Scotch College

Junior School Leaders for 2004

Guy Mason

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new lands, but in seeing with new eyes.
Marcel Proust

The development of leadership skills and providing opportunities for leadership are both seen as very important aspects within our Junior School. Characteristics such as confidence, persistence, communication, independence, sensitivity and enthusiasm are fostered through integrated programs in which a variety of teaching and learning strategies are adopted to develop these qualities.

It is hoped that boys selected as leaders will look to their challenges with new eyes and accept that being a leader does not simply involve adopting the attitudes and approaches as presented by those who have gone before, but to evaluate the needs of any given year and to lead accordingly.

During the course of any year, more than 230 badges will be presented to boys who accept leadership opportunities across the Junior School.

At our first Assembly in February, the Principal, Dr Donaldson, presented badges of office to the following boys, selected as Junior School leaders for 2004:

School Captain:	Mitchell Wong
Vice Captains:	Charles Kemp, Francis Ravida
Sport Captain:	Andrew White
Music Captain:	Richard Tuckwell
Concert Band Captain:	Harry Bordonaro
String Orchestra Captain:	Damien Qi
Choir Captain:	James Dawson-Smith
Bradshaw Captain:	Anthony Fearn-Wannan
Vice Captains:	Craig Foster, Dougal Hurley
Campbell Captain:	Fergus Tremaine
Vice Captains:	Neil Pachaui, Sam Murphy
Healey Captain:	Alex King
Vice Captains:	James McIlraith, Edward Cliffe
Waller Captain:	Jack Palazzo
Vice Captains:	Matthew Whittaker, James Duffy

Guy B Mason
Head of Junior School

A large Christmas tree in the Junior School

In late November and December in the foyer of the Junior School there was a beautifully-shaped, large, real Christmas tree. You could smell the pine needles when you came into the foyer.

In the Art room over a number of weeks boys in the Junior school made a range of decorations to go on the tree. Boys from Prep to Year 6 made glittery stars, shiny hangings, bright coloured balls and pretty angels, using a range of manipulative and paperwork skills. Behind the tree on the wall, Year 4 boys made Christmas trees from silver and gold paper on a black background, setting off the tree beautifully.

Visitors and parents to the Junior school commented on our lovely Christmas tree ñ it gave joy and a spirit of Christmas to the boys as well as the staff.

Susan Ferres
Head of Visual Arts

Warming to the occasion

With 9 December 2003 being one of the hottest days of the year, the annual Junior School Christmas Concert proved to be a triumph over sweltering heat, heavy costumes and the occasional bout of stage-fright.

All Junior Primary boys had roles in the performance that included the more contemporary, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, followed by the traditional Nativity. Elliott Watkins was superb in his role as 'The Grinch' and was ably supported by boys in Prep, Years 1, 2 and 3 who had parts as 'Who People', 'Who Singers' and 'Who Dancers'. Solos by Nicholas Mursell and Tom Acton were two of the many highlights of the performance.

All the Junior Primary boys did an amazing job and I was so proud of them. They gave of their best and co-operated fully in all aspects of the concert and its preparation. The end result was an entertaining and accomplished performance.

Memorial Hall was full to capacity and we appreciated the support of the Junior School community whose participation enhanced the festive feel of the afternoon.

Bronwyn Dandie
Director of Junior Primary

Prep buddies

The cross-age buddy system has commenced for Year 5 and the two Prep classes. The boys get together once a cycle for a session which may involve writing, reading books, playing games or sport activities.

These sessions are enjoyed by all and, as the year progresses, a very close bond develops between the Year 5 student and his Prep buddy.

Liz Wyatt
Year 5 Coordinator

Farewell to Dr Webster

Dr Donaldson congratulates Dr Webster for being awarded a PhD.

Dr Alistair Webster came to the Junior School in 1986 and has taught essentially in the upper primary classes. His involvement with special education saw him teach students in the Access Unit as well as facilitating programs in gifted education. While at Scotch, his additional responsibilities included Housemaster for Healey and Bradshaw, year level coordinating, Junior School Collegian editor and coordinator for technology education. His interest in sport enabled him to coach a range of sports, both for House and interschool competitions.

He has also completed three degrees while at Scotch, two in the area of special needs education and the third one a PhD in technology education, which was awarded last year at Melbourne University.

Late last year, Alistair was appointed to Deakin University's campus in Burwood. His lecturing commitments will focus on technology education and science with 4th year primary student teachers, along with an additional role in mathematics.

We thank Alistair for his contribution to Scotch College Junior School over the past 18 years and wish him well in his future career.

Liz Wyatt
Year 5 Coordinator