Scotch College

1998 active and exciting

The beginning of a new school year has been an excellent one for boys in the Junior School. With all classes full and a very capable group of teachers available, the programme began immediately and has continued to be an active and exciting one.

At the end of last year, after some time away recovering from operations, the Headmaster Mr Nowacki returned for Speech Night, end of year activities and to ensure that planning for this year was complete. He is being assisted by two very competent Deputy Heads, Mrs Liz Pratt and Mr Rodney Carson. Both are well known, as each has been at Scotch for several years. They will provide continuity of leadership when the new Head arrives in Term 3.

Mr and Mrs Nowacki were most appreciative of the care and concern shown to them by many sectors of the Scotch community and extend their sincere thanks to all who assisted in the recovery process.

Two new teachers joined the staff in January. Ms Jocelyn Pride was previously a Year 6 teacher and Deputy Head at Melbourne Girls' Grammar School and will teach and co-ordinate Year 6 level. Mr Gary Irvine came to us from Wesley where he was a Year 6 teacher and Sportsmaster. He is now teaching Year 6 boys and is a House Leader.

Out of doors challenges

The theme for first term in Year 6 studies is based on challenges. At a practical level, the Year 6 camps, at Lake Nillahcootie involve boys in experiences which challenge them fully and always bring about maturity and confidence. Each class has been away for a week, a time when boys and staff always develop positive relationships for the rest of the year and into the future.

The Outdoor Education programme in Junior School is an extensive one beginning with a sleep-over for Year 2 boys and increasing difficulty each year until these Year 6 Camps. Later this term Year 4 and Year 5 will have whole Level camps.

Parent Support at high level

The first few weeks of each year are busy ones for parents, but support for the variety of Scotch functions has remained very high in 1998.

The Junior School Parents Association, under the Presidency of Mrs Astrida Cooper, has organised morning coffees for every level in the school and already has a series of social evenings underway. Parent/Teacher Information evenings were also held for all levels. Attendance at all of these was excellent.

Last year a large number of parents assisted with aspects of the class programs. As the year progresses, this program will continue this year. The boys benefit greatly from this input and time given is appreciated by staff.

A Sporting Double

During 1997 Dylan Best (6C) achieved an outstanding sporting double. He gained selection in two Victorian representative teams in different sports - hockey and cricket. The hockey championships were held in Sydney during August 1997.

The cricket championship carnival was held in Geelong during January 1998, with Dylan's best performance being 1 for 3 off 5 overs.

Edward Whitehead (5W) competed for Victoria in the track and field athletics team.

He was placed 10th in the 100m, 5th in the 200m and collected a bronze medal (3rd) as part of the 4 x 100m relay. Both boys competed against NSW, TAS, QLD and NT.