Spring Term Mid-Term Update – Spring Term 2022
What is often the shortest term, sometimes feel like the longest term with no mid-term break. But we are now more than four weeks in and week one saw our year 13 (year 12 2022) boys celebrate the ending of their official time at Scotch with House and Boarding Dinners, Final Assembly and March Out. We ushered in our “new” Year 10, 11 and 12 students and the responsibilities and privileges that go with those year groups. Our official student leaders (Jensen Westerman and Kaymus Brierly) have stepped into their new roles and we have already had one year group out on Bib Track (I spent 5 days with the Year 10’s earlier this term).
Here’s what your sons have been up to in boarding:
New Year 10
- We welcomed Jordy Bowden (Kalgoorlie) into Blair Clan. Jordy’s smile can almost be seen from Kalgoorlie.
- Boys enjoyed Recreation activities:
- Ice Skating on Friday 14th October
- Driving Range @ Wembley Golf Course Saturday 15th, 22nd, 29th October & 5th November
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- Cottesloe Beach Run on Sunday 16th, 23rd, 30th October & 6th November
- BBQ and Games at Senior School on Friday 21st October
- Black Adam Movie at Event Cinemas Innaloo on Saturday 22nd October
- Karrinyup Shopping Centre Visit on Sunday 23rd October
- Fish & Chips with PLC in Fremantle on Friday 28th October
- Halloween Disco at Aquinas on Friday 4th November
- Perth 4WD Show on Sunday 6th November
- WBBL Scorchers v Strikers @ Lilac Hill on Sunday 6th November
- The year 9 boys continued with their fortnightly activity entitled “Circle Convos”. Run by Reverend Gary van Heerden. We heard from John McGinniss.
- Boys completed the Swamp Oak to Harris Dam leg (5 days, 98.8km) of the Bibbulmun Track from Sunday 16th to Thursday 20th October. I had the privilege of walking this leg with the boys, as a clan. I was so impressed with the attitude, effort, comradeship of this group of boys! I loved being out there with them, and both myself and Mr. Johan Schroeder had an absolute ball. The boys have only one more compulsory walk before the Bib Track becomes optional. The next leg will see them go past the halfway point from Kalamunda to Albany. More photos are available via vidgami.
New Year 11
- We welcomed Rylan Firth (Dubai), David Shen (China) and Donnacha Spencer (Hong Kong) into Blair Clan. The three boys have provided much value and involvement into many of the school and boarding activities so far.
- Boys have begun their final courses of study with a vast array of choice, covering International Baccalaureate, ATAR and the Alternative Academic Pathway (AAP). I am fully supportive of boys choosing courses that are enjoyable and challenging to them, individual choices are important as is each boy achieving at their “own” best.
- Some have started classes off campus as part of Vocational Education and Training Certificate courses. Needing to organise their time in order to catch public transport to and from their education centres. Further improving their life skills.
- Boys enjoyed the following Recreation activities:
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- Ice Skating on Friday 14th October
- Golf @ Cottesloe Golf Course on Saturday 15th, 22nd, 29th October & 5th November
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- Driving Range @ Wembley Golf Course Saturday 15th, 22nd, 29th October & 5th November
- Cottesloe Beach Run on Sunday 16th, 23rd, 30th October, 6th November
- BBQ and Games at Senior School on Friday 21st October
- Black Adam Movie at Event Cinemas Innaloo on Saturday 22nd October
- Karrinyup Shopping Centre Visit on Sunday 23rd October
- Fish & Chips with PLC in Fremantle on Friday 28th October
- Perth 4WD Show on Sunday 6th November
- WBBL Scorchers v Strikers @ Lilac Hill on Sunday 6th November
- I spent Friday the 21st of October with Jordan Owenell in Bunbury, and Saturday 22nd at the Brunswick Show for Scotch on the Road. It was great to see the Pipe band performing. Well done Oli Wandel.
- We celebrated Keion’s Birthday with a special cake and treats courtesy of the Mongoo family. Keion made sure to share these with his friends and the staff on duty!
- The boys have now completed their “Tomorrow Man” program, completing Module 6 (Write Your Own Code). I encourage you to speak to your son about what they are experiencing within the program. Their maturity in the Tomorrow Man workshops so far has been impressive, and that is why we (Scotch) have been asked to be a part of a one off pilot, where the boys will be involved in one session of the “Tomorrow Woman (Her Code)” with the aim for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges of being a woman in 2023. This is scheduled for late March 2023. The Objectives:
- Explore the current female stereotype and expectations placed on young women in today’s society.
- Understand the challenges + impact of these narrow and unrealistic expectations.
- Build empathy for and understanding of the female experience.
- Identify actions to support women in their lives and at school + the ways to become a strong ally to women
New Year 12
- Boys enjoyed Recreation activities:
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- Driving Range @ Wembley Golf Course Saturday 15th, 22nd, 29th October & 5th November
- Cottesloe Beach Run on Sunday 16th, 23rd, 30th October, 6th November
- BBQ and Games at Senior School on Friday 21st October
- Black Adam Movie at Event Cinemas Innaloo on Saturday 22nd October
- Karrinyup Shopping Centre Visit on Sunday 23rd October
- Perth 4WD Show on Sunday 6th November
- WBBL Scorchers v Strikers @ Lilac Hill on Sunday 6th November
- The boys attended my house for a BBQ dinner on Friday 12th October. The second time these boys have been guests at our place. Some great conversations.
Year 13 (Leavers 2022)
- I would like to start by thanking all the boys for being so welcoming to me in my new role.
- Special Thanks to Tyler Messina in his role as Clan Leader (Vice-Captain of Boarding). Not an easy role, but Tyler has made strong contributions to many of the activities within boarding (Assemblies, Clan games, Ag Day etc..)
- The final Boarding Dinner was a great night, it was nice to see so many family members present, and it was an honour to speak to and about the boys. My final quote, attributed to Patrick Johnson from his chapter (#23) entitled “My Life’s Voyage in the book Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia centred around the quest for Kaartdijin (the Noongar word for knowledge).
“Don’t fear the unknown. We are the creators of our own destiny. We can empower ourselves through education and knowledge to determine our own paths. Choose a life you want for yourself, and lead by example to empower yourself and the next generation.”
- Well done to the remaining WACE & IB boys who have been going about their business with dedication over the last four weeks. Best wishes for the future!
Academic Achievement
It was very pleasing to sit in assembly in October and hear the names of our boys who are making the most of their academic opportunities. Well done guys!
https://home.scotch.wa.edu.au/senior-school/2022/10/14/student-achievements-14-october-2022/
Australian Mathematics Competition
Congratulations to:
- Mike Liu, Xavier Risinger, Jate Vanasin who achieved a Distinction
- Shunta Numano who achieved a High Distinction.
Engineers Australia Certificates of Excellence
Congratulations to:
- Shunta Numano
Vocational Education & Training Certificates
Congratulations to:
- Coen Livingstone & Tyler Messina for achieving a Certificate II in Hospitality
- Jahlil Haji Noor-Fuller, Coen Livingstone & Sam McGinniss for achieving a Certificate IV in Business
Certificate of Academic Excellence
Congratulations to the following students on achieving a Certificate of Academic Excellence for Semester Two.
Year 9
These students were presented with their award at Senior School Assembly on Friday 28th October.
https://home.scotch.wa.edu.au/senior-school/2022/10/28/student-achievements-28-october-2022/
- Mike Liu
- Oscar Male
- Xavier Risinger
Co-Curricular Colours & Honours
These students were presented with their awards at Senior School Assembly on Friday 14th October
Congratulations to:
- Coen Livingstone who was awarded Honours for Football.
Coen Livingstone, Year 12 Alexander House
Coen debuted in the 1st XVIII Football team in 2021. He made a significant contribution towards the College winning the Alcock Shield in both 2021 and 2022, earning Colours each year.
His developed skills and confidence over the past year saw Coen elevated to the State 18 Football team, where he played several games as a younger squad member.
Coen finished 2022 with a rating average of 4.67 out of six, including two best on ground performances. An untimely injury early in the season resulted in Coen missing games for the state side. This impacted upon his count in the Cyril Hoft Medal for which he would otherwise have been a competitive contender.
Coen dominated games in the air against key opposition players. He was the dominant ruckman in the competition and with his agility and competitive nature, at times he followed up his own ruck taps to win clearances. In the forward line, his powerful marking created set shots and he ably brought other forwards into the game.
Coen is a deserving recipient of Honours for achievement in Football.
- Tyler Messina & Kody Waters who were awarded WR Dickinson Colours for Leadership
PSA Sport
- Congratulations to:
- Jayden Clarke who made his 1st V Basketball debut against Guildford in the opening round of the season.
- Oliver Wandel who made his 1st VIII Tennis debut against CCGS in round 3.
- Jensen Westerman who has been appointed Vice-Captain of the 1st VI Volleyball team.
- Jaezari Wynne has also been a member of the 1st V Basketball team.
- We have had plenty of boys filling the various sports, with many playing in 2nd’s teams for Basketball, Cricket, Tennis and Water Polo as well as many boys training and competing in the Swimming team and Rowing crews.
Other News
Blair Clan Teams Meeting
I have scheduled a new Year 11 Parent meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 16th November, and I will plan to hold one more meeting this term for all parents. Probably mid Week 8.
Thanks
Andy