Scotch College

Mr Nowacki announces his retirement

In July, the Headmaster of the Junior School announced to staff that he would be retiring from Scotch at the end of Term 2, 1998.

In a letter advising parents of this decision, the Principal, Dr Donaldson, stated, 'Present and past parents will know that Mr Nowacki has given excellent service to Scotch'.

The present health and vigour of the Junior School and its staff owes a great deal to the outstanding quality of his leadership over twelve years. By giving prior notice of his intention to retire, Mr Nowacki has ensured that we have plenty of time for the important task of finding a suitable successor'.

The mid-year change over has become widely recognised as a most suitable time for a new Head to assume office and is ideal for our Junior School.

A special role for Mrs Pratt in 1998

With the change of Heads of Junior School to occur mid year in 1998, Mrs Liz Pratt has agreed to accept the important role of providing experienced leadership, as the new Head assumes office.

As Director of Studies and one of our Deputy Heads now, Mrs Pratt is familiar with all aspects of the school and her expertise will ensure that the school operates efficiently throughout 1998. In congratulating Mrs Pratt on this appointment, thanks are also extended to her as her intention had been to take early retirement at the end of this year.

Music on the move

The Music Dept at Scotch has much to offer our 455 students.

The School's team of 13 permanent music teachers and 42 itinerant instrumental teachers works to provide a broad and exciting learning experience of quality.

Music occupies an integral position in the total curriculum, and the total development of each of our students. Indeed recent integrated curriculum concerts have been given by Year 3 and Year 4 boys bringing together their work in music, art, drama, German and physical education.

Every class experiences three 35 minute lessons per cycle when boys can be creative through composition, and gain insight into music of other cultures through listening. The Kodaly approach is used to develop aural, theoretical and reading skills and computers play an important role in assisting the learning processes.

All boys in the Junior School gain experience in the re-creation of music in performance at the many concerts staged during the year.

Massed singing is a regular feature of school life and a school choir extends the vocal and musical skills of around 70 boys through interesting and stimulating repertoire.

Other enriching performances have included The Magic Music Show who introduced the instruments of the orchestra to boys from Prep to Year 3, Ringbalin who brought the experience of Torres Strait Islanders' and Aboriginal dance and music.

Demand for individual instrumental lessons has never been higher. To cater for the needs of this incredible interest, we have 13 ensembles and groups, each with its own busy performing schedule:

Boys in Year 1 have the opportunity to begin violin lessons following the Suzuki approach.

Scotch provides leaders for schools

Over the years, many Scotch staff members have made valuable contributions here before receiving headships to other schools.

Mr Neil McWhannell has been appointed Head of Guildford Grammar Preparatory School in Perth. He will take up his new position at the beginning of 1998, having completed three years with us.

In another key appointment Mr Andrew Boyd has accepted the position as Head of Melbourne Grammar - Grimwade House.