Sport
150 Junior School Photo
JSPA
Forthcoming events

15 June 2001 No. 18

From the Acting Head of the Junior School

Although this has been a short week, the focus on the learning and development of the boys has continued to be a high priority. It has been a week where the staff have enjoyed the opportunity to share the progress being made by boys in the Junior School with their parents.

At Assembly on Tuesday, I suggested to the boys that it was important for them to spend some time reflecting and discussing their individual report with their parents. It is important that the boys understand that report time should not be an anxious time but a time for them to identify their strengths and to set achievable goals for their future learning. It is also a challenge for the parents to focus on the strengths rather than purely on areas that are weaknesses. I would encourage you to take into account your son's effort and attitude to learning. If this is below standard, then you have something to work on. If he is doing his best, then you can ask for little more.

Please don't forget to celebrate your son's efforts and achievements. This will encourage and build his self esteem and lead him to achieve greater things than he thought possible. Michael Grose, a well known writer and parent educator, lists the following four types of encouragement under the heading 'Vitamins for Parents':

• Focus on effort- "It is great to see you trying to………"
• Focus on improvement- You have improved in…… …"
• Show appreciation - Thanks for working on …………." and
• Display confidence - I know you can do this………… ."

I extend my congratulations to all Cross Country runners who represented Scotch College at the State Championships on Tuesday. It is a wonderful achievement to reach this level of competition and to have performed so well is a credit to their skills and commitment. Results are included later in this newsletter. Special congratulations to Henry Dick who was 3rd in the 10 years age group and who will go on to represent Victoria in the Australian Championships. A reminder that the Annual Junior School House Cross Country event will be held next Friday, 22 June at Fairview Park. For the first time, boys in Prep to Year Two will be participating in this event. Families and friends are invited to attend and support the boys.

I would also like to thank all boys who have supported the two Social Service activities that are currently being undertaken in the Junior School. The MS Readathon and the S.I.D.S range of products are designed to raise money for areas of research and development. Both of these very worthy causes will be ongoing during the remainder of this term. I urge all families to give their support.

The House Trivial Pursuit final was concluded on Wednesday. Campbell House was the eventual winner, after a close contest over the two weeks of the final. Congratulations to all boys who were selected to represent their House in this activity.

Congratulations to Jonathan Chow (2H) who received an 'A' on his Grade one pianoforte exam.

With the term drawing to a conclusion, a reminder that the Year Five and Six Concert is to be held on Thursday, 28 June and that three major 150th Celebration events: the Cordner - Eggleston Cup; the Literature Festival; and Foundation Day Concert, will involve the Junior School boys during Term Three.

Brian Sampson

Sport

There will be no training next Monday night after school; however, all teams will train on the Tuesday night for the last match of this term.

Congratulations to the following boys for their outstanding achievements at the State Cross Country Championships held at Bundoora Park on Tuesday.

10 Years

A Grade: Henry Dick 3rd (Henry will compete in the Australian Championships in August)
Sebastian Woodard 54th.
B Grade: Anthony Bordonaro 12th Angus Harlock 13th

12/13 Years

A Grade: Stuart Watson 40th

Don't forget next week's Prep-Year 6 House Cross Country event at Fairview Park. The first event is at 1.00 pm. We hope to see many of you there.

Peter Hawkins - Head of Junior School Sport

150 Junior School Photo

The 150 Junior School Mounted Photo is still available. If you would like to order one please contact the Junior School Office. Orders will be placed next week.

JSPA

Outstanding Australian teachers from all systems of education have been honoured by the National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) since 1994.

Teachers have perceived these awards as special because they promote teaching achievements to the wider community.

The Commonwealth Government and the Australian Scholarships Group (ASG) through the NEiTA Foundation have expanded both recognition and rewards available to excellent teachers and to their schools. Scotch College has been invited to submit nominations for the Commonwealth Teachers Prizes for Excellence and the ASG Excellence in Teaching Awards through the NEiTA Foundation.

Scotch Parents, as consumers of education, can help identify the teachers who are a source of innovation and inspiration to their students and classes. This is our opportunity to acknowledge our outstanding teachers, to show our appreciation for their efforts, and to give them a well-deserved pat on the back. Any Scotch College Junior School parent can nominate a Junior School teacher. The nomination must be seconded by two other parents of the school from different households, whose children are, or have been, taught by the nominated teacher.

By nominating a teacher of your choice you will be encouraging them to continue their great work and to bring due recognition and rewards.

Nominated teachers receive a congratulatory Certificate of Nomination and become condidates for Regional and National Awards. Teachers and their school will be eligible for grants and prizes of up to $5000. Nominations have to be in Friday, 20 July 2001. Nominations forms are available from the Junior School Office, or at the website www.neita.com, or by telephone, Free Call 1800 624 487.

Alice Chan - President, JSPA

Forthcoming events