A Community for Life

Maslow's Hierarchy of Basic Human Needs highlights the importance belonging, relationships and being in a community are to our survival. These are our basic psychological needs and when coupled with our physical needs are the fundamental requirements to fulfilment, happiness and productivity.

At Scotch College we meet the belonging, fulfilment criteria in so many ways: through class groupings, faction houses, sports teams, bands, orchestras and performance groups and service activities. We bind ourselves together through shared values, traditions, uniform and ceremony. What happens to that sense of belonging, the relationships and feeling of community when boys leave school?

Two events over the weekend reminded me just how Scotch College is a community for life for our boys.

On Saturday evening the Pipe Band celebrated its 70^th anniversary with 200 guests and emotion stirring displays of piping from current and former band members. Then on Sunday it was the OSC's 'Festival of the Boot' between Scotch and Christ Church old boys. Like the Pipe Band anniversary the turn out for the 'Festival' was impressive and whilst skill and fitness levels may have waned slightly over time, the spectacle and enjoyment factor for both players and spectators was brilliant.

On Saturday evening at the Pipe Band celebration three OSCs from the original Pipe Band of 1947 returned and were on hand to cut the magnificent birthday cake made by Pipe Band mother Mrs Glenda Crawford. There were multiple generations of families in attendance with grandfathers, fathers and grandsons; a great illustration of the line in the College song: 'Bonding father, brother, son, the baton passes on.'

Pipe Band cake (Photo from Rene Greyling)

The College was 50 years old when the Pipe Band began in the second year of Dr Keys time as Headmaster. Coming from New Zealand in 1946 and replacing long serving Headmaster PC Anderson who hailed from Scotland, Dr Keys felt that a Pipe Band would help guarantee the 'Scottishness' of the College. What started at eight pipers and five drummers playing Highland Laddy at the Royal Show grand parade for their first public outing has now become a band of 82 players who impress audiences at Military Tattoo's around the world with their quality of playing and professionalism. It was an evening no-one wanted to end. Indeed an hour after finishing, sitting outside in the carpark were two OSC's from 2006, who hadn't seen each other nor been back to the college in 10 years, laughing and talking, reminiscing and walking around looking at the changes and remembering stories from around the College and in the Pipe Band during their time here. It was a hugely enjoyable evening with one of the A team's final tunes, an up-beat Amazing Grace working its usual eye misting magic.

The Festival of the Boot is in its third year and judging by the turn out for all four sports, Rugby, Hockey, Soccer and Football even in Sunday's fairly Scottish weather, it was a huge success and has now firmly established itself on the calendar as a marque event. Both Old Collegian groups produce new jumpers for each sport drawing on history for designs and colouring.

OSC' Football and Rugby teams (Photos from Rene Greyling)

For the record the results were

Football: Scotch defeated CCGS

Hockey: CCGS defeated Scotch

Rugby: Scotch defeated CCGS

Soccer: Scotch defeated CCGS

Importantly the St Johns First Aid staff and ambulance were not required. Whilst writing this article I also learnt that three weeks ago eight OSC's rowing in the Scotch Masters crew came home with a gold medal in the All Schools Masters Regatta at Champion Lakes, another illustration of the OSC being a community for life.

Scotch Masters rowing eight (Photo from Christine Thorpe)

The strong relationships and rich experiences the students share whilst at school are sustained by the amazing opportunities cultivated and presented by Parent Supporter groups and the OSC. Scotch College really is community for life.

Mr Richard Ledger
Acting Headmaster

Graduation Choices - A changing landscape

As our 2017 Leavers continue to build towards their end of year examinations in both the Western Australian Certificate of Education or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme; they should now be considering their options for life beyond the College.

By 29 September, Year 12 students will need to have completed their online Tertiary Institute Services Centre (TISC) applications should they wish to study at a Western Australian University.

In order to make a well informed decision, students should visit the campus of any university they are considering attending. For example, the University of Notre Dame has its open day this Sunday 20 August. Other universities have held their open days throughout the month of August.

For VET students we strongly recommend attending the Skills West Careers Expo from 18 - 20 August, held at the Perth Convention Centre. More information can be found here; http://www.skillswestexpo.com.au.

These open days should only be the beginning of the process, following this we strongly encourage students to complete the following:

• Visit Mr Peter Frusher, our careers advisor, who is available to provide advice and assistance on applications to all universities, here in Western Australia, interstate and overseas.
• Speak to a student who is currently studying the course you are considering.
• Contact the specific staff at the university you are considering and ask for more detail on the courses they offer.

Many students will change their mind once they have commenced study at a tertiary level, this is a very normal part of the process. However, it is important to be well informed to minimise the loss of time, not to mention the financial implications of switching units after the stipulated university cut off dates.

When selecting study options post-school, students need to consider:

• The quality of the teaching in their selected course
• The theoretical versus practical components of the course
• The links to industry to gain real experience
• The support they will receive as a student
• The graduate employment rate
• The opportunity to complete an exchange once in university
• The social opportunities available at their selected destination

Where geography was once a decisive factor in university or further training selection, as a College we are seeing this shift over recent years. Far more students are considering universities on the East Coast of Australia, as well as venturing to overseas locations to continue their studies. If this is a consideration, again, we strongly recommend coming and having a discussion regarding options, as many of these universities have a unique admissions process. The most important decision, is about the quality and suitability of the course, not the location of the campus.

With ever increasing ways to gain admission to university or TAFE, it is important that students consider their options. If a boy does not receive the initial results that they need for direct entry, the College is here to support boys and look at the options available to them.

Best wishes to all of our Year 12s as they consider their options beyond school and continue to strive to achieve their personal best.

Mr Peter Allen
Director of Teaching and Learning

Finding Time

With the pace of life seeming to increase beyond the point that might have been considered possible even a short while ago, it seems that we must consciously choose not to do some things, choose to opt out. I am conscious of not asking more of staff or students when their days already seem too full. To me, the ultimate goal is for us to find more time in everyone's lives for simpler things. We have to find a way to make it more acceptable for people to have gaps in their diaries. To create those gaps, we have to take some things out, or not spend so much time on some of the things we currently do. I do not have a solution to this in the next 300 words, but I do think we have to be brave enough to confront one of the great tyrannies of modern life.

Simply put, we need to allow time for relaxing, recharging and for doing nothing. We should cheer when a child (or an adult) spends time day dreaming, or reading. These are the times that enable us to escape from the world as it is, allowing our imagination to operate, and it is often these times that provide powerful insights or earth-changing ideas. Taking a break from technology is a key part of this as well. There is no denying the benefits that can be derived from technology, but we should also accept that time plugged into nature is just as important.

Of course, we should be careful not to confuse taking time off with procrastination, especially at busy times of the year. But it is just as important to accept that those busy times are exactly the moment when we derive greatest benefit from taking a break. It is self-defeating to say we are too busy to recharge.

Tackling Exam Stress

As Year 10 - 12 exams approach, I want to reinforce the benefits that students can gain by taking part in the 'Tackling Exam Stress' course we run at school on Wednesdays from 3.45pm-5.00pm. Helen Heppingstone takes the students through a series of techniques that help them to manage stress and to relax in the lead-up to exams. I strongly urge our young men in Years 10-12 to sign up for the sessions below; in my view, there are few activities that will be of greater benefit to them.

Students are welcome to attend all sessions; below is a guide of which sessions would be of most benefit to Years 10-12:

• Wed 23 August (Week 5)*
• Wed 30 August (Week 6)*
• Wed 6 September (Week 7)*
• Wed 13 September (Week 8)* ^ (Year 11 exams)
• Wed 20 September (Week 9)* ^ (Year 10 and 11 exams)
• Wed 27 September (Week 1 of holidays)^
• Wed 4 October (Week 2 of holidays and the week of Year 12 exams)^

^ Recommended for Year 12

* Recommended for Years 10 and 11

The cost is $10 a session if your son attends three or more sessions, or $15 if he attends up to two sessions. This is excellent value and attending multiple sessions will enable students to become well-versed in the techniques which they can hopefully embed into their routine beyond these exams.

Mr James Hindle
Director of Student and Staff Wellbeing

Meaningful global change

A discussion with one of Western Australia's most influential global citizens:

On Friday afternoon, the Year 11 IBDP CAS class was extremely fortunate to spend an hour with Michael Sheldrick, Global Director of Policy and Advocacy at Global Citizen, formally the Global Poverty Project.

Global Citizen is an organisation that takes on various causes such as polio eradication and girls education, and since 2012 has put on the Global Citizen Concert with artists as diverse as Metallica, Kendrick Lamar, Alicia Keys and Pearl Jam. You can read more about the Global Citizen Project here.

Below is an excerpt from Michael's bio on the UWA Alumni website. Further to some of the awards mentioned, in 2017 he was named as a finalist for Young Commonwealth Person of the Year by Baroness Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Serving as the organisation's main representative to the United Nations, and intimately involved in the production of the renowned Global Citizen Festival, Michael has worked with world leaders, musicians and philanthropists from around the world including Ban Ki-moon, Beyonce, Usher, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. He was instrumental in mobilising political and public support for the UN's new Global Goals for Sustainable Development - a blueprint that seeks to end extreme poverty by 2030.

Michael's writing on these topics has been published by The Guardian, Huffington Post, The Diplomatic Courier, The Diplomat Magazine, The South China Morning Post, The West Australian, Fairfax Media and he has been interviewed by Sky News, Forbes Magazine, ABC among others. In 2013 he became the Young Western Australian of the Year, a state finalist for 2014 Australian of the Year and has previously been listed by The Sunday Times as one of WA's 50 Best and Brightest.

Michael is the recipient of a Rotary Club of Crawley scholarship and in 2012 a Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of his efforts to place polio eradication on the agenda of the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting held in Perth. You can read more about Michael here.

The group's discussion focused on critical thinking when it comes to extreme poverty. Michael was able to explain to the students how his work goes beyond good intentions and explained the sorts of tangible things that make a difference.

The students were able to identify with Michael's explanations of how many of the issues facing the world are misdiagnosed and how this leads to poor solutions that do not create lasting benefits. As an example, the current NGO model was discussed and the large duplication problem in this space. The students were able to identify that while good intentions are a good starting point, they are the wrong end point and Michael explained what true global change will look like in the future. The students displayed immense understanding and critical thinking in their discussion and we can be really proud of our students efforts to engage with such important issues. They certainly are the sorts of global stewards we want in the future!

A huge thank you to Scholar in Residence, Akram Azimi who was able to organise Michael's visit at short notice.

Michael was recently interviewed by Geoff Hutchinson on ABC Radio, which is available here.

This year's Global Citizen Festival will take place at Central Park's Great Lawn in New York City on Saturday, September 23, and be headlined by Stevie Wonder, Green Day, The Killers, The Lumineers and The Chainsmokers.

Community Yarn @ Scotch

Following on from the successful Yira Yarkiny concert last week and the inspiring and insightful talk from Chance Bateman, the College community is reminded that ICEA are hosting a Community Yarn in the Bunning Resource Centre on the evening of Tuesday, 22 August. All are welcome but please rsvp at the link below.

You will receive an email with further details. RSVP here.

'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.

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.

Mr David Kyle
Director of Community and Service

Year 11 P.A.R.T.Y. Program

Last Wednesday the boys attended the P.A.R.T.Y. program. The P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) program is a dynamic, interactive, injury prevention program for teenagers. Developed in 1986 at Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Canada, it has been operational at Royal Perth Hospital since 2006. The greatest incidence of death and injury occurs in the 15-24 year age group and is due mostly to road trauma.

P.A.R.T.Y. was created to educate youth about the dangers of risk-taking behaviour and highlight the tragic consequences that can occur. This program is a vital component in the growing community effort to reduce death and injury in alcohol and risk-related incidents.

From all reports the boys certainly felt the day was very worthwhile and expressed that they thought there was a need for all young people to be involved within the program. We just hope the day leaves a lasting impact on them and effects the decisions they make in the future.

Mr Marcus Wilkinson
Director of Residential Life

Performing Arts

Events

Music students have enjoyed a very busy and exciting fortnight of performances. The annual Jazz Night was a spectacular success, with high - calibre performances from our three Big Bands, two Jazz Combos and Scotch Vox. We were privileged to welcome back to Scotch our guest musicians, the legendary Australian drummer and big band leader, Mr John Morrison and award-winning jazz vocalist, Ms Jacki Cooper. For the first time we invited a number of dancers from Perth Swing Dance Academy and Swing Zing Lindy Hoppers to set the tone on the dance floor. Jazz Night once again culminated with an 'All Stars' band comprised of staff, students, and two other guests, Mr Jeremy Grieg (trombone) and Mr Adrian Kelly (trumpet). I am sure it was a memorable occasion for our students who were able to perform alongside these highly regarded professionals.

Huge thanks to the dedicated team of mums from our Friends of Scotch Music who transformed the Dickinson Centre into a venue resembling the 'Cotton Club' of the 1940's.

In addition to hearing John Morrison and Jacki Cooper perform on Friday evening, many of our students had the opportunity to spend time in workshop sessions held throughout the day last Wednesday.

On Saturday 5 August, this year's NAIDOC Concert was held. The night featured performances by some of our Indigenous students, as well as items from a number of invited schools. Special thanks to Kyle Imlah (Year 11, Keys) for his work in coordinating our item this year, and congratulations to Kyle, Rohan Dick (Year 11, Keys), Reuben Westerman (Year 9, Keys), Calvin Westerman (Year 12, Keys) and Charlton Thomas (Year 10, Stuart) for their performance.

The Con Brio concert, for our senior guitar and string ensembles was a wonderful evening of music. Once again we were fortunate to host Mr Ashley Arbuckle, a former Scotch College student who has led both the London and West Australia Symphony Orchestras during his illustrious career. Members of our Philharmonic Orchestra have been fortunate to have both Mr Arbuckle and Dr Daniel Masmanian direct them this year. Among the many highlights of the night were pieces which were arranged by senior school students, Kyle Imlah (Year 11, Keys) and Benjamin Anderson (Year 12, Cameron). These boys devoted significant time towards their pieces and I am sure were pleased with the final results.

Staffing

I would like to welcome a number of new and returning members of staff to our Performing Arts team.

Mrs Suzie Wydra has returned after her 12 months maternity leave and has resumed her post as Head of Woodwinds.

Ms Niki Browne-Cooper has taken on the Middle School drama classes with Mrs Emma Cooper being on maternity leave.

Ms Rachel Galluccio Budimlich has joined the Senior School drama department and has agreed to take on the direction of the Years 8 to 10 production.

Mr Iain Hamilton has replaced Mr Roy Hamilton as drum tutor for the next 12 months.

There are a number of significant events scheduled for this term, so I would encourage all families to look carefully at the dates below:

Contact Details

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

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

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

Mr Chris McMillan
Head of Performing Arts

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

The Uniform Shop will be closed for the Mid-Term Break (Friday 18 August)

Transperth Reminder

Transperth have noticed a high percentage of students still paying cash fares on the buses instead of using the SmartRider cards available. It works out significantly cheaper using the SmartRider system and you gain additional discounts by utilising the auto-reload option available. If you do not have a SmartRider card see Mrs Lynn Murray in Student Services to make an application.

Increased participation in the SmartRider system also has the following benefits:

• Safer more efficient loading of buses when the students are boarding
• Reduced fare evasion and;
• Reduced anti-social behaviour

Prince and the Pauper

From Wednesday 30 August to Saturday 2 September, the Year 8-10 drama production takes place in the Dickinson Centre.

Living in Tudor London poor Tom Canty has a chance meeting with the young heir to the throne, Prince Edward - and by pure coincidence they find they look almost identical.

Mark Twain's classic tale of confused identities tells the story of what happens when one person is mistaken for the other: Tom Canty is forced into the world of the court and power while Edward is cast down into a world of poverty and thieves, from which he must fight his way back!

Come along for a fun night of mystery, romance and intrigue all delivered by a cast of fine actors from Years 8, 9 and 10.

Tickets are available through the Scotch College website - click here.

Mrs Rachel Galluccio Budimlich
Arts Teacher

From the Head of Junior School

"It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with the problems longer" Albert Einstein

The dictionary definition of 'perseverance' is: 'continuing to try to achieve a particular aim despite difficulties'. To put it another way: 'keeping going, even if the going gets tough'. Whether we are in school or at home, or just during life in general, we will all have times when things are difficult for us. In situations like these, it can be hard to keep trying - we need perseverance.

In 2002 at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in the United States, Steven Bradbury won the gold medal for Australia in the 1000m short course speed skating. Bradbury made the final thanks to three improbable events. He won his heat convincingly and faced the favorite for the gold medal and the World Champion in the quarter finals. He finished third and was not supposed to advance but the World Champion was disqualified. In the semi-final, he was the second oldest skater and the slowest. He decided to stay at that back of the race and hope the others fell as they competed for the win, and they did and he made the final.

In the final, he knew he could not skate as fast as the other skaters. He was the oldest skater and had had four races in a short period of time. He was tired. Steven Bradbury decided to again stay at the back of the race and see what happened as the other skaters raced. In one of the more memorable finishes in Winter Olympic history, Bradbury watched as the other three competitors fell. A shocked Bradbury became the first person from any southern hemisphere country to win a Winter Olympic event.

In an interview after winning his gold medal, he spoke about his two career and life-threatening accidents. These accidents could have stopped him from training and competing but he carried on and tried harder. Bradbury said "Obviously, I wasn't the fastest skater. I don't think I'll take the medal as the minute-and-a-half of the race I actually won. I'll take it as the last decade of the hard slog I put in."

Perseverance: trying hard even when faced with adversity, when things are really hard is a special quality.

We can see from this example that things do not always go to plan. That getting the results we want does not always happen. We can give up or we can regroup and try again. Learning from failure, working hard to achieve a goal is hard. And it should be. We ask each boy in the school to be willing to try again, especially when things seem perhaps too tough. We ask them to do this day in and day out. With effort and assistance, the boys may achieve something very special and learn to do something they thought they could never do. We ask them to persevere in their learning and the many other challenges they will face in school and in their life. Often the greatest successes are born out of even the smallest challenges.

I invite you to view the following video via this link.

Mr John Stewart
Head of Junior School

Performing Arts News

On Friday 15 September, boys from Years 1 to 4 will be treated to a performance by the highly skilled members of the group, Entourage, as they perform An Australian Backyard Suite by Australian composer Paul Kopetz, who magically evokes the sounds of lorikeets, cicadas and the wind through treetops. Soaring melodies on the clarinet, a rich cello bass line, stunning sung poetry by Australian poet Svyetlana Hadgraft and a range of colours on the piano create a rich tonal palette, providing an amazing opportunity to explore Australian flora and fauna. Already, the boys have been inspired to compose their own music by imagining their own backyard scenes and experimenting with a variety of instruments and musical concepts. We hope that you will be able to join us for this special performance.

Miss Phebe Samson
Performing Arts Teacher

Headmaster's Commendations

Congratulations to these boys for receiving a Headmaster's Commendation.

Primary Years Programme (PYP) Learner Profile

PYP Exhibition

The PYP Exhibition represents a significant event in the life of a PYP school and student. The Year 5 students will be immersed in an 8-week collaboratively constructed unit of inquiry. This event is the culmination of the 5-year journey undertaken by the students and is a celebration of not only what they learn but also how they learn in an inquiry-based approach. Students are involved in all of the essential elements of the PYP and share them with the whole school community in an exhibition presentation.

The PYP Exhibition has a number of key purposes:

• For students to engage in an in-depth, collaborative inquiry
• To provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate independence and responsibility for their own learning
• For students to synthesize and apply their learning of previous years and to reflect upon their journey through the PYP
• To demonstrate how students can take action as a result of their learning
• To unite the students, teachers, parents and other members of the school community in a collaborative experience that incorporates the essential elements of the PYP

This year the boys' inquiries will be guided by the transdisciplinary theme of 'Who we are' with the central idea: "Beliefs, values, culture, health and the environment have an impact on who we are as individuals.'

The Exhibition will take place on Wednesday 1st of November, 2017.

This is an exciting time for all and we look forward to seeing you there.

Mr Warwick Norman
Friendly Schools and Families Coordinator

Year 2F News

Life in Year 2 has been busy as we begin Winter term with a flurry of activity. We are excited to welcome Alex and Flynn to our Year 2 family.

NAIDOC Week was great fun. We loved the opportunity to learn more about the culture of our indigenous friends. Playing the digeridoo was pretty tricky. Face painting was awesome and was a great talking point with our families that night. We also enjoyed responding to dreamtime stories through our art work and learning some new words, so don't forget to ask us.

A highlight of our Student Led Conferences in Week 2 was leading our Mum's and Dad's around to all our specialist lessons (now you know why we are so exhausted each day). They particularly enjoyed the fun hands-on French activity with Madame Vinton and the collaborative art work for Mrs Roche. You should see our Semester 1 Portfolios they are pretty amazing. They are coming home soon so we can show all our family and friends. Yippee!

In Math this term we have enjoyed playing some of Mr Stewart's favourite warm up card games with our new jumbo cards. Next time you are around, pop in and we'll teach you some.

We are looking forward to our next Assembly item with Mrs Vincent on Friday 25 August. Hot on the heels of our first one, but it will be well worth it.

It is with great sadness we say goodbye to our best mate Ben. He and his family are returning to London this term. We will miss your happy smile. Goodluck Ben, what an adventure.

Mrs Tara Fowles
Year 2 Teacher

From the Head of Middle School

"I developed a richer understanding of the Indonesian music culture and the importance of preserving and sustaining a culture."

"One of the greatest days of my life!"

"Learning many new things about the Indonesian culture was an amazing experience."

These are just some of the comments from the Year 7 Indonesian students last Tuesday when they returned from an excursion to Murdoch University. The excursion introduced students to Indonesian traditional culture and was facilitated by the university's Indonesian programme. The boys were met with students from our sister school in Indonesia, Al Izhar School and were involved in an array of activities ranging from batik design to playing gamelan.

Through the study of the Indonesian language in the MYP, this wonderful enrichment opportunity allowed the boys to develop a deeper insight into the concept of culture and to realise that there are diverse ways of living, viewing and behaving in our world. It was a great day had by all!

The Medieval Festival on Thursday 10 August was a culmination of the Humanities unit of work in Year 8 on Medieval Europe. The final showcase and exhibition was another great example of project based learning that allowed the boys to learn and demonstrate their knowledge and creativity.

The evening ended with informative, impressive and heart stopping historical re-enactments by the Grey Company.

Thank you to all families that came along to the evening.

Mrs Pina Giglia
Acting Head of Middle School

Middle School Community Service

Last term the Middle School focussed our attention on the UnitingCare West Winter Appeal. Thank you to all the families who generously donated warm winter clothing and blankets. Our Free Dress Day on Wednesday 28 June raised $489.20 which has also been donated to the Winter Appeal. This term we will focussing on raising awareness for Type 1 Diabetes and all funds raised will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

We would also like to thank all the families who donated their unwanted footy boots. Middle School has sent 3 boxes of boots and footy socks to the Tjuntjunjara Remote Community School. Tjuntjuntjara Remote Community School is located in the Tjuntjuntjara Community, home of the Spinifex people (Pila Nguru). The Tjuntjuntjara Community is in the Great Victoria Desert close to the border with South Australia, north of the Nullarbor Plain and 680 kilometres north-east of Kalgoorlie. It is considered to be one of the most remote communities in Australia. We are confident the students of Tjuntjuntjara will be thrilled with their new boots and socks!

Mrs Stella Hodgson
Middle School Community Service Club

6.4E Science Extravaganza

Winter Term has been an exceptionally busy time for the boys in 6.4E. During Week 2B, Scitech visited the Middle School and the boys were presented with a CSI investigation. They were required to analyse various pieces of evidence in order to determine which suspect committed the crime. In addition to this, we have investigated the growth of fungi and we are starting to explore the different states of matter.

One of the highlights of Year 6 is the annual Science Fair. Currently, we are making great progress with the projects and we are really excited to share our results with the boys' families and the wider school community next Thursday. We have some very interesting topics including investigating heart rate, pH levels, braking distance and static electricity. It has been a great opportunity for the boys to demonstrate their organisation skills and ability to work independently. The boys have enjoyed every opportunity to extend their knowledge of Science and we all look forward to the informative presentations to come!

Miss Lauren Ellington
6.4E Homeroom Teacher

News from 7.3BG

Winter Term in the 7.3BG Homeroom has started with plenty of activity, in particular with the Student Led Conferences in Week 2.

The boys were excited to work towards their goals and put their best feet forward; and what better way to do it than transforming into nutty professors and spending some time in the Science Labs? Already they have created their own lava lamps in a quest to learn more about mixtures, substances and how they react when combined.

Since then, we have made Styrofoam cups vanish, set fire to money and done our best to create slimy snot. These practical and almost magical hands on activities have certainly kept interest levels high and are really helping the boys to learn some valuable scientific concepts.

Along with our weird and wacky science experiments about solutions, mixtures, suspensions and colloids, we have also been investigating issues surrounding the earth's water supplies. The boys understand that the more we learn about the nature of water, the more we appreciate its value to all life on Earth. Our goal is to get creative with how we protect this precious resource and ensure that there is enough for all in years to come.

Mrs Robyn Bose & Ms Andrea Goodison
7.3BG Homeroom Teachers

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Charlie Duplock (7.3BG) who won the gold medal in his weight and age category and a silver medal in the 12/13 year old team event at the National Karate Championships earlier this month in Sydney.

UNSW Spelling Competition Results

Year 6

Year 7

Important Dates in Middle School Winter Term

What does it mean to be a reflective learner?

Recently at assembly I discussed with the boys what it is to be a reflective learner. Returning from a break and entering the final term of this academic year we all have an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved. I would like to think that this would be an automatic consideration within the academic domain, but might also apply to one's progress within the co-curricular programme; which team or position do I play, was this my goal? Have I contributed within an ensemble or mastered a piece of music as I had hoped? Did I actually take the opportunity to be involved in Debating or Chess?

Learning to be reflective is, in its simplest form, taking the time to think about what you did and how effective was this practice. It is closely linked to the concept of learning from experience, in that you think about what you did, and what happened, and decide from that what you would do differently next time.

Thinking about what has happened is a natural part of being human, however, there is a difference between casual 'thinking' and 'reflective practice'. That is, reflective practice requires a conscious effort to think about events and develop insights into them. It may also require us to change behaviour and, in some cases, break bad habits. Psychologists tell us that it takes 21 days to establish (or break) a habit. This is where the conscious effort comes into reflective practice.

Self-reflection is a particularly important skill in learning and when receiving feedback in assessments as it provides an opportunity to review, reflect and apply change to those practices which are not supplying the desired outcomes.

So, what can be done to help develop the critical, constructive and creative thinking that is necessary for reflective practice?

Neil Thompson, in his book People Skills, suggests that there are six steps:

1. Read - read around the topics you are learning about or want to learn about and develop
2. Ask - ask others about the way they do things and why
3. Watch - watch what is going on around you
4. Feel - pay attention to your emotions, what prompts them, and how you deal with negative ones
5. Talk - share your views and experiences with others
6. Think - learn to value time spent thinking about your work

Therefore, it is not just the thinking that is important. One needs to develop an understanding of the theory and others' practice too, and explore ideas with others. You may also notice that these steps align very nicely with the International Baccalaureate Approaches to Learning which are a part of the teaching and learning programme at Scotch College.

Further to this, it supports the notion that reflective practice can be a shared activity. Some social psychologists suggest that learning only occurs when thought is put into language, either written or spoken and has implications for reflective practice. That is, thoughts not clearly articulated may not endure.

Yogi Bhajan - yogi and spiritual teacher who introduced Kundalini Yoga to the United States maybe said it best when he said,

"If you want to learn something, read about it. If you want to understand something, write about it. If you want to master something, teach it." Sharing and taking the time to teach another gives you that opportunity. So even if there is a competitive component to performance in your subjects you could be improving your performance by assisting others.

Being a reflective learner and taking the time to actively reflect on your practice is a tool for improving your learning, both in relation to your school work and life experiences. Although it will take time to adopt and maintain the techniques, especially when you suffer a disappointment, taking the time to reflect upon your practices and seek guidance from others will ultimately produce greater outcomes in the future.

Mr Dean Shadgett
Head of Senior School

Senior School Important Dates

Boys' Achievements

Harry Jackson (Year 9, St Andrews) competed in the Australian U15s Ice Hockey tournament in Melbourne during the school holidays and the Western Australian team won the gold medal upsetting the undefeated NSW team 4-0 in the grand final.

Athletics Captains

Captain: Callum Jacobsen (Year 12, St Andrews)

Vice Captains: Maximilian (Max) Grant (Year 12, Alexander), Mitchell Clarke (Year 12, St Andrews), Louis Miller (Year 12, Keys)

Excellence in the Workplace Awards:

Charles Harding (Year 11, Stuart)

Lachlan McGregor (Year 11, Keys)

Mitchell West (Year 11, Keys)

Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Bronze Awards

Thomas Bennett (Year 10, Brisbane)

Rohan Dick (Year 11, Keys)

Callum Griffiths (Year 10, Shearer)

Lewis Martin (Year 11, Anderson)

Stewart Wallace (Year 11, Keys)

Max Zagar (Year 10, Brisbane)

Silver Awards

Harry Foley (Year 11, St. Andrews)

Josh Kerrich (Year 10, Anderson)

Sam Leibovitch (Year 12, Alexander)

Tanay Narula (Year 11, Stuart)

Peter Stulpner (Year 11, Cameron)

Personal Project Showcase and Exhibition

Congratulations to the Year 10 students who have completed their Personal Projects. To celebrate this event, the students' achievements will be showcased on Friday 15 September in the Dickinson Centre from 5.30pm - 7.30pm. All families and staff of Year 10 students are warmly invited to attend this event. The Year 10s need to arrive by 5.15pm and head to the Dickinson Centre to get ready, whilst mocktails will be served to families in the Senior Library where the official welcome will take place.

For members of the wider Scotch College community who would like to view the products on display, the exhibition will also be open in the Dickinson Centre during school hours from Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 September. Year 9 students are particularly encouraged to walk through the exhibition as they begin exploring ideas for their own Personal Projects.

A reminder that all large products and display materials need to be delivered to the Dickinson Centre on Monday 11 September. Products can then be collected from the Dickinson Centre on Saturday 16 September between 10.00am - 12.00pm. Due to other events scheduled, we do not have the capacity to store such a large volume of items following the Showcase. For any queries regarding the delivery and collection of products, please contact Miss Kate Flowers.

We look forward to seeing you at the Personal Project Exhibition as we celebrate the diverse goals and interests of the Year 10 students.

Miss Kate Flowers
Personal Project Coordinator

Senior Athletics Team

Monday 14 August marks the beginning of the PSA Athletics season, concluding with the Inters on Friday 8 September. Over an extended number of years the Senior School Scotch College athletics team has forged a tradition of outstanding success, a result of strong leadership from the Year 12 athletes and the sacrifice and commitment of the athletes from Years 7 to 11. After winning the Alcock Shield again in 2016, the team has the athletic potential to win this year and make it three successive Alcock Shield wins.

With community sport finals, football development squads and examinations looming it is a busy time for your son. However, if he is organised and makes athletics training a priority, especially given there will be no more PSA winter sport, it is important he makes three training sessions per week.

School sport and successful school teams result from our boys making representing Scotch College a priority. This has been the great quality of this school. All boys are invited to be involved in the athletics team, so please encourage your son to be involved.

Mr Tony Doney
Athletics Co-ordinator

Sport Information

PSA (Years 7 to 12) Sport Winter Term and Spring Term 2017

PSA Winter Season (Year 7 to 12): concludes on Saturday 12 August 2017. Scotch PSA Athletics is a four-week season with training dates outlined below.

Boys involved in athletics have been sent an email and are expected to attend training at least three times per week. All other students are welcome to attend training but attendance is voluntary.

There will be NO Summer Sport Training in Winter Term, 2017.

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will be engaged, where required, in alternative activities on the following Friday afternoons this term:

• Friday 25 August
• Friday 1 September
• Friday 8 September
• Friday 15 September
• Friday 22 September

Senior School Inter-House Athletics Carnival (Years 9 to 12)

The Senior Inter-House Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 25 August with a full programme of events soon to be available on the Homepage, commencing 1.00pm to 3.30pm, and continuing Saturday 26 August from 8.50am to 1.00pm.

The Pipe Band will play as usual on Saturday at lunchtime, and the parade of Houses will begin about 12.30pm, followed by the presentation of the Austin Robertson Cup to the winning House. Parents are invited to either or both days and we would remind you that this is a compulsory Saturday event for the Senior School students.

Middle School Inter-House Athletics Carnival (Years 6 to 8)

Thursday 24 August 8.30am to 3.30pm

Junior School Inter-House Athletics Carnival (Years 1 to 5)

Tuesday 22 August 8.30am to 1.30pm

Quads Athletics Carnival

Friday 1 September 3.00pm to 7.00pm

Hosted by Wesley College at the WA Athletics Stadium

PSA Inter-School Athletics Carnival

Friday 8 September 9.00am to 3.00pm

Hosted by Guildford Grammar School at the WA Athletics Stadium

Summer training will commence in Spring Term on:

Wednesday 11 October for Year 7, 8 and 9

Thursday 12 October for Year 10, 11 and 12

The first summer sport fixture is on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 October.

Mr Richard Foster
Head of Sport

Scotch SCUBA Club

On Sunday 18 June, The Scotch SCUBA Club headed down to Rockingham for a change of pace. We were doing two shore dives, walking in off the beach, instead of heading out on a boat. This provides a completely different opportunity for diving. It is cheaper, faster and easier than boat diving.

We arrived at Australasian Dive Academy around 9.00am and were able to get suited up straight away. It was then a short walk over to the beach and into the water. About 100m off shore there is a 'wreck trail' that involves three sunken ships, two sunken planes, and a number of other artificial reefs. Visibility was average and being winter, the water was cold. There wasn't an abundance of fish life but it was quite eerie to come across the planes underwater and the mind automatically went to any Hollywood plane crash scenario you've witnessed. Luckily for us, the cockpits were empty…

After a warming BBQ lunch, we were heading north to Woodman Point, Ammo Jetty. The two dives couldn't have been more different. Plenty of fish life under the jetty including moray eels, a cone snail, octopus and even a seahorse relaxing amongst the pylons. As the depth was maximum seven metres, we were able to stay under for a long time and most boys had a good hour under the water.

Boys involved:

Cameron Ritchie (Year 11, Keys), Wade White (Year 11, Keys), Jack Carrington (Year 11, Keys), Thomas Reymert (Year 12, Brisbane), Aren Leishman (Year 11, Ross) and Michael Hawkins (Year 11, Ferguson)

As we have just completed another Year 10 Dive Expedition and had another 20 boys complete their Open Water Certificate, now is a great time to keep refreshing your skills. Look out for information in the Daily Notices, or contact Mr Steele for more information.

Mr Alistair Steele
Outdoor Education

Careers Information

University Information

Year 12 Parents and Students

TISC Applications

All Year 12 students who are applying for university entrance in 2018 have been given the 2018 TISC Guide. This book contains important information about applying to university, enrolments and deferrals, applying to interstate universities and course codes and descriptions and much more for all courses at West Australian universities (except Notre Dame). Mr Frusher has 'walked' students through this book but if there are any queries then please contact him on 9383 6830 or by email pfrusher@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Please ensure that this book is kept in a safe place until your student is enrolled at a university for 2018. Note that all applications for Western Australian university entry in 2018 (except Notre Dame) must be made on-line by accessing the TISC website at www.tisc.edu.au and that applications are now open until Friday, September 29 2017, after such time a late fee of $155 will apply.

Notre DameUniversity applications are also now open but will require a written application. All Year 12 students have been given the 2018 Undergraduate Course Guide for Notre Dame that has the application form enclosed. If students have applied through the Early Offer Program to Notre Dame they do not have to submit another application. The Early Offer application will carry over.

Notre Dame University Open Day

Sunday 20 August 10.00am - 4.00pm

Notre Dame University

Admissions Information and Expo Evening - Tuesday 5 September

ND1 (Foley Hall), 19 Mouat Street Fremantle | 5:30pm expo, 6:15pm presentation

Find out all about Notre Dame's unique admissions process, the Notre Dame pathway program and hear from current students.

UWA Engineering Early Offer Programme for 2018 Entry

The University of Western Australia will again make available the Early Offers programme into the Engineering Direct Pathway. Online applications will open on Monday 17 July, 2017. To be offered a place students need to provide a copy of their Year 12 mid-year report showing A or B grades for four ATAR subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics Specialist and Mathematics Methods.

OR

Obtain a predicted ATAR statement from Mr Frusher.

Applications and further information can be accessed here.

2017 WACE Examination Timetables

These timetables are available on the School Curriculum & Standards Authority website. http://www.scsa.wa.edu.au.

All Year 12 students will be issued with personal timetables later this term.

Interstate University Applications

If you are planning to apply to university interstate, here is where you can apply. Make sure you keep an eye on the dates, as they differ from state to state. Most admissions centres allow you to change your preferences after the closing date, but make sure you know the rules (and fees) that apply in each state. Some have variable closing dates depending on the course you're applying to.

NSW & ACT: Click here - Applications open 2 August; close 29 September

VIC: Click here - Applications open 7 August; close 28 September

QLD: Click here - Applications open 7 August; close 29 September

SA & NT: Click here - Applications open 7 August; close 29 September

TAS: Click here - Applications open 4 August; close 29 September

University of Western Australia Design Studio

The Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Visual Arts Design Studio is over four days in the January school holidays.

High school students entering Year 10, 11 and 12 in 2018.

15 - 18 January 2018 from 9.00am to 4.00pm Monday - Thursday

http://www.alva.uwa.edu.au/community/studio/

UK University Entrance Tests

Any Year 12 student who is considering university study in the UK in 2018 may need to sit an admission test. Students will need to check with the university to determine if an admission test is required. If a test is required students will need to contact Mr Frusher who will register you for the test. Please note: You cannot register yourself for the admissions test - you must be registered by your school or college, or nearest test centre.

Registrations to standard BMAT (Medicine) will be open between 1 September and 1 October 2017. A late entry penalty will then be charged for any BMAT entries made between 2 and 15 October 2017, after which no entries will be accepted.

Registrations for the CAT, ELAT, HAT, MAT, MLAT, OLAT, PAT, Philosophy Test and TSA Oxford tests will be open between 1 September and 15 October 2017.

You can find further information about specific tests, test dates and costs on this website http://www.admissionstestingservice.org/. Please see Mr Frusher at Scotch if you require registration.

College of Electrical Training Open Day

On Saturday 2 September, CET Joondalup and Jandakot will welcome students, their families, electricians and contractors to find out about CET's diverse range of electrical and telecommunications pre-apprenticeship and post-trade courses at the annual Open Day. https://www.cet.asn.au/openday

Pre-Apprenticeships Course Finder

The pre-apprenticeships course finder helps you to search for courses which can teach you skills that can lead to an apprenticeship or traineeship. You can search by where you live, the industry you are interested in and whether the course offers work experience. http://www.aapathways.com.au/Search/Preapprenticeships/Course-Finder.aspx

Gap Year Opportunity 2018

EA Ski and Snowboard instructor internship positions for 2017 and 2018 are now open for applications at all locations in Europe, the USA, Canada and Japan. These instructor internships provide full training, accommodation, exams, lift passes and a guaranteed job offer at the end.

Students that are over the age of 18 by November 2017 and are considering a career in the snow industry should get in touch with our experienced training consultants to discuss their training, visa and working options. The courses with Educating Adventures have been in operation at over 24 resorts around the world for 10 years, and with a 99% pass rate maintained each season AND the guaranteed job offer, it is a great career pathway programme.

Programme Requirements:

• Intermediate to advanced skiing or snowboarding ability
• Genuine interest in snow sports
• Positive attitude and good work ethic
• Ability to work as part of a team
• As of 18 years of age by November 2017

Follow this link for more information this link for interested students to get further information, so please forward this to anyone who may be interested in this programme.

Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Information Sessions- Perth

In-Person information sessions run for about an hour and a half and provide an opportunity to get your questions answered.

Perth Information Session:

Thursday 7 September, 7.30pm at Adina Apartment Hotel Perth, 33 Mounts Bay Road, Perth

http://studentexchange.org.au/info-sessions/in-person-city-sessions/

Academic Task Force Term 3 School Holiday Programmes and Exam Boost Seminars

• Exam Boost Seminars for Year 11 & 12 ATAR students in Term 3 and 4 - One day, 6 hour courses offering students exam help and preparation before their Exams. Students will work through how to answer ATAR exam questions to maximise marks, gaining an understanding of what markers are looking for and receive detailed feedback on their work from an experienced exam marker. Enrol in Exam Boost Seminars today at www.academictaskforce.com.au or call 9314 9500 or email learn@academictaskforce.com.au
• Term 3 Holidays Year 11 & 12 ATAR Holiday Revision with Academic Task Force - 10 hour subject revision and exam preparation courses to guide your study and preparation for your Mock and ATAR exams. Available in Week 1 and 2 of the Term 3 school holidays at Rossmoyne SHS, Churchlands SHS and Perth Modern School. Enrol online today at www.academictaskforce.com.au or call 9314 9500 or email learn@academictaskforce.com.au
• September Year 12 ATAR Revision Courses with Academic Associates - Premium 10 hour revision courses available at the University of Western Australia in Week 1 of the Term 3 school holidays. Enrol online at www.academicassociates.com.au or call 9314 9500 or email info@academicassociates.com.au

Mr Peter Frusher
Careers Adviser

Rugby Support Group

The 2017 Rugby Dinner and Awards Presentation will be held on Saturday, 26 August 2017. All players Years 8-12 and their parents are welcome.

To purchase your tickets please visit the Scotch College website www.scotch.wa.edu.au and click on the "Book a Scotch Event" icon prior to Wednesday 16 August.

We hope to see you there.

Mrs Michelle Jacobsen
Rugby Support Group

Hockey Support Group

The Annual Hockey Dinner will be held on Tuesday, 22 August 2017 in the Scotch College Dining Room Annexe. All players in Year 8 to Year 12 are invited to attend together with parents of Year 12 players and the 1^st XI team.

To purchase your tickets please visit the Scotch College website www.scotch.wa.edu.au and click on the "Book a Scotch Event" icon prior to Tuesday 15 August

We hope to see you there.

Mrs Julie Murray
Hockey Support Group

Winter Sport Dinners

• Hockey Dinner - Tuesday 22 August 2017
• Football Dinner - Wednesday 23 August 2017
• Soccer Dinner - Thursday 24 August 2017
• Rugby Dinner - Saturday 26 August 2017

To purchase tickets to any of these events, please visit the Scotch College website www.scotch.wa.edu.au and click on the "Book a Scotch Event" icon.

Scotch College Pipe Band Fundraiser

Support the Scotch College Pipe Band through the Annual Manure Drive.

Click here to find out more.

Scotch Parents

Scotch Parents Open Meeting 9.00am Tuesday 19 September

Our second Winter Term Scotch Parents meeting will be held in the Dining Room Annexe at 9.00am Tuesday, 19 September 2017. An Agenda will be distributed shortly and if you wish to be on the mailing list please contact Lucia Barrett - luciabarrett@hotmail.com

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.

City Country Lunch

A VERY successful City Country lunch was held on Wednesday, 9 August at Dukes Inn Northam. Over 70 mums (and 3 dads) attended a very social day.

Feedback was excellent and many comments were made about how nice it was to meet other parents from across the whole school and from both city and country backgrounds.

Upcoming Events

• Year 10 Mothers Sleep-over at Moray - Saturday 9 September
• Scotch Parents AGM - early November TBC

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