Year 7/8 Summer Term 2019
As we draw closer to term’s end in what has been a lightning fast term, we reflect back on a really positive start for our House thus far. The first term of any School year is always one of change and adjustment with the focus clearly on the boy’s wellbeing. In reflection, we have seen some of our boys adjust well to their new surrounds and assimilate into boarding life here at Scotch. For a few others, the transition from another school, to Scotch, or even a new teacher, has been difficult for them, but as the term progressed, they too have seen growth and their outlook has become more positive. I understand that for many boys and their families the move to boarding school can be quite stressful as all members adjust to a major change in your families life.
When tasked with the role to assimilate 36 boys from a variety of backgrounds, with different views on the world, different needs and different wants there is no one book, theory or rule in which to turn to! Many of the experiences must be learned and dealt with based on the presenting circumstances thus making every day very much different!!! In so saying this we have been delighted in the manner in which all new boys have quickly adapted to their new environment. All boys very much look and for the most part feel, as though they belong in the 7/8 house with the house exceedingly settled for what is the first term of boarding for many (homesickness does have its say from time to time!).
The Year 7 cohort are a lovely bunch of boys who seem to enjoy each other’s company, and, who are now starting to better understand our expectations. The Year 8’s are certainly maturing, both physically and emotionally. They are not the “babies” anymore and it has been impressive viewing their developing unity and leadership capabilities.
Personally, I have been impressed with our Year 12 seniors, who maybe smaller in number but are nonetheless having a great impact on the culture of the House, particularly with their involvement on No tech/BBQ Tuesday’s and the promotion of boarding specific events (Bib track rings a bell). It is no surprise the senior year groups have a lasting impact on our boys in 7/8 and on a whole have contributed to a term where the boys appear happy and comfortable in themselves and their surroundings.
A couple of areas we have increased our scrutiny on are the acceptable use of phones, video’s and photos particularly in today’s world, acceptable social norms and how you admit to and then make amends for any unacceptable behaviours, and, people’s personal space. In recent times, we have been holding meetings to better articulate expectations as to what the above actually entails, however, we must also let the boys navigate these fields, be there to catch them if they fall or educate and place them back on the right path if they stray.
I must say, the support provided by families to the boys has been most welcomed, and, even if you have not heard the words directly from your son’s mouth, I will say it on their behalf. THANK YOU.
The boys for the most part are now settled into a routine, and you will probably notice a change in confidence, as well as a change in height. They will have been exposed to different ideas both at school and in the house and may have changed opinions and interests on topics they once held. No matter the difference in opinion the staff have been pushing the same themes (house values) all term to ensure that the boys understand that Residential Life and Scotch is a place of ‘Brotherhood’.
Brotherhood (respect, mateship and organisation) requires that respect be shown for each other, themselves, the house, its property and finally the school. That mateship involves looking after each other no matter the circumstance and that organisaition allows the boys to ask questions as to where they are required to be, who to see and how to do things. The installation of mini-whiteboards in each boys room have allowed for “Brotherhood” to develop via the positive affirmation’s that have been left by staff (and family members!) as the term has progressed. This has been a valuable tool in providing praise and feedback to the boys with many of the messages keeping their place for an extended period of time.
Commencing next term the boys will hear the phrase “Who’s on your team?” as they are asked to identify pathways for help. It is important the boys start to recognize suitable support networks for each scenario and distinguish between appropriate and “not so appropriate” areas of trust. It will make for very interesting conversations early in the term and I am sure a few left field comments will surprise!!!
The past four weeks have seen an increase in recreation activities, community sport training and camp’s with the Year 7’s heading to Moray. Not to miss out the Year 8’s began their 2019 Bibbulmun track walk with a light 100km stroll between Mundaring Weir and Monadnocks campsite (near Randall Road).
The speed at which the term moves has caught many boys off guard with illness playing havoc impacting many of the boys in the house as well as staff. I must give thanks on behalf of all the staff and boys to the fantastic Health Centre Nurses who have cared for the boys during this extended period of illness. The ladies have been fantastic and under very trying conditions have continued to smile and keep the boys happy.
Academically I have also noticed an increase in expectations from teachers as the term has progressed, and there are more tests and assignments due with a proportion of the writing and research conducted outside of the classroom. Some boys have enquired about laptop usage outside of set hours in order to meet these deadlines and the staff have conducted morning and evening homework club outside of prep time in order to get the assignments handed in on the due date. Some boys though have not yet realised, despite our promptings that they need to give up some of their own time if they choose not to maximise their class time to get these assignments done!!
As you can see, it has been a busy, but rewarding term and I would like to congratulate each and every one of the boys for a wonderful start to the year in the 7/8 house. Yes, we have had a few broken items, tears and tantrums, hospital visits, and illnesses but no term would be the same without them!!!
Wishing you a Happy Easter and safe holidays and I look forward to hearing the boy’s stories on return.
“Home Away From Home” – Kim Whetters
Wow! The end of first term is here and what a great start to the year it has been. The year 7’s have done an excellent job adjusting to boarding and learning the ropes while the year 8’s have also done really well in settling back in to the daily routines and welcoming the new boys into the house.
Understandably some boys have suffered from moments of homesickness, but with the support of friends and staff, together with encouragement from home, the boys have been able to keep busy to overcome these feelings and enjoy the camaraderie that exists in the house.
The new boys have done well learning to live closely with others, forming friendships and finding their own place in the boarding house. Along with completing the various assigned duties and following daily routines, the boys learn respect for others, tolerance and the value of supporting each other. They are also learning to manage their own cubicle space, and the need to be organised and to take responsibility for their actions.
All the boys have been kept super busy and have had lots of fun! There have been outings aplenty this term including mini golf, glow balling, Sculptures by the Sea and the all important day at Adventure World. There have been train trips into Perth and Fremantle, trips to the beach, fun times in the School’s pool and gym, and movie nights!
The boys joined the girls at St Brigid’s for a games night, enjoyed a quiz night at St Mary’s and had a great time at the Santa Maria bush dance– Ye Ha!
Many of the boys are involved in community sport in addition to their PSA sport. The year 7’s went to the Head of the River carnival as spectators and with the AFL season underway some of the boys have been to watch the Dockers at the new stadium.
The year 7’s had a super time at their first Moray camp, making rafts, canoeing and rock wall climbing. Our year 7 indigenous boys also attended Madalah Camp. The year 8’s will be exhausted after Bib Track in the last week of term.
Afternoon tea is always a great time for me to catch up with the boys. The boys can make their own toasties etc and many of them joined in the cooking classes. They have made quiches, cinnamon twirls, scones, brownies and most recently enjoyed a chocolate fondue which was a real favourite! There have also been lots of birthdays celebrated this term (including Mr Siekierka) and these occasions are always a bit special.
It has been a privilege to be the ‘other mum’ to all the boys in the 7/8 house. They have all done so very well in first term and I’m looking forward to welcoming them back in term 2.
I wish all the boys and their families a very happy Easter.
More Photos
To view more photos of the boys, please click on the following links.
School Photos: https://au.vidigami.com
Year 7 and 8 Residential Photos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scotchcollegeperthboarding/
To join the Year7/8 Residential Instagram page, click on the following link and request to join or download the Instagram app from Google play or Apple app store, register, search for scotchcollegeperthboarding and request to join.