Term 2, Week 10 2024
The Torch
Term 2, Week 10 2024
- Whole School Notices
- Junior School Notices
- Senior School Notices
- Sports & Co-Curricular
- Upcoming Events
- Health & Wellbeing
As another term draws to a close, I wish to thank all members of the Scotch Family for your ongoing contributions to the school.
Today I wish to touch on the commentary that has surrounded our proposed timetable changes in recent weeks. By sharing more regular updates on what is happening at the school, it has been our intention to build a closer, more collaborative partnership with our parent community – keeping our parents up to date with important and much needed changes happening at the school. While many families have expressed support for the timetable changes, there have also been concerns raised, and we are committed to taking these perspectives into account.
I want to reassure families that the aim of our new timetable is to enhance learning outcomes for our boys. The school will continue to offer an 8.30am – 3.30pm provision for students every day of the week. By increasing academic time for core subjects, removing excessive pockets of transition or ‘down time’ between classes, and restructuring the flow of the day, our boys will ultimately be better equipped to achieve. Please click here for a video shared earlier this week that provides more detail.
I ask those concerned for your patience as we finalise the proposed timetable structure, which will be shared at the Parent Information Evenings happening early next term. Until then, we will continue to go through due process in sharing details with the full staff community first. I am confident that once parents see the actual details of the changes, it will be clear why these changes are so necessary and how much our boys will gain as a result of this process.
We look forward to seeing as many parents as possible at the information evenings early next term. As someone who has a passion for learning, I am determined to continuously improve our processes and engage fully with our community at every step so we can achieve further progress in the future.
I wish all members of our community a restful and rejuvenating holiday break.
Dr Scott Marsh
Principal
Parent Information Session
All parents are invited to attend an information session next term on the new timetable structure. The same session will run over three days – Monday 22 July, Tuesday 23 July and Wednesday 24 July – allowing all parents the opportunity to attend one session. All sessions will commence at 7.00pm and cater for all parents, Prep to Year 12.
Further details and registration links will be shared at the beginning of next term.
High Performance Gymnasium Fundraising
The new High Performance Gymnasium is getting ready to open its doors to students in Term 3. Over the past three months, the existing gymnasium has been expanded to three times its original size and fitted out with state-of-the-art strength and conditioning equipment. The new gym will be available for use by all senior school students and will be staffed by qualified high-performance experts, ensuring that appropriate supervision and direction will be provided for the boys.
The Scotch College Foundation has made good progress towards its $350,000 target to fund the project. In the leadup to 30 June the Foundation is asking current parents to consider making a tax-deductible donation of $250 towards equipment for the new gymnasium. Donations can be made via the Australian Sports Foundation website below. Thank you in advance for supporting this important project for our boys.
Family Day 2024
Thank you to the Auxiliary groups who have submitted their feedback for Family Day. Expressions of Interest have now closed, and the Events team are working through the feedback and event requirements. The team will be in contact with the clubs who have expressed interest and confirm details early in Term 3.
If you have any queries, please reach out to Michelle Dierkx and Teresa Everett at events@scotch.vic.edu.au
Scotch Shop School Holiday Opening Hours
During the upcoming school holiday period, the school shop will be open on:
Normal trading hours resume Wednesday 17 July.
Please note the following important dates:
Much has been achieved this semester. It is hard to believe that we are half way through the academic year. The boys have worked hard and have much to look forward to in Term 3 and beyond.
This week began with another House competition, this one being a cerebral challenge. The House trivia competition pitted teams of Year 3 & 4 and Year 5 & 6 boys against one another in a battle of the wits. Some questions included:
Congratulations to all boys who competed and to those in the audience who knew many of the answers.
Even in the final week, Scotch does not stand still. Tuesday evening’s Year 5 and 6 music concert being proof. I share my congratulations to all boys who performed. Months of hard work came together to give the audience a real treat.
The Junior Concert Band, the Year 6 Band and the Junior School Orchestra treated us to a range of wonderful pieces with the latter challenging themselves to a ‘choose your own adventure’ piece. I was disappointed not to hear my first choice ‘Skyfall’ but was wowed by the orchestra’s Queen medley.
The evening was rounded off with beautiful singing from the Year 5 and 6 boys. Their final piece ‘Penny Lane’ will live long in the memory. A beautifully composed piece sung with passion.
I thank all involved in the organisation and the Year 6 Music Service Team for guiding us through the evening.
It has been a busy semester with plenty to be proud of and grateful for. We look ahead to the second half of the year with optimism and excitement.
We have a wide variety of opportunities for the boys to look forward to. I draw your attention to the new Racquet Club concept that is being considered by the school. Information for this is within the sports section below. We are seeking expressions of interest at this stage.
I sincerely hope that the boys have the opportunity to down tools and refresh over the break, and that you all enjoy some quality family time together.
Tom Savill
Head of Junior School
Parent Information Session
All parents are invited to attend an information session next term on the new timetable structure. The same session will run over three days – Monday 22 July, Tuesday 23 July and Wednesday 24 July – allowing all parents the opportunity to attend one session. All sessions will commence at 7.00pm and cater for all parents, Prep to Year 12.
Further details and registration links will be shared at the beginning of next term.
Term 3 Library Information
Click here for Term 3 Library Information and Events
Junior School Dates
View the key Junior School dates
Music Concerts
What an amazing week of music!
Last Friday the Year 2 String boys performed in their first concert, Under the Sea. The whole string section was on display, and the audience heard from the double basses, violins, violas and cellos. The Year 2 boys were joined by selected Year 6 and Senior School boys for some items. Well done to Amberley Bremner and the Year 2 boys for such a fantastic, entertaining and exciting concert!
On Tuesday night the Year 5 and 6 boys presented an amazing high standard concert. The Glen House Choir (auditioned), Orchestra, Concert Band and Year 6 Band all performed. This was followed by all the boys singing the well-known Beatles song, Penny Lane, complete with Piccolo trumpet solo from our very own David Musk, and Pure Imagination from ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. The Year 5 and 6 boys will be performing again in Term 4.
Well done boys!
Music Resources
There are many wonderful performance opportunities throughout the year for all boys in the Junior School with numerous concerts, instrumental recitals and performances coming up. View Junior School Music Dates.
It is not too late to submit tuition forms for your son to begin learning an instrument at Scotch. Please complete the Music Tuition Form here.
Term 2 Sport
The final week of PE classes have seen the boys in Years 3 to 6 preparing for House Soccer to be held next term in Week 7. The boys will need their own shin guards and mouthguards are optional. The boys in Year 1 and 2 have been playing introductory games of footy in class as they prepare for House Football that begins in Year 3. The Junior Primary boys have also been working on their handball skills. Our Prep students continue to work with a variety of different balls as they improve their hand eye skills and coordination.
Family Day
The House Athletics competition, affectionately called Family Day, will be held in Term 3 on Saturday 14 September. This includes all boys from Prep to Year 6 at different levels of challenge and involvement. House Athletics includes both track and field events. Boys in Years 3 to 6 begin field events in Term 3. The boys compete in long jump, high jump, shot put and javelin. Please note the javelins are modified, short, plastic varieties! In Week 2 of next term, all boys in Years 3 to 6 will be timed over 100m and 200m as the Athletics program begins to take shape. Please watch this space next term for more Family Day information.
Year 5 & 6 APS Sports
The boys in Year 5 and 6 have chosen their Term 3 APS sport from hockey, soccer, basketball and handball. Please discuss with your son what he has chosen for next term and take notice of the training schedule linked below.
Basketball trials have now been held and training squads have been chosen. Before the end of term, families will be notified which training squad their son has been selected in for planning purposes. The A/B squads train in the morning at 7.00am and the C squads train after school.
Click here for Year 5 & 6 Sport information relating to:
Regional Cross Country
Last Thursday at Yarra Glen Racecourse, in cold and gloomy conditions, Scotch Regional qualifiers acquitted themselves very well with many boys running at less than optimal health. The rain held off, and in racing terms, the running/horse track was “dead” as the boys endeavoured to qualify for State by placing in the top 12 on the day.
The U12 race saw excellent performances from all boys with the four qualifiers placing in the top 20 of the nearly 100 competitors.
Congratulations to Mark Ballantine for finishing on the podium in 3rd place and Alexander Rajan who finished in 7th place. Both boys have qualified for the State meet to held on Thursday 18 July, back at the Yarra Glen Racecourse. Noah Kroschel placed 13th and is an emergency for State. Nico Zandona also ran very well and placed in the top 20. Well done Year 6 boys!
The U11 boys had a decision to make as Year 5 camp clashed with the Regional Cross Country meet. Only James Hall competed for Scotch on the day with James winning comfortably by nearly a minute. James is aiming to hold his State title from last year and qualify for Nationals again. Well done James!
The U10 race was a punishing affair with Harry Millen and Christian Burnet running valiantly in the last race of the day and with conditions at their heaviest. Christian unfortunately had to drop out injured, while Harry finished strongly in his first Regional experience.
Thank you to the parents and families who braved the cold and supported the Scotch boys on the day. From the APS Championships, where 36 boys qualified for Regionals across three age groups, Scotch had 10 of those qualifiers from the 17 APS Primary Schools. This was an excellent result.
Wishing James, Mark and Alex all the best at State next term.
Year 3 to 6 Racquet Sports
The Junior School now has the opportunity to expand co-curricular offerings in Semester 2 of 2024 with Racquet Club. This will be available to students in Years 3-6.
Sports Queries
Sporting queries should be directed to our new Junior School Sport email juniorschoolsport@scotch.vic.edu.au These will be responded to by Lucia Thompson, our Junior School Sports Administration Assistant.
Snowsports
Snowsports Family Night will take place on Saturday 20 July – please click here to make a booking.
Please note there is an Early Bird Adult discount for bookings made by Monday 1 July.
Siblings are welcome but subject to availability. If you would like to bring non-Scotch siblings, please register your interest when buying your child’s ticket and you will be contacted separately one week before the event (costs will be the same).
Please direct any queries to Lena Ly on 0412288788.
Further information on Snowsports at Scotch is also available below:
Please email juniorschoolsnowsport@scotch.vic.edu.au if your son is interested in getting involved or for further information. We will add you to the mailing list to receive all further Snowsports content for 2024.
As my first semester here at Scotch College draws to a close, I wish to thank the Scotch Family for your warm welcome and for helping to make this first semester such a happy and rewarding one for me.
It has been a pleasure getting to know the community of Scotch, and I look forward to continuing to do so, as the year progresses.
In the meantime, I wish you all the best for what appears to be a holiday of travel and adventure for many, and hopefully rest and relaxation for all.
Staff updates
I thank the following staff who have taken on key roles in the Senior School this term:
We look forward to welcoming the following staff back from leave in Term 3:
In Term 3, the following staff are taking Long Service Leave, and we wish them well for their planned travels and break:
Arrangements for classes impacted by staff leave and other changes are as follows:
The following staff have filled short term positions at Scotch College and are leaving us at the end of Semester 1. We thank them for their contributions to our teaching and learning programs and wish them well for the future:
Katrina Brennan
Head of Senior School
Parent Information Session
All parents are invited to attend an information session next term on the new timetable structure. The same session will run over three days – Monday 22 July, Tuesday 23 July and Wednesday 24 July – allowing all parents the opportunity to attend one session. All sessions will commence at 7.00pm and cater for all parents, Prep to Year 12.
Further details and registration links will be shared at the beginning of next term.
Final Expressions of Interest: New York Drama and Art Cultural Tour, Easter 2025
Expressions of interest for the New York Drama and Art Cultural Tour will be closing very soon. This trip will occur over the Term 1 Easter break. The final itinerary will take all interests into account and will cater for students across all the arts, but is also open to students who wish to experience the culture that New York City offers.
The tour is linked to curriculum areas and includes flights, all workshops, entries to all galleries and tours as well as five shows.
Complete the expressions of interest form | View Itinerary
Activities Camps in Term 3
In the final week of Term 3, all students involved in a Co-Curricular Program will take part in a tailored camp experience. The full cost of these camps was billed to families in April of this year, with the exception of the Indigenous Partnership and Scuba Diving Programs. Further details and consent requests for all camps will be sent directly to parents in the first weeks of Term 3.
Please click here for the dates, locations and staff contacts for each Co-Curricular Camp. Please contact the listed Teacher in Charge if you have further questions regarding your son’s camp.
2024 Science Oration: Looking After Life on Earth – A Polar Perspective
The 2024 Science Oration will be held on Thursday 15 August. Held annually during Science week, the 12th Annual Science Oration will be delivered by Professor Steven Chown, FAA. Professor Chown is a preeminent authority on species biodiversity and conservation in the Antarctic. His presentation, Looking After Life on Earth – A Polar Perspective, will discuss the arduous, incredible icebreaking journey to Antarctica, the incredible species biodiversity of this polar landscape and the real-life impacts climate scientists/governments can have on species survival.
This event is free of charge, bookings are essential.
Sports Training Changes
Please note there is no training this evening (Thursday 20 June).
Sports Equipment Donations for East Timor
The Prefects will be coordinating a donation drive for sports equipment for high school students in East Timor early next term. Items will be distributed to high schools in East Timor through Rotary Australia, predominantly in rural communities.
The under-developed nation of East Timor is a minute region that many often overlook, affected by malnourishment, scarce education and limited sporting opportunities for its youth.
As the winter season draws to close, please hold onto any unwanted equipment including football and soccer boots (smaller than US10 in size), socks, sports jerseys, and soccer, volleyball, basketball and futsal balls (not AFL balls).
Thank you in advance for your donations!
Subject Selection 2025
A gentle reminder regarding 2025 subject selection for all Year 7 to 11 students. Please refer to earlier issues of The Torch for more information about the process of selection for each year level. Past issues of The Torch can be found on the parent portal.
Year 10 Toorak Uniting Church Dancing Class Semester 2
Bookings are still open for the Toorak Uniting Church Year 10 Dancing Classes in Semester 2. Classes run from 8.00pm to 9.30pm on Thursdays, and are not held during school holidays or school camps. Every endeavour is made to fit around school activities. There are 8 lessons per semester for a total cost of $230.00 (inc GST).
View and download the enrolment form
Any queries should be directed to Lin Cooper at the church office by email dc@toorakuc.org.au or mobile 0408310714.
Year 11 Strengths Report
A reminder that Year 11 boys have been sent a link to complete their Five Strengths report via their student email. This should have been completed by Tuesday 11 June, but there are still a number of students that have not yet done so. The link will be live until the end of the first week of the break. Please encourage your son to complete this survey; it is a great careers conversation starter at home and will be important when they meet with Future Pathways next semester.
VTAC Information Evening
Boys have now received a calendar booking time for the individual appointments with their Future Pathways Counsellor next term. This appointment will be a chance for boys to refine their list of course preferences for the VTAC application.
To coincide with VTAC accounts opening for 2025 applications on Monday 29 July, Future Pathways will be holding an important VTAC briefing via zoom at 7.00pm on the same day.
Boys and Parents are strongly encouraged to attend this important session in Week 3 of Term 3. Please save the date.
The briefing will give boys and parents an overview of the VTAC application process and requirements.
Please note:
Boarders Return
Boarders return for Term 3 on Monday 15 July, with Houses open from midday. The Boarders’ Parents’ Association will be holding their usual start of term meeting at 5.00pm,in the Errington Retreat. Scott Montgomery, OSCA Executive Director, will be the guest speaker and will provide an outline of the role and purpose of the Old Scotch Collegians Association.
Closed and Exeat Weekends Term 3
The Closed Weekend for all boarders for Term 3 is Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August. This is followed by the Exeat weekend, beginning Friday 16 August after classes conclude. Boarders return on Monday 19 August, after 4.00pm.
Year 10 Boarders Dancing Classes
Year 10 dancing classes begin on the evening of Tuesday 23 July and run for 5 weeks. Boys are required to wear smart casual (no jeans or runners) for dancing classes. Classes are compulsory for all Year 10 boarders.
Important Dates
Year 12 boarding parents and guardians may wish to take note of the following events that occur at the end of the year.
Further details and invitations will be sent closer to the respective events.
Wishing all boarding boys and families a safe and restful mid-year break.
Which Career is For Your Son?
The attached poster may help prompt some careers discussions with your son over the term break and assist with subject selection for 2025.
University Open Days
The University Open Day ‘season’ will soon begin. July and August weekend dates are full of various institutions opening their doors to prospective students. An open day guide including interstate dates can be found here.
We encourage you to read the regular Future Pathways Newsletters shared in The Torch each week to stay up to date with information sessions, tours and large-scale open day events coming up.
View the Term 2 Winter Holiday Program
Interested in joining the Snowsports programme?
Please see links below to read all information regarding Scotch Snowsports and registrations for trials and interschools.
Enrol in Scotch College Snowsports
2024 Hockey Presentation Dinner – Save the Date!
The Montgomery Club warmly invites all Year 7 to 12 hockey players and their parents and guardians, to attend the annual 2024 Hockey Presentation Dinner on Sunday 4 August 2024 at 5:30pm in the Boykett Room, Cardinal Pavilion.
Snowsports Family Night
The 2024 Snowsports Family Night will be held on Saturday 20 July at the Arlberg Hotel, 45 Summit Road, Mt Buller, VIC, Australia 3723.
Please note there is an early bird adult discount if booking is made by Monday 1 July.
Siblings are welcome but subject to availability, ie if there are Scotch boys on the waitlist, preference will go to them.
If you would like to bring non-Scotch siblings, please register your interest when buying your child’s ticket and you will be contacted separately one week before the event (costs will be the same).
Please direct any queries to Lena Ly on 0412288788.
Winter Sport Captains
View a list of the Winter Sports Captains and Vice-Captains
SCRUM Club
Read this week’s SCRUM Club newsletter
Slam Dunk Club
Read this week’s Slam Dunk Club newsletter
Submit Your Sports Newsletter!
We welcome all Scotch sports to share their newsletters via The Torch. Submit your newsletter by emailing a copy to communications@scotch.vic.edu.au by 10am each Wednesday.
Urinetown: The Musical
Thursday 25, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 July
Tickets for the senior musical Urinetown: The Musical are now on sale. Each performance will be held at 7.00pm in the in the Geoffrey McComas Theatre, James Forbes Academy.
Chamber Music Dinner
Saturday 3 August 7:30pm
The 2024 George Logie-Smith Chamber Music Dinner and concert will feature a programme of chamber works performed by Scotch College Music Students. Come and enjoy this magnificent evening of gifted performances with friends, family and other music lovers.
Book Tickets Here | View Flyer
Scotch Arts – Wilma and Friends
Tuesday 17 September
Wilma Smith (Concertmaster MSO 2003 – 2014) brings a delicious, predominantly French piano trio program, followed by groups featuring wind instruments, including a Wilma & Friends first, the bassoon!
Book Wilma and Friends Tickets Here
We’re Visiting Wagga Wagga
Scotch College Director of Admissions, Gary Peckham, and Head of School House, Andrew Argent, will be in Wagga Wagga later this month at the Boarding Schools Expo. If you are in the area, please come along and say hello!
Friday 21 June: 12.30pm – 6.00pm
Saturday 22 June: 9.30am – 2.30pm
Bolton Park Stadium, Wagga Wagga
Entry is free, but to save time on the day you can pre-register online.
2024 Science Oration: Looking After Life on Earth – A Polar Perspective
We are delighted to announce the 2024 Science Oration will be held on Thursday 15 August, and is looking to be an exciting and thought-provoking evening.
Held annually during Science week, the 12th Annual Science Oration will be delivered by Professor Steven Chown, FAA. Professor Chown is a preeminent authority on species biodiversity and conservation in the Antarctic. His presentation, Looking After Life on Earth – A Polar Perspective, will discuss the arduous, incredible icebreaking journey to Antarctica, the incredible species biodiversity of this polar landscape and the real-life impacts climate scientists/governments can have on species survival.
This event is free of charge, bookings are essential.
2024 Hockey Presentation Dinner
Sunday 4 August
The Montgomery Club warmly invites all Year 7 to 12 hockey players, parents and guardians to the annual 2024 Hockey Presentation Dinner on Sunday 4 August 2024 at 5.30pm in the Boykett Room, Cardinal Pavilion. Students must wear their winter school uniform. The dress code is smart casual for adults. Tickets are now available for purchase via the link below.
RSVP Wednesday 24 July
Any queries should be directed to Kate Ferguson on 0403 424 606 or via email fergusonkate1@yahoo.com
Chaplain’s Prayer Support Group
The Scotch College Chaplain’s Prayer Support Group is a gathering of Junior and Senior School parents, grandparents and guardians who pray together for the community of Scotch College.
The group meets weekly on Tuesday mornings in the Donaldson Room 8.30-9.30am.
A warm welcome is extended to anyone who wishes to join. For further information, please contact Sharon Lee or April Lim on scotchprayergroup@gmail.com.
Snowsports Family Night
The 2024 Snowsports Family Night will be held on Saturday 20 July at the Arlberg Hotel, 45 Summit Road, Mt Buller, VIC, Australia 3723.
Please note there is an Early Bird Adult discount for bookings made by Monday 1 July.
Siblings are welcome but subject to availability. If you would like to bring non-Scotch siblings, please register your interest when buying your child’s ticket and you will be contacted separately one week before the event (costs will be the same).
Please direct any queries to Lena Ly on 0412288788.
Each week in The Torch, our Psychology and Health teams explore a topic related to boys’ health and wellbeing.
This week we are talking about gambling.
Teenagers have many opportunities to gamble. Smartphones and tablets allow young people gamble at any time, day or night. Some children start to gamble very young, some as young as ten. By the age of fifteen, most children have gambled in one form or another. Unfortunately, the internet exposes children to gambling well before they are legally allowed to gamble. There are thousands of online gambling websites, which children can easily access and use without money via smartphones or Facebook apps. There are also many video games for children that contain gambling themes and content.
Research suggests that more than 40 per cent of young people who have an interest in video games with gambling-like features, will also have a preoccupation with gambling or intend to gamble in the future. A study for conducted by the Australian Council for Educational Research, found that up to five per cent of young people in Australia will develop gambling problems before the age of 25.
Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to marketing tactics and this is greatly concerning. In Australia, gambling is being normalised through sport with sports betting being promoted at sporting events. Research shows that children as young as eight are able to easily recall the marketing for sports betting. This is having a major impact on the way in which young people think about the relationship between gambling and sport. The ‘normalisation’ of sports betting is posing a threat to Australian teenagers.
It is important to talk to your children about gambling, how it works and the risks. Please click here for more information and helpful videos on the topic.
If you have any concerns about your child, please contact Nick Clark at psychologist@scotch.vic.edu.au for further information or seek medical or professional help.
