Term 2, Week 6 2024
The Torch
Term 2, Week 6 2024
- Whole School Notices
- Junior School Notices
- Senior School Notices
- Sports & Co-Curricular
- Upcoming Events
- Health & Wellbeing
Tomorrow the Scotch and Melbourne Grammar communities come together for the hotly contested Cordner-Eggleston Cup. Whatever the outcome, this is a wonderful day to celebrate the history of our two schools and to recognise the significant role that Scotch and Melbourne Grammar have played in Australian Rules. I have no doubt that spectators will enjoy this tremendous spectacle, and that the Red Army will inspire the boys to give it their all!
A few weeks back, I was able to share our efforts in reconsidering how our timetable best supports the learning of our boys. This has generated much discussion within our community, and this engagement is wonderful to see.
Many schools both locally and globally are already implementing evolved timetables. Extensive work has been undertaken over the past year at Scotch to explore a timetable that better maximises learning time, supports the holistic development of every boy, puts the very best teachers in front of them, and supports the ever-increasing demands on families.
This review is not about reducing learning time. It is about finding pockets of under-utilised time to run a more efficient timetable that produces better learning outcomes for the boys, while also creating dedicated space to ensure we attract and retain the very best teachers.
Studies conclusively show that the quality of the teacher is the single most important factor in improving student learning. Flourishing, dynamic teachers inspire engaged and motivated students, and I’m sure we can all recall the impact such teachers have had on our own lives.
Teachers today juggle increasingly complex demands. When I first started teaching, the profession was relatively straightforward. I was employed to teach music and that is how I spent 99% of my time. Compliance, risk management, mental health and individualised learning programs were effectively unheard of, and anaphylaxis and other allergies were minimal. Communication between home and school was also mostly confined to parent/teacher evenings and email was not yet invented. Today, significant time must be given to these important areas, and our timetable needs to support these while also improving capacity for development.
Increasing demands on young people is another area we are seeking to address in the timetable review. Children need time to play and teens need to be kept busy, while also holding space for revision, homework and social activities. Parents are juggling more than ever, and after-school/weekend logistics are immense. A more efficient timetable will allow us to add an optional new co-curricular program from 1.50pm to 3.15pm one afternoon per week, that will allow students to explore their interests and passions within the school day. Supported by external providers, this program should reduce the after-school activities load on boys and parents, while simultaneously creating space for teacher development.
Timetable changes will differ across year levels, to ensure we create the right structure for every stage of the learning journey. We will be seeking input from parents over the coming months as part of the review. Our goal is to finalise and share the revised structure with parents early next term, ahead of its implementation in Term 1, 2025.
Dr Scott Marsh
Principal
Join Us Tomorrow at the Cordner-Eggleston Cup
All members of the Scotch Family are invited to watch the Cordner-Eggleston Cup tomorrow, Friday 24 May at Scotch. This annual football game between Scotch College and Melbourne Grammar commemorates the long legacy of sports rivalry, respect and friendship that has existed between our two schools since 1858.
The main football match will commence at 2.00pm, following the opener match between the Scotch Junior School and Grimwade House. Special thanks to Nicholas Finster (’20) for the 2024 Cordner-Eggleston Cup promotional video developed for this year’s match.
Please note the following important information to ensure the safe and successful running of the day:
Scotch Family Day – Save the Date!
Family Day is one of the annual highlights on the Scotch calendar and this year it will be held on Saturday 14 September. Over the next week, the events team will be in touch with our clubs and auxiliary members to commence preparations for their various stalls and activities.
If you have any queries in the mean time, please reach out to Michelle Dierkx and Teresa Everett at events@scotch.vic.edu.au
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On Monday we had the pleasure of Dr Marsh joining our Junior School assembly to be part of the ‘People are more than they may seem’ series. Dr Marsh shared stories of his time as a professional musician before teaching. He played a jazz rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for the boys on the Assembly Hall piano. Dr Marsh also shared his great passions in life, primarily his family including his two dogs, Shadow and Princess. It was wonderful for the boys to get insight into their Principal’s life outside of Scotch.
Within the same assembly, we celebrated the first two Year 6 boys to be awarded the new ‘Year 6 Leader’ badge. Hamish Lowndes and Evan Wang have been recognised for their superb service to Scotch through their efforts and actions. We hope that other Year 6 boys will choose to engage and serve such that we can recognise them too.
Yesterday our intrepid Year 4 cohort embarked on their annual Outdoor Education Camp at Weekaway Camp in Benloch. This is a great opportunity for the boys to challenge themselves in a variety of different ways, whether it be physical activities, teamwork challenges or simply being away from home for two nights.
Today saw a number of boys depart for the Junior School Strings camp. This opportunity helps enrich the boys’ instrumental practice whilst also providing focus on collaboration and connectivity. We look forward to hearing the fruits of their labour.
Tomorrow the school will welcome two of Melbourne Grammar School’s footy teams. Their 1st XVIII and their Junior School squad. We are excited to host the inaugural Junior School Cordner-Eggleston curtain raiser game and wish all boys involved good luck. We have provided Year 3 to 6 boys with the opportunity to watch a small portion of the Junior or Senior game (timetable dependent). The Cordner-Eggleston match is a rich part of our heritage and tradition.
Thank you to the Year 3, 4 and 5 parents who made it to the recent coffee mornings. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to connect and to discuss many matters related to the school. The possible adjustment of timetables has been a hot topic of discussion and a great opportunity for me to learn a little more about parental perspectives and considerations. I look forward to connecting with Year 1 parents tomorrow and Preps, Year 2 and Year 6 next week.
Tom Savill
Head of Junior School
Parent Cyber Safety Information Evening
All P-12 parents and guardians are invited to attend a Cyber Safety information evening on Wednesday 5 June at 7.00pm in the James Forbes Academy.
Our presenter is Brett Lee, an ex-Police officer, who has vast experience as an undercover internet detective. Brett has presented to the students and parents at Scotch for several years, and his presentations are always informative and engaging. This presentation is for parents and carers, not students, and will cover techniques for staying safe online, avoiding predatory behaviour and will also explain some digital life skills for all age groups. This presentation will provide background for parents and carers on the content that Brett presents to our Years 6, 8 and 12 boys, with each session reflecting the differing needs of each year level.
Elevating Literacy Learning in Junior Primary
Our Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 boys are busily engaged in their literacy learning this term, enjoying opportunities to explore some new elements of our elevated program. Boys are hard at work practising their skills in reading and spelling to then apply to their writing and other learning opportunities.
Please click here to read information about literacy learning in Prep to Year 2 and for tips on reading routines at home. We hope parents find this helpful.
We celebrate our boys’ efforts in their learning and look forward to sharing more updates with you as we progress through the year.
Year 5 Open Classroom Drama Event
Parents are invited to a Year 5 Open Classroom Drama event on Wednesday 5 June at 11.15am in the Junior Assembly Hall. Please indicate your attendance by emailing juniorschool@scotch.vic.edu.au
Year 6 Information Night: Transitioning to Year 7
All Year 6 parents are invited to an important Year 7 information session in the Geoffrey McComas Theatre (GMT) at the James Forbes Academy on Monday 27 May at 7.00pm. Head of Languages, Karine Coste, will share an outline of the language choices available in Year 7, while Deputy Director of Year 7 & 8, Robert Blackmore, will explain the transition from primary to secondary school. Katrina Stalker, Director of Year 7 & 8, will explain the structure of Year 7 and share a little more about the language selection process.
Please note you do not need to register for this event, and it is intended for for parents, rather than the boys who we will welcome later in the year at orientation events. If you are unable to attend the presentation, a recording will be shared in The Torch the following week as well as on the parent portal.
Junior School Dates
View the key Term 2 Junior School dates
Upcoming Recitals
Our Term 2 Recital series begins next week with the Junior School Voice Recital on Tuesday 28 May at 1.00pm in the Junior School Assembly Hall. Parents are welcome to come and watch.
Junior School Orchestra Camp
Our Year 5 & 6 Junior School Orchestra boys departed today for an overnight camp at Blampied (near Daylesford). The boys will use this time to prepare repertoire for the Years 5 & 6 Concert later this term, as well as the Strings Concert and Victorian Schools Music Festival in Term 3. A big highlight for the boys whilst on camp will be the workshop given by George Ellis, a professional conductor, composer and arranger, who is flying down from Sydney just for us!
Piano Recitals
In Week 8 and 9, our Piano students will have the opportunity to perform in a recital. This is a fantastic opportunity for boys to work towards a goal and help them in the lifelong journey of becoming confident musicians. It is hoped that all boys who learn piano take up this chance, even if they have not been learning for long.
If your son learns piano at Scotch, he will be automatically added to the list of performers; there is no need to submit a form. However, if your son learns piano outside of school, you will need to submit the below form by the specified dates to ensure his participation:
Monday Assembly Pianists
Each term we have a team of dedicated and talented Year 5 and 6 boys play piano in assembly on Mondays. This is a role that is very important and is taken very seriously.
Each boy is rostered on and needs to play whilst boys walk into assembly, and when they exit assembly. They also need to provide accompaniment to Advance Australia Fair. Some boys may be called upon to fill in when another child is absent on very short notice.
A big thank you to the following boys for taking part:
Music Resources
There are many wonderful performance opportunities throughout the year for all boys in the Junior School with numerous concerts, instrumental recitals and performances coming up. View the Junior School Music Events Calendar
It is not too late to submit tuition forms for your son to begin learning an instrument at Scotch. Please complete the Music Tuition Form here.
House Football
House Football for Years 3 to 6 will be held on Thursday 6 June on the Senior School ovals. Parents and spectators are welcome to attend.
For many boys, it will be their first official game of footy with an umpire. It can be a daunting experience for some and a time of uncertainty. In PE classes, all boys from Years 1 to 6 have been learning the skills of footy, including how to protect one’s head when picking up the ball. We explain to the boys that when they cross the road, they must look both ways for their safety and when they pick up a footy from the ground, they must also protect their head by turning their body with the ball pick up, so they are side on to the contest and not front on. The effects of concussion are part of an ongoing discussion in our society and sporting clubs and the boys are aware of what some of the consequences of a head knock are.
House Cross Country Results
Overall Results:
1st: Campbell
2nd: Waller
3rd: Healey
4th: Bradshaw
Year 5 & 6 APS Sports
Follow the links below for:
Cordner-Eggleston Cup Update
It is with great anticipation that we look forward to the inaugural Junior School Cordner-Eggleston Football game tomorrow. All are welcome to come and watch our Year 5/6 team take on Melbourne Grammar at 12noon. Good luck boys!
Sports Queries
Sporting queries should be directed to our new Junior School Sport email juniorschoolsport@scotch.vic.edu.au These will be responded to by Lucia Thompson, our Junior School Sports Administration Assistant.
Snowsports
Interschool Skiing and Trials Registration is now open – please register here.
Further information is available at the following links:
Please email juniorschoolsnowsport@scotch.vic.edu.au if your son is interested in getting involved or for further information. We will add you to the mailing list to receive all further Snowsports content for 2024.
With the winter weather descending, our Senior School students continue to be very busy.
On Monday, we hosted students from St Peters in South Australia, who played our First XI soccer team in the John Roe Shield. Our boys achieved a great victory in an athletic and high standard game.
On Friday, we will gather as a community at the main oval, with a 2.00pm kick-off for the Cordner-Eggleston Cup.
It is production week for our Year 9/10 thespians who are performing Dracula on Thursday through to Saturday night. In addition, we have the third Autumn Concert on Wednesday night. I love seeing our talented students perform, in the wonderful facilities at Scotch and admire the many hours of hard work by our teachers and students alike, in preparation for these performances.
Last Friday, we held a very special assembly. Our First Nations students shared a vital part of their culture with their peers, wearing traditional dress and ochre body paint. They danced, interpreting two important stories – a creation and a “protection” of mothers and children dance. A wonderful opening to Reconciliation Week and a first for Mem Hall, I am sure.
In acknowledging IDAHOBIT Day, Prefect Ben Poppenbeek spoke movingly of the importance of Scotch being an inclusive community for all. The message from Friday’s assembly was, resoundingly, the importance of love in our community. Correspondingly, each boy has the right to feel safe, included and a part of our community. I look forward to seeing our students enact these words through big and small gestures, as the term progresses.
Katrina Brennan
Head of Senior School
School Photos Commence Next Week
Annual school photos, including individual portraits and class/form photos, will take place on the below dates:
Students are reminded to ensure they are well groomed and wearing full winter uniform, with trousers (no shorts). This includes the candy coat blazer for Year 12 students. Please ensure you have completed the required consent form for your son to be photographed.
Class of 2024 Prep to Year 12 Photograph
On Tuesday 11 June at 1.20pm, the same day as Year 12 photographs, a photograph will be taken of all students who have attended Scotch from Prep to Year 12. This will be taken in the David Yu Family Foyer. Boys must have their candy coat and wear full trousers. There is no opportunity to take this photograph again, so students are encouraged to reorganise any possible clashing commitments.
Cordner-Eggleston Cup Arrangements
The Cordner-Eggleston Cup will be held at Scotch tomorrow afternoon, Friday 24 May. This is a much-loved event for our Senior School boys and families are welcome to attend. Please see the Whole School Notices for full details.
Arrangements for Senior School students for tomorrow are as follows:
Parent Cyber Safety Information Evening
All P-12 parents and guardians are invited to attend a Cyber Safety information evening on Wednesday 5 June at 7.00pm in the James Forbes Academy.
Our presenter is Brett Lee, an ex-Police officer, who has vast experience as an undercover internet detective. Brett has presented to the students and parents at Scotch for several years, and his presentations are always informative and engaging. This presentation is for parents and carers, not students, and will cover techniques for staying safe online, avoiding predatory behaviour and will also explain some digital life skills for all age groups. This presentation will provide background for parents and carers on the content that Brett presents to our Years 6, 8 and 12 boys, with each session reflecting the differing needs of each year level.
New York Art and Drama Tour 2025 – Closing Soon
Expressions of interest for the Art and Drama Tour to New York in 2025 are due by the end of May. This trip will occur over the Term 1 Easter holidays with exact dates to be confirmed.
This trip will be open to current Year 9-11 students, and will include Broadways shows, a Brooklyn Street Art Tour, various performance workshops, tours of The Met, Whitney, Guggenheim and other major galleries, a Harlem street tour and more. Please contact Yudha Scholes or Hayley Sandpearl for further details.
Complete the expressions of interest form | Read more information | View Flyer
International Chemistry Quiz
Year 9 to 12 Chemistry students are invited to participate in the International Chemistry Quiz run by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. The competition tests students’ general knowledge in Chemistry against more than 95,000 students across the world.
Interested students should email Renee Hill renee.hill@scotch.vic.edu.au with their name, House and Year Level to register their interest before Thursday 20 June. The quiz will run after school on Thursday 22 August.
Upcoming Extension Studies Dates
We have extensive opportunities coming up for boys participating in the Extension Studies program.
Current Year 7 Subject Selection for Year 8, 2025
The subject selection process is now underway for all Senior School students. Current Year 7 parents should watch the Year 8 Subject Selection and Language Selection videos and read the information in the Subject Selection Guides also available on this page.
In Year 8, students may study either one or two languages. Those who study only one language will undertake additional history and geography each semester. Subject selection for Year 7 boys must be submitted by their parent or guardian via the Parent Portal, under Student Information > Language Preferences (Year 7 and 8). Preferences are due Wednesday 17 July (Term 3, Week 1).
Current Year 8 Subject Selection for Year 9, 2025
Year 8 boys must submit their own subject preferences for Year 9. Of course, consultation with their form teachers, parents and guardians is crucial in their decision-making process. Current Year 8 parents should watch the Year 9 Subject Selection Video by Verity Scott, Director of Academic Care, which provides further information on the structure of Year 9 core subjects and electives.
Students may either study one language and three electives, or two languages and one elective. Information on Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects is also available here for students who may pursue more practical application subjects in their VCE.
Form teachers support the boys’ subject selection in class, and parents will receive a link to approve their son’s selection once it has been submitted. Preferences are due Wednesday 17 July (Term 3, Week 1).
Careers Clusters
There has been some great feedback from boys and Form Teachers about the Careers Clusters work this term and hopefully it has generated some discussion at home about possible areas of interest. To further support this work, Form Teachers will begin exploring transferable skills and strengths later this term.
Spending time talking with the boys about what they are good at and why they enjoy the activities that they love supports this work. Additionally, helping the boys see connections in how they use different skills sets across different subjects and activities is an important part of understanding how and why transferable skills matter both now and in the future.
Current Year 9 Subject Selection for Year 10, 2025
Current Year 9 boys must submit their own subject preferences for Year 10. Of course, consultation with their form teachers, parents and guardians is crucial in their decision-making process. Current Year 9 parents should watch the Year 10 Subject Selection Videos by Verity Scott, Director of Academic Care, and Ophelia Hopkins, on Year 10 core subjects and elective subjects available.
Please note, languages are optional in Year 10 and students who study two languages must select one elective, those studying one language may study three electives, and those not studying a language will study five electives. All students must additionally nominate two reserve subjects. In choosing their Year 10 subjects, students should think ahead to their VCE and ensure a diverse selection in Year 10 to ensure a broad base of choice in their VCE subject selection next year.
Information on Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects is also available here for students who may pursue more practical application subjects in their VCE.
Tutors and Heads of House support the boys’ subject selection in class, and parents will receive a link to approve their selection once it has been submitted. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact your son’s Head of House, Tutor or Verity Scott, Director of Academic Care verity.scott@scotch.vic.edu.au. Preferences are due Wednesday 17 July (Term 3, Week 1).
Current Year 10 Subject Selection for Year 11, 2025
Current Year 10 parents please watch the Year 11 Subject Selection Video for detailed information on the VCE, ATARs and scaled study scores, and subject selection, as well as studying Units 3 & 4 subjects in Year 11 and higher education pathways. Further reading is also available in the VCE Subject Selection Guide. Boys moving into VCE need to take their time in selecting their subjects and really understand what each subject they are selecting involves. They should aim to choose subjects they are passionate about or interested in, will keep them engaged for two years and which will meet the pre-requisites for their future goals and interests.
Parents and boys are encouraged to sit down and go through the handbooks and introductory videos provided above; carefully considering assessment style suitability and content for subjects of interest. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact your son’s Head of House, Tutor or Verity Scott, Director of Academic Care verity.scott@scotch.vic.edu.au. Preferences are due Wednesday 17 July (Term 3, Week 1).
Year 10 Work Experience Reminder
This year our Year 10 boys have the option to take part in a week of work experience from Monday 23 to Friday 27 September. Please click here for further information, guidelines and forms for the program.
Mark Zannoni is coordinating the program and all queries and completed paperwork may be emailed to workexperience@scotch.vic.edu.au All forms and test certificates must be submitted via email no later than Tuesday 23 July. This means that the upcoming break will effectively be the last opportunity for boys to arrange placements for this year.
Boys who have already submitted the required paperwork will receive a student pack via email which confirms their placement details. Please ensure your boys read this email and its contents carefully upon receipt and again before they go on placement. We will also contact employers to confirm details.
Year 10 Fathers/Carers and Sons: Wallabies v Wales Rugby Game
Year 10 Fathers, Carers and Sons are invited to attend the Wallabies v Wales Rugby game on Saturday 13 July at 7.50pm at AAMI Park. There is a special allocation of tickets behind the goals so the Scotch Family can sit together in the Gold Brigade.
Please note this is the last Saturday night of the July school holidays. Tickets are $49.90 for adults, $39.90 for boys. For any queries, please contact Kate Nurse 0417 539 514 or kate.nurse@myer.com.au
RSVP 18 June 2024
View invitation | Book tickets
Current Year 11 Subject Selection for Year 12, 2025
Current Year 11 parents please watch the Year 12 Subject Selection Video for detailed information on the VCE, ATARs and scaled study scores, and subject selection and higher education pathways. Further reading is also available in the VCE Subject Selection Guide. Moving in to Units 3 & 4, boys need to take their time in selecting their subjects and really understand what each subject they are selecting involves. They should aim to choose subjects they are passionate about or interested in and which will meet the pre-requisites for their future goals and interests.
Parents and boys are encouraged to sit down and go through the handbooks and introductory videos provided above; carefully considering assessment style suitability and content for subjects of interest. The Future Pathways team are here to support boys and their families as they make this important choice. Please do not hesitate to contact your son’s Head of House, Tutor or Verity Scott, Director of Academic Care verity.scott@scotch.vic.edu.au for assistance. Subject selections for 2025 are due Wednesday 17 July (Term 3, Week 1).
Year 11 Work Experience Reminder
Boys in Year 11 who missed out in 2023, or would like to participate again, have the option to take part in a week of work experience from Monday 23 to Friday 27 September. Please click here for further information, guidelines and forms for the program.
All forms and test certificates must be submitted no later than Tuesday 23 July to Mark Zannoni workexperience@scotch.vic.edu.au
Year 11 VIA Character Survey
This week the link to the VIA Character Strength survey was emailed to the boys. This survey produces a report that details their top five personal character strengths and qualities, to help them better understand themselves and how others perceive them. It outlines how they can use their strengths to improve their understanding of self, and will hopefully generate some interesting conversations at home as boys consider how these strengths may apply across different work contexts.
The boys have been asked to complete the survey in a quiet, distraction-free space. It will take approximately 30 minutes, but they are encouraged to take their time to answer as honestly as they can.
Year 12 Course Selection
As boys move into the final weeks of term the intensity of study and outcomes can become overwhelming for some. A reminder that keeping the end goal in sight can be helpful for boys in finding motivation. This can be difficult if they are unsure what’s next. Future Pathways will meet individually with boys next term to assist them in course selection, however if any boy would benefit from seeing the team earlier they are more than welcome to make a time with their Future Pathways Counsellor via email.
Class of 2024 Cardinal Dinner Dance – Last Chance to Book!
Bookings close this Sunday 26 May for the Class of 2024 Cardinal Dinner Dance. Please encourage any boys who have not yet booked to do so shortly.
Venue: CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park (next to Rod Laver Arena)
Date: Saturday, 15 June
Time: 6.45pm – 10.45pm
Dress: Black Tie/Dinner Suit
Price: $180 single / $360 couple
Booking instructions | Book tickets
Boarders’ Closed Weekend
Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June is a closed weekend for all boarding students. Boarders will remain on the Hill and compete in a wide range of activities as part of the Wedderburn Competition.
Boarders’ Exeat Weekend
Following the closed weekend is the Boarders’ Exeat, beginning on Thursday 6 June after classes conclude. Boarders return to the Hill Monday 10 June, after 4.00pm. Boarders cannot return before 4.00pm due to supervision requirements. Special arrangements are in place for Year 12 students who are completing SACs on Friday 7 June.
Studying at Harvard Resources
It has been a busy week in Future Pathways with subject selection. This is an important time for boys to ensure they are making informed decisions about their choices and we encourage boys to come and see us should they have questions across the coming weeks.
We thank Max Fan for his excellent presentation earlier in the week outlining the application process for Harvard. For parents who missed this session, a video recording is available under ‘Study in the USA’.
Creative Careers Session at the NGV
To celebrate Design Week, the NGV are presenting a creative careers session which boys and their families considering a career in Art or Design areas may like to attend. Bookings for this event are likely to sell out quickly so please ensure you book soon if you would like to attend.
More information | Book tickets
Thinking About a Trade?
Interested boys in Years 10 to 12 have the opportunity to attend the Try A Trade Fair on Tuesday 4 June with their parents/guardians from 2.30-4.30pm. Further information and registration details can be found here.
Parents accompanying their son to the event should contact their Head of House to register his absence from Periods 5 and 6 on the day.
Bond University Scholarships Now Open
Scholarship applications for high achieving Year 12 students are now open at Bond University. Bond University provides a range of awards including full-fee scholarships awarding from $102,240 – $204,480 in value, and part-fee scholarships awarding from $25,560 – $102,240 in value.
Explore Bond scholarships | Download scholarships guide |Apply
Future Pathways Newsletter
Read the latest issue of the Future Pathways Newsletter
This edition features:
View this weekend’s APS Sports fixture
Please note this is a live link, and changes are occasionally made on a Friday. You may check back at this link any time for the most up to date schedule.
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.
Book Chat with the Library Auxiliary
The Library Auxiliary invites to all parents and guardians to our next Book Chat on Friday 31 May 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 Arts – Wilma and Friends
Wednesday 29 May, 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
Dracula: The Vampire Play
Tonight (Thursday 23rd May), Friday 24th May, Saturday 25th May
Don’t miss the Year 9 & 10 performance of Dracula, a joint Scotch College and Strathcona Girls Grammar production. Get ready for a thrilling performance, held in the Geoffrey McComas Theatre in the James Forbes Academy at 7.30pm.
Winter Concert
Tuesday, 11 June
The Winter Concert is the Symphony Orchestra’s main performance of the year. It typically includes an overture and concerto, followed by a symphony or a large scale orchestral work. In recent years these have included complete performances Beethoven’s 7th symphony, Tchaikovsky’s 5th symphony, Elgar’s Enigma variations and Holst’s Planets.
This Concert is open to the general public as well as the school community.
For more information view the Winter Concert flyer.
Each week in The Torch, our Psychology and Health teams explore a topic related to boys’ health and wellbeing.
This week, we’re talking about friendship and belonging.
Learning how to make new friends and keep them involves a number of skills every young person needs to understand and develop. For some these skills will come very naturally, allowing them to easily move between different friendship groups, sharing their experiences and opening up to new people. For others, this can be much harder to navigate. Belonging to a group that is like-minded with similar interests is highly beneficial to a young person’s wellbeing. It gives them a sense of security helping them feel valued which in turn builds their confidence.
Positive friendships are an important part of the journey to adulthood. Adult carers can support their child or teenager by providing guidance in the many social and emotional skills required for a healthy relationship. This will help them to obtain, retain and maintain friendships. However, not all friendship are regarded as positive. Sometimes young people develop negative or toxic friendships. Therefore it is also important for them to learn how to identify, avoid or deal with such a friendship.
Read more about Friendship & Belonging
As always, if you have any concerns about your child, please contact the Psychology team for further information or seek medical or professional help.