Term 4, Week 5 2024
The Torch
Term 4, Week 5 2024
- Whole School Notices
- Junior School Notices
- Senior School Notices
- Sports & Co-Curricular
- Upcoming Events
- Health & Wellbeing
Gathering feedback from our community plays a crucial role in our continuous improvement and is part of our annual compliance with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority. This year we have partnered with XREF, specialists in educational support, benchmarking and analysis, to conduct the survey.
The survey link will be emailed to all parents this week, and will remain open until 14 November 2024. We encourage all parents to complete the survey to support continuous improvement at Scotch. The insights we gain will help shape our planning for the future, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our students, staff, and families. Your feedback is invaluable, and I thank you in advance for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Well done to our Year 6 boys on their fantastic performance of Tales from Ancient Water last week. These opportunities are invaluable for building confidence, unleashing creativity, and learning to perform in front of an audience. Bringing such a wonderful Junior School production to life is no small feat; special thanks to all staff involved, particularly Ms Tremaine Pavlovski.
Good luck to all boys commencing the APS competitive summer season this weekend. Let’s hope the sun stays out, and the Scotch spirit shines strong.
Dr Scott Marsh
Principal
Booklists for 2025 Academic Year
Booklists for Years 7-12 in 2025 are now available. These can be accessed via Campion Education’s online portal, where textbooks and stationery should be ordered using the school code: QCGP.
Place your order by 1 December 2024 for free home delivery by 15 December 2024. Order by 18 December 2024 for free home delivery by 24 January 2025. After 18 December 2024, orders should be be placed via campion.com.au or the Retail Service Centre.
Please note the following important details:
A second hand book sale is run by the Scotch Library Auxiliary on the following dates. Further information will be shared shortly via The Torch:
A PDF version of each of the booklists is available below
Selling Your Second Hand Books
To sell current text books via the Library Auxiliary’s second hand book stall:
Scotch Parents Association 2024 AGM & Cocktail Party
The 2024 SPA AGM and Cocktail party will take place on Monday 11 November at 7.00pm in the Boykett Room, Cardinal Pavilion. This is an open meeting and all members of the Scotch community are invited to attend.
Important Dates:
Upcoming Events:
The Term 4 long weekend seems to be somewhat of a milestone in the year. It always seems to mark the point at which the majority of the Scotch community step into thinking ahead to next year whilst celebrating the successes of the current.
This morning provided a tangible moment in which we looked ahead to 2025 as our new Prep cohort spent the morning with their new classmates and class teachers. We have had a big team of staff, from across the school, working with these boys and their families all year to reach this important moment. We hope they are as excited as we are for their official start next term.
As we look ahead to the remainder of the year we have more camps, excursions, competitions and moments of challenge.
Next week our Year 5 cohort head to Sovereign Hill to reinforce their understanding of the impact of the Gold Rush. Our Year 5 and 6 musicians gear up for their annual Term 4 concert and our Year 4 boys look forward to bringing their bikes into school.
All of these moments are ones that for some will live long in the memory. I hope the boys look ahead to the last few weeks with excitement and can celebrate the successes they have had, however big or small. Thank you for your support and for helping them exist in this space.
As referenced in my article last week, please do keep an eye out for any ongoing impact of last week’s tragic circumstances. We remain committed to supporting families and boys as best we can and encourage families to reach out if there is anything we can do to assist.
Tom Savill
Head of Junior School
Junior School Dates
View the key Junior School dates
Years 5 and 6 Concert
A reminder that the Years 5 and 6 Concert will be held on Thursday 14 November. An email with further information has been sent to parents.
Term 4 Recitals & Concerts
There are a number of recitals and concerts this term as follows:
Suzuki Strings at Combined Schools Suzuki Workshop
The Scotch Suzuki boys had a blast at the Combined Schools Suzuki Workshop.
Students from six schools, including our very own Suzuki boys, gathered at Caulfield Grammar School for a day of musical exploration and friendship.
The event brought together young violin, viola, cello, and double bass players to learn from experienced teachers, perform together, and forge lasting bonds with fellow musicians.
Wishing all the best to our Suzuki boys at their Twilight Concert on Tuesday 19 November at 5.30pm at the Ian Roach Hall.
Piano Recitals
In Term 4, there are several Piano recitals, and all boys are invited to perform.
Boys who learn from a piano teacher at Scotch will automatically go on the performance list (they will have discussed this with their individual piano teachers).
If you have a son who learns piano with an external teacher and you would like them to take part in their year group piano recital, it is important that you click on the relevant link below and complete all the relevant information.
Music Resources
Years 5 and 6 Interschool Sport
Click here for the following Year 5 and 6 Interschool Sport information:
APS Sport 2025
2025 APS Sport training information:
The interschool competition is held during school on Wednesdays from 1.30pm. The fixtures are available on the intranet and spectators are warmly invited.
General questions can be directed to juniorschoolsport@scotch.vic.edu.au
I hope that families enjoyed some rest and time together over the long weekend. It is a busy time of year ahead with the assessments, examinations, reports and end of year activities and events.
Our summer sports program is gearing up and it is wonderful to see so many boys active with sport and rowing.
Having read The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, I was mindful on the weekend of my own reliance on my smart phone and the distraction it causes me when I am with my family or resting and relaxing. It is true that even as an adult, the phone and its possibilities of connection, word games, photos, online news, funny videos, access to emails (work!) is sometimes a distraction from being in the moment and enjoying “real life” time with family and friends.
I try to put my phone away and reserve space for doing nothing, sitting in nature, enjoying peace and quiet and stillness. Increasingly I find this a challenge, but the more difficult it is, the more valuable I feel it must be.
I urge you to discuss these ideas with your sons – access to gaming, social media, Tik Tok, Snapchat and more is a tempting world of stimulation for young people, but is it “good” for them? Does it detract from real word relationships and communication? From sport, activity, unstructured play in nature? Even a family board game, sitting around a campfire, going for a walk with the dog, bike ride, or picnic, can be valuable time away from screens.
Like all things, balance is key. Sports, debating, music, drama, service, and other co-curricular activities provide screen-free time for the boys, and we are careful to balance our curriculum to ensure students have time away from screens. Our current Year 7-10 phone policy does not allow the boys to have their mobile phones, and allows for play, sport and social interaction away from incessant notifications and the “pull” of devices.
The conversations and debates at home about structuring your son’s access to phones and screens are worth having.
Katrina Brennan
Head of Senior School
Year 9-11 Examination Period
The examination period for Years 9-11 will commence on Wednesday 20 November and conclude on Thursday 28 November. During this period, normal classes will not run, however the CFL will be available as a place of study. If your child is absent for an examination, please notify their Head of House. Full summer uniform is to be worn for all examinations.
There are no classes for any Senior School students on Friday 29 November. Classes will run as normal during the final week of term, from Monday 2 December.
2025 Booklists Now Available
Booklists for Years 7-12 in 2025 are now available. These can be accessed via Campion Education’s online portal, where textbooks and stationery should be ordered using the school code: QCGP.
Place your order by 1 December 2024 for free home delivery by 15 December 2024. Order by 18 December 2024 for free home delivery by 24 January 2025. After 18 December 2024, orders should be be placed via campion.com.au or the Retail Service Centre.
Please note the following important details:
A second hand book sale will be run by the Scotch Library Auxiliary on the below dates. Further information will be shared shortly via The Torch:
A PDF version of each of the booklists is available below
Selling Your Second Hand Books
To sell current text books via the Library Auxiliary’s second hand book stall:
Services and Activities Preferences for 2025
If your son has not already submitted his service and activity preference, please ensure he does so before 3.30pm on Monday 11 November.
Students who do not submit their preferences will be placed into a Service and Activity where there are spaces available.
Upcoming Auditions for the 2025 Senior School Production
Calling all current Year 10 and 11 students who wish to try out for the Scotch College/Lauriston Senior School production. Auditions will be held Monday 25 November and/or Tuesday 26 November in the Cramond studio. Students only need to attend one of the dates.
The production will be held in Term 3, and auditions are being held early to give boys the opportunity to get organised.
Audition packs can be found here, or can be collected from Level 3 of the Drama area. Information on times and rehearsal dates can be found in the pack or students can speak to Ms Sandpearl about any possible considerations.
Audition information for the Year 8 and Year 9/10 plays will be shared shortly.
Year 8 Alcohol Awareness Program
Year 8 students continued the alcohol awareness programme this week via the Our Futures platform and facilitated by Form teachers. This week’s programme focused on identifying sources of pressure to drink alcohol, looking at reasons why some teenagers choose to drink or not to drink, and dispelling some myths about alcohol.
Supporting Movember in 8GD
According to the APC, one in six men in Australia will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. 1,000 Australian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year. Over 3,000 Australians commit suicide per year, and 75% of these victims are men.
In an effort to raise awareness of these issues around men’s health, the Movember foundation runs a fundraiser during the month of November every year. This year, 8GD, with the help of Mr. Dogan will be raising money.
Mr Dogan hasn’t shaved off his beard in over 10 years. He will be shaving off his beard and leaving only a moustache to raise money. 8GD are asking for your support by donating to the Movember foundation here.
Toorak Uniting Dance Classes for 2025
In 2025 Toorak Uniting Church will be conducting dancing classes over both school semesters for students who will be in Year 10 in 2025 (current Year 9).
Classes run from 8.00pm to 9.30pm on either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings in the first semester and Tuesday or Thursday evenings in the second semester and are not held during school holidays or school camps. Every endeavour is made to fit around school activities. There are eight lessons per semester for a total cost of $235.00 (inc GST).
Boys wishing to participate can access more information and a registration form here or from the Lithgow Reception.
Year 11 End-of-Year Parents Function
The Year 11 Parents End-of-Year Function will be held on Friday 29 November at Amazon State, Martelle Lounge, (329 Burwood Road, Hawthorn) from 7.00pm. Tickets are $55 per person, including canapes and a welcome drink on arrival. Additional drinks can be purchased at bar prices.
Term 4 Activities for Boarders
The below activities have been planned for boarders for Term 4. Please note that activities are dependent on student numbers.
For further information, contact Daniel Brosche, Activities Co-ordinator via email at Daniel.brosche@scotch.vic.edu.au
Future Pathways Newsletter
Read the latest issue of the Future Pathways Newsletter
This edition features information on:
View this weekend’s APS Sports fixture
Summer Sport
This weekend is the opening round of fixtures for most summer sports programmes. Boys are asked to ensure they are wearing the correct uniform during matches and when travelling to and from venues.
View the latest copy of the Summer Sports Program
All School Athletics Championships – Week 1 and 2
Scotch performed exceptionally over the last two weekends at the All School Athletics event. We had several boys win state titles:
Notice of Slam Dunk Club Basketball AGM
All Scotch basketball families are invited to the Slam Dunk Basketball Auxiliary AGM on Wednesday 13 November at 8.00pm via Google Meet. Please contact Michelle Bendschneider, Secretary for Slam Dunk Club, via email michelle@bendschneider.me or telephone 0414 326 104 for the video link to the meeting.
Lachlan Redd Tribute Concert
Friday 15 November
Lachlan Redd was a highly respected piano teacher and organist at Scotch College. He sadly passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. Lachlan was also talented professional pianist, organist at St Paul’s Cathedral and piano teacher at Melbourne Grammar School. This tribute concert will feature part of 2 piano concertos with the Scotch Symphony Orchestra, piano solo and multi-hands works. Everyone is welcome to attend and pay tribute to a much-loved staff member of the music school.
Year 11 Parents End-of-Year Function
Friday 29 November
The Year 11 Parents End-of -Year Function will be held on Friday 29 November at Amazon State, Martelle Lounge, (329 Burwood Road, Hawthorn) from 7.00pm. Tickets are $55 per person, including canapes and a welcome drink on arrival. Additional drinks can be purchased at bar prices.
RSVP: Friday 22 November
Scotch Family Carol Service
Wednesday 4 December
Begin your holiday celebrations with the annual Scotch Family Carol Service on Wednesday 4 December in Memorial Hall, starting 7.30pm. Marvel at the story of Jesus’ birth as told through bible readings and the magnificent voices of our College Choir, Cambiata Choir, Senior Chorale and Chamber Choir. It is a beautiful experience. Open for the whole Scotch family. No need to book. Refreshments served afterwards.
Cardinal Club Season Opening Drinks
Saturday 16 November
The Cardinal Club warmly welcome all Senior School rowing parents for a fabulous, relaxed evening at the home of Kate and Stuart Collingwood to celebrate the start of the 2024/25 rowing season. This is a great chance for rowing parents of all year levels to mingle and get the season off to a flying start.
Numbers are limited to 100 so get in early!
RSVP: Wednesday 13 November
OSMaD – The Addams Family
Thursday 5 – Saturday 14 December
Snap your fingers and prepare for a spook-tacularly hilarious night at the theater as the eerily enchanting
Addams Family invites you into their gloriously ghoulish mansion for an evening of twisted fun and
toe-tapping tunes. It’s creepy, it’s kooky, and it’s hitting the Geoffrey McComas Theatre stage like never
before!
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 resilience.
Resilience is one of those skills that all kids need and should have. It refers to their ability to cope and adapt in situations when confronted with challenges such as adversity, trauma, tragedy, or even stress. It is essential to their mental health and wellbeing as part of their journey to adulthood. It is a skill that can be learned from an early age through the support of an adult role model.
However, being resilient does not mean your child won’t experience any difficulties, but it will better equip them to manage those situations. Over-protective parenting can be viewed as being unhelpful towards the building of resilience. Although this may be a natural instinct, potentially experiencing failure is all part of the process. Encouraging children to take healthy risks will help them trust their capacity to deal with uncomfortable situations and increase their capacity for courage.
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.
