Week 8, Summer Term 2024
Dear Boarding Families
I hope you are all looking forward to some rest and relaxation over the Easter break, with your lovely sons by your side! I also acknowledge that this becomes a very busy part of the year for a lot of the State, with crop farmers beginning their seeding programmes, and small businesses also ramping up. I hope the boys, once rested, can lend a helping hand because they certainly love to talk about it when they are in boarding with us! If any families are cutting firewood in preparation for the winter, our boarding houses would gratefully accept any donations for our fire pits over winter!
I look forward to celebrating the end of term with you all at our Boarding Parent Sundowner on Wednesday evening, the night before the last day of term. It will be down at the Gooch Pavilion, and we will be entertained by the Scotch Jazz Ensembles. At last glance, we have over 100 people expected to be there, which is a great turnout. A reminder that this is a BYO event, with food provided. All parents will get a complimentary welcome drink from the wonderful Frankland Estate wines, one of our boarding families at Scotch.
Before the Sundowner, I am hosting a Boarding Parent Committee Meeting where we will discuss the term in review as well as the outlook for next term. One topic of discussion will be our Boarding Week coming up next term, including our very own Field Day on Friday 7th June, just after mid-term break.
Year 11 and 12 parents also have the opportunity to discuss your son’s academic progress with his classroom teachers on Thursday. If you would like to take the opportunity to speak to myself, Mr Mecham or Mr Montgomery about your son’s development in boarding in a more private setting whilst you are in Perth, please get in contact and we can arrange a time. End of term pick up time is always a bit hectic, but we can arrange a time to meet when you are next in Perth. In any event, I have made myself available for the duration of Thursday 28 March in case you would like to book a time with me. Mr Montgomery and Mr Mecham have teaching duties until 1pm on that day and then will be spending time with the boys to ensure that everyone is heading off safely and leaving a clean room behind.
Next term begins with an examination period in Week 2 and Week 3 for the Year 11s and 12s. Boys who are not doing ATAR or IB subjects have the opportunity to do work experience, which they can complete in their hometown. Boys will still be expected at Certificate/ TAFE courses and PSA sports training, so it may be beneficial for them to do their work experience in Perth, however, we understand if your son would be a valuable staff member during seeding time or at a local small business. Boarding House routines will continue as normal, including the completion of a quiet prep time and usual standards of behaviour. Boys who stay in house will be expected to comply with these simple routines in order to respect everyone living in our community. Any local leave during the day for studying students wanting a break or having an appointment will need to be applied for though REACH as normal and approved by both parents and Mr Montgomery so that parents can better keep track of how much time the boys are spending studying.
As a reminder for next term and beyond, I need to reiterate the importance of having medical appointments booked through the Health Centre. It allows the Health Centre to ensure the appropriate follow up such as paperwork, prescriptions, return to sport schedules etc are logged and that boarding staff follow the right procedures. If there is an expectation that the College sends a staff member to accompany your son to an appointment, we have a Health Centre Assistant who can accompany boys. Please do not pre-book an early morning or after school appointment and expect a boarding staff member such as a House Mother to be available to take your son, as they are needed in the house. The appropriate thing to do is to speak to the Health Centre and they can book the appointment on your behalf at a time that suits everyone.
Lastly, I wish to make a special mention of our beloved House Mother, Mrs Pam Seaby who is about to take some well-deserved long service leave. Pam has been with us for over 17 years and is taking some time off to spend with her new Grandchild and sometime at home on the farm in Mukinbudin. We look forward to welcoming Pam back in August. Thank you so much for your work Pam and we wish you all the very best during your time on leave. Parents will have the chance to thank Pam personally at the Sundowner on Wednesday night for the countless hours of service that she has given our community. She always puts the boys’ interests first and has displayed care and empathy for boarding parents. She is also an amazing team member and a joy to work with.
I wish all families a wonderful holiday break and a happy easter.
Kind regards
Jordan
World’s Greatest Shave
Great photo of Oli and Nick, both from Esperance. The World’s Greatest Shave is an event run by the Leukemia Foundation in order to raise awareness and money to help fund research towards finding a cure to Leukemia (blood cancer) and also to support those who are going through the cancer and cannot afford the very expensive cost of treatment.
We shave our heads in recognition of those who struggle with blood cancer and also to send a powerful message that we stand in support of them.
Scotch College raised over $127,000 for the World’s Greatest Shave. Amazing effort boys!
Year 8 Bib Track
The Year 8s walked from Brookton Hwy to Gringer Creek for this leg of the Bib track. Mr Owenell and Sally had great weather and warm nights walking with the boys.
Man of the Week
The boarding leaders have come up with a new initiative called Man of the Week. The man of the week is designed much like positive affirmations to give recognition to boys for doing the right thing. A little different to positive affirmations, it is not just for the one-off good deeds, it is for continued behaviours that we want to see in the boarding house. The recipients of Man of the Week will not only get a nicely embroidered blazer to wear for the week but will also get the privilege to come straight to the front of the line at recess, lunch and dinner for the fortnight. It is also different from positive affirmations in that this is student driven. We want the boys to come to us and tell us about their peers who continue to be role models in our boarding community. We want this to become a tradition in the boarding houses – something to celebrate.
Lachie Willmott, Stirling Clan
Extract From Teresa Moss
Lachie, your willingness to lend a helping hand when I (Theresa) was struggling with a mess in the rec room truly made a world of difference (to me). Although you could not really help me, your kindness made my day and left a lasting impression on me. Your selfless act of kindness served as a powerful reminder of the compassion that exists within our boarding community. Thank you also for helping to clean up after afternoon teas and any other occasions when there is stuff to do in the boarding house.
Mike Lui, Blair Clan
For being a continuous contributor to our boarding house for always doing the right thing and bringing a happy and energetic vibe to the house. Always saying good morning to staff and always keen know how everyone’s day has been. Mike led the Chinese New Year celebrations, organising the majority of the event. If you know Mike you also know how much of an absolute academic weapon he is and how hard he works day in, day out. This continued display of commitment and generosity is very well deserved to be Man of the Week.
Darcy Stratford, MSR
Darcy was an amazing role model at the boarders recreation event for Year 7’s at the St Mary’s Quiz night, working well on the table with everyone from other schools and getting them involved in the fun.
Darcy was a great representative of a Scotch boy.
Around the Houses
St Patrick’s day was resplendent in green in the dining hall.
Welcome back Kerry
Some of the boys decided the make a Welcome back Kerry sign for the Reception desk to welcome our much loved House Mum. Oscar is seen getting into the decorating.
Secret Artist
Prep
In the Senior School Residence Anneke is helping with the boys homework during Prep.
Dinner at the Big House
Mr Adam Harvey and Chef from Catering, setting up for a BBQ dinner outside the Big House.
Marching and Pipe Band on Fridays
Most Friday mornings during term we have a wonderful tradition of watching the boys March in their houses to their House music played by the Pipes and Drums.
This is what I see when I look out my office window:
Alexander House
Toby Jones Yr 12 is at the front of Alexander House with 9 boarders.
Anderson House
Ivan Berdychevskyi Yr 12 marches with 13 boarders in Anderson House.
Brisbane House
Rohan Bignell, Yr 12 leads Brisbane House, which has a 14 boarders.
Cameron House
Brandon Wright Yr 12 is our only Cameron House boarder.
Ferguson House
There are 3 Ferguson boarders.
Keys House
Our Keys House boys are our biggest day school house with 23 boarders. Hudson Hammond Yr 12 was at the front.
Ross House
Loch Mactaggart Yr 12 led Ross House. There are 4 boarders in Ross.
Shearer House
Our Captain of Boarding marches with Shearer House, then stands with the Headmaster and other school leaders. We have 9 boarders in Shearer House.
St Andrews House
There are only 4 boarding boys in St Andrews House.
Stuart House
We have 9 Stuart House boarders with their yellow pocket trim and Stewart House tie.
Pipes and Drums
Boarders also feature in the band. We have Oli Wandel on pipes and Sam Doney, Dallmyn Kelly and Oscar Male on Tenor drums.
Click here to watch the pipes and drums play
Yr 7 Peaceful Warriors
A report from Mrs Adelle Wilkes
This term, Mr Micheal Spratt and I had the privilege of facilitating the Peaceful Warrior Program for the Year 7 Boarders. Through a blend of earthy didgeridoo resonance provided by Micheal and guided meditations led by me, we introduced the students to mindfulness practices, including the Box Breathing method, aimed at enhancing their resilience under stress.
Session Highlights & Feedback:
- Session 1: We observed enthusiastic engagement during the program’s introduction, though the practical exercise encountered some initial hiccups. Adjusting the breathing exercise duration to four seconds (Box Breathing) in subsequent sessions proved more accessible and beneficial, as reflected in the students’ overwhelmingly positive feedback.
- Session 2: The addition of the didgeridoo and the Box Breathing method marked a significant improvement. Structuring the session to begin with breath and body connection, followed by the didgeridoo, facilitated a deeper relaxation state. Students reported feeling more relaxed and “at home”, highlighting the session’s impact on stress reduction and relaxation.
- Session 3: Faced with challenges such as homesickness, we focused on using breathwork to navigate emotions. Michael’s didgeridoo playing, coupled with discussions on sensory awareness, provided a grounding experience. The session concluded with students feeling noticeably calmer, demonstrating the effectiveness of the practices introduced.
- Session 4 & Final Session: Students continued to practice Box Breathing, gaining deeper emotional and bodily awareness. The positive feedback was heartening, with students applying the techniques in various contexts, from test preparation to sports, indicating the program’s practical impact on their daily lives.
Conclusion:
The Peaceful Warrior Program has been a journey of discovery and growth for our students. Witnessing their development and the positive reception of mindfulness practices has been immensely rewarding. We believe these skills will serve them well beyond the classroom, aiding in their personal and academic endeavours.
Special thanks must be given to Michael Spratt, whose voluntary contribution of time, didgeridoo artistry, and sharing of indigenous wisdom significantly deepened the program’s impact, bringing an authentic and immersive experience to every session. Thanks also to Sean Mecham for coordinating the sessions with the Boarders.
Feedback from the boys
- “I used the box breathing before my football game, as I really want to be in the A team”
- “I was really nervous about my NAPLAN test so I used the breathing to calm myself down, it didn’t take all the nerves away but it made be feel a lot better.”
- “I use the box breathing before my cricket game.”
- “I thought these sessions were another thing we had to do but now I realise it is something that I want to do because it’s good for me.”
But my favourite feedback was after the second session of meditation and didgeridoo practice, most of the boys said they felt peaceful and relaxed and three boys said that they felt like they were “home”. It said to me that the practice gave them a true sense of connection to themselves and a sense of belonging here at Scotch.
Adelle Wilkes | ILT Education Specialist
Year 10 Subject Selections
To assist our students in selecting the most suitable pathway and course options for Years 11 and 12, the College will be conducting a number of events to address important considerations for each of the three pathways (IB Diploma, AAP and ATAR). To ensure all members of our community have access to this information, these opportunities will be held online.
Pathway Information Website
https://home.scotch.wa.edu.au/courses/pathway/year10/pathway-information/
Online Forum via Teams
Thursday 21 March, from 6.30–7.30pm for families to ask any questions they may have after engaging with the Pathway Information Website. The link to the Teams meeting is available via the Pathway Information Website.
In order to support your son in making a fully informed decision, parents are encouraged to view the presentations and participate in the forum.
Subject information is available on the Course Information Website: https://home.scotch.wa.edu.au/courses/
In order to offer our students an experience in the programmes available, we will be hosting a ‘Pathway Week’ during Week 2, Autumn Term to provide the students with the information necessary to make an informed decision about the style of education they want in Years 11 and 12 and an insight into the different courses on offer. This week will include the Year 10 Parent, Teacher, Student Interviews during the afternoon of Tuesday 23 April and all day on Wednesday 24 April.
Subject Selections for Year 11 are due Wednesday 8 May (Week 4, Autumn Term).
I encourage parents to partake in these events, as the content presented will be essential in assisting the students in making informed decisions.
Should you have any queries please feel welcome to contact my Personal Assistant Heidi Locke Heidi.Locke@scotch.wa.edu.au
Gliding Club of WA – Cunderdin – Fly in and Open Day – 6 & 7 April 2024
If you are interested in flying, have a plane or would like to see what Gliding is like, please join the GCWA for a Fly-in and Open Day on the weekend of April 6 and 7 at the Cunderdin Airport.
There are lots of things on offer and a full weekend of events. I’ll be there supporting the Club, so drop in and say Hi!