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

Welcome back to Spring Term 2016. For our Years 10-12 students this time of the year marks the commencement of a new academic school year. For the staff it marks a very busy period as a new year gets up and running.

I often provide commentary on the strength of our combined community. If anyone needed further clarification or confirmation then they did not need to look any further back than to the events of last week; a week where we welcomed a number of new staff, students and their families, when we occupied our new Early Learning Centre, where our new position of Director of Wellbeing commenced and a week that culminated in one of the few times our whole schools gathers as one at March Out. I have now seen six March Outs and Friday's crowd was simply overwhelming. From where I stood it seemed like the largest attendance we have experienced; and this is saying something in itself. I would like to thank everyone who attended. Your attendance provides tacit support to our graduating Year 12s, and more generally provides a ringing endorsement of what we stand for as a College.

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

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

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

Most importantly the week reinforced the importance of cultural transmission and aspirational leadership. When I watched many of our graduating Year 12s interacting with our Year 2s after March Out, it gave me a great sense of pride in our senior students and hope for the future they will no doubt forge.

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

Have a great fortnight.

Dr Alec O'Connell

Headmaster

Digital vs Print; Textbook Options for Boys

Welcome back to the boys as they commence the Spring Term. For those in the Junior and Middle School this is their final term of the year, and for those in Senior School it is the start of a new academic year.

The students in Senior School have returned with new timetables and with that, the resources to support their learning. Middle and Junior School students will undertake this process over the Christmas holidays.

The School offers a combination of digital and print resources through our booklist suppliers; Campion. In an effort to maximise a student's learning, we believe in providing choice to students regarding the type of resource they use in the classroom.

Some students, for a variety of reasons, prefer text resources and for others the choice will be digital. There are students with specific learning needs who will choose the best option to suit those needs.

As publishing companies look to support the use of technology in classrooms, there are those offering digital only resources, whilst others are still in a position to offer both print and digital.

When digital textbooks first appeared as a resource they were largely a substitute for a print book. That is, they offered a digital copy of the same words, diagrams and illustrations as the print version. However, as publishers have invested heavily into the development of digital resources the vast array of support material including video, quizzes, web links, live dictionaries and editing tools continues to grow. It is for that reason, that students who select a print only textbook may not have access to all of the features as offered with a digital book.

It is the College's preference that as a minimum, boys who are looking to order the print version of a resource, purchases the digital and print version as a package, which will enable them to access the same content as their peers.

Parents who are looking for support in this area, are encouraged to contact the teacher of the particular subject, who can offer guidance and assistance in making the choice of resource.

Mr Peter Allen

Director of Teaching and Learning

Staff Movement

Community and Service

Theory U, Conscious Capitalism and Global Wellbeing

During the past couple of weeks, I have been interested to read articles on two relatively new ideas of relevance to Service Learning at Scotch. The first is Otto Scharmer's work on 'Theory U' at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The theory suggests that, in order to create change on a deeper plain of awareness, we must first recognise the need for personally letting go of old judgements and attitudes while accepting new realities with an open heart and an open will to effect the change needed. It struck me that this is exactly what a Service Learning programme in schools should achieve. The model below combines Theory U concept with the Scotch College Service Model and diagrammatically illustrates a service learning journey from 'Downloading' through to 'Presencing' and on to 'Embodying'. The hope for Scotch is that, as boys move through the College, they experience this journey and become Servant Leaders with a drive for positive disruption and co-creating new ways of operating in the world.

The second idea, which has been around for a while and is having some impact in the business world, is 'Conscious Capitalism'. The term expresses a desire among some business entities to positively impact on all their stakeholders and to create a culture among employees that makes them aware of the impact their habits and actions have on their organisation and their environment. 'Conscious Businesses' develop authentic leaders that do not exercise dominance and control to reach a goal, but who are of service to the business, its people, its customers and the community (Servant Leaders). Change can be profound if based on a genuine desire to focus on humanity and the role that we personally have in living that change. I am reminded of a quote attributed to Brisbane indigenous activist Lilla Watson from a speech she gave at the 1985 'Decade for Women Conference' in Nairobi:

"If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together."

A noble aim of service is to truly understand the connection between self and others in thought and deeds.

The final idea that in some ways links the other two is 'Global Wellbeing'. This seeks to apply globally the Bhutanese, 'Gross National Happiness index' that measures, culture, governance, knowledge and wisdom, health, spirituality and psychological welfare, a balanced use of time, and harmony with the environment. There is a clear connection between undertaking service, and wellbeing, particularly if the service undertaken is done so with a sense of connection to the greater community and understanding of self.

It is interesting to note that Scotch College hosted six students from Bhutan during the 1970's - in Australia as part of the Colombo Plan. At least one of these OSC's is now a member of the Bhutanese government.

Round Square International Exchange to Jordan

Any Year 10 boys who would be interested in an exchange to Kings Academy in Jordan, should see me to discuss. We had a successful reciprocal exchange in the last academic year and it would be good to see this partnership continue.

Related to this, we have a boy - Paul - from Appleby College in Canada arriving on November 9. He will be staying in Boarding with Year 11 boys (Year 10's last term). This boy does not yet have a nominated family to support him in the six weeks that he will be with us. If you are in a position to be able to take Paul out on weekends to show him a little of Perth and the State, please me know.

Logging Service

There are a number of ways that service completed by boys in Senior School can be logged. Groups undertaking a service activity as part of a class or House initiative will generally have the service processed by the staff member concerned. Boys who have completed service individually on campus or service unrelated to school activities, should complete a Service Logging Form and return to Student Services - where hard copies of the forms are located.

Wheelchair Basketball Fundraiser

Last Thursday during lunchtime, leaving Year 12 boys from Anderson and Brisbane Houses competed in Wheelchair basketball. Money raised from a gold coin entry into the Gym to see the spectacle will be donated to the Wheelchair Sports Association. The Houses are also in a competition to see who can raise the most money through their respective House Everyday Hero accounts linked below. Please donate through these even though your boy may not be in either House.

• Anderson House
• Brisbane House

Quiz Night for Neuroblastoma

The fundraiser is part of the boys' participation in the IB Diploma Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) programme. The CAS programme seeks to develop the boys' understanding of themselves, the world around them and their place in it. This event represents the major service project in their 18-month CAS journey, combining advocacy and fundraising to improve awareness and understanding around neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma is a life-threatening childhood cancer most commonly occurring between the ages of just zero to five years. In order to aid the support and research for those affected by this significant condition, a group of year 12 IB students have organised a family quiz night to raise awareness of Neuroblastoma. All proceeds of this fundraiser will be going to Neuroblastoma Australia and the Bright Blue Foundation. Hosted in the Scotch College Dickinson Centre on Saturday 3 December, this event will feature catering for dinner with non-alcoholic drinks, a quiz night with advocating guest speakers between rounds and prizes for winning tables, as well as a silent auction with a wide variety of items.

Tables can be chosen during booking online, with tickets priced at $35 individually or at a 10% discount at $315 for full table of 10 tickets.

We hope to see you and your families there on the Saturday, the 3^rd of December (Week 8) from 6.00pm onwards to help support the cause.

To book tickets, please visit www.scotch.wa.edu.au and click on Book a Scotch College Event

Mr Bill Cordner

Director of Community and Service

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.

To access the Parenting Ideas Magazine visit the following link:

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

You may also want to take a look at the attached article 'Teach kids to solve problems'.

Good luck with your parenting!

Ms Shauna Lipscombe

Psychologist

Staff and Student Wellbeing

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." [Frederick Douglass]

What is wellbeing? Professor Donna Cross has explained that wellbeing is an outcome. It is a product of, or is enhanced by, an effective pastoral care system. It is "… a person's ability to consciously manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and demonstrate compassion towards others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions." Wellbeing involves an individual developing a sense of self-efficacy and self-worth, a sense of social connectedness, and a belief in (and the skills necessary to ensure) good physical, mental and spiritual health in them and those around them. Central to all of this is a sense of agency; that the individual believes he or she has a degree of control over his or her life and has the strength of character to deal with difficulties and overcome challenges.

Scotch College strives, to provide an environment which enables every student to flourish. We seek to develop within each of our students a curiosity about the world and a desire to make that world a better place. We hope that the structure and breadth of experiences both inside and out of the classroom, will enable each young man to find purpose and passion. Our aim is to assist them in becoming resilient enough that they do not have to be repaired.

For this to happen, they must feel safe and valued. This is what lies at the core of our pastoral care system: knowing each boy and caring about what happens to him.

In coming editions of 'The Thistle', I look forward to explaining the direction that the College will be taking to streamline and strengthen what we currently do to enhance the wellbeing of our students and our staff. I also look forward to outlining my role as Director of Student and Staff Wellbeing, a position I started at the beginning of this term.

Mr James Hindle

Director of Student and Staff Wellbeing

Music Department

As the Music Department moves into the Spring Term in 2016 we would like to welcome Mr Chris McMillan on board in the new position of Head of Performing Arts. This is an exciting time for the performing arts at Scotch College as this appointment will be both as Head of Music and also oversee the three performing arts departments of Drama, Music and the Pipe Band including all collaboration between these departments into the future. Parents will have the opportunity to meet Mr McMillan at the FOSM AGM meeting on Tuesday 18 October at 7.00pm in the Senior School Music Department, you will hear from him in the next edition of The Thistle.

On Sunday 25 October, the Swan River Sailing is hosting the opening ceremony of the World University Sailing Championships which coincided with the Australian University Games and involved 28 codes of sport and 6,500 athletes in Perth. Senior vocal student Harrison Broun (leaving Year 12, Alexander) should be acknowledged for performing at the opening ceremony for this event, he represented the School with style and performed a polished rendition of the national anthem during the ceremony.

Last week the Senior Music Dinner was held on Wednesday 12 October. Many Year 11 and 12 musicians attended the dinner where Music Department awards were presented and 2017 leadership positions were announced. Awards presented on the night included two major awards, the Will Upson Award and the Old Scotch Collegians' Music Medal. The Will Upson Award for Performance is given to a Year 12 musician who displays outstanding performance skills, this was presented to Angus Warman (leaving Year 12, Brisbane); and the Old Scotch Collegians' Music Medal is awarded to the Year 12 boy who has made, in the judgment of the Music Staff, the most outstanding contribution to the Music Department throughout his time at Scotch College, this was presented to Harrison Nicholls (leaving Year 12, Shearer). Many boys have made outstanding contributions to the Music Department throughout their time at Scotch, these two students are worthy recipients of these prestigious awards.

Lewis Weeda (Year 12, Shearer) was announced as Captain of Music for 2017 and he will be supported by a student leadership group including Nicholas Clarnette (Year 12, Alexander) (Vocals/Concert Band), Ebunoluwa Daramola (Year 12, Ross) (Jazz/Contemporary), Matthew Simich (Year 12, Shearer) (Guitar) and Matthew Gagen (Year 12, Alexander) (Strings). We look forward to working with these students as all senior ensembles commence preparing for the 2017 performance calendar.

For upcoming events, please note the Junior and Middle School, End of Year Concert will now be held in Week 5.

Important dates for the Spring Term calendar are:

Spring Term

Week 2, Monday 17 October, Musica Viva Performance, 11.30am Junior School

Week 2, Tuesday 18 October, FOSM AGM meeting, 7.00pm Senior Music Department

Week 5, Thursday 10 November, Junior and Middle School End of Year Concert, 6.30pm Memorial Hall

Week 6, Tuesday 15 November, Violin Soiree, 4.00pm and 5.30pm MacKellar Hall

Week 6, Friday 18 November, Junior School Keyboard Soiree, 5.00pm MacKellar Hall

Week 7, Tuesday 22 November, Violin Soiree, MacKellar Hall

Contact Details

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

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

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

Mr Tim Simpson

Acting Head of Music

Indonesian Evening Classes at Scotch

Scotch College, in partnership with the Balai Bahasa Indonesia Perth (BBIP), offers evening Indonesian Beginner - Survival, Beginner 2C, and Conversation classes. Spring Term eight week courses commence on Tuesday 18 October - 6 December 2016 from 6.30pm - 8.30pm and are available to students, staff and parents, as well as members of the wider community.

Beginner Classes (Survival and 2C) are designed for all ages to develop basic communication skills for the purpose of exchanging personal information and transactions. These classes are ideal for individuals travelling to Indonesia for work or holiday, who wish to understand more about the Indonesian language and culture.

Conversation Classes are designed for intermediate and advanced speakers who wish to develop their oral communication skills via simulated immersion of Indonesian. The aim of each lesson is to expand vocabulary of a topic and conclude with a task such as a role-play, group discussion, debate or interview. Conversation classes are recommended for speakers who are already proficient who wish to 'brush up' on their skills, as well as, Year 11 and 12 students who wish to further develop their listening and speaking in preparation for the ATAR and IB examinations.

All lessons are delivered by native speaker instructors from the Balai Bahasa and are held in the Kennedy Block in the Senior School. The cost of an eight-week course is $191 and includes BBIP membership. Conversation classes are free to all current Scotch College students and staff.

To enroll in any of the Balai Bahasa classes visit: http://www.balaibahasaperth.org, click 'Course', and follow the links to the online registration. Enrolments for Term 4 open now.

For more information about any of the courses please email enrolcourse@balaibahasaperth.org.

Mr Wilfred Liauw

Modern Languages Teacher

Uniform Shop

Opening Times

Head of Junior School

Paper Airplane Competition

In the final week of the Winter Term, boys from Pre-Primary to Year 5 competed in our annual Paper Airplane competition in conjunction with the Giving Tree lead by Reverend Anne Wright. For weeks leading up to competition the boys practiced folding a variety of paper planes from a classic design to their own personal creations and enjoyed testing them in the School playground. One had to watch when crossing the playground and duck periodically as paper airplanes glided gracefully and others made an immediate nosedive from the balconies.

Each boy from Pre-Primary to Year 5 entered two categories in the competition. A distance category to see which paper airplane could fly the furthest and an air time category to see who could design an paper airplane that could fly the longest. The boys enjoyed the challenge. The competition in the class events was very tough and the top flyers qualified for the grand final in the Dickinson Centre.

The grand final was a fiercely fought event. All the boys in the Junior School gathered to see who would be crowned victorious. The boys made wonderful attempts to throw their paper airplanes as far as they could. As the competition made its way to the final few Jack Cook from Year 5 unleashed a brilliant throw that sent his plane to a championship distance of 25.50 meters. The airtime competition was again very intense. The boys threw their airplanes as high as they could, watching them fly around the Dickinson Centre. While some planes glide only a short time, many boys broke the five second barrier. Our champion Ryan Shine flew his plane for an amazing 7.33 seconds.

The opportunity to compete was enjoyed by all the boys. I personally enjoyed how the boys who had not qualified for the final cheered on the attempts of their friends. Our competition not only provided a great opportunity for boys from across the Junior School to compete in the same competition and enjoy the challenge of folding the new paper, the money raised will support the Alice Springs Uniting Church, an Indigenous drop in center.

Early Learning Centre Opening

On Wednesday 12 October, an auspicious special event in the College's history took place. The first ever Pre-Primary class set foot in our brand new Early Learning Centre (ELC). The boys entered the beautifully displayed Antilier of the new ELC Centre and walked to their fantastic classroom that has been set up by Mrs Phillips. The boys engaged in wonderful activities and transitioned beautifully into the new space. Our ELC is a wonderful learning environment that soon will have the final outdoor spaces completed and the boys will get to fully explore and engage in their new learning habitat. The boys have had a wonderful start in the new center.

Mr John Stewart

Head of Junior School

Junior School Resource Centre

It was lovely to welcome your sons back after the holiday break - they are certainly looking refreshed and enthusiastic. During this time I was assisting a number of Year 5 boys with their exhibition research. They are certainly posing some interesting questions. If any other boys need assistance they can email their "burning question" to library@scotch.wa.edu.au.

This is also a good opportunity for the boys to visit their pubic library, who may also be able to assist with print resources that can help them with their research.

Mrs Kathryn Salt

Junior School Teacher-Librarian

4C News

The 4C boys have had a wonderful start to Spring Term. They were very fortunate to have an overnight camp at school last week. The boys began their camp with setting up tents, completing an orienteering activity and participating in a fabulous Aboriginal cultural session. A delicious barbeque dinner and an outdoor movie followed this. The boys had a wonderful time, however, they were very tired the next day after spending much of night chatting with their tent mates. They have also commenced the leadership journey in Year 4. The boys will be nominating for positions of leadership and delivering their speeches on Wednesday 9 November. I wish every boy the very best for this opportunity. They will be fantastic leaders in the Junior School for 2017.

Olivia Creagh
Year 4 Teacher

Physical Education News

The Scotch boys will re-acquaint themselves with the pool as we look forward to a summer by the sea. The Year 3 to 5 boys will be swimming in two lessons a week and the Year 1 and 2 boys will have three swimming lessons a week. The swimming for our younger boys will conclude with the Aqua Fun Day on Wednesday 30 November in the Scotch pool. The Year 4 students have their final Year 4 JPSSA Carnival that takes place at the WA Basketball Centre on Thursday 27 October. The boys will be working on their basketball skills in class and are looking forward to their final Year 4 carnival before they join the full JPSSA programme next year. The junior boys will be doing cricket with the outside coaches from the WACA whilst the Year 5 boys will conclude the year with their European Handball unit.

Mr Scott Whiston
Head of Junior School Physical Education

Performing Arts News

Welcome back to Spring Term - most exciting and crazy time of the year for Performing Arts. The following few weeks will be jam packed with rehearsals and performances, beginning with our Fiddlesticks incursion for Pre-Primary to Year 4, Year 5 Musical Rehearsal Camp, Grandparent's Day, JS/MS End of Year Concert, Christmas Lunch, Year 4 Dance Showcase, and the JS Presentation Morning. I have no doubt that all of these wonderful events will delight and inspire our boys. Wish us luck.

Miss Phebe Samson
Performing Arts Teacher

Art News

The end of Winter Term showcased the 2016 IPSHA Visual Arts Exhibition. Hosted at Presbyterian Ladies' College, the biennial event provides schools with the opportunity to celebrate students' Visual Art in a professional arena.

The official opening was held Sunday 11 September from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, highlighting the wealth of creativity throughout the 25 participating junior schools.

During Week 9, the Year 1 and Year 4 boys had the opportunity to view the many magnificent art works on display. They were amazed and inspired by the diversity of different subjects, mediums and techniques exhibited. The young Scotch artists were particularly drawn towards the collaborative large-scale sculptural artworks.

As an educator, it was a joy to hear the students appreciate, respond and discuss the works of others. This opportunity provided a unique insight into the minds of the boys. Getting to know the 'creative boy' and exploring the interests of our youth, is just one of the many delights in the teaching of the Visual Arts.

Ms Jane Roche
Junior Art Specialist

Friendly Schools and Families

The social and emotional learning areas of the Friendly Schools Plus programme are; Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills and Social Decision-Making.

Below I have expanded with an explanation for each of these areas, which are explicitly taught throughout the year by the physical education staff (one period per fortnight) and by the classroom teachers (one period per week).

Self-awareness skills help us to recognise and understand our feelings, while valuing our strengths and abilities.

Self-management skills enable us to handle and direct our emotions in appropriate ways.

Social awareness skills help us to be aware and respectful of the feelings and perspectives of others.

Relationship skills help us to deal with relationship problems and other social conflicts.

Social decision-making skills help us to consider the consequences of our actions for others, and ourselves and make thoughtful, effective decisions.

Mr Warwick Norman
Friendly Schools and Families Coordinator

French News

Bonjour everyone. I hope you had a wonderful holiday during les vacances scolaires. Although I went to Europe, I only spent one day in France, in the lovely coastal town of Biarritz. The rest of my trip I was in the north of Spain. Are you all ready for the final term. Year 2 have been learning about les animaux de la ferme - or farm animals - in French and have been singing the French version of Old MacDonald, which led them to discover that French animals don't say the same words that our animals do. For example, a horse says "hii", while a pig says "groin" and a cow says "meuh". The boys have become very good at singing along when we play the song in class, although they still find the new animal sounds very funny. They have also applied some of their colour knowledge to allow them to describe the animals in more detail and next we will investigate and talk about what the animals eat. It's lovely to have everyone back, ready to study hard until the end of the year. Enjoy the final term, Au revoir.

Madame Vinton
French Specialist

Pre-Primary News

What a wonderful beginning to term it has been for Pre-Primary. The boys were beyond excited when they entered the Centre for the first time on Wednesday morning. As they ran through the doors, stopping for a hello hug on the way, they immediately began to explore their expansive new space. There were shrills of excitement to see the new shiny trikes, bikes and scooters and all of the wonderful indoor and outdoor spaces. Inside, the boys recognised their treasured games, blocks and toys, which instantly connected them again after the term break. In the coming week, we will be in the outside areas playing in mud and sand, making dams and rivers, rolling down the grassy knoll and hiding in the tunnel, or simply looking over the fence from our tree top ledges at the beautifully manicured lawns and the glistening lake pretending we are in a Jurassic World. There is no limit to our imagination. We all feel so very grateful and privileged to have such a wonderful learning environment.

Mrs Sue Phillips
Pre-Primary Teacher

Headmaster's Commendations and Excellence Awards

Congratulations to these boys for receiving either a Headmaster's Commendation or an Excellence Award

Week 8 Winter Term - Excellence Awards

Primary Years Programme (PYP) Learner Profile

Dimensions of Inquiry

There are many dimensions of inquiry, which allow for a rich and challenging programme. Below I have expanded on an assessment rubric created by the Galileo Educational Network (2014) outlining some of the key dimensions:

Authenticity

The inquiry emanates from a question, problem or exploration that has meaning to the students and provides opportunities to create or produce something that contributes to the world's knowledge.

Academic Rigour

Students build knowledge that leads to deep understanding. They are provided with multiple, flexible ways to approach the problem, issue or question under study that use methods of inquiry central to the disciplines that underpin the problem, issue or question.

Assessment

On-going assessment is woven into the design of the inquiry providing timely descriptive feedback and utilising a range of methods, including peer and self-evaluation. Assessment guides student learning and teacher's instructional planning.

Beyond The School

Students address a conceptual understanding, issue or problem, relevant to curriculum outcomes, but grounded in the life and work beyond the school. Students need to develop organisational and self-management skills in order to complete the study.

Use of Digital Technologies

Technology is used in a purposeful manner that demonstrates an appreciation of new ways of thinking and doing.

Active Exploration

Students are required to spend significant amounts of time engaging in fieldwork, design work, interviews, as well as other immersion-based tasks and activities.

Connecting With Expertise

Students observe and interact with adults with relevant expertise and experience in a variety of situations. Through inquiry adults are required to collaborate with one another and with students on the knowledge, design and assessment of the inquiry.

Elaborated Communication

Students have extended opportunities to support, challenge, and respond to each other's ideas as they negotiate a collective understanding of relevant concepts.

Mr Warwick Norman
Junior School Dean of Teaching & Learning

Important Dates to Remember

Year 2W News

It has been a special time for the Year 2 cohort. Not only did we get to watch our Year 12 Buddies in their March Out parade but they visited us in our classroom for the final time. The boys, by this time, have formed a great bond and it was really wonderful to watch their interactions. Both young and old were totally immersed in their activity and we have captured some great memories. The footage will be stored in the Time Capsule, ready for unveiling at future reunions not to mention the graduation ceremony of our Year 2 boys. There may be some red faces at this point as the dress up box proved a huge hit and all caution was thrown to the wind as Buddies produced an iMovie trailer of their friendship and hopes for the future. As a teacher it was such a thrill and privilege to witness this special time for our boys and the initiative is one that I hope will remain a tradition in the College.

Mrs Alison Webster

2W Teacher

Head of Middle School

Dear Parents

Spring Term is here and there is some real excitement in the air. It is warmer, summer uniforms are on, there are some exciting Outdoor Education opportunities for every boy in Middle School and the end of the year, well that is rapidly coming into sight.

Our final Clan for the year will be out soon, with Middle School articles both in the magazine and the digital form. I could not resist including this photograph of the Highland Games from the last day of term, with the boys in their kilts and Tristan Woodhouse OSC '98, whose gentle persistence inspired the return of the Games.

My welcome back to term comments to students last week centred on recognising that although this is a nine week term, with two half weeks, Outdoor Education programmes and rehearsals, means it is, in fact, much shorter than nine weeks. Reports are due and we all know preceding reports will be end-of-semester assessments. My advice to the boys was to give school work, assignments, study and assessments the highest priority they possibly could for the next six weeks and finish the year feeling that they have given every subject their best.

This term we have welcomed back Jo Walden, our Art teacher who is back from Maternity Leave, and can announce that Jenny Lightfoot, Librarian, had a baby girl, Isobel Mae Clementine Lightfoot, during the holidays. Mrs Marie Grech is our new Librarian and you will see an article from Mrs Grech on reading for boys in this newsletter.

I look forward to seeing you at our first Assembly of the term this Friday in the Dickinson Centre.

Mr Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School

Year 8.30

Talk about Funny

Charlie Chaplin's famous quote, "A day without laughter is a day wasted," could not have been more true in Year 8.3O at the end of Winter Term. The students participated in a creative writing unit in English called 'Talk About Funny'. Over a period of four weeks, they studied a range of comedic devices that authors use to develop humour. Students examined a range of skills from joke writing, misdirection, satire, and humour derived from manipulating the sound and spelling of words. They finished by preparing their own funny short story.

I was enthralled after reading some 'intense' stories about camping at Moray, 'cracker' tales about the Christmas holidays, and a story that really got 'under my skin' about the horrors of school vaccinations (excuse the puns).

Not only did students get the chance to explore a new and challenging form of literature, but they were able have fun through crafting and publishing their own unique comedy. So, if you are feeling a little down and need a lift, come and read the stories that are on display in the back of the classroom, and remember, laughter really is the best medicine.

Ms Lisa O'Toole

8.3O Homeroom Teacher

Keeping Boys Reading

This past term, I have concentrated on introducing myself to our boys and getting to know them. I have explained to them that I came from a family of migrants where English literacy standards were low and education was not valued, and as a result, I learned to read later than most children and remained a reluctant reader for most of my young adult life. This personal history has made me realistic about the challenges boys, in particular, face, not only in learning to read, but remaining a lifelong reader. As a mother of an 11-year-old who would rather do anything other than read, I believe that matching a book to the individual is the key to keeping boys reading. I told our Middle School boys this term that the most asked question by a parent is "why has my son stopped reading?" I explained to the Years 6 to 8 students that "research shows that boys stop reading at 12; it is a proven stereotype. If I don't get you reading and keep you reading now, then I have lost you forever." A key factor in keeping boys reading is the role of male mentors who can encourage and engage with boys in their reading. To help boys and their parents, I have compiled a 'bucket list' of reading for each year level, as a starter list of books that should engage the boys, and this will be loaded onto the Library webpage http://library.scotch.wa.edu.au/middle this week.

Ms Marie Grech

Teacher Librarian

Excellence Awards

Headmaster's Commendations

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Middle School students Will Steinberg and Sam Wake, who recently competed in the Australasian Philosothon 2016, with Sam Wake placing 1st in the 13 year old category, an outstanding achievement.

Well done also, to Gianni Kain who represented the Dolphins Water Polo Club at the 16 and Under Water Polo National Championships in Brisbane during the holidays.

UNSW English Competition Results

Year 6

Year 7

Year 8

Important Dates in Middle School Spring Term

Where is your son?

Who is he with?

When will he be home?

Paul Dillon, who has been working in the area of drug and alcohol education for the past 25 years, shared these questions, together with a wealth of information on drugs and alcohol, with parents at an evening presentation to help parents guard against potential harm for their adolescent children. Paul also presented to all new Year 11 and 12 students on preventative behaviours and the myths that surround substance use by young people. One of the encouraging statistics was the reduction in alcohol and drug use by young people across Australia. While media networks continue to report on negative cases, the statistics show a decline in related risk-taking behaviour. For example, when a national survey reveals 4% of 16 year olds have used an amphetamine, the same statistic tells us 96% have not - this however, does not feature in the media. The problem with repeated negative stories is that it creates a perception of normality that is one sided and promotes a misleading perception of the true nature of the issue.

Paul Dillon's presentations were just one part of a two-day conference for all boys in the Senior School that included presentations by Dan McGrechan on Men of Respect and Consent in Relationships; Brant Garvey, an Australian leg amputee para-triathlete who had recently represented Australia at the 2016 Rio Paralympics; Jane Genovese on study skills and Natalie Wong from the RAC Education Programme on road safety.

The conferences not only provided valuable learning opportunities related to safety and wellbeing; they also prepared boys for the commencement of the new academic year.

While the incoming Year 10, 11 and 12 boys were thinking about the year ahead, our graduating Year 12 boys were thinking about the year just gone. Our final assembly with the graduating Year 12 boys was very much a celebration of their achievements and contribution to the College. The highlight of the day was easily the March Out in front of the Gooch Pavilion. To watch our Year 12 boys march with pride, the Pipe Band perform and the rest of the School community warmly farewell the Year 12 cohort, made for an emotional occasion felt by many proud parents and staff at Scotch College.

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School

Senior School Important Dates

Leadership Positions

Captain of Music and Music Leadership team for 2017:

Captain of Music - Lewis Weeda (Year 12, Shearer)

Leadership Team:

Nicholas Clarnette (Year 12, Alexander) - Vocals/Concert Band

Ebunoluwa Daramola (Year 12, Ross) - Jazz/Contemporary

Matthew Gagen (Year 12, Alexander) - Strings

Matthew Simich (Year 12, Shearer) - Guitars

We see these boys representing all musicians at Scotch College, not just Senior School.

Pipe Band Positions for 2017:

Pipe Major Ethan Cassidy (Year 12, Alexander)

Drum Major David MacKinnon (Year 12, Ross)

Boys' Achievements

Jack Jagger (Year 10, Keys) was selected in the U14's Northern side to compete in the Junior State Rugby Championships during the holidays

Thomas Gooch's (leaving Year 12, Keys) writing entry in The West Australian's GEN Z competition has won him a place on The West's junior editorial panel.

Australasian Philosothon

Having successfully defended their title in the Perth Philosothon in 2015, the Scotch College Philosophy team was invited to participate in the Australasian Philosothon held in Brisbane over the September holiday period. This exclusive event invites the top three teams in each Australian state to come together to explore complex ethical and philosophical questions.

After two days of intense discussion, facilitated by teachers of philosophy and adjudicated by senior university lecturers and professors, Scotch College was awarded first place. This is an outstanding achievement at the national level. The team members were:

Lewis Orr (Year 9, Ferguson)

Lucas Triglavcanin (Year 9, St Andews)

Darcy Frazer (Year 9, Ferguson)

Felix Jones (Year 9, Brisbane)

Austin Bantock (Year 11, Ferguson)

James Naylor-Pratt (Year 12, Anderson)

In addition to winning the overall title, Scotch boys placed in each of the four age divisions that comprise the competition.

• James Naylor-Pratt placed first in the senior division and also won the Most Promising Male Philosopher for the highest score across all boys in all age divisions
• Felix Jones placed third in the 15 years age division
• Lewis Orr placed equal second in the 14 years age division
• Sam Wake placed first in the 13 years age division.

Long Tan Leadership and teamwork award, from ADF

The ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards recognise students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the School and the broader community and who display strong values, such as doing one's best, respect for others and "mateship", that are integral to Australian society. The establishment of the ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards is an important initiative by the Australian Government designed to encourage senior students, tomorrow's leaders, to actively participate in the life of their schools and local communities.

The winners of this prestigious award for 2016 are:

Julien Walker (leaving Year 12, Cameron)

Christopher Ramsden (Year 11, Ross)

Certificate IV in Business

Lewis Abbey (leaving Year 12, Keys)

Michael Baker (leaving Year 12, Alexander)

Isaac Bombara (leaving Year 12, St Andrews)

Arrigo Brackenridge (leaving Year 12, St Andrews)

Elliott Buzza (leaving Year 12, Alexander)

Patrick Carter (leaving Year 12, Stuart)

Torin Chamberlain (leaving Year 12, Cameron)

Yukio Chaplin (leaving Year 12, Keys)

Christopher Di Russo (leaving Year 12, Keys)

Callum Duffy (leaving Year 12, Brisbane)

Daniel Fletcher (leaving Year 12, Stuart)

Joseph Gardam (leaving Year 12, Stuart)

Oscar Hutton (leaving Year 12, Anderson)

Kelton Mulvay (leaving Year 12, St Andrews)

Todd Retallack (leaving Year 12, Keys)

Braden Retallack (leaving Year 12, Keys)

Lachlan Stokes (leaving Year 12, Keys)

Noah Terry (leaving Year 12, Brisbane)

Charles Usher (leaving Year 12, Brisbane)

Rhys Williams (leaving Year 12, Shearer)

Certificate II in Sport & Recreation

Lewis Abbey (leaving Year 12, Keys)

Michael Baker (leaving Year 12, Alexander)

Christopher Di Russo (leaving Year 12, Keys)

Thomas Keamy (leaving Year 12, Stuart)

Jacob Lane (leaving Year 12, Keys)

Khysom Umbagai (leaving Year 12, Keys)

Certificate II in Marine Operations

David Bott (leaving Year 12, Keys)

Certificate II in Process Plant Operations

Dylan Grant (leaving Year 12, Shearer)

Athletics

Athletics Medallions 2016

2016 PSA Interschool Athletics Carnival Results

U/17 110m Hurdles Joshua Pretorius (Year 11, St Andrews) 15.67sec

Old Record: 15.86sec C Walawski (HS 2015)

U/16 High Jump Sean Szalek (Year 10, Ross) 2.0m

Old Record: 1.87m G Szalek (SC 2013)

U/13 4x100m Relay Scotch SC 51.07sec

Old Record: 51.60sec Scotch (SC 2013)

Colours and Honours - Winter 2016 (Part 2)

Please see here for recipients.

The Raven

Congratulations to the following boys who have had their creative writing or visual art work published in the Winter edition of The Raven. These boys are:

Nicholas Crump (Year 11, Shearer), Lachlan Vos (Year 12, St Andrews), Samuel Joyner (Year 12, Anderson), Bailey van der Zanden (Year 12, Ferguson), Frans Buys (Year 11, Stuart), Andre Avila(leaving Year 12, Stuart),Andrew Briggs(leaving Year 12, Cameron),Eddie Atchison (leaving Year 12, Shearer), Roko Radman (Year 12, Keys), Timothy Carter (Year 10, Stuart), Alec Garkaklis (leaving Year 12, Cameron), Charles Mills (leaving Year 12, Stuart), Matthia Au (Year 11, Alexander), Jesse Witts (leaving Year 12, Ferguson), Harry Foley (Year 11, St Andrews) and Lachlan Cumming (Year 11, Ferguson).

Please enjoy reading or viewing work by visiting the electronic version of The Raven via the Scotch homepage. Any boy who has creative writing that he would like to submit to The Raven can send a copy to jeannette.weeda@scotch.wa.edu.au. All entries will be considered for the Reporter Speech Night prizes.

Dr Jeannette Weeda

English Teacher

Payment of School Fees

BPay

We are pleased with the continued response from parents to the use of the BPAY method to pay school fees. We believe that it is a straight-forward, and efficient way of making payments, as well as providing significant administrative benefits to the School. Please make sure you record your Customer Reference Number which is printed in the top right hand corner of the statement.

Credit Card

Payments can be made using cards from VISA, MasterCard and AMEX, via the School web-site www.scotch.wa.edu.au. This is proving to be a popular option (VISA and MasterCard payments attract a 0.8% surcharge, whereas AMEX attracts a 1.5% surcharge). Access this facility under the 'Current Parents' tab.

Other Options

Other payment options include payment by Cheque and Direct Debit. Where payment is made by cheque, please remember to detach the remittance slip so that your payment can be identified.

Enquiries regarding payment of fees should be directed to the Assistant to the Bursar, Mr Ford.

Mr Grant Ford

Assistant to the Bursar

Parent CONNECT for Cross Campus Studies

You are familiar with following your son's studies and progress through Scotch College Parent CONNECT, but what if he is a cross campus student taking a subject at PLC? You still use your Scotch user ID and password, except you go to PLC Parent CONNECT. This can be accessed via https://home.plc.wa.edu.au.

Mr Brad Tyrrell

Dean of Information and Learning Technology

Careers Information

WACE Examination - Sickness/Misadventure

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

TAFE Applications are open!

Applications are open for Semester 1, 2017 so here's 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 2017).

For apprenticeships/traineeships, students need to contact the Department of Training and Workforce Development's Apprenticeship Office.

Key Dates

9 December 2016 TAFE Admissions applications close (full-time)

6 January 2017 1st round offers issued (full-time competitive courses)

16 January 2017 2nd round offers issued (full-time competitive courses)

Mid/Late January 2017 Enrolments (full-time)

Mid/Late January 2017 Enrolments (part-time, no application required

Campus Open Nights

North Metropolitan TAFE is hosting a number of Campus Open Nights in the coming weeks to give potential students the opportunity to meet lecturing staff, view campus facilities and participate in a range of study-related activities. Most sessions will run from 5.00pm - 7.00pm and all dates, times and study areas are listed on our website. Students will need to register their interest to attend and can do so by completing the RSVP form.

The Royal Aero Club of WA is proud to announce that the 2016 RACWA Young Eagles programme is now open for enrolments.

RACWA Young Eagles is an exciting new programme designed to provide extraordinary aviation experiences to prospective future aviators between 10 and 16 years of age. This is an exclusive activities-based learning experience, limited to 24 participants. The programme operates from the RACWA clubhouse at Jandakot Airport over seven weeks, commencing 1.00pm Saturday 22 October 2016, sessions usually end around 4.00pm.

The indicative schedule consists of the following activities:

• Introduction to RACWA aircraft and facilities
• Basic principles of aviation lesson
• Visit to the Control Tower
• Tour of the facilities at Jandakot Airport
• Radio procedures
• Basic principles of aircraft navigation lesson
• Tour of commercial operators at Jandakot
• Model planes and drones

For information and registration forms, please email jgarrett@royalaeroclubwa.com.au or call operations on 9417 0000, spaces for the programme are limited we work on a first in first accepted basis so get in quick to ensure a spot.

Academic Tuition

Mr Peter Frusher

Careers Adviser

Parents Association

Hi Parents

Dads@Scotch - upcoming Junior School Event

It is with great pleasure that we can announce the inaugural Dads@Scotch event - following on from the Fathering Forum launch earlier in the year. I attach the information sheet from convenor David Gray.

Hi Scotch Junior School Dads

Please diarise the afternoon of Sunday 23 October for the inaugural Scotch Father/Son Junior School sandcastle building competition. Final venue is to be confirmed, but planning on it being held at Swanbourne beach at 4.30pm Sunday afternoon 23 October.

The plan is that each year group (from Pre-Primary through to Year 5) will have an allocated space on the beach and one hour to build the most impressive sand construction that the boys and their dads can put together. BYO construction gear and decorations and start planning your design with the boys.

For those with multiple sons in the Junior School there will be 2 choices - your son can either stay in their year group and there will be enough time to spend with each son across the construction period or there will be an alternative family zone for those who want to stay together. Prizes and everlasting glory for the champion group on the day. After the competition feel free to hang around at the beach/picnic area for a BYO early dinner or sundowner. Younger siblings and sisters are welcome to participate too

Please rsvp by going to the attached survey monkey link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/PZTM9LG

Any queries, feel free to contact either David Gray ( david.gray@hsf.com ) or Sean Jermy ( sean.jermy@total.com )

Scotch Biennial Parents Ball

Watch this space for an update in the next Thistle on preparations for the Scotch Parents Biennial Ball scheduled for early 2017.

Mr Ian Knobel

President

Parents Association

Scotch Auxiliary

Welcome back to Spring Term. A big thank you to all the parents who helped at last Friday's March Out, making it a very special and memorable day for our Year 12 boys and their families.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Parent Forum:

Tuesday 18 October 2016 6pm - 7pm, Dickinson Centre Foyer.

Please join the Headmaster, Parents' Association and Scotch Auxiliary at this open forum to hear about the vision of creating one parent support group, Scotch Parents, that represents our parent community. Please refer to the email circulated last Friday for more details.

Junior School Grandparents' Day - Friday 21 October, MacKellar Hall

NEXT MEETING:

AGM Monday 24 October, Dining Room Annex at 9am.

Your attendance is encouraged as this will be the forum to support the merger of the Parents' Association and the Scotch Auxiliary to form one parent support group, Scotch Parents.

If parents would like to volunteer to be a Year Representative for Year 10, 11 or 12, please attend as Year Representatives will also be considered at this meeting to combine with interested Parents' Association parents following their AGM.

Year 12 Parents Thank You Morning Tea and Farewell to Dr. Rob McEwan

A special morning tea will be held immediately after our AGM to thank our Year 12 parents who have helped and supported the Auxiliary throughout their years at the College and to also farewell our Head of Senior School, Dr. Rob McEwan.

Please RSVP to scotchauxiliary@scotch.wa.edu.au by Wednesday 19 October if you can attend for catering purposes.

Mrs Carissa Paganin

President

Rugby Support Group

The Rugby Support Group AGM will be held at 6:00pm Monday, 7 November in the Middle School Staff Room. All rugby parents are welcome to attend.

PLC Open Garden Day

WA garden lovers have a once-a-year chance to see inside some of Peppermint Grove's most magnificent private gardens at PLC Open Garden Day, on Friday, October 28.

This year's event has seven private garden locations, including six homes new to the Open Garden Day, all featuring the theme of "Soil, Sustenance and Serenity".

Soprano Sara Macliver will provide entertainment and there will be speakers on recycling and landscaping, as well as markets with flowers, garden products and more.

PLC Garden Day Flyer

Tickets $25/$15 pension card holders with all proceeds to PLC projects.

Bookings: trybooking.com/MQPX

Summer will soon be here - enrol now for swimming lessons

Enrolments for December/January lessons are now open. It is important for every child to learn vital swimming and water safety skills. VacSwim offers affordable school holiday swimming lessons run by qualified instructors at a range of locations throughout the state.

For further information and online enrolments visit education.wa.edu.au/swimming

Rural Financial Counselling Service of WA

Is a fully funded government programme that offers free financial support to Primary Production businesses that are experiencing difficulty.

For more information about the service: www.rfcswa.com.au or phone 1800 612 004.