Last week, along with our Director of Residential Life Mr Marcus Wilkinson, I had the unique opportunity to drive some 1700⁺ kms and visit a number of families from some of the rural communities that make up approximately 10% of our College's student population.

For many of these families, attending Scotch for their son(s) adds a level of complexity that many 'day' families may find hard to comprehend. Just returning from our trip on Saturday gave us some insight. Getting back to the College to attend PSA sport involved a 6.30am departure and driving 3.5 hours in order to get back with enough time to catch some of the morning's programme.

For many of our rural families, traveling to watch their son in any school activity is simply a reality, not one they begrudge, but another major commitment when it comes to having a son living away from home.

Throughout my many conversations with rural families across the week, one word stood out, that is, 'opportunity'. The Cambridge dictionary defines the word opportunity as:

'an occasion or situation that makes it possible to do something that you want to do or have to do, or the possibility of doing something new'.

Parents reflected on the number of opportunities provided to all boys at Scotch, not just those in residence. It implores and challenges us to ensure that our boys avail themselves of the number of opportunities on offer day in and day out. If one just looks at the last two weeks, and the coming weeks, there are a myriad of activities and opportunities for all boys across the whole school.

Over recent weeks there has been a lot of press coverage about the funding of Independent Schools. A large part of the fee we charge is simply to bridge the shortfall between what we receive in government funding support and what it takes to run a standard school the size of Scotch. Approximately 86% of the College's expenditure is focused on salaries, administration and overheads, facilities, interest and depreciation and debt repayment.

While funding helps us to deliver choice and opportunity, the true value add for boys and their families, emanates from the willingness of our students and staff to engage in co-curricular pursuits outside of their already incredibly busy schedules. This commitment continues to both amaze and inspire me; it is at the core of what really makes a difference for our student experience. Without the high level of commitment and good will of the staff, OSC, parents, and of course our students, funding would never be enough to deliver the total value add Scotch experience.

As a person who is well aware of the myriad of events and activities happening each and every week and one who lives and breathes many of the College's activities, I am still amazed and inspired when I read publications such as the 2016 Reporter which was recently circulated. In the next couple of weeks, families should receive a copy of our most recent Clan which is yet another publication showing the amazing array of activities and successes across our three sub-schools.

Speaking of opportunities and events, if you are free and get the chance, our Senior School annual production, entitled Dunsinane, by David Greig, is on this week. The production runs from 14 -17 June commencing each evening at 7.00pm in the Dickinson Centre, with a 2.00pm matinee on 17 June.

Let us continue to encourage each other to take every opportunity which this great community offers to all of us each and every day.

Have a great fortnight.

Dr A J O'Connell
Headmaster

Scotch Libraries; leading learning

Historically some libraries have had a certain stereotype, re-enforced by rules, silence and a lack of food! However, under the direction of Mr Brad Tyrrell, Dean of Information and Learning Technology, the Scotch College Libraries continue to offer far more than the traditional services.

The College has two libraries, the Junior Middle Library and the Bunning Resource Centre in the Senior School. Both serve a unique purpose for the ages of the boys whom they are provided.

The notion of a library is changing to a place not just of books or resources, at Scotch the place is a space that the boys can come to seek answers to any problems, from something as simple as a resource, to proof reading, to website creation, video manipulation to the updating graphic calculators.

The library is the centre of resourcing at Scotch, the libraries' role is to promote to students the view that we are in a global community and with that encourage international open-mindedness.

At the College we understand that with information being so vast the importance of library to curate information for students to get started has been key in the creation of research guides, our community can access these guides here.

The library space is not a classroom, it's not tied to a curriculum, so the role of the opportunity for library to expose students to new ideas and ways of thinking is always being considered.

Our libraries, and the fantastic staff within them are enablers of innovation, working with students and teachers to incorporate modern technology alongside traditional approaches such as encouraging reading for pleasure in a variety of formats.

Our libraries are a place where Information Technology and Research and Approaches to Learning come together.

Whilst we still operate areas for those in need of a quiet space we now also focus on a productive open plan for group collaboration.

I invite you as parents to explore our libraries online here and come in and see for yourself the way our libraries are leading learning at the College.

Mr Peter Allen
Director of Teaching and Learning

An Open Mind and a Steady Voice

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." Carl Sagan

To be aware of the awe that exists around us, we should always try to keep an open mind towards others and the world. Being open-minded involves adopting a somewhat optimistic view of life; as Carol Dweck has said, we should grow to "love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort and keep on learning".

This open-mindedness is easy when the world conforms to our map of how things should be, but it gets hard when we are confronted with contradictory and apparently irreconcilable views. Being open-minded means having courage (something I have written about before). We need courage to ask questions for which we do not have the answer. We need courage to listen to opinions that clash with our own. And we need clear-headedness to analyse and counter these opinions.

The sign of the truly curious - and courageous - person is someone who is willing to seek to understand why someone has an opinion even though they may disagree with that opinion. To dismantle extremist views, we must first seek to understand why such views are held. If we can reach this understanding, we can seek, patiently, to unpick the lines of thought which have led there.

In an era of 'fake news' and a massive oversupply of information, working out what is legitimate and what is accurate, recognising what is useful and what requires further examination, and selecting and editing information, are the keys to making sense of the world.

Asking questions, and speaking out for the things in which we believe, requires us to find our voice. This finding of voice is something which we see on a regular basis within schools, as young people strive to understand themselves and their world and they seek to express that understanding. We see it in class, we hear it in debates, we hear it at assembly presentations. The Vocal Showcase, which took place in the Dickinson Centre on Tuesday 30 May, was another wonderful reminder of what finding your voice can sound like. It was also a priceless demonstration of what courage in action looks like. All those who performed took a risk by taking to the stage. The soloists were outstanding and it was heart-warming to hear their voices. Some of them started off perhaps slightly timidly, but you could hear them growing in confidence as their song unfolded. And there was joy in being able to share such sounds. It was also a joy to hear the vocal ensembles; voices singing together, in harmony.

In Week 9, we have the heats of the Senior School Inter-House Singing. These will take place during Chapel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. There is always great joy in seeing and hearing these performances, as the boys work together to produce something which is shared with others in their House and with the audience.

Mr James Hindle
Director of Student and Staff Wellbeing

Yarning at Scotch

Around this time of year, we celebrate Aboriginal culture and promote reconciliation with Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June) and NAIDOC Week (2 - 9 July). Of course, we don't need to wait until these weeks to be celebrating the world's oldest living culture and the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society. As a part of the Year 10 Community and Service Programme, the College works with ICEA to promote conversations and understanding about what reconciliation really means. The programme is called Yarn and is exactly that, a Yarn!

'Yarn is a safe space to have courageous conversations about race, racism and reconciliation. Through open discussion and interactive learning, Yarn works to eliminate ignorance and challenge some of the inherited attitudes and biases that prevent reconciliation from moving forward. Yarn makes our schools and communities more inclusive by building respect for Aboriginal cultures and peoples and fostering young leaders who are culturally responsive.'

The programme is supported by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet's Indigenous Advancement Strategy and has been rolled out across schools and businesses around Western Australia.

ICEA is now bringing this opportunity to the Scotch community. Over three dates in August the group will promote conversations around the areas below. Feel free to sign up for one or all three though please be aware that spaces are limited. You will receive an email with further details. RSVP here.

August 15 - Sharing perspectives on contemporary Aboriginal identity
August 22 - Becoming an ally in reconciliation
August 29 - Recognition versus Treaty? Understanding the debate

For more information, feel free to email me or yarn@iceafoundation.com.au. Below is the testimonial of one Scotch boy who recently took part on the programme.

I definitely didn't know much when I got involved in the programme. I was lacking in an understanding of the subject matter and now I feel like I do have a grasp. I've learnt about culture like the Noongar seasons and about the racism that occurs in Western society now and in the 20^th century. Now I have the knowledge of what's going, what people have said, what microaggressions are, how Indigenous people can be impacted and offended by that kind of stuff. It's been really relaxed though…just by talking and getting a grasp on different peoples' opinions about things you can kind of come together and make a whole better conclusion. I think I am a lot more aware now. At the start, I was like, "It's not that bad, there's obviously an issue but it's not that bad." Now I'm starting to notice situations where racism is being displayed - like microaggressions. I saw an example on the train and in the past I wouldn't have noticed what was going on. And there was a part of me that wanted to stand up and do something, but the guy was pretty scary. I think the biggest change is the noticing of that. That's the most significant thing for me because if you have an understanding, you often notice it and if you often notice it you can kind of go to that final step and step in and really just kind of inform that person what it's like and about reconciliation. The goal is to fully reconcile and have Indigenous culture immersed in Western Australia. I feel more empowered to be a part of that now that I have knowledge.

NAIDOC week is being celebrated at Scotch in Week 2 of Winter Term between 29 July and 5 August.

Mr David Kyle
Director of Community and Service

Understanding Your Adolescent Son

Is your son forgetful, disorganised, emotionally reactive to small things he disagrees with or unable to manage his moods and distractions? Is his room like a dump site some days, does he lose things easily?

You may feel slightly more forgiving after reading an insightful blog by Maggie Dent entitled 'Helping our teens to cope, conquer and shine'. Brain changes, along with hormonal and body changes create a window of vulnerability in the early stages of adolescence. It is something worth reading about.

Adolescence can be a bumpy ride. Maggie Dent urges parents and those working with adolescents to navigate the tipping point and to 'be the grown-up who has a prefrontal … and care for your own and their friends with gestures of kindness, messages of encouragement, moments of lightness and staying in touch'.

Ms Shauna Lipscombe
Senior School Psychologist

Senior School Production

The Scotch College Senior School production of Dunsinane opens this week. First performed by the National Theatre of Scotland in 2010, Dunsinane is a 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 this link.

Ms Sarah Combes
Head of Drama

Year 7 Scholarships 2018

The Headmaster and College Council are delighted to announce the following awards:

GG Gooch Scholarship
Jason Pocock (Inglewood Primary)

JA Gooch Scholarship
Thomas Gray (Scotch College)

Academic Entrance Scholarship
Henry Allan (Swanbourne Primary)
Andrew Walker (Bletchley Primary School)
Aidan Brookes (Aquinas College)

World Scholar's Cup Perth Round 2017

What sound does an alpaca make? You don't know? Neither did 400 students until Friday 2 June.

On 2 and 3 June, Scotch College hosted the Perth Round of the World Scholar's Cup, a two-day global academic enrichment competition that 'aims to attract a global community of future scholars and leaders and allows participants to discover their strengths and skills whilst being invigorated by the fun of learning.'

Watching the welcoming ceremony of the World Scholar's Cup is akin to going to a concert. Picture 400 screaming teenagers from schools across the state been whipped into a frenzy about learning. The behemoth that is the World Scholar's Cup is an international phenomenon that sees students compete in teams of three across four academic events; Team Debate, Scholar's Bowl, Collaborative Writing and the Scholar's Challenge. The subject matter provided by the World Scholar's Cup organisation is rich, varied, highly relevant and engaging. Students explore everything from the history of conspiracies to the development of technological 'moonshots'.

The brilliance of this event is the way in which it destroys stereotypes such as those suggesting that pushing yourself intellectually is boring. The students (or scholars) were engaged, singing, dancing and laughing all in the name of academically extending themselves.

This year Scotch College fielded its biggest ever student delegation of 50 boys ranging from Years 7 to 11. Every Friday afternoon for several months, these boys engaged in training sessions for the event. Sessions included guest lectures provided by our Scholar In Residence, Akram Azimi and, on occasion, we were fortunate enough to have PLC's 35 student strong delegation travel to Scotch for a series of team debates against our boys.

Year 11 students Rafe Harrison-Murray (Stuart), Prentice Shepherd (Ross) and Darcy Frazer (Ferguson), now seasoned veterans of the competition, must receive special commendation for their efforts. They coordinated many of the training sessions and provided ongoing support and guidance to the entire team.

Scotch College once again performed exceptionally well across all aspects of the competition. While there were numerous individual and team achievements, the following most notable achievements must be acknowledged:

Senior Division

1^st place Champion Team: Rafe Harrison-Murray (Year 11, Stuart), Prentice Shepherd (Year 11, Ross), Lewis Orr (Year 10, Ferguson)

1^st place Champion Scholar: Lewis Orr

2^nd place Champion Scholar: Rafe Harrison-Murray

3^rd place Champion Scholar: Prentice Shepherd

Junior Division

1^st place Champion Team: Sam Wake (Year 9, Brisbane), William Steinberg (Year 9, Brisbane), Daniel Wiese (Year 9, Keys)

2^nd place Champion Scholar: Sam Wake

3^rd place Champion Scholar: William Steinberg

Further details regarding individual and team results can be found here:

WSC Scotch Junior Results 2017

WSC Scotch Senior Results 2017

In addition to the academic events, a number of Scotch College students participated in the Talent Show on Day 2 at Curtin University. Hugo Fellow-Smith's (Year 7, Gordon) rendition of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelulah' captivated the audience and received a rapturous applause. Ronald Fellow-Smith's (Year 9, St Andrews) cover version of the 'Kahoot' loading screen soundtrack was an absolute crowd favourite. Our boys once again represented the College with pride and humility and contributed to what was an overwhelmingly celebratory atmosphere throughout the competition.

A special thank you must go to all of the parents and staff who dedicated so much time and energy to this event. Most notably, Deborah Mullin, Karen Woods and Heidi Locke, who worked tirelessly for many months overseeing the entire operation. These staff make our College such a wonderful place to be educated.

Mr Sam Sterrett
Enrichment Co-ordinator

Uniform Shop Opening Hours and Holiday Opening Times

The Uniform Shop will be open on Monday, 24 July (the day before Winter Term commences) from 9.00am - 12.00 noon and 1.00pm - 4.00pm.

From Tuesday 25 July normal term opening times will apply:

Uniform Website: http://home.scotch.wa.edu.au/uniform

Uniform online ordering: http://www.flexischools.com.au

From the Head of Junior School

Victoria Prooday is a Registered Occupational Therapist with an extensive experience working with children, parents and teachers. Victoria is a founder and a clinical director of a multidisciplinary clinic for children with behavioural, attentional, social, emotional and academic challenges.

In her article entitled "The silent tragedy affecting today's children", Victoria comments on how the environment and changes in parenting styles have contributed to some of the challenges children face today. She suggests that for a healthy childhood children require; emotionally available parents, clearly defined limits and guidance, responsibilities, balanced nutrition and adequate sleep, movement and outdoors, creative play, social interaction and opportunities for unstructured times and boredom.

Parenting is a difficult job that doesn't come with a manual (perhaps it should). Far too often children are presented with digitally distracted parents, indulgent parents who create a sense of entitlement, poor sleep habits, poor nutrition, lack of exercise and an over exposure to technology. These changes to parenting may be contributing to an increase in the prevalence of conditions such as mental health issues, ADHD and depression.

It is not all bad. Victoria offers some simple strategies or changes to show parents how to have a positive impact on our children and their future.

• While it is great to have a positive relationship with our children, we need to set limits for them as their parent. Provide a well-balanced lifestyle filled with what they need not what they want. Say 'No', they will survive.
• Look to provide a healthy diet. Food feeds the spirit and the mind and contributes to energy levels, concentration and behaviour.
• Get them outside doing activities on their own and with their family, without technology.
• Eat dinner together, without technology
• Play board games
• Give them daily chores that contribute to the well-being of the household. This should be more that cleaning their room.
• Have consistent sleep routines and times. Ensure they get the correct amount of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation impacts on moods, energy levels, concentration and behaviour.

• Don't pack your child's backpack, don't carry his backpack, don't bring to school his forgotten lunch box, and don't peel a banana for a 5-year-old child. Teach them the skills to do it for themselves.
• Let them be bored. Boredom is often when creativity happens. You are not your child's entertainment crew. Help them create a set of things they can do when they feel "bored".
• Be emotionally available to your child by turning off your technology until they are in bed. Help them to learn to manage their emotions. Teach manners, greetings and conversation skills.

These simple changes take discipline on the part of parents but the outcomes will be worth it in the end.

Mr John Stewart
Head of Junior School

Performing Arts

Circus vs Shakespeare

For the past 10 weeks, the Year 5 boys have been busy discovering their strengths and talents for circus skills. I'm sure most boys will agree they have discovered that they have both the inner and physical strength to perform skills that they wouldn't have imagined they could do before. With the help of our super talented and inspiring circus guru, Sarah Ritchie of Kinetica Youth Circus, the boys have experimented with storytelling through the art of circus. Inspired by the musical they will perform in Semester 2 entitled 'Shakespeare Rocks', the boys have worked to reenact the history of Shakespeare's famous Globe Theatre, which was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's Theatre Company, only to be destroyed by fire during a performance on 29 June 1613. They will perform their item at the bi-annual IPSHA Performing Arts Festival, held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, on Tuesday 20 June.

Miss Phebe Samson
Performing Arts Teacher

Year 2F News

We have had two special guest speakers come into our classroom recently and are looking forward to Eugene's Uncle joining us via Webex Conference from Tokyo next week. These visitors are assisting us in gaining information that will help us plan, design and build our own energy efficient model home for our Sharing the Planet Summative Assessment.

On Thursday 1 June, Chris Ferreira visited our classroom to talk to us about the ways in which he turned his regular weatherboard house eco-friendly and sustainable. The reasons why he made these changes were fascinating. We loved watching his YouTube clips.

In Week 7 our second visitor joined us; established architect and ex Scotch student Matt Crawford came to the classroom and spoke to us about the processes that Architects go through when designing a sustainable house and the ways in which they can reduce, reuse and recycle different materials. We loved Matt's presentation and especially loved quizzing him. He created his first design, his own sand pit when he was just 4 years old!

We have been busy preparing and learning our lines for our first Assembly item in Week 8. We even had eight mums come in to make props, you won't believe how amazing they look!

The boys are very excited about their performance and the beautiful connection to the lines of inquiry in our current Unit Of Inquiry. Thanks to Miss Tilbrook for making our Assembly so much fun. We hope you enjoy it as much as we have loved preparing it.

Mrs Tara Fowles
Year 2 Teacher

Commitment to Learning

At 7:45 am each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, six dedicated Year Five boys meet and take part in the Levelled Literacy Intervention Program. This program provides explicit instruction primarily on reading strategies and comprehension skills. However, there is a writing component which involves phonics and vocabulary. These boys are to be commended for committing to meeting before school three mornings a week to discuss, analyse and critique a range of literary texts.

The LLI program aligns well with the IB Approaches to Learning which include thinking, social, communication, self-management and research. The boys learn to think critically and creatively. The rich discussion of stories and informational texts provide the opportunity for boys to collaborate while enhancing their social and communication skills; they listen to each other and respond and share ideas and opinions. The boys involved in this program demonstrate an impressive level of self-management skills by being organised for each lesson. Home learning requires the boys to read every night and complete a range of phonic, spelling and word activities or games.

The boys taking part in the LLI program are to be congratulated for showing a high level of dedication to their learning.

From left to right: Fraser Eve, William Fairclough, Myles Beeney, Charles Goyder, Will Howie, Tane Croon-Hargraves

Mrs Janet Lopez

Head of Academic Support

From the Head of Middle School

It is Men's Health Week across Australia this week with the theme, Healthy Body - Healthy Mind: Keeping the Balance. An interesting comment I read is that men and their health sit about 30 years behind the awareness and proactivity of women and their health. Significant to this is a seeming reluctance or shyness by men to discuss health related matters, particularly their own. There are a range of activities planned throughout the metropolitan area this week, however if you wanted to help address this shyness to talk about health by starting a simple conversation at home, these are the Health topics Middle School boys are working on this week:

Year 6: Healthy Lifestyle - the effects of alcohol and tobacco and how to refuse.
Year 7: Healthy Eating - the nutritional value of foods, the food pyramid and food labelling.
Year 8: Growth & Development - physical, social and emotional changes during puberty.

In a busy and challenging world it is often the easy or expedient choice to put our own health matters on the backburner as we attend to others or events lining up in front of us. Men's Health Week is a great reminder, that our health, men's and women's, needs to be our highest priority.

Last weekend we hosted the World Scholar's Cup at Scotch College. 360 Year 6-10 students from schools around the state, along with an equal number of stuffed alpacas, competed in teams and as individuals, across 4 very challenging activities. It was a fun filled weekend that celebrated academic challenge and aspiration.

Two important activities in Middle School as we close in on the end of term are:

Middle School Open Day

Tomorrow Middle School hosts its own Open Day where prospective families visit and learn more about Scotch College, in particular about life in the Middle School. Of the 200 students in each year group from Year 7 onwards, three quarters of these boys set foot at Scotch for the first time in Years, 6, 7 or 8 hence the importance of the Middle School mission of supporting and developing Transition and Engagement. Following my presentation Year 8 students will host small groups on a tour of Middle School, and whilst it is a chance to see and talk about the activities of Middle School, one of the aspects parents are most interested in is the chance to meet and talk with some Scotch boys. Without doubt, central in their minds will be to note the manners and courtesies shown by their guides and their willingness to engage with their guests. The degree of enthusiasm and advocacy they show for their school and the respect they display for both the people connected with school and the opportunity they have in attending, I believe, is such a strong demonstration of the Scotch College culture and the positive effect it can offer. Open Days always have an air of excitement and anticipation, from both prospective parents and our host classes. In anticipation of our boys doing another great job I have already ordered their "thank you" trays of muffins.

Semester 1 Reports & Semester 2 Goal Setting

Semester 1 Reports are in the process of being written and will be uploaded online to parents, with all time lines going to plan, on the last day of term. During Week 1 of next term students will have the opportunity to analyse their report grades, each criterion, their Approaches to Learning and teacher comments and formulate some strategic goals for Semester 2. These goals are discussed with their teachers and will then form the basis of the Parent Student Teacher Interview (PSTI) in the second week of term. Reflection is such an important part of the IBO philosophy and a powerful means of confirming what we know and how we learned it. The process of reflecting on Semester 1 data we hope; (a) provides each boy with a set of clear objectives for this coming semester and (b) helps groove a very valuable habit for students to apply independently as they move into Senior School and beyond.

Mr Richard Ledger
Head of Middle School

8.2R Moray Experience

The boys of 8.2R, together with 8.1T met on Monday of Week 3A at Scotch ready for an exciting week at Moray. The group was greeted with beautiful sunshine on arrival and for 4 days the boys engaged in fun yet reasonably challenging outdoor experiences. Boys took part in activities such as: hiking to Swamp Oaks and Baden Powell Camp sites, climbing the high ropes course, canoeing the notorious "Killerfang Falls", camping, and cooking gourmet pizzas and burritos for themselves to name a few.

As expected, the mornings were cold but this did not hinder the enthusiasm from the boys. Upon reflection the boys gave an excellent account of themselves on camp, and I was pleased to witness a number of 8.2R boys who displayed actions of integrity, service and stewardship in all of their actions.

As always, the planning behind the scenes was fantastic and I thank the Scotch College Outdoor Education team and the external staff for making the 2017 camp such a success. I hope that the boys can reflect positively on this outdoor experience and put to use some of the skills that they have learned.

Mr Toby Robinson
8.2R Homeroom Teacher

Random Acts of Kindness in 7.7T

Inspired by a talk from Mr Ledger at our most recent Assembly, the 7.7T class decided to perform random acts of kindness to other members of our Middle School community. The acts were to be done purely from the heart with no expectation of recognition or gratitude.

The boys reflected on what they had specifically done for other community members and how it made them feel. Some of the acts of kindness included: helping to carry heavy sports bags, praising another student's effort in class, picking a mate up off the footy oval after a heavy bump, opening the door for a visitor to the school and many others. The students felt overwhelmingly positive emotions whilst helping out others.

Caring is one of the IB Learner Profiles at Scotch College and this simple task helped reinforce this noble quality. The 7.7T acts of kindness caused ripples around the Middle School and we are sure they will go even further from here.

"A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love." St Basil

Mr Peter Tresise
7.7T Homeroom Teacher

Free Dress Day - Winter Term

On Wednesday 28 June, the Middle School will have a Free Dress Day to raise money for our chosen charity this term, the UnitingCare West Winter Appeal. Boys are asked to wear comfortable, casual clothing and bring in a gold coin donation. If your son is involved in the Year 8 Family Member's Morning Tea that morning, he will be required to come to school in school uniform, and bring his casual clothes with him to change into at recess.

Mrs Stella Hodgson
Community & Service, Food Design Teacher

Important Dates in Middle School Autumn Term

From the Head of Senior School

Homework

I am at school all day; why do I need to do homework?

Homework is the bane of a student's life. So why do most schools still set homework? It is important to state at the beginning that most studies still find that homework is statistically linked to improved academic achievement. Additionally, supporters posit that homework encourages independent learning, promotes responsibility as well as good work and study habits and ultimately supports students in developing the character traits necessary for success in life. Research has also shown that too much homework can be detrimental and in such cases opportunities for play, socialisation and family time can suffer. Of course, this all needs to be balanced against several other considerations, least of all is the need for a physical outlet. Our boys certainly have this opportunity through our commitment to the PSA, House sport activities and our Health and Physical Education programme.

So what is the difference between homework and study?

Simply put, homework is what one does day to day to reinforce learning or introduce a concept to be further developed in class. Homework is generally a short-term task. Study is work over and above set homework and generally moves skills, processes and knowledge from short term memory to longer term memory. As students' progress through the Senior School assessments in each subject cover more content learnt over longer periods of time. Study refreshes this content in one's mind while also allowing students to identify areas to be clarified. Study should be:

• Part of a regular routine. Set aside times in a study timetable to study specific topics. Spend more time studying the topics you find hard or need to improve the most.
• Task specific - by that I mean choose one particular area of work to study and have a plan - write notes, make a mind map, highlight material, test yourself.
• Don't leave study to the last moment - schedule regular study times. Make study a habit.

What should doing homework and/or study look like?

I subscribe to the theory that students should look to make the most of the time available for them to complete their homework and study by ensuring all distractions are put aside. One of the great myths we encounter as parents and teachers is the myth of multi-tasking. That is, students today can complete multiple tasks applying equal attention to detail to each. This is a myth. I have heard it best described as multi-switching. That is, sharing one's attention across several tasks, apportioning a fraction of the available attention and cognitive ability to each. Managing two mental tasks at once actually reduces the brainpower available for either task. The more one multi-tasks, the worse one does in each task and the more distractible you become and the more disorganised your memory becomes. Dr Richard Restak, neuropsychiatrist, further describes multi-tasking as follows; "Most of all multi-tasking impairs our ability to think in a human way, to go into depth, and to develop our own ideas because it takes time and focus to form meaningful associations and connections."

Homework and study are an important part of the learning process. Developing a study regime which efficiently works is a skill in itself and should be developed over one's time at school. One of the greatest challenges to teaching study skills in isolation is the lack of context in which the skills are instantly valuable. I know that teachers regularly refer to study habits in class, such as, practise by doing, summarising notes, underlining key 'action' words which students only tend to pay attention to when it is of most importance to them. I encourage all students, especially our Years 11 and 12, to review their study routine and consider how they may be more efficient in the use of their time. If you or your child need any further assistance please discuss subject specific strategies with your teachers or in general speak to your House Head or Tutor.

Mr Dean Shadgett
Head of Senior School

Important Dates in Senior School Autumn Term

PSA Surfing

On Friday 2 June, the PSA surfing was held at Trigg Beach, in spectacular two metre swell and easterly conditions. Three of the teams came in first place, which bodes well for the season. The Junior surfers and Senior and Junior Body-boarders all won their sections, and so congratulations to these nine boys. Commiserations on unlucky wave selection to the Senior Surfers, whose 4^th place meant that Scotch, after an extensive recount, came overall 2^nd to Hale this year. Roll on winter and the Metro schools competition in August. Thanks to Captain Riley Walker (Year 12, Shearer) and Vice-Captain Harley Waddell (Year 12, St Andrews) for excellent organisation of the boys.

Mr Jonathan Rugg
Curriculum Leader - Modern Languages (Language Acquisition)

New York Arts Tour Information Evening

Students undertaking a Creative Arts or Performing Arts course for study in Year 11 or 12 in 2018 are invited to attend an Arts Tour traveling to New York in April, 2018. An information evening outlining the intended educational outcomes and tour highlights will be held on Monday 26 June at 6pm in the Dickinson Centre.

This will be a good opportunity for interested students and parents to find out more about this exciting new tour.

Mrs Celena Mecham
Curriculum Leader - Creative Arts

Careers Information

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 at 7.15am in the Dining Hall. Places are still available for the 21 June breakfast (Physiotherapy & Medicine) and the 28 June breakfast (Law, Journalism & Psychology) but students must register through Mr Frusher for catering purposes.

University Information

Notre Dame University Early Offer Programme 2018

The University of Notre Dame Australia's Early Offer Programme makes early offers to Year 12 students who have demonstrated academic excellence and are making a significant contribution to their school, community or church. Students who have a predicted ATAR of 93+ for Law & Physiotherapy or 90+ for all other courses are encouraged to apply for this early offer by contacting Mr Frusher at Scotch. If a student is successful and accepts their Early Offer, it would in no way prohibit them from applying and accepting an offer from another university.

Applications are now open and close on Friday, 28 July, 2017. Offers will be made by the end of September, 2017.

A Day in the Life of a Notre Dame Uni Student

Notre Dame University is offering this popular event on Friday 14 July at the Fremantle Campus. Year 10, 11 and 12 students are invited to try out the University from a student perspective. The day will conclude with a university application workshop for Year 12 students. Morning tea and lunch are provided. Students can register online here.

Notre Dame Course Advice Sessions

Students seeking course advice are invited to book a one-on-one appointment with a Prospective Students Adviser during the July holidays - 3 - 12 July. This is an opportunity to discuss Notre Dame's undergraduate course options and the application process in depth.

WAAPA Arts Management and Live Production Info Evening

ECU Mount Lawley Campus

Thursday 22 June 6.00pm - 7.30pm

Register online here.

University of Melbourne Interstate Student and Family Info Day

Monday 10 July

The day will focus on aspects of the university that are of greater concern to interstate students such as the application process, scholarships, student services, the student experience and accommodation options.

We also highly recommend that you make it a long weekend and participate in another event we are running on the previous Friday 7 July 'A Day at Melbourne' where you will find out about our undergraduate courses structure, majors, graduate pathways, enhancement programmes and activities that can be done within each faculty. To find out more about the A Day at Melbourne programme go to http://go.unimelb.edu.au/3bfn.

Please note: The Interstate Student Information Day is not an Open Day. Places are limited and registration is required. Register online here.

Scholarships

The University of New South Wales offers scholarships in a variety of areas including academic, rural, sporting, indigenous, accommodation and faculty. To search for a scholarship that suits you go to:

scholarships@unsw.edu.au. Applications open in July and close 30 September.

Bond University scholarships applications are now open! These scholarships encompass a range of 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 click here.

Applications close 31 July 2017.

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.

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 Programmes

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

TEE Consultants July Programme from 3 - 7 July at Murdoch University offers scholarships and discounts for their study programmes. Contact TEE Consultants on 93872106 for bookings.

Career Information

Careers in Grain

This new website provides you with everything you need to know about entering the grains industry, and the wealth of career opportunities available. In 2015, the value of agriculture to WA was $7.9 billion with grain crops such as wheat, barley, canola and oats contributing $5 billion to the economy. With the value of the grains industry expected to increase, Careers in Grain is the portal that enables you to join this booming industry.

Rural Skills Australia

Download the Rural Career Guide and find out about training opportunities and career pathways in rural industries.

Plumbing Careers

This website is for students interested in a career in plumbing. Find out about what you can expect from your career and where to find an apprenticeship.

Nursing Expo

The Australian College of Nursing will be playing a leading role in promoting the profession of nursing to the general public at the upcoming ACN Nursing & Health Expo to be held from 8.30am - 1.30pm on Sunday 18 June 2017 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. More information about the Expo can be found on our website.

Gap Year Opportunities

Lattitude Global Volunteering

The application deadline for 2018 overseas placement experiences is Friday June 16, 2017.

Info nights: June 10, Perth, Perth College, 1.00pm. More information is available here.

Mr Peter Frusher
Careers Adviser

Student Achievements

Mitchell Clarke (Year 12, St Andrews) has received the 2017 Pierre de Coubertin Award and attended the Pierre de Coubertin Academy Day at WAIS, Friday 9 June.

The Pierre de Coubertin Award recognises students who epitomise the Olympic ideals of Sportsmanship, Fair Play and Teamwork and acknowledge that they represent the school at the highest standard both on and off the field. As such this award is not intended to solely reward elite performance but rather reward those students displaying strong character and ideals.

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.

Lake Claremont Path Upgrade

The path between Strickland Street and Gloucester Street within Lake Claremont is set to be upgraded due to its poor condition. This will occur over the next four weeks.

A map of the path to be upgraded is here and the alternative route if required.

If you have any enquiries, please contact Jackie Parker, Supervisor Parks and Environment at the Town of Claremont office, jparker@claremont.wa.gov.au.

www.claremont.wa.gov.au

PLC Gourmet Showcase: Farm 2 Fork

On Sunday 23rd July, PLC will host a community food event showcasing some of WA's finest produce, sourced from the PLC community.

For more information see here.