I made a measured decision last year that in 2015 I would take personal responsibility for the sustainability portfolio. Why? It is simple. I want to ensure that the strategic importance of this area for me as a leader of the Scotch community is clearly understood. As we commence planning for a new five year Strategic Plan for our College, the role of Scotch in pursuit of sustainable practices must remain as a priority given that one of our three core values is 'Stewardship'.

A couple of months ago I asked for a report to be prepared regarding how best we can address our energy usage. While it is still early stages, I received this report last week and will commence an analysis of the contents with a view to looking at how we can improve our energy footprint at Scotch.

There have been many times since commencing as Headmaster when I wondered if I should have done my Doctoral studies in parking and traffic flow given the number of meetings and projects that we have had to address. Things are not going to get any less complicated given the works around the development of Claremont Oval. We have just submitted a significant new traffic plan to the Town of Claremont as part of our new master plan. The Town have been very open and supportive in this plan and while we are still awaiting feedback, I hope this plan will gain traction and allow the College to move forward keeping in mind the best interests of the School and the surrounding community. Furthermore, I hope that other strategies we are looking at will lead to Scotch having a greater focus on sustainable transport practices with a view to not adding further to our already congested roads.

Just last week a report was released highlighting the issues Capital cities will face into the future if we do not get on top of planning with reference to traffic and other related issues. Over the coming months I will be updating the community on a series of strategies to ensure that as a community we are in a position to improve the traffic flow at Scotch both before, during and after school each day.

There are no silver bullets. What we must do it is try a series of interrelated strategies that when aggregated will make the difference we desire. This will always be an iterative journey, but one worth taking.

Last weekend I found myself in receipt of a sudden increase in my email volume emanating through my LinkedIn account. There is a familiar saying that says "time flies when you are having fun." This has proved to be the case for me and the emails turned out to be from colleagues and friends reminding me that I was about to commence my fifth year at Scotch. I can honestly say that each day, week and year continues to present a variety of challenges and accomplishments.

Thanks for your ongoing support of our great College and community.

Dr A J O'Connell

Headmaster

Internationally Minded Schools

Scotch College is proud of the international education that it delivers 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.

In the past week the College has presented to our Year 10 community the choices they face as they enter the final two years of the formal Senior School journey. At both the International Baccalaureate information evening as well as the WACE information evening the quality of the IB Diploma Programme, the WACE ATAR programme and the WACE VET pathway was explained to parents and students. The consistent message was simple; to achieve in any pathway the formula is the same, a sustained commitment to actively pursue one's personal best for the two years which will conclude a boy's schooling experience.

It is important that families consider with their sons over the next fortnight the choices that were presented to the boys in both information evenings. It is also strongly recommended that the students, as well as parents, attend the Year 10 into 11 Subject Selection Evening on Wednesday, 27 May. At this event students and parents will be able to ask questions which specifically relate to the subjects their son is interested in choosing.

To return to the point of internationally minded education, Western Australia's oldest Tertiary Institution has recently re-aligned their focus to present a contemporary view of education for prospective students. Using the catchphrase of 'pursue impossible', UWA has alluded to the globalisation of education and its desire to become 'international' in its outlook when providing education for its students. It is important to recognise that as the boys make their choice for Year 11 and 12 courses, it is more than a rank at the conclusion of Year 12, it is an approach to education that will continue for many years beyond their life at school.

I encourage boys to speak to Mr Peter Frusher, Ms Cara Fugill or myself should they require any assistance in choosing the best path for their education.

Mr Peter Allen

Director of Teaching and Learning

Canteen Volunteers

'The Piping Hot Café - Junior School and Middle School

'The Hub' - Senior School

The Junior School, Middle School and Senior School canteens are looking for parent volunteers!

The volunteer hours are 9.30am until 1pm.

You will experience a friendly team atmosphere and assist our talented Chefs to create innovative cuisine from daily fresh produce.

This is a great opportunity to meet other parents and enjoy a sit down morning tea with a freshly baked muffin, brewed coffee or gourmet tea.

We would appreciate anytime that you may have available throughout the semester. If you would like to volunteer please contact Christine Smith at the Senior School Reception on 9383 6800 for further details.

We thank you and look forward to your assistance.

Community and Service

'Put Up Your Hand'

On Friday 15 May, a group of Year 10 boys attended a conference run by St Stephens School and UnitingCare West. The theme was 'Put Up Your Hand' and delegates were provided with examples of organisations dedicated to alleviating social injustice and disadvantage locally and elsewhere, including Cambodia. Students attending from all the Uniting Church schools had an opportunity to discuss ideas for promoting the UnitingCare West Winter Appeal, due to start soon. This came at the end of National Volunteer Week, recognizing the work of volunteers in our society. A recent Flinders University study has found that the monetary value of volunteering nationally is in the order of $290 billion. While many Scotch boys regularly volunteer in their own time through sporting and surf lifesaving organisations, the programme run in school time is intended more to illuminate the role of volunteer groups and illustrate the worth of individuals giving back to society. Along the way boys learn about difference, privilege and the power of collective action. Hopefully, boys feel motivated to volunteer in the true spirit of the term.

To Serve and To Nurture

Each Friday afternoon, small groups of Year 10 boys head off to the Paraquad Centre and Rocky Bay - facilities for the disabled, as well as Braemar Village and Little Sisters of the Poor aged care homes. In each of these facilities our boys come into contact with dedicated staff and learn about the societal role undertaken by these institutions. While the boys may be involved in low-key activities such as teaching Wii Games, running word puzzles or simply spending a little time with residents, the impact can be profound. In the Scotch College Service Model, one of the cornerstones is Nurture. While our boys are providing nurturing to the aged and disabled residents, both the staff and the residents with whom they come into contact, in turn nurture them.

A Global Village

This week and next we will be hosting a guest from the village of Matipwili in rural Tanzania. Bori Amri Bori is the only man in his village to achieve a secondary education. He is a farmer and also works as the manager of a bush camp in a conservation area close to the village - the camp where Scotch/PLC groups stay when working in Matipwili. Bori's trip has been paid through a generous private donation. While at Scotch, Bori will work alongside our maintenance and Grounds staff and also come into classrooms to talk with students. He will give students an insight in to village life and no doubt talk about the importance of making the most of every opportunity for education. Bori has been a wonderful host to many students from both Scotch and PLC. It will be good to be able to repay the generosity he and his village has displayed over 10 years of our partnership.

Bori outside his House in the village of Matipwili

Year 10 Round Square Exchange Information Night

Following on from the success for the current Year 10 Round Square Exchanges, the next Information Night for current Year 9 parents and boys will be held on Thursday 11 June in the Bunning Resource Centre, commencing at 6.30pm. Boys and their parents who have experienced the exchange process this year, will be there to share tehir experiences.

Human Right Arts and Film Festival @ Scotch - 28 June

Scotch has partnered with the Melbourne Human Rights Arts and Film Festival organisers to bring a selection of human rights focused films to our campus. A flyer for the event can be found here. The target audience is Year 11 and 12 students from Scotch and other schools in the Perth area. A highlight of the afternoon will be a Q&A session with a panel of experts, including: Sue Ash AO CEA of UnitingCare West; Squadron Leader, Rev Dean Griffiths, ADF; Dr Lisa Hartley from the Curtin University Centre for Human Rights Education; and Akrim Azami, Young Australian of the Year 2013. Bookings cam be made through the Scotch Web Site and the 'Book an Event' page.

Mr Bill Cordner

Director of Community and Service

Music Department

The next few weeks of term are full of exciting musical events which are outlined below. I encourage everyone to attend as many of the concerts as possible as the boys have been rehearsing for many weeks to prepare their music for your enjoyment. The concerts planned are varied, designed to suit a wide range of musical tastes, and all of them should be very entertaining!

Specific details for individual performers and ensembles will be emailed closer to each event.

Vocals Showcase, Tuesday 26 May, 6.30pm

This concert is a one hour, intimate recital style performance held in the Foyer of the Dickinson Centre. The vocal students and vocal ensembles will perform alongside some staff musicians, and the programme will be shared by a piano and small jazz combo performance led by Music Captain Stuart McCowan. Tickets are free - all welcome.

Port MacQuarie Big Band Blast Jazz Tour, Thursday 28 May - Monday 1 June

This tour is an important feature of the Jazz Programme at Scotch College and provides great preparation for the upcoming Jazz Night to be held earlier this year on 19 June. I am sure that all tour members will have a brilliant time performing for other students from all across Australia and will return to Perth inspired by their experience.

Kawai Piano Sale, Thursday 28 May - Invitation can be found via the Scotch College Website

During 2010, the Music Department purchased a Shigeru Kawai Grand Piano for the Dickinson Centre. This was made possible by Music Department fundraising and the generous support of the Scotch College community. Through this purchase, a link to Kawai Australia was established and Scotch College now benefits from an ongoing arrangement with Kawai Australia where the Music Department receives the use of new Kawai pianos every twelve months. At the end of this twelve month period, these quality pianos are made available for sale to the public at substantial savings off the new retail price.

If you, or someone you know, is looking to buy a quality piano, then this Kawai Piano Sale presents a great opportunity to secure a quality instrument at a reduced price. The range of acoustic pianos available ensures that you will find the perfect piano for your budget and situation. I would like to personally invite you to take advantage of this special opportunity to purchase a twelve month old piano at heavily reduced prices with a new manufacturer's warranty at the Annual Kawai Piano Sale. Please contact Snadens on Stirling Highway Nedlands for more information. Rob Cowell (Snadens) 0438 966 784 or snadens@westnet.com.au

Reporter Music Photos, Wednesday 3 June, MacKellar Hall

Each year, the Music Ensembles which rehearse before and after school in order to perform at concerts and events, are photographed for the Annual Reporter Year-Book. This year, Music Photos are to be held in MacKellar Hall on Wednesday 3 June from 8.00am. Individual schedules will be published in advance of the day. Students and parents should note that full winter uniform is required together with instrument.

Music Department Quiz Night, Friday 5 June

The annual Music Department Quiz Night is a fantastic night filled with great fun and prizes. All classroom, ensemble and instrumental musicians in Years 9 - 12 from Scotch College and PLC are invited. Last year all tables filled up quickly - and the prizes are always fantastic! Forms to be handed to Scotch College MUSIC Administration.

Junior School and Middle School Autumn Concert, Thursday 18 June, 6.30pm

The Autumn Concert presented by Junior School and Middle School Ensembles is an exciting night for our younger musicians. Held on the Dickinson Centre Stage, multiple ensembles perform the music that they have been rehearsing since the beginning of the year. Tea and Coffee is provided in the foyer from 6pm with everyone welcome to attend this free event.

Jazz Night, Friday 19 June, Dickinson Centre, 7.30pm

An exciting music event being showcased to complete the musical events of Autumn Term is the Music Department's Annual Jazz Night. This spectacular show is being held at 7.30pm on Friday 19 June in the Dickinson Centre. The performance should conclude at approximately 10.45pm.

This year's show is based on music inspired by the Soul, Funk, R&B and Motown eras and will be provided by performers from the Scotch College Big Bands and Jazz groups, plus a Staff and Guest Big Band to conclude the evening. With dancing, entertainment and an excellent compere to ensure that this night is one to remember, this event, open to the entire Scotch College community (Parents, families and friends from Years 1 to 12), is a show not to be missed!

Tickets can be purchased through 'Book an Event" on the Scotch College website www.scotch.wa.edu.au.

I recommend all of these events to you and hope that you will be able to join the boys in celebrating the performances they have achieved this year. Please contact the Music Department on 93836841 or via email, music@scotch.wa.edu.au if you require any further information.

Supporting the musical activities is Friends of Scotch Music (FOSM) a group of parents who enthusiastically support the work of boys and staff in the Music Department. FOSM meets once or twice each term with all meetings beginning at 7.00pm. Meetings go for approximately one hour, and are held in the Senior School MUSIC Room with everyone welcome. Please consider becoming involved in the FOSM Parent Support group as an excellent way to support your son and the Music Programme at Scotch College.

Contact Details

The Instrumental Programme is administered by the Senior School Music Department and all queries should be directed to the Music Administrator, Julia Robinson (9383 6841) music@scotch.wa.edu.au. Alternately, please contact Mr David Coughlan, Head of Music, via email DGCoughlan@scotch.wa.edu.au or phone 9383 6842.

If you wish to become more involved in supporting the Music Department by receiving information about the work of FOSM, please contact FOSM@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Mr David Coughlan

Head of Music

Uniform Shop

Opening Hours

The Uniform Shop will be closed for the Boarders' Long Weekend and Public Holiday (ie Friday, 29 May)

Supporters Tops

Supporters' tops are available in the Uniform Shop. We have a warm polar fleece vest and a rugby jumper - ideal for those cold winter mornings next to the playing field!

Parenting Ideas

To further support the Scotch community, the College continues to subscribe to Parentingideas, a leading provider of parenting education resources to Australian schools. Scotch parents can access parenting advice on a wide range of topics and themes such as;

Life skills for children

Kids, school and learning

Social challenges and

Children and behaviour.

Follow the link to access the Parenting Ideas Magazine.

http://www.parentingideas.com.au/Parent_Magazine.html

Getting Help

Knowing where, when and how to get help regarding mental health and wellbeing is vital for everyone, particularly for boys. People come in all different shapes and sizes and so too does mental health help. For young people figuring out when they might need help and where to get help from, http://au.reachout.com/ can assist. They are confidential and available 24/7. Whether a boy thinks the thoughts are silly, more serious or an emergency, there are services in the community where trained professionals can help.

Ms Shauna Lipscombe

Senior School Psychologist

Reflection and Prayer

On Tuesday 19 May our Year 4 boys attended the IPSHA Ecumenical Service at St Mary's Anglican Girls' School. The service gathered together 500 boys and girls from 30 independent junior schools from around WA. The theme of the service was 'prayer and how, why and when we can pray'.

Through the IB we take time to reflect (to thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experiences). We reflect on our impact on our own learning, on our actions and how we impact others in both a positive and negative manner. We reflect on the responsibility we have for what we learn, what we do and how we treat others and the planet. Reflection is a key skill that helps us to become better students and people. Without reflection we would find it very difficult to develop a moral compass or a passion.

We include prayer as part of the reflection process. We will reflect on what matters to us most, on the people we encounter, the people we love and on the world around us. We will reflect on our blessings and our needs. We ask for help and guidance for others and us. Prayer, for many, is an important part of connecting with God, if only to say thank you.

As part of our curriculum, we explore our Christian faith and what that truly means. We ask the boys to pray for those less fortunate than themselves and to say thank you for the people who love them and for what they have been given. The five-finger prayer is a nice simple way to structure a prayer. Each finger represents one point we should include in a personal prayer to God.

So a five -finger prayer might read like this:

Dear God our Father

Thank you for my family and children and ask You to watch over them and to assist them in the difficulty they are facing.

Dear God, give guidance to our teachers and give them wisdom to point others in the right direction,

Please assist our political leaders to make decisions that helps all people.

Please help those who are sick and give them strength.

And God, help me to be a good person and to be kinder to others.

Amen

In our Junior School, we reflect on how blessed we are to attend and work in a school community such as Scotch. We use prayer to thank God for our blessings. We have a Junior School Prayer that asks God to help us each to appreciate and contribute to our wonderful school.

Junior School Prayer

This is our School, may we all live here happily together.
May our School be full of joy.
May love dwell here among us every day.
Love of one another. Love of all people everywhere.
Love of life itself and love of God.

Let us remember that as many hands build a house
so every boy can make this School a lovely place.

How we choose to reflect or pray is an individual matter. Reflecting allows us to take stock in what we have and to appreciate it or say thank you. Reflecting allows us to see where we are and to consider what we need to do to move on. For us as a School, we reflect on our learning and are always looking to be better students and to be more effective people.

Mr John Stewart

Head of Junior School

Important Dates to Remember

Transdisciplinary Learning in the PYP

Having just run an introductory Parent Engagement Workshop (PEW) for parents new to the College, I became aware of the need to structure the communication about how the IB programme enhances teaching and learning at Scotch College, and how it relates to the Australian Curriculum. In order to support this request I am going to make the fortnightly Thistle articles a collection of articles that help to communicate these two goals in a sequential manner.

As a starting point, I would like to share a quote that sits at the heart of why the International Baccalaureate Programme works for the students of Scotch College:

'The PYP endorses a belief that students learn best when the learning is authentic and transdisciplinary' (Making the PYP happen: A curriculum framework for international primary education 2014).

What this means in a nut shell is that the learning is:

a) Relevant to the real world; thus providing meaningful context and connections to their world;

b) Where the learning is not confined within the boundaries of traditional subject areas, but is supported and enriched by them. I have explored this in more detail below:

The PYP acknowledges the importance of subject areas: language, mathematics, social studies, science, the arts (visual art, music, dance, drama), and personal, social and physical education. However, the PYP also recognises that educating students in a set of isolated subject areas, while necessary, is not sufficient. Of equal importance is the need to acquire skills in context, and to explore content that is relevant to students and transcends the boundaries of the traditional subjects.

"To be truly educated, a student must also make connections across the disciplines, discover ways to integrate the separate subjects, and ultimately relate what they learn to life" (Boyer 1995: 82).

In the next article, I will explore the overarching six Transdisciplinary Themes. These themes are addressed every year by all classes from Years 1 - 5. These themes ensure the students focus their learning on the study and investigation of conceptual units that look into; Who we are, Where we are in place and time, How we express ourselves, How the world works, How we organise ourselves and sharing the planet.

Mr Warwick Norman

Junior School Dean of Teaching & Learning

1P News

Who doesn't love a great story?

The Year 1 boys engaged in a myriad of wonderful experiences during the unit of inquiry, 'How We Express Ourselves'. In particular, the boys were transfixed last week, when illustrator extraordinaire James Foley visited their classroom. With the nurturing and skilful guidance of James, the boys concocted a magical, sensitive Viking that even the likes of James hadn't drawn before. James' superior skill of drawing brought to life a magical Viking with rainbows sprouting from the sides of his enormous steely helmet, which was adorned with a unicorn horn and then accentuated by a halo of sparkling stars. He was aptly named, Neon Pegasus! James thoughtfully showed his childhood books to the boys and encouraged the boys to become emerging authors and illustrators. After an inspiring session, I believe he already has!

Mrs Sue Phillips

Year 1 Teacher

Celebrating creativity and differentiation in the Junior School

The City of Subiaco has been presenting an opportunity for Young Artists to shine now for 13 years with its annual " Shaun Tan Young Artists Award." All boys were invited to join in an afterschool club to pursue this arts initiative, basing work on their own interests and sketches from home, with no set theme.

What came out of this opportunity has been a group of 12 boys from mixed year levels coming together on Tuesdays after school, to develop their artwork. The end results are remarkably diverse and this brought my attention to the value of having no set theme, in promoting and catering for differentiation in ideas and abilities through the Arts.

Watching the boys work has been inspirational, as they have tackled problems, indecision, excitement and sharing - all valuable parts of thinking about and creating artwork. They have also enjoyed greater success when they have continued to work between school and home. Both places provide working spaces that are quite different in physical space, mood, time and access to materials.

Entries will be submitted this week, so boys have had to work to a set deadline and this is always a challenge. Congratulations and best of luck to:

Ms Karen Sabitay

PYP Visual Arts

Performing Arts News

Our amazing Year 5 boys have been working incredibly hard this term as they prepare an item to perform at the bi-annual IPSHA Performing Arts Festival on Wednesday 17 June, and then again at the JS/MS Autumn Concert on Thursday 18 June. Preparing for these types of performances requires a lot of focus and forward planning and I have just been so proud with the commitment and dedication displayed by the boys, as well as their creative contributions to truly make the item their own. The two Year 5 classes have been working on their own during rehearsals and we are looking forward to piecing the whole item together for the first time this week. All of the boys from Years 1 - 4 will have the opportunity to watch the performance, with Years 3 and 4 being taken on a special excursion to the Perth Convention Centre to view it, as well as a few items from other schools. Watch this space!

Miss Phebe Samson

Performing Arts Teacher

French News

Folk tales and legends are an integral part of every society. The characters, places and events they portray are largely drawn from people's way of life and surroundings. Every folk tale and legend has its own cultural universe. The Year 4 classes will be watching and analyzing a French Canadian legend, La chasse galerie (The legend of the flying canoe). This will enable the boys to make links to the 'How we express ourselves' unit of inquiry. They will get to explore and gain a perspective on a different cultural universe.

Madame Edwards

French Specialist

Physical Education News

The winter PE programme is well and truly under way this term as our boys continue to work on and hone their skills in PE. We have been focusing on soccer and now shift our programme to footy and hockey. Core fundamental skills are reinforced with the skills of these sports as the boys learn how to apply skills under pressure and in game situations. The Year 4 soccer carnival was a great success with excellent participation across the board in the games against Hale School and Christ Church. The Cross Country Carnival is just around the corner and this is always an exciting day for all boys and parents and we look forward to seeing as many parents as we can supporting their son's on the day.

Mr Scott Whiston

Head of Junior School Physical Education

Junior School Resource Centre

I have had a delightful few weeks getting to know your sons and their reading interests. This has resulted in trips to various local bookshops to purchase new resources which will "hit the shelves" in the coming weeks.

Each fortnight when the boys visit the library I am encouraging them to borrow:

• A picture and/or chapter book that they can share with their family or read independently.
• A book from the non-fiction collection on a topic of interest or a new skill they would like to learn.
• Only one "hot topic" book, these include minecraft, lego, starwars etc or multiple books from the same series.

By following this process, hopefully the boys will expand their choices, think about their interests and not always borrow the same type of book. The boys are welcome to come and change their books at any time during the week - they don't need to wait until their next library session.

An important component of this process is the boys sharing their reading with their parents. Your support discussing your child's reading, sharing their books with them, discussing what you enjoy reading will enhance their reading experience.

Can I also ask that boys add their library day to the family calendar so that they remember to bring their books and library bag each fortnight.

Mrs Kathryn Salt

Junior School Teacher-Librarian

Talking With Your Children About Being Bullied

• Many children who are bullied do not tell a trusted adult as they think they are dobbing. 'Dobbing' is when a person deliberately tries to get attention or to get someone else into trouble.

• 'Asking for help' is when someone feels the situation is out of his/her control and he/she is unable to deal with it alone. If anyone sees someone else in this situation they should also ask for help.

• What are students being taught at school to help them deal with bullying situations?

All students at our school are being taught that: When I have a problem I can:

- Try to stand up for myself in a positive way.

- Try to talk with the person I am having a problem with.

- Walk away and ignore the person completely.

- Get help from a teacher or another person I trust.

- Ignore the situation and keep playing or working.


- Talk to a friend to get some ideas to help me make a decision.


- Try coming to an agreement with the other person.


You can reinforce these messages by discussing them with your children at home.

Mr Warwick Norman

Friendly Schools and Families Coordinator

Week 5 - Excellence Awards

Preparing Boys for Life: Laptop File Organisation

This might not rank in the same level of excitement as rock wall climbing, camping or self- catering at Moray as character and skill preparation for life, however when you go looking for a file document with a deadline looming toward you, having a logical file naming and saving routine can be at the very least a great stress preventer if not life saver.

In Middle School we insist that a boy maintains a filing system. It can be his choice and his design, but we advocate the following model:

The Desktop Filing Cabinet

• Go to the Desktop and set up 11 Folders: a file for 2014 or for previous years, a separate file for each curriculum area, one for Outdoor Education and one file marked Personal.
• Inside each of these folders sub-folders can be created to help separate different units of work.
• Naming a document is time well spent. Give everything you do a name that helps differentiate it from other documents. e.g. The Power of One English Essay rather than English Essay.

Similarly do the same for emails. Set up folders with logical names that can store correspondence for easy reference. It takes a few extra seconds to file each email but it can save time and frustration and the despairing task of pulling out hair whilst scrolling through hundreds of emails in a hurry. Folder set up, file naming and saving is a discipline and a habit we hope to have instilled before our boys leave for Senior School.

Does your son have a filing system that makes sense to you? A one page document outlining our file naming and saving system can be found on Parent Connect in the Middle School Portal.

Mr Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

Recognition of Academic Excellence

A practice that has been in place in Senior School since the introduction of the MYP, is the recognition of Academic Excellence at the end of each semester based on students' report grades. With the inclusion of Year 8 in Middle School and a full cohort of students in Year 7, Middle School will also recognise students who achieve Academic Excellence at the end of each semester. The formula for Academic Excellence is the achievement of a total of 30 or more when adding up a student's best five semester grades.

Ms Anna Eriksson

Dean of Teaching & Learning (MS)

Scotch & PLC Adobe Workshop

On Wednesday 6 May we had 30 PLC students arrive in Middle School to work with 30 of our Year 6, 7 and 8 students and Dr Tim Kitchen from Adobe Education for a full day workshop. We looked at using the software Premiere CC, the industry standard in film production, to create some of our own work. The students had the opportunity to gain insight into effective planning and filming techniques, including using green screens, editing processes and workflows.

This is the second year that we have been able to run this workshop with Dr Kitchen and the girls from PLC, and again it did not disappoint. It was a great opportunity for our boys to work in mixed groups to create a video of their own creation. The skills that were gained from attending this workshop will be useful across many of the curriculum areas they will be involved in. There was great enthusiasm by all involved and I have already had some boys asking when we are going to be running it again. We have every intention of keeping this as an annual fixture as the skills gained by the students is something that we see filter across the school.

Mr Jared Faint

Middle School ILT Coach

Design in Middle School

It has been a busy start to the year in the Design learning area. In Year 6 the boys were introduced to Design and hand tools for the first time. They learnt about draughting and completed the semester by making a pencil holder. The Year 7 boys have been proudly racing their CO2 dragster racing cars last week. This project involved the students in the full design process and each student created their own unique CO2 dragster-racing car, from concept, through to design and execution.

In Year 8, the range of courses broadens to include Digital Design, Wood Design, Metal Design, Product Design and Process Engineering Design. In the Digital Design module, the boys are currently creating their own animated advertisement, which they have been designing since the commencement of the school year. The boys focusing on Wood Design are loving their toy truck project, from design to the full carving process. In addition, they have had an opportunity to work on the lathe, creating custom doorstops. Those boys focusing on Metal Design have completed the design stage of their balancing metal man desk feature and are about to start creating their projects using the skills they have learnt constructing their model planes.

In Process Engineering Design the boys have designed machines using Lego and incorporating three types of motions in each project. The Product Design module has seen the boys making their electronic bongo drum which incorporated electronic circuits and foam forming, making up the body of the drum.

Semester 1 has been a creative one filled with excitement, culminating in a number of amazing projects displaying the true talent of our boys.

Mr Brent Van Ingen-Kal & Mr Edward Grant

Middle School Design Teachers

Headmaster's Commendations

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Tony Ghiselli (6.2C) who was awarded the State U11 800m Athletics Champion. Tony also came second in the 400m and High Jump events at the State Championships. Tony participated in the WA State Cross Country trials last Friday and he has been selected for the U11 State team, which will compete at the National Championships in Melbourne later this year.

Congratulations to Patrick Johnston (6.2C) who is off to Lismore to play in the Australian Little League Baseball Championships later this term.

Important Dates in Autumn Term

Excellence Awards

The awards below were presented at the last Middle School Assembly:

At the recent Senior School Honours and Colours Assembly we learned of a series of remarkable achievements that included numerous boys being selected in state and national sporting teams. In the Summer Term alone, there were three boys selected to represent Australia and forty five boys selected to represent Western Australia in a diverse range of sports. The rate at which the boys are being selected for state and national representation across a broad range of both sport and the Arts has continued to be a feature in Autumn Term.

With so many boys achieving at such extraordinary levels, we risk underestimating the scale of these achievements. A short announcement followed by applause at an assembly does little to help us understand the true nature of these achievements and the attributes for their success.

Too often people attribute success to ability and sometimes even luck but this is a limited and misleading view. While all the boys who were acknowledged at the recent Honours and Colours Assembly no doubt have ability, talent alone would not have seen them selected for these representative teams or elite competitions. Effort and application are the keys.

In a review of the qualities of highly successful people, Art Costa and Bena Kallick, in their book, Discovering and Exploring Habits of Mind (2000), identified traits such as persistence, attention to detail, responsible risk taking and flexibility, as just four of the sixteen qualities identified as common amongst those who are highly successful. In another recent publication by Malcom Gladwell, Outliers, he refers to the work of Ander Ericson that led to the notion of mastery requiring 10,000 hours. The evidence is clear and consistent; success, regardless of the activity, requires extended periods of deliberate practice.

After watching the rowers arrive at the boat shed at 5.30am during the Summer Term, boys in the upcoming Senior Production rehearsing three days a week, including all day Sunday rehearsals and a group of boys in Year 12 coming together to study on Saturday afternoons, to name just three examples, there is no coincidence between the level of effort made and the level of achievement experienced.

Two other recent examples where effort and attention to detail were the primary causes for success was the outstanding Year 11 Dance and last Saturday's Pipe Band Concert. Year 11 boys and their partners arrived to a spectacularly decorated Memorial Hall in the theme of Arabian Nights. The boys enjoyed high tech audio-visual effects and generous catering throughout the night thanks entirely to the efforts of a team of parents who worked hard preparing over many months. Similarly, the precision in both the musical performance and drill that was on display at the Pipe Band Concert reinforced the hours of rehearsal and discipline that are required to perform at the highest level.

With effort and attention to detail firmly in mind, I encourage all boys, regardless of the activity, to identify the essential and do it to their best of their ability - the rewards will come.

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School

Important Dates - Autumn Term, Week 6

2016 Megacity Tour - USA

Expressions of interest for the 2016 Megacity Tour to the United States will be sought during Autumn Term. The tour will be travelling to San Francisco, Washington D.C. and New York and will run during the final week of Summer Term into the April school holidays. Students currently in Years 9, 10, and 11 are invited to attend. Whilst the tour is designed to complement the units of work studied in Years 10-12 Geography, students who do not study Geography are more than welcome to attend. Please contact Mr Hildebrandt for further information, mshildebrandt@scotch.wa.edu.au or 9383 6927. An information evening will be held later in the term.

Mr Matt Hildebrandt

Curriculum Leader - SOSE

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

"Learning should not only take us somewhere; it should allow us later to go further, more easily." Dr Jerome Bruner, Educational Psychologist

In a recent article published in the educational magazine, IB World, Alice Albright, the CEO of Global Partnership for Education, explained why access to education was vital to resolving global conflict and when asked about the IB programmes, she responded, "… two words come to mind, 'international' and 'excellence' … I love the idea that the IB drives for excellence at a time when you hear so much about declining standards." The College elected to offer the three International Baccalaureate programmes because it is our desire to empower Scotch boys to attain academic excellence and to go further, more easily and contribute to their global community.

Increasingly, Scotch students are electing to continue with their Baccalaureate studies and maintain the rigorous academic standards established in the PYP and MYP by continuing with the Diploma Programme; thereby joining a global alumni that share a continued passion for learning, as well as a social conscience that motivates them to be a blessing to those who are less fortunate.

The majority of Scotch graduates elect to study domestically but, equally, all have the opportunity to pursue an education overseas because their IB Diploma provides access to more than 3000 universities worldwide. Daniel Bloch, a 2014 graduate, has elected to pursue an exciting opportunity in Europe by accepting a scholarship to the International Business School of Madrid, IE University.

Dan earned an excellent score in the Diploma and received scholarship offers from King's College London; Bond University in Queensland as well as offers from Melbourne University and University College London. Dan made the difficult decision of overlooking some elite universities by choosing to study at the Instituto de Empresa (IE hereafter) in Spain. It was the university's social conscience and entrepreneurial mindset that attracted Dan. Few people in Australia have heard of this contemporary, business orientated university but it is a highly credentialed academic institution ranked 29th in the world by the International New York Times and the number one Executive MBA programme in the world, as published in The Economist magazine.

In 2014, during his final year in the DP, Dan's selection for the Junior Advisory Board Programme offered by IE, introduced him to their ethos and vision for their graduates. Every year, only sixteen students from around the world are invited to attend, collaborate and advise the University's Board of Directors about their expectations of a tertiary education and, more importantly, to propose how their studies can benefit both First World countries as well as Developing Nations.

To be chosen, these sixteen students must participate in a rigorous selection process, which assesses their leadership skills, ability to collaborate as well as communicate their vision effectively. Dan wrote two essays: one focusing on ways to set up micro-financing facilities in First and Third World Nations; a topic he had researched earlier for his IB Diploma Economics course and another on leadership in a global context.

The Board chose Dan to participate in the programme because they recognized he was "not a sheep in the herd"; he was a young man with insight and vision. They saw a passionate student who possessed effective communication skills and an intellect able to negotiate challenges by being aware that there are different ways of knowing about issues, resolving problems and arriving at a more considered solution. Dan attributes these skills to his studies in Theory of Knowledge, which taught him to critically analyse knowledge claims and explore their associated knowledge questions.

It isn't surprising that from the hundreds of applicants from around the world, twelve of the sixteen chosen for the Junior Advisory Board Programme by IE were IB Diploma students studying in IB schools globally.

At IE, Dan will participate in a broad educational programme, which the university maintains is essential for success in the modern world: he will study a range of units based around business, international relations, entrepreneurship, ethics as well as courses in creative and critical thinking. The university also mandates the study of a second language, so, in addition to developing his knowledge of Spanish, which he studied during the Diploma Programme, Dan has chosen to learn Mandarin.

The university privileges entrepreneurial skills in its students and offers Start-up Labs: if students generate viable business models, they are invited to present them to the Board of Directors, who will invest in these plans if they see potential in the proposals. In some instances they directly refer the students to their global partners who will assist them in fast-tracking the development of their ideas.

At the core of the Diploma Programme, exists a curricula and pedagogy that invites students to consider their responsibilities to others as a result of acquiring academic knowledge. It allows them to advance their professional and private lives and go further, more easily, but with an attitude of compassion and selflessness. The Scotch alumni are, increasingly, joining a global one and contributing to their local and international communities; a realization of the Scotch Mission Statement: "To develop boys of character with a strong self-understanding, a passion for sustained learning and spiritual inquiry who will become valued members of the global community."

Mr Michael Scaife

IBDP Coordinator

Senior School Production: The Tempest

William Shakespeare's farewell to the theatre gets a contemporary treatment in this year's Senior School production. The versatility of the world's most well known playwright is proved once again as the central themes of revenge and poor leadership play out in a 21st century Middle Eastern setting, amidst the confusion of an armed conflict. Prospero, embittered after being marooned for over a decade along with his daughter, takes his revenge on the brother who wronged him.

The 2015 Senior School production will take place in the Dickinson Centre from Wednesday 10 June to Saturday 13 June. A matinee will begin at 2.00pm on Saturday June 13. Bookings will be via "Book a Scotch Event".

Get your tickets soon to see another outstanding production from the Senior School boys. For enquiries, please contact Bennet Andrews, bcandrews@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Mr Bennet Andrews

Arts Teacher

Meditation Course for Years 10, 11 and 12

Need to Chill Out? Unwind? De-stress?

The College invites senior students to participate in a meditation course. Mindfulness meditation is easy to apply, straight forward, practical and effective in gaining a relaxed body, a focused and calm mind, all within a very short time. It has proven helpful in managing the stress of exams and improving academic performance.

The 4-week course will be run at the School on Wednesdays, 3.45pm to 4.30pm, from 10 June to 29 July. The cost of the course is $40.00 (light afternoon snack provided) and numbers are strictly limited.

To register please contact Cherie FitzGibbon, School Secretary (The Residence), Ph: 9383 6871 or Email: fitzca@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Year 10 Parent Information Evenings (Subject Selection)

To assist Year 10 boys in selecting the most suitable course and subject options, the School has been conducting a series of information evenings. Following on from the IB Diploma and WACE Information Evening, the Subject Selection Information Evening will take place on:

Wednesday 27 May (Week 6) 6.30pm in the Dickinson Centre

Unlike the previous Information Evenings, this event will not be available as a podcast as the evening is set up as an expo. Parents and boys will have the opportunity to speak with individual staff members regarding subjects of interest. Parents who are unavailable to attend are very welcome to contact individual teachers directly.

Other upcoming dates of importance are:

Friday 5 June (Week 7) - Subject Selections for Year 10 boys going into Year 11 due

Monday 22 June (Week 10) 6.30pm - INSTEP Information Evening (DC)

Colours and Honours - Summer 2015

Basketball 2015

Community Service 2015

Cricket 2015

Rowing 2015

HONOURS

Harry Ayers (Year 12, Keys)

• Harry has coxed our first VIII for two years - 2014 and our 2015 winning crew.
• He has demonstrated an excellent approach to training both on the water and on the land.
• He has an excellent level of technical knowledge of rowing and of race strategy.
• Harry was identified by the West Australian Institute of Sport for inclusion in the State Pathway Eight which represented WA recently. The crew finished in second place in the Pathway Eight event at the Rowing Australia Junior selection trials in Penrith, NSW.
• He has displayed a high level of sportsmanship with an exemplary attitude. Harry has been a positive role model for all members of the Scotch College Boat Club.
• Harry has been involved with Friday afternoon coaching of junior boys.
• Harry has acted as a valuable mentor to other coxes in the Boat Club.

Ruan Greyling (Year 12, Brisbane)

• Ruan has rowed in our first VIII for two years - 2014 and our 2015 winning crew.
• He has demonstrated over the course of the last two seasons he is one of the best rowers we have produced in recent years.
• Ruan has an excellent approach to training both on the water and on the land.
• He has high levels of technical skill, coupled with high levels of strength, power and endurance.
• Ruan was identified by the West Australian Institute of Sport for inclusion in the State Pathway Eight which represented WA recently. The crew finished in second place in the Pathway Eight event at the Rowing Australia Junior selection trials in Penrith, NSW.
• He has displayed a high level of sportsmanship with an exemplary attitude. He has been a positive role model for all members of the Scotch College Boat Club.
• Ruan has been involved with Wednesday and Friday afternoon coaching of junior boys.

Harry Sinclair (Year 12, Keys)

• Harry has rowed in our first VIII for two years - 2014 and our 2015 winning crew.
• He was Stroke of the boat for both years.
• He has demonstrated over the course of the last two seasons that he is one of the best rowers we have produced in recent years.
• He has demonstrated excellence in his attitude to training both on the water and on the land.
• He has good technical skill, coupled with high levels of strength, power and endurance.
• Harry was identified by the West Australian Institute of Sport for inclusion in the State Pathway Eight which represented WA recently. The crew finished in second place in the Pathway Eight event at the Rowing Australia Junior selection trials in Penrith, NSW.
• Harry is Captain of Boats this year, and has been instrumental in the smooth operation of the Club at all levels this season.
• Harry has displayed a high level of sportsmanship with an exemplary attitude. He is a positive role model for all members of the Scotch College Boat Club.

Swimming 2015

HONOURS

Alex Milligan (Year 12, Brisbane)

Alex has been a star performer for Scotch College Swimming from 2010-2015. Every year he has been recognised as the School Age Champion, and from Year 7-12 he has been the fastest in his age group in every stroke and every event.

With the change in age groups the existing records were archived and new records have been established from 2010. Alex holds the current records for Scotch College.

Year 7

U/13 50m Breaststroke

U/13 50m Butterfly

Year 9

U/15 50m Breaststroke

Year 10

U/16 50m Breaststroke

U/16 50m Butterfly

U/16 100m Freestyle

Year 11

U/17 50m Breaststroke

U/17 100m Breaststroke

U/17 50m Butterfly

U/17 50m Backstroke

U/17 50m Freestyle

U/17 100m Freestyle

Year 12

Open 50m Breaststroke

Open 100m Breaststroke

In the PSA Alex hold the records below:

2011 U/14 Breaststroke 50m 35.43s

2014 U/17 Breaststroke 100m 68s

2015 Open Breaststroke 100m 65.95s

Worth mentioning that this record was set by Travis Nederpelt in 2002 with a time of 66.44s who represented Australian in the Summer Olympics in 2004 at Athens and 2008 in Beijing.

Tennis 2015

HONOURS

Jack Lyttle (Year 12, Ross)

Jack has been a member of the first VIII Tennis team in 2013, 2014 and 2015. During this time he has played at number 1 meaning that he has played consistently against the top PSA players. Jack has been undefeated through 24 sets in 2014/15. His recent encounter with Christ Church number 1, his strongest opponent, resulted in a 6-2, 6-0 win. His overall statistics for 2015 were 12 sets for, none against and 72 games for and 17 games against. This is a remarkable achievement by any player and a record he has maintained over three years.

His skill level has seen him achieve national number one ranking in his age group.

Jack's current Australia Ranking is 136 and his career best was 113. In local men's singles tournaments he has consistently finished in the round 16. He has reached three semi-finals and two finals, one of which he won.

His ITF ranking is currently 699 and his career best was 379. Jack in his last year has been concentrating on his studies and competing consistently in the PSA. Jack has reached Round 16 twice, three quarter finals and one semi final.

His best national results were winning one title and played 9 semi finals. Jack also won three doubles and played in four finals and eight semi finals.

Jack has represented WA on five occasions. He was selected to go overseas at age 11. Has been on three European tours representing Australia and invited twice to play in the Fiji tournament. Jack represented Australia in Japan in the International Challenge and missed selection for Wimbledon Junior Boys Championships by two points in the final. He was the Australian representative at the Longines Rising Star Challenge played in Roland Garros.

His attitude on the court has been impeccable at all times, respecting his opposition and supporting his fellow team members. Jack is highly respected by all members of the First VIII team. He quietly offers advice when asked and encourages others. His performance as Co-Captain has been supportive and encouraging.

Volleyball 2015

Water Polo 2015

Thomas Prior (Year 12, Stuart)

2015 was Tom Prior's fourth season playing firsts at Scotch College. This culminated in him being elected Captain and the Fairest and Best this year. Tom was the leading goal scorer for Scotch even though all teams played a zone on him - meaning he often had to beat at least two defenders. He was an excellent game-day captain where he encouraged other players through words and actions. Outside of Scotch, Tom has represented Western Australia and Australia in numerous teams. He is also a WAIS train-on scholarship holder. Locally Tom plays premier league for Melville Water Polo Club and he is also a squad member of the record Premiership winning team, the Fremantle Mariners.

• Scotch College first Water Polo Team 2012-2015 - Awarded Fairest and Best 2015
• National League - Mariners Squad member 2015
• Western Australian U20 State Water Polo Squad 2015
• WAIS train on-scholarship 2015
• Western Australian U18 State Water Polo Team 2014 (National Champions)
• Australian Water Polo Born '97 National Team - Competed at Pan Pacific Games (Silver Medalists 2014)
• Western Australian U18 State Schoolboys Water Polo Team 2012-2014 (Gold Medalists 2013, Silver Medalists 2014)
• Australian U18 Schoolboys Water Polo Team 2014 - Test Series against New Zealand
• City Beach, UWA Torpedos and Melville Water Polo Club National Championships

- (U14s - 2010, 2011)

- (U16s - 2011, 2012, 2013)

- (U18s - 2013, 2014, 2015)

• Member of club U18, A Reserve, A Grade Mens teams
• MVP Melville U18s (2014, 2013)

Winter Sport and Co-Curricular Captains

Year 12 House Head Meetings

A reminder that the upcoming Year 12 House Head report meetings will take place on Monday, 8 June in the BRC. Boys may wear uniform or neat casual dress. Please direct any queries to Heidi Locke 9383 6954 or email HDLocke@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Boys Achievements

Thomas Prior (Year 12, Stuart) has been named in the Australian U20 Water Polo Squad to tour USA June 24 - July 4 this year.

Mac Hanlin (Year 12, Stuart) is travelling to Adelaide on Sunday to represent WA in the National Schools Debating Championship.

Stuart McCowan (Year 12, Ferguson) was successful in auditioning for a limited place in Jazz Workshop and Masterclass course to be held in America at the Brubeck Institute - University of the Pacific in early August. The Brubeck Summer Jazz Colony is a one-week, intensive educational program in jazz performance for a very limited number of exceptionally talented students. They come from throughout the United States and beyond to study with Brubeck Institute faculty, guest artists and master teachers, in combo rehearsals, master classes and private instruction, classes in jazz theory and advanced jazz improvisation, and seminars on the music of Dave Brubeck and other topics. Colonists have extensive opportunities to visit with the artists and clinicians, participate in numerous jam sessions, and perform in concert. A fantastic opportunity for Stuart, and we look forward to learning all about his experience when he returns.

State Hockey

WA took 2 teams to the National U15 Championships in Hobart over the holidays. The WA teams were Gold and Black, NSW, Victoria and Queensland also took two teams. The other states took one team.

Oliver Harding (Year 10, Keys),Alistair Murray (Year 10, Brisbane) and Daniel Walker (Year 9, Ross) were in the Gold team. The Gold team were undefeated for the week, winning the final 5-1 against NSW who had won the competition for the last 9 years.

Ollie Benson (Year 10, Ross) and Oliver Repton (Year 10, Keys) were in the WA Black team who also competed at the event.

Careers

Year 10 Subject Selection for students commencing Year 11 in October, 2015

All Year 10 parents have been mailed the Senior School WACE Course Selection Handbook and IB Diploma Subject Selection Handbook. Included in this package is a letter explaining the subject selection process. If you have not received this package or you have any concerns about any of the content, please contact Mr Peter Frusher: pfrusher@scotch.wa.edu.au or 93836830

Year 12 Information

• WACE Examinations for Private Candidates

Any Year 11 or Year 12 student who is planning to sit a WACE examination this year as a Private Candidate needs to see Mr Frusher so that he can be enrolled with the Schools Curriculum & Standards Authority. Private Candidates are students who are studying subjects privately outside of Scotch College. This generally refers to students who are studying a second language but may include students studying other subjects that are not offered at Scotch College.

• Year 12 Vocational Focus Breakfasts

In June 2015, Year 12 students will have the opportunity to have breakfast with Old Scotch Collegians who have studied and/or worked in areas that may be of interest to them in further studies and/or careers. A registration form was distributed to all students last, inviting them to select one or more breakfasts to attend. Please ask boys to complete the form in detail so that appropriate mentors can be selected for the area of their interest. These forms are now due but late applications will be accepted until Wednesday 27 May 2015. Please return to Mr Frusher.

• UMAT Registration

The final date for students to register to sit the UMAT for Medicine or Dentistry entry in 2015 is Friday 5 June 2014. Any queries in regard to the UMAT may be directed to Mr Frusher at Scotch or email umat@acer.edu.au. The UMAT test date is Wednesday 29 July 2015.

University of Western Australia

UWA 'Engineering Information Evenings' will provide high school students with course and prerequisite advice, information on career paths and guidance on the different areas of engineering they can specialise in. There will also be friendly students on-hand to answer any questions about university life or being a member of one of the faculties exciting student clubs.

Attendees will be given a folder of course information and a special gift from the Faculty.

Engineering Information Evenings will run on the following dates in 2015:

• Tuesday, 16 June, 6:30 -7:30pm, Monadelphous Integrated Learning Centre, (MILC), Monadelphous Design Studio, Room 1.52, Mathematics Building
• Monday, 27 July, 6:30 - 7:30pm, Weatherburn Lecture Theatre, Room G40, Mathematics Building
• Sunday 9 August - as part of UWA Open Day
• Thursday, 3 September, 6:30 -7:30pm, Weatherburn Lecture Theatre, Room G40, Mathematics Building

To book into a session go to: http://www.ecm.uwa.edu.au/community/engineering-info-evenings

Curtin University Parent Information Session

Learn more about what is on offer at Curtin University and find out what subjects your son should be choosing if he is considering further education at Curtin University.

Monday 8 June 2015

Expo and refreshments on arrival at 5.00pm
Formal presentations from 5.45pm - 7.00pm

Elizabeth Jolley Lecture Theatre
Curtin Bentley Campus

ATARGET will be offering WACE and ATAR Exam Preparation Programs during the first week of the July holidays - Monday 6 July to Friday 10 July, 2015

at Christchurch Grammar School. See attached brochure.

For more information:

Phone: 94861377 or 0488102907

Email: admin@atarget.com.au

Notre Dame University is offering the following study skills course during the July holidays. Separate courses are available for Year 11 and Year 12 students.

Do you want to STUDY LESS and ACHIEVE MORE?

Key topics of this six hour course include:

 Learn good organisational skills and how to plan your study sessions.

 Learn how to manage your time effectively.

 Learn how to deal with procrastination and distraction management techniques.

 Learn how your brain retains and recalls information.

 Understand your learning style and what study techniques work for you.

 Learn study techniques that have you STUDYING LESS and ACHIEVING

Date: Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th July 2015

Time: 1.00 pm-4.00 pm

Cost: $60.00

Attend both sessions.

Year 11 attachment for registration details.

Year 12 attachment for registration details

Scotch College Combined Schools Careers Expo

This annual event will be happening again on Wednesday 17 June from 5.00pm - 7.30pm in the Dickinson Centre at Scotch College. Year 10, 11 and 12 students are invited to attend with their parents to gain valuable information regarding university courses, apprenticeships, TAFE courses and many other further study and career opportunities. Year 10s in particular can still make changes to their subject selection for next year if they discover a particular university course that has specific prerequisites. More than 50 exhibitors will be attending so come along and get informed.

Parents' Association

The Scotch sailing programme has been given a big boost with funding approved this month by the PA for the purchase of three Pacer dinghies - which represents the start of Scotch having its own sailing fleet. Scotch Head of Sailing Brad Watson said " the sailing programme at Scotch had grown exponentially, with boys from Years 7 to 12 now being offered sailing training every day of the week." The purchase of the three Pacers will ultimately lead to considerable cost savings for the School, which has been hiring Pacer boats at local yacht clubs. The acquisition will also increase accessibility of sailing to more boys throughout outdoor education and learn to sail programmes.

The PA also approved three other applications at the May 12 meeting. These included:

• The purchase of 24 programmable robots called Spheros for a trial project in maths extension classes in the Junior School classes of Years 1 to 5. The Sphero is the world's first app-enabled robotic ball and fuses programming with maths and science. We hope this trial leads to the School being able to have 100 of these units to provide exciting learning opportunities for the boys.

• Training equipment for football - four weighted tackle bags, four large freestanding rebound nets and four hand held rebound nets. These items will enhance the skills development of football players across Years 7 to 12;

• Funding for a Human Rights, Arts and Film Festival to be held at Scotch on June 28 for Year 12 students.

The next Parents' Association meeting will be held on Wednesday 10 June and Scotch students and parent support groups are invited to forward their requests for funding to Kate Quinn, Director of Marketing and Business Development. The funding is made available through the parent levies of $25/term and is reviewed and/or approved at each PA meeting.

Gary Pyne

President

Parents' Association

Scotch Auxiliary

The 'Arabian Nights' Year 11 Dance was held on Saturday 16 May. A special thank you to Tania Hollingsworth and the team of wonderful parents who transformed Memorial Hall into a colourful Bedouin tent, creating a memorable night for the boys and their partners.

Upcoming events:

Junior School:

Parent Quiz Night - Friday 5 June

Middle School:

Year 8 Parent Evening - Thursday 11 June

Senior School:

Year 11 Fathers Sleepover at Moray - Saturday 20 June

For more details on these events and to purchase tickets please visit the Scotch College website www.scotch.wa.edu.au and click on the "Book a Scotch Event" icon.

Play Dates and Coffee Mornings:

Year 1

After school gathering - Thursday, 28 May, Lake Claremont Playground.

Year 12

Friday 5 June - Book Café, Swanbourne, from 9.15am.

Save the Date!

Please pop these dates into your diaries. Details will be out soon.

All Parents

Scotch Auxiliary Movie Morning - Thursday 25 June, Windsor Theatre, Nedlands.

Year 12

Father/Son Breakfast - Thursday 2 July.

NEXT MEETING:

All parents are welcome.

9AM MONDAY 22 JUNE, GOOCH PAVILION

We look forward to seeing you.

Carissa Paganin

President

Pipe Band Parent Support Group

Pipe Band Concert

Well done to all of the drummers and pipers from Years 6 to 12 on a wonderful performance on Saturday night at the second Pipe Band Concert.

It was a great showcase of the different levels as the boys progress through the years.

Thanks to Craig Bailey, Roy Hamilton, Norm de Grussa and all of the back stage helpers on supporting the boys.

A big thank you to all of the volunteers who offered their time on the night to help make this a great event.

To the Scotch community who attended the evening, your support is appreciated.

Mandy Perrignon

PBPSG President