Term 3, Week 4 2024
The Torch
Term 3, Week 4 2024
- Whole School Notices
- Junior School Notices
- Senior School Notices
- Sports & Co-Curricular
- Upcoming Events
- Health & Wellbeing
In conversation with some of our Year 12s this week, I asked them what they would miss most about Scotch as the end of school draws nearer. There was a common theme in their answers. Several of the boys said it was their mates, others talked about soccer at lunch time, and others talked about their experiences in music and those special teachers.
As I walked to school yesterday, I passed the Junior School and couldn’t help but notice the fun of our youngest boys playing soccer before school; the constant chatter and glee as they tore around the field. As I continued through the Quad, like every morning, the boisterous enthusiasm of our Year 7s was palpable; chattering and laughing with one another as they prepared their books for the morning’s lessons. Throughout the day, I noticed over and again these small moments outside of the classrooms and how, together, they build the lifelong friendships and memories that remain with us through life.
Friendship is at the core of every boy’s experience of school. The bonds he has with his classmates, his teachers and his coaches influence the depth of the roots he establishes at school. This is one of the things I have come to appreciate most about Scotch; the depth of the roots our boys put down here and how these roots continue to strengthen and bolster the boys throughout their lives.
I know our Year 12s will be noticing the small moments a little more in these final months of school. The many “lasts”. Congratulations to our First hockey team for their joint premiership win on the weekend – a great result. Good luck to our Pipes and Drums boys who are in Scotland competing at the European and World Pipes & Drums Championships; we know you will represent our school with distinction. And to all our boys starting their spring sports and athletics this weekend; have fun, give it your best and make it a season to remember.
Dr Scott Marsh
Principal
Family Day: Calling All Volunteers!
Family Day is coming up on Saturday 14 September and the SPA, clubs and auxiliaries are seeking volunteers to help out with their many wonderful stalls on the day. Please take a moment to indicate on the below form which club or auxiliary you are interested in helping and what times you are available. Click here to see the schedule of events, so you can plan your day accordingly.
Sign Up to Volunteer on Family Day
The clubs and auxiliaries will be in touch directly with volunteers to confirm arrangements. If you require any further information, please email events@scotch.vic.edu.au
A Message from the 2024 SPA President
The next Scotch SPA meeting will be held on Monday night at 7pm in the Senior School Staff Common Room, Lithgow Centre. All are welcome to attend. To ensure efficient meeting management, we kindly request that questions be submitted in advance.
As the winter APS sports season concludes, we acknowledge the dedication of our boys who have proudly represented Scotch on the sporting field. For many, this marks the end of their sporting journey at the College. Days of glory, triumphing in the Cardinal, and the heart-wrenching near misses, all backed by the Red Army, will be etched in their memories.
Fortunately, as these young men transition to the next chapter, they have the extensive OSCA network of clubs at their disposal. These clubs offer a unique opportunity to maintain their connection to Scotch, providing a platform for camaraderie and shared experiences. Many of the SPA Auxiliaries have an associated OSCA Club, so although you may be leaving school at the end of the year, you can continue to remain connected.
Best Wishes to all (Go Scotch!)
Cameron Bendschneider
SPA President 2024
Literature Festival 2024
The Scotch College Literature Festival is taking place from 17-23 August and we are thrilled to present inspirational keynote speakers and lunchtime workshops for students throughout the week.
Exciting speakers and guests include Jessica Watson, the youngest person to sail around the world solo, David Knoff, a station leader on a research expedition in Antarctica whose team was stranded when all travel ground to a halt during the pandemic and Mark Smith, author of the popular Road to Winter series. Manga artist Kenny Chan will also be hosting a workshop teaching quick and simple ways to draw original characters in a Japanese comic style.
Further details are available here
Please note the following important dates:
Olympic fever continues to take hold in the Junior School. Mr Young has shared some fascinating insights into the current games and those of previous years.
Last Friday, Mr Young helped recognise that all eight of Australia’s gold medals (at the time) were won by female athletes and how fabulous it is to live in a country that wholeheartedly supports sportspeople regardless of gender. Some of the boys were shocked to learn other countries do not.
This week, Mr Young built on the message former Scotchie and Olympian, James Rook, shared during last week’s assembly ‘You don’t have to be the best sportsman in your year level to make it to the Olympics’. Mr Young took time to share the story of Eric ‘The Eel’ Moussambani with the Junior School.
Eric’s story is one that will resonate with many Australians given his Olympic debut in Sydney. He is an Olympic record holder albeit for the slowest ever 100m freestyle time. He gained entry to the Olympics through a wildcard and had never swum in a 50m pool. After borrowing Speedos from the South African swimming coach he famously won his heat after his two competitors were disqualified for false starts. Unfortunately, his time was not quick enough to qualify for the second heat.
However, many may not know that Eric continued to swim and improve. His eventual personal best would have won him a gold in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and would have enabled him to qualify for the finals in Sydney. He has become the Equatorial Guinea national swimming coach and advocated for the installation for two Olympic sized swimming pools in the country. Despite his seemingly awful Olympic performance, he has become a huge success and a great role model.
Today we saw the Year 4 and 6 boys take on their annual House Athletics field events and tomorrow we look forward to the Year 3 and 5 boys doing the same. It is fantastic to see the boys aim to beat their personal bests and contribute to their Houses.
We look ahead to Family Day with the same excitement. Whilst boys may not be number one in their year level, we know that should they set a goal, work hard and persist, they will find success in some way, shape or form.
Tom Savill
Head of Junior School
Science Week Newsletter
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology, and this year will be held from Saturday 10 August to Sunday 18 August 2024.
Read the Science Week Newsletter
Term 3 SOS
Our Junior School boys are currently fundraising for the Running Water Project, to put urinals into Balang High School in Cambodia.
At home, the boys will be engaging in a variety of different tasks to earn money, such as emptying the dishwasher for a fortnight for an agreed amount. Other ideas are gardening, pet care, mowing lawns, bake sales, housework, window cleaning and car washing.
As your son completes a task, he will fill in his Scotch Service Log with details of the job undertaken and the time it took. There is a House competition with a prize for the House which completes the most hours of service.
Boys can bring the money at any time. We have sourced a toilet which we aim to fill with money as a fun way to showcase our hard work.
This initiative is now underway and will finish on Thursday 29 August. Service logs and all money must be in by Thursday 29 August. Thank you in advance for supporting this important charity work by giving the boys an opportunity to earn money through acts of service.
Sports Gear for East Timor
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. In response, the 2024 Prefect Team is undertaking a donation drive for sports equipment this week through to Tuesday 13 August. Items will be distributed to high schools in East Timor through Rotary Australia, predominantly in rural communities.
As the winter season draws to close, please hold onto any unwanted equipment including: football and soccer boots (under size US 10), soccer and futsal balls, volleyballs, basketballs (no AFL), socks and sport jerseys.
As a school, Scotch can create real change for people who need it most.
Senior School boys can drop off items between 8am – 8.30am in the Lithgow Reception to go in the draw for the “Golden Ticket”. Junior School boys can drop off items in the collection bin in the Junior School Atrium.
Junior School Dates
View the key Junior School dates
Music Making in Term 3
It has been an exciting week of music in the Scotch Music Department!
The week began with Year 5 and 6 Glen House choir boys attending the Victorian School Music Festival in Box Hill. It was a fantastic opportunity for the boys to perform for a new audience and hear other primary school choirs. Their impressive performance earned them a ‘Gold’ Shield’ for their efforts. Well done Glen House!
On Tuesday, the Prep to Year 2 Suzuki Strings, the Year 3 & 4 Orchestra, the Year 5 & 6 Orchestra and Junior Chamber Strings all performed in the annual Scotch Strings Concert. This concert showcased the breadth and depth of the string program from the littlest to the biggest boys! The Senior School featured performances from Henri Touzeau Strings, Academy Strings, Amadeus Strings and the Cello Ensemble. The concert was of a very high standard, and it was lovely for the Junior boys to see what is ahead for them as they enter the Senior School.
Looking ahead at the term we have several more concerts to look forward to:
Music Resources
Please note some of the music dates have been changed or updated. Please check the updated document to ensure you have the correct dates.
Sporting Update
House Field events are underway for Years 3 to 6, with Years 4 and 6 today, and Years 3 and 5 tomorrow at the below times:
Parents are welcome to attend. Please enter via the Monash Gates (Entry 5) and walk down the driveway to the Main Oval.
Boys in Prep to Year 2 have a modified program for Family Day, and they are preparing for these events in class. Very soon, the track on Main Oval will be marked and the boys in Years 3 to 6 will begin practising the running events on the Family Day program which will include 100m, 200m and a 100m relay. Selected boys will run an 800m.
Year 5 and 6 APS Sport: Term 3
Click here for the following Year 5 and 6 Interschool Sport information:
Year 5 & 6 APS Sport: Term 4
The Year 5 and 6 boys have chosen their Term 4 sport. There are two locations for golf. Boys who have some experience in course play for golf can utilise Burnley Golf Course each Wednesday and play a few holes in the allotted time, while those beginning the game can learn at the Melbourne Driving Range in Albert Park. Golf and sailing do not have any training next term, only the Wednesday participation. Fees apply for these choices and parents will have the fees added to their school invoice.
Training for touch rugby will take place after school on Tuesdays for Year 6 and Thursdays for Year 5.
Athletics training will take place after school on Thursdays and is a mixed team of Year 5-6.
Water polo training will take place at 7.00am on Tuesdays for Year 6 and Thursdays for Year 5.
Run Club
Run Club continues this term for Year 6 boys who want to improve their fitness. Senior School coaches take the boys on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 7.00am. Boys meet in the green grandstand on Main Oval dressed to run. They should be dropped off on Morrison Street before 7.00am and conclude at 8.00am in time to walk back to Junior School for the 8.15am start.
2024 Victorian Interschools Cross Country Skiing Championships
It was a magnificent sunny day at Mt Buller on Sunday 4 August. 15 boys represented Scotch Junior School at the 2024 Victorian Interschool Cross Country Skiing Championships. The boys competed in two events: the Cross Country Classic and the Cross Country Relay. All boys gave their best and achieved some fantastic results on the day!
Scotch won a total of five team trophies – two gold, two silver and one bronze. The School also came first overall, scoring the most points in the Boys Primary School Division to take home the Cross Country Champion School Trophy.
A special mention to the boys in the Division 4B and 4C teams and Division 5C and 5D teams. It was great to see so much improvement from the boys who raced cross country last year and equally as wonderful to see many new boys getting out there and being involved in cross country for the first time.
A huge congratulations to Angus Skilton (Year 4) who was the fastest cross country skier in his division, taking home the gold medal and first place trophy!
14 of the 15 boys are now through to compete in the National Championships at Perisher, NSW, in September. We wish them luck as they progress to the next level!
This week has seen two milestones for our Year 12 cohort; the final APS round of winter sport and their last House Winter Sport competition. There is no doubt some bittersweet connotations to the “final” aspect of these activities for our boys.
Congratulations to our First Hockey team who won a shared Premiership, alongside St Kevins; a fitting end to their keen rivalry all season. I also congratulate the Senior Hockey seconds, who were undefeated all season.
Congratulations to all the Year 12 boys who have given so much of their time and tenacity to their winter sport endeavours over the years. I particularly thank our exemplary student sport leaders.
I am sure you all join me in thanking the many Scotch staff who are teachers-in-charge or coaches in various winter sports; they imbue our program with the values that we cherish and ensure that standards of behaviour and sportsmanship are at the forefront of all that we do. Naturally, we thank Stuart Powell and his team, who manage a huge number of often competing issues in running the winter sport.
The House winter sport competition was met with bright sunshine and provided a wonderful opportunity for some light-hearted (!) competition and time with House friends and teammates. This was of great benefit to all, but a particularly great circuit breaker for our Year 12 boys who are amid a very busy and demanding time. We eagerly await the results.
Student Behaviour on Glenferrie Road
It is important that our students understand that when they leave the Monash Gates, they must act in a safe way, and role model appropriate ways to negotiate the traffic to younger students. Please ask your sons to ensure they get on trams safely and cross the road at the lights. It is not safe to run across Glenferrie Road, relying on cars to stop. It is simply not safe nor behaviour that reflects well on the boys or their school.
Mobile Phones
We are delighted with the change in culture around the use of mobile phones at Scotch College but seek continued support from parents. We understand that students have mobile phones and often need to contact families outside of school hours, however they should not be using them during the school day. Please do not message your son during the day nor encourage him to do so. We are asking for vigilance from our teachers to ensure students are not bringing phones in to class as they should be always kept in their secured locker. We welcome parent re-enforcement of the advantages of this approach. The constant distraction of notifications, messages and external contacts, are not conducive to focused, attentive study.
Katrina Brennan
Head of Senior School
Parent Teacher Interviews
Senior School Parent Teacher Interviews are being held today, Thursday 8 August, and Wednesday 14 August from 2.00pm-8.30pm. All interviews will take place on Zoom.
Students will be dismissed at 12.45pm today and on Wednesday 14 August, and no sports and activities will run these afternoons. Tomorrow, and on Thursday 15 August, students will commence classes at 9.10am. No sports or activities will take place on these mornings.
To access your son’s Parent Teacher interviews, please login to PTO (accessed via the portal under Student Information > Parent Teacher Interviews). At the time of your appointment, click on the Zoom link in displayed bookings.
Parent Information Evening – VCE 2025
An additional session on the timetable reforms for current Year 10 and Year 11 students and parents (ie. Year 11 and Year 12 in 2025) will be held on Tuesday 13 August at 6.30pm. Further information will be emailed directly to parents.
Sports Gear for East Timor
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. In response, the 2024 Prefect Team is undertaking a donation drive for sports equipment this week through to Tuesday 13 August. Items will be distributed to high schools in East Timor through Rotary Australia, predominantly in rural communities.
As the winter season draws to close, please hold onto any unwanted equipment including: football and soccer boots (under size US 10), soccer and futsal balls, volleyballs, basketballs (no AFL), socks and sport jerseys.
As a school, Scotch can create real change for people who need it most.
Senior School boys can drop off items between 8.00am – 8.30am in the Lithgow Reception to go in the draw for the “Golden Ticket”. Junior School boys can drop off items in the collection bin in the Junior School Atrium.
Submit Your Photos
Parents are invited to share photos taken at weekend sports matches and other events for inclusion in the Collegian, Great Scot, social media and other communications from the school. To submit photos, please email communications@scotch.vic.edu.au to receive a link to a shared folder you can upload your photos to. Alternatively you may send a link to your own shared folder to the same email. Please note by submitting photos you are giving permission to the school to share the photographs via official publications and communications channels, in accordance with its photography policy.
Children & Family Support Immersion Charity Drive
A reminder that the Year 11 Children and Family Support Immersion drive closes tomorrow, Friday 9 August. Please help your son collect some of the following items which can be brought to his form room during form time (new items and items in good condition are welcomed):
Year 9 Fathers/Caregivers and Sons Event
Fathers and Caregivers of Year 9 students are invited to come together at Governors Hall on Sunday 15 September, from 4.00pm-7.00pm. Limited tickets are available for $37.50 per person. This includes woodfired pizzas, canapes and soft drinks for the boys. Adults may purchase drinks at bar prices.
RSVP: Tuesday 10 September
Any enquiries should be directed to Marie Gordon on 0419995773 or via email gordon.marie@bigpond.com
Year 10 Inspire Series
On Wednesday 14 August, Arrive and Thrive will be returning for part two of the Year 10 Inspire Series to discuss career design, values and the importance of having a job that matches your values system. Some parents may like to explore the following exercise with their son to help start a rich careers conversation around these ideas.
Year 9 and 10 Drug Awareness Program
In tutor time this term, our Year 9s are working through the topic of Alcohol and Cannabis. To support conversations at home, we will be sharing a summary of what has been discussed with the boys each week. Please click here for this week’s summary. Year 10s will be learning about MDMA and Emerging Drugs this term and parent summaries will similarly be shared in the corresponding weeks.
Year 12 University Applications
Applications for colleges in Victoria and interstate must be submitted before the end of August. Interstate scholarship applications must also be submitted directly to universities by the end of August, this includes Elite Sports and Performance scholarships which are generally only available to those students who have represented the State or the Nation in the last two years in their chosen activity.
The following links provide information on how to apply for elite athlete programs at specific universities:
Year 11 Parents and Carers’ Winter Drinks
The Year 11 Class Reps warmly invite you to the Year 11 Parents & Carers’ Winter Drinks. The event will be held at 7.00pm, Thursday 29 August at the Mt Erica Hotel, 420 High Street. Tickets for the event are $40 per person.
RSVP: Friday 26 August
Enquiries should be directed to Anna Luscombe on 0409140333 or by email luscombefamily@icloud.com
Year 12 Fathers’ Day Breakfast
The Old Scotch Collegians’ Association warmly welcomes all Year 12 students, their fathers, grandfathers and guardians to the Class of 2024 Fathers’ Day Breakfast on Thursday 29 August at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.
RSVP: Thursday 22 August
Tables seat 10 people. You are invited to enter your seating preference in the provided field when booking your ticket. Boarders will be seated with their family (if attending) or friends. Please note, formalities will conclude by 8.00am allowing time for students to arrive at school in time for period 1.
Please contact Caroline Taylor with any queries about this event: 9810 4359 oscanet@scotch.vic.edu.au
Upcoming Closed Weekend
This coming weekend is the last closed weekend for the year and the final weekend for the Wedderburn competition. A highlight is the annual billy cart race on Sunday morning. Billy carts have been constructed this term at the Boarders’ workshop, with finishing touches occurring last Sunday. With renovations on the Hill finally concluding, the course has returned to the Hill precinct, with a new course being mapped out. School House currently holds the lead in the Wedderburn competition, however their recent billy cart form has been poor – so it is anyone’s race! Pino Cutinelli is keen to make up for last year’s non-finish in the billy cart race and is hoping the new course will avoid McMeckan House being relegated to last place, as occurred in 2023.
Exeat Weekend
A reminder to boarding families that the Exeat begins on Friday 16 August at the conclusion of classes (boarders must be picked up by 6.00pm unless prior arrangements have been made with Heads of Houses). Boarders return on Monday 19 August, after 4.00pm. Please note that, due to supervision requirements, boarders cannot return prior to 4.00pm on Monday the 19 of August.
Year 10 Dancing Classes
Year 10 dancing classes are progressing well, with boys gracing the floors to the Cha Cha and Waltz with the girls from MLC. Cush Phillips has been running dancing classes in the boarding precinct for over 20 years and she continues to be impressed by the engaging approach of the boarders.
Boarding Parents’ Association Minutes
View the BPA Meeting Minutes from Monday 15 July.
The Scotch Hill Boarders Family Day Buffet Dinner
Boarding parents are invited for a buffet dinner on Saturday 14 September in the Boykett Room at 5.00pm. The much anticipated, Boarders Review will commence at 7.30pm in the James Forbes Academy shortly after. Siblings are welcome to join parents at the Boykett Room or join older brothers in Dining Hall.
RSVP: Saturday 14 September
Enquires should be directed to Eliza Leake on 0408372720 or via email info@mlconstructions.com.au
Important Dates
Year 12 boarding parents and guardians may wish to take note of the following events to be held at the end of the year:
Further details and invitations will be sent closer to the respective events.
Hockey Premiers
A huge congratulations to the 2024 First XI Hockey in winning the APS premiership for the first time since 2009. The team bravely fought back from 0-2 down on Saturday to record an impressive 2-2 draw to remain undefeated for the season. Scotch drew both games with St. Kevin’s during the season and won all other fixtures. Both Scotch and St. Kevin’s shared the premiership. We commend the boys and staff involved.
Future Pathways Newsletter
Read the latest issue of the Future Pathways Newsletter
This edition features:
View this weekend’s APS Sports fixture
Hockey Premiers
A huge congratulations to our 2024 First XI Hockey in winning the APS premiership for the first time since 2009. The team bravely fought back from 0-2 down on Saturday to record an impressive 2-2 draw to remain undefeated for the season. We drew both games with St. Kevin’s during the season and won all other fixtures. Both Scotch and St. Kevin’s shared the premiership. We commend the boys and staff involved.
Rugby Union 3rd vs 4th VSRU Finals
Scotch College will play Melbourne Grammar this Saturday 10 August to determine third and fourth place. Please see details in the weekend’s fixtures. We wish the team the very best for their final fixture of the winter season.
Spring Sport
The Water Polo and Athletics programmes begin this week.
View the latest copy of the Spring sports programme.
Athletics: Speed and Plyometric Training – Monday Lunchtime
Speed and plyometric sessions are taking place on Mondays at lunchtime in the weights room. This will continue for the duration of the spring season.
Run Club
A reminder that Run Club takes place at 7.00am every Monday and Wednesday. Please meet at the Green Grandstand. All Year 6-12 students and all ability levels are catered for.
Swimming Squad Training: Monday and Friday Mornings
Training takes place for Year 7-12 boys on Mondays and Fridays from 6.30am – 8.00am in the Glenn Centre pool. Boys in the Water Polo programmes are encouraged to also participate in these sessions. Sessions are not compulsory but provide a great opportunity for boys to build swimming fitness.
Notice of Serve & Volley Auxiliary AGM
All Scotch tennis families are invited to the Scotch Serve & Volley Tennis Auxiliary AGM on Tuesday 3 September.
Scotch Rugby Presentation Night 2024
The 2024 Scotch Rugby Presentation Night will be held on Monday 2 September at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.
Pricing per adult ticket is $100. Tickets for players and siblings are $65 (dinner and drinks). The event will run from 6.00pm – 9.00pm.
The dress code for adults is smart casual. Boys should wear their school uniform, this includes candy coats for senior students.
RSVP: Monday 26 August 2024
Please direct enquiries to Charlie Heerey on 0417 368 665 or via email charlie@heerey.com.au.
Submit Your Photos
Parents are invited to share photos taken at weekend sports matches and other events for inclusion in the Collegian, Great Scot, social media and other communications from the school. To submit photos, please email communications@scotch.vic.edu.au to receive a link to a shared folder you can upload your photos to. Alternatively you may send a link to your own shared folder to the same email. Please note by submitting photos you are giving permission to the school to share the photographs via official publications and communications channels, in accordance with its photography policy.
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.
Old Scotch Symphony Orchestra: Love and other Delirium
Saturday 17 August
Join the Old Scotch Symphony Orchestra for an evening of “Love and Other Delirium.” Following a successful March concert, you are invited to enjoy a captivating musical journey exploring the themes of love. Highlights include Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture, Elgar’s Cello Concerto featuring soloist Lincoln Poon (’17), and Dvorak’s 5th Symphony. This concert promises to be an unforgettable night of beautiful music and heartfelt emotion.
Scotch Choral Concert
Tuesday 20 August.
The Music School warmly invites you to join all of our singers for an entertaining and heartwarming evening of music at the annual Choral Concert. The event features over 250 performers in the Scotch College Choir, Chamber Choir, Cambiata Choir, Glenn House Choir & Vocal Ensembles. Tuesday 20 August in Ian Roach Hall at 6.30pm.
Bookings are not required.
Scotch College Foundation Day Concert
Tuesday 10 September
The Annual Scotch College Foundation Day Concert will take place on Tuesday 10 September at Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne at 7.30pm.
Bookings open Monday 12 August at 2.00pm via the Arts Centre Website link below.
Enquiries should be directed to the Arts Centre Melbourne, 1300 182 183
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
Pipes and Drums Concert
Saturday 21 September
You are invited to an evening of Scottish music featuring the Scotch College Pipes & Drums bands and special guests, including highland dancers. This promises to be an entertaining event and an exciting showcase of talent. The popular concert sold out last year, so be quick and book your tickets today!
The concert will take place on Saturday 21st September at 7.30pm in the Geoffrey McComas Theatre (GMT). Doors open at 7pm.
Tickets are $30 for students/concession and $45 for adults (includes refreshments at the interval)
Year 12 Fathers’ Day Breakfast
The Old Scotch Collegians’ Association warmly welcomes all Year 12 students, their fathers, grandfathers and guardians to the Class of 2024 Fathers’ Day Breakfast on Thursday 29 August at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club. We are delighted to extend the invitation to grandfathers of year 12 students.
RSVP: Thursday 22 August
All Year 12 students are welcome and encouraged to attend this popular event with friends or family. Boarders will be seated with their family (if attending) or friends.
Tables seat 10 people. You are invited to enter your seating preference in the provided field when booking your ticket. Please note, formalities will conclude by 8.00am allowing time for students to arrive at school in time for period 1.
Please contact Caroline Taylor with any queries about this event: 9810 4359 oscanet@scotch.vic.edu.au
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.
Year 8 Mothers and Special Friends Lunch
Friday 16 August
The Scotch College Parents Association are excited to invite Year 8 Mothers and Special Friends to a delightful lunch at Studley Grounds, 121 Studley Road Kew, on Friday 16 August. This wonderful event offers a perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships and foster community growth.
Join them for a memorable day filled with joy and laughter! Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the talented chefs at Studley Grounds, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Kew.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with other amazing individuals in the community and celebrate the special bonds shared. Looking forward to seeing you there and making this a truly unforgettable experience!
RSVP: Friday 9 August
View Invitation | Book Tickets Here
Enquiries should be directed to Samar Chahin 0413 875 190 samarchahin@hotmail.com, or Tina Garg | 0403 177 938 ttaggar@hotmail.com.
Year 11 Parent and Carers Winter Drinks
The Year 11 Class Reps warmly invite you to the Year 11 Parent/Carer Winter Drinks. The event will be held at 7.00pm, Friday 26 August at the Mt Erica Hotel, 420 High Street. Tickets for the event are $40 per person.
Enquiries should be directed to Anna Luscombe on 0409140333 or by email luscombefamily@icloud.com.
2024 Scotch Rugby Presentation Night
The 2024 Scotch Rugby Presentation Night will be held on Monday 2 September at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.
Pricing per adult ticket is $100. Tickets for players and siblings $65 (dinner and drinks). The event will run from 6.00pm – 9.00pm.
The dress code for adults is smart casual. Boys should wear their school uniform, this includes candy coats for senior students.
RSVP: Monday 26th August 2024
Please direct enquiries to Charlie Heerey on 0417 368 665 or via email charlie@heerey.com.au.
Scotch College Foundation Art Show
Thursday 29 August to Sunday 1 September 2024.
The Scotch College Foundation, which raises funds to support the school and its scholarship programs, is hosting its fourth Art Show, to support Tiwi College’s literacy program.
The event will take place in the James Yu Foyer of the James Forbes Academy Music Building and opens on Thursday 29 August with an evening cocktail party.
Book Tickets for Opening Night
Opening Dates:
Thursday 29 August: opening night cocktail party 6.30 – 9.00pm
Friday 30 August: viewing 4.00pm – 7.00pm
Saturday 31 August: viewing 10.00am – 3.00pm
Sunday 1 September: viewing 10.00am – 1.00pm
Year 9 Fathers/Caregivers and Sons Event
Fathers and Caregivers of Year 9 students are invited to an evening event on Sunday 15 September. The event will be held at Governors Hall, 27 Hall Street, Hawthorn East from 4.00pm-7.00pm. Limited tickets are available for $37.50 per person. This includes woodfired pizzas, canapes and soft drinks for the boys. Adults can buy drinks at bar prices.
RSVP: Tuesday 10 September
Any enquiries should be directed to Marie Gordon on 0419995773 or via email gordon.marie@bigpond.com
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 online gaming.
Games are an integral part of human behaviour. It is normal and healthy for young people to engage in play as a part of their daily lives, including playing games online. And like most activities, online gaming can have both positive and negative outcomes. It can be intimidating and confusing for carers trying to understand a young person’s online experiences with many considering that staring at a screen is an unhealthy habit. However, the World Health Organisation does believe that as well as the risks, there are also many positive benefits associated with online gaming and these could be key in nurturing bonds with others.
During the pandemic, there was an explosive growth of gaming as people sought much needed connection during isolation. In the media, gaming often gets bad publicity because most coverage tends to concentrate on the minority of gamers who play to such an extent that it compromises all other areas of their life. However, online gaming can teach young people many skills including teamwork, concentration, communication and problem-solving. It requires a level of interaction and skill from the player; unlike watching television, which is more passive.
Online communities provide opportunities for young people to feel socially connected and have a sense of belonging. At healthy levels, gaming can increase their self-esteem and social acceptance. However, any behaviour, when taken to extreme, can also have a negative impact on a young person’s everyday life. Understanding what your son experiences online and knowing the warning signs if they are at risk, will help nurture a more positive relationship with online gaming and help your family find the right balance.
If you are concerned about your son’s online gaming habits, it’s important to consider a number of factors. Please click here for further reading and tips on online gaming.
If you have any concerns about your child, please contact Nick Clark at psychologist@scotch.vic.edu.au or seek medical or professional help.
