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Resource Centre
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1 December 2000 No. 36
From the Head of Junior SchoolStaff NewsIt has been an action packed week or so of staff announcements in the Junior School. This week Mr David Ladbury informed me of his decision to retire from teaching at the end of this year. Mr Ladbury has completed 33 years of outstanding service to the school and will be remembered by many hundreds of 'old boys' for his enthusiastic and encouraging approach to every boy entrusted in his care. Whilst we will farewell Mr Ladbury more appropriately at a later date, I know the whole school community joins me in thanking Mr Ladbury and wishing him and his wife, Betty, every happiness for the years ahead. Last weekend, Sally Laity (Junior School Secretary) was married and has returned to school as Mrs Geremia. We are so pleased for Sally and Tony and congratulate them both, whilst wishing them every happiness for their future. Ms Cheryl McBride recently announced her engagement to Mr Kevin Harrison. With a wedding date yet to be announced, every best wish and congratulations are extended to Cheryl and Kevin for their future lives together. Congratulations are also extended to Mrs Emily Taylor and her husband, Rohan, who are to become parents in May of next year. This is wonderful news for them both and we look forward to an addition to the Scotch family next year. Mr Alistair Webster has been announced as the 'Technology Educator of the Year' by the Victorian Technology Education Association of Victoria. This is a wonderful achievement and I extend special congratulations to Mr Webster on this recognition. Speech NightI remind parents that Speech Night will be held next Thursday evening for boys in Years Three to Six, for whom this is a compulsory activity. Formal uniform is required (an announcement will be made on the day if weather conditions determine the need for otherwise). The night will begin promptly at 7.45pm and boys will be advised accordingly of their expected time of arrival. SafetyWhilst the end of year rapidly approaches, I urge parents and boys to not lose sight of safety issues around our school. This week a potentially nasty accident was avoided when a boy attempted to cross Callantina Road opposite the school gates. This practice has occurred on many occasions and I remind parents that boys should not be dropped off or collected on the opposite side of Callantina Road. I do not believe that I need to highlight the dangers of crossing this busy road anywhere else other than at the pedestrian lights provided! Another case of 'Whooping Cough" has been reported to the school and any parent who may be concerned about this should refer to our previous correspondence. Any queries should be referred to your local doctor or health department. Giving TreeAs per last week's Newsletter, Mrs Wyatt advised parents of our tradition to present non perishable food and/or new (unwrapped) presents to needy members of the community at this special time of the year. Donations need to be at school by Friday 8 December in order that the City of Boroondara can collect our gifts, enabling them to be appropriately distributed. We look forward, once again, to your generous support. Orientation of Boys - 2001This morning boys from Years Three to Five spent some time in their year level groups for next year. The boys met the teachers who will be teaching at each level, but were in no way grouped according to finalised class places. Class placement of boys is a lengthy process that involves enormous amounts of time on behalf of the teachers and this is currently being undertaken. As such, there are a number of teachers changing levels and I am pleased to advise parents of the following class teacher placements for next year:
Prep: Mrs Dawe and Mrs Kimber
Ms Pride will assume a new role as Middle Years Co ordinator, linking together the three Upper Primary Coordinators and raising issues with staff concerning the needs and welfare of the boys at these levels. Ms Pride will also provide a closer link with the Head of Middle School and the transition process of our Year Six boys into the Senior School. Mrs Julia Nash has agreed to assume the new role of Assistant to the Director of Junior Primary. Mrs Nash will assist Mrs Robertson through the busy routines of our Junior Primary Department. In addition, some staff responsibilities have been reallocated and these will be advised accordingly in the new year. We are indeed fortunate to have such strength amongst our staff and I am confident that 2001 will be another memorable year in the life of our Junior School. My theme for the week has been Confidence. I reminded the boys that being confident means that you: remember that you are worthy, whether you succeed or fail; notice the things that interest you; are willing to try new things; learn about your own strengths and weaknesses; use the gifts given by God; and to practise hard until you master something. Our weekly classroom sheet quoted from Saint Paul's words to the Hebrews: "Do not, therefore, throw away your confidence, for it carries a great reward."(Chapter 10:35) My thought for the week: Don't let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was.Guy B Mason Resource CentreBook Return The Resource Centre finishes borrowing privileges today, Friday 1 December. We require all library books to be returned by Friday 8 December or sooner if possible. Thank you for your cooperation Alison Hindson - Resource Coordinator The Giving TreeThis is just a reminder about The Giving Tree that will be held this coming week in the Junior School. This will run for the whole week from Monday 4 to Friday 8 December. Please deposit new toys and nonperishable food under the Christmas Tree in the Assembly Hall. These will then be donated to The City of Boroondara and they will distribute them to needy families in the local area. The Christmas Display for the Year 2000 has been pinned up in the Assembly Hall. This has been created by all the boys in the Junior School. You are most welcome to check the display at your own leisure. Liz Wyatt - RIL Coordinator Christmas ServiceAn invitation is extended to all members of the Scotch community to attend the Junior School Christmas Service in the Memorial Hall on Tuesday 12 December at 2pm. Last Tuesday, the boys in Prep -Year Three received notice of their costume requirements for the service. If there are any questions in regard to these requirements, please contact me early next week. Could boys who have been asked to supply items which are not part of their school uniform please bring them to school on Monday 4 December so that I can check them off. All other items of costumes must be at school for the dress rehearsal on Monday 11 December. This week a wonderful team of mothers gave up some of their valuable time to sew costumes for the service. Special thanks to Louise Tuckwell, Janine Jones, Sui Tham, Juliet Goodchild, Jay Hurley, Michele Whelan, Lisa Webber, Susan Duffy, Esperance Newland, Lesley Marriott and Zeina Matalanis (I hope that is everyone, my sincerest apologies and please let me know so I can make amends.) We urgently require two more traditional Greek costumes for Year Three boys. Could anyone who is able to lend us these costumes please contact me on Monday. Thank you Chris Robertson - Director of Junior Primary Forthcoming events
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