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Primary Department
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25 February 2000 No. 4
From the Head of Junior SchoolLast evening's Years One to Three Parent function was extremely well supported and I thank parents for making this such a wonderful night. I would also like to thank the many parents who have extended support for my comments last week in regard to the traffic conditions outside the school at pick up time. I was however, extremely distressed to hear the loud screeching of brakes on Tuesday evening, as two cars narrowly avoided a major collision, as one parent attempted a U-turn. Witnesses to this incident were shocked that some parents still elect to drive in this selfish manner and are continually prepared to risk the safety of their own children. At the request of a number of parents, I have once again contacted the local By Laws Department of the Council, who have promised a much higher presence in our neighbourhood. It is with regret that I have taken this action, but it is with the hope of ensuring the safety of our most valued possessions - our children. Next week I shall be visiting the King's School in New Zealand. Parents may remember that late last year, Mr Bret Butler (King's Headmaster), spent a week at Scotch sharing ideas. My trip completes the last phase of this valuable program. I look forward to this time with Mr Butler in his own school and to the extensions to our own programs that may result from this visit. Mr Carson will be Acting Head for the week. This week our theme has been "Trust" and at Monday's Assembly, a group of Year Five boys presented our theme under the guidance of Mr Gregory. David Tuckwell, Mark Gronow, William Kyrou, Alistair Meallin, Tom Caldwell and Nick Malon did a wonderful job in reminding the boys that you are practising Trust when you have faith in God's love and follow your own guidance; let trust chase away your fears; ask God for help with anything that scares you; know that your best is good enough; and, trust others, unless you have a good reason not to. The boys left us with the following affirmation... I trust God that everything that happens is for my good. I have no need to control others. All fear and worry are released. I feel at peace, and know that I am not alone. The Bible reminds us..."Trust in the Lord forever; he will protect us. (Isaiah 26:4) My thought for the week... "Making a mistake is falling down, failure is not getting up again." (Helen Keller) Guy B MasonJunior Primary Art DepartmentLate ArrivalsAs stated in the Scotch College Junior School Handbook 2000, "Boys are required to be at school by 8.20am at the latest to allow time for them to be in rooms ready to start classes." It is of concern to staff that, despite this requirement, a number of boys are arriving at school late. This practice not only disrupts the rest of the class, but it also unsettles the boy who is late - sometimes for the remainder of the day. Senior Primary boys who are late must remain in the courtyard with the teacher on 'Late Duty' until Assembly is finished. They must also have their Record Book stamped with the 'Late Stamp', therefore indicating to parents that their son was late. Boys arriving late on three occasions receive an after school detention, supervised by the Deputy Head. At present, most Junior Primary boys who arrive late come to the classroom without adult supervision. Many seem to think that is alright to walk in at any time, without any sort of explanation or apology for disrupting the class. As of next week, a new system will apply to latecomers to Junior Primary classes. Boys who are late will not be permitted to enter the classroom until their name has been recorded in the 'Late Arrivals' book at Reception. Parents are required to sign the book to indicate that they know of their son's late arrival. It is anticipated that this method, together with a concerted effort by boys and parents, will assist us in ensuring that all boys are where they should be at the start of the day. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Prep To Year Three Chapel Service Many thanks to the many families and friends who attended our first Year 2000 Junior Primary Chapel Service yesterday. It was great to see the Chapel so full. Congratulations to all the boys who listened so well and sang so beautifully and a special thank you to Reverand Buchanan and Year Three boys Nicholas Yates, Anders Huitfeldt, Anthony Bordonaro and Samuel Bordonaro for leading the service Our next Junior Primary Chapel Service will be our Easter Service on Thursday, 30 March at 2.15pm. This will be the last Junior Primary Service for the Year Three boys.
Chris Robertson
Information TechnologyiBooks land at the Junior SchoolYear Six boys at Scotch College Junior School have been walking around with mystified expressions on their faces in recent days. Since last Wednesday, they have had the opportunity to test drive some of the newest technology available - iBooks. These new, portable versions of iMacs, have been made available for the Year Six boys to use. However, the iBooks have one slight difference - an "Airport" facility. The Airport facility is new technology that allows a number of computers to connect to a network without any cabling. This means that boys may access files on the school server or conduct research via the Internet from their own desks. A Base Station, located in the 6P classroom, is the key to the wireless connection. It sends and receives data from each iBook and allows the users to utilise the Junior School network in the same way as the existing computers. The boys have given the iBooks a warm reception and demonstrated a great appreciation of the opportunity presented to them. They have taken to the new technology with much enthusiasm and look forward making the best possible use from the iBooks.
Andrew Murdoch
Social ServiceOn Monday 3 March, we will be having our first Social Service activity, as it is Cerebal Palsy Day. The charity we are raising money for is the Spastic Society. Stuart Thomas of Year Six is going to speak in Assembly this Friday, explaining what Cerebal Palsy is and talking about what will be happening on 3 March. All boys are encouraged to bring $2.00 or $5.00 and they will receive a badge in return for their donation. We ask boys to bring their money on any day next week.. Badges will be available from Stuart at recess and lunchtime during these times. He will rotate between the Junior Primary and Upper Primary playgrounds. Please support this very worthwhile cause.
Emily Taylor
School PhotographsA reminder to parents about their son's school photos. Please return any photographs that you do not wish to keep by Wednesday 1st March, if you have not done so already. Forthcoming dates
Mothers' Day LuncheonThis year's Mothers' Day Luncheon will be held at The Point Restaurant in Albert Park on Friday 12 May at 11.30am. Why not organise a table of ten or simply join a year table? This is a wonderful opportunity to treat your mother or other special person. Invitations will be sent out shortly. JSPA Junior School Mothers' ChoirAre you interested in becoming a part of the Inaugural Junior School Mothers' Choir? Prerequisites - a sense of humour, a sense of tune (ability to read music not essential), and able to perform at the Mothers' Day Luncheon on 12 May. Please contact Joan Fowles JSPA
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