Week 2, Winter Term 2022
Dear Boarding Families
It has been a really positive start to our term in boarding. The boys have come back well rested and there has been a very positive vibe throughout both houses. PSA sport has largely started very well and boys are looking forward to finishing off the winter season strongly. This is a big term for our Year 11s and 12 in particular as they look to finish off with their final examinations for the year.
A warm welcome to our two new boys this term. Jate Vanasin joins us in Year 9 from Thailand and Kieran Chan joins us in Year 11 from Singapore. It has been a pleasure working with both families to help the boys settle in and both boys have already made good friends in boarding. We also have a few new staff starting with us this term. Alice Hughes, Abbey Thomas and Josie Denner and have all joined our Middle School Residence. We also officially welcome Mr Brent van Ingen Kal and Craig Jackson (CJ) who started with us last term.
Throughout the July school holidays we launched our inaugural orientation camp for our incoming Middle School boarders, named the Taigh Programme. Taigh is a Celtic word for ‘home’. The boys started their camp on Friday and were presented with their iPads for next year and completed a series of workshops getting them familiar with the software that we use at Scotch. From here, the boys will be participating in weekly Microsoft Teams meetings to build their connection to the school and each other over the next two terms. The boys and their Dads all had a sleepover in the boarding house and then after a another workshop on Saturday morning, they went home happy and confident. The Taigh Programme is all designed to make the boys feel comfortable and excited about joining us at Scotch next year. A huge thank you to Mr Michael Valentine who is the staff member in charge of the Taigh programme and to the boarding staff who helped supervise the camp.
In Week 1 we were privileged to have Chris and Daisy Higham join us to present our annual Spirit Award. The Spirit Award is arguably our most important night of the year, where we celebrate boys who have been living our values through their actions. Of course, there are so many of our boys who do this. The staff choose four boys from each year group to be nominated for the Spirit Award and then we chose an eventual winner, traditionally a Year 12 boy. Spirit is an acronym with each letter standing for one of our values.
Sparkle Sparkle is about connection. Sparkle it what you exude, your special essence. The glint in your eye.
Passion Passion is what fuels you, what lights your fire. It helps build your identity and motivates you to succeed.
Imagination Imagination is the ability to visualise your goals and to be creative in how you express yourself.
Resilience Resilience is the ability to bounce forward. Learn from the things that you find challenging.
Integrity Integrity is the ability to live your values through your actions. To be true to yourself, be honest and reliable
Tenacity Stick at it! Ride the bumps and persevere. Self-discipline is a fundamental determinate of success in life
A huge congratulations to the following nominees and to Sam McGinniss who won this year’s award.
Spirit Award Nominees 2022
Year 7
- Oliver Risinger
- Van Jasper
- Sim Stoney
- Archie Macnamara
Year 8
- Declan Crombie
- Cooper Messina
- Oliver Gooding
- Jake Daw
Year 9
Blair – Jamie Bowie, Sonny Saunders
Stirling – Cambell Johnston, Henry Dyke
Year 10
Blair – Clem Hardie, Hudson Hammond
Stirling – Lach Mactaggart, Lachie Willmott
Year 11
Blair – Jensen Westerman, Lewis Parsons
Stirling – Jett Sibosado, Lochie Elliot
Year 12
Blair – Tyler Messina, Sam McGinniss
Stirling – Tom Sounness, Brodie Haywood
Since the boys have returned we have had a number of weekend recreation activities that have gone very well. We have been lucky enough to buy a new camera in boarding for staff to take out on rec and bib track so that we can get more photos for you all in the newsletter and in Vidigami. The boys were lucky enough to attend Optus Stadium last weekend to watch the Dockers play as well as going to St Hilda’s for a dinner and games night and also to AQWA. This weekend the younger boys are going roller skating and the older boys have the Boarders’ Ball at PLC.
This week is NAIDOC Week at the College. Our Indigenous Students have taken a leadership role in celebrating Indigenous culture within the College. The theme for this year’s NAIDOC celebrations is “Get up! Stand Up! Show Up!”. Mr Spratt, CJ and the boys have done a marvellous job across the three sub schools running activities with all students to showcase indigenous culture. There has been art, dance and music on display as well as the famous staff vs students basketball game at lunchtime. There have also been presentations in Chapel and our NAIDOC assembly this week will be very special as the boys march through a smoking ceremony and we hear from guest speaker Mr Barry Winmar as well as our Captain of boarding interviewing a number of our indigenous students at assembly. It will be a fantastic celebration and I am very proud that our boys have shown great leadership this week.
Another huge event for us coming up is Ag Day. Ag Day will be happening alongside the Senior School Athletics carnival on Friday 26th August. A huge thank you to all parents who have volunteered to help and to donate to our Farmers’ Market. If you are able to contribute your time or fresh produce, firewood or other items, please get in contact with Jan at Boarding.Admin@scotch.wa.edu.au so that we can organise the day. There will also be plenty of fun and games to play alongside the athletics carnival, especially for the Middle School boys in the afternoon. One of the things we have organised is for a 2023 wall calendar to be made up from our world famous boarding photography competition so please prepare to get yourself one of those, they make great Christmas presents!
The Term is a busy term with regional travel. Next week myself, Mr Brad Gill and Dr O’Connell will be out in Moora for a lunch on Friday 12 August. We will also be going out to Dowerin and Newdegate this term. Last week we were in Karratha for the FeNaClNG Festival which was a great success. Please come and say hello if you are planning on going to any of those upcoming events.
All the best
Jordan
Naidoc Week Activities
On Monday the Junior School students attended a Dance/Didgeridoo workshop, where they received face paint and lessons in Indigenous dance and listened to Micheal Spratt play the Didgeridoo. The Middle School boys enjoyed rock painting on Tuesday and on Wednesday the Senior boys created a magnificent sand mural outside the Dickinson Centre. To top it off on Friday, there was a raising of the Indigenous flag, Smoking ceremony conducted by Barry Winmar, and Eli Blackburn led the Senior School in marching, which is a great honour.
Naidoc Week Basketball Game
Fast and furious has nothing on this game of basketball played between Scotch Staff and Senior School SCINS (Indigenous Students). CJ Jackson ran a tight game, but the Staff team triumphed on the day – 16 to 10. Thanks to the teaching staff, umpires and audience and especially the SCINS boys and Micheal Spratt.
Senior School Residence
Rural Focus radio interview with Dr Alec O’Connell
If you missed hearing our Headmaster discussing the value of boarding and the boarding community at Scotch, please have a listen below.
OSC Tutoring
Pipe Band 75th Anniversary
Boarders Long Weekend – Holiday Travel Arrangements
It might only be the second week back, but the Mid Term Break is looming. Boys may leave on Thursday 18th August and return on Monday 22nd August from 3pm.
Please make sure that you add your son’s leave according to the document below – Reach – Holiday Travel Arrangements.