Scotch College Melbourne Junior School Newsletter

Deo Patriae Litteris


From the Deputy Head
Scholastic Book Fair
Home Reading
Book Covering
JSPA
Rugby

Forthcoming events

10 August 2001 No. 22

G B Mason

From Head of the Junior School

What an exciting day was shared at the MCG last Friday. I was so proud of the Junior School boys who were in attendance and I cannot fault their behaviour. It was so pleasing to see and feel the school spirit that was clearly evident throughout the day. To see the senior students rise from their seats in anticipation when the Year Five and Six boys ran onto the MCG for their mini games and then to witness the 1st XVIII running through the tunnel so proudly formed by the junior boys, reflects the sense of belonging and school spirit that is evident in our students.

The results of the games played are relatively unimportant. What is important is that every boy was there giving his all for himself, his family and his school.

Thanks are extended to the many Junior School families who supported the day and I trust you all enjoyed the day as much as my wife, Jo, and I did.

The statue that was unveiled is simply breath taking and I encourage every member of the school community to take some time to visit this very important gift to Victoria from the Scotch College and Melbourne Grammar communities.

Music continues to flourish and this week saw the Suzuki Ensemble, the Years 3/4 String Orchestra and the Junior School String Orchestra performing in the annual Strings Concert in the Memorial Hall with several of the Senior School ensembles. On Thursday, the Junior School Concert Band performed at the Bands Concert with Senior School Bands.

For the boys in Year Four, yesterday saw the presentation of their Concert and this was once again a most memorable occasion.

With preparations for the Foundation Day Concert on 31 August well underway (have you bought you tickets yet?), I congratulate every boy who has participated in these exciting musical events throughout the week.

I am delighted to advise parents of two teachers being nominated by the parent community in the National Excellence in Teaching Awards. Congratulations to Ms Larissa Raymond and Mrs Susan Ferres

I extend congratulations to Mr Murdoch and the boys of Waller House for a most meaningful Chapel yesterday. The boys put so much work into presenting these services and I am always encouraged by the way in which different themes are handled so sensitively. Well done, Waller!

Congratulations to Stuart Watson on being selected as a member of the Under 13 Victorian Regional Hockey team The Eastern Hotshots.

Next week sees the first 'Literature Festival' for the school and this is set to be a wonderful week of activities. Programs have been distributed and I trust all enjoy a week packed full of literature.

Thanks to the boys who supported the 'Footy Colours Day' last Monday. Approximately $600 was raised, just a little short of our $1000 target, but I reassure boys that the money will be greatly appreciated by the Leukaemia Association. Thank you once again for your generosity!

We have not had a theme running this week, but I leave the following as my thought for the week....

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn;
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight;
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy;
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty;
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient;
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence;
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate;
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice;
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith;
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself;
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns
To find love in the world.

Guy B Mason

From the Deputy Head

What a terrific way to start the week! On Monday, boys came dressed in their favourite football team colours, with most teams well represented. The reason, of course, was to raise money for the Bone Marrow Institute. Helen Bird, from the Institute, spoke to the boys at assembly last Friday about the importance of the institutes work in finding a cure for bone marrow disease and the boys should be congratulated for their enthusiastic participation and on raising so much money. Well done boys!

Congratulations to Waller House on a fine Chapel Service on Thursday morning and to the Year 4 boys on their performance in the afternoon. I thoroughly enjoyed the many and varied talents of the boys in all year levels. Well done not only to Mr Murdoch, Head of Waller House, and to the music and drama staff, but also to the class teachers who were able to include rehearsal sessions into their class program.

It struck me while I was watching these performances, and also when I attended the rehearsal sessions beforehand, that the skill and confidence the boys displayed when performing in front of an audience simply didn't happen. It happened because of the practice, preparation and effort put in prior to the event by everyone concerned.

Week Five will see Year Six visit Parliament House on Monday and of course the Literature Festival will dominate the week's activities. I encourage all parents to participate in the Literature Festivals community activities and share in your boy's practice, preparation and effort in the weeks leading up to this event. If you require any further details about the week's program please don't hesitate to contact the front office.

Rodney McKinlay

Scholastic Book Fair

Come one, come all to the Scholastic Book Fair in The Resource Centre! Selling times are 8.00 - 8.30 am and 3.15 - 3.45 pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (13-15 August).

Payment methods are cash, credit card, and cheque (payable to Scotch College Junior School Library).

All boys will visit the Resource Centre this Friday to preview the entire buying range.

So come and choose a book for home with your sons next week.

Alison Hindson -Resource Centre Coordinator

Home Reading

Boys thoroughly enjoy taking home a book each night to read themselves or to someone special. Unfortunately, a number of books are not finding their way back to school to be read and enjoyed by others.

Could you please encourage your son to ensure the book he is reading is returned to school on a daily basis. If he is reading the book over a period of time, it still needs to be at school each day as other boys may require the text or it may be used during a class session.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could check through your bookshelves for any Scotch College books that may have stayed there for a while, and return them to school. We would all love to see our books shared with as many boys and families as possible. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Book Covering

A range of new texts have been purchased for Guided Reading. If you are available to assist with covering these texts, please see Larissa Raymond. You are welcome to cover the books in our reading room on a morning that suits you or take them home to cover over night.

Larissa Raymond - English Coordinator

JSPA

The annual JSPA Fathers' Day Breakfast is fast approaching! The breakfasts will be held Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 and Friday 31 August.

A flyer with more details to follow next week...

Rugby

This Saturday, 11 August Scotch College 1st XV will play in the Grand Final of the Victorian Schools Rugby Union competition. Their opponents will be defending premiers St Kevin's College. The Captain of the 1st XV Robert Westwood is one of eight players who attended Scotch College Junior School.

The final will be held at Wilson Reserve, Brighton Grammar School (Melway 67 E10). Kick off is 11.30 am. Your support would be welcome.

Tim Fry - Year One Parent

Forthcoming Events

13-17 August

Literature Festival - A Book Odyssey

13 August

Year 6 Excursion to Parliament House

17 August

Gala Literature Festival Dinner - Boykett Room

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Created: August 2001. Last modified: 9 August 2001.
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