Let me start this edition of the Thistle by wishing all of the ladies at Scotch a very happy retrospective Mother's Day for yesterday; including parents, grandparents and of course our female staff. Any man worth a grain of salt is well aware of just how important mums are, and, the crucial role they play in forming us while growing up and supporting us as adults. Barton Goldsmith a columnist lists 10 reasons why mums are so special.

1. If it weren't for your mum, you wouldn't be breathing right now. If nothing else, you should thank her for that.
2. Mothers are the emotional backbones of the family. They provide the holding place for everyone's feelings and do their best to keep us from being hurt.
3. Mothers have the magic touch (and kiss) to help us heal our wounds, physical and emotional.
4. Truly, our mothers worked hard and made sacrifices, so our lives would be better. There are not a lot of people willing to do that, so let her know you appreciate it.
5. Mothers are forgiving-so forgive her in return. Perhaps nothing will be as valuable a gift to both of you as forgiveness. Open your heart and drop your resentments. Now that's love.
6. When you want to climb the tallest mountain, your mother will make your lunch for you. She is the one who will support your dreams when no one else will. She will also remind you to wear clean underwear.
7. Her boundaries made you a better person. You may not have liked some of her decisions, but she does try and keep you out of trouble.
8. A mother's ears and eyes hear and see everything. They also have a computer-like memory for all the good (and some of the bad) that came your way. It's nice to have someone with whom you can reminisce about your life.
9. Mum taught you to be a functioning adult. That was her job, and without that, making it through the modern world would be very hard. Your mum may have forced you to do your homework, but now you see how important it was.
10. A mother's smile, when it is directed toward you, makes your day a whole lot better. All she needs is to know that she has helped you to be and feel your best.

It is also important that we remember that some of our boys and others in our community, may have lost their mum way too early; unfortunately, this is one of the challenges that life puts in front of us. Just remember memories are no less meaningful. While my own mum passed away 17 years ago, there is not a day that goes by where I am not reminded about her and how much she contributed to my life. So, remember to give thanks to your mum, in person or in prayer, not just on Mother's Day, but on every day of the year.

No doubt many of the community has either seen or heard the recent news items about the funding of schools. While there is still some way to go before all details are finalised, on balance, the proposed funding arrangements should at least give schools some certainty moving forward. In response to some questions that were forwarded to me last week, I provided a local news outlet with some basic commentary about the new funding arrangements. While I acknowledge that not everyone will share my views, following is my response to the questions as at Monday 8 May:

Dr O'Connell, Headmaster of Scotch, said that he welcomes what is being referred to as Gonski 2.0. The original Gonski report, released in 2011, had many great social imperatives, such as ensuring that disadvantaged schools receive more funding based on need, in particular, the specific needs of each school community calculated on the backgrounds of the respective student population. Unfortunately, the then government failed to implement an open and transparent funding system, via the proposed Schooling Resource Standard. Gonski 2.0, as proposed by Minister Birmingham, is well overdue attempt to eliminate the backroom systemic deals that have existed in past Commonwealth funding arrangements.

We simply want assurance that school funding is open and equitable for all sectors, Government, Catholic and Independent. As with all change in funding arrangements, there will be a period of realignment and adjustment; this is simply a fact of addressing any large-scale change. We have no doubt that Scotch will face some decrease in funding in relative terms as the new regime is implemented. However, on balance, Scotch College welcomes the level of support it receives from both Federal and State governments, and it is our job to work within the funding parameters, as long as we know that they are transparent and fair across all sectors.

The most important part of the recent announcement is yet to come, that is, the outcomes of the next review yet to be chaired by David Gonski. Historically, not just in Australia, funding strategies, aimed at ensuring money reaches students who truly need the support, have proved problematic. This is something highlighted in Ivan Illich's 1972 essays on Deschooling Society. At the time, in referring to the American Title One project, he argues that, 'it is the most expensive compensatory programme ever attempted anywhere in education, yet no significant improvement can be detected in the learning of these disadvantage students.' Essentially he highlighted that at the time the funding allocated was insufficient, incompetently spent and that educational disadvantage cannot simply be solved by relying on education within schools. Disadvantage is a broader societal challenge.

The next Gonski review will hopefully deliver a strategic roadmap to ensure that any increase in funding for disadvantaged students, will in fact deliver real improvements for the children most in need; no matter which system or school they attend.

Once appropriate we will provide further updates. However, the matter of funding is complex and yet to be discussed at the College's Finance and Planning and Council meeting.

Make no mistake, there is nothing more important than the funding of our College. It is through the many incredible support mechanisms provided by the Scotch community, coupled with tuition and boarding fees and government support, that we are able to continue offering a quality education for our boys.

This week will be an exciting one as we embark on the taking of our whole of school photo. Given this is our 120^th year of operation, it is wonderful to record this event through a K-12 snapshot. Furthermore, the 2016 Reporter is now back from the printer and will soon be in the hands of the boys. I encourage you to take this opportunity to reflect on the diversity of activities which make up just a single year at Scotch.

Have a great fortnight.

Dr A J O'Connell
Headmaster

Scholar in Residence - Support from Scotch Parents

On Thursday 4 May, Sam Sterrett, the College's newly appointed Enrichment and Extension Coordinator (Years 6-12) presented to Scotch Parents a proposal to develop an ongoing Scholar in Residence programme.

The Scholar in Residence will be responsible for providing support and mentorship to students and staff involved in a range of academic programmes. The Scholar will provide support for new curricular initiatives concerning philosophy, ethics and social justice. The individual will also give guest lectures and support research initiatives by providing expertise on research methodology and analysis. Additionally, this person will work with staff to develop the Year 9 and 10 Thinking Skills courses and contribute to the ongoing development of the Theory of Knowledge in the IB Diploma Programme.

Our 2017 Scholar in Residence is Akram Azimi, who was Young Australian of the Year in 2013 and has been working with the College since 2014. This appointment, with support of the parents of Scotch College will allow us to sustain and develop his wonderful influence on our students. Akram is a fantastic example to our young men, arriving in Australia 13 years ago from Afghanistan. He began his new life as 'an ostracised refugee kid with no prospects' to become his school's head boy. An outstanding student, he topped the tertiary entrance exam scores among his classmates. Akram holds a triple major Law, Science and Arts degree, from the University of Western Australia. He is currently completing his PhD in Sociology.

We thank Scotch Parents for their continued support and funding to assist in developing the academic culture at Scotch College for our boys both now and in the future.

Mr Peter Allen
Director of Teaching and Learning

Life Re-Examined

Curiosity is a quality that underpins everything from amazing discoveries through to the smallest social interaction. Curiosity is closely connected to the concept of 'grit', which Angela Duckworth (2007) has described as the willingness to persevere with a challenge combined with the passion to see that challenge through to the end. Curiosity involves not just the ability to ask questions about a subject, but also the determination to seek answers despite roadblocks and dead-ends.

In a way, curiosity involves patience and optimism: a belief that even though the solution might not be immediately apparent, with hard work and creativity, a solution will be found.

Curiosity also operates at a micro-level, in terms of our day-to-day interactions with others. The strongest social relationships rely on individuals caring about others. Smiling, saying hello and asking someone how they are - genuinely enquiring about that other person's life - may not seem important but it can help that person to feel just a little more valued. Taking time to show interest in others is crucial to strengthening the connection people feel within a community.

Curiosity can also operate internally, if we are willing and brave enough. It takes honesty to ask questions of ourselves: how am I travelling? Why do I feel this way? What can I do to improve the situation? Who can I speak to?

In order to re-examine our lives, we need to be able to pause and reflect. If we can regularly take time to pause, we may find it easier to make small adjustments now and then, which may alleviate the need to make drastic changes further down the path.

There was a review in the weekend newspapers not long ago about a book by Robert Dessaix, called "The Pleasure of Leisure". The book addresses our modern society's preoccupation with us all being as busy as we can be all of the time. He bemoans the lack of room for uncomplicated relaxation. His point is that we have come to believe that our lives need structure and regulation to be meaningful, even our leisure time. There is a sense that even the way that we relax has to conform, so that we must draw something productive and measurable from 'downtime'. He says: "Paradoxically, the richer we get, the harder we work and the less time we have to do what we want. What's gone wrong?"

Doing nothing can actually enable us to reach distant goals. It can allow us time to think, or simply to recharge, or even to do nothing. It can help to raise flagging spirits and find new resolve. It can assist in rekindling curiosity about the world and people around us. It can be satisfying, without it becoming a permanent state.

As Bertrand Russell said, "Time we enjoy wasting is not wasted time."

Mr James Hindle
Director of Student and Staff Wellbeing

TOMS Visit

On Friday, a number of the Year 10 boys were fortunate to have Tania Zuvela present to them on the TOMS company. The TOMS Walk had occurred that morning and Tania was able to tell the boys about the walk and the worldwide movement that TOMS has become.

TOMS is the original 'One for One' business model whereby one product is given to a person in need for every product sold. The founding product was shoes but this has since expanded to include eyewear, coffee, and bags.

Tania spoke to the boys about all aspects of the company, ranging from the ownership, where the founder has sold 50% to Bain Capital, to the powerful experiences of giving in some of the poorest communities in the world. The group also considered how TOMS avoids treading on the toes of local businesses and is instead sure to support them to expand and create opportunities for their communities. These are practical lessons that our boys can consider as they think about what they can do to support those less fortunate.

The boys also used their phones or laptops to view a 360º virtual giving trip to Peru, the link is available here and is better to view on a phone or iPad.

Service is about far more than volunteering for those less fortunate then ourselves and TOMS is the perfect example of where Service, Action, Business and Community can interconnect. A big thanks to Tania and we hope to do more with TOMS in the future.

For more on the TOMS story, see founder, Blake Mycoskie's bio here.

Round Square Exchanges Information Evening

On Monday, 29 May at 6.30pm there is an information evening for Year 9 boys and their families on the exchange programme for 2018. This will take place in the Bunning Resource Centre.

World's Greatest Shave 2017

The donations for the World's Greatest Shave has been finalised and the Scotch community raised an extremely impressive $68, 487.61. This figure, plus the wide awareness campaign is a huge credit to the boys.

Mr David Kyle
Director of Community and Service

Welcome Shearer House

Last Tuesday afternoon the Year 9 Shearer boys joined our Year 9 Residential boys in the Boarding House for a get to know Residential Life experience. The boys enjoyed afternoon tea, hanging out with each other playing basketball and table tennis and then joined us for dinner in the Dining Hall.

This was a terrific initiative by Scott Galipo (Head of Shearer House) and Sean Mecham and is aimed at initially providing an insight into Residential Life for the Day Students. We are hoping to encourage stronger relationships between the day and residential students so that there are opportunities for day boys to stay overnight in the Boarding House as well as residential boys staying at a day boys house. Read about all the latest news from Residential Life here.

Mr Marcus Wilkinson
Director of Residential Life

Performing Arts

The Generations in Jazz Festival, held annually in Mt Gambier, South Australia, has grown significantly from its humble beginnings where three local businessmen arranged an event to bring together some like-minded musicians to further their love of Jazz music. Now in its 25^th year, the 'Generations' event now hosts over 5,000 students from all over Australia and abroad. Students have the opportunity to hear and learn from some of the world's best Jazz musicians as well as gain from the experience of performing and listening to each other. Generations in Jazz has now firmly established itself as Australia's ultimate school event for Jazz ensembles, both instrumental and vocal.

Scotch College participated in the 'Generations' event for the third time in 2017, having previously participated in 2013 and 2014. 18 students, who regularly perform in either Big Bands 1, 2 or 3 in our school programme, formed a big band specifically for this Festival and participated in Division 3. (There are five divisions overall) The boys performed extremely well and were awarded 4^th place, out of 66 schools in their division.

In addition, adjudicators are asked to identify outstanding individual performers from each ensemble and place them in a 'Superband' which is announced at the conclusion of the Festival. Prentice Shepherd (Year 11, Ross) was selected as a member of the trumpet section for the Division 3 Superband - an outstanding achievement. Prentice is the first Scotch student to be selected for higher honours at Generations in Jazz.

The 2017 Festival was a memorable experience for all students who attended and we hope it inspires them to strive for excellence in their instrumental practice and performance in the year ahead. Congratulations and thanks to the staff who attended, in particular to Mr Tim Simpson for organising the tour.

Congratulations to the following boys who achieved outstanding results in the recently held Fremantle Solo Piping Contest:

Nathan Schaff (Year 12, Anderson) - winner of C Grade

Ryan Hodgetts (Year 11, Brisbane) - winner of D Grade

Ethan Cassidy (Year 12, Alexander) - second place in the B and C Grade

Dylan Flecker (P/M and OSC'15) - winner of B Grade and 2^nd in A Grade

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 (ie Friday, 2 June)

Supporters' Tops

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

From the Head of Junior School

A Mother's Touch

In the sixteenth century, a tradition began in the United Kingdom. On a particular Sunday each year, people would visit their 'mother church' (the church they grew up in). Owing to the fact that people didn't move around a lot in those days, people visiting their 'mother church' would be highly likely to be worshipping alongside their own mothers, who had attended the same church for many years. As time moved on, a practice developed whereby young apprentices and women in service were allowed home each year on this weekend, which included the fourth Sunday in Lent. On this weekend, families could be reunited and spend time together. Over time the Church recognised this as a special Sunday, and named it 'Mothering Sunday'. From this tradition, Mother's Day began.

In 1924 in Australia, Janet Heyden began to visit a special home set up for lonely and forgotten mothers. She asked local schools and businesses to donate presents to these women to try to cheer them up. Over time, this practice was taken on by other people and eventually the idea of a Mother's Day or 'Women's Day' developed across the country.

Mother's Day is celebrated in over 146 countries around the world. While the reasons for its beginnings vary, from recognising the birthday of a women, to the importance of saving the lives of children as in Israel with Henrietta Szold, or to remind people of poor mothers as in China. The day has evolved into one universally used to celebrate and recognise all that mothers do for their children.

Mothers fulfil a vital role by helping children look realistically at life's problems without getting lost in them. A mother helps her children to tackle problems courageously and to become strong enough to overcome the problems they inevitably confront.

Of course, in this role a mother walks a fine line, seeking a healthy balance for a child. That means a mother does not always take the child along the safe path because in that way a child cannot develop but neither does she leave the child on a risky pathway because that is dangerous. A mother knows how to balance things.

As a teacher, I get to witness each day what mothers do for their sons. Be that dealing with the small turmoils that can upset the start to the day, helping them manage their things or wiping away their tears.

Mothers, whether they work or not, give so much of themselves each day doing all the things that is too often taken for granted. It is a very difficult task that involves a tremendous amount of skill. Just ask any father who has had to come home and try to do the things his wife does as a matter of course.

Alicia Molik, retired professional tennis player, a doubles grand slam winner, the former number eight in the world who defeated Venus Williams, and a mother of Yannick in Pre-Primary, said at our Mother's Day assembly, in comparison with being a professional tennis player, being a mother is the hardest job she has ever had.

I want to thank the mothers of our school for their dedication and commitment to their boys. I can see in their boys the values and standards they have instilled in them. Their guidance and love for their sons has helped to create fine young men who I know love their mothers very much.

Mr John Stewart
Head of Junior School

French News

Bonjour everyone! Well, this week the Year 4s had a very busy morning on Thursday, with a tasting session for "Le Fromage". The boys have been busy studying a selection of professions as part of the How We Organise Ourselves unit, which then led into exploring an industry that employs many people in France, the cheese industry. The two classes looked at a map of popular cheeses in France, then paired up to research different kinds of cheese.

The culmination of the unit was a tasting of five different cheeses in class, three from cow's milk, one from sheep's milk and one from goat's milk. The boys had to say how the cheese looked, smelt and of course tasted, and give it a score out of five. No great surprise that the blue cheese didn't score that well amongst our boys - Roquefort is a bit of an acquired taste. Bravo to 4C and 4T for being risk-takers and trying something new. Bravo les garçons.

Madame Vinton
French Specialist

Year 5C News

Mothers' Day Assembly

Mrs Roche inspired the boys to think about mothers and the influence of women in their lives in order to prepare for the Junior School Mothers' Day Assembly. The boys posed lovingly for a photo and created a black and white image with pop colours. These designs were used to make cards and also to form the design for the class Mothers' Day Assembly.

Miss Cirillo and Mrs Roche asked the boys to survey their mothers to find out what 'motherhood' means. The range of responses not only delighted the boys but truly made them think about what it takes to be a mum- the love, the dedication and selflessness.

5C mums:

…motherhood means love, caring and putting someone else's needs before your own.

...unconditional love... Motherhood is the ultimate juggling act which I wouldn't trade for anything. It is the most important, rewarding, loving job but at the same time, it's exhausting, hard work!

…having a child is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.

Elizabeth Stone

Mrs Roche:

Motherhood the selfless journey with surprising and joyful twists and turns at every corner. No map provided

Miss Cirillo…

…my next journey and adventure.

Our assembly followed the theme of 'motherhood.' The boys shared their mother's statements and also recited a poem about motherhood. The boys presented cards with their own statements written to their mothers along with single chrysanthemums.

5C boys:

A mother means having someone who would do anything in the world for me.

Thomas Lambo

Motherhood means endless support.

Liam Locke

Motherhood means the ultimate challenge in life that has no breaks and it is the most valuable job ever.

Ethan Kerr

5C hope all of our wonderful mothers and women in our lives had a special day on Sunday and that they felt appreciated and loved (as they should each and every day).

Miss Renae Cirillo
Year 5 Teacher

eSafety in the Junior School

The Office of the Children's eSafety Commissioner has an educational website that is designed to support and encourage participation in the digital world by providing information and education, which empowers children and parents to be safe online.

The website provides information, classroom resources and games for teachers and students to explore how to be safe online, and it has excellent resources for parents in the "iParent" section.

All Junior School boys will be working with classroom resources from the site over the course of the year as part of our commitment to help our boys stay eSafe and become responsible digital citizens.

Interested parents can take the cyber safe quiz with their son here http://www.esafety.gov.au/kids-quiz

Mrs Amanda Ritchie
ILT Integration Specialist

From the Head of Middle School

The second of our large Inter-House events, the Cross Country Carnival, is being held this Wednesday afternoon. The Cross Country is one of the more colourful events on our calendar with the massed start and the race to the finish line all in front of the Gooch Pavilion. Year 6 & 7 students run 2.5km around Lake Claremont, across Cresswell Oval and then through our playing fields to the finish. Year 8 students run a 3km course over a similar route. Every student who completes the course earns points for their House. Given equal runners, it is the House with the lowest number of points that wins. James House is our reigning Cross Country House Champion. The top 10 runners in each division are invited to try out for the Inter-School Cross County event in Week 9. The Year 6 event starts at 1:30pm, Year 7 at 2pm, Year 8 at 2:30pm. If you are able to join us I am sure your son would love to see you as he heads down the final 150m.

Tomorrow evening Maggie Dent presents her parenting seminar, 'From Sandpit to Adulthood'. A central theme to this session is that challenge, adversity and failure can actually help our children grow stronger and smarter. Maggie Dent suggests 10 Keys to support your children, (and ourselves) to reach their potential on this great journey. The evening commences at 6:30pm in the Dickinson Centre, tickets are $10 and available by booking online at "Book a Scotch College Event" via www.scotch.wa.edu.au

In the Middle School corridor near the archives display are three new display boards. These displays will change each term, outlining a significant MYP Unit of Inquiry for each year group. The Units on display for this term are:

• Year 6: Energized Government
• Year 7: Liveability
• Year 8: Medieval Europe

Each Unit display starts with a statement that provides the focus or debatable point of the inquiry. Key and related concepts are listed, along with a range of focusing questions that open up the unit for discussion. The culminating task or assessment of the unit is described with identified assessment criterion and the Approaches to Learning skills this unit targets. I invite you to look at these either in the hallway or on the Middle School Portal. They are a neat overview of an important unit of work your son is involved with this term.

Mr Richard Ledger
Head of Middle School

Scitech Challenge

On Thursday 4 May, twelve Middle School boys competed in the annual Scitech Brainstorm Secondary Challenge Day. The students worked in teams of three and participated in a variety of STEM-based challenges. The boys were selected to compete because they had displayed a passion for Science and had demonstrated proficient skills in this learning area.

Brainstorm Challenge Days at Scitech provide a platform for like-minded students to increase their confidence and team building skills in an environment where they are competing against other schools. The five events of the day centered around Astronomy, Engineering, Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology. Our Middle School boys had a lot of fun moving around the new and improved exhibits at Scitech whilst testing out their knowledge and understanding, ability to work as a team, problem-solving skills and innovative ideas.

The most popular part of the day (apart from the pizza lunch) was the Astronomy Challenge. This took place in the planetarium where students were taken on a guided tour of our galaxy as well as the technology we use to explore it. This event had a strong educational focus with mind-blowing imagery of the universe and our natural world, making it a very enjoyable experience.

Miss Deborah Mullin
Middle School Enrichment Programme

Clash of Cricket in 7.2H

In Summer Term 7.2H participated in the Year 7 Action Research Project. The Action Research Project consisted of learning how to be an effective researcher and then offered an opportunity to apply those skills to an authentic research task.

7.2H was asked by the Claremont Nedlands Junior Cricket Club to shed some light on the decline in membership numbers for their Under 13 and Under 15 teams. We designed a survey for the Year 6, 7 and 8 Scotch boys and analysed over 200 responses. Some of the key findings of the survey included:

• Boys who play cricket for a club at this age are generally very dedicated and passionate about the sport. They want to keep playing throughout high school and for most of them, cricket is their favourite summer sport;

• The main reason boys stopped playing cricket was that it clashed with other sport commitments.

The project stretched the boys out of their comfort zone and they reported that it was fun, challenging and educational. Their newly acquired research skills will no doubt come in handy in future iLearn inquiries and in all academic fields.

Ms Gabriel Hodgson
7.2H Homeroom Teacher

Sensational Science in 8.6C

In Year 8 Science this term, the topic moves from Chemistry to Biology. The curriculum begins on the small scale, starting at plant and animal cells. This leads to the big picture of whole organisms; along the way learning about tissues, organs and organ systems (such as the digestive system). To help with the study of living things, the students in 8.6C Homeroom have had quite a bit to do with the new additions to our Middle School Science Laboratories. This term, we changed the freshwater aquariums to contain tropical fish from Africa and South America, called Cichlids. Each of these aquariums contains slightly different water parameters, like temperature and acidity. Next term it is suggested we grow out some fingerling Barramundi and Marron.

8.6C has been pivotal in making our Science laboratories more dynamic and exciting. In a few weeks, live plants will be introduced to the classrooms, growing directly out of the aquariums. This will be a perfect opportunity to learn a little about Aquaponics. Our Science Laboratories are well designed and utilised extensively in Years 6, 7 and 8, but still, they could be more exciting. If any members of our wider Scotch community have any ideas or suggestions, please contact Mr Chamberlain in the Middle School. Already the Physics project for Winter Term is underway and currently in the construction phase.

Mr Paul Chamberlain
8.6C Homeroom Teacher

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Rio Bowling (7.3BG) who has been selected as a member of the Western Australian Mens Gymnastics State Team and will compete at the 2017 Australian Gymnastics Championships later this month in Melbourne.

Important Dates in Middle School Autumn Term

From the Head of Senior School

I have been most fortunate this week to attend a three-day conference for Heads of Senior School. The topics discussed were, as you might imagine, centred around many major issues facing schools. It was most beneficial to meet and discuss concerns with these experienced professionals, sharing points of similarity and difference and ways we successfully address these issues. Areas such as rewarding academic progress, school refusal and innovative Year 9 programmes were discussed in the context of our wellbeing, pastoral care and academic programme; while conversations also took place regarding attracting and retaining the best staff, dealing with critical incidents and resourcing school programmes, all of which are important in seeing good schools flourish. Scotch College is certainly well placed in all these domains, but I look forward to the conversations that will take place as we continue to look to make Scotch College the best school for your boys.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support of the updated Mobile Phone policy. The vast majority of discussions I have had with parents have been supportive and positive and on the few occasions where concerns have been raised, they have been easily clarified. It has been pleasing to witness the change in the grounds with the boys spending more time talking instead of huddling around their phone screens. Ultimately, the policy aims for students to engage with their learning while at school, while also encouraging the development of their interpersonal skills through talking and connecting during recess and lunch. Special thanks to the boys for the manner in which they have conducted themselves. We have all appreciated the way they have adapted to the changes and worked with their teachers to ensure a positive outcome.

Finally, congratulations to the Year 10 students who have stood up in the absence of the Years 11 and 12 boys, who have been completing exams. It has been wonderful to see the way they have taken to leading the Marching and completing duties around the College. I look forward to continued and greater leadership from this group of boys.

Mr Dean Shadgett
Head of Senior School

Important Dates in Senior School Autumn Term

Medical Information and Contact Details

It is a requirement for all students attending tours and excursions that medical information and contact details have been checked and updated within three months of departure.

To ensure we have accurate medical information in the case of an emergency please ensure you log on and check your son's details as and when requested. This is essential for your son's safety and a legal requirement.

If you wish to see your son's present details, please follow the instructions attached, however you will be requested to check them again if they are going on a tour.

Tour Dates

For the list of Scotch College tours in 2018 please see attached.

For any further information please contact Denyse Houston, Tours Administrator, by email Denyse.Houston@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Senior School Production

The Scotch College Senior School production Dunsinane will take audiences on an epic journey through the castles and battlefields of eleventh century Scotland. After the death of the tyrant king, the commanding officer of an invading English army attempts to negotiate the unspoken rules of Scotland and restore peace to a land ravaged by war.

Dunsinane, is a new work by Scottish playwright David Greig, first performed by the National Theatre of Scotland which explores a version of Scottish history portrayed in the play that inspired it, Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Be sure to witness this gripping tale which illuminates the tricky relationship between the invader and the invaded, vibrantly told by a talented, sword-wielding ensemble of Year 11 and 12 Scotch and PLC students.

Performances will run from 14 - 17 June and tickets are available now via the link on the Scotch College website, or by clicking on this link: https://www.trybooking.com/281402

Ms Sarah Combes
Head of Drama

Careers Information

University Information

Curtin Pharmacy Information Evening

6.30pm - 8.00pm, Tuesday 30 May at Building 108 foyer, Curtin University, Bentley

Curtin University: The Future of Interiors

Saturday 27 May from 10:00am - 12:00pm at Curtin University St Georges Terrace

Are you a Year 12 student who's interested in Interior Architecture? Come to this special design thinking event to gain insights into how technology, innovative design thinking and creativity is changing interior architecture in the 21^st Century.

UWA Engineering Information Session

6.00pm - 7.00pm, Tuesday 16 May at Engineering Lecture Theatre 1, Civil and Mechanical Building

Valuable course and prerequisite advice, information on career paths and guidance on the different areas of study within Engineering.

Murdoch University

Law, Business and Governance Careers Evening

Wednesday 17 May from 6.00pm - 8.00pm at Murdoch University South Street Campus, Herbert Theatre.

ECU Mount Lawley Campus

Teacher Education Information Evening

Tuesday 16 May 2017

Register via this link.

Edith Cowan University Pizza Night

Are you currently in Year 10 and trying to choose subjects for next year? You and your parents are invited to the ECU Year 10 Pizza Night!

If you don't know what subjects to pick next year or you just want to find out about university and the courses ECU offer, this is a great opportunity to have a chat with the friendly Student Recruitment Team over pizza!

Mount Lawley Campus

When: Tuesday, 23 May at 6.00pm

Joondalup Campus

When: Tuesday, 6 June at 6.00pm

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 the 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.

The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne will be holding an information evening: 'Meet Melbourne Perth' at the Hyatt Regency Hotel the evening of 8 June, between 6:30pm - 8:00pm, in the Grand Ballroom.

Representatives from the University of Melbourne will be giving a presentation on the night, to give students and parents a detailed introduction to all the things Melbourne has to offer. Students and their families are encouraged to come along and hear from university staff about:

• Courses and career outcomes, including the Melbourne degrees and graduate pathways
• Unique opportunities to enrich your degree such as studying a concurrent diploma or going on exchange
• Housing options, scholarships and student services
• Access Melbourne, our special entry and access scheme

US & UK University Seminar and Application Workshop

The event is tailored for students in Years 10-12 and their parents and will be held at the nearby Claremont Yacht Club from 4.30pm-6.30pm on Friday May 26.

Since 2015, Crimson Education has supported Australian and New Zealand students to get 90 offers to Ivy League schools, 310 offers to top 50 US schools and 26 offers to Oxford and Cambridge.

Scotch College families can access free tickets using the promo code 'SCOTCH'. The link to the event is here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/us-uk-university-seminar-and-application-workshop-tickets-34415454551

Cambridge University, UK

Mr Jon Beard, Head of Cambridge Admissions Office and a Bye-Fellow of Selwyn College at Cambridge University will be visiting Perth on 23 May 2017.

Interested students and parents are invited to attend a presentation where Jon will discuss:

• Studying at Cambridge University
• The application process
• Choosing a College
• Personal Statements and Interviews
• Financial consideration

Please Note: Students will need to achieve an ATAR of 98.5 to apply.

Muresk Institute Open Day

Muresk Institute Open Day, Saturday 20 May 2017

The Open Day will showcase new techniques, technologies and careers in the agricultural sector, providing visitors with the opportunity to talk to potential employers and training providers.

Defence Careers Information

Defence Careers Information Session, Thursday 18 May from 6.30pm-8.30pm

Career Sessions

Perth: Engineering Careers Information Session, Wednesday 24 May from 6.30pm-8.30pm

Perth: Trade Careers Information Session, Tuesday 30 May from 6.30pm-8.30pm

Mr Peter Frusher
Careers Advisor

Scotch Parents

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea

The Year 12 Representatives at Scotch and PLC are organising a joint event for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. This event will be held on Thursday, 25 May at 17 Richardson Avenue, Claremont and will run from 9.00am till 12 noon.

One of our Year 12 mothers works for the WA Cancer Council and she has very kindly agreed to come along to shed more light on just where some of the money raised in this huge, national event actually goes. Last year $13.8 million dollars was raised nationally - an incredible achievement. Everyone is welcome. Please come along and support this very worthwhile cause. If you would like any more information, please contact Liz Cruikshank on 0487 309 680.

Upcoming Events

• Year 10 Parent Evening - Steves Hotel Thursday 25 May 6.30pm
• Year 12 Parent Evening - The Boulevard Hotel Friday 9 June 6.30pm

To purchase your tickets please visit the Scotch College website www.scotch.wa.edu.au and click on the "Book a Scotch Event" icon.

Save the Date

• Year 12 Father Son Breakfast - Friday 30 June 7.15am to 8.15am
• Year 11 Fathers Moray Sleepover - Saturday 24 June to Sunday 25 June

Full details of these events will be available shortly.

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

Soccer Parent Support Group

To the boys who have chosen to play Soccer for this coming season, a warm welcome to you all and your families. There will be many great matches ahead for us all to enjoy. Please check Home.Scotch for fixtures.

Well done to the Year 10, 11 and 12 boys who travelled to Melbourne through this last break for a week. They played 4 matches against Melbourne Grammar, Scotch College Melbourne, Xavier College and John Fawkner College and undertook a training session with Jesper Olsen. They toured Melbourne Victory Facilities at AAMI stadium and attended the A league game Melbourne Victory v Mariners. A great time was had by all and thank you to Gerry McEwan and Mr Bridle for coordinating the trip.

Mrs Hilary Davies
Soccer Support Group