Principal’s Message

In recent weeks, senior students have started their orientation at the new High Performance Gymnasium which will be opening in Term 3. We are thrilled with this new expanded space and know that the new equipment will be well utilised for improving the health, strength and fitness of our boys. I would like to thank our many donors who made this initiative possible; we have made good progress towards our target of $350,000. View photos of the new gymnasium.

Thank you to the many families who have contributed feedback regarding the proposed 2025 timetable. A reminder that the survey closes tomorrow, Friday 14 June. If you have not already taken the opportunity to share your thoughts, please complete the survey here.

In closing, I would like to wish our boys who are entering their exam period all the best. I do hope you get the results that truly reflect your effort and work over the past semester.

Dr Scott Marsh
Principal 

 

Whole School Announcements

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.

Make a Donation

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Scotch Shop School Holiday Opening Hours

During the upcoming school holiday period, the school shop will be open on:

• Thursday 20th June: 12.30pm-5.30pm (last day of term)
• Wednesday 10th July: 12.00pm-4.00pm
• Saturday 13th July: 9.00am-1.00pm
• Monday 15th July: 9.00am-1.00pm
• Tuesday 16th July: 8.00am-5.30pm

 

Normal trading hours resume Wednesday 17 July.

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Family Day

Planning for Family Day is now underway. In recent weeks, clubs and auxiliary members have been contacted by the Events team and invited to express their interest in running a stall at Family Day. Please indicate which stall you are interested in running, in order of preference, via the below form by tomorrow, Friday 14 June.

Submit expression of interest

If you have any queries, please reach out to Michelle Dierkx and Teresa Everett at events@scotch.vic.edu.au

 

Key Dates

Please note the following important dates:

• Last day of Term 2: Thursday 20 June
• First day of Term 3: Tuesday 16 July
• Science Oration: Thursday 15 August
• Family Day: Saturday 14 September

 

Head of Junior School Message

Apart from footy traffic, Melbourne seemed very quiet over the long weekend. I hope this meant Scotch families found ways in which to get away and recharge for the final two weeks of term.

I enjoyed spending the last two days on the Year 5 camp in Trafalgar East.  Despite a touch of challenging weather, it has been wonderful to see the boys come together and meet each activity head on.  Our Scotchies relished the opportunity of the first hurdle to jump, the ‘Monster’ course, with its array of A to B obstacles and a few cerebral trials.  Yesterday saw a few strap into the giant swing and others descend the flying fox.  Through a ‘challenge by choice’ model, the boys stretched themselves to a point just outside of their comfort zone.

Congratulations to all Year 3 to 6 boys for a wonderful House Footy tournament last week.  We look forward to sharing the overall results in the next assembly.  Next week the boys take on the annual House Trivia competition.  This is no less competitive!

Well done to all musicians who are feverishly preparing for tomorrow’s Year 2 Strings Concert and next Tuesday’s Years 5 & 6 Concert.  We are all excited to hear the outcome of your efforts.

As we enter the final few days of the term, we thank families for helping the boys eat, sleep and manage their energy well.

Tom Savill
Head of Junior School

 

Junior School Notices

Year 5 Play: Celebrating Australia’s Waves of Immigration Through Story

On Wednesday 5 June, the Junior School Assembly Hall was filled with excitement as the Year 5 students presented their play; a result of two terms of dedicated work. The play focused on the rich stories of those who call Australia home, using the creative medium of shadow puppetry to bring these narratives to life.

The event began with an acknowledgment of the Wurundjeri people, the traditional custodians of the land. The students shared how our Indigenous Peoples have gathered on this land for thousands of years, enriching it with their stories, traditions, and wisdom. The shadows cast by the setting sun were described not just as shadows but as storytellers, bringing tales of the past to life.

The play used shadows to narrate Australia’s vibrant immigration history, showcasing how this land has embraced people from across the globe. Each wave of immigrants brought new stories, languages and cultures, contributing to the diverse tapestry of Australian society that we celebrate today.

Leading up to the performance, all boys engaged in a shadow puppetry workshop conducted by Dr Lynn Kent. Her expertise and guidance were instrumental in helping the students bring their play to life. The workshop allowed students to creatively express the diverse stories of Australia’s immigration history in a unique and engaging way. This workshop was made possible by the support of the Ken Field Endowment Grant. The grant contribution played a crucial role in helping students experience and appreciate the rich cultural tapestry of our nation.

The play showcased the hard work and dedication of the Year 5 students and the supportive community around them. The event not only highlighted the importance of Australia’s immigration stories but also celebrated the diverse heritage that makes up our school.

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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!

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Junior School Dates

View the key Junior School dates

 

Junior School Music News

Music Recitals

It has been a busy week with the Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 Piano Recitals.

Well done to all boys for their piano performances and for jumping into the Learning Pit. It was so exciting to see the boys perform, and we look forward to hearing them again in the Term 4 recitals.

 

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Music Concerts

Tomorrow (Friday), the Year 2 String Concert will be held at 2.00pm in the Ian Roach Hall. All family members of Year 2 boys are warmly encouraged to come along to watch the boys.

The Year 5 & 6 Concert coming up on Tuesday 18 June at 7.00pm is shaping up to be a fantastic event and all boys are busily polishing their pieces. Please note this event is compulsory for all boys in Year 5 and 6. Families have received additional information about the concert via email.

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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.

 

Junior School Sport

Year 5 & 6 APS Sports

The boys 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.

Basketball will conduct trials to select the A and B squads for next term at both year levels. The A and B teams train before school at 7.00am and the C and D teams train after school.

Trial dates are:

• Year 6: Friday 14 June at 7.00am in the JS Gym with Paul McMahon. These trials are only for boys who want to play A or B grade.  If a boy wants to play C or D grade he does not need to trial.
• Year 5: Monday 17 June at 1.00pm in the JS Gym with Dean Gregory. Boys can change into their runners at lunchtime. These trials are only for the boys who want to play A or B grade. If a boy wants to play C grade he doesn’t need to trial.

 

Click here for Year 5 & 6 Sport information relating to:

• Weekly Sports Fixture and Results
• Term 3 Training Schedule
• Term 3 Important Sports Information

 

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Regional Cross Country

Wishing the regional qualifiers the very best of luck as they compete at Yarra Glen today for a chance at State. A full report will be in next week’s Torch.

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Swim Club

Next Tuesday 18 June is the final Swim Club for the year, as the school pool is undergoing refurbishment. Thank you to Westerfolds Swim School for their excellent teaching and coaching this year. Boys in Years 3 to 6 have taken full advantage of the weekly sessions and have greatly improved. Looking forward to Swim Club returning in 2025.

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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.

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Snowsports

Interschool Skiing and Trials Registration is now open – please register here.

Snowsports Family Night will take place on Saturday 20 July – please click here for more details.

Further information on Snowsports at Scotch is also available below:

• 2024 Snowsports Dates
• Snowsports Registration Information

 

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.

 

Head of Senior School Message

I hope that families were able to enjoy some relaxing down time over the long weekend, free of the commitments that ordinarily keep us all so very busy. I am sure boarders were very happy to go home for a few days and reconnect with family, friends, pets, their land and environment.

Scotch teachers were busy writing reports, marking assessments and preparing for the subject examinations this week. I am sure many students also found themselves devoting time to their academics which are, after all, a primary focus here at Scotch.

I wish students all the best for the end of semester assessments and examinations.

Our music students performed again in the Winter Concert on Tuesday evening, and it was a spectacular showcase of the talent and teamwork inherent in our music programs. Well done to all the passionate staff and students involved in this memorable concert.

I look forward to celebrating with the Year 12 students and their partners at the Year 12 Dinner Dance at Centre Piece on Saturday night.  We will be reminding our students of behavioural expectations for this evening and why they are so important. It is vital that our students represent themselves, their families and their school in the best way possible and that they enjoy themselves, in a safe and inclusive environment on the night. I am sure it will be a true celebration of a great cohort of students and their friends.

Katrina Brennan
Head of Senior School

 

Senior School General Announcements

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 12^th 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.

Book tickets

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Sports Training Changes

Please note the following updates to the training and sports fixtures next week:

• Full sports fixture will run on Saturday 15 June
• No training Tuesday 18 June (VCE GAT exam and Year 9/10 exams)
• No training Thursday 20 June (last day of term)

 

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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!

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Term 3 and 4 Extension Studies Dates

We have extensive opportunities coming up in Term 3 and 4 for boys participating in the Extension Studies program. View important dates.

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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 7 & 8 Notices

Year 8 Outdoor Education Camp

A reminder that student preferences for Year 8 camp are due tomorrow, Friday 14 June. The camp takes place between Monday 21 to Friday 25 October. For details of the camps available please refer to the letter emailed to parents last week.

 

Year 9 & 10 Notices

Year 9 and 10 Exam Period

The exam period commences today for Year 10 and tomorrow for Year 9, until Thursday 20 June. Students do not have to be at school during this period, but are welcome to study on campus. They should be in full school uniform whenever they are at school. Boys are not required to return to school after their last Term 2 examination.

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Music Rehearsals During Exam Period 

Students have been advised by their specific Music teachers as to whether they are required for ensemble rehearsals, however if they are not at school due to examinations when they would normally rehearse please ensure they advise their teacher. Students will be responsible for contacting their instrumental teachers regarding changes required for private music lessons during the exam period.

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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 & 12 Notices

Year 11 Exam Period

The Year 11 examination period commences today until Thursday 20 June. Students do not have to be at school during this period, but are welcome to study on campus. They should be in full school uniform whenever they are at school. Boys are not required to return to school this term after their last examination.

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General Achievement Test (GAT)

A reminder that all Year 12 students and all Year 11 students studying a Unit 3-4 subject are required to be at school for the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Tuesday 18 June. This is a compulsory assessment which forms an essential part of the VCE. Full information on the GAT can be found on the VCAA website. The GAT Brochure provides an excellent summation of the GAT and applicable VCAA rules.

Students are required to be at school by 8.30am at the latest. They will sit two separate assessment tasks and will not be dismissed until after 3.00pm. Full school uniform is to be worn and normal Scotch rules and policies are applicable. If your son has any appointments scheduled for this day, please reschedule these.

If your son is too unwell to sit the GAT, please contact your son’s Head of House and the VCE Office as soon as possible. To ensure that the absence from the GAT is accepted by the VCAA a medical certificate will be required. We strongly encourage students to sit the GAT even if they are unwell as it does play a crucial role in VCE assessment. We of course understand a student may be too sick, or their illness is contagious, and in these circumstances the medical documentation should be the priority. If your son is running late contact with the VCE Office again is essential.

Further information, including important contact details, is on the GAT Canvas page. If you have any further queries, please contact Tom Hawkins, VCE Coordinator on 9810 4263 or tom.hawkins@scotch.vic.edu.au

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VTAC Information Evening

To coincide with VTAC accounts opening for 2025 applications, Future Pathways will be holding an important VTAC briefing via Zoom at 7.00pm on Monday 29 July.

The briefing will give boys and parents an overview of the VTAC application process and requirements.

Link to Zoom Session

Please note:

• Future Pathways will meet individually with boys next term to assist them in choosing relevant courses.
• The VTAC application requires boys to select eight courses from Victoria in preferential order.
• Boys receiving an ATAR will submit a VTAC application.
• Boys will need their USI and access to a credit card to pay the $60 application fee to open their account.
• Boys who have completed a Unit 3 & 4 study or TAFE qualification should already have a USI (how to find your USI).
• Boys must first submit their list of courses BEFORE they can submit a SEAS application.
• Boys will also require a Tax File Number to enrol at University or TAFE in January (apply for a Tax File number).

 

The Careers Convention early next term is designed to support boys as they refine their course list. The Courses Expo on Friday 19 July gives boys access to most University and TAFE providers across Victoria so that they can speak to representatives and compare courses between providers. Boys are also strongly encouraged to attend tertiary open days. The upcoming break should be used for boys to continue researching and refining their choices.

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Applying for a USI

Getting a Unique Student Identifier (USI) is quick, easy and free.

1. Go to the USI Registry System, and have a valid form of ID ready.
2. Agree to the terms and conditions (if you have previously agreed to the terms and conditions, you might not see this step).
3. Select Create USI.
4. Select your evidence of identity document (see the types of ID you can use).
5. Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your form of ID. If the name you use for business or official purposes is not the name on your form of ID, you can choose to enter this in the preferred name field.
6. Enter your contact details, including at least two contact methods.
7. Confirm your identity. The USI Registry System will check and confirm your identity using the ‘Documentation Verification Service’ (DVS).
8. Secure your account with a USI password and security/check questions.

 

Please contact your Future Pathways Counsellor with any questions.

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Year 12 Class of 2024 Merchandise – Closing Tuesday 18 June

Bookings for the Class of 2024 merchandise close next Tuesday 18 June at 9.00am. Late orders cannot be accepted.

Order Class of 2024 merchandise

Sample jumpers are available for the students to try on today at lunchtime in St. Andrew’s Square or in OSCA House, opposite the main reception building (next to the uniform shop). We strongly recommend students try on the merchandise before ordering as sizes cannot be exchanged.

Please contact Caroline Taylor if you have any queries on 9810 4359 or email oscanet@scotch.vic.edu.au

 

Boarding Notices

Exams and Term break

Boarders in Years 9 to 11 are busy preparing for their examinations and making good use of the in-House tutors. A reminder to parents that if a boarder is returning home before the end of term, due to their examinations finishing early, they must place a leave request in via Orah.

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Year 10 Boarding Dancing Classes

Dancing classes for Year 10 boarders will begin in Term 3. Classes are compulsory for all Year 10 boarders (there are no exceptions). Classes are conducted with students from MLC and run by Cush Phillips, who has been teaching the waltz and cha cha to boarders for over 20 years. Classes will be held in the annexe, adjacent to the dining hall.

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Errington Retreat

Parents arriving to drop off or pick up their son can make use of the Retreat for a rest break. If, on your arrival, the Retreat is locked, please ask staff or text the duty phone and we will provide access. Tea making facilities are available and Pino Cutinelli has informed me his much-awaited coffee machine is not far away.

 

Future Pathways Careers News

Future Pathways Newsletter

Read the latest issue of the Future Pathways Newsletter

This edition features:

1. Open Day information
2. VU Snapshot
3. Exercise Science & Sports Degrees
4. AIE Film Production Workshop
5. Managing burnout
6. Managing Zoom interviews
7. Understanding tax
8. Interesting & unusual occupations/job spotlights

 

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University Open Days (Updated)

View the full Tertiary Open Days Schedule for 2024 – please note this list is subject to change.

 

Weekend’s Sports Fixture

View this weekend’s APS Sports fixture

Please note this is a live link, and changes are occasionally made on a Friday. You may check back at this link any time for the most up to date schedule.

Please note the following:

• Full sports fixture will run on Saturday 15 June
• No training Tuesday 18 June (VCE GAT exam and Year 9/10 exams)
• No training Thursday 20 June (last day of term)

 

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Interested in joining the Snowsports programme?

Please see links below to read all information regarding Scotch Snowsports and registrations for trials and interschools.

Read more information

Enrol in Scotch College Snowsports

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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.

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Winter Sport Captains

View a list of the Winter Sports Captains and Vice-Captains

 

Music and Drama Events

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.

Book Tickets Here

 

 

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Each week in The Torch, our Psychology and Health teams explore a topic related to boys’ health and wellbeing.

This week, we’re talking about managing screen time.

As a result of the global pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in the amount of time people spend on screen-based devices. Families are transitioning back to pre-COVID routines but many are still struggling to re-establish the boundaries and rules around screen use. Some continue to deal with digital conflict and tech-tantrums on a daily basis. The latest research found that 77% of teenagers spend more than five hours on screens per day, but it is important to note that not all screen time is considered equal.

Parents play a crucial role in modelling a positive and healthy approach to using screens and assisting children to navigate the content they watch. It is better to model and mentor screen use, rather than monitor it. Children tend to do more of what they see us do, and less of what we tell them to do. However, it is still important to outline the risks and highlight the benefits of screen use to ensure you keep a balanced attitude. Encourage discussions around the issues that people experience in monitoring their screen time and be honest about your own difficulties.

Parents need to remain firm in their approach to managing screen time. Excessive screen time can be detrimental to a child’s overall wellbeing. Ensuring the correct privacy settings are in place is vital to prevent children from being inadvertently exposed to inappropriate content or online predators. Parents need to also be mindful of the potential impact screen time can have on a child’s social, emotional, educational, behavioural, and even physical domains.

Read more about managing screen time

As always, if you have any concerns about your child, please contact the Psychology team for further information or seek medical or professional help.