9 December, Senior School Speech Night, Dickinson Centre

Groups performing: Scotch/PLC Combined Vocal Ensemble, Senior Concert Band, Senior Strings, Pipes and Drums

Contact Details

The Instrumental Programme is administered by the Senior School Music Department and all queries should be directed to the Music Administrators, Julia Robinson (Monday to Wednesdays) and Donna Ranauro (Thursday and Fridays) via phone 9383 6841 or email music@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Alternately, please contact Mr Chris McMillan, Head of Performing Arts, via email Chris.McMillan@scotch.wa.edu.au or phone 9383 6842.

If you wish to become more involved in supporting the Music Department, please contact FOSM@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Mr Chris McMillan
Head of Performing Arts

Uniform Shop

Holiday Opening Times

The Uniform Shop opening hours for the general school community during the holidays are as follows:

Summer Holiday Opening Hours (9.00am - 12.00pm and 1.00pm - 4.00pm)

• Tuesday 24 January
• Wednesday 25 January
• Friday 27 January
• Saturday 28 January
• Monday 30 January

Normal trading hours resume on Tuesday 31 January 2017:

• Tuesdays 8.00am - 5.00pm
• Thursdays 7.30 am - 11.30 am
• Fridays 7.30 am - 11.30 am

Secondhand Exchange

The Uniform Shop accepts all current items of uniform for resale. All items should be clean. Blazers must be dry cleaned and in good condition. The old-style blazer will be donated to charity. A frayed cuff, worn elbows, very old crests, rips and tears on blazers make them unacceptable for resale. Items will be purchased from you outright as long as they are in good condition and the shop is not overstocked. Bathers, hats, socks and restricted sportswear are not accepted for resale, but will be donated to charity if handed in.

Year 12 Blazers

Year 12 blazers are available for sale. Because of the unknown nature of the overall size of Year 12 boys and to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you come in for sizing as soon as possible.

Head of Junior School

New beginnings

Over the past two weeks the Junior School has welcomed new families and boys into the Scotch College community. Our orientation days allowed staff to share their passion for education with a new group of parents and a chance for our boys to welcome new friends into their classrooms.

Days like these afford us the opportunity to reflect on what we do and why we do it. We were able to share the benefits to our boys of our various programmes. The importance of creativity to a boy's future success; how learning a language assists to expand a child's knowledge, creates links and assists in other academic areas. We were able to communicate the range of physical activities the boys engage in and how this assists them in all aspects of their learning. We talked about how we support all boys to do the very best they can and assist them to develop as individuals academically, socially and physically.

As each member of staff spoke I was struck by their professionalism and commitment to the area and to each boy they teach. They spoke passionately about how they want to provide opportunity for the boys and to assist each to succeed. The message was simple and consistent; we do the very best we can to provide outstanding opportunities for each boy.

As the morning came to an end and I waited in the playground to farewell the boys as they left, I was met with boy after boy who made a friend and could not wait to begin with us next year. This is another testament to the welcoming group of old boys we have here and their willingness to take new students into the fold. I was also met with many parents who were overjoyed at knowing they had made the right choice in choosing Scotch College for their son.

On reflection, I always come away feeling proud of my staff and our boys. The teachers exude their wonderful skills and passion for their craft and impart it so beautifully to the boys and parents. The boys share their joy at going to school here through the way they behave, their commitment to their learning, their attitude towards new boys and their gratitude for what they get each day at school.

Cyber Safety

Do you know who your children are talking to online? Is your child developing an addiction to gaming or devices? Have you taught your child to be safe online?

The internet is a gateway to the world that provides many wonderful experiences and opportunities. It brings distant family into your home, provides information and entertainment at the click of a button and allows us to share with others easily. It also has its dangers.

Many games and gaming sites allow for shared play and an online chat function where players can communicate to others they do not know. These sites can attract the attention of predators. As parents we cannot be everywhere and while we may have very clear expectations and routines at home, our children may not be with us when they are online or gaming.

On Tuesday 19 October the Junior School hosted two workshops for parents presented by Jordan Foster from ySafe. The talks explained the top social media sites for young people and what they are about.

Popular Social Media Apps in 2016

1. Instagram
2. Snapchat
3. Facebook
4. WhatsApp
5. YouTube
6. Musical.ly
7. Facebook Messenger
8. Vine
9. Twitter
10. Pinterest
11. Kik Messenger
12. Tumblr

While sharing some of the danger our children face Jordan also provided a number of effective strategies that we can use to keep them safe. Some of the staple cyber safety rules that can be implemented in your home are:

• Always keep all your social media profiles on private
• Never talk to strangers and accept friend requests/follow requests from people you have never met before
• Turn off location services on all apps that don't require them to be turned on.
• Never post a photo or video of yourself in a school uniform
• Never send inappropriate photos of yourself or of other people (even if it's just a joke)
• Treat other people online with respect and care
• Tell a parent if anyone ever bullies you, or says something to you that is not ok to say.

Her key message was how do you know who you are speaking to online if you cant see and hear them?

Jordan recommend the use of Family Zone as a parental control tool. Family Zone can be used on all laptops and mobile devices and is controlled by the parent. Visit familyzone.com/ysafe for more information.

Jordan spoke to each year level and shared the online safety message in an age appropriate manner. We will be inviting Jordan back to the Junior School in 2017 to present to parents. I hope those who missed her first talk can join us then.

Mr John Stewart
Head of Junior School

Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition 2016

The Year 5 PYP Exhibition is one of the most important days in our school calendar as demonstrated in the key points below:

• Synthesizing all of the essential elements of PYP and sharing with the school community.
• Offering an opportunity to exhibit the attributes of learner profile.
• Promoting responsibility through a collaborative, transdisciplinary and self-driven inquiry-based process.
• Encouraging students to explore multiple perspectives. 

• Promoting reflection of their journey through the PYP.
• Celebrating the transition from Primary to a Middle School education. 


The Exhibition process is a shared journey involving many participants and volunteers. Thank you to everyone who helped out along the way, particularly the mentors and parents who were invaluable for the success of the process.

A special thank you must also go to our two Year 5 teachers, Miss Cirillo and Mr Wells. Your energy, patience, organisation and positivity made the journey exciting, challenging and most of all rewarding for the boys.

To the students of Year 5 2016 well done. You were given a lot of responsibility and freedom and you can feel rest assured that you did yourselves, parents and the College proud.

Mr Warwick Norman
Junior School Dean of Teaching & Learning

Art News

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, written and illustrated by Eric Carle was a wonderful source of inspiration for the Pre-Primary artists. After reading the story and many other colourful illustrated tales by Eric Carle, the boys had the opportunity to create their own collage caterpillars. Working in the lively style of Carle, they each created their own painted papers to use within their collaged artworks.

Inspired by the famous storybook, we are currently writing and creating our own charming tale entitled 'The Very Clumsy Chicken'. Each boy added a line to the collaborative chicken story. The boys will illustrate their page by using the familiar collage style of Eric Carle. The final images will be created into a storybook, one for each boy to treasure as a special memento of their Pre-Primary creative journey.

Ms Jane Roche
Junior Art Specialist

Performing Arts News

Wow, we are more than half way through Spring Term and as expected, it has certainly been an exciting and crazy time in Performing Arts. Our Pre-Primary boys have been preparing a special song to sing at the official opening of the ELC on Thursday 17 November; Year 1 have been exploring form and structure in music through a variety of activities including singing, movement, playing and experimenting with graphic notation; Year 2 have been diligently rehearsing for a Nativity of a different kind, which they will perform at the final Junior School assembly on Friday 2 December; Year 3 have been experimenting with language and sound effects that can be made with their mouths (and what interesting sounds they have come up with) to create their own songs; Year 4 have proven that they truly are hip-hop superstars as they prepare a dance that will surprise and delight their audience; and Year 5 have been rehearsing like mad, including giving up their lunch breaks, to ensure that the performance of their musical, Dream On, on Thursday 1 December will be an absolute hit they'll be proud of.

Miss Phebe Samson
Performing Arts Teacher

Friendly Schools Plus

Below I have listed ySafe recommended top tips for ensuring your children stay safe whilst being online.

Top Tips to stick on the fridge:

I will never…

1. 
Share personal details


2. Meet 'online friends'


3. Delete history


4. Be involved in bullying/meanness

5. Search for adult content


6. Do anything illegal

I will...


1. Ask permission to spend money


2. Ask permission to download


3. Walk away if hurt or angry


4. Inform my parents if I'm uncomfortable

5. Stick to my online access routine

Mr Warwick Norman
Friendly Schools and Families Coordinator

Physical Education News

The students have been thoroughly enjoying their swimming lessons this term as the weather heats up and we look forward to a summer by the water. The Year 4 boys competed with sportsmanship and determination at the WA Basketball Centre in their carnival against Hale and Christ Church. This was their final carnival of the year and the boys now look forward to a year of JPSSA Sport in 2017. The Year 3 and 5 boys are improving their European Handball skills whilst the junior boys in Year 1 and 2 are immersed in swimming in preparation for the Aqua Fun Day on Wednesday 30 November. The Inter-house Gaelic Football competition is in full swing. There are 5 games left in the league table with all houses still in with a chance of making the semi finals.

Mr Scott Whiston
Head of Junior School Physical Education

Junior School Resource Centre

It is hard to believe that Christmas is nearly upon us. I thought I would share some good online bookstores in case you are thinking of ordering some special books to fill Christmas stockings. I like supporting 'bricks and mortars' bookshops and we are lucky enough to have some great ones locally; The Lane Claremont, Millpoint Caffe Bookshop South Perth and Dymocks in both Claremont and Subiaco, but online shopping can also be very handy.

Here are a few of my favourites:

Pegi Williams
A children's book specialist based in South Australia.

The Kids Bookshop
A beautiful Australian online store that recommends books based on age and gender.

Leo and Bella
This is not a bookstore, but in the 'kids interior' section of the site, it has a few pages of the most divine books. Some of my absolutely treasured books have been found here.

Growing Footprints
Again, this is not a bookstore, but if you can make it past some of the most delightful wooden toys and home wares, you will find a section with books that are just gorgeous and perfectly chosen.

Booktopia
This is a large online shop with $6.95 shipping.

Book Depository
This is UK based, but has most books and free shipping.

Happy Shopping.

Mrs Kathryn Salt
Junior School Teacher-Librarian

Important Dates to Remember

Pre-Primary News

This year the Pre-Primary boys have had some wonderful experiences at Bush School. Situated at Lake Claremont, the boys have their very own area to explore and discover all the natural wonders Lake Claremont has to offer.

At the beginning of the year, the boys began their Bush School journey around the perimeter of the College's oval. From these sojourns, they then ventured out further to discover the changing scape of the lake. As autumn and winter set in, the lake burst to life with the water bringing an abundance of birdlife and new foliage. Spring has brought immeasurable riches such as woodworms tucked under the tufts of the paper bark trees, exo-skeltons from insects long departed and glistening webs which we emulated with string between trees. The engagement and pure joy the boys experience when they are out in nature is almost indescribable. When the boys are out at Bush School they negotiate, share and dialogue using the wonderfully rich language.

We look forward to Bush School next week and always wonder what wonderful things nature will gift us with on our next adventure.

Mrs Sue Phillips
Pre-Primary Teacher

Year 2F News

Life has been very busy in 2F this semester. We have enjoyed sharing interesting presentations in our inquiry about significant people. We have had the opportunity to inquire into people in history that interest us and who have made a difference to individuals and communities. Mrs Fowles loves the new open space in the classroom as now we have the Apple TV to use for our inquiry presentations.

A highlight this year, has been the "hands on" activities that we have explored in Maths to consolidate each topic. Who knew Maths could be such great fun. Activities this term have encompassed using balance scales in Mass and consolidating Place Value concepts using ping pong balls and scoop nets. The boys have especially enjoyed playing "Scoot" because they get to self assess by using their QR reader.

We have begun our final UOI for the year, "How We Express Ourselves" and are looking forward to making connections with how different cultures celebrate various traditions. Our unit will culminate with the presentation of the 2016 Year 2 Nativity in Week 8.

We are excited to visit Miss Samson each week to work on our final Assembly item. Parts have been cast and the boys are busy learning their lines. Mrs Fowles was most impressed to hear that Hamish and Cohen spent the first day in the library with their scripts. That just shows how eager the boys are. Hamish mentioned that Dad also has the script on his phone so he can practise anytime.

We don't want to let the cat out of the bag but be prepared ... this year's Nativity isn't a traditional one. You have been forewarned, there will be some characters around Junior School and it won't be the usual variety. Now that we've piqued your interest, be sure to get in the Christmas spirit and come along to the MacKellar Hall on Friday 2 December at 2:15 pm to see a Nativity with a twist.

Mrs Tara Fowles

Year 2 Teacher

Year 5C and 5W News

PYP Exhibition 2016

The Year 5 boys this year were given the challenge of developing their own central idea for the PYP Exhibition. We decided that the transdisciplinary theme would be Who We Are and from there we explored the related concepts and possible lines of inquiry. The boys wrote central ideas in groups and eventually voted on 'beliefs, values, culture, health and the environment have an impact on who we are as individuals.'

This broad central idea gave us unlimited options for inquiry. The immersion stage of the inquiry cycle included guest speakers who presented a variety of topics from Greek and Samoan culture to football to food and nutrition. The boys investigated the sugar content in common foods, explored prejudice and discrimination and looked at mental health. One of the most exciting provocations was developing a Scotch College version of the Book of Awesome (inspired by Neil Pasricha), which is a lovely keepsake of the 5C and 5W 'awesome' daily anecdotes.

The boys were then invited to participate in a range of workshops designed to enthuse their final presentations: public speaking, Photoshop, iMovie, creative writing, cartooning, graffiti art, coding and many more. This was a new initiative and well received by the boys.

Once inspired, the boys delved into their questioning and research. The boys used Google docs to manage their work, allowing them to interact with each another in a digital forum. The range of burning questions was impressive, from drones to superstitions to medical assistive technology to deforestation, to mention a small sample. The boys were encouraged to research using a range of sources and it was wonderful to see interviews and surveys taking place to enhance the quality of information gathered.

The final part of research required the boys to analyse the information and draw conclusions. Each group or individual needed to find a way to present the information, ready for the displays in the library gallery. The styles of display ranged from posters to Lego models to Minecraft simulated environments and even a 3D printed bionic arm. We are extremely proud of the boys for their hard work over the 8-week unit of work. Their dedication and commitment to learning resulted in a wonderful exhibition of work and a fantastic finale to the end of the PYP journey. A great sign of a learning experience is to consider the action part of the inquiry cycle. By discussing with the boys the impact on themselves as individuals, it was evident that every boy will be left with a lasting lesson from what they learned through the PYP Exhibition 2016.

Some of the 'action' that students have decided to take include:

• considering where to shop for clothes
• giving up ice-cream for a period of time
• looking at healthy eating to enhance athletic performance
• trying the driverless bus
• raising awareness of Jeans for Genes day
• collecting old mobile phones
• informing people about sustainable tuna sources

The Year 5 teachers would like to thank everyone who was involved in helping to make the experience so memorable for our boys: the staff mentors, workshop presenters, guest speakers and all of the behind-the-scenes helpers.

Congratulations Year 5 2016.

Mr Andrew Wells and Miss Renane Cirillo
Year 5 Teachers

French News

Bonjour everyone

The Year 4 boys began their marine pollution unit this week and to start it off, we went on a beach clean up excursion to Floreat Beach. The clean up was in affiliation with the Tangaroa Blue Marine Debris Initiative, which is compiling a database on marine debris all around Australia. If you wait a few weeks until our beach waste information is added to the database, I'm sure you'll find that Scotch College will soon be listed in their "Schools" section. We are also talking to a French school in Reunion Island about sending information from their own clean up on the other side of the Indian Ocean, for us to pass on to Tangaroa Blue when they do theirs in January. The boys will be learning a collection of marine creatures that are affected by marine debris, such as les dauphins, les baleines et les requins. They will also look at what elements of waste cause the most distress to our marine creatures. The boys were wonderfully involved and so thorough in cleaning up items that had washed ashore, from plastic lids and ropes to old carpet and plastic bags. How fantastique that we have now removed those items from our ocean.

Au revoir

Madame Vinton
French Specialist

Excellence Awards

Congratulations to these boys for receiving an Excellence Award in Week 6.

Head of Middle School

MacKellar Hall was turned into a recording studio last week when Junkadelic returned for another brilliant hands on massed percussion session and followed this with a jazz work shop. Eighty boys from Year 7 and 8 using a range of hand-made recycled instruments produced and recorded an original funky jazz number. This will be up on the Scotch Facebook page soon.

This month we wrap up our charity fund raising for the year and present a cheque to PMH Foundation as a result of a range of group and individual efforts such as Max Avon-Smith's Dodgeball competition run at school last term to raise awareness and funds for PMH. This coming Wednesday 16 November is FREE DRESS Day for Year 6 - 12 students.

Next week we will also be installing our Christmas tree in the Middle School foyer and under it we hope to gather donations of food and gifts for the UnitingCare West Christmas Appeal. Donations of dry non-perishable goods can be delivered into each classroom which are then collated into hampers by our Community Service Club and Reverend Wright.

Our two major events in the next three weeks are our Book Awards Assembly on Friday, December 2 and Speech Night on Thursday, December 8. The Book Awards Assembly is when we recognise students for their endeavours in each subject area over the course of the year. The awards are not a Dux, or the highest result achieved by a student but more so students whose approach to the subject reflects the International Baccalaureate's Learner Profile and Learner Attitude. All boys in every class have an equal opportunity of being recognised with these awards. Typically a citation for these awards will read: for his enthusiastic approach to learning, thoughtful and reflective contribution, attention to detail and willingness to collaborate in … We will contact families of recipients in the week prior to the Awards Assembly.

Last week the Residential students in Year 8 completed another 100km section of the Bibulmun Track down to Dwellingup. Our Year 7 boys head out next week on their first leg of their 1003 km journey that will see them finishing in Albany in five years' time as Year 12s. I had the opportunity of joining a group of Year 10 boys for a section of the track two weeks ago and was reminded just how magnificent our bush is with the huge Karri trees and beautiful rapids of the Blackwood River as standouts. The beauty of the bush complemented by the absence of a phone or computer to distract me was revitalising.

Mr Richard Ledger
Head of Middle School

Middle Years Programme - Semester 2 Reports

As the year draws to an end the Middle School teachers are busy finalising the Semester 2 reports. These will be sent home at the end of the last week of school and will be made available on Connect to parents and boys on 12 December 2016. If you have changed your address recently please ensure you advise us of your new details so the report is posted to the correct location.

When reading the Semester 2 report with your son, through the levels, grades, ATLs and comments, ask him to reflect on the educational goals he set for himself at the beginning of Winter Term. Hopefully his hard work will have made a positive difference to his results.

The grades will indicate what your son has shown that he is capable of in each of his subjects. While the assessment task results heavily influence the levels, teachers also take into consideration classwork, homework and classroom discussion when making their final on-balanced decision on final levels, and therefore, grades.

The Grade Descriptors will give you an indication of the work your son has produced this semester.

Ms Anna Eriksson
Dean of Teaching & Learning Middle School

8M Middle School Journey Coming To An End

With only four weeks remaining until they complete their Middle School journey, the boys from 8M sat down to reflect on what their time in the Middle School has meant to them.

An initial class brainstorm revealed that our boys are proud of the inroads that they have made in regards to the IB learner profiles. Students have enjoyed becoming inquirers, learning through tasks in which they were able to research and show independence in learning. They have thrived in unfamiliar situations where risk-taking had taught them to learn from their mistakes. They now understand the importance of a balanced lifestyle for intellectual, physical and emotional well-being and they can see themselves becoming strong thinkers and communicators.

The final part of the boy's reflection was to produce a personal quote that gave an insight into their time in the Middle School. The following is a sample of their quotes:

"Through all the hard work and experiences in the Middle School you will develop knowledge about you as a person. This is the most important achievement that you will take from this journey." - Julian Kyriakou

"To succeed in the Middle School you need team work, commitment, respect and hard work." - Adam Barwood

"Everyone makes mistakes in the Middle School but it is the ones who correct themselves that truly succeed." - Charles Carew-Reid

"Life in the Middle School is not a straight line to a destination. It is more like a rollercoaster with challenges and tribulations that need to be experienced. This is what preparing boys for life is all about." - Toby Dew

"Over the years in Middle School you learn so much you never thought was possible." - Oliver Stipanicev

Mr Darren Mumford
8M Homeroom Teacher

Excellence Awards

Headmaster's Commendations

Student Achievements

2016 International Competitions and Assesments for Schools

William Steinberg Medals for the highest score in Year 8 English & Science

Xavier Dry Medal for the highest score in Year 7 Spelling

Oliver Barrett Medal for the highest score in Year 7 Spelling

Congratulations to Jack Kapinkoff (7.7G) and Richard Walton (7.7G) who have been selected to represent Western Australia in the 12s Interstate Cricket competition to be held in Canberra in January.

Congratulations to Aydin Hutchison (8.3O) who was awarded the Australian Scout Medallion on the weekend.

Important Dates in Middle School Spring Term

Don't leave the development of character to chance

The beginning of the new academic year brings with it an opportunity to reflect on the year passed and set goals for the year ahead. While many of the boys in Year 11 and 12 spent time discussing and planning goals for the year ahead as part of the conferences held in the first week of term, many of these goals were related to improved academic achievement or the co-curricular and sporting programme. For example, to turn a C in one subject into a B, receive an Academic Excellence certificate, achieve a certain ATAR, Diploma score or a certificate qualification. Similarly, boys may have set goals in the co-curricular area. To be selected in a Firsts team, play in the Big Band or perform in a drama production for the first time. Goals are important in setting the direction for the year ahead but too often are limited to what we want to do, not who we want to be.

It is the enduring virtues related to character that many of us hold higher than those career related virtues of skills, knowledge and external achievements and yet many of us have a clearer understanding on how to achieve career success than we do on how to develop character.

Character is not formed by simply following rules or following your heart, it takes a concerted, repeated effort for actions to become habits. With this in mind, the boys are encouraged to set goals that include the type of person they would like to be. Examples of character virtues may include:

Show gratitude for the things and people around you. Be alert to the positive experiences and opportunities in your life and thankful to the people around you.

Be kind. Helping others, asking if someone is okay or giving your time to assist someone else is a simple yet powerful thing to do in improving the lives of others.

Be other people centred. We live a society that promotes a self-centred approach to life, where facebook, twitter and conversations are dominated with the word "I". Listen more and talk less, especially about yourself. Below is an extract from a book, 'The Road to Character' by David Brooks that highlights how values have changed.

Of the 23 men and women who served in Dwight Eisenhower's cabinet, only one, the secretary of agriculture, published a memoir afterward, and it was so discreet as to be soporific. By the time the Reagan administration rolled around, twelve of his thirty cabinet members published memoirs, almost all of them self-advertising.

When the elder George Bush, who was raised in this era, was running for president, he, having inculcated the values of that era, resisted speaking about himself. If a speechwriter put the word "I" in one of his speeches, he'd instinctively cross it out. The staff would beg him: You're running for president. You've got to talk about yourself. Eventually they'd cow him into doing so. But the next day he'd get a call from his mother. "George, you're talking about yourself again, " she'd say. And Bush would revert to form. No more I's in the speeches. No more self-promotion.

Boys are urged to think about the type of person they want to be and commit to these behaviours daily. Don't leave the development of character to chance.

Dr Rob McEwan Head of Senior School

Senior School Important Dates

End of Year Information

A final Senior School marching and assembly will be held at 8.35am on Friday 9 December.

Senior School will finish for the term at 1.00pm on Friday 9 December. Boys must clear their lockers by this time.

Senior School Speech Night will be held on Friday 9 December in the Dickinson Centre, followed by Lights Out on the lawn in front of Collegians House. Please be seated by 6.15pm in preparation for a 6.30pm start. Parking will be available on the Chapel oval with access via the roundabout near the swimming pool and on the streets surrounding the College. Please note parking restrictions on the west-side of Australind Street, Central Avenue and other streets surrounding the College.

Uniform requirements:

Winter uniform for prize winners

Winter uniform for leaving Year 12 boys

Summer uniform for all other boys

Please note that only the graduating Year 12 boys wear their striped blazer. All other boys wear the maroon blazer.

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

Senior School will resume for all boys in Years 9 to 12 on Tuesday 31 January with Week 1A.

Boys' Achievements

Lewis Orr(Year 10, Ferguson) has taken out first prize in the Middle School category and also won the Overall Winner of the entire Roland Leach Poetry Awards competition for his poem "The Woodman's Son". This is an extraordinary double win. "The Woodman's Son" can be found in this term's edition of The Raven.

Lewis Weeda(Year 12, Shearer) has been asked to have his poem "Necrose" published in this year's edition of Primo Lux, a Western Australian Schools' poetry collection. He will be asked to read his poem aloud later this month at the launch of the collection in Fremantle. Lewis' poem can be found in the winter edition of The Raven.

Congratulations to Benjamin Marshall (Year 10, Ross) who, along with Thomas Gooch (Year 12 leaver, Keys), was also a winner of the West Australian Gen Z Writing Competition. Both boys spent a day at The West as editors preparing the Monday 24 October edition of the West Australian Newspaper. Their own writing was also published in the paper on this day. Congratulations on this fine achievement.

Dr Jeanette Weeda
English Teacher

Drama Department

Seeking expressions of interest for new FOPAS President

The Drama Department would like to announce their immense gratitude to Melanie Strawbridge, President of Friends of Performing Arts at Scotch (FOPAS). Melanie's organisation, commitment and foresight has played a significant role behind the scenes of Scotch Productions; from overseeing the generous support of parents building sets and sewing costumes, to the smooth running of Front of House. This is sadly Melanie's final year running FOPAS, as her son Alec is a 2016 Leaver. We are now seeking one or two parents to take over the position.

The role involves organising volunteers as required for assistance with production stage sets, costumes and front of house service. It also involves attending a monthly Parent Support Group breakfast where updates on activities are exchanged between coordinators and the school staff update the coordinators on any issues arising or new initiatives that are planned.

If you are interested in this role, please contact Scotch Head of Drama: Sarah Combes Sarah.Combes@scotch.wa.edu.au or 9383 6844.

Ms Sarah Combes
Head of Drama

Careers Information

Defence Jobs Australia Events

16 November - Perth: Defence Careers Information Session

22 November - Perth: Army Reserve Information Session

30 November - Perth: Officer Information Session

https://www.facebook.com/DefenceJobsAustralia/events

University of Notre Dame ATAR Advice Day

Tuesday 3 January 2017, 9.00am-5.00pm at the Admissions Office, The University of Notre Dame Australia, corner of High Street and Mouat Street, Fremantle.

Come and chat to our friendly advisors for one-to-one advice on courses, your application and alternative pathways. There is no need to RSVP for this event; please join us at any time on the day. For further information or advice, please email future@nd.edu.au or call (08) 9433 0533.

http://www.nd.edu.au/events/2016/atar-advice-day

Northbridge Campus - Tuesday 8 November, 5.00pm - 7.00pm - AUSLAN, Beauty Therapy, Building Design, Engineering (Civil, Structural and Technical), English As Another Language (EAL), Events, Fitness, Hospitality, Interpreting. Library & Information Services, Massage, Spoken & Written English, Travel & Tourism.

Northbridge Campus - Wednesday 9 November, 5.00pm - 7.00pm - Fashion, Film & TV, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Jewellery, Photography, Print Communication, Visual Arts, Web & Programming. For further information please contact us on 1300 300 822 or email enquiry@nmtafe.wa.edu.au

http://www.northmetrotafe.wa.edu.au/content/campus-open-nights

Academic Task Force

NIDA School Holiday Workshops

NIDA will be holding a number of courses for school students of all ages this summer holidays. These include Acting Bootcamp, Musical Theatre Bootcamp, Screen Writing 101, Action Hero, Drama School NIDA Acting 101, NIDA's Amazing Race, NIDA Murder Mystery, Close Up: Screen Acting, Wounds, Bruises and Special Effects, NIDA's Actors Project, Stand-up Comedy Masterclass for Young People, Acting for Stage and Screen, Screen Acting Bootcamp, NIDA Bites, Make-up Design 101, Writer's Bootcamp and more. https://www.open.nida.edu.au/courses/How+/School+Holidays

Rail Career Pathways

This website has information about the range of careers available in the rail industry and information on what you should study to get there. http://www.railcareerpathways.net.au/

EducationUSA

This U.S. Government Website provides advice to students interested in applying to U.S. colleges and universities. Information includes how to apply, testing, financial aid, visas, and more. There are EducationUSA Centres in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. https://www.educationusa.info/australia

Green Army Programme

The programme provides opportunities for young Australians aged 17-24 years to gain training and experience in environmental and heritage conservation fields, while participating in projects that generate benefits for the environment. Green Army teams of 10 (up to nine participants and one team supervisor) are deployed to projects lasting 20-26 weeks across Australia to help communities deliver local conservation outcomes. To learn more about the programme, and see when a programme may be starting near you, visit: http://www.environment.gov.au/land/green-army

MyJOB

This website has information about getting a job, including what you should do to get ready, how to prepare a resume, cover letter and response to selection criteria, and what you can do in your application and interview to increase your chances of getting the job.

http://www.myjobinfo.com.au/

Mr Peter Frusher

Careers Adviser

Parents' Association

The Parents' Association AGM on Tuesday 7^th November unanimously voted to dissolve the current Parents' Association and form a whole of school support group with Scotch Auxiliary. The newly formed support group will be known as 'Scotch Parents'.

We will continue on as "business as usual" while a working group will develop proposals for a new structure, set of objectives, functions and guidelines. It is proposed that within the next 6 - 12 months, a meeting will be called and nominations invited for all positions to form a new 'Scotch Parents' Committee. An interim Committee, comprising members of both the previous PA and SA, will jointly manage the functions of 'Scotch Parents' in the meantime.

Mr Ian Knobel
President

Scotch Auxiliary

Last Tuesday evening the Parents' Association voted unanimously at their AGM to support the merger of the Parents' Association with Scotch Auxiliary to form one parent support group, called 'Scotch Parents'. We are pleased that we can now proceed in forming an interim Committee from both support groups until our inaugural 'Scotch Parents' AGM, which will occur within the next 6-12 months. It has been rewarding to see the great collaboration among the College and both our support groups during this process. This is an exciting and significant change for our College, and one that will benefit our whole School community.

Plans are well underway for the 2016 Valedictory Dinner. We have received many offers of help from our new Year 12 parents to assist at the workshop, set up and evening. Thank you!

Current Year 12 parents are most welcome to pop in and see how the preparations are going. The workshop will take place on Wednesday 23 November at 9am-11am in Memorial Hall, with set up for the dinner commencing at 11am, Friday 25 November, in the Dickinson Centre.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

2016 Valedictory Dinner - Friday 25 November.

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

Year 8 Celebration Breakfast - Thursday 8 December, 7.30am-8.30am, Middle School Quadrangle. Details will be emailed to parents soon.

Mrs Carissa Paganin
President

Scotch Parents

This is an exciting time for our College community and we look forward to progressing with developing our new structure. Keep an eye out for our official launch and a new logo early in 2017.

Senior School Year Representatives:

Thank you to the parents who have recently volunteered to be Year Representatives for our new Year 10, 11 and 12.

New Year 10: Susie Jackson

New Year 11: Sue Mitchell and Lea Price

New Year 12: Liz Cruikshank and Jane Vos

If you would like join these parents as Year Representatives, please email scotchparents@scotch.wa.edu.au

Save the date:

2017 Scotch Parents Family Welcome BBQ - 30 January 2017

All Scotch families are invited to attend the 2017 Family Welcome BBQ to celebrate the commencement of the 2017 school year on Monday 30^th January 2017. Details to follow.

We would appreciate your support to make a great evening even better and if you would like to assist please email Melissa Harkins on: herbh@iinet.net.au

2017 Scotch Parents Biennial Ball - 1 April 2017

The theme for the Ball is "Fools Gold" in a marquee on the Scotch grounds. Save the date and plan a table!

Regards

Mr Ian Knobel and Mrs Carissa Paganin
Scotch Parents

Finding a Place: A Christmas Reflection in Word and Music

Thursday 15 December, 7.00pm

The Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle

Join us for a beautiful evening of sacred music, readings and congregational carols to highlight the meaning of the Christmas gospel in our world today.

Come a little early to enjoy the organ recital from 6.30pm.

Catholic Mission presents this inaugural event to mark the beginning of the Christmas season in partnership with the Basilica of St Patrick and the University of Notre Dame.

Held in support of Catholic Mission's work overseas with refugee communities and children who are affected by conflict.

Tickets: Adults $30 / Concessions $20 / 12 and under FREE

www.trybooking.com Catholic Mission 9422 7933 / on the door

January Jump Start Programme

Preparation and revision courses for all students from Year 7 - 12 in 2017. For more information see here.