Headmaster's Reflections

Last Friday, Australia celebrated World Teachers' Day. A day established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in 1994 to acknowledge the valuable work of teachers in classrooms and other educational environments. The impact of great teachers has always been understood and appreciated. As Maya Angelou said:

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel".

Every day, some 1500 boys are entrusted into the care and leadership of over 220 teachers here at Scotch College. I am proud to lead some of the finest teachers in the country at Scotch College, whose expertise and dedication to their field is second to none. But it is what our teachers do beyond the classroom that makes them invaluable. In a book entitled 'My favourite teacher' edited by Robert Macklin, a number of famous Australians express how they felt about their teachers. It is worth a read to remind us all of what we probably know in our hearts.

                            

When I speak with boys who have passed through the College, there seems to be a resounding theme when it comes to their past teachers. Inspiration. Old Scotch Collegians', both young and old, all share stories of how their teachers became their mentors and role models as they traversed a busy and challenging time in their lives. Whether it be inspiring a student to pursue a particular field of study or career path or simply providing the motivation and encouragement to push through a difficult personal time, our teachers go above and beyond for the boys at Scotch College, and for that, I will be eternally grateful.

Schooling years are fraught with vulnerability, insecurity and anxiety about the future so to know our teachers are not only delivering the curriculum to our young men, but also inadvertently acting as role models, leaders and people to aspire to is reassuring. That is what makes a great teacher, and in turn, a great school.

I wish all teachers no matter where they work or within which system they teach, all the very best for the role they play in one of the most important professions, that of Education.

Last week I attended the orientation of new 2019 families within our Junior School. The excitement and appreciation expressed by our new families all bodes well for the future. In particular, our new families were very impressed with the staff and the multitude of programmes and offerings available to our Junior School boys.

Likewise, in Middle School, Ms Sophie Berry and myself presented to some 30 new prospective parents and students last Thursday night. These are great moments to truly articulate what we stand for in terms of teaching and learning at Scotch. Sometimes we take for granted the things we do each and every day so it helps to step back from time to time and revisit and celebrate the many opportunities provided for our students.

In closing, I would like to thank the community for settling into new pick up and drop off scenarios emanating from the commencement of our new building. This is now progressing rapidly and in case you haven't had chance to see the progress thus far, I have included a couple of shots below.

Have a great fortnight.

               

Dr Alec O'Connell
Headmaster

International Students – supporting our global community

Scotch College is proud of the international education that we deliver to our students. Former Deputy Director General of the International Baccalaureate Organisation, Dr Ian Hill, stated that "international education is not necessarily the exclusive domain of international schools". Dr Hill continues to describe that 'internationally minded' schools are not defined by having international students, rather because the school subscribes to the ideological and pedagogical principles of an international education.

Similarly, we appreciate the contribution our international students make to the culture of the College.

October is International School Library month. The aim in Senior School is to engage with students and parents whose primary language at home is not English. Within the College English is not the primary form of communication at home for approximately 100 families. A morning tea for these parents was arranged by Mrs Lisa Crofts. Guests were invited to view and suggest potential resources the boys could access in their language of choice.

Our aim is to ensure that each student's mother tongue not only survives but thrives. The College has invested in a range of resources (text and media) to allow students to engage in their own language.

These resources can be found here: https://library.scotch.wa.edu.au/

The boys were also treated to a presentation by guest speaker Shamini Flint, an international author of 86 books, about her story and how she became a writer. Additionally, the Library has been enticing boys to visit by providing a selection of lollies from different cultures around the globe.

It is also important for the boys who only speak English to understand that a diverse range of books are also popular in other countries and, as such, a display of these texts is available for the boys to investigate.

Thank you to our library staff who are fantastic in encouraging our boys to broaden their perspectives.

Mr Peter Allen
Director of Teaching and Learning 

Resilience and Grit - Part I

John F. Kennedy made a speech in 1962 at Rice University, explaining America's commitment to sending a man to the moon before the end of that decade. In that speech, he said, "We choose to go to the moon…and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."

I love this particular speech because it speaks to several things which I think are very important. The first is the desire to explore; to go beyond what we know, whilst acknowledging at the same time how little we know about our universe. It also speaks of the importance of sharing the knowledge gathered with all people, for the benefit of all people. There is humility in this way of thinking, that combines with a determination to change things for the better. It contains hope, whilst acknowledging the challenges that will appear. And it pre-empts one of humanity's greatest achievements – landing a man on the moon – which we will celebrate the 50^th anniversary of next year.

But perhaps the most important aspect of the speech is that commitment to tackle the hard things in life, not simply to sit back and take the easy path.

You may have heard of something referred to as the "Marshmallow Test". In the 1960s and 70s, psychologist Walter Mischel led a team at Stanford University. Young children were offered the choice between a small reward (a marshmallow) straight away or two if they were prepared to wait a short while (15 minutes), during which time the tester left the room. The study appeared to confirm the long-term benefits of delaying gratification, although subsequent studies suggest that socio-economic background and the presence or otherwise of a father-figure are also significant variables. However, I believe that it's never too early (or too late) to start developing this capacity to postpone reward in order to achieve more at a later date. If everything is given to us when we want it, without us having earned it or without having to wait or work hard, we stop appreciating the real value of things and we lose that ability to push ourselves – something we all need at some stage in our lives.

Roy Baumeister has studied willpower and he believes that we wake up each morning with a finite supply of the ability to say "no" to ourselves and to delay gratification. But we can build this ability within us. By developing resilience and grit, we seek to equip our boys and young men better for the challenges ahead of them. Resilience is the short-term ability to bounce back, while grit is a combination of passion and perseverance over time (just what JFK was talking about), and I will explore these in coming editions of Thistle.

SchoolTV

The latest edition of SchoolTV deals with Year 12 exam stress and it contains a number of useful tips for parents and students as we approach the challenge of final examinations. The link is here: http://scotch.wa.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/year-12-exam-stress-special-report .

The short video highlights the following tips:

• Study in 20-minute blocks
• Say it out loud (without notes)
• Consider putting in place apps that block social media apps
• Ensure good sleep
• Eat breakfast
• Exercise
• Study space
• Routine
• Don't be too intrusive; don't add to their stress; don't talk about your successes, or their siblings' successes

Perhaps the one thing which is left to add is to help your son keep perspective – help him to see that life goes on; and while there are consequences for actions (and for inaction), there is always a way to get through and for him to pursue his passion if he really wants to. In my view, at the end of the day, what is most important is what sort of person he is becoming, and how he treats others. If he is a young man of good character, good things await him, and the world will also benefit.

The English have a saying: "Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly." It is good to be reminded of this now and again.

Mr James Hindle
Director of Student and Staff Wellbeing

A Sustainable Scotch College

Following last week's vote in the European Parliament regarding single use plastic, I thought it was an apt time to talk about leadership in sustainability. There is some talk that the proposed legislation is in response to a Twitter argument between UK and EU ministers over who is leading the charge on environmental reforms. Last week's vote will ban most single use plastic products by 2021 and was overwhelmingly supported, 571 votes to 53. The College is committed to being a leader in this area and sustainable best practice because it is the right thing to do. It is also a part of our core values, our commitment to Round Square and the International Baccalaureate, plus our role in delivering the Australian Curriculum.

One of the College's core values is Stewardship, and sustainable practice is a primary example of maintaining the world for future generations. The Round Square drives its activities through the IDEALS, an acronym of which E stands for Environment, L for Leadership, and S for Service, all of which contribute to a sustainable future. The International Baccalaureate has sustainability at its core and as an IB global school, we are incorporating programmes that can demonstrate what it means to be internationally minded, responsible and ethical citizens. Finally, the Australian Curriculum, which is mandated in all Australian schools, has Sustainability as one of its three cross curricular priorities.

To implement our sustainability programme, we operate through academic and co curriculum spaces. Some academic units' examples include; our Year 5 cross curricular unit creating reusable bags that advertise the need to protect our oceans and their inhabitants; various iLearn units in the Middle School, and the Year 10 Geography Sustainable Living Spaces a segment of which is run by sustainability consultant. Co-curricular activities include working with Friends of Lake Claremont (Habitators), Second Bite, and Cameron House recycling.

We also work with partners to help us in establishing best practice in our school such as Chartwells, our catering and boarding house supplier. We will implement the Birthday Bag project in the Junior School in 2019 and the Second Bite Soup Kitchen is increasingly popular open to Middle and Senior Students.

The most substantial investment the College has made in the sustainability space is our commitment to solar energy. The College also ensures we are at the forefront of renewable energy with the 2018 installation of our solar power network which featured on the 'One Step Off The Grid' website this week.. The article can be found here. We also provide annual reports to the Town of Claremont and Friends of Lake Claremont as to our water and fertiliser use and these can be found on the home.scotch Service and Citizenship site.

There is always more to do and if you have ideas or are interested in sustainability at Scotch College, please send me an email.

    

Mr David Kyle
Director of Service and Citizenship

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

Performing Arts Student Leadership

Last week, nominations were received for the 2019 student leadership positions within the Performing Arts. Voting was then conducted and all students in the Senior School along with all College staff had the opportunity to vote for their preferred leaders.

We are pleased to announce the following appointments:

Drama
Drama Captain:	Matthew Moore, Year 12, Shearer
Music
Music Captain:	Lewis Miller, Year 12, Anderson
Music Vice Captain:	Digby Few, Year 12 Keys
Pipe Band
Pipe Major:	Alex Mallawarachchi, Year 12, Cameron
Drum Major:	Joshua Kerrich, Year 12, Anderson

These students will form the Performing Arts student executive and will meet fortnightly to 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.

We congratulate these boys on their appointments to these roles and their willingness to serve the Scotch community.

The importance of watching live performances

Regularly witnessing live theatre or music being performed is an essential part of any young artist's growth. Being there, in the moment, a part of the experience, not stuck behind a screen in a vacant room with headphones and a YouTube video! Nothing compares.

There are so many opportunities around this greater City of Perth to engage in the Performing Arts culture. See a show, watch a band, go to the theatre, head to the Concert Hall on a Friday or Saturday night. These sorts of experience inspire and enrich hearts and minds of all ages.

I was recently walking through Old Theatre Lane in Claremont, after accompanying my own children to a music eisteddfod. There, in the laneway, sat one of the most brilliant Classical Guitarists in Perth, Mathew Laurenson. He plays in Old Theatre Lane every Saturday from around 10.00am through until the mid-afternoon. It is a stunning acoustic for classical guitar music in this space and a casual and relaxed ambience pervades. I sat with my family at the Lane Café, enjoying some morning tea and listening to the outstanding music performed by Mathew. It was a magnificent setting and I found it somehow deeply encouraging. Some of the customers at the Café told me they are regulars, and will come to sit, read and be inspired by Mathew's playing.

So, where the opportunity arises, may I encourage you to get along to some live performances with your son(s). Make plans to do it on a regular basis. As a starting point, why not wander down Old Theatre Lane one Saturday morning and hear the sounds of the classical guitar, all for free, while maybe enjoying a quiet coffee.

Mr Scott Loveday
Head of Performing Arts

Student Designed Christmas Cards

Following on from the success of our Year 3 students selling their cards at the Love Angels Market Stall around Mother's Day time, Uniting Care West has packaged packs of Christmas Cards created by Uniting Church school students.

Packs contain nine cards (three of each design) and cost $15. Cards will be delivered to Scotch College by the start of December.

Here is an order form (which includes pictures of the designs).

Please return directly to christmas@unitingcarewest.org.au.

George Young (4T) has won the Uniting Care West Christmas Card design competition and Susan Lonergan will be coming in to a Junior School Assembly to present him with his prizes.

Uniform Shop

Year 12 Blazers

The Year 12 blazers have arrived in the Uniform Shop. They are stocked in a selection of youth and men's sizes. There are a limited number of blazers per size. 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.

Opening Times

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. The old-style blazer will be donated to charity. A frayed cuff, worn elbows, very old crests, rips & 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 & restricted sportswear are not accepted for resale, but will be donated to charity if handed in.

Online Uniform Shop

Uniforms can also be purchased in the online Uniform Shop. Payment is by credit card or PAYPAL

Please go to Flexischools.com.au and click on Register, then follow the instructions in the email that you'll receive. Once you have registered at Flexischools, you will need to add your son ("Add a student") as a student at Scotch ("Scotch College WA"). Enter him as a student in the year group he will be going into in 2018 (any class is fine).

If you need help with this process, please contact the uniform shop.

Summer 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)

• Monday 21 January, 2019
• Tuesday 22 January, 2019

• Wednesday 34 January, 2019
• Thursday 24 January, 2019
• Friday 25 January, 2019
• Saturday 26 January, 2019 (9.00am – 12.00pm)
• Tuesday 29 January, 2019 (8am – 5pm)
• Wednesday 30 January, 2019 (7.30am – 9.30am)

Normal trading hours resume on Thursday 31 January, 2019:

Tuesdays           8.00 am - 5.00 pm

Thursdays         7.30 am - 11.30 am

Fridays              7.30 am - 11.30 am

From the Head of Junior School

ySafe - The Importance of Protecting Yourself Online

The digital world can seem like a very foreign place to some parents. Our children may look like they are playing an innocent game with their friends online but are they safe? We cannot always be aware of who they are actually playing with but we can teach them how to protect themselves online.

Jordan Foster is a psychologist and director at ySafe, a Perth based cyber safety company which aims to give skills and knowledge to parents over the dangers that the internet presents.  She has visited the Junior School boys and parents over the last two years to help them learn to stay safe when they are online.

Jordan believes that children can only be empowered online if they know they need to be empowered. She spent five sessions with the Junior School students to give them some tips and tools to help stay safe when they are online.

Her key message to the boys was; how do you know who you are speaking to online if you can't see and hear them?

Her tips for being an amazing digital citizen:

1. Don't talk to strangers on the internet. Although there are awesome people on the internet, not everyone is safe to talk to. Don't chat to people online that Mum and Dad have not given you permission to talk to.
2. Never give out our personal information this includes; name, address, school, age passwords, email address and phone numbers.
3. Never give out false information in a chat room, getting off the game is safer than tricking or giving false information.
4. Before you post a picture or a comment online, think first of the four P's – Parents, Principal, Police and Perfect Strangers. If even one of these groups would not approve of the picture or post, don't post it. 

Jordan will be visiting boys and parents on Wednesday 13 March next year where she will share more strategies for staying safe online. Her talk to parents will include:

• Sharing the major media platforms that children/teens are using
• How to manage cyber bullying
• Current cyber safety risks
• Strategies for safe online behaviour
• How to set up a cyber safe home

Mr John Stewart
Head of Junior School

Performing Arts News

Dance is the theme of Spring Term in Performing Arts. One of our projects has gotten off to a spooky start as the boys in Years 3 to 5 channel their inner Michael Jackson to learn the steps of the infamous 'Thriller' dance. Some boys have been surprised at how easy it is to learn and memorise the complicated looking moves by breaking them down into smaller steps and learning how to 'say' the dance script. Being able to 'say' the dance has enabled them to practice anywhere and at any time. The boys have proven that closing their eyes and visualising themselves practising the dance can be just as effective as physically performing the routine. Prepare yourselves for a thrilling flash mob performance before the end of the year!

Boys in Year 1 and 2 have been exploring musical elements through a dance lens. Their favourite dance from the past week was Jack and Peter, a cumulative dance from France. This dance was divided into an A and B section, offering plenty of opportunities to create and arrange ostinati movements. Here are a few snaps of our talented Year 1 choreographers.

  

Miss Phebe Samson
Performing Arts Teacher

Physical Education News

In Physical Education the students have returned to the pool and are working with Deb Jones and her experienced instructors in the differentiated 'Learn to Swim' Programme. Your sons are swimming in one of their Physical Education lessons per week and are on the College grounds the other lesson. Our Year 3 and 5 boys have been focusing on the intricacies of European Handball whilst our Year 4 students have been practicing for their Year 4 JPSSA Basketball Carnival being held at Bendat Basketball Centre. The keenly contested Inter-House Gaelic Football competition is drawing to its conclusion and at the time of gong to press David House have qualified for the final with the other semi-final still to be played with Gordon House taking on Bruce House for the right to meet David House. It has been a fantastic year of Inter-House competition and a big thank you to all the boys in Year 3, 4 and 5 who have made the competitions such a success once again this year.

Mr Scott Whiston
Head of Junior School Physical Education

5W News

The boys are nearing the final weeks of their PYP Exhibition with the transdisciplinary theme being 'Who We Are'. Students have been working hard throughout the process. This process included the students developing their own burning question related to our central idea, creating guiding questions using the key concepts to guide their research, researching and taking notes, writing up their draft and the good copy of their reports and finally creating a statement piece to illustrate their understanding of their research. The boys have been using their time-management and organisation skills appropriately, to ensure that they are finished on time.

Some of their inquiries include looking at bacteria, viruses, disease, genes, global warming, space, evolution and cultural understandings. Below are some photos of the boys working on their statement piece so far.

  

Recently, during English, the boys wrote a couple of pieces of poetry related to 'Who We Are', which was fun and engaging and also went alongside our exhibition unit. Some of their final products can be seen below also.

 

We welcome the wider community to visit the Year 5 PYP Exhibition on Wednesday 7 November at 5pm in MacKellar Hall.

Mr Andrew Wells
Year 5 Teacher

From the Head of Middle School

A Special Breed of Person; the Middle School Teacher

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with a group of prospective parents on the theme "Why Middle School Matters". Preparing for this event gave me with the chance to step back and think critically about our model of Middle School, how we do things here, and why we do it differently.

It all comes down to one factor, the adolescent brain. Never again in a human's life will cognitive development be so rapid. The Middle School student is grappling with developing skills for abstract thinking, for considering multiple perspectives, and they are questioning authority and society standards.  They are learning how the world works and are trying to find their place in it.  Added to this maelstrom of cognitive development is a cocktail of adolescent hormones that can make emotional and physical changes extreme.

Whilst the Middle School boy is looking to separate emotionally and cognitively from his family ties, he still requires adult guidance to navigate the world. Our school structure reduces the number of teachers a boy would see in a day, thereby increasing the contact time we have with him, and helping to develop strong pastoral care relationships. Our curriculum units are designed to foster the boy's natural curiosity and to help him consider the world on a large scale. Embedded into everything we teach is a consideration of different perspectives, values education, and service learning links.

This thought process led me to reflect on the central role our teachers play in the success of the Middle School.  It's a special breed of person who loves being a Middle School teacher, dealing with the young adolescent brain on a daily basis. Our teachers are innovative educators. They act in loco parentis to guide the boy's decision making, to assist with emotional and social concerns, and to foster consideration and respect for others. They collaborate closely with each other to ensure that the care and education of your son is gold standard.

   

In a week where Australia celebrated the United Nations World Teachers' Day, I would like to thank and acknowledge our Middle School teachers for all they do.

Mrs Sophie Berry
Acting Head of Middle School

7.7T Mindful About Meditation

This term the 7.7T Homeroom has embarked on a journey of exploration about mindfulness and meditation.  In the very busy and ever-changing world we all live, we hope these two fantastic life skills will help us, and Mr Tresise, strengthen and develop our minds.

So far, we have explored the key message that mindfulness is a mental skill of paying attention to what is going on right now or focusing on something in our minds. Mindfulness is a skill that needs practice to develop. It is a shift from automatic, reactive thought to conscious, directed thought.  It implies seeing things clearly and accurately, which usually leads to a better outcome.

 

Later this term, we will do some meditation. Meditation is a technique that relaxes the body quickly and consciously and also calms the mind by paying attention and noticing thoughts.

Mindfulness and Meditation are part of the wellness and wellbeing initiative here at Scotch College. Wellbeing is perhaps one of the most important foundations in preparing boys for life.

Mr Peter Tresise
Year 7.7T Homeroom Teacher

8.7B Wall of Affirmation

The world of a teenage boy can be a minefield. Not only do they have to navigate their way through the difficult terrain of equations, investigations, essays and assessments, but they also have to tread carefully through the sometimes muddy swamp of playground politics. To counter this, it is only natural to stick to a certain group of friends within a comfort zone and steer clear of those who may think, behave or even look differently to ourselves.

To help break down the habit of only seeing difference at the expense of recognising the positive in each person, Year 8.7B has established a Wall of Affirmation. Each boy has created a personalised pocket which is now pinned onto the classroom wall. A couple of times a week during our Wellbeing sessions, the boys are asked to choose one of their peers and write down a private message of affirmation. This affirmation is one that positively recognises the individual skills, talents, qualities or even actions of a peer, even if that individual is not someone they may be naturally drawn too. These are then placed into the boy's pocket.

 

At the end of the year, each boy will take home their pocket of affirmation to read, with the aim of reminding them of the great things that they have brought to our classroom this year and, hopefully, filling them with confidence to tackle the unchartered territory of Year 9 in the Senior School.

Ms Robyn Bose
Year 8.7B Homeroom Teacher

Important Dates in Middle School Spring Term

Tuesday 30 October	Year 7.4A Sailing Programme
Wednesday 31 October	Year 7.5M Sailing Programme
Thursday 1 November	Year 7.5M Sailing Programme Year 6 Academic Assessment Testing, 8.30am – 12.30pm
Friday 2 November	MS Assembly (internal) 12.00pm MacKellar Hall Year 7 Parent Function, 7pm Banfield Residence
Monday 5 November	Year 7.6G Sailing Programme
Tuesday 6 November	Year 7.6G Sailing Programme Year 8 French Excursion to Maritime Museum
Wednesday 7 November	Year 7.7T Sailing Programme
Thursday 8 November	Year 7.7T Sailing Programme
Saturday 10 November	Year 8 Bibbulmun Track Departs
Monday 12 November	Remembrance Day Service
Tuesday 13 November	Year 7 French Excursion Maritime Museum Fremantle
Thursday 15 November	Year 8 Bibbulmun Track Returns
Friday 16 November	MS Assembly (internal) 12.00pm MacKellar Hall
Monday 19 November	Ride2School Year 7 Bibbulmun Track Departs Year 8.1T Snorkeling Programme
Tuesday 20 November	Ride2School Year 8.2R Snorkeling Programme
Wednesday 21 November	Year 8.3O Snorkeling Programme Year 6 French Excursion Maritime Museum Fremantle Year 7 Bibbulmun Track Returns
Thursday 22 November	Year 8.4F Snorkeling Programme Year 8 2019 Community Project Launch for current Year 7s Year 8 2019 Community Project Launch for current Year 7 Parents, 6.30pm Memorial Hall
Monday 26 November	Orientation Day for Year 6 & 7 2019 students (current Year 5s, 6s and new boys) Year 7 Excursion to Adventure World Year 9 2019 Transition Day in Senior School (current Year 8s)
Tuesday 27 November	Year 8.5M Snorkeling Programme
Wednesday 28 November	Year 8.6S Snorkeling Programme
Thursday 29 November	Year 8.7B Snorkeling Programme
Friday 30 November	IB Learner Profile Awards Assembly, 11.30am DC Year 6 Parent Function, TBA
Monday 3 December	Year 7 Ancient Greece Showcase, 4.00pm MS Classrooms
Tuesday 4 December	Boardies Day Fundraiser
Thursday 6 December	Year 8 Breakfast, 7.30am MS Quad Middle School Speech Night, 6.30pm DC MS Spring Term Concludes

From the Head of Senior School

Respect

The theme of this week's Chapel services has been Respect. In fact, it has been a major theme of the beginning of the term, with respect and acting with honour forming a major part of the Years 10 and 11 Student Conferences in Week 1. This probably does not come as a surprise to anyone who knows Scotch College as, while it is not a core value of the College, it is one of the major attributes of being a good citizen that the College promotes. Specifically, we promote respect through valuing self, family, community and environment.

During the conference days the session presented to the Year 10 students by Dan McGrechan challenged the boys to consider: What makes a man? What is true manhood? What is it to be a man of respect? During the presentation Dan developed a definition of manhood based on character. In fact, he defined character development as a series of steps beginning with choices then actions which become established as habits which define one's character. It is these initial choices, and our consideration of their ramifications, that define us. Therefore, practising making good choices and showing respect towards others is important. We have recently reinforced this message with the Year 10 cohort and challenged them to make these good choices at all times, not just when someone is watching. In addition, we urged them to take the initiative when they witness situations where one of their peers may show a lack of respect and to be active in helping each other in those moments; where they may forget or not understand the harm their actions are causing. Not an easy thing to do, but easier when it becomes the norm in the group.

Respect is an essential foundation for good relationships. Being respectful means respecting others' differences. Remaining cognisant of how we speak to others, taking the time to listen and reflecting before we respond is a sound process in achieving this, but not one synonymous with adolescence. Showing an appreciation of difference, in lieu of the term tolerance, is a skill we should continue to encourage. I am thankful for the Well-being programme developed at Scotch College. It addresses the specific needs of our students and incorporates these attributes and other skills, developing them in our boys and in their daily life. Of course, many boys do this well while for others it remains a challenge for them to embrace. I have great faith that they know what the 'right thing' to do is when asked but, like any skill, the proof is in the application during a time of need or when under pressure.

Children and adolescents who know how they are unique and special are better prepared to handle an encounter with someone who is not respectful of individual differences. Praise them when they handle difficult people or circumstances respectfully. Likewise, immediately explain why other behaviours are disrespectful. As always, modelling respectful behaviour and treating your children with respect are important.

Given my dealing with parents at the College, I am pleased to say that there is some very fine role modelling occurring which goes a long way to helping us achieve our goal of, together, developing respectful and caring young men.

Mr Dean Shadgett
Head of Senior School

Senior School Important Dates Spring Term

Date	Event	Location	Time
Week 4B
Monday 29 October	WACE and IB Diploma final examinations commence	Bunning Resource Centre (Library)
	(New) Year 11 Design Photography Excursion	Perth CBD	8.30am – 3.30pm
	(New) Year 12 Diploma Biology Camp away	Dryandra
Tuesday 30 October	(New) Year 12 DeGrussa Minesite Excursion	DeGrussa Minesite	5.15am – 6.30pm
	(New) Year 12 Diploma Biology Camp away
Wednesday 31 October	(New) Year 12 Marine and Maritime (ATAR) Whale Watching Excursion		8.30am – 12.30pm
	(New) Year 10 Photography Excursion	Fremantle	8.30am – 3.15pm
	ILT Parent Information Evening	Memorial Hall	6.00pm – 7.00pm
Thursday 1 November	School Sports WA State Triathlon Championships	Champion Lakes	7.30am – 3.15pm
	(New) Year 10 Keys Boarding House Visit	Boarding House	3.30pm – 6.30pm
	Sideffect Drug Education Parent Information Evening	Memorial Hall	6.30pm – 7.30pm
Friday 2 November	Marching only (No assembly)	Dickinson Centre	8.30am – 8.50am
	Sideffect Drug Education Student Presentation	Dickinson Centre	8.55am – 9.45am
	PSA Sport – Scotch College v Aquinas College (please visit sport.scotch.wa.edu.au)	Home	1.30pm onwards
Saturday 3 November	PSA Sport – Scotch College v Aquinas College (please visit sport.scotch.wa.edu.au)	Home	8.30am onwards
	PSA Rowing – Guildford Time Trials	Guildford Grammar School	8.30am – 11.30am
Sunday 4 November	(New) Years 11 and 12 Bibbulmun Track Expedition departs
Week 5A
Tuesday 6 November	(New) Year 12 Parent Information Evening	Memorial Hall	6.30pm – 7.30pm
Wednesday 7 November	Cuisine Day	Senior School	Lunch-time
Thursday 8 November	(New) Year 10 Shearer House Residential Life visit	Boarding House	3.30pm – 6.30pm
	Scotch College Swimming Meet	School Pool	4.30pm – 6.00pm
	Enrichment Information Evening	Memorial Hall	6.30pm – 7.30pm
Friday 9 November	Albany Field Day
	(New) Year 11 DeGrussa Minesite Excursion	DeGrussa Minesite	5.15am – 5.30pm
	Marching only (No assembly)	Dickinson Centre	8.35am – 8.55am
	Remembrance Day Service	Memorial Grounds	10.30am – 11.05am
	Cameron House Fundraiser for the Kai Eardley Foundation	Memorial Grounds	4.00pm – 6.00pm
	PSA Sport – Scotch College Bye
Saturday 10 November	Albany Field Day
	PSA Sport – Scotch College Bye
Sunday 11 November	(New) Year 10 Bibbulmun Track Expedition departs
Monday 12 November	Year 12 Marine and Maritime (General) Recreational Skipper's Ticket	Boat Shed	8.30am – 3.15pm

Boys' Achievements

James Thorpe (Year 12, Stuart) was awarded the 2018 Most Improved Oarsman at the West Australian Rowing Club Awards Ceremony.

Thomas Patterson (Year 12, St. Andrews) has qualified for the WA Open Golf Championships being played 25-28 October at the Mt Lawley Golf Club.

Two of our Year 10 students have created their own slice of history this year by becoming the youngest individuals to pilot a solo flight in Australia. Taj Massey (Year 10, Ferguson) completed his flight earlier this year on his 15^th birthday and now William Taylor (also Year 10, Ferguson) has completed the same feat on his 15^th birthday.

Primo Lux is a state-wide poetry publication that receives thousands of entries hopeful of publication each year. Not only do winning entrants have their work published in an anthology, but these boys are invited to read their poems out aloud to a very friendly audience at Clancy's Fish Bar in Fremantle in late November.

This year we have two winning entries:

"Forever Gone" by Angus Cullen-Falconer (Year 12, Keys) (who also had a poem published in Primo Lux last year)

"An Echoing Shell" by Benjamin Steinberg (Year 12, Ferguson)

Solo results from the Highland Piper's Society of Perth Competition on the weekend

Novice:	2nd Max Anderson (Year 11, Ross)
	3rd Mitchell McVicars (Year 11, Ferguson)
D Grade:	1st Callum Griffiths (Year 12, Shearer)
	3rd Alex Mallawarachchi (Year 12, Cameron)
C Grade:	1st David Stulpner (Year 11, Cameron)
Open Piobaireachd:	1st David Stulpner (Year 11, Cameron)
Open Duo:	1st David Stulpner/Mitchell McVicars
	2nd Alex Mallawarachchi/Callum Griffiths

Alliance Francaise ("FRONSAYS") Examinations 2018

At the August examinations last term, the following boys have been commended for their performance in the annual French competition. These exams are proportionally harder than the corresponding Year exams from SCSA.

We had a number of students in the top 10% of candidates in the State and I would like to acknowledge these leaving Year 12's:

Matthia Au (Alexander)

Adam Brenz-Verca (Stuart)

Auxence Gide (Anderson)

Lawrence (Doug) Jackson (St Andrews)

Dominic Vivian (Cameron)

Harry Pasich (Year 12, Ross) ranked in the top 10%.

Lewis Orr (Year 12, Ferguson) finished in the top 5%.

Maurice Buren (leaving Year 12, Shearer) finished in the top 5%.

Matteo Fortier (leaving Year 12, Stuart) topped the Scotch College candidates with a score of 83/95 and was then invited for the Oral interview. He is now a prizewinner in the Background speaker section as one of the top three candidates in the State.

The RACI Australian National Chemistry Quiz (Years 9 to 12)

Scotch College had 108 Senior School students participate. This year we had two students who attained certificates of High Distinction of Excellence, 11 who attained certificates of High Distinction, 20 who received certificates of Distinction, and 19 who received certificates of Credit.

Distinction (the top 15% of students in Australia):

Nathanael Kumar (Year 10, Alexander)

Hugh Cameron (Year 11, Shearer)

Adam Darley (Year 11, Anderson)

Lachlan Norcott (Year 11, Anderson)

Jack Baker (Year 12, Stuart)

Joshua Croker (Year 12, Shearer)

Lewis Miller (Year 12, Anderson)

Liam Newport (Year 12, Shearer)

Harrison Rickarby (Year 12, Ross)

Marcello Torre (Year 12, Cameron)

Lucas Triglavcanin (Year 12, St Andrews)

Hamish Watson (Year 12, Ross)

Matteo Fortier (leaving Year 12, Stuart)

Conor Patton (leaving Year 12, Ross)

Alexander Porter-Wilkinson (leaving Year 12, Brisbane)

Peter Stulpner (leaving Year 12, Cameron)

Riley Thomas (leaving Year 12, Anderson)

William Vinnicombe (leaving Year 12, Alexander)

Thomas Ward (leaving Year 12, Alexander)

William Wiese (leaving Year 12, Keys)

High Distinction (the top 10% of students in Australia):

William Steinberg (Year 11, Brisbane)

Sebastian Wright (Year 11, Ross)

Sebastian Barrett (Year 12, Brisbane)

Charlie Castleden (Year 12, Stuart)

William Hellewell (Year 12, Ross)

Harry Imison (Year 12, Ross)

Benjamin Lilburne (Year 12, Stuart)

James Warman (Year 12, Alexander)

Maurice Buren (leaving Year 12, Shearer)

Darcy Frazer (leaving Year 12, Ferguson)

Tanay Narula (leaving Year 12, Stuart)

High Distinction of Excellence (outstanding performance; top 1% of students in Australia):

Daniel Wiese (Year 11, Key)

Joshua O'Dea (Year 12, Brisbane)  

Australian Mathematics Olympiad

William Steinberg (Year 11, Brisbane) and Daniel Wiese (Year 11, Keys) recently participated in the 2018 Australian Mathematical Olympiad Committee Senior Contest which only 96 students from around Australia participated in. Gold certificates are awarded to students who are in approximately the top 10% of students entered in the Senior Contest, Silver certificates are awarded to the next 15% of students.

Daniel received a Silver certificate and William received a Gold certificate and achieved a perfect score which only nine out of the 96 students were able to achieve. As a result, William has been invited to attend the Australian Mathematical Olympiad Committee School of Excellence being held in Melbourne during November.

William also received a certificate for attaining a high distinction in the National Physics Olympiad Examination which attracted 2000 entrants from across Australia. If Will reaches the top 24, he will be invited to the National Physics Summer School in Sydney next year.

Year 10 Academic Excellence – Semester 2, 2018

Name	Surname	House
Cooper	Anderson	Alexander
Max	Anderson	Ross
Charlie	Bevan	Alexander
Rory	Bruce	Stuart
Hugh	Cameron	Shearer
Ronan	Cameron	Anderson
Alex	Chew	Brisbane
Digby	Cleland	Brisbane
Darby	Cuming	Ferguson
Nicholas	Cusack	Cameron
Adam	Darley	Anderson
Christoff	De Wet	Ferguson
Toby	Dew	St Andrews
Connor	Dinas	Ferguson
Ashley	Edgar	Brisbane
Jake	Faulkner	St Andrews
Ronald	Fellows-Smith	St Andrews
George	Graham	Keys
Jasper	Japp	Brisbane
Giancarlo	Kain	Brisbane
Joshua	Keatch	Keys
Julian	Kyriakou	Stuart
Patrick	Latchem	Ferguson
Casey	Lawrence	Ferguson
George	Lewin	Ferguson
William	Lewis	Stuart
Campbell	McAullay	Shearer
Eden	Messina	Keys
Lachlan	Norcott	Anderson
Darius	Opie	Shearer
Will	Partridge	Shearer
Charlie	Radici	Cameron
Lachlan	Raffan	Brisbane
William	Reeves	Alexander
Max	Shervington	Anderson
William	Steinberg	Brisbane
Matthew	Steinepreis	Cameron
Arun	Tibballs	Shearer
Alexander	Van Wyk	Anderson
Sam	Wake	Brisbane
Angus	Walsh	Ferguson
Riley	Waters	Anderson
Reuben	Westerman	Keys
Daniel	Wiese	Keys
Sebastian	Wright	Ross

Sport and Co-curricular Leadership Positions

 

Basketball:
Co-Captains :	Harry Imison (Year 12, Ross)
	Nathan Thomas (Year 12, Anderson)
Debating:
Co Captains :	Lewis Orr (Year 12, Ferguson)
	Owen Edgar (Year 12, Ferguson)
Drama:
Captain:	Matthew Moore (Year 12, Shearer)
Music:
Captain:	Lewis Miller (Year 12, Anderson)
Vice Captain:	Digby Few (Year 12, Keys)
Pipe Band:
Pipe Major:	Alex Mallawarachchi (Year 12, Cameron)
Drum Major:	Joshua Kerrich (Year 12, Anderson)
Rowing:
Captain of Boats :	Matthew Moore (Year 12, Shearer)
Vice-Captain of Boats:	Max Vaughan (Year 12, Alexander)
Tennis
Captain :	Jaye Marzec (Year 12, Alexander)
Vice-Captain:	Darcy Owen (Year 12, Anderson)
Volleyball:
Captain:	Alexander van Hoek (Year 12, Ross)
Vice-Captain:	William Craig (Year 12, Shearer)
Waterpolo:
Captain:	Benjamin Marshall (Year 12, Ross)
Vice-Captain:	Benjamin Howie (Year 12, Ross)

 

Careers Information

Year 12 WACE Examination Information

Examination Attendance

A message from Allan Blagaich, Executive Director School Curriculum & Standards Authority:

Students are reminded that unless they sit the examination for an ATAR course, then that course will be deemed to be incomplete and will not be counted for ANY element of the WACE, nor will the pair of units for the Year 12 course appear on the student's WASSA. This is also the case related to attendance and participation in courses with practical examinations (students need to sit both components).

This is particularly important if students are still counting the number of "C" grades they are required to achieve.

Year 11 and 12 Academic Information

Please click here for a letter detailing Year 11 and 12 Academic Information.

Sickness and 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.

Personalised Examination Timetables

Students are able to download a copy of their Personalised examination timetable from: https://wace.wa.edu.au

Important - Please make your son aware of the following information which is also printed on the back of each personalised timetable.

1. You must sign the front of your timetable before sitting the examinations and take it to every written examination. Replacement timetables can be downloaded from https://www.wace.wa.edu.au

2. You must arrive at the examination centre at least 30 minutes before the prescribed start time for an examination (8.50 am for a morning examination and 1.30pm for an afternoon examination). Supervisors will allow candidates into the examination room before the prescribed start time so that administrative procedures can occur and important examination information can be explained.

3. You must be familiar with the examination rules outlined in the Year 12 Information Handbook. This handbook can be downloaded from http://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/internet/Publications/year12_information_handbook

4. You are responsible for taking the correct equipment into each examination. Unauthorised materials are not allowed. A list of all permitted equipment is detailed in the Year 12 Information Handbook. This list of all permitted equipment is also provided on the front cover of each examination paper, copies of which were distributed to schools in August. In particular, mobile phones and smart watches are not permitted in the examination room. Failure to comply will result in a penalty.

5. Calculators and any other electronic devices that allow communication via wireless technology with other calculators or electronic devices (by being connected to external attachments or by a built-in facility) are not permitted in any ATAR course examination. Failure to comply could result in a penalty.

6. You must abide by the directions and instructions given by the supervisors. In particular, you must not start reading or writing until instructed to do so by the supervisors.

7. You must not take part in any unfair practice in the examination room. You should note that impersonation of another candidate for an examination is a criminal offence.

8. If the Authority is satisfied you are involved in a breach of examination rules, your examination mark may be cancelled.

9. No allowance can be made for candidates who miss an examination through misreading the timetable. Examinations cannot be rescheduled.

10. Candidates who suffer a temporary sickness, non-permanent disability or event which they believe may affect their performance in the examination may apply for sickness/misadventure provisions. Application forms are available from examination centres and the School Curriculum and Standards website and must be received no later thanTuesday, 20 November 2018. Refer to the Year 12 Information Handbook for details.

11. Candidates who have two examinations in the one day may have been allocated to a common examination centre for both examinations. If this is not convenient please phone Robyn Cranley on 9273 6308, or email cranley@scsa.wa.edu.au

12. ATAR course examination information – telephone 9273 6377 scsa.wa.edu.au twitter.com/SCSAWA facebook.com/SCSAWA

WACE Results

Year 12 students will be able to access their results online at https://www.wace.wa.edu.au on Monday, 17 December 2018.

To log on, students will need their student number and other personal identification information. It is advisable that students provide an alternate email address via the student portal. This is to avoid issues where school email accounts close prior to the release of results.

TAFE Applications are open!

Applications are open for Semester 1, 2019 so here is some useful information to help in guiding your students on where to go and what to do, to get enrolled for next year.

How to apply

For full-time study, students need to visit TAFE Admissions and complete an online application. Students will then be required to send in their relevant documentation. They will then receive a Letter of Offer which will invite them to come on campus and enrol (in January 2019). 

Monadelphous – Apprenticeships - WA

Monadelphous will provide structured on and off the job training while you complete your apprenticeship. You will be supported on site by experienced trades people, strong construction and project management teams and a dedicated Apprentice and Trainee Coordinator.

Find out more - https://www.monadelphous.com.au/careers/apprentice/

LD TOTAL – Landscape Apprenticeship

If you love the outdoors and are committed to your studies, an apprenticeship in landscaping may be for you. LD TOTAL usually advertises for an apprentice intake in November/December each year.

Find out more - https://www.ldtotal.com.au/careers/apprenticeships/

Mr Peter Frusher
Careers Adviser