Over the July break, I read Jonathan Haidt’s latest book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. I cannot recommend this book enough as essential reading for every parent, particularly those with children approaching the teenage years.
Through pulling together a range of research, Haidt essentially claims that today young people are overprotected in the real world yet are allowed to navigate the online world with virtually no real form of protection. Having given powerful devices to children, Haidt expresses concern that as a society, we have blindly given this technology to our children and young people with absolutely no understanding of their impact. In fact, I am reminded of the early cigarette advertising where even doctors were featured praising the benefits of smoking. Today we know the truth about cigarettes. Haidt’s book presents some significant research that suggests we are starting to know the truth about the impact of smartphones and other such technology.
Haidt urges four reforms to arrest the current clear patterns that have emerged:
At Scotch, we are moving towards the full ban of phones and have banned phones this year for all Prep to Year 10 students. Our new Outdoor Education Program at Fairhaven, together with many of our other programs, will continue to encourage our boys to be more independent and experience play in the great outdoors.
As a parent myself, I understand the challenges in banning devices. However, after reading Haidt’s book and witnessing the rise in anxiety as an educator over the past two decades, something must change if we are to protect our children. I have always remembered the words of the great New Zealand Māori elder, Dame Whina Cooper: “Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear. Take care of what they see. For how the children grow, so will the shape of Aotearoa (New Zealand).”
In today’s digitally saturated world, these words are more important than ever. Let’s work together to take care of our children.
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
Scotch College Foundation Day Concert
One of the highlights of the annual Scotch calendar, the Foundation Day Concert will be held on Tuesday 10 September at the Arts Centre, Hamer Hall at 7.30pm.
Enquiries should be directed to the Arts Centre Melbourne on 1300 182 183.
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:
A number of boys have commented on the withdrawal symptoms they have been feeling with a lack of Olympic action in the past few days. The past few weeks have been filled with amazing physical feats and moments of inspiration.
As the games came to a close, the Year 1 group clung on to the spirit and excitement for a little longer through the development of their own special competition…The Potato Olympics!
Having created their own Potato Olympic athletes, the boys put each spud through its paces. The Distance Drop, the 100m Sprint, The Potato and Spoon Race and Breakdancing were the key events, each attracting a fair bit of competition but also the opportunity to measure and record data.
Congratulations to the Year 1 boys for their hard work and for using their Maths skills to such great effect. Thank you to Ms Lille and Ms Bascombe for their hard work and inspiration.
This week showcased Science. As National Science Week has come around again, the boys have been busy engaging in a multitude of science experiments. In Monday’s assembly, the Junior School welcomed Cartini from ‘Mad About Science’ to take us all on a journey through the Solar System and give insight into the chemical interactions that often exist on each planet. My thanks go to Mr Paneras for organising the opportunity.
One highlight was an experiment to determine which of the balloons was filled with Helium and which with Hydrogen. The following photo highlights the result of igniting the Hydrogen filled version. I was impressed with the boys’ knowledge but also their composure in the face of fabulous demonstrations. The Liquid Nitrogen and coloured flames proved very exciting.
This week many boys have also been captivated by the Book Fair and the ever increasing anticipation of next week’s Book Week. We work hard to develop a strong culture of reading and really value the support that comes from the Scotch Family to reinforce this with each boy. Thank you to parents who have come along to purchase books and build on the momentum and to Mrs Rogers and Mrs Parkinson for continuing to coordinate such opportunities in the library.
We look ahead to next week with excitement. I am hoping the costume I have ordered will fit!
Tom Savill
Head of Junior School
Year 7 2026 Scholarships
Families of students in Year 5 are eligible to apply for Academic Excellence, General Excellence and Boarding Scholarships in 2026.
Please note the following key dates for scholarship applications this year:
Learn more about the Scholarship Program, eligibility and the application process on the Scotch College website.
Book Week
A reminder that next week is Book Week with a number of visiting authors coming to talk to the boys throughout the week.
Friday 23 August will include a Dress Up Parade on the Junior School Oval at 8.30am (weather permitting). Parents are most welcome to come and enjoy the vast array of costumes.
Term 3 SOS
A reminder of the fundraising effort to support The Running Water Project which will help put urinals into Balang High School in Cambodia.
This initiative is running from Thursday 1 August until Thursday 29 August. Service Logs and all money must be in by 29 August.
JSPA Notices
The Father’s Day Breakfast will be held on Wednesday 28 August 2024 at 7.30am
Further information can be accessed here
The Father’s Day Stall will be held on Thursday 29 August 2024.
Click here for flyer
Junior School Dates
View the key Junior School dates
German Poetry Competition
Years 4, 5 and 6 have been working hard to present a German language poem to their class at the beginning of this term. While discovering the poems, they have learnt about German technology, animals of European forests and the importance of being there for each other.
All students who took part in the Poetry Competition tryouts are to be commended for their dedication. The passion displayed by the boys for their recitals was immense. Congratulations to the boys who qualified and participated in the Regional Finals of the Poetry Competition last week:
Year 4: James Ballantine, Jasper Crowe, Vihan Dalal, Isaiah Fernando, Vivaan Gupta, Lawrence Gao (Reserve)
Year 5: Aiden Natarajan, Jenson Ooi, Frederick Pagnin, Oliver Wu, Felix Zhu, Hugo Dixon (Reserve)
Year 6: Tom Caplan, Callum Chiu, Sebastian Khaw, Isaac Khoo, Xavier Xiang, Devin Lin (Reserve)
Being part of this day was an achievement in itself. It was an experience that will equip boys for their senior language oral exams in the future, as the boys had to enter a classroom on their own and present their poem in front of two judges! Joined by 60 students from Trinity Grammar, PLC and CGGS, afternoon tea and prizes were presented to all at the award ceremony.
Scotch was represented strongly amongst the top performers of the competition, both at Junior and Senior school levels. Congratulations to the following Junior School prize winners:
Year 4:
Year 5:
Year 6:
Music Making in Term 3
An exciting few weeks lie ahead in the Scotch Music Department!
Next Tuesday 20 August is the Scotch Choral Concert. The Glen House Choir will take the stage, both on their own and in collaboration with the Senior School’s College Choir. The concert will also feature performances from several other Senior School Choirs, promising an evening of exceptional music.
Following this event on Thursday 22 August will be the Scotch Bands Concert. The Junior School Concert Band, alongside a variety of Senior School Bands, will showcase their musical talents.
These concerts not only provide boys with the invaluable experience of performing but also allow them to envision the musical opportunities that await them in Senior School. It’s great to see so many former Junior School students continuing their musical journey with enthusiasm.
Please note all Music Concerts this year will begin at 6.30pm.
Looking ahead at the term there are 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
Well done to all boys in Years 3 to 6 who competed in House Field Events last week. Every boy who competed scored points for his House, which go towards the final Family Day tally. The winners of Years 4 to 6 in triple jump, long jump and shot put also qualify for the APS Athletics team that competes on Wednesday 28 August at Doncaster Athletics track. The team is taking shape and will be finalised in the next week or so. Parents will receive a separate note for APS Athletics team selection. A boy may compete in two individual events and a relay at APS, so the second placed boy may need to step up in a particular event when necessary.
House Field Event winners from last week were:
Year 3:
Year 4:
Year 5:
Year 6:
Selected boys will also trial for the following events where needed: 1500m, 800m, high jump and hurdles.
Good luck to all boys who represent the Junior School in Athletics against the other 16 APS Primary schools on Wednesday 28 August.
In PE classes, the boys in Years 3 to 6 have begun time trials for the 800m. The top six boys from each House compete in the 800m on Family Day. All boys in Years 3 to 6 run a 100m, 200m and the 100m shuttle relay. Junior Primary boys are working on their 50m shuttle relay, 50m sprints and 50m low hurdles. The weather has been excellent for track work!
Year 5 and 6 APS Sport
Click here for the following Year 5 and 6 Interschool Sport information:
Term 4 Year 5 & 6 APS Sport
The Year 5 and 6 boys have chosen their Term 4 sport. 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.
Please note training times for Term 3 which have changed due to facilities and coaching availability.
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.
Year 6 Rugby Sevens
Rugby Sevens will begin soon for Year 6, 7 and 8 boys who participate in any sports including those already playing rugby. Training and games will take place on the Scotch Rugby Oval on the following dates:
For more information please refer to the email sent to Year 6 parents yesterday.
At yesterday’s OSCA Business Networking Breakfast, I was delighted to meet some of our Young Old Boys and listen to the interesting and thought-provoking panelists Nick Griffin (’91) and Clark Kirby (’96). It was wonderful to see some of our Year 11 students have the opportunity to attend such an occasion.
I particularly enjoyed the advice dispensed by the two speakers at the conclusion of the panel session. I think the substance of this advice is relevant for all our students:
Thank you to OSCA for arranging such a wonderful opportunity for our community, and some of our students. Thank you also to those who are mentoring our students, and to our Future Pathways team for augmenting this program.
Don’t forget to save the date for Family Day on Saturday 14 September. This wonderful event showcases our athletics on the main oval and provides many opportunities for families to catch up, tour the school, support our Clubs and Auxiliaries and of course, cheer on the boys. We look forward to seeing all members of the Scotch Family on the day.
Katrina Brennan
Head of Senior School
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.
Year 7 Father and Son Breakfast
The 2024 Year 7 Father and Son Breakfast will take place on Friday 30 August in the Boykett Room from 7.00am-8.15am. Tickets are $32 per person, please ensure you book a ticket for yourself and your son.
RSVP: Monday 19 August
Any enquiries should be directed to Sara Cuming on 9810 4485 or via email middleschoolreception@scotch.vic.edu.au
Year 8 House Allocation
The Senior School House system starts at Scotch from Year 9 through to Year 12, and we are beginning the process of allocating Houses for our current Year 8 boys next year. The House system replaces the Form structure of Years 7 and 8 for the academic care of each boy. In particular, the Head of House replaces the Form Teacher as the initial point of contact between parents and the school.
All boys are placed carefully into the House system. Boys who have a family connection are able to request that they follow their brother, father or grandfather into the same House. Other than these direct connections we do not take requests for a particular House. As some families do not wish for their sons to follow a family connection, we will only place boys in the same house as their family member where a completed form is received.
If you do have a family connection to a current House, please fill in this form by Friday 6 September. It can also be accessed through the portal (MyScotch Parents > Student Information > Year 9 Day House Connections)
If your son does not have a connection to a Day House, or you do not require him to follow a relative, you do not need to do anything at this point in time. All information regarding your son’s placement into a House will be communicated by mid-Term 4.
Year 7 TheatreSports
This term Year 7 students have an exciting opportunity to be involved in TheatreSports on Friday afternoons. Students will work with professional actors from Impro Melbourne to learn new skills that will assist them with Public Speaking and Debating. These sessions allow students to have fun working with their peers, make new friends and let their imaginations soar.
Dates: Friday 16, 23 and 30 August and Friday 6 September at 3.30pm – 4.45pm
For more information see attached flyer or contact Stewart Lucy via email stewart.lucy@scotch.vic.edu.au
Year 8 “OurFutures” Research Project
An opportunity has arisen for our boys to take part in a research project on Mental Health and Substance Use, by the University of Sydney and funded by Movember. This allows the school to run the well-established, evidence-based “OurFutures” program for students in Years 8 during form time, focusing on on the topic of alcohol.
More details on the research project can be found here, and parents have the option to opt out of their son being involved in the research component. Opt out forms should be emailed to katrina.stalker@scotch.vic.edu.au by Friday 30 August.
Please direct any questions to either David Brown (Dean of Students) david.brown@scotch.vic.edu.au or Katrina Stalker (Director of Year 7 & 8) katrina.stalker@scotch.vic.edu.au.
Year 7 and 8 Rugby Sevens
Rugby Sevens will begin soon for Year 6, 7 and 8 boys who participate in any sports including those already playing rugby. Training and games will take place on the Scotch Rugby Oval on the following dates:
Year 10 Vaccinations
A reminder that the Year 10 vaccination (Meningococcal ACYW) session will take place on Thursday 22 August from 9.00am -11.30am in the Boykett Room.
Requirements:
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 9 and 10 Drug Awareness Program
In tutor time this term, our Year 10s are working through the topic of MDMA and Emerging Drugs. 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 12 Early VTAC Course Closures
Please note the following list of early closing dates for key courses in Victoria has now been published by VTAC here.
If your son wishes to apply for these courses, please ensure they are on their preference list by the closing date, as they will be unable to be added once the date has passed. Similarly, if the course is deleted from their preference list after this date, they will be unable to re-add the course, please ensure your sons are using the reorder function to keep the course on their list.
Students are strongly encouraged to apply to VTAC, as soon as possible if they have not already done so. Applying to VTAC requires a USI which can be generated here.
Year 12 VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme
The Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) covers a range of access and equity programs offered by institutions. Students can apply for one or more of the four categories available that are relevant to their situation:
You can find more details about the provision of evidence for each category here. Please encourage your sons to contact their Future Pathways Counsellor for assistance.
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
Boarders Exeat Weekend
A reminder to boarding families that the Exeat begins at the conclusion of classes tomorrow (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.
Important Dates for Boarders
Please note the below event dates for Year 12 boarding parents and guardians. Further details and invitations will be sent closer to each event.
A Message From the BPA
Family day is fast approaching! The BPA will again be running a Pancake stall in the Boarders’ marquee this year. We are calling on your assistance for only an hour during the day between 8am and 4pm to set up, cook and serve our delicious pancakes and ice cream. You will be rostered on with at least 4-5 other parents. It’s a great way to meet new faces, catch up with old and see your boys.
If you are available to assist on the day, please use the roster below select a time slot.
Following the fun of Family Day and the pancake stall we hope to see as many parents & siblings as possible at the Buffet dinner, in the Boykett Room. Adult tickets are $80 which includes canapes’, a two course meal & beverages. Siblings are welcome to join parents at Boykett Room or join older brothers in Dining Hall for free.
As usual following the dinner, we will move up to the James Forbes Academy to be entertained by our boys at the much-anticipated Boarders Revue commencing at 7.30pm.
Last but not least, we have chapel on Sunday 15 September commencing at 10.00am with Morning Tea in the Errington Retreat to follow.
Looking forward to seeing you all on this great weekend for the Boarding Community!
Warm regards,
Kate Woodward and Lynn Clark (Events Organisers)
On behalf on the Boarders’ Parents Association
Any queries, please contact:
Lynn Clark 0427 951 118 or via email clarkultrasound@bordernet.com.au
Kate Woodward, 0447 634 293 or via email katewoodward373@gmail.com
Victorian Schools Music Festival
On Thursday 1 August, the Morrison Street Jazz Band performed at the Victorian Schools Music Festival (VSMF) in Hawthorn. This prestigious event known for celebrating exceptional school music programs across the region, provided the perfect platform for the band to showcase their skills.
Held annually, the VSMF attracts some of the finest young musicians from across Victoria, offering them an opportunity to perform in front of a discerning audience and receive feedback from esteemed adjudicators. This year’s festival was no exception, featuring a diverse array of performances from various school ensembles. The Morrison Street Jazz Band stood out with their engaging performance and impressive musicianship.
Under the direction of Leon Duncan, the boys performed 3 pieces that were both dynamic and sophisticated. They have been working hard during rehearsals every Thursday assembly time and finally they have been rewarded for their efforts.
Their next performance will be at the Bands Concert held in the Ian Roach Hall at 6.30pm on Thursday 22 August.
Korowa Interschool EAL Speech Competition
We are thrilled to congratulate two of our talented Year 11 students, Enzhi Gu and Allen Zhu, for their outstanding participation in the Korowa Interschool EAL Speech Competition held on Tuesday 13 August at Korowa Anglican Girls’ School. Competing against 10 other students from various schools, both Enzhi and Allen delivered thought-provoking speeches that were both deeply personal and inspiring, exploring the theme “Into the Unknown.”
Their speeches highlighted the importance of embracing uncertainty and the journey of self-discovery, resonating strongly with the audience and judges alike. We are especially proud to announce that Allen Zhu secured second place, a remarkable achievement in what was a close competition.
Future Pathways Newsletter
Read the latest issue of the Future Pathways Newsletter
This edition features:
View this weekend’s APS Sports fixture
Spring Sport
View the latest copy of the Spring sports programme.
Firsts Rugby Union Finish Third in VSRU Competition
The Scotch College First XV defeated Melbourne Grammar 29-14 in the plate final to finish third overall. A huge congratulations to all boys, coaches and staff. The performance is our best in 10 years and backed up a strong fourth place in 2023. It was a great way for the team to finish the season and also farewell our Year 12 boys from the Rugby programme.
APS Representative Winter Sport
10 Scotch boys represented the APS in the APS/AGS Representative program. The APS teams equipped themselves well throughout the day with the APS winning the Basketball, Cross Country, Football and Hockey fixtures. Congratulations to the following boys:
Junior APS Cross Country
Last Thursday, 10 boys from Year 7 and 8 represented Scotch College in the Junior APS Cross Country event at the TAN Track. Our boys performed strongly overall with the best performances noted below:
Year 7 – Ed Barnaby 10th, Rupert Ockleshaw 13th
Year 8 – Henry Curlewis 7th, Hugh Archer 8th
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
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 Bands Concert
Thursday 22 August
Please join The Music School for the Scotch Bands Concert, featuring the Junior Band, McLaren Concert Band, Mason Concert Band, Donaldson Wind Band,
Symphonic Wind, Morrison Street Big Band,
Callantina Swing Band, Stage Band & Show Band.
The concert will start at 6.30pm in Ian Roach Hall. 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.
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
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.
Book Chat with the Library Auxiliary
The Library Auxiliary invites to all parents and guardians to the next Book Chat, to be held on Friday 30 August in the Reading and Discussion Room (in the library). Morning tea will start at 8.45am, followed by the book chat.
Come along and share an interesting book you have read or discover book recommendations from others in a welcoming and friendly environment. Michelle Sweeney, our librarian, will share her own recommendations for parents and boys. A lovely morning tea will is provided and it is a great way to connect with other parents.
For catering purposes, please RSVP to scotchlibraryauxiliary@gmail.com if you would like to attend. Please email any questions you may have in relation to the book chat or the library committee.
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.
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
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 internet addiction.
In today’s digital environment, the internet can be viewed as a valuable tool for education, research and entertainment. Young people today tend to go from one screen to another, but how much is too much? Time spent in the ‘screen world’ has parents concerned that their children may be missing out on real life experiences. Therefore, it is vitally important for parents to regulate internet use.
Internet addiction can cause significant psychological and social problems for children in years to come. The true effects on future generations is not yet known, but there are strategies that parents can implement now.
In this edition, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg discusses what causes internet addiction, who is most at risk and what parents can do to regulate the amount of time their sons spend online each day. Please click here for further reading.
If you have any concerns about your child, please contact Nick Clark at psychologist@scotch.vic.edu.au or seek medical or professional help.