Dear Students, Staff, Parents, OSCs and friends of Scotch College

Welcome back to Spring Term 2018. For our Years 10-12 students this time of the year marks the commencement of a new academic school year. For the staff it marks a very busy period as a new year gets up and running. As we all know, the term which leads up to the end of the calendar year will pass by very quickly.

I often provide commentary on the strength of our combined community. If anyone needed further clarification or confirmation then they did not need to look any further back than to the events of last week; a week where we welcomed a number of new staff, students and their families, and a week that culminated in one of the few times our whole school gathers as one at March Out.

In my time at Scotch College I have now seen eight March Outs, and there is no doubt in my mind that this day is a highlight of our annual calendar. Seeing every student from Pre-K to Year 11 watching the Year 12s march past is a wonderful 'rite of passage' symbol. Most importantly the week reinforced the importance of cultural transmission and aspirational leadership. When I watched many of our graduating Year 12s interacting with our Year 2s at an annual leadership event after March Out, it gave me a great sense of pride in our senior students and hope for the future they will no doubt forge.

From where I stood it seemed like the largest attendance we have experienced; and this is saying something in itself. I would like to thank everyone who attended. Your attendance provides tacit support to our graduating Year 12s, and more generally provides a ringing endorsement of what we stand for as a College.

This year's March Out was also a significant event in that it is the last time our Chaplain, Rev Lewis, presided over our service. For over 30 years Chas has provided our community with spiritual oversight and guidance for which we truly offer our thanks and gratitude.

Growth and development are a part of any vibrant community, and with the commencement of the new teaching and learning building (T and L) and the ongoing work on our Chapel, there is much to look forward. The bulk of the Chapel refurbishment will be complete by the end of this year, while the T and L will be completed at the end of 2019 for a 2020 opening. Our Chapel project represents a recommitment to our founding Christian principles, while the new teaching facility will ensure we stay at the forefront of contemporary education for many years to come.

As we start a new academic year it is useful to remind ourselves of some of the key elements that lead to school improvement. Zabar et al. highlight ten points which contribute to a climate of improvement in schools:

1. Engendering strong, shared leadership;
2. Articulation of high levels of expectations of students and teacher efficacy. Good teaching is what really matters;
3. Ensuring an orderly learning environment as a precondition;
4. Focusing on student learning and progress;
5. Building teaching and leadership expertise;
6. Structuring teaching to ensure that all students experience personal success;
7. Using data to drive improvement;
8. Creating a culture of sharing and responsibility;
9. Tailoring initiative to the overall direction of the school; and
10. Fostering and promoting pride in the school.

When I look at this list I am very confident that we are continuing on the right path. Last week encompassed many of these points and there is simply no doubt that Friday's Assembly and March Out delivered in spades on fostering pride in our School.

I ask that all families keep our Year 12s in their thoughts and prayers as the boys prepare to finish off their formal schooling. Not everyone is sitting final exams but all of the students will welcome your support for whatever endeavour they pursue over the coming few weeks.

Have a great fortnight.

Dr A J O'Connell
Headmaster

New Academic offerings at Scotch College

With the commencement of the new academic year the Senior School is excited to deliver for the first time a number of new courses further expanding the offerings available at the College.

Applied Information Technology – Year 11 ATAR

The development and application of digital technologies impacts most aspects of living and working in our society. Digital technologies have changed how people interact and exchange information. These developments have created new challenges and opportunities in lifestyle, entertainment, education and commerce.

Throughout the Applied Information Technology ATAR course, students investigate client-driven issues and challenges, devise solutions, produce models or prototypes and then evaluate and refine the design solution in collaboration with the client. Students are provided with the opportunity to experience, albeit in a school environment, developing digital solutions for real situations.

Outdoor Education – Year 11 General

The Outdoor Education General course in particular, focuses on outdoor activities in a range of environments including: rope mobility, climbing and abseiling, white water kayaking and rescue, bushwalking, expedition planning, and surfing.

The course provides students with an opportunity to develop essential life skills such as communication, leadership and self-management, whilst building a comprehensive understanding of the role they play in the environment. The course aims to provide the boys with the skills necessary to pursue personal interests or a career in outdoor activities, such as environmental management, eco-tourism and vertical rope access.

Certificate II – Year 11 Music Industry (Commenced 2018)

Many students play a musical instrument, or sing, or indeed do both. Some are interested in the production side of music, such as recording, editing and mixing. Some are songwriters. In today's marketplace, the savvy musician has a level of skill in each of these areas.

The course is designed with this in mind, and incorporates elements of the three aspects mentioned above. Successful completion of this course means students will graduate with a formal qualification in Music, delivered by Scotch College but auspiced by Melbourne based group COSAMP, the educational division of professional Melbourne recording studio Salt Studios.

International Baccalaureate – Year 11 Further Mathematics

The IB DP further mathematics higher level (HL) course caters for students with a very strong background in mathematics who have attained a high degree of competence in a range of analytical and technical skills, and who display considerable interest in the subject. Most of these students will expect to study mathematics at university, either as a subject in its own right or as a major component of a related subject.

Philosophy – Year 10 Elective

From the fall of Ancient Greece to the rise of Artificial Intelligence, this course provides a philosophical grounding to some of the biggest questions we face. We will challenge assumptions, provoke debate and offer a multi-disciplinary approach to how we might ask the right questions and answer them together in a community of inquiry. For guidance, we will collaborate with our academics and industry partners, drawing on politics, economics, history, psychology, the arts, science, technology, ethics and religion in the pursuit of truth.

All of the information on any course available from K-12 is available for our community to view here: https://home.scotch.wa.edu.au/courses/

Mr Peter Allen
Director of Teaching and Learning

12 Wellbeing tips: How to make your life better and improve other people's lives at the same time

During the conferences which run in the Senior School at this time, I spoke to the new Year 10s and 11s regarding some aspects of their Wellbeing, and I offered the Year 11s a selection of tips which I believe can help them to ride life's waves and get the most out of the opportunities presented to them. I thought I would share these with the wider community, as it is never too early (or too late!) to lock some of these into how we live our lives:

1. Get an alarm clock and a water bottle
   • Good sleep is crucial to your ability to function well
   • Don't have technology near your head while you try to sleep – use a simple alarm clock to wake up at the right time
   • Get into a routine – get up and go to bed at the same time each day
   • Having a water bottle with you will enable you to stay hydrated
   • Remember, the body (including the brain) is 60-65% water – keep topped up
2. Find a spot
   • You need a place – preferably outside in a natural setting – where you can go to relax and DO NOTHING
   • We have been conditioned to think that if we are not using every moment of every day, we are wasting time
   • Doing nothing is not a waste of time; it is essential to coping with life's pressures
   • Gaming is not doing nothing
   • Taking time out, switching off, day-dreaming, reading a book – good things can happen when you let your mind wander
   • Find a place where you can enjoy the sun or the shade, or the ocean or the breeze
3. Search for your passion
   • Finding the thing or things you love doing (and are good at) will help to give your life purpose
   • You have to try things; don't expect that your passion will find you
   • School is a great place to begin the search: it is safe and there are lots of things you can try which will help you work out what you like and are good at and what you are not so interested in
   • Stick at it – don't give up
4. Fix it Yourself ….but if you can't, Get Help
   • Try to work out your problems yourself
   • Think about how you have solved problems in the past
   • Ask for advice
   • Ask for help – don't ask too soon, but don't wait too long
5. Be kind
   • No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted [Aesop]
   • We have a duty to make other people's lives better
   • We should practise kindness every day in lots of little ways
   • Through serving others – giving back is good for everyone
6. Show Gratitude
   • This is a combination of kindness and respect
   • It reminds us to be humble, because we acknowledge that others have done something for us, which in itself is a reminder that they think we are special enough to give up some of their time for us
7. Practice Mindfulness
   • Mindfulness is focusing on the moment, training our attention on something simple to help us cope in difficult situations or get the most out of ourselves
   • Focus on breathing is a common form of mindfulness
   • Smiling Mind is a great app to start, with plenty of meditations you can try
8. Display good manners
   • Good manners are a sign of respect for others
   • Refer to your Good Manners Card - regularly
9. Have a laugh
   • Laughter is sunshine; it chases winter from the human face. [Victor Hugo]
   • A smile is the shortest distance between two people. [Victor Borge]
   • Laughter (at the right time) is a great way to reduce stress
   • It is also something that can be shared with others
   • It's important to be reminded of the brighter side of life
10. Get connected
    • NOT via the internet – we spend too long on our machines already
    • Connect to yourself (listen to your body)
    • To others (listen to others)
    • To nature (feel the world around you)
11. Be Curious
    • Pay attention to what is going on around you
    • Think about others
    • Ask why things are the way they are – and how could they be better
12. Get creative
    • Being able to think differently and consider alternative solutions is perhaps the critical skill of the future
    • Creativity is an expression of what it is to be human
    • Creativity comes in many different forms – write a poem, build something, bake something, paint, draw, take a photograph, find new ways to be kind, write music, perform...the list is endless

Mr James Hindle
Director or Student and Staff Wellbeing

Developing life skills

The last month or so have been extremely busy for much of the College community. Our most senior years have been completing exams and their teachers have been busy marking and preparing for the new academic year. Others in the College have had the good fortune to be focusing on the development of life skills and hobbies, which is just as well, according to a recent study released by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

The study revealed that life skills are the most important aspect missing from the Australian education system. Survey results, as a part of the study, supported this and was agreed to by nearly two in three students (61%) and almost three quarters (73%) of their parents.

In the report, Troy Martin, General Manager at the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council at Instructure said,

"Current models of education are still focused on achievements in basic literacy and numeracy, as opposed to the overall development of the child. Progressive schools that take more responsibility for the cultivation of wider skills will set our future leaders up for success. This covers everything from problem-solving and adaptability to resilience and intercultural understanding."

These findings are supported by recent data from The World Economic Forum. The Forum stated that the most important skills for young people entering the workforce in 2020 will be those listed below.

1. Complex Problem Solving
2. Critical Thinking
3. Creativity
4. People Management
5. Coordinating with others
6. Emotional Intelligence
7. Judgement and decision making
8. Service Orientation
9. Negotiation
10. Cognitive Flexibility

Fortunately, our boys are not missing out on this wider skill development. Last week's conferences in the Senior School included a huge amount on life and study skills and how to keep a close eye on wellbeing and health. These sessions complement the diverse outdoor education programme that many students had engaged with at the end of last term, the Service opportunities that our boys are so supportive of, and all of the Co-Curricular programme that the school offers.

As the 2018 Year 12's final assembly on Friday proved, the College is providing a diverse education that promotes and fosters the skills outlined above. We can be confident that our latest Old Scotch Collegians are well prepared for the world beyond the 'College on the hill' and I wish them every success.

Duke of Edinburgh's International Gold Award

A big congratulations to Matthew Simich (OSC 2017) who was presented with his Duke of Edinburgh's International Gold Award on Thursday evening. The ceremony took place at The Vines resort and Matt received his award from the Western Australian Governor, The Honourable Kim Beazley AC.

Mr David Kyle
Director of Service and Citizenship

Changes in Performing Arts Student Leadership

Former US President Harry Truman said "In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still." This is certainly the case in any organisational context.

Over the past two months, the College has been considering a new student leadership model within the Performing Arts.

This leadership model has now been adopted by the Performing Arts team and ratified by Headmaster, Dr O'Connell.

In brief, the new student leadership group for Performing Arts will consist of the following positions:

• Drama Captain
• Drama Vice Captain
• Music Captain
• Music Vice Captain
• Pipe Major (Pipe Band)
• Drum Major (Pipe Band)

The most significant changes between the previous leadership model and the new leadership model are the inclusion of drama leadership positions and a reduction in the number of music leadership roles.

The Performing Arts student leadership group will meet as an executive group fortnightly and will carry the chief responsibilities of promoting the Performing Arts and working to secure the prominence, value and integrity of the Performing Arts within the student body.

Over the coming days, students in the senior school will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred student leadership team within the Performing Arts.

Opportunities for parent support

The Friends of Scotch Music (FOSM) group are holding their AGM on Tuesday 16 October, at 7.00pm in the Senior Music building.

Some committee positions will become vacant at this meeting.

Perhaps you would consider joining the FOSM group in their drive to deliver assistance to the music community at Scotch. All are welcome. For further information, please email FOSM@scotch.wa.edu.au

Mr Scott Loveday
Head of Performing Arts

ILT Parent Information Evening

Scotch College invites our parent community, in particular new parents, to an ILT Parent Workshop on Wednesday 31 October from 6.00pm in Memorial Hall. Dr Nick Spadaccini (ILT Curriculum Integration Manager) will take this opportunity to discuss technology integration, the role of systems in our College, and how these will evolve moving into the future. In addition, we will review SEQTA Engage, how you access it, where various information can be found, and where you can track your child's journey in his studies.

Critical to our discussions will be your points of view and feedback. We hope you will be able to join us. Please register your intention to attend at: https://bookings.scotch.wa.edu.au/event/4702482

Dr Nick Spadaccini
ILT Curriculum Integration Manager

Saunders Street Reconstruction

Please read and follow instructions in the attached letter from the Town of Claremont regarding planned work on Saunders Street footpath.

The Raven

Over the holidays the Winter edition of the Raven was published electronically. Congratulations to the following students who had their excellent writing or art work published: Xavier Dry (St Andrews), Benjamin Parker (Keys), Nicholas Price (Cameron), Oscar Clements (Alexander), Campbell McCracken (Alexander), Harry Pasich (Ross), Alex Porter-Wilkinson (Brisbane), Seb Chadwick (Alexander), Lewis Miller (Anderson), William Hudson (Alexander), Harrison Gilchrist (Keys), Max Hollingsworth (Shearer), Maurice Buren (Shearer), Alistair Watters (St Andrews), Alasdair Orr (Robert), Nikolas Gajdatsy (Anderson), Benjamin Skelton (Ferguson), Fletcher Houston (Anderson), Hugh Mitchell (Keys), James Cowan (James), Alexander Van Wyk (Anderson), Reid Dowling (St Andrews), James Richards-Adlam (St Andrews), Jett Stevenson (St Andrews), Lachlan Simpson (Stuart), Matthia Au (Alexander), Sebastian Hasluck (St Andrews) and Thomas Barrett-Lennard (Brisbane).

Please enjoy reading this work by visiting the electronic version of The Raven via the Scotch homepage. 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 Raven Speech Night prizes and other writing competitions.

Dr Jeannette Weeda
English Teacher

Spring Term Residential Life Field Days

It is Field Day season and we are busy attending the following and would like to see you there:

Esperance Show

Friday 19 October and Saturday 20 October 2018

Esperance Districts and Agricultural Society Inc are holding their annual event with equestrian, trade and craft exhibits being among the many exciting highlights.

Ashley Keatch and Scott Siekierka will be attending both days and hosting a family friendly function at Taylor St Quarters from 6.00pm on Saturday 20 October 2018.  All are welcome, so remember to bring family and friends.

Dinninup Show

Tuesday 6 November 2018

The Upper Blackwood Agricultural Society Inc 1918 - 2018.  Showing the best of Boyup Brook at the Dinninup Showgrounds, 17km east of Boyup Brook on the Arthur River Road.

Join Marcus Wilkinson in the 100 years celebrations at the Dinninup Show. The day is filled with local produce, art and exhibits from log chopping to fashion parades, machinery and animals there's something for everyone.

Albany Show

Friday 9 November and Saturday 10 November 2018

Albany Agricultural Society Inc are promoting, encouraging and assisting the development of resources from Albany and the Great Southern Region. Please join Grant Bennett and Sean Mecham as they spend two wonderful days in Albany at this vibrant show, being held at the Centennial Park Eastern Precinct on the redeveloped showgrounds site.

Grant Bennett and Sean Mecham will also be hosting a family friendly function at the Due South from 6.00pm on Saturday 10 November. All are welcome, so remember to bring along family or friends that may be interested in Scotch College for their son/s.

Uniform Shop

Opening Times

From the Head of Junior School

The Value of Grandparents

Late American humorist, Sam Levenson, said wryly, "The reason grandparents and grandchildren get along so well is that they have a common enemy." Everything in life can be laughed at, but it also must be acknowledged that grandparents are crucially important figures, both to their grandchildren and adult children, but also to society as a whole.

My children are very fortunate, much more fortunate that I was. They have their grandparents close by. My grandparents were 3000km away, at a time when the only way to remain in contact with them was via telephone. I get to see first-hand, each time my children interact with their grandparents, the value of their relationship.

This relationship reflects a sense of comfort and security that is powerful and cannot be underestimated. Grandparents give children a different kind of love, perhaps more indulgent, that children respond to. This love is second in importance only to that of a parent but is usually less conditional and more empathic. Grandparents enjoy the moment and may turn more of a blind eye to the minor things a grandchild may do. Grandchildren know this and revel in it. It provides them a different type of freedom to be themselves, to stretch some boundaries while knowing the love of their grandparent will not waiver.

We see each day the valuable and supportive role grandparents play in the lives of their children and the lives of their grandchildren. Some grandparents collect their grandchildren from school, provide valuable after school care until mum or dad get home from work. Others will provide sleep overs to give the parents some away time. These arrangements, while invaluable to parents, afford grandparents the opportunity to spend quality time with their grandchildren.

In my family, having my wife's parents on hand and willingness to collect our children from school, take them to music lessons and sports training, means we can finish our day knowing that our children are happy, looked after and engaged in activities that are not limited by our work schedules. For both my children, there has not been a game or event they have taken part in that has not been witnessed by one or both of their grandparents. This is something that is greatly appreciated by our children and my wife and I.

This time spent with a grandparent provides so much to our children. Not only does it offer unconditional love, it gives our children a mentor who can help with problems. Grandparents will champion for their grandchildren, be someone they can talk to and be someone who will stand by them through thick and thin. They provide a window into their parent's childhood and promote family traditions. Grandchildren get to experience their grandparents' sense of adventure, kindness and humour while benefiting from their patience.

I can go on about the benefits of the relationship between a child and their grandparents but its main role is to complete the circle of love. It tells children that the love of a grandparent is abundant.

This week, the Junior School will welcome over 200 grandparents to the College as part of our annual Grandparents' Day celebrations. It is an opportunity for the boys to show off their grandparents to one another and to share some time at school with them. It is also our opportunity as a College to say thank you to the Grandparents of our wonderful boys for the invaluable role they play in assisting with the raising of the fine young men of our school.

Mr John Stewart
Head of Junior School

Information Learning Technology

The Junior School boys have been working hard over the last month, some boys even working over the holidays directing their pets, their toys and their lego creations. Parents have also been encouraged to show their acting prowess to help create films for the Junior School Film festival.

Each year boy from Years 1 to 5 are invited to enter an original film for the Festival, this is an opportunity for the JS boys to enter a film on any topic. Entries are judged by a panel, and finalists and winners are shown at the Festival.

All movies are made by the Junior School boys, in their own time rather than class time.    Each Junior School boy has his own iPad so they have all the tools they need; the camera app, iMovie and Garage Band, the music maker, all combine to help to create a masterpiece.

Each year the number of entries grow and each year the quality of submissions become more and more professional. Past entries have included; stop motion animations, silent and sepia films, documentaries and instructional videos.

The judges always have an amazing range of films to try and honor with an Oscar for Best film awarded.  There are also awards for Best Action Sequence, Best Narration, Best Stop Motion Animation, Best Cameo and Best Soundtrack.

The newly refurbished Memorial Hall makes the perfect theatre location for the boys to see their films on the big screen.  We are looking forward to seeing the budding film makers entries in Memorial Hall on 16 November.  Hopefully many of these boys will go on to pursue their passion for film making.

Mrs Amanda Ritchie
ILT Integration Specialist

1G News

What an exciting and fun time we have had in Winter Term!

During the term, the boys learnt about animals, how they live and how their needs are met.

They have been thrilled to have silkworms in the classroom to observe which gave the boys the responsibilities associated with owning and looking after a pet. We watched with excitement as the eggs hatched and were amazed at how fast they were growing. The boys cannot wait to see what comes next…

Like Sir David Attenborough, we enjoyed our many adventures during Bush School. We had the opportunity to experience the weather and the animals that call Lake Claremont home at this time of the year. Towards the end of term, the boys saw swans and ducks nesting and were lucky enough to see a mother swimming with her cygnets.

The boys had a wonderful excursion to the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre to see the production of 'The Night Zoo' and were mesmerised by the amazing puppets. The excursion was related to our transdisciplinary theme 'Sharing the Planet. It was a wonderful way for the boys to learn the important connection between people and animals living together on earth.

Mrs Kristen Gray
Year 1 Teacher

From the Head of Middle School

It's always great to welcome our boys back after the holidays and feel the energy and life they breathe back into our building.  That energy was on display throughout the last day of Winter Term as we celebrated our annual Middle School Highland Games.  The weather was thankfully not direct from the Highlands and the boys enjoyed a beautiful afternoon outdoors as they competed in their Houses in various events.  The Games opened with a rousing performance by the Middle School Pipe Band, featuring Mr Richard Ledger as a special guest performer.  We then moved into the main event which featured many crowd favourites such as the Kilty Dash and the fiercely competitive Tug-of-War. However, it was the Hay Bale Challenge that best showcased the impressive teamwork, engagement and sportsmanship of our boys. Mr Brinsden and Mr Mitchell outdid themselves with this year's event and our sincere thanks goes to them for the time and effort they put into this unique Middle School event.  It was an outstanding opportunity for us to come together and celebrate our community on the last day of the term.

Last Friday presented another opportunity to celebrate our Scotch community, as all of our boys and teachers attended March Out.  This event marked the end of the Year 12s' time at the College and provided an opportunity for our Middle School teachers to recognise the Year 6 or 7 boys we started with, now leaving the College as men.  It also provides an opportunity for reflection for our boys; to recognise they will be in the Year 12s' place in a few short years' time and to reflect on the limited time left to make the most of all of the opportunities on offer at Scotch College.

This term will be a busy one for the Outdoor Education team in Middle School.  The Year 7 classes began their Sailing Programme on the Swan River this week, but they won't be alone in their open water experiences as the Year 6 boys are excitedly planning for their Surf Camp in Lancelin and the Year 8 boys are looking forward to developing their snorkelling skills off the beaches of Perth. Our Outdoor Education programmes are a core element of the Middle School experience and as well as developing an enjoyment and appreciation of the outdoors, our boys are learning activity specific skills and knowledge of open water safety.

Mrs Sophie Berry
Acting Head of Middle School

Change to Friday Timetable in Middle School

With the launch of our 6 Period Day this term, I would like to make all families aware of a slight change to timings for the end of our school day on Fridays. From this week onward, all Middle School boys Years 6, 7 & 8 will be dismissed from their classes at 3.15pm on Fridays, unless they are involved in a PSA Sport that finishes after 3.15pm.

Mrs Sophie Berry
Acting Head of Middle School

6.4E Being, Becoming, Belonging

Throughout Winter Term, the boys in 6.4E explored the concept of migration, specifically looking at who, why and how individuals migrate to Australia. Initially we looked into our own class migration history and discovered some fascinating stories about where our families originated from. This led to researching other stories of groups of people or individuals who migrated to Australia and the reasons why they migrated.

From here the boys were involved in numerous learning experiences to greater understand how individuals can migrate. This included exploring different visas that Australia provides. One of the highlights for the students involved a role play where students were allocated different conditions and needed to apply for a visa to come to Australia. This resulted in extensive discussions about whether it was "fair" if they were denied entry into Australia.

As a culminating task, the boys were required to create a biography about a migrant or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Person.  They inquired into the history of the individual and considered the push and pull factors that led them through their life's journey.  Research also focused on the contributions made to Australia's economic and social development.

Towards the end of the term, our class were involved in a service project with Maddington Primary School.  The boys wrote letters to a fellow Year 6 student and discussed their family's migration history.  They are eagerly awaiting their return letter and they will have the opportunity to explore the similarities and differences between the migration stories.  We also collected a mixture of pre-loved books which we will donate to Maddington Primary School early next term.

Miss Lauren Ellington
Year 6.4E Homeroom Teacher

News from the Middle School Library

Getting boys engaged in reading, and keeping them reading is our number one goal at Scotch Libraries. Reading is an essential skill and develops literacy proficiency, however reading for pleasure expands our horizons, builds empathy, develops resilience.

The main focus is the word - pleasure.  Encouraging reading as a habit requires a combined approach to promoting and providing opportunities for reading.  In Middle School boys have regular library sessions, but can also join the Co-Curricular 'Books n Bros Book Club' and visit the Senior School Library.

This year's Book Week was for teens too and Year 6 students had guest author and storyteller Glenn Swift perform some great stories.  Currently Year 7 students are exchanging Book Review Postcards with overseas students.  All these activities contribute to involving and connecting students with high quality and engaging books.

As well as all these great opportunities, the boys can also access great online resources such as https://library.scotch.wa.edu.au/middle where parents and students can access high quality ebooks and audiobooks that keep us reading and listening all year long!

Ms Marie Grech
Middle School Librarian

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Hayden Henschel (7.4A) who has been selected to represent Western Australia in the U12 State Cricket Team at the National Championships to be held in Bunbury in December.

UNSW Writing Competition Results

Year 6

Year 7

Year 8

Australian Mathematics Competition Results

Year 6

Year 7

Year 8

Important Dates in Middle School Spring Term

From the Head of Senior School

The value of philosophy

It was my great pleasure to accompany, along with our Enrichment Co-ordinator Mr Sam Sterrett, the state title winning Scotch College Philosothon team to the Australasian Philosothon in Adelaide during the second week of the school holidays.

Led by Year 11 students Lewis Orr (Ferguson) and Benjamin Steinberg (Ferguson), the team consisting of Sam Wake (Year 10, Brisbane), Lachlan Norcott (Year 10, Anderson), Nathanael Kumar (Year 9, Alexander), Thomas Westcott (Year 9, Shearer), Benjamin Waddell (Year 8, Gordon) and Andrew Walker (Year 7, James) competed against 12 of the top performing schools from across Australia. It was clear that the preparation the boys completed in their sessions prior to the event was going to hold them in good stead during the competitive Communities of Inquiry which formed the basis of the competition. Many thanks must go to Mr Sam Sterrett and our Scholar in Residence, Mr Akram Azimi, for the time they contributed in the lead up sessions. Their commitment, along with that of the boys, was on display every Friday afternoon prior to our departure.

Discussing such topics as

• Is ethical relativism true?
• Is civil disobedience ever morally justified, and if so, under what conditions?
• Why doesn't Hollywood cast Asian actors? And
• Should some scientific research be censored?

the boys used a Socratic dialogue known as a Community of Inquiry to demonstrate their critical, creative, caring and collaborative thinking skills in relation to the questions above. The discourse was amazing to observe as students in a combination of age group sessions and mixed age group sessions conducted philosophical debate with the aim of collectively contributing to the discussion. No one student was permitted to dominate the hour-long sessions, with all encouraged to contribute to and challenge those ideas presented. The great value from the competition being the ability to wage a debate, take due consideration of the point of view of others and "spot a logical howler, cut through the waffle, be relevant, make a point clearly and precisely" (taken from: Philosophy by Stephen Law). With all of the above abilities being most useful in life beyond school for the participants.

It was certainly a wonderful opportunity for the boys to develop their skills in this domain; one capped off by the College winning third place in the competition. A magnificent achievement. Congratulations also to Benjamin Steinberg (Year 11, Ferguson) for being awarded third place in his age division, another wonderful achievement. The College is certainly gaining a reputation for excellence in this domain and I look forward to it continuing in years to come.

Mr Dean Shadgett
Head of Senior School

Boys' Achievements

Ruan van der Riet (Year 9, Ross) came 2^nd (silver) in the 200m fly during Open State Swimming Championships with an impressive 2min 05sec. He then competing in the State Team Swimming Championships held in Canberra last week and had the finished 4^th in the 200m fly and 4^th in the 400m IM.

Jesse Coughlan (Year 10, Alexander) also competed in the State Team Swimming Championships and he finished 4^th in the 50m and 100m Breastroke.

Beau Luscombe (Year 9, Shearer) competes in Epee Fencing with the University of Western Australia and also fences in the Western Australian Fencing Association State Team. Beau competed in the Australian National Championships in Sydney and represented Western Australia in the Under 17's (Cadets) and under 15's, winning silver in each age category with those teams. 

2018 Pierre de Coubertin Award Presentation Information

Pierre de Coubertin was the founder of modern Olympics and was convinced of the importance of sport in the development of the individual and he believed in the qualities of excellence, sportsmanship and respect which embody the values of Olympism. The Award, which is an initiative of the Australian Olympic Committee, is designed to reward not only the elite sports people but those that display strong character and ideals, representing the school at the highest standard both on and off the field.

In WA in 2018, The Australian Olympic Committee awarded 43 students from among the approximate 16,000 students attending those participating High Schools.

This year I would like to acknowledge Daniel Walker (Year 12, Ross) for his achievement in winning this award. Daniel has been presented the award at a formal ceremony.

ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award

The ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Awards started in 2006 to recognise students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the school and the broader local community. At the same time, they recognise those who display strong values, such as doing one's best, respect for others and "mateship", characteristics that are integral to Australian society.

Year 12 - Peter Stulpner (Cameron)

Year 10 – David Winton (Stuart)

Athletics Age Group Champion Boy

At the end of the season we award Champion Boy medallions in each Year group. In deciding which athletes deserve these awards a number of factors are considered including:

• The number of points attained at the Inter-School Athletics Carnival
• Which division the athletes competed in and the places they finished in the Inter-House Championship events, the Quads and Inter-School Carnival.
• Versatility of the athlete
• Training attendance and attitude
• And their overall contribution to the Athletics Team

U/15:      James Shaw (Year 9, Ferguson) and

               Anthony (Tony) Ghiselli (Year 9, Alexander)

U/16:      Christopher Michael (Year 10, Cameron)

U/17:      Lucas Triglavcanin (Year 11, St Andrews) and

               Tobias (Toby) Knox Lyttle (Year 10 Brisbane)

Open:     Joshua Hook (Year 12, Brisbane) and

               Sean Szalek (Year 12, Ross)  

Will Upson Music Award

Peter Stulpner (Year 12, Cameron)

Engineers Australia Certificate of Excellence

Engineers Australia Excellence in Science and Mathematics Awards which are given to Year 12 students who have achieved who gained >75% in Spec Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry & Physics.

Vocational Education Training Certificates – Year 12

Certificate II - Automotive

Certificate II - Building & Construction

Certificate II - Business

Certificate IV - Business

Colours & Honours Winter 2018

Please see here for a full list of recipients.

2019 Year 12 Residential Life Leaders

This year we have taken a new approach to electing our 2019 student leaders and this included voting by the whole of the Year 11 student cohort as well as interviews with the Headmaster.  This has been an exciting new approach to the election of our Senior Leaders and a move that has added a layer of extra pressure on the boys throughout the election process.

After two weeks of elections and interviews we are very pleased to announce our following leaders:

Captain of Residential Life: Denzil Brooks (Keys)

Vice Captain of Residential Life - Operations: Aidan Veitch (Keys)

Vice Captain of Residential Life - Service: Liam McCreery (Keys)

Highlander Captains: Callum Hills (Keys), Kirwan MacTaggart (Ross), Samuel McConachy (Shearer) and Levi Waters (Keys)

The Highlander Captains have yet to be allocated to a group because we have decided to reduce the number of Highlander groups from six to four. We are aware that we only just introduced the Highlanders but have felt over the last couple of years that there were too many groups and not enough boys in each.  We are currently researching future names and colours and these will be released early next term.

For more Residential Life information follow this link https://my.scotch.wa.edu.au/residentiallife/newsletter.

Careers Information

Year 12 Information

WACE Examinations – Sickness/Misadventure

If a student's performance in a WACE examination is affected by a temporary sickness, non-permanent disability or unforeseen misadventure suffered immediately before or during the examination period OR a student is prevented from attending an examination due to illness or misadventure, a SICKNESS/MISADVENTURE APPLICATION FORM can be obtained from Mr Frusher or downloaded from the SCSA website for completion and forwarding to School Curriculum & Standards Authority. There is a long list of reasons that will not be accepted by School Curriculum & Standards Authority but if a student is unsure he needs to check with Mr Frusher.

Examination Candidates

Each ATAR course has an ATAR course examination.

Students who are enrolled in Year 12 ATAR courses (Units 3 and 4) must sit the ATAR course examination in that course. A personalised examination timetable is generated for each examination candidate. A personalised written examination timetable which provides information about the time, date and location of each written examination in which they are enrolled. The timetables can be downloaded by schools from SIRS and by students from the student portal at https://wace.wa.edu.au. The timetable is used by candidates as proof of identification when they sit examinations.

The rules for conduct of the Authority examinations are published in the Year 12 Information Handbook, which is available for download from the Authority website at http://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/publications/year-12-information. It is the responsibility of all candidates to ensure that they understand all instructions relating to the examinations.

Notre Dame University

The undergraduate applications for Semester 1, 2019 has now passed. Students are still welcome to apply, although there is no guarantee of an interview, particularly for high demand courses., There is no late fee.

Curtin Enabling Course in Science, Engineering and Health

Curtin University and Canning College have partnered together to offer you a one year Enabling course. This course is HECS free and is designed for students with little background in science or mathematics. You will be enrolled as a Curtin student and will have access to the facilities at Canning College. Successful completion guarantees a place in Curtin University's School of Science. A set number of places are available on a competitive basis in Engineering, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Medical Imaging and Health Science.

Contact Mr Sheldon Smith at Curtin University on (08) 9266 3529 or email Sheldon.Smith@curtin.edu.au

https://www.canningcollege.wa.edu.au/coursesCurtinEnabling.html

Centrelink – Introduction to Student Payments

Watch the intro to student payments video for an overview of the financial support we have for students. Watch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-VzcmJKX6U&list=PL3zxsbzVCpwk83z1pwu0PJkakUL1-Dj_L

Scholarships

C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship

The C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship is awarded to Australian students, usually those entering their first year of university. It is awarded based on personal qualities, demonstrated leadership and academic ability. The 2018 C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship opens on Monday 3 December 2018 and will close on Friday 4 January 2019. http://www.hawkerscholarship.org

Australian Defence Force Info Sessions

October 15

Perth: Army Reserve Accelerated Training Information Session

October 23

Perth: Careers for Indigenous Australians

SAE Qantm – Info Night

November 22

Perth

If you are considering studying creative media, Animation, Audio, Design, Film or Games, now is the time to speak to our experienced team, your future mentors, and discover how you can pursue your passion in these dynamic and expanding industries.

Find out more - https://sae.edu.au/news-and-events/events/

Apprenticeship Information

AMA – Apprenticeships & Traineeship Services - WA

As an apprenticeship and traineeship provider for the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN), AMAATS is contracted by the Australian Government the Department of Education and Training to deliver free support services for Australian Apprenticeships.

Find out more - http://www.amaats.com.au/

WesTrac Apprenticeships – Opening Early 2019

WesTrac believes its greatest investment is people. For this reason, WesTrac takes great pride in its apprentice program and endeavours to provide the highest level of training possible. The quality of our training is often reflected in the demand for our qualified apprentices and for those that meet our high standards.

Find out more - http://www.westrac.com.au/careers/pages/careersApprenticeships.aspx

Medicine 2019 Onwards

From 2019 the aptitude test UMAT used as part of the selection process into medical and dental courses will be replaced by the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test).

New Year 11 and 12 students who may be interested in Medicine. To this end there will be a student/parent workshop on to outlined the changes major changes

• Explaining what the UCAT is (the differences and similarities with UMAT)
• Going through how scoring works and what's required to achieve 90^th percentile or more
• How universities will be using UCAT now as a selection tool
• Section by section dissection of what each of the five sections involves
• LIVE demonstration of how a sample UCAT question can be solved
• Preparation strategies for the summer holidays

Date: Tuesday 30 October

Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Venue: Memorial Hall, Scotch College

Here is the registration link for the free event: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/icanmed-scotch-year-1110-ucat-workshop-what-is-ucat-and-how-to-beat-it-tickets-51282294724

Mr Peter Frusher
Careers Adviser

Important Dates in Senior School Spring Term 

Scotch Parents Meeting and Year 12 Parent Thank You Morning Tea

The next Scotch Parents Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 23 October at 9.00am in the Dining Room Annex. This will be a short meeting as we will farewell the leaving Year 12 Parents and hold a morning tea to show our appreciation for their valued support and contributions over their years at the College. We hope you are able to join us.

Ms Stephanie Debnam
President
Scotch Parents

St George's College Spring Fair

St George's College will have its annual Spring Fair on 28 October. It is a fantastic day of fun for all the family with wine and cheese tasting, market stalls, jumping castle, face painting, music and much, much more. Also check out WA's largest High School Photography Competition showcasing young talented photographers. It is a free family event and we would love to see everyone there!

Sunday 28 October 11.00am – 3.00pm. St George's College, Mounts Bay Road, Crawley.

Parking available on Hackett Drive and at UWA

Carmel Primary School Invitation

Carmel Primary School is hosting an inspirational comedy show by Bat-El Papura.

Date: Wednesday 31 October

Time: 7.30pm - 9.00pm

Location:  Carmel Primary School,  61 Woodrow Avenue, Dianella WA 6059, Australia

Rotary Cambridge Talk - Managing Children's Screen Time - 31 October 2018

The 2018 WA Young Achiever of the Year and ySafe's CEO Jordan Foster will be the guest speaker at a Rotary Cambridge Schools' Programme talk on Wednesday 31 October.