Welcome back officially to Autumn Term. I am not sure about how everyone else is feeling, but I am relieved just to think we will actually have an uninterrupted five-day week; after the various one day and long weekend breaks over the last two weeks. It will be refreshing to get back on track without trying to recall which day of the week it actually is!

No doubt many of you have noticed an increase in trade related vans parked on the Shenton Road verge outside of the gates to the Memorial Hall on the Senior campus. There is a reason for this; we have commenced the transformation of this very important building to a multipurpose performance space as well as a home for the College's archival displays.

In early 1957, David Brisbane, CBE laid the then foundation stone to indicate the commencement of the construction of the Memorial Hall. The construction was completed and the building opened by the Governor, Sir Charles Gairdner, on 19 October 1957 as a highlight of the College's Diamond Jubilee. However, due to a financial shortfall, the full internal fit out was not finished until 1958. Dr Maxwell Keys, the then Headmaster, used the Memorial Hall for the inaugural Founder's Day dinner on 17 October 1958 and later for that year's Speech Night.

This year we are in our 120^th year of operation and the plan is to have the Memorial Hall upgrade well and truly completed in time for 20 October when the Founders Day March and Dinner will be held. It is also our intention to open the new works on the same day. More information will be provided later in the year as plans are finalised. This will be yet another exciting milestone for the College and a reminder that in the modern and fast changing educational environment of opening and closing of schools in this area, we continue to grow, flourish and more importantly evolve within our own contemporary context.

As we commence yet another frantic term, I want to encourage parents to get involved wherever they can with the College. I would also like to extend a special welcome to families who have just joined our community. All of my staff are here to provide the boys and their families with the best experience possible. If you are ever in doubt or require clarification, no matter what the issue, just contact the College for assistance.

Have a great term and I look forward to catching up with many of you whether around campus, on the sporting fields or in the wider community.

Have a great fortnight.

Dr Alec O'Connell
Headmaster

NAPLAN 2017 - Supporting Your Son

NAPLAN testing will be held from 9-11 May for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Parents are reminded that students at Scotch College will still be sitting the tests in a paper based format. Teachers have impressed upon the students to do their best and to remember that this is only one way to demonstrate their learning. Their future studies will provide many opportunities and in a variety of formats, for them to express their unique approach to educational progress.

Here are some common, 'frequently asked questions', that may assist you in supporting your son:

What will be tested?
The content of each test is informed by the Australian Curriculum. (English and Mathematics)

Language Conventions: students identify and correct spelling errors and answer questions on aspects of grammar and punctuation.

Writing: students write a text in response to a given stimulus. They are assessed on the quality and organisation of ideas, structuring of sentences and use of correct spelling and punctuation.

Reading: students read a number of short texts and answer questions to show understanding of the texts.

Numeracy: students solve problems across Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability.

What if my son is absent from school on the test day?
Wherever possible we will organise another time for individual boys who are absent at the time of testing to complete missed tests.

When is NAPLAN going to be sat online?
From 2018 boys at Scotch College will sit NAPLAN online. Students in Year 3 will use an iPad while students in Years 5, 7 and 9 will use a laptop.

What does the School do to prepare my son for NAPLAN?
NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning through the school curriculum. Teachers will ensure that students are familiar with the test formats and will provide appropriate support and guidance. Excessive preparation is not useful and can lead to unnecessary anxiety. If you have any questions about your son's preparation for NAPLAN, you are encouraged to make a time to speak with their teacher.

Can I help my son prepare for the tests?
The provision of comprehensive teaching and learning programmes is the best preparation we can provide for your son. We will ensure your son is familiar with the format, language, response types and time constraints of the test.

What additional support can the School provide to my son if he has a disability?
All students are encouraged to participate in NAPLAN. Students with a disability or who have a temporary injury will be provided with assistance during the test. Please speak to the relevant Head of Academic Support in each sub-school for more information.

Will I receive a report on my son's performance?
Yes. This will be issued through the school in mid-August.

What are the bands on the NAPLAN report?
For NAPLAN results, a national minimum standard is defined and located on the assessment scale for each year level. Band 2 is the minimum standard for Year 3, band 4 is the minimum standard for Year 5, band 5 is the minimum standard for Year 7 and band 6 is the minimum standard for Year 9. These standards represent increasingly challenging skills and require increasingly higher scores on the NAPLAN scale.

Mr Peter Allen
Dean of Teaching and Learning

Stillness, Silence and Nature

Over the last two weeks of last term and the first two weeks of this term, a number of students in Years 10-12 have taken part in a course we have named "Tackling Exam Stress". It is run by Helen Heppingstone and engages the boys in controlled relaxation techniques that combine elements of yoga and meditation.

Stillness - it is so rare for us these days to have the sensation of stillness, whether that is physical or within our mind. Our bodies are in a constant state of flux, and our posture is something we neglect. And everyone seems terribly aware that we are constantly "on" mentally. It has got to the point where some of us are afraid to go without the technological props of modern life.

How wonderful, then, that these young men were willing to forego movement and to clear their minds of the constant stream of information racing through there. To be silent, and to be in a silent environment as well, is also an unusual experience.

As our Year 11 and 12 students go into their exams, I hope that these techniques, focused on our breathing and on releasing the tension which subconsciously healthier, more beneficial manner.

Students and parents may wish to take a look at the Smiling Mind website for some meditations they can try, or Headspace for some advice regarding exams. I am happy to talk with your son about these things if he wishes to come and see me.

At the end of last term, some of our Year 12s attended a breakfast seminar at the Claremont Quarter which was sponsored by GPs on Bayview. The presentation by trained psychologists emphasised some key aspects to living well - the same elements that assist in coping with exams: regular exercise, good sleep, healthy hydration and diet, and keeping a balance. To this list, I would add sustaining positive contact with friends and family.

Please encourage your son to take regular breaks from his study. Encourage him to get outside, and to find a bit of nature if he can. This may be in your own back yard; it could be taking a 20-minute walk around Lake Claremont or a local park or piece of bushland, or along one of our beautiful beaches. And if he takes the dog for a walk, please encourage him not to take his phone. Let's get them to listen to the world around them, rather than their iPod.

My final comment relates to the importance of maintaining perspective. Whilst we want our boys to do as well as they can, exams can sometimes assume epic proportions which are out of step with the reality of the situation. It is our job to gently remind them that things are never as bad as they seem, and that there is always a way forward, even if it is not the one they might have imagined.

Mr James Hindle
Director of Student & Staff Wellbeing

Community and Service

I would like to begin by saying thank you to Mr Bill Cordner for all he has done in his many years at Scotch College. Mr Cordner has built and nurtured a Community and Service Programme that the College can be extremely proud of. I am excited about continuing to foster what the College currently offers and to look for further opportunities to ensure our community is strongly engaged in service learning.

Service learning has been described as, 'a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.' As well as noting that service learning has many positives, not least the strengthening of communities, I am focused on the notion that service learning is in fact a teaching and learning strategy and makes a strong contribution to our students' academic journey. Furthermore, it is a central tenement for many of our College's partners, including Round Square, the International Baccalaureate and the Uniting Church. By working with these institutions and community groups, and linking service learning to our teaching and learning programme, the College can feel confident that we are 'Preparing Boys for Life' - a life where they take on civic responsibilities and meaningfully contribute to their community.

I look forward to getting to know the whole school community in my new role and building on the legacy of Mr Cordner.

The World's Greatest Shave
We are waiting for confirmation of the final fundraising totals of the World's Greatest Shave and I will have a full report in the next Thistle. Below is a picture taken of the Senior School boys following assembly on 7 April. The boys continue to look fearsome for our first round of winter sport! Well done to the Junior and Middle School students and staff who particiated in the shave as well.

Round Square International Exchanges
Another hugely successful legacy of Mr Cordner is our Round Square International Exchange Programme. In 2017 the School has exchanges with nine schools across five continents (see the map below) and we are always looking to build further relationships. Most of these schools are starkly different to Scotch College yet, by being a part of the Round Square network, we know they have exceptionally high standards and share our College's expectations and value a well-rounded education. There will be an information evening for 2018 exchanges on 29 May at 6.00pm. These exchanges are open to boys currently in Year 9. More details to come.

Mr David Kyle
Director of Community and Service

Relay 4 Life

This Saturday night we have the Relay 4 Life at Aquinas College. This is a huge event organised by Aquinas College and caters for about 800 boarding students. It has been created to replicate the annual Relay 4 Life with the primary aim to raise money for cancer research. Every boy who is staying within the Residential Community on Saturday Night will be attending the event.

The night begins at 5.00pm with buses leaving Scotch at 4.00pm. The event concludes at 9.30pm and all boys should be back in their Houses by 10.00pm.

Please note that if your son is intending to return to his House between 5.00pm and 10.00pm on Saturday night then he will need to go to the Year 10 to 12 House as the Year 7/8 and 9 Houses will be closed.

This year's Boarders Council have been very strong in supporting the event and so we are looking forward to the festivities that Aquinas have arranged for the evening.

Read all the latest news from Residential Life here.

Mr Marcus Wilkinson
Director of Residential Life

School Parking

The Town of Claremont has produced a School Parking brochure for parents and residents to help with the issue of parking in school areas. Please take the time to read it.

Also attached is a letter from the Town of Claremont advising residents of upcoming works at the Stirling Road car park and construction plan. This work has been delayed a few days and should now start mid-week.

Staff Movement

Performing Arts

The school holiday period has been a busy time for a number of our young musicians, with many rehearsals and performances taking place.

Congratulations to the 52 boys from the Scotch Youth Voices, Senior Vocal Ensemble, Scotch Youth Chamber and Youth Rock Band who took part in the annual Fairbridge Festival. The boys performed well to a large and appreciative audience and then had an opportunity to enjoy listening to some of the other acts performing on the day. Scotch College has enjoyed a long association with this prestigious event and we look forward to it continuing next year. Thanks especially to Mrs Jenny Sullivan and members of the Scotch Staff in preparing boys for their performance and for assisting on the day.

On Anzac Day, three Scotch students - Lewis Weeda (Year 12, Shearer) (bagpipes), Nathan Schaff (Year 12, Anderson) (trumpet) and Rohan Dick (Year 11, Keys) (vocals) performed at the Dawn Service at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club. The boys made a wonderful contribution to the atmosphere of the event. All three boys then continued on to participate in the Anzac Day March with the rest of our Pipes and Drums. Congratulations to all students (and Messers Bailey and Hamilton) for their contribution to this day which has become such an important part of the Western Australian and National calendar.

All students and staff involved in the upcoming tour to the Generations in Jazz Festival in Mt Gambier rehearsed during the second week of the holidays to finalise their preparations before heading east next Thursday. The students have worked extremely hard on their repertoire and will represent their school and state admirably during the four days of this event.

A note to all parents and students regarding rehearsals over the next two weeks during the examination break: All rehearsals will continue to be held at their usual time and venue unless the ensemble is specifically notified otherwise by their director. Year 11 and 12 students are encouraged to attend rehearsals where possible.

Thanks to all parents who continue to show their support of our Performing Arts programmes through their active involvement in our Friends' groups. If you would like to join either the Friends of Scotch Music (FOSM) or Pipe Band Parent Support Group, please let us know, or feel free to attend their next meeting.

Important dates for the Autumn Term calendar are:

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 Wednesday) and Donna Ranauro (Thursday and Friday) 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

Opening Hours

The Uniform Shop will be closed for the Mid-Term Break and Public Holiday (Friday 2 June and Monday 5 June)

Supporters' Tops
Supporters' tops are available in the Uniform Shop. We have a warm polar fleece vest, a rugby jumper as well as a softshell jacket and vest - all ideal for those cold winter mornings next to the playing field!

From the Head of Junior School

What is your image of a child? How capable do you feel a child is? How do they learn? There was a time when adults believed that children were vessels to be filled with the knowledge adults believed they need to know. Others felt they were a blank canvas or a lump of clay waiting for an adult to mold or finish.

From birth children are very capable. They are born with a natural curiosity. A desire to inquiry and explore. They will use their sense to investigate the new. Manipulate objects and situations to help them to better understand and to make sense of their world.

Loris Malaguzzi (1920-1994) was the pedagogical leader of the Reggio Emilia early years philosophy. He believed passionately that all children are competent and capable thinkers and learners as well as creative communicators and conversationalists.

Malaguzzi wrote 'The One Hundred Languages of Children' in recognition of the multitude of ways in which they can express their ideas, thoughts, feelings or frustrations.

The child
is made of one hundred.
The child has
a hundred languages
a hundred hands
a hundred thoughts
a hundred ways of thinking
of playing, of speaking.
A hundred always a hundred…

From the poem "No way. The hundred is there."
by Loris Malaguzzi. Translated by Lella Gandini

Please click here for the full version of the poem.

The possibilities for the 'languages' are endless - dancing, dreaming, playing, questioning, singing, reasoning, imagining, listening, laughing, crying, loving, hating, painting, sculpting, exploring, experimenting.

You simply need to sit back and observe a young child in his or her play. They will engage in conversations, role play, experimentation. They will create scenarios and their own hypothesis on why something appears as it does. They are natural inquirers who love to explore. They love to create through drawing, construction, music and dance. And they love to share.

As educators and adults, it is our role to guide this process, not to dictate it. We need to provide the materials and provocations. To support the development of questioning and collaboration skills. We do not need to decide how they will learn it but to provide the environment where they are free to wonder and explore so they can construct meaning through their own real life experiences.

These experiences and ways of learning do not stop at the end of Pre-Primary. They continue into Junior School. The craft of teaching is to continue to present learning opportunities to allow children to pursue their natural inquiry skills to explore topics. To present provocations that capture a child's interest and imagination and to give them the freedom to investigate and the confidence to share and communicate.

The hundred languages are the endless number of children's potentials, their ability to wonder and to inquire. The hundred languages remind us that there are multiple ways of seeing and multiple ways of being.

Mr John Stewart
Head of Junior School

Dean of Teaching and Learning

IB PYP Self-Study Survey

Welcome back from the Easter break. As stated in the first newsletter article this year, we have now commenced our self-study year as part of the IB Evaluation process.

For those who missed this first article (and are now excitedly reading this one) the Self Study process:

• Is a detailed and thorough reflection by all community members on all aspects of the
  programme implementation. The standards and practices establish a goal for schools to reach, though typically schools cannot meet all practices equally at all times.
• The self-study provides the opportunity to reflect honestly and identify where the school excels, where it has shown growth and what needs additional attention. 

• The conclusions represent the perspectives of teachers, school leaders, students, parents and community members. 

• The school gathers evidence regarding their implementation of each practice and rates the implementation. 


On completion of this stage a detailed report will be submitted to the IB along with a 5-year action plan. This action plan will be amended once the IB has evaluated the current programmes and made its own recommendations. The 5-year plan will then be incorporated into the Whole School (and Sub School's) Strategic Plan.

We will be sending out the Parent Survey this week and I encourage you to complete the survey so that we can provide the IB with the most accurate picture of how the parents see the programme currently operating in Scotch College Junior School.

Mr Warwick Norman
Junior School Dean of Teaching and Learning

Headmaster's Commendations and Excellence Awards

Art News

During Visual Art and French, the Year 5 boys have been investigating the recyclability of different items. Their current unit of inquiry 'Sharing the Planet' enabled the boys to question their rights and responsibilities and consider just how they could make a difference.

The boys decided that one way would be to use an alternative to plastic bags, thus, begun their designs for a reusable canvas bag. Save the whale or turtle was the message. They carefully planned, designed and created their own endangered marine life image ready to transfer onto a foam printing plate. The repeat printing will decorate their canvas reusable bags, encouraging the Scotch and broader community to think and use a reusable alternative. The other side of the bag will contain a slogan in French which will say "Don't use a plastic bag, save a turtle/whale" The task will also involve a follow-up competition encouraging students to photograph themselves using the bag when out shopping, to encourage real-life usage and change of habits.

Mrs Jane Roche
Junior Art Specialist

From the Head of Middle School

Moray is always a highlight for Scotch boys. Camping out, using a map and compass to navigate their way through the bush, experiencing the adrenalin rush of a high ropes work out or contemplating 200m of bubbling white water as they sit in their canoe waiting their turn to go down the rapids. Boys discover a lot about themselves, and their mates at Moray. They learn they can manage themselves, and that perseverance pays off. Boys also learn new skills and in more recent times they have learnt that they can live device free, at least for a week.

The Australian Bureau of Statistic puts the percentage of West Australians living in an urban setting as 89.4%, slightly higher than the national average of 88.4%. Thirty years ago WA's urban population percentage was 72%. The migration from the bush and rural area into the city has been steady. One consequence is the urban sprawl, spreading further outward pushing open space and bush further out. The chance to go down to the swamp or the remnant bush to 'play' is disappearing, along with the problem- solving opportunities that unstructured play in unstructured settings can offer. Moray is far from unstructured, but it is an extended chunk of time where boys can reconnect with nature, forge new dimensions to their friendships and rely on themselves more than they normally do. Our Year 8 Moray Programme commences next week. As Winter approaches I can only suggest a beanie and an extra jumper will be worth their weight in the backpack.

Middle School Staff offer a supervised Homework Club in the MS/JS Library. It is tremendously helpful for boys who want additional time or help to complete tasks, or for study and revision:

Monday: 7:40am-8:10am and 3:30pm-4:30pm
Wednesday: 7:40am-8:10am and 3:30pm-4:30pm
Thursday: 7:40am-8:10am and 3:30pm-4:30pm

NAPLAN assessments for Year 7 commence next week, and are scheduled as a part of the normal timetable each morning:

Tuesday 9 May: Language Conventions 40 minutes & Writing 45 minutes
Wednesday 10 May: Reading 65 minutes
Thursday 11 May: Numeracy 60 minutes
Friday 12 May: Catch-up Day

Thank you for your attendance at the Supporting Your Son in the MYP session last Friday. Presentation notes are now up on the MS Portal of Parent Connect.

Mr Richard Ledger
Head of Middle School

Music Tour & Fairbridge Festival Fun

In the April holidays musicians from the Scotch College Middle School participated in the Middle School Music Tour. Members of the Scotch Youth Voices, the Scotch Rock Band and the Scotch Youth Chamber Group were involved in 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 traditional Irish folk tunes, surf rock songs, wild-west violin solos, and songs from Leonard Cohen and The Kinks. The focus of this tour was to encourage boys to be innovative (try something new), improve their musical skills and explore their creative potential.

On Saturday 22 April the boys performed at the Fairbridge Festival on the Mandja stage. 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 gave a wonderful performance and their talents were well received by a very enthusiastic audience. 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

Risk Taking A Forefront of Middle School Drama

'Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog.' Roald Dahl

Risk taking is an IB leaner principle and remains at the forefront of Middle School Drama at Scotch. Throughout Summer Term students have been working on developing their skills in Improvisation, and nothing takes more courage than a willingness to perform in front of an audience of your peers! Improvisation has allowed students to creatively explore characters from all walks of life, problem solve on the spot, and develop voice and movement skills. Improvisation is a skill that never leaves a Drama student, however more significantly, students gain a sense of self-confidence and pride like no other.

In Week 9 of Summer Term, the Year 6/7 production Danny the Champion of the World was performed to delighted sold out audiences! I am grateful to the entire cast, who worked incredibly hard to bring Danny's magical adventures to life. Each cast member was willing to 'go the whole hog', displaying dedication and professionalism throughout the rehearsal process. A wholehearted thank you must go to the Scotch community for your ongoing support of the Performing Arts.

Mrs Emma Cooper
Middle School Drama

Important Dates in Middle School Autumn Term

From the Head of Senior School

Earlier this year at the Year 9 Parent - House Head Dinner, I presented the scenario of a student experiencing ongoing disruption to his learning by the student sitting next to him. This boy was being interrupted every two minutes and wasn't being allowed to think deeply about the concepts being developed. I stated that I was sure a concerned parent would contact the class teacher or House Head to share their concern about the impact on their child's learning. I then asked the questions. Why do we consider it okay? Why do we tolerate it when the disruption is caused by communications through a mobile phone? The support from the ensuing discussions supplied me with the confidence to follow through with the refining of our Mobile Phone Policy. Dr O'Connell wrote to all families outlining the rationale and changes before term break. Our updated policy does not ban the use of mobile phones as a learning tool. It asks the boys to put the device aside, preferably storing it in their locker, during the day to allow them to concentrate on their learning. They do, of course, have their laptop with them in the vast majority of classes. Make no mistake the distraction caused by mobile phones detracts from learning and the myth that students today can multi-task is just that; a myth. They simply share their concentration and effort across multiple tasks. One could argue that laptops offer a similar challenge. Our monitoring tools and filtering supply us with a level of assurance that the devices are being used for their intended purpose. We do, of course, rely on the boys to make good choices and have conversations when they are not.

As adults, we are aware of the challenge in ignoring alerts that come with social media. Adolescents developmentally lack this control. Snapchat groups and comments or images posted by one member invite distraction and responses from multiple members; interrupting multiple students. It also sets a scenario where students feel pressure to respond, seeing extended conversations about nothing of great significance.

I recently listened to a podcast involving a conversation between host, Sam Harris, and his guest Tristan Harris (no relation). Tristan is a systems engineer who most recently had worked with Google. Tristan's training involved working with a group called the Persuasive Technologies Lab. This group is solely designed to develop persuasive technologies which capture the attention of users and works towards maximising the time spent by users on the apps they develop. Apps mentioned by Tristan in the podcast include Facebook, Snapchat and YouTube. Tristan discussed how these apps are devised to capture our attention and ensure we find it difficult to leave them. They are specifically designed to reinforce gratification in the moment; another characteristic of adolescence. Facebook received a specific mention in this podcast, as well as in others, for its effect on well-being. The concern raised was the effect caused to wellbeing through the ongoing and constant comparison between an individual and the perfect lives being depicted on Facebook.

The opportunities and challenges of the online world and 24/7 connection are many and varied. Many opportunities present themselves with Information and Learning Technologies. We do want students to make the most of these opportunities and our changes to the Mobile Phone Policy hope to show the boys how the technologies can be used productively, giving the technology a context and educating them for life.

Mr Dean Shadgett
Head of Senior School

Important Dates in Senior School Autumn Term

Boys' Achievements

Nathan Thomas (Year 10, Anderson) has made the State U16 metro basketball team to compete in the 2017 Helloworld Australian U16 Junior Championships in Perth WA from 8 - 15 July 2017. Blake Costello (Year 10, St Andrews) has made the final squad as a reserve player.

Jaxon Hayden (Year 9, Stuart) won the silver medal in the U14 2km soft sand run at the Australian Surf Lifesaving National Championships in Queensland last week. Jaxon is the current WA State Champion.

Conor Patton (Year 11, Ross) has advanced to the state final of the Lions Youth of the Year Speech and Leadership Competition. He will be one of 6 students competing to be the state representative at the national competition in Hobart later this year.

Year 10 Certificates of Excellence - Semester 1, 2017

Sport Captains

Young People Watching Netflix - '13 Reasons Why'

Recently Netflix released a show called '13 Reasons Why', telling the story of a girl who suicides, leaving tapes for the classmates which place blame on them.

Youth mental health and suicide prevention services worldwide have expressed concerns about the show, especially the graphic nature of some of the scenes.

How to respond, as a parent and educator?

The temptation might be to tell young people not to watch it, but this might only reinforce the idea that suicide should not be discussed. Instead, it is important for adults around young people to be ready to talk with them about the content as well as about what they should do if they or one of their friends need help.

Here are some documents to help with this:

1. Possible discussion points about the show: click here.

1. Summary of the plot and explanation of what material may be distressing or even triggering for vulnerable young people: click here.

Conversations about asking for help and reaching out to those who are struggling happen regularly at the College, culminating in our marking of RUOK week later in the year.

Ms Shauna Lipscombe
Senior School Psychologist

Careers Information

Careers Expos
The first Careers Expo for 2017 will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on 25 - 28 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 7 June 2017 from 5.00pm - 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 TAFE Colleges, Eastern States universities and many other private providers.

University Information

UWA Course Information Sessions

For Year 10 and 11 students:

5.30pm - 7.00pm, 8 May at Tattersall Lecture Theatre

For Year 12 students:

7.00pm - 8.30pm, 8 May at Tattersall Lecture Theatre

UWA Health & Medical Sciences Information Evening

6.30 - 8.30pm, 10 May at Social Sciences Lecture Theatre

Curtin University Psychology Information Evening

Wednesday 3 May, 6.15pm arrival for 6.30pm start at Tim Winton Lecture Theatre Bentley Campus

Come along to the Psychology Information Evening to speak to experts about your options in undergraduate Psychology.

Curtin University Engineering Information Evening

6.00pm - 8.00pm, Thursday 4 May at Building 213, Room 101 (Next to Tim Winton Lecture Theatre)

Find out how your passion for maths, science and technology could lead to a successful career in engineering.

Curtin University Commerce Information Evening

Wednesday 31 May from 6.30pm-7.30pm at Lance Twomey Lecture Theatre Bentley Campus

Learn more about Curtin's Bachelor of Commerce, including the wide range of business specialisations, industry connections, innovative teaching facilities and internship opportunities, by attending the info evening.

ECU Pizza Nights for Year 10s

Tuesday, 23 May, 6.00pm, Mount Lawley Campus

Tuesday, 6 June, 6.00pm, Joondalup Campus

Year 10 Pizza Nights will help you - and your parents - think about what to study by showing you the courses offered at ECU across their eight study areas. They will also talk about university entry pathways and how this relates to your Year 12 results.

Notre Dame Course Information Evening

Notre Dame's Course Information Evening gives future students the opportunity to find out more about the wide range of courses available on our Fremantle campus, chat with academic staff and current students, and find out how to apply to our five-star national university.

Wednesday 17 May, 5.30pm Expo, 6.15pm Presentations

Drill Hall (ND25), corner Mouat and Cliff Street, Fremantle

To register, visit www.nd.edu.au or contact the Prospective Students Office on 9433 0533

WAAPA Production Tour

Thursday, 18 May, 6.00pm at Mount Lawley Campus

Visit design and costume studios, check out sound and lighting facilities, and explore our extensive props and scenery workshops on the way to a Q&A at the Geoff Gibbs Theatre.

If you can't make this tour, take a virtual tour from the webpage.

Bond with Bond University Perth

6.00pm - 7.30pm, 3 May at The Flour Factory, 16 Queen Street, Perth

Academic Tuition

Academic Task Force - weekend Tuition and Master Classes.

ATARget Master Classes for Years 11 and 12 and Master Classes for Years 8 - 10.

Mr Peter Frusher
Careers Adviser

Scotch Parents

Autumn Term Scotch Parents Open Meeting 7.00pm

Our first Autumn Term Scotch Parents meeting will be held in the Dining Room Annexe at 7.00pm Tuesday evening 9 May. An Agenda will be distributed shortly and if you wish to be on the mailing list please contact Lucia Barrett on luciabarrett@hotmail.com

Please come along for our school update from Kate Quinn, Director of Marketing, Advancement and Community Engagement and to hear about our upcoming events and funding programs. Our guest speaker will be Mr Peter Allen, Director of Teaching and Learning.

We encourage all parents across the Junior, Middle and Senior sub schools to come along and be part of the support group contributing to the wellbeing of your son.

Feedback from the recent Scotch Parents Biennial Ball 'Fools Gold'

We have received fantastic feedback after our Biennial Parents Ball. I would like to give special thanks to the hard working committee:

Melissa Harkins, Tony Salom, Meg Dyson, Meg Saul, Donna Jackson, Cath Watters and Lucia Barrett

We had a great time over the past six months with planning and organising meetings at the Albion becoming a social event for the month.

Upcoming Events

• Year 8 Parent evening - Steve's Hotel Nedlands Friday 4 May 7.00pm

• Scotch Parents Open Meeting - Dining Room Annexe Tuesday 9 May 7.00pm

• Junior School Mothers' Day Afternoon Tea - MacKellar Hall Friday 12 May 1.45pm

• Year 11 Dance - Dickinson Centre Saturday 20 May

• Year 10 Parent evening - Off Campus Thursday 25 May

Mr Ian Knobel and Ms Steph Debnam
Co-Presidents
Scotch Parents

Scotch Rugby Parent Support Group

Rugby Festival - Friday 21 April

Scotch hosted the inaugural Rugby WA Rugby Carnival on Friday 21 April. Four schools participated (Scotch, Wesley, Aquinas and Aranmore) playing each other in 40-minute games.

Scotch played Aranmore in the last game of the day and all credit to the coaches and to the boys for a sterling and courageous performance against a strong Aranmore side. Several Aranmore players and their coach reported it was one of the hardest games they had played in years - praise indeed. The experience will undoubtedly hold the boys in good stead for the upcoming season.

Thanks to Gareth Williams, Richard Foster, Alex and JC, Rugby WA (Bob Hunter & Dane Lazarus) and, of course, the boys, for making the day such a success. Thanks also to all the parents and Old Boys who helped out and stayed to support the boys. Special thanks to Andrew Moore, Adi van Schouwen, Ian Knobel and respective families, along with Old Boys Denver, Rory and Abe for all the effort you put in to make the day. View photos from the day here, thanks to Rene Greyling.

Mr Kevin O'Sullivan
President
Scotch Rugby Parent Support Group

SDERA Information Session

Are you concerned about the impact of alcohol and other drugs on your children?

Parents, teachers and school staff have a crucial role to play in the prevention of young people's risk of harm from alcohol and other drugs.

School Drug Education and Road Aware (SDERA) and MLC (as part of MLC's Walton Leadership Institute Champions of Change series) invite you to attend a FREETalking Drugs information session.

This session will help you understand the real picture of illicit drug use and the role you play in school drug education. You will learn how to open up a dialogue with children of all ages about drugs and where to go for help with a drug-related problem.

Date: Thursday 8 June 2017

Time: 7.00pm - 8.30pm

Where: Methodist Ladies' College, Hadley Hall, 356 Stirling Highway Claremont WA 6010

To book this FREE event and for more information please contact Kelli Dawson at SDERA on 9402 6267 or kelli.dawson@education.wa.edu.au.

Please RSVP by 6 June 2017.

Link to information on SDERA's website:www.sdera.wa.edu.au/news-events/events/.

From the Sandpit to Adulthood: Helping today's children to thrive

Every parent wants their children to thrive, to grow up happy, healthy, strong, kind and capable of realising their full potential.

In this seminar, Maggie explores the 10 keys to parenting that support this goal. She acknowledges there is no perfect and that challenge, adversity and failure can actually help our kids to grow stronger and smarter.

Date: Tuesday 16 May
Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Venue: Dickinson Centre

Book tickets here and click here for more information.