National Sorry Day is an annual event that has been held in Australia on 26 May, since 1998. On the same day in 1997 the report entitled 'Bringing them Home' - the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, was tabled in Federal Parliament. Sorry Day commemorates the tabling of this report, and is an annual day to commemorate and remember all of those indigenous people who have been impacted by government policies or forcible removal that resulted in the stolen generations.

On Friday 26 May, our College acknowledged Sorry Day and our boys represented the College at an appropriate commemoration. As a modern and progressive College, with 38 enrolled Indigenous students, it is our role to ensure that we take this day, and other times such as NAIDOC week, to celebrate the strength and resilience of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to reaffirm Scotch's role in committing to healing and reconciliation.

With the tragic events that took place in Manchester last week, it highlights an even greater importance for our College to develop and graduate internationally minded citizens who are in a positon to make a difference to our world, thus serving the future generations of young people.

It is hard to understand and explain to our own students the psyche behind a person who is born in a city, lived there all of their life, engaged in what their community has had to offer and yet is still driven to carry out a despicable, spineless act of terrorism against his fellow youth. This is why at Scotch we remain strategically committed to offering curriculum and co-curricular opportunities, such as the Round Square exchanges, that lifts the sights of the boys beyond our shores; teaching them to think, challenge, discern and act, not just to remember and recall facts.

There is a saying that 'Knowledge is Power'. What really counts is how we teach our boys to maximise and share their knowledge to make a difference in their world, not just to simply use it to get into a course via the simple recall of such knowledge at the end of Year 12.

Last week was one of those great times at Scotch when we are reminded of the difference between being just a good school and a great school; it was the week we held our annual Seniors' Lunch. To qualify, the attendees must have graduated from Scotch at least 50 years ago. I had the privilege of being seated with the longest serving graduates, mostly from the 1930's, including Dallas Hamilton, who finished at Scotch in 1933 and has just turned 101 years old. Events such as this remind our current students that their College will still be there for them for many more years to come.

In an educational climate where even the State Government's most promoted prestigious Independent Public School, the merit select Perth Modern, is now under siege to relocate, is it any wonder that parents would choose to come to Scotch for our history, longevity and predictability.

In this, our 120^th year of existence, we are going nowhere but forward.

There is a lot happening over the coming fortnight across our three sub schools and I urge you to read about these events in the rest of The Thistle and take the opportunity to come along and enjoy everything that is on offer for your boys; especially our regular assemblies.

I am pleased to share with you two newly developed digital platforms, the Teaching and Learning website and Headmaster's Blog. Our Teaching and Learning site is designed for current parents and provides access to the most up to date information regarding the Teaching and Learning programmes at the College. The Headmaster's Blog is a platform in which to share my reflections on a number of topics relating to our boys and their education.

Have a great fortnight.

Dr A J O'Connell
Headmaster

Introducing the new Teaching and Learning website

The newly developed Teaching and Learning website is now live and we encourage you to visit and explore - click here.

The website can also be accessed from home.scotch by clicking on the Teaching and Learning icon. The development of this website is a result of investigating the best way to communicate the most up to date information regarding the Teaching and Learning programmes to parents.

The site is designed for the current parents of boys at Scotch College, enabling them to access the key personnel who oversee our academic programmes across K-12. The Frequently Asked Questions for each section provides easy access to the most commonly requested information.

The website includes the following areas:

• Overview
• Curriculum
• Assessment, Progress and Reporting
• Academic Enrichment & Extension
• Academic Support
• Indigenous Student Support
• Technology, Services and Facilities

A range of examples of programmes that are currently operating in the Enrichment programme have also been included.

My thanks to Tim Burrows, Brad Tyrrell, Nathan Wood, and the many other staff who have assisted in the content and building of the site.

An introductory video from the Headmaster can be accessed by clicking on the link https://youtu.be/kX8XHUtn-v0

Mr Peter Allen
Director of Teaching and Learning

Shock and Awe

Sometimes, when we are curious about the world, we can discover something that catches us by surprise; we can be shocked by what we learn. This can have an unsettling effect on us as it may require us to look at the world, or ourselves, or others in a different way. Sometimes, things can happen to us which shock us - a terrorist act; a personal tragedy; the behaviour of someone we thought we knew well.

Humans have an in-built negativity bias. This means that we are usually on the lookout for bad things. It is a survival technique from thousands of years ago where it made sense to be constantly scanning the environment looking for danger. This is the role of the amygdala within the brain: looking for things that are not quite right. When the amygdala senses fear, it triggers the hypothalamus and this shock leads us to adopt one of three responses: fight, flight or freeze.

These shocks can force us to make changes to the way we approach life. They may snap us out of a way of thinking that might once have been appropriate but which no longer applies. Whilst some shocks can have a negative impact in the initial stages, there can be great positives that flow from them in time. Terror attacks are an example of this, where the horror and anger of the initial attack is often overwhelmed by the stories of heroism, courage, kindness and community which inevitably follow.

Whilst we are well aware of shocks and their impact on us, we do not seem to be on the lookout for awe to anywhere near the same extent. Awe involves feeling that we are in the presence of something vast that challenges our understanding of the world; this could be found in nature, art, a mind-blowing idea, or an impressive feat, including acts of great skill or virtue. When we actively seek out experiences that challenge and elevate us we gain a deeper appreciation of life around us. Whilst this may not always make life more meaningful, it can help us to feel more connected, more grateful and a part of something greater. The most interesting thing is that there is far more awe surrounding us than there are things that shock us, yet we pay scant regard to it. I think we can benefit by refocusing our attention on the things that inspire a sense of awe - the natural world, cultural achievements and the efforts of groups and individuals.

It is strange that our word 'awesome' has come to describe something that is actually full of awe, while the word 'awful' is used to describe things that are terrible, rather than full of awe.

This penchant for awe might be good for us in several ways: Research from the Greater Good Science Centre at the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that awe carries unique health benefits, sharpens your thinking, and makes you more generous.

Mr James Hindle
Director of Student and Staff Wellbeing

The power of community

If ever you need a reminder of the importance of community, this week's episode of Anh's Brush With Fame is well worth watching. Kurt Fearnley grew up in Carcour, NSW, population 200, and spoke of how his community drove him to be the world champion athlete he is today. It is a great reminder of what any community is capable of.

Watch Anh's Brush With Fame series two episode seven with Kurt Fearnley on iView here.

Year 11 CAS sleep out

On Saturday night Year 11 CAS (Creativity Activity Service - part of the IB Diploma) students, Coby Edmondstone (Cameron), Liam Corrigan (Cameron), Conor Patton (Ross), Prentice Shepherd (Ross), Aren Leishman (Ross), Jack Knobel (Ross), Felix Jones (Brisbane), George Mitchell (Shearer), and Connor O'Sullivan (Ferguson), organised a sleep out raising funds and awareness of homelessness.

40 boys slept in the Middle School Quad on a chilly night, dropping to around seven degrees. Darren Reynolds from The Salvation Army spoke to the boys about the role of the Salvos and the issue of homelessness more generally. He had some confronting stories for the boys and the question and answer session was particularly insightful.

The night out gave the boys some ideas of the conditions facing our increasing homeless population. The boys slept on the Street Swags that the College has been rolling for many years. The canvas swags are stitched at Bandyup Prison and the School fundraises for the foam inserts. Boys then roll the swags and deliver them to places such as the Tranby Drop In Centre in East Perth.

A big thanks to Mr Owenell and Ms Muni for their organisation and congratulations to the boys for their efforts. I hope they enjoyed their warm beds before school today!

Football rallies for breast cancer research

On Saturday 13 May, our Scotch College football community dedicated their home game vs Aquinas College to a cause close to our hearts, breast cancer research. The boys and parents of the 1^st and 2^nd XXVIII teams put on a pink themed morning tea, wrapped the grandstand pink and collected donations from the crowd throughout the morning. Ingrid Monaghan (mother of 1^st XXVII player Jack Monaghan - Year 12, Alexander), shared her own experience during the quarter time break, along with the importance of research in fighting breast cancer long term. The players wore pink armbands to signify their support and as the players ran onto the field at the beginning of the game, their mums lined the race holding pink balloons. Both Aquinas and Scotch College were generous in their support of this initiative and the boys loved the opportunity to support Jack's family. During the day we collected $600.00 through donations and our BBQ sausage sizzle. I would like to thank the Breast Cancer Research Centre WA for supporting our initiative and providing banners and other promotional material for the day.

Tim Reynolds (Year 12, Stuart)

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

A reminder to all boys that the Award meetings are on every Monday at lunchtime in Room 9.212 (Shearer House room).

Mr David Kyle
Director of Community and Service

Headmaster's Country Tour

Dr Alec O'Connell, along with Mr Marcus Wilkinson (Director of Residential Life), would like to invite current parents and families, prospective families and Old Scotch Collegians to join them at the following venues during their country road tour. This is an excellent opportunity to speak in person about your son's general wellbeing and life within our Residential community.

This is just the first of three trips planned for 2017 so if you are in these areas during these dates please reply to the email address below so Alec and Marcus know you are coming.

If you are able to attend any of these venues please RSVP your name, contact details, number of guests attending and which location to Residentiallife.admin@scotch.wa.edu.au, for any further information contact Michelle Grosse on 08 9460 6655.

Senior School Production

The Scotch College Senior School production Dunsinane by David Greig 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.

The production will run from 14-17 June and tickets are available now via the following link.

Ms Sarah Combes
Head of Drama

Uniform Shop

Opening Hours

The Uniform Shop will be closed for the mid-term break and Public Holiday (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!

Performing Arts

Congratulations to all performers who participated in this week's Vocal Showcase. It was wonderful to see so many boys willing to sing, either as soloists, as a member of an ensemble or both. Thanks to all staff who assisted on this evening as conductors, accompanists or mentors.

Scotch Vox members have had a busy week as they also performed at the PLC Chamber Music Concert at Christchurch Claremont, as part of the Scotch / PLC combined voices. This was the first performance of the year for the combined ensemble and we look forward to this group continuing to develop and excel in the coming months.

The last four weeks of this term are busy for music students across the school, with the Junior and Middle School Concerts, the IPSHA Festival, and Orchestra Festival on the horizon. I would encourage all students to prioritise their ensemble rehearsals in the lead up to these events.

A reminder to all Music students in Year 9 - 12 to hand in your forms for the Music Department Quiz Night. This night is open for all Scotch and PLC students who participate in classroom Music, instrumental music lessons and/or an ensemble. It promises to be a fun evening and a great way to mix with peers from both schools. For all students who have misplaced their forms, please drop into the Music Office and pick up another one.

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 Pipes 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 (Thursdays 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

Annual Appeal 2017: Memorial Hall Refurbishment

In 1947 the Old Scotch Collegians began fundraising to build the current Memorial Hall to commemorate the staff and students who lost their lives in World War II.

We are currently transforming Memorial Hall into a contemporary space, providing a modern lecture theatre and performing arts facility for both teaching and performances. The refurbishment will include upgrades to seating, lighting, sound and projection systems.

At the same time, we will maintain the original commemorative aspect with part of the Memorial Hall becoming the primary display area where our past soldiers, sailors and airmen can be honoured and remembered. It is our intention to dedicate the foyer, upstairs area and a portion of the main hall as our principal display areas to house some of the College's history and heritage. This will vastly increase and improve our capacity for displays, stories and memorabilia.

If you would like to join us in honouring our past whilst paving the way for a creative future, please support this important project for all of our students.

Donate online here. For more information please contact Kate Quinn, Director of Marketing, Advancement & Community Engagement.

From the Head of Junior School

Commonly known as Australia's "queen of common sense", Maggie Dent is a passionate, positive voice for children of all ages. On Tuesday 16 May, Maggie presented to an audience of 250 people about raising children "From the Sandpit to Adulthood".

Maggie provided some key suggestions on how to raise children who flourish.

The hunger for safe touch and repetition
Play games in cars, talk with our children. Use gentle touch with your child. "There is no app that can replace your lap. Read to your child".

The need for silence, stillness and calmness
Life moves at a tremendous pace even for little people. It is ok for them to be bored from time to time. Teaching your child to self-regulate and manage his different states of arousal is important. Music, drama, sport, time in nature, safe touch, real play and reading, are self-calming strategies. Try 'Go slow Sundays'. It is simple, stay home and stay in your pajamas…all day!

The power of puddle and the sandpit
Previous generations played and learned in the streets, woods and fields, without having their parents present, where they learned about themselves, risks and communication. Today children are much more sheltered. Lack of time in nature has a definite impact on a child's development. Provide more time for unstructured play outside. To simply climb a tree.

The secrets of play
The more children move the healthier and smarter they will be. Children want to stretch themselves to the next level. They get braver each time they play which helps with anxiety. They learn to manage risk. Let them play on their own. Let them use their imagination and create the play they want.

The drive for human connectedness
Children's wellbeing needs to be a priority. As parents, we need to use our time to connect with our children in their world. Have "welcoming strategies'' for when you return home in the evening. Kneel down on their level and say hi. Tell them "I love you more than all the stars in the night sky, all the sand on the beach and the hairs on a bear's back." Use surprise bedroom attack - five minutes after lights out, parent bursts in and tickles and blows raspberries. Apparently, this works very good after a child has had a particularly bad day and has been punished. And have a sense of humor with your child.

Building resilience matters
Value effort and attitude over prizes and winning. Teach your child to get back up when they get knocked down to turn up and have a go.

Nurturing the spirit of our children
Inspire the awe and wonder of life. We all make mistakes but they need to know that at home, as in school, "we do second chances".

Everyone, matters - no matter what
Teach your child that we can all make a positive difference every day and that they are here to make the world a little bit better.

Mr John Stewart
Head of Junior School

Year 5L News

Our environment and the action we can take to preserve our earth for the future has been the focus for the boys in 5L as they prepare to share their learning in assembly this week. The Sharing the Planet unit of inquiry has provided the opportunity to investigate different biomes around the world and ways that living things can impact the physical characteristics of a biome.

The investigations included an excursion to the Perth Hills Discovery Centre where the boys took part in a detective activity trace evidence of different wildlife species; undertook forensic examinations of animals remains and got close up with an echidna, ring-tailed possum and two little joeys.

Across the year group, the boys brought their learning together by creating board games related to a specific biome and environmental issue that they had investigated. The final evaluation of their game board came when they swapped classes to have-a-go at the games created by their peers in 5C and 5W. The students enjoyed playing one another's games and were able to give feedback on their enjoyment of the game and the learning that took place.

Ms Irene Louden
Year 5 Teacher

Physical Education News

The Junior School boys have been working hard in their Physical Education lessons the past few weeks in preparation for the Inter-House Cross Country Carnival which was held on the College grounds, Wednesday 17 May. In beautiful conditions parents and students witnessed the running of the course by the Kindergarten and Pre-Primary boys. This was the second year our Pre-Primary boys have run and the inaugural race for the Kindergarten boys. These boys did a great job of completing the course and setting the tone for the rest of the School. There were some fantastic performances throughout the morning as the students raced against their peers in a friendly and fun environment. Special mention must go to Oliver Knuckey who won the Year 4 race in a new record time of 6.10.14. This race also saw a great act of selflessness from Jonathan Gattorna who stopped to help one of his fellow competitors, who was suffering from an asthma attack, at the expense of his own performance.

A great day culminated in the House Shield being awarded to Bruce House for the fourth year in a row. Huge congratulations to all the boys who completed the course throughout the morning and for their efforts in training and running on the day.

Mr Scott Whiston
Head of Junior School Physical Education

Deputy Head of Junior School

Wellbeing

What is wellbeing? Professor Donna Cross has explained that wellbeing is an outcome. It is a product of, or is enhanced by, an effective pastoral care system. It is "… a person's ability to consciously manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and demonstrate compassion towards others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions." Wellbeing involves an individual developing a sense of self-efficacy and self-worth, a sense of social connectedness, and a belief in (and the skills necessary to ensure) good physical, mental and spiritual health in them and those around them. Central to all of this is a sense of agency; that the individual believes he or she has a degree of control over his or her life and has the strength of character to deal with difficulties and overcome challenges.

This year, the staff have been working collectively to establish what wellbeing looks, feel and sounds like in the Junior School. Class and specialist teachers have been implementing and trialling a range of activities with your boys, such as relaxation sessions, gratitude tasks, brain break ideas, breathing exercises along with established practices from last year, such as, class meetings and circle time sessions.

The Junior School staff are implementing and trialling ideas in order to build a repertoire of activities to engage young minds. This has also been fed back to the Junior School wellbeing committee who are working in consultation with the Director of Staff and Student Wellbeing, Mr James Hindle.

Whilst in a trial phase, we are still noticing small reductions of behavioural incidents, and increased awareness in the staff in identifying when calming activities benefit the learning intentions of the classroom. We look forward to gaining greater insight into the positive impact of wellbeing activities into the Junior School classrooms.

Miss Penny Hooper
Deputy Head of Junior School (Administration and Pastoral Care)

From the Head of Middle School

I spent last week on the Bibbulmun Track with a group of Year 10 Boarders, a group I have been walking with since they were in Middle School. The nights were cold and damp and the ground was hard but the walking through the spectacular jarrah forest was rejuvenating both mentally and spiritually. Spending a week device free, as did the students, was also the chance for a much richer experience and set of interactions with the environment and those walking with me. We had conversations ranging from who would win the football this weekend to the meaning of life. One of the features that has impressed me each time I accompany this group is the growing degree of self-management, the assumption of responsibility and the commitment to doing the hard tasks, such as setting up camp and cooking and cleaning after a long haul along the trail each night. The race to get to the end each day has been replaced by an enjoyment of the experience and a genuine interest in those walking with them. My observation over a long time has been that with boys, if you continue to offer them the chance to do something difficult, hard, something where success is not assured or that there will be a material reward, if the challenge is accompanied by encouragement and support and if the outcome is the feeling they have done something worthwhile or helpful, they will will rise to and set new bench marks for themselves each time.

On the weekend I accompanied a group of Year 6 boys to Rottnest with Reverend Wright for three days of community service activity and friendship making. Once again the device free programme was appreciated and offered boys extended opportunities to interact, chat, explore and work together in a face to face manner. It was another reminder that underpinning happiness, underpinning a productive time at school is a network of strong supportive relationships, relationships that are developed in person and in an atmosphere of collaboration and challenge.

Mr Richard Ledger
Head of Middle School

Middle School Inter-House Cross Country

Our Middle School Inter-House Cross Country was held on Wednesday 17 May during what was a fine and sunny Autumn afternoon. The boys were excited and ready to run. The first of the races was the Year 6 2.5km race which had boys running out around Claremont Lake and finishing on the Scotch playing fields. A very impressive effort from Jack Cook (6.4E, Bruce House) 1^st, Marco Ghiselli (6.3T, Gordon House) 2^nd and Alexander Lee (6.1S, Gordon House) 3^rd.

The Year 7 students completed the same 2.5km course with excellent performances from many students. Congratulations to Tane Hasler (7.2H, James House) on coming 1^st, Rory King (7.6M, Bruce) 2^nd and Rohan Baldwin (7.1W, Andrew House) 3^rd.

Our Year 8 students completed a slightly longer 3km course. Gregory McVicker (8.1T, Gordon House) came in 1^st, Tony Ghiselli (8.3O, Gordon House) 2^nd and Dylan Loader (8.2R, Bruce House) coming in 3^rd.

The final House standing points were:

• Gordon House: 6133
• Robert House: 5735
• Bruce House: 5366
• David House: 4815
• Andrew House: 4793
• James House: 4256

It was great to see so many students give their personal best on the day. Thank you to all of the parents who came down to support their sons on what was a very successful afternoon.

Mr Michael Brinsden
Middle School Physical Education Teacher

Year 8 Parents - ySafe workshop with Jordan Foster

The world of social media & technology is fast becoming the centre of our children's universe. It can be a challenging task for parents to stay on top of the dangers of social media and technology, while monitoring their child's online behaviour and finding balance.

We are offering a workshop for Year 8 parents to learn more about managing children's technology use, including an introduction into the most popular social media platforms and practical tips for keeping kids safe online. We will also cover information on setting boundaries around technology, online behaviour management, and tools for managing technology both in and outside of the home.

If you've ever struggled with getting your kids off their games and into bed, worried about knowing what your child is accessing online, or felt concerned that your child was spending too much time in the digital world, this workshop is for you!

Please register for this event by following the link provided. This is an important school event and we encourage all Year 8 parents to attend. The parent workshop is on Tuesday 20 June 6.30pm - 8.00pm in MacKellar Hall.

To register your attendance please click on this link: http://bit.do/scotchcollege

Year 8 students will also be attending a presentation run by Jordan Foster during the school day on Friday 16 June. We hope that by hosting both the boys' presentation and the parent workshop, the opportunity for conversation at home about the expectations and understandings surrounding the use of social media and technology will occur.

Mrs Pina Giglia
Deputy Head of Middle School

Comparing Two Cities in 7.4A

This term, the boys from 7.4A are studying the concept of liveability and how communities' perception of a place's liveability is influenced by a variety of factors.

To date, the boys have completed a range of collaborative activities including a debate on whether or not crime and violence should be reported by the media, a group discussion about what it means to be an Australian and a 'Quizlet Live' team game about environmental push and pull factors.

More recently, the boys have completed a comparative inquiry task, based on the statement that culture and communities may cause people to make decisions. Specifically, they worked in pairs to research the liveability of two cities (one from Asia and one from Australia). Using their research, they created a 3 minute presentation, presenting the positive and negative liveability traits of each city, before coming to a conclusion about which city is the most liveable and why.

The boys are certainly enjoying the collaborative nature of this unit. Whilst developing their communication and self-management skills, they have been making great connections between place, communities and culture.

Mr Andrew Arbuckle
Homeroom Teacher 7.4A

Super Smoothies, Healthy Hamburgers and Beautiful Breakfasts

The Middle School boys have been enthusiastically putting their culinary skills to the test in preparing a range of tasty and healthy recipes in Food Design.

Year 6 boys are enjoying their Food Design experience. Discovering the kitchen and making some seriously good smoothies is keeping us busy before the exciting Fruit Dessert Design Challenge.

The Year 7s have been learning about safety in the kitchen and in particular, knife safety and skills. They are now experts in slicing, dicing and chopping and can produce a wonderful fruit salad! The Healthy Hamburger Design Challenge is a chance for the boys to plan and cook some amazing burgers.

Year 8 students are extending their food skills and experiences in learning about and preparing a range of breakfast foods. Whether it's a delicious stack of pancakes, filled crepes or poached eggs, the boys have produced some fabulous dishes. Eating their creations is always the highlight of the lesson! Towards the end of term the boys will have the chance to cater for a morning tea for invited guests, to showcase their exciting new skills.

I am looking forward to further expanding the boys' talents with Food Design.

Mrs Stella Hodgson
Food Design Teacher

Headmaster's Commendations

Congratulations to the following Middle School boys who were recently awarded with a Headmaster's Commendation:

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Daniel Curtin (7.7T) who has been selected to represent Western Australia in the AFL 12s State Team and will compete at the School Sport National Championships in Darwin in August.

Important Dates in Middle School Autumn Term

From the Head of Senior School

The importance of knowledge - being globally aware

As a part of being an International Baccalaureate World School we support and encourage the development of the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile attributes in all our students. One such attribute is being knowledgeable. That is, one who explores concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance and learns about different subject areas. Learning about different subject areas is a given, and senior schools are generally set up in this way. The notion of exploring concepts, ideas and issues on a local and global scale is an essential challenge for good schools in developing global citizens. In an article written for The Guardian in the UK, the Principal of Impington Village College, an IB school just outside Cambridge, is quoted as saying, "Teaching children about global issues and encouraging them to see the world through other eyes is of huge importance. In an increasingly interconnected world, today's young generation need to learn to be able to engage in communication with people from a wide range of different cultures and traditions."

This is supported by evidence coming from business leaders around the world who rate prospective employees' knowledge and awareness of the wider world as more important than a level of training at school or university alone. In a report produced by the British Council business leaders in the UK were surveyed they raised concerns about the UK being left behind by a lack of global awareness impacting on their ability to "operate in a globalised and multi-cultural economy". Here at Scotch College and through our different programmes, including the Diploma Programme, we too have an emphasis on developing cultural understanding, multilingualism and global engagement across a broad range of subjects. Again, research from the British Council has shown, giving young people an understanding of how the world works can be a really important skill as far as getting on in life is concerned.

Further to this, and through the challenges we face such as sustainability, climate change and conflict resolution, people are more likely to take action to make the world a better place. It might be as simple as donating time or expertise. There are, of course, many other reasons for developing an international or global approach. Tolerance, an appreciation of different beliefs, cultures and backgrounds are important in themselves. Though we need not look overseas to appreciate the latter as we commemorate Sorry Day this week in our local community.

All of the above resonates with Scotch College's aim to instil in all of our boys a capacity for lifelong learning in any of the many directions in which their life might take them; as we do, indeed, 'prepare boys for life'.

Mr Dean Shadgett
Head of Senior School

Important Dates in Senior School Autumn Term

Boys' Achievements

Campbell McAullay (Year 9, Shearer) has been selected to attend the Born 2002 National Water Polo training camp at the AIS in Canberra, from which a team of 15 will be selected for a European Tour in August this year.

Harry Jackson (Year 9, St Andrews) made the state under 15's ice hockey team. He travels to Melbourne in July to compete at national level.

Joseph Banks (Year 11, Anderson) will be on tour with WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) from 5 - 10 June. Joe is the youngest member of the orchestra, most being university students.

Connor Enslin (Year 11, Stuart) made the All Australian Tennis Team due to his excellent results in the Pizzey Cup.

Laine Mulvay (Year 11, St Andrews) will be competing in the Nationals for the Men's Artist Gymnastics Level 8 Open Competition. Laine recently won the State Championships for this level.

Ryan Hodgetts (Year 11, Brisbane) won 'D Grade' at the Fremantle Solo Piping contest.

Nathan Schaff (Year 12, Anderson) won 'C Grade' at the Fremantle Solo Piping contest.

Ethan Cassidy (Year 12, Alexander) came Second in both 'C and B Grade' at the Fremantle Solo Piping contest.

Hamish McKenzie (Year 12, Ross) has been selected in the WA 19s cricket squad for the 2017/18 national championships.

Jazz Festival - Mt Gambier

The Generations in Jazz Festival, held annually in Mt Gambier, has now firmly established itself as Australia's ultimate school event for Jazz ensembles. It hosts over 5,000 students from 150 schools 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 in the National Stage Band Competition held at the festival.

18 students from the Scotch College 'Big Band 2' were one of 66 bands who entered Division 3 of this year's National Stage Band Competition. The boys performed extremely well and were awarded 4^th place, which was an exceptional result as for all band members this was their first trip to Generations in Jazz.

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 - this was also an outstanding achievement as Prentice was one of only five trumpet players selected from over 250 trumpet players in Division 3. Prentice is the first Scotch student to be selected for higher honours at Generations in Jazz.

Da Vinci Decathlon Awards

The following Year 9 Da Vinci team members have been presented with their 3^rd place medallions:

Charlie Bevan (Alexander)

George Graham (Keys)

Lachlan Raffan (Brisbane)

William Steinberg (Brisbane)

Arun Tibballs (Shearer)

Nicholas Verryn (Alexander)

Sam Wake (Brisbane)

Daniel Wiese (Keys)

Colours and Honours Summer 2017

For a list of all recipients see attached.

Important Rowing Dates in Spring Term 2017 and Summer Term 2018

Albany Rowing Camp

Thursday 5 to Monday 9 October 2017

A camp for Year 10, 11 and 12 boys (as per Spring Term) will be held again in Albany. For the first time Year 10 boys will be able to attend. This is a valuable preparatory camp - more information to follow in August. The camp is held in the latter part of the October holidays.

January Rowing Camp

Thursday 18 January to Wednesday 24 January 2018

For all rowing boys Years 9 to 12. Year 11 and 12 boys attend the camp on a residential basis. Year 9 and 10 boys attend on a day basis. Year 9 boys will train from the Scotch Boatshed. Year 10, 11 and 12 boys will train at Champion Lakes.

Mr Grant Ford
Head of Rowing

Year 10 Languages in Business Breakfast

Bright and early on Wednesday morning Year 10 boys who are considering selecting a language for Year 11, were invited to attend a breakfast with the General Manager of the Novotel Perth Langley, M. Jean-Philippe Lagarde, at his hotel in the City of Perth.

Monsieur Lagarde kindly agreed to host a breakfast for the 16 students and presented his career pathway within the hospitality industry. Explaining his choices, and the need for multiple languages, he told us of moving from France to Spain, to England, onwards to India and finally to Perth within the Accor group. Monsieur Lagarde has not been reluctant to take his children (now 18 and 22) on this journey, and of course educating them in each of the respective school systems. They are now both in the hotel industry, one following a post-university route and the other entering direct from High School. Both are multi-lingual of course.

The boys enjoyed the excellent buffet and eagerly asked relevant and engaging questions over the course of the breakfast. Sebastian Barrett (Year 10, Brisbane) led the enquiry particularly brightly considering the hour of the morning, and Joshua Walsh (Year 10, Ferguson) offered our thanks to conclude. We would like to thank him once again and of course the Novotel for being excellent hosts.

Mr Jonathan Rugg
Curriculum Leader, Modern Languages

Careers Information

Scotch College Combined Schools Tertiary Expo 2017

Students in Years 10, 11 & 12 are invited to attend the above Expo to be held in the Dickinson Centre at Scotch College on Wednesday 7 June 2017 from 5.00pm - 7.00pm. This Expo will feature university representatives from around Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Queensland and the ACT) as well as Defence Force Recruiting, Apprenticeships Australia, aviation colleges, Engineers Australia, Gap Year opportunities, Education USA and many more. This is a great opportunity for students to gather more information about possible further education and training opportunities, prerequisite subjects for university courses and alternatives to university.

Year 12 Career Focus Breakfasts

Year 12 students have the opportunity to meet with OSCs who currently work in a variety of careers that may be of interest and may assist students to make further education choices for 2018. These breakfasts are sponsored by the OSC and have been advertised to Year 12 students who may avail themselves of this opportunity each Wednesday in June commencing 7 June at 7.15 am in the Dining Hall.

Places are still available but students must register through Mr Frusher for catering purposes.

UMAT Registration

A reminder to any Year 12 student who is considering sitting the UMAT (Undergraduate Medical Admission Test) that registrations are due by Friday 2 June 2017.

University Information

Curtin University Scholarship Alert

Year 12 students can sign up for Curtin's free scholarship email service to receive an email alert whenever a scholarship that matches their criteria is open for applications. An email reminder will also be sent before applications close.

To subscribe, visit the scholarship website here.

Curtin University Information Sessions

Parent Information Sessions to discuss the university entrance process, Curtin's range of courses and scholarships will be held at Curtin University on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 June from 5.00pm - 7.00pm at Curtin University, Bentley. Register here.

The University of Sydney

Meet Sydney information evening will be held on Thursday 8 June in Perth. Register here.

The University of Melbourne/Ormond College

Year 12 students who are considering studying at The University of Melbourne in 2018 are invited to attend the 2017 Open Day on Sunday 20 August, 2017. For more information and to register click here.

Study in the USA - PSAT Testing

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a preliminary version of the SAT. Not only does the PSAT help prepare students to take the SAT or ACT, a great score on the PSAT can also open the door to National Merit Scholarships and other awards. With $180 million dollars in scholarships awarded to students that achieve high scores on the PSAT, how students perform on this exam can help them earn scholarship dollars that change the direction of their college planning. The PSAT is much more than a practice test, it is seen as an essential preparation tools for students who are considering future study in the USA.

The PSAT is fully aligned with the new SAT that made its debut in March 2016. The new PSAT, is 2 hours and 45 minutes long and tests skills in Reading, Writing and Maths.

Scotch College is now a registered test centre and will be offering students the opportunity to sit this test on Saturday 14 October 2017. The cost is $30 per student which includes preparation material, personalised feedback on test results and a suggested custom SAT study plan.

If students and/or parents are interested in finding out more about this test please contact Mr Frusher at Scotch College.

To purchase tickets please visit the Scotch College website and click on the 'Book a Scotch Event' icon. Registrations will close on 23 June 2017.

UK & US University Applications for 2018

Year 12 students who are considering applying to overseas university commencing in July 2018 are advised to commence the application process sooner rather than later. The process can be quite involved and requires a lot of research in regard to courses and universities. Mr Frusher can be of assistance in this process.

Scholarships

Bond University

Scholarships applications for Bond University are now open! These scholarships encompass a range full-fee and part-fee tuition remission. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, sport, leadership arts and community enhancement.

For more information visit bond.edu.au/scholarships

Applications close on 31 July 2017.

Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors Scholarships

AIQS offers a number of scholarships each year for Year 12 students who qualify for entry into a Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, Construction Management (Economics) or other appropriate course at an AIQS accredited university in Australia.

The scholarship is to the total value of AU$3,000. Applications close: 1 September 2017.

July Revision Programs

ATARGET Years 10, 11 and 12 - subject revision, study skills, essay writing and exam preparation programs will be offered at Christchurch from Monday 3 July - Friday 7 July. Enrol on-line at www.atarget.com.au or phone 9486 1377.

ATAR Extra Years 11 and 12 - subject revision, study skills, essay writing and exam preparation programs will be offered at Wesley College from Monday 3 July - Friday 7 July. Enrol at www.atarextra.com.au or phone 9486 1377.

WACE Plus Education - Years 11 and 12 - subject revision, study skills, essay writing and exam preparation programs will be offered at Hale School from Monday 10 July -Friday 14 July. Enrol at www.waceplus.com.au or phone 9386 1377.

Careers with STEM

This website is a great resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in a STEM field. Find out where maths, science, engineering, code, health and more could take you, and learn about possibilities you didn't know existed.

https://careerswithstem.com/

Mr Peter Frusher
Careers Adviser

Year 11 Scholarships

Current Year 11 students are invited to apply for the PC Anderson Scholarship or WR Dickinson Scholarship.

To be eligible to apply for the PC Anderson Scholarship you must be the son, grandson, great grandson etc of an Old Scotch Collegian. Boys who have no old boy connection are eligible to apply for the WR Dickinson Scholarship.

Please see Ms Quinlivan in Admissions, located in Campbell House (the house situated on the opposite corner to the main Administration building).

Applications must be collected by the boy and close 4.00pm Friday 28 July.

Scotch Parents

The Scotch Parent community is renowned for the selfless and often unrecognised contributions made by parents to enhance the boys experiences at Scotch College. This can range from little things such as helping out at morning teas for class and year groups to supporting and participating in sports, drama, arts, music and community events across the school.

A number of "milestone" events are also run by Scotch parents throughout the year which almost always take everyone's breath away with their artistic brilliance and sheer hard work.

The most recent of these was the Year 11 Dinner Dance held to the theme of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"

We would like to give special thanks in recognition to the hard working Committee:

Tania Hollingsworth, Louise Jones, Simone Wright, Melissa Harkins, Margaret Shine, Suzette Harding, Tania Easton, Anna Lane, Lorna Shaw, Donna Jackson

An army of Year 11 parent helpers converted the DC into a magic experience over several days and many more volunteered on the night for ticketing, cloakroom, refreshments and security.

Next Term 2 Scotch Parents Open Meeting 9.00am Tues 20^th June

Our second Term 2 Scotch Parents meeting will be held in the Dining Room Annexe at 9.00am Tuesday 20^th June. An Agenda will be distributed shortly and If you wish to be on the mailing list please contact Lucia Barrett - luciabarrett@hotmail.com

Come along to get a school update from Kate Quinn and to hear about our upcoming events and funding programs. Our guest speaker will be advised shortly

We encourage parents across the school - junior, middle and senior - to come along and be part of the support group contributing to the wellbeing of your son.

Upcoming Events

• Year 12 Parent evening - Off Campus Friday 9^th June
• Year 11 Fathers Sleepover - Moray - Saturday 24^th June
  

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

Pipe Band Parent Support Group

The next Pipe Band Parent Support Group Meeting will be held on Thursday, 15 June at 7.30pm in the Senior School Pipe Band room. All parents are welcome.

Mrs Margaret Shine
Pipe Band President

ADHD at School

Parents and Teachers as Partners

Run by the Learning Attention Disorders Society on Saturday 17 June, this seminar will provide parents with the skills and information they need to communicate effectively with schools, and partner with teachers.

Three speakers will speak from the perspectives of primary school, high school and parents. They will then present a panel discussion where your specific questions will be addressed. For more information please click here.

Police Commissioner's Fund for Sick Kids

Bright Blue are hosting a Chirstmas in July event at the Sandalford Winery on Saturday 29 July.

More details are attached here.

Lighthouse Leaders: Commissioner Colin Pettit

Raising Kids to Thrive: Why Children should be Seen and Heard

Building confident, resilient children is every parent's aim. Valuing the voice of children and young people and the positive contribution they make is important to achieving this.

In 2015, Colin Pettit took up the position as Commissioner for Children and Young People, a role created in 2007 after the Western Australian Parliament made a commitment that children and young people of WA would live in a state where they were heard, valued, healthy and safe.

Hear from Commissioner Pettit on matters including:

• The importance of wellbeing and good mental health for our children.
• Why it is important to hear the views of children and young people on issues that affect them.
• Why the things that WA children and young people say is important for their wellbeing.
• Commissioner Pettit's current consultation with children and young people on education and engaging children and young people in education.

Date: Monday 29 May
Time: 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm
Venue: Auditorium, PLC Senior School, 14 McNeil St Peppermint Grove
Cost: PLC Community & General Public - Complimentary (Bookings Essential via this link)

Lea Waters 'The Strength Switch' Official Book Launch

World renowned positive psychology expert and one of Australia's Top 100 Women of Influence, Professor Lea Waters, is returning to PLC Perth for the Official WA Launch of her latest book 'The Strength Switch'.

This is your exclusive opportunity to hear from Professor Waters on the outstanding benefits of strength based parenting, while also asking your own questions and purchasing your copies of 'The Strength Switch' for the special price of $29.95 (RRP $34.95).

Through 'The Strength Switch' Professor Waters shows us the extraordinary results of focusing on our children's strengths rather than always trying to correct their weaknesses.

Following her address, attendees will have the opportunity to get personal with Professor Waters through a Q&A session and exclusive book signing.

Date: Saturday 10 June
Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Venue: Hazel Day Drama Centre, PLC Senior School, 14 McNeil Street, Peppermint Grove WA 6011
Ticket: $20 (includes author presentation, Q&A session, opportunity for book signing and light refreshments)
Signed copy of The Strength Switch - $29.95 each (normally $34.95)

Steampunk Mozart

Machines meet Mozart in this remarkable concert presented by the Perth Chamber Orchestra (PCO) and MSWA. Hear PCO perform the works of Mozart and his contemporaries in Steampunk inspired costumes, with industrial soundscapes taking you back in time. The machinery and rail tracks that remain from days gone by will be featured by incredible lighting, showcasing the machinery like you've never seen before. All tickets include a glass of wine and two plates of food.

Date: Wednesday 14 June
Time: Doors 6.00pm, Concert 7.00pm
Location: Midland Railway Workshops

To book your tickets visit the website here.