Much has been written about what is meant by the term 'a rite of passage'. In particular, a lot of the literature pertains to the importance of such rites for young boys and men. A 'rite of passage' is a ceremony and marks the transition from one phase of life to another. While in many cultures it is often associated with the sometimes-rocky transition from adolescence to adulthood, it also includes any of life's transitions such as births, initiations and endings. There are many moments of rites of passage throughout our lives. Whether or not we choose to celebrate them is up to the individual and the community within which they work and live.

Rites of passage in schools such as Scotch College should never be mistaken for the many inappropriate rituals and rites that, for many years, have dogged institutions under the guise of compulsory initiation ceremonies and making a man of a person. A rite of passage is not an excuse for poor cultural habits being passed down from one generation to another; it is something that should be celebrated and leave a lasting values-based legacy for the person and the community participating in the respective rite.

When we design 'rite of passage' experiences at Scotch College, our driving goal is to ensure that the students come out of the experience with a new and empowering story that helps them take responsibility for the decisions that may shape their future. We also try to link the rite to a story that connects them to their community. These moments of self-exploration hopefully develop students who demonstrate commitment to greater personal responsibility within their own lives and the local, national and global community in which they will ultimately become active members. Our rites of passages build connections between current, past and future students; they are generational experiences.

There are many examples of rites of passage at Scotch College. The very organisational structure to the College into three sub schools is designed to give boys a sense of growth as they move for Junior School to Middle School and ultimately to Senior School. Similarly, our International Baccalaureate programme provides benchmarking projects which signal the end of a stage of their IB journey. Milestones such as the PYP Project (Year 5), the newly launched Community Based Project (Year 8) the current MYP Project (Year 10) and finally the Extended Essay in Year 12. From time to time these milestones may be changed or given a strategic refocus.

Furthermore, we have the three-speech afternoon/nights where there are further rites of passages built into these celebrations. What is most important, is that as a college we will continue to look for opportunities to build in a rite of passage for all boys as they progress through our College.

On Friday night, we celebrated what is really our final whole cohort rite of passage at Scotch College, that is, our Valedictory Chapel and Dinner where we bid farewell to our Year 12s. The graduating class of 2017, like in previous years, will be unique in that there can only ever be one cohort of graduands in any set year. These boys, or should I say young men, have brought with them their unique set of charisms and have made a lasting impression on their college, for which I sincerely thank them. Our Year 12s have now graduated into a 'Community for Life' through becoming Old Scotch Collegians.

On behalf of the whole Scotch community I want to extend our congratulations to our Year 12s, and thank their teachers, families and friends for ensuring that they have reached their last Scotch rite of passage, their graduation from the College.

Good luck and God Bless to the graduating class of 2017.

Dr A J O'Connell
Headmaster

Year 5 and Year 8 Parents' Exit Surveys
All Year 5 and Year 8 parents are asked to respond to the MMG survey request as soon as possible. The 'exit' surveys are to allow us to review our programmes and your expectations at the transition from Junior School and from Middle School. Your participation assists us to analyse how we are doing and areas where we need to improve. Thank you for those who have already responded to the request.

2018 - an exciting year ahead

Rather than use the final instalment of The Thistle in 2017 to look back and consider all that has been accomplished this year, I felt it would be a good opportunity to look at some of the exciting teaching and learning initiatives developing in 2018.

Senior School Campus Development

In 2018, we will start construction on a new Teaching and Learning facility in Senior School. We are currently working with our College architects Taylor Robinson to design a three-storey facility to drive the future of learning. The building is being designed to incorporate the latest developments in teaching pedagogy as well as a contemporary space in which students thrive.

Delivery of the new Year 9 Programme

In 2018 the hard work of Senior School staff will come to fruition with the redevelopment of Year 9 courses while the College begins to phase out delivery of MYP in Years 9 and 10. These programmes will see a range of innovative learning opportunities delivered to engage the boys and set them up for success in Years 11 and 12. More information will soon be released via the teaching and learning page and accessed via this link.

Launching the 2018 Reconciliation Action Plan

As part of the College's commitment to Indigenous education members of our community are working to deliver an updated reconciliation action plan. This plan will detail how the College is developing relationships, respect and opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in the classroom, the School and the community.

Going Pro

As an Apple Distinguished School we are always looking for ways to incorporate the latest technology with high quality teaching and learning programmes. In 2018, we will be investigating how we can best utilise the mobility of the iPad Pro, coupled with the stylus to deliver lessons previously inconceivable in a range of ways across K-12. More information about these programmes can be found via this link.

Building Partnerships - FORM

One of our most adventurous programmes is partnering with FORM to deliver a platform for creative learning across K-12. This partnership is based on five pillars including:

• Cultural Strategy: A bespoke cultural strategy for Scotch College to engage students with arts and culture in a meaningful way
• Professional Development: Professional Creative Learning opportunities for Scotch College educators
• Customised Workshops: Custom-designed workshops and community projects at The Goods Shed that nurture the creative habits of mind and tie in to curriculum.
• Thought Leadership: Together, FORM and Scotch College will raise awareness about how Creative Learning helps students develop skills necessary to thrive in the future.
• The Scribblers Festival: We are delighted to be hosting in May the 2018 Scribblers Children Literature & Arts Festival in partnership with FORM.

Approaches to Learning- embedded across the School

As part of the College's Curriculum delivery all sub-schools during 2017 have begun explicitly to teach the skills found within the IB Approaches to Learning.

In 2018, across the College staff will continue to develop the ways we are teaching these skills to ensure students are prepared for life beyond the College.

This is just a snapshot of the year ahead, of course the solid foundation laid by our outstanding teachers each day allows us to explore these possibilities whilst continuing to educate your son.

Thank you for your support and I hope you and your family have a fantastic Christmas.

Mr Peter Allen
Director of Teaching and Learning

Year's End

We should all look forward to taking a break - whether that is at the end of the day, the end of the week or the end of the year. We need the chance to rest and to recharge, and to remind ourselves of what is good and important in our lives. Sometimes, in the rush of 'getting things done', we can lose sight of what really matters. While normal routines allow us to be efficient with our time and achieve a great deal, taking time off from the normal routine allows us to unwind and reassess how we do things and how well we are traveling. It allows us time to do nothing - something I have written about before. It may even allow time for us to be bored, to dream about the future, and to escape the summer heat into the pages of a good book.

Year's end is the natural time to take a break. It is a way to reward ourselves for the successes of the previous twelve months, as well as being an important step in preparing for the next twelve. It is the big breath out and the deep breath in that helps us to refocus our energy. It is also a time for coming together and sharing. Singing Christmas carols is a perfect example. Another fine example occurred on Friday 10 November, when Cameron House ran their annual fundraiser. This was incredibly well-supported by all other Houses in Senior School and the girls from PLC. At the start of this afternoon, we got all the participants to form together in the shape of a dolphin as part of the launch of 'The Big Splash', a mental health awareness campaign we are a part of with Perth Children's Hospital. This will form part of our on-going discussions about youth mental health.

Year's end offers the opportunity to pause and take a few moments to reflect on the year that has passed, to pause and give thanks for the good things and good people in our lives, to pause and resolve to continue to fight for the things we believe in, and to pause and set challenges for ourselves in terms of the standards we will seek to set for ourselves.

Transitions

Year's end is also the time when we run our Transition Days, when Year 5s spend a little time getting used to their new Middle School surroundings, and the Year 8s spend a day familiarising themselves with the people and environment of Senior School. Staff work closely across Junior, Middle and Senior Schools to ensure that relevant information is shared so that each student can adapt and get the most out of their new environment.

There is often an element of fear at transition points in life - we leave the relative safety and comfort of what is known and familiar for the relative mystery and discomfort of what is less well known and unfamiliar. I think that sometimes we take some of the wonder and satisfaction out of managing a transition point by making it almost too familiar. Navigating a transition point is a rite of passage which is hopefully accompanied by a willingness to think and act in a more mature and independent way. Whilst there is always an element of sadness at what is being left behind, there is hopefully also excitement and joy at the young person who is developing as a result of moving into a new environment.

The online resource, SchoolTV, has a recent edition which deals with transitions. You may wish to look through some of the material via this link.

I hope the holidays provide everyone the chance to laugh more and to show more kindness, to be more mindful of others and our surroundings, and to allow more awe and gratitude into our lives.

Mr James Hindle
Director of Student and Staff Wellbeing

The time for giving

Please take the time to read through the notices below. All of them apply across the College and require your support.

Best wishes to everyone for a safe and relaxing summer break.

UnitingCare West Christmas Appeal

As Reverend Lewis reminded us on Friday in Senior School Assembly, Christmas is a time for thinking of others and giving. The UnitingCare West Christmas Appeal plays a vital role in ensuring many of Perth's more disadvantaged families have something to eat and some gifts to give on Christmas Day. Last year they delivered over 1100 food hampers and this year are expecting even greater demand.

Collections at the College will close on 6 December so please send an item along to school with your son this week.

Boardies Day, Tuesday 5 December 2017

On Tuesday 5 December, the whole school is invited to wear their board shorts with their school uniform. The day is aimed at improving awareness of water safety at the start of the summer holidays, and raising funds for Surf Life Saving Western Australia. The funds raised at Scotch will go directly to our closest surf club at Swanbourne Beach. See below for what clothing is acceptable on the day. Please note, school shoes and socks must be worn and shirts must be tucked in.

Disabled Surfing

Don't forget the first Disabled Surfing event for the summer takes place on 2 December. It is not a PSA sport day so we are hoping for a strong Scotch contingent down at Leighton Beach. Details at the website below.

http://disabledsurfers.org/wa/perth-branch/

Adventure in Fremantle

The College was extremely fortunate to have a number of Clipper Round the World Yacht Race sailors speak last week. The A in the Round Square IDEALS stands for Adventure, and sailing around the world is certainly that! There is an opportunity to take a tour of one of these yachts as they are berthed at Fremantle Sailing Club. Details at the website below.

https://www.clipperroundtheworld.com/

Calling all grey nomads …

Finally, please see a request from a local organisation below. If anyone knows of a suitable caravan, please let me know. I promise it will be put to good use and the final product will be of benefit to the College community.

We are currently searching for a road worthy caravan, the interior of which needs to be suitable for refurbishment. We are interested in seeing any caravans which might be suitable!

Mr David Kyle
Director of Community and Service

Headmaster's Sundowner

To thank you for your valued contribution to the College, all Scotch College volunteers and their partners are invited to the 2017 Headmaster's Sundowner.

Date: Thursday 30 November
Venue: Early Learning Centre
Time: 5.00pm to 7.00pm

For catering purposes please RSVP to Mel Colling in the Marketing Office on 9383 6926 or mel.colling@scotch.wa.edu.au

Residential Life

End of Year Catch Up

Please join me in the Dining Room Annex and enjoy some light refreshments at the end of Spring Term for an opportunity to catch up. I will be available between 12 noon and 2 pm on both Thursday 7 and Friday 8 December.

However, if these times are not suitable, please contact me to arrange another time more convenient for you.

For all the latest Residential Life news, please click here.

Mr Marcus Wilkinson
Director of Residential Life

Leaving Staff

Staff leaving at end of term:

Holly Bacon - Outdoor Education Teacher
Kath Baker - Accounts Receivable Officer
Digby Edwards - Design and Technology Teacher
Clare Housley - MS Education Assistant
Chris McMillan - Head of Performing Arts
Paul Newman (LSL 2 terms) - Mathematics Teacher
Jordan Owenell - Ross House Head, Humanities Teacher
Julia Robinson - Music Administrator
Jenna Thornton - JS Psychologist

End of Year Events

Please note the following end of year events in the Dickinson Centre:

• Junior School Presentation Afternoon on Wednesday 6 December at 1.45pm
• Middle School Speech Night on Thursday 7 December at 6.30pm
• Senior School Speech Night on Friday 8 December at 6.30pm

Parking will be available on the playing fields, entrance from the northern end of Stirling Road.

Visa Status

If any students have had changes to their Visa status ie Temporary to Permanent or their expiry date has changed, please contact the Admissions Office on 9383 6810 or admissions@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Tanzania Service Tour 2018 - Fundraising for Matipwili Village

In conjunction with Howard Park Wines, PLC and Scotch College are selling MadBay wines as a fundraiser for the 2018 service project in Matipwili. These are good quality, Margaret River wines at exceptional prices!

All wine ordered by Sunday 3 December, will be delivered to you by Friday 15 December, just in time for Christmas and the summer festive season. To order wines, please complete the order form and return it to David Kyle by Sunday 3 December.

Thank you for your support of Matipwili Village!

Uniform Shop

Holiday Opening Times

The Uniform Shop opening hours for the general school community during the holidays are as follows:

Summer Holiday Opening Hours (9.00am - 12.00pm and 1.00pm - 4.00pm)

• Tuesday 23 January
• Wednesday 24 January
• Thursday 25 January
• Saturday 27 January
• Monday 29 January

Normal trading hours resume on Tuesday, 30 January 2018:

Tuesdays 8.00am - 5.00pm

Thursdays 7.30am - 11.30am

Fridays 7.30am - 11.30am

Secondhand Exchange

The Uniform Shop accepts all current items of uniform for resale. All items should be clean. Blazers must be dry cleaned and in good condition. A frayed cuff, worn elbows, rips and tears on blazers make them unacceptable for resale. Items will be purchased from you outright as long as they are in good condition and the shop is not overstocked. Bathers, hats, socks and restricted sportswear are not accepted for resale, but will be donated to charity if handed in.

Year 12 Blazers

Year 12 blazers are available for sale. Because of the unknown nature of the overall size of Year 12 boys and to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you come in for sizing as soon as possible.

Mouthguard Information 2018

Another mouthguard season is fast approaching. Last year's change of format was a great success and we will be following the same routine for the 2018 mouthguard season.

We would also like to extend an invitation to all parents who have other children with mouthguard requirements to avail themselves of our service. Extra hard copies of our forms can be collected from the Health Centre or the attached PDF form can be printed.

Junior School

Everything will run as per usual in 2018. Galadent Forms and Payment Permission Slips will be distributed out the first week back from holidays. Parents will be required to complete all paperwork and return it to school by the date specified.

Middle and Senior School Boarders
Mouthguard impressions will be taken in the Health Centre on:

• Friday 16 February 2018 3.00pm - 6.00pm

Middle and Senior School (Non Boarders)
Mouthguard impressions will be taken in MacKellar Hall on the following dates:

• Saturday 17 February 2018 10.00am - 2.00pm
• Friday 23 February 2018 3.30pm - 7.00pm
• Saturday 24 February 2018 10.00am - 2.00pm

Rather than having everyone showing up at the same time, we will be requiring that all students wishing to get their impression done, have a Parent or Guardian contact us at Galadent on 9249 3867 to make an appointment time. We will do our very best to accommodate your appointment requests.

In 2018 all payments will need to be made directly to Galadent as they will not be deducted from your school account, as in previous years. On our Galadent Form you will see a provision for you to either complete your Credit Card details, attach a cheque made payable to Galadent Dental or alternatively pay in cash sealed in an envelope (marking your son's details on the front of the envelope). Mouthguard impressions cannot be taken unless this payment option has been fully completed. All students will be issued with an itemised Account/Receipt upon delivery of their mouthguard to enable you to claim rebates. Students will be notified of the collection dates and times as they are determined.

All students in Middle and Senior School (not Boarders), who wish to collect hard copies of the Galadent Form, please look out for a clearly labelled container outside the door of the Health Centre. Alternatively, you can download the PDF copy of our form to print off and complete. This form must be fully completed and signed to bring with you to your allocated appointment time.

The Raven

There's a lot of summer holiday reading in the bumper Spring edition of The Raven - Spring 2017 edition. The Spring edition includes creative works by:

Lochlan O'Brien (Year 7, Robert), Kofi Raffan (Year 7, Andrew), James Walker (Year 7, Bruce), Jack Williamson (Year 7, James), Ryan McConkey (Year 8, James), Thomas Westcott (Year 8, Gordon), Jack Beazley (Year 10 Ferguson), Darby Cuming (Year 10, Ferguson), Patrick Eastough (Year 10, Ferguson), Jake Faulkner (Year 10, St Andrews), Aydin Hutchison (Year 10, Anderson), Aidan Matthews (Year 10, Cameron), Angus Page (Year 10, Alexander), Maxwell Pethick (Year 10, Alexander), Ethan Riseley (Year 10, Cameron), Benjamin Sharrin (Year 10, Keys), John Simpson (Year 10, Ross), Samuel Tan (Year 10, St Andrews), Nicholas Verryn (Year 10, Alexander), David Winton (Year 10, Stuart), Angus Cullen Falconer (Year 11, Keys), Thomas Hodge (Year 11, St Andrews), Lewis Orr (Year 11, Ferguson), Jordan Bowling (Year 12, Ross), Sebastian Chadwick (Year 12, Alexander), Oscar Melsom (Year 12, Brisbane), Matthia Au (Year 12, Alexander), Simon Ferreira (Year 12 Leaver, Ross), Finn Joyner (Year 12 Leaver, Anderson), Jack Logan (Year 12 Leaver, Alexander), Lewis Weeda (Year 12 Leaver, Shearer) and Bailey van der Zanden (Year 12 Leaver, Ferguson)

These boys are to be congratulated on their very fine writing.

Please enjoy reading this work by visiting the electronic version of The Raven via this link. Any boy who has creative writing that he would like to submit to The Raven can send a copy to jeannette.weeda@scotch.wa.edu.au.

All entries are considered for the Speech Night prizes and other writing competitions.

Dr Jeannette Weeda
English Teacher

Scotch College Bus Services

Scotch College understands that many of our families who do not live close to the School require assistance for students to make their way to and from Scotch each day. To facilitate this, Scotch College and PLC jointly subsidise bus services for our students servicing routes to Karrinyup, Booragoon and Coogee.

Both schools regularly review passenger numbers on all the routes to ensure as many students as possible can access the services. As a result of the most recent review the following changes are being proposed for the 2018 school year.

Booragoon Bus Service

• From 2018 the morning bus service will start in South Perth to allow students in the South Perth, Kensington and Como areas to access the route. There are a number of changes to the existing stops as well. To view the amended route, please click here.

Coogee Bus Service

• To provide a service to students living west of Stirling Highway in Cottesloe, the route has been diverted along Broome Street before crossing Stirling Highway at Jarrad Street, on to PLC and then Scotch College. To view the amended route, please click here.

West Leederville (formally Karrinyup) Bus Service

• Since this service started in 2017 very few, or no, passengers have been using the stops prior to Floreat Forum. To ensure as many students as possible can access a bus service to School, from 2018 the route will now start in West Leederville, travelling down Cambridge Street and The Boulevard. To view the amended route please click here

Ticket prices and registration
Ticket prices for the bus services will remain unchanged. Booklets of 10 or 20 tickets can be obtained from:

Junior School Reception
Middle School Reception
Student Services, Senior School

The cost of the tickets will be added to families' invoices, issued each term.

If you have feedback or require further information about these changes, please email PLCScotchBusService@scotch.wa.edu.au

From the Head of Junior School

The Importance of Being Bored

The school year is almost over. With the end of the year comes hours of time that will need to be filled in our children's day. I can already hear the choruses of "What are we doing today?" "Where are we going?" "I have nothing to do!" "I'm bored!". Well I say, let them be bored...at least some of the time.

Perhaps we, as parents, feel we have a duty to fill as much of our children's' day with activities as possible. After all, if they are busy they are less like to be arguing and asking us to do more. However, there is considerable research that says a little boredom goes a long way toward benefitting a child.

Providing children with unstructured time, away from technology, can teach a number of key skills. First, it teaches children to manage their time. It allows them to explore their world and image and create. A sofa, chairs and some sheets can become a fortress, a cubby or a quiet reading space. Role play and imaginative games can develop and new adventures created.

Unstructured play develops children's physical skills; fine motor, gross motor, balance and hand-eye coordination skills. Play is key in the development of the sensory system and body awareness and also contributes to increased physical activity levels and fitness. Through play a child's cognitive skills and enhanced. They naturally engage in problem solving, planning; sequencing in their pay while developing their creativity, organisational and language skills. Play allows for social and emotional skill development. The player will experience a range of emotions, explore different roles and extend their comfort zones. They will play in a naturally inclusive manner, learn to take turns, cooperate, negotiate, problem solving, persevere and become more resilient.

So how to manage the inevitable comment "I'm bored!"? Aha! Parenting.com has some suggestions in their article entitled Handling Boredom: Why It's Good for Your Child.

First, stop what you're doing and really focus on your child for five minutes. If you use this time to connect, just chat and snuggle, your child will probably get the refueling he needs and be on his way fairly quickly.

If he doesn't pull away from you consider that maybe he needs a little more time with you. Most of the time when children are whiny and unable to focus, it's because they need more deep connection time with us. Offer to involve him in what you're doing, or take a break from your work and do something together.

Once you're confident that your child has a full "love tank," you can revisit the "what to do" question. By now, he probably has some ideas for something he'd like to go do. If not, tell him that figuring out how to enjoy his own time is his job, but you'd be happy to help him brainstorm about possible activities.

The article also contains a list 115 boredom busting activities you may want to consider or keep for a rainy day.

We need to do our best to provide our children with opportunities for unstructured play. In the busy life of children and families, being bored is ok.

Mr John Stewart
Head of Junior School

Wellbeing

Wellbeing often presents itself in a myriad of ways, and this year we have been working on a variety of facets both for the staff and students. One notable area of wellbeing, and the rich understanding that the students displayed was the PYP Exhibition. So many of the boys researched and shared with the rest of the School community, the findings of their burning questions which more often than not, related closely to wellbeing. Diet, exercise, work-life balance, and essential oils are just a few of the areas researched. I thank the Year 5 boys for their presentations and the staff who positively influenced the Year 5 boys during the exhibition process.

Gratitude, caring and kindness have also been of focus for the Junior School over the year, and there's no better way to display this, than through the wonderful events and community links we have as a Junior School. Watching the boys interact with their grandparents on Grandparent's Day, showing their gratitude and care when assisting and sharing their school experiences with their loved ones was a truly wonderful sight to see. Staff often feedback on how much they love Grandparent's Day, seeing the interactions and unconditional love from all parties as the joint experiences are shared.

Similarly, Orientation Day, Year 2 and Year 12 interactions, Year 10 community services sessions, Year 5s sharing their Unit of Inquiry with Bubble Fun sessions with the ELC boys, Captain and Christmas lunches, are all ways in which the Junior School staff and students get to say thank you and show their gratitude to all those around them.

From me personally, I would like to say thank you to each and everyone one of you, who contribute to the Junior School, the staff and students alike. To the Wellbeing Committee for their hard work and dedication to the small changes made over the year, thank you. Your efforts and thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated.

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

Physical Education News

The Junior School students have had a fantastic year in Physical Education. There has been plenty of enthusiasm and commitment to the programme with all the boys throwing themselves into the fray in class and for the older boys in the JPSSA arena. Swimming is coming to an end in the next few weeks, and everyone is excited about the Aqua Fun Day for the Year 1 and 2 students in the Scotch pool on Wednesday 29 November. This is always a great morning and we look forward to seeing as many parents as possible supporting their sons. The Inter-House Gaelic Football competition is drawing to a close with the semi-finals taking place this week and the final next week. This has been a hotly contested competition and much enjoyed by the boys.

A hearty congratulation to all the Junior School boys for their fantastic efforts this year and we look forward to seeing them all fit and healthy in 2018.

Mr Scott Whiston
Head of Junior School Physical Education

Year 4T News

It's hard to believe that we are close to the end of Spring Term, with the time zooming by faster than the speed of light. There's been a bustle and busyness to the term that has seen the remarkable lads of 4T engage with an impressive sense of commitment and caring, toward each other and the rigors of their learning.

The boys in 4T have spent the better part of the term creating and innovating through their unit of inquiry about the scientific process. This has allowed them to don their inventor's caps and discover the amazing extent of their thinking abilities. The lads quickly realised that there was strength in numbers and collaborated on a number of experiments to design and create scientific marvels

In order to establish themselves as true scientists and inventors, the lads unravelled the mysteries of the scientific process. They knew, that in order to be successful in their thinking that they would have to follow certain tried and true steps, like famous scientists before them. Questioning and predicting, planning and conducting, processing and analysing, evaluating and then communicating became the formula, which was then applied to a bunch of highly entertaining constructions.

Our young enthusiasts turned their minds to making the fastest balloon rockets that zoomed around the room, the speediest marble roller-coasters that dipped and zipped, and the most powerful ping-pong launchers that projected far and wide. There was also a delicious investigation into the science of popcorn as we measure the water content of a single kernel. Finally, the boys were fascinated by the process of biomimicry as we looked to see how science learned from the wonders of nature and engineered environmentally friendly items for technological advancement. I have no doubt that many of these bright and curious lads will be on the scientific frontiers in years to come.

Following hot on the heels of this unit, was our final inquiry of the year, which linked directly to the management of finite resources and their impact on the survival of plant and animal species. Inspired by the ocean environmentalists, Tangaroa Blue, we took action by heading straight for the sandy shores of City Beach. Here, we participated in a clean-up with a view to understanding the types and amounts of waste that affect our shores and marine life. Collections were categorised and weighed and the resulting data was delivered to the foundation for use in their war on waste. Second, we were incredibly fortunate to hear from guest speaker, Ruth Cairns, from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy. With a focus on the reintroduction of many endangered and vulnerable native Australian species, we gained valuable insight into what this group does for the ecosystem at large.

It is safe to say that the boys enjoyed a tremendous term filled with opportunity and discovery. They are curious souls, every one of them, and bring to their learning a unique brand of enthusiasm. What a joy it is to work with such vibrant, creative and engaged lads. One can only look forward to the last miles of Spring Term, knowing full well it will be an exciting road to the finish.

Mrs Rebecca Turkich
Year 4 Teacher

Pre-Primary News

3R's of Sustainability

The Pre-Primary boys are 'Going Green' this term. We have been inquiring into the 3R's of sustainability - Reuse, Reduce and Recycle through the unit of inquiry, 'Sharing the Planet'.

The boys have been instrumental in reminding their parents to reduce and reuse materials in the home. The boys have taken action by naming specific bins and reminding their parents to bring their reuseable bags when they go shopping. They have also taken advocacy in cleaning up the playground by picking up rubbish and reminding each other to use the correct recycling bins.

The boys have also been inquiring into human, animal and plant resources. They have discovered facts about finite and infinite resources and now have a strong understanding of how humans impact the environment in a variety of ways, and they are not all good.

It has been wonderful to see and hear the boys take 'action' and take a big leap forward into becoming future custodians of the earth.

Mrs Sue Phillips
Pre-Primary Teacher

From the Head of Middle School

Last week we launched the Community Project with our incoming Year 8 boys. The Community Project will now be the annual culminating event marking the conclusion of the MYP at Scotch College.

The Community Project is aimed at giving students a real-world context to develop both the skills of collaboration, planning, organising, communicating and reflecting and the attitude that service is an integral part of who we need to be. The Community Project builds on from the large whole group service initiatives Middle School runs throughout the year. This has included advocating for organisations such as Princess Margaret Hospital and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or completing actual hands on service with groups such as Coast Care and Farm Aid.

The MYP Community Project continues the service pathway into Senior School where students have an expectation of completing service hours that can lead towards Colours in Community Service.

Last week our Year 7 boys rotated through a showcase of community service ideas and events previously run by current and former Scotch boys, girls from PLC who have recently completed their own service projects along with members of service organisations pitching to their own activities all with the aim of giving boys ideas and inspiration for their projects next year. Year 8 with the Community Project promises to be exciting.

Mr Richard Ledger
Head of Middle School

Transition Time for Year 8 Students

Middle School is all about Transition but there are certain moments when the process becomes particularly obvious. For Year 8 boys this is on Speech Night. Following speeches and performances our Year 8 boys are presented to the audience and then cross the stage and form up in their new Senior School Houses. Then under the direction of the Pipes and Drums and their new House Captains, the Year 8s march out of the Dickinson Centre as Senior School boys. It is a simple but poignant scene, and hard not to consider how far they have grown in every sense as they file past.

I look forward to seeing all Year 8 families at your final event in Middle School.

Mr Richard Ledger
Head of Middle School

Middle School Semester 2 Reports

This is a busy term in Teaching and Learning in the Middle School, as we prepare to report on your son's progress in Semester 2.

All our students set themselves academic goals early in Winter Term and the Semester 2 Report provides the boys with an opportunity to reflect on how far they have come towards achieving them. I have seen some very impressive gains in student results this semester, as the boys have committed themselves to their academic goals.

Whilst the Semester Reports include a graph that allows you to see where your son's results place him in the cohort, I would argue it is more valuable to view your son's results compared to his first semester. I encourage you to sit with your son to read the report together and take a moment to celebrate the academic successes he has had.

Semester 2 Reports will be finalised on Friday 8 December and will be released through Seqta Engage.

Mrs Sophie Berry
Dean of Teaching & Learning Middle School

Middle School Journey Comes To An End in 8.8M

With only two weeks remaining until they complete their Middle School journey the boys from 8.8M sat down to reflect on what their time in the Middle School has meant to them.

The final part of the boy's reflection was to produce a personal quote. The following is a sample of their quotes that sum up a range of perspectives from what the Middle School has meant to them to advice for incoming Middle School students:

"Middle School isn't just three years of education but three years of new, exciting experiences and friendships.'' - Aaron Cuthbertson

"Risks are essential to your years in the Middle School. When there is a chance to, take a risk and take advantage of the experiences at Scotch College that will come from this. Don't waste your chances, use them." - Luka Kalugin

"When you come to the Middle School, your life changes forever. School becomes a place to enjoy and a place where you are never alone. The uniform gives you pride, as does being part of the Scotch College community. Scotch College isn't just a school, it's a place to belong." - Max Ricci

"Middle School is the perfect preparation for life, it shows you that what you put in is what you get out." - Nick Vriezen

"I have enjoyed my time in the Middle School. Whilst I have learnt many things in the classroom, the most enjoyable aspect has been to make lifelong friends and feel part of the Scotch College community." - William Oxlade

Mr Darren Mumford
8.8M Homeroom Teacher

Headmaster's Commendations

Congratulations to the following Middle School boys who received a Headmaster's Commendation last Friday:

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Jurie Terblanche (7.6M) who has qualified for the December Showdown for Tennis in Melbourne. Jurie qualified 5^th in the state for his age group.

Congratulations to Jamayden Chong (8.5A) has been selected in an All Stars Baseball team to travel to Bangkok in March next year.

Important Dates in Middle School Spring Term

From the Head of Senior School

At Scotch College, we aim to support students to meet their full academic and personal potential. Sometimes, things get in the way, such as disability or illness, and accommodations can be made.

In Years 9 and 10, accommodations are determined by the Senior School Psychologist upon the receipt of relevant documentation (e.g. evidence of a learning disability diagnosis).

In Years 11 and 12, accommodations will vary depending on which academic pathway a student has chosen:

West Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) or International Baccalaureate (IB)

The different pathways have different governing bodies who decide a student's entitlements.

In Year 12 the governing bodies (IBO or SCSA) authorise special accommodations for final examinations. The College looks to mirror these accommodations in Years 9 to 12 to assist students who have a permanent or temporary disability to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills. In all cases, appropriate evidence is required to access these accommodations. Further to this, the granting of special examination arrangements by each examination board in Year 12 is not automatic, but depends on the provision of medical and/or psychological evidence to justify the application.

Examples of the types of disabilities considered are:

• Physical disability e.g. Multiple Sclerosis, neurological conditions;
• Illness e.g. Diabetes, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome;
• Vision impairment;
• Hearing impairment;
• Fine motor disability;
• Specific Learning Disability - e.g. Dyslexia, Dysgraphia;
• Psychological conditions (such as Depression or Anxiety)
• ADD/ADHD;
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Type of arrangements which may be granted include:

• Extra working time;
• Extra non-working time;
• Rest time;
• Use of computer, etc.

Please note that students accessing special examination arrangements for final Year 12 WACE examinations are usually required to sit their final examinations at another location (not Scotch College). This should be considered when applying for these accommodations in Year 12.

IB students are able to sit their final Year 12 examinations at Scotch College, regardless of whether they are accessing special examination arrangements.

If your son has been diagnosed with any of the conditions identified in the list above and you would like to discuss the accommodations which may be available, please contact Ms Shauna Lipscombe (Senior School Psychologist) or Mrs Libby Muddle (Head of Academic Support) if you have a son in Year 9 or 10 or undertaking WACE or Mr Michael Scaife (IB Diploma Coordinator) if undertaking IBDP.

Mr Dean Shadgett
Head of Senior School

Student Achievements

Timothy Fleay (Year 10, Brisbane) and Max Freedman (Year 10, St Andrews) have been selected for the U15 state hockey squad 2018.

Primo Lux is a state-wide poetry publication that receives thousands of entries a year hopeful of publication. This year we have three winning entries who will be asked to read their poem aloud in Fremantle late in November:

"Woodsman Son", Lewis Orr (Year 11, Ferguson)

"Hill Crest", Angus Cullen-Falconer (Year 11, Keys)

"Legacy", Jack Banfield (Year 11, Ross)

Academic Achievements

Year 11 Certificates of Excellence, Semester 2

Academic Colours - Year 11, Semester 2

2018 Leadership Positions

Basketball

Captain: Zachary Cheir (Year 12, Alexander)
Vice-Captain: Liam Lamont (Year 12, St Andrews)

Cricket

Captain: Lewis Martin (Year 12, Anderson)
Vice-Captain: Coby Edmonstone (Year 12, Cameron)

Music

Captain: Kyle Imlah (Year 12, Keys)
Vice-Captain: Frans Buys (Year 12, Stuart)

Rowing

Captain: Oliver Purton (Year 12, Ferguson)
Vice-Captain: Bailey Flecker (Year 12, St Andrews)

Swimming

Captain: Alexander Porter-Wilkinson (Year 12, Brisbane)
Co Vice-Captain: Matthew Murphy (Year 12, Shearer)
Co Vice-Captain: Jackson Wright (Year 12, Ross)

Tennis

Captain: Connor Enslin (Year 12, Stuart)

Triathlon

Co-Captain: Owen Edgar (Year 11, Ferguson)
Co-Captain: Benjamin Steinberg (Year 11, Ferguson)

Volleyball

Captain: George Mitchell (Year 12, Shearer)
Vice-Captain: William Riekie (Year 12, Ferguson)

Water Polo

Captain: Aaron Oughtibridge (Year 12, Brisbane)
Co-Vice Captain: Matthew Murphy (Year 12, Shearer)
Co-Vice Captain: Nicholas Murphy (Year 12, Shearer)

Scotch College Musical 2018 Auditions

Year 10 - 12 students are invited to audition for the 2018 Scotch Senior School Production, The Wedding Singer; a musical comedy based on the hit film.

Auditions consist of singing and acting components and will run in the Foundation Theatre on 29 and 30 November from 3.30pm-5.30pm. Students with no singing experience but enjoy performing are encouraged to audition. Audition packs and information have been emailed to all students.

Please contact Head of Drama, Sarah Combes for further information.

End of Year Information

A final Senior School marching and assembly will be held at 8.35am on Friday 8 December.

Senior School will finish for the term at 1.00pm on Friday 8 December. Boys must clear their locker by this time.

Parents are invited to the Senior School Speech Night to be held on Friday 8 December in the Dickinson Centre, followed by Lights Out on the lawn in front of Collegians House. Please be seated by 6.15pm in preparation for a 6.30pm start.

Parking will be available on the Chapel oval with access via the roundabout near the swimming pool and on the streets surrounding the College. Please note parking restrictions on the west-side of Australind Street, Central Avenue and other streets surrounding the College.

Uniform requirements:

Winter uniform for Prize winners

Winter uniform for Leaving Year 12 boys

Summer uniform for all other boys

Please note that only the graduating Year 12 boys wear their striped blazer. All other boys wear the maroon blazer.

While this event is not compulsory, all boys are welcome to attend.

Senior School will resume for all boys in Years 9 to 12 on Tuesday 30 January with Week 1A.

Senior School Lockers/Locks

At the end of each calendar year boys are expected to clear out their lockers prior to lockers being locked by the Maintenance Staff during the holidays. It is important that parents are aware of this as many uncleared items are removed and can be returned to the owners the following year only if they have been clearly marked. Some items go into lost property and others are discarded. This causes a considerable amount of extra work for those involved and possibly the loss by boys and parents of some unmarked items. It would be helpful if parents were to ensure their sons had cleared out their lockers and removed the padlocks by the end of term. Boys should retain their school supplied padlocks for use in 2018.

Learners Permits and Driver Licenses - Proof of Address Documentation

This documentation is available upon request from the Headmaster's office. Please send emails through to the Headmaster's Secretary Leanne.McCoy@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Please allow at least two working days for the document to be prepared.

Careers Information

2017 Leavers Information

TISC Final Date to Change Preferences

Thursday 4 January 2018 is the final closing date for prospective university students to apply to TISC, and add/re-arrange preferences for the main round of offers. https://www.tisc.edu.au/static/guide/tisc-calendar-current.tisc.

University of Western Australia

Future Students staff will be available to respond to queries as indicated below:

19-22 December 8.30am - 5.00pm

27-29 December 9.00am -4.00pm

2 January 2018 onwards 8.30am -5.00pm

UWA Residential Colleges

The five residential colleges are a close-knit community full of support, friendship and activity, which creates a unique opportunity for students living on campus. Students are encouraged to apply online via livingoncampus.uwa.edu.au. The colleges offer financial assistance through a broad range of scholarships and bursaries. For further questions, email the Residential Colleges Admissions Office.

Curtin University

Curtin University is offering a UniReady Enabling Programme in 2018. This course is designed for students who wish to enter Humanities or Business degrees at Curtin and did not get the required ATAR or did not do WACE examinations. The programme is one semester full time or two semesters part time and is also available online. Applications for Semester 1 are now open and can be accessed via the Curtin website.

Notre Dame University

Notre Dame University (NDU) is still accepting applications for Semester 1, 2018. Applications can be made directly to the university and do not incur an application or late fee. Please contact the Prospective Students Office on 9433 0533 to make an appointment for a campus tour, to receive course and application advice or to be sent an application pack. NDU is also offering an enabling course, the Tertiary Pathway Programme (TPP) which is a semester programme offered as an alternative entry to undergraduate studies at Notre Dame for students who did not achieve the required ATAR For further information contact Notre Dame University.

Murdoch University

Murdoch University offers three alternative entry pathways to university:

OnTrack is a free 14 week on-campus pre-university enabling programme that provides an alternative entry pathway into Murdoch.

OnTrack Sprint is a free four-week university preparation course that enables students who have achieved an ATAR between 60.00 - 69.95 to gain entry to a range of degree courses at Murdoch.

FlexiTrack is a free online university preparation course that qualifies you to apply directly for any undergraduate degree at Murdoch that has an indicative ATAR of 70.00.

For more information on any of these alternative entry pathways to Murdoch go to www.murdoch.edu.au.

TAFE Admissions Full Time Study Guide

Looking to study a full time course at a TAFE college in Western Australia? With hundreds of qualifications to choose from five TAFE colleges with campuses across the state, this guide features the complete list of full time courses available in Western Australia's TAFE colleges and is an essential resource for anybody considering their full time study options.

http://www.fulltimecourses.tafe.wa.edu.au/

UWA School of Design Showcase

The UWA School of Design is opening its doors to current WA school students interested in the study areas of Architecture, Visual Arts, Landscape Architecture, Art History and Urban Design. This is your opportunity to speak to academics from various discipline areas, view current student's work on display and watch 3D printers in action.

Date: Wednesday, 29 November 2017

Time: 9.00am - 7.00pm

Location: UWA School of Design, Cnr Clifton Street and Stirling Hwy, Nedlands

Current Students Information

Year 11 and 12 Course Changes

With the Spring Term nearing conclusion, it is an opportune time for students and parents to start reviewing student progress to date. In some cases students have already made course changes and have settled into their new courses. During Spring Term teachers have had the opportunity to administer several tests and the results of these tests are an indication of possible success or otherwise in chosen courses. If a student is obviously not achieving in a course, it is highly recommended that he arranges to meet with Mr Frusher to discuss the reasons for this and to look at possible solutions eg change of course, change of level (mathematics), attend a study skills course during the holidays (see below). To ensure a smooth start to Summer Term, it is recommended that any changes be made as soon as possible with Mr Frusher who will be available until Friday 15 December. Mr Frusher can be contacted via Email: Peter.Frusher@scotch.wa.edu.au or Tel: (08) 9383 6830.

2018 WACE Revision Programmes

Notre Dame School Holiday Workshops for 2018 Year 12 Students

8 - 17 January 2018 at Fremantle Campus.

Notre Dame University will be conducting 12 ATAR preparation workshops during the January school holidays. All of the workshops will be presented by highly experienced subject specialists currently working in WA schools, as well as academics from The University of Notre Dame.

There will be courses for Human Biology (15-16 January), Mathematics Methods (8-9 January), Mathematics Applications (10-11 January), Literature (10-11 January), English (8-9 January) and Chemistry (15-16 January), as well as Study Skills (12 or 17 January)

Register at nd.edu.au/atarexpress

ATarget Senior School Jump Start Programme

Monday 15 January - Saturday 20 January 2018

Each subject course is six hours in total: three hours per day, over two days.

Early Bird Discount: Enrol by 18 December and receive a 10% early bird discount.

Academic Task Force 16-25 January 2018

January Head Start Programme at Rossmoyne SHS and Churchlands SHS

ATAR Head Start for Years 11 and 12

Head Start for Years 7-10

$190 per six hour course - enrol online at:

http://www.academictaskforce.com.au/findCourse/January%20Head%20Start%20Program/67662

The ConocoPhillips Science Experience is a fun 3 or 4 days of science activities for Year 9 and 10 students in 2017/18

Each programme is designed to provide students who have an interest in science with an opportunity to engage in a wide range of fascinating science activities under the guidance of scientists who love their work. The programme takes place in over thirty-five universities and tertiary institutions, within many different laboratories and lecture theatres. Participants perform experiments in the laboratories, meet and hear senior lecturers in the lecture theatres, attend site visits and walk around and experience what it is like to be on the campus of a university or tertiary institution. More than 65,000 students have taken this rare opportunity, up to date.

The programme also provides information about further studies in science, technology and engineering. It highlights the wide range of careers that allow students to pursue their interest and abilities in the sciences. One aspect of the programme often commented on by participants is the opportunity to meet and share ideas with students from different schools. Each programme includes a BBQ or other social activity. Any Year 9 and 10 student is welcome to attend any one of the programmes listed below.

Curtin University, Perth

7, 8, 11 and 12 December 2017

Four days of hands-on science lab sessions (food science, biotechnology, chemistry, physics, maths, biology, computing), engineering lab sessions, expert speaker presentations, science and engineering talks, information on studying at university, careers in science and engineering, competitions and more.

Edith Cowan University, Joondalup

16 - 19 January 2018

ECU programme could expose you to the fascinating world of marine biology and environmental science, engineering with motor sport, sport analysis, medical science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and psychology.

The University of Western Australia, Perth

16 - 18 January 2018

At UWA you will experience hand-on science in a variety of areas including chemistry, physics, health Sciences, mathematics, engineering, earth science and the environmental sciences.

Murdoch University

11 - 14 December 2017

Engage in interactive sessions, workshops, lectures and games. Experience the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Nano Chemistry, Information technology, Atmospheric Science, Mathematics, Robotics and Coding, Biochemistry and System Biology, Forensic and Agricultural Science, Marine Biology, Ecology and Wildlife Biology.

Enrol online at: www.scienceexperience.com.au

General Careers Information

Find out which occupations have skills shortages

Choosing a job in an industry where they need more workers is usually a smart decision. Right now, most professions are adequately supplied with large numbers of qualified candidates competing for vacancies. There are shortages for architects, surveyors, sonographers, audiologists and veterinarians, and many trades need more qualified people.

Find out where more people are needed here - https://www.employment.gov.au/occupational-skill-shortages-information

Mr Peter Frusher
Careers Adviser

Senior School Important Dates

Scotch Parents

Valedictory Dinner

Over 600 Year 12 boys, parents and staff attended the 2017 Valedictory Dinner held in the Dickinson Centre on Friday, 24 November. It is a very special evening on the boys' journey through Scotch aided by the powerful words from guest speaker Paul Newman. A huge thank you to all of the Year 11 parents and Year 11 student waiters ably managed by Lucia Barrett with help from Donna Jackson and Stephanie Debnam.

2018 Year 12 Ball Committee - Request for volunteers and donations

Tania Hollingsworth and her team are well advanced with preparations for the 2018 Year 12 Ball. The 2018 Scotch Parents Ball Committee are calling for volunteers to assist with setup and cleanup over the weekend of 9 to 11 February 2018. Please email Tania Easton - eastot69@gmail.com with your availability.

The theme is "Shanghai Nights" and a number of items for decoration are being sourced. More details can be obtained by contacting Louise Jones louise@thewritebusiness.com.au or Meg Dyson meg@runwaymarketing.com.au

Results of Scotch Parents Annual General Meeting Tuesday, 14 November 2017

A well attended AGM included a number of Year 12 parents who accepted an invitation for wine and cheese prior to the meeting.

All positions were filled and the new 2018 Scotch Parents Committee comprises:

• President - Stephanie Debnam
• Secretary - Trish Hawkey
• Treasurer - Amanda Harris
• Vice President - School Reps - Lucia Barrett
• Vice President - Special Purpose Grants - David Gray

• Members of the Special Purpose Grants Committee -
  • Fiona Clarke
  • Meg Dyson
  • Monica Narula
  • Karen Azzopardi
  • Ariane Harold
  • Louise Jones
  • Fiona Smith Gander
  • Amanda Harris (Treasurer)

Junior and Middle School Class Reps will be confirmed early in 2018.

We have had a number of parents volunteering to be a Year Representatives in the Senior School but there are still a number of years without a representative. Please email Steph Debnam on scotchparents@scotch.wa.edu.au if you would like to be a Year Representative in senior school.

Upcoming Events

• Family Welcome BBQ - Monday 29 January 2018 from 4.00pm - 7.00pm on Gamble Oval adjacent to Keys Boarding House.

If you would like to assist in any capacity please email scotchparents@scotch.wa.edu.au or Ian Knobel ianknobel60@gmail.com

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

Ashton Avenue Bridge Closure

The Main Roads Department have advised on work preparations to replace Ashton Avenue Bridge in 2018. Over the next few weeks you will notice some pre-construction activity by Western Power and the Public Transport Authority.

From late November 2017, Western Power will be on-site to relocate power services. For safety reasons, some of this work will be completed during night works on 30 November and between 10 and 15 December. This work is not expected to generate significant noise or affect power supplies.

Western Power's work also requires a complete bridge closure from 6.00pm on 27 November to 6.00am on 2 December, followed by possible night closures between 10 and 15 December.

Detours will be in place for road users, with pedestrian access maintained. Some single lane closures on the bridge should also be expected at times.