Term 3, Week 1 2024
The Torch
Term 3, Week 1 2024
- Whole School Notices
- Junior School Notices
- Senior School Notices
- Sports & Co-Curricular
- Upcoming Events
- Health & Wellbeing
It has been a pleasure to welcome the boys back to school this week and to see the classrooms alive with learning, the fields abuzz with activity, and the familiar sounds of pipes and drums filling the air once more.
I hope all members of the Scotch community found time these holidays to rest and recharge. Many certainly remained busy, with a variety of sports clinics and interstate and overseas tours running throughout the break, as well as several prestigious mathematics, informatics and programming competitions, which Scotch boys participated in across the globe. Well done to all boys who took part, we are enormously proud of your achievements. Thank you to the teachers and parents who make these trips happen; not only do they create lifelong memories and friendships, they enrich learning and foster life skills beyond the classroom, and we are grateful for your support.
Term 3 is a busy but exciting term with a number of highlight events taking place. In particular, please mark your diaries for the Foundation Day Concert on Tuesday 10 September and Scotch Family Day on Saturday 14 September; two wonderful community events I know we all look forward to.
Wishing all boys, parents and staff a wonderful term ahead.
Dr Scott Marsh
Principal
Vale Mr Phil Richards (12.12.1966 – 8.7.2024)
The memorial for much-loved Scotch teacher, Mr Phil Richards, will be held on Friday 19 July in the Memorial Hall at 5.00pm. Refreshments will be served following the service in the David Yu Family Foyer. All members of the Scotch Family are welcome to attend.
We look forward to coming together with Phil’s friends and family to celebrate the life of a talented educator, respected colleague and great friend.
Please note the memorial will be filmed for Phil’s family outside of Melbourne. Those without photo permissions should please be mindful to sit away from the front of the hall.
Timetable Reform Information Sessions
Information sessions on the 2025/26 timetable reforms will be held on Tuesday 23 July and Wednesday 24 July at 7.00pm, and Thursday 25 July at 8.30am in the Ian Roach Hall. All sessions cater for parents Prep – Year 12, so please only attend one session (the same content will be presented at each). Preliminary information on the reforms, as shared earlier this week, is available here.
Registration is essential, via the link below. Please submit any questions you have as part of the registration process so we can cover as many queries as possible.
New Farm Manager Appointed for Fairhaven
The planning and development of Scotch’s new Outdoor Education program in Mallacoota has taken a significant step forward with the appointment of Mr Perry Anthony as the school’s inaugural Farm Manager at Fairhaven.
With a unique background in carpentry and farming, along with six years supporting MLC’s Marshmead program, Perry will play a vital role in bringing the vision for Fairhaven to life.
We are delighted to welcome Perry and his family to the Scotch Family.
Family Day 2024
Family Day is coming up this term on Saturday 14 September. Expressions of interest for auxiliaries to host a stall at Family Day have now closed and the Scotch Events team have begun liaising with each auxiliary’s key contact. If you are a key contact and have not yet heard from them please keep an eye on your inbox.
Further information on Family Day will be shared with the community shortly via The Torch.
If you have any queries, please contact Michelle Dierkx and Teresa Everett at events@scotch.vic.edu.au
Please note the following important dates:
The Scotch Family has been upset by the news of the death of Mr Phil Richards. He was a much-loved colleague, teacher and friend. We look forward to celebrating his life and significant contribution to the school in a memorial service tomorrow in Memorial Hall at 5.00pm.
I would like to clarify that his family have expressed their desire for the invitation to the memorial service to be extended to the entire Scotch Family. Do come along if you wish to pay your respects.
At times of loss, we are mindful of the impact on the boys, staff and families. Please contact the school if you feel your sons need additional support at this time. We have a variety of resources available to support them.
It is my sincere hope that the mid-year break brought largely positive outcomes for the boys and that you all enjoyed some quality family time at some point in the last three weeks.
I was fortunate to attend and present at the International Boys School Coalition Annual Conference at Harrow School. The 2024 conference theme was Tradition, Leadership and Innovation. The theme provided a platform for much rich discussion and reflection amongst educators from 18 different countries and over 300 different boys schools.
En route to the conference (a long flight), I began to read the much coveted, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haidt. Interestingly many of the themes covered in the book surfaced throughout the conference. The book speaks of the growing challenges associated with what Haidt describes as the ‘phone-based childhood’ that has developed exponentially since the 2010s and the emergence of smart phones.
It was enlightening to hear from Harrow School students during the conference regarding their experiences of social media and the associated pressures they feel. It was clear they have developed a more negative relationship with this technology than one might assume.
School and parents are acutely aware of the growing challenges social media and online engagement present young people. We continue to engage in targeted conversation and education in this space with the Junior School boys.
Haidt’s book is gaining traction and therefore may be of interest to Scotch families. It does provide useful insight and may influence decisions families make around the use of social media. Particularly the warnings around breaching the age limits imposed on many platforms.
As we look ahead to Term 3 and Semester 2, we do so with great optimism. Luke Heng (Junior School Captain) shared his excitement about the many opportunities in front of the boys. Family Day will certainly be a highlight, as will many other House competitions. I certainly look forward to walking alongside the boys as they continue to grow and progress.
Have a great Term 3.
Tom Savill
Head of Junior School
Timetable Reform Information Sessions
Information sessions on the 2025/26 timetable reforms will be held on Tuesday 23 July and Wednesday 24 July at 7.00pm, and Thursday 25 July at 8.30am in the Ian Roach Hall. All sessions cater for parents Prep – Year 12, so please only attend one session (the same content will be presented at each). Preliminary information on the reforms, as shared earlier this week, is available here.
Registration is essential, via the link below. Please submit any questions you have as part of the registration process so we can cover as many queries as possible.
Library Information
Click here for Term 3 Library Information and Events
Junior School Dates
View the key Junior School dates
Music Making in Term 3
An exciting term lies ahead in the Junior School Music Department. There are several big concerts which involve senior ensembles. It is expected that all boys who rehearse with these ensembles will attend their concert.
Music Resources
There are many wonderful performance opportunities throughout the year for all boys in the Junior School with concerts, instrumental recitals and performances coming up. View 2024 Music Dates here
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.
Please note, if your son is in Lower Primary and you wish to accompany him to his Suzuki lessons, you must submit a current Working with Children Card to your son’s music teacher or Emma Macrae, Head of Junior School Music. A green lanyard must also be collected from the Junior School Office on arrival and worn while on campus.
Term 3 Sport
This term the boys start preparations for the House Athletics competition at Family Day, a Prep – Year 12 all school event held on Saturday 14 September. The Junior School program is held in the morning, and more information and program times will be shared shortly. It is a mandatory day for students and one of the highlights of the school calendar.
The Years 3 – 6 boys begin field event preparation in PE classes for the House competition on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 August. Long jump, shot put, triple jump and javelin are the four events that the boys will compete in for their House. High jump has been replaced with triple jump for this year’s program. All boys who compete in the field events score points for their team which go towards the overall Family Day scores. Boys in Prep – Year 2 have a modified program for Family Day, and they begin preparation for their running, jumping and team events also this week.
The Family Day sprint trials and field events also help us select the APS Athletics team that competes on Wednesday 28 August. The winners of the field events in the U10, U11 and U12/13 age groups will progress to APS. The fastest boy in the 100m and 200m trials next week will also compete in the APS. The top four 100m runners in each age group will comprise the 4x100m relay team. 800m and 1500m trials in Years 3 to 6 will be held in PE classes in the weeks to come.
Please ensure your son is dressed in layers this term. We are outdoors most of the time for PE. Please communicate with Paul McMahon or Dean Gregory if your son is unable to participate in class for any reason, especially injury.
Year 5 & 6 APS Sport: Term 3
Training began this week for Year 5 and 6 APS sport. The first interschool competition begins next Wednesday 24 July.
Soccer and basketball both have 7.00am training and Gate 5 at the Junior School will open at 6.50am for the basketball boys to enter. Soccer boys should be dropped off at Monash gates on Glenferrie Road before 7.00am so they can walk down Monash Drive to McKendrick Oval for training.
Click here for the following Year 5 and 6 Interschool Sport information:
Year 5 & 6 APS Sport: Term 4
In the coming weeks, boys in Year 5 and 6 will need to choose their Term 4 sport. Choices are athletics, touch rugby, water polo, golf and sailing. Golf and sailing do not have weekly training and participate on Wednesdays only. They do attract an extra cost for lessons and equipment hire. There are also limits on the number of boys who can participate in golf and sailing.
Touch rugby has training after school on Tuesdays for Year 6 and Thursdays for Year 5. Athletics is a mixed 5/6 team that trains after school on Tuesdays while water polo has training at 7.00am on Tuesdays for Year 6 and Thursdays for Year 5. Please discuss with your son before he chooses. The boys fill out a google document on the PE Canvas page for their APS choice.
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
Registration for the Interschool Skiing and Trials 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. We will add you to the mailing list to receive all Snowsports content for 2024.
A Message from the JSPA Committee
Welcome everyone to Term 3. We hope you have had a good holiday and spent time with your loved ones at home or overseas.
We are so excited about this term. The Class Reps are busy organising some great activities for the boys and their families.
Preparations are underway for the German trivia night to be held next Wednesday night, 24 July.
The Auxiliary groups and the JSPA Committee are looking forward to hosting the Father’s Day Stall and Father’s Day Breakfast.
Another highlight of the term is Family Day on Saturday 14 September.
No event is ever possible without the help of JS families who are always so generous with their time and efforts. We are very grateful for every parent’s participation. Please feel free to contact us at dryogita.gupta@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer to be part of any of these Auxiliary groups. It is a great way of meeting new parents and catching up with old friends. We also welcome all feedback and suggestions.
The JSPA and the Community Connection Auxiliary is pleased to re-introduce our Community Help program, which enables us to help any Scotch family who might need assistance in times of adversity. Please reach out if we can be of help to you or someone you know. This could be in the form of meals, groceries, cleaning, gardening, etc.
This service is an example of servant leadership and we encourage you to use this service if you need it.
For further information, please click here. Questions can be emailed to jscommunityhelp@gmail.com. More details will be shared by your class reps through your WhatsApp groups.
Some key dates for your diaries:
Your friendly JSPA Committee 2024
Yogita Gupta
Eliza Ashton
Erica Gill
Sharon Zheng
Rebecca Kudelka
It has been wonderful to welcome students back to school this week. I hope families have enjoyed a relaxing break and are ready for the busy times ahead this term.
We have heard brilliant stories from the boys and teachers who participated in the golf trip to Scotland and various other sporting camps, trips and training sessions that occurred over the break. I am sure the cast and crew of Urinetown are also eager to share their extremely hard work in their upcoming performances.
We have welcomed several staff back from extended leave this term. We also have a number of staff who are on Long Service Leave in Term 3. Arrangements for their classes and pastoral care were communicated in the previous issue of The Torch. Please contact your son’s Form teacher or Head of House if you have any further queries.
Please note Jacinta Hubble is also on leave this term and the following arrangements are in place: Janet Herbert will coordinate CFL support for the Year 9 cohort; the CFL workshop classes will be covered by Emma Viney and Daniel Wightman; in class support will be given by Daniel Wightman, Emma Viney and Jean Power; and Jean Power will continue to teach the Year 7 Science class.
Supervision Policy
In line with our commitment to child safety and duty of care to all students, Scotch has recently introduced a Student Supervision Policy.
General supervision of students in the Senior School occurs between the hours of 8.00-3.45pm. Outside of these hours, we do not offer supervision, and ask that students are not on site, except in the following circumstances:
Where students are at school waiting for a later school commitment, such as a performance, they will be in the care of the staff organising the activity, who will communicate supervision arrangements.
Scotch is a large campus and we ask that you ensure your sons are not on site before 8.00am or after 3.45pm, other than in those circumstances outlined above. It is not safe for students to be on the grounds or in unsupervised areas, such as the Lithgow Centre.
I thank you for your cooperation in supporting the safety of our students.
I also thank parents for continuing to notify the College of student absences, both planned and unplanned, and late arrivals and early departures, so that we can continue to meet our duty of care obligations in this area.
I am looking forward to a busy Term 3 and to connecting with families at various events and activities throughout the term. I am enjoying the opportunities to get to know students in the Senior School and to see all the wonderful opportunities that are provided to our boys as the year progresses. May we all have a safe, healthy and fulfilling Semester 2.
Katrina Brennan
Head of Senior School
Timetable Reform Information Sessions
Information sessions on the 2025/26 timetable reforms will be held on Tuesday 23 July and Wednesday 24 July at 7.00pm, and Thursday 25 July at 8.30am in the Ian Roach Hall. All sessions cater for parents Prep – Year 12, so please only attend one session (the same content will be presented at each). Preliminary information on the reforms, as shared earlier this week, is available here.
Registration is essential, via the link below. Please submit any questions you have as part of the registration process so we can cover as many queries as possible.
Senior School Photographs
Senior School Photographs have been distributed via Tutor/Form time this week. If you have not received your photographs, please contact your son’s Head of House or Form Teacher. Information on prices of the photographs are included in the pack.
If you do not wish to purchase the photographs, please return them to the Accounts department by Thursday 25 July for charges to be reversed.
Reflection and Goal Setting
As we begin the Semester, students are encouraged to consider their Semester 1 experiences, achievements and areas of challenge to support the formulation of goals for Semester 2, which will help direct and guide them for the remainder of the year.
Goals can be set in a range of areas; academic, co-curricular, organisational or personal. Students will be working on these during their pastoral care sessions early this term with their Form teachers and House tutors, and we encourage students to take the time to reflect and re-set for the remainder of the year to focus themselves on their growth and development.
APS Foodbank Drive
Every year, the APS School Captains meet and support a charity of their choosing to combine the influence of the 11 APS schools in making a significant contribution to our community. This year, we will be running a food drive as every year over half a million households go hungry, regularly skipping meals or going days without eating. In order to have a big impact on our local community, we are asking for donations of non-perishable foods, with the most in demand items being:
If every family donates a few of these goods, we can make a real difference. Items should be dropped off at Room 15.
As a part of the food drive and in the spirit of friendly competition, each of the schools will create a structure with the donated food, based on our chosen theme of the Olympics. These structures will be photographed and shared amongst the community for voting to determine which school created the best structure.
Thank you for all your support.
Matthew Callaghan
School Captain
Extension Studies Opportunities
More opportunities are now available for boys participating in the Extension Studies program. View opportunities.
Activities Camps in Term 3
In the final week of Term 3, all students involved in a Co-Curricular Program will take part in a tailored camp experience. The full cost of these camps was billed to families in April of this year, with the exception of the Indigenous Partnership and Scuba Diving Programs. Further details and consent requests for all camps will be sent directly to parents in the first weeks of Term 3.
Please click here for the dates, locations and staff contacts for each Co-Curricular Camp. Please contact the listed Teacher in Charge if you have further questions regarding your son’s camp.
Senior College Musical
This year, students from Scotch and Lauriston will stage the Senior College Musical in the Geoffrey McComas Theatre, ‘Urinetown’. Winner of three Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards and two Obie Awards, Urinetown is a hilarious musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, privatization of natural resources, bureaucracy, municipal politics, and musical theatre itself!
Tickets are now available for performances on Thursday 25, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 July, at 7.00pm in the GMT.
Tickets for students are free but must be booked.
Principal’s Art Prize Presentation
A display of the 60 finalist artworks submitted for the annual Scotch College Principal’s Senior School Art Prize is currently showing in the Lithgow Centre Atrium. All parents and students are welcome to the announcement of the winners of the prizes, which will be presented by the Principal on Thursday 25 July from 5.30-7.00pm in the Lithgow Centre, prior to the opening night of Urinetown, the senior school musical production.
2024 Science Oration: Looking After Life on Earth – A Polar Perspective
The 2024 Science Oration will be held on Thursday 15 August. Held annually during Science week, the 12th Annual Science Oration will be delivered by Professor Steven Chown, FAA. Professor Chown is a preeminent authority on species biodiversity and conservation in the Antarctic. His presentation, Looking After Life on Earth – A Polar Perspective, will discuss the arduous, incredible icebreaking journey to Antarctica, the incredible species biodiversity of this polar landscape and the real-life impacts climate scientists/governments can have on species survival.
This event is free of charge, bookings are essential.
Sports Equipment Donations for East Timor
The Prefects are currently coordinating a donation drive for sports equipment for high school students in East Timor. Items will be distributed to high schools in East Timor through Rotary Australia, predominantly in rural communities.
The under-developed nation of East Timor is a minute region that many often overlook, affected by malnourishment, scarce education and limited sporting opportunities for its youth.
As the winter season draws to close, please hold onto any unwanted equipment including football and soccer boots (smaller than US10 in size), socks, sports jerseys, and soccer, volleyball, basketball and futsal balls (not AFL balls).
Year 9 – 12 Absences
As Term 3 begins, please be aware of the following process for reporting absences in Year 9-12:
Share If You Care – Crime Stoppers Campaign
Crime Stoppers has recently launched their newest campaign: Share If You Care. The campaign was developed to engage with young people and combat increased rates of youth violence.
The campaign was made in collaboration with secondary school students and encourages young Victorians to act and change the narrative surrounding violence. The new campaign is asking young people to share footage on their phones with Crime Stoppers, while remaining anonymous.
Monash Scholars
This year a number of students have been selected and accepted into the prestigious Monash Scholars Class of 2024-2026:
Congratulations boys on your placements in this amazing program that will provide wonderful experiences in the lead up to your tertiary education.
Certificates and pins will be awarded to these students during Assembly next week.
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
Closed and Exeat Weekends Term 3
The Closed Weekend for all boarders for Term 3 is Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August. This is followed by the Exeat weekend, beginning Friday 16 August after classes conclude. Boarders return on Monday 19 August, after 4.00pm.
Year 10 Boarders Dancing Classes
Year 10 dancing classes begin on the evening of Tuesday 23 July and run for 5 weeks. Boys are required to wear smart casual (no jeans or runners) for dancing classes. Classes are compulsory for all Year 10 boarders.
Important Dates
Year 12 boarding parents and guardians may wish to take note of the following events that occur at the end of the year.
Further details and invitations will be sent closer to the respective events.
Future Pathways Newsletter
Read the latest issue of the Future Pathways Newsletter
This edition features:
Careers Convention
We are looking forward to starting our Careers Conventions tomorrow, which are designed to get boys in Years 9 -12 to really think about their future course and career choices.
On Friday 19 July the Courses Expo will be running in the Main Gym. Representatives from Tertiary institutions across Victoria/inter-state, Victoria Police and the Defence Forces will be available to answer questions about course structure, content details and requirements. This is an invaluable opportunity for the boys.
On Monday 22 July, boys in Years 9 -12 will attend two Careers Pathways panels, hearing from an incredible range of professionals in their area of interest about their career trajectory and what it takes to work in certain industries. Boys will choose from panels in design and creative industries, engineering and construction, law, health sciences, media communications and business.
On Tuesday 23 July boys in Years 11 and 12 will hear from Young Old Boys about their experiences at university and recommended study programs that brought them success in Year 12.
Representatives from LINFOX and The Peter MacCallum Institute will also be at Scotch to talk to interested Year 9 to 12 boys during tutor group time.
We thank OSCA for their support of the Careers Convention and the Old Boys and other presenters who have so willingly given their time to provide this opportunity for the boys. We hope these days will help boys consolidate their subject choices, clarify possible courses, and get them started talking about their future options with you at home!
We hope your sons enjoy the convention and make the most of these wonderful opportunities.
To support these opportunities please find the final Open Day listing here.
Scholarship and Open Day Guides
Study Work Grow have developed a scholarship and open day guide to provide information to students in their final years of school.
The Scholarship Guide explains different types of national tertiary scholarships, including:
The Open Day Guide is aimed at students and explains:
View this weekend’s APS Sports fixture
Term 4 Summer Sport Changes
Any boy wanting to change his Term 4 summer sport must submit his request via email to Michael.Kelly@scotch.vic.edu.au by Friday 2 August. All boys’ sports selections will otherwise remain the same as the sport they participated in Term 1.
Glenn Centre High Performance Gym Timetable
The new high performance gym started operating this week with over 250 boys accessing the new facility in either PE classes, specific team training or general conditioning sessions.
General conditioning sessions are available for boys in Year 10-12 only. Timings are:
All other sessions provided will be structured sessions for specific sports and will be communicated directly through the sports office. We are hopeful further timings may be made available for general use as we track numbers involved in specific sports training.
A reminder current sports season training and music, drama and services commitments take priority over weight room usage and rowers are expected to be involved in the conditioning provided by the Boat Club if available.
Run Club
A reminder that Run Club will take place at 7.00am every Monday and Wednesday. Please meet at the Green Grandstand. All Year 7-12 students and all ability levels will be catered for.
Athletics Preparation Training – Monday and Wednesday Lunchtime
There will be some additional athletics sessions in the lead up to the APS season next month. Please meet in the weights room on Monday and Wednesday lunchtime if interested. All boys in Year 7-12 are welcome.
2025 Sports Selections
View the sport selections for 2025
Interested in joining the Snowsports Programme?
Please see links below to read all information regarding Scotch Snowsports and registrations for trials and interschools.
Enrol in Scotch College Snowsports
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.
Hockey Presentation Dinner 2024
The Montgomery Club warmly invites all Year 7 to 12 hockey players, parents and guardians to the annual 2024 Hockey Presentation Dinner on Sunday 4 August 2024 at 5.30pm in the Boykett Room, Cardinal Pavilion. Students must wear their winter school uniform. The dress code is smart casual for adults. Tickets are now available for purchase via the link below.
RSVP Wednesday 24 July
Any queries should be directed to Kate Ferguson on 0403 424 606 or via email fergusonkate1@yahoo.com
Winter Sport Captains
View a list of the Winter Sports Captains and Vice-Captains
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.
Urinetown: The Musical
Thursday 25, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 July
Tickets for the senior musical Urinetown: The Musical are now on sale. Each performance will be held at 7.00pm in the in the Geoffrey McComas Theatre, James Forbes Academy.
Chamber Music Dinner
Saturday 3 August 7:30pm
The 2024 George Logie-Smith Chamber Music Dinner and concert will feature a programme of chamber works performed by Scotch College Music Students. Come and enjoy this magnificent evening of gifted performances with friends, family and other music lovers.
Book Tickets Here | View Flyer
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
Year 12 Fathers’ Day Breakfast
The Old Scotch Collegians’ Association warmly welcomes all Year 12 students, their fathers, grandfathers and guardians to the Class of 2024 Fathers’ Day Breakfast on Thursday 29 August at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club. We are delighted to extend the invitation to grandfathers of year 12 students.
RSVP: Thursday 22 August
All Year 12 students are welcome and encouraged to attend this popular event with friends or family. Boarders will be seated with their family (if attending) or friends.
Tables seat 10 people. You are invited to enter your seating preference in the provided field when booking your ticket. Please note, formalities will conclude by 8.00am allowing time for students to arrive at school in time for period 1.
Please contact Caroline Taylor with any queries about this event: 9810 4359 oscanet@scotch.vic.edu.au
2024 Science Oration: Looking After Life on Earth – A Polar Perspective
We are delighted to announce the 2024 Science Oration will be held on Thursday 15 August, and is looking to be an exciting and thought-provoking evening.
Held annually during Science week, the 12th Annual Science Oration will be delivered by Professor Steven Chown, FAA. Professor Chown is a preeminent authority on species biodiversity and conservation in the Antarctic. His presentation, Looking After Life on Earth – A Polar Perspective, will discuss the arduous, incredible icebreaking journey to Antarctica, the incredible species biodiversity of this polar landscape and the real-life impacts climate scientists/governments can have on species survival.
This event is free of charge, bookings are essential.
Year 8 Mothers and Special Friends Lunch
Friday 16 August
The Scotch College Parents Association are excited to invite Year 8 Mothers and Special Friends to a delightful lunch at Studley Grounds, 121 Studley Road Kew, on Friday 16 August. This wonderful event offers a perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships and foster community growth.
Join them for a memorable day filled with joy and laughter! Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the talented chefs at Studley Grounds, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Kew.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with other amazing individuals in the community and celebrate the special bonds shared. Looking forward to seeing you there and making this a truly unforgettable experience!
RSVP: Friday 9 August
View Invitation | Book Tickets Here
Enquiries should be directed to Samar Chahin 0413 875 190 samarchahin@hotmail.com, or Tina Garg | 0403 177 938 ttaggar@hotmail.com.
2024 Hockey Presentation Dinner
Sunday 4 August
The Montgomery Club warmly invites all Year 7 to 12 hockey players, parents and guardians to the annual 2024 Hockey Presentation Dinner on Sunday 4 August 2024 at 5.30pm in the Boykett Room, Cardinal Pavilion. Students must wear their winter school uniform. The dress code is smart casual for adults. Tickets are now available for purchase via the link below.
RSVP Wednesday 24 July
Any queries should be directed to Kate Ferguson on 0403 424 606 or via email fergusonkate1@yahoo.com
2024 Scotch Rugby Presentation Night
The 2024 Scotch Rugby Presentation Night will be held on Monday 2 September at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.
Pricing per adult ticket is $100. Tickets for players and siblings $65 (dinner and drinks). The event will run from 6.00pm – 9.00pm.
The dress code for adults is smart casual. Boys should wear their school uniform, this includes candy coats for senior students.
RSVP: Monday 26th August 2024
Please direct enquiries to Charlie Heerey on 0417 368 665 or via email charlie@heerey.com.au.
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 vaping.
The evolving nicotine landscape requires parents and caregivers to stay informed. Snus and nicotine pouches are gaining popularity among young people as smokeless tobacco (SLT) products. Both products are discreetly placed under the upper lip, allowing nicotine absorption through the gums.
Health authorities are urging proactive measures to curb this growing trend and calling on regulators to implement controls before these products become as widespread as vapes. The high nicotine levels in these products pose serious health risks, including nicotine addiction, cardiovascular disease, gum disease, tooth decay, and even nicotine poisoning. Research shows the detrimental effects of nicotine on developing brains, linking its use to depression, anxiety, ADHD symptoms, and an increased risk of addiction to other drugs.
The marketing of snus and nicotine pouches targets young audiences through social media influencers, raising concerns about their increasing popularity among school students. And like vapes, they come in various flavours and strengths, with unregulated nicotine levels leading to inconsistent and misleading labelling. It is clear that SLT products contain not only nicotine, but also other chemicals with unknown long-term effects.
Please click here for more information and helpful videos on this issue, along with how to have age-appropriate discussions with your child.
If you have any concerns about your child, please contact Nick Clark at psychologist@scotch.vic.edu.au or seek medical or professional help.
