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From the Deputy Head
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13 September 2001 No. 27
From Head of the Junior SchoolIt is hard to imagine that we have now reached the end of third term and the final term of this very special year has appeared more quickly than any of us could have imagined. Congratulations to the boys of the Upper Primary for the wonderful Public Speaking competition that has been held over the last two weeks. Every boy has prepared and presented his own speech at the House level and then those selected to represent their House, presentedover two mornings. The high standards of presentations have been, once again, outstanding and I extend special congratulations to the finalists: Year 3: David Monkhouse -Waller, Cody Hickman - Healy and Christopher Yap - Campbell. Year 4: Nicholas Jarman - Healy, Anthony Bordonaro - Bradshaw and Angus Carmichael - Campbell. Year 5: Luke Dawson - Healy, Hugh Marshall - Waller and Andrew McIntosh - Bradshaw. Year 6: David Jonson - Waller, Stuart Watson - Campbell and Richard Wilkinson - Healy. Well done, boys! We have all been moved by the great tragedy that unfolded through the late hours of Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday morning (our time) in the United States. Our thoughts and prayers are with those families who have loved ones in New York and in Washington. During Wednesday morning's Assembly, silent prayers were offered for peace, harmony and a quick resolve to this event that has been felt across the world. I have attached to this newsletter some information from the Association of Independent Schools Association which parents may find useful in talking to their children about this tragedy. With this sad end to our school term, I trust that all boys are may be able to enjoy the vacation, and prayers for safety and good health are extended to those travelling within and beyond our shores. "May God's peace, love and light, heal our world."Guy B Mason From the Deputy HeadUpon reflecting back on Term Three many highlights spring to mind. The Cordner Eggleston Cup, the Chapel services, Literature Week Activities, including our Book Parade, Fathers' Day Breakfasts and of course, the Foundation Day Concert. All these events have been very impressive, however the most impressive element I have identified this term has been the performance of our boys. Reading over newsletters from previous weeks, I note with interest that I mentioned at the end of my first week at Scotch, that I was overwhelmed by the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, students and parents of the College. I also noted how impressed I was with the politeness and manners that the boys displayed. For me, this has been the main highlight of the term and I continue to be impressed with the way our boys conduct themselves! We have had some minor hiccups along the way, however the high expectations that the school sets are, on the whole, met by all our boys. On a personal note, I no longer feel like 'the new Deputy Head'. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term at Scotch College and found it very challenging and extremely rewarding. Getting to know all sections of the Scotch College community has been, and will be for some time yet, a very enjoyable aspect of the term and I look forward to next term with great enthusiasm. In Term Four we, as a school, look forward to our Junior School Speech Night with great anticipation. After watching last year's production on video, I was most impressed and look forward to my involvement in this year's production! However, there are a number of events occurring before that. We will have a number of music concerts, class excursions, Bike Education in Year Four and, of course, reports! Week One of Term Four will conclude with our combined Family Day and House Athletics Carnival on Saturday 13 October. This is a compulsory school day for all boys in the Junior School and all parents are encouraged to come along and participate in what promises to be a very enjoyable family day. A bright sunny day has been ordered for this event! Elsewhere in this newsletter I have included information regarding Whooping Cough. A case has been identified in Junior School and I draw your attention to the section outlining the symptoms of this disease if you are unsure if your boy/s have been infected or not. For further information, please contact either myself or the Department of Human Services on (03) 9637 4126. In wishing you a happy and peaceful holiday, I draw your attention to the words of Howard C Cutler: "The purpose of our life needs to be positive. We were not born with the purpose of causing trouble, harming others. For our life to be of value, I think we must develop basic good human qualities - warmth, kindness, compassion. Then our life becomes meaningful and more peaceful - happier." I wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable holiday and I look forward to seeing next term. Rodney McKinlay Year Four Bike Education - Parental HelpDuring Weeks Two, Three and Four of Term Four, the Year Four Classes will be completing a Bike Education Unit. Year 4M Week 2 15-18 October Year 4K Week 3 22-25 October Year 4I Week 4 29 October - 1 November We still require parents for the 4M and 4K weeks. Any parents, qualified or unqualified who can help between 11.00 am and 12.30 pm on either Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, could you please contact Gary Irvine. Parents who would like to be trained in Bike Education for the future, when their son is in Year Four, can also contact me so that the appropriate training can be organised. Gary Irvine - Year Four Co-ordinator Educational Support ServicesWe are very pleased to see so many boys attending Access take the time to borrow the THRASS video. It is a good opportunity for parents to familiarise themselves more with this approach to learning spelling and reading. We are currently unable to locate the video which is in high demand. If you have it at home, could you please return it to the Access Unit as soon as possible.
Thank you.
MusicOn the afternoon of Thursday, 6 September, the Scotch Junior School Choir went to St Catherine's School for a choir workshop. When we arrived we were greeted by Mrs Rickard, The Head of Junior School Music. We then split into two groups, the Sopranos and the Altos. In the first period, we worked on 'Get Aboard This Train' this was a fairly new song to the Scotch and we learnt it very well. Because of the girls we could sing two more verses in 'I am Australian', these were 'the girl became a woman' and I'm a farmers wife'! After this we had a lovely afternoon tea prepared by the St Catherine's parents. We had a little run around and then went back to the hall for a run through with all of us. In 'I am Australian' we had soloists both from Scotch and St Catherine's. We had fun sound effects like whistles and shakers in 'Get Aboard This Train.' Then we had the concert. Both parents from Scotch and St Catherine's come to watch the concert and both of the songs were well applauded. We really enjoyed working with St Catherine's at the choir workshop. Choir Captain. JSPAThe Junior School parents at the 'Hands on Internet Workshop' on Monday evening were expertly guided by our Scotch IT Teachers, Matthew Dickinson, and Andrew Murdoch, as well as Olivia Clarke, an external consultant, the parents 'test drove' various websites, exploring the issues surrounding the use of the Internet, especially chat rooms, by young people. For those of you who missed out, the following websites are recommended. http://www.safesurfin.com/kids.htm http://www.aba.gov.au/family/index.html http://www.safekids.com/contract.htm http://www.nickelodeon.com.au http://www.kidlink.org/english/general/intro.html Alice Chan - President, JSPA Year 6 BowlingThe Year Six Bowling on Sunday proved to be a very popular event and by all accounts an occasion worth repeating. Thank you to all who participated. Year 6 Class Reps Forthcoming Events
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