Term 3, Week 6 2024
The Torch
Term 3, Week 6 2024
- Whole School Notices
- Junior School Notices
- Senior School Notices
- Sports & Co-Curricular
- Upcoming Events
- Health & Wellbeing
Congratulations to our Pipes and Drums boys on their exceptional performance at the World Championships in Scotland last week. Our bands represented Scotch with distinction, and we look forward to receiving the final results shortly.
The Scotch College Foundation Art Show opens next Thursday 29 August, and we would love to see the Scotch Family out in force supporting this important fundraiser. The Art Show is held every two years, with all proceeds going to the First Nations Support Fund. Income from this fund covers the costs associated with bringing Tiwi College students to Scotch each year, as well as extra-curricular activities, such as trips and excursions, for our First Nations Scholarship boys.
Importantly the Art Show also supports and showcases 55 Australian artists and their talents. Further information and tickets to the opening night cocktail party are available here. All boys will be bringing home a catalogue of the art works tomorrow – please do look out for it in the bottom of school bags!
You may be aware of the APS sport review currently underway by the Heads of APS member schools. The intention is to ensure the program continues to meet the needs of all member schools. Despite reports to the contrary, there will be no reduction to the number and breadth of sports offered. Indeed, more may be introduced. The compulsory nature of Saturday sport will continue for students in Years 7 to 12, and students in Years 5 and 6 will continue to participate in APS sport during school hours.
At Scotch, one of our key strategic pillars is to continue to focus and build our sports and athletic development program. It was a delight to unveil the new high performance gym last week, which supports the introduction of our new sport-specific functional training programs. We are also exploring exciting new sporting opportunities for the boys as part of the new Thursday afternoon program next year. Sport has always been, and will continue to be, central to a Scotch education.
Dr Scott Marsh
Principal
Can You Help on Family Day?
Volunteers are still needed for Family Day, which is coming up on Saturday 14 September. Please complete this form if you can help. A copy of the athletics program is also available here to assist in planning your availability. Clubs and auxiliaries will be in touch directly with volunteers to confirm arrangements.
Auxiliaries Selling Food on Family Day
Auxiliaries selling food on Family Day must have a dedicated Food Handling Supervisor at the stall throughout the day. The Food Handling Supervisor must be present for the entire duration of your stall – this may be either the same person or may change throughout the day. To become a Food Handling Supervisor, please complete the Food Safety Training. Certificates should be emailed to events@scotch.vic.edu.au once the training has been completed. Thank you to all Food Handling Supervisors for completing the training as soon as possible.
All auxiliaries selling or supplying food must also complete the Food Safety Allergen Matrix by Monday 2 September. For 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.
Please note the following important dates:
Despite Week 6 being slightly shorter for the boys, it has been no less busy or fun-filled. Before sharing a few of the highlights I wish to open my note this week with a plea.
Our most up-to-date attendance data is painting a concerning picture regarding two patterns that have emerged in recent weeks. The first is absence, the second being late arrival.
We have noticed an increased number of families taking holiday breaks during term time. In some cases, long weekends, in many others whole weeks away. We are grateful that families communicate to confirm this but as my letters of response suggest, we are significantly concerned about the impact absence has on the learning and social development of our Scotchies.
Breaking routine can cause anxiety in young children. Disrupting the sequential development of key knowledge and skills can have a similar impact.
Late arrival has also reared its head of late.
A concerning number of boys have been starting their day on the back foot by entering their classroom after 8.25am. For those onsite, we ring the bell at 8.20am such that boys are in their classroom and ready to start their day at 8.25am.
My plea is to ask for your support to ensure boys are at school during term time and that they arrive each day with time to organise themselves. This will give each boy every chance of succeeding at school. When the boys are here and settled, they produce some wonderful outcomes. This week has been no exception.
I was delighted to witness several of our Year 3 to 6 boys putting forth their entries for selection in the House Public Speaking competition. I saw a wide array of interests represented and, more importantly, some outstanding delivery. I wish all the boys well as the entries are whittled down to the final representatives.
Tuesday was witness to a wonderful moment when a one of our Junior Primary Suzuki string ensembles performed for their Year 3 to 6 buddies in the atrium at lunch time. They attracted a big crowd and some rapturous applause. Many of the older boys singled out their buddy and shared congratulations. A warm moment indeed.
I look forward to the book week costume fun tomorrow. The boys have certainly enjoyed the authors’ visits all week. My thanks go to Mrs Rogers and Mrs Parkinson for their work.
Finally, I congratulate all the boys who have competed at Mt Buller this week. There will be a more extensive breakdown of the results, but by all accounts, the boys did very well and represented the school as we would have hoped.
Thank you to Ms Lillie, Mr Schrodter and Ms Rogers for supporting the boys, with particular thanks to Ms Lillie for leading Junior Snowsports this year.
Tom Savill
Head of Junior School
Book Week
A reminder that the Book Week Dress Up Parade will take place on the Junior School Oval at 8.30am tomorrow, Friday 23 August (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.
Junior School Fathers’ Day Stall
The JSPA Fathers’ Day Stall will be held on Thursday 29 August in the Junior School. All boys are invited to purchase something special for their Dad, super hero or carer! $20 cash only.
Junior School Dates
View the key Junior School dates
Music Making in Term 3
Wow, what an exciting week of music!
The Scotch Choral Concert took place on Tuesday night. The Glen House Choir performed two pieces, The Unicorn and Whenever the Wind is High. They also combined with the Senior School’s College Choir to sing the spiritual I Sing Because I’m Happy. Well done to these talented and committed boys on their beautiful musical performance. Looking forward to the boys learning new repertoire in preparation for the Year 5 & 6 Concert and Speech Night in Term 4.
Tuesday lunchtime showcased the Suzuki Violin boys in a special performance in the Atrium. This initiative from the Music Service Team provides opportunities for small ensembles and individual boys to gain performance skills in a non-threatening environment. Well done to the Violin boys for their excellent performance!
Tonight is the Scotch Bands Concert. The Junior School Concert Band, alongside a variety of Senior School Bands, will showcase their musical talents. Best of luck to these boys for their performance!
The Year 5 & 6 Orchestra performed in the Victorian Schools Music Festival today at Hawthorn Town Hall under the baton of Amberley Bremner. Looking forward to hearing them perform and the opportunity to listen to other orchestras from surrounding schools.
Next week on Monday, percussion students in Year 5 and Year 6 on stage in the Percussion Concert. Please come along and support the boys! The concert begins at 6.30pm in Ian Roach Hall.
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
APS Athletic trials have concluded for Years 4 to 6 boys. Congratulations to the boys selected to represent the school on Wednesday 28 August at Doncaster Athletics Track. Scotch will compete against the other 16 APS Primary schools. Qualifiers from APS will compete at Regionals on Thursday 24 October. A separate parent email has gone home with details. The team can be found via this link.
In PE classes, boys in Years 3 to 6 continue their 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 will run a 100m, 200m and the 100m shuttle relay on Family Day on Saturday 14 September. The program runs from 8.00am to 10.00am. Further information will be sent to parents in due course. The Junior School Flyer begins the day at 8.00am where the top two boys in each year level (3-6) compete in a handicapped 100m race. It’s a wonderful spectacle.
The Junior Primary boys are working on their 50m shuttle relay, 50m sprints and 50m low hurdles in class. The weather has been excellent for track work!
If a boy cannot make Family Day, please email juniorschool@scotch.vic.edu.au
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
Please note training times for Term 3 which have changed due to facilities and coaching availability.
Boys with 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. Mrs Rogers and our golf staff will meet with the golf boys in the coming weeks to ascertain their level of golfing ability and organise the best experience for their Term 4 sport.
Year 6 Rugby Sevens
Rugby Sevens will begin this week 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:
Please refer to the email sent to Year 6 parents last week for further information.
This week we are celebrating Book Week with our Literature Festival, “Stories Matter.”
On Tuesday, Victorian author Mark Smith presented to a group of boys at lunchtime. Mark wrote the popular series, The Road to Winter, and is an inspirational storyteller and speaker. I am sure his words helped our boys value stories and storytelling that little bit more – he may have even inspired some to read his amazing books!
Jessica Watson gave insight to Year 7 and 8 students about becoming the youngest person to sail around the world unassisted. A heroic tale in an “ordinary” life, the boys were perhaps able to imagine what it was like for her and transport themselves into her story.
Yesterday’s lunchtime session, Do you LOVE Manga?, taught boys a quick and simple way to draw original characters in a Japanese comic style. We also took a group of students to Ruyton Girls’ College to participate in the annual Battle of the Books. Tomorrow, Year 9 and 10 students will hear from David Knoff, who will talk about his experience as a station leader on a research expedition that was stuck in Antarctica during the pandemic, when all travel grinded to a halt.
Our students’ lives are filled with stories emanating from screens, TikTok videos, social media and games. It is a privilege to be able to balance this with the sharing of images, words and lived experiences from people who have experienced or imagined the extraordinary, or both.
We encourage our students to create their own story every day; to envisage their future stories, to “make up” great stories, and to listen to the stories around them with open ears and open hearts.
Katrina Brennan
Head of Senior School
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 9 Fathers/Carers and Sons Evening
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 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 12 VTAC Applications – Information Now Available & Registrations Open
Thank you to all parents who attended the Future Pathways information session on Monday 29 July. A recording of this session along with an updated VTAC video and demonstration SEAS application is now available on the Future Pathways Course and Careers Resources website. A quick reference guide about the VTAC application process can be found here.
Boys considering courses with additional selection tasks such as interviews, folio presentation or auditions, can read this fact sheet from VTAC to help them prepare.
For those preparing a SEAS application, this guide can be given to medical practitioners to help them understand the process and what to include in a statement of support.
If you have any questions or require any support, please do not hesitate to contact your Future Pathways Counsellor:
BD, DN, EN, FD: Adrienne.Mewett@scotch.vic.edu.au
FG, FS, GY, LN: Ophelia.Hopkins@scotch.vic.edu.au
LJ, MH, MN, SS: Robert.Smith@scotch.vic.edu.au
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!
For further information, please contact Kate Woodward (katewoodward373@gmail.com / 0447 634 293) or Lynn Clark (clarkultrasound@bordernet.com.au / 0427 951 118)
Indonesian Embassy Essay Competition
Congratulations to Year 12 Indonesian SL student Will Whitehead who recently won the Indonesian Embassy essay-writing scholarship competition. His essay, “Dari Insta ke TikTok: Sebarkan Vibes Budaya Indonesia!” was selected from over 80 entries, with the selection process including an interview with a panel from the Indonesian Teachers Association of Victoria. As one of five winners, Will attended a state dinner and flag ceremony in Canberra. During his visit, he toured Parliament House, learned and performed traditional music, enjoyed authentic Indonesian cuisine, and was interviewed by ABC Australia, which was the highlight of his trip.
Future Pathways Newsletter
Read the latest issue of the Future Pathways Newsletter
This edition features information on:
View this weekend’s APS Sports fixture
Spring Sport
View the latest copy of the Spring sports programme.
APS Athletics Lead Up Meet: This Weekend
We have the first APS Athletics lead up meet this Saturday at Box Hill Athletics track. All boys are welcome to come down and record some times and measurements in their respective events.
Speed/Plyometric Training: Monday Lunchtimes
A reminder that speed and plyometric sessions for Year 8-12 boys continue this Monday at lunchtime.
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.
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 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.
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 9 Fathers/Carers and Sons Evening
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
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
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.
Book Chat with the Library Auxiliary – Date Change
The Library Auxiliary invites to all parents and guardians to the next Book Chat, to be held on Friday 6 September 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.
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
‘Collecting Art’ Seminar
Friday 30 August
Join the Scotch College Foundation for a seminar featuring Georgie Bruce from Georgie Bruce Art Advisory. Georgie will be sharing her wealth of experience as an art advisor, providing insights into the industry. The seminar will take place in the David Yu Foyer during the Scotch College Foundation Art Show at 5.30pm. The event is free however bookings are essential.
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 healthy study habits.
In today’s world, where distractions are abundant and the pressure to excel is high, helping young people develop healthy study habits is more important than ever. As our students aspire to achieve academic success, the cornerstone of that achievement lies not just in their intelligence or drive, but in the study habits they cultivate.
It’s essential for the boys to recognise that good study habits aren’t merely about spending extra hours hitting the books. It’s more about quality over quantity and taking a more balanced approach. Emphasising the value of a routine is essential. Consistent study times establish a sense of structure and discipline, turning studying into a natural part of their daily routine rather than a burdensome task.
Additionally, how students approach their study sessions is equally important. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of this process in maintaining focus and preventing burnout.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity are indispensable elements that will significantly impact your child’s ability to study effectively. Fostering these healthy habits is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer children, paving the way for a lifetime of learning and achievement.
Please click here for further reading on how to support your son manage homework and revision at home.
As always, if you have any concerns about your son, please contact Nick Clark at psychologist@scotch.vic.edu.au or seek medical or professional help.
