Year 4 Interschool
Latecomers
Year 4 Visiting artist
AIM Testing
Forthcoming events
Greek classes

21 July 2000 No. 21

From the Head of Junior School

Welcome back to our 6W Campers who, from all reports received, have had a great week away. The Year Six camp is often referred to by Senior School boys as the 'best camp ever' and I know 6I will enjoy their week away, next week, just as much.

This weekend, a number of boys will be participating in ski lessons at Mt Buller in preparation for the Interschool competitions in a few weeks' time. I wish these boys well for a successful weekend.

At the time of writing, our Prep - Two Footy Day had not been held, however with the weather looking good, I trust all boys enjoyed this very special day with members of the Richmond Football team. Stay tuned for further reports next edition!

With the Olympics just around the corner, boys have been fortunate to meet and hear from current and past Olympians. With more visits planned, this week we were pleased to meet and welcome Damian Brown and Simon Baker.

Damian will be representing Australia in the 77kg Weight Lifting and Simon is coaching Duane Cousins in the 50km Walk. Simon is a past Commonwealth Gold Medalist and World Cup holder in this event. Both of these remarkable athletes spoke about commitment, dedication and a love for whatever you are doing. It was most pleasing to hear from both champions that the most important aspect is to enjoy what you are doing and to do your best, regardless of the outcomes. We heard about their 'highs' during competitions and we heard about some 'lows', including disqualification and how you can deal with these sorts of situations.

Both our speakers were inspirational and both reminded me of the Bible, where we so often hear of commitment, dedication and love. In our Chapel on Tuesday, Reverend Buchanan left us with words from John's Gospel....

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die, but have eternal life." (John 3:16-17)

This surely rates as the ultimate example of commitment and love, much greater than any of us could ever give.

As the boys prepare for our Olympic celebrations, I trust that they will remember the athletes whom they have met, and follow their efforts as they compete in what is rated as the most prestigious event for athletes.

My thought for the week ties in nicely with athletes preparing for the Games and for all of us making the most of every day presented before us....

Guy B Mason

Year 4

On Friday 28 July, Year Four will be playing their first Interschool game against Melbourne Grammar-Grimwade, at Scotch. There will be two football games, three soccer games and one hockey game. Games will commence at 1.30pm and conclude at 3pm. Parents and friends are most welcome to attend. Soccer games will be held on the Junior School Oval, football on the Senior School main oval and hockey on the tennis courts near the Music School.

Mrs Wyatt - Year Four Co-ordinator

Latecomers

This is just a reminder to boys and parents that if a boy is late for school or leaves school early, this must be recorded in the book kept at Reception. Boys are expected to arrive between 8am and 8.20am, with the bell being rung at 8.25am. Anyone arriving after the bell has rung is considered to be late. We ask that boys and parents follow these procedures to assist us in keeping up to date as to the boys' whereabouts.

Thank you,
Mrs Robertson - Director of Junior Primary

Visiting Artist for Year Four boys

On Monday, Mrs Diane Keating, a professional artist, worked with the Year Four boys. They walked down to the Senior School and sketched buildings and trees around the oval. Boys had to draw things they could see, using bold shapes and lines. Mrs Keating showed the boys some of her paintings and demonstrated drawing and painting techniques. The boys used oil pastels to draw in their sketch books and later added an ink wash. The Year Four boys produced some excellent work and these drawings will be part of their end of year portfolio.

I am collecting stockings, plastic containers, wool and small boxes for the Art Room. If parents have anything like this which hey wish to donate, it would be most appreciated.

Thank you,
Mrs. Ferres - Head of Art and Craft

AIM Testing

As you are aware, Scotch has participated in the Learning Assessment Project (LAP) since it began several years ago. This year a similar state wide testing programme, called Achievement Improvement Monitor (AIM), will operate. All boys in Year Three and Year Five will be participating in this programme during the next three weeks. These Mathematics and English tests are designed to tell us how your son is progressing and to identify their specific needs. It is important to realise the results will complement the other school assessment procedures by providing additional information. All activities are undertaken in class time, are supervised by the class teacher and are similar to regular class work. The results of the tests will be forwarded to you during Term Four.

Mr Sampson - Director of Studies

Forthcoming Events

Greek Classes

Several parents have expressed interest in their boys attending Greek classes. In order to make these viable, further expressions of interest are sought. Please contact Mrs Armstrong on 9810 4224 to lodge your interest.