Scotch College

Farewell to Mr McWhannell

We congratulate Mr Neil McWhannell on his appointment as Head of Guildford Grammar Preparatory School in Perth.

Neil was appointed Deputy Head of the Junior School at Scotch at the beginning of 1995. He began his teaching career in New Zealand where he taught in the state and independent systems. He was appointed to Knox Grammar Preparatory School, Sydney in 1986 where he gained the position of Senior Teacher, before moving to Scotch.

During his three years at Scotch, in addition to his busy duties as Deputy Head, Neil has been heavily involved in the setting up of new computer and information technology facilities. He has taught the boys in this area at most levels, and has increased the skills of the staff through professional development workshops.

The impact of Neil's input is now being felt throughout the Junior School as the boys are increasingly able to undertake more advanced general computing and multi media projects across the curriculum.

Neil's daily management abilities are evidenced by the consistent smooth running of the school day. In particular he has been able to manage effectively, with considerable patience, the ever increasing complexities of the timetable.

Staff, students and parents will miss Neil's friendly and warm approach to all his work at the Junior School. His excellent communication skills will be missed at Scotch and appreciated by Guildford Grammar.

We thank him for his excellent contribution to the life of the Junior School and wish Neil, Heather, Andrew and Emma every success as they take up their new life in Perth.

Bike Education

This term the Year 4 boys have all participated in a bike education programme. The boys rode for 1 1/2 hours each day, and progressed through a series of riding tasks. They focussed on skills such as stopping on different surfaces, straight riding, riding in pairs, road rules and signalling.

The culmination of the programme was the completion of a long bike ride through the grounds of Scotch College and surrounding areas. They were also assessed on their riding skills.

Clint Ramaekers from Melbourne Bicycles also showed the boys how to repair a puncture and care for their bikes.

The bike education programme ran smoothly due to the efforts of many staff and parents who had either been trained in bike education, or had offered assistance with group activities.

Science Day

Recently all the Junior School boys and staff participated in a 'Science Day'. Boys were placed into small groups of 15-20, with a mixture of classes and ages. Each group had the chance to rotate through a number of science activities. In all 29 different activities were on offer, each relevant to the boys' education and involving some practical work.

Activities ranged from crystal making, giant bubble blowing, volcanoes, surface tension, seeds, water purification, missing ingredients, to electric circuits.

As part of the day boys from Year 3 to Year 6 were also treated to an excellent presentation by 'Dinosaurs Downunder'. Here a husband and wife team of archaeologists, involved in a current dig in the Gippsland area, presented a fascinating display and talk on their life's work. The younger ones crawled inside an inflated dome, called Star Lab, and were shown the heavens and its constellations from both the southern and northern hemisphere.

Many parents volunteered to help on the day and their assistance was greatly appreciated by Science Co-ordinator, Matthew Dickinson.