Scotch College

Around the School

Rugby Team of the Year

In 1998 the Rugby Team of the Year is the under 14 side. Coached by the Rev John Buchanan and captained by Tom McColl, this team has defeated all opposition throughout its season. In fact so successful has this team been, that it's winning margin is over 50 points per game. The photograph shows the successful team after its defeat of Brighton Grammar School by 61 points to nil in its penultimate match. We are delighted with the success and progress of this young team and look forward to seeing great things in the future as they continue the strong rugby tradition at Scotch College.

Ben Tolson & Tom McColl

Following weeks of exhausting trials, two Year 8 Scotch boys were chosen to play for Victoria in the Victorian Junior Rugby Union U14 State Championships. They were Tom McColl and Ben Tolson.

The team's success against South Australia and Northern Territory, in Melbourne, saw it journey north to Rockhampton to play Queensland.

In hot and trying conditions they performed most admirably and at a recent presentation function, four awards were made. In addition to the Captain, and Best Forward, Tom McColl was awarded Best Back, for his consistent standard of play. He converted 80% of tries and 100% of penalties. Ben Tolson was awarded the other for Overall Achievement as State hooker, and most courageous tackler.

We congratulate both of them on their fine success.

Busy time in the Careers Office

Third term is always a busy time in the school's Careers Office and this year has been no exception. Since being appointed to his role as Head of Careers Education Dr Robert Smith has witnessed an explosion in the range of issues and information which boys and their parents need to address in making decisions for the following year and beyond.

"During term three, for example, subject choices need to be made by year 10 students which will shape their VCE outcomes and options in 2001" , Dr Smith commented.

Dr Smith and his colleague Mr Mark Zannoni have a strategy whereby they conduct an Interest Based Careers Test for all Year 10 students in late July and then conduct individual interviews to help boys make sensible decisions over subject choice and careers.

"Ideally, we hope that the boys have attended the Careers Night in second term, visited at least one of the Tertiary Open Days during July and August and are wanting to explore some scenarios for the future", Mr Zannoni said.

And there is no shortage of opportunities for boys to just browse in the Careers Foyer or use the computer programs Ozjac and Career Easy. The Careers Foyer is open from 7.45 am each morning!

Any one for Chess?

"We don't think that the school has produced a chess master to date but you never know" , remarked Senior Librarian Dr Des Gibbs referring to an activity which has flourished at Scotch since the opening of the Lithgow Centre in 1993.

Dr Gibbs and Mrs Dee Baird have encouraged boys to play chess at lunchtimes and after school and many have taken up the opportunity to pit their wits against each other. During term, on Thursday mornings at 8.00 am visiting chess tutor Mr Darryl Johansen is on hand to give free help to students. He is one of only two Grand Masters in Australia and all students are welcome.

Mrs Baird is particularly enthusiastic about the numbers who play at lunchtime. "We have up to forty boys each day and they know that they can play inter-house chess as part of their quest for house colours", she commented.

And this year inter-school matches have been arranged against Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne High School and possibly two other inner-city schools. Each school has two teams of four students who settle down for some absorbing struggles.