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23 November 2001 No. 34From Head of the Junior SchoolLast Friday evening saw a stunning presentation by the Scotch College Cadet Unit, as they presented themselves before Lieutenant General Peter Cosgrove AC, MC, (Chief of Army) in their annual Tattoo and Review. I was extremely impressed with the Junior School Drum Corp who once again marched and played signalling the 'changing of the guard'. I extend a hearty, "Well done!" to these boys and Ms Jude Hallum for their attention to the finer details of their contribution to what will be remembered as a very special night. On Monday, the JSPA held their AGM and I congratulate Alice Chan and her committee on their extremely successful year leading the parent body. Mrs Gabrielle Goldsmith was inducted as the new President and I wish her well in this very important role. Year Four enjoyed a bike ride along local bike paths on Monday and over 40 parents rode or joined them for lunch! It was hard to ascertain who was having more fun, but all in all, every rider experienced a most successful day. Thanks are extended to the Year Four staff, especially Coordinator, Mr Gary Irvine, for his attention to detail in the organisation of this special event. Enormous thanks are extended to the many parents who were able to join in the day's activity. Music Recitals for Prep to Year 6 have been a highlight of the week and I congratulate all performers, regardless of their ability level, for presenting such enjoyable performances. An opportunity to perform in front of an audience is a very important part in the development of our young musicians and I am pleased so many boys availed themselves of this opportunity. Sincere thanks are again extended to our very talented instrumental staff that each work so hard with the boys. On Thursday, the boys of Year Two finally had the chance to fly their 'Bungle Wungle' aircraft. Homemade constructions using a variety of materials floated, flew, glided and crashed off the upper balcony of the Library over looking the oval. I know every boy had a wonderful time designing and constructing his aircraft and regardless of their 'airworthiness', every boy can feel proud of his efforts! Year Two will participate in their annual sleep over this Friday night after a busy day enjoying the sights and sounds of Jells Park with the entire Junior Primary. Both of these activities are highlights for the younger boys and I look forward to hearing reports of these events next week. AMEB Music Exam results are beginning to flow in and boys are to be commended in their achievements. Special congratulations for this week are extended to; Jonathan Chow 2H A+ Grade 1 Flute, Andrew Jakubowicz 2H A, Preliminary Violin and Christopher Totterdell 5Y - honours, Grade 1 Violin. My focus this week has been encouraging boys to pay attention to the finer details of all we do. As a busy year comes to a close, we can start to lose sight of the small things that are very important affecting, how others may view us. I especially reminded the boys of their responsibility in ensuring the correct uniform is worn outside the school grounds. A number of boys are, for example, wearing the College slicker as an optional outer garment. This is of course, a part of the sports uniform. The 'Lost Property' basket has been literally overflowing with named, but mainly unnamed, items of clothing. Believe it or not, there are many boys without shorts, maybe only wearing one school shoe, or perhaps even missing their complete sports uniform! This basket was cleaned out last Friday, but I note today, that it once again is at the point of overflowing. I can only once again, encourage every boy to ensure his property is clearly named. Another area is the attention to manners and the way we speak to each other. This can also be forgotten and taken for granted. I have encouraged the boys to make sure that they make a special effort in their own 'attention to detail', ensuring that the finish to the school year ends positively for all. The Bible reminds us, "Always set a good example for others. Use clean language that no one can criticise. Do this, and your enemies will be too ashamed to say anything against you." (Titus 2:7-8) My thought for the week.... Good character is the quality which makes one dependable Guy B Mason From the Deputy HeadWhilst teaching my Year 6 Mathematics class on Thursday I could not help but hear shrieks of laughter coming from outside the window. Upon sticking my head out to investigate, I almost had it taken off with a bird like construction whizzing past. It was of course part of the Year 2 Great Bungle Wungle Flight Expedition. The crowd was enthralled as plane after plane was launched from the library balcony with varying degrees of success. A very enjoyable annual event indeed. As we near the end of the term (it really is hard to believe that we only have two and a half week's left!), Mr Mason's theme of attention to detail is very important. Be it dress, school work, punctuality or behaviour, it is extremely important at this time of year to ensure that attention to detail is encouraged. It is a theme that I will continue with the boys until the last day of the year and I encourage all parents to join us to ensure that we finish off the year in an appropriate manner. I look forward to next week's Health and Physical Education activities which have been organised by Mr Hawkins. However, prior to that we have the Year 2 Sleep over tonight which should be a very interesting experience indeed. Spot light tiggy on the Junior School oval appeals to me! Please have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend with your families. Rodney McKinlay MusicThe Kew Junction Business Association has notified me that it is running 'Kew Bush' for the second year in a row. A small percentage of takings is handed over to support local Christmas Charities. If any music students are interested please see Miss Allen for more information. Jenni Allen - Head of Junior School Music Australian Primary Schools Mathematical Olympiads (APSMOP) - 2001Congratulations to all the boys in the Year Six acceleration and extension classes, to the Year Five acceleration class and to the Year 4 extension group for your participation in this most challenging competition. The APSMOP involves five tests spread over the year. Each test consists of five very challenging questions. Unfortunately if boys are absent at the time of a test, their results are obviously affected. Marcia Bacon - Director of Educational Support Year FourThe Year 4 bike ride on Monday was a terrific event and a fitting way to complete the Bike Education unit. All 84 boys participated, along with the Year 4 staff and 17 parents. The Gardiner's Creek Bike Track proved to be a scenic route and quite tight in places, especially with oncoming cyclists. The cyclists travelled as far as the Malvern Valley Golf Course before turning around to return to the T.H.King Reserve in Glen Iris where 16 parents were busily preparing the BBQ lunch. After eating, the boys enjoyed a game of corridor kickball with all the parents cheering them on. The return ride was, surprisingly, at a much faster pace. A special thank you to Jane Borthwick for organising the food and to all the other parents who participated on the day. This ride could not have gone ahead without your support. I would also like to publicly thank all the parents who assisted during the Bike Education course, in particular Ros Franet, Wendy Dawson and Judy Latta for assisting over the three weeks and to Bronwyn Peters for assisting over two weeks. Your support was greatly appreciated and the boys certainly had an enjoyable experience. Gary Irvine - Year 4 Coordinator Art NewsMost classes have started on their Christmas making activities. Boys are making Christmas presents, cards and decorations. Time Capsule.All boys have been involved in the 2001 Time Capsule. The Junior School Capsule is a large PVC pipe and will accommodate many interesting items from 2001. All boys in the school have contributed written work from their classes and we have included computers, CD Roms, CD Music from Junior School concerts, many photos, German work, items from the library, PE, video and audio tapes. Boys suggested a 150th tie and this has been included along with timetables, tuck shops lists and artwork. The Capsule is to be opened in the year 2051, when the Scotch is 200 years old, and will be accommodated high up in the Junior School Assembly Hall. PeoplescapeThere will be a Peoplescape concert taking place at the Great Hall of Parliament House to launch the Peoplescape installation and the national finale of the Centenary celebration. The event will be broadcast nationally from 8.30 pm on ABC TV on 25 November 2001. Our Peoplescape shape of Dr. Hugh Taylor, painted by the Year 5 boys, is part of this major exhibition and boys can look at the website about Peoplescape to learn more about this exciting event. The site is www.peoplescape.com.au. 150th Mosaic Garden The Mosaic Garden has been officially opened by Mr Guy Mason and I do hope parents have found time to see this special mosaic and clay artwork made by the boys in 2001. It is situated outside the Access Unit along the short path from the front entrance to the school towards the oval. Susan Ferres -Head of Art and Craft. JSPAAnother busy year is drawing to a close and the holidays are looming. It also means it is time to introduce the newest members of the JSPA Committee. They are as follows: Jennifer Jarman, Gill McGlade, Chris Pollard, Judy Prasser, Jackie Ryan and Lyndall Watson. They will be joining the continuing members: Jan MacLean, Louise Tuckwell, Gladys Yu, Belinda Carmichael, Jo Wormald, Carol Totterdell, Tracey Molyneaux and myself. Together we make a great team and I am really looking forward to 2002. I am also happy to announce Jan MacLean as Vice President, Louise Tuckwell as Secretary and Jackie Ryan as Treasurer. I thank these ladies for their extra commitment towards these busy roles. Gabrielle Goldsmith - President, JSPA Year 5 'Dads'n Lads' Weekend"I shouldn't have played like I was still 40" said at least one sore but happy father last weekend at the Year 5 father and son weekend at 'Camp Weekaway'. Some18 fathers and their 18 sons enjoyed a weekend involving sailing, capsized canoes, flying fox and much unstructured time around the campfire or a pack of cards. Clearly evident was that height and strength is only a very temporary match for the youth, courage and skill that the boys demonstrated in basketball; and that, despite a generation being sometimes obsessed with 'screens', burning sticks retain their primeval appeal. The boys and dads will long remember the time shared together, and at the end of the weekend expressed their grateful thanks to two key absent people: dad Steven Grover who kicked off the idea, and mum Chris Pollard who organised the weekend. Andrew Wilson - Yr 5 Parent Forthcoming Events
Health and Physical Education Week - Monday 26 November - Friday, 30 November 2001.More Australians than ever before are not doing enough physical activity! Our reliance on technology, labour saving devices and changes in the way we spend our leisure time have dramatically reduced our day to day physical activity levels. Current trends in young people's activity levels and leisure time choices indicate a significant decline in physical activity participation. This is consistent with increasing childhood overweight and obesity levels. Estimates are that 1 in 4 Australian children are overweight or obese and research also indicates that it is more likely for inactive children to become inactive adults. Inactive children today are at increased risk of developing diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes in later life. The public health message is clear - many Australian children and adults need to do more physical activity every day. During this week, the Physical Education Department will emphasise this message to our students. During classes, they will participate in a range of fun and different activities. ActivitiesEach morning enjoy a walk/run around the Junior School oval - invite mum and/or dad to join you - from 7.45 am-8.15am. Whole school aerobics - Wednesday morning 8.25 am - 8.50 am. Lunchtimes in the Junior School
So that the P- 6 Tabloid Sports morning runs smoothly, I would like to hear from any parent who is willing to join us and assist with an activity. The more help, the more fun. If you can assist, please fill out the form below and Peter Hawkins. Peter Hawkins - Head of Junior School Sport |